Philanthropy

KNOWLEDGE & GOODNESS: THE ANDOVER CAMPAIGN

Not for Self

Alumni Pay It Forward for Financial Aid

With her 25th reunion on the horizon, there’s little doubt Annie Martinez ’98 still feels connected to Andover. Her personalized license plate reads “non sibi,” after all.

“I love that motto,” she smiles. “That what we do is not for ourselves, but for others.”

Yet it’s what Martinez chooses to support each year—financial aid—that really brings her commitment into focus. She’s one of 5,790 donors who’ve given to this Knowledge & Goodness campaign priority—and one of thousands who’ve benefited from such generosity themselves.

“I focus on financial aid because I wouldn’t be where I am without it. And I think it’s essential to have people attend PA who couldn’t otherwise, talented students who can add to its rich tapestry,” says Martinez.

That inclusive, equitable approach to an Andover education was the primary goal of Academy leaders—including former head of school Barbara Landis Chase and former Board of Trustees president Oscar Tang ’56— who pioneered PA’s need-blind admission policy in 2008. Andover’s 15th consecutive need-blind class enters this fall, and donations to financial aid continue to make this landmark initiative viable today and sustainable for the long-term future.

A Belief in Education

“Andover wasn’t something my own parents had planned for, and there was no way we could have afforded it without partial financial support. Now, it’s only natural for me to pay it forward,” says Martinez, an Andover volunteer and longtime member of the Bulfinch Loyalty Society and the Non Sibi Association, both of which recognize donors for their annual giving.

Through gifts to the Jason K. Gimbel Scholarship, named for her close friend and classmate who passed away after college, Martinez knows she can create opportunities for classroom learning, artistic expression, and even international immersion.

“I’m contributing in a manner that engages me on a variety of levels—because I love Andover, because I received financial aid, and as a legacy to Jason and his family,” she says. “There are so many ways to make an impact and tailor it to what matters most to you.”

David Haartz ’55 agrees. He established the Carter Family Scholarship for day students in honor of his family’s deep-rooted ties to Andover and their strong belief in the value of education. For the scholarship, Haartz used appreciated stock to fund charitable gift annuities—a resourceful way to give and break down financial barriers for students.

“My family didn’t have much money, but we had a history of respecting education. My grandmother, Bessie Rose Carter, wanted to make sure her children were well educated. She managed to send three of my uncles to Andover by raising chickens and selling

“My family didn’t have much money, but we had a history of respecting education… When it was my turn, I received financial aid, and I’ve always been grateful for it.”

YOON BYUN

Andover remains a leader among independent schools in need-blind admission—accepting students based on their merits alone and then meeting their family’s full demonstrated financial need.

eggs at market,” said Haartz. “When it was my turn, I received financial aid, and I’ve always been grateful for it.”

Closing Strong

In total, Knowledge & Goodness will raise $110.5 million for scholarships— with less than $21 million remaining in this key goal. Success will enable Andover to place its need-blind admission policy on the strongest possible footing, so students continue to be accepted on their merits alone, not on their ability to afford tuition.

Gifts of all sizes make this happen, because even donations of $5, $20, and $100 help close the gap between Andover’s endowment and the current need for financial aid. Today, nearly 50 percent of students receive at least some aid, so the chance to change someone’s trajectory is more tangible than ever.

In addition to scholarship support, donations make the daily Andover experience accessible as well. If needed, students receive assistance for sports equipment, winter clothing, prom tickets, travel, and more.

Haartz and Martinez view this show of philanthropic spirit as part of a continuum. One in which the recipient emerges as the advocate.

“The gifts of many are better than the gifts of a few,” says Martinez. “By giving to financial aid, we’re making sure Andover students have every opportunity to become tremendous contributors to our society.”

BY THE NUMBERS

15 consecutive years and counting of need-blind admission

47% of students rely on financial aid

$24.5 million provided in assistance last year $42,400 average annual grant for returning students

0 loans issued by Andover