Birth of a Scholarship Fund

When the Loomis Class of 1970’s 50th Reunion Committee convened its first call on March 4, 2020, the group was enthusiastic about its charge, which revolved around planning the events for Reunion Weekend in June and ensuring that the class had a robust turnout for the milestone celebration. COVID-19 was not on the agenda, nor did anyone suggest that Reunion Weekend might be in jeopardy because of it.

The committee’s second conference call a few weeks later was very different.

While the decision to postpone Reunion Weekend 2020 was not officially announced until later in the spring, it was obvious on that second call that the committee’s focus would be unlike what they had previously thought. Nonetheless, they had already coalesced into an excellent team. They enjoyed reconnecting with one another over conference calls (and later Zoom calls), which were often full of joyful reminiscing and humor, providing much-needed levity. As such, despite the uncertainty of Reunion Weekend, no one suggested suspending the meetings or disbanding the committee. In fact, to the contrary, the group found a new purpose that very much met the moment.

It was on that second call that the idea of the Loomis Class of 1970 Scholarship was introduced. Establishing a scholarship, which would help make a Loomis Chaffee education possible for a student whose family had financial need, felt particularly timely given the impact the pandemic was having on the economy. The scholarship also gave the class something to rally behind to sustain its momentum, regardless of what might become of Reunion Weekend. Finally, it would serve as a lasting tribute to the Loomis Class of 1970, transcending the importance of a weekend celebration.

Within a few weeks, several members of the committee made commitments, and the Loomis Class of 1970 Scholarship was officially cre ated. Lew Baxter ’70, who generously provided a critical lead gift during the early stages of fundraising, viewed the effort as an opportunity to knock down barriers to a Loomis Chaffee education and to give back. “As we approached our 50th Reunion,” Lew states, “we recognized that the school had made remarkable strides toward fulfilling the Founders’ vision. The glaring exception, however, was that the cost of tuition had become too high to admit many the school wished to enroll.” He continues, “The best way to address this is for those of us who have benefited greatly from a Loomis education and, like the Founders, have prospered financially, to create scholarship funds. It is unlikely Loomis can ever be free as the Founders hoped, but it can be made affordable to more of those of merit if those alumni who are in the position to give, do so.”

Sadly, days after the committee sent a letter to the entire class announcing the scholarship and inviting participation, tragedy struck: Longtime Loomis champion, committee member, and early architect of the scholarship effort Bill Stevenson passed away unexpectedly on June 14, 2020. “Bill was one of the kindest people I have ever known,” says classmate, longtime friend, and committee member Tom Kimmell. “He thought about and brought out the best in others, seemingly having no capacity for ill intent towards other people. He was that way as a student at Loomis and remained true to his principles to the end of his life.” Tom continues, “As the head of the National Farmers Union Foundation, Bill supported local agriculture and empowered growers to form their own cooperatives. He also earned a degree in theology and was inspired by the healing power of prayer. It may sound trite, but it is completely true — he made the world a better place. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Bill can attest to that.”

In their grief, the committee’s resolve to see the scholarship effort continue gained strength. While the group’s charge had changed from that first meeting in March 2020, the members’ sense of purpose was clear and profound. They unanimously agreed to dedicate the fund in Bill’s memory so that it may serve as a lasting celebration of his contributions to the Loomis community, including his work in the formative days of the 50th Reunion Committee.

The scholarship emerged from a worldwide disaster, and along the way it was met with the tragedy of Bill’s untimely passing. The committee, comprised of members Lew Baxter, John Bosee, Lee Burton, Bob Kieckhefer, Tom Kimmell, Rich Lintz, Larry Malinconico, Mark Nussbaum, and Sig Wissner-Gross, banded together to create a permanent celebration of their class, and friend, while making a Loomis Chaffee education possible to talented and deserving students with significant financial need.

The Loomis Class of 1970 Scholarship serves as a beacon of hope and light in a dark time.

On a Zoom call this winter are members of the Loomis Class of 1970 Reunion Committee and representatives of the Alumni/Development Office: (top) Associate Director of Development Heidi E.V. McCann ’93, Senior Major Gifts Officer Mitchell Linker, Tom Kimmell ’70, and Bob Kieckhefer ’70; (middle) Larry Malinconico ’70, Mark Nussbaum ’70, Sig Wissner-Gross ’70, and John Bosee ’70; and (bottom) Lee Burton ’70, Lew Baxter ’70, and Rich Lintz ’70.

To read the obituary for Bill Stevenson ’70 that appeared in the Summer 2020 issue of Loomis Chaffee Magazine, visit www.loomischaffee.org/ magazine.