A legacy commitment caps a lifetime of support
What felt like a punishment turned into a life-changing opportunity. Some youthful hijinks brought 16-year-old Chris Hyatt ’61 from Fort Myers to board at the Ransom School, where he lived in Timken Hall under the watchful eye of faculty member Dan Bowden. At Ransom, Chris focused on his studies and boarding school life. His experience culminated in what had been unimaginable two years earlier: a perfect prom night. The event, which began on Key Biscayne and was followed by a short trip by yacht to the prom downtown, ended with an early breakfast at a classmate’s home on Miami Beach.
After college at Ohio Wesleyan, he joined the Air Force OTS, expecting to be sent to Vietnam. Once again, his good fortune surprised him. As fate would have it, he was deployed to train a new squadron in Ohio, where he met the love of his life, Nancy Jane Conley. In 1970, they moved to California, where Chris pursued a career in the insurance industry. Throughout their 46 years together, they traveled the world and shared countless adventures. Nancy passed away in 2017.
Today Chris lives outside Los Angeles and continues his travels in conjunction with his interest in hiking. A fan of RE’s regional events, he is looking forward to his 60th Reunion this spring.
While Chris has been a steadfast supporter of the school for almost three decades, he has also provided for Ransom Everglades through his living trust, in recognition of the important role the school played at a time when he needed a little guidance. His commitment counts as a part of his class reunion gift as well as towards the REinventing Excellence campaign.
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.