Endowment

The Deven Sawyer Memorial Fund 
The Deven Sawyer Memorial Fund will support an annual award given to two rising Providence Day seniors who exemplify Deven's character, compassion, empathy, kindness, and gentle spirit. It is the family's hope that this award will symbolize Deven's lasting impact on a school community that will never forget him.

The Edward E. Ford Minority Scholarship Fund 
Established in 1991 through grants from the Edward E. Ford Foundation, The Hearst Foundation and individual gifts, this permanent endowed fund provides financial aid for qualified Upper School minority students each year. Only the interest earned from the principal amount is awarded each year.

The Brinkley Diversity Endowment 
The Brinkley Diversity Endowment was established in 2004 to provide Providence Day School with resources to improve diversity within the school community focusing on the areas of faculty and student diversity. A certain percentage of the distribution in any given year may be directed to support the efforts of the school to recruit faculty of diverse backgrounds to Providence Day. The remainder of the distribution will be directed to provide tuition assistance to a Providence Day family or families of diverse background – racial, ethnic, and/or socio-economical.

The McGee Family Fund for Diversity 
The McGee Family Fund for Diversity was established in 2004 to provide tuition assistance to Lower School families of diverse cultural backgrounds with emphasis on multi-ethnic students. Awards will be made to new Lower School families demonstrating need and meeting the general guidelines for admission as well as those outlined above. After the first year, families that continue to demonstrate need will be awarded financial aid through the financial aid committee.

The Freedom School Endowment
Established in 2011-12, the Providence Day Freedom School is a partnership with Freedom School Partners to provide a six-week, literacy summer program for 50 first through sixth grade students from Rama Road, a school with which Providence Day School has a long-standing relationship. Our scholars are students who most need, and yet can least afford, summer learning opportunities. Our Freedom School program addresses summer learning loss, a time when scholars can regress in their reading ability. Providence Day School is proudly the first independent school in the country to host a Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School. This endowment fund was established in 2014 to supplement the operating budget expenditures associated with this program.

The Bhandari Mehta Endowment
Established in 2020, The Bhandari Mehta Endowment supports student financial assistance and entrepreneurship. A portion of the endowment will provide financial assistance to students who have a demonstrated need beyond tuition. Award recipients, in order of priority, are those students whose families are first- or second-generation immigrants to the United States or are students of color. The remaining portion of the endowment will support initiatives with an entrepreneurial spirit to help inspire business leaders of tomorrow.

The Ben Topham Endowment for Faculty Support
For 37 years Ben Topham served Providence Day School as teacher, coach, department chair, college counselor, Upper School Director and Assistant Headmaster. This fund, established in 2013, in honor of Ben’s retirement, provides funds to support faculty professional development, faculty salaries and benefits, the costs of faculty recruitment, and any other expenses involved in maintaining, supporting, and growing our talented faculty.

The Bessant/Clay Endowment for Field Hockey

Established with a gift from Catherine Bessant and John Clay, the Bessant/Clay Endowment for Field Hockey was established in 2018 and was inspired by the impact the Field Hockey program had on their two children Meredith Clay ’14 and Hayden Clay ’18. The endowment supports expenses related to the program.

The Blackwell Award for Teaching Merit

Established in 2001 as a permanently endowed fund with a gift from the family of Mrs. Doris Blackwell and Dr. Richard Blackwell, the Blackwell Award for Teaching Merit in the Humanities and the Blackwell Award for Teaching Merit in Math/Science are given annually to faculty members who demonstrate teaching excellence in Math, Science and the Humanities. Recipients will have positive skills in communication and interaction with their students while also exhibiting professional and ethical conduct both inside and outside the classroom.


In making this gift, the Blackwell family recognizes the immeasurable value that the teaching faculty at Providence Day School has on its students and wishes to reward quality faculty members for their significant impact on the lives of students.

The Brian Eichenbrenner Master Teacher Award

This permanently endowed fund was established in 1997 in memory of Brian Eichenbrenner ’97. The master teacher award has been established to perpetuate Brian’s values, enthusiasm and compassion. Each year, Upper School teachers who have been full-time employees of PDS for at least five years may apply for this merit grant.

All monies will provide opportunities to enhance their teaching through academic enrichment experiences. In creating the fund, it was the family’s wish that teachers be able to bring even more knowledge to the classroom and further inspire in their students a passion for learning.

The Brinley Family Endowment
Established in 2015 by Charlie and Margot Brinley, the Brinley Family Endowment supplements and supports the Urban Farm which was created in the summer of 2016. Monies from this endowment are allocated annually to maintain and sustain the Charger Gardens which provides produce for the local Charlotte community. Through service learning initiatives such as this, students are able to find a compelling sense of purpose by engaging in work that personally resonates with them and has a clearly understood value to the community.

The Cohen Family Endowment

The Cohen Family Endowment was established in 2016 by Bruce and Elizabeth Cohen along with their extended family in recognition of the support and care provided by the school’s athletic trainers and coaches. This endowed fund supports professional development opportunities for the areas of athletics, physical education and health programs at PDS. This endowed fund provides for two professional development opportunities each year with the recipient chosen by the Director of Athletics, the Director of Safety and Security, and the Physical Education and Health Department Chair.

