NMH Magazine : Spring 2008

Leading Lines

Janet Irving and Bill Shea ’72

Helping to raise $80 million is hard work, but NMH trustees Janet Irving (parent of Everett ’10) and Bill Shea ’72 have volunteered for the job. As cochairs of the NMH 130th Anniversary Campaign, they serve as spokespeople, fundraisers, cheerleaders, and true believers. Here they take on questions about the campaign and their feelings for NMH.

What are the biggest accomplishments of the campaign so far?
BS: It’s already the most successful capital campaign in NMH history, having raised more than $65 million to date. We’ve secured the two largest contributions ever given to NMH: David Bolger ’50’s $10 million gift and Bill Rhodes ’53’s lead gift of $5 million for the arts center. We’ve also secured five other gifts in excess of $1 million.

What makes you proudest of NMH?
JI: The culture of the school, which seeks equality among all community members and high academic standards as a means for individual enlightenment, not just career advancement.
BS: That the original mission of the school—educating the head, heart, and hand—is alive and well.

What message would you most like to give to the NMH community?
JI: Ask questions about everything we do, and why. The school is reshaping itself, and only by self-examination can it do it right.
BS: We need your ongoing financial support to complete the 130th Anniversary Campaign and future capital projects.

What’s been a highlight of the campaign thus far?
JI: The naming of Heffernon Hall because Sheila Heffernon is such a valued faculty member and our teachers are the bedrock of the school. There are so many dedicated people in our community who deserve naming opportunities.
BS: The opening of Shea Family Cottage in 2006, where Tom Sturtevant read the dedication to my parents and my wife Elizabeth’s parents—all educators.

What’s the biggest challenge?
JI: In any capital campaign the biggest challenge is meeting the financial need on time. We may be facing a difficult economic climate for fundraising, but I have no doubt that it will be a successful campaign—and completed on time.
BS: Overcoming the common misperception that NMH alumni do not financially support the school. Our success proves otherwise.

Tell one anecdote that, to you, exemplifies the spirit of NMH.
JI: I was very touched by a faculty member who called me recently when my son was in the school infirmary. She was on the road to Boston but took the time to tell me she had visited him and he was fine. I feel a great school is a school with great teachers, and we have amazing people teaching our children and looking out for them.

What is the board of trustees’ role in terms of the campaign?
JI: Simple: Make sure it gets done. Make sure it energizes and brings together the community. Finally, make sure we as trustees step up as examples and give generously to the campaign.
BS: The board has a dual role. First, we’re ambassadors of the school and must assist with fundraising efforts. In addition, we’re stewards of NMH and must uphold its mission and traditions, and ensure that all capital projects are consistent with its long-term mission.

If you were to come up with a campaign slogan, what would it be?
JI: That’s a tough question—people get six-figure fees to come up with that stuff! Maybe “Bringing It All Home: Reshaping the NMH Community for the Future.”
BS: “Building On Our Mission and Traditions for the Next 130 Years.”

The campaign ends in June 2009. What will be the first thing you’ll do when we’ve reached goal?
JI: First, send flowers to Chief Advancement Officer Allyson Goodwin and her colleagues. Second, get a good night’s sleep!
BS: Reflect on our success and probably have a glass of champagne to celebrate.