The Christ School Endowment


Endowed Giving The Endowment ensures the long-term stability and financial health of Christ School. Alumni, parents, trustees, and friends have established endowed funds to provide permanent support for our institution. Endowment giving funds important resources that help us in the present, such as scholarships and faculty salaries, while also preserving Christ School for future Greenies.

Endowed funds offer you an opportunity to engage in a long-term partnership with Christ School. The Advancement Office will work with you and your family to create a plan to establish and grow your endowed fund to be put to excellent use for our boys. Endowed funds offer an opportunity to recognize a loved one or faculty member by naming the fund in their honor.

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Left: Mr. Dave, Headmaster 1925 to 1967; Right: Richard "Fessor" Fayssoux '16

While some families decide to create endowed funds for scholarship assistance, there are many areas of Christ School worthy of endowment support, including athletics, service, and academics. As an endowed fund donor, you will receive regular communications and updates from the school about how your endowed fund is working to serve our mission and students. We hope you will consider sharing your story with our community and encouraging others to join you in endowment giving.

Endowments

Endowed Scholarship Funds

The Class of 1968 Scholarship Fund 

Established by the Class of 1968, this scholarship is supported by class members and friends of the school and is awarded to a student at the discretion of the headmaster. The late Hagood Ellison ‘68 was instrumental in starting this scholarship and championed the fund until his passing. 

The Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund 

Established by the Class of 1969, this scholarship is supported by class members and friends of the school and is awarded to a student at the discretion of the headmaster. The late Ben Harris ’69 was instrumental in starting this scholarship and championed the fund until his passing.  

The Class of 1970 Scholarship Fund 

Established in 1980 by members of the Class of 1970 in memory of their deceased classmates, this scholarship supports one Christ School student annually. 

The Class of 1973 Scholarship Fund 

Established by the Class of 1973, this scholarship is supported by class members and friends of the school and is awarded to a student at the discretion of the headmaster.  

The Class of 1975 Scholarship Fund 

Established by the Class of 1975 in 1985 in memory of their deceased classmates and in appreciation of the school, this scholarship supports one Christ School student annually. Special preference is given to the son of an alumnus. 

The Class of 1987 Scholarship Fund 

Established by members of the Class of 1987, this scholarship supports a student at the discretion of the headmaster.  

The Class of 2018 Scholarship Fund 

Established by members and parents of alumni from the Class of 2018, this scholarship supports a student at the discretion of the headmaster. 

The George Z. ’24 & James M. Alden ‘23 Scholarship Fund 

Established in 1998 by the Estate of George (Zach) Alden to endow a scholarship in the memory of George Z. ’24 and James M. Alden ’23 – who both attended and later worked at Christ School as teachers—this scholarship supports a student who has attended Christ School for at least one year. That student should demonstrate strong Christian morals, good character, and work ethic. The scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the headmaster.  

The Neetumn G. ‘35 and Homerene L. Bagwell Scholarship Fund 

Established by the Estate of Neetumn G. Bagwell in memory of Neetumn G. ’35 and Homerene L. Bagwell, this scholarship supports a student from Western North Carolina. The recipient must be a worthy student who would not otherwise be able to afford the cost of tuition at Christ School. 

The Beard Family Scholarship Fund 

Established in 2017 by Nancy and Tom Beard ’51, P’84, GP’12, GP’18, the Beard Family Scholarship supports a student who has demonstrated commitment to the Christ School community after attending the school for at least one year. The young man should possess a sense of humility, a seriousness toward his Christian faith, a developed work-ethic, thoughtfulness toward others, and an appreciation for family. He should be an active participant in campus life – be it in athletics, the arts, or another area - and serve as an overall positive example for others. He also demonstrates sound academic achievement. 

The David Belk Cannon Foundation Scholarship Fund 

Established by the David Belk Cannon Foundation, this scholarship supports a student or students from the Charlotte Area who demonstrate high character and good citizenship.  

The Francis C. Bourne III ’66 Scholarship Fund 

Established in memory of Francis C. Bourne III ’66, this scholarship is awarded annually at the discretion of the headmaster.  

The Tim Connors ’85 Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Established by Jocelyn and Tom Connors P’85, P’87 in memory of their son, Tim Connors ’85, this scholarship supports incoming students in 8th, 9th, or 10th grades, with a strong work ethic and sound morals who makes positive contributions to the community. The scholarship provides two partial scholarships for deserving students.  Once awarded, the scholarship is renewed each year, provided the recipient remains in good standing.   

The David T. Dodge Scholarship Fund 

Established by Peter G. Dodge ’95 in honor of his father, David T. Dodge, this scholarship supports a rising senior who excels in math and science.  

The Fayssoux Memorial Scholarship 

Established in 1983 in memory of Richard “Fessor” Fayssoux, Sr. ’16 and his wife, Sarah Shuford Fayssoux ’18. Fessor served as a Christ School coach and teacher for 46 years (1920 – 1966). This scholarship is awarded for general assistance at the discretion of the Headmaster. 

The Loretta Gibson Scholarship Fund 

Established in memory of Loretta Gibson P’90, P’98 in 2000, this scholarship is supported by the Gibson Family and is awarded annually at the discretion of the headmaster.  

The David Page Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Established in 1972 in memory of longtime headmaster David Page Harris, Sr. (1927-1967), as a result of the first general fundraising campaign of Christ School. This scholarship supports a student at the discretion of the current headmaster.  

