Endowment Programs

At Head-Royce School, we believe that education is the key to a brighter future. Our commitment to providing exceptional learning experiences for students goes beyond the classroom. With our Endowment Programs, we ensure that generations to come will benefit from the same transformative education that has shaped our community.

In recent years, Head-Royce has raised more than $12 million in cash and pledges for the Endowment Program. All endowment funds are invested for growth to provide annual support in perpetuity for their designated purpose. Fundraising for the endowment continues to be a priority for the Board of Trustees.

A catalyst for transformation

By contributing to our Endowment Program, you help us achieve the following extraordinary goals:

Support student scholarships, unlocking life-changing opportunities.
Fuel faculty growth through professional development, ensuring exceptional instruction.
Foster academic excellence with cutting-edge programs and resources.
Equip students with skills for success in a global society in our Heads Up program
Provide state-of-the-art technology resources for digital-age learning
Enhance facilities for creative exploration and collaboration.

Join the many alumni, current and past parents, faculty, and friends who established endowments as permanent legacies. Contribute to our Endowment Program and make a lasting impact on generations to come.

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Endowed Chairs

Endowed Chairs are one of the highest honors we bestow on members of our Professional Community. Funded by generous donors, each Faculty Chair is awarded in recognition of outstanding service to the School and to nourish professional growth. Each Chair is appointed for three school years and includes an annual salary stipend and professional development grant.

The Anna Head Distinguished Chair in Teaching Excellence

Anna_Head_Chair_2021 — Kristi Farnham Thompson
2021 — 2024
Lower School Learning Specialist
Student Wellness and Support Department Chair

The Anna Head Distinguished Chair for Teaching Excellence was established by the Read family to recognize a faculty member from any department or division who displays outstanding teaching, inspires students, and brings infectious personal enthusiasm to the job.

The Dan and Lily Chao Family Chair

Chao_Family_Chair_2021 — Kyong Pak
2021 — 2024
Upper School History Teacher
US Dean of Equity + Inclusion

Established in 2007, the Dan and Lily Chao Family Chair recognizes a member of the faculty who embraces the School's mission to develop global citizens, and who excels in the teaching of language, culture, history, politics, religion, or society. The Chair supports faculty in the study of these disciplines with an emphasis on China and other Asian countries, including other developing countries in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.

The Tan Distinguished Chair in Science, Mathematics, and Technology

Tan_Distinguished_Chair_2021 — Ciara Coleman
2021 — 2024
5th Grade Teacher

The Tan Distinguished Chair recognizes a member of the faculty who excels in teaching math, science, or technology and especially someone who is able to integrate these disciplines while inspiring students to consider a lifetime commitment to study and work in these fields.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity and the responsibility that will come with this Chair. I am excited to collaborate with my Lower School colleagues, all of the recipients from this year, and those who have had this opportunity before us. Right now, the possibilities seem positively endless. It is my goal to ensure that all students see themselves reflected in this field.”

– Ciara Coleman

The Charlotte Rose Coleman Frey Chair

Coleman-Frey_Chair_2021 — Will Adams
2021 — 2024
6th Grade English and History Teacher

The Charlotte Rose Coleman Frey Chair honors a teacher in the Middle School or Upper School who inspires students by demonstrating a love of learning, a deep care and commitment for the welfare of each student, and who helps to build the Head-Royce community.

The Richard and Sandra Gilbert Chair

Henry Curtin 2023 Gilbert Chair Recipient — Henry Curtin
2023 — 2026
Middle School Math Teacher

The Richard and Sandra Gilbert Chair was established in 2001. The Chair honors an exceptional teacher who has demonstrated a commitment to, and encourages an interest in, his or her field, and shares the Gilbert's vision of educating the whole person.

Previous Recipients

Previous Recipients

The Anna Head Distinguished Chair in Teaching Excellence

2017—2020: Zachary Bernard
2014—2017: Thaddeus Lisowski
2011—2014: Andrew Spear
2007—2011: Francine Shirvani
2005—2007: Priscila Hine
2003—2005: David Enelow

The Dan and Lily Chao Family Chair

2017—2020: Karen Bradley
2014—2017: Naoko Akiyama
2011—2014: Saya McKenna
2007—2011: Sara Noll

The Tan Distinguished Chair in Science, Mathematics, and Technology

2016—2019: Andrea Sparks
2014—2016: Scott Clark
2011—2014: Shahana Sarkar
2007—2011: Jennifer Brakeman
2005—2007: Molly Barrett
2003—2005: Holly Below

The Charlotte Rose Coleman Frey Chair

2017—2020: Harry Muniz
2014—2017: Paul Scott
2011—2014: Linda Hoopes
2008—2011: Owen von Kugelgen
2005—2008: Barry Barankin
2003—2005: Nancy Feidelman

The Richard and Sandra Gilbert Chair

2021—2023: Rasheeda Turner
2017—2020: Debra Carr
2014—2017: Leslie Powell
2011—2014: Lea Van Ness
2007—2011: Christopher Davies
2004—2007: Jan Groschupf
2002—2004: Nancy Knop

Endowed Professional Community Awards

We present these one-time Endowed Professional Community awards at the end of each school year in recognition of an exemplary year of service. New this year is the Umoja Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion created through an exciting grassroots parent fundraising effort.

