family matters

Giving Thanks

Humbled by the acts of generosity that have transformed Bishop’s, John Trifiletti reflects on his 17 years at the School.

Less than two hours after the ribbon-cutting for the Manchester Library and Learning Center in 2012, John Trifiletti ventured inside the newest building on campus to gauge activity. It was the first day of the new academic year and the library was filled with students enthusiastically exploring the new space, checking out books and immersed in homework. The academic life at Bishop’s was elevated once again. For Trif, whose career has been dedicated to advancing the educational experience for students, there was no greater joy than to see these scholars so clearly demonstrate the impact of giving. John Trifiletti—known affectionately throughout campus as “Trif”—joined The Bishop’s School in 2004 as chief advancement officer and assistant head of school. Prior, he had served in many advancement positions during 30 years with the University of San Diego, including associate vice president for development.

Trif will retire from Bishop’s on Aug. 31, 2021. His 17 years at the School have been marked by a number of milestones, most notably his leadership role in the 18-month Centennial Celebration as well as in the Centennial Campaign, which successfully met its goals to support facility growth and increase the endowment for student financial aid and faculty professional development.

He leaves a School that has been transformed in terms of square footage, facility improvement and an endowment that currently stands at $61 million. And that’s not all. The generosity of donors has helped launch countless initiatives during Trif’s tenure, including a record $6 million gift to further STEM innovation.

But Trif is quick to point out that his is not a solo venture. With certainty, advancement work requires teams to achieve such lofty goals. It also depends on the generous spirit of individuals and families who share a passion for extraordinary education.

Drawn to Bishop’s by its exceptional leadership, Trif cites the administrators and board of trustees, who are committed to strong fiscal management and forging new directions in education, as well as the parents, alumni, staff and faculty, who together as a community reinforce the work of advancement and the mission of the School.

It’s the relationships within all of these groups that he has held close over the years.

“When you visit Bishop’s for the first time, its beauty is stunning,” Trif says. “And then as you peel back the layers, you realize that the faculty, the parent community, the alumni community and many others are the reason that our institution is able to sustain such quality.”

In addition, Trif has found solace and strength in the School’s Episcopal identity that includes welcoming members of all faiths. “It informs our values and has been a great source of comfort,” he says. “We can lean on those values at times when other institutions can’t. Or won’t.”

Just as Trif has worked to help support the transformative educational experience at Bishop’s, he, too, has been transformed. He pauses when considering his career. His words are chosen carefully, and they carry a lifetime of understanding.

“Fundraising,” he says, “is noble work.”

“After getting to know so many of our alumni who have benefited from the fundraising we’ve facilitated over the years, there is nothing more humbling than to know—as a donor and as a fundraiser—that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.”

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