June 10, 2025
A New Chapter in Excellence
Introducing the Distinguished Academy FoundationFrom the Academy’s earliest days, visionary donors have helped mold the future of learning—not just for today’s students but also for those who will follow in their footsteps. Their enduring support fuels what is central to Andover’s mission: deep intellectual engagement, meaningful mentorship, and a commitment to enhancing students’ lives in and beyond the classroom. Now the Academy is unveiling a bold enterprise to celebrate and sustain those who further the Andover experience.
A new class of endowed faculty positions, Distinguished Academy Foundations, will be established with gifts of $5 million each. They may be allocated to salute faculty excellence in teaching, coaching, or residential life—and represent a transformative investment in education. Through these foundations, the Academy will recognize individuals who anchor the values at the heart of PA’s ethos.
The first Distinguished Academy Foundation is being launched through a generous lead gift and challenge from Charter Trustee Keith Flaherty ’89, P’23, in tribute to retiring faculty member Lou Bernieri P’96, ’10. Over the course of Bernieri’s esteemed career, he has served as an English instructor, department chair, residential counselor, and varsity football coach as well as founder and director of Andover Bread Loaf (ABL). His thoughtful guidance and unwavering integrity have helped reinforce the creative and ethical character of the school.
“Lou taught a generation of Andover students to preserve their adolescent idealism into adulthood to the benefit of others,” says Flaherty. “The Louis M. Bernieri Distinguished Academy Foundation in Teaching, Coaching, or Residential Life will propagate the legacy of his work into every dimension of Andover’s pedagogy, outreach, and purpose.”
Carrying Forth Time-Tested Values
Since joining the Academy in 1977, Bernieri has made an indelible mark on campus life. In his numerous and varied roles, he has inspired countless students and colleagues with his steadfast belief in the power of community. In 1987, he founded ABL, a program promoting literacy and social justice in nearby communities, particularly in Lawrence, Mass. His work has earned national recognition, including the 2024 Bread and Roses Hall of Fame honor, a Doctor of Letters from Middlebury College, and the Eartha Dengler History Award.
Bernieri’s dedication to social justice has guided his efforts. “I’ve always believed in Andover’s mission to be a private school with a public purpose,” he says. “That means sharing our resources with public schools and historically underserved populations.” His principles have informed not only his work with ABL but also his approach to teaching, coaching, advising, and mentoring.
Naming the inaugural distinguished foundation for Bernieri is a fitting expression of the significant imprint he has left on the school. “As we approach Phillips Academy’s 250th anniversary, this moment underscores our commitment to investing in the educators who shape our community,” says Merrilee Mardon P’27, deputy head of school. “Lou Bernieri’s influence has been profound, and we invite alumni, parents, and supporters to help us meet our ambitious goal.”
Advancing What Matters Most
Momentum is building. Galvanized by the singular and lasting impact of PA faculty, a second Distinguished Academy Foundation has been created by the parent of an alumnus who wishes to remain anonymous. The intention of this gift is clear: to propel the people who uphold the highest standards of discovery and growth.
These latest foundations advance an Andover tradition over 150 years in the making. The Academy’s first faculty endowment was established in 1866, when patron George Peabody funded a chair in mathematics and the natural sciences. Since then, more than 90 foundations and instructorships have helped strengthen Andover’s academic and cultural life, including the prestigious Foundation for the Head of School Honoring John P. Stevens, Jr., Class of 1915.
The Distinguished Academy Foundation extends this legacy in a powerful new direction—one that not only champions academic rigor but also elevates the essential, everyday work of educators who mentor colleagues, build inclusive communities, and nurture the intellectual, emotional, and ethical growth of students. It recognizes that the most meaningful contributions often happen outside the spotlight.
Appointments, made by the head of school, will enable time for guiding colleagues—especially early-career faculty—and will be supported by stipends for professional development, travel, and scholarly pursuits. This dedicated time and focus will foster collaboration, reflection, and innovation.
Terms will span five years, with the possibility of renewal, offering both continuity and fresh perspective within the Academy’s culture of high expectations, inquisitive energy, and shared purpose.
“Andover faculty set a remarkably high bar for themselves,” says Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27. “We hope to give them even greater freedom to push boundaries, test new ideas, and broaden their reach.”
To learn more, please email Director for Advancement Initiatives, Jennifer Pieroni P’28.
Categories: Philanthropy
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