Communication Office
The communication office develops, implements, and evaluates communication plans and programs that support the mission of the School. The office facilitates Milton Academy’s efforts to promote awareness and good will among its various constituencies and external public; to recruit students and faculty; and to raise financial and volunteer support.
Communication Staff
Marisa Donelan
Associate Director of Communication
marisa_donelan@milton.edu
Eileen Newman
Chief Communication Officer
eileen_newman@milton.edu
Jacqueline O’Rourke
Communications Specialist
jacqueline_orourke@milton.edu
Esten Perez
Director of Communication and Media Relations
esten_perez@milton.edu
Emily Sedgwick
Social Media Manager / Video Content Producer
Emily_Sedgwick@milton.edu
Media Contact
If you are a member of the media in need of information or press materials, please contact Esten Perez at 617-898-2395 or esten_perez@milton.edu
Campus News
Journalist and Author Patrick Radden Keefe ’94 to Speak at 2026 Graduation
Milton Academy has announced that the school’s 2026 Graduation speaker is longtime journalist and author Patrick Radden Keefe, Class of 1994.
Keefe is a longtime staff writer at The New Yorker and the author of six nonfiction books, including New York Times bestsellers Say Nothing, Empire of Pain, and Rogues. Keefe’s work has been translated into two dozen languages and recognized with many awards, including the National Magazine Award for Feature Writing, the Orwell Prize for Political Writing, the National Book Critics Circle Award and a Peabody Award.
Student Artists and Writers Shine in Scholastic Awards
Dozens of Milton’s most talented artists and writers were recognized among the best in Massachusetts in the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Gold and Silver Key winners will be honored in ceremonies March 15 at School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University.
Remembering Trustee Emeritus James Fitzgibbons
The Milton community mourns the loss of Trustee Emeritus James Fitzgibbons ’52, P’87, ’90, ’93, passed away January 21. Fitzgibbons, who spent decades of his life in faithful service to Milton Academy, was a legendary figure in the community, and he leaves a powerful legacy of support, generosity, and friendship to the school he so loved.
Fitzgibbons served on Milton’s Board of Trustees from 1972 to 2017—including 10 years as Board president—and he continued serving in an emeritus capacity for the remainder of his life. Through his extraordinary philanthropy, sage advice, and unflagging dedication to Milton, he helped shape the modern history of the school. In 2000, the Board recognized him with the Milton Medal—the school’s highest honor—for his meritorious contributions. Among his many gifts to our school and its students is a vibrant space that hosts Milton’s most important ceremonies and events: In 1998, along with his siblings, Ned ’40, Ann ’41, and Harry ’53, he dedicated the Fitzgibbons Convocation Center in honor of their parents.
Lower and Middle School Leadership Announcement
Steven Bertozzi will be the new principal of Milton’s Lower and Middle Schools beginning July 1, 2026. The appointment reflects a rethinking of the leadership structure in the two schools, which will continue to operate as distinct divisions within Milton’s K–12 organization.
Living History
When Peggy Byers Wood ’49 stopped by Head of School Alixe Callen ’88’s office this month, she didn’t just bring stories, she brought history itself. In her hands was a remarkable photograph from Milton Academy Girls’ School’s 1949 Graduation, showing Peggy and her girls’ school classmates with former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, that year’s speaker.
Peggy, a Milton “lifer” and former Trustee, filled the room with memories of her time in the girls’ school—from singing hymns in the chapel to connections with beloved classmates, leaders who served in student government, athletics, and school publications. She also shared a touching story about her lifelong friend Lucy “Chips” Withington, whose family name still graces the Withington Room next to Forbes Dining Hall. Peggy’s family ties to Milton ran deep: her father, Randolph K. Byers, served as the school doctor.
