Changing schools is notoriously unsettling. Even more so when, due to the demands of a parent’s career, the moves are frequent—as Wendy WILSON Lawson’52 could attest. When Wendy finally enrolled at Branksome, she found the school transformative, providing the stability and support she’d been missing. “A breath of fresh air,” she declared it.
Recalls Wendy’s son, Brian Lawson: “Mom felt strongly that Branksome played an important role in making her the vibrant person she was—knowledgeable, competent, determined, independent and curious.”
A Prefect at Branksome, Wendy went on as an alum to volunteer in such roles as Class Reunion Rep and a member of the Parents’ Association and Alumnae Executive.
Reflecting her love of history, she also served as the school’s Head Archivist. Changing schools is notoriously unsettling. Even more so when, due to the demands of a parent’s career, the moves are frequent—as Wendy WILSON Lawson’52 could attest. When Wendy finally enrolled at Branksome, she found the school transformative, providing the stability and support she’d been missing. “A breath of fresh air,” she declared it.
Recalls Wendy’s son, Brian Lawson: “Mom felt strongly that Branksome played an important role in making her the vibrant person she was—knowledgeable, competent, determined, independent and curious.”
A Prefect at Branksome, Wendy went on as an alum to volunteer in such roles as Class Reunion Rep and a member of the Parents’ Association and Alumnae Executive.
Reflecting her love of history, she also served as the school’s Head Archivist.
With her experience in business and management, including with the Toronto branch of a U.S. insurance company, Wendy was a natural to be hired as Branksome’s first Head of Development. Working with fellow alum and then-Principal Allison ROACH’51, she founded the Annual Appeal. She also oversaw the installation of the school’s first mainframe computer.
Branksome is in the family’s DNA. Five generations have attended so far. The first: Alice Eastmure, in 1903 when the school started. The most recent: Alice’s great-great-grand-niece and Wendy’s granddaughter, Gillian LAWSON’22.
Like Wendy, Gillian found Branksome nurturing and empowering. As dad Brian explains, “With the support of faculty and staff , Gillian discovered her passion and talent for art and creativity. Branksome gave her the foundation and confidence to go on to a top design and arts school, where she is thriving.”
Inspired by Wendy and Gillian, the Lawson family donated $1 million to establish the Wendy WILSON Lawson’52 and Gillian LAWSON’22 Scholarship. “We saw how their experiences were enhanced by the diversity of their peer groups,” says Brian. “We know this is an important priority for Branksome Hall and it aligns with our family’s values.
“We see the endowment as enabling Branksome to continue to attract remarkable individuals who would otherwise not have the opportunity to benefit from, and contribute to, the school community and everything Branksome has to offer.”
