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
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
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.
More to Explore
Daniel ’92 Named Commencement Speaker
Kareem Daniel ’92 will deliver the commencement address at the Academy’s 150th graduation exercises on June 10, 2023.
Exploring Creativity in Poetry Workshops
Upper School students explored their creativity in a series of poetry workshops led by visiting alumnus Justus Pugh.
MPA Ranked Among the State’s Top Private Schools
Morgan Park Academy remains the top school in Chicago’s Southland area and one of the best in the state, according to an annual report from the school rankings and reviews website Niche.com. MPA was among 2.5% of schools nationwide to receive an overall grade of A+.
Yernberg Retires from Board of Trustees; Paluri Elected Board Chair
After six years of distinguished service, including the past four years as Board Chair, Heidi Yernberg retired from Morgan Park Academy’s Board of Trustees this summer. Kishore Paluri assumes the role of Board Chair.
Duchossois Alumni Award: Joseph X. Grassi ’43
We were pleased to honor the late Joseph X. Grassi '43 with our highest honor for Morgan Park Academy alumni, the Richard L. Duchossois ’40 Integrity and Values Alumni Award.
Commencement Address: Maria Martinez Slayman ’77 and Dr. Terry Slayman ’77
We welcomed Maria Martinez Slayman ’77 and Dr. Terry Slayman ’77 back to campus to deliver the commencement address at Morgan Park Academy’s 149th graduation exercises on June 11, 2022.
Slaymans Named Commencement Speakers; Grassi ’43 to Receive Duchossois Award
Maria Martinez Slayman ’77 and Dr. Terry Slayman ’77 will deliver the commencement address and the late Joseph X. Grassi ’43 will receive the Richard L. Duchossois ’40 Integrity and Values Alumni Award at the Academy’s 149th graduation exercises on June 11, 2022.
13th Class Elected to Athletic Hall of Fame
Ten alumni and one team have been selected from a pool of nominees for election to Morgan Park Academy's Athletic Hall of Fame and will be inducted in ceremonies at Homecoming & Alumni Reunions on September 24, 2022.
Alumni Speaker: Dr. Lauren Green ’00
We welcomed Dr. Lauren Green '00 to speak to Upper School students at our celebration of National College Decision Day on May 2, 2022.