M. Scott Havens ’91 juggles several momentous roles: husband, father, president of business operations for the New York Mets, and—most recently—Commencement Speaker for Loomis Chaffee’s Class of 2025.
“The incredibly gracious invitation came from Head of School Jody Soja and Tim Struthers, who leads development,” Mr. Havens said. “Of course, since my son Tommy is graduating this year—and this is his moment—I had to get his blessing first. He generously gave it, which meant the world to me.”
Mr. Havens reminisces fondly upon his time at Loomis. The second member in his family’s three-generation-long relationship with the school, he was a student during the leadership of John Ratte, who served as the Head of School from 1976 to 1996. Throughout his years on the Island, Mr. Havens witnessed and partook in various Loomis traditions, many of which have transformed into cherished moments.
“It’s hard to choose just one [favorite memory from Loomis], but if I had to, it would be Headmaster John Ratte’s annual reading of A Christmas Carol,” he said, referring to Mr. Ratte’s holiday custom of dressing up in a top hat and tails and reading the Dickens classic to Loomis students—a longstanding tradition begun in 1914 by Mr. Nathaniel Horton Batchelder, the first Head of School. “[Mr. Ratte’s] performance as Scrooge was unforgettable—humorous, moving, and so uniquely Loomis.”
Mr. Havens’ enduring connection to Loomis is evident not only through his family’s generational commitment to the school but also through his dedicated work on the leadership board.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be an involved member of the LC community, especially now as a Trustee of the school,” he said.
In addition to making memories and building lasting relationships, Mr. Havens engaged in intellectual exploration and personal growth on the Island. His numerous successes stem from the Loomis education he received and “the influence of great teachers, mentors, and friends—many of whom [he’s] still close with today,” he claimed.
Yet, beyond impressive skills and career achievements, Mr. Havens primarily attributes his character development to Loomis.
“I’m most proud of the person I’ve become—far more than any title I’ve held or job I’ve done,” he reflected. “Becoming a husband and a father, certainly. But also, trying to live a life marked by integrity, kindness, curiosity, and a sense of fun.”
That sense of fun is certainly perceptible in Mr. Havens’ demeanor. When asked for a sneak peek of his Commencement speech, he joked, “That would suggest I’ve actually finished writing it! Just kidding—but I am still finalizing it a week out.”
Through the speech he’s diligently preparing, Mr. Havens hopes to convey the key message of resilience.
“…Nothing is truly impossible if you set your mind to it,” he remarked. “I [plan on sharing] a few lessons from my own journey, with a special focus on…how to navigate life’s inevitable challenges with purpose and perspective.”
Mr. Havens hopes to inspire LC students to pursue their interests and be fearless in the pursuit of those dreams. Yet he emphasized the significance of building character and crafting personal values at the same time.
“Find something you’re passionate about, set bold goals, and work really hard to reach them,” he offered as advice to the graduating class. “But just as important: be kind, be generous, and treat others well along the way. That combination will take you far—no matter what you pursue.”
