News & Events 2008-2009

Blair Receives $5 Million Campaign Gift from Alumnus
Second Largest Gift in School’s History

Blair Academy Headmaster Chan Hardwick is pleased to announce that an alumnus and his wife have given the School its second largest gift ever. Bill ’53 and Judy Timken have made a total commitment of $5 million to Ever Always: The Campaign for Blair, providing significant momentum to the Campaign as it heads toward its $50 million goal. In publicizing the gift now, Bill hopes to inspire others to give their best gift in the final year of the Campaign.

“Bill’s exceptional support of Blair exemplifies the leadership he has demonstrated in every aspect of his involvement with the School,” said Chan. “He has set the tone for an energetic finish to our Campaign.”

Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees and generous benefactor of Blair, Bill and his wife Judy have long held Blair at the top of their list of philanthropic pursuits. Bill was involved in preparing the School’s strategic plan in 2001, noting that increasing the endowment and improving facilities were two of the plan’s major goals. “I wanted to be as involved as I could in helping the School to reach these goals,” Bill said, “so I decided to step up and accelerate my plan for giving to Blair.”

An outstanding academic program, the faculty’s personal commitment to each student’s success and Blair’s deep sense of community are the School’s greatest attributes; Bill hopes that his gift will sustain those qualities well into the future. “Kids face a complicated world today. Education can equalize the playing field and really propel young people forward,” he said. “Blair offers an incredible education, and our students leave the School so much richer for the experience. The investment we make in students today pays off a thousand-fold in bright, articulate, thoughtful leaders tomorrow.”

Bill retired in June, 1999, after a 42-year career as a securities industry executive. He often returns to campus for Trustee meetings and other events, where he delights in meeting current students and discussing their hopes and aspirations.

Ever Always: The Campaign for Blair concludes on June 30, 2009. Total campaign giving has now reached $42.5 million. This year’s Blair Fund goal of $2 million remains critical in achieving the Campaign’s final goal of $50 million.

Posted 10/24/08

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