Tripling the Impact of Alumni Giving
In honor of his 40th Reunion and King School’s 150th anniversary, Jeff Becker, a King School alumnus from the Class of 1983, has launched the Becker 2:1 Reunion Challenge, an initiative designed to inspire and amplify alumni philanthropy.
Under this challenge, every Reunion gift made by alumni celebrating milestone years will be matched two-to-one, up to a total of $500,000. This means that each dollar contributed will effectively become three dollars in support of King’s students, faculty, and programs.
"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,” he highlights.
The challenge will run for five years, with $100,000 in matching funds allocated per reunion class year. Once the full $500,000 match is reached, the challenge will conclude. This opportunity allows alumni to significantly increase the impact of their gifts during this important time in King’s history.
"Now more than ever, it’s important to educate in a values-based community. Providing access to a foundational education like this benefits individuals and the communities they contribute to later," Jeff emphasized.
"Why engage alumni?” Jeff asked and answered. “We have many successful King grads. I hope they take a moment to consider what contributed to that success. I’m certain King played a part. To my classmates: Reflect on what King gave you—and what you can now do for King."
| Jeff Becker K’83: Leadership, Legacy, and Commitment |
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Jeff Becker is the CEO of Jennison Associates, a prominent investment management firm. Prior to joining Jennison, he served as CEO of Voya Investment Management, overseeing all aspects of the business, including both institutional and retail segments. His career also includes executive leadership roles at ING Investment Management Americas, Aeltus Investment Management, and Aetna’s Real Estate Investment Group. Jeff began his professional journey in Arthur Andersen’s financial consulting practice. He holds a BA in Economics from Colgate University and an MBA in Finance from NYU’s Stern School of Business. In addition to his professional career, Jeff is actively engaged in civic and philanthropic organizations. He has served as Vice Chair of the AmeriCares Board of Directors, Chair of the AmeriCares Free Clinics Board, and is a member of both the Economic Club of New York and Institutional Investor’s U.S. Institute Advisory Board. |
| A Lasting Connection to King School |
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Jeff Becker is an alumnus of the King School Class of 1983. His connection to King School is deeply rooted in family and personal experience. His mother, Judith, served as the school’s director of development, while his father, James, was a trustee. His brother, Jim Becker, is also a King School alumnus who graduated in 1980. During his time at King, Jeff was a three-sport athlete, participating in soccer, hockey, and lacrosse. He recalls the strong sense of community, enduring friendships, engaging academics, and formative experiences. “The values instilled at King — including critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and respect — have been foundational to his personal and professional success,” Jeff noted. Today, Jeff leads Jennison Associates as CEO. The firm was founded by Spiros Sigalas, a beloved member of the King School community, grandparent of seven King alumni, and one of the school’s most generous donors.
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| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) |
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Who is eligible to participate in the Becker 2:1 Reunion Challenge? What will these gifts fund? What types of gifts qualify for the match? How much matching funding is available? How long will the challenge remain open? How can alumni make their gifts? Why is this challenge significant? |
