Watkinson School Receives $2 Million Gift to Endowment Largest Gift in School’s History

Watkinson’s Head of School, John W. Bracker, announced today that an anonymous donor has made a $2 million gift to Watkinson’s endowment; $1 million to permanently endow an annual full-tuition scholarship and $1 million to support faculty salaries.  Bracker comments, “This is the largest gift ever made to Watkinson and it speaks volumes about the faith our constituents have in our mission—to develop in our students the power to shape their lives and the world around them—and our ability to deliver on that mission.”

The donor adds, “It is a warm feeling to know how appreciated this gift is to the faculty, board of trustees and the student body, and in addition, to make a huge impact on the future of those who will eventually walk onto the Watkinson campus.  Having experienced Watkinson since the 1970s, I have witnessed the "promise" of the school through the transformation of many students, including two of my own children and two grandchildren.  Watkinson School has magic running throughout its community....visiting at any time, one can see it in the students interacting with one another at sports events, at an all school meeting, in the cafeteria, lingering around campus, at art shows and plays and most palpable in the classroom.  The skills and methods of the faculty are most profoundly felt through the reaction of their students.  They are genuinely engaged in the subject, their teacher and each other.  It is my hope that others believing in "passionate students, compassionate teachers"  will follow with their gift to further enrich the fine qualities of this dynamic school.”

Watkinson School is a co-educational day school for grades 6-PG.  Founded in 1881, Watkinson is Hartford’s oldest independent school.  With the addition of this gift, Watkinson's endowment is now approaching $7 million. Watkinson’s next open house for prospective athletes is January 15 at 7pm, prospective artists is January 16 at 6:30pm and general open house for prospective students is January 26 at 1pm.