The Michael Traynor Family Fellowship

Established in 1983, The Michael Traynor Family Fellowship honors individuals who have “served the School with excellence and exceptional spirit and have especially enhanced the lives of others.”

The Grannie J. Fellowship

The Grannie J. Fellowship was established in 1984 by Candace and Dick Burge, in honor of Dick’s Mother, “Grannie J.’” Her grandchildren, Glyn and Onie, graduated from Head-Royce in 1986 and 1988. Grannie J. believed strongly that learning was supported not only by a student’s family but by individuals at the School who consistently inspire students and demonstrate excellence themselves.

The Chris Mandel Spirit Award

The Mandel Spirit Award was established in memory of one of Head-Royce’s greatest fans, Chris Mandel. Four of her five children attended the School––John, Chris, Ingrid, and Vanessa––and her husband, Bill, served for many years on the Board of Trustees. The Mandels continued their loyal support for Head-Royce while John served on the Alumni Council, as did Ingrid, who also worked as our Alumni Director. The Mandel family thought it only fitting to honor Chris’s memory by establishing an endowed award to recognize School spirit.

The Umoja Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Umoja Award was established in 2020, an extraordinary year when the world paused for a double pandemic: COVID-19 and global uprisings for social and racial justice. Inspired by a transformative 4th grade teacher who met the moment with excellence, heart, courage, strength, and purpose, a group of parents launched a grassroots campaign to create the award. Named for the Swahili word for “unity,” the Umoja Award recognizes an individual who has made significant, concrete contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the School and beyond.

Thank you to Colleen Chien, Sam Ernst, Krystal McLear, and Jean Tom ’92 for their tireless work in launching the Umoja Award!

Previous Recipients

Previous Recipients

The Michael Traynor Family Fellowship

The Grannie J. Fellowship

The Chris Mandel Spirit Award

The Umoja Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

2022: Jodi Biskup
2021: Julie Kim-Beal
2020: Rasheeda Turner
2019: Ann Quan
2018: Sarah Noll
2017: Gene Vann
2016: Mikki Frazier
2015: Rachel Concannon
2014: Ciara Coleman
2013: Debra Carr
2012: Dora Benavides
2011: Scott Clark
2010: Dennis Malone

2022: Zach Bernard
2021: Kristin Dwelley
2020: Ian Walters
2019: Paul Scott
2018: Stevie Kaplan
2017: Warren Fernandes
2016: Carol Kennedy
2015: Saya McKenna
2014: Priscilla Hine
2013: Kristi Farnham-Thompson
2012: Naoko Akiyama
2011: Linda Hoopes
2010: Vylinh Nguyen

2022: Suzy Klein
2021: Rosemary Durousseau
2020: Kathleen Ray
2019: Chris Dunlap
2018: Justin Baker-Rhett
2017: Samantha Baheti
2016: Deirdre Williams
2015: Mark Schneider ‘00
2014: Luz Diaz
2013: Kenny Ewbank
2012: Willie Adams
2011: Andrei Ferrera
2010: Betsy Ringrose

2022: Kora Shin
2021: Barry Turner

Full List of Previous Recipients

Student Scholarships

Nia Endowed Scholarship for Students of Color

Nia Endowed Scholarship for Students of Color

Nia is the Swahili word meaning “purpose.” Nia encourages us to look within ourselves and set goals that are beneficial to the community. It represents our hopes and dreams for the future of our children and future of Head-Royce. As a group of parents, faculty and administrators, we collectively strive to foster community spirit within Head-Royce while building partnerships with community groups, individuals and businesses.

Nia was established in 2003 when four Head-Royce mothers met to discuss how they could contribute and support the three tenets of the Head-Royce mission — scholarship, diversity and citizenship. It was decided to host an annual speakers event that would be open to the Head-Royce and greater Oakland community. These founding members also had an equally important goal to establish an endowed scholarship to support the tuition for students of color admitted to Head-Royce School.

Learn more about the Nia Speaker Series

Individuals interested in making a gift to the Endowment Program are encouraged to also continue their annual support for the Head-Royce Annual Fund. For more information on making a gift to the endowment, please email Johnny Avots-Smith, Director of Advancement, or call him at 510-531-1300 x2148.