A Lifetime of Lovett

By Emily Stark ('18)

When you think of Lovett, many moments, classes, and memories come to mind. Who can forget football games down at the riverbank, warm cookie Wednesdays at the Café, chocolate milk after Chapel, and non-uniform days? We all have cherished memories from the school, whether they're about a favorite class, teacher, or group of friends - there's something special about Lovett. For Taylor Dozier '02, the community and friends that he made during his 13 years are unforgettable.

After graduating from Lovett, Taylor went on to study economics at the University of Virginia before returning to Atlanta to work in commercial real estate. Along the way he met his wife Katie, and they had two children - five-year-old Hunt and three-year-old Bailey. Even with all the major life changes, Taylor remained connected to Lovett through his involvement with the Alumni Board and even served as the Alumni Association president for a year.

When asked about his time at Lovett, he recalls fond memories of struggling in American Studies with his friends, summer football training, and playing lacrosse. You could say he was a pioneer of Lovett's lacrosse program. The program had just started up when he joined the JV team in ninth grade. He quickly proved his talents and began playing varsity in tenth grade, when the team had three consecutive undefeated seasons.

Along with great athletic success, Taylor loves the bonds that he built with his classmates. "I have friends who go all the way back to pre-first who I can call upon for the rest of my life," he says. One of Taylor's friends recently married - and when they got together, they still had inside jokes about American Studies. They each had grown up, gone to college, and started careers and still, they shared a bond over a class they took when they were just 17 years old. When he has the opportunity to work with another Lovett alum, whether they're from his year or ten years prior, he says there's always an instant bond, and that bond never goes away.

Because of these fond memories, Taylor decided to give back to Lovett through a planned gift by dedicating part of his will to the school. "I want to be a leader and example to my classmates," he says. "I was young and shortly out of school when I made this decision, but nothing was going to change Lovett's importance." Lovett not only built the foundation for lifelong friendships but also gave him the critical thinking and social skills to be engaged in conversations throughout business and friendships.

Lovett was incredibly meaningful to Taylor, and he hopes that it will have the same impact on his children when it's their time. "Lovett has made an impact on our lives," he says. "For those who have graduated, it will benefit us for the rest of our lives - and a planned gift is an easy way to give back. It's an indicator to others that we support Lovett."