Qubein Family Supports WCDS with Transformative Donation for Library Renovation

The library at Westchester Country Day School is getting a major renovation that will transform it from a traditional media center into a modern learning hub.

Nido and Mariana Qubein, longtime supporters and advocates for education in High Point, have committed a $1 million donation to update the building into the state-of-the-art Qubein Education Center.

The Qubein Education Center at Westchester will foster innovation, curiosity and critical thinking. While housing the school’s library collections and volumes, the comprehensive renovation will add:

• Makerspace: A dedicated space equipped with tools, electronics and materials to encourage student creativity, problem-solving skills and hands-on STEAM projects. The makerspace will serve as an extension of classroom instruction. It will have access to the adjacent playground and bridge selected projects with the outdoors.
• Robotics Lab: Featuring educational robotics for every level, from VEX 123 for grades pre-K/kindergarten to VEX EXP for Upper School. The Robotics Lab will enhance computer science education and provide students with hands-on experience in robotics through advanced tools like RobotLab NAO and RobotLab Dobot Magician Robotic Arm.
• Versatile Function Areas: These spaces are designed to foster collaboration, accommodate different teaching methods, support various group sizes, and meet individual study needs.

"We are grateful to the Qubein family for their support of Westchester for many years and are privileged to receive this generous gift from Nido and Mariana Qubein,” said Mary Keever, interim head of school. “Their commitment to education, academic excellence and community serves as a great example for our students. The renovated library, soon to be the Qubein Education Center, will help us inspire students to practice using the design thinking and science, technology, engineering and math skills we are including in our academic curriculum at all grade levels.”

The Qubein family are long-time supporters of Westchester and have entrusted the school with their children, who are proud alumni, and grandchildren. Their commitment to education extends beyond Westchester, with the Qubein Scholarship Fund providing more than 800 scholarships for local students to attend college in North Carolina since 1973.

Nido Qubein is known for leading the transformation at High Point University to a nationally recognized university listed in the Princeton Review. He has grown the campus from three to 13 academic schools and net assets of $1.2 billion. A businessman and author, his philanthropic efforts include lead gifts for the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center and Qubein School of Communications. He is also known for leading the downtown High Point redevelopment group that provided more than $70 million to purchase the High Point Rockers, stadium enhancements like Blessing Park, the Slane Family Center, Wilson Plaza, operating costs and the new Nido and Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum.

Mariana Qubein has made countless contributions in the community, including organizations such as Family Service of the Piedmont, the High Point Arts Council and Westchester, among others. Notably, she spent the last 18 years developing the award-winning gardens at High Point University. In 2019, she authored her first book, “Planting Seeds of Greatness.”

“Our family is proud to contribute to Westchester, a school that aligns with our belief in the transformative power of education by emphasizing critical thinking, creativity and innovation,” said Nido Qubein. “These are the skills we emphasize in the students at High Point University, and we are pleased to see Westchester also committing to teaching the life skills that will prepare students for a successful future.”

Westchester’s library building originally opened on the school campus in December 1993 and is receiving its first major renovation in 30 years. Construction is underway and is expected to continue through spring 2024.