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How the Gates Program Ignited the Careers of Two Graland Alumni
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Gates Innovation and Invention Program, we caught up with two of its thriving alumni—Matthew Crowley ’05 and Madison Rifkin ’12. Both have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields, each crediting the Gates program with helping to spark their passion for innovation and design. From entrepreneurial ventures to cutting-edge product development at Apple, their journeys reflect the transformative power of creativity, curiosity, and perseverance.Read More -
Tuning Into Tradition: The Graland Songs That Keep Us Connected
Growing up at Graland, I remember singing the “Graland Fight Song” at assemblies and feeling the excitement that filled the room. At the time, I didn’t know much about its history; I just knew it made me feel part of something bigger. Now, as I’ve looked deeper into the story behind Graland’s song and found there to be more than just one, I’ve realized how special they are, not only to me but to generations of Graland students and alumni.Read More -
Jason Cooper ’84: A Journey of Leadership and Achievement
Each year, Graland’s Alumni Board recognizes an outstanding member of the alumni community with the prestigious Ruth Gorham Award. Named after the school’s longest-serving teacher, Ms. Ruth Gorham, who dedicated 62 years to nurturing a love of learning in her students, the award commemorates her unwavering commitment to education and mentorship. This year, Graland is proud to present the Ruth Gorham Award to Jason Cooper, Class of 1984.Read More -
Supporting Student Wellness at Graland: The Bradley Thomas Memorial Fund
Graland is grateful for community members, past and present, who wish to make a philanthropic impact at the school. At times, these meaningful donors include Graland in their estate plans, creating a legacy that reaches beyond their lifetime. These gifts can also be unrestricted, allowing the school to direct their funds to the greatest priorities and needs, or designated for specific purposes.Read More -
Timeless Treasures: Art and Statues at Graland
Read MoreAs Graland approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, the school enjoys sharing stories of its vibrant history.
This article shares background on a handful of the many pieces of art that adorn Graland’s campus.As 2027 approaches, there will be many opportunities to honor Graland’s 100 years of excellence. Memories abound in the school archives, as well as in the two main school history books that are available to view on the school website and in the stories passed down between generations. We are fortunate to be able to reflect on the past and look forward to a bright future.Click to read more about Graland’s history and to access digital versions of the books referenced in this article. -
Alumni Spotlight: Graland Athletics
Read MoreAs we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Fieldhouse, the alumni office would like to highlight several former students (Ali Levy ’00, Alex Smith ’97, Jonathan Vaughters ’88) whose journeys in the areas of sports, athletics, and health & wellness started right here at Graland. We hope that their pursuits and experiences serve as inspiration to fellow alumni, current students, and the entire Graland community. -
From Gymnasium to Fieldhouse - Traditions of Importance and Excellence at Graland
Since Graland’s incorporation in 1927, physical education and sports have been an integral part of the school’s curriculum with its progressive education philosophy of developing the whole child. Generations of students have experienced strong physical education programs that not only teach a progression of important motor skills, but also promote sportsmanship, teamwork, confidence, and self-esteem. Lifelong learning and fitness are seen as major goals of the physical education department.Read More -
Celebrating Trini Rodriguez ’89
When asked to think of three words that come to mind when he thinks of Graland, Trinidad (Trini) Rodriguez, Class of 1989, said “relationships, experiences, and growth.” Since his time at Graland, Mr. Rodriguez has dedicated his career as a changemaker to these same themes, making him the ideal recipient of the 2023 Nancy Nye Priest Alumni Award. Each year, the Nancy Nye Priest Alumni Award honors alumni whose extraordinary contributions in their field are reflective of the exemplary qualities of the person, Graland Country Day School, and the global community in which we live.Read More -
Graland Alumni Living as Engaged Citizens and Thoughtful Leaders
Read MoreAs we recognize Trini Rodriguez ’89 with the Nancy Nye Priest Alumni Award this fall (see previous page), Graland also wishes to acknowledge other alumni who are contributing to the public sphere, modeling what it means to be an engaged citizen and thoughtful leader. -
A Standing Ovation for Master Teacher Dan O’Neill
Every time one enters the main doors of the Georgia Nelson Building on campus, they are greeted by the Master Teacher wall, which houses the portraits of Graland educators (former and current) who have dedicated 20-plus years of their career to the school, its mission, and its students. This year, the 71st Master Teacher headshot was added to the wall in honor of Drama Teacher Dan O’Neill.Read More -
Honoring Dr. Adam Barkin ’91 and Dr. Beth Linas ’97: 2023 Ruth Gorham Award Recipients
Read MoreEvery year, Graland’s Alumni Board honors a member (or members) of the alumni community with the Ruth Gorham Award for their extraordinary contributions to the school. Ms. Gorham, the longest-serving teacher in the school’s history (62 years!), will always be remembered as a dedicated educator and mentor who nurtured the joy of learning in her students. For this reason, Graland is pleased to announce that this year’s award recipients are Dr. Adam Barkin ’91 and Dr. Beth Linas ’97. -
Mrs. Ruth Gorham - Graland’s Longest-Serving Educator
Read MoreLast May, Ben Duke, Class of 1968, received the Ruth Gorham Alumni Award, which each year honors an individual “whose dedication and service to Graland exemplify Ruth Gorham’s lifelong commitment to the school.”While serving as assistant head of school at Graland, Ben notably initiated the Master Teacher Program, in which Master Teachers who have dedicated twenty years of service to Graland are recognized in the spring. -
Graland's Oldest Alumna Celebrates 99th Birthday!
