Building for the Present, Investing in the Future: Dawn and Richard Huffman, P '26, Commit Historic $1M to Common Ground Campaign

For Dawn and Richard Huffman, the phrase "Growing People, Big and Small" isn’t just a business motto; it is a family ethos. Through their work with Huffman Family Brands and the Huffman Family Foundation, they have spent decades providing resources to help schools and families access the best in education and transform their communities. Now, they are bringing that same vision to Hampton Lane with a historic $1 million commitment to Notre Dame Preparatory School’s Common Ground campaign.

With a daughter, Addison, in her senior year, the Huffmans are witnessing the transformative power of a Notre Dame Prep education in real-time. Their commitment to this campaign is a personal testament to that journey. By providing an early lead gift to the Student Commons, Richie and Dawn are doing what they have always championed: investing in environments where the next generation can thrive.

We recently sat down with the Huffmans to discuss why they chose to make this leadership gift now and how their professional passion for championing education aligns with their personal dedication to their daughter’s NDP experience.

 

 

Our family’s work has always focused on caring for and educating young children. That same commitment to the whole child is why Notre Dame Prep’s mission resonates so deeply with us. NDP’s focus on educating the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, and socially—reflects the values we believe matter most, and its emphasis on care, service, and community mirrors how we measure success: by the positive impact we have on children, families, and the communities we serve.

This campaign’s name, Common Ground: Building NDP’s Future, implies coming together and finding shared values. In a world that often feels divided, what does the concept of Common Ground mean to you, and why do you believe it is a vital lesson for the young women attending Notre Dame Prep?

 

To us, Common Ground is about connection—about finding ways to come together, listen to one another, and work toward something bigger than ourselves. In a world that often feels divided, it’s a reminder that understanding and collaboration are more important than ever. We hope the young women at Notre Dame Prep carry these beliefs with them: how to respect different perspectives, build strong relationships, and contribute to their communities with kindness and confidence. Supporting this campaign isn’t just about the new Student Commons or campus improvements—it’s about helping these students grow into thoughtful, compassionate women who know the value of coming together.

 

Through our foundation and our work with Celebree School, we’ve always believed in creating spaces where children can learn, explore, and grow together. The new Student Commons at NDP is exactly that for NDP students: a place where they can collaborate, share ideas, and support one another. It’s the kind of modern, flexible environment that helps them build confidence, creativity, and the leadership skills they’ll carry with them long after graduation.

Each one of us has a role to play in shaping the school’s future. By supporting this campaign, we’re not just funding buildings or programs—we’re investing in the next generation of women leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We hope our gift encourages others to give in whatever way they can, because when we come together as a community, we ensure that Notre Dame Prep remains a place where young women are empowered, inspired, and prepared to make a difference in the world.