Remembering Craig Ferguson

Former MHS Board President Craig Ferguson P’91, whose thirteen years as a Trustee left an indelible mark on the campus and the trajectory of Miss Hall’s School, passed away March 28 from complications related to Parkinson’s Disease.

Mr. Ferguson, the father of Lynne Ferguson Somerville ’91, joined the Miss Hall’s Board in 1989 and served as its President from 1995 until retiring in 2002. In addition to his daughter Lynne, Mr. Ferguson is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda Stiles Ferguson, daughter Anne Foster, son Bruce Ferguson, and nine grandchildren.

A longtime resident of Darien, Connecticut, Mr. Ferguson graduated from Colgate University in 1959 and began his insurance career with Childs & Wood in Chicago and New York before starting Craig M. Ferguson & Company in the early 1970’s in New York, He was known among his clients and employees as an excellent problem solver, as well as a generous and caring business owner.

During his tenure as Board President, Miss Hall’s undertook what was at that time the largest construction and fundraising effort in its history, dramatically enhancing the MHS campus, expanding support for student programs and faculty salaries, and setting the School on a path toward a substantive endowment.

“Craig was unquestionably committed to Miss Hall’s School,” says Trustee and Emeritus Trustee Susan P. O’Day ’77, who succeeded Mr. Ferguson as Board President. “I have so much gratitude for his many years of service to the School.”

“Craig was always there for the School and extremely generous with his time,” agrees Emeritus Trustee Lee Auchincloss Link ’61, who served as Board Vice President during Mr. Ferguson’s tenure. “He was an excellent leader, very calm, didn’t fly off the handle, and whatever was happening, he took it in stride. At the same time, he was very decisive, did not procrastinate, and made thoughtful decisions, especially during the campaign, which was a huge moment, when so many decisions had to be made.”

Launched in May 1998, the Centennial Campaign met its $15 million goal in May 2001 and ultimately raised more than $25 million by its closing in 2004. Three new buildings — the Anne Meyer Cross ’37 Athletic Center, Elizabeth Gatchell Klein Arts Center, and the Humes Euston Hall Library — were added to the campus, and the Main Building underwent extensive renovations.

Mr. Ferguson joined the MHS Board when his daughter, Lynne, was a junior. Six years later, he succeeded Benjamin A. Groves P’75 as President. While on the Board, Mr. Ferguson served on the Buildings and Grounds, Development, Finance, Long Range Planning, Trusteeship, and Executive Committees. The Craig M. Ferguson Sun Room, a gift from all the Trustees who served under his leadership, as well as from several family and friends, was named in his honor in May 2002.

“He was the epitome of a gentle man — so smart and kind — and always available for the School,” notes Board Vice President Laura H. Harris ’74, who served with Mr. Ferguson throughout his tenure. “He really cared and had a commitment and passion for the School. He led with a steady hand and was a good skipper — one of the best.”

Described by colleagues as a quiet thinker, Mr. Ferguson solicited input from other Trustees, and brought optimism, energy, and a can-do attitude to the role.

“He was a wonderful leader because he kept people focused and brought together a board that had great spirit,” Ms. O’Day adds. “At the same time, he expected all of us to perform at high levels, not only providing our time and treasure, but also our talent, and he believed in tapping into the professional expertise of alums.”

Ms. Link concurs. “It was a joy to work with him, and his wife Linda was amazingly patient,” she adds, noting the hours dedicated to the School. “He gave it his all, and I have only good memories. You couldn’t have asked for a better person to work with.”