GATES MILLS -- Gary D. Cohn, the president and chief operating officer of Goldman Sachs, has provided $750,000 to Gilmour Academy to establish the Gary D. Cohn '79 and Br. Robert Lavelle Endowed Scholarship. A Gilmour Academy alumnus from the class of 1979, Mr. Cohn has created this fund in honor of Br. Robert Lavelle's 35 years of dedicated service as Head of School at Gilmour.
The scholarship will provide funding for recipients in grades 7-12 who demonstrate significant financial need, high academic potential, consistent effort and a commitment to extracurricular activities.
Cohn's decision to endow this scholarship was influenced by his own experiences as a Middle and Upper School student at Gilmour. He has been a longtime supporter of the Catholic, independent, college-preparatory school located in Gates Mills. Cohn said of his gift, "It is a joy to be able to honor Br. Robert. His impact on Gilmour and the lives of its students is immeasurable. He has given so many of us the gift of loving to learn."
Kathy Kenny, who will succeed Br. Robert as Head of School on July 1, said of the impact of Cohn's gift, "Gary's philanthropy to Gilmour extends more than 25 years. He has served as a trustee, an advisor to Br. Robert Lavelle, and a loyal and generous alumnus. He values his Gilmour education and has put in place a scholarship that significantly honors Br. Robert Lavelle and provides future generations of students the life-changing opportunities of a Gilmour education. We are so grateful for Gary's leadership and steadfast support."