Agather-Means Family Endowment, a Multigenerational Legacy of Support
November 10, 2025
The Episcopal School of Dallas is honored to announce the establishment of a new endowment fund through the generosity of alumni parents Elaine and Neils Agather and current parents Bradley '05 and Coley Means. This generous gift, representing multi-generational support, underscores the family’s deep-rooted connection to the school and their commitment to ensuring its continued success for future generations.
Inspired by the profound impact ESD has had on alumna Bradley, this combined family gift is a meaningful way to give back to the community that afforded her a strong educational foundation based on episcopal values and a springboard into unlimited potential. "This gift is a way to give back to the community that gave me so much - and to help ensure that my son and future students have the same transformative opportunities," shared Bradley.
The enduring nature of an endowment gift held particular appeal for the family. "Giving to the endowment appealed to us because it’s a gift that keeps giving," explained current parents Bradley and Coley Means P’38. "We believe in ESD. We want our support to have a lasting impact—something that will grow over time and help sustain the values that make this school so special."
Central to the purpose of the Agather-Means Family Endowment Fund is the recognition and support of ESD’s dedicated educators. "Vital to igniting lives of purpose are the teachers who rally around students every step of the way," noted former board member Elaine and her husband, Neils. "Supporting the endowment is a way to honor that legacy and help ensure our teachers continue to be recognized, supported, and celebrated for the vital role they play."
In offering advice to others considering establishing an endowment fund, the Means family encourages others to reflect on their own formative experiences. "Start by thinking about what mattered most to you during your time at school—more than likely, it’s those same things that are still making a difference for students today," they advised. "For us, it was the teachers, the relationships, the sense of purpose found at ESD. An endowment fund is a way to keep that going. It’s a way to support what you value most in a way that endures."
"Elaine, Neils, Bradley, and Coley’s commitment to ESD is truly inspiring," said Hobson Family Head of School Dave Baad. "As a school with a rich history and a vibrant future, this support through the endowment will ensure that we can continue to attract and retain exceptional educators and provide a transformative educational experience for our students for years to come. We are deeply grateful for their generosity in support of our strategic goal – Great Teachers Make Great Schools."
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Episcopal School of Dallas, this significant endowment gift from a family deeply woven into the fabric of ESD stands as a powerful testament to the lasting impact of the school and the enduring bonds it creates.
