In recognition of her stewardship of the Miss Hall’s campus, her bold leadership, and for shaping the present and future of our school, the Board of Trustees this fall named the pond around which life revolves at MHS “Perkins Pond,” honoring Jennifer Perkins Speers ’71, a devoted conservation philanthropist who cares deeply about our special campus.

At Reunion 2021 in May, Jennifer was recognized with the Barbara Humes Euston ’29 Distinguished Service Award. This honor is presented to an alumna who has consistently provided exemplary service to the School, and in so doing, has enhanced the success and well-being of the institution.

In addition to her work on behalf of Miss Hall’s, Jennifer is President of the Palladium Foundation, which purchases conservation land in Utah, has been a member of The Nature Conservancy since 1979, and serves on the board of The Nature Conservancy of Utah. She also serves on the boards of the Grand Canyon Trust, Artspace, Wave Hill, Glynwood Center, Dutchess Day School, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the Wilderness Society and Conservation Lands Foundation.

But it is here, at Miss Hall’s, where we most keenly feel — and deeply appreciate — Jennifer’s influence. The Perkins family’s generational history of caring for important properties nationwide extends to MHS, and their partnership in preserving and improving our historic campus has significantly shaped the student experience.

The Linn Merck Perkins ’14 Land and Facility Endowment Fund underwrites upkeep of our 90-acres and 200,000 square feet of space. And, Jennifer herself was the lead donor in fundraising for Linn Hall, a game-changer in science, technology, math, and Horizons education at MHS.

Thank you, Jennifer, for embracing preservation while also moving the School forward; for modeling a purposeful life based on honor, respect, growth, and personal authenticity; and for always doing so with bright enthusiasm and the quick wit that continue to endear you to us.