A Legacy of Impact: Celebrating the Rose Bowl and McGregor Hall

Transformative gifts from the Rose and McGregor families create spaces that inspire learning, connection, and pride at Carolina Day School.

On Friday, October 3, 2025, the Carolina Day School community came together on Homecoming Day for a moment that will forever shape the life of our school. With joy, pride, and deep gratitude, we commemorated the permanent naming of two transformative spaces on campus: the Rose Bowl amphitheater and McGregor Hall, our renovated Upper School.

This milestone marks the first naming dedication of a campus facility in a decade—and one made possible by the extraordinary generosity of two families whose belief in education and community is unmatched. Together, the Rose and McGregor families contributed a combined $3.5 million, accelerating our campus master plan by years and creating inspiring new spaces for connection, learning, and celebration.

A Celebration of Community

The day began with laughter and spirit—true to the Homecoming tradition—before the community gathered for the ceremony. Interim Head of School Ben Farrell welcomed students, faculty, alumni, families, and friends with words that captured the heart of the moment:

“A truly great school is more than buildings and programs—it is a community built on belief: belief in young people, belief in the power of education, and belief in a shared responsibility to make something lasting.”

That spirit of belief was palpable as we unveiled the names of these new spaces, honoring the benefactors who made them possible.

The Rose Family: Empowering Teachers and Students

With the dedication of the amphitheater as the Rose Bowl, we honor the philanthropy and leadership of Suzanne and Mike Rose, whose steadfast generosity has touched nearly every corner of Carolina Day since 2009. Their gifts have enriched student and teacher experiences in countless ways—from music and reading programs to major capital projects—and their volunteer leadership has guided CDS through pivotal moments.

In her remarks, Suzanne Rose reflected on how Carolina Day’s teachers consistently provide outstanding learning experiences, even in spaces that are not always ideal, and how quality facilities can enhance that excellence. 

“Our CDS faculty in all divisions has always been outstanding in their ability to provide a quality learning experience for our students. But providing teachers with the facilities and equipment to support their work is incredibly important to their success and the success of our children. Providing our teachers with the best platform possible to do their best work translates into a better education for all of our kids—whether it’s theater, chemistry, sports, or outdoor learning.”

The amphitheater now stands as a permanent tribute to the Rose family’s love of this community and their vision for a vibrant, connected student experience. Here, generations of Wildcats will gather for performances, assemblies, and celebrations that deepen bonds of friendship and school pride.

The McGregor Family: A Lasting Legacy in Education

The renovated Upper School now proudly bears the name McGregor Hall, dedicated in honor of Douglas McGregor, a lifelong advocate for education and philanthropy. With the largest single gift in Carolina Day history, Karen McGregor and her family made it possible to realize the transformation of the Upper School far ahead of schedule.

The dedication continued with the unveiling of McGregor Hall, honoring the life and legacy of Douglas McGregor. His wife, Karen McGregor, shared heartfelt reflections about her family’s focus on education and community, a value that has guided them for decades. She recalled how Doug and she approached life as a team—Team McGregor—always striving for the best outcomes for their children and grandchildren. 

“Now, I find myself the captain of Team McGregor/Johnson, and I want the best for my team. The big difference is I don’t have to look beyond this campus to get the best education for my team—my grandchildren. The core values, the curriculum, and the environment are the best, right here.”

“It is our hope that McGregor Hall will be a space where students can learn, grow, and thrive for generations to come—a place that reflects the values Doug and I have always held dear.”

Their impact is both practical and profound: a more secure and welcoming main entrance, modernized learning spaces, and a lovely community gathering space for all. McGregor Hall now stands as a symbol of the family’s deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education and their enduring commitment to future generations of students.

Spaces That Inspire Learning and Connection

Together, the Rose and McGregor families have not only transformed physical spaces, but also strengthened the daily experience of students and teachers. Upper School Principal David Hertzinger reflected on the profound impact these spaces have already had on the community.

“Thanks to your generous gifts, we have a space to be proud of,” said Hertzinger. “When people drive by our building, its beautiful exterior invites them to come see the amazing things that happen within its walls—or, simply put, the outside now matches the beauty that has always been inside.”

Already, the Rose Bowl is alive with learning, conversation, and laughter. Already, McGregor Hall has become a daily hub for learning and belonging. These gifts have transformed the fabric of student life.

“Words cannot convey the joy we are all experiencing in using these new spaces,” added Hertzinger. From classrooms to gathering areas, the renovations now give teachers the tools they need to inspire students, while providing students with spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity, and connection.

The Power of Philanthropy and a Call to Community

Chief Advancement Officer Elaine Kreuz reminded us that philanthropy is about more than funding projects:

“This is more than a construction project: it is a statement of faith in our students, our teachers, and the future of Carolina Day School. It is a powerful reminder of what philanthropy can do when it is rooted in love for a community.”

That love was evident in the joy of the naming ceremony, and as those in attendance toasted the moment together, one truth stood clear: these transformative gifts remind us what is possible when vision, generosity, and community come together. The Rose and McGregor families have set a powerful example for us all—an invitation to believe in the promise of our students and invest in their future.

As Karen McGregor noted, “We are here today not just because of my focus, the focus of the Rose family, or the focus of Carolina Day School, but because of all those before us who chose to put their focus on enriching the lives of the students and faculty of CDS by investing in the school in so many varied ways.”

For generations to come, the Rose Bowl and McGregor Hall will stand as daily reminders of what is possible when vision, generosity, and community come together—supporting every student who walks onto the campus of Carolina Day.