Lasting legacy

In an expression of gratitude for the exceptional leadership of Phillips Academy Head of School John Palfrey P’21, the chairs of the Knowledge & Goodness campaign have joined to establish an endowed scholarship in his honor.

Just days after Palfrey shared news that he will leave Andover this summer, trustees and campaign co-chairs Peter Currie ’74, P’03 (board president); Joe Bae ’90, P’21; and Amy Falls ’82, P’19, ’21 (board president-elect) decided to mark his seven-year tenure with a joint gift to celebrate his legacy. Their generosity will have a direct impact on Andover students beginning this fall and extending in perpetuity.

“We are profoundly grateful for John’s commitment to excellence,” said Currie. “He has always led by example, and our entire Andover community—from students and faculty to alumni and parents—has benefited from his strategic vision and sense of justice as well as his warmth and compassion.”

“I am so deeply moved and humbled by this extraordinary gesture,” said Palfrey. “I can think of no greater expression of Andover’s core values than ensuring its doors remain open to the most talented youth from every quarter.

“Scholarships may be given to individual students, but everyone on this campus is enriched by the dynamic community made possible by financial aid.”

During the campaign, Andover aims to endow 80 percent of its student aid program, a considerable jump from the current level of approximately 60 percent. Meeting the goal to raise $110 million for this priority alone will help guarantee the future of need-blind admission, a policy that ensures every applicant will be reviewed on merit alone.

To date, more than 20 endowed scholarships have been established since the launch of the campaign and more than 3,750 alumni, parents, faculty, and staff have made gifts to financial aid.

Implemented in 2008 under the leadership of former Head of School Barbara Landis Chase and carried forward enthusiastically throughout Palfrey’s tenure, need-blind admission has become a defining characteristic of Andover.

Those who wish to contribute to the scholarship may contact Nicole Cherubini, director of development, at 978-749-4288 or [email protected]. The Andover community is also invited to support the scholarship on PA Giving Day, March 27.