Time and again, the Academy sees alumni step forward in meaningful ways — through philanthropic support, hands-on service, and a deep, ongoing commitment to its mission. For more than 70 years, the Academy has shaped compassionate and thoughtful students, and today, those same values inspire alumni volunteers to carry that mission forward.
This commitment to the Academy and its purpose, many graduates say, is rooted in the values instilled in them during their time as students.
As Tiffany (Garcia) Martinez ’01 reflects, “My time at the Academy always comes back to… a sense of service, to help others as part of a larger purpose. These values have become even clearer and more important to me over the past few years, but looking back, I can see that they were inherently woven into my experience at the Academy the entire time I was there.”
Her words resonate with many of our alumni, who carry forward the spirit of service in support of education long after graduation.
To better understand what inspires this commitment, we spoke with five alumni who consistently give their time and talents to the school.
Ashlee (Othick) Andrews ’98
Ashlee volunteers in the Academy bookstore, a role she first took on when her oldest child was in sixth grade as a way to connect with classmates and teachers while balancing a full-time career. What began as a simple way to get involved has grown into a lasting commitment, one she has continued as her younger children have enrolled at the Academy. Many fellow bookstore volunteers, she says, have become close friends. Ashlee has also volunteered at Career Day for several years, and her veterinary clinics regularly host seniors for their Senior Projects.
Ashlee says that alumni hoping to stay involved after graduation will find a variety of opportunities to engage and make an impact. “It’s fun getting to know the students and gives me great hope for the future — they are kind, tolerant, innovative, inquisitive, and everything we can hope for in our young leaders. I’ve always believed that to whom much is given, much is expected. One way I can help repay the gift of an Academy education is by serving at the school and helping others receive that same gift.”
Barry Epstein ’85
Barry has long stayed connected to the Academy through his class, most recently serving as the reunion team lead for his 40th reunion. His involvement began years earlier, when he joined the committees for his 10th-, 20th-, and 30th-reunion teams. When the previous reunion team lead stepped away, Barry stepped in, motivated to create an experience that would bring classmates together in a fun and enjoyable way.
For Barry, staying connected is deeply personal. Having attended for eight years, starting in the Academy’s fifth grade and graduating in 1985, he reflects on an experience that was both rigorous and formative. “It was a different Academy then. It was tough, but it created a real sense of camaraderie,” he shared.
That connection has only grown stronger over time. Many of Barry’s closest friendships are from the Academy; three of his four groomsmen were classmates. “I wouldn’t be who I am, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Academy,” he said.
Barry continues to support the Academy because he recognizes the lasting impact of his education and the importance of ensuring others have access to the same opportunities. Whether through organizing reunions or fostering connections, he believes in contributing in whatever way he can. “Stay connected to your classmates,” he advised. “And if you want to volunteer, reach out to the Academy. Tell them what you want to do and see how they can help you get involved.”
Chuck Larrabee ’71
Chuck joined the Alumni Council in 2014 after returning to Albuquerque for the first time in 40 years. While exploring volunteer opportunities, he connected with the advancement office, which led to a conversation with Head of School Andy Watson and an introduction to the Alumni Council. As Chuck reengaged with the Academy, he was struck by its commitment to reflecting the diversity of the Albuquerque community and the strength of its scholarship program.
Chuck has taken “paying it forward” to heart, noting the lasting impact of an Academy education and the responsibility that comes with it. “When you assess how you benefited from your time at the Academy, I think all alumni owe it to support the institution that shaped them and help provide today’s students with the same foundation.”
For Chuck, that sense of responsibility deepened over time. He is now a member of the Laura Lee Moore Society, which honors those who have planned an estate gift to the Academy. He emphasizes that giving back isn’t about the size of the contribution, but the act itself. Whether through time, resources, or financial support, he believes every effort matters. “It should be something.”
Tiffany (Garcia) Martinez ’01
Tiffany has been an active participant in the Academy’s Community Day for the past two years, representing her optometry and vision therapy practice. Through her hands-on workshops, she taught students that vision is about so much more than clarity. Tiffany felt compelled to volunteer for Community Day once her daughter began attending the Academy. She explained that giving back feels both natural and meaningful—a way to honor the place that first sparked her lifelong love of learning.
Tiffany urges her fellow alumni to “choose a [volunteer] path that feels most meaningful to you. When you give from a place that reflects your unique gifts and passions, it naturally becomes more authentic and impactful.”
Terra Reed ’05
Terra has stayed connected to the Academy through a variety of volunteer experiences, most recently participating in Career Day, where she shared insights from her career as an urban planner. Terra embraced the opportunity to introduce students to a field she herself hadn’t discovered until later, offering a perspective she wishes she had access to earlier in life.
Beyond Career Day, Terra has remained actively engaged with the Academy community, visiting classes to share her experiences, substituting in a French class, and volunteering and working in the Desert Oasis Teaching (DOT) Garden. Each experience, she notes, has been both fun and meaningful, offering opportunities to connect with students and faculty while reflecting on how an Academy education can shape lives in unexpected ways.
“Staying connected to the Academy, for me, is just part of staying connected to my community. As a student, I didn’t always feel like I fit in at the Academy because of my background and my family circumstances. As I’ve gotten older and continued to build relationships with people from my class and others, I’ve learned more and more that I wasn’t alone in feeling that way. I hope that by staying connected with the Academy, even in small ways, I can help students recognize that many paths lead to and out of the Academy.”
Deep Gratitude to our Alumni Volunteers
Our alumni understand the value of an Academy education, especially to the state of New Mexico. We are deeply grateful for the many alumni who give their time, talent, and energy to support the school’s mission.
