Fall 2020 Update from the National Council
The National Council held its biannual meeting on Friday, November 6, via Zoom.
Head of School Jim Detora provided an overview of the campus operations: from planning that took place over the summer, to the reintroduction of students to campus for the fall term in early September, to the successful fall semester for AOF students. He said: "Mr. Whitty (associate head of school, and COVID-19 Task Force lead) and his team did a remarkable job in planning and preparing for the return of our students to campus. We have enjoyed a very successful on-campus living and learning experience throughout the fall semester, and we have that team's hard work and dedication to AOF—to our boys—to thank for that."
The National Council also heard updates from:
- Christel Rooney, International Advancement Officer
Mrs. Rooney (P' 17) works with AOF's prospective international students, as well as with current and past families and alumni with their support of AOF. An International Advisory Board was recently introduced. This board will provide guidance to Ms. Rooney and team as it relates to recruitment of students, and for philanthropic support. - Glen Wilcox, Director of Maintenance
Mr. Wilcox provided an update on the air exchangers, ventilation, and ductwork projects that were necessary for our successful campus operations. He also provided updates on several other campus projects, including a fantastic remodeling of The Brooks House (the old train station), and an update on the road project - near the water tower - that has passed required town and state tests and licensing—and will seemingly begin sometime in 2021. - Robin Delnicki, Director of Alumni & Development
Ms. Delnicki discussed a new virtual alumni networking series. This series will explore various professions throughout the course of the year. Some of the industries explored will be: the medical field, the finance industry, professional athletics, and emerging technologies. The entire list of calls, information on the presenters, and more information about the series can be found here. - Chris Webb, Director of Institutional Advancement
Mr. Webb presented suggested adjustments to the National Council, as proposed by a working group, made up of members of the National Council, which has met over the past several months.
A summary of the working groups findings are:
- The National Council (NC) will focus on three areas: Engagement, Fundraising (Centennial Campaign), and Enrollment Support. Each member of the NC will choose at least one of these areas and will meet on it as a committee between the biannual NC meetings in the fall and spring.
- Strategic Volunteer Alignment: A representative of the various volunteer groups who serve the school (namely the Parents of Avon, and the aforementioned International Advisory Board) will join the National Council to serve and contribute in a non-voting role.
- Current AOF student ambassadors will also be identified and asked to join the NC meetings throughout their senior year as part of a formal training to be Alumni Ambassadors (those members of a respective class who share updates and support engagement with their peers).
If you have an interest in learning more about the National Council, or any of the updates that were shared at the November NC meeting, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Chris Webb, director of institutional advancement, at webbc@avonoldfarms.com.