Alumni Give Back

“As an alum and President of the Board of Trustees, I have been thinking deeply about the ways that Bush engages with our alumni community. As the school continues its efforts around access, inclusivity, and belonging, I see a connection to the interests expressed by alumni, especially as they relate to access to a Bush education, through financial aid. I hope you will join me as we endeavor to fund more need-based financial aid for Bush students.”

Kate Bayley ’96 I was a 2020-2021 Celebrate Bush co-Chair, andI enthusiastically accepted the Lessard's invitation to come back to lead the live auction in 2021-2022 for so many reasons. Because I love Bush, because I strongly believe that a robust financial aid budget is essential to deliver on the school’s mission, AND because when they asked me to close out the class art auction, I jumped at the opportunity! Any chance I get to be on this campus I jump every time.

Will Baber ’00 I’ve been teaching here for 16 years. I feel like The Bush School is my life. Imagine a world where you get to work with your favorite person ever, and that person is your father! I support The Bush School, and my father, Bill Baber, does too. $25 per month since his dear friend and colleague Meta O’Crotty passed.

Karim ’89 and Alice Ryland ’89 Lessard We were both delighted to be co-chairs for 2021-2022 Celebrate Bush, continuing on the tradition of having alumni who are parents of current students involved in the event, and most importantly, to raise money for financial aid at The Bush School. We hope you will join us in giving generously for this important cause. Every gift counts! Our support allows Bush to hold true to its commitment to a robust financial aid budget of $4.5 million dollars for 162 students and families at Bush.

Emily (Warshal) Alhadeff ’94 and her husband Aaron Alhadeff recently made the decision to include The Bush School in their estate plans. Aaron and Emily are inspired by Bush’s commitment to access and diversity and, when interviewed about their planned gift, shared that they believe there is no better way to show their gratitude than by investing in the school’s future so that more children can access a transformative education.

Emily reiterated that “between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., we trust the school to help raise our children, and they are doing a fantastic job. The place where our kids spend the majority of their time so perfectly complements our values and hopes and dreams for them. There’s no tangible thank you strong enough.” Aaron added that “because Bush has had people before us who have thought of the school in their legacy plans, the school has had the ability to invest in our kids. And, therefore, if we have the ability, we need to pay that forward. Having an endowment that is built up and strong will allow the school to be even stronger in future generations.”

Risa Lavizzo-Mourey ’72 recently established an endowment fund in her parents’ name to increase access for students and families whose finances are a barrier to attending The Bush School. The Drs. Blanche Sellers Lavizzo and Philip Lavizzo Fund for Financial Aid will, in perpetuity, make a Bush education in reach for more Seattle children.

"My parents valued education and contributing to the empowerment of individuals and community. They instilled the importance of educational excellence in me which why I so appreciated my time at The Bush School and all it continues to teach those fortunate enough to attend. Without question, my parents would be thrilled with this fund’s potential to expand the opportunity to experience and benefit from Bush to more students and their families."

“As an alumna from the Class of 1975, I have experienced firsthand the benefits of a Bush education. I am thrilled that Bush is more inclusive now, far more so than when I started. What has remained the same is that it continues to be a place that is preparing young minds to enter the world. As Bush continues to prioritize accessible and inclusive education, alumni engagement is more important than ever. Support of any kind from Bush alumni is a testament to the enduring spirit of generosity within our community. Whether it’s your time, expertise, or financial support, alumni involvement is paramount to the success and health of The Bush School.”