Chip MacKelcan Retires
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Theresa Medoff
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On the cover: Chip MacKelcan
A Message from the Head of School:
The language associated with school is often contradictory, or at least, somewhat confusing. For example, the two words most frequently used to describe the ceremony which takes place at the end of high school are: Commencement and Graduation. The former, by definition, means beginning or start whereas the latter connotes the completion or the conclusion. Independent secondary schools generally use the word Commencement in order to be more formal and to remind the participants that their education is far from over. At the college level, the ceremony is usually called Graduation due to the fact that the overwhelming majority of college graduates have completed their formal education.
Although you have always been a polite and respectful magazine audience during my thirteen years as the head of school, right now I know you are wondering where I am headed with this little vocabulary lesson about two words. I assure you there is a point! Last fall, after announcing to the Sanford community that I would be retiring at the conclusion of the 2010–11 school year, the senior class informed me that I had been adopted—that I had become the fifty-fifth member of the class of 2011. A special bond was formed with the seniors and throughout the balance of the school year, there were numerous moments that reinforced our connection for which I will be forever grateful. At the SeniorFaculty Holiday Breakfast, for example, the class presented me with a framed collage of photographs and each senior added their signature to the matting. The girls’ basketball state championship celebration at the Bob Carpenter Center included a cheer from the senior dominated Warrior Zone in which my name was invoked. At Class Day, the class president, Andrew Olivieri, came to the podium and announced that the class gift to the school would include a substantial contribution to the Chip and Deborah MacKelcan Scholarship Fund, which had been established and announced by the Board of Trustees in May. Needless to say, on Commencement Day, wearing the same white jacket formal attire as the young men of the graduating class, I felt fully a member of the Class of 2011. After handing diplomas to the fifty-four real members of the class, my name was called to stand with the graduates to receive recognition from those assembled. What an honor it was to stand with this talented, spirited, and accomplished group.
I feel certain most of you are thinking, “Nice story, Chip, but where is the connection with paragraph number one?” What occurs to me about my adoption by the senior class is the reality of June 10, 2011 as a commencement day rather than as an ending or as a final moment for all of us. After a forty-year career in teaching—the last thirty as a school head—and with the challenge presented each day by Parkinson’s disease, most people assume that I should rest and let others bear the burdens of everyday life. However, the Class of 2011 made it abundantly clear that they expect me—perhaps in a different way than before—to remain actively engaged in the people and projects I hold dear. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the National Kidney Foundation are two of the areas in which I will serve, in this new beginning, the commencement of the next phase of my life. That next phase also will include answering the call to promote great teaching and learning, access and affordability to all who aspire an outstanding education and especially my commitment to help Sanford reach its Centennial celebration in 2030 as a school known for its distinction as a place where no talent lies latent. I urge you to support the new head of school, Mark Anderson, as he builds on the foundation you helped to provide.
My heart and soul will always be here, on these sunny hills. Thank you for thirteen wonderful years.
Douglas W. MacKelcan Jr., Head of School
Meet Mark Anderson Sanford School Head-Elect
Current Position Head of School at Whitfield School, an independent, coeducational college preparatory day school in St. Louis, Missouri.
ACComPlishments At Whitfield
• Increasing faculty and student diversity
• Updating academic and athletic facilities
• Expanding the school’s property
• Tripling the school’s endowment
• Reducing the school’s debt by 15%
• Developing Whitfield 2.0, a faculty-driven school improvement initiative focused on global and local connections, character education and service learning
• Overseeing a dramatic growth in Whitfield’s partnerships with other local non-profits, as well as international outreach efforts
• Implementing an innovative and cost-saving 1:1 laptop computing program
Beyond Whitfield
After becoming a visiting fellow of the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University, Mark returned to serve as a practicum instructor in their master’s program. He also serves as an Aspiring Head Mentor for the National Association of Independent Schools and has led multiple accreditation teams for the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. eduCAtion
• Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri
• Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from Maryville University fAmily
Wife: Nicol Anderson; Children: Stella, age 7, entering Sanford’s second grade in 2011; Finley, age 5, joining Sanford’s kindergarten in 2011; Oliver, age 3
hoBBies Spending time with his family and reading fAvorite food Pizza
Why sAnford
One of the key reasons that Mark was willing to relocate and become our school’s next leader was his belief that Sanford’s exceptional college preparatory program is a strong match for his children. He said: “I truly believe the Anderson family has found the school community we can call home for many years to come. Nicol and I were particularly drawn to the quality of Sanford’s academic, athletic and art programs, as well as the school’s focus on drawing out the talents of every child.”
