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Stoneleigh Burnham School

Class Act

50th Reunion Alumnae Gift Inspires COVID-19 Relief for Alma Mater

Group photo of people smiling outside

Class of 1970 members pictured on campus a year before their 50th reunion

When the Class of 1970 began thinking about their 50th reunion, they could never have imagined the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their celebration and their alma mater.

From the early days of planning, a small group of generous alumnae from the Class of 1970 set out to help their school in a major way. They pooled their resources to offer a fundraising match during their special year. The dollar-for-dollar match doubled all annual fund gifts up to a total of $70,000. Designed to honor their 50th reunion, their kindness allowed the School to generate great interest during a difficult time.

Having had to postpone the annual on-campus Reunion Weekend to June 2021, the School hosted a virtual event it named Mega Reunion. Graduates from across the world attended the online event held Saturday, June 6. Alumnae enjoyed greetings and toasts from Board of Trustees Chair Lynn Schultz Kehoe ’77, Alumnae Board President Kate Strousse ’13, and Trustees Allison Porter ’89 and Barbara Mayo Llewellyn ’69.

Head of School Stephanie Luebbers delivered the reunion address with news about the triumphs and challenges of the school year. The announcement of the Class of 1970’s reunion giving total was a virtual reunion highlight. Including outright and planned gifts documented during the past two years, the Class of 1970 donated an extraordinary $861,687.

“They couldn’t have known it at the time, but when they created their ’70 Gives 70 Match, these amazing women made it possible for Stoneleigh-Burnham to weather the serious financial challenge posed by COVID-19,” said Susan Mattei, director of development. “Because of their generosity and commitment, a groundswell of support has helped with COVID-19 relief for students and the School.”

Your generosity makes an impact at Stoneleigh-Burnham. To learn more about gift options that benefit you and the School, contact Kathleen Tuck Fontaine ’83 at 413.774.2711 x317 or development@sbschool.org.