A Lasting Legacy Gift

By Emily Livadary ’00

As a near-lifer, Westridge was like a second home to me—a fact that delighted my grandmother, Libby Gregory. Gammy, as I called her, was a driving force in my decision to attend Westridge, and her admiration for the school only grew over the course of my time there.

A native of Des Moines, Iowa, she attended Scripps College at a time when few of her female contemporaries were attending a university. She received a full scholarship to Scripps, without which she would not have been able to attend college. She loved the college and, before she passed away, established an endowed scholarship in her name. Gammy knew firsthand the power of a strong all-girls education. Her experiences at Scripps stayed with her throughout her life, and, as a result, she valued learning in all its forms above all else.

In Westridge, Gammy found an academic and social environment that matched the idyllic one she had experienced at Scripps, and it gave her great joy to watch me flourish there. Under its influence, she saw me transform quickly from a shy, perpetually out-of place kid to an outgoing and engaged member of the class.

She was impressed by the close-knit community, by how comfortable and confident I was on campus. It was a place where teachers were also mentors and friends, and it was a given that they knew every student by name. At Grandparents Day, which she never missed, she loved that teachers took the time to tell her how I was doing; I know it touched her that they all cared about each of us not only as students, but also as individuals and members of the community.

This focus on the whole person is what set Westridge apart for her and for me. Academic excellence was, of course, always central to the school, but what made Westridge such a special place was the equal value it placed on encouraging us to become positive, productive members of the world at large. The school celebrated diversity, encouraged individuality, fostered lifelong friendships, promoted community service and leadership opportunities, and championed the arts, all while maintaining the highest academic standards. It was a true education in the broadest sense.

I am proud to be a product of this vibrant community, just as I know my grandmother was proud of me for being a part of it. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend. It is, therefore, tremendously meaningful for me to know that her gift, made through her will to the school, helps enable future generations of Westridge students to experience this unique and enriching place to the fullest, cementing her legacy in the school’s history.

You, too, can leave a lasting legacy at Westridge School for Girls by leaving a gift to us in your will or living trust. Contact Diana Bernal O’Leary at 626.799.1153 or doleary@westridge.org to learn more about impacting future generations of girls.