Celebrating 150 Years

Celebrating 150 Years2022-12-01T10:00:58-06:00

It has been an extraordinary 150 years for Morgan Park Academy. Evolving through a century and a half, changing names multiple times, and weathering pandemics and wars, the Academy and its alumni have left an indelible mark on Chicago and America.

Serving in two World Wars and other conflicts, defining society through their work and dedication, alumni and community members have made the Academy proud.

The 2022-2023 school year will be one of celebration by highlighting the men and women who have defined the Academy and society, remembering our history, celebrating its many accomplishments, and planning for its future.

I would like to cordially invite you to our 150th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 22, at the Palmer House Hilton downtown. As we celebrate 150 years, we also want to plan for our next 150 years by raising funds for the Academy’s endowment. Whether you can attend the event or not, I’d like you to consider supporting the Academy. There are many ways to support this initiative. Take a look at our sponsorship opportunities, and peruse our 150th Anniversary Campaign brochure below to learn how your gift will secure the Academy’s future for another century and a half of success.

With excitement and pride, I look forward to hearing from all of you, alumni, alumni parents, parents, faculty, trustees, and friends.

Thank you for joining us in this wonderful celebration,

Mercedes Z. Sheppard

Head of School

Our School Through the Years

150th Anniversary Events

Events and activities will be held throughout the 2022-2023 school year, highlighting the Academy’s mission, people, past accomplishments, and future direction.

The 150th Anniversary Gala VIP Reception
Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 5 p.m
Palmer House, Chicago Room | Formal Attire

The 150th Anniversary Gala
Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 6 p.m
Palmer House, Grand Ballroom

150th Anniversary Academy Day
Friday, May 26, 2023
Throughout Campus

150th Commencement and Reception
Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 10 a.m.
Jones Bowl, MPA

150th Anniversary Homecoming and Reunions
September 2023

150th Committee

Future Ready: A Campaign for
Morgan Park Academy Sesquicentennial Anniversary

150th Anniversary Gala & VIP Reception

Dear Alumni & Friends,

Saturday night in the historic Palmer House Grand Ballroom, we celebrated our past as we pledged to secure our future. It was a fantastic evening!

More than 300 parents, alumni parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Morgan Park Academy came together to demonstrate their belief in our school’s unique mission, raising nearly $1 million for student programs, faculty professional development, financial assistance, and facilities improvements at the Annual Fund Gala.

It couldn’t have happened without our amazing VIP committee — Deborah Bertoletti, Imre Boarden, and Linda Cuadros — and Gala Committee — Gina Blanks-Barry, Trena Harris, Tina Isom, Danielle Vaquer, and Tori Wakefield. And a huge thank you to all our fabulous Gala sponsors.

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure our school continues to thrive for another 150 years. Your support of Morgan Park Academy through the 150th Anniversary Campaign is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Mercedes Z. Sheppard
Head of School

P.S. More photos from the night’s festivities are available on our SmugMug photo website.

The 150th Hall of Fame

Click here to nominate a candidate for induction into the Morgan Park Academy 150th Anniversary Hall of Fame!

As part of the celebration, we want to honor 150 people who have left their mark on this institution and society. We are asking alumni and community members to nominate alums, current or former faculty members, current or former Board of Trustees members, outstanding volunteers, philanthropists, people who had an extraordinary career, etc.

The 150th Anniversary committee will be tasked with approving the list. These people will be grouped into different categories and celebrated in the 150th Anniversary Commemorative booklet, at the 150th Anniversary Gala, and a plaque will be displayed on campus.

There are no predefined criteria to be considered. Please use this form to make a case for your nominee. You can nominate as many people as you’d like.

Please email alumni@morganparkacademy.org with any questions.

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