You may know David Beitel as the chief technology officer of Zillow, but he has also worn many hats during his time at UPrep. He and his wife, Joanna, are parents of two UPrep alums, Zack '17 and Julia '20. While their children were students, both parents served on numerous committees, volunteered for events, and cheered for the Pumas from the bleachers. As a former Board Chair (serving from 2016–2019), David was integral in the early stages of conceptualizing and planning for the ULab. Even though both of his children have graduated, David's commitment to the school has continued and deepened. He has served as Co-Chair of our ULab Capital Campaign since 2018 and has dedicated countless hours to this effort. In December 2021, David stepped away from his official role and passed the torch to his Co-Chair, Mark Britton, and the committee. We will miss his leadership and want to celebrate all that David has done for the school during his nearly 13 years of service to UPrep. We caught up with David recently to ask his thoughts about the campaign.

What inspired you to lead a campaign for the ULab—an effort from which your children will not directly benefit?
Joanna and I believe in giving legacy gifts to the causes we care deeply about, and UPrep has been one of our top philanthropic priorities for many years. We understand that many UPrep families had given generously in the past so that our children could benefit. Now it is our turn to pay it forward for future Puma families. We are excited about how the ULab will support the growth of the school, expand programs, and, most importantly, enhance the student experience.

What has it been like to co-lead a campaign that will transform that future of the school?
The campaign has been exciting because we are truly building the next chapter of UPrep's future with generous community support. Many early donors have made significant stretch gifts and, in that sense, it's been very gratifying and humbling. Being part of the process for UPrep families to learn about the project and become more deeply invested in the school's future is a great source of pride. I believe passionately in the project and the campaign, so it was easy for me to jump in and help in any way I could to ensure the ULab's success. 

What has inspired donors to give to the campaign?
Families continue to share their gratitude for UPrep's leadership, starting with our Head of School Ronnie. Having been through some turbulent times, families feel confident in Ronnie's vision, appreciate the work of the Trustees, and know the school is in good hands. They can't say enough about how incredible our faculty and staff are and how hard everyone has worked to keep our students learning and growing, despite many unforeseen challenges over the past two years. Families want to see UPrep have the resources it needs to continue to develop students into intellectually courageous, socially responsible citizens of the world. Families will also see the benefit to the student experience that will result from the growth in the Upper School, including enhanced, project-based, interdisciplinary classes.

What are you looking forward to most when the ULab opens?
The ULab will provide much-needed growth as UPrep continues to lead the Seattle independent school marketplace. By adding 110 more students in the Upper School, we will provide many more options for classes, clubs, and additional sports, which will attract new families. The building's open concept and flexible spaces will house our most external-facing programs and classes. It will also help us to further differentiate our Upper School from our Middle School, which will please students and parents alike. 

Any final thoughts as you hand the reins to Mark Britton?
Mark and I have a great friendship and I will continue to stay in touch even though I am no longer officially a Co-Chair of the ULab Campaign Committee. Mark, Ronnie, the Board, and the ULab Campaign Committee have a road map for success, and it will be thrilling to watch the progress as we break ground this spring and strive to close out the final $10 million of the campaign. I encourage the UPrep community to dig deep to help make this dream a reality!

In appreciation, we are pleased to announce that a space in the ULab will be named in honor of the Beitel family.