Honoring Dr. John K. Niparko

Dr. John K. Niparko was a founding Board Member of The River School and a world-class surgeon, researcher and scientist, who directly touched the lives of thousands of children here and around the world. Our entire community was deeply saddened by his passing in spring 2016.

It was through his leadership and generosity that our Endowment Fund was established in 2011. Dr. Niparko was its first and largest donor, and the biggest contributor to The River School at that time. To that end, The River School’s Endowment Fund was named the John K. Niparko Endowment Fund in his memory.

Dr. Niparko believed in The River School when it was only an idea.  He saw the need for children with cochlear implants to receive support, not just surgery. He believed all children could benefit from the nurturing and care that a tight-knit, mission-focused community offers. He believed in our future and invested in it.

With the John K. Niparko Endowment, we hold close all that we admired in Dr. Niparko – his kindness, his generosity of spirit, his dedication to his patients and his commitment to improving lives. We will remember him with every step we take in the work we started together.

Why an Endowment Matters

The John K. Niparko Endowment Fund provides a permanent source of support for The River School. Income from the fund strengthens teaching and learning today while protecting the school’s ability to plan boldly for tomorrow.

A strong endowment allows River to:

• Invest in long-term, mission-driven priorities
• Sustain programs even in challenging economic times
• Attract and retain exceptional educators through competitive salaries and benefits
• Maintain our commitment to meaningful tuition assistance

By growing the endowment, we ensure the school can continue to innovate, expand access, and remain resilient for generations of children.