Whitten Math & Sciences Center Unveiled

“This is nothing like I had when I was a student,” exclaims Michelle Whitten, parent of an Overlake alum, as she and her husband Greg Whitten recently toured the latest campus addition with Head Owl Matt Horvat for a special dedication and naming of the new Whitten Math & Sciences Center on February 26 .

“It was an honor to walk through the building with Greg and Michelle and experience this extraordinary teaching and learning space on our campus with them, given that they played such a significant role in making this possible. This stunning facility would not have been constructed without their tremendous contribution – their gift was the largest our school has ever received in its 54-year history,” shares Matt.

The Whittens’ leadership support enabled the school to break ground in June 2019 on the new 30,000 square-foot facility dedicated to math, science, and computer science, subjects near and dear to the couple. “Greg has a PhD in math and my father also has a PhD in math,” explains Michelle. “I strongly support STEM learning,” adds Greg. “There is nearly an infinite number of things to learn in this subject over one’s lifetime. STEM is important and integral to major things that are happening everywhere.”

As the couple entered the spacious, light-filled classrooms, they marveled at how flexible the Center’s new learning spaces will be for students and faculty both now and for years to come. “Now they’ll walk into this building with a whole new set of possibilities and creativity and how they use the space,” Michelle suggests.

The fact that the new Whitten Math & Sciences Center was constructed during an unprecedented pandemic, thanks to Greg and Michelle as well as 300 community members who have donated to the $35 million, three-phase Doors to Discovery capital campaign, speaks to the strength of our Overlake community of Owls. “It’s important to give to causes you believe in,” agrees Michelle. “You become a part of the results. There’s so much power in people doing things together as a community.”

“Giving will make all the difference; there is a strong community here. This new space can also raise the level of teaching and learning at the school,” says Greg. “You have the space now to offer more courses as well as customized learning and multi-disciplinary curriculum through STEM, in addition to the new offerings that will be available in the incredible new Idea Lab.”

Ribbon cutting ceremonies are being planned for students later this month, and we look forward to celebrating the building’s opening with everyone when we can gather together. In the meantime, please click here to join a guided tour of the Center to see the amazing teaching and learning spaces first-hand.

To date, Overlake has raised $17 million toward the $19 million needed to fully fund the Center. If you have not yet made your gift, we would be honored to have your support. Every donor will be included on the donor wall (which will be updated again this summer), and thanks to our Owls All in Challenge, gifts and pledges will continue to be matched (or tripled if your employer offers a matching gifts program). Many donors have chosen to contribute appreciated stocks to avoid taxes and/or make multi-year pledges to have the biggest impact.

To learn more about the overall Doors to Discovery campaign, the Whitten Math & Sciences Center, additional naming opportunities, and more, please visit overlake.org/discovery or contact Director of Development Brisen Brady at bbrady@overlake.org or 425-868-1000. Thank you so much to our incredible community for coming together even when we are apart!