Curvey Scholar Reception

James C. Curvey and his family joined us for the annual Curvey Scholar Reception under the tent on Lamb Green just before Fall Family Weekend, and as always, the event brought together past and present scholars, their families, and their benefactors for a lovely evening. With the new welcome banners illuminated on the Ac as the backdrop for the twilight event, Head of School Kristy Kerin welcomed the group by describing the incredible spirit of generosity of Mr. Curvey, who is a local summer resident but had no personal connection to Brewster other than his love for this school on the lake. “This is one of my favorite evenings of the year as the Curvey Scholar Program is a shining example of our vision in action,” Kerin said. “I’m grateful to have Mr. and Mrs. Curvey with us this evening, as well as their son and Brewster Trustee Scott Curvey and daughter-in-law Rebecca Curvey." (pictured above)

Since 2009, the James C. Curvey Scholarship program has grown into a multi-layer endeavour that ensures educational and travel opportunities for students attending Brewster—and Brewster students who go on to attend Villanova University, Mr. Curvey’s alma mater. 

“We have had 25 Curvey Scholar graduates,” Kerin continued, “outstanding students who had the opportunity to attend Brewster thanks to this flagship program. And the program itself has grown stronger as upperclass students and alumni increasingly took on leadership roles working with new Curvey Scholars.”

In fact, former Curvey Scholar Cat Lennon ’17 and current Scholar T.J. O’Keefe ’22 were on hand to share their reflections with the group on the profound impact the Curvey Scholars program has had on their lives. Lennon graduated from the University of Vermont having studied Community and International Development and Economics. She spent the past two seasons as the Director of Wolfeboro’s Libby Museum, where she was previously an Assistant Curator from 2017 to 2018. Now she is heading to New York City to pursue her dream of graduate studies and a career in international finance.

O’Keefe shared that “Brewster has allowed me to explore who I am in the dorms, meet new people, and become a tour guide.” He has also had the opportunity to be a part of the New Hampshire Student Leadership program at Brewster, which “has also allowed me to improve my leadership skills.”

O’Keefe introduced the current cadre of Curvey Scholars—Caleb Brennion, Olivia Tibbs, Andrew do Carmo, Tyler Rizzitano, Cailean Corbally, Jennifer Baldwin, Logan Cliche, and Randall Preston (Grayson Mouradian and Rylee Rizzitano could not attend but were there in spirit!)—before Mr. Curvey took the podium. With great pride in the achievements and potential of his scholars, he spoke about the evolution of the Curvey Scholar Program at Brewster and why connecting the two communities he holds dear (Villanova and Brewster) is important to him. 

The Curvey Scholar Program at Brewster started with scholarships for deserving Lakes Region students who may not otherwise be able to attend Brewster Academy. In 2017, the Curvey Family expanded the program to add the Curvey Fellowship opportunities. As a result, every Curvey Scholar has an opportunity to take a fully paid fellowship trip anywhere in North America. These fellowships are not graded and they do not need to be academic in nature—they are experiential travel opportunities for students to expand their horizons and worldview. Kerin noted that past scholars have planned treks through Alaska, participated in outdoor skills programs—and “one student even got her pilot’s license!”

In 2010, the program grew again. Out of a desire to permanently connect two schools that are near and dear to him, Brewster and Villanova, Mr. Curvey started an endowed scholarship for Brewster students to attend Villanova University. Right now, the first James C. Curvey Villanova Scholarship attendee, Lilly Grace ’21, is loving her experience as a communications major.

Last year, Mr. Curvey added even more to his commitment to the program, endowing a staff position at Brewster to oversee the Curvey Programs. This position will also act as a model for other scholarship programs. Lynne Palmer, despite semi-retiring from Brewster last year, accepted the role as the inaugural James Curvey Endowed Programs Director. “I can’t think of a more fitting person to hold the role. Lynne will guide your students with so much care and love,” Kerin noted.

“Tonight, I’m thrilled to share yet another incredible evolution to our program,” she went on to say. “Mr. Curvey has extended the fellowship opportunity at Villanova to the Brewster student who is awarded the Villanova scholarship—up to $20,000 to travel the world!” 

As the evening came to a close and guests enjoyed an array of desserts under the stars, the impact one person can make on a community of learners was clear. “I always enjoy the opportunity to gather with Curvey Scholar families,” Mr. Curvey said, and those in attendance expressed their gratitude for his stalwart commitment to supporting students in not just one, but two communities that he cares deeply about—and who care deeply about their students. 

“Mr. Curvey’s generosity is active, he wants to do the work, be engaged, and be a part of developing the students' successful paths, “ Palmer said.

Learn more about the Curvey Scholar Program here.

Feature Photo: (left to right) Kristy Kerin, Jim Curvey, Shirley Curvey, Rebecca Curvey, and Scott Curvey

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