A $1 Million Gift
“As we and our children considered making this gift, we learned from and were inspired by generous donors throughout the history of the school. And now we have the privilege of standing on the shoulders of those families who have provided the commitment, the leadership, and the resources that have allowed our school to grow and flourish over 77 years. With this gift, we wish to follow their lead to preserve and enhance all that is special about Pine Point for future students and families and to thank Pine Point for the huge impact the school has had on our entire family.”
Alan and Patience Banister are deeply connected to Pine Point School, with decades of service to our community. Alan began his storied career at Pine Point in 1976 as the Assistant Head of School and Director of the Middle School. Over his thirty years at the School, he taught math and science throughout the Middle School, chaired the science department and introduced countless middle schoolers to the study of oceanology on Long Island Sound. Alan is frequently remembered by former students as the teacher who first inspired their love of the ocean, leading to a lifetime of discovery, and even to dedicated careers in science.
Patience has served in many volunteer and coaching roles over the decades, including as a Trustee, chairing various fundraising and parent committees. Their three children all graduated from Pine Point: David ’91, Sarah ’94, and Alicia ’97. Alan and Patience remain dedicated and engaged with Pine Point today. Alan served as a Trustee after his retirement and currently serves on the Buildings and Grounds Committee, and Patience on our 75th Anniversary Campaign Committee.
“Irene Campbell, a long-time teacher and former Assistant Head of School had a favorite saying: Pine Point gets under your skin. That has always been true for us. Pine Point has been at the center of our family from the time we arrived.”
It’s this deep love of Pine Point and their dedication to service that led the Banisters to make this transformational gift. Their unrestricted gift will support the entire campaign, including a focus on the endowment, as well as campus improvements, ensuring that our academic program remains strong for students today and for future generations of Pine Pointers.
