St. John’s Prep is proud to announce a significant philanthropic investment in the future of teaching and learning on our campus.
John J. Studzinski ’74, 1998 Distinguished Alumnus, has made a leadership gift of $1.25 million to support the renovation of the A.E. Studzinski Library. Inspired by his generosity, members of the St. John’s Prep Board of Trustees contributed an additional $250,000 in support of the project, bringing the total investment to $1.5 million. Renovations will be funded entirely through philanthropy.
A native of Peabody and dual US-UK citizen, Studzinski currently serves as managing director and vice chairman of the global investment-management firm PIMCO. Alongside a successful career in the finance and business worlds, Studzinski has prioritized philanthropy, first with the establishment of the Genesis Foundation, which supports early-career artists, and then as co-founder of the Arise Foundation, which combats human trafficking and slavery.
In 1998, Studzinski was named the School’s sixth Distinguished Alumnus, characterized as someone who has achieved professional success, has shown a commitment to lifelong learning, pursues enduring personal relationships, and serves as a model for servant leadership in the Catholic and Xaverian tradition. In June of that year, he was inducted into the nascent Hall of Honor for dedication to the advancement of the mission of St. John’s Prep.
In November of 2025, Studzinski published A Talent for Giving: Creating a more generous society that benefits everyone (Bloomsbury). In it, he explores the idea of "entrepreneurial giving," which uses personal skills, time, and expertise—not just money—to create social impact. The idea found in the Fundamental Principles of the Xavierian Brothers, “The gift you have received, give as a gift,” echo throughout the pages: by realigning philanthropy with the talents of each unique individual, Studzinski throws the door wide open for anyone and everyone to contribute meaningfully to their communities. In addition to recognitions from St. John’s Prep for his philanthropic efforts, Studzinski has also been recognized with awards from Pope John Paul II, the Prince of Wales (2014), and was awarded the Beacon Prize for “Most Generous Business Leader.”
Dedicated in September of 2003, the A.E. Studzinski Library is named in honor of Alfred E. Studzinski, father of John ’74 and his brother Edward ’67. Throughout much of the 1970s, Alfred was a tireless volunteer, helping to run the weekly bingo program for a decade. He and his wife, Jennie, were active supporters of the Headmasters Council and were named to the School’s inaugural Hall of Honor. At the time, the 24,000-square foot space was the latest addition to campus since Brother Benjamin Hall was constructed nearly 40 years previously, and fulfilled Brother William Drinan’s vision for a space that provided the means and resources for students to be prepared for learning in the 21st century.
Proposed renderings of the new learning commons in the A.E. Studzinski Library
As St. John's looks ahead at an ever-changing learning landscape marked by rapid innovations in technology and a deeper focus on collaboration and cross-departmental learning, the renovation will establish a learning commons on the main level of the A.E. Studzinski Library. As a centerpiece of this transformation, a dedicated maker space will support hands-on, experiential learning and give students new opportunities to design, build, and explore.
This addition reflects a broader vision to evolve the library into a more dynamic and flexible academic environment, one that honors both the need for everything libraries have traditionally been, and everything they have the potential to be. While many of the fundamental features of the library will remain—the Polimeno Room, the computer lab, Center for Mission and Research space, and of course, stacks for physical books—this generous gift will allow St. John's to reconfigure and augment the current footprint to function as a dynamic, future-ready learning space designed to meet the evolving needs of our students and faculty.
In addition to the maker space, the project will introduce two multipurpose rooms to accommodate flexible instruction and group work. Updated furnishings, finishes, and adaptable learning areas will further shape the learning commons into a welcoming hub that supports both individual study and collaboration.
“Education is not static. It must evolve to meet the demands of a changing world,” said Head of School Dr. Ed Hardiman, Ph.D., P’19 ’21 ’26. “This extraordinary act of generosity allows us to thoughtfully reimagine a central academic space on campus and expand opportunities for experiential learning. We are deeply grateful to John Studzinski and to our Board of Trustees for their vision and commitment to the future of St. John’s Prep.”
Construction will begin following the close of the academic year and is expected to be completed in time for the start of school in September 2026.