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The Leadership Fund
In 2002 Kim Marcus assumed the role of President of the Board of Trustees at International School of Portland. In just 12 years the school had grown from nine to nearly 300 students. Another hundred would be added before Kim stepped down in 2009. His two young children, Benito and Cate, were thriving in the school’s Spanish Track and his belief in the mission and vision of ISP ran deep.
As he contemplated the school’s future, he knew there was tremendous potential, but he also felt there was one piece of the pie missing. The Board had shored up the school’s finances, renovated Stearns Hall and established new policies – all signs of the school’s continued growth and stability. However, Kim knew that to secure the school he and his fellow parents and trustees had come to love, ISP needed an endowment program. And so, he set out to create one.
Kim, along with two fellow trustees Michael Hummel and Kat Topaz, made the first generous gifts to a newly established “Leadership Fund,” International School of Portland’s first endowment fund. The Fund was named in honor of the past Heads of School, and promoted socioeconomic diversity by creating need-based scholarships, something that resonated with all three of the founding donors.
With their generous gifts, Kim, Michael and Kat set the stage for an exciting new chapter at International School of Portland, promoted a more diverse community of students, and helped secure the long-term future of ISP. “Kids, teachers and families will go,” reflects Kim. “But, the endowment will live on, and help to protect this place we love. That’s what we wanted to ensure – that International School of Portland will always be here for our community, and that its doors will be open to children from across the city.”
To make a gift to The Leadership Fund:
- Make a donation online. Choose endowment as your gift designation, and write “Leadership Fund” in the gift inspiration box.
- Send a check to International School of Portland with “Leadership Fund” written in the memo line [International School of Portland, 025 SW Sherman St, Portland, OR 97201 Attn: Development Office]
- For other ways to make a gift (including through a bequest or gift of stock), contact Development Director Beth Katona – BethK@intlschool.org, 503.225.2496 ext 117