News
![Klingenstein Concert Hall]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1696358482/emmawillardorg/yvcjrxwqa53uav7zstlp/EWS_2718_fnl.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1696358482/emmawillardorg/yvcjrxwqa53uav7zstlp/EWS_2718_fnl.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1696358482/emmawillardorg/yvcjrxwqa53uav7zstlp/EWS_2718_fnl.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1696358482/emmawillardorg/yvcjrxwqa53uav7zstlp/EWS_2718_fnl.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1696358482/emmawillardorg/yvcjrxwqa53uav7zstlp/EWS_2718_fnl.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1696358482/emmawillardorg/yvcjrxwqa53uav7zstlp/EWS_2718_fnl.jpg","width":2200}])
A landmark gift of $3 million to the arts at Emma Willard will name the concert and community gathering hall within the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts.
![Elisabeth "Lisa" A. LeFort '72 & Robert “Jack” LeFort Atrium]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695744957/emmawillardorg/rfadmvh72705vtlsfbwr/LeFort_BoardDinner_USETHISONE.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695744957/emmawillardorg/rfadmvh72705vtlsfbwr/LeFort_BoardDinner_USETHISONE.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1695744957/emmawillardorg/rfadmvh72705vtlsfbwr/LeFort_BoardDinner_USETHISONE.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1695744957/emmawillardorg/rfadmvh72705vtlsfbwr/LeFort_BoardDinner_USETHISONE.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1695744957/emmawillardorg/rfadmvh72705vtlsfbwr/LeFort_BoardDinner_USETHISONE.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1695744957/emmawillardorg/rfadmvh72705vtlsfbwr/LeFort_BoardDinner_USETHISONE.jpg","width":2200}])
In recognition of her exemplary service to Emma Willard and her role as a builder of bridges and connections for the school, Lisa LeFort will be honored with the naming of the new glass atrium that joins the Alice Dodge Wallace '38 Center for the Performing Arts with Snell-Dietel-Maguire.
![a campaign newsletter laying on a wooden table]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1682012349/emmawillardorg/akuefyr9njxdxbb8cszs/orig_news1434871_1310244.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1682012349/emmawillardorg/akuefyr9njxdxbb8cszs/orig_news1434871_1310244.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1682012349/emmawillardorg/akuefyr9njxdxbb8cszs/orig_news1434871_1310244.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1682012349/emmawillardorg/akuefyr9njxdxbb8cszs/orig_news1434871_1310244.jpg","width":860}])
In our first campaign newsletter, you’ll read about the impact of philanthropy on our Arts programs and see progress on the renovation and construction of the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts. We hear from donors on what inspired them to give, celebrate our progress to date, and look back on the opening days of this historic campaign for the future of Emma Willard School.
![Title slide from video: A Message from Jenny Rao, January 2023]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675191736/emmawillardorg/ghsadypmpo23vsj8xz96/orig_news1416180_1296025.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675191736/emmawillardorg/ghsadypmpo23vsj8xz96/orig_news1416180_1296025.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675191736/emmawillardorg/ghsadypmpo23vsj8xz96/orig_news1416180_1296025.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675191736/emmawillardorg/ghsadypmpo23vsj8xz96/orig_news1416180_1296025.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1675191736/emmawillardorg/ghsadypmpo23vsj8xz96/orig_news1416180_1296025.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675191736/emmawillardorg/ghsadypmpo23vsj8xz96/orig_news1416180_1296025.jpg","width":1920}])
There have been many exciting developments at Emma Willard School since authoring our five-year strategic plan Leading with Purpose in October of 2021 and in the wake of the public launch of Infinite Horizon: The Campaign for Emma Willard School in May of 2022. Read on for a Q&A video from our Head of School Jenny Rao.
![Infinite Horizon Campaign Event Collage]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1670944251/emmawillardorg/vfvetgq7t3thrvajuck0/orig_news1405511_1288228.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1670944251/emmawillardorg/vfvetgq7t3thrvajuck0/orig_news1405511_1288228.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1670944251/emmawillardorg/vfvetgq7t3thrvajuck0/orig_news1405511_1288228.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1670944251/emmawillardorg/vfvetgq7t3thrvajuck0/orig_news1405511_1288228.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1670944251/emmawillardorg/vfvetgq7t3thrvajuck0/orig_news1405511_1288228.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1670944251/emmawillardorg/vfvetgq7t3thrvajuck0/orig_news1405511_1288228.jpg","width":1866}])
This fall saw the beginning of a year-long lineup of connection events, bringing alumnae, parents, and friends together to hear stories of student impact and details of the plans for Emma Willard School's future.
