News

When doctors recommended physical restraints, heavy medication, and group home placement as a response to his son Ryan’s intense emotional outbursts, Rob DeLena ’87 decided to go in a different direction–specifically, down a ski slope.

Leaders from both The Governor’s Academy and surrounding communities step up annually to support GovsPLUS (Powerful Learners Unlocking Success), a tuition-free summer academic enrichment program that partners Govs with motivated middle school students from Lawrence, Massachusetts. Generous support from foundations led by both alumni and local leaders continues to keep GovsPLUS— of Govs signature programs—thriving, making a lasting impact on many young people.

Bass Institute Director Erika Mitkus shares conversations she has begun, partnerships she has cultivated, and projects she set in motion in anticipation of the opening of the Bill ’67 and Peter ’71 Alfond Coastal Research Center.

Lynda Fitzgerald P’93,’00 is a trailblazer. In her almost forty years at the Academy, she has many “firsts” on her resume: first female dean of students, first female dean of faculty, and first assistant head of school, just to name a few.

In 1971, twenty-four girls enrolled at Governor Dummer Academy, ending Govs 200-year history as an all-boys school. With female students eager to compete at the highest levels in athletics, the Academy began to build its girls athletic program. Around the same time, Title IX passed, and the Academy would continue to expand their program in a competitive independent school marketplace.

Jackie Downing ’98 has never been a bystander. Early experiences witnessing injustice and intolerance kindled what would become a lifelong passion for helping others. Today, Downing is a powerful force in philanthropy. Her recipe for making a real impact in the world? Get really good at something you enjoy doing and make it your passion.