The generosity of our community
I agreed to chair the REinventing Excellence campaign nearly a year ago when my co-chair, Jeff Miller ’79, retired from the RE Board of Trustees. The world was rapidly changing, and we couldn’t imagine what was to come. Fast forward to 2021, and I cannot begin to summarize the events of the last year, but I do know that REinventing Excellence has succeeded in ways that have delighted and surprised us all. This community’s generosity has given me even more confidence in our incredible school. I am so grateful to each and every one of you who has donated to the campaign through your generous gifts, pledges, annual gifts and planned gifts – thank you!
My husband, Mike, and I chose to name the new STEM center through our campaign gift because we believe in Ransom Everglades, its leadership, mission, faculty and students. We know how central the new center is to advancing innovation and interdisciplinary study, and we wanted to inspire others to give to RE, just as those who came before us inspired us.
The impact of our gift – and every gift – on the campus and the curriculum is visible, and I hope you have begun to see the transformation. The Ansin Breezeway; the Touzet Quad and The Ringing Rock sculpture; the Defortuna Amphitheater; the Mendelson Family Plaza & Steps; and the Fredman Memorial Pool have created a new outdoor experience for our students, faculty, staff and visitors. We are forever grateful for these families’ philanthropy, which will benefit current and future generations. We continue moving forward as the renovation of La Brisa is underway and slated for completion in late summer/early fall of this year. This building is another important piece in the expansion and transformation of the upper school. Soon we will have naming opportunities for La Brisa available to those who are interested in supporting this historic addition to RE’s campus.
As Penny mentioned, Andy Ansin ’81 and his family have provided us with an incredible challenge that will help us to complete the campaign this fiscal year. Every gift made to RE – whether annual, capital or planned – while the Ansin Challenge is in effect will help us reach $70 million. I look forward to updating you again later this school year on our progress, as we approach – and hopefully, exceed – our goals. In the meantime, I hope you will continue to think of RE as a place where your gift can and does change the lives of many. YOU make a difference, and we are all so grateful for your support.
Constance Fernandez P’22
Constance Fernandez P’22
Middle School
2045 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 250 6850
Upper School
3575 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 460 8800
Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 - 12 located on two campuses in Coconut Grove, Florida. Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it." The school provides rigorous college preparation that promotes the student's sense of identity, community, personal integrity and values for a productive and satisfying life, and prepares the student to lead and to contribute to society.