the future
“I’m excited to lead Sanford as it begins its next 80 years, and I look forward to expanding the rich history and traditions that have been established and refined by Chip and our former heads of school.”
Mark welcomes the opportunity to talk with members of the Sanford community. If you would like to meet or talk with him sometime after July 1st, call 302.239.5263, or send an email to yatesl@sanfordschool.org.
From the top: Head of School-Elect Mark Anderson; The Anderson family; Mark with Sanford basketball players Trevor Cooney, Danielle Fleming, and Megan Yung; Head of School Chip MacKelcan and Mark at an Upper School morning meeting; Mark and Chip walking to the administrative offices in Kidder Hall.
The MacKelcanYears
DOUGLAS “CHIP” MACKELCAN RETIRES
after 13 years as Head of Sanford School
By Theresa Gawlas Medoff
“CHIP HAS BEEN THE CONSTANT FOR OUR SCHOOL, THE ROCK, THE HUMAN EMBODIMENT OF WHAT SANFORD MEANS TO US—A WALKING, TALKING, LAUGHING, LEADING ‘GUIDING PRINCIPLE’ IN OUR MIDST EVERY DAY,” BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT THOMAS J. ALLINGHAM II WROTE IN HIS LETTER ANNOUNCING MACKELCAN’S IMPENDING DEPARTURE.
The Chip MacKelcan family in Louisville, Kentucky in 1981. This photo was featured in a Louisville area magazine article shortly after Chip became headmaster.
hip MacKelcan
seemed to be everywhere around Sanford in the early days of the 1998–1999 school year: greeting parents and students at lower school morning drop-off; waving good-bye to middle schoolers at the end of the day; watching sports games; visiting classrooms and offices; walking around campus; joining parents, faculty, staff, trustees, and alumni at school events. He had been selected that summer by the Board of Trustees to be interim head of school while a nationwide search was conducted for Kristi Kerins’ replacement. It was not long, however, before the entire Sanford community recognized that this veteran educator was the perfect fit for our school, and MacKelcan accepted the board’s offer to be permanent head of school.
Now, after 13 years, we must say good-bye to MacKelcan, who is retiring June 30. His tenure was the longest of any head of school at Sanford not named Sawin. His term here also was the longest he personally spent at any of the six schools he served during his impressive 40-year career in education. MacKelcan was a headmaster for 30 of those years, at four different schools, and an upper school head for five years.
He will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most successful and beloved heads of school in Sanford’s 80-year history. His wife, Debbie, at his side at so many Sanford events, will be missed as well.
“Chip has been the constant for our school, the rock, the human embodiment of what Sanford means to us—a walking, talking, laughing, leading ‘guiding principle’ in our midst every day,” Board of Trustees President Thomas J. Allingham II wrote in his letter announcing MacKelcan’s impending departure.
If he had his wish, MacKelcan would undoubtedly have continued at Sanford for at least a few more years, but he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and felt that he wanted to step out of his position now, before his symptoms began to impact his ability to give his all to what is a very demanding job.
An Educator Through and Through
MacKelcan came to Sanford from Durham Academy in North Carolina, where he had served as headmaster. But he was no stranger to Delaware and its renowned private schools, having grown up in the area and attending Tower Hill School. “Sanford was the perfect match. I knew that I really had come home,” he says. “I really felt that it was a place where my strengths and my experience coincided so well with the needs of the school at the time.”
