Paying it Forward: May Van Norman ’98 and Linda Van Norman P’98

Although not specifically searching for a girls’ school, May and her mother, Linda, both found the environment at Emma Willard School to be “wonderfully free of distractions.” After observing an English literature class during their visit to Mount Ida, Linda knew that Emma offered a unique opportunity. “I realized this was a chance for girls to grow fully and say whatever they want, and not worry about somebody putting them down or criticizing them for it.”

The Van Normans sat in on a rehearsal conducted by Russell Locke that day and were equally impressed. With extremely sophisticated musical backgrounds—Clare as principal French horn at the Metropolitan Opera, and Linda as a French horn and choral musician—they were thrilled with the level of expertise Mr. Locke bestowed upon his students. 

Their decision was an easy one, and May was granted a scholarship to attend Emma Willard for her remaining high school years.
In addition to the classroom experiences that elevated and challenged May’s thinking, she was excited about the Practicum and Signature opportunities that would allow her to pursue her passions. “There was a campus-wide feeling that everyone should be supported and encouraged to pursue things they not only are good at, but they're curious about exploring,” May recalls. 

This environment of exploration opened the door for May to join the Empire State Youth Orchestra, build leadership skills as the co-head of JSG and 12 Tones, and be present in her friends’ lives to support their interests and endeavors. “Really leaning on the core of who you know you are while you’re continuing to explore all of the things the school has on offer—Emma is just a great place for continuing to excel in the directions you already know you do,” May explains.

“I had this tremendously positive feeling about Emma,” Linda shares, “and it changed the trajectory of May’s life. I don’t think May could have gotten where she is now, or had the experiences she’s had, without going to Emma Willard.”

And, indeed, May’s trajectory has been spectacular. Due to her innate talent—enhanced by the expert instruction she received at Emma Willard and countless hours spent in basement practice rooms—May was awarded a scholarship to Juilliard. She went on to perform in the Hong Kong Philharmonic for seven years, chairing the Players’ Committee. With a growing passion for promoting arts access for others, May returned to New York City to earn her master's in arts administration at Columbia University. She then began her career in fundraising, first at the Metropolitan Opera, followed by positions at State Theatre New Jersey, the New York Philharmonic, and her current role at the San Francisco Symphony.

Over the years of her involvement with philanthropy and her enduring connection to Emma Willard, May had begun discussing legacy gifts with Jack Sise, the former director of gift planning. Her father had passed away, and May’s conversations with her mother had transitioned to leaving behind a legacy. “Jack said there was something on the horizon that was really going to excite me,” May recalls. “When he was able to say there were plans for an orchestra rehearsal room to be built, I said to Mom, ‘Is there any way you would think about giving something now? Then you can see the impact of your philanthropy—have it be something you get to witness firsthand.’” 

Due to her scholarship to Juilliard and her ability to work as a professional musician immediately after graduation, May had created a sound financial future for herself. She was able to plan her support of the campaign, which also helped alleviate any concerns Linda may have had about ensuring May’s financial security through her own estate planning. Linda decided to accelerate her gift, and together they supported the construction of a music rehearsal space in the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts. 

“We are not wealthy people,” Linda attests. “But we have made choices about how we spend our money, or how we save it. So when I thought about the opportunity at Emma, it gave us a chance to do something together as a family. My husband would have been thrilled and excited—jumping up and down—about the facilities that were planned.”

The Van Norman Music Rehearsal Room proved to be the most meaningful space for the family to invest their gifts. “We know so well the hours of absolutely diligent work that the girls have to dedicate individually and together as a team. And the space is not just for mastering your instrument,” May emphasizes. “It's so that music is a part of your life, and you are sharing it. You may not play your instrument years into the future, but you will have those fond memories of when you played together, and music becomes a part of your life.”

Another inspiration for the Van Normans’ gift was a desire to continue attracting musically talented applicants to Mount Ida and to ensure that Emma Willard’s facilities are on par with those of other independent schools. “We were just blown over when we got to go to the opening [of the Wallace Center],” May exclaims. “It turned out better than we could have imagined—it was something Dad would have really loved to see.”

As co-chair of The 1814 Association, May’s focus goes beyond what she can give during campaigns like Infinite Horizon; she advocates for setting philanthropic goals in the same way one would any other financial or life goals. “When you reflect on your life, what are you most grateful for? How can you pay that forward? For both my mom and me, the reason we both contribute to the campaign and the annual fund is to help create opportunities for girls who couldn’t have the same experiences that all of us had, and so we can envision the future of the school continuing to be even brighter than it was when I was there or than it is even today.”

This article was written for the Fall 2025 Infinite Horizon Campaign Newsletter.