The Duffield STEAM Initiative has made possible state-of-the-art renovations and enhancements to Ridgewood High School (RHS) to support the growing needs of its robust curricular program designed to prepare students for the 21st-century workplace through hands-on experiences. Three large-scale improvement projects under this umbrella initiative are the Innovation & Makerspace Lab, the Media Lab - TV & Recording Studio, and the Culinary Arts Lab. Through the generous gift of the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, RHS students will reap significant benefits for years to come. Aligned with the district’s vision of instilling a passion and drive for lifelong learning by developing key “habits of learning” (critical thinking, empathy, creativity, and resilience), the Duffield STEAM Initiative directly supports the development of these essential qualities that contribute to success in academic pursuits, career, and citizenship.

The Ridgewood High School Alumni Association (RHSAA) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the Duffield STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) Initiative on Saturday, October 8. Three projects that were made possible by the incredible generosity of esteemed alumnus, David Duffield, RHS Class of 1958, and the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. Tara Augustine, Interim President of the RHSAA, and Jeff Nyhuis, RHS Principal, opened the ceremony with remarks about the historic gift and its immediate and long-term impact on the students of Ridgewood High School.

Although Dave Duffield was unable to attend the event, he provided a statement to be read on his behalf. "Cheryl and I are pleased to support Ridgewood High School's STEAM Initiative in honor of my parents, Albert and Mary Duffield. My dad was an engineer, and he inspired my interest in technology. My mom was a teacher, and she taught me the importance of a strong education,” said Dave Duffield. “Ridgewood High School provided me an exceptional education, and my hope is the Duffield STEAM Initiative will inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs."

The event concluded with a tour of Ridgewood High School, which highlighted the three STEAM projects and many other updates that have been to the high school over the years. The first stop was the Distinguished Alumni Wall, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to society through their personal lives, individual passions, talents, professional accomplishments and/or community service.