Kristan Browne ’86: Why I Am a Madeline Society Member and My Mother Is Too

Including Westridge School in my planned giving was an easy choice. While building lasting ties to Westridge, I have had the pleasure of serving on the Alumnae Board and currently sit on the Board of Trustees. Westridge has been and continues to be a big part of my life; my classmates are some of my most treasured friendships and I often think of my teachers’ endless patience as they answered question after question. I attribute my love of learning and willingness to try new things to Westridge.

Though my mom, Sandra, is not from Pasadena, she encouraged me to apply to Westridge in large part due to her positive memories of the all-girls high school she attended in her hometown of Putnam, Connecticut. My mom did not grow up wealthy, but she wanted me to have a solid educational experience, and in order to attend Westridge, I received financial assistance.

For me, giving to Westridge is a top priority because I want there to be financial assistance for future generations of young women. I want Westridge to continue to grow as a forward-looking institution, educating girls and young women who are our future.

In 2018 my mom and I were discussing her estate plan and at the time Caroline—my daughter, her granddaughter—was a junior at Westridge. It was also an easy decision for my mom to include Westridge School in her plan.

“The education I received at my all-girl high school in the early ’60s was the most positive and formative experience of my young life,” said Sandra. “What a miracle that first my daughter and then my granddaughter could attend Westridge, benefiting similarly from an environment that was emotionally supportive and protective and scholastically challenging. So, the tradition continues. I am so pleased to include Westridge in my estate planning to benefit girls yet to walk on campus.”