Former Head of School, Edes Gilbert’s unwavering commitment to supporting professional opportunities for those who work at the School has made Spence a vibrant and exciting place to teach and learn. On April 8, current and former faculty and staff held a celebration to express the School’s gratitude for her sustained generosity.

Spence employees—even those who have worked at the School since Gilbert stepped down in 1998—deeply appreciate her enduring impact. Each year, the School awards several Edes Powell Gilbert (EPG) grants, which are designated for the personal and professional growth of faculty, administrators and staff with one stipulation from her: “This grant is for dreams; it may be used for any activity that enhances personal or professional growth by stimulating, restoring or affording opportunities to expand horizons, e.g. travel, workshops, home improvement, academic or other courses, but don’t let those ideas limit you.” What makes the EPG grant unique is its inclusivity—it is open to all Spence employees, regardless of role.

During her 15 years as the Head of School, 1983-1998, Gilbert revitalized the School academically and financially while also ensuring support for a highly trained and professional faculty and staff. During the April 8 celebration, Head of School Felicia Wilks recounted some of the ways that Gilbert’s’ leadership helped transform the School: “She increased the endowment, grew student enrollment, expanded the physical campus with the addition of the 91st Street Osborne Wing, and championed curricular enhancement.” Since the Trustees established the Edes Powell Gilbert Fund in 1999, 195 EPG grants have been awarded to employees for a grand total of $2.4 million. 

During the celebration Gilbert shared her thoughts about the EPG grants and how she wanted to be remembered: “The point of a school like ours is that you try and pay it forward; try and invest in people. Because schools are about people and without them, we are nothing. The year I left many parents contributed to the fund because they too believe in all of you. I am so enormously touched. To see how it is so grown and to think so many people’s lives have been touched–it means everything to me. I am so proud of all of you.”

As a part of her tribute to Gilbert, Wilks shared a quote from a former Board of Trustee Molly Parkinson, “One’s life is enlarged by knowing Edes.” “And our school was enlarged by her strategic and caring leadership.”