Casady School celebrated the culmination of its 75th Anniversary with three exciting events for the Casady Community during Founders Week. Casady’s Founders Day on Friday, Feb. 17, marks the occasion in 1947 when then Casady Hall’s Board of Trustees met for the very first time, setting in motion a legacy of outstanding education that has endured and grown for more than 75 years.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, Casady Alumni around the United States gathered in 10 major cities for Cyclones Coast to Coast. These satellite parties provided an opportunity for Alumni across the country to celebrate their alma mater’s anniversary by gathering in friendship and fellowship.
Friday, Cyclones of all ages attended the Cyclone Festival in Bennett Athletic Center. The Casady Community enjoyed bounce houses, a cake/bake walk, face painters, balloon makers, popcorn, concessions, and more in a family friendly carnival atmosphere.
Finally, the Casady Community gathered Saturday evening at the Omni Hotel in Oklahoma City for the 75th Anniversary Gala, which was a sold out event with nearly 1,000 guests. Attendees viewed displays of alumni artwork, perused artifacts from Casady’s past, took a walk down memory lane to see Decade Tables that showcased the School’s history, and ate fresh popped popcorn at a tailgate area that included the Jimmy’s on the Go Concessions Cart. A. Hunt Lowry, a member of the Class of 1973, Distinguished Graduate in 2013, and a film producer in Los Angeles served as the emcee. During the program, theater students in Middle and Upper Division performed excerpts from recent Casady Theatre productions “The Casady Chronicles” and “The Music Man,” while orchestra students and fourth grade and Upper Division choirs debuted a special arrangement of “The Casady Hymn.”
At the Gala, Head of School Nathan L. Sheldon and Board of Trustees Chair Jenee Naifeh Lister ’82 delivered keynote remarks, illuminating the Vision for Casady School and its commitment to staying faithful to the past while moving bravely into the future. Mrs. Lister announced Casady’s $38 million comprehensive campaign that includes capital projects; support for faculty, programs, and financial aid; continued growth in the annual fund; and legacy and planned giving. After the conclusion of the program, Gala-goers danced the night away to The Wavetones.
“To all our faculty and staff, thank you for believing in our vision and creating relationships with our students that allow them to reach their full potential,” Mr. Sheldon said during his remarks. “To all our trustees, past and present; your leadership and support have allowed this School to thrive and continue to be the premier educational institution in Oklahoma. And, finally to our parents, grandparents, and friends; thank you for believing in and supporting great learning and for helping us create a strong sense of community and belonging. Let’s never rest on the past, let’s continue to seek new ways to positively impact students today and into the future.”
Casady School’s founders envisioned a school focused on children’s intellectual growth, physical health, and spiritual formation. Small classes and personal attention from faculty cultivate the students’ intellectual life, a healthy sense of competition improves their physical prowess, and religious instruction deepens their understanding of spiritual reality.
In September of 1947, Casady Hall opened its doors to 36 students and a faculty of four. In May of 1948, the School was renamed Casady School, and today boasts more than 1,000 students, more than 200 faculty and staff, and more than 4,500 alumni worldwide. Each Cyclone, past and present, is equipped to live a life of balance, purpose, and joy.
Casady School’s founders envisioned a school focused on children’s intellectual growth, physical health, and spiritual formation. Small classes and personal attention from faculty cultivate the students’ intellectual life, a healthy sense of competition improves their physical prowess, and religious instruction deepens their understanding of spiritual reality.