The Linda Lifsey Hughes Funds
We are honored to announce the Linda Lifsey Hughes Funds.
Linda Lifsey Hughes, or “Mama Linda", as she was known on the Hill, was a vibrant and loving presence at Walnut Hill—first as a parent volunteer, then a dorm head, and, ultimately, as the school's inaugural Director of Diversity and Inclusion. After her passing in 2024, Walnut Hill leadership worked with the Hughes family to create two funds which would carry on Linda's passion for education and her deep commitment to building beloved community at Walnut Hill.
The Linda Lifsey Hughes Inclusion Fund
The Linda Lifsey Hughes Inclusion Fund, a restricted annual fund, is built to meet the needs of any student who is challenged with full participation in the Walnut Hill experience because of financial circumstances. The grants from this fund are responsive to any need, whether that helps a student purchase a winter coat, replenish their art supplies, or purchase a more secure instrument case for travel to practice sessions and performances. The School will work closely with the Hughes family on yearly fundraising efforts to ensure all current and future students can fully participate during their time on the Hill.
The Linda Lifsey Hughes Endowed Fund
The Linda Lifsey Hughes Endowed Fund provides scholarships for students whose families have received a 90% or above Affordability Grant and who require non-tuition financial support to remove barriers limiting their ability to fully participate in their Walnut Hill experience. The endowed fund was founded with a bequest from Linda’s estate, and the family invited their friends and extended relatives to honor Linda’s
memory by contributing to the establishing gift. The School has found that families receiving 75% to 89% Affordability Grants still need this kind of support, and this fund is ready to do so.
The combination of both these funds allows Walnut Hill to ensure that we have resources for our students year in and year out: the power of the endowment—compounding over time—will provide for the future, and the annual fund meets the needs of the now. Linda led a life of impact, and through these funds, her generosity and care will continue to be felt by our students for years to come.
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