Event Co-Chairs

Catherine Bentley '89

• How did you become a part of the Culver Academies/CSSC community?

My introduction to Culver began through the vibrant experience of Upper Camp, where I quickly
became enamored with the Culver way of life. Over the course of three years in Upper Camp
Deck 4(’87) and four years at CGA(’89). During my college summers, I had the privilege of
serving as an Upper Camp tennis instructor. Since then, I have returned for the past three
consecutive summers, continuing my involvement while my children attend camp. My family’s
bond with Culver has deepened as both of my children have attended Woodcraft. After 6 years
of Woodcraft (2023), my eldest son is now a Sophomore at CMA in Battery C (2027). My
youngest just completed his second year of Woodcraft (2027), and we look forward to him
joining his winter school days (2033). We cherish our summers spent here and take immense
pride in being a dedicated CMA, CGA, and CSSC family.

• What does Culver mean to your family?

Culver is more than just a place; it is home. Here, my happiness knows no bounds, and though
it may sound clichéd, it is a feeling that is genuinely felt. My smile here is authentic and
unreserved. The Culver community – encompassing the academy, the town, and the summer
inhabitants – this has been the place where my family has flourished and grown together.

• What about Culver inspires you most?

I find my deepest inspiration in the boundless generosity exhibited by Culver alumni. As an
alum, parent, and instructor, I have had the privilege of witnessing a remarkable journey: the
evolution of many of my friends' children, countless campers, and my own children as they have
soared from their early years as children into their roles as accomplished leaders.

• What is your favorite thing about the Live the Legacy Auction?

The most cherished aspect for me is the profound new connections forged with friends and the
remarkable realization of how our Culver Community extends its support to one another in ways
that transcend mere words.

• What have you most enjoyed about your involvement in the auction so far?

I am profoundly impressed by the unwavering dedication of both the donors and the staff of
Culver, whose steadfast commitment to the auction is truly remarkable

Meg Burk '91

•    How did you become a part of the Culver Academies/CSSC community?
I heard about Culver my entire life from my dad (Mark Dinwiddie) who was a WC graduate of '63, as he shared the fondest memories of his time there.  I attended Culver the summer of 1988 when I was a third class camper in Deck 6 in Culver Summer School for Girls (the name at the time).  From there, I was hooked. I begged and pleaded to attend "Winter School" and my parents finally caved and I was able to attend Culver my Junior and Senior year, graduating with the amazing Class of 1991. I valued Culver's education and experience so much that my three children all attended six years of Woodcraft and four years of CMA and CGA: Nate (2021), Lucy (2023) and Sam (2025).

•    What does Culver mean to your family? 
Culver means so much to my family. It is "the tie that binds" us and our blood runs Culver maroon.  Regardless of time, the Culver experience has remained steadfast, consistent and dependable. It has been heartwarming to watch my kids practice drill downs with my dad, dance the busted bunny around a campfire and share common stories that span generations. Culver has provided many gifts to my family, but the greatest gift is connecting with Hill Bleakley, CMA 1987 and his daughter, McKinley, Woodcraft 2025 who I met through the Culver alumni network. We will merge our families together this fall at the Culver Chapel. Culver will always be an extraordinarily special place to us.  

•    What about Culver inspires you most?
What is so inspiring about Culver to me is the collaboration, support and motivation experienced by students and fostered by the faculty. I do not know of any other institution where 35 years later during reunions, much of the conversation centers around faculty members who shaped us and inspired us and had such a direct impact on who we are today. I see that with my own children as they discuss with their friends those teachers and mentors who became like family. There is such a universal love and gratitude for Culver that is not experienced at other schools. 

•    What is your favorite thing about the Live the Legacy Auction?
Serving on this auction committee has been rewarding because I am able to witness firsthand the generosity of the Culver community and how eager people are to give back. It has also been a privilege to serve alongside exceptionally impressive and talented women who are fearless in their commitment to procure unique and desirable auction items, decorate on a shoestring budget and give of their valuable time to assure all the moving pieces come together to make September 27th the best night ever! 

•    What have you most enjoyed about your involvement in the auction so far?
Being a part of the Live the Legacy auction team means so much to me because aside from the satisfaction I get from giving back to Culver, I have met dear friends who I know will be in my life for years to come, and I’m confident we will reflect fondly upon our time of service together! This experience is also counted as another of the remarkable gifts Culver has provided me!  I’m very grateful! 
 

Sandy Markle

•    How did you become a part of the Culver Academies/CSSC community?
I first joined the Culver Community as a spouse to Doug Markle, Company B, Class of '87. However, it wasn't until our first daughter, Sophia, Class of '23, began her Culver journey that I truly became involved. Now, with our second daughter, Izzy, Class of '27, attending as well, I want to soak in every moment I can. This is a place our family truly cherishes.

•    What does Culver mean to your family? 
The Culver community is more than just a school for our kids to learn – it’s a big part of our family life. It's where our values are shared and strengthened, creating a real sense of belonging and support. The relationships we've built with teachers, staff, students and other parents create a supportive environment that goes well beyond the classroom. At Culver we have seen our two daughters thrive.

•    What about Culver inspires you most?
We are absolutely inspired every time we visit the campus and see firsthand how our kids love it here. Parents’ weekends are a real gift! It's so rewarding to watch the faculty and staff support our kids, while also seeing peers encourage each other in such a positive way. We trust that Culver wants the best for them, and this inspires Doug and me to better ourselves as well. 

•    What is your favorite thing about the Live the Legacy Auction?
My favorite thing about the Live the Legacy auction is the opportunity to come together and celebrate the school. It's always a fun night out to reconnect with our Culver friends and also simultaneously support the donors who give back to Culver as well. I love bidding on trips and unique Culver memorabilia that I can pass down to the girls!

•    What have you most enjoyed about your involvement in the auction so far?
Without a doubt I enjoy the friendships made during the auction committee meetings. We begin planning almost a full year before the event, so there is a lot of time to get to know each other and build lasting memories while working together towards a common goal. It's also extremely heartwarming to see the generosity of so many people ready to support the school. When someone reaches out and says they would like to make a donation, it reminds me of all of the good people in the Culver community and the generous spirit that burns so bright here.  I'm so grateful for the chance to be a part of it!