In honor of Kingswood’s 75th Anniversary, Cranbrook Schools hosted an all-day event at Kingswood campus on October 14, 2006. This anniversary milestone, coupled with the launch of the first history book about Kingswood, entitled “Beside a Lake” by author Betsy Clark, provided the perfect platform for enhancing alumnae relations and for launching the Campaign for Cranbrook Schools to Kingswood alumnae. Over 300 alumnae, Cranbrook leadership, former and current faculty, and special guests attended this event which was booked to capacity more than a week before the occasion. The day’s activities included a historical tour of Kingswood, focusing on the needs for preservation and restoration. Four accomplished staff acted in the role of tour guides – Mark Coir, Craig Hoernschemeyer, Diane Schmale, and Mary Kauper, leading over 100 interested alumnae around the Kingswood building. A panel discussion entitled “Perspectives of Kingswood” followed, moderated by Pamela Todoroff Duke, K’71. Panelists included Mary Bramson Hamlin, former Headmistress of Kingswood from 1980-1985, Nancy Wolfner Bauer, K’46 and Distinguished Alumna, Deborah Rutzen, current Academic Dean and long-time faculty member, and Lina Yi, Senior Class Girls’ President of the Class of 2007. A special highlight of the day was a re-creation of a 1932 Junior-Senior Banquet, held in the Kingswood dining hall. The original Kingswood china and silver, along with many of the details of the original banquet, made the luncheon a very memorable occasion. Edith Hamilton Sestok, K’33, the oldest alumna in attendance (who had given the welcome at the 1932 banquet), gave a poignant toast. The 75th Anniversary program was held in the Kingswood auditorium, with Linda Wasserman Aviv, K’73 as Mistress of Ceremonies. Highlights included the launch of “Beside a Lake” by author Betsy Clark, recognition of lead donors to the Kingswood Girls’ Middle School project, and a focus on Kingswood preservation, faculty support and student scholarships. Julie Fisher Cummings, K’73 who donated $5 million to the Kingswood Girls’ Middle School earlier this year was represented by her daughter, Caroline Cummings, K’99, who read a letter written jointly by her and her mother that brought tears to many eyes. Pamela Applebaum, K’83, was also highlighted as the most recent donor to the Girls’ Middle School project. She made a moving speech that described her reasons for donating $1 million to “continue the Kingswood tradition.” Barbara Henderson, K’38 was also featured for the estate gift given upon her passing in 2003, which fulfilled the endowment needs for the new school. Booth granddaughters and lead donors to date for Kingswood Preservation and Restoration projects, Liz Wallace McLean, K’34 and Shirley Wallace Sarver, K’42, were thanked for their gifts for the Kingswood entrance plaza, Green Lobby restoration, and most recently, Kingswood auditorium restoration. Don Kunz, Chair of the Board of Governors and Campaign for Cranbrook co-chair, presented the audience with the need for faculty support and student scholarships. Trustee Edward Hagenlocker and his wife, Sylvia, were recognized for their recent contribution of $500,000 to faculty support. A short video of scholarship donor, Camille Jayne, K’70, demonstrated her commitment and those of many others, to ensuring scholarship opportunities are increased. The anniversary program ended with two special women receiving the award of “honorary alumna” – these included author Betsy Clark and Director of Schools Arlyce M. Seibert. An emotional candelighting ceremony with representatives of almost every one of Kingswood’s 75 years of graduating classes, concluded the program. “Beside a Lake” was a huge success, with over 300 books sold on the day, and an official book signing by the author in the afternoon. Special Kingswood merchandise made from the original copper roof, and an exhibit of rare Kingswood memorabilia from the Cranbrook archives rounded out the day’s offerings. To view the entire Kingswood 75th Anniversary Commemorative program that was distributed at the event, click here. This exciting celebration attracted local media attention. To read the Detroit News story, please click here. The overall goal of the Kingswood 75th Anniversary Celebration was to instill in alumnae a renewed sense of commitment to Kingswood and to the Cranbrook Educational Community. For the 300+ who attended the event, responses have indicated that we have made strong inroads into accomplishing this goal