WINTER 2023
GOOD NEWS AND STORIES FROM THE CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR’S
GIFT OF A LIFETIME Jim Waugh’s ’44 bequest has a deep connection to teaching and learning.
Jim Waugh ’44
One student’s experience can have a lasting impact on many others. James “Jim” Waugh’s ’44 life work positively influenced young people in much the same way he was influenced while a student at the Academy more than seven decades ago. Governor’s realized a $1.2 million bequest from Waugh in September. This generous gift will support endowed financial aid, honoring Waugh’s wishes. Behind Waugh’s bequest is a touching story of how his time at the Academy directed his career and giving. When Waugh arrived in Byfield as a junior in 1942, World War II was well underway, Ted Eames was Headmaster, and faculty members included members of the “Old Guard”—Arthur “Art” Sager, Howard “Buster” Navins, and Athol “Mac” Murphy. These influential faculty would shape the Academy’s future and many graduates, including Waugh.
“The Academy really launched him, as a student and an athlete. It’s where he learned to be a well-rounded human being and why he committed his life to education and coaching.” – SETH WAUGH, SON OF JIM WAUGH ‘44
Waugh thrived during his time at Govs as a three-season athlete, serving as baseball captain his senior year. He discovered his passion for writing and learning through the Harkness method of discussion-based instruction. After graduating in 1944, Waugh enlisted in the U.S. Navy and then continued on to Williams College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. After graduating, he returned to his formative roots by becoming an English teacher and three-sport coach at Groton School. Waugh’s career spanned more than five decades between Lawrenceville and Groton Schools. Waugh was an extraordinary educator in every sense. He inspired his students and teams with a unique blend of high expectations, honesty, humor, and kindness. One former student described him as a “wry, forthright, witty gentleman.” Another shared that classes were taught with Waugh, not by him. Waugh’s significant bequest speaks to the gratitude he had for his Governor’s teachers. Now, his love of teaching has come full circle— Waugh honors the teachers and coaches that meant so much to him by providing for future generations of Govs students.
IN THIS ISSUE: SUPPORTING ENDOWED FINANCIAL AID • PROJECT-BASED LEARNING • WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO GIVE?