News
Remembering former Perkins Director Kevin Lessard
Kevin Lessard, former Director of Perkins, had a long-lasting impact on the growth and success of Perkins as we know it today.
Kevin Lessard, who served as Perkins Director from 1985 to 2002, passed away in August 2023. Kevin was only the eighth Director of Perkins since its founding, and he had a significant impact on its growth and success. He may be best known for securing the 25-year grant from the Hilton Foundation that built on our work in developing countries and laid the foundation for our modern-day Perkins International.
Kevin joined Perkins as a mobility teacher in 1968 and served as Housemaster in Tompkins Cottage from 1970 to 1974. In 1973, he became Mobility Supervisor and helped lead summer outreach programs focused on work experience and daily living skills. He became Assistant Director in 1979, leading the re-accreditation of the school and developing the Severe Impaired Program. In 1985, he was named Director by the Board of Trustees (a role we now call President). Over the next 17 years, Kevin led several strategic initiatives, including:
- Creating the Infant-Toddler Program
- Renovating the campus to improve accessibility in the cottages and classrooms
- Launching a capital campaign that raised $2 million (a big success in 1986)
- Building the recording studio for the Perkins Library (and hiring Kim Charlson!)
- Expanding the reach of Community Programs from 41 clients to 549
- Hosting the First and Second National Conferences on Deaf-Blindness
- Dedicating the Hilton Building in October 1994
- Addressing a severe shortage of teachers, especially teachers of the deafblind
His most lasting contribution to Perkins was the Hilton Foundation grant, which supported the growth of Perkins international. Before Kevin’s retirement in 2002, Perkins International:
- Reached 50 countries, with field offices in Thailand and Argentina
- Established conferences on deafblindness in Eastern Europe and South Africa
- Provided the first services for deafblind students in China
- Expanded teaching capacity through training, conferences, and model programs
On the Watertown campus, Kevin was a trusted friend of parents, children, alumni, teachers, and colleagues around the world. We thank Kevin for putting Perkins on the path to success and we remember him as one of the giants in a long line of successful Perkins leaders.
As a tribute to Kevin’s contributions to Perkins, his funeral procession drove through the Perkins campus. Kevin Lessard’s obituary has also been published by the funeral home, where friends and colleagues can share memories.
How can I pay tribute to Kevin Lessard?
Help extend Kevin’s indelible legacy by making a gift to the Kevin Lessard Endowment fund at Perkins.