![Lisa LeFort, Debra Spiro-Allen, Jenny Rao, Ann Beha, and student with gold shovels breaking ground]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1674853926/emmawillardorg/wiiyfewjeybxwll6t4il/large_news1396702_1281238.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1674853926/emmawillardorg/wiiyfewjeybxwll6t4il/large_news1396702_1281238.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1674853926/emmawillardorg/wiiyfewjeybxwll6t4il/large_news1396702_1281238.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1674853926/emmawillardorg/wiiyfewjeybxwll6t4il/large_news1396702_1281238.jpg","width":960}])
On Friday, October 21, Emma Willard students, staff, and members of the Board of Trustees joined with representatives from Annum Architects and Consigli Construction to officially break ground on the Alice Dodge Wallace '38 Center for the Performing Arts.
![Linda Gill Anderson ’77 addresses the crowd.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675192113/emmawillardorg/ntxlq1a6i58wgn1qpdrh/large_news1390529_1277217.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675192113/emmawillardorg/ntxlq1a6i58wgn1qpdrh/large_news1390529_1277217.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675192113/emmawillardorg/ntxlq1a6i58wgn1qpdrh/large_news1390529_1277217.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675192113/emmawillardorg/ntxlq1a6i58wgn1qpdrh/large_news1390529_1277217.jpg","width":960}])
Less than six months after the public launch of Infinite Horizon: The Campaign for Emma Willard School, school leaders gathered with alumnae, parents, and friends to announce impressive progress toward the fundraising goal of $175 million.
![Head of School Jenny Rao at a podium speaking into a microphone]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675189151/emmawillardorg/ow93cuyulphhxchbaim0/orig_news1373606_1264789.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675189151/emmawillardorg/ow93cuyulphhxchbaim0/orig_news1373606_1264789.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675189151/emmawillardorg/ow93cuyulphhxchbaim0/orig_news1373606_1264789.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675189151/emmawillardorg/ow93cuyulphhxchbaim0/orig_news1373606_1264789.png","width":863}])
As part of the recent Reunion Weekend, Head of School Jenny Rao shared an update on the “Leading with Purpose” strategic plan in an information session for alumnae. This five-year plan was launched just last fall with incredible progress already made toward many of its key objectives. Watch Ms. Rao’s video welcome and read through the provided transcript of the presentation for a comprehensive look at our aspirations for the future of Emma Willard.
![Signature magazine spring 2022 cover of chapel clock tower and Infinite Horizon logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675188955/emmawillardorg/eg6zeq1i74usffv5ay7n/large_news1373349_1264446.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675188955/emmawillardorg/eg6zeq1i74usffv5ay7n/large_news1373349_1264446.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675188955/emmawillardorg/eg6zeq1i74usffv5ay7n/large_news1373349_1264446.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675188955/emmawillardorg/eg6zeq1i74usffv5ay7n/large_news1373349_1264446.jpg","width":960}])
In the Spring 2022 edition of Emma Willard School’s Signature magazine, we introduce the leadership of our recently-announced capital campaign, Infinite Horizon, and explore some of the early gifts of the campaign.
![Stage with podium, alumnae and employees, confetti]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675190841/emmawillardorg/zcffhlvkwrialrjpshrf/large_news1369372_1260175.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675190841/emmawillardorg/zcffhlvkwrialrjpshrf/large_news1369372_1260175.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675190841/emmawillardorg/zcffhlvkwrialrjpshrf/large_news1369372_1260175.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675190841/emmawillardorg/zcffhlvkwrialrjpshrf/large_news1369372_1260175.jpg","width":960}])
The Emma Willard School community—Trustees, EMployees, and students—gathered on Mount Ida on Friday, May 13, to celebrate a momentous occasion: the launch of Infinite Horizon: The Campaign for Emma Willard School.
![Emma Willard School Launches Record-Breaking $175 Million Capital Campaign]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1670407231/emmawillardorg/u2raluzlipv6x91sgufn/large_news1366001_1257307.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1670407231/emmawillardorg/u2raluzlipv6x91sgufn/large_news1366001_1257307.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1670407231/emmawillardorg/u2raluzlipv6x91sgufn/large_news1366001_1257307.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1670407231/emmawillardorg/u2raluzlipv6x91sgufn/large_news1366001_1257307.png","width":960}])
Emma Willard School today announced the public launch of a $175 million capital campaign that will support and strengthen the school’s commitment to girls’ education.
![Fuzzy image of Sage Tower with trees in the background and words Leading with Purpose]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675188726/emmawillardorg/wpirsnmtqy2uztwq35nm/orig_news1366788_1257919.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675188726/emmawillardorg/wpirsnmtqy2uztwq35nm/orig_news1366788_1257919.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675188726/emmawillardorg/wpirsnmtqy2uztwq35nm/orig_news1366788_1257919.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675188726/emmawillardorg/wpirsnmtqy2uztwq35nm/orig_news1366788_1257919.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1675188726/emmawillardorg/wpirsnmtqy2uztwq35nm/orig_news1366788_1257919.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675188726/emmawillardorg/wpirsnmtqy2uztwq35nm/orig_news1366788_1257919.jpg","width":1678}])
Developing a shared vision for Emma Willard School began the day Head of School Jenny Rao arrived on campus. The work culminates in Leading with Purpose, our newly adopted strategic plan, designed to guide our school for the next five years.