Jennifer Flint Panetta ’88 and her son Chris ’24, share a sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors. They can often be found paddle boarding, surfing, and fishing, among other oceanic sports.

The two have also created a special tradition of giving back to Shipley. Each year the two visit the Shipley’s Development Office, where Chris makes a contribution to the Annual Fund, an act Panetta feels is important. “By allowing him to give, he plays a role in making sure he has a good experience each year,” she says. “It’s important that students understand, starting right away, that it’s more than just tuition that makes their experience possible.”

Panetta reconnected with Shipley via the Alumni Council, where she has served for many years, including a term as Alumni Council President. More recently, being involved as a parent has been “a nice way to be involved with Shipley from a different perspective,” she says. Panetta will co-chair the 2017 Shipley Shops fundraiser, slated for October 19-21. She encourages fellow alumni to get involved, saying, “You’re always welcome to come back on campus.”

Panetta greatly appreciates what she calls an “emphasis on acceptance and respect of the individual” at Shipley. “Kids feel comfortable, known, safe, and accepted,” she says, something she felt both as a student and now as a parent.

“Shipley did a lot for me,” Panetta adds. “I’m thankful that I’m able to stay involved.”