lead. build. transform.
The Holland Hall Campaign
Lead with us. Build with us. Change lives.
This is The Holland Hall Campaign.
Our Turn
A message from JP Culley, Head of School
Education is about change. Holland Hall has understood that truth since its founding in 1922.
At Holland Hall, we grow with our community. We respond to the needs of our students, our educators, and our families. We integrate new ideas, new research, and new practices. We prepare our graduates to flourish—and to help others flourish—in the world ahead. With humility and with integrity, we lead. We build new opportunities. We change lives.
Today, at the beginning of our second century, we’re called once more to change. We need a Middle School facility that matches the energy of our curriculum and the ambitions of our students and faculty. We need increased support for the people and resources at the heart of our work: for faculty salaries and student scholarships; for facilities that nourish mind, body, and spirit; and for the foundational Holland Hall Fund. That’s why we’re launching Lead. Build. Transform. The Holland Hall Campaign.
Holland Hall was founded by visionary, community-minded entrepreneurs—people who saw a need and met it, who believed in the transformative power of education. Now it’s our turn. Please join us.
Priorities
Lead in Middle School Education
$30 million
We’ll reimagine our Middle School facility—and be a national model for education at a transformative stage of child development.
In partnership with award-winning architects Lake | Flato, we’ll create a bold, inspiring Middle School facility that matches the dynamism of our curriculum. The transformed Middle School will feature more than 25 bright, spacious classrooms that promote collaboration and allow maximum flexibility; a state-of-the-art makerspace and design lab; and a multipurpose Community Stair that encourages social interaction and intellectual exchange.
Enhanced by an environmentally sensitive design aligned with current research in adolescent learning and development, the new Middle School will be an educational home that is worthy of our community: a space that matches its ambitions, anticipates its needs, and optimizes its experiences.
“By transforming our Middle School to embody current educational principles, we’re giving our educators and students the flexible, dynamic, uplifting spaces they need to do their best work.”
Jennifer Whisenhunt White ’89
Assistant Head of School & Middle School Head
At the Heart of Learning
Teaching Seventh Grade Science
Holland Hall Seventh graders perform three dissections a year in their science class, strengthening their learning with hands-on lessons. “Nobody wants to know about mitosis and meiosis,” teacher Hoa Lesselroth said after a recent sheep heart dissection. “You have to get students interested. You have to hook them. They need to be able to know what’s going on with diseases because that’s what they care about.”
So, for a unit on the organ system, the students paired up at their desks and got to work on the hearts. No lab stations, just pans and scalpels on desks, with parent volunteers close by to help supervise. When the students get to their systems unit, they’ll repeat the procedure with a rat dissection.
What they’re doing is working. But Lesselroth is overjoyed by the thought of the curriculum she could grow with a proper lab space, which will be possible with a reimagined Middle School space. “These kids right now are at that age where I think you can excite them about science,” she says.
Empower Our People
$2 million
We’ll increase endowment funds dedicated to the people who make Holland Hall a life-changing experience.
Educators and students are the heart of Holland Hall. We’ll increase endowment funds that help us honor their work. We’ll compensate our educators in ways that rival top peer schools. We’ll expand opportunities for them to refine and refresh their skills through professional development, leadership, and research. And we’ll provide assistance to talented, hardworking students with demonstrated financial need. We’ll continue to build a lively, varied, high-performing school community.
“Holland Hall encourages me—and every educator—to evolve: to collaborate with talented colleagues, to pursue professional development opportunities. That’s how we’re able to offer an exceptional education.”
Neil Bergenroth
Upper School Teacher & Pauline McFarlin Walter Master Teacher Chair
Strengthen Mind, Body, and Spirit
$3 million
Improvements to two critical facilities have deepened our capacity for reflection, connection, and competition.
Our education integrates mind, body, and spirit. Thanks to the support of generous donors, we’ve completed renovations to All Saints Chapel, expanding it to accommodate more than 400 people and outfitting it with state-of-the-art technology, lighting, and acoustics. And we’ve installed a new turf field—an affirmation of our commitment to excellence in every endeavor. With your help, we’ll add lights and seating, creating a welcoming space for fans, friends, and competitors.
“Both the expanded Chapel and athletic fields are training grounds for virtues like integrity and care for one another. The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma is a proud partner in this vital project.”
The Right Reverend Poulson C. Reed
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma & Holland Hall Trustee
Sustain Excellence
$6 million
We’ll strengthen our investment in the Holland Hall Fund, which is the foundation of the work we do every day.
Gifts to the Holland Hall Fund allow us to do our best work today—and make ambitious plans for tomorrow. The fund is the foundation of our daily operations; it keeps everything—stages and studios, labs and offices, classrooms and playing fields—humming. Annual giving and special project support give us the flexibility to respond to new challenges, seize new initiatives, and ensure that every student has access to our enrichment opportunities.
