Jeff Crawford ’86 has held several Flintridge Prep titles over the years—student, alum, parent (of Jack ’20 and CJ ’24), and five-term trustee. At the Heads Council Reception in May, he was honored for his incredible generosity, strategic leadership, community building, and commitment to philanthropy.

While Jeff gave a lot of his time to his board duties, helping to steer the school’s strategic direction over 15 years, he and his wife, Orsi, are also dedicated parents, attending social and alumni events as well as countless sports games. As a Speaker Series volunteer, Orsi helped support the school’s values of curiosity and perspective taking.

Jeff has truly put his heart and soul into serving this school community with the goal of making an impact. He calls on us to imagine and nurture the needs of the next generation of Flintridge Prep students. Jeff has backed those words up with his own actions, offering his time, his talent, and his resources to support our goals.

—Head of School Vanessa Walker-Oakes

The family’s financial contributions demonstrate a similar commitment to meeting students where they are, mentoring them, and opening them up to new experiences that build character, resilience, and leadership. The Crawford family’s generosity fueled a gymnasium infrastructure, endowed and funded important athletic Initiatives, and contributed to major construction projects.

The C Thriving Endowment Fund

“The C Thriving Endowment Fund is a transformational gift that will allow Flintridge Prep to dream big in terms of supporting the holistic wellbeing of today and tomorrow’s students,” says Head of School Vanessa Walker-Oakes. “We know our young people are navigating a challenging and changing landscape. These funds will be invested in innovative, flexible student support programs taught by dedicated faculty and staff to support the social, emotional, and intellectual well-being of every student so they can become successful, resilient leaders who are ready to shape the world.”

If there’s one message that our family wants to inspire, it’s that we need to prepare our children to be resilient—not just in high school, but beyond.

—Jeff Crawford ’86

Jeff Crawford in His Own Words

Jeff Crawford spoke from his heart about why he loves and contributes to Flintridge Prep. Here are some excerpts.

On the Flintridge Prep experience: I always looked at Flintridge Prep as a place that would help shape my sons into successful citizens with a moral compass when they are in their 30s and 40s—and beyond. In my opinion, that should be the true value that the school should be measured on.

On investing in Flintridge Prep: The main reason I decided to invest in Flintridge Prep is because of our tremendous experience. There is no price tag on a safe, happy, and loving environment for a child in adolescence.

Deep down inside, all successful people know they had help, a mentor, a teacher, an institution who helped guide them. I believe people who are fortunate have an extra responsibility to give back. There are few things more satisfying in life than helping institutions and individuals. I hope the next generation will take care of Flintridge Prep. This is the only way the school will thrive years down the road.   

All this and a library, too

The C Thriving Endowment will provide complementary services for our students that are tied to the Chandramohan Library & Learning Commons. Funds raised from the 2024 Flintridge Prep Speakeasy Soiree Benefit (see p. 33) support student services, as well.