A SHORT HISTORY OF GIVING TO WEBB
Creating the 21st Century
Webb’s 21st Century graduates are already making their marks in the world. Preparing students for success and leadership in the 21st Century demands that Webb exceed every precedent set in the past. Fine arts, athletics, and academics curricula must be stronger than ever. Support from the Webb community builds on the legacy of giving created by generations who established today’s stability. Join the legacy with your gift today, and watch your gifts grow for decades to come!

Today’s tireless workers – the 1980s and 1990s
Webb students in the 1980s and 1990s are today’s “tireless workers” and emerging leaders. Their experiences at Webb share the creative wit and emphasis on tradition passed on from previous generations. During this time, Webb experienced the greatest growth in endowment and annual giving. Alumni, parents, and the community brought Webb into the 21st Century with consistent annual support.

Creativity prevails – the 1970s
Progressive social movements and changes in education trends merged with Webb traditions in the 1970s. Girls were admitted again; interscholastic sports competition began; humanities and science curricula strengthened; independence with integrity was emphasized. The student body was highly creative and outgoing, creating the “Webb Feet” mascot and stamping Webb culture with a quirky wit that survives today. The school was climbing toward long-term financial stability.

A world in turmoil – the 1960s
The 1960s were a decade of tremendous social change in the United States and globally. These changes were also felt at Webb. The traditional austere Webb environment was enhanced by a modernizing campus-planning initiative: a new administration building and gymnasium complex were built, transforming the rural campus with images of modernity. Webb students planted many of the trees which now tower over these buildings. Alumni of the 1960s have become leaders of today’s Board of Trustees.

A school divided – the 1950s
In 1951, at the age of 77, “Son Will” Webb ceded financial governance of the school to the Board of Trustees, and Webb officially became a not-for-profit institution. Conflict about the school’s internal governance arose, and national education trends evolved. The permanent “Big Room” classroom building was raised. Enrollment faltered, but Webb survived.

A great generation
Following the American Civil War, quality education was difficult to find in the southeastern United States. The Webb School was founded in 1870 by William R. “Sawney” Webb in the basement of a Methodist Church in Culleoka, Tenn., with the support of a local school board of parents. In 1886, Sawney moved his reputable school 50 miles east to the village of Bell Buckle to escape the legalization of liquor sales in Maury County. Bell Buckle citizens and parents sponsored the move.

The first permanent buildings were raised after Sawney’s death in 1926, when governance of the school passed to William R. “Son Will” Webb and the Board of Trustees established by Sawney. Economic distress during the Great Depression and World War II was reflected in the school’s declining enrollment trends, but with the continued support of parents, the Board of Trustees, and the growing alumni population, The Webb School’s strength continued to grow.

The Webb Fund

Martin excited to serve as general chair of The Webb Fund 2012-2013

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Paul Martin ’88, affectionately known as “Code Paul” on the Webb campus, is serving as this year’s General Chair for The Webb Fund.

“At Webb, I found a place where students were encouraged to think for themselves and be intellectually curious. The faculty at Webb sought to mentor students and not just lecture to them in class. I truly value my time at Webb.”

Along with his wife, Kendel, stepdaughter, Delaney, and two rescued mutts named Meg and Foxy, Paul lives in Austin, Texas. He is certified as an instructor in the Texas Concealed Handgun License program and spends time blogging and working out. Paul is also an active participant in emergency preparedness training, and sponsored the installation of an emergency warning siren on the Webb campus administration building. He received his nickname, “Code Paul” while presenting to students about preparing for an emergency as part of his April 2012 Webb Chapel talk.

“I came to Webb at the beginning of my junior year of high school. Going from the pace of my previous school to the pace of Webb was akin to getting shot off of an aircraft carrier deck,” said Martin. “The first six weeks were the toughest, but I knew I needed to stick it out to prepare for college.” 

Martin went on to earn a degree in public policy studies from Vanderbilt University and a degree in law from the University of Miami.  Martin is licensed to practice law in Tennessee, Florida, and Texas, and previously practiced as a trial counsel and in-house counsel for a number of years.  At present, Martin is working as a State Affairs Manager for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC). In his role at NAMIC, he is a registered lobbyist in a number of states, where he advocates on behalf of the insurance industry.

“In this business, you have to be able to build relationships and communicate effectively with a wide spectrum of personalities and backgrounds. You also must be able to explain nebulous concepts very quickly,” he said. “My time at Webb helped me learn how to process large amounts of data quickly and into something useful, as well as how to share that information with a diverse array of people.”

In a recent letter to alumni, Martin reminded everyone who attended Webb in the past that they did so because of the generous gifts of others who went before them. “It’s our turn to do for the current students what others did for us,” said Martin. “I encourage anyone who was touched by the Webb experience to think back to that time and think about how important it is to preserve that for current and future students.”

 

Keep the legacy GROWING | 2012-2013 GOAL:$550,000 

T

he Webb School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit independent school. As such, the school does not receive public funding for its programs. Like other independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the cost of a Webb education. Each year, charitable gifts to the Webb Fund cumulatively balance the budget, demonstrating loyalty to Sawney’s mission and The Webb School’s history of success. More than 30% of Webb students receive merit- or need-based financial aid each year, and all Webb students receive a "hidden scholarship" from gifts to the Webb Fund, which closes the gap between the actual cost of operating the school and income from tuition and endowment.  

