Howard and Cara are the parents of graduates Bradley Stirn '68, Kelvin Stirn '73 and Ellen Stirn Mavec '76. Howard Stirn served as President of the Hawken School Board of Trustees from 1980 until 1984, as trustee from 1971 until 1991, and as chairman of the Fathers Representatives from 1970 until 1971. Following his term as President, Howard was elected a Life Trustee, an honor reserved for a select group of former board members. Today he continues to have a strong commitment to Hawken's mission, integrity of our operations, conservation of our core values, and character development of our students.

Howard is noted among the most highly-regarded fiduciaries at the School. Under his leadership of the Board, Howard balanced the School’s budget every year – a first for Hawken. He also oversaw the growing professionalism of the fundraising office. In 1980, alumni participation to the Annual Fund reached 60% and the School began an annual Auction for faculty professional development. Additionally, Howard established a planned giving program, which was later named the Hawken Heritage Society. Howard’s fiscal prudence ensured that Hawken had the resources to become a national leader in independent school education.

During his tenure on the Board, Howard was Chairman of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. He also facilitated the Lyndhurst Campus Renewal Project, the Kindergarten building addition, the Campaign for Hawken, and the establishment of the Mathematic Enrichment Center on the Lyndhurst campus. Howard championed academic excellence, and, with his fellow trustees, made the historic decision to adopt coeducation in the early 1970s.

In appreciation of Howard’s time, talent, and wisdom, he is a member of the Charter Class of Hawken Fellows, the highest honor bestowed upon a member of the Hawken School community.