Class of 1970 Reunion Gift Pays Tribute to Jeanne Wagoner

Wagoner joined the School in 1955 to instruct in physical education. She rose to become head of the Physical Education Department in the 1960s, and eventually was appointed athletics director as well as coached a variety of sports like Field Hockey and Swimming. She retired in 1995, four decades after coming to Chatham Hall. 

The $175,000 gift, inspired with a $50,000 anonymous challenge, was made to renovate Shuford Cottage, Wagoner’s on-campus home that was later the residence of beloved teacher, mentor, coach, and athletics director Cathy “La” LaDuke.

“The Class of 1970 has a history of honoring others with their philanthropy,” said Chief Advancement Officer Christine Cutright Knight P ’19. “In addition to the Shuford Cottage renovation, they previously paid tribute to a beloved classmate with Nellie’s Field behind the current gymnasium.”

Ninna Denny ‘70 and Lyn Davenport ‘70 have continued to be steady class agents over the years. The special giving effort for the 50th Reunion was spearheaded by M.E. Freeman ‘70 and Walker Jones ‘70 as part of the Reunion celebration.

“This gift is a wonderful example of what our Boundless Potential campaign is all about,” said Knight.  “It honors our faculty by renovating their campus homes and the next focus of the campaign is a new athletics, health and wellness center which will transform the student experience. It is very fitting that this gift combines the two by honoring a woman who was the center of Chatham Hall’s athletics for many years.”

Similar to faculty house renovations, the state-of-the-art complex will modernize Chatham Hall’s health care and counseling service facilities, as well as elevate athletic and community gathering spaces. More information may be found at www.chathamhall.org/boundlesspotential.