Darlington School has established the Samuel E. and Mary W. Thatcher Master Teacher Fund and the Faculty Development and Research Fund thanks to a generous gift from John Thatcher (’44) to the Second Century Campaign.
“In every organization, there are those people who simply embody the values and the ideals of the institution; John Thatcher is that person for Darlington School,” said George Johnson (’54), co-chairman of the Second Century Campaign. “He has demonstrated Wisdom more than Knowledge in important and critical decisions that were made during his past chairmanship of our Board of Trustees; he’s lived Service beyond Self in the ways that he has served his profession, his church, his school and his alma mater; and he is one of the most honorable people I know. He is a giving, dedicated humanitarian whose unselfish gifts have benefited organizations and individuals around the world.”
At the onset of the Second Century Campaign, Thatcher made the largest gift in Darlington history, giving $15 million to name Thatcher Hall in honor of his mother and father. He also established the Samuel E. and Mary W. Thatcher Chair of English in 1992, Darlington’s first and only endowed faculty chair.
“Donors like John Thatcher are forever transforming lives when they provide professional development opportunities for our teachers to learn and grow,” said Joe Montgomery, chief advancement officer. “Teachers are the heart and soul of Darlington, and attracting and retaining inspired, innovative faculty members is top priority. The Thatcher funds will certainly help us do that. We will be forever grateful to John Thatcher for his loyal support of Darlington, and specifically for providing one more opportunity for our teachers to be lifelong learners.”
The Samuel E. and Mary W. Thatcher Master Teacher Fund will provide five grants of $2,000 each per year to be awarded to faculty for personal use in travel or other experiences. Not strictly curricular in nature, these experiences nurture the dedicated teacher as a lifelong learner whose personal travel and other activities return them to the classroom refreshed and renewed. These grants are applied for and awarded by senior administration to worthy faculty on the basis of demonstrated excellence and loyalty to teaching and to Darlington School.
The Samuel E. and Mary W. Thatcher Faculty Development and Research Fund will be awarded to faculty members who wish to pursue professional development directly related to their teaching duties. This will provide resources for research and development beyond what the school’s annual budget allows.
For more information about the Thatcher Master Teacher Fund or the Thatcher Faculty Development and Research Fund, or to make a gift to Darlington School, please contact Joe Montgomery in the Advancement Office.
