Endowment Funds

The Teaching Excellence Fund ensures that Parker's faculty have an opportunity to participate in a mastery-level program and receive compensation for their dedication and commitment to the teaching profession. Spearheaded by a $100,000 tradition grant from the E.E. Ford Foundation in 2024, the Fund was established by donors who believe in teaching excellence.

The Paul Esch Office for Excellence in Teaching was Established in 2025 by Melissa ‘04, Andrew ‘01, and Carol Vassiliadis to recognize and honor Paul Esch, a tenured and beloved faculty member of the Parker community and a cherished friend of the Vassiliadis family. The Esch Office is the central hub of faculty and administrative leaders who ensure excellence in teaching and professional growth and development through evaluation and instructional coaching. Through the Esch Office, faculty can apply and participate in the mastery-level teaching program and receive additional compensation through the Teaching Excellence Fund.

Established in 2024 by the Cornuelle Family Foundation.

Established in 2023 by Gail and Duane Nelles.

Established in 2021 in honor of Mary Brown on her 80th birthday.

Established in 2020 by Carol Vassiliadis, former Board of Trustees member and parent of Andrew ’01 and Melissa ’04, this fund recognizes and honors Dr. Gillingham. “Dr. G.” served as the Head of the Lower School for 29 years and dedicated a total of 44 years to the Parker community; he retired in 2020. This fund names the Head of Lower School position in his honor.

Established in 2014 by the Anklesaria Family, this fund supports the Anklesaria Excellence Award for Lower School faculty and staff. Starting in 2023, this award will recognize the unique skill, patience, and joy required of those who dedicate their careers to educating young students.

Established in 2024 by Sindhu Kondreddi and Vishnu Duvuuru.

Established in 2014 by Robert Howard in memory of his parents, Barbara C. and George H. Howard, and grandparents to two Parker students, to honor Middle School faculty members who inspire through mentoring, challenge their students to think critically, and elevate their students’ learning and educational achievements through extraordinary example and leadership.

Established in 2014 by an anonymous Parker family to honor retired faculty.

Established in 2014 by an anonymous Parker family to honor retired faculty.

Established in 2014 by an anonymous Parker family to honor retired faculty.

Established in 2014 by Ted Tchang ’81 and Alice Mo and the Tchang Family Foundation, this fund helps Parker recruit outstanding graduate students who bring new perspectives into the classroom while gaining significant teaching experience in an innovative and supportive environment in the Middle and Upper School.

Established in 2013 by Cathy Lutge and Marilyn ’08 and Meg ’11 Sullivan, this fund provides support for the faculty and staff community.

Established in 2012 by Carol Vassiliadis, former Board of Trustees member and parent of Andrew ’01 and Melissa ’04, to recognize exceptional English faculty members who embody excellence in pedagogy. The fund supports the Vassiliadis Family Chair and the Vassiliadis Family Distinguished Fellow.

Established in 2002 by Noreen and David Mulliken, parents of David ’96 and Doug ’01, and through the support of the Ruth Lane Foundation, this award recognizes outstanding Upper School teachers and coaches who are committed to excellence and dedicated to their students, and whose enthusiasm for teaching upholds Parker’s highest standards.

Established in 2002 to honor the late Head of School Dr. W. Lee Pierson, this fund provides a summer grant for personal enrichment to a faculty member on the basis of length of service at Parker.

Established in 2002 by Cathy Lutge and Marilyn ’08 and Meg ’11 Sullivan, this fund supports achievement awards for faculty and staff members who have loyally served at Parker at the following anniversaries: 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, and in five-year increments after that.

Established in 2000 by Matt Blumberg ’88, Terence and Barbara Gooding, and Kathy Gooding Valverde ’84 in honor of the Ramerts, this fund provides support to enrich the Upper School social studies program and increase opportunities for faculty enrichment and professional development.

Established in 2000 by a generous Parker family, this fund supports any Upper School faculty member for a visionary, creative cause in support of innovative educational projects that are not part of the regular curriculum.

Established in 2000 by the Francis Parker School Parents Association, this fund supports activities by faculty or staff members to promote or enhance teaching or service that benefits the student body.

Established in 1993 by Glenn and Joanne Dethloff to recognize teaching excellence at Parker, this fund provides three professional or program development awards annually to honor and support the work of faculty or staff members in each of the three divisions.

Established in 1992 by Louise Hanson Marshall ’26, Ph.D., in memory of her mother, one of Parker’s first teachers. This fund supports a faculty or staff member in activities that will enhance teaching or service at Parker.