“A Holland Hall education delivers exceptional value beyond tuition. Past generations invested for us; now, we must invest to ensure Holland Hall continues to prepare its students for a dynamic, global, digital future.”
Kelly and Rick Wilkerson
Campaign Co-Chairs
Access for All
Holbrook Lawson, a 1982 alumna and former trustee with deep family ties to Holland Hall, is enthusiastic about the school’s strategic plan and vision. “Middle school is a time of explosive growth,” Lawson said. “We envision a vibrant space, a hub of innovation, where students create and discover. My own children, all unique learners, found their footing here. They explored their creativity and cultivated their natural curiosity—experiences that shaped who they’ve become today.”
She emphasized the school’s focus on critical thinking, not rote memorization, as crucial in today’s complex world. “Analyzing, synthesizing, discerning truth in a world saturated with information—these are lifelong skills, especially crucial during those formative middle school years,” Lawson said.
Lawson passionately advocates for the arts, highlighting their role in shaping worldviews alongside athletics. “The Lead. Build. Transform. campaign strengthens Holland Hall’s ability to offer these enriching experiences,” she said, ensuring all students have access to diverse opportunities to find their passions and thrive.
Honoring Our Campaign Leadership Donors
We extend our deepest gratitude to the following early leadership donors who have committed $25,000 or more to Holland Hall through the Lead. Build. Transform. campaign. Their visionary investments are driving our immediate progress and securing Holland Hall’s second century.
This list reflects commitments made through July 31, 2026. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. If you notice an error or omission, please contact Lindsay Nichols at lnichols@hollandhall.org or (539) 476-8237.
Donors of all gift amounts will be recognized in a comprehensive final campaign report to be published in Fall 2027.
$1,000,000+
Anonymous (2)
Annie and Stephen Brady
Kenny Brody ‘88
The H. A. & Mary K. Chapman Foundation
George and Jennie Collins Foundation
Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
Flint Family Foundation
Alissa and JJ Hurley Family
Ruth Nelson Family Foundation
Pam J. Russell
A. R. & Marylouise Tandy Foundation
Pauline McFarlin Walter Trust
Kelly and Rick Wilkerson
$500,000-$999,999
Anonymous
I.B. and A.M. Acrey Family Foundation
Robin F. Ballenger ‘63
JW Craft
Julie and Jim Higgins
Cynthia and Ron Hoffman
Holbrook Lawson and Rick Holder
Tammie and J. David Maloney
Joanna Holliman Potts ‘70
Stuart Family Foundation
Waters Charitable Foundation
Kori and Dennis Weikle
Chad and Bronya Zamarin Family
The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation
Maxine & Jack Zarrow Family Foundation
$250,000–$499,999
Allen Family Foundation
Jim† and Sunnie† Dillinger
Jean Ann and Tom† Fausser
Keith ‘87 and Beth Lieser ‘86 Goddard
Hardesty Family Foundation
Katie and Matt Land
Amy Huang ‘99 and Derrick Oneal Family
Joe and Jennifer Potts Family Foundation
Douglas and Kristi Self Family
Luc Tomasino ‘81
$100,000–$249,999
The Alderman Ballenger Family
Mary and Bill Bass ‘69
Britani T. Bowman
Ashley Self Bray
Mary and JP Culley
Greg and Patricia Dukes
Lynn Sprouse and Joe Hanson
Nancy Nolley ’62 and Hank Harbaugh
James F. Hawkins
Hughes Lumber Co.
Jim Johnson
Steve and Leslie Lake
Patty and Bill Lawson
Linsey and D.J. Lees
Lesher Family Foundation
The Newman Family
Shirley H. Nichols
Betty and Tom Rains
D’Ann and Brett Riley
Sanford Roberds ‘93
Charles and Lynn Schusterman
--Family Philanthropies
Brenda Self
Edward C. Sloan†
Barbara Sturdivant, David ‘98 & John ‘02
Peter M. Walter
Dana Weber Family
$25,000–$99,999
Anonymous (2)
Annatina and Michael Aaronson ‘93
Acworth Foundation
Doug ‘83 and Amy Allen
Phil ‘73 and Julie Tate ‘74 Allen
Paulette and John Bennett ‘70
Matthew and Lindsey Hawkins ‘95 Bristow
Cecil and Virgie Burton Foundation
Paige and Angelo Cuzalina
Kalei and Hansen Dirani
Rose and Peter Edwards ‘71
Glendorn Foundation
Michael and Rian Guidry
Katrine G. and Ramez M. Hakim
Ashley and Greg Hughes ‘84
Jackson Family
Leslie and Keith Kelly
Ketchum Charitable Foundation
Sarah Lees
Thomas W. Murphy
Jan Avent and Dave Rossetti ‘70
Amy and David Schaffer
Jen and Tomm Sharpe
Eric Sherburn and Leigh Ann Moss
Chelsea and Anthony Showalter
Kulsum and Jamal Siddiqui
Liz and Scott White
Brooke and James Woods
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the history and timeline of the Lead. Build. Transform. campaign?
