How You Make a Difference

At the heart of every thriving school community lies a simple yet powerful truth: consistency creates transformation. It is the steady rhythm of annual giving that sustains our mission and fuels growth year after year. To bring this principle to life, three Viewpoint families with graduating seniors share their inspiring stories below. While each family’s journey to Viewpoint began differently, they all came to understand that when a school transforms your children’s lives, supporting it becomes not merely a choice but a calling.

For Andrew Furgatch and Cherilyn Shea P’17 ’26, that connection was both immediate and unexpected 12 years ago. “Well past any application deadline, we had the opportunity to tour Viewpoint School with Brooke Vimtrup and meet Dr. Dworkoski,” they recall. “It was remarkable how businesslike, focused, and energetic those encounters were compared to the perfunctory, often bureaucratic school visits we’d grown accustomed to.”

That first impression left an indelible mark on Andrew and Cherilyn. “Viewpoint has been an anchor for our family, with such magnetic pull that when we moved out of the Palisades, we chose to live in Calabasas primarily to be closer to Viewpoint.” They have made generous annual gifts to the school every single year without fail.

For Taneka Johnson P’26 ’28, the relationship between her family and the school is one of mutual care and commitment. “I view Viewpoint as a partnership,” she says. “Viewpoint takes extra special care of my boys, and I take extra special care of Viewpoint.”

Her dedication stems from witnessing transformation firsthand. “My boys’ lives have been forever changed by Viewpoint. The academics, the sports, the assemblies, the opportunities - they’re endless. If I want them to continue having this amazing experience, I must give what I can.” Her gratitude only deepens with time. “The more we grow, the more we owe! My boys have traveled with the school, built lifelong friendships, and learned so much.”

For Michael and Inga Goodman P’26, their understanding of Viewpoint’s impact deepened through service. Inga has volunteered for the Viewpoint Fund for the past 12 years, an experience that revealed just how vital annual giving is to the school’s success. “The more I volunteered, the more I understood the significance of the Viewpoint Fund,” she explains. “It’s the school’s second largest source of financial support. Without it, Viewpoint wouldn’t be Viewpoint, it would be different, less. And none of us wants less for our children.”

That realization became a guiding philosophy for her: “The school is only as good as we make it for our children. Besides, it feels good. It feels like the right thing to do.” Watching their son thrive affirmed Michael and Inga’s belief. “Every accomplishment our son has achieved has happened here at Viewpoint because of the high bar the school sets and the resources it provides.”

What unites these families is not only their generosity, but their understanding that loyal support creates lasting impact. As Furgatch and Shea express, “We have happily and consistently supported the school with our giving, as the tangible benefits to all Viewpoint students are clear - from playing fields and state-of-the-art facilities to enhanced programs and the preservation of its unique campus environment.”

Perhaps most inspiring is that their commitment extends beyond their own children’s time at Viewpoint. “Even when my kids graduate, I’ll always support the mission of Viewpoint,” shares Johnson. “It’s been an honor to be part of this school. I want the learning and opportunities to continue for other students, even after mine have moved on.” Furgatch and Shea echo that sentiment: “Our children’s academic journey at Viewpoint will soon conclude, but our love for the school and appreciation for what it has provided will always endure.”

The ripple effects of such commitment extend far beyond any one family. When the school can rely on a foundation of loyal supporters year after year, it can be strategic rather than reactive and can plan with confidence rather than hope. Sustained annual support is what turns long-term vision into lasting reality for our students and our school.

As we celebrate our loyal donors, we are reminded that consistency in giving reflects consistency in values - a shared belief that exceptional education deserves unwavering support, one year at a time. Whether you are a current parent watching your child grow or an alumni family maintaining your bond with the community that helped shape your child’s future, your annual gift helps write the next chapter in Viewpoint’s story.

Grandparents bring a powerful sense of legacy to our school community, drawing on their own experiences of how education shaped their lives and using that wisdom to invest in the future. Their support is more than generosity, but a commitment to ensuring their grandchildren benefit from exceptional teaching, dynamic programs, and a nurturing environment. With a perspective that bridges past, present, and future, grandparents play an essential role in helping our school thrive for generations to come.

For Nora Malone, PhD, GP’29 ’31 ’32 ’37, who spent her career in independent education, supporting Viewpoint means watching her four grandchildren flourish simultaneously across every division of the school. “I've had the joy of watching each of them grow in ways that are both academically impressive and personally meaningful,” she said. “What strikes me most is how each child is truly known and valued for who they are.”

The resources available, she noted, have been transformative. “The opportunities they've been given—across academics, the arts, and athletics—are extraordinary and have enabled each of them to explore individual talents and interests,” she explained. “As different as my grandchildren are, all four of them are thriving—and, for me, there is nothing more important!”

