Campaign News

NMH 130th Anniversary: watch a video tribute
Campaign newsletter (pdf), October 2008
Campaign newsletter (pdf), February 2008

9/26/09 Boston

Stunning views of the Boston skyline and the harbor at the Boston College Club didn't appear to distract guests at the most recent campaign event from the tasks at hand: hugging friends, shaking hands, networking, eating fabulous food, and sharing just one of the “130 Reasons We Love NMH.” Some of the reasons that brought over 90 people together in celebration of Northfield Mount Hermon were:

• "It is such a welcoming community (and in a beautiful setting”) –Parent '12
• "It's an amazing school that provided not only the essentials of a superb education… but also and especially because it instilled in my child confidence, a sense of independence, and the ability to be kind, understanding, and decisive." – Parent '09
• "The instant camaraderie when, wherever in the world you are, you run into a fellow NMHer."N'71
• “I learned to actually like girls at Northfield, but also to play sports, sing with Al Raymond, and most importantly, to accept all races and religions. " - N'48
• "It's time for the truth: I did not go through Mt. Hermon. It went through me" - Anonymous.

Host Jim Husson '83 made a compelling and personal statement about supporting NMH, citing faculty members who helped mold his character and the direction of his life. As the CAO in Boston College's Advancement Office, he is often in the Boston College Club. He told the crowd, “I make sure I face West when I'm up here on the 36th floor. I like looking over the landscape and toward my NMH roots and remembering where I came from.”

Head of School Tom Sturtevant followed with striking comments about the faculty and the strength of the school today. Referencing the mission statement and Husson's remarks, Mr. Sturtevant commented on the incredible ability of NMH faculty to engage the intellect, compassion, and talents of students. Faculty salaries and professional development are largely supported by the Annual Fund. To attract and retain such outstanding faculty, Sturtevant said that strong voluntary support for the NMH Annual Fund must continue and grow.

Mr. Sturtevant also announced that the campaign surpassed its initial $80 million goal and is now striving to reach $83 million by the end of this fiscal year, June 30, 2010.

Click here to see photos from the campaign event in Boston.

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8/8/09 

NMH 130th Campaign event on Martha's Vineyard

It was a beautiful evening on Martha's Vineyard when 65 alumni, students, parents, and friends of NMH gathered at the home of NMH parents Leslie O'Brien and Ken Williams just outside of Edgartown. Island residents and visitors from the mainland gathered to enjoy fabulous food and wine and to celebrate Northfield Mount Hermon. As the sun set on Sengekontacket Pond, Head of School Tom Sturtevant spoke about how NMH today is ever more centered on the mission of enabling students to fulfill their potential through a comprehensive education of the head, heart, and hand.

Focusing on academic excellence, community, and sustainability, NMH today appeals to a growing number of prospective students and had a record year for admission. The school enters this academic year with strength in numbers and strength in our faculty, staff, programs, and facilities. Support for NMH is still critical as we strengthen our school to withstand challenges and prosper during the next 130 years.

Click here to see photos from the celebration on Martha's Vineyard.

6/6/09 

S. Prestley Blake '34 Gives NMH $1 Million for Student Aid

On the occasion of his 75th NMH reunion, S. Prestley Blake, cofounder of Friendly Ice Cream Corp. and a 1934 graduate of NMH, along with his wife Helen Blake, has given his alma mater $1 million to support student scholarships. Read more

5/4/09 

Donors and Dignitaries Celebrate Rhodes Arts Center Grand Opening

On Saturday, May 2, nearly 250 guests converged at the Rhodes Art Center to mark the grand opening of the $29 million 63,000 sq. ft. facility that opened to NMH students in September 2008. In celebration of the generosity of donors to the arts center and to recognize the impact of the arts program at NMH, the event included a variety of activities and student performances, culminating with dinner in Alumni Hall. Tours of the center were ongoing throughout the day, featuring open visual arts studios, a performance of Love Letters by NMH actors, and an exhibit of works from the private collection of NMH Trustee Ann Tenenbaum '79 and Thomas H. Lee in the professional gallery.