The Desoer Family Global Studies Faculty Award

Established in 2008 with a generous gift from Marc and Barbara Desoer, the Desoer Family Global Studies Faculty Award was given to fulfill a matching gift challenge from the E. E. Ford Foundation. The endowment is used to support international travel by Upper School faculty as part of the global educators’ certificate program. This award is given annually to enable Upper School teachers to take advantage of an international professional development experience and bring knowledge and perspective gained back into the classroom. Recipients must demonstrate excellence in teaching, a passion for inspiring students, and an enthusiasm for bringing a global perspective into the classroom.

The Downing/Williams Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence

Endowed chairs are synonymous with exceptional faculty. Established in 2018 by Nancy and Bruce Downing, The Downing/Williams Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence supports and advances the educational mission of Providence Day School by recognizing and acknowledging teaching excellence. The chair is awarded to a full-time faculty member who will hold this high distinction for one year.

The Gene and Rose Marie Bratek Professional Development Award

Established in 2007 with a generous gift made by the Parents’ Association, the Gene and Rose Marie Bratek Professional Development Award honors the couple’s 21 years of dedicated service and leadership to Providence Day School. This award is given annually to enable a Lower School teacher to take advantage of a professional development opportunity and bring the knowledge and experience gained back into the classroom. Recipients must demonstrate excellence in teaching, a passion for teaching, and a desire to continue to grow as a teacher.

The Ian Kutner Professional Development Fund for Innovation

This endowment was established through the generous philanthropic support of both current families as well as alumni parents to honor faculty member Ian Kutner. The endowment provides professional development opportunities for teachers who embody innovation and excellence as Ian has demonstrated during his teaching career. Recipients will pursue passions outside of the school and bring those lessons back into the classroom for the benefit of student learning.

The Linse Bock Learning Specialist Endowment
Created in 2005 by the Linse Bock Foundation, the Linse Bock Learning Specialist Endowment supports the hiring of a Learning Specialist for Lower School to focus on identifying and addressing learning differences in PDS students so that these students can be successful.

Pamela C. Wilson Endowed Teacher Enrichment Award
This fund was established in 2003 from gifts to Providence Day School in memory of Middle School mathematics teacher Pam Wilson. This teacher enrichment award is given annually to enable a teacher to take advantage of a professional development opportunity and bring the knowledge and experience gained back into the classroom. Recipients will demonstrate excellence in teaching, share Pam’s commitment and enthusiasm for students and the teaching profession, and exhibit a positive “can do” attitude both in and out of the classroom. Preference will be given to Middle School teachers.

The Parents’ Association Endowed Faculty, Staff & School Appreciation Fund
The Parents’ Association Endowed Faculty, Staff & School Appreciation Fund was established in 2021-22 to provide consistent financial support exclusively for the Parents’ Association’s Faculty, Staff & School Appreciation efforts during the school year. The PA believes that the faculty and staff provide inspiration, academic challenge, care, support and encouragement to our overall community. The faculty and staff are the heart and soul of our school and we are grateful for all they do for our students, families and for each other. The PA is fully committed to supporting and celebrating our faculty and staff each year, and this endowed fund will ensure the PA always has the financial resources to show our support and gratitude.

Parents Association Endowed Teacher of the Year Award
First awarded in 1984, the Teacher of the Year Award recognizes a teacher who best upholds the school’s mission of inspiring in students a passion for learning both in the classroom and through extra-curricular activities.

In 2002, the Parents’ Association made a $100,000 commitment to endow this award to ensure that a $5,000 award will be given annually to one teacher from each division in recognition of their exceptional service on behalf of Providence Day School. To honor this generous commitment, the award was named, The Parents’ Association Endowed Teacher of the Year Award.

PDS Alumni Endowment Fund for the Major Resource Development Grant Program

This fund was established with the proceeds from the annual Providence Day Golf Association (PDGA) Alumni Spring Classic Golf Tournament sponsored by the PDS Alumni Association.  The purpose of the Alumni Association Endowment Fund is to support faculty teams during the summer months who are engaged in developing new curriculum materials that will impact teaching and learning throughout our school.  Individual gifts and proceeds from the Alumni Spring Classic will add to this fund each year.

The Robert C. Hollmeyer Endowment Fund for Economics and Technology
Family and friends in memory of Robert C. Hollmeyer, a PDS alumni parent and former Trustee established The Robert C. Hollmeyer Endowment Fund for Economics and Technology in 2006. The earnings from the fund are used to enhance the economics curriculum and provide professional development opportunities for faculty to explore innovative and engaging ways to utilize technology within the classroom.

The Swayne Family Endowment
Established in 2016 by Bill and Linda Swayne, parents of Lisa Proud ’91 and Heather Burns ’93.  The Swayne Family Endowment supports the Coach of the Year award which is presented annually. The award recognizes a coach for his or her outstanding leadership both on and off the field as well as for their positive influence on the lives of Providence Day School student-athletes. 

