A strong endowment ensures that MKA has the financial stability to continue its tradition of excellence. Endowed funds are segregated investment accounts designed to support specific projects or programs, or the overall school and its financial health. Like other investment accounts and vehicles, these funds are designed to generate income, while the principal remains untouched.
Income from a growing endowment can enhance the operating budget, help moderate tuition increases, and provide funding for scholarships and financial aid, which are crucial to realizing MKA’s ongoing commitment to diversity. For those interested in creating a named endowment fund, MKA offers a variety of giving opportunities as outlined below.
To learn more about MKA’s endowment needs and how you can support them, please contact Kelly Flippin, Director of Annual Giving, via email or at 973.509.7932.
AWARD FUNDS
Thank you to those individuals who established a named endowed fund to support annual student awards. The following named funds were created to help ensure the long-term financial health of MKA by supporting initiatives in perpetuity.
Established in 1986 by Sheila Feagley James ’43 and Anne Feagley Wittels ’45 in memory of their mother. The award is presented annually to a female student with achievement in the creative arts.
Given annually to a worthy junior of outstanding character and academic promise, this award honors the memory of Elliot Furbert ’14. In his time at the Upper School, Elliot demonstrated what happens when an unmatched work ethic and appetite for challenge meet broad opportunity and strong mentorship. In his academic program, on the track and while playing tenor sax, as the president of his class, and in a series of prestigious programs outside MKA, Elliot stood for quality and integrity “ne plus ultra.” The recipient must possess the fine qualities embodied in Elliott: intellectual curiosity, a high level of engagement in a variety of school activities, and unwavering character. The recipient will receive a monetary award to be applied to his or her college expenses.
Specifically intended for students who have demonstrated outstanding interest in science and superior understanding of concepts, and creativity in their studies.
Established in the wake of 9/11 by Scott’s friends and family to pay tribute to his life. Scott Johnson, MKA Class of 1993, was among the victims in the World Trade Center tragedy on September 11, 2001. This fund supports an annual award given to the senior who has, in the same spirit as Scott, best demonstrated a spirit of warmth, generosity, and goodwill towards others.
Established in 1982 by Anita Timmons to honor her husband, James D. Timmons, a former Trustee, parent, and grandparent. Proceeds from this fund are awarded to an MKA senior who is the child of an MKA faculty member.
FACULTY SUPPORT FUNDS
Thank you to those individuals who established a named endowed fund to support MKA’s faculty. The following named funds were created to help ensure the long-term financial health of MKA by supporting initiatives in perpetuity.
This endowed fund was established by the MKA Board of Trustees in 1999 to support faculty compensation at MKA. It has been the belief of the Board that the acquisition and retention of excellent faculty are core values of the MKA community.
Established in 1987 by the Drukker Foundation, with proceeds from the fund to be used to support faculty continuing education in reading, writing, and ethics. Members of the Drukker Family have distinguished themselves over many years in the roles of Trustee, parents, students, and generous benefactors.
Established in 2001 with a lead gift by Mrs. Gail R. Marentette ’51 in memory of her mother. Proceeds from this fund support faculty compensation at MKA.
FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
Thank you to those individuals who established a named endowed fund to support financial aid and scholarships for MKA. The following named funds were created to help ensure the long-term financial health of MKA by supporting initiatives in perpetuity.
Established by her family in 2000, the Amy Louise Timmons Scholarship honors her memory by supporting tuition costs for a deserving female student in grades seven through 12.
Given in memory of O. Stanley (Bud) Mekeel of the Montclair Academy Class of 1929 to a worthy senior.
Established in 2021 to honor Boys’ Head Lacrosse Coach, Paul Edwards, this fund provides financial resources to all student athletes who are unable to cover the additional athletic expenses to ensure every athlete has the opportunity to take part in the full team experience and enjoy the robust athletic program at MKA.
Created through the generosity of donors to support the financial aid needs of deserving minority students at Montclair Kimberley Academy.
The Beatrice C. Crawford Memorial Scholarship was established by Crawford family members in 1969 to remember Beatrice, the parent of five MKA graduates and a loyal supporter of the MKA community. Proceeds from this fund are designated to support tuition costs for deserving students.
