The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

Lending a Hand with Lots of Heart

Margo Wolf O'Donnell has volunteered at Lab since her oldest child, Amanda, '22, started in nursery school. "As a working parent and someone not originally from Chicago, volunteering enabled me to have a connection to my children and to make lasting friendships with other parents.” What started with holiday celebrations in the classroom led to fundraising with the Parent Development Committee and eventually a seat on Lab’s Board of Directors. Despite a busy career, Margo always made time to be present for Lab activities. “These were activities I would never have gotten to do in my day job as a lawyer!”

Margo, her husband, Ger, and two children, Amanda and Ben, a currently-enrolled student, have many fond memories at Lab—big and small.

After having volunteered to fundraise for the buildout of Earl Shapiro Hall, Margo and her family were excited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the building, and even dig a little dirt! The U-High graduation ceremony in Rockefeller Memorial Chapel will always hold a special place in Ger’s heart. “It is amazing to see how all of the little children who you first met in nursery school have grown up to become such accomplished young people.”

During her senior year at Lab, Amanda was one of many graduating students who contributed to the Class of 2022 Scholarship Fund. Supporting the class fund in the years ahead is just one way that Amanda and her classmates will stay in touch. “I will stay connected to Lab through friendships and relationships with teachers. It was a wonderful place to grow up and learn.”

Whether making latkes for a classroom celebration, raising financial support for a school initiative, contributing to high-level strategy discussions during the pandemic, or supporting the athletics program, Margo and her family have found joy, friendship, and community by engaging as volunteers. 

“Our advice is to get involved early at Lab and get to know other parents. We have met some of our closest friends through our volunteer work at Lab,” Ger shared. Margo agrees. “Giving back to the community you live in is an important lesson that we hope our kids will carry with them. Being a part of the Lab experience as a volunteer has been an honor.”