February 25, 2023 marks the 99th birthday for Graland’s oldest alumna, Cope McWhinney Craven.Read More -
Graland’s Early Years: A Lead Up to the 2027 Centennial
Read MoreGraland has a long and distinguished history. Before settling in as a “country day school” at its present site in the fall of 1928, the school began at three locations near downtown Denver. The earliest years are worth knowing about and appreciating as they tell the story of how a group of determined parents worked with the founding teachers to make Graland a reality. -
Honoring Dr. Sarah Burgamy ’93
On October 27, 2022, clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Burgamy ’93 returned to Graland to receive one of the school’s highest alumni honors, The Nancy Nye Priest Alumni Award. Many who knew Mrs. Priest ‘39 (Graland alumna and former educator of 43 years) remember her for her leadership, selflessness, service, courage, creativity, and dedication to the school and the community. Those who have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Dr. Burgamy would agree that she embodies these same qualities as Mrs. Priest.Read More -
The Legacy of Georgia Nelson, Graland’s Founding Headmistress
Read More“… and with reverence to our Lady Nelson …”For those students and alumni who have experienced the Grade 5 knighting ritual, these are the words spoken by the king just prior to the moment they are awarded the status of knighthood.“Lady Nelson” is Miss Georgia Nelson, the first leader of Graland who served as headmistress from 1927 to 1960 and from 1963 to 1964. -
A Continued Legacy: Honoring Ben Duke, Ruth Gorham Alumni Award Recipient
Each year, The Ruth Gorham Award is given to a member of the Graland alumni community whose service and dedication embody Ruth Gorham’s lifelong commitment to the school. A longtime educator, Ruth Gorham devoted her career to Graland, teaching French and English from 1930 until 1992. She is remembered as a mentor, a diligent school historian, as well as the de facto head of alumni relations at a time when a formal position did not exist. For this reason, it is particularly fitting that Graland alumnus Ben Duke is the recipient of this year’s Ruth Gorham Award and will be receiving this honor during the Alumni Reunion on May 21, 2022.Read More -
Alumni Finding Meaning and Sharing Their Expertise
The Graland Alumni Board’s Networking Committee recently held a virtual panel on entrepreneurship. Graland thanks the alumni below who volunteered their time and shared their expertise and professional purpose with fellow alumni and other members of the school community.Read More -
Congratulations, Ms. Naughton and Mrs. Lassiter: Graland Retirees & Master Teachers!
Read MoreGraland would like to congratulate two very special educators and Graland Master Teachers, Ms. Cathy (Kosal) Naughton and Mrs. Annie Lassiter, on their retirements! The Graland community has learned so much from each of them over the years and will miss their presence in the classroom and on campus. Please continue reading below to learn about their contributions over the years as well as what they are looking forward to most in their retirement. -
How Graland Alumni Live Their Passions
Read MoreAs we explore the concept of living out your passions, the Alumni and Development Office wanted to highlight two outstanding Graland alumni who reflect this idea in their everyday lives. Meet Rasa Humeyumptewa from the Class of 2014 and Cully Cavness from the Class of 2002!
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Graland Welcomes Back Anna Natassja Scheitler ’13
Graland’s Development & Alumni Office is pleased to welcome Anna Natassja Scheitler ’13 as the newest member of the team. A Denver native, Ms. Scheitler returned to Graland as development manager in July 2021. A proud alumna, Ms. Scheitler has many fond memories of being an Eagle. She is a firm believer that Graland shaped her into the person she is today and is looking forward to making many more memories during her professional career. Ms. Scheitler graduated magna cum laude from Bucknell University with a bachelor’s degree in English literary studies. In her free time, as a former NCAA Division I rower, she enjoys coaching junior rowing at the Mile High Rowing Club. When she is not on the water, Ms. Scheitler enjoys spending time in the mountains, reading poetry, and volunteering.Read More -
UpWords with Dr. Sarah Burgamy
Graland alumna Dr. Sarah Burgamy ’93 visited a middle school assembly recently to give an UpWords speech on Honor Individuality. UpWords speeches allow members of the Graland community (students, teachers, alumni) to share how they live Graland’s Guiding Principles in their everyday lives. Sarah’s message to students was, “Be as strange as you can … and do it visibly,” a motto she adopted after struggling with her own identity development.Read More -
Gov. Hickenlooper picks Melissa Hart '84 for vacant Colorado Supreme Court seat
Gov. John Hickenlooper on Thursday announced that he has chosen University of Colorado law professor Melissa Hart to fill a vacant seat on the Colorado Supreme Court...Read More -
KUNC welcomes new reporter, Stephanie Daniel '91
KUNC welcomes two new reporters Stephanie Daniel & Matt BloomRead More -
Graland Alumni Sweep Colorado Mock Trials
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Graland Alumni Sweep Colorado Mock Trials
Congratulations to Graland alumni who recently won the Colorado Mock Trial State Championship and will go on to compete nationally May 11-13 in Hartford, Connecticut.
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Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
