David Koch Named Lifetime Trustee

Philip Greer, chairman of the board of trustees said, “David Koch is a living example of Mr. Boyden’s aspiration.” In tribute to Mr. Koch’s selflessness and dedication to Deerfield ideals, the board recently voted to name him the first and only Lifetime Trustee.

This unprecedented honor gives Mr. Koch all the rights of an active trustee, including voting, and he may come to as many meetings as he wants for the rest of his life.

“There may well be no one else ever accorded this honor,” said Mr. Greer.

Since first arriving on Deerfield campus in 1954 as a student, Mr. Koch has served the Academy in many capacities—but especially as a trustee and generous donor. In the past twenty years, he has significantly helped to fund the construction of the natatorium and Koch Math and Science Center.

“Mr. Koch has shown through his actions and his words that he is worthy of his Deerfield heritage,” said Ms. Curtis.

In 1995, Mr. Koch was a major donor for the natatorium, which houses an eight-lane pool, a Jacuzzi, a lap-pool, and three diving boards under soaring ceilings. Not only is it home to Deerfield swimming and diving teams, but it also serves as a facility for the Franklin County community and swimming Special Olympics team.

The Koch Center, to which Mr. Koch made a major contribution in 2007, has been called “the science and math Mecca of the boarding school world” by Board members.

“I would like to be known in the future as someone who is not just a wealthy, successful businessman,” he said, “but someone who really cared about the well-being of others—did his darndest to be charitable and help others.”