Dr. Malone’s professional background gives her a unique perspective on the financial realities of independent schools. “Tuition alone doesn't cover the full cost of the rich experiences Viewpoint provides,” she said. "Supporting the school ensures that these opportunities remain strong and continue to grow for every student who walks through its doors.”

Molly Munger GP’31 ’34 describes her giving as rooted in gratitude, particularly for how the school has supported her grandchildren through significant transitions. “First and foremost, I am grateful for the way the school has nurtured the talents and interests of our grandson, Jack, who has grown so much since he arrived two years ago as a fifth grader, and our granddaughter, Covey, who arrived mid-second grade after the Palisades Fire and has quickly re-connected with her joy and bounce at Viewpoint,” she said.

Viewpoint has become more than an educational institution for Ms. Munger’s family. “The school offers a wonderful mix of academic rigor and thoughtful values, drawing additional strength from its pervasive warmth and genuine commitment to community. It is truly a very special place,” she reflected.

Her trust in the school extends to how their contributions are used. “We don't know where the school can best use our help, but we totally trust them to use it wisely to continue to make excellence happen,” she said. “That's always a great feeling to have, and it's a special blessing to be able to have it about Jack and Covey's school.”

For Richard and Cheryl Garrison GP’24 ’27, the school's “world ready” promise has manifested in concrete ways through their grandchildren's achievements. “As our granddaughter, Sierra, is a junior at Viewpoint and our grandson, Carter, is in his sophomore year at Northeastern University, we can see so clearly what 'world ready' means,” they said.

Richard elaborated on the lasting impact of a Viewpoint education. “Carter's middle school and high school years at Viewpoint have enabled him to launch into a semester-abroad experience as he began university and thrived. Sierra excels academically at Viewpoint and is very excited and focused on her future plans,” he said. “They have friendships from Viewpoint that will be lasting, and confidence and academic preparation to allow them to follow their dreams. As grandparents, what could make us happier?”

Together, these voices reflect the heart of multigenerational giving at Viewpoint. Grandparents see not only who their grandchildren are today, but who they are becoming. Their belief in the school and their willingness to invest in its mission helps ensure that every child benefits from exceptional teachers, innovative programs, and a community rooted in warmth and purpose.

In the end, perhaps the greatest gift grandparents offer their grandchildren isn't financial at all. It's the knowledge that someone believes deeply in their future and is helping to build it with love, hope, and an unwavering commitment to their flourishing.

Viewpoint School is proud to announce the launch of the Rasmussen Legacy Society, a distinguished group of alumni, families, and friends recognized for their thoughtful commitment to the future of our school through planned gifts. These bequests and other deferred gifts provide transformative support and ensure Viewpoint’s vitality and excellence for generations to come. Often directed to an organization’s endowment, planned gifts strengthen the foundation of the future and create a legacy that endures. Unlike funds that meet immediate needs, these gifts serve as long-term investments in all of our tomorrows—acts of foresight that help Viewpoint thrive for a century and beyond.

Named in honor of the late Dean Rasmussen P’88 ’91 ’06 ’08 GP'30 ’31 ’33 ’37, Chair Emeritus of the Board of Trustees, and his remarkable family, the Rasmussen Legacy Society reflects a deep belief in the power of education to shape lives. A lifelong learner and generous philanthropist, Dean championed access, opportunity, and community—principles that remain at the heart of Viewpoint today.

His wife, Kathleen Rasmussen P’88 ’91 ’06 ’08 GP'30 ’31 ’33 ’37, a Viewpoint Trustee and Vice Chair of Advancement, reflected on Dean’s motivation: “Planned Giving reflects Dean’s belief in giving back and ensuring that the institutions he loved would continue to thrive for future generations. He often spoke of wanting to leave a lasting legacy—not just for our family, but for the broader community that helped shape our lives.”

Dean's contributions to Viewpoint were numerous and profound. As Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee and later as Chair of the Board of Trustees, he played a central role in shaping the school's campus and strategic vision. "Dean was far more than a planner—he was a doer. And he was generous with his time and resources," shared Dr. Robert Dworkoski P’98 ’11, former Headmaster and President of the Viewpoint Educational Foundation. "Whenever he found a need, he strove to fill it. Seeing a problem, it became his to fix. When there was work to be done, he was ready to lead the way."

As Co-Chair of Building for our Children's Future, Viewpoint's first comprehensive capital campaign, he helped galvanize the school community and establish a culture of philanthropy. The campus our students enjoy today stands as a testament to Dean’s bold vision and generous heart.

"Dean had a 'Can Do' attitude. He literally and figuratively moved mountains to make things happen," shared Kris Dworkoski P’98 ’11, former Director of Admission and current Director of Development at the ALS Network. This spirit defined Dean's approach to every challenge he encountered at Viewpoint. 

