We are pleased to announce the details for this year's Celebration of Leadership, the school's annual appreciation event for leadership donors to the Annual Fund. 

This year's featured speaker is Priya Parker, acclaimed author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters. A master facilitator trained in the field of conflict negotiation, Priya studied organizational design at M.I.T., public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, and political and social thought at the University of Virginia. She has spent 20 years helping leaders and communities dig down to the root of why and how we make connections, create communities, and build organizations. Priya is the host and executive producer of the New York Times podcast Together Apart, and her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes.com, Oprah.com, the TODAY Show and Morning Joe, among others.

Monday, November 6, 2023
6:00 p.m. Reception & Gathering
7:30 p.m. Conversation with Priya Parker
8:30 p.m. Dessert

The Estate at New Albany
5216 Forest Drive
New Albany, Ohio

The deadline to RSVP for this exciting annual event is Friday, October 27, 2023. Please RSVP as soon as possible to attend. Space is limited at this event to two guests per household, age 21 and over.

Opportunities to attend this year's event

Leadership Donors ($3,000 and up) and Emerging Leaders ($1,500-$2,499) to last school year's Annual Fund or this year's Annual Fund are invited to come together for this celebration. To RSVP, please contact Emily Campbell, Director of Development, at campbelle@columbusacademy.org. If giving to the Annual Fund at these levels is new for you this year, please include your 2023-24 Annual Fund gift/pledge details with your RSVP. Thank you!  

What is the Celebration of Leadership?

This signature event, now in its 17th year, recognizes and honors the vital role that philanthropic leadership plays in laying a firm foundation for Columbus Academy's Annual Fund. Last year, 208 families contributed $1,500 or more, comprising 84% of the $1.7 million raised — impacting every student every day.

The evening reception features a speaker that aligns with the school’s strategic vision, core values, and donors’ interest in lifelong learning. Students also have the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the guest speaker during a special afternoon assembly.