As the formal program began, Head of School Sturtevant thanked the donors, paying special tribute to lead donor William R. Rhodes '52, whose newly-painted portrait was simultaneously unveiled. Referencing the school's work job program (enjoy NMH Work Program video) and strong focus on community, Sturtevant also expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the successful completion of the state-of-the-art, LEEDS-certified building: architects, builders, trustees, key staff members, and arts faculty. Of the latter he said: "I dare say that this stunning facility could not have come to being without the inspiration and wisdom of our arts faculty. Perhaps more than in other parts of our program, education for the head, heart, and hand takes place all at once through the arts."

Before turning the program over to student emcees Nicole Dancel '09 and Will Baker '10, both active and talented artists, Sturtevant continued: "When considering the ways we might thank and recognize our donors who made this building possible for our students and our program, we knew that the most satisfying appreciation would be derived from the witness of talented and empowered students, who grow deeply through their engagement in the arts. This evening's program is meant to offer that sort of thanks to all of you who have supported NMH and the Rhodes Arts Center." The audience then enjoyed performances by solo vocalist Emily Quinn-Bell '09, a violin quartet from the Chamber Orchestra, and the NMH Dance Company. Later at dinner, music was provided by the Jazz Ensemble and NMH Singers.

Also in attendance for the events were the NMH Board of Trustees; members of the Arts Advisory Council, members of the Alumni Council; former NMH Heads of School Richard P. Unsworth '45 and Jacqueline Smethurst; architects CBT, Inc. of Boston, MA; landscape architects Sasaki, Inc. of Boston, MA; and builders Daniel O'Connell's Sons of Holyoke, MA. Honorary chair of the NMH Arts Advisory Council and award-winning actress Laura Linney '82 sent a videotaped greeting from New York City.

View photos

4/19/09 

Next Campaign Stop: Charlotte, NC

Georgia Dunn Belk '83 and Bill Belk graciously opened their home to 35 guests for dinner and conversation. After Head of School Tom Sturtevant encouraged the group to spread the news about the incredible educational opportunities offered at NMH, Khrystin Bryant '06 stood up as a young alum to attest to Sturtevant's message. She said she and many classmates she knows are doing extremely well at their selective colleges and that NMH prepared them for their success. At UNC-Charlotte, Bryant is not only excelling academically, but she is also involved in several community and leadership activities. View photos.

4/2/09 

Campaign Gatherings Bring NMHers Together in Ridgefield, Connecticut

Forty guests, including alumni from the classes of 1945 to 1991, were greeted by Head of School Tom Sturtevant at a gathering hosted by Chris and Jennifer Pappas, the parents of Peggy '12 (view photos)). Special guests James Heus, head of Ridgefield Academy; Gail Majdalany Heaslip '75, a third grade teacher at RA; and former NMH faculty and coach Anne Weaver McBride, now athletic director at RA, attended to learn more about NMH and how it might be the right fit for RA students who are moving on to high school.

Sturtevant emphasized the importance of community and excellent academics at NMH, also mentioning traditions that continue to bring students, faculty, and staff together such as the Rope Pull, Mountain Day, and weekly all-school meetings. He shared that interest in NMH among prospective families rose significantly this year and that the applicant pool was outstanding. Families have until April 10 to make their decisions. Sturtevant assured the group that NMH is thriving, thanks in large part to the generosity of alumni, parents, and friends.

3/6/09 

Head of School Sturtevant Greets Friends of NMH in East Coast Cities

During the first week in March, Head of School Tom Sturtevant greeted dozens of alumni, parents, and other NMH guests in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.

