HONORING OUR NEW FOUNDERS The 2015 Villa Academy Leadership Gifts Dinner honored a small group of dedicated and passionate parents who led the effort to save Villa Academy from closing in 1977 when the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart could no longer staff the school. It is because of these “New Founders” and their extraordinary leadership that Villa Academy exists today. Those honored were Steve Grey, accompanied by his wife Rebecca, Bud McGinnis and Bert Weinrich, represented by their respective families, Bob Nyquist, and Buzz & Terry James. Honorees Pete Wickstrand and Charlie Swanson were unable to attend.
Randy Bannecker, President of the Villa Board of Trustees, was a Villa middle school student when the New Founders assumed leadership of the school. “As I grew older, and especially as I became a parent and became involved with Villa, I began to appreciate what they had done. But looking back, I can mark that impression of community joining together—busy, accomplished people with their sleeves rolled up—as one of the most important lessons I’ve taken from Villa. The school owes you a debt of gratitude for its life.”
Randy closed the dinner, and announced the formation of the New Founders Award in their honor. It will be given periodically to a Villa parent, teacher, staff member, or student who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership.
Watch a special film about the New Founders of Villa Academy on our website.