The Ethel Walker School Heritage Society Spotlight: Karen Polcer Bdera ’79

When Karen was touring boarding schools in 1976 and entered Beaver Brook, she knew she was home. “I had a visceral connection to the space and knew at that moment, ‘this is the place.’ ” Karen’s three years at Walker’s were filled with opportunities to explore the arts in the Dance Workshop and leadership roles in the music and French Clubs.

Since graduation Karen has served as the Class of 1979 correspondent, an experience that has deepened her connection to her classmates over the years. As a loyal, consecutive-year donor to Walker’s for more than four decades, Karen has seen the School evolve and change.

“That feeling of warmth and belonging I felt many years ago in the lobby of Beaver Brook is still so strong, and the girls are being given opportunities that I couldn’t have imagined back in the late ’70s. A seminar about investing in the stock market at the age of 16? That is uniquely Walker’s, and I am so proud of the innovative academic programming today.

“Including Walker’s in my will is a natural extension of my lifetime commitment and a way to ensure that this remarkable school — that provided me with such a strong foundation for life — stays strong and does the same for generations to come.”

Karen’s message to fellow alums?

“Think of what Walker’s did for you and of the lifelong friendships you have made and kept. Think of who you have become because of Walker’s — how can you not commit to keeping this institution alive and well?”

There are many ways to include Walker’s in your gift planning, and we are available to discuss your goals. Please contact Assistant Head for Advancement Gretchen Orschiedt at gorschiedt@ethelwalker.org or +1 860-408-4260. Visit ethelwalker.giftplans.org to learn more.