Friends of Fettes College Inc. (FFC Inc.) was set up in Boston in 1998 on the inspiration of Jacek Makowski (CW 44-48).  The organisation developed at a time when Fettes had begun to realise the importance of connecting with its former pupils. Concepts in alumni relations that were long established in the USA started to flow across the pond to Edinburgh and helped to shape the subsequent launch of the Fettes Foundation.

FFC Inc. has three main aims: to provide a support network for Old Fettesians, to aid the recruitment of pupils, and to raise funds for Fettes. In operating a dedicated alumnus organisation in the United States, we are unique among the Scottish independent schools. FFC Inc. has always been a small, hands-on organisation run by a dedicated band of Trustees. Due to recent retirals and the sudden death of our most amiable and capable colleague, Chris Brown (SH 68- 72), we are now seeking to expand and to rejuvenate the group of Trustees.

Our new Trustees can look forward to working together with our President, Dr Alison Brown (Ca 73- 75) to promote Fettes in the USA. They can expect a lot of fun along the way. Davidson Gordon (Gl 57- 62) runs the Annual Dinner in NYC and his drive has ensured that this April event is always well attended.

FFC Inc., the Foundation and OFs organise other regional events across the USA through the year – lunches, dinners, ski weekends – so it’s a lively programme and that’s not including what our Canadian friends get up to. Many young, expatriate, OFs very much welcome the support they receive from the OF community in North America.

Over the past decade the generosity of Fettesians in the USA has generated $250,000 in cash funds.  FFC Inc. also holds significant donations of private stock. That’s pretty good for a small outfit run on a shoestring. Fettes, though, has big plans for the future and we need to raise our game. So our American alumni won’t be in the least surprised when our fund-raisers arrive. And they can cite David Ogilvy’s (SH 24-29) note to Chevenix-Trench that accompanied his cheque: “You bastards! Here it is”.  We won’t be offended.

Dr Adrian M Hall
Co-ordinator of American Relations

If you would like more information about becoming a Trustee of Friends of Fettes College Inc, please contact Elisabeth Anderson at ehm.anderson@fettes.com

Friends of Fettes College Inc., is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Massachusetts. Donations made to Friends of Fettes College Inc., are tax-deductible to the fullest extent under law.

Friends of Fettes College Inc Trustees
Dr Alison Brown (Ca 73-75) President
Dickson Brown
Nicholas Burnett (CE-Ar 63-68)
Alexander Causey (CE 68-72)
Davidson Gordon (Gl 57-62)
Rupert Hammond-Chambers (JS-Gl 79-86)
Arthur Page (c/o Hemenway & Barnes LLP) Treasurer and Clerk
Edwin Todd (Gl 1961-66)

Dr Adrian Hall (Staff 83-)
Michael Spens (Headmaster 98-)