As parents and grandparents of the class of 2020 considered how best to commemorate and celebrate their sons’ time at Woodberry and honor the memory of Hamilton Lee ’20, who passed away suddenly last summer, they were drawn to the ongoing restoration of the Walker Building and, in particular, a space that has long been a favorite of boys. So as the Walker Building project moved into its final year, they elected to dedicate the expanded and renovated Fir Tree patio in honor of their sons and grandsons.
Catherine and Frank Edwards ’88, chairs of the gift committee and parents of Hughes ’20 and Turner ’22, said they were delighted that future generations of Woodberry boys would be able to enjoy the expanded outdoor space.
“Over the past few months you all have learned the value of friendships and the brotherhood that this place brings to you,” Frank said when he announced the gift at commencement. “The [patio will be the] site of a great deal of camaraderie and lots of fun for everybody.”
After exceeding their $500,000 fundraising goal, the class of 2020 parents and grandparents also established the Class of 2020 Tuition Assistance Fund with a $190,000 gift to the school’s endowment.
“We are now handing that over to you,” Frank told the class on Amici Night. “It is your scholarship to take forward, and your responsibility to give back to this community.”
