In the fall of 1957, a determined boy from a family of modest income stepped onto Blair Academy’s campus and unknowingly began a journey that would span the globe, leave a legacy in art and ultimately circle back to where it all started. Fred Everett ’61 entered Blair on a partial scholarship, armed with a strong work ethic and an open mind—and he’s never looked back.

“Blair gave me an incredible foundation,” Fred reflects. “It was my starting point, a good educational base that gave me exposure and confidence. It set me up to go to a wonderful college and build a successful career.”

From his early days serving coffee in the Blair dining hall to his role as head waiter, cross country co-captain and West Hall prefect, Fred developed the drive and leadership that would define his career. During every school break, he worked delivering milk at 5 a.m. or cutting grass to help his family cover the cost of his education. “Working at the School and paying my way set the tone for the rest of my life,” he says.

After Blair, Fred graduated from the College of William & Mary and earned his MBA from American University. He set off on a lifelong career in the frozen food industry, eventually breaking out on his own and forming a company with his business partners. Alongside his wife of 59 years, Beryl, Fred made the defining choice to channel their energy into two passions: entrepreneurship and global adventure travel.

That decision led to nearly six decades of rich, immersive exploration. From Africa’s Great Migration to the icy habitats of polar bears in Canada, Fred and Beryl have traversed all seven continents and more than 50 countries. But their travels weren’t just about sightseeing—they became avid collectors of art and cultural artifacts, a hobby sparked by a visit to the home of their first African safari organizer.

“She had these extraordinary objects from all over the world, and we were smitten,” Fred recalls. Since then, the couple has amassed a museum-worthy collection of more than 200 pieces, including oil paintings and sculptures from the American West, as well as African masks, Mayan artifacts, Asian silks and indigenous art from New Guinea. “We started collecting seriously and with purpose. We wanted our home to tell the story of our travels.”

Now they’re making sure that story continues at Blair. In their will, Fred and Beryl have formally gifted the non-Western portion of their collection—110 pieces—to the School. The remaining art will go to the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia. This fall, a dozen pieces Fred and Beryl have generously gifted will arrive on campus for the Blair community to enjoy. Blair will also receive the balance of their estate, directed to the Academy’s endowment. Part of their gift will support the construction of secure display cases and the cataloging of the collection by Blair’s fine arts department, offering students hands-on access to global cultures through visual storytelling. 

“Blair is a fine institution, and it’s small enough that our gift can truly make a difference,” Fred says. “It’s come a long way since 1961, and I hope this collection will inspire students to explore the world, appreciate different perspectives and see that art isn’t just decoration—it’s a form of education.”

Fred encourages fellow alumni to reflect on the role Blair played in their own lives and to consider giving back. “Anyone who went to Blair understands it’s a great institution and a great foundation,” he says. “Anything an alum can do to support it will be well spent. I strongly recommend it.”

As Fred puts it: “We consciously chose our path—we followed our dreams, followed our passions—and now we want to leave behind gifts for others.” Through his generosity and vision, that legacy will live on at Blair, inspiring the next generation of global citizens.

The John C. Sharpe Society of planned givers embodies the spirit and ensures the vision of Dr. John C. Sharpe, one of Blair’s most influential school leaders. Planned gifts are the cornerstone of Blair’s endowment, and membership in the John C. Sharpe Society reflects a special commitment to the School’s future. Interested in learning more? To join Fred and Beryl and other members of the John C. Sharpe Society of planned givers, please contact Director of Advancement Cara Mohlmann to discuss including Blair in your estate plans. If you have already made a provision for the School, let us know by contacting Cara at mohlmc@blair.edu.