Phillips & Sarah Stevens:
Their Legacy
For a generation of Williston Northampton School students, the Stevens family is synonymous with campus life. From 1949-1972, Phillips Stevens served as Head of School, overseeing Williston Academy and its merger with the Northampton School for Girls. During his tenure, he oversaw major construction projects to modernize the campus, while increasing the number of students and faculty, raising admission standards, addressing endowment—ultimately setting the stage for coeducation. Sarah Wallis Stevens, described as a woman of “extraordinary warmth and empathy,” served for two decades as “First Lady” of Williston Academy. On the page below, you’ll find photos and writings about the Stevenses; information about making a gift in their honor; and a place to share your own stories about these icons.
Read more about their legacy
- Phillips Stevens, 80; For 23 Years Led Williston Academy, New York Times, April 1994
- A Mother to Many, Bulletin Fall 2015
- In Memoriam: Sarah Wallis Stevens, February 2016
- Sarah Stevens in Her Time, a tribute by Ellis Baker ’51, August 2016
Give to the Scholarship Fund
The Phillips and Sarah Stevens Scholarship Fund was established in 1973 by a small group of alumni to honor the legacy of the Stevens at Williston. Every year, a student with financial need is awarded this scholarship—a fitting tribute to this important couple who played such a pivotal role for generations of Williston Academy alumni. Over time, alumni have added to the fund—when Mr. Stevens passed away in 1994 and again, upon Mrs. Stevens’ death in 2016. Recently, as the fund celebrated its 50th anniversary, the Stevens family has made another generous contribution in hopes that other Williston Academy alumni will join them and provide more financial aid to Williston students.
Interested to know more about how you can support the scholarship fund? Please contact Eric Yates, Williston’s Chief Advancement Officer, at eyates@williston.com or by phone at 413-529-3306.
Share your memories of Phillips and Sarah Stevens
Did Mr. and Mrs. Stevens make an impact during your time at the school? Share your story below to commemorate them and their contribution to our school community. Information shared may be used in an upcoming issue of the Williston Northampton School Bulletin.