Kristine (Coughlan) Lisi ’84 has little time to slow down. After retiring in 2021, she has found herself busier than ever—playing tennis, traveling, serving as her family’s travel agent, volunteering and enjoying countless other activities that occupy her time. However, no matter how hectic the calendar gets, Kris always carves out time for planning a Blair reunion to see old friends.

“I’ve attended every single ’84 reunion since my class’s fifth,” Kris recalls. “Reunions give us a wonderful opportunity to reconnect. Going back to Blair feels like going back to your childhood home.”

Kris views that first reunion as a catalyst for her career and close connection to Blair that has stood the test of time. It was then that she met the new Head of School, T. Chandler Hardwick III, through then Assistant Headmaster for Finance and Development Dennis Wm. Peachey ’62, whose kids she babysat as a senior. Six months later, Mr. Hardwick offered her a job, making Kris Blair’s first female Director of Alumni Relations—a position she held for five years before moving to Philadelphia to continue a 33-year career in professional fundraising.

“I’ve stayed connected ever since,” Kris explained. “I attended Blair for two years, but it was the most transformative experience of my life. That can be the case whether you were there for one year or four. Blair is a special place, and personally, it taught me to grow up The Class of 1984 celebrated their 40th Reunion last summer at Alumni Weekend. and hold myself accountable, and I’m so grateful for the experience.”

Kris was always determined to give back to the community that gave her so much. She has not only volunteered as a dedicated class representative for the past 35 years, but she also served on Blair’s Board of Governors and on every reunion committee. As impressive as her volunteer history is, her giving history to the School, with a 35-year streak of donations, earned her an esteemed place in the True Blue Society.

“When I was much younger, it took me a beat to realize that I didn’t need to give a lot of money, I just needed to participate and get in the habit of giving,” Kris recalled. “Being in the fundraising industry, I knew I would eventually make a planned gift to Blair as well.”

This year, Kris’ 40th Reunion spurred her plans into action. Equipped with what she refers to as “insider knowledge,” the West Chester, Pennsylvania, resident chose to establish a Deferred Charitable Gift Annuity, firmly believing it is a win-win-win for everyone involved—Blair, herself and her class, which will receive the reunion credit toward their goal.

“Throughout my career, I have seen the benefits of charitable gift annuities. It fiscally benefits everyone,” Kris said. You get to support Blair and receive lifetime income as a result.” 

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 headmasters. 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 Kris 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.