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St. Luke’s Alumnus Donates $500K
Though he spent just one year at St. Luke’s, the impact on Norwalk native Mark Feinberg '81 was profound: "I came from a large, city school and really thrived in the academically focused and caring environment of St. Luke’s School. There is a quiet mantra at St. Luke’s: It’s cool to be smart. That really resonated with me.'
Feinberg recently expressed his gratitude with a nearly $500,000 donation to St. Luke’s Richard M. Whitcomb Endowment Fund. "I had many wonderful mentors at St. Luke’s, but none more influential than Mr. Whitcomb," said Feinberg of St. Luke’s former Headmaster (1980- 2002). "Mr. Whitcomb was absolutely the catalyst for this gift. I can’t thank him enough for all he did for me at St. Luke’s. He was my Headmaster, my football coach, and even helped me plan for college. We’ve been friends now for thirty years."
"I was simply blown away by his generosity," was Dick Whitcomb’s reaction to Feinberg’s gift. "I applaud him for the man he has become, and I cherish the memories of the student that he was. Mark Feinberg certainly exemplifies the St. Luke’s motto of Enter To Learn, Go Forth To Serve."
St. Luke’s is one of seven charitable beneficiaries of the estate of Feinberg’s late aunt, Charlotte Naomi Horblit of Chestnut Hill, Mass. "My Aunt Charlotte Horblit was a champion for kids and believed in the importance of quality education," explained Feinberg. "Mr. Whitcomb’s scholarship fund was an easy decision because it supports the high-achieving student who might not have the resources to attend private school. In the end, what a great way to support St. Luke’s and pay it forward."
Mark Davis, St. Luke’s current Head of School, called Feinberg’s donation "a tribute to Mark, his aunt Charlotte, and of course, to Dick Whitcomb who holds a special place in the hearts of all the students he cared for so deeply."
The Richard M. Whitcomb Endowment Fund at St. Luke’s School was established in 2002 thanks to the generosity of alumni and parents upon the retirement of Headmaster Richard Whitcomb. The Scholarship benefits students who embody the values of St. Luke’s School and who will thrive in a school setting that prepares them for a "lifelong commitment to learning and social responsibility." Whitcomb Scholars are chosen based on proven academic and co-curricular potential, strength of character and demonstrated financial need to attend St. Luke’s School. Since its inception, there have been eight recipients of the Whitcomb Scholarship, including three currently attending the School.
Receipt of the gift from Feinberg ‘81 will serve as a launchpad for a special recognition event in October 2016 to celebrate the accomplishments and legacy of Dick Whitcomb. For more information on the Whitcomb Scholarship or the upcoming event to honor Dick Whitcomb, please contact David Hirx, Director of Alumni Relations at hirxd@stlukesct.org or 203-801-4861.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
