On behalf of Hawken School, we would like to thank all of our current donors for their generosity and support. Here are some of their stories.

Reverend Peter ('54) and Margaret Sipple

Five years ago, my wife, Margaret, and I established a Charitable Remainder Unitrust, naming Hawken as one of the beneficiaries of the trust. Hawken was not only my school for the nine most important years of my education; it had also been my father's employer for nearly four decades. Especially for older benefactors, planned giving instruments such as the CRUT or charitable gift annuity provide an ideal means to say thank-you to places that have helped shape our lives. They make money work on behalf of all concerned. Margaret and I have the satisfaction of knowing that our gift helps to express our appreciation for all that Hawken has done for our family. Doing so with a planned gift helps to stretch that sense of satisfaction over a long time-period. With enough of Hawken's alumni and friends using such means to register their gratitude, the school's long-term stability will be ensured.

Bill ('67) and Susan Bruner

Why do I support Hawken? There are many reasons. Beginning with my family history, my father, Clark, attended in the early years on Ansel road and was a member of the class of 1928. At the time of his death this past April, he was (at 94) the oldest living alum. I was a lifer and graduated in 1967. Both of my children (Amanda '98 and Andrew '00) were lifers as well. This year my daughter Amanda returned to teach Kindergarten there and loves it.

Here is my favorite way to give while helping myself as well as Hawken: For those over 40 and under 60, deferred gift annuities work very well and allow one to give more than one might otherwise feel comfortable giving.

There is a tax deduction for the year of the gift and income starts the year you choose it to begin (usually at least 5 years in the future). One avoids capital gains tax and the rate of return is far higher than the dividend return of most stocks.

When I reach 60, I will probably start giving "gift annuities" (not deferred), which begin to pay interest right away, rather than some years later. These are both easy and comfortable ways to donate more and help Hawken and I encourage you to consider these options.

Kenneth and Christina Hicks, parents of Jarret '97, Philip '01 and Carolyn '03

When our oldest child was ready to start school we only seriously considered Hawken and the local public school. We were interested in the best possible co-ed education. So, in 1984, we were Hawken kindergarten parents for the very first time. We had absolutely no idea how much Hawken School would shape our lives. Over the past twenty years, our whole family actively participated in this community. One by one, our children grew and flourished at the Lyndhurst Campus, each of them discovering their strengths and interests along the way. Hawken always encouraged parents to participate in the life of the school. As our volunteer involvement grew so did our friendships, not only with other parents but with faculty, staff and administrators, too. As Jarrett, Philip and Carolyn made the transition from the middle school to the upper school they participated in all kinds of activities: athletics, student leadership, community service, debate, music, theater, etc. As Hawken parents we volunteered in every way possible, the more involved we became the more we viewed Hawken as our community. Hawken was not just the school our children attended! Hawken School was where we belonged.

The dedication of the Hawken faculty to enrich the lives of their students is exceptional. As the parents of three "Hawken Lifers", we want to continue our commitment and support of Hawken School We really believe in the Hawken motto: "that the better self shall prevail and each generation introduce its successor to a higher plane of life." What better legacy for our children than to include Hawken in our estate planning. Five years ago we became members of the Hawken Heritage Society by creating a deferred gift annuity.

In addition to our regular participation in the annual giving campaign we were interested in providing a longer-term legacy. The Hawken Heritage Society addressed our need by presenting an option of a deferred gift annuity. The deferred gift annuity allowed us to receive a significant tax deduction while retaining annuity income in later years. This arrangement not only benefits us but Hawken School will ultimately receive the benefit of the value of the annuity from our estate. We hope that in some small way our decision to include Hawken in our estate planning will help secure the future of Hawken in providing an exceptional education to the next generation.

David ('85) and Jamie ('87) Cole, parents of Lauren ('16)

While our experiences were quite different, both our lives were positively impacted by Hawken. The education, social development, hunger for knowledge and practical application of this style of learning has undoubtedly enriched our lives and for that we are eternally grateful.

We can see that Hawken's traditions and teaching methods transcend generations as our daughter is now immersed in that same inspiring Hawken aura. For all of these reasons, it seemed fitting that we make a bequest to Hawken so that our appreciation will be felt by the generations that follow.

Scott Beatty ('77)

I am a big supporter of independent schools, and understand that schools such as Hawken rely on the generosity of their alumni in order to thrive. Faculty Professional Development, enhanced facilities, and additional program offerings - and all of the other reasons people send their children to an independent school - are supported by the endowment, annual giving, and other sources of outside funding. This is why i believe it is so important for me to include Hawken in my estate plans.