$10 million gift from Kevin Hoben delivers largest donation in school history, will fund the construction of a major new academic building
When Kevin Hoben stepped onto the campus of Williston Academy back in the early 1960s, he was a young student with a passion for swimming who quickly earned All-American honors in the pool.
Little did he know then that the independent boarding school in Easthampton, Massachusetts, would shape not only his teenage years but also become a lifelong anchor for his personal and philanthropic journey.
That connection came full circle in a remarkable way when Hoben, now a successful business leader and dedicated trustee, announced a $10 million gift to Williston Northampton School — the largest single donation in the institution’s history.
This generous contribution from the Class of 1965 alumnus will fund the construction of a major new academic building, set to become a vibrant hub at the heart of campus. The planned facility, approximately 22,000 square feet, will feature state-of-the-art, light-filled classrooms, collaborative meeting spaces, and a spacious atrium perfect for presentations, gatherings, and everyday student life.
It will house all math and English classes — the school’s highest-enrollment subjects — along with new faculty offices and flexible areas designed to encourage discussion, hands-on learning, and community connection. Construction is expected to begin before the end of 2026 and wrap up in spring 2028, ultimately reshaping the Academic Quad into a more pedestrian-friendly, green space that prioritizes safety and daily campus vitality.
For Hoben, the gift represents far more than bricks and mortar. It is a heartfelt investment in the kind of education that he credits with building his own foundation for success.
As Executive Chairman of Omega Flex, Inc., a global manufacturer and distributor of flexible metal hose products, Hoben has spent decades leading a company with roots in precision engineering and innovation.
He joined Omega Flex in the 1990s after earlier executive roles at Titeflex Corporation, rising to serve as President and CEO starting in 2005 before transitioning to his current chairman role. His professional achievements have provided the resources to give back, but those who know him say his philanthropy is deeply personal and rooted in gratitude.
Hoben has been a steady presence at Williston Northampton for decades. He joined the Board of Trustees in 1998 and holds the distinction of being the school’s longest-serving trustee.
His commitment runs deep: he co-chaired the ambitious Williston Builds comprehensive campaign, which successfully concluded in 2024 after raising more than $86 million from thousands of alumni, parents, and friends.
That earlier effort already delivered tangible upgrades across campus, including enhancements to residential life, financial aid, faculty support, and the annual fund. Hoben’s latest $10 million pledge builds directly on that momentum, ensuring the school can continue evolving its academic programs for future generations.
School leaders have spoken warmly about the impact of his ongoing involvement. Head of School Robert W. Hill III described the gift as transformational, noting that it will boldly advance Williston’s long-term vision for teaching and learning. “Kevin’s legacy will help us serve future generations of faculty and students,” Hill said in the announcement.
“It also serves as a meaningful reminder of the many ways the collective support of alumni, parents, and friends continues to make a difference — today and tomorrow.”
What stands out about Hoben’s approach to giving is its consistency and quiet dedication rather than flash. While many high-profile donors make headlines with one-time mega-gifts, Hoben has chosen a path of sustained engagement. His decades on the board have allowed him to understand the school’s needs intimately — from classroom innovation to community building.
The new academic building is positioned not just as a structure but as a crossroads for daily campus life, emphasizing natural light, indoor-outdoor connections, and adaptable spaces that support modern educational methods.
Planners envision it bridging the residential and academic areas, fostering the kind of serendipitous interactions that often spark the best learning experiences.
This latest gift arrives at an exciting time for Williston Northampton, a school with a 183-year history that blends rigorous academics with a strong sense of community. The institution serves boarding and day students, emphasizing both intellectual growth and personal development. Hoben’s contribution underscores a broader theme in his life: paying forward the opportunities he received as a student athlete and scholar. His swimming achievements at Williston taught discipline, teamwork, and resilience — qualities that clearly translated into his business career and his generous spirit.
Beyond the numbers, the donation highlights how individual alumni can leave an indelible mark on the places that shaped them. Hoben’s story illustrates the power of long-term loyalty. From his days as a competitive swimmer in the 1960s to his current role guiding a publicly traded company, he has remained connected to the values of education, excellence, and service that Williston instilled in him.
The new building will carry forward that legacy, providing light-filled spaces where tomorrow’s students can discover their own passions, form lasting friendships, and build foundations for meaningful lives.
As planning moves forward, the school community is already buzzing with anticipation. Detailed renderings and further updates are expected throughout 2026, with the project designed by Boston-based Annum Architects in collaboration with construction partners.
While the building does not yet have an official name announced, many expect it to honor Hoben’s extraordinary contribution in a fitting way.
In an era when educational institutions face rising costs and evolving demands, gifts like Kevin Hoben’s provide not only financial support but also inspiration. They remind students, faculty, and fellow alumni that the impact of a single person’s generosity — especially one grounded in personal experience and decades of quiet service — can echo for generations.
For Williston Northampton School, this $10 million investment is more than a milestone; it is a bridge from a grateful alumnus’s past to a brighter future for every Wildcat who walks the campus.
Hoben’s philanthropy stands as a powerful example of how success in business and devotion to one’s roots can come together to create something truly lasting.