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Outstanding Philanthropist 2016 - Headmaster Emeritus Dick Whitcomb
Outstanding Philanthropist 2016 – Headmaster Emeritus Dick Whitcomb
The “Best of the State” Connecticut Philanthropy Awards Breakfast, sponsored the Association of Fundraising Professionals Connecticut and Fairfield County, CT chapters, was held on Friday, November 4th, 2016 at the Trumbull Marriott Merritt Parkway in Trumbull, CT. Our very own Headmaster Emeritus Dick Whitcomb was honored as Outstanding Philanthropist 2016.
Dick’s service to St. Luke’s School spans more than fifty years, beginning with his appointment as head football coach in 1960, continuing throughout the ‘60s, and ‘70s as history teacher, coach and ultimately Headmaster -- a position he held from 1980-2002. In retirement, Dick has continued to be a champion for St. Luke’s, devoting a great deal of his time to building the Richard M. Whitcomb Endowed Scholarship Fund. The Fund enables students with proven academic and co-curricular potential, strength of character and demonstrated financial need to attend St. Luke’s School.
Dick was recently honored by St. Luke’s School for his “wit, wisdom and innumerable contributions to the St. Luke’s community.”
In addition to his work with St. Luke’s, Dick is an active volunteer and board member of both the Carver Center in Norwalk and the China Care Foundation in Westport.
Dick’s written tribute on the website of the "Best in State” Connecticut Philanthropy Awards Breakfast states, “Throughout all of his success as a philanthropist, what has inspired Whitcomb the most and something he has never forgotten, is the help he received as a young man growing up. He remembers all the hard work and dedication his mother gave as a single mother of three. He recalls the many individuals who stepped into his life, guided and supported him. “That’s why I’ve never been big on individual accomplishments. I don’t think anyone can be successful individually. You can’t accomplish anything without the support of others.”
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 35 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 Center for Leadership builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
