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Volunteer Summit 2026

Volunteer Summit 2026

Schedule of Events

Alumni Council Executive Committee Meeting

This meeting is for members of the Alumni Council Executive Committee only.

 

Volunteer Summit Welcome Reception & Dinner

Join us for an opening dinner with Director of Athletics Lisa Joel and Director of Athletic Training Devin O’Reilly as they share how Andover’s athletics program has evolved to meet the needs of today’s student-athletes. Learn how the athletics program is shaping well-rounded student-athletes, where competition is balanced with a strong commitment to health, well-being, and personal growth.

 

One Voice, Many Stakeholders: An inside look at how Andover builds its communication strategy

Tracy Sweet, Chief Communications Officer, will share insights and workshop ideas.

 

Looking Ahead: Priorities and Plans from the Office of Academy Resources

What’s on the horizon for the Office of Academy Resources? Hear from the Alumni Engagement and Development teams as they share plans for the coming year, discuss emerging opportunities, and highlight the goals and initiatives that will shape their work and support the Academy’s mission.

 

Update on Admission and Communication Strategy

Join Assistant Head of School for Admission and Financial Aid Jim Ventre ’79 for an insider’s look at how the Office of Admission is continually evolving to meet the needs of prospective students and families.

 

Lunch with Campus Leadership

Join Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27, for an update on Andover’s strategic priorities, and plans for the year ahead.

 

Breakout Session #1

Option#1: Alumni Council Business Meeting
Alumni Council members are expected to attend this session.

Option #2: America in the Making at the Addison Gallery of American Art
Explore America in the Making at the Addison Gallery of American Art. Through highlights from the Gallery’s distinguished collection, this exhibition offers insight into the ways art has not only reflected but also shaped, reinforced, and challenged an American society and culture that is forever “in the making.”

 

Breakout Session #2

Option #1: Alumni Council Committee Meetings
Committee meetings are for current members of the Alumni Council. Committee members are expected to attend these meetings. 

Option#2: Back to the Classroom Session with the Robert S. Peabody

Institute of Archaeology Join Lainie Schultz, Ph.D., Curator of Education at the Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology, for an exploration of Lakota Winter Counts. Winter counts are pictographic recordings of community stories, one of the ways in which citizens of the Lakota Nation have preserved their histories over time. Participants will learn about this form of record keeping, before helping to create a winter count for the Phillips Academy Alumni community



 

Conversations with Students

Gather with current students for a warm and engaging conversation. With discussion prompts provided to inspire meaningful exchanges, you'll have the opportunity to connect, learn from one another, and strengthen our community.

 

Volunteer Summit Reception & Dinner

Join fellow alumni for a relaxed evening of good food, meaningful conversation, and connection. This casual dinner is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and enjoy the fellowship of our alumni community.

 

Volunteer Breakout Sessions

We’ll begin the morning with engaging breakout sessions designed to support and inspire volunteers in specific roles:

Class Agents
Explore the alumni giving lifecycle, including common ways alumni support Andover at different life stages and the impact of lifelong philanthropy through priorities such as the Andover Fund. Participants will also discuss strategies for engaging classmates and encouraging participation within their class.
Regional Leadership Teams (RLTs)
Reflect on FY26 and discuss the regional planning and partnership strategies that help shape a successful year of alumni and parent engagement. Learn how regional events bring community members together and strengthen connections.
Alumni Admission Representatives (AARs)
Participate in an interactive Admission Case Study. The results of the case study will be implemented immediately following the session.
Class Secretaries
Connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another in a relaxed setting. Hear what is working well across classes, share experiences, and discuss the important role Class Secretaries play in fostering class engagement.

Volunteers are encouraged to attend the session that aligns with their current role. If you’re interested in learning more about one of these volunteer opportunities, even if you are not currently serving in that capacity, you are warmly welcome to join. Attendees not participating in a role-specific session should select the "Program Other" option. Please note that some Alumni Council committees may also be meeting during this time. Additional details to come.

 

A Conversation with STARs

Join us for an inspiring panel conversation with members of our Student Alumni Representative (STARs) program. Hear firsthand about life at Andover through the eyes of current students as they share their experiences, perspectives, and the moments that make their time on campus meaningful.

 

Volunteer Summit and Alumni Council Closing Meeting: Sharing Ideas, Inspiring Action

Gather with fellow volunteers to hear about the exciting work and initiatives planned for the year ahead. Hear how your peers are making an impact, discover ways to get involved, and explore how we can work together to achieve our shared goals. 

 

Distinguished Service Awards Luncheon

Luncheon to honor the 2026 Distinguished Service Award Recipients:
• Christopher C. Donahue ’05
• Randy Evans ’65
• Jessica L. Gonzalez ’91
• Jana S. Paley '81