It all began when a small group from the Pasteur Elementary School Class of '62 gathered — spontaneously — at my house after the Mumford 30-year reunion. Cary Levy brought along his Bar Mitzvah album for us to enjoy. At the end of the evening, someone suggested, “We should do this every year.”

Coming from the organized Jewish community as a volunteer, I added: “Let’s meet, but only if we do something for the kids.”

That spark led to a reunion of 250 alumni — dating back to the Class of 1939 — and the formation of the Pasteur Elementary School Alumni Foundation, now the Friends of Pasteur School Detroit...

— Marcy Feldman

September 5, 2025

Good morning, everyone!

As Chair of the Friends of Pasteur, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the grand opening of our new outdoor classroom. Before I begin, I’d like the Friends’ Board Members to stand up so you can recognize them.

This project began as a dream: a space where lessons could move beyond the walls, where students could be outdoors, breathe the fresh air, and spark their imaginations. Today, thanks to the generosity, vision, and hard work of many people, that dream has become a reality. This could also not have been accomplished without our partnership with the Detroit Public School District. A special thanks to Dr. Vitti and Mr. George Vary.

But we are especially grateful to Kenny Eisenberg, whose generous contribution made this classroom possible. Kenny graduated from Pasteur in 1956 and his donations are a testament to his fondness for this school and the good memories he made here. He has been a longtime supporter of the Friends of Pasteur and has helped countless students achieve more. What Kenny may not realize is that he was also the catalyst for another major improvement to the school — the shades and fans. When he came to look at the space for the outdoor classroom, he looked up and commented on the sad state of disrepair of the school’s windows. That single observation spurred the board to take on these incredible projects, which have already transformed learning conditions inside Pasteur.

I also want you to hear about some of the other amazing work of the Friends of Pasteur and characterizes the heart of our organization. We started 29 years ago as basically a tutoring program gave us a chance to give back to the school we grew up in.  We have now grown into a powerful force for Pasteur students. We have revitalized the library, established the only student-led elementary school newspaper in the District, we make sure every child goes home for the Christmas break with a bag of art supplies and books, and as I just mentioned, installed the solar shades and fans that make learning inside the classroom bearable during hot months. And today, with this outdoor classroom, we add another chapter to our story of impact. I encourage you to read more about our work at our website – friendsofpasteur.org.

To Pasteur’s teachers, staff, and volunteers — you remind us every day that education is not confined to four walls. This new space will allow lessons to come alive in new ways, from science experiments under the sky, to reading circles in the shade, to art projects inspired by the outdoors.

To Pasteur’s students — you are the reason we are here today. This classroom belongs to you. May it be a place where you discover, question, build friendships, and dream big.

So, with excitement and pride, it is my honor to declare (pull the paper down) Kenny’s Room officially open! Let’s celebrate this wonderful space and all the learning, laughter, and memories it will hold for years to come.

And now, to mark this special occasion, I invite Kenny and Ms. Craig to join me for the ribbon cutting to open this space together! On the count of three…

— Wendy Wagenheim

If you would like to volunteer as a tutor or learn about other ways to get involved, please email friendsofpasteur@gmail.com.