At an afternoon gathering in Long Valley, NJ (photos), at the home of NMH Trustee Betsy Compton ’72 and her husband Eric Grubman, 22 guests heard news of the school from Sturtevant, and many agreed that they would like to plan more events in the northern NJ area in support of NMH. The Ardmore, PA (photos), evening was hosted by NMH Trustee Suzie Steenberg Hill '66 and her husband Crawford. Hill served D. L. Moody's favorite, bishop's bread, and she shared the recipe with 25 alums, parents, and friends of NMH. Hill was a torch bearer at the Remember Northfield event when the school moved to one campus, and she told the group that while she still "carries a torch" for the Northfield campus, she also celebrates the strength of the school today.

A wonderful turnout of 90 people in Washington DC (photos) included multigenerational NMH alumni ranging from the class of '42 to the class of '08. The message from Sturtevant at all three gatherings was that NMH is thriving, and he asked donors to put NMH at the top of their philanthropic list.

2/15/09 

NMH Valentine's Day Gathering in NYC

NMH guests enjoyed a performance of A. R. Gurney’s Love Letters, presented by and starring Luke Rosen ’98 and Eastcheap Rep, at The Players Club in New York's Gramercy Park. At a reception following the production, Head of School Thomas K. Sturtevant provided an update about NMH and the 130th Anniversary Campaign. It was a lovely, arts-focused evening, with all proceeds benefiting the NMH theater department. Several of the 68 attendees cited Theater Director David Rowland, who started the program at NMH over 30 years ago, as a mentor who made a difference in their lives. View photos

2/12/09 

NMH Visits Sarasota, FL

Fifty NMH alumni and families gathered at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium on Sunday, February 8 for the most recent celebration of the NMH 130th Anniversary Campaign. Guests came from all over the west coast of Florida and as far away as Boca Raton. Head of School Tom Sturtevant emphasized to the group that NMH is thriving amidst the economic downturn. He acknowledged the challenges the school is facing, but extolled the successes NMH is experiencing despite those challenges, including on the fundraising front. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to connect, reconnect, and network. View photo gallery of the event.

12/19/08 

Alumni and Parents Enjoy Off-Campus Vespers

Nearly 70 alumni and parents met with Head of School Tom Sturtevant at a reception at the home of Candace Dyal P'10, '08 prior to Christmas Vespers at the Emmanual Church in Boston. Along with thanking donors for their support of NMH, Sturtevant expressed his delight at sharing the NMH Christmas Vespers holiday tradition with the group: "The spirit and power of so many voices joining in celebration is powerful and representative of why I am honored to lead your school."

12/16/08 

NMH Alumni and Parents Gather in Arizona

In early December, NMHers gathered at the home of Barbara Gulbrandsen Hennessy '69 to hear Trustee and Campaign Cochair Bill Shea '72 speak about NMH today and the 130th Anniversary Campaign. Several of the 20 or so guests were attending their first NMH event ever, and many spoke of their excitement and pride in the school's mission and strong direction. View photos

11/4/08 

NMH Head Visits Shanghai, Seoul, and Hong Kong

Head of School Thomas K. Sturtevant traveled to the Pacific Rim to celebrate the NMH 130th Anniversary Campaign and to bring news of the school today to alumni, parents, and friends in the area. Accompanying him was John Mitchell '56, a member of the board of trustees and businessman with extensive experience in the region.

In Shanghai, Sturtevant spoke to 30 guests about the strength of NMH's relationship with China over the decades, as well as its commitment to continuing that tie. Bao Zhang, parent of Yi Zhang '03, shared how NMH prepared his daughter very well for her pursuit of two degrees at Smith College.

In Seoul, Sturtevant was joined by William R. Rhodes ’53, chairman emeritus of the NMH Board of Trustees, lead donor to the Rhodes Arts Center, and senior vice chairman of Citigroup Inc. Rhodes shared with the 85 guests his experiences as a leader in international finance and described how his NMH education contributed to his success.