Established in 1982 by members of the Class of 1972 in memory of their classmate, Frank “Poncho” Brogan ’72. Proceeds from this fund are awarded to a member of the junior class who has demonstrated interest and high proficiency in the art of written expression. The award may be used for tuition or related educational expenses.
Established in 2010, through a gift from Denise and Ira Wagner, parents of William Wagner ’06 and Andrew Wagner ’11, with deep appreciation for the education and mission of MKA. Proceeds from this endowed fund help support the tuition needs of a deserving MKA student.
Established by Alex Anastasiou in memory of his wife, Denise F. Anastasiou ’62, in 1985. Proceeds from this endowed fund are used to support financial aid for a deserving student.
Established by a bequest in the will of his wife to create a scholarship in the name of Don Knowlton ’27. Proceeds from this fund support financial aid for a deserving male scholar-athlete.
Established by Montclair Academy parents Margaret and George Downsbrough in 1982, proceeds from this fund are used to support the financial needs of an Upper School student who has demonstrated exceptional ability and interest in the area of math and science.
Established in 2014 by the Glenn Family in memory of Everett L. Glenn ’11 to support the Community Scholars Program. A natural leader at school as well as on the fencing strip, Everett was compassionate, warm, loyal, and lovable. A Peer Leader, House Captain, member of the Mastersingers, and Eagle Scout, his presence enriched the lives of all who knew him.
Established in 2010, through gifts from alumni, parents, students, and faculty to celebrate George Hrabs' 40-plus years of dedicated service to MKA—as a teacher, coach, advisor, administrator, mentor, and friend. Proceeds from this endowed fund help to support the tuition needs of a deserving Upper School Student.
The fund was established in 2011 through a gift from Linda and Brian Sterling, parents of Emma Sterling ’12 and Aaron Sterling ’14. Proceeds from this endowed fund help to support the tuition needs of an MKA Community Scholar.
Established by Clifford Evans ’50 to honor the memory of his late wife, Mary-Anne Treene Evans ’50. Mary-Anne always gave of herself to help others, and in that spirit, proceeds from this fund support the tuition needs of a deserving student.
Established in 1986 by David B. Baird, Jr., in honor of his parents. This fund supports financial aid for a deserving male in grades 11-12 at MKA.
Established in October 2015 by a group of men from the Montclair Academy class of 1965 to be used in support of financial aid at MKA.
The Margaret Ann Mullins Tortoriello Scholarship Fund was established by the friends and colleagues of her and her husband, MKA Trustee Robert Tortoriello, at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen, & Hamilton LLP in 2006. Peggy, mother of three MKA students, was a much-loved member of the Montclair Kimberley Academy community. Proceeds from this fund help support student financial aid at MKA.
Established by Montclair Kimberley Academy’s Board of Trustees in 1990 to honor the memory of beloved faculty member and mentor Robert Hemmeter. Proceeds from the fund support financial aid for a deserving student at the Upper School.
Established in 2021 by members of the MKA community to commemorate Tom Nammack’s 16 years as Head of School. The proceeds from this fund will support an eighth Community Scholarship award.
Established in 2019 by Marc and Rene Watkins, parents of David Watkins ’28 and Annabelle Watkins ’29. Proceeds from this fund are designated to support MKA’s financial aid program.
PROGRAMS AND GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUNDS
Thank you to those individuals who established a named endowed fund to support MKA’s general endowment or to establish a special program. The following named funds were created to help ensure the long-term financial health of MKA by supporting initiatives in perpetuity.
Established in November 2010 with a gift from Distinguished Alumni Award honoree Nancy Booth Kelly ’52, the Booth Kelly Family Fund is an endowed fund that supports the MKA general endowment and operating budget.
This fund, established in loving memory of Dehlia Sunshine, provides support for MKA and its mission.
Established in 2014 with a gift from Mark Piccolo and Lynn Morris-Piccolo, mother of Kyle Morris ’12, Hayley Morris ’14, and Caroline Piccolo '25, to honor the memory of her late husband, Seth Morris, who died tragically in the World Trade Center attacks of September 11, 2001.
Inspired by the life of Philip McNeal, P’11, ’16, the proceeds from this fund will support a new Upper School leadership initiative designed to educate students on the tenets of strong leadership and introduce them to great leaders from around the world.
