FOR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF WGBH
SUMMER 2017
Branching Out
WGBH at the Boston Public Library
IN THIS ISSUE
• Support in Changing Times • A Family Affair • Public Television is Your Television • Happy Birthday RLS! • Welcoming New Trustees
View from
the President
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Boston Public Radio Co-hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan compare notes prior to a live broadcast from WGBH’s studio at the Boston Public Library.
ommunity and our relationship with our audience have always been at the center of our work at WGBH. Public media was created to serve the needs and interests of the public, and WGBH has been providing the best in public media to audiences for 65 years. Last fall, we significantly enhanced our relationship with the public by opening the WGBH studio at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. In the heart of downtown, we now work alongside the very people we serve. Visitors from near and far come through our studio and engage with us as we broadcast live shows such as Boston Public Radio, produce podcasts like The Scrum, host Facebook Live events, and more. They interact with us, share their perspective and connect in a way that informs our work, now and into the future. In this issue, we bring you the stories of some visionary friends whose generosity makes it possible for us to engage with our audience in rich and meaningful ways. As we work to close the quiet phase of our Capital Campaign (pg. 3) by December, we introduce you to early supporters of this effort, who are inspiring others to make WGBH a philanthropic priority. You’ll meet Trustee Ann Fudge (p. 3), whose unrestricted major gift was driven by a deep appreciation for the broad array of WGBH programming. We’ll introduce you to Trustee Bill Lowell (p. 7), grandson of WGBH founder Ralph Lowell, who sees planned giving as an important family legacy. And you’ll meet Overseers Advisory Board member Tony Corey (p. 5), whose own experience in television helped instill a keen appreciation for the value of public media. We also say Happy 30th Birthday to the Ralph Lowell Society, and introduce our newest Trustees. We are grateful to them and to all of you who give us the ability to connect with our ever-broadening audience, working to enrich and inspire the communities we serve every day.
J O N AT H A N C . A B B O T T PRESIDENT AND CEO
The Campaign for WGBH The Campaign for WGBH, currently in its quiet phase, has achieved 40 percent of its $175 million working goal. Stay tuned for the next edition of Sharing the Vision, and more information about the Campaign, its objectives, and how you can get involved!
The Sky’s the Limit
Informing
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Perspective
herever ann fudge has gone in her storied career, public media has been part of the picture, including her early years at Simmons College and Harvard Business School. “I watched WGBH when I was a student,” she says, “and I always saw the WGBH sign while going to and from business school.” Following a trajectory that took her from General Mills to Kraft Foods and ultimately to the post of chair and CEO of Young and Rubicam, Fudge retired from her “day job” in 2006 and settled with her husband, Richard, in Chestnut Hill. Not long afterward, they began to focus their philanthropic efforts on education. “Public media fits into the education circle for us,” says Fudge, who today is a Trustee of WGBH, a member of the Campaign Steering Committee, and the Ralph Lowell Society. She is not just referring to the PBS Kids programming she got to know when her grandsons were younger. “When I say education, I’m talking about creating an informed citizenry, and that’s across a whole spectrum, whether it happens to be science on Nature and NOVA, or Frontline on important issues globally, or Masterpiece from an artistic standpoint.” That broad array of programming is what Fudge and her husband had in mind when they chose to make a generous gift to WGBH. Through an unrestricted major gift to the Capital Campaign, they are supporting an organization that is vitally important to them, while enabling WGBH the flexibility to infuse capital as needs emerge and to take advantage of opportunities to develop new projects. A longtime devotee of the PBS NewsHour, Fudge adds, “The experiences of the last year have made people wary of journalism. Media has morphed into showbiz, and it’s really unfortunate. Public media today is critical to providing informed perspectives, and doing it in a respectful manner that creates empathy for people who think differently.” Ultimately, she says, the best reason to contribute to WGBH programming may be the only reason: “Imagine your life without public media. I can’t think of any other way to say it.”
In recognition of our long history as a leader in education, last year WGBH was awarded a $10 million, five-year grant from NASA to develop new instructional models and digital media tools for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) teaching and learning. The project, “Bringing the Universe to America’s Classrooms,” will result in a WGBH-designed collection of K-12 digital resources that integrate multimedia content from NASA with WGBH’s signature programs.
Earlier this spring, WGBH produced the first resources from the project, a collection of innovative digital media resources that leverage satellite images, data visualizations, and videos drawn from NASA, as well as popular WGBH productions such as NOVA, Design Squad, FETCH!, PEEP and the Big Wide World, and Plum Landing. This newly published collection marks the beginning of work that will continue for the next four years and bring hundreds of new STEM resources to PBS LearningMedia, our free, online digital media resource serving nearly 2 million registered users.