Around 80 alumni and parents greeted Sturtevant in Hong Kong. NMH classes represented ranged from the 1970s to the school's youngest alums. Special guests were former Head of School Richard Mueller and his wife Claire. Richard is now the head of Hong Kong International School, a major source of NMH students from Hong Kong.

In all three cities, Sturtevant thanked guests for supporting NMH and emphasized how important their philanthropy is in maintaining and strengthening the school's mission of educating the head, heart, and hand of each student. See photos in Shanghai, Seoul, and Hong Kong.

10/27/08 

Alumna Gives $500,000 in Honor of Former NMH Teacher

At the Moody Society Recognition Dinner on October 25, Head of School Thomas K. Sturtevant announced a generous gift from an alumna in honor of former teacher Audrey Sheats. Heather McEvoy Keane '81 and her husband Robert Keane gave $500,000 to establish an endowed fund that will be used to support the school's student financial aid program. Read full story.

10/14/08 

NMH Visits Chicago

Thirty alumni, parents, and friends of the school gathered at the Chicago home of Patricia '53 and Jim LaCrosse to hear about the 130th Anniversary Campaign and NMH today. Head of School Tom Sturtevant described a recent autumn weekend on campus: the first admission open house of the year and the enthusiasm of the 107 prospective students and their families; the football win over Exeter ("the boys are playing differently on the new turf, as if they know the value of the investment"); the taping of NPR’s From the Top, which featured our Select Women's Ensemble; and giving actress Laura Linney '82 a tour of the new Rhodes Arts Center. View photos

10/15/08 

Rhodes Arts Center Hosts NPR's From the Top

On October 11, one of public radio's most popular programs, From the Top, was taped before a full-capacity audience of NMH students, staff, parents, and alumni in the new Rhodes Arts Center. The NPR program features the best young classical musicians from all over the country, and singers with NMH's Select Women's Ensemble were among the talented students who performed at the art center's inaugural concert.

Read a feature article in Greenfield's The Recorder about this extraordinary event.

9/27/08 

First of Two New Artificial Turf Fields Installed

More NMH history was made on Saturday, September 27, when the Hoggers varsity football team kicked off against Worcester Academy on a rain-soaked field...but without mud. Playing on the newly-installed artificial turf surface on Thorndike Field, the Hoggers were victorious as a tropical storm passed over.

An alumnus and current parent generously initiated the fundraising for the much-needed facility improvement (a second artificial turf surface on McLamore Field will be completed soon), having an immediate positive impact on the fall athletics program. Gifts can be made online to help support this project.

9/27/08 

NMH Visits Seattle

Thomas K. Sturtevant, head of school, spent a gorgeous autumn day in Seattle with 40 NMH alumni, parents, and friends. He brought news of the school and provided updates about the 130th Anniversary Campaign. Alumni hailed from the class of '44 (Charlie Price) right up to the class of '08 (Marty Tarantino). Some had not attended an alumni event in over a decade. The afternoon event was hosted by Thad Alston '63 and Kari Glover, parents of Samantha Alston '00.

9/7/08 

Convocation and Rhodes Arts Center Ribbon Cutting

The day was worth the wait: Opening convocation and the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Rhodes Arts Center perfectly punctuated the energetic and celebratory start of the 2008 academic year. Read more.

8/11/08 

Cape Codders Celebrate NMH and the Campaign

Nearly 100 NMH alumni, parents, and new families attended events in Chatham, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket to learn about what's happening at the school today and the NMH 130th Anniversary Campaign. Head of School Tom Sturtevant shared fundraising news and gave updates about the status of constructions projects on campus and marketing the Northfield campus.

