Report of Giving 2022-23
Each individual’s contribution is important and valued.
As I reflect on the last year at Ransom Everglades, I am moved by all of the ways in which we have shown our community spirit as a school.
I have treasured each opportunity to witness joy within the RE community. In the fall, families and alumni came to campus for a truly spectacular homecoming. Throughout the year, we resumed regional travel, visiting alumni and friends in North Carolina, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York. In the spring, both the REPA Spring Party and Alumni Weekend brought together hundreds of parents and alumni for wonderful gatherings on campus.
Our community has demonstrated its support and enthusiasm for Ransom Everglades philanthropically as well. Donors contributed a record $4.6 million to The Fund for RE, powering the annual operation of the school, and created eight new endowed funds, supporting financial aid, faculty support and student life.
As you read the Report of Giving 2022-23, you will see both the strength of our community and the accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff. I am incredibly proud of all that they have achieved this year.
Thank you for your part in Ransom Everglades’ successes. Each individual’s contribution is important and valued; the engagement of our community in all aspects of school life indicates to me that we are not only on the right path, but also prepared for a joyful road ahead.
With gratitude,
Rachel Rodriguez
Head of School
The Fund for Ransom Everglades Overview
Ransom Everglades provides transformational educational experiences for every student because of our community’s incredible dedication to intellectual growth and generosity of spirit. Together, you provide the resources the school requires to be flexible in meeting needs as they arise and to ensure that all students have meaningful opportunities to grow and succeed no matter what path they choose.
Giving Highlights
1,556 donors contributed $4.6 million to The Fund for RE.
The Harry Anderson ’38 Loyalty Society grew to 303 members.
Parents from the Class of ’29 earned the top spot for participation (84%) and amount raised ($1.19 million).
Donors delivered another record-breaking year for Raider Day of Giving – exceeding our participation goal and surpassing last year’s amount raised for a total of $442,477.
Alumni from 10 classes returned for Alumni Weekend 2023, and over 250 alumni donors celebrated their milestone reunion with a class gift.
On Give Miami Day and the designated early giving days, Ransom Everglades received $241,325 from 181 donors – an increase in giving of 42.5% over last year.
Donor Highlights
$2,601
average gift size
1,556
members of the RE community supported The Fund for RE
303
donors have given 10+ years consecutively
26
most consecutive years of giving by a donor
Investments in Ransom Everglades
Ransom Everglades continues to invest in the people, programs and facilities that make RE special. From the professional growth of our faculty and staff to the instructional programs that distinguish the school to the beautiful campuses in Coconut Grove, RE is committed to delivering an exceptional educational experience for all students.
Financial Highlights
$16.6 million
invested in instructional programs
$332,000
invested in professional growth
$275,846
invested in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
$2.1 million
invested in facilities, including new construction
Endowment Growth
Donor Impact by the Numbers
Ransom Everglades donors create opportunities across both campuses.
18
cultural events and guest speakers hosted in partnership with the Office of Inclusion & Community Engagement
8
new endowments funded, supporting financial aid, faculty support and student life
20+
years of Mirthfest, a “spooky” tradition that sparks students’ creativity each year
600+
community members attended Homecoming 2022, promoting school spirit
95
fitness opportunities offered through Employee Wellness Program
174
eighth-grade students celebrated a spirited send-up to the upper school
Stories of Impact
At the heart of RE are the people who make this school special.
Students
“I will dearly miss this community, and I hope to give back even greater things as I find my own success. I would love to come back in the future and fulfill Paul Ransom’s blueprint, for example, by giving back to scholars and enabling them with even more resources to grow and meet their maximum potential.”
– Rogelio Muñoz-Franco ’23
“The visual arts program at RE, particularly through the medium of ceramics, has been an essential part of my high school journey. I have discovered my unique artistic style, inspired by the beauty of bubbles, found new ways to express myself, and explored the cross-disciplinary nature of art and science. I have been able to pursue my passion for ceramics through all three levels of study and a fourth year of independent study. More importantly, ceramics has provided me with a creative outlet and fueled my imagination.”
– Parker Martorella ’23
Faculty and Staff
“Teaching is my passion, and I am driven by breaking down complex scientific concepts into easily understandable bite-size pieces. My approach as a STEM instructor involves guiding my students to combine their existing knowledge with their unique perspectives and nurturing their critical thinking and analytical skills.”
– Adriana Sanchez, Assistant Head of Upper School
“It has always been a goal of mine to give back to programs and places that gave a lot to me, and Ransom Everglades is one of them. Ransom Everglades gave me great opportunities and skills, and I wanted to help students to similarly be prepared for college and help guide them in the process.”
– Paul Natland ’02, STEM faculty, physics
Alumni
“My time at RE instilled in me a love of learning and an intellectual curiosity that I carry with me today. Thanks to an amazing faculty and staff on both the middle school and high school campuses, I learned how to learn, how to ask questions, how to explore, and how to make mistakes. I entered college unafraid to take academic risks and challenge myself.”
– Caroline Murphy ’12
“My favorite RE teacher was Ms. Szolodko, my AP US History and AP European History teacher, sophomore year and junior year, respectively. She inspired me to broaden my history knowledge and to always question established dogma. One of the best things I learned about myself at RE was the fact that being organized and studious was not a means to an end, but something that would help me throughout high school, college and beyond.”
– Luis Cisneros ’06
Honor Roll of Donors
For a complete honor roll of donors, click below. In the interest of protecting donors’ privacy, the online Honor Roll of Donors is password protected, and the hint to access the document is:
What are the new mission and values of Ransom Everglades called?* "The_____"
* The password is case-sensitive and begins with The. Trouble accessing the report? Email us at advancement@ransomeverglades.org.
Thank you to our volunteers!
We are very grateful to our
32 Trustees
18 Advancement Committee Members
26 The Fund for RE parent, alumni and faculty & staff lead volunteers
26 REPA executive committee members
39 Alumni Board members
67 Reunion Committee members
for their tireless dedication to RE.
“Seeing up close how fully the team at Ransom Everglades invests in the lessons they teach, the students under their care, and the quality of opportunities they provide, is inspiring and powerful. I am extremely thankful for the passion and purpose they bring to work every day.”
Jonathan Fitzpatrick P’20 ’23
Board Chair