Joyce DiBona Gives Back to Thayer Through a Charitable Gift Annuity

Looking back on her 36-year career in advertising, Joyce DiBona ’59 credits her Thayer typing teacher Hilda Donner P ’59, ’63 with giving her the skills to land a job right out of college. Typing was mandatory then for both boys and girls! The influential teachers Joyce had at Thayer helped her grow an extraordinary career in advertising—and through her participation in the Southworth Society, she hopes to give back to the school that gave her so much.

When she decided to give to Thayer through a Fidelity charitable gift annuity, she remembered the importance her father placed on education. “My father always said there's one thing that's really valuable and important that you can do in life: get a good education,” says Joyce. “Although I didn't know I was going to have a career, I just liked my job and worked hard at it. I think when you do enjoy your work, it's not really a job.”

After college, Joyce says employers were looking for someone who could type; and because of Ms. Donner’s exacting discipline, Joyce could do just that and started work in 1964 in the media department at BBDO—a branch office of one of the largest advertising firms in New York City. Joyce ascended the corporate ladder working in advertising agencies, corporate ad departments (including Gillette), and ultimately starting her own advertising agency in Boston.

Joyce looks back fondly at her time at Thayer, starting at Thayerlands in the seventh grade. In fact all of her siblings attended Thayerlands as well as the Upper School. “It was a very warm, family atmosphere,” she says. She remembers her art teacher Ms. Pennock bringing her class to the studio where the stained glass windows in Frothingham were being made. “It brought the whole process to life,” she says.

Today, Joyce lives with her husband, Bob Weiss, in Boston and Westport. She has served as the class agent since graduation and currently serves on the Thayer Alumni Board. Previously, she was a member of the board of trustees. She is also a Board member of WalkBoston (a pedestrian advocacy group), takes art classes at the Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoys golf and gardening. Joyce and Bob enjoy their nine grandchildren and welcomed their first great-grandchild last fall.

Joyce is making plans for her upcoming 60th reunion on May 4, 2019, and hopes to see many of her classmates back at Thayer to share their memories!