The gatherings were hosted by Sherif Nada '61, former board chair, with his wife Mary and family, on the Vineyard; Bob MacKinnon '53, current trustee, and his wife Ilse, in Chatham; and Zenas and Susanne Hutcheson, parents of Henry '08, and their family, on Nantucket. See photos

7/17/08 

NMH Visits Paris

NMH trustee Barbara Freedman '66 and NMH Director of Advancement Initiatives Bill Rowe ’83 hosted a small gathering of alumni and friends, including two prospective students, at a warm and inviting dinner in Paris to share news of the school and the NMH 130th Anniversary Campaign. Friedman discussed the school’s current leadership and recent fundraising successes, and Rowe reported on the campus facility projects underway, including the imminent completion of the Rhodes Arts Center and the Northfield campus marketing plans.

The Paris dinner was one of several gatherings planned to bring news of the school to NMH alumni, parents, and friends across the country and abroad. This fall, Head of School Tom Sturtevant will travel to nations in the Pacific.

7/3/08 

NMH Board of Trustees approves new turf fields

The board has announced that an alumnus and current parent has generously initiated the fundraising for a new turf field project. The donor has offered his own pledge with an additional $19,780 match for any gift or pledge of $200,000 or more to the project. So far, two other alumni have pledged $250,000 each to support the new turf fields. Read Head of School Thomas K. Sturtevant's announcement.

The artificial turf fields will allow NMH teams to practice in all weather conditions, having an immediate positive impact on both current athletes and the school's admission recruitment efforts. Two multisport surfaces are being installed, one each on Thorndike and McLamore Fields. These improvements, which are targeted for completion in late fall, will enhance the boys and girls lacrosse, field hockey, football, Ultimate Frisbee, and soccer programs, as well as better preparing our student-athletes for college-level play.

Artificial turf benefits the environment by eliminating the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides. The turf is made of synthetic rubber and it requires no mowing or watering, conserving both petroleum and water. The project cost is estimated at $2.85 million. View project construction via the NMH webcam.

5/31/08 

On-campus campaign launch party focuses on the year's successes

On May 30, after a busy academic year, a jubilant commencement ceremony, and an inspiring fundraising season, NMH faculty and staff kicked back for an on-campus kick-off party to mark the public phase of the NMH 130th Anniversary Campaign. With over $66 million raised toward the $80 million goal, the Rhodes Arts Center nearing completion, and a promising group of new and current students enrolled for next September, celebrants enjoyed each other’s company and learned more about the campaign. Chief Advancement Office Allyson Goodwin ’83 gave away door prizes, including gifts in the winners’ names to the Annual Fund and the Rhodes Arts Center, all funded by an anonymous donor.

5/29/08 

NMH works to build endowment

The Recorder (Greenfield, MA)
NMH's $80 million campaign is the subject of a page-one story with a large above-the-fold photo of the track and James and Forslund gyms. The reporter quotes Cheif Advancement Officer Allyson Goodwin and Trustee and Campaign Cochair Janet Turnbull Irving. Click here to read news article.

5/7/08 

NMH 130th Anniversary Campaign kicks off

A gala event took place in New York City with guests attending the Broadway production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, starring Laura Linney '82. Linney met with fellow NMH alumni, trustees, and friends at a reception following the performance. Read full press release

4/22/08 

A sound of Northfield rings on

The carillon that sounded on the Northfield campus for decades will soon ring on the NMH campus. To celebrate its 50th reunion, the Northfield class of 1958 initiated a fundraising project to move the 47-bell carillon from Sage Chapel to the bell tower of the new Rhodes Arts Center . The class has already raised $250,000 toward the $500,000 cost of modernizing and moving the carillon. Workers completed the move in April. The class of 1958 will hear the bells ring at Reunion 2008. See photos

5/1/08 

NMH breaks ground for new admission building

Students, faculty, staff, and trustees enjoyed Bolger Berry Swirl ice cream at a groundbreaking celebration for Bolger House. Read more

2/29/08 

Raymond Hall: honoring Al and Virginia Raymond

The 225-seat concert hall in the Rhodes Arts Center has been named for NMH choral director Al Raymond and his wife, Virginia, a Latin and voice teacher. Raymond, who taught and directed choral music at the school from 1943 to 1973, deeply touched the lives of his students. Alumni and friends who wish to honor the Raymonds are invited to contribute to the Raymond Hall fund. Read more

