Meet Parents Executive Committee Chairs Debbie and Jorge Juantorena P’24

The Parents Executive Committee (PEC) is made up of parents of current students, parents of graduates, and even grandparents who volunteer to support the Parents Fund and the college community. The success of the Parents Fund is a direct result of its committed volunteers.

Debbie and Jorge Juantorena, from Brooklyn, NY, parents of a current junior, joined the PEC in 2019 and became cochairs of the committee in 2021. They work closely with Parents Fund staff to help craft solicitations and stewardship pieces, as well as provide feedback throughout the year. They are also instrumental in generating ideas about ways the Parents Fund can raise the funds needed each academic year.

What drew you to become involved with the Parents Executive Committee?

It has really been a convergence of factors. Above all, it was driven by how impressed we were since day one in how Bowdoin carries out its mission of developing young adults for today’s world. Bowdoin does a terrific job of being an academically rigorous college that challenges students to grow while providing the support and encouragement young people need. Second, Debbie had served as a trustee and board chair of our son’s high school, so we were well aware of the importance of philanthropy and engagement by families. People often assume you have to be a megadonor to make a difference, but engagement and contributions from a broader group of families can be even more impactful. Neither of us came from families who were in a position to be donors, so we feel it is our responsibility to contribute now that we’re able to do so. Finally, our involvement in the committee has been a great way to be engaged in our son’s life and meet other families with similar interests.

Given your many other priorities, why do you make time to volunteer as PEC chairs?

If something is important, you make it a priority. The truth is that it doesn’t take a lot of time, and the staff in the development office make it easy for us. It is also rewarding to know you are making a difference and fun to get to connect with other families.

Why is it important to you to support Bowdoin in this way?

People assume college tuition is very high and therefore donations are not needed but, in reality, tuition covers only a portion of a college’s expenses, and endowment income and donations fill in the gap. We see firsthand the benefits our son has derived from Bowdoin, and we want other young people, regardless of their family circumstances, to share in the same opportunities.

What do you know now that you wish you had known when your student first came to Bowdoin?

Two things: One, we wish we had known how inclusive, down-to-earth, and welcoming everyone was. Everyone is just so nice, starting from move-in day, and we think being in Maine promotes that. Two, although we were always fans of southern Maine, we know so much more now about the many great attractions in the region. Visiting Portland and experiencing the many natural attractions in southern Maine has been a real treat.

More information about the Parents Fund and the Parents Executive Committee is available here.