Outstanding Alumni of the Year

Celebrating the impact of esteemed PCDS alumni

Each year since 1990, the PCDS Alumni Association has named an Outstanding Alum or Alumni of the Year (see sidebar for a full list of past Alumni of the Year). These individuals have distinguished themselves in service to their communities, professional achievement, and commitment to PCDS. We are proud to announce that the 2025 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year is the Allison Family.

At a luncheon in their honor on April 25, 2025, the PCDS Alumni Association celebrated the Allison Family as our 2025 Outstanding Alumni of the Year.

The story of PCDS cannot be told without the visionary leadership of Rex L. Allison. One of the School’s eight Founding Trustees, Rex served as President of the Board from 1964 to 1966. Before becoming a prominent figure in the Phoenix business community and founding director of Continental Bank of Phoenix, Rex served as director and senior vice president of Allied Stores in the Pacific Northwest. A true pioneer, Rex was instrumental in creating the world’s first regional shopping center – a prototype that transformed 20th century retailing across the nation.

The Allisons' commitment to the School's success foreshadowed the creation of PCDS’s first endowed faculty chair, the Rex L. Allison Chair for Excellence in Teaching, established by Genevieve and Rex Allison. First awarded in 1988, this distinction is presented annually to a faculty member who exemplifies the highest standards of teaching at Phoenix Country Day School. Two of Genevieve and Rex Allison’s children, Gen Allison Griffin '72 and Geri Allison '75, are PCDS alumnae. Continuing the family legacy, Rex’s son Ken Allison served two decade-long terms on the Board of Trustees. Among other roles, he contributed to the Information Technology and Construction Committees and served as Vice President of Buildings and Grounds, playing a key role in transforming the Lower and Middle School. Notably, Rex and Ken became the first father-son duo to serve respective terms on the PCDS Board of Trustees.

Ken and his wife Becky Allison continued the family tradition by enrolling their three children at PCDS: Kristin '90, Kenneth Jr. '93, and Anne '96. Becky, known by generations of PCDS students as Dr. Allison, has been a stalwart of the PCDS Upper School community since joining the faculty in 1995. A respected English teacher and former English Department Chair, Dr. Allison remains a beloved and influential figure on campus. While at PCDS, members of the Allison family were decorated athletes, respected scholars, and active student leaders. Following their time at the school, each alumnus/a has made meaningful contributions across a variety of fields. Though their paths have been diverse and far-reaching, the Allison family's shared commitment to service, generosity, and impactful living has been woven through each of their lives.