From Fundraiser to Philanthropist - A Chat with
Robert M. Platt '67 Trustee and Chairman's Circle Donor
 L to R: Shelley and Robert M. Platt '67 Trustee Robert M. Platt '67, a central figure in the Platt family legacy at Curry College (sister Joan graduated in 1963, son Darren in 2000), has evolved from political fundraiser to educational philanthropist. After decades of asking, he now finds himself giving at a level higher than he ever imagined.
A lifelong Newton resident, Robert M. Platt majored in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. After graduation, Platt went into the family business in nursing home management as owner/developer of Senior Health Management. But the year before, Platt was introduced to local politics. Soon his first political experience working for Governor Francis Sargent's campaign led to another which over time developed into a passion for the political scene.
Robert M. Platt is now known to many as a high-profile political strategist. In 1998, he left the nursing home industry and registered as a lobbyist, turning his professional attention to government relations and Fortune 500 companies.
"I'm addicted to politics," he admits. "It's not the power... but the feeling that I'm ultimately helping other people through my work. It's this aspect of politics that I'm addicted to."
In the late 60s and early 70s, Platt was very much involved in political fundraising. As a fundraiser, Platt felt key motivators for giving were a belief in the candidate or the cause and/or belief in the person who was asking.
So was it 'The Cause' or 'The Ask' that prompted Robert and wife Shelley to join the Chairman's Circle in 2005?
Both beneficiary of and believer in the Curry mission, it was The Cause and the would-be asker without The Ask that prompted Platt to help our College. In prior years, Platt gave many things to Curry that couldn't be measured in dollars and cents. And he sensed that under President Quigley's administration, his alma mater could realize a potential that many alums couldn't foresee at the time.
"Ken Quigley brought people back to this community. Ken inspires me. I was honored when Ken asked me to join the board in 1997," recalls Platt.
"There's nothing I wouldn't do to help out Curry," states Platt. "It's for our future...it's for our kids...these kids are our future.
"I'm glad to give back to something I love, my college. It's a great feeling. I hope that like myself, there are other Curry alums who will decide the time is right for them to join one of our leading donor societies." |
’47
June M. Buck '47 is keeping busy by soloing in her church choir, playing piano for clubs, fashion shows, and retirement homes; volunteering in middle schools; and tutoring Spanish-speaking students in English. She writes, "I'm feeling great at 78!"
’52
George W. Perkins '52 writes, "My oldest son George III is the Producer of Hollywood's most successful TV show in years: Desperate Housewives. My son Clifton is designing gardens and water gardens and my son Mark is President of Consolpro and an expert at IRA tax management."
’53
Ralph G. Shearing '53 and his wife Patricia celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on November 13, 2005. They have four children and ten grandchildren. Ralph attended Curry when it was located in Boston. Because his family couldn't afford to send him to college, he won a partially funded scholarship. Although Ralph thinks the scholarship may have been funded by one of his high school teachers, he is still not certain who helped him come to Curry.
’62
Michael A. Reale '62 writes, "After enough years and several attempted retirements, I have now retired and only lecture and consult on a limited basis. The rest of the time is dedicated to sailing on our boat and improving my golf handicap. Somehow it always takes too long to get your life in balance."
’64
Diran R. Der Marderosian '64 is Vice President of Silk Road Traders in Stuart, FL. Silk Road Traders deals with oriental rugs and home furnishings.
’65
Philip Schwartz '65 has been living in Israel since 1965 and as a member of Kibbutz Deganya Bet since 1969. He and his wife Beryl were married in 1970 and have three children. |
’66
Edward W. Schroeder '66 writes, "I completed the Sachuest Point NWR project in Middletown, RI. From there I went to Portsmouth, VA, then on to Albany, NY and now back to Portsmouth, VA. I expect to be reassigned back to Long Branch, NJ in mid-July for another year. It would appear that I continue to go in circles! Fond regards to the 'girls' of Mayflower and North Hall and, in particular, the Class of '66!"
’68
Ann Connell Bergin '68 is looking for Perry class of 1968 alums. "It has been a long time since we last met up! Let's get organized and plan a date to meet to celebrate our 40th! Email me at ACBergin@aol.com ."
Barry A. Herrmann '68 writes, "This year I retired after more than 34 years with the Internal Revenue Service - 12+ years in New York City and 22 years in Washington, DC. Now it's time to relax, work on my freelance writing and travel with my wife Lorie to new places."
’70
Allan S. Moulton '70 recently retired after 34 years of teaching in Boston Public Schools and now divides his time between living in Massachusetts and Florida. He is the proud grandparent of two grandchildren.
Robert S. Nutter '70 lives with his wife Jean in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. He owns an accounting firm in Riviera Beach, FL.
Frank E. Thomasino '70 retired in May 2004 after 33 years with General Electric. He and his wife Diane divide their time between homes in Mesquite, Nevada and Puerto Aventuras, Mexico. They have two daughters - Tovah, 25 and Taylor, 23.
Roberta R. Warshaw '70 lives in Brookline, MA and is a Graphic Designer/Illustrator with Pearson Education in Boston. She is married and has two children, Sunday, 29, and Degory, 33. She also has a six year old grandson, Ethan. |
