Dream Campus Makeover

Imagining a $40 million Wishlist for Campus and Curriculum 

Boasting an estimated $240 million, Middlesex is recognized as having one of the largest endowments among top US boarding schools – securing its position as the 13th “Richest Boarding School in America'' by Business Insider. Yet many student concerns persist, ranging from the aging conditions of dorm rooms to the occasionally frugal funding for student activities and the pressing need for upgraded sporting facilities– all despite the school’s financial prowess. Acknowledging the significant impact financial success has on our Middlesex experience, the question becomes: how much more hefty funding do we need, and, when supplied, where do we splash the cash? In response, this article delves into the facets of Middlesex that could improve given $40 million in funding. 

It is important to note, however, that Middlesex has recently been active in working on campus advancement – particularly in the prospect of the much-promoted new field house. While the field house will serve as a transformational campus project, Middlesex’s long-awaited splurge on athletic facilities raises questions about what other athletic buildings could be implemented with the proper funding. 

The idea of Middlesex expanding its selection of athletic sports has gained prominence, especially within a conversation with former competitive swimmer Dylan Fu ’27. Dylan, along with many former swimmers and water polo players on campus, advocates for a full-size pool– opening Middlesex to not only a more diverse range of applicants but also a new social outlet for swimming distinct from the less inviting waters of Batemand’s pond. Beyond aquatic improvements, many students have expressed their collective desire for more high-end sporting facilities such as full-glass squash courts, renovated basketball courts, a larger gym space, and more coaches in hopes of reducing cuts from teams limited by facilities. In particular, players and faculty alike have addressed the desire for more exterior coaches over the demanding commitment of faculty to coaching. While the Field House is expected to address some athletic concerns, Middlesex seemingly has no plans for new non-athletic facilities.

 Most prominently, this points to many more years to come of cramped chapel spaces. With evident over-enrollment this year, providing adequate seating during Chapel has become increasingly difficult. The dire need for communal space underscores the necessity for a pretty hefty investment in either an expansion of our existing chapel or a new chapel in its entirety. In any case, the current Chapel proves insufficient for accommodating the entire student body and faculty for more formal events – seen in the recent cram-packing of students during the Holiday Concert. Along with the Chapel, a number of dormitories including Clay and Atkins have had numerous suggestions for renovations – particularly to the conditions of the bathrooms. Middlesex’s rapidly growing community calls not only for an expansion of existing facilities but also for resources actively available to students outside of Middlesex. 

Many students, despite being offered the experience to go on international school trips this upcoming spring break, have expressed interest in studying abroad on exchange programs. As an international student myself, it is easy to recognize the mass significance such a program could have on our school community – allowing for an immersive experience for those on exchange, while also welcoming a diversity of international students to the Middlesex student body. Beyond exchange programs, Middlesex could also implement a greater selection of electives and courses for those with passions they wish to pursue on campus. Examples of unique and engaging electives can be seen at Andover where “Baseball and Philosophy” or “Fashion in History” are offered within their academic programs. Middlesex, although a comparatively smaller school, can most definitely benefit from a more diverse curriculum. 

Although splurging on material needs would reap much satisfaction among the student body, Middlesex should also invest in further means of sustainability. Our campus, surrounded by hundreds of acres of school-owned forest, could work towards environmental sustainability through the expansion of the solar-energy program and perhaps even the founding of an agricultural program. Lawrenceville, a private boarding school in New Jersey, similarly implements its “Big Red Farm” where students can learn about agriculture and provide their dining halls with self-grown crops. 

Invariably progressing and expanding, Middlesex remains a community with ample opportunity for growth across various aspects. While $40 million would do wonders for the school, the true measure of Middlesex’s excellence lies in our collective effort toward holistic progress. Steps as such can already be seen in the building of our new Field House – but most significantly in the community we build and the unique needs we embrace. 

Bryan Dong