Knights of Distinction

Knights of Distinction Society

Knights of Distinction embody the core values of our school and move them forward in ways that positively impact an ever-changing world. Extraordinary in diverse fields, honorees have uplifted and inspired others and brought honor and pride to Providence Country Day and Henry Barnard.

We celebrate honorees for their professional or academic achievement, leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and public responsibility. These individuals who “Played the Game” with excellence, grace, and character have illuminated and preserved our rich history and enduring values, as well as looked forward in aspirational and innovative ways.

Our Inaugural Class

We are pleased to announce the inaugural class of the Providence Country Day School Knights of Distinction. As part of our Centennial Celebration, we have established the Knights of Distinction Society to recognize those in our community who have embodied the core values of our school and have advanced them in ways that have positively impacted an ever-changing world, bringing honor and pride to Providence Country Day.

This inaugural class, drawn from nominations submitted by our school community, represents the broad span of our great school’s history. We celebrate these honorees for their professional or academic achievement, leadership, teamwork, citizenship, service, and public responsibility. Along with their fellow Knights of Distinction – and those who will follow in future years – they have embodied the school’s “Play the Game” ethos with excellence, grace, and character.

William Andrade ’82 – PGA standout, Payne Stewart Award winner, and prominent philanthropist
David Bazar ’76 – Alumni leader and trustee, President of the Rhode Island Bar Association
Bertram Buxton Jr. ’36, MD – Prominent physician and healthcare leader, Country Day trustee, and parent of five PCD graduates
Elizabeth Chace – PCD parent, grandparent, trustee, and philanthropist
John Chafee ’40 – Decorated veteran of WWII and Korean War, Governor of Rhode Island, Secretary of the Navy, and United States Senator
Lincoln Chafee ’71 – Public servant: Mayor of Warwick, Governor of Rhode Island, and United States Senator
Marcia Hoffer – Business leader, volunteer, philanthropist, and PCD sibling, parent, and trustee
Alanna Meredith Hughes ’01, Ph.D. – Chair, Astronomy Department, Wesleyan University
Earl McClellan ’93 – Religious leader and founder and Lead Pastor of Shoreline City Church, Dallas
Terrence Murray ’58 – National business leader, sportsman, and prominent philanthropist
Richard Philbrick ’42 – Decorated veteran of WWII, Country Day faculty member, and Trustee
Earl Powell ’62, Ph.D. – Art historian and Director Emeritus of the National Gallery of Art
Aaron Samuels ’07 – Poet, Founder, Investor
Judith Speyer – Teaching icon, founder of Country Day’s current-day fine arts program, Freedom Rider
Robert Yee Tow ’55 – Businessman and award-winning photographer
William Twaddell ’59 – Diplomat and former US ambassador to Nigeria

We will honor these individuals and their guests at an on-campus dinner on the evening of Friday, June 21. We are excited to establish this new biennial tradition at Providence Country Day, confident that in coming years, the Knights of Distinction will serve further to convey the impact and influence of our fine school.

Join us for the ceremony!

Nominations for 2026

Nominate a Notable Knight here!

Join us June 21-23, 2024 to celebrate the incredible milestone

Providence Country Day School’s 100th Anniversary!

Friday, June 21

Knights of Distinction
Inaugural Induction Dinner. More information here.

Saturday, June 22

Affinity Activities
Various gatherings on and off-campus for all to reconnect and reminisce. Interested in planning an activity to reconnect with your classmates or affinity group? Contact Cate Massey at massey@providencecountryday.org.

PCD Centennial Gala
6 p.m., Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence

In honor of the school’s founding year of 1923, join us for a Roaring 20’s themed celebration for alumni, faculty, families, and friends of PCD. Celebratory toasts, presentations, and musical performances highlight the incredible 100 year history of the school and the bright future ahead!

Attendance to the event includes hors d'oeuvres, dinner, drinks & dessert for all guests (age 21+). Sponsorships and table hosting opportunities are also available.

Dress code: Formal (Black Tie Optional) - 1920’s theme encouraged!

Get your Gala tickets now

Sunday, June 23

Faculty Breakfast
9:30 a.m., PCD Campus

Join fellow faculty - current and former, PCD and HBS - as we celebrate the educators who have played a part in educating generations of students over the past 100 years! This free event is open to all current and former faculty of both PCD and HBS. RSVP HERE.

Family Field Day
11 a.m., PCD Campus

One of the most popular memories from former students is Field Day (aka “Red & Black Day”). Why not take the opportunity for PCD’s Centennial to have a giant community-wide Field Day? Dress your family in your team color - red or black - and come enjoy a barbecue picnic on campus with other members of our community and their families. Fun competitions for different age groups will give everyone a chance to reminisce and enjoy that nostalgic “Red & Black” rivalry! RSVP HERE.

Other Centennial Events

Knights at Night
☑ Florida: March 2, 2023
☑ PCD Players reunion: May 5, 2023
☑ New York City: May 18, 2023
☑ HBS "Last Hurrah" Gathering: June 17, 2023
☑ Providence: July 13, 2023
☑ Providence: August 24, 2023
☑ Washington DC: September 29, 2023
☑ Holiday Gathering at the Hot Club: Thursday, December 21, 2023
California: TBD

Important Events
Chowder Day: October 14, 2023
Woodruff Legacy Giving Society luncheon: November 18, 2023
Play for PCD Benefit Event: May 13, 2024
Alumni Games: June 2024
Commencement: June 12, 2024

All dates subject to change.

For more information on these events, or to volunteer to coordinate an event near you, please contact the advancement office.