The son of a medical doctor and a homemaker, he graduated from Tower Hill School in Wilmington. While in high school and college MacKelcan worked summers as a camp counselor in Maine, and it was these experiences, he says, that led him to choose a career in education. “I was inspired by several of my teachers at Tower Hill, and I thought this would be a good life, the opportunity to work with young people. The whole idea of a teaching and coaching life had a lot of appeal,” he told Chris Wheeler, head of Tower Hill School, in an interview for Wheeler’s 2010 book Inside Their Headships. “I think that camp work was another way to confirm that I had some talent, not just working with young people, but organizationally as well. Whether or not I would be going into education was not so much the question, but rather what path I would follow as an educator.”
MacKelcan earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Hobart College. He began his teaching and coaching career at Oak Grove Coburn School, a small boarding and day school in rural Maine. He soon moved to suburban Detroit, where he served at University Liggett School for nine years, starting as an upper school history teacher and coach of basketball and baseball and later holding the positions of director of admissions, assistant head of middle school, and, for five years, upper school head. He was only 28 when he was named upper school head, younger than every member of the upper school faculty.
Chris Wheeler (left), head of Tower Hill School, hosted a reception in Chip’s honor in the spring of 2011.
“SANFORD WAS THE PERFECT MATCH. I KNEW THAT I REALLY HAD COME HOME,” SAYS CHIP. “I REALLY FELT THAT IT WAS A PLACE WHERE MY STRENGTHS AND MY EXPERIENCE COINCIDED SO WELL WITH THE NEEDS OF THE SCHOOL AT THE TIME.”
While at University Liggett MacKelcan met his future wife, who was teaching lower school music there. They have two adult sons: Doug, 35, an attorney with the firm Carlock, Copeland & Stair in Charleston, SC, and Matthew, 32, a singer/songwriter who has released three CDs with his band, The Matt MacKelcan Band, also in Charleston.
MacKelcan spent his summers during his time at University Liggett earning a master of arts degree in liberal studies from Wesleyan University. It was there that he met Peter Buttenheim, former director of advancement at Sanford School. It was the beginning of a lifelong professional relationship. MacKelcan left University Liggett to become headmaster at Louisville Collegiate School in Louisville, KY. Among his proudest accomplishments there was the successful implementation of a fully coeducational program in what had been a girls’ school. When he arrived at the school, the typical graduating class was just 15 students. By the time he left, it was 35. Under his leadership, the school also made great strides in fundraising. Just this past November, Louisville Collegiate honored MacKelcan for his contributions to the school, and part of a new building was named after him.
After seven years, the MacKelcan family moved to Columbus, OH, where Chip became headmaster of Columbus Academy. As in Louisville, his major task was helping the school (formerly all boys) to go coed. Under his leadership that school, too, saw a rise in enrollment and significant achievements in fundraising. He also oversaw a major expansion of the physical facility.
From Columbus Academy he moved on to be headmaster at Durham Academy in North Carolina. He guided the school through a comprehensive process for planning the reconfiguration of its two campuses.
Teacher, Leader, Friend
MacKelcan began his term as interim head at Sanford June 30, 1998. Former Head Kerins had announced her departure just that spring, and the board of trustees was concerned about finding a new head quickly. “Fortunately, Chip was available to serve as interim head. In the fall the board began a search for a permanent head of school and it became clear to us that we already had the individual we wanted,” says Bonnie Meszaros, board chair in 1998. “I remember asking him what he saw as his role on the board and he said he was a voice for the teachers. As an educator, I was sold,” adds Meszaros, who teaches at the University of Delaware.
MacKelcan says that the offer from Sanford to be interim head of school was a bright spot at a very low point in his life. The previous year he had been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, a type of hyperthyroidