Seth and Kathryn Adams

Pace Academy parent SETH ADAMS lends a note of dry humor to most conversations, even those on planned giving, often considered a serious subject. A financial adviser, Seth has frequent opportunities to discuss planned gift opportunities with his clients.

Last year, conversations on the topic became personal, as Seth and his wife, KATHRYN ADAMS, decided the time was right for their own planned gift to Pace. The couple named Pace as a retirement plan beneficiary—an easy way of making a planned gift—and in doing so, became members of Pace's Castle Circle, recognizing those who make future provisions for Pace.

"However," Seth deadpans without cracking a grin—"given that most planned gifts are distributed as a part of an estate, we fully intend to delay the distribution of ours for many years to come."

Most certainly, their planned gift is not just years—but decades—away from distribution!

Jokes aside, Seth describes his and Kathryn's decision to make estate provisions for Pace and join The Castle Circle as an easy one that came from the heart. "We wanted to give back to the Pace community that our family has been so fortunate to have been part of," he says.

Pace has been central to the Adamses' lives since their daughters TOWNSEND ADAMS '25 and MADELYN ADAMS '26, enrolled in Pre-First.

Seth says they are grateful for "the foundation of love and security the Pace 'family'" has provided their daughters as well as "the lifelong values that Pace has instilled in each of them." He adds, "Just as Pace has created its legacy within our daughters, we hope to create a legacy at Pace with our planned gift."

Kathryn's warm feelings toward Pace match Seth's, and began even before their children enrolled. "When our girls were little, we brought them to the Fall Fair and couldn't help but notice how kind the Pace students were to them," she says. "Now, in our ninth year as a Pace family, I can't help but compare when I hear dear friends of mine talking about school experiences elsewhere. I am always so proud that we are Pace Knights!"

Throughout the years, the couple has found ways to contribute to the Pace community. Seth recounts some of the highlights: "We've worked the Knights Grill at Fall Fair, told racers to turn around at the Pace Race halfway point and helped plate meals at the Middle School's Medieval Banquet—all fun ways to engage and enhance our relationships with other Pace families."

More recently, Seth joined Pace's Planned Giving Committee. "I felt that it was a great dovetail to leverage my industry background to further the financial goals of Pace," he says.

Kathryn, whose work is in human resources, also looked for new ways to engage at Pace as their daughters moved into Middle School. "There was less need for parents who could chaperone field trips and plan Valentine's Day parties as they grew older," she explains. "This year I am co-chairing Pace LEAD, a group that provides a place for parents to network, dialogue, and share wisdom and experiences in relation to alcohol and other substances."

The couple looks forward to seeing what future years at Pace hold for Townsend and Madelyn, and is committed to making a difference at Pace now—and through their eventual planned gift, to future generations of Pace students.