Donors reinforce critical support for academic programs and mission
Darlington School has secured two of the largest gifts in the institution’s history, announced trustees Jere Drummond (’57) and George Johnson (’54) at the fall Board meeting last week.
The announcement of a $5 million pledge from the C.D. Spangler Foundation and a $15 million pledge from an anonymous donor will make a considerable difference in realizing the goals outlined in the 2006 Strategic Plan, according to Headmaster Tom Whitworth. Alumni Dick Cornwell (’67) and his wife Jean and his brother Steve Cornwell (’70) and his wife Brooke (’70T), all of Charlotte, N.C., advocated for the gift from the C.D. Spangler Foundation.
“In my 26 years of administrative experience in independent schools, I’ve found that behind every truly great school is great philanthropy,” said Headmaster Tom Whitworth. “These donors are just three of the thousands touched by the Darlington experience, and we are indebted to them for their generosity and support.”
Last year, on the occasion of the School’s 100th anniversary, local trustee Linda Owens (’79) led a strategic planning initiative that is charting the course for Darlington’s development over the next five to 10 years. The plan specifically identifies critical needs for the School, and Drummond and Johnson have agreed to co-chair an effort to address these needs.
“Schools typically plan in five-year cycles and then build campaigns around the needs that emerge from those plans,” said Chief Advancement Officer Joe Montgomery. “These two historic gifts create great momentum for the School at the dawn of its second century.”
Dick Cornwell emphasized that this opportunity brings his family great joy. “Both Stephen and I feel like Darlington was a turning point in our lives,” he said. “We are happy to have assisted in making this gift.”
Needs that have emerged from the strategic planning process include a new Middle School facility, improvement to the boys’ residence halls, technology and equipment enhancements and a significant increase in endowment funds.
For more information on giving opportunities, please contact the Darlington School Advancement Office at 706-236-0402.
