Contribution will bolster the 60 more years to… campaign for the school’s next evolution
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (May 16, 2018) - The Hugh Kaul Foundation, which has funded many worthy programs in the Birmingham region, has awarded $500,000 to Highlands School’s 60 more years to… campaign for the next evolution of the school.
The foundation, created by business leader and philanthropist Hugh Kaul in 1989, has a long history of supporting area institutions such as the Birmingham Zoo, Birmingham-Southern College, Southern Research Institute and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Highlands announced the public phase of the 60 more years to… campaign on April 4, 2018, aiming to raise at least $5 million by the end of 2018 to fund an $8 million project that will transform its campus.
“Highlands’ progressive approach to K-8 education and commitment to preparing tomorrow’s leaders are exemplified in their pursuit of the next evolution of the school,” said trustee Hillery Head. “The Kaul Foundation is proud to support this mission and its impact on the broader community.”
Kaul was a highly regarded lumber industry executive, civic leader and four-term member of the Alabama Legislature. He was a founder and president of the Alabama Forestry Council and served as president of Kaul Lumber Co. from 1931 until his retirement.
The Hugh Kaul Foundation supports cultural, educational and civic endeavors in Birmingham and Coosa and Clay counties. The foundation’s giving exceeds $70 million since its inception.
The foundation’s gift supports the campaign’s priorities, including a new Student Life Center with four new flexible classrooms, a dining hall with a full-service kitchen, an air-conditioned gymnasium and a new outdoor classroom. While the new Student Life Center is the showpiece of the campaign, the project also will update the entire Highlands campus to better facilitate 21st-century learning. The current art room will be modernized, improvements will be made to the playground closest to the new Student Life Center and all 23 classrooms on the existing Highlands campus will be updated with dynamic furniture, equipment and fixtures.
“We are grateful to the Kaul Foundation for their support of the Highlands Mission,” said Kavita Vasil, head of school at Highlands. “The encouragement and guidance of the Birmingham community is vital as we transform our campus to reflect the world into which we are sending our students.”