What began as a vision shared by four dedicated women over 40 years ago has blossomed into a cornerstone of Boulder's Jewish community. On Sunday, September 14, the Jay and Rose Phillips Early Childhood Center celebrated its 40th anniversary with a heartwarming gathering that brought together 150 people representing every era of the school's remarkable history.
The celebration was a testament to the enduring impact of Jewish early childhood education in Boulder. From members of the very first class to recent graduates, attendees shared stories, toured the familiar halls, and reconnected with the community that has shaped so many young lives over four decades.
The event paid special tribute to the four founding mothers who dared to dream of a Jewish preschool in Boulder more than 40 years ago: Jen Feldman, Ardee Imerman, Judi Morosohk, and Julie Shaffer. Their vision and dedication not only brought the school to life but also made this milestone celebration possible.
Founder Jen Feldman delivered a moving speech that reminded everyone of the school's founding principles and enduring mission. As fellow founder Judi Morosohk reflected after the event, "It was such a reminder of how important the school has been to so many people over the years and continues to be, which makes my heart so happy."
The presence of four of the five original families at the celebration highlighted the deep, multigenerational connections the ECC has fostered. Guests enjoyed touring the school facilities and viewing a fantastic slideshow of preschool memories that chronicled four decades of growth, learning, and community building.
The Jay and Rose Phillips Early Childhood Center exists today because of the incredible community that helped build and sustain it from the very beginning. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look toward the future and the next generation of children who will benefit from high-quality Jewish early childhood education.
Your support makes this mission possible. Whether through a donation or legacy giving opportunities, every contribution helps ensure that the ECC can continue providing exceptional early childhood education rooted in Jewish values for years to come.
For those who attended Sunday's celebration—whether you're a regular at the Boulder JCC or were visiting for the first time in years—we invite you to stay connected. The ECC and Boulder JCC offer numerous programs and events throughout the year, and we would be thrilled to welcome you back.
For those who couldn't join us on Sunday, please know you were missed, and we hope to see you at a future gathering.