GRALAND IN THE 90'S
I think of the 90’s as the era of change-- much of which was a necessity for the school to prosper.
I think of the 90’s as the era of change-- much of which was a necessity for the school to prosper.
Larry Dougherty, our Head of School from 1989-1994, summarized well the tasks at hand: “It was an interesting time in the school’s history. We made important progress addressing issues of diversity and began a systematic effort to recruit multicultural faculty and students. We also had a tremendous leadership from the Board in developing a long-range financial plan; the personal generosity shown by Charles Gates and Fred Hamilton, for example, made many positive changes possible.”
Larry Dougherty, our Head of School from 1989-1994, summarized well the tasks at hand: “It was an interesting time in the school’s history. We made important progress addressing issues of diversity and began a systematic effort to recruit multicultural faculty and students. We also had a tremendous leadership from the Board in developing a long-range financial plan; the personal generosity shown by Charles Gates and Fred Hamilton, for example, made many positive changes possible.”
The 21st Century Campaign was highly successful-- more than 8.5 million raised for new construction and renovation of buildings. Ms. Fetter notes, “The new kindergarten, dedicated in April 1994, was named in honor of the campaign’s chairman. . . Frederic Hamilton.” The late Mr. Hamilton was also a trustee, a Graland parent, and a Graland grandparent. Later, came the new Georgia Nelson Bldg. In Hilltop Heritage, Alice Millett Bakemeier quotes architect Joseph Ward, “We hated to replace the lovely original building, but the school needed a larger facility to accommodate classrooms on either side. In designing [the new building], we tried to preserve the campus feeling by repeating the green country tile roof, the blonde brick, and green trim of the other buildings. “
It is important to acknowledge Dr. Dougherty’s contribution to the school during these days of tumultuous changes in the appearance of our campus. He, among others, worked tirelessly to raise money. When John Comfort returned as interim Head of School in 1995, he acknowledged Dr. Dougherty’s good work and added, “Tearing down the Georgia Nelson Building left a big gap; bridges had to be built (during the construction of the Gates Upper School) and temporary quarters arranged for classrooms, primarily, during the construction of the new GN bldg."
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.
