A New Era for Ho-Ho-Kus: $10 Million Donation from Alumnus Funds New Gymnasium

photos courtesy of  LAN Architects

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ho-Ho-Kus NJ, The excitement was palpable as the district’s 584 students gathered on Friday for the unveiling of their new school gymnasium. This state-of-the-art facility, built with a generous $10 million donation from Class of 1954 alumnus David Duffield, marks a significant milestone for the school.

The gift, announced in December 2022, came with only one condition: it had to be used for an athletic facility. “The design was up to the school,” Duffield shared before the ceremony. The architectural vision was brought to life by LAN Architects, with the building dedicated to Duffield’s parents, Al and Mary Duffield. Mary, a long-time teacher at the school, holds a special place in the community’s history.

The new gym replaces the previous facility, which had been added to the southeast corner of the 1936 K-8 school back in 1978. The new structure, named “Duffield Hall,” now stands prominently at the northwest corner of the school.

A Grand Opening Celebration

The ceremony was filled with joy and gratitude, starting with eighth graders in yellow vests acting as ambassadors, welcoming guests through a vibrant yellow and blue balloon arch. “We think it’s great,” said Luke Pedican, one of the student greeters. “Even though we won’t get as much use out of it, we can always come back for games.”

David Duffield, along with his wife Cheryl, brother Al (also a Ho-Ho-Kus alum), and his wife Jane, received a full student welcome. Festivities included the school’s “Let’s go bears!” cheer, a performance of the song “Thankful” by the third- and fourth-grade chorus, and a cheer that spelled out “Duffield Hall.” The ceremony culminated in the Duffield brothers using giant scissors to cut a blue ribbon, followed by a symbolic basketball toss, assisted by the school’s bear mascot.

A Personal Touch

During the ceremony, students took turns asking Duffield personal questions. When asked about his favorite ice cream flavor, Duffield responded with “Butter pecan.” His advice for success? “Do your best job here,” and “Pick out something you’re good at, and work really hard at it.” He also humorously advised his middle school self, “Start dating sooner.”

Duffield, who went on to graduate from Ridgewood High School and Cornell University, built a legacy in the tech world with companies like Workday, PeopleSoft, and Ridgeline. However, his message to the students was rooted in hard work and finding one’s passion.

Looking Forward

Superintendent Diane Mardy, Principal Martha Walsh, and Board of Education President Mary Ellen Nye all expressed their thanks, recognizing the lasting impact Duffield’s gift will have on generations of students. Many of Duffield’s classmates were also in attendance, marking the occasion as part of their 70th reunion celebration.

As students left the event, they passed beneath the gym’s new motto: “We will be known by the tracks we leave,” a fitting tribute to Duffield’s legacy.

For those eager to get a glimpse of the new facility, the public is invited to attend an open house at the gym, located on the school’s 77 Lloyd Road campus, on Tuesday September 17th from 6 to 7 p.m.

 

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