2010 Founders' Day Honoree Margaret Gilbert '70

This year’s Founders’ Day honoree was Margaret Gilbert ‘70. Gilbert received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Colorado in 1973 before completing her Masters of Architecture in 1979, also at CU. In the field, she has a deep passion for healthcare architecture. In her designing healthcare facilities, Gilbert values the active participation of her whole design team in order to guide them toward consensus in design decisions. Gilbert is a gifted problem solver, and her recent work on Penrose-St. Francis Hospital is earning her international recognition in her field, as she exhibited at the 2010 International Summit & Exhibition on Health Facility Planning, Design & Construction. Gilbert has taken an active leadership role in the American Institute of Architects Colorado South Chapter, serving as Treasurer, and member of the Board of Directors. Many in The Colorado Springs School community simply know Margaret as “Ethan’s mom.” A “lifer,” Ethan Gilbert ‘09, had attended The Colorado Springs School since preschool, and Margaret could always be found in the bleachers or on the sidelines cheering on the Kodiaks.

During her presentation to the Upper and Middle School students, Margaret talked about choices and decision-making, as she led students through her life after CSS.

She offered students delightful insights on making bold decisions to please yourself and later making decisions that had her son in mind.

In summary, Margaret left us with a few things she has learned over the years…
“1. I love to solve puzzles.
2. I don’t like detail work.
3. I like teaching.
4. I don’t like working by myself.
5. I like being able to observe the medical profession.
6. I learn by listening and I have a good memory.
7. I am so glad that I put Ethan and his activities ahead of everything else because the time before he went to college goes by so quickly.
8. What you want,…may not be possible at the time you want it,….but that doesn’t mean you can’t have it later.
9. MAKE GOALS; my goals kept me moving forward and I learned to make shifts and turns as unexpected events affected my life. I choose to make decisive decisions.
10. Going outside of your comfort zone is hard. Especially, if you consider yourself shy and introverted as I do and which has been confirmed by the plethora of personality tests I have taken. However, if you surround yourself with people who love and care for you, it can give you the strength and support to make BOLD decisions that you might not of thought yourself capable of.”

Following the honoree presentation, Margaret and alumni guests had lunch with the Class of 2010*.
*In honor of homecoming festivities and themes, the Upper School students are dressed up as “nerds” in these pictures.

Founders’ Day is a day to celebrate the history of the school, its character and values that continue today, and the accomplishments of those who have been a part of CSS.