Campaign for the Hun School of Princeton
Leadership Gifts
Joseph Gelb ’56
Joseph Samuel Gelb ’56 attended The Hun School of Princeton during his freshman, sophomore, and senior years. Going by the nicknames “Joe” and “Nate,” Mr. Gelb had a contagious sense of humor, and upon graduating he declared that he would bequeath his laughing ability to a younger classmate. He was heavily involved in School activities during his time as a Hun School student; serving as Sophomore Class President and participating in The Mall, the Edgerstounian, and the Dance Committee.
A sports enthusiast, Mr. Gelb competed on The Hun School basketball and baseball teams, but received the most pleasure from playing on the golf team. In his senior profile in the Edgerstounian, it was noted, “Joe’s sport is golf and on almost any spring or summer afternoon he may be found out on the links.”
After graduating from The Hun School, Mr. Gelb went on to Boston University’s School of Management, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1960. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland in 1963, then studied taxation at New York University’s School of Law. In 1964, he received a Master of Laws from NYU.
Settling in Vineland, New Jersey, Mr. Gelb worked at Rabil, Ropka, Kingett & Hatzell, LLC; a law firm on Chestnut Avenue. He practiced primarily estate planning and corporate law. Joseph Gelb passed away on May 8, 2004. In his will, he declared that $1.2 million of his estate would be donated to The Hun School of Princeton.
The Buck Family
Three generations of the Buck family have attended The Hun School, beginning with Alexander K. Buck ‘49. As a student, Mr. Buck was an active member of the community. A standout on the baseball, football, and basketball teams, he was voted “Best All-Around Athlete” by his classmates. He was also voted “Most Musical,” a nod to his enthusiastic participation in the School’s Glee Club. Just one year after arriving, he was elected Senior Class Vice President. After graduating from The Hun School, Whip went on to great success in the business world, and served on The Hun School Board of Trustees for fifteen years, from 1970 to 1985. He was the Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, and served on the Executive Committee, Education Committee, Nominating Committee, and Faculty Affairs Committee. Mr. Buck has been named a Distinguished Alumnus, a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame, and Alumnus of the Year.
Alexander K. “Sandy” Buck Jr. ‘74 followed in his father’s footsteps as a Hun School student by immediately establishing himself as a dynamic member of the community. He served on the student council, and was elected Senior Class President. A competitive athlete, he was a four-year starting defenseman on the varsity lacrosse team, which he co-captained his senior year. He also played football, wrote extensively for The Mall, and was a member of Red Shield and the Skillman Institute. In spite of his devotion to extra-curriculars at the School, Sandy also excelled at academics, graduating cum laude.
The Buck legacy continued to a third generation in 2002, when Pete’s children, Henry Buck ‘08 and Caroline Buck ‘09 enrolled at the Middle School. Attending classes in the Alexander K. Buck Building named for their grandfather, they were able to appreciate the effect that philanthropy can have on an educational institution, and how they and their classmates were able to benefit from it.
Through the years, Whip Buck has been a constant supporter of The Hun School. His steadfast generosity and that of his family has advanced the School in innumerable ways. Always first in line to help with improvements, he has ensured that our progress is steady and our core values remain constant.
Alan Landis ’61
During his years as a boarding student, Alan Landis ‘61 was an academic and athletic leader. He was a member of The Mall, the Edgerstounian, the Chess Club, and the Music Club. Mr. Landis was also a three-sport athlete. He was a member of the varsity football team, co-captain of the Red Team in 1960-1961, and a member of the varsity basketball and junior varsity crew teams.
As founder and chairman of The Landis Group, Alan Landis is the visionary behind the Princeton Landmark Carnegie Center in Princeton, New Jersey. Mr. Landis is an owner of the New Jersey Nets, New York Yankees, and the Minnesota Vikings organizations, and was a former owner of the New Jersey Devils organization. He also serves on the board of directors of the New Jersey Nets and the Minnesota Vikings, and was a member of the board of directors of Boston Properties, Inc.
Aside from his numerous contributions within the industry, Mr. Landis devotes considerable time to educational and charitable causes. He is an emeritus member of The Hun School Board of Trustees, and has been named a Distinguished Alumnus, a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame, and Alumnus of the Year. He also serves on the advisory board of the New Jersey Chapter of the National Prevent Child Abuse Organization, and is a member of the Executive Committee for The National Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Mr. Landis and his wife Linda reside in New York City. They have two children, Dana and Scott ‘92.