“I’ve had the privilege to volunteer for my own alma mater, including as head of the alumni association and as a trustee, and you learn many important things about running an institution that way,” explains Wisner, who attended Brooks School. “Perhaps the most important thing you learn is just how crucial flexibility is when it comes to funding, which may run counter to what most people expect but we’ve learned it to be true.”

Betts currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Emma Willard, following nine years as a trustee at St. George’s School, and reinforces the same point as Wisner: there are always urgent organizational needs without immediate resources to address them.

“I can see the appeal to have one’s name on a building or over a classroom and, let me say, support like that is fantastic and necessary. However, of equal necessity are septic systems—we don’t often have folks lining up to slap their name on one of those!”
With her customary sense of humor on display, Betts goes on to elaborate that being a trustee is a privilege and one that prompted her to weigh the “fiduciary responsibility” of the role.

“For us, this was a real commitment and hopefully reflects the fact that Emma Willard is a top philanthropic interest. What the school stands for and the opportunity it offers young women is so crucial, so my 50th Reunion proved the perfect milestone to mark with our support.”

Since graduating, Betts has supported educational institutions through her professional endeavors as well, working at Brown University after completing her BA in History there. After earning her JD at Boston College Law School, Betts practiced law with two law firms in Boston and later administered  rowing and sailing programs at Duxbury Maritime School and Cohasset Maritime Institute.

Betts and Wisner live in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, having renovated a home on Padanaram Harbor that has been in Betts’ family for several generations. They are passionate about preserving the natural world on display around them, supporting conservation efforts and causes that impact environmental sustainability.

“We are so appreciative for everything we have, we really treasure the changing seasons and enjoy the passing of every day; what a gift.”