Phillips Academy’s Board of Trustees convened on campus last weekend to receive updates about Andover initiatives, commemorate Deborah Chase, Instructor in English, and meet with CAMD student leaders. The trustees began by acknowledging gifts from David Corkins ’84 and Bill Lewis ’74 to The Campaign for Andover. Corkins committed one million dollars to the summer experiences for students, and Carol and Bill Lewis committed one million dollars to the Outreach Programs. The trustees increased the compensation budget by two percent in order to preserve need-blind admission. They also voted to renew the faculty mortgage plan through 2014. The trustees discussed the renovation of Bulfinch Hall during the meeting, with Shelly Guyer ’78 giving an update on its current situation. According to a press release from the Office of Communications, “Bulfinch Hall continues through the design phase, with Trustees seeking input from English faculty on how to make the space more functional and inviting. More than 50 percent of the fundraising goal has been met.” The trustees also examined Andover’s support programs for students. They specifically discussed the counseling options available to Phillips Academy students. “From health and wellness to spiritual life and academic skills, the discussion focused on the variety of support and programming offered, and the ways in which Andover identifies students with counseling needs, “said the press release. According to the press release, “Tang was particularly impressed by the depth and breadth of services, as well as the coordination and communication needed to make the program most effective.” The trustees awarded Chase the Ansin Family Instructorship at a Trustee’s Dinner over the weekend. “[Chase] has taken on a wide range of curricular roles, from course head/teacher for English 100 to instructor for one-year seniors entitled “Strangers in Strange Land.” Her talents in the classroom 3extend far beyond, as well,” said the press release. According to a press release, John Rogers, Dean of Studies, said, “She eagerly took on house counseling and advising ninth grade girls …[she] is also a great coach – both in tennis — her game of choice – and in squash, which she took on to fill a need at the Academy. Debbie is among those who enable Andover to thrive by enthusiastically doing whatever needs to be done, and doing it exceptionally well.” On Saturday morning, the Board of Trustees also met with Phillips Academy students involved in CAMD organizations for brunch. “This informal tradition of “breaking bread” gives Trustees an opportunity to gain insight into issues and concerns facing students,” said the press release. Trustees Bill Lewis ’74 and Gary Lee ’74 said they were impressed with the students they met. According to the press release, Lewis said, “These students represent the kinds of global, thoughtful leaders that [Phillips Academy] is striving to educate.’ Lee added that the students in attendance represented ‘not only diversity of ethnicity, but diversity of thought.’”
