Enhancing Cultural Gems

The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation

A name that weaves through many treasured institutions in greater Los Angeles belongs to the family of Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris. Polytechnic School is fortunate to be among the beneficiaries of the Norris Foundation’s support, most recently through a grant to The Next 100 Years campaign for historic restoration of the century-old, architecturally significant buildings on the North Campus.

With each gift, the Norris Foundation seeks to advance health and intellectual enlightenment, in Poly’s case recognizing the far-reaching impact of the school’s excellent educational offerings. The foundation’s connection to Poly began with Kenneth T. Norris, Jr., who graduated with the class of 1945, and current foundation Board Member William Corey is also an alumnus. As its leaders have gotten to know Poly’s current programs and achievements, they have willingly awarded generous grants to The Next 100 Years campaign.

"Poly happens to be performing one of the most valuable jobs in the world,” Norris Foundation Executive Director Ron Barnes affirms. “Providing a top-notch education to young people from a variety of backgrounds makes it an outstanding resource we are pleased to support.”

Poly’s unique original architecture has shaped its curriculum since 1907, and the current new construction and renovation efforts are mindful of the time-tested, simple bungalow design with its emphasis on a dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces. By preserving and enhancing the vision first set among orange groves by Myron Hunt and Elmer Gray, today’s work by HMC Architects and Morley Builders makes Poly’s North Campus an ideal learning environment once again. The school is indebted to the Norris Foundation for its contribution to this renewal effort.