The Jane. S. and Harvey M. Heywood Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Established by Mrs. D. Heywood Armistead to honor the memory of her parents, Jane S. and Harvey M. Heywood, who were longtime supporters of the school. Mr. Heywood served on the Board of Trustees from 1929-1968. The scholarship provides a need-based award and can be renewed if the student demonstrates growth in personal development, good citizenship, and measurable academic progress.  

The Loomis Scholarship Fund 

Established by Doris and Ralph Loomis P’10, P’13, P’16, this scholarship supports one student who has been enrolled at Christ School for at least a year. He should be a strong student who is actively involved in campus life.  

The McCracken Scholarship Fund 

Previously the Class of 1951 Scholarship, this scholarship was established in 1992 by Julian McCracken, USA (Ret.) ’51, in memory of his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Cicero McCracken, who especially encouraged students to seek a university education.  This scholarship is awarded for general assistance at the discretion of the Headmaster. 

The John H. Orr Scholarship Fund 

Established in memory of John H. Orr, Sr. ’32 and John H. Orr, Jr. ’69 by their family, this scholarship is awarded annually at the discretion of the headmaster.  

The Plumlee Family Scholarship Fund 

Miles ’08, Mason ’09, and Marshall Plumlee ‘11 created a scholarship to provide a four-year experience for an outstanding young man who demonstrates potential in academics, athletics, and beyond. 

The Bill Sewell ’57 Legacy Scholarship 

In 2006, two existing funds – the Legacy Scholarship Fund and the Bill Sewell Scholarship Fund - were combined to form the Bill Sewell ‘57 Legacy Fund. Sewell, a teacher and coach at Christ School for 17 years, was inducted in the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and joined the Board of Trustees that same year. Family, friends, and alumni support this scholarship on an annual basis, and it is awarded to the son of an alumnus at the discretion of the headmaster. 

The Charles L. Shuford Scholarship Fund 

Established by Robert F. Shuford ’55 in memory of his father, Charles L. Shuford, Sr. ’22, this scholarship is awarded annually to a strong student with an excellent work ethic who contributes positively to Christ School. The need-based scholarship is awarded to a student in good academic standing with a strong work ethic who is, when possible, an athlete. 

The Switzer-Wise Scholarship Fund 

Established at the death of Mrs. Mercer Wise in 1989, by her grandsons James L. Switzer, Jr. ’76 and Dr. Paul K. Switzer III ’73.  Recipients of the need-based award will be sons of, or related to, Christ School alumni. 

The David L.M. Taylor ‘78 Scholarship  

Established in memory of David L.M. Taylor ’78, this scholarship is supported annually by family and friends and supports a rising third form student who demonstrated scholarship, leadership, athletic achievement, and contributed positively to the school community during his first year at Christ School. This scholarship is need-based. 

The Carlton Davies Walker ‘76 Scholarship Fund 

Established by Patience D. and John S. Walker IV ‘44 in memory of their son, Carlton Davies Walker ’76, this scholarship is awarded annually to a rising senior who demonstrates a strong work ethic, determination, loyalty, and honesty, while making positive contributions to Christ School.  

The Helen Craig Wardlaw Scholarship Fund 

Craig Wardlaw ’62 endowed this scholarship in honor of his mother, and it annually funds two scholarships for Christ School students. The criteria include an emphasis on supporting young men of high character who come from single-parent homes. This is a need-based award. 

The George Westfeldt P’70 Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Established by the late Ethel-Jane Westfeldt-Bunting in memory of her brother, George Westfeldt P’70. Today the scholarship is supported by George’s son, Tommy Westfedlt ‘70, and is awarded annually at the discretion of the headmaster. 

The Joseph Douglas Yates ‘18 Scholarship Fund 

Luceil Foust Yates, widow of Joseph Yates ’18, willed part of her estate for the Joseph Douglas Yates Scholarship Fund.  This scholarship is awarded annually at the discretion of the headmaster.

Endowed Funds

The Hayes ’06 and Josh Whitney ’09 Endowed Fund 

Established by Mark Whitney ’80, Hayes Whitney ’06, and Josh Whitney ’09, this fund currently serves the general endowment. 

The R.E. Howard Weight Room Endowed Fund 

Established by Steve Young ’82 in honor of his father, R.E. Howard, this fund supports the maintenance of the weight room and athletic facilities at Christ School. 

The Class of 1949 Library Endowed Fund 

Established by members of the Class of 1949, this endowed fund provides resources for the library and other academic programs.  

The Presley Faculty Endowed Fund 

Established by Eugene L. Presley ’55 and Ralph P. Presley ’57, this fund supports professional development, salaries, and other resources for faculty members.  

The EE Ford Foundation Endowed Fund 

Established with a gift from the EE Ford Foundation, this endowed fund supports creative writing, student awards, and other areas of academics at Christ School. 

The Kenan Endowed Fund  

A gift from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust established this endowed fund more than 40 years ago. Today, it is one of Christ School’s largest and most important funds in the general endowment.  

The Schuber Academics Endowed Fund  

Established by a gift from the estate of Patricia Terrell P’66, this endowed fund provides resources for our academic program. 

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Top left: Miles '08, Mason '09, and Marshall Plumlee '11; Top right: Peter G. Dodge '95; Bottom: The Beard Family

If you and your family are interested in learning more about endowment giving at Christ School, please contact Betsy Ellis at bellis@christschool.org or 828-684-6232 ext. 115.