SHARING THE VISION NEWSLETTER • SUMMER 2017
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News from the Ralph Lowell Society RLS: Support in Changing Times
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ow, more than ever, I have been turning to WGBH to get muchneeded insights on our rapidly changing times. From diverse viewpoints leading up to the historic presidential election, to scientific and economic developments driving critical change, to drama and history that infuse perspective into our daily human experience. What keeps me coming back to WGBH in this chaotic media world is its rock-solid quality—the integrity of Frontline’s reporting, the eclectic programming of NOVA (my son’s favorite), and original points of view provided by Innovation Hub and The World. Which is the program, on-air personality, or talent behind the scenes who has most recently inspired your enthusiasm? Many of us think of WGBH as a local treasure, so it can be easy to forget that in our backyard is this incredible media organization with a compelling public mission that has national impact. With WGBH’s offerings so astonishingly broad and deep, we are called upon to lend support that is as vibrant and energetic as the programming, and that is especially important now that the Capital Campaign is underway. RLS members have the wonderful opportunity to deepen our relationship with WGBH. What I enjoy most is seeing how our philanthropy helps WGBH’s talent take risks, giving them the freedom to make choices absent from commercial pressures and to explore what they really want to, in a hip, engaging and adventurous way. As I begin my term as RLS chair, I encourage you to bring your own sense of curiosity and love of learning to our endeavor. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.
cynt hia strauss chair, ralph lowell society PAG E 4
Lidia’s Eataly RLS members at the Benefactor level and above were treated to an exclusive culinary tour of Eataly—Boston’s new emporium of everything Italian—with Lidia Bastianich, host of Lidia’s Kitchen, including a cooking demonstration of one of Lidia’s favorite pasta dishes.
chef lidia bastianich, rls sponsor nerine murphy and guest diane hanlon
rls benefactors lee and cokie perry (overseers advisory board) and lidia bastianich (center)
guests are all ears (and tastebuds) as they enjoy a private tour
rls benefactors hans (trustee) and ann ziegler
In Conversation RLS members had two special opportunities to engage in conversation with national luminaries, former NPR correspondent Corey Flintoff, the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Andris Nelsons and Mark Volpe, and concert violinist Augustin Hadelich, in our Fraser Performance Studio.
rls sponsors jonathan and kaia goldstein and corey flintoff (center)
bso music director andris nelsons, violinist augustin hadelich, bso managing director mark volpe and wcrb host brian mccreath
bso music director andris nelsons, rls fellow suzanne hart, guest david hart and rls friend richard michaud
wgbh news’ jim braude and rls friends john and diana markowitz
Happy 30th Birthday RLS! When it all Began
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“Public Television
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is Your Television”
esigner, artist, horseman and style commentator: as one of the original hosts of StyleBoston, tony corey found a ready outlet for his many interests. In the process, he fell in love with the medium of television. “I learned a lot about TV,” he says, “and the experience made me a more knowledgeable viewer.” Now, as a Ralph Lowell Society supporter and member of the Overseers Advisory Board, he enjoys a different angle on media production, as well as the opportunity to “spread the word and be a cheerleader for WGBH.” “It’s been a lot of fun being more involved. I love the opportunity to have a close connection here and to see firsthand what’s going on.” And the benefits, such as last year’s Downton Abbey party, aren’t bad either. Hailing from Tarrytown, NY, Corey grew up watching public broadcasting on WNET. “Masterpiece Theatre was a big thing in our house when I was a kid—shows like The Last of the Mohicans and Upstairs, Downstairs. It was one of the only things my father said was acceptable television.” Period dramas and “programs that involve a little bit of history” are still favorites, and he appreciates the historical accuracy down to the last detail. The lifelong equestrian says, “I’ll notice when they use the wrong saddle or bit for a horse.” He also regularly tunes in to local programming, including Boston Public Radio, Greater Boston and Open Studio with Jared Bowen. A longtime contributor to local boards and service organizations, Corey is an old hand at rustling up support for causes he believes in, and public media is no different. “I think one message that definitely gets across is that public TV is your television. And if you love it, hopefully you’ll contribute to it.” So what began years ago as a single donation after a Sarah Brightman concert special, now makes up a bigger part of Corey’s life. “It’s that simple: to be involved and to encourage other people to be involved. Because you always need new, fresh voices and new, fresh contributions.”
