In December 1920, our founders came together to create a school that was focused on the individual needs and strengths of its students. To celebrate nearly 100 years and 4,000 Beaver graduates, we held a Founders Day challenge for our alumni with a simple goal: if 100 graduates made a gift to Beaver by December 9, we would receive a $10,000 gift from Paul Clayton ’74. We’re excited to report the challenge was a huge success: We received 109 gifts!
Thank you to our alumni community for making us proud and continuing to support the next generation of Beaver graduates!
Click through the slideshow below to read what alumni throughout the decades have to say about their Beaver experience.
“When I think of my time at Beaver I’m most thankful for the teachers who pushed me to think critically, and then some. Their belief in me and my ideas still impacts me to this day.”
— Nat Brown '15
“Starting Beaver as an incoming sophomore I have nothing but positive experiences to reflect on, which can be rare for a high schooler, especially a transfer student. The Beaver community has, and continues, to play an important role in my life and I feel so fortunate to have had such a positive learning experience. “
— Sara Marsh '09
“I spent seven years learning and growing up at Beaver. My individual relationships with teachers, coaches and my college counselor, Debi Ellman, went far beyond the classroom as they helped build my confidence and gain independence. When I finished Beaver and went on to The George Washington University I was completely prepared for city life because Beaver helped lay the foundation for a successful college experience.”
— Teri Marcus Macduff '93
“Beaver will always occupy a special place in my heart. It was at Beaver that I got an exceptional education by exceptional teachers who taught me to take in knowledge, look at it from many sides but to ultimately think for myself. It is where I realized that I would be a lifelong lover of learning. It is the place that saw my children for who they were, brought out their strengths, nourished their minds and spirits and supported them during times they needed it the most.”
— Sonja Spears '82, P’10, '12
“I recently visited Beaver and was very impressed with the campus and classroom happenings. I encourage you to stop by and take a look at the Research and Design Center--you'll be as thrilled as I am to see what students and faculty are able to do. It's clear everyone arrives ready to be active participants inside and outside the classroom.”
—Paul Clayton '74
"I think it is fantastic Beaver is the kind of innovative school that does right by their students and is not only brave but very gutsy, educationally sound, and forward thinking. I feel very proud of having graduated from a school like this.”
—Chris Quinn-Thibeadeau '65
"Happy Birthday, Beaver! The home of my fondest teen memories. My time in college never came close to giving the quality of education received at Beaver. I particularly remember the refinement and the level of scholarship of our teachers. They were incredible role models for us.”
— Katherine Cantor Zerner '54
“When I attended Beaver, you brought your own energy and direction to everything you did. We were encouraged to just be ourselves. I remember that people at other schools were surprised we had choices. Another remarkable thing was the way we were always exposed to art. Now, at 91, I continue to quilt and paint and find great joy in creating new things.”
—Diana Roberts Gay '46
“Words cannot express the gratitude we hold towards all the faculty who have been so sympathetic and patient with us. I think we all feel greatly indebted to Beaver for the many opportunities it has offered to each individually; and the experiences we have had here will prove of inestimable value in the future”
—Edith Moir Kiley '38, during the Class of 1938 Commencement Ceremony