Gould Academy Receives Transformative Gifts Totaling $1.5 Million to Advance Strategic Plan

Gould Academy has received a series of transformational gifts totaling $1.5 million, which combined with $500,000 received last year, represents a $2 million investment in the school’s 2024 Strategic Plan and the future of the Gould community.

The lead gift was made by Carlee Astle Noecker '62 and Marshall Noecker, with additional support from The Bingham Trust and The Betterment Fund.

This $1.5 million commitment will directly support several key priorities identified through Gould’s strategic planning process. These gifts will establish the Equity and Access Fund to support students with high financial need, invest in faculty and staff professional development, fund improvements to Farnsworth Field House, and expand scholarship and financial aid opportunities for students.

This gift builds on a generous donation received last year from Richard Bedell ’73, which funded curriculum and course development as well as renovations to residential life spaces on campus.

These priorities reflect the central pillars of Gould’s Strategic Plan:

• Education for Impact,
• Engaged and Active Lifestyles,
• Authentic Community,
• and Talent Development and Retention.

Together, these gifts are helping Gould invest in both its physical campus and the programmatic experiences that define a Gould education, ensuring the school is well-positioned to serve current and future students.

These extraordinary gifts reflect deep belief in Gould’s mission and future. They allow us to strengthen access, support our educators, enhance our facilities, and continue to deliver an education that prepares students to make an impact in the world. - Head of School Tao Smith

“These extraordinary gifts reflect deep belief in Gould’s mission and future,” said Head of School Tao Smith. “They allow us to strengthen access, support our educators, enhance our facilities, and continue to deliver an education that prepares students to make an impact in the world.”

For more information about Gould Academy’s Strategic Plan and philanthropic priorities, visit our Mission, Vision, and Values page.