On behalf of The Latin School of Chicago, we would like to thank all of our current donors for their generosity and support.

Dr. Richard Davis
“Latin’s superb faculty always encouraged me to give my best effort,” recalls Dr. Richard Davis ’43.

Whether it was translating Caesar and Virgil, trying to fathom poetry, delving deeply into science, or reliving crucial moments from a particular athletic contest, his memories are replete with examples of Latin’s focus on excellence in the classroom and in life itself.

“The personal interests and guidance that the Headmaster and each faculty member and coach gave to all of the students left an enduring impression on me,” he said. “I was a teenage youngster whose father had left for World War II. Their encouragement and advice were that of a surrogate father who suggested study more, compete harder, and reach beyond yourself.”

Davis went on to become a successful neurosurgeon. In honor of the important role Latin played in his life, Davis has named the school in his will.

“It is my sincere hope that my contributions would help develop future leaders in education, the arts and sciences, government, and at all societal levels,” he says. “Excellence in all matters must be the absolute norm in this increasingly complex world. We must pursue this noble goal with resolute energy and persistence.”

Katherine Selz Mayer

Katherine Selz Mayer joined Girls’ Latin School in eighth grade. “I remember all of my teachers’ names and what they looked like,” Mrs. Mayer once reflected. “Miss Mabel Slade Vickery was Headmistress, Miss Bates taught Latin, Miss Hood English, Miss Jarrett mathematics, and Miss Porter physical education,” said Mrs. Mayer, who was an avid athlete, playing field hockey and basketball at Latin and was an accomplished golfer. “The education provided by the fine faculty carried over into my college years. Miss Hood was as thorough and accomplished as any English professor that I subsequently had at Vassar College.”

[read more about Katherine]

Catherine Emmons Phelps ’62

The seven years that Catherine Emmons Phelps ’62 spent at Latin had a lasting impact on her life. “I feel a close bond to Latin,” she says, “Latin has always been central to my life, and education has always been a priority for my family.” For these reasons, Catherine selected Latin as one of the beneficiaries in her estate plan.

In October, Catherine and several of her classmates got together during Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. “We realized during dinner that all of us were extremely influenced by Dr. Dolezal.” Whatever their chosen profession—doctor, lawyer, or interior designer—all “love to write” and credit Dr. Dolezal for honing their skills.

Catherine’s generosity will help to ensure that the next generation of Latin students will have teachers like Dr. Dolezal, who empower their students to become passionate life-long learners.

Bill and Marjorie Marston

“I can’t remember a day that I wasn’t eager to go to school,” says former Lower School director and 1888 Society member, Marjorie Marston.

Mrs. Marston, who also served as a first grade teacher and the director of the reading lab, remembers her years at Latin with great affection.

“No one,” she says, “had more fun teaching than I.”

Mrs. Marston had an opportunity for a lot of fun during her 30-year Latin career, begun in 1942. She remembers guiding her students through hands-on learning projects: building teepees, igloos, and rocket ships, or watching chickens hatch in an incubator. She enjoyed the times when she and music teacher Mary Maj helped students stage musical dramas, like Cinderella in Space.

Her students have fond memories of her, too. Many remain in contact with her after all these years, exchanging holiday cards, letters, and phone calls, and taking a drive out to the Marston home in Wenona for a visit. Many credit her with laying the foundation of their future academic success.

Mrs. Marston maintains contact with many of her former colleagues for whom she has great respect and admiration, “They were a self-sufficient group of professionals who built strong relationships with parents, students, and colleagues alike,” she says.

Through Bill and Marjorie Marston’s gift, they will provide ongoing support for the quality of education that Mrs. Marton is remembered for today. When asked what prompted her to include Latin in her estate plans, Mrs. Marston answers simply: “Latin is the greatest school in the whole world.”