Thake Family Endowment for Thomas Metcalf School
The Thake Family Endowment aims to inspire creativity and excellence in teaching practices of faculty associates at Thomas Metcalf School. The funds from this endowment are dedicated to fostering faculty leadership, supporting professional development, and enriching curriculum through educational research. Created by the Thake family, the endowment honors their deep and lasting connection to Illinois State University and the Laboratory Schools, where they share more than 90 years of combined involvement-as students, educators, a coach, and an occupational therapist. From 1977 to 2007, the Thake Family played integral roles within the Laboratory Schools. Mel Thake was a physical education teacher and coach at Metcalf School, while Barbara Thake worked as an occupational therapist in special education at Metcalf and U-high. Their children, Mary Beth and William, also have strong ties: Mary Beth (Welch) attended the Laboratory Schools from Kindergarten through high school and later took post-baccalaureate classes at ISU as preparation for her medical degree. William (Bill) Thake also attended the Laboratory Schools and ISU, completing his education from preschool through his master’s degree in English. The Thake family is proud to give back to the university and looks forward to seeing the innovative ideas and teaching practice that this award will inspire.