Joan Clark Davis Center for Interdisciplinary Learning

Renovated historic building in Shadyside to enhance school’s adaptable, flexible approach to education

Winchester Thurston School (WT), known for its innovative independent school education, proudly opened the Joan Clark Davis Center for Interdisciplinary Learning in August 2023. The Center is the first facility in the school’s 134-year history to be named for a graduate—alumna Joan Clark Davis ’65—whose transformational leadership gift made this project possible.

Housed in a historic 1920s building at the corner of Morewood and Centre Avenues, just blocks from WT’s main campus, the 15,000-square-foot facility has been reimagined as a hub for project-based and community-based learning. The Center creates opportunities for collaboration across the humanities, engineering, arts, and sciences, and expands the reach of WT’s nationally recognized City as Our Campus℠ program, which connects students of all ages with mentors across Pittsburgh’s academic, cultural, scientific, nonprofit, and business communities.

Winchester Thurston School played an important role in my life. As today’s students work toward leading the vastly different world of tomorrow, they will need new and different skills, in addition to the critical thinking embedded in a Winchester Thurston education. I am honored to support the school’s efforts to continue as pioneers in education.

Joan Clark Davis '65

“Some of the deepest educational connections happen outside the traditional classroom setting and beyond the boundaries of individual subject areas,” said Head of School Scott D. Fech, Ph.D. “The Davis Center provides an innovative space that fosters this type of learning and growth. We are deeply grateful for Joan’s vision and generosity, which will impact WT students—and our community—for generations to come.”

The Center also serves as a community resource, welcoming neighbors from across the city and region to use the space. “We look forward to exploring how this interdisciplinary hub can extend WT’s positive influence in Pittsburgh, much as City as Our Campus has transformed student learning and engagement,” said Paul Rosenblatt, President of the WT Board of Trustees.

By creating flexible workshops, studios, and gathering areas, the Davis Center alleviates space constraints across campus and supports WT’s record-high enrollment. Its adaptive reuse also reflects WT’s commitment to sustainability and stewardship, demonstrating how historic urban buildings can be transformed into vibrant, forward-thinking learning environments.

“Winchester Thurston played an important role in my life,” said Joan Clark Davis ’65. “As today’s students prepare to lead in a rapidly changing world, they need new skills alongside the critical thinking embedded in a WT education. I am honored to support the school’s efforts to continue as pioneers in education.”

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