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.