Over 75 years later, one Fountain Valley School graduate hasn’t forgotten about his school. Building upon decades of philanthropy, W. Jerome “Jerry” Frautschi has outdone himself and everyone else with the largest single donation to the boarding school in its 95-year history.

The school announced Monday that it had received a $10 million donation from Frautschi, who graduated in 1949.

“Some of my most defining moments came on the prairie at Fountain Valley,” Frautschi said in a statement. “Those wide-open spaces taught me responsibility, confidence and a sense of possibility that stayed with me my entire life.

“My hope is that this gift helps future generations feel that same spark, to explore, to learn and to discover who they are. If the next generation can share in the same deep experience that shaped my life, then this investment will have truly mattered.”

The school said the funds will go toward preserving campus spaces, growing its faculty and elevating the school’s overall experience for students, families and employees.

“Jerry Frautschi’s generosity has helped define Fountain Valley School across generations,” said Megan Harlan, Head of School. “As a proud alumnus from the Class of 1949, Jerry understands the lifelong impact of an FVS education.”

Since graduating from the school, the Madison, Wis., native attended the University of Virginia and University of Wisconsin-Madison and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War before working for Webcrafters, a local printing firm founded by his father, with his brother for 42 years, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Local news outlet Isthmus reported that he retired in 1997 and became involved in various philanthropic endeavors in education, the arts, and community institutions.

Frautschi donated $205 million to establish the Overture Center of the Arts in downtown Madison, which opened in 2004, and contributed millions toward multiple causes, including Madison Area Technical College scholarships, a statewide high school musical awards program and the construction of a new Wisconsin Veterans Museum.

Over the years, he also regularly contributed to Fountain Valley through capital investments, endowed annual scholarships, gifts to expand programming and strategic leadership support.

In 1990, the Frautschi Center opened at the school to provide students with a space to relax and build connections. The center features a coffee shop, movie theater and a ping pong, foosball and pool table. Other school projects Frautschi supported over the years include the renovation of the Head of School’s house in 2002 and the athletic center in 2018.

According to the school’s director of marketing and communications, Lauren Ferrara, the center is home to the biggest high school climbing gym in the country.

“Jerry’s generosity has always been grounded in gratitude, sustainability and a commitment to the experiences of our student body,” said Fountain Valley Board Chair Greg Osborne.

“His loyalty to Fountain Valley School as an alumnus and benefactor has  been extraordinary, and this gift reflects Jerry’s deep understanding of what it takes to sustain excellence over time.”