Peter Becker

2012-2023

As Gunn's 11th Head of School, Peter Becker ushered in a transformative period of growth while seeking to strengthen the school’s ties to its founder in ways that are relevant to a 21st-century boarding school education. Like Frederick and Abigail Gunn, he was both a leader and innovator. In 2020, with the leadership and support of the Board of Directors, the school made the bold and historic decision to change its name to The Frederick Gunn School, to honor Mr. Gunn, his vision and ideals. Through Peter's leadership, the school evolved intentionally, guided by the goals of a strategic plan that focuses on People, Place and Program.  The transformation of the campus during Peter's headship included:

• The opening of Graham House, our newest dorm for Gunn girls, in October 2016
• The dedication of the College Counseling Office in October 2013
• The groundbreaking for the turf field, in May 2014
• The opening of South Street Fields in October 2015
• The opening of the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center in January 2020, including the Tisch Family Auditorium, established through the gift of Jonathan Tisch '72 and Steve Tisch '67; an art wing honoring benefactor Richard C. Colton, Jr. '60; and the Norman R. Lemcke Community Room, established through a gift of the Class of 1968, in celebration of their 50th reunion, to honor the late Norman R. Lemcke, Jr. P'78 '84. The Perakos Family Cares Gallery honors the building's namesake, Thomas Perakos '69, and was given by Tom and the Class of 1969, in celebration of their 50th reunion and in honor of Wallace H. Rowe III H’57 P’77 ’79.
• The groundbreaking in 2022 for the Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Center for Innovation and Active Citizenship, which will fully integrate science, math, engineering, technology, entrepreneurship, and citizenship classes in the center of campus. "The Lizzie," as it is affectionately known, was established through a $25 million gift from Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch '72, the largest philanthropic commitment in the history of the school, and is set to open in January 2024, overlooking the historic Quad.
• The creation of new programs, including IDEAS Lab, established in 2017 with an emphasis on experiential classes in engineering and robotics; and a unique Winterim curriculum, launched in 2020, which challenges students to step away from traditional coursework for two weeks to embrace one big question or idea;
• The establishment of the Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy, created in 2019 with the support of a $100,000 matching grant from the E.E. Ford Foundation;
• The enhancement of Gunn Outdoors, which which offers more opportunities for students to engage with the outdoors, develop leadership skills, and gain independence;
• The creation of the Thomas R. King '60 Family Chair for Excellence in Teaching, endowed through the leadership and generosity of Trustee Tom King '60 and his wife, Kathy, in support of the school's commitment to attract and retain the best faculty.

During his tenure, Peter said the school’s commitment was “to evolve, as intentionally as possible, our place and our programs. The evidence around campus that we are doing so is plentiful and exciting.”