Welcome to the Alumni Grove
We’re excited to introduce the Alumni Grove, a new way for alumni to reconnect with each other and stay connected to the community.
Like the grove of trees that inspired ’s name, this group is meant to grow through shared roots and continued connection. Whether you graduated recently or many years ago, you are an important part of ’s story, and we’d love for you to be part of this community.
Who is a Member of the Alumni grove?
At , “alumni” includes anyone who graduated from , anyone who holds dear, or served as a member of our faculty or staff and would like to stay connected to the community. If was part of your journey, you belong in the Alumni Grove.
RECONNECT with your walden family
School alumni succeed in every field—from science and research to business, the arts, medicine, and education. Stay connected!
Click the link below to join our alumni network and get news on reunions, events, and classmates.
![MATT NIEHOFF CLASS OF 2000“The most rewarding thing that has happened in my life since , would be our film, Overtime…[the film] went on to premiere at the Fright Night Film Festival here in Louisville, where it won 8 awards including: Best Fil…](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/593065398419c2cf6d78ea64/1582892506223-Z2BYPFYNAIIW4OC7FUUH/5Q6A9881.jpeg)
“The most rewarding thing that has happened in my life since , would be our film, Overtime…[the film] went on to premiere at the Fright Night Film Festival here in Louisville, where it won 8 awards including: Best Film, Best Actor, and Kentucky Filmmaker of the year to name a few. That really was the pivotal moment where I said: “I did it.”
Support for ’s Future
The 1975 Club
Founded in 2025, The 1975 Club comprises the visionaries, thought leaders, and time-honored supporters of School. These individuals have invested directly into ’s endowment, ensuring the future of School for generations to come. The endowment serves as a permanent strategic foundation and gifts are carefully invested allowing the principal to grow over time. Membership in The 1975 Club reflects a commitment to 's enduring values, mission and long-term aspirations. Members are a testament to the transformative power of a education.
To join The 1975 Club, please contact our Director of Development, Sarah Smith, at ssmith@walden-school.org.
The 1975 Club Members
Brooks and Marilyn Bower - Lifetime Members
2025-2026
Charles Bowles
The Tyler Family
Brooks Bower
Jean Frazier
The Willett Family
The Eastes Family
The Nickle Family
Jim and Lizanne Hunter
Marsha Willinger
Guy and Elizabeth Montgomery
Alumni Golden Circle - $50
Alumni donors who give $50 per year to become members of the Alumni Golden Circle. Donations go to The Fund - ’s annual fund - that supports annual operations including teacher salaries, financial aid, arts, theater and athletics.
Alumni Golden Circle Members
2025-26
Ted Bressoud - Class of 1979
Gina Perry - Class of 1977
Lesile Broecker - Class of 1980
Christy Sherman Llewellyn - Class of 1978
Edward Vermillion Jr - Class of 1980
Thomas Willett - Class of 2004
Planned Giving
Join us in shaping the future of School! Your gift supports exceptional teaching, innovative programs, and unforgettable student experiences—leaving a lasting impact for generations of Wolverines.
By making a planned gift, you can support in a meaningful way and create a legacy that will last beyond your lifetime. Additionally, planned gifts can offer tax benefits.
Alumni Association Drum Award
The Drum Award was created in 2010, by a committee of Alumni, to publicly recognize and honor a person whose exceptional achievements have promoted School and have served to inspire and challenge today’s students. The Drum Award’s name is based on Thoreau’s quote: “When a man does not keep pace with his companion, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer, let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” Ted Bressoud a graduate of 1979, an architect, artist, and a volunteer and former Board of Trustee, designed and created the actual award you see on display at ’s campus.
Past Award Recipients
2010 - Charlie Sexton, 1981
2011 - Linda Van Houten
2012 - Jonathan Holloway, 1982
2013 - Marcy Tucker
2014 - Christy Sherman Llewellyn, 1978
2015 - Brooks Bower
2016 - Leslie Broecker, 1980
2017 - Carroll Frey
2018 - Doug Proffitt, 1982
2019 - Joe Steinhauer
2020 - Jim Hunter
2022 - Kim Sorise
Spotlight on Lifers & The Giving Tree
Lifers
Students who attend Kindergarten-12th Grade at are honored with a plaque on the Lifer tree found in the High School lobby. Their names become part of the interwoven network of "roots" that aptly represent a growing foundation of alumni who participated in the full educational experience. To date, we have 53 Lifers and growing!
The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree is a commemorative wall sculpture honoring the individuals who supported through generous donations from 2002-2013. We are grateful to the many families, alumni and friends whose generous contributions enabled the construction of invaluable facilities: High School, Bower Athletic Field and the Field House.
Connect with Us
We'd love to hear from you! We're happy to answer any inquiries about attending/planning alumni events, how to become involved with the community or scheduling a class reunion. For more information about School's alumni events and reunion programs, please email Rachel McMahan, Director of Advancement, at rmcmahan@walden-school.org
RACHEL McMAHAN
DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
rmcmahan@walden-school.org
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School's Official Alumni
