Celebrating Our Community! Friday, May 8

CLICK HERE for video highlights from the evening.

CLICK HERE for a full photo gallery from the evening.

As Keynote Speaker Paul S. Grogan P’08 took the stage to deliver the keynote speech on May 8, his message was clear: it is critical that the BB&N community find ways to allow students of all backgrounds and income levels a chance to experience the incredible education the School provides.

“We must take a different path—in opening opportunity to those that don’t have it, and opening this marvelous education, which is a ticket,” Grogan said. “It’s a huge ticket. I’ve never been prouder to be associated with this school than I am tonight, at the effort we are all making, at a very, very difficult moment to do so.” (CLICK HERE for a full video of Grogan's remarks.)

Grogan has been President and CEO of The Boston Foundation, one of the nation’s oldest and largest community foundations, since 1991. Grogan joined the Foundation fromHarvardUniversitywhere he was VP for Government, Community and Public Affairs, a role in which he is widely credited with a dramatic improvement in town-gown relationships and the development of town-gown partnerships.

The evening to benefit financial aid began in a decked-outNicholasAthleticCenterwith a cocktail reception preceding a spectacular “family style” dinner to encourage sharing and conversation among the more than 350 guests. Special guest speakers including Grogan, Joelinda Coichy ’07, and David J. Thompson ’85 shared poignant memories and thoughts about our community and the importance of supporting BB&N’s financial aid program—a hallmark of the School’s educational experience.

BB&N Parent Kasey Kaufman P’12, ’16 kicked off the night, recounting touching stories about her daughter and son, and the warmth and kindness she has personally experienced in this community. In adding her personal welcome, Head of School Rebecca T. Upham noted that a number of generous anonymous donors had helped underwrite the event so that all proceeds could benefit BB&N’s financial aid program

Upham welcomed Keynote Speaker Grogan by noting, “Your stories remind us that as a community, we are stronger and more powerful when we come together—united in a shared and common vision. Our next speaker not only believes in a shared vision of community, he lives it every single day of his life.”

Grogan discussed the history ofAmerica, the challenges we now face in a struggling economy, and the triumph of the election of Barack Obama, the first African-American President of the United States.

“I would argue there are some very worrisome and troubling trends in our economy that precede this latest emergency by some decades,” Grogan said. “I would pose it this way—is the American dream still alive? Is it really still deserved to be the kind of civic religion that it’s been, the idea that regardless of your circumstances, with hard work and effort and commitment, you can make it inAmerica?”

Grogan pointed out crucial data to support his point that BB&N must make diversity a top priority.

“We are not doing our children any favor by postponing their encounter with the diversity that they will surely encounter as adults in the world and in the America that we are becoming…By 2050, one in five Americans will be foreign-born. It makes absolutely no sense not to make diversity a cornerstone of the BB&N education.”

Joelinda Coichy ’07 followed Grogan, explaining how the School’s motto, Honor, Scholarship, and Kindness, has played a critical role in her life. Coichy lived these words while at BB&N where she was active in all aspects of School life, and beyond with her charity work inAfricaand involvement in her church youth group. Coichy’s sentiments particularly rang true when she discussed the kindness she felt at BB&N—something, she noted, was a lot deeper than just a superficial understanding of the word.

“We all need to buy in. We all need to add our two cents. And tonight, for you it might be monetary. For me right now, it’s hard work. But we need to buy in if the mission of this school is going to continue to be effective,” she said. “If I could see each of the generous people who donated to make it possible for me to be part of the legacy of this institution, if I could look them each in the eye, I would thank them for embracing kindness in its most potent form. And I would thank them for their irreplaceable generosity.” (CLICK HERE for a full video of Coichy's remarks.)

David Thompson ’85 spoke about his mission to give back to institutions that have impacted him on a personal level.

“For me, the strongest argument for financial aid is a recognition that to let this special place only serve those who can afford the tuition would prevent this faculty from delivering the fullest breadth of their offerings. And this would soon threaten the mission of BB&N for all of us,” he said.“I was made to feel gifted, talented, and appreciated. And in ways I do not fully comprehend, the BB&N mission of honor, scholarship, and kindness, followed me to college and beyond.” (CLICK HERE for a full version of Thompson's remarks.)

Head of School Rebecca T. Upham paid tribute to both alumni/ae speakers as she underscored the case for financial aid, and how the Annual Fund, Parents’ Association fund-raising activities, and the Opening Minds Campaign work together to support the increased financial aid needs of our current families while building endowment for the future.Holding up her BB&N Red Sox t-shirt at the conclusion of her remarks, Upham encouraged everyone in the community to purchase one, with all the benefits going to the financial aid program.

“The gift of financial aid is a gift that does indeed, continue to give and grow. Imagine how uninteresting our community would be without the opportunity to open our doors—and our students’ minds—to those who have different experiences, come from different cultures and backgrounds and perhaps see the world through a different lens,” Upham said. “By being here tonight, you are demonstrating your commitment to help us meet this challenge—to help us build the type of community that we all want for our students and for each other.”

Help us continue the Community Conversations begun that evening! CLICK HERE to add your story to those of BB&N students, parents, and alumni/ae about what community and financial aid means to them--and you!

To purchase a BB&N/Red Sox shirt and support BB&N’s Financial Aid Program, contact janet_rosen@bbns.org. Minimum cost: $20; Maximum cost: priceless (whatever BB&N’s financial aid program is worth to you!).