The $50 million bequest that the late John Mitchell ’56 left to Northfield Mount Hermon — the largest gift in the school’s history — has been transformative, allowing the school to dramatically increase its financial aid program and support for faculty.

Now the significance of that gift is being recognized nationally, with Mitchell’s inclusion on the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s newly published Philanthropy 50, a list of the top donors to charitable causes in the previous year. 

The list notes significant gifts to education, the arts, health care, medical research, and other causes, from donors including Michael Bloomberg, Penny and Phil Knight, Warren Buffet, and other prominent names. Mitchell is the only donor on the list whose gifts primarily support secondary education. 

Head of School Brian Hargrove and NMH Board Chair Monie Thomas Hardwick ’74 called Mitchell’s gift to NMH “an act of generosity from an exceptionally accomplished alumnus who was modest in his profile but profound in his gratitude for the education he received. John credited his time at NMH as a turning point in his life and held tight to the habits and values nurtured at NMH: hard work, critical thinking, integrity, and service.”

Mitchell, who passed away in 2022, distinguished himself at NMH as the Class of ’56’s valedictorian and an accomplished athlete. He earned degrees from Yale and NYU, then went on to a long and distinguished career as president of global manufacturing at Pfizer. Mitchell remained steadfastly loyal to NMH, serving on the Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2016, chairing the Buildings and Grounds Committee and guiding numerous campus planning projects.

Over the years, he made many gifts to the school, including support for faculty housing, the rowing program at Draper Riverhouse, the Bolger Early Childhood Education Center, and numerous infrastructure and improvement projects.

Throughout his life, Mitchell expressed gratitude for the financial assistance he received that allowed him to attend NMH. His bequest, in support of This Place, This Moment: The Campaign for Northfield Mount Hermon, ensures that future generations of students will benefit from the same life-changing educational experience, regardless of their financial background.

It also opens the doors for others to join him in embracing the school’s priorities, by funding matching gifts for the NMH Fund, scholarship and academic support, and special initiatives, through the Our Moment Match.