LA says farewell to our faculty and staff retirees

Cindi Mercer

by Caitlin O’Brien P’26

In 2006, Cindi Mercer was working as the after-school program director at the Groton Country Day School (purchased by Lawrence Academy in 2018 and now called “LA South”). Tanya Clark, who works at Lawrence Academy and whose children attended Country Day, encouraged Cindi to apply for a part-time position in admissions at LA. Cindi worked at both schools for the next seven years, balancing two part-time jobs. In 2013, she began full-time employment as a gift processor in LA’s Advancement Office and has worked there ever since.

Cindi found a home at Lawrence Academy over her 16-year career. She learned new skills and grew professionally, all while building relationships across campus. Her impact has been felt throughout the entire student cycle, from assisting in the admissions process, to proctoring exams and supervising study hall, to ensuring alumni donations are entered correctly and thanked appropriately. Cindi’s favorite LA moments? Seeing her daughters Rebecca Bostick ’11 and Abby Bostick ’16 graduate from LA!

We will miss Cindi’s infectious laugh, her willingness to help — no matter the task — and hearing about her love for her family, pets, music, and motorcycles. Although it will be hard for Cindi to say goodbye to her many friends in the faculty and staff of Lawrence Academy, she has big plans that include sunny skies, long rides, and a happy, healthy retirement.

JO-ANN LOVEJOY

by Anne O’Connor ’78

Jo-Ann Lovejoy, P ’06, ’08, ’10 retires from the Alumni Office as chief advancement officer. When she joined the development team at the end of 2019, she was wellversed in Lawrence Academy’s tight-knit community, both among students and between parents. She spent eight years as an LA parent, bringing the professional skills she gained at competing schools to volunteer fundraising leadership roles.

Just as Jo-Ann was getting settled in her new job, COVID emptied LA’s campus and forced the world to communicate, work, and live remotely. However, she was determined to rebuild the alumni program and remained undaunted. “There was a wonderful embrace we were able to do,” Jo-Ann said: Alumni began meeting regularly online, reconnecting and reforging bonds. Those connections became so strong that half of the Class of 1973, the first class with four-year women, returned in 2023 for their 50th reunion.

LA’s biggest capital campaign flourished under Jo-Ann’s guidance: At the time of her retirement, more than $30 million had been raised for a new dining hall and the endowment fund. Jo-Ann credits that success to strong teamwork and the leadership of Chris Davey, assistant head of school for institutional strategy and advancement. “We’re better together,” she said.

Jo-Ann looks back at her time at LA as both a parent and staff member with joy. “It’s been fun,” she said. “It’s been really, really fun.”

Alice Farrington

by Kate Engstrom

After eight years of service, Alice Farrington is retiring from her second career as a night nurse at Lawrence Academy. She previously retired after 40 years at Nashoba Valley Medical Center, where she served as director of emergency services, but after hearing about the job at LA from her daughter-in-law, Lindsay (Murdock) Farrington ’02, Alice decided to return to work. She was up for a new challenge and found she really enjoyed the students.

“The kids were a hoot,” Alice shares. “You got to know them well. There is always drama, of course, but it was a lot of fun.”

There were challenging situations, such as allergic reactions and injuries, but overall, Alice appreciated working with the kids and hearing their stories. She will miss her time working with the health team in Dana House, but she is looking forward to visiting her house on the Cape, working on house projects, and, most importantly, spending more time with her grandchildren.