Jacek Makowski (College East 1944-1948) has included the Fettes Foundation as a recipient of his charitable remainder trust as a way of sharing with others the benefits that he received from Fettes all those years ago.

Jacek and his family left Poland after the Soviet occupation just before World War II broke out.  His father was in the airforce and they fled to England with only what they could carry.  Jacek was educated at a Prep school in England and then set his sights on Fettes.  His family situation dictated that he could only attend a school of this calibre if he could win a scholarship.  After sitting and passing the exams Jacek came to Fettes in the summer of 1944. 

Jacek says that Fettes was a place where he was trained to face a world away from his country.  According to Jacek, Fettes prepared him well for whatever challenges lay ahead.  He highlights sports as having taught him about teamwork while his duties as a prefect gave him the opportunity to exercise leadership and responsibility.

The end of World War II did not bring with it the possibility with of a return to Poland.  After Fettes he pursued a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Birmingham University and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.  Jacek has enjoyed a very successful business career which included him founding his own company, J. Makowski, which developed Canadian gas supply programs for the US Northeast.  Jacek sold this company in the mid 90s but remains active in the business arena as an investor in and serves on the boards of several companies. 

Whether you are thinking of making a Will for the first time, or updating an existing Will to account for change in your circumstances, you may wish to consider leaving a gift to Fettes.  We are most grateful to those Old Fettesians who have included the Foundation in their estate planning and encourage you to contact the Foundation Office if you would like more information on making a gift of this nature.