June 21, 2021
RE: UNION
Why mark your Andover anniversary?A reunion year naturally lends itself to reflection and reconnection—and not just with friends and classmates. But also with Andover itself and all the Big Blue pieces that shape the Academy mosaic.
This spring, with a virtual reunion a necessity, class volunteer Andrew Sipes ’81 takes a special look at his Andover experience and why it inspired him to support PA today.
Why do you stay connected to Andover?
I’ve seen Andover evolve a lot since my time there, and that evolution matters. The school today is concerned with the holistic health of the child—their physical, emotional, and intellectual education. And it’s important for me to prioritize that too.
For instance, I had incredible instructors and counselors at PA. The academic support was there, but the social structures were not. I remember meeting an exceptionally talented young man who was academically strong, but who I believe felt unsupported. Just three weeks in, he left campus to return home for good. That stuck with me. A lot has changed in the decades since, and I want to help ensure that continues.
What inspired you to make a reunion commitment this year?
Reflecting on my 40th reunion made me realize how much my Andover education has influenced my life—and inspired my hopes for the future. Despite many competing needs right now, I couldn’t think of a better place to give to than PA. Andover is preparing students to tackle environmental issues, crises in our democracy, our fragmented media landscape, privacy and artificial intelligence, and all the critical topics of our time. I give to honor where we’ve come from, and where we’re going.
How can others get involved and make a difference?
A reunion year is a great time to participate, but you can reconnect with Andover at any point as a class volunteer or donor. No matter what your passion—whether it’s literature or technology or athletics—you can find a way to relate it to Andover. You can even work with the Academy to determine the best fit for you. And your gift of any amount contributes to the well-being of every student and helps shape an adult who’s prepared to make an impact in the world. It’s wonderful to be part of that.
Engage with our development team at [email protected].
Originally printed in The Vista: Views from the Knowledge & Goodness Campaign, spring 2021
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