Ned Symes ’64W

Edward ‘Ned’ Symes III ’64W: Inspiration ‘changed the course of the Academy’

Yearbook photo, 1964

In May 2021, the Academy lost one of its most influential and consequential alumni, Edward “Ned” Symes III ’64W. Mr. Symes arrived at Wilbraham Academy in 1962 from a small town in Delaware and began an experience that he credited with changing the course of his life. Many years later, it was his courage, leadership and vision that changed the course of the Academy.

Mr. Symes served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1999–2008, serving on the Buildings & Grounds and the Capital Steering committees. However, more important than the committees he served on was the enthusiasm, energy and passion that he brought to the Board. Mr. Symes’ vision and drive for what the Academy could be was infectious and inspired the other members of the Board.

In 2002, Mr. Symes stepped forward with a gift of $350,000 to ignite the effort to renovate the Greenhalgh Gymnasium. His generosity inspired other Board members and alumni to make stretch gifts to ensure the success of the project. Mr. Symes’ energy and leadership turned a $350,000 gift into a $5 million project and not only accelerated the gym project, but led the way for all the improvements that followed.

In addition to his generosity, Mr. Symes’ mother, Anne, established the Anne Symes Scholarship Fund in 2000. The fund provided financial assistance for students of color to attend

“A giving spirit comes from being able to envision possibilities through your gift, not the limitations of how much you can give.”

—Edward “Ned” Symes III ’64W the Academy. Mr. Symes always took a keen interest in the students who were awarded the scholarship. He gave one recipient a summer job at his company. In 2009, he established the Trustees Cup, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding athletic team based on its winning record, sportsmanship, team spirit, leadership, academic achievement and community service of its members.

Following his time on the Board, Mr. Symes continued to play an active role at the Academy as a volunteer and a consistent supporter. His service to others also extended well beyond the Academy as he served many organizations within his community.

Mr. Symes once said, “I like to get involved. Being a bench sitter just isn’t that much fun.”

Today, Wilbraham & Monson Academy is a better, more dynamic school because Mr. Symes chose to step off the bench and give back to the place that meant so much to him.