Brewsterconnections - Brewster Academy

Grant M. WilsonGrant M. Wilson (P’87, ’88) served on the Brewster Academy Board ofTrustees from 1986-2001, serving as vice president from 1988-1989, aspresident from 1989-2001, and as trustee emeritus from 2001-2012By Daniel T. MudgePhoto courtesy of Johnny BiveraOn September 9 we lost a transformative leader, a devotedsupporter, and a wonderful advocate of the Academy whenGrant M. Wilson, beloved husband, father, and friend, passedaway on Cape Cod. Grant began his association with the Academy whenhe and his wife Helene enrolled their son Grant (’87) and then theirdaughter Kirsten (’88). As was the case with all the schools his childrenattended, it wasn’t long before he was approached and agreed to serve onthe school’s board of trustees.Grant and Helene had a deep appreciation of the challenge of growing upin today’s world and worked tirelessly through various avenues to makea difference in their affiliations. After joining the board, Grant quicklyformed a strong partnership with Headmaster David M. Smith and for 13years navigated through a comprehensive and systemic educational shiftin program at Brewster. David recalls, “At each crucial juncture, Grantwould first understand and contribute his advice collaboratively and thenhe would pass that understanding and advocacy on to the board.”Many would say that Grant remained on the board because heappreciated the commitment and entrepreneurial sprit that drove theAcademy. He would often provide the leadership gift needed to enableand invest in that direction with his financial support. David fondlyremembers a conversation with Grant regarding his support of the schoolwhere Grant told him: “You have never asked me for anything. The onlything you have done was allow me to partner with you in what you aredoing and for that I am grateful.”Their partnership at Brewster led to a close friendship for Grant, David,Helene, and David’s wife Sheila that brought them together in theirshared retirement through world travels, family celebrations, and annualsummer visits to Chatham.Through Grant’s 15 years of service on the board he maintained a role onthe executive committee, served as chair of the development committee,and participated on finance, board resources, and facilities planningcommittees, bringing his talent and practical business experiences to allinstitutional decision making.Grant was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and dedicated communityleader. He enthusiastically approached his work and his life adventureswith vigor and was well regarded by his peers as an innovativeinvestor. Brewster Academy was so fortunate to be a beneficiary of hisextraordinary commitment and leadership. We will sadly miss him butcelebrate his presence with our continued commitment to being the mostsuccessful and responsive educational community we can be.Daniel T. Mudge (P’98, ’02) is the chairman of Brewster’s Board of Trustees.LIVE LEARN LEADwww.brewsteracademy.org43