Trustee Perspective: Jane Harris Ash ’79

z Jane Harris Ash ’79

When the invitation came to join the Hebron Academy Board of Trustees, I welcomed the opportunity to help Hebron provide the education for others that it provided me. I made a financial commitment to Hebron, and I saw that commitment as a good investment in the future of many students. I looked forward to visiting campus and seeing Hebron friends in the months to come. I attended my first Hebron trustee meeting in January 2020. I reveled in seeing familiar faces and meeting new people. I reminisced about life on campus when I was there while touring new buildings and learning about programs that make Hebron a different school from my time as a student. As it turned out, that was the last trustee meeting I attended in person and my last visit to campus to date.

Joining the Board of Trustees during a pandemic

BY JANE HARRIS ASH ’79

What has it been like to be a trustee of Hebron Academy during the pandemic, when we could not go to campus and hold our usual alumni gatherings around the country? How have I, a new trustee, handled the challenge of learning my new role and contributing to the life of the school when I could not be in the company of my fellow trustees and alumni and staff?

We held all subsequent Trustees’ meetings virtually. Despite all the challenges, we have accomplished much. We have conducted the business of running the school from afar. The financial focus shifted from building plans and endowment contributions to increasing the Annual Fund to provide operating funds. Many alumni responded with understanding to the Annual Fund appeal for gifts because of unforeseen and unbudgeted Covid-related expenses.

Our committees meet virtually, and we committee members enjoy the opportunity to talk about Hebron and anything else that comes to mind. We have recruited trustees, planned for future events, and explored new ways to build relationships with alumni.

I miss Hebron. I look forward to alumni regional events in the months to come and I look forward to my first Trustees’ meeting on campus later this year. Let’s all plan on participating in the exciting alumni homecoming celebration currently being planned for Fall 2022. See you there!

z The Harris Family Front – Gillian and Nat Harris Back – Jane ’79, Nat Jr. ’81, Judy ’83