Jay Abbe ’59 Retires
after 12 Years as Board Chairman
The year was 1985. Ronald Reagan was president, the ensemble hit song We Are the World dominated the radio airwaves, Back to the Future enthralled audiences in movie theaters and a gallon of gas cost $1.09. That’s what the world looked like when Jay Abbe ’59 joined Solebury’s Board of Trustees. He’s been here ever since. In May, after 28 years on the Board and twelve consecutive years as Chair, he is turning over the leadership of the school he loves to fellow board member Scott Bolenbaugh (see page 21). It took just two years for Abbe to fall in love with Solebury School. He grew up in Newtown and attended Solebury for his junior and senior years of high school. Yet Abbe said those years affected him profoundly. “It was particularly transformative for me,” he said. “In two years, it turned me around academically. At Solebury, I found my footing.” Following graduation, Abbe maintained a connection to Solebury, and said he supported the school in moderate ways. Then Jean Shaw, daughter of Solebury founder Robert “Pop” Shaw, called and told Abbe that the school needed his help. Abbe felt ready to give it. “When people get into their early 40s, while they are highly motivated and career-oriented, they get to be a bit more reflective about the past,” he said. “They think back on the experiences that contributed to who they are. As I reflected, it was always clear, and increasingly clear, that my two years at Solebury had a big influence on me. I was in the frame of mind to give back.” Since then, Abbe has been doing just that. He joined Solebury’s Board of Trustees and stayed for nearly three decades, always making time for Solebury School despite his demanding career. Under Abbe’s leadership, Solebury has thrived, more than doubling its endowment to ensure the institution’s strong foundation for the future. Our campus has grown as well – during his tenure, five new buildings were added to Solebury’s campus that included the award-winning Abbe Science Center and the John D. Brown Athletic Center. Five additional areas received significant renovation or repurposing, including the Crib Student Lounge and The Music Center, which opened on campus last fall. The Cornell University and Stanford Business School graduate worked at the international consulting firm McKinsey & Company for 20 years, and then as an executive for technological and optical communications companies before retiring ten years ago. Nowadays, he and his wife Kären make wine at their vineyard in California and Jay is active with several arts and educational organizations. Yet of all his involvements, he said Solebury has been special. “Solebury is closest to my heart.” Those who have worked alongside Abbe praise his intelligence, thoughtfulness and patience. “He has a mind nothing short of brilliant, with a font of knowledge as deep as it is wide,” said Head of School Tom Wilschutz during Alumni Weekend. “His energy is indefatigable. His compassion is as profound as his mind is keen…And his passion for Solebury School knows no bounds. We are incredibly thankful for all he has done for Solebury School.” Abbe is modest about his accomplishments. During his years on the Board, Solebury has improved its enrollment, academic achievement and facilities. Yet Abbe is decidedly humble. “I feel positive about the subtle impacts I think I’ve probably had,” he reluctantly admitted. “I feel very proud and even more I feel privileged to have found myself in a situation where I could be helpful to the institution.” While he has stepped down as Chair of the Board, Abbe intends to remain a committed advocate involved in the future for Solebury. After all, Abbe said his bond with the school is strong, and always will be. “Once you’re an alum,” he said, “that doesn’t go away.” ❖
20 ❖ Solebury School Magazine Summer/Fall 2013