Emerging Impact

Philanthropy from 1990s and early 2000s graduates is on the rise too, growing by 42 percent over the past two years. Also emerging are contributions from international alumni and the PA parent community. In fact, international donors have given more than $47 million in the campaign, while parent support remains widespread across all priorities and represented 20 percent of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Library renovation project.

One such library donor is Javier Macaya P’18, whose family chose the OWHL in gratitude for their daughter’s academic experience. “A library is such a vital organ of any academic institution,” says Macaya. “But libraries too must evolve, and we were so pleased to see Andover’s innovative approach to how today’s students access, process, and learn new information.”

The $21 million collectively raised for the OWHL created a new connected learning center, an enhanced makerspace and data lab, and an integrated archives and special collections suite—as well as a much more dynamic space that balances technology with primary sources and conversation with contemplation.

However, this success would not be possible without a generational approach to giving. “My daughter’s mother, Claudia, and I contribute what we can today,” says Macaya, “in the hope that our child and current students will continue this tradition with pride.”

Alison Jap ’03 is familiar with the feeling. She followed her siblings Carmen ’95 and Bennett ’98 from Jakarta, Indonesia, to Phillips Academy. Now, the trio has established an endowed scholarship.

Their scholarship will annually benefit a deserving U.S. or international student, with the hope more Indonesians also become aware of the opportunities made possible at Andover. “We really admire the school’s need-blind commitment and want students to know that their merits alone can earn them a place here,” says Jap. “Many might think of Andover as a ‘rich’ school. But it can only offer life-changing financial aid—and make continuous campus improvements—because people care enough to give back.”

Like the Jap family, Eric Greenhut knew what he wanted. The Peabody had always intrigued him, and its continued rejuvenation was something he wished to participate in. He even joined the Peabody Advisory Committee.

“The institute is playing an important role in academic life and interdisciplinary learning, and now nearly every student passes through its doors,” says Greenhut. “It’s becoming a leader too in the repatriation of artifacts and in its relationships with Native Americans.”

He aimed to support an area of high impact and clearly found it. Greenhut’s gift will strengthen programmatic elements and help better preserve and climate-control the institute’s vast collections.

“There are so many ways to make a difference at Andover,” he says. “It’s a matter of channeling that non sibi spirit and discovering what’s right for you.”

Originally printed in The Vista: Views from the Knowledge & Goodness Campaign, spring 2020.