A Tangible Message of Thanks to Friends Seminary

When John Schwartz '57 reflects on his Friends education, his thoughts run deep and wide because Friends Seminary is a strong thread that winds through his life – his education, profession, interests, and friendships. “Friends has contributed so much to my life. I owe Friends.” This recognition has inspired John to include Friends in his estate plans with a bequest. For John, Friends is the place where he learned to thrive as a scholar, amateur performer, and friend. 

As a young lawyer at a big firm, John was often asked where he learned to write so well. “That’s easy,” he’d say. “Friends Seminary!” The School prepared John for the law and, in a way, for life. The discipline of language—reading, writing, and thinking in English, Latin, and French — began at Friends. He credits his inspirational history teacher, Earl Hunter, for instilling a love of history that makes him the history buff he is today. His mother saved many of his school papers, and today John holds an archive that reflects his scholarship and the pedagogy of the day. 

Over the years, the thing that John has come to value most about his time at Friends are his lifelong friendships. John reflects, “Adolescence is a confusing and difficult time. Facing all those challenges together creates life-long bonds.” Living on 16th Street since 1984 has helped to deepen his relationship with the School. As a couple, John and his late wife of 55 years, Sandy, were a familiar and warm presence at alumni events and gatherings for decades. Returning to campus without Sandy at his side has been one of many adjustments for John.

Following Sandy’s death in April 2023, John worked with his lawyers to make a bequest to Friends. John has chosen to make an unrestricted gift (greatest need). John wants to give School leaders the financial flexibility they need to meet the aspirations of the Quaker mission and any challenges that may arise. He explains, “This bequest is my way of saying, thank you, Friends Seminary, for all you have done to help me lead a happy, balanced, and productive life.”

To learn more about planned giving, visit Planned Giving at Friends or contact Rebecca Holmes for more information.