A: This comprehensive effort has been carefully planned over several years to ensure Holland Hall’s long-term success. The Board of Trustees officially voted to launch the leadership and quiet phase of the campaign in 2024. Thanks to incredible momentum and donor support, Middle School construction officially broke ground on January 14, 2026, and the facility is projected to be complete by Fall 2027.
Q: Where are Middle School students learning while construction is underway?
A: Our Middle School students are attending classes and thriving in the temporary, fully operational Middle School Village located right on campus. This ensures that their daily learning, collaboration, and activities continue seamlessly without disruption until the new facilities open.
Q: What specific physical changes are being made to the Middle School campus?
A: The Middle School project transforms our 40-year-old facility into a dynamic, student-centered environment. It includes a complete modernization of the existing framework for 4th through 6th grades, the addition of the brand-new, two-story Ruth Nelson Hall for 7th and 8th grades, and an intentional central courtyard built specifically to seamlessly connect the two buildings for outdoor learning and gathering.
Q: What is happening to "the maze"?
A: Alumni and long-time community members will fondly remember "the maze"—the unique interior ramp that historically connected the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade areas with the library and the 7th and 8th grade corridor. While it was a quirky architectural hallmark of the original Middle School, it was undoubtedly a beloved fixture for generations of students. As we reimagine these spaces for modern learning, the maze is making way for an incredible new Community Stair and an indoor slide! This new design honors the playful, community-oriented spirit of the original building while making the transition between floors even more engaging.
Q: How is the construction being financed, and will the school take on debt for this project?
A: Holland Hall is proud to share that the school expects no long-term debt from this project. Because multi-year campaign pledges are fulfilled over time, the school has secured a short-term bridge loan to finance active construction while those generous leadership pledges are paid and more donors join the comprehensive campaign. This ensures that construction moves forward smoothly without impacting Holland Hall's long-term financial health.
Q: What is the endowment, and how does it support the campaign’s priority to "Empower Our People"?
A: The endowment acts as the school’s long-term "savings account," meaning the principal is never spent but is instead carefully invested to grow in perpetuity and supply reliable income to the school annually. This financial engine directly drives our campaign priority to Empower Our People. By growing the endowment, Holland Hall secures permanent, sustainable funding to support our hard-working students through financial aid and ensures competitive salaries and professional development for our exceptional faculty. This protects the people who define a Holland Hall education while safeguarding the school’s mission for generations to come.
Q: Why is the Holland Hall Fund (a.k.a. the annual fund) included in this campaign alongside long-term priorities like the endowment?
A: Both types of support are vital, but they serve entirely different and complementary financial purposes. Independent schools like Holland Hall rely on a strategic blend of tuition and philanthropy to deliver an exceptional experience. In fact, philanthropy typically fuels about 20% of our annual operating revenue. The Holland Hall Fund is the engine for this immediate support, acting as our "checking account" to fund day-to-day operations during the current school year—including financial aid, classroom supplies, campus needs, experiential learning, and faculty professional development. While the annual fund sustains our immediate daily operations, endowment gifts secure our generational impact by building permanent, long-term financial strength for the future. To remain both educationally excellent today and financially resilient tomorrow, we must successfully cultivate both streams of giving.
Q: I am not a leadership-phase donor—how and when can I participate in the campaign?
A: We are currently deeply immersed in the quiet leadership phase of the campaign, which has established incredible momentum thanks to the early generosity of families, alumni, and foundations. Holland Hall looks forward to launching the public community phase of the campaign in the coming months. At that time, every single member of our community will be invited to participate and leave their mark on this historic chapter.
Q: How will campaign donors be recognized?
A: Early leadership donors who have committed $25,000 or more during this quiet phase are currently being recognized in our initial campaign updates. Ultimately, donors of all gift amounts are vital to our success and will be formally recognized in a comprehensive final campaign report to be published in Fall 2027.
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Amy England
Chief Advancement Officer
(539) 476-8116
aengland@hollandhall.org
Diane Shen
Director of Development
(539) 476-8175
dshen@hollandhall.org
Campaign Cabinet
Thanks to our Campaign Cabinet members:
Co-Chairs: Patty & Bill Lawson and Kelly & Rick Wilkerson
Robin Ballenger ’63
Annie & Stephen Brady
Alissa & JJ Hurley
Eric ’00 & Shannon Green ’02 Richards
