Generations of Memories
For Barbara Larsen Lincoln, supporting Andover is a family affair. The daughter of George “Swede” Larsen ’24, Barbara remembers being aware of Phillips Academy from a very early age. “Dad’s study on the second floor of our house in Newton was practically a shrine to Andover! Being a curious kid, I’d look over some of the artifacts that he treasured and, with time, couldn’t help but develop a strong affection for PA as well.” Consequently, Barbara was especially pleased when her daughter, Lisa, chose to attend Andover. “I was aware of its importance to Dad, but being able to observe what Andover did for Lisa was particularly fulfilling.”
Recognizing the Academy’s positive influence on her father’s and daughter’s lives, Barbara decided to support the school while helping herself as well. In speaking with cousin Roger McLean ’48 about Andover, she discovered that Roger had established several Andover gift annuities; upon learning of the tax and income benefits, she contacted the Academy’s gift planning office. “I’ve now created two Andover gift annuities, and the quarterly income they provide has been a welcome addition, along with the deductions I’ve used to lower my taxes. My gifts even qualified for a match from my employer,” says Barbara.
An enthusiastic advocate for Andover, Barbara encourages others to “step up and do their part in supporting the Andover tradition. People have everything to gain and nothing to lose by taking on more responsibility for Andover’s future—especially when we are recalibrating our lives. And, my Andover gift annuity makes this a wonderful way for me to do well—while doing good for the Academy.”