The Legacy of Great Faculty

The financial support of your tax-deductible gifts facilitates the school’s immediate investment in increased faculty compensation and professional development. There is no single initiative of greater importance at Webb today than attracting and retaining excellent, versatile, and dedicated teachers who want to make Webb their way of life. The Board of Trustees has committed additional budget funding to increase teacher salaries and professional development. In a time when teaching jobs and salaries are at risk across the nation, The Webb School needs your help to ensure that its compensation acknowledges the value and dedication of its educators — and Sustains the Legacy of Leadership in education at Webb. 

The Legacy of Great Programs

As excellence in math, science, technology, language, the arts, and community service continue to grow in relevance to a 21st Century education, Webb continues to lead by adopting new programs without losing sight of the fundamentals of a strong education established in 1870 by Sawney and John Webb.  Gifts to The Webb Fund allow Webb to embrace new technology in curricula and teaching methods, and to implement expanded programs in public performance, service learning, and career studies to further challenge and prepare the leaders of tomorrow.   

Invest in the Legacy!

The very nature of the nation’s recent economic challenges demonstrates that the character assets the Webb School encourages – honesty, integrity, work ethic, perseverance, accurate scholarship – can help to insulate and sustain graduates through such times as these. Sawney Webb’s school is a cause worth championing, especially during challenging times! YOU can help to sustain Webb's Legacy by making a tax-deductible Annual Fund gift of any amount today!   

The 2011-2012 school year finished strong, thanks to the past financial contributions of alumni, parents, and friends. Student enrollment reached an all-time high. ACT and SAT test scores for the class of 2011 surpassed state averages, and our seniors were offered more than $1.1 million in collegiate merit scholarships. 

Many of Webb’s peer schools have recently struggled with decisions about cuts to budgets, cuts to faculty and staff salaries, and downsizing due to a general decline in philanthropic support and enrollment. Because of Webb’s lean budget, well-managed endowment, and generous charitable contributions, The Webb School continues to weather the storm. 

What lies ahead?

Webb’s future depends on increased Annual Fund participation and average gift size to sustain progress. With continued support The Webb School will continue its mission “to turn out young people who are tireless workers, and who know how to work effectively; who are accurate scholars; who know the finer points of morals and who practice them in their daily living; who are always courteous.”

Unrestricted gifts during 2012-2013 will immediately fund:
· Faculty professional development
· Updated teaching aids
· Upgrades to classroom technology
· Digital cameras and software
· Musical instrument repair
· Painting and pottery supplies
· Materials for science labs
· Travel to off-campus learning
· Residential life activities
· Maintenance and repairs to dorms

· Maintenance to athletic facilities

...and more!

Your participation at this time meets needs during the second semester of the school year, and also helps Webb to qualify for matching gift grants. For details about these grants and school needs, or to make an online gift, please click the green button above.

If you are proud of the legacy that is still growing at The Webb School in the 21st Century, then please nourish our school with your participation today.

You can also make a restricted gift to fund the program or need of your choice. For more information contact Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Matt Wilson via email at mwilson@webbschool.com.

FAQ about The Webb Fund
"Why does Webb rely on sources of income other than tuition?"

Because Webb is an independent school, and does not receive public funding for its programs. Therefore, Webb seeks philanthropic support from alumni, parents, grandparents, friends, corporations, and foundations each year to meet the needs of a top 21st-Century College Preparatory education. 

The Webb School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit independent school. As such, and like other independent schools, approximately 25% of operating revenue comes from Webb's endowment and annual gifts to The Webb Fund from trustees, parents, grandparents, alumni, and other friends of Webb.


"Why should I give to The Webb Fund?"

Every student, regardless of whether they receive "official" aid or scholarship, receives $5,000 in "hidden scholarship" each year -- the gap that tuition doesn't cover. Some of that aid is supplied by the endowment and the remainder comes from Annual Giving. A gift of any amount demonstrates your appreciation and willingness to invest in The Webb School's storied history, present success, and future potential to positively influence the lives of young leaders.

Webb teachers make learning their way of life. Webb's curriculum and programs provide a rich college preparatory experience. Annual giving is how you can contribute to educating our future leaders.

Webb students come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. About 40% of Webb's student body receives over $1M in scholarships and need-based financial aid each year.

When alumni give, it also demonstrates gratitude for their Webb education and experience, which was likewise supported by the gifts of alumni, parents, and friends. Alumni gifts communicate the desire to "pay it forward" to young people, today.

When parents, grandparents, and other friends give, they recognize that every Webb student receives financial aid made possible by gifts to the Annual Fund. Family participation also demonstrates appreciation for the lifelong influence Webb faculty will have on their children's lives.


"How can I make sure that my gift makes a difference?"
Every gift, no matter the amount, makes a difference. The Development Office takes pride in reporting how gifts impact The Webb School's mission each year. You can restrict your gift to support a particular area of interest. If you would like your gift to support a specific school need or a specific department, please contact the Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, via email at: mwilson@webbschool.com. There are many very specific and critical needs which your gifts can make possible.