Graland through the Generations: the Freyer Family

With a family history that goes back to the 1860s in Denver, John Jr. is just one in a large family of Graland graduates. Patriarch John, Sr. ‘63 also “grew up Graland” as one of five children belonging to Ann and Frank “Poncho” Freyer, who served on the Board of Trustees with former headmaster John Comfort in the late 1950s. John Sr. remembers how Graland teachers made learning “come alive” and taught him an important skill: how to learn.

“That’s a tool that you can take anywhere to do anything you want,” says John Sr. “I learned from Mrs. Bisbee and Ruth Gorham; they were fabulous teachers.” The knighting tradition is still one of his favorite memories, one that he shares with his siblings and his children and will someday share with his grandchildren.

“We spent over a span of 30 years raising our children through Graland,” says Ginny Freyer, family matriarch. “Graland was like an extension of our community and friends, and when our last child graduated from Graland it was a very sad and emotional time.”

Over the years, Ginny participated in various activities and served on many committees -- everything from Parent Association, to room mother, publishing center, Graland Book Fair, the Graland Carnival, and one of her very favorite fundraisers, the Graland Auction. She would tell you today that volunteering at Graland in different capacities kept her involved with the faculty and student body. John Sr. and Ginny also sponsored the Fieldhouse climbing wall with a donation in 2002, among other generous gifts to the school.

“I give Graland credit for helping raise my children by giving them exceptional learning and instilling ethics,” John Sr. says. “I’m proud of what all of them have become and the way they give back in the community. We were taught that at Graland -- the importance of community.”

Ginny adds, “It's hard to pinpoint the greatest value to a Graland education; there are so many. With our children, Graland instilled a sense of confidence in who they are as individuals, and encouraged them to take risks, to be curious with their intellect, and not to be judgmental of others. I would say Graland gave them the foundation and tools to become contributing members in society.”

With his own parents’ example and his Graland experiences, it’s no surprise that John Jr. grew up believing that getting involved is the right thing to do. In 2012, he signed up for a two-year term as president of the Alumni Association.

“I wanted to serve on the alumni level first of all out of a love for the school,” John Jr. explains. “It’s important for alumni to stay engaged and part of the community to ensure that Graland has strong support. Since Ronni McCaffrey became Head of School I’ve really seen a change in the enthusiasm for Graland. She has infused so much energy and spirit and knowledge into her role as an educator and leader.”

Younger sister Christina is on the bandwagon as well; she joined the Alumni Association board in 2015 to carry on the family tradition and offer her own skills as an entrepreneur and successful businesswoman.

“As my life continues to mature and grow so does my appreciation for Graland and the impact it has had on my life,” Christina says. “Graland touches us during such important times of our lives and has a deep impact on who we become as adults. I want to give back and be involved to help assure that Graland stays effective and continues to have positive impact on children's lives both socially and in education.”

Professionally, John Jr. is an executive vice president at Land Title and his wife Andi has a background in software sales. The couple now serves together on the ASCEND Campaign Committee, a role that allows them to be part of a historic effort to strengthen the Graland community. The three approaches of the campaign -- learning spaces, financial aid and professional development -- are all necessary to prepare tomorrow’s leaders for a new and exciting future.

“The world that today’s kids will step into is completely different from the world that John Jr. stepped into,” John Sr. says. “Graland needs the ASCEND campaign to stay a step ahead of all the changes.”

So what does it mean, then, to “grow up Graland”? It’s the lifelong memories, the experiences that shaped your success, and the teachers who inspired and challenged you. It’s striving for excellence in all your efforts. It’s displaying manners and an honest character.

It means doing your part in an incredible network of successful people who care about you -- students, teachers, alumni, parents, grandparents and special friends. For the Freyers, it means a family tradition that weaves green and white through multiple generations, creating a shared past, present and future for each member.

Growing up Graland means the school is just part of who you are, like family.