Last weekend’s Alumnae Weekend celebration kicked-off in earnest with a virtual cocktail reception honoring ceramics teacher Juanita Jimenez who will retire in June after 50 years at Westridge. After a series of heartfelt and emotional tributes from Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor and alumnae, Juanita was named the school’s third-ever honorary alumna. In addition, she was surprised with the announcement of the Juanita Jimenez Endowed Fund for the Arts, currently at $125,000 fund – and growing! – that will support the Westridge Art Department. The fund was led by gifts from Susan Frank ’71, Laurie Frank Wilson ’68, Richard R. Frank, Georgie Bray Erskine ’50, Eugenia Erskine Jesberg ’77, Martha Erskine ’81, and Hannah Erskine ’12.

“Her course is billed as ceramics, and it is, but the class should really be called ‘life lessons with Juanita,’” said Sarah Vernallis '15. “One of the most important lessons taught in Juanita’s classroom is the power of community… She was careful to teach us the power of support and see one another as a source of power and respect and support rather than jealousy and competition…she knows that we have to stand together to support one another, and she teaches us that.” 

"Juanita is incomparable and has dedicated 50 remarkable years to Westridge and the students she holds so dear," said Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor in her remarks. "She continuously surpasses our expectations as a teacher and she has been a valuable faculty member and friend to all who have had the privilege of knowing her."

A special thanks to the Frank and Erskine families and congratulations to Juanita, our newest member of the Class of 2021! To give to the fund in honor of Juanita click here.