Impact Report Story: Anne and John Koch

We both grew up in families that prioritized education, and we believe that education has the power to change lives. Since John’s career trajectory caused frequent cross-country moves, we chose independent schools for our young sons to try to provide some stability across the changing locations. When a move to Tampa became necessary, we decided Berkeley was the best choice in Tampa Bay.

We moved to Tampa with an incoming freshman and a junior in high school… definitely not an ideal time to move, particularly for our older child, and we worried about how both sons might handle the change. Our older son, Jack, always excelled academically, especially in mathematics, and to our pleasant surprise, he quickly acclimated at Berkeley thanks to Dr. Thom Morris and the other students in his classes. Andrew was also welcomed with open arms and forged his own path, connecting easily with classmates in academics and as a multi-sport athlete.

Shortly after our arrival in 2013, we learned that Berkeley was building the Gries Center for the Arts and Sciences, where our younger son and his peers (and future Bucs) would benefit from a large mathematics wing, a science wing with college-level laboratories and equipment, spacious art studios, and music spaces. Our family has been extraordinarily blessed, and we knew we wanted to share our blessings in meaningful ways. This was the first project we chose to support.

Much later, in early 2021, we attended an event announcing the construction of the Berkeley Chapel, and we were immediately interested in getting involved. As Episcopalians, we were inspired by the idea that the Chapel would welcome all faiths in the Berkeley community. It is important to us that all in the Berkeley family feel welcomed and included. We loved the design of the Chapel and were particularly drawn to the beautiful, unique labyrinth in the center of the space. We felt called to again share our blessings and decided to fund the labyrinth, choosing to name it to honor our parents, who showed us the way in faith and life.

Since coming to Berkeley, we have been pleased to see the physical transformation of the campus and all the opportunities afforded by the addition of so many new buildings and spaces. However, we feel most inspired and touched by how the Berkeley community has embraced the Berkeley Academy.

Anne reflected, “I first got to know Kim Graham Lawless through volunteering on the Family Service Council. Kim is a true servant leader who cares passionately about those around her, and she inspires excellence in every team she leads. When I learned that she was starting the Berkeley Academy, John and I not only wanted to make a gift to help launch it, I told Kim, ‘Put me to work.’ I hoped to be a part of something larger than myself that would help provide access and education to those in our surrounding communities who might not otherwise have those opportunities.

“Since its founding in 2015, I’ve worn many different hats at the Berkeley Academy, working in a nearly full-time capacity. I am honored to be a member of the core administrative team. Outside of raising our sons, this has been the most fulfilling and rewarding work I have ever done, and I feel fortune to have the opportunity to make a difference in such a meaningful way. Our work is not just changing the lives of Berkeley Academy scholars and their families, but it’s making a huge impact on Berkeley students as well.

“It is truly special to see how the Berkeley community has embraced the Berkeley Academy, its scholars, and its families. Our Berkeley Academy scholars quickly feel a sense of belonging. This is only accomplished by a warm and welcoming community and environment that fosters inclusivity and acceptance. THIS IS BERKELEY.”

The Kochs are as involved as alumni parents as they were when their sons attended Berkeley. Anne continues to work at the Berkeley Academy supporting high school scholars, and John is in his third year as a member of the Board of Trustees. They say, “The school’s reputation and strong academics drew us to Berkeley, but the incredible people and culture keep us wanting to do more.”