n 1987, Ronald Reagan was president, portable computers weighed 18 lbs, and the WGBH annual New Car Auction opened the bidding on a Toyota Corolla at $12,000. WGBH consisted of two television channels and one radio station, broadcasting out of a small building on Western Avenue in Brighton. And 183 generous families stepped forward in support of WGBH, establishing the Ralph Lowell Society. Thirty years later, from our Guest Street Studios, WGBH connects with the world through six television channels, three radio stations, wgbh.org and an array of social media platforms. Today’s Ralph Lowell Society is a vital part of WGBH, with more than 1,100 households that collectively have raised over $75 million for WGBH programs and services. Happy Birthday RLS!
r a lp h low e l l s o ci e t y m e m b e r s h i p l eve ls friend • $1,500 fellow • $2,500 sponsor • $5,000 benefactor • $10,000 president’s circle • $25,000 chairman’s circle • $50,000 innovator’s circle • $100,000 RLS Chair • Cynthia Strauss Director • Kaja K. Fickes
Senior Development Officer • Beth Zogby
Senior Events Manager • Jeanmarie Roberts Development Officer • Marion Westgate Marketing Manager • Jaimie King
Development Assistant • Crista D’Angelo
SHARING THE VISION NEWSLETTER • SUMMER 2017
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2016-2017 Becton Fellows The Becton Fellowship, which is supported by the Becton Fund in honor of WGBH’s former president and current vice chair, Henry Becton Jr., recognizes promising WGBH producers and content creators whose work is emblematic of WGBH’s mission. Recently selected Becton Fellows are Edgar B. Herwick III and Tory Starr.
Edgar B. Herwick III Herwick, an associate producer for WGBH News, is behind WGBH’s Curiosity Desk, WGBH’s radio segment that delves into historical tidbits and interesting facts. Herwick’s radio features air on 89.7’s Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Boston Public Radio, and his television work has been featured regularly on Greater Boston. Herwick has served as a host for Front Row Boston and currently hosts WGBH’s monthly happy hour, Boston Talks. The recipient of two regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, his work has appeared on NPR, the BBC, Radio France, PRI’s The World and PRI’s Innovation Hub.
Tory Starr As director of social media, Starr oversees WGBH’s social media strategy, execution, and project development efforts. Working with editorial units, she works to increase audience, brand awareness, and membership, as well as evaluates campaigns reflecting new research and shifting user behaviors. Starr recently launched a public-facing Social Media Portal for ongoing training and best practices, pursuing sponsorship and other business opportunities on emerging platforms to bolster WGBH-wide social production and social journalism skills.
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A Warm Welcome to
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Our Newest Trustees
GBH President Jon Abbott and Board of Trustees Chair Rick Burnes welcomed three new Trustees at the annual meeting in February. “We are delighted to add this new talent and leadership to our already strong Board leadership at WGBH,” says Burnes. “Our new Trustees are dedicated supporters of WGBH’s public service mission and will provide valuable perspectives as we work together in the year ahead.”
pa m e d d in ge r is president of Bunker Hill Community College, the largest community college in Massachusetts with more than 14,000 students. She has served community colleges since 1993 in leadership areas, including institutional advancement, academic affairs, student services and marketing relations. Eddinger holds a B.A. in English from Barnard College and an M.A. and doctorate from Columbia University in Modern Japanese Literature. Eddinger lives with her son, Nicholas, in Brookline. a n n kle e is the vice president of General Electric’s global Environment, Health & Safety group, and Boston Development and Operations, and president of the GE Foundation. Previously, Klee was a partner and co-chair of the Environmental and Natural Resources Group of Crowell & Moring LLP. She has served on the Board of the National Park Foundation, and is on the Boards of Boston Harbor Now, the Center for Climate and Energy Strategies, the Environmental Law Institute, and the Yale Center for Business and Environment. Klee has a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.A from Swarthmore College. j e f f r e y r aypo rt serves on the faculty of Harvard Business School in the Entrepreneurial Management Unit, where he teaches in both MBA and Executive Education programs. He was previously a senior partner at Monitor Deloitte until 2009, when he joined Castaneda Partners as an operating partner. Rayport is the Chair of the Board of Trustees at From the Top, a Trustee at the Peabody Essex Museum, and an Overseer at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He is a former Director of the Nantucket Preservation Trust, a former member of the Advisory Committee of the American Repertory Theater, and a former member of the Harvard University Scholarship Selection Committee.
2016-2017 Rey Producer WGBH’s Hans and Margret Rey/Curious George Producership was established by a bequest to support work that reflects Margret Rey’s lifelong interests in science, public affairs, arts, health and children’s programming.
