What’s Happening at Milton?
Alumni News
Lisa Donohue ’83 Recognized with Milton Medal
On April 30, the Board of Trustees honored its outgoing president, Lisa Donohue ’83, with the Milton Medal, recognizing her years of leadership and dedication during a significant period of growth for Milton Academy. “Lisa’s incredible service to Milton clearly makes her deserving of this important honor,” said Board member Claire Hughes Johnson ’90, who will succeed Donohue as president on July 1. Read more.
Heather C. McGhee ’97 to Speak at Graduation
This year’s Graduation speaker is Heather C. McGhee ’97. She is an author and public policy advocate who designs and promotes solutions to inequality in America. For nearly two decades, she helped build the policy organization Demos, serving four years as its president. Her New York Times bestselling book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, was long-listed for the National Book Award and the Carnegie Medal for Excellence. She holds a B.A. in American Studies from Yale University, a J.D. from University of California at Berkeley School of Law, and has been awarded several honorary degrees. McGhee lives in Brooklyn with her husband, whom she met in Class III at Milton, and their three year-old son. Graduation will be held the morning of June 10.
Come Back for Reunion June 17–18
Reunion is just under one month away! Will we see you there? 200 alumni have already registered. Reunion will feature sessions with current students and alumni, a classroom experience with Milton faculty, lunch on the Quad, class gatherings, and more. New this year, some of our in-person programs will also be available virtually for alumni unable to join us on campus. Don’t miss out! Register today, and visit our Reunion website to learn more!
Giving Day Challenge: Record-Breaking Success
On April 12, a record 1,174 members of the Milton community from every corner of the globe came together to show their Milton pride. Alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends made gifts on Giving Day totaling more than $1.65 million—another record—in support of Financial Aid; the Student Experience; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice; and so much more. The message was clear: Our community is strong, proud, and invested in the future of Milton Academy. Visit www.milton.edu/graduates/giving-day-impact to see the full impact of our community’s generosity.
A Return to In-Person Events
This month, Milton alumni, parents, and friends gathered in Boston and New York City for annual receptions, featuring remarks from Head of School Todd Bland. Among the first in-person events since early 2020, the events drew Milton community members eager to reconnect and engage with fellow Miltonians. View upcoming events.
Reunion Registration is Now Open
Join us Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, as we celebrate class years ending in 2 and 7, as well as the classes of 1970 and 1971. Reunion will feature sessions with current students and alumni, classroom experiences with Milton faculty, class gatherings, and more. New this year, some of our in-person programs will also be available virtually for alumni unable to join us on campus. Visit our Reunion website to register or learn more!
Claire Hughes Johnson ’90 Named Milton Board of Trustees President
Claire Hughes Johnson, Milton Academy Class of 1990, will succeed Lisa Donohue ’83 as president of the Milton Academy Board of Trustees. Claire’s presidency, confirmed by vote of the Board, will begin on July 1, 2022. Upon joining the Board in 2010, Claire’s devotion to serving the school was evident as she offered guidance in the areas of finance; campus master planning; faculty and staff support; diversity, equity, and inclusion; technology; and development. She joined the Board’s Executive Committee in 2020. As a “lifer,” having attended from Kindergarten through Grade 12, Claire’s deep connection to Milton informs her decision-making and thoughtful counsel. She is committed to fulfilling the Board’s mission of maintaining Milton’s academic excellence while positioning the school and its students to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. She is also heading the search for our next head of school. Read more.
Women’s History Month: A look back at Sarah Storer Goodwin, Girls’ School Principal, 1901-1928
Sarah Storer Goodwin transformed women’s education at Milton and laid the foundation for the dynamic curriculum of Milton Academy today. Before her arrival and the establishment of the Girls’ School at Milton, women’s education was an addendum to the primary focus of preparing the next generation of men. With only seven women enrolled in Milton at the start of her tenure, Goodwin quickly ignited her students’ love for learning and personal development, inspiring many more young women to enroll. The curriculum proved to be ahead of its time, providing students with the skills necessary to attend college and inspiring lifelong passions for math, science, and literature. Her love for theater was quickly absorbed and reradiated by her enthusiastic pupils, who began to perform outdoor plays behind their dorm. Former students recall her teachings with admiration: “Miss Goodwin understands… She can teach us to find our way in a world previously intended only for rude, scornful, or entirely indifferent males.” Goodwin’s legacy remains a testament to the revolutionary power of creating dynamic learning spaces where young women can empower themselves to think beyond the constraints of their societal moment.
