Story
Meet Randy and Tina Kinard
Randy serves on the Board of Trustees, and Tina is a Corporator. They’ve supported Perkins since 2008.
This story appears in the Summer 2019 issue of In Focus.
Why do you support the organization?
Tina: I have always been impressed with the historic significance of Perkins. It has this wonderful legacy and presence in Watertown. But today, it’s the global reach and influence that stand out to me: the effect it has on the lives of so many children who are blind or deafblind on campus, across the country and around the world.
What about Perkins’ work is particularly important to you?
Randy: For me, it starts with the kids on campus, from infants to young adults. That’s the foundation of what Perkins does. We continue to be on the cutting edge and are doing the very best for our students. There are also new initiatives like the College Success program, which focuses on increasing the odds of students with visual impairment succeeding not only in college, but also in their careers and independent living. And thinking about broader impact, there are teachers from all over the world who come to Perkins so they can better educate children in their home countries.
What excites you most about the future of Perkins?
Randy: Perkins is coming up on its 190th anniversary, and the current leadership has set appropriately ambitious goals for the future. It’s inspiring to think of what Perkins will be doing over the next 200 years.
Tina: Perkins isn’t resting on its legacy, but is actively looking forward, to find new opportunities to help students and all the people they serve.
