Andover, the Magazine - Winter 2011

Honoring Nancy Rockwell’s ‘Brief but Spectacular Life’

by Stacy Gillis For Nancy Rockwell ’76, non sibi was a way of life, not just the motto of the school she loved. It’s what defined her life and how her life’s mission lives on in Andover students today, 28 years after her death. “Non sibi was the perfect fit for Nancy,” reflects her father, John Rockwell. “She was deeply influenced by the transformative quality of education at Andover, and she devoted her life to helping deserving children. Her legacy today breathes life into Andover’s ideal of educating youth from every quarter.”

In July 1982, Nancy Rockwell and her husband, co-instructors of an Outward Bound expedition, led a group of inner-city students on a hiking trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a storm approached, she directed her group to safety, but was struck and killed by a single bolt of lightning. “Nancy loved nature, and she loved helping kids who needed a second chance, so it was somehow more tolerable that she died doing something she loved,” explains her father.

As a memorial to Nancy, her parents established a scholarship fund in her name to send deserving students to Andover, who, despite unusual life and financial circumstances, would benefit from the opportunities afforded by an Andover education. Twenty-one Rockwell Scholars have graduated from the Academy to date. On November 2, 2010, caring, compassion, and commitment came together as the Rockwell family joined Head of School Barbara Landis Chase in welcoming friends, donors, current and past scholarship recipients, and faculty to celebrate the success of the Nancy G. Rockwell ’76 Scholarship Fund and Nancy’s legacy.

may not be Andover alumni but share the same values,” says John. “They want to help because of the type of person Nancy was and because this scholarship is a reflection of her.”

Friends like Tom and Kate Chappell, cofounders of Tom’s of Maine natural personal-care products, are glad to be a part of the Rockwell family tradition of giving. “Kate and I support the Nancy Rockwell Scholarship because Nancy’s personal philosophy of helping others to have a chance is embedded in her family’s legacy,” explains Tom. “John and his wife, Lorraine, have consistently shared their abilities and kindness in service to others.”

Drew Rockwell, Nancy’s brother and parent of Louisa ’06, reinforces Nancy’s commitment to children who grow up in unfortunate circumstances. “The teamwork among a school, a family, and generous donors ensures that deserving young people will continue to have an opportunity at Andover and that Nancy’s dream will be fulfilled,” Drew says. Current Rockwell Scholar Chris Kerrigan ’11 agrees.

“I realize that none of the amazing Andover opportunities would be available to me if not for the generosity of the Rockwell family and friends. Without this scholarship, I would never have been able to experience the thrill of AndoverExeter weekend or throw a Frisbee on the Great Lawn—not to mention face the rigor of an AP Chinese course.”

It is a tribute to Nancy and her enduring non sibi spirit that a large number of the fund’s contributors, many of whom returned to campus for the celebration, have no direct affiliation with the Academy. The fund has grown substantially in recent years; John has personally reached out to friends and business associates.

“Life is about relationships, not transactions.

I have wonderful friends and colleagues who

John Rockwell greets Britta and Don McNemar at the Nancy G. Rockwell ’76 Scholarship Fund dinner.

Don McNemar, Phillips Academy head of school from 1981 to 1994, was Nancy’s professor at Dartmouth College prior to joining Andover’s faculty. “It is wonderful to return to Andover 32 years after I met Nancy at Dartmouth and see her work continuing,” he says. “She lived a brief but spectacular life, and she inspired all of us to carry on her work so that deserving young people have the opportunity to experience Andover, where non sibi values make a difference.”

The scholarship currently supports three students at Phillips Academy. The Rockwell family and Academy’s goal is to raise additional funds to support a Rockwell Scholar in every graduating class far into the future.

To make your gift to the Nancy G. Rockwell ’76 Scholarship Fund, please visit www.andover.edu/rockwell or contact Gail Mansfield in the Office of Academy Resources at gmansfield@andover.edu or 978-749-4290.

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BLUEprint | Winter 2011