Peggy Wakeland to Serve as Alumni Relations Liaison in 2025-26

Dear FWCD Community,

It is with deep gratitude and much excitement that I share with you that Peggy Wakeland will continue to work her magic, leverage her passion for FWCD, and keep making a difference at the School. As she steps away from her role as the Head of our Upper School, Peggy will be transitioning to a new role in the 2025-26 academic year, serving as FWCD’s Alumni Relations Liaison. The liaison position is designed to deepen our connection with the 4,800 Falcon alumni across the globe. Peggy’s extensive institutional knowledge, including knowing more than half of our 4,800 alumni, her enduring love for FWCD, and her “Peginator” persona combine to make her ideally suited to shape and develop this important new role.

As a member of the Advancement Team, Peggy will report to Sandra Tuomey, Director of Advancement. She will collaborate closely with Eleanor Siff, our Alumni Relations Coordinator, to foster meaningful engagement between alumni and their alma mater. 

“Having a familiar face working with alumni will be a great asset for the School’s Alumni Relations program,” Siff shares. “In addition to engaging directly with our alumni through many events, Peggy will help us better support the alumni community as she gathers insights on alumni experiences at FWCD and beyond.”

Tuomey added, “I am thrilled that Peggy is joining the Advancement Team! Her knowledge of our alumni base and the School will make an immediate impact and further the mission of the Advancement Office. Her expertise is a valuable asset, and I am excited to see her contributions elevate the alumni program.”

As Alumni Relations Liaison, Peggy will be involved in a variety of endeavors and special projects. She will:

• Engage Current Undergraduates: Peggy will maintain contact with our recent graduates, gathering insights on how FWCD shaped their college journeys and where we can grow as a school preparing graduates for their college paths. This valuable feedback will enhance our efforts to support and prepare current and future Falcons.
• Support Post-Graduate Alumni in their 20s: By connecting with alumni in the early stages of their careers, Peggy will explore how FWCD can better assist in navigating life after college, including career guidance and networking opportunities.
• Lead a Financial Aid Special Project: Talking to alumni from over her years at the School, Peggy will spearhead a year-long initiative to evaluate the experiences of families receiving tuition assistance. This project seeks to improve support for these families, identify hidden costs, and enhance communication regarding financial aid during the admission process.

Now in my 10th year working with Peggy and my 39th year as an educator, I can say without hesitation that I have never worked with a more devoted advocate for both students and faculty. Peggy’s journey in education spans 49 remarkable years, with 31 years at FWCD. She started at the School in 1994 as an Upper School Math Teacher and went on to serve five Upper School Heads as their Assistant Head from 1997 to 2021. In 2021, during a pivotal time in the world and for the School, Peggy stepped into the Head of Upper School role, bringing her exceptional skills, knowledge and wisdom to the forefront. Her four years as Head will be remembered for her steady, compassionate leadership, always grounded in FWCD’s core values. 

For over 30 years at FWCD, Peggy has been a cornerstone of the Falcon community, serving with unwavering dedication, warmth and care for students, her faculty and her staff. While her leadership in the Upper School will be missed, her new role extends her reach and expands her alumni connections, allowing us all to continue benefiting from her wisdom and passion. 

Peggy’s journey with FWCD has been defined by her tireless commitment to students, faculty and families. As she transitions into this new capacity, I have no doubt she will continue to inspire and unite us all. Please join me in celebrating Peggy’s legacy and welcoming her to this exciting new chapter.