A Newsletter from Fountain Valley School | | Inspired by the Land and His Teachers, Chris Sanchez '90, P '22 Pays it Forward with a Wellspring of Wisdom for Today's Students | | |
Chris Sanchez ’90, P ’22—a Trustee, former FVS parent, and one of five siblings to attend school on the Prairie—owes much of his career to Fountain Valley. Inspired to pursue a degree in geology after high school, Chris went on to become a hydrogeologist and has since spent the past three decades working for BBA Water Consultants, Inc.
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This month, Chris presented a lesson on water in the west and the Arkansas River to 9th grade students in the Lewis Perry Jr Chapel. After discussing watersheds in Colorado, the history of water scarcity and water rights across the state, transmountain diversions and the purpose they serve, and water and irrigation at FVS, Chris took some time to reflect on the significance of the people, place and programs found only at Fountain Valley School.
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From Student to Steward: Kate Faricy Maiurro’s '00 Lifelong Connection to Fountain Valley
Kate Faricy Maiurro '00 credits her time at Fountain Valley School for shaping her life and legacy as a steward in the nonprofit world of philanthropy. From her early experience as a student participating in the El Pomar Youth in Community Service program to later working in the FVS Development Office and eventually for the UCHealth Memorial Hospital Foundation, Kate drew inspiration from the FVS alumnae around her and sought mentorship from key figures like Jake Emery ’71. Like those whose guidance helped her along her journey, Kate hopes to one day pass the spirit of FVS onto her two daughters, noting that her own Fountain Valley School story is far from finished.
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Experiential Education Enriches Students' Lives and Learning
Beginning in the first week of March, students embarked on Fountain Valley’s 52nd annual Interim, traveling nearly 100,000 miles on 14 remarkable journeys worldwide. For students in grades 10 through 12, this year’s destinations ranged from international locations like Mexico, Tanzania, Paris, Australia, and Shanghai, to U.S. states such as Hawaii, Florida, and California. Meanwhile, the Class of 2028 enjoyed mountain biking, rock climbing, ranching, and venturing across Colorado State through the Freshman Experience Interim program, part of FVS's signature ninth-grade curriculum, The West.
Follow their journeys on Instagram using the hashtag #FVSInterim2025 »
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Celebration of Life for Jon Patten '60, P '85, '87, '89 on May 30
A beloved alumnus, retired math faculty, and mentor, Jonathan T. Patten ’60, P ’85, ’87, ’89 passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 16, 2025. Whether by pioneering new teaching methods in the computer lab or hosting community-wide dinners at his home on campus, Jon will forever be remembered for touching the lives of countless students and faculty. On Friday, May 30, the Patten family warmly invites all who knew him to a Celebration of Life in honor of Jon, beginning at 11 a.m. in the Lewis Perry Jr Chapel. The service will be followed by a light luncheon between noon and 1 p.m. in the Hacienda Courtyard. To attend, kindly RSVP in advance here.
Read more about Jon’s incredible impact and legacy »
| | CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY | | |
Fountain Valley School Hits the Road This Winter and Spring
Receptions Held from Coast to Coast
From the slopes of A-Basin to the shores of Palm Beach, Fountain Valley alumni, faculty, friends, and families gathered throughout the winter and spring to celebrate all things FVS with Head of School Megan Harlan as well as members of the Development & Alumni Relations team. Together, they enjoyed meaningful conversation at Mayor Johnston’s mansion, Cableland, in Denver, took a break from shredding the slopes at Arapahoe Basin to catch up with fellow Danes, were welcomed with open arms into the homes of Lenee and Don Bennett P '16 and Dawn Judd ’82 in Austin and San Francisco, respectively, and attended Florida and Texas receptions hosted by Dede and Laddy Merck '68 and Chris Bancroft '69 and Barry Brown '69, too. Many thanks to all who attended and to our gracious hosts for making each event extra special this season.
| | FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE | | | | |
FVS Giving Day is April 29, 2025
Your Generosity Supports a Journey of Endless Possibilities
In the early 20th century, Elizabeth Sage Hare–a woman of extraordinary vision and compassion–enlisted the support of several friends to found Fountain Valley School, a place on the Front Range of the Rockies where students could discover their true purpose and potential.
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Since then, generations have passed through our 1,100-acre Prairie, carrying forth the values of courage, compassion, curiosity, self-reliance, and open-mindedness in their college years and beyond. The impact of the Fountain Valley School journey is simply priceless, and these experiences would not be possible without the generosity of our one-of-a-kind community. This Giving Day, we challenge each and every member of our Fountain Valley family to recognize the amazing journeys had by students throughout our School’s 95-year history, and to show their support in helping us create additional opportunities for future generations of Danes. Together, the possibilities are endless!
Learn more & make a gift toward FVS Giving Day 2025 »
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