The Harwood Society for Planned Giving

Richard (Dick) M. Page, a member of the Class of 1950, grew up in the town of Cheshire. He is a first-generation American whose family's lack of schooling and early financial struggles during the Great Depression had a profound impact on his appreciation of the value of education. When Dick was given the opportunity to attend Cheshire Academy as the Town Scholar—a four-year, full-tuition scholarship awarded to a local student—he took it, ran with it, and soared. That decision, and the realization that his opportunities were "unlimited," changed his life.

As a student at Cheshire Academy, Dick excelled academically, played sports, and had leading roles in several plays. He also served as vice president of the Political Union, treasurer of the Debating Club, and was a member of the Press Club and the Rolling Stone. He went on to graduate from Dartmouth College and Columbia Law School and build a career in law, international insurance, and financial services.

Over the years, Dick has served two terms on the Board of Trustees of the Academy, one as chairman. He has been an active fundraiser and loyal donor and with his wife Jane has supported the Annual Fund for decades. They believe in giving back and providing young people with the same opportunity Dick was given nearly 70 years ago. When asked about his fondest memories of the Academy, Dick immediately cites the incredible faculty and mentors who cared about him as an individual and how much he owes to them.

Most recently, Dick and Jane have made a provision in their estate to establish the Richard M. Page ’50 Head of School Discretionary Fund. Eager to see the impact of their philanthropy during their lifetimes and to support Ms. Anderson and Cheshire Academy in responding to emerging needs and opportunities, they have made an initial gift to establish the Page Fund immediately and will watch it grow through future gifts, sound investment of the Academy's endowment, and, ultimately, their estate. Thank you, Dick and Jane!

For more information about including Cheshire Academy in your estate, please contact us.