Who made it happen? Reunion Classes Holding the Bowl

Posted on Mar 25, 2014

Every school depends on committed volunteers. At Milton, volunteers not only have a great time working with equally energetic people on a shared goal. They also make sure that faculty and students this year—as in past years—will thrive, learn and grow in that particular Milton environment.

Last year, reunion classes broke records and won the Bowl. For 40 years, the Jackson Bowl, named for Henry B. Jackson ’23, celebrates a “select few” who have done the most to promote annual giving at Milton. The classes of 1978 and 1993 both reached unprecedented participation numbers. Overall alumni participation last year was 25 percent, and these classes each reached an outstanding 50 percent. The 2013 Jackson Bowl awards went to Matt Hoffman, Class of 1978, and the full 20th Reunion Committee, Class of 1993.

Matt Hoffman ’78 

Matt has been one of Milton’s most dedicated and hardworking Annual Fund volunteers. In fact, he earned the Jackson Bowl award once before. As a Class Agent and volunteer for the 1798 Circle, Matt has helped the School increase leadership gifts to the Annual Fund year after year. This year, we especially recognize Matt’s work leading the 35th Reunion Committee. Matt was undaunted in his efforts to grow class participation in the Annual Fund and increase attendance at Reunion Weekend. He was more than successful. The class gift included contributions from 51 percent of the class. Reliably enthusiastic in his various roles, Matt is truly committed to Milton’s mission and success, and we once again celebrate him with the Jackson Bowl award for 2013.

The Class of 1993 20th Reunion Committee 

The Class of ’93 also reached 50 percent participation in the Annual Fund, marking their 20th reunion. Along with that record participation rate, they surpassed their fundraising goal by nearly $19,000. Achieving this participation rate was a worthy outcome, but the reunion committee’s real gift was their leadership and energy—the love and appreciation they expressed for their classmates and for Milton. They made it clear that connecting with each other and with Milton was a top priority, in appreciation for what Milton has given them. One committee member hopes the class’s legacy will inspire younger classes with the idea that “alumhood gets better with age.” The 80 classmates on campus last June for Reunion Weekend made that clear as they celebrated each other and the School with moving affection.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Jackson Bowl. You’ve set a new bar for the great volunteers on the horizon.