D ATE LINE AND O VER
Trustees Tackle Building and Brainstorming at Fall Meetings
In thanking Israel and Tang for their thoughtful generosity, Head of School Barbara Chase described Bulfinch as “an iconic building, housing legendary teachers past and present, and touching every Andover student.” The project is now in the design phase, and efforts to secure the final $2.8 million are underway. Designed by architect-builder Asher Benjamin and built in 1819, Bulfinch Hall served over the years as a gymnasium and a dining hall prior to becoming the home of the English department. The facility will be renovated to include updated and more flexible teaching areas, converting what is currently a worn structure into an efficient and inviting space for student learning and faculty collaboration. “This is tremendously important to the Academy,” said Chase. “We look forward to providing the quality teaching and learning environment that our faculty and students deserve.” Navigating between meetings at the Andover Inn and George Washington Hall, trustees also tackled an ambitious agenda that included workshops on Andover finances and the endowment, as well as a generative discussion on academic innovation and outreach programs. Among other business: Jane Fried, assistant head for enrollment, research, and planning and dean of admission, and Jim Ventre, director of financial aid and admission operations, presented new research on tuition and price sensitivity. The study examined a number of data points, including trends at peer schools, affordability thresholds, and price sensitivity of the market. Chief Investment Officer Amy Falls ’82 reported that the endowment returned 14.5 percent in fiscal year 2010. She expects Andover will finish in the top quartile of its peer group. The board also reviewed architectural designs for the recently acquired boathouse property (see related story in BLUEprint, page I).
Adam Levine
The renovation of Bulfinch Hall got a philanthropic boost with a new gift from Board of Trustees Treasurer Thomas Israel ’62, which, when combined with the designation of a portion of Board President Oscar Tang ’56’s campaign commitment and initial support of $1 million from earlier donors, puts total funding for the project at more than $4 million.
Stanley S. Shuman ’52 Charter Trustee (2002–2010); Alumni Trustee (1998–2002)
Faculty and Colleagues Feted At a harvest-themed dinner during the fall meetings, trustees and faculty gathered in Paresky Commons to celebrate a number of achievements and milestones. Dean of Faculty Temba Maqubela and Dean of Studies John Rogers awarded teaching foundations to senior faculty members Carroll Perry (economics), Nina Scott (English), Jacques Hugon ’79 (mathematics), and Marc Koolen (biology). Stanley Shuman ’52, who retired from the board in June, was honored with gifts and accolades for his eight years of service as a charter trustee and four years as an alumni trustee. Board President Oscar Tang read from the resolution: “This Academy has benefitted from your thoughtful counsel, seasoned through a long career in finance and civic engagement in the public and private sectors, through corporate and foundation boards, government commissions and kindred positions of trust…. You have established the gold standard for attendance and commitment to board work, careful analysis, and articulate persuasion.” With fundraising for the Addison Gallery building project now complete, Trustee Sid Knafel ’48, chair of the Addison Gallery Board of Governors, and Brian Allen, director of the Addison, were recognized for their leadership in the $22-million fundraising effort. With their colleagues, they will continue to work toward the $8 million endowment initiative for the Addison. Adam Levine
Biology instructor Marc Koolen receives a congratulatory hug with Dean of Studies John Rogers as Board President Oscar Tang applauds Koolen’s teaching foundation award at the trustees dinner. Koolen has taught at Andover since 1974.
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Andover | Winter 2011