Category: Uncategorized

Phillips Academy Honors Steve Frank’s Service to IRT

Stephen H. Frank ’81, P’09

On Saturday, September 21, Steve Frank ’81, P’09 was awarded Andover’s Distinguished Service Award.  Presented annually by decision of the Academy Resources Committee of the Board of Trustees, this award honors volunteers whose services to Andover have been distinguished by commitment, uniqueness, and effectiveness. Their efforts on behalf of their school provide an inspiring example of all Andover volunteers.

Deeply involved as a fundraiser and leader of the IRT nearly since its inception, Steve was the inaugural chair of the IRT Advisory Board, which he led from 2005 to 2014. He formalized the group’s responsibilities, created productive subcommittees, and oversaw the seamless transition from Executive Director Kelly Wise, the IRT’s founder, to successor Asabe Poloma. He also addressed board issues around governance, financial stability, organizational structure, and leadership; established and led an executive committee; initiated resolutions around board terms and annual financial support; and participated in national searches for the IRT director and executive director.

We at the IRT are incredibly grateful for Steve’s myriad contributions to the program and thrilled to see him honored in this remarkable way. Thank you and congratulations, Steve!

Kéla Jackson, IRT ’18: A Journey to Becoming an Art Historian

Who are you?
Even as a child my most notable quality was my curiosity. Every adult I encountered had to entertain a litany of questions that all stemmed from my greatest question, why? I could go on forever and I truly appreciate their patience in trying to satisfy what seemed to be an insatiable desire to know more. This curiosity led me to spend copious amounts of time reading, writing, and being alone with my thoughts. It was not until college that I realized many of my whys could be answered in images. Art helped me make sense of the world around me and led me not just to answers but helped me
see what questions the perceived answers were hiding.

My journey to becoming an art historian is relatively nascent. I discovered the world of art history as a freshman at Spelman College. I was completely in awe of the possibilities the field offered me and the sheer need for diversity that I knew this was my calling. From fellowships, to museum positions, to my first year of graduate school, I found a path that is fully my own. Like many people, I have had my doubts and uncertainty, but I came to understand that the spaces I enter are mine to claim.
Continue reading “Kéla Jackson, IRT ’18: A Journey to Becoming an Art Historian”

New Online IRT Alumni Network Set to Launch later this Fall

The IRT is excited to announce the development of an online IRT alumni network planned to launch later this fall. We have collaborated with Almabase to create this new initiative providing an online network to help IRT alumni connect with each other and with the IRT. We hope it will be used and a resource for news, professional and mentoring opportunities, and much more. Stay tuned for details on the launch of this exciting new IRT initiative!

“We are thrilled that the IRT will be able to provide a platform where our current students and alumni can connect around research, professional development, and mentorship.”

Kate Slater, Associate Director & Manager of Programs, IRT