Olaf (Olie) Thorp ‘59

What inspired you to include St. George’s in your estate plans?

I’ve been very lucky in my life, and that good fortune includes the opportunity I had to attend St. George’s for five years beginning in 1954 (as a day student in the 2nd Form) at the ripe old age of 12. SG provided the foundation for my subsequent educational experiences (in the classroom and elsewhere), and it solidified the values that have carried me through life. Giving back to St. George’s is the least I can do to honor what the School made possible for me, and to support similar opportunities for  
future generations.

What are some of your fondest memories from your days as a student? 

Playing one-on-one basketball for hours at a time with Bob MacCameron, a 6’3” classmate, genuine basketball star, and one of the nicest people I’ve ever known—at the time, I was 4’10” tall, so the chance to shoot and sink left-hand hook shots over his outstretched arms gave me much-needed confidence that I could do almost anything if I tried hard enough. In the classroom, Norris Hoyt is at the top of the list—a brilliant English teacher, he loved telling (tall) stories in a way that made them sound credible. On one occasion, he said he drove from Newport to California and never paid for gas, because he stopped at stations along the way and filled his tank with gas that was left in the hose by the prior buyer; I spent a long time trying to figure out how he did that! Going to Whetstone and enjoying bacon cooked by Headmaster Buell, whose Christian values were reflected in everything he said and did—both in the School’s magnificent chapel, and everywhere else. 

What’s the most valuable thing  you learned or experienced on the Hilltop?  

The mentorship, support, and patience provided by the School’s faculty in the classroom and on the field.

What has helped you stay  connected to St. George’s long  after Prize Day? 

Life-long friendships with class-mates who’ve stayed in touch for more than 65 years despite, in many cases, living on different continents and thousands of miles away. 

For additional information, please contact: 
Ryan W. Kirk 
Director of Leadership Giving  
401-842-6729 
ryan_kirk@stgeorges.edu