125 Years of Purpose, Passion, and Progress
For 125 years, Parker has inspired students to think independently, act with empathy, and contribute meaningfully to the world. As we celebrate this milestone,, we honor our past, embrace our present, and imagine our shared future.
Countdown to 2026-27 School Year
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“Parker taught me to care deeply about what happens in the world around me.”
“The school should be a model home, a complete community, an embryonic democracy.”
A Message from Dan Frank
As Parker celebrates its 125th anniversary, we are reminded that our enduring strength lies not only in our history, but also in our commitment to preparing students for the future.
Since 1901, Parker has championed a progressive approach to education that challenges students to think critically, act with empathy, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Guided by our mission to affirm the dignity of each person and inspire all to learn and grow, we cultivate curious, confident life-long learners who are prepared to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Celebrate the Moment
We hope you'll join us in celebrating this monumental 125th year!
Through the Decades: 1901 to Today
Rooted in a revolutionary idea, Parker’s national legacy is built on 125 years of adapting to history and empowering the students who make it.
1901
Parker opens on October 7, 1901 with 144 students and 13 faculty made possible by a generous land grant and funding from Anita McCormick Blaine
1911
First issue of The Weekly is published
1942
Parker marks 125 years of teaching students to think freely and act with purpose.
1955
Parker embarks on a capital campaign to replace original structures with one building to house all 14 grades
1962
Parker's new school opens, student body expands to 600
“To me Parker is home, it's progressive and it’s community.”
“I’m going to miss that we’re so close to our teachers. The teacher/student connection here is really special.”
Events
Join us for gatherings that honor our past and imagine our future together.
Leadership
The architects of Parker's next chapter
Honorary Committee Members
Abby McCormick O’Neil and Carroll Joynes
Ali ‘87 and Irv Kagan
Andy and Ellyn Lansing
Ann May
Barbara Goodman Manilow ‘78
Barri Klutznick ‘85 and Package Pencak
Biff Ruttenberg ‘62 and Gwen Callans
Bill Lowry Jr. ‘80 and Cheryl Watson-Lowry
Bill Lowry Sr. ‘52 and Teresita Lowry
Bill Singer
Bob and Joan Feitler ‘49
Bob Gecht and Rachel Winpar
Bob Krupka and Pamela Banner Krupka
Brent and Katie Gledhill
Brian Murphy and Karen Quasny
Buffy Aries ‘65
Buzz ‘58 and Tina Ruttenberg
Carol and Larry Levy
Charlene Lieber
Chip and Anne von Weise
COL (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG,'68
Conor McCormick O'Neil ‘99
Diane Heller
Edwin Eisendrath ‘76 and Jennifer Schulze
Elvy Draft
Francis Rosenberg ‘14
Gary and Sandy Fencik
Geoff Gist ‘79
Gina and Alex Rodriguez
Harry Rosenberg ‘78 and Rachel Dvorken
H. Debra Levin
Irving Stenn Jr. and the Stenn Family
Isabel and Charles Polsky
Jack Butler and John VanderLinden
James Lowry ‘57
Jane Aries Levin ‘64 and Richard Levin
Jenny Friedes and Steve Florsheim ‘83
Jeremy Sisto ‘92 and Addie Lane
Jerry and Linda Meyer
Jim ‘73 and Jacque Ehrlich
Joanne Nemerovski
John and Jill ‘76 Svoboda
John and Jill Levi
John Ettelson ‘76
Jonathan ‘82 and Stephanie Marks
Jonathan and Sherri Turk
Josh and Ricki Lowitz
Kay and Jack Grossman
Keith Rudman ‘77
Laurie Regenbogen and Bruce Fleisher
Leo Latz
Leslie Winter and David Haymes
Lori ‘69 and Steve Kaufman
Lucy ‘85 and Matt Moog
Margery and Rich Feitler
Marilyn Kushen
Marv Pollack and Barry Taylor
Mary and Michael Silver
Nancy Aries ‘68 and Elliott Sclar
Nate Pietrini
Nick Pritzker ‘63
Ralph ‘82 and Kim Rosenberg
Renee Ruffing
Ricardo and Laura Rosenkranz
Rika Yoshida and Joe Mansueto
Rob Buono and Liz Cicchelli ‘87
Roger and Emily Grimes
Rufus and Jaye Williams
Sally Rosenberg ‘79 and Bruce Chardenoff
Sandra Holubow
Sophie Haroutunian-Gordon '61
Stephanie Lieber ‘94
Steve and Karen Berkowitz
Steve Koch
Susan Manilow ‘56
Tim and Paula Friedman
Tommy and Scott Sheridan
Tony Weisman ‘78 and Tracy Weisman
Valerie Chang and Ian Jacobs
Planning Committee
Alexis Samuels
Co-Director of Human Resources
Brent Caburnay
The John G. Levi Chief Development Officer
Chuck Lira
Director of Alumni Relations and Institutional Events
Dan Frank ‘74
Principal, Alumnus, and Parent Emeritus
Lori Kaufman
Life Trustee, Alumna, Parent Emerita, and Grandparent
Michael Grant ‘62
Honorary Trustee and Alumnus
Mikus Kins ‘91
Alumni Association President, Voting Trustee, Parent, and Alumnus
Nick Saracino
Director of Communications
Samuel Solow ‘28
Student and Student Government Association 125th Liaison
Steph Cohen
Parent’s Association Co-Chair and Parent
Tracy Ankin
Parent
Questions
Find answers about registering, attending, and making the most of these celebrations.
How do I update my contact information?
Click this update link or contact the alumni office to ensure you receive anniversary news and invitations.
Is there a special anniversary fundraising initiative
Yes. You can make a gift in honor of the 125th anniversary to help support mission critical priorities such as financial assistance, faculty development, and student programs. Additionally, alumni are invited to participate in our Alumni Giving Challenge to have your gifts to financial assistance matched 1:4. Visit our support page to learn more.
Can I make a gift in honor of a teacher or class?
Absolutely. Many donors choose to dedicate gifts in honor of influential teachers, classmates, or graduating classes. To make a gift, please visit fwparker.org/parkerfund.
Will anniversary merchandise be available?
Yes. Limited-edition apparel and commemorative items will be available throughout the year at on-campus special events.
Who can participate in the celebration?
Students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, grandparents, parents emeriti, former employees, friends of the school, and community members are welcome to participate in many of our anniversary events.
What events are planned?
The anniversary year will include activities such as: Student Performances, Athletic Events, Visiting Speakers, Community Service Days, Alumni Reunion Weekend, and a special 125th Anniversary Gala.
Do I need to register?
Some events are free and open to everyone, while others require advance registration. Registration details will be posted as they become available.
Will events be livestreamed?
Selected events will be livestreamed or recorded for alumni and friends who cannot attend in person.
Can I organize a class reunion?
Yes. Our alumni office is happy to help class representatives coordinate reunion activities. Please contact Chuck Lira at clira@fwparker.org.
When is the 125th Anniversary?
The official anniversary date is October 7, 2026, marking 125 years since the first day of school at Parker. Parker’s 125th anniversary will be celebrated throughout the 2026-2027 school year with special events and activities.
Together, we build what comes next.
Make your mark on Parker’s 125th anniversary year!
