Historic Campaign Raises $10 million for Rabun Gap

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School has announced the successful completion of a historic $10 million fundraising campaign to renovate and restore Hodgson Hall.  

“The Legacy for the Future campaign is transformative for our school community, enabling us to both preserve an incredibly special part of our history while simultaneously providing a well-appointed space necessary for our innovative applied learning curriculum that best prepares today's students,” said Head of School Jeff Miles.

Over 400 donors including alumni, parents, grandparents, foundations, friends, and trustees came together to support this special project.  Miles credits the professional work of the school’s advancement office led by Associate Head Paige Spivey, the loyal support of the trustees, and the volunteer service of campaign committee members for the immense success of the campaign that inspired so many supporters.  The campaign committee included trustees:  Co-Chair Mr. Niles Bolton, of Atlanta, Co-Chair Rev. Dr. George Wirth, of Atlanta, Mr. Rick Allen of Cashiers, Mr. Jon Barnwell ‘92 of Clarkesville, Mr. Steve Gilliam ‘66 of Gainesville, Dr. Kate Maine ‘85 of Gainesville, and Mr. John Underwood P’19, 22 of Highlands.

Hodgson Hall, built in 1927 to house the newly merged school, is the iconic building that sits on the hill facing Highway 441 in Rabun Gap.  The building has served as a beacon of education for generations and was named in memory of Athens philanthropist E.R. Prince Hodgson, one of the school’s earliest supporters. Hodgson Hall is at the heart of campus and is home to the academic program of the Upper School. Noted for its distinctive, golden cupola, the building is the image most often associated with the school and thus the cupola is reflected in the school logo and crest.  During construction, the cupola was removed for the extensive work needed and will be reset on the roof later this summer.

The work on the building has been led by Carroll Daniel Construction of Gainesville and Houser Walker Architecture of Atlanta.  A new key feature of the building is the grand terrace that extends from the historic porch.  Over 560 customized bricks are included in the grand terrace, representing many special tributes to alumni, faculty, and others who have cared for the school.  During the design planning, historic documents dated 1927 discovered in the school’s archives revealed that a larger front porch and patio were included in the original sketch by noted architect William J. J. Chase. 

The project, originally scheduled for a summer completion, is ahead of schedule and the building will have a “soft opening” later this spring, enabling students and faculty to finish the school year in this special space with updated classrooms, new collaboration spaces for faculty and students, and enhanced technologies for instruction and safety.  

“I am so pleased that the Class of 2024 will be able to finish their last days in Hodgson Hall and take the traditional graduation photo on the front steps.  This is a special school tradition shared among the family of alumni since 1928.  With this class, we are continuing the tradition and also initiating a new one to include the grand terrace that students will enjoy for years to come,” said Miles.

A campus-wide rededication and blessing ceremony will be held in September 2024.