Leslie Sims Robertson ‘81 and Keith Robertson, Parents of Jordan Gibbs ‘09 and Travis Robertson ‘15
“I was the first in my family to go to O’Dowd,” says Leslie Sims Robertson ‘81, “then my brother Geoffrey ‘87 followed behind me.” Immediately upon graduating, Leslie was recruited to serve on O’Dowd’s fledgling alumni association. “I just loved my high school experience, “ she explains, “so of course I joined.” Leslie’s early efforts to build alumni connections grew over time. Today she serves on the Development Committee for O’Dowd’s Board of Regents, and her involvement with O’Dowd has now spanned 40 years. “I believe I hold a record in that department,” she jokes.
Leslie’s husband, Keith Robertson, went to Skyline High School, but says, “I’m an honorary Dragon. Leslie’s class adopted me.” The couple sent both their children to O’Dowd, Jordan Gibbs ‘09 and Travis Robertson ‘15. “Our kids have made lifelong friends at O’Dowd, and their connections are, I have to say, impressive,” says Keith.
As a family, Leslie and Keith have been giving to O’Dowd since 1995. “We started with the Crab Feed and other school events,” said Keith, “and our giving grew more formalized over time.” Today, Leslie says they aim to increase their giving to O’Dowd by 5-10% annually. “I love O’Dowd and I’m a proud Dragon,” she asserts. “As a lifelong Catholic, I came to O’Dowd and I was exposed to kids from so many different backgrounds. The experience taught me to truly live my faith, to be open and accepting, and learn from others. I don’t think I could have gotten that anywhere else. That’s why I’m so committed to making sure that more kids of color have that same opportunity. We give to O’Dowd because we want to carry on that legacy.”
Leslie and Keith are excited about the new O’Dowd Center because they see it as a chance for the whole community to finally gather as one. “Previously we’ve had to hold large community events off-site,” Leslie noted. “I’m inspired by the opportunity to bring our broader alumni network to the new Center, because I know it will invigorate even greater participation in the legacy of our school.” In the end, it’s about O’Dowd’s reputation for creating an environment where students can thrive. “O’Dowd is a top-notch school and we need top-notch facilities,” she declares. “The Center will allow us to continue our trajectory of excellence.”
For the Robertson’s, the O’Dowd Center’s state-of-the-art music and arts facilities also represent an important investment in nurturing the whole student. “Our son took a digital music class as a freshman at O’Dowd and it spawned his passion to become an artist,” Keith said. “We didn’t even know he had that creative streak,” Leslie added. “Now he’s self-taught, musically.” Keith continues, “O’Dowd is great at giving students not just excellent academic instruction, but also powerful opportunities to grow as a whole person, to get involved in music and the arts and sports and clubs. And that’s what the Center will help provide for students, more of those experiences. It’s about living our Charism.” He checks in with Leslie, laughing. “Did I say that right?”
“Yes,” Leslie affirms. “Diversity is our number one priority. The O’Dowd Center will continue to attract different kids from different backgrounds to learn with each other and from each other, and that’s what makes our society better.”
