“Steve’s generosity marks the first step in the ambitious evolution of our campus and culture. The renewal and expansion of our athletic facilities, of which the Snyder Center is a touchstone, is key to how we educate the whole student.” —Head of School John Palfrey
MAKING HISTORY—AGAIN On Friday of Reunion Weekend, more than 125 alumni and friends gathered under a tent adjacent to Sorota Track to mark a historic occasion in Andover athletics: groundbreaking for the Snyder Center, named for PA track legend and lead donor Steve Snyder ’56. Snyder was accompanied by his wife, Jamie, and son Barron ’83, all of whom attended a special tour and review of building plans the previous day with Director of Facilities Larry Muench and Project Manager John Galanis. “Athletics was so important to my Andover experience and to my life afterward,” said Snyder, proudly sporting a specially embroidered “Snyder ’56” varsity jacket presented by Head of School John Palfrey. “During my time at PA, we were privileged to have the best athletic facility available. My family and I are excited to be able to pass on that gift, providing today’s students with their own state-of-the-art facility.” “Sixty years ago, Steve made track history here,” added Athletics Director Leon Modeste. “And his generosity makes history now. This facility means our student-athletes will now be able to train more effectively.” The event concluded—after a rousing toast to the Snyder family—with the ceremonial groundbreaking, complete with commemorative shovels and Andover hard hats. Through the years, Snyder and other 1956 classmates have shown enormous generosity to the school. The class has contributed more than $100 million collectively since graduation. Construction of the 98,000-square-foot athletics facility began this summer, with an expected opening in late 2017. 6
Andover | Reunion 2016