Starkeys Celebrate 50th Reunion with Bequest Gift to Benefit the Future of DA

Ann & A.C. Starkey ’69

Remembering his Deerfield days, A.C. Starkey ’69 conjures up roast beef feasts, swimming in the river, and waiting on tables for the Boydens and their guests before Sunday Sing. He recalls the “fabulous teachers” who inspired him, including Red Sullivan: “crusty and authoritarian” in the dining hall, but in the classroom “the most kind, caring, and encouraging” teacher. “He would take us one by one to the blackboard and do a chalk talk individually, all in a supportive way with his shirttails flapping and his face red as can be!”

Deerfield made a difference in A.C.’s life. “Critical thinking, independence, maturity gained from living away from home.” A.C. has supported Deerfield annually since he graduated. In honor of his 50th Reunion, he has included the Academy in his will. “I look at my charitable giving in a holistic way, a blend of annual gifts and an estate gift to achieve a balance that works, both in total amounts and in timing.” As a member of the 50th reunion committee, A.C. was especially pleased to receive 50th reunion gift credit for his bequest intention!

Now retired after a 35-year career in banking, A.C. and his wife Ann enjoy traveling: Saint Bart’s or Florida in the winter and Madagascar, Kenya, Australia, New Zealand, Patagonia, Egypt, and Western Europe at other times. He has served on the boards of the New Jersey State Museum, the Princeton Area Community Foundation, and the Princeton University Art Museum, among others.

Lest his life sound too staid, A.C. hastens to reveal that—to the surprise of friends and family—he and Ann became dedicated fans, in fact groupies, of the late David Bowie, travelling to ten shows of Bowie’s final concert tour in 2004! A.C.’s colleagues recognized this when they presented him with silver knee-high platform boots upon his retirement. “I wear them on special occasions,” A.C. jokes. Perhaps the Class of 1969’s reunion will be one such occasion?