Prue Miller's gift of $600,000 established an endowed fund for faculty salaries
From the Summer 2013 Caller
"I gave to Catlin Gabel to support faculty salaries because it makes sense to me,” says Prue Miller ’52. “At the core of all learning is the teacher. Universities raise money for faculty salaries and establish chairs, so why not do something similar for Catlin Gabel?”
“Prue’s gift is unique to most independent school campaigns and yet so thoughtfully placed. Her fund will increase the school’s ability to offer competitive salaries for our teachers and attract new talent as openings occur,” says Miranda Wellman ’91, director of advancement.
Prue admired principal Esther Dayman Strong and many of her teachers at Miss Catlin’s School. In college she studied education, and after graduating from Sarah Lawrence she came back to Portland and taught 1st grade for a year. Her fellow teachers served as role models for her: “They were so great, and so in control of the 30 students in their classrooms,” she says. Prue’s classroom experience further underscored for her the vital role of the teacher at the center of the educational process.
When Prue started her family, she sent two daughters— Catherine ’76 and Sarah ’79—to Catlin Gabel. Her son Andrew’s children—Harry ’05, Maddie ’07, Isabelle ’09, Eloise ’11—were all CG lifers. “My children and grandchildren flourished, and I had the fun of cheering from the sidelines,” says Prue.
“I hope my gift is compelling,” she says. “Teachers make such a difference in children’s lives.”
Supporting the endowment campaign is an incredible way to fund important new initiatives and sustain them over time. The most mature, forward-thinking independent schools maintain endowments that provide critical annual funding for program excellence. Healthy endowments allow great schools to seize new opportunities at the best moment to launch them—and act on their dreams. —Miranda Wellman ’91, director of advancement
• Pledge payments can be made over a period of time up to five years
• Depending on a donor’s age, planned gifts such as bequests, charitable trusts, and annuities can be part of helping the school reach this campaign goal
• Endowed funds (a minimum gift of $25,000) can be a wonderful way to tell your story about what Catlin Gabel means to you and have your hopes represented in future students and their learning opportunities