Lauren Corvese, Associate Director of Development, sat down with Sharon and Bob Ryan, grandparents of Grade 8 student Laila, to learn more about why they chose to support Phase III of The SPARK Campaign.
We’re not giving this for Laila; we’re giving because her experience has been so positive that we want others to share in that. It’s a gift for the future.
Each of us has a unique educational journey. Would you share a bit about yours?
Bob: I often start with the story of my parents. By age 13, my father began working at the factory where he would remain for his working years. My mother wanted to attend college, but wasn’t allowed by her father. Despite their own limited opportunities, both of my parents believed deeply in education, and they prioritized my schooling because they wanted the best for me. That education changed my life.
Sharon: Education has always been important in my family, too. My dad went to pharmacy school at a time when very few African Americans attended college. The importance of education was instilled in me from a young age, and is something Bob and I highly value and prioritize for our family.
B: When I think about independent schools like Park, I think of how they allow young people to learn, explore, and become their fullest selves. Education doesn’t hand you answers—it gives you the tools to figure things out. As I look at the challenges facing young people today, I believe even more strongly in the importance of preparing them well.
S: I want my grandchildren to learn in environments where they feel supported, welcomed, and challenged. That’s what I see happening for Laila at Park.
After nearly a decade at Park, what stands out to you about Laila’s experience?
S: I see a tremendous amount of growth in her. She is more self-assured, more confident, and more willing to try new things. Park has given her experiences that will serve her well in high school, college, and life. Her friendships, which cross many backgrounds, have been especially meaningful to her.
B: I notice it in her language, her thought processes, the way she talks about what she’s learning. Park nurtures her academically and beyond—it supports all the parts of who she is. She loves the variety: she’s an athlete, an artist, a dancer, and Park makes space for all of that. Her peer group is diverse and supportive, and that kind of environment matters deeply today.
Living outside Greater Boston, and even New England, what has helped you stay connected to Park?
B: A lot of our connection comes through our daughter Lesley, who is very involved at Park and keeps us informed. Hearing the School’s plans, priorities, and the thinking behind the campaign helps us understand how Laila, and all students, will benefit.
S: I agree. Even from afar, we can see what Park is working toward and how students are at the center of its decisions.
Philanthropy and service are clearly important to your family. What guides your giving?
S: We give with a purpose. We don’t support everything; we choose initiatives where we understand the need and can envision the outcome. For us, giving is most meaningful when it leads to real, specific impact.
B: As you get older, you realize that even a small word or action can expand a young person’s world. Opening educational doors for students has guided a lot of our giving.
As the first grandparents to support Phase III of The SPARK Campaign, what motivated you to lead the way? What would you say to fellow grandparents about supporting SPARK?
B: When our daughter, Lesley, talks about Park with such enthusiasm—how the School plans to spend money, what the priorities are, and how it ties directly to the student experience—it’s clear that this work matters. That’s why supporting Phase III made sense to us.
We hope every grandparent will consider supporting The SPARK Campaign in their own way. We believe every grandparent—regardless of means—can contribute something. Every gift helps move the School forward.
S: No matter the amount, every gift matters, and participation builds community. Everyone can be part of this campaign.
As your family’s Park chapter comes to a close, why was now the right moment for a legacy gift?
S: We’re not giving this for Laila; we’re giving because her experience has been so positive that we want others to share in that. It’s a gift for the future.
We give with a purpose. We don’t support everything; we choose initiatives where we understand the need and can envision the outcome. For us, giving is most meaningful when it leads to real, specific impact.