Alumni Giving Day 2026

Being a prefect for Dunham in 2004-2005 gave me a picture of community and supporting one another to accomplish goals. Our prefect group was dropped off at the start of the trail with all of our gear, sleeping bags, and enough food for a multi-day hiking trip in Colorado. I remember having altitude sickness as we started our journey, and each day, the rest of the group offered to take on more of my gear to lighten my load. The support received during the trip was a perfect illustration of the value of community at Dunham. They encouraged me to continue on, and when we reached the highest point of our hike, I had a real sense of accomplishment while taking in the beauty of the mountains and valleys all around, knowing I can finish difficult things. This picture of community and accomplishment has followed me into my adult life. -Laurin Geheber Brian '05, Dunham Parent and Audiologist.

My family and I continue to support Dunham because of the lasting impact my time there has had throughout my life, long after leaving as a student. Dunham has been an integral part of my life since I was 4 years old. For nearly 30 years, the friendships I formed with both peers and faculty have formed my life and my relationship with Jesus. My husband and children have come to know and love friends, teachers, coaches and mentors who poured into me during my time as a student at Dunham. It is a joy and deeply encouraging to watch the leadership and teachers continue to hold firm to the biblical values, mentorship, and rigorous teaching methods that prepared me to thrive as an adult after my time at Dunham. - Liz Phillips Hargis '13

Since the day I started school at Dunham in 6th grade, it has been a place where I’ve felt seen and loved. My teachers, some of which are still teaching here today, had such a passion for kids, a love for the Lord, and a true gift of teaching. It’s important to us that our kids get a great education in a safe, Christian environment. We support Dunham’s mission to educate hearts and minds for Christ. - Ashley Bergeson '05

My time at Dunham was nothing short of a blessing! Since first grade, I grew up watching the Homecoming game, parade, and pep rally, so getting to be a part of these traditions my senior year was such a full-circle moment. The love, camaraderie, and encouragement that Dunham brings is like no other. Since the first time I stepped on campus until my last, my entire family has developed so many amazing relationships and memories that we will cherish forever. However, what I admire most about Dunham is its authentic desire to make everyone feel at home, all belonging under one family and one heavenly kingdom. In my twelve years at Dunham, never have I felt a more welcoming, Christ-like spirit, to which I count as one of my highest blessings! Sheldon Gremillion ‘25

The Dunham experience that had the greatest impact on my life was the Harkness method. Sitting around a table in a student-centered, discussion-driven environment taught me how to clearly express my beliefs while also listening to and engaging with perspectives different from my own. In a time when meaningful two-way dialogue is more important than ever, those skills have been invaluable. The foundation Dunham gave me through the Harkness method continues to shape how I navigate complex conversations and lead professionally today. This is why I continue to support the work Dunham School does in educating future generations to come. - Tre' Nelson '14

The experience and education we received at Dunham shaped us in ways that still impact our lives today. Even though our family now lives in Texas, the foundation of faith poured into us as students AND athletes continues to guide how we live, lead and parent. The lifelong friendships we formed at Dunham are a lasting gift we deeply treasure. Dunham will always hold a special place in our story, and giving back is simply our way of honoring the role it played in shaping who we are. -Sarah (’03) and Marvin (’96) Waggoner

Dunham developed me in mind, body, and spirit. The teachers genuinely cared about who I was becoming. The academics sharpened my thinking and prepared me for life, athletics built discipline and leadership, and the Christian foundation shaped my values. I’m forever grateful for the impact Dunham has had on my life. - Abraham Wallace '14

I’m giving to Dunham because Dunham has given so much to us. Dunham has been a warm and nurturing home for three generations of my family. I have so many cherished memories from my adventure there when it was a brand-new school, including homecoming in 1983 and how proud I was to be chosen as the school’s first homecoming queen. When it came time to select a school for my daughter, Connor, I wanted her experience to be as happy and fulfilling as mine had been, and so, of course, I trusted Dunham. The school truly enriched and prepared both of us to succeed. And now, my granddaughter, Waverly, is a little legacy tiger too (or three). From experience, I know that it’s at Dunham that she’ll gain the confidence and skills to tackle any goals that she sets for herself in life. I feel such pride in Dunham’s excellence and what an incredible education and empowering environment it provides, and I want to support that.

We give back to Dunham due to the large impact it has had on my life. Dunham and the Harkness method prepared me for college and gave me an advantage over other students who did not have the same educational background. It has also carried over to my career where I have daily presentations to boards and clients throughout the state. We are grateful for everything Dunham did for me and enjoy being a part of the Dunham family. We are excited for our son to follow in my footsteps and become a Dunham Tiger too this fall. - Brandon Stogner '11

We support Dunham because of the valuable foundation It’s given our kids, shaping them to be strong Christian leaders rooted in faith and integrity. -Brian Dantin '96

When my son,Ryan, was about to start school, I went to Dunham to teach a Junior Achievement course. It was once a week for seven weeks. While on campus I would run into so many teachers and staff members that I personally knew. Dunham felt like a safe place to let go of my son a little bit for the first time. I could tell the faculty and staff genuinely cared about the students. Chad Myers and I have been almost like family since we went to Dunham together. Knowing he was at school every day and could be there with my son in seconds if I needed him to be really helped. - Ryan Gisclair ‘97