Endowment

We chose to create an endowment fund at UPrep shortly before our last child graduated. Our wish was to sustain support for the school in years to come, particularly for student scholarships and faculty professional development. It is gratifying to know the fund continues to provide annual income that strengthens the budget and helps make UPrep the outstanding institution it is today." Jock Akin and Mary Stevens, parents of John '97, Annie '99, and Nico '09

University Prep is about students and teachers. To sustain the people at the heart of our school, the endowment fund provides resources for financial aid, professional development, and greatest needs. Only the interest earned on the endowment is utilized each year, leaving the principal intact to benefit future generations of students and teachers.

Why does growing the endowment matter now?
The school is now over 40 years old. A healthy endowment helps to assure a school’s future while supporting current needs. The endowment fund:

  • Is invested for long-term growth
  • Benefits current and future students
  • Creates a legacy of support for teaching and learning at UPrep forever.

Current UPrep Endowments

Over the years, friends have created named endowments to fund financial aid, professional development, or the greatest needs of the school in perpetuity. We are grateful for these gifts benefiting current and future Pumas.

Endowed Financial Aid Fund

This fund allows University Prep to continue its tradition of discovering and nourishing each individual student’s potential. Distributions provide tuition and expenses for students in need of financial assistance.

Aileen Mary Welgan Endowment Fund for Professional Development

Established in 2007 through a bequest from Aileen Welgan, this fund honors Aileen’s commitment to teaching and enables faculty and staff to pursue professional excellence in their fields.

Akins/Stevens Charitable Fund

This fund was created by Jock Akin and Mary Stevens in appreciation for the quality education their children received at University Prep and provides support where it is most needed. This allows the school to actively respond to unanticipated opportunities or challenges identified by the Board and Head of School.

C and JZ Scholarship Fund

Carlene Gaudette and her son Jeff Zbikowski '06 established this fund in 2007 in appreciation for the quality education Jeff received at University Prep. This fund helps students in need of financial assistance who otherwise wouldn’t have the resources to attend University Prep and benefit from its outstanding education.

Edward E. Ford Endowment for Faculty Development

Erica and Nason Hamlin Endowed Scholarship Fund

This fund was created in 2014 to honor former Head of School Erica Hamlin’s service to University Prep and her legacy of expanding access to independent school education. Proceeds benefit students in need of financial aid with priority given to Rainier Scholars students.

Faculty and Staff Compensation Fund

Established in 2006, earnings from this endowment support compensation for faculty and staff in a competitive marketplace for top-notch educators.

Faculty and Staff Professional Development Fund

Established in 2006, this fund supports conferences and training to enhance the professional expertise of faculty and staff.

International Education Fund

Established in 2006, proceeds support University Prep’s commitment to provide a global education and international opportunities to its students.

Makinen-Sarin Endowment

Michelle Gans Scholarship Fund

Roger Bass Financial Aid Fund

Created to honor Roger Bass’s 25-year leadership at University Prep, proceeds from this endowment benefit students with demonstrated financial need.

General Endowment Fund

Unrestricted endowment provides the school flexibility to sustain its academic programs and respond to change over time.

For more information on UPrep's Endowment, please contact Director of Advancement Catherine Blundell at cblundell@universityprep.org or 206.832.1147.