A note from Bill Morton ’55

Class Notes
Class of 1955
Posted on November 3, 2023

“I’m sorry to report that our ardent and beloved Classmate, John W. Spurdle ’55, passed away on April 24, 2023. Spurts lived a full and active life….At Deerfield he was involved in all sorts of activities: from Glee Club and Cum Laude to two undefeated teams in varsity football and lacrosse. After Deerfield, it was on to Wesleyan, marriage to Cyndy after graduation, and then to Harvard Business School. He began his thirty year career with Morgan Guaranty Trust in 1961, and spent long periods of time in both the New York and London offices…..He retired as Executive Vice President.
Spurts had a busy retirement, but we had plenty of opportunity to renew our friendship that began at Deerfield. A highpoint, of course, was co-chairing the Class of 1955’s fiftieth reunion in 2005. We spent a lot of time at it, and were pleased with the attendance, our financial contribution to Deerfield, and the very festive reunion itself!! We continued to see quite a bit of one another—–mostly during our many trips to New York City. We always had great times together, and even managed a trip with our wives to Italy ten years ago. Spurts was wonderful to spend time with….. He had a great sense of humor and that always positive and enthusiastic attitude on anything he got involved in. He’ll be sorely missed!!” – Bill Morton ’55

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of the Alumni Association?

Upon graduating from Deerfield, alumni enter a diverse network of former Deerfield students. Deerfield alumni have ventured into almost every area of employment, and many are at the top of their respective fields. The advantages of this vast network are numerous and significant, as every member of the Deerfield family receives the following:

Automatic subscription to Deerfield Magazine
Online subscription to the Deerfield Scroll
Access to the Deerfield Mobile App and directory
Invitations to special events both on and off campus
Eligibility for membership in a number of recognition societies

Alumni are also eligible for alumni awards, such as the Ashley Award, Heritage Award, and the Mimi Morsman Award.

As a member of the Alumni Association, do I have dues?

There are no membership fees or dues for members of the Deerfield family, but Deerfield does ask for assistance in a few areas. First of all, in order for Deerfield to have the most up-to-date records possible, we encourage members to keep us apprised of their current contact info. Alumni are also urged to direct all concerns and suggestions regarding Deerfield’s operations through the Executive Committee, the governing body of the Alumni Association. The committee acts as the voice of the alumni body, and works closely with the school administration. In order to keep tuition affordable and the quality of a Deerfield education at its highest, the Academy depends upon the continuing support of alumni and their families. This support can take the form of annual or capital gifts, or time spent volunteering on behalf of Deerfield.

How can I network with other alumni in my area?

There are regional events in many major American cities. Please visit here for more information on regional engagement.

As a Deerfield alum, am I invited to campus athletic events and performances?

Of course! Be sure to read the latest issue of From Albany Road in your email’s in-box for current news of what is happening on campus. As we also send out periodic invitations, it’s always best to make sure we have your current physical address. And if you do plan on visiting campus, why not tell us ahead of time?

Contact the Office of Advancement

alumni@deerfield.edu
413-774-1474

7 Boyden Lane, PO Box 306
Deerfield, MA 01342

7 Boyden Lane, PO Box 87, Deerfield, MA 01342

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: Deerfield Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.