Dear Catlin Gabel alumni, families, and friends,

All campuses have their cast of characters, those idiosyncratic individuals who lodge in the mind, who transform through their teaching, whose lessons resonate years after the fact. Catlin Gabel certainly has had a few, including the author of the above quotation, Clint Darling, from his commencement speech to the Class of 2008.

Before retiring in 2009, Clint served this campus for 40 years as a French and English teacher, interim headmaster, head of the Upper School (for 13 years) and the English department, as well as a parent and friend. To honor his longevity and connection to our school, the Clint Darling Fund has been created in support of financial assistance, one of Catlin Gabel’s highest priorities. It is a fund dedicated to a permanent need about which Clint is most passionate.

This academic year, Catlin Gabel increased its financial award dollars by 40 percent, assisting 28 percent of our families. Given the state of the economy and the operating costs of independent schools today, these numbers inevitably will increase.

The goal of this initiative is to raise at least $25,000, at which point an endowed scholarship will be established in Clint’s name. What an extraordinary way to pay tribute to a devoted community member and ensure that Catlin Gabel students represent a “cross-section of American life” (Ruth Catlin’s philosophy, 1928).

To honor Clint, make a gift today: call 503-297-1894 ext. 302, or donate online.

Thank you in advance for your generous support,

Rukaiyah S. Adams ’91
John Chun ’87
Tom Tucker ‘66
Dave Corkran, retired Upper School history teacher