from FWCD Falconer - Volume 16, Issue 2 (2024-25)

As Fort Worth Country Day celebrates the successful completion of its comprehensive campaign, Forward Together, it is important to step back to remember, reflect and recognize the many donors, volunteers and supporters whose investments of time and gifts allowed the School to reach the financial goals that made possible the new Lower School building, enhanced athletic fields, increased endowment, and The FWCD Fund. At the campaign’s closing on June 30, 2025, the total amount raised was $41.6 million, the most money ever raised in an FWCD campaign. Look for a complete Campaign Report in the School’s Annual Report later this year.

In 2018, with the results of strategic planning and an updated campus master plan in hand, FWCD’s leadership used the findings to develop a bold vision for the School’s future. The plan outlined new and updated facilities and projects that would carry FWCD forward for the next 60 years, with an emphasis on ensuring the academic excellence for which the School is known.

Sharing the vision began with small-group conversations among alumni, current and former Trustees, current and former parents, faculty and staff, and community leaders. Each conversation contributed to establishing a priority order for fulfilling the vision.

The campaign focused on three primary goals: further developing FWCD’s people and programs, enhancing and improving teaching environments to meet the needs of future learners, and strengthening the School’s long-term financial sustainability and stability. By accomplishing these priorities, FWCD positioned itself to build on its traditions and accomplishments, advance its mission, and strengthen its role as a leading academic institution serving the entire North Texas region in educating the whole child.

Comprehensive Campaign Priorities and Goals

Based on the reviews and assessments obtained over the twoyear study and planning period, the School identified nine key facilities and needs for academics, arts and athletics, which totaled an estimated $100+ million. The consensus was that the first projects to complete were (1) increasing endowment, (2) constructing a new Lower School building, (3) improving the athletic fields, and (4) The FWCD Fund. After achieving these priorities, the remaining identified needs and goals would be addressed in subsequent years and campaigns.

Increasing Endowment

Investments in endowed funds provided by alumni, parents, past parents, grandparents and friends are an essential element in FWCD meeting its high standards of providing the best teachers, the best teaching, all in the best teaching environment. The increased endowment now has additional new funds to support tuition assistance, student activities, and professional development, as well as general budget support.

Constructing a New Lower School Building

The new Lower School was designed to create inspired learning spaces in classrooms and common areas and offer dramatic improvements in safety and efficiency. In January 2025, the new building opened, featuring 16 new classrooms, two science classrooms, a makerspace, a new library, and a Commons. In addition to providing space for group activity programming, the Commons serves as a safety shelter in the event of a major storm, such as a tornado. It accommodates all Lower School students, faculty and staff. The new building also features a single entry point located near the administration offices, ensuring that all guests and visitors are identified and warmly welcomed upon arrival.

Improving the Athletic Fields

The Athletic Fields Enhancement Project demonstrated the School’s commitment to athletics by addressing the need for state-of-the-art facilities for FWCD’s track & field program, which serves the entire Falcon student body. The completed projects included field upgrades and turf installations, ensuring that students are able to pursue their athletic interests on fields that are both safe and meet track competition standards.

This project delivered significant improvements for football, soccer, field hockey, and all outdoor activities. The football programs now have opportunities to use and practice on multiple and different types of fields. The track and field upgrades support student performance and increase safety for student-athletes. FWCD has improved its athletic fields to better serve Falcon athletes and now has the ability to host significant athletic meets, creating opportunities to showcase the campus.

Next – Achieving Phase 2

As the FWCD community enjoys the new facilities and campaign accomplishments, the School anticipates embarking on Phase 2, which will fulfill the next priorities outlined in the strategic and campus master plan. The centerpiece will be the Upper School’s renovation and addition of a new classroom annex.

FWCD’s long-term master plan proposed both renovations and entirely new spaces, honoring the School’s unique architectural aesthetic while working in concert with FWCD’s stunning 104-acre campus environment.

Forward Together Campaign Leadership

Campaign Co-Chairs

William Butler ’96, Organization and Operations Co-chair

Gloria Moncrief Holmsten ’00, Leadership Gifts Co-chair

Heather and Ryan Senter, Constituency Co-chairs

Honorary Chair

Kit Tennison Moncrief ’70

Campaign Steering Commmittee

Gantt Bumstead

Brian Crumley ’92

Randy Eisenman ’93

Bryan King

Stephen Luskey ’01

Rob Semple ’95

Helen Todora

Michael Todora

Constituent Campaign Champion Volunteers

Parents

Claire and Joseph Berkes ’98

Leigh (Taylor) ’95 and Michael Bornitz

Haddy and Edward Manuel

Larkin and Richard McMillan

Grandparents

Carol and Vern Spurlock

Jerry and James Taylor

Alumni

Asad Dean ’90

Katy Rhodes Magruder ’98

Reid Shackelford ’93

Past Parents

Bari (Buckner) ’83 and John Brookman ’80

Joy Ann and Bob Havran

Faculty/Staff

Andréanne Annis

Dan Bloch H’06

Hugo Muñoz

Lower School Champions

Helen and Michael Todora, Co-chairs