June 11, 2026
Reunions Inspire Big Blue Philanthropy
All in together (again!)Andover reunions are special. A time to reconnect. To reflect. And to strengthen the bonds of friendship in the very place they were first forged.
Amid the hugs, the exclamations of “You haven’t changed a bit!,” there is also, always, non sibi. PA’s five-year reunion cycle provides an occasion for alumni to give back, with class agents, volunteers, and Academy staff partnering to achieve impressive shared participation. In fact, each year more than 1,300 alumni mark their reunions with gifts of every size to bolster the Andover Fund and other key priorities.
Such philanthropy is vital. Made in camaraderie and joy, these gifts power the school’s mission, shape its student experience, and create lasting legacies—one reunion at a time. Here’s how several motivated classes chose to make their reunions memorable:
Gold Standard
In 1961, Chubby Checker topped the charts. America sent astronaut Alan Shepard Jr. to space. West Side Story captivated moviegoers. Also that year? The Class of ’56 returned to campus for their first reunion, kindling a dedication to stewardship that has become the benchmark for alumni across generations.
Celebrating their 70th Reunion this June, the Class of ’56 continues to lead the charge for Andover and now holds the school’s record for lifetime giving. Indeed, since their graduation, PA and Abbot alums have donated more than $120 million in current-use, capital, and endowment investments, with reunions—and nostalgia—galvanizing their steadfast support.
“This entire class defines generosity,” says Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27, adding that over 50 percent of the PA class gave for their prior reunion in 2021. “Their commitment to Andover is evident in their support of scholarships, innovative programming, and our beautiful campus.
“In every way, the Class of ’56 has set the standard for reunion giving, fostering a culture of collaborative philanthropy that has absolutely inspired the younger classes,” says Kington, holder of the John P. Stevens, Jr., Foundation.
50 Years of Purpose
Some classes use reunion to amplify specific Academy initiatives they hold dear, such as academic excellence, faculty support, campus programming, and more. Fifty years after their own Commencement, members of the Class of 1976 are observing their milestone reunion by boosting donations to a scholarship fund, previously established for their 20th Reunion. The Class of 1976 Scholarship Fund supports deserving students in need, particularly those receiving full financial aid—a cause that that resonates deeply with this trailblazing group of alumni.
“The Class of 1976 is one of the first to celebrate its 50th as a cohort of men and women,” notes Lisa Barlow ’76, P’06, who serves as co-class agent along with Ruben Alvero ’76 and Board Vice President-Elect Christopher Auguste ’76, P’09, ’12. “In a sense, we ushered Andover into a new era. We are proud of that fact, and it played a role in our reunion giving.
“Some of us benefited from scholarship assistance, and all of us benefited from diversity in the student body, including economic diversity. PA was life-changing for us, and this fund seemed like the most obvious way to help a young person access the opportunities we had.”
Totaling $15,000 at the start of their 50th Reunion year, the fund is now closing in on its goal of $250,000 from over 85 donors. Additionally, 50th Reunion alumni have committed millions of dollars to other scholarship funds through current and legacy gifts. Such success is due to volunteer and staff outreach, a class-wide determination to pay it forward, and a pathway for those marking their 50th Reunion or above to make pledge gifts in the form of bequests and estate intentions.
In Heartfelt Remembrance
The friend in math class. The funny teammate. The everyday lunch buddy. Reunion is an occasion to recall treasured classmates—and ensure their memories live on. For their 25th Reunion last year, members of the Class of 2000 channeled their abiding love for late classmates into meaningful, long-lasting support for student health and wellness on Andover Hill.
“Since we were students, our class has lost members to suicide, accidents, and illnesses, including our class president in our senior year,” says Head Class Agent Mike Tonelli ’00. “Our committee wanted to honor them—all of them—in a way that felt right, while also helping today’s students. Andover’s approach to mental and physical health was something that made a lot of sense to us. So many people wanted to participate, which was really gratifying.”
These alumni chose to recognize their classmates with a combined $170,000-plus to name the first counseling office at the Rebecca M. Sykes Wellness Center. Their donations also fueled the facility’s upkeep, operations, and resources.
Personal outreach from volunteers and staff drove class awareness and involvement in the endeavor, says Tonelli, who adds that a $90,000 pledge match from six classmates during PA Giving Day 2025 spurred further engagement.
He urges other classes to consider the impact of reunion giving on campus and beyond.
“It’s true that reunion offers us the chance to physically be together and remember. That’s important,” says Tonelli. “But don’t forget it’s also a terrific opportunity to unite with our friends for the place that gave us so much. You can celebrate and make a difference.”
To discuss reunion giving opportunities, please contact [email protected].
Categories: Philanthropy
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