2/1/08 

NMH hits the road, Los Angeles

More than 100 alumni, current and former parents, and their families enjoyed a reception with Head of School Tom Sturtevant and the NMH Board of Trustees. A concert with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra followed. See photos

9/17/07 

NMH receives $1 million from member of the class of 1973

An anonymous member of the Northfield Mount Hermon class of 1973 has contributed an unrestricted gift of $1 million. The school will use the gift to help support students, faculty, and academic programs. Read more

10/23/07 

NMH Board of Trustees approves new admission building

As a key step to enhance our student admission program, the NMH Board of Trustees has approved the construction of a new admission building, to be located in the heart of the campus. The strategically-chosen site is adjacent to the ninth-grade village on Cottage Row, with expansive views to Forslund and James Gym and to the Rhodes Arts Center . It will serve as a place of orientation for prospective students and provide the ideal launching point for tours of the campus. Read more

9/9/07 

Peller Family Field dedication

Eighty alumni and friends gathered for the dedication of Peller Family Field, an NMH soccer field named after beloved teacher and coach Dick Peller and his family. The day included a sentimental brunch (“One thing Dick Peller can do is teach men to cry,” one attendee commented), speeches and storytelling, and a thunderstorm that rolled in just as the dedication concluded. Led by a $250,000 matching gift from trustee John Berg ‘80 and his wife, Carol, donors met the fundraising goal of $500,000; further donations will go toward the field's upkeep and equipment.

5/20/07 

A jewel box for a gem of a teacher

A number of alumni and parents raised $1.5 million to name a new rehearsal hall, known as the "jewel box" for its faceted shape, in The Rhodes Arts Center after Sheila Heffernon, longtime director of the music program. The gift was announced to the public at Sacred Concert—the 25th such concert Heffernon has conducted—on May 20. An endowment fund has been established in Heffernon's name for others who wish to take part. Read more

5/4/07 

Topping of the new arts center

NMH held a topping off ceremony when the topmost iron beam, signed by community members and the construction crew, was put into place at The Rhodes Arts Center . The event is a tradition among ironworkers, and, in keeping with tradition, a small fir tree was hoisted onto the building's framework to signify good luck for those who will occupy it. Construction began on the arts center in spring 2006 and is due to be completed in 2008. See photos of Rhodes Arts Center construction.

10/30/06 

David F. Bolger '50 contributes major gift for new admission building

David F. Bolger, a Northfield Mount Hermon School alumnus, has donated a second major gift to his alma mater in less than a year—$2.5 million for the proposed construction of a new admission building. Read more

9/10/06 

NMH breaks ground for $29 million Rhodes Arts Center

At Opening Convocation, the NMH community gathered on Thorndike Field. Head of School Tom Sturtevant gave his convocation address and immediately following, the crowd walked to the site of The Rhodes Arts Center for a groundbreaking ceremony. William R. Rhodes ‘53, lead donor and chairman emeritus of the board of trustees, spoke briefly about the importance of NMH in his life. Next, student representatives of visual and performing arts groups took their spades in hand and ceremoniously "broke ground." Led by the NMH Singers, the community joined together in song to "sing up" the building—the largest construction project undertaken by the school—in the spirit of NMH's founder, Dwight L. Moody. See photos

6/5/06 

Lead gift makes new arts center possible

William R. Rhodes, class of 1953 and chairman emeritus of the NMH Board of Trustees, has donated a total of $5 million for the school’s new center for the arts. Read more

6/2/06 

NMH receives largest gift in its history

A Northfield Mount Hermon School alumnus has donated securities valued at $10 million to the school. David F. Bolger, real estate developer, investment banker, financier, and philanthropist, has asked that his gift be used to endow scholarships, establish a faculty chair, and support an endowment for the school's Memorial Chapel. Read more

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