Dedicating the Farokhzad Mathematics Center
The Farokhzad Mathematics Center breathes new life into how math is delivered and experienced at Milton, both in and out of the classroom. As the new anchor of Milton Academy’s south quad, the location positions math among the school’s spaces dedicated to arts,...
What Philanthropy Means to Trustee Osaremen Okolo ’13
“Think about what you’ve gained from the communities you belong to as a sort of North Star,” Trustee Osaremen Okolo ’13 urged Upper School students during a recent talk. This reflection will be “a guiding light that will illuminate your own path in seeking...
Shedding Light on a Nurturing Environment
Mike Kobb ’88 is a principal engineer for a company that develops home theater systems. It’s a fitting career for someone who has long been interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of movie and theatrical production. Milton Academy provided Mike with opportunities...
The Power of Planned Giving
Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Deval Patrick ’74 enjoyed his extraordinary teachers, but overcrowding and finite resources limited his opportunities. Milton Academy saw his potential and granted him a scholarship to attend. With guidance from compassionate...
Remaining Connected to Milton
Ben Bosworth ’13 was an active Milton Academy student, participating in cross country, track, and the gospel choir. As a graduate, Ben continues to be very active in the Milton Academy community. He currently serves as a class agent, driving fundraising efforts and...
Modeling Cross-Cultural Dialogue
In February, the Department of Equity, Inclusion, and Justice collaborated with Milton’s Public Issues Board to present “Common Ground: Perspectives on the Black Student Experience at Milton.” Milton welcomed alumni Trustee Dr. Lamont Gordon ’87, Heather Ferguson ’93,...
2024 Melissa Dilworth Gold ’61 Fund Visiting Artists Discuss Music and Disability
On April 18 and 19, Milton Academy welcomed musicians Molly Joyce and Gaelyn Lea as this year’s Melissa Dilworth Gold ’61 Fund visiting artists. The two musicians met with Milton Academy’s orchestra to discuss the intersection of music and disability. Gaelyn Lea, a...
The Making of a Milton Loyal Donor
Rudy Reyes ’90 is not a Milton lifer. In fact, he only attended the Upper School for his last two years of high school. In his time as a member of the Milton community, however, it has become clear that Milton Academy runs through his veins. And it was through his...
A Gift With a Plan
As John Coburn ’59 approaches his 65th Reunion next year, he reflects fondly on his Milton experience. “I liked all of my teachers, classmates, and coaches, and those connections are still going,” says John. “There were twenty-five of us who went on to Harvard together and remained friends. I still go to all of my reunions!” When Milton Academy presented John with the opportunity to join the Forbes Goodwin Society by using proceeds from the sale of a family summer house to create a charitable remainder trust (CRT), he knew it was a great opportunity to give back to Milton.
Investing in Math at Milton
This fall, Cox Library will relocate to a newly renovated space in Wigglesworth Hall, which will clear the way for a renovation of the existing space for math. The new Farokhzad Math Center will be transformed into a cutting-edge facility that will breathe new life into how math is delivered and experienced at Milton, both in and out of the classroom. Trustee Justin Walsh ’99 was involved in early conversations about the need for a new space for math, and his leadership and philanthropic support are playing a vital role in making this project possible. He shares, “Math was always my favorite subject at Milton, it was my major in college, and it is foundational in my career in investing. I am very excited to have a front-row seat to this project unfolding in the coming year.”
Caring for the Whole Family
When Alok Kapoor P ’32 and his wife chose Milton for their daughter, they were most impressed by the school’s holistic educational approach that prepares children to be well-rounded, well-intended, and productive leaders. Little did they know, this holistic approach would extend far beyond academics for their family. Within a year of enrolling at Milton, their daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia, and Alok’s wife passed away. Immediately, Lower School faculty rallied around the family, building a support network that would ensure Alok’s daughter would make it through the difficult days ahead.
Head of School Todd B. Bland P ’13 ’14 ’14 and Trustee Emeritus Bradley M. Bloom P ’06 ’08 Recognized with Milton Medal
Head of School Todd Bland P ’13 ’14 ’14 and Trustee Emeritus Brad Bloom P ’06 ’08 embarked on their journey together as Milton’s leaders in 2009. Brad was elected as president of the Board as Todd began his first year as head of school. The two shared aspirations of great progress for Milton Academy, and on Friday, May 5, the Board of Trustees honored their transformational service with the Milton Medal.
Sherry Downes ’58, Mother of Head of School Todd Bland, Speaks About Legacy
Sherry Downes arrived at Milton in 1955 and immediately felt at home. With the last polio epidemic raging in Boston, she and her fellow boarders were required to stay on campus. It was that time at Hathaway House where she made long-lasting relationships. “We were all remarkably alike,” she says. “We hit it off immediately, sharing inside jokes and common interests.”Although the Girls’ School was completely separate from the Boys’ School, Sherry remembers crossing Centre Street for special events. It was at a theater production in March of 1958 that she met a boy, going home that night to write in her diary that he gave her a “nice, warm feeling.” That boy was James Bland, who would become her husband and the father of our current headmaster.
Multimillion-Dollar Gift Supports Math Education
As the parents of two Upper School students, trustee Shadi and Omid Farokhzad P ’23 ’25 know the importance of having a space that inspires a modern approach to teaching and learning. That is why they made a multimillion-dollar commitment to create a new home for math at Milton. The new Farokhzad Math Center will move the Math Department from the cramped attic of Ware Hall to a modern, light-filled, renovated building currently occupied by Cox Library—which is moving to Wigglesworth Hall this year. Please visit www.milton.edu/graduates/math-update to learn more about the math center renovation, and how you can partner with the Farokhzads in making this bold vision a reality.
We Cannot Imagine a More Giving Community
On Thursday, March 9, over 1,100 Milton community members came together to give more than $1.4 million dollars to Milton on Giving Day! We are incredibly excited for all of the possibilities this year’s Giving Day support will bring to our students. While we met—and even surpassed—our 1,000-donor goal, we are still tallying all of the generous gifts and preparing microchallenge totals. Stay tuned for the final total and a summary of your Giving Day impact!
The Victoria S. H. and Mark R. Graham Scholarship
The Victoria S. H. and Mark R. Graham Scholarship was established by Mark and Vicky [Hall] Graham in 2013 to provide support to Milton Academy students in need of financial assistance. Their generous endowment of the scholarship helps Milton to continue to welcome exceptional students into our community, regardless of their ability to pay, allowing Milton to sustain the vibrancy of our student body.
2021-2022 Donor and Volunteer Impact Report
Each year, the impact of donor and volunteer support is felt in every corner of Milton Academy. Students, faculty, and staff benefit in innumerable ways from the generosity of our broader community. We are excited to share with you some of the many stories that...
Year in Review
2021–2022 was an exciting year for Milton. The incredible support of more than 3,100 alumni, parents, students, and friends of the school resulted in donations of $17.9 million to fuel innovation and excellence in education at Milton, including $5.6 million for the...
Heather McGee ’97 Delivered Commencement Address
Milton awarded diplomas to 185 seniors during the school’s commencement exercises on June 10, 2022. One longstanding tradition of the ceremony is students electing their student speakers, which assures seniors that they will, at their last Milton gathering, hear from...
