Vanessa Burchett Endowed Scholarship established

Vanessa will be long remembered for her warm approach, ensuring the young men in her care would thrive in the world that awaits them. Vanessa spent 26 years at Landon teaching in the Lower School, where she was the first woman of color on the faculty. She was a leading voice in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In the early 1990s, Vanessa initiated a standing conversation among a group of colleagues to advance conversations related to diversity and multiculturalism at Landon, conversations that have been recalled as formative and foundational for Landon in formalizing work in these areas across the School. She served as an advisor for the student-run Upper School Black Student Alliance, now known as the Black Student Union, and was an early participant in the National Association of Independent Schools People of Color Conference. In addition to remembering Vanessa and her work at Landon, this scholarship directly supports the School’s mission to nurture the whole boy.

The Vanessa Burchett Endowed Scholarship will provide financial resources to a Lower School student of color who demonstrates the highest standard of excellence as a student and leader among his peers. The scholarship will further the School’s ability to enroll and sustain high-achieving, high-potential boys, thus strengthening Landon’s community of learners. Additionally, the scholarship demonstrates Landon School’s commitment to fully embrace the importance of diversity and equity in our community as we seek to be a place where all feel included and welcomed.

Landon School is grateful to the friends and former students of Vanessa Burchett who have established this scholarship to create a lasting legacy. If you are interested in making a contribution to this scholarship, please contact Director of Development Peter J. Gallo Ph.D., at peter_gallo@landon.net or 301-320-1004.