Rick Jarvis ’78 Fund for Financial Aid

We called him Mr. Shady Hill. In our eyes, he embodied Shady Hill and carried its spirit far beyond Coolidge Hill. As a proud parent, he believed in the magic of childhood, and as an active member of our community, Rick sought to create an inclusive environment. He was quick to offer friendship to newcomers and weave them into the fabric of our Shady Hill community. Meeting him was experiencing the warmth of being welcomed with open arms. And telling him your name meant that on any street corner of Cambridge, you would inevitably be susceptible to his loud and exuberant greetings. 

Rick often spoke of the lessons learned at Shady Hill, and how they shaped him into the leader we all knew and loved. Helping his community was his life’s work, and he was more than happy to share that passion with Shady Hill.

As a student, he developed a love of learning, a strong sense of self, and became comfortable in his own skin. Those were the gifts that he received from Shady Hill. We hope for others to get this same opportunity, through the establishment of a financial aid fund that will allow others to become a part of our special community.  It is our privilege to be part of the Shady Hill family, and we honor Rick’s legacy by helping others receive those same gifts, regardless of race or socio-economic status.

The Jarvis Family

Karla, Dewey ’09, Charlie ’11, and Ty ‘23


Rick was a beloved member of the Shady Hill family for over thirty years. As a student, alumnus, parent, and PAL (parent of alumni), he touched hundreds of lives in our community and worked with warmth, kindness, and a commitment to inclusion to welcome all to the Shady Hill family. If you would like to make a gift to the endowed Rick Jarvis ‘78 Fund for Financial Aid, please use the form below or contact Director of Development and Alumni Relations Betsy Ginsberg for assistance.

Click here to share your memory of Rick Jarvis or offer a condolence.

Click here for the obituary which has information on visiting hours and services.