Jeff Becker K’83 has long understood the value of investing in the future. This fall, he is putting that belief into action in a bold and inspiring way.
To honor the institution that helped shape his early years, Becker is funding the Becker Challenge. This initiative kicks off King’s formal Reunion Giving Program with a 2-to-1 match for every reunion gift up to $500,000, tripling the impact. His goal is to energize alumni giving and deepen support for King.
“Education needs continued investment,” Becker said. “For King to compete with top schools, it needs support. At a time when values-based education is more important than ever, it’s critical to provide students with a strong foundation that prepares them to contribute to the broader communities they will join later.”
Becker credits King with giving him that foundation, through lessons in the classroom and relationships forged with classmates and teammates.
Critical thinking, strong communication skills, self-advocacy, teamwork, and a sense of community were emphasized in every part of life at King. King was always inclusive. My friends from those years remain my closest, and the teachers weren’t just educators, they were part of your life, guiding you through pivotal years and laying the groundwork for success in college and beyond.
King has long been a part of Becker’s family. His mother, Judith, worked as the school’s Director of Development; his father, James, served as a trustee, and his brother, Jim, graduated with the Class of 1980.
Becker is now Chief Executive Officer of Jennison Associates, a New York-based investment management firm founded by Spiros Segalas. A beloved member and generous supporter of the King community and a proud grandparent of seven alumni, Segalas died in 2023. Leading a company founded by someone with such deep ties to King resonated with Becker. “It felt like a full-circle moment,” he said.
Two years ago, Becker celebrated his 40th King reunion and reconnected with the school community. Inspired to become more involved, he engaged in conversations with Head of School Carol Maoz and members of the Board of Trustees. Recognizing both his passion for King and his extensive governance experience — including service as Vice Chair of the AmeriCares Board of Directors, Chair of the Americares Free Clinics in Connecticut, and in advisory roles with leading professional organizations — the Board invited Becker to join. He began his term as a trustee in July and is looking to increase alumni engagement and giving.
“Some King alums have been very successful,” Becker said. “I’m certain they would agree that King played a part in their success. The question is, how do we mobilize them to give back?”
That question sparked the idea for the Becker Challenge: to amplify the effect of every gift and underscore how essential philanthropic support is to King’s continued ability to equip students for success.
I want to help make it possible for current and future students to have access to an even better curriculum, something that prepares them for today’s world while staying rooted in the fundamentals.
His 2-to-1 match for every new or increased reunion gift made by alumni celebrating a milestone year should go a long way.
“I hope the challenge meets its goal quickly and inspires other alumni to lean in, not just for annual giving, but also for future campaigns,” Becker said.
As the school celebrates the 150th anniversary of the original King School, Becker looks forward to creating momentum and inspiring participation across the alumni community.
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