Madeline Society: I am a Member—Are You?

My relationship with Westridge School is rooted in my memories of my mother, Kathryn Robison Gain '34, who attended Westridge during the Great Depression. Although her parents were divorced, she had the good fortune to have an uncle willing to pay the tuition for a Westridge education.

Over the years, Westridge was often in her thoughts and she spoke to me repeatedly about her experiences and what they meant to her. Growing up in Claremont, a Westridge education was not an option for me, but nonetheless, its positive impact on my mother became part of my life.

As an adult living in Pasadena, I often saw mention of Westridge in the newspapers and came to further learn about the school through friends whose daughters attended. One eventful day I received a call asking if I would be interested in serving on the board of trustees. Of course I said "yes," and served from 2000 to 2011. As a trustee, I developed a comprehensive understanding of the school, its many attributes and challenges—and serving alongside many alumnae further deepened my understanding of the impact of a Westridge education.

In retrospect, joining the board was clearly one of the best personal decisions I've made over my lifetime. My passion for Westridge remains steadfast today, and it is satisfying to know that the simple act of naming the school in my will can make an important difference for others in the future.

—Judith K. Gain
Trustee, 2000-2011