PEABODY — St. John’s Prep has received a $1.25 million leadership gift from alumnus John J. Studzinski ’74 to support the renovation of the A.E. Studzinski Library, establishing a dynamic new learning commons designed to meet the evolving needs of students and faculty. Additional contributions from members of the St. John’s Prep Board of Trustees bring the total investment in the project to $1.5 million. The renovation will be funded entirely through philanthropy.
Studzinski, a Peabody native and dual U.S.-U.K. citizen, serves as managing director and vice chairman of the global investment management firm PIMCO. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been widely recognized for his leadership in both business and philanthropy. He is the founder of the Genesis Foundation, which supports early-career artists, and co-founder of the Arise Foundation, dedicated to combating human trafficking and modern slavery.
A 1998 Distinguished Alumnus of St. John’s Prep, Studzinski has long demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning, service, and the School’s Catholic and Xaverian mission. His philanthropic work has earned international recognition, including honors from Pope John Paul II, the Prince of Wales, and the Beacon Prize for “Most Generous Business Leader.”
The A.E. Studzinski Library, dedicated in 2003 and named in honor of Studzinski’s father, Alfred E. Studzinski, has served as a central academic resource on campus for more than two decades. The planned renovation will reimagine the space as a flexible, future-focused learning environment that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and experiential learning.
The project will establish a learning commons on the library’s main level, anchored by a dedicated maker space designed to support hands-on exploration, design, and creative problem-solving. The renovation will also include two multipurpose classrooms, updated furnishings, and adaptable spaces that support both individual study and group work. Existing features of the library — including the Polimeno Room, computer lab, Center for Mission and Research, and physical book collections — will remain integral components of the reimagined space.
“Education is not static. It must evolve to meet the demands of a changing world,” said Dr. Ed Hardiman, head of school at St. John’s Prep. “This extraordinary act of generosity allows us to thoughtfully reimagine a central academic space on campus and expand opportunities for experiential learning. We are deeply grateful to John Studzinski and to our Board of Trustees for their vision and commitment to the future of St. John’s Prep.”
Construction is expected to begin following the close of the academic year and be completed in time for the start of school in September 2026.
