2015-2016 Annual Report of Giving
award WINNERS
Left to right: Elizabeth “Biz” Morris ’96, Ashley Wisneski ’96, and President of The Hotchkiss Fund Chuck Gulden ’79, P’12
Maria de Lesseps P’16,’18 with President of The Hotchkiss Fund Chuck Gulden ’79, P’12
The Armitage Award
The McKee Award
ELIZABETH “BIZ” MORRIS ’96 AND ASHLEY WISNESKI ’96
are the recipients of this year’s Thomas W. Armitage ’25 Award, given annually to a member or members of the Hotchkiss alumni body for distinguished service to The Hotchkiss Fund. Biz and Ashley began serving as Lead Agents in 2005 in advance of their 10th Reunion. Together, they’ve helped lead the Class of 1996 to a decade of fundraising and reunion successes. Amongst their many highlights, Biz and Ashley have led the Class of 1996 to achieving at least 40% Hotchkiss Fund participation in six of the last seven fiscal years. The duo also helped the Class of 1996 win the coveted Cullinan Challenge Award in 2009-2010, achieving the highest Hotchkiss Fund participation of any of the youngest 15 alumni classes in that year. Biz and Ashley have both been enthusiastic participants in numerous Hotchkiss events, including Hotchkiss Fund Phonathons in Boston, where their passionate love for Hotchkiss shined brightly, Volunteer Leadership Weekend in Lakeville, and countless Day of Service events, Hotchkiss Holiday Parties and Coast to Coasts in Boston. Their individual commitment, strength of spirit, and terrific teamwork have led to some of the most successful efforts in the young alumni classes. Biz and Ashley have never backed down from a task and have always performed their Class Agent duties with smiles on their faces. After 11 years as a Lead Agent, Ashley is stepping down this year, although we hope to see her back in the fold in time for her 25th Reunion. Biz will continue to serve as a Co-Lead Agent, with her classmate Peter Wertheim ’96 joining her. We extend our sincere thanks to Biz and Ashley for their long-term commitment to Hotchkiss, and commend them for their excellent results over the past decade.
42
H o t c h k i s s
M a g a z i n e
were honored with the McKee Award this year. Named in honor of Hugh and Judy McKee P’78,’80,’84,’89 in recognition of their tireless work for The Hotchkiss Fund, this award is presented annually to a Hotchkiss parent for distinguished service to The Hotchkiss Fund.
MARIA AND GEOFF DE LESSEPS P’16,’18
Maria and Geoff began volunteering for The Hotchkiss Parents Fund in 2012, when their daughter Stephanie ’16 arrived at Hotchkiss. Since then, they have worked tirelessly to achieve record-setting results for the Fund. In addition, Maria and Geoff were instrumental in the success of the Class of 2016 Senior Parents Gift, with their early support and exemplary leadership, enthusiastically inspiring other families to join them in support of the School. Hotchkiss is very grateful to Maria and Geoff for all of their contributions. We are thrilled to have them as active members of the community for the next two years, with their son, Anton ’18.