Like many families, the Ogawas – Diane Harrison Ogawa, Academy Board Chair; her husband Greg S. H. Ogawa; and their children, Katie Ogawa Douglas ’10 and Al Harrison Ogawa ’14 – find that some of their most profound conversations occur over dinner. “This endowment,” Diane says, “really came about from discussions around our table about how we can create a space for conversations around ideas and voices that might be new to us and that challenge us to think differently.”
The purpose of the endowed fund is to invite speakers yearly to Albuquerque Academy who challenge conventional wisdom, question prevailing assumptions, and promote diversity, community, and belonging. Diane underscores the importance of this mission, especially in today’s increasingly polarized world. “It’s about creating opportunities to explore ideas and initiate dialogues on topics that might not get the attention or understanding they deserve,” she emphasizes.
The Ogawa family’s deep appreciation for their children’s educational experiences at the Academy plays a pivotal role in their decision to give back. “Our children had different as well as shared experiences at the Academy. We feel a deep sense of responsibility in giving back to the Academy to help provide exceptional experiences for future students.”
Endowing the speaker series was not just an act of generosity but a strategic move to ensure its longevity. “Our goal in endowing this gift,” Diane notes, “is to ensure its perpetuity and free up resources for the school’s other priorities.” This approach mirrors their family’s earlier endowment of the Ogawa Community Service Leadership Award.
Diversity and Inclusivity in Speaker Selection: One of the key aspects of the speaker series is its commitment to bringing diverse voices to campus. While the family won’t have a hand in selecting speakers, their desire is clear. “We want to create opportunities for diverse voices to be heard,” says Diane. “It’s about bringing those voices to campus and introducing students to ideas that prepare them for the world. The leadership of the school will choose speakers who align with this vision.”
The inaugural speaker, Tanaya Winder, a poet, holds special significance for the Ogawas, as the power of poetry and the ability of storytelling to connect people and promote healing in a community was an important passion for Al during their time in medical school. On October 9 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day – Ms. Winder gave school day and evening presentations to the community about her life journey and read from her poetry, and she spent time with students. A graduate of Stanford and the University of New Mexico, her ancestors come from the Southern Ute, Pyramid Lake Paiute, Diné, and Black tribes. Her poetry collections include Words Like Love and Why Storms are Named After People and Bullets Remain Nameless.
The Ogawa Speaker Series goes beyond hosting events; it seeks to create enriching experiences for students. Diane and her family envision opportunities for students to engage closely with speakers through workshops, shared meals, and small group discussions. This multifaceted approach aims to provide a unique educational opportunity for Academy students.
Modeling Gratitude and Encouraging Others: Diane believes it’s essential to model gratitude and demonstrate how individuals and families can support their educational institutions. “My job, as a trustee, a former Academy parent, and somebody who loves the school, is to figure out how to rally resources to support the incredible work that’s happening at the Academy. This endowed fund is just one small step in doing that. All of us in the Academy community are the beneficiaries of the people who have invested in our school throughout the decades. Our family is honored to join in that important tradition.”
