Stephen Whatley ('02), a day student from Rome, has been a supporter of Darlington’s Annual Fund over the years. When you ask Stephen why Darlington remains important to him over a decade later, he immediately jumps to the impact numerous teachers made on his life—and the educational foundation that the school created for him and his fellow classmates to think independently, critically, creatively and globally. We want to share with you how Stephen’s Darlington experience continues to have an impact on his career and why he continues to give back to the school.
"From the very early stages in my career, the tools Darlington gave me and confidence it instilled pushed me to set lofty goals, knowing that I could reach them with patience and hard work.
I can also now appreciate all of the leadership opportunities Darlington gives its students and the importance it puts on being involved and trying new things. Darlington gave so much to me that giving something back is the least I can do."
— Stephen Whatley ('02)
After graduating from Darlington in 2002, Stephen attended the University of Mississippi where he studied Finance. He and his wife, Rosemary, reside in Batesville, Miss., where he has worked as a financial adviser for Edward Jones since 2009. Stephen's father, Lynn Whatley, is a graduate of the class of 1967 and a member of the Leadership Darlington Class of 2015. His brother, Peter Whatley, graduated in the Class of 2006.
The Annual Fund is Darlington School’s top fundraising priority because it supports each and every aspect of the Darlington experience. Like Stephen’s contribution, your gift will be put to immediate use, funding 5% of all student, parent, faculty, staff and alumni programs during the current school year.
To show your appreciation for Darlington, consider making a gift to the 2015-2016 Annual Fund at www.darlingtonschool.org/give.
