Worcester Academy in Massachusetts has announced a $20 million gift from alumnus Ron Capozzoli, Sr. (’49).

Among the largest gifts the academy has received in its 188-year history, the commitment will fund efforts to revitalize facilities, including renovations to the Megaron, an iconic and beloved campus building dedicated at the turn of the last century. A new state-of-the-art recreation and athletic complex, plans for which are under way, also will be named in honor Capozzoli in recognition of the gift. In addition, $1 million of the funds will be directed to the Capozzoli family endowed scholarship fund.

A commercial real estate developer and businessman, Capozzoli said he made the gift in recognition of the memorable and formative experience he received at Worcester Academy as a young man.

“Ron attributes many of his successes in business to specific lessons learned at Worcester Academy,” said  head of school Kevin Breen. “His story is one I hear with increasing familiarity. In a short period of time—just two years in this case—his life was forever changed. While stories such as these are unusual elsewhere, they are quintessential to Worcester Academy and speak to WA’s deep commitment to quality mentoring.”

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