On Sunday, September 7th, Head of School Rachel E. Skiffer officially marked the opening of the new South Campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
This community-wide event welcomed students, faculty, neighbors, and residents of the broader Oakland area to tour the new facilities and celebrate the commencement of a project over a decade in the making. Notably in attendance were Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and Brock A. Williams, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
“New space, same spirit,” said Mayor Lee. “It’s exciting and it’s inspiring.”
A podium stood ready on the Crystal Land Commons while various event tables handed out personalized signs, brochures, and activities for the younger kids in attendance. To kick off the ceremony, student speaker Ryan Lo, class of 2026, addressed the gathered crowd and expressed his excitement, followed by Williams and Skiffer.
“For me, you have one side where you’re in the board room having these big strategic discussions about the school, but what’s more meaningful is to come to school on a day like today, and you see all the energy,” Williams said. “This is a proud moment for Head-Royce; this is a proud moment for Oakland.”
Skiffer then formally cut the ribbon with the help of Mayor Lee while students, faculty, and other guests crowded around. Afterward, guests were invited to take a self-guided tour of the new campus.
“The South Campus is a cake that doesn’t need any icing,” said South Campus Launch Director Julie Kim-Beal. “It speaks for itself.”
Also in attendance was Crystal Land, former Head of School, who played a major role in the development of the South campus.
“Any person who walks on this campus, their jaw is going to drop,” Land said. “I was here 34 years. It’s really moving to think this [campus] will be here for hundreds of years.”
Kim-Beal and other staff members had been planning this event even before the final date of the South Campus opening was set. With an expected 800 guests, every detail mattered.
“The main goals were to get people onto campus, see the beauty of the campus, and understand how it’s going to be used in student life,” said Kim-Beal.
The biggest challenge came down to figuring out the parking, said Molly Donovan, one of the event’s coordinators and Director of Annual Giving at the School. Still, she considered the event a success that wrapped up after two hours full of children running through classrooms while adults gave their congratulations.
“At the end of the day, this is all about the students,” Williams said.
When asked about what this campus will mean to future students, Williams answered, “I can’t say. Because the students are going to create it.”