Skip To Main Content

The Hobby of Giving Back

The Hobby of Giving Back

A mechanical engineer by education and training, Chuck Fullgraf `71 is now technically retired but he’s always up to something.


From amateur sports car racing to flying planes, from amateur radio to his beloved horses and ponies, Chuck has never been one to sit back and watch the world go by. Even as a young man, Chuck was known for his hobbyist nature, as acknowledged in his senior yearbook: “There are a lot of aspects in the life and curriculum of C.D. [Country Day] that are to Chuck Fullgraf a mere distraction. If you have ever been in his hobby shop you see why...His interests range from science to science with detours to art when he designs cars and makes posters.” 


If you want to spend time talking with a man of many passions, Chuck is your guy. Including his passion for Country Day and the impact it has had on his life. 


“Country Day prepared me for life,” says Chuck. “[Science teacher] Mr. Laird got the school involved with computers and technology before any other high school, so when I went off to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for college, I was better prepared than my classmates. I also learned how to be efficient with my time and to how study at Country Day. My college roommate was valedictorian of his high school in Long Island, and he studied like a dog, whereas I took time off on the weekends, so it aggravated him to no end that we were both getting the same grades.”


Self-described as a fairly tight-knit group, the members of the Class of 1971 wanted to create a fund to commemorate their 50th reunion. And through the Fullgraf Foundation – an endowment fund his father created before his passing – Chuck was able to help launch the 1971 Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition assistance to students. 


“We want to be remembered for doing something positive for this school that gave so much to us,” says Chuck. “I hope the school always maintains a presence in the community. In addition to being a formidable educational institution, Country Day also stresses the importance of giving back, which is something I’m able to model for today’s students. It’s fun to be able to support the organizations I’m passionate about, organizations I want to see thrive.”


In addition to donating to the 1971 Scholarship Fund, Chuck is a long-time donor to the Country Day Fund.


“I want to help Country Day budget their expenses so they can provide extra experiences to the students. I hope the school continues to be considered at the forefront of education, staying up with technology and teaching while keeping the smaller class environment for the students. I give to help make that possible; it’s that simple.”

Chuck between two horses.

Photo Caption: Chuck with Piper and Sierra.