Honor the Past, Build the Future

Celebrating over a century of progressive education, community excellence, and the generous spirit that makes it all possible.

Make Your 125th Anniversary Gift Today

Every gift ensures that the next generation of Parker students learns to think critically, act compassionately, and lead with courage. Your support matters now more than ever. We all own a piece of the house.

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The 125th Anniversary Alumni Giving Challenge

One Milestone Year. Four Times the Impact.

In honor of Parker’s landmark 125th Anniversary, a dedicated group of alumni contributed over $1M in seed gifts to launch an alumni giving challenge. Every dollar an alumni contributes to Parker students and financial assistance today will be matched 4x, with 100% of those matching funds deposited directly into the permanent Financial Assistance Endowment to secure perpetual financial aid for generations to come.

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The 125th Anniversary Gala: A Century & A Quarter of Community

Friday, May 7, 2027 | The Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier

Join parents, alumni, faculty, parents of alumni, grandparents, and friends for the milestone celebration of the century. Set against the beautiful Chicago skyline at Navy Pier, this special evening will feature dinner, live entertainment, and an inspiring look back at Parker’s legacy. All proceeds from the evening will benefit our financial aid program.

Registration opens January 2027.

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Reunion Weekend

Welcoming Back the 2’s and 7’s

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, but it’s time to come home. If your graduating year ends in a 2 or a 7, this is your milestone reunion year! Reconnect with classmates, tour our updated campus spaces, and celebrate 125 years of Parker history together. Special class-specific giving challenges will be announced soon.

Questions

Find answers about registering, attending, and making the most of these celebrations.

Can I make my gift in honor of a fellow alum, teacher or family member?
Yes! Once you make a gift in honor of someone we also make sure to notify them of your generosity!
I’m an alumnus from a non-reunion year (not ending in 2 or 7). Can I still participate in Reunion Weekend and the Alumni Challenge?
Absolutely! The Alumni Challenge is open to all graduates, regardless of your class year, and every dollar counts toward our match goal. While certain evening dinners are reserved for milestone classes, the general 125th Anniversary campus celebrations during Reunion Weekend are open to the entire Parker alumni family.
Who to contact with more questions related to these ways to support:
Connie Molzberger - cmolzberger@fwparker.org
As we celebrate Parker’s 125th anniversary, how can I make a lasting impact on the school’s future?
As we celebrate Parker’s 125th anniversary, there is no more meaningful way to honor our history than by investing in our future. By including Parker in your estate plans, you can help ensure the school thrives for generations to come.

The Anita McCormick Blaine Planned Giving Society, named for Parker’s founding benefactor, recognizes members of our community who have made this lasting commitment. Established through Miss Blaine’s visionary gift, Parker opened in 1901 with funding to sustain the school through its first 30 years.
Ways to Give: Planned gifts can include bequests, retirement plan or IRA beneficiary designations, life income gifts, and charitable trusts.

Society Benefits: Members receive special invitations to Parker’s Colonel Club Recognition Event each winter and the Milestone Reunion Brunch in May.

If you have included Parker in your estate plans, we hope you will let us know. Sharing your intentions allows us to thank you personally, welcome you into our planned giving community, and recognize your generosity.
Never underestimate the impact you can have on Parker. To learn more about helping secure Parker's next 125 years, please contact Annie Hudson in the Development and Alumni Office at 773.797.5517 or ahudson@fwparker.org.
Can I designate my gift to a specific program?
Yes! While unrestricted gifts give the school the greatest flexibility to meet its highest needs, you can absolutely direct your 125th anniversary gift to areas you care about most, such as Accessibility & Affordability (Financial Assistance), Athletics, or Faculty Support. Simply specify your choice on the online giving form.
How can I buy tickets for the Gala at Navy Pier?
Tickets and formal tables will go on sale in early January 2027. Because this is our 125th anniversary, we expect high demand and a sold-out crowd. Registration links will be emailed directly to the Parker community and posted right here on this page.