Kirwin Named Director of Development

News from the Office of Academy Resources: Luanne Kirwin, interim director of development since summer 2006, now holds that position on a permanent basis and reports to Secretary of the Academy Peter Ramsey.

Kirwin, who has been at PA for two years, manages the leadership gifts team and prospect research program, works with a pool of approximately 50 key donors, and serves as OAR liaison to the Addison Gallery expansion campaign, working with Director Brian Allen and Trustee Sidney Knafel ’48.

Described by Ramsey as “an experienced manager, planner, and solicitor,” Kirwin is also a member of OAR’s principal gifts group, which works with donors at the highest level of philanthropic support.

Trustee Pledges $5 Million to Support Building Projects and More

Charter Trustee Thomas C. Israel ’62 has pledged $5 million to Phillips Academy. While the gift is unrestricted, Israel has agreed that $3 million will support a pair of building projects on campus, while another $2 million will help fund Academy efforts yet to be determined.

Israel provided the first $2 million of his pledge in December 2006. Those funds will support the upcoming renovation of Commons. As currently envisioned, the project would convert the building’s food service setup to that of a state-of-the-art dining facility, allowing for a more varied menu and a choice of dining environments. Additionally, the Ryley Room, the student lounge located in the building’s basement, will be expanded, and a plaza appropriate for informal gatherings will be constructed in front of Commons. Another $1 million of Israel’s gift is earmarked to aid expansion of the Addison Gallery of American Art. Although the Addison collection has increased substantially since the museum opened its doors 75 years ago, the building has not grown beyond its original construction. The current project would expand the building by approximately 60 percent and renovate the existing structure. Also, a new education center would be constructed within the Addison to provide a multi-purpose space in which classes and individual scholars could study art.

Both the Addison and Commons projects are currently in the design phase. Secretary of the Academy Peter Ramsey thanked Israel for his support, describing the charter trustee as one of Andover’s leading benefactors. Ramsey also touted the message the gift sends: Israel said he hopes his generosity will stimulate additional financial support of the Academy and its current priorities.

Israel, a charter member of the Board of Trustees at Phillips Academy since 1997, also serves currently as treasurer of the board. He has given of his time in recent decades through a variety of other voluntary roles at Andover. Professionally, he serves as chairman and CEO of A.C. Israel Enterprises, Inc., of New York.

Term Scholarships

Term scholarships are generous gifts from a single donor (or donor family), who makes a three- or four-year commitment of at least $25,000 annually for scholarship support of a student during his or her time at Andover. Term scholarships carry no restrictions or preferences, except to support the Academy’s mission to educate youth from every quarter.

A term scholarship donor may support one or more students for the three- or four-year period. Sponsors are given the opportunity to follow the progress of his or her scholarship recipient throughout the course of that
student’s Andover career.

For more information about term scholarships, please contact Director of Development Luanne Kirwin at 978-749-4294.

A New Challenge for Ebner

Michael Ebner ’70, Phillips Academy’s director of alumni affairs since 2000, has agreed to join a newly established team of principal gifts officers working with leading and prospective donors integral to the Academy’s forthcoming campaign.
Known to many young alumni as “Rev. Eb,” Ebner will continue his work as PA’s Protestant chaplain until June 2008. He also will continue as director of alumni affairs through the summer or until his successor is named.

“Mike has done an outstanding job strategically and programmatically these past seven years,” said Secretary of the Academy Peter Ramsey. “His work has helped engender all kinds of connectedness involving alumni, faculty, students, and parents.”

The alumni affairs director leads a staff of seven in planning and managing the programs, activities, and budgets of alumni affairs. The office works closely with the Alumni Council and orchestrates major institutional events, including Leaders’ Weekend, Parents’ Weekend, and Commencement. The director is a spokesperson for the school and represents the institution to a number of constituencies in a variety of internal and external settings.

The Academy is actively seeking candidates for this directorial position; please send cover letter and résumé to Deborah Martin, director of human resources. A detailed description of the director of alumni affairs position will be made available on the Andover Web site later in the spring.