Moody Society Recognition Dinner and Raymond Hall Dedication
October 25, 2008
Over 150 donors celebrated the NMH 130th Anniversary Campaign and a successful year of fundraising at the annual Dwight L. Moody Society Recognition Dinner. The event, held for donors who contributed $1,879 or more in the previous fiscal year, followed a special performance commemorating the dedication of Raymond Hall, in the new Rhodes Arts Center. The 225-seat concert hall was named in memory of former NMH music teacher Albert R. Raymond and his wife Virginia B. Raymond, also an NMH teacher.
A highlight of the dedication was the presentation of a new composition by Director of Choral Music Sheila Heffernon, In Praise of Singing, performed by the Concert Choir. Heffernon shared her memories of Al Raymond, who inspired a love of music for countless NMH students, saying, "No one will ever fill his shoes." The Raymonds' daughter, Sheila Raymond Hazen '60, reflected on her father's influence on the music program at NMH and thanked the many alumni and friends who made gifts to name the concert hall for her parents.
At the dinner in Alumni Hall, Head of School Thomas K. Sturtevant raised a toast in thanks for the leadership and generosity of the school's most loyal donors, followed by a special announcement: A $500,000 gift from Heather McEvoy Keane '81 and her husband Robert Keane to establish an endowed fund in honor of longtime English teacher Audrey Sheats. The fund will be used to support student financial aid. The weekend coincided with the NMH Board of Trustees fall meeting, giving Sturtevant the opportunity to thank board members publicly for their extraordinary commitment, leadership, and guidance. View photo gallery
Dwight L. Moody Society members contributed gifts of $1,879 or more in fiscal year 2008. In support of NMH's commitment to all aspects of environmental responsibility, we are recognizing our leadership donors in an online tribute.