Donor Stories

Although Ben Wright '40 had an unusual journey through BB&N, his loyalty to the School remained strong throughout the 75+ years since he attended both Buckingham and Browne & Nichols.

It is often said that the most unassuming people are those whose thoughtfulness and generosity can have an impact on others in quiet but powerful ways.

Since graduating in 1950, Ed has been an ongoing supporter of the School, serving as an Annual Fund volunteer and attending many events over the years.

This seems to me the very best way to recognize that incalculable debt and the impact that my Buckingham experience has had on my life, and I hope that other alumni/ae will choose to do the same."

Former BB&N Trustee Gordon Lunn ’52 never forgets. Decades and decades, every single year, Gordon gives to The BB&N Fund.

"As we grow older, we reflect on the things that were most meaningful to us in our lives, helped us to grow, and taught us things that brought us pleasure and the successes that we have had in life. For me, Browne & Nichols is foremost in my reflections."

The graduation of Louie Varadi ’24 in June, as a member of the 50th class to graduate from BB&N, maintains nearly a century of family connections with the schools that merged in 1974 to form the BB&N of today.

“I have been so impressed with BB&N’s current global programs that are helping students understand their world-wide options."

A loyal Browne & Nichols alumnus for many years, Richard (Dick) Chalfen ’60 recently reflected that “B&N crept up on me in ways I can never repay. Becoming a member of The Almy Society is a step in that direction.”

For nearly 130 years, the Buckingham School legacy has provided a strong foundation for the BB&N of today, helping to shape its commitment to academic excellence and launching many traditions that continue to this day.

The path that Deirdre McCloskey ’60 has taken since Browne & Nichols might well be described as “the road less traveled,” but it is certainly a road that exemplifies the confidence and academic foundation that the School provides its graduates. In a recent interview,

Growing up, Nancy Morse Torti’s neighborhood was Buckingham. This was so because Nancy’s mother, Nancy Balis Morse, headed the Buckingham Lower School from 1946 to 1972, and Nancy became a student at age four.

When Jim Donovan reflects on his 13-year education at Buckingham and Browne & Nichols, he recalls lifelong friendships, a superb education, and particularly the outstanding teachers who far surpassed those he had in college and graduate school.

Every single year, decade after decade, Kathy Herzog ’62 gives to The BB&N Fund. This year and last year her giving changed slightly: she made the gifts in honor of someone.

Pam Jackson ’62 is grateful for her family – more on that in a moment. Among many things, her gratitude also includes Buckingham School, where she was a lifer, and BB&N.

Margaret Loss ’64 recently shared memories from her time as a student at Buckingham and its impact on her academic and professional career.

As a little boy in 1950’s Ireland, Micéal Jordan heard the streets in America were paved with gold. Such stories would have naturally made an impression given his circumstances: his mother died when he was an infant and his father’s farm in County Clare had no electricity, central heating, or running water.

The Knights’ Circle recognizes BB&N donors who have given for five or more consecutive years. The Circle includes Peter McManmon ’66, who now gives with qualified charitable distributions from his IRA, and has several reasons for his stalwart support.

Cynthia Chace '70 is a dedicated Buckingham alumna. Not only has she dedicated her time to reaching the goals of the Opening Minds Campaign, she has included BB&N in her will, making her a member of the Almy Society.

When Mark Satterfield '73 arrived at Browne & Nichols in ninth grade from the Lincoln Public Schools, he says, “I really was the definition of ‘average’. OK-not great student. Moderately coordinated athletically. A bit on the shy side..”

"I choose to give back to BB&N because of the impact I'm making at the school with my gifts."

Karen Kalina’s ties to BB&N go back nearly 50 years when she came to the Buckingham School as a pre-Kindergartener. As she was moving into the Upper School, the School offered her financial aid which was not only a tremendous help to her family but also an indication that BB&N cared about her.

In 1969, bullies at a Somerville public school had a ready target: six-year-old John Toupin. He was mixed race and ethnically out of place. John’s mother, a Tufts University dean and the Hawaiian-born daughter of Korean immigrants, ended the bullying by swiftly enrolling him at Browne & Nichols. 

Across the decades, the experiences and memories of BB&N alumni/ae are often remarkably similar to those shared by Mark Leeds '83: caring teachers, lasting friendships, and preparation for further education and life.

Meg Barry’s love of rowing dates back to her time as a BB&N Middle Schooler. Entering in seventh grade following her older sister Jennifer Barry Donovan ’91, Meg had strong academic skills but was particularly drawn to the school’s athletic program, participating in soccer, volleyball, and crew.

To get something done, it is sometimes said, ask a busy person. Natalie Zervas, Ph.D. is busy: psychological counselor/wellness educator at Phillips Academy, mother of a four-year-old and member of her 20th BB&N reunion committee.

On July 4, 2019, Warren F. Myers, Sr. passed away in hospice, ending an honored, well-lived life surrounded by family. Warren Myers and his wife, Karen Myers P ’95, ’03, GP ’29, ’33, loved BB&N, a community with lifelong friends made over four decades.