A Celebration to Remember
Saturday, May 20, was a date for the Graland history books as our community gathered to celebrate two important milestones - the accomplishments of Ronni McCaffrey as she prepares for retirement and achieving our ASCEND goal, a campaign fulfilling the vision that Ronni set for Graland.
“Happy Trails” was a western-style evening affair and a time to laugh together, connect with one another and appreciate the broader Graland community. Click here to see photos from this event.
Ronni was the guest of honor at the hoedown, and we took the opportunity to laud her work as the 11th Head of School prior to her retirement in June. Ronni’s impact on Graland cannot be overstated; in all ways the school is in a better place today than nine years ago when she stepped into the role of head. Her accomplishments are numerous and include leading the development of Graland’s mission statement, implementing efforts to hire and retain an expert faculty and staff, creating an inclusive school community, dedicating herself to ensuring every student can reach their potential, and leading over $30 million in capital improvements and endowment gifts. In a gesture of recognition for all Ronni has accomplished at Graland and in particular her generous support of the Early Childhood Learning Center, we announced that this program has been renamed in her honor.
To further demonstrate how Ronni has made a difference in lives all over the world, a commemorative video developed by Graland alumna Taylor Cleveland ‘88 Pardun featured vignettes with Ronni’s friends, family, colleagues and students. Their personal stories and anecdotes were heartfelt and meaningful, showing how truly fortunate we have been that this talented educator and compassionate leader has developed our school into the Graland we have today. Click here to watch the tribute video.
We also took a few moments to acknowledge the strength of the Graland community. We are grateful to all our donors who made it possible for Graland to realize the fundraising goals of the ASCEND campaign. Launched in 2015, ASCEND is the largest campaign in the school’s history and inspired more than 1,000 donors to collectively give more than $24 million toward facilities and endowments at Graland. The Corkins Center and other renovations at Graland stand as a testament to the generosity of the Graland community, while funds to support faculty professional development and financial aid will continue to strengthen Graland for years to come. Click to watch the ASCEND Thank You video.
As we celebrate Ronni during these last weeks of school, we continue to recognize the impact of her leadership at Graland. Many have asked how to show their appreciation to Ronni, and she has requested that any gifts in her honor be directed to the McCaffrey Early Childhood Learning Center. Click here to make a gift online or contact our development office to make other arrangements by June 30.
Finally, I want to thank Ronni for her vision, leadership, and friendship these past several years. She has modeled Graland’s mission and values in every way, inspiring us all to pursue excellence in our personal and professional lives. On behalf of our community, I wish her “happy trails.”
Sincerely,
John Gowen
President, Board of Trustees
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.