Mark McKee P’16, Head of School, reflected: “Dean was, simply put, a visionary, whose life reflected the power of education and whose service and philanthropy helped make Viewpoint the School we are today.  A true Patriot, Dean believed in our School’s mission, its values, and its future.”

In addition to his leadership, Dean and his wife Kathleen made landmark contributions that enriched the school’s facilities and faculty, including the Rasmussen Family Pavilion, the Benjamin Franklin Library, and a transformative bequest to support faculty through financial aid.

Dr. Dworkoski captured the essence of Dean's philosophy beautifully: "Dean understood and practiced the adage that societies flourish when its best people plant trees under which they themselves will never sit."

To honor Dean’s memory and inspire others, his family and friends continue to champion the causes he held dear. At the forefront is Viewpoint’s endowment—the key to the school’s long-term strength. Kathleen Rasmussen has also made her own planned gift and she invites all families, past, present and future, to join the Rasmussen Legacy Society by including Viewpoint’s endowment in their estate plans.

Planned giving at Viewpoint has a long and meaningful history, dating back to 1969, when Lottie V. Behrens made the school’s first bequest and established its first permanent endowment. Since then, planned gifts have ensured that Viewpoint remains financially strong, innovative, and mission-driven.

The Rasmussen Legacy Society celebrates individuals whose estate gifts will safeguard the school’s ability to provide an exceptional education for generations to come. Members are recognized for their lasting commitment to Viewpoint’s future. Whether through a bequest, trust, retirement plan designation, or other deferred gift, each member leaves a legacy of generosity and vision. There is no minimum gift size to join—only a shared belief in the enduring value of a Viewpoint education.

By making a planned gift, you help ensure that Viewpoint remains a place where students grow, thrive, and discover their potential—just as Dean Rasmussen envisioned.

If you have already included Viewpoint School in your estate plans, or are considering a legacy gift, we would be honored to recognize you as a founding member of the Rasmussen Legacy Society.

Learn more about the Rasmussen Legacy Society ›

The launch of the Rasmussen Legacy Society marks a new chapter in Viewpoint’s story—one shaped by leadership, foresight, and enduring care for future generations. We are honored to celebrate Dean Rasmussen and the extraordinary values he lived by.

Together, we will carry his vision forward.

The warmth of the community filled the room at Viewpoint's Annual Leadership Celebration on September 30, where more than 100 Viewpoint Fund donors and new parents gathered to reflect on the transformative impact of their philanthropy and commitment to the school's mission. The event brought together supporters who made gifts to the Friends’ Circle or higher during the previous fiscal year, honoring their generous contributions to the school.

Upon arrival at the Karapetian Courtyard, decked out in sunset orange and summer pink to honor the Class of 2026, attendees enjoyed tray-passed hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktails while socializing and connecting with one another. The relaxed atmosphere set the stage for an evening that would honor not just financial contributions, but the deeper investment our donors make in shaping young lives. 

Board Chair Andy Kieffer opened the program by thanking everyone for their support and reminding attendees of philanthropy's power. He introduced two members of the Class of 2026, Joe Abdou and Luna Kuhn, noting that they exemplify what it means to be "World Ready" students who embody the school's core values of Love, Honor, Excellence, Imagination, and Optimism. Their presence would serve as a powerful testament to how donor support translates directly into student success.

The evening's most memorable moments came when Joe and Luna took the stage to share their Viewpoint experiences in student government, STEM and Literary Scholars, and Film. Their eloquent reflections reminded everyone present why this work matters, capturing the joy, growth, and promise that define a Viewpoint education. 

Joe spoke movingly about the meaning of excellence, sharing that "to be excellent, you need a vision to work towards, a commitment to your work, the discipline to persevere through the challenges you'll face, and the consistency to live as the best version of yourself, day in and day out." Luna shared that Viewpoint's support had enabled her to lead writing workshops and attend the summer program of her dreams, opening doors that transformed her understanding of what's possible for her future.

Head of School Mark McKee closed the program by acknowledging that leadership manifests itself in countless ways, but perhaps none more powerfully than through the unwavering support of Viewpoint's philanthropic community. He left attendees with an inspiring vision: "We are going places. Up and to the right, we are going places." It was both a rallying cry and a recognition that Viewpoint's upward trajectory depends entirely on the continued leadership and investment of the donors in the room. “We can dream big,” he said. “But you, our donors, are the dreammakers.” 

As the celebration drew to a close, one thing was clear: this was more than an acknowledgment of generosity; it was a powerful reminder that philanthropy creates momentum, and that together, this community is charting an exciting course for Viewpoint's future.

Viewpoint School recognizes Judy Gawlik Brown & Steven Brown, Kelly & Don Carlisi and the Kelly Day Foundation for their leadership support in the Viewpoint Fund and their symbolic sponsorship of this event as donors in our Chair's and Head of School Circles.

Check Out the Event Photos

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