The American Schlafhorst Foundation Financial Aid Fund 
Established in 1996 by the American Schlafhorst Foundation and matching gifts from the PDS Parents’ Association, annual awards are given to qualified students who have made positive contributions in multiple areas of school life and in the community. Earnings from the principal amount determine the annual award.

The Gilmer L. Murdock, Jr. Endowment Fund 
In 2007, family and friends of Gil Murdock established the Gilmer L. Murdock Endowment Fund in his memory. The fund was created to ensure that all students are able to fully benefit from the Providence Day School experience. Awards will cover “extra” expenses including tutoring, SAT review classes, calculators, class trips, sports equipment, team camps, and special tournaments for any student demonstrating financial need.

The Grant D. Williams ’16 Endowment
The Grant D. Williams ’16 Endowment was established in 2019-20 by Providence Day alumnus Grant Williams. This financial aid endowment provides an annual award to an incoming Upper School student of a diverse background. The student recipient will retain the award through their senior year and will participate in a mentorship program with Grant.

Kristen Duren Academic Excellence Award 
Established in 1985 by family and friends in memory of Kristen Duren, this financial aid award is given annually to a qualified sophomore who exemplifies school spirit, a positive attitude, academic excellence and involvement in extracurricular activities.

The Kristina C. Brockmeier Endowment for Financial Aid 
The Kristina C. Brockmeier Endowment was created in 2010 through gifts to Providence Day School from friends, colleagues, and the Brockmeier family in loving memory of faculty member, Dr. Kristina Brockmeier. The fund provides financial aid assistance, annually, to the children of current faculty and/or staff at Providence Day School who demonstrate financial need.

The Paula C. Freeman Financial Aid Endowment Fund 
Established in 1998 in memory of Lower School parent, Paula Camp Freeman, with gifts from family and friends, the earnings from the principal will be used to provide a qualified Lower School student with financial aid each year. Prior to her passing after an extended battle with cancer, Paula spent numerous hours as a volunteer in the Lower School and was beloved by many for her support and willingness to assist with the many activities of the Lower School. Providence Day’s commitment to an enrollment of varied backgrounds is often contingent upon our ability to provide financial aid. Thus, the family and the school determined this fund’s purpose would be appropriate and consistent with Paula’s involvement with PDS during her lifetime.

The Rob Eck Memorial Scholarship Fund 
Established in 1978 by Clarence and Del Eck and friends in memory of their son and former PDS student, Rob Eck, the earnings from the principal amount provide scholarship awards to eligible, enrolled students of PDS who demonstrate a positive attitude, outstanding character and leadership potential as demonstrated by participation in extracurricular activities.

The Whitten W. Scholtz, IV Memorial Awards 
This fund was created in 1996 from gifts to Providence Day School in memory of Whitten. Two annual awards are given from the earnings of this principal. The first, a plaque and monetary award, is given to a graduating senior who demonstrates enthusiasm and talent in computer technology and mathematics, coupled with superior leadership skills, well-roundedness, and involvement in various Providence Day School activities. This award, called the Whitten W. Scholtz, IV Technology Award is given during Awards Day ceremonies each year. Twenty percent of the earnings from the principal fund this portion of the award. The second award, not announced, is given to a qualified freshman, sophomore, or junior Providence Day School student each year displaying many of the same qualities as mentioned above, but also demonstrating financial need. Eighty percent of the annual earnings from the principal fund this financial aid award each year.

The Grigg Family Endowed Chair for Innovation
The Grigg Family Endowed Chair for Innovation was created by Charles Grigg in 2023-24. As one of the school’s highest honors, an endowed chair expands the capacity for faculty who excel in teaching proficiency. This endowed chair ensures the school will remain at the forefront of innovation in perpetuity and will be awarded to a full-time faculty member who exhibits teaching excellence through innovation. The recipient of this endowed chair will hold this high distinction for one year.

The Bessant/Clay Endowment for Global Education
The Bessant/Clay Endowment for Global Education was established in 2018 through the thoughtful philanthropic support of alumni parents Catherine Bessant and John Clay. The endowment supports two initiatives which include the Providence Day Distinguished Global Scholar Award and the Global Education Department. A portion of the endowment will fund the Providence Day Distinguished Global Scholar Award which is given annually to an Upper School Global Studies Diploma candidate. The recipient of this award must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher, demonstrate leadership in the community, possess a positive attitude toward learning, embody the qualities outlined in the PD Passport, and live as a global thinker. The remaining portion of the endowment will support expenses related to the Global Education Department.

The Wren Family Endowment for the Arts
The Wren Family Endowment for the Arts was established in 2024-25 by Paul and Katherine Wren. In recognition of the importance of nurturing creativity, this endowment supports the Arts Program, placing an emphasis on Visual Arts. The endowment is available to support a variety of creative mediums including, but not limited to, painting, drawing, sculpting, or simply being creative.