Music at Lowell Is Bob Anino’s Lasting Legacy

Robert “Bob” Anino was inextricably connected to Lowell High School for more than 75 years, first as a graduate of the Class of 1928, then as a faculty member from 1949-75 (teaching Spanish, Math, and Physical Education), and finally as a long-time substitute teacher and die-hard Lowell sports fan who could often be found watching the baseball team play at Big Rec.

But Mr. Anino also had an enduring love of music, including having written the lyrics to the Lowell Hymn and several Lowell cheers. So it came as no great surprise that, when he passed away in 2003, he left a $75,000 bequest to establish the Bob Anino Music Endowment Fund and another $30,000 to establish a perpetual college scholarship fund in his mother’s memory.

Thanks to Mr. Anino’s efforts, along with a matching gift effort led by his friend Bob Swingley ‘46 and a continuing flow of additional donations, the Anino Music Endowment Fund now has a fair market value of nearly $250,000 and has generated over $40,000 for Lowell music programs in just the past five years.

Mr. Anino’s largesse has supported student travel by the Lowell choir and orchestra to Seattle, Chicago, Southern California, and Italy, making it possible for all students to participate by providing financial aid to those in need. The Anino Fund has also provided new acoustic shells to enhance music performances at Lowell and sweatshirts for the Lowell Band. And he has set a great example for others as to how an individual gift can grow to significantly benefit untold future generations of Lowellites. Thanks for all you continue to do for Lowell, Mr. Anino!