Rani Schloss
A Lasting
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Benefit
or bill lowe ll , grandson of WGBH Founder and inaugural President Ralph Lowell, WGBH has always been a family affair. “I grew up seeing my grandfather on TV soliciting community support for Channel 2. Later, I would watch my father auctioning off a table every year at the WGBH Auction—if he didn’t have anything on his table that his friends wanted to buy, they would call in and bid on his necktie. It was a real community event back in those days.” Today, Lowell and his wife, Angela, enjoy film-related events and screenings as members of the Ralph Lowell Society and are dedicated fans of Masterpiece Mystery and American Experience. His own formal involvement with WGBH began with the formation of the Board of Overseers in 1987. The committee involvement does take time, but the results, he says, are well worth it. “It’s a little bit of a cliché, but it’s absolutely true that you get a lot more out of it than you put into it. There’s so much creativity housed at WGBH that right when you walk in you’re just exposed to these incredible ideas and talented people.” That includes the Lowells’ oldest daughter, Beth, who previously worked for Frontline. Their son, Will, is a screen writer and director, and their daughter Kate is a film publicist. One important component of the couple’s philanthropy is planned giving. For Bill, who is co-chair of the Wealth Management Group at Boston law firm Choate Hall & Stewart LLP, it also is an area of professional expertise. “My wife and I wanted to be part of the capital campaign and support WGBH philanthropically, and we wanted to do it in concert with our own long-term financial and tax planning. An annuity is a wonderful vehicle, with a lasting benefit to WGBH, and a nice way for people to assure themselves a stream of income in the process.” That choice is just one more way to continue a proud family legacy. “At the end of the day, when I’m no longer here, the money will be added to WGBH’s John Lowell Endowment Fund, which my dad started. So I’m doing this partly in his honor.”
This year’s Rey Producer Rani Schloss is program manager for 99.5 WCRB, WGBH’s all-classical radio station. Schloss manages the station’s daily operations, overseeing on-air programming, training and development of new on-air talent, as well as updates to broadcastrelated technical systems, serving as a bridge between air staff and engineers to make sure the station runs smoothly, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. She also builds and maintains the station’s social media presence, with a focus on expanding the audience for classical music through engaging radio and digital content.
Join the Great Blue Hill Society Naming WGBH in your will or trust, as a beneficiary of a retirement account or through a gift that provides income for life, qualifies you for membership in the Great Blue Hill Society. We can help tailor a gift plan that is best for you, your family and your charitable goals. If you have included WGBH in your plans already, let us know. Please contact Julie Hallowell in the Office of Gift Planning and Endowment at gift_planning@wgbh.org or 800.220.7122.
SHARING THE VISION NEWSLETTER • SUMMER 2017
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PRESO RTED FIRST C L ASS MAIL U.S. POSTAGE
WGBH One Guest Street Boston, MA 02135 wgbh.org
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FOR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF WGBH • SUMMER 2017
MARK YOUR CALENDAR Rare—Creatures of the Photo Ark, a three-part series, premieres on PBS beginning July 18
“The WGBH studio at the Boston Public Library is a place where we connect with people directly and listen to and record their thoughts and ideas about the world around them. We have real contact with people–face to face. And we do more listening than talking. That makes us better at what we do.” THESE ARE THE MIXED SOURCES –Linda Polach
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For general information, please contact
Winifred Lenihan Vice President for Development WGBH One Guest Street Boston, MA 02135 617-300-3804 win_lenihan@wgbh.org
Sharing the Vision is a publication of WGBH
Design Danielle Pierce
Editorial Catherine Burke Christina Ventresca Jessika Bella Mura
Publication Coordination Christina Ventresca Production Kyra Gregerson
PH OTO CRED I TS • COVER: © WGBH/MEREDITH NIERMAN • PAGE 2 © 2016 WGBH/SCOTT INDERMAUR; © WGBH/MEREDITH NIERMAN • PAGE 3 COURTESY OF ANN FUDGE; NASA/ JPL-CALTECH • PAGE 4 © WGBH/NEIL BATTS; © WGBH/LIZA VOLL (4); LISA ABITBOL (2); © WGBH/MEREDITH NIERMAN (2) • PAGE 5 COURTESY OF TONY COREY • PAGE 6 SHELDON
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GOLDER; © 2015 STEVEN NOREYKO; © 2016 WGBH/SCOTT INDERMAUR; COURTESY OF PAM EDDINGER; COURTESY OF ANN KLEE; COURTESY OF JEFFREY RAYPORT • PAGE 7 COURTESY OF BILL LOWELL; CHIQUITA PASCHAL • PAGE 8 COURTESY OF © 2016 JOEL SARTORE PHOTOGRAPHY INC.; © WGBH/MEREDITH NIERMAN.
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