Country School Dedicates Dining Hall, Honors Susan Haigh Carver

From New Canaan Country School: Head of School Aaron Cooper officially kicked off the 2018-2019 school year Sept. 6 at an assembly which included the dedication of the Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall & Commons.

“The first week of school is a joyous time, when we get to reconnect with friends we have not seen for a while, when we catch a glimpse of all the school year has to offer, and when we can again enjoy the spirit of community,” said Mr. Cooper.

John Carver, husband of the late alumna in whose honor the building was dedicated, and his three children, Thomas, Amy and Jonathan, joined in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

In 2013, the Carvers first approached the school about making a gift which would be the largest to date in the school’s history and one that would significantly impact the lives of Country School students and would celebrate the sense of community that was so meaningful to Sue’s experience as a child attending the school.

“What better way to bring people together than around food,” Mr. Cooper said at the opening.

The new dining hall is bathed in natural light creating an open, spacious hub of campus life and a central community gathering space for students, faculty and parents, as well as a warm and inviting space to welcome prospective families and school visitors. The expanded kitchen allows the school to offer a wider variety of hot and cold freshly made foods.

“It’s beyond my expectations,” said Mr. Carver. “Sue would have loved it.”

Mrs. Carver grew up in Darien and after attending NCCS, went on to Ethel Walker School and Smith College before she and her husband settled in the San Francisco Bay area. Throughout her life, she cherished the memories of her days at NCCS. As an alumna, she returned in 2001 to celebrate her 50th reunion.

Classmates of Sue’s from the Class of 1951 Hayden Connor, Gail Miller Stoddart and Linda Rook Stikeleather, along with her husband Allan; Judith Steinberg, a former NCCS parent and close family friend, and close friend Bill Jones, along with other friends, attended the ceremony.

To view the video of the Dining Hall opening, please visit www.countryschool.net/futurecampus.

New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent, day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9. Located on 75-acres at 635 Frogtown Rd, in New Canaan, the school provides transportation to families living throughout Fairfield, CT and Westchester, NY counties. For more information about the school, please visit: countryschool.net.

Photos: 1. New Canaan Country School first grader Caroline Bilden of New Canaan and ninth grader Carl Coridon of Stamford helped Carver family members Amy, John and Thomas; and Head of School Aaron Cooper cut the ribbon, opening the Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall & Commons , Sept. 6. 2. New Canaan Country School fourth grader Katharine Tocks of New Canaan, sixth grader Sebastian Kelsey of Darien and ninth grader Ella Zea of New Canaan helped Head of School Aaron Cooper to raise the flag as the faculty chorus led the crowd in singing the school song, “Audentes Fortuna Juvat.” 3. New Canaan Country School dedicates the Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall & Commons, Sept 6. It can be seen on right. 4. New Canaan Country School opens the Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall & Commons which serves freshly made hot and cold lunches to students. 5. Trustees Randy Salvatore and Stephanie Zeigler ’81 with Carver family members Tom, John, Amy and Jonathan; and Head of School Aaron Cooper at New Canaan Country School’s dedication of the Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall & Commons. Photo credit: New Canaan Country School

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