JOHN KLINGENSTEIN

JOHN KLINGENSTEIN. The President, Trustees and entire community of Teachers College, Columbia University mourn the loss of John Klingenstein, Trustee Emeritus, visionary philanthropist and staunch TC supporter. John, who served on our Board with great distinction from 1979 through 2014, was a quiet, self-effacing gentleman with extraordinary vision and faith in the power of education. A proud alumnus of Deerfield Academy, John believed deeply that independent schools are uniquely positioned to instill a sense of civic responsibility, leadership, and public service. His vision was fully realized at the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership, which he established at TC in the late 1970s with guidance from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and nationally known educator Theodore Sizer. Today, the Klingenstein Center is widely considered the country's preeminent program of its kind. John's other great gift to TC is his daughter, Nancy Simpkins, currently a dynamic and highly respected member of our Board. Teachers College offers its heartfelt condolences to John's wife and philanthropic partner, Pat Klingenstein; to their children – Tom Klingenstein, Nancy Klingenstein Simpkins, Andy Klingenstein and Sally Klingenstein Martell – and to the extended Klingenstein family.
Thomas R. Bailey, President, Teachers College
William D. Rueckert, Chair, Board of Trustees