Established in 1989 to support Upper School faculty in summer research and writing projects designed to develop new curricula or revise existing curricula.

Established in 2025 by Tom Wetherald and Sydney Miller, this fund supports the Robotics program.

Established in 2022 by the Thompson Family to support visual arts programs in the Middle and Upper School.

Established in 2013 by Jan Steinert and Richard Bosse, this fund supports initiatives and activities that enable the School to promote a diverse and inclusive environment consistent with its goals and values.

Established in 2011 by Peter Black and Haleh Partow, this fund supports the Lower School math and science programs.

Established in 2006 by Hudson Moore ’02 and his family, this fund supports the Upper and Middle School music and guitar programs. This fund was inspired by Hudson’s passion for the guitar program and the positive influence of both his guitar teachers, Michael Gonzales and Andy Tirpak, during his Parker career.

Established in 2003 by the Francis Parker School Parents Association, this fund provides support for program development in the areas of science and technology.

Established in 2001 in memory of Evelyn M. Koon, this fund provides support for the Linda Vista Campus library.

Established in 2000 in memory of Charles “Chuck” Pooch, former math department chair and esteemed member of the Parker faculty, by the Pooch family and Chuck’s friends, colleagues, and former students. This fund provides support for special classroom needs in the math program and continuing professional development for members of the math department.

Established in 2000 by Coleman and Ellen Mosley, this fund provides support for faculty and program development opportunities to strengthen and enrich academic and cultural programs.

Established in 1998 by the Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation, this fund supports the Linda Vista Campus library.

Established in 1993 to honor the memory of Paul Barkley, Board of Trustees member and parent, this fund provides students with the tools and training needed for future success in the world.

Established in 1988 to honor Mary Moore upon her retirement as kindergarten teacher, this fund supplements the Lower School music program.

Established in 1986, this fund provides operating resources for the Middle School.

Established in 1986 to honor Doris Larson upon her retirement as the Parker librarian, this fund provides books and materials for the School’s libraries.

Established in 2024 by David and Linda Golden.

Established in 2020 by alumni during the Alumni Giving Days of Impact, this fund provides annual support for special projects.

Established in 2013 by Hal and Rhonda Ryan.

Established in 2013 by Lynn E. Gorguze and the Honorable Scott Peters and Gloria and the late Vincent Gorguze.

Established in 2013 by Tom and CoCo Bancroft.

Established in 2012 by Lorraine Oberfeld and Alejandro Doring.

Established in 2012 by Susan Hansen Fox ’86 and Eric Fox.

Established in 2011 by Michael and Rondi Grey.

Established in 1997 in memory of Mary Louise Jackson, who passed away during her Grade 3 year at Parker in 1931. The fund was made possible through her late mother’s estate.

Though it began informally in the late 1970s, this award was established formally in 2010 in memory of longtime tennis coach and mentor Charles H. Freer. This award (by name only) is given to an Upper School student-athlete.

Established in 2008 by the family and friends of Corie, this award recognizes students who best demonstrate service to others and commitment to the community as embodied by Corie.

Established in 2004 by the estate of a former first grade teacher who taught at Parker for two decades, this award recognizes a rising Grade 6 student who adds to the class both academically and socially and who demonstrates affection for the School.

Established in 2002 for Kirsten Rindal, former Lower School teacher and Board of Trustees member, this award recognizes an outstanding Grade 5 student.

Established in 2000 by Audrey Viterbi and Dan, Aaron ’07, and Michael ’13 Smargon, this award is given to an outstanding Grade 5 student who demonstrates a love of learning, academic potential and performance, and exceptional character.

Established in 2000 by David ’81 and Cynthia McLean, this award goes to a promising Grade 10 or Grade 11 student who has demonstrated exceptional talent in the study of the natural sciences.

Established in 2000 by Reggie Smith, alumni parent and grandparent, in honor of her grandchildren, this award recognizes a Grade 11 student who excels in math and science and demonstrates extraordinary citizenship.

Established in 1989 in memory of Eric Subin ’84, this award recognizes outstanding Grade 11 student-athletes.

Established in 1988 to honor a former Board of Trustees member, this award recognizes an outstanding Grade 11 student who is exceptional in the Spanish language program.

Established in 1987 to honor the late Douglas Crone, former Head of School, this award recognizes outstanding Grade 12 students.

Established in 1983 in memory of Marites Quini ’83, who passed away during her senior year at Parker. The Marites Quini Girl of the Year Award is given to an outstanding Grade 12 girl.