On a fittingly starry evening last October, more than 200 friends of Sidwell came together to celebrate the work, the joy, and the triumph of the School’s “Together We Shine” campaign. It’s an effort that began nine years ago — an effort that makes possible a transformational new chapter in the history of Sidwell Friends School.

In speaking to the trustees, campaign volunteers, and other community members, Head of School Bryan Garman said, “I want to thank you not just for what you have given but for who you are. You embody the original meaning of the word ‘philanthropist’ which, when first coined, referred to an individual who demonstrated genuine love for humanity. You believe that we help students learn not simply about the world in which they live, but you believe that we can inspire them to imagine a world that might one day be. We are so grateful for and humbled by what you have done, friends.”

You believe that we help students learn not simply about the world in which they live, but you believe that we can inspire them to imagine a world that might one day be." -Bryan GarmanIt was a night that moved many to tears. “It was a very special night,” says Trustee and Campaign Steering Committee member Tara Primis P ’18, ’20, ’23. “Part of the emotion was seeing so many Sidwell people from across the years in one place. But a big part of what was so moving was just how huge this accomplishment was.”

Primis said much of the credit for the campaign’s success goes to the volunteers who contributed their energy and skill to the effort. “I was impressed by my fellow volunteers who fearlessly jumped right into asking others in our community for their financial support. Asking people for money is not easy! But even those of us who were not professionals learned to do it. We still have work to do for the next phase of the campaign, so I hope this indomitable group continues their great work.”

All along the way Primis says they encouraged each other to ask the right questions: how do we do this in keeping with our Quaker ethos? How should we approach this idea of one campus? How do we get the whole community behind it?

Meg Flax P ’11, ’13, ’17 who served as clerk of the board and on the campaign steering committee when the campaign launched, says, “It was Bryan’s vision to reunite the campuses, and he was undeterred by the enormous planning, logistical and fundraising challenges it presented. He worked tirelessly and diligently to champion the project in a way that has inspired the entire community, and I think everyone at the groundbreaking understood the enormity of this accomplishment.” In unifying the campus, she says Sidwell will be even better positioned to provide the best possible education for students, consistent with the School's Quaker values.

It was Bryan’s vision to reunite the campuses, and he was undeterred by the enormous planning, logistical and fundraising challenges it presented. He worked tirelessly and diligently to champion the project in a way that has inspired the entire community." -Meg Flax P '11, '13, '17“To get to that night and look around that room was a heady mix of gratitude, pride, relief, and love,” says Primis. Former trustee and longtime volunteer Steven Bralove ’60, P ’89, ’92, GP ’23, ’26, ’29 agrees, saying that at times he didn’t believe it was possible. “The celebration was important, but the effort made by so many to make the campaign successful was amazing! Bryan eloquently conveyed that feeling.”

Working closely with remarkable volunteers was a privilege, says Flax. “If you ask any of them what motivates them, they would all say some version of the same thing: they love the School because it embodies values they cherish, values that parents see their children take with them as they leave for college and values that continue to guide alumni in their personal and professional lives, long after graduation.” 

As he closed his remarks that night, Garman said, “I am deeply moved by your commitment. You have given more than we could have imagined, and you have done so with such a beautiful and enduring and moving spirit. Thank you for being among those friends who, because you know us best, give the most and expect to be recognized the least. To live in accordance with these values is to live in the light of love. Thank you for your powerful example. It will allow us and our students to shine on for many years to come. You have my word that we will do all that we can to honor the selfless spirit in which your many gifts have been given.”

Reflecting on the evening, Steve Bralove noted, “I have heard Bryan speak on many different occasions, but I will not forget his speech that night.  He was emotional, humorous, and, yes, Quakerly. He highlighted the amount of money raised, the large numbers of individuals who participated, and the importance of the campaign to the future of Sidwell Friends. He praised the dedication of so many who support the mission of the School. Of course, he made no mention of the fact that without his leadership and commitment the campaign would not have succeeded. He was the right head of school at the right time. At the end of his remarks, I wished that everyone who was ever connected to Sidwell would have been present. I was so proud of the School and so pleased to be a part of its history.”

The renovations on the new Upper School for Sidwell Friends began in June 2024, coinciding with the success of the historic campaign, Together We Shine.  The new Upper School will welcome grades 9-12 in the fall of 2026, and it will be the largest building on campus, at more than 130,000 square feet. This project marks the next stage of the School’s long-held dream of reuniting all three divisions - the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools - on the Washington, DC campus for the first time in more than 60 years. Work to transform the current Upper School into the new Lower School is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026. Contingent on successful fundraising, we anticipate welcoming grades preK-4 to the Washington, DC campus in 2028. Stay tuned for more information on the campus unification. If you would like to discuss your philanthropy, please contact Tara Arras, assistant head of school for advancement, at arrast@sidwell.edu.