Alumna of the Year Award 2024: Betsy Tuthill Farrell '84, P'14,'17,'18,'22

The Alumnus/a of the Year Award is presented annually at the Alumni Association Annual Meeting, which takes place during Reunion Weekend. This award recognizes alumni who have displayed steadfast loyalty, dedication, and service to the Academy over the past year, and who have shown an unwavering commitment to the place that meant so much to them. Candidates for this award are nominated by the Office of Advancement and are presented to the Head of School and President of the Alumni Council for review.  

This year's recipient has been involved in the Academy in a variety of roles and over a variety of seasons of her life. As an alumna, a parent, and a member and officer of the Board of Trustees, Betsy Farrell's passion for education, organizational skills and attentiveness have earned her the trust and admiration of the Govs community.

Since she jumped the wall herself, Betsy has always been active in organizing her class's Reunion activities. Over twenty years ago, she became even further involved, joining the Alumni Council and the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, helping recognize and celebrate her fellow alumni. 

Once Betsy's four children–Patrick ‘14, Maggie ‘17, Matthew ‘18, Anna ‘22–began their time at the Academy, this alumna found even further ways to give back, becoming a Parent Caller to encourage fellow families to support the school, and serving as an Admissions Volunteer, showing prospective families what the Academy meant to her.

When called upon, this alumna always is ready to help. From co-chairing the Golf Tournament Committee, to sponsoring tables at the Boston Business Leaders Luncheon, to serving on committees for the Governor's Council, Headmaster's Visiting Committee and Leadership Donor Event, she steps up to the plate and gives her time and talents to the school.

In 2020, she joined the Academy's Board of Trustees. Her previous career experience working as Secretary to the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees made her an ideal choice to become the Academy's Secretary of the Board. Her amazing recall, organizational skills and knowledge of educational administration shine in this role.

In addition to the significant amount of time she gives to the Academy annually, she now encourages all four of her Govs alumni children to give back.  Patrick recently joined the Alumni Council and Matthew has already expressed interest in joining as well.

For her devotion and support of the Academy over the last 40 years, it is my pleasure to present Betsy Tuthill Farrell, a member of the Class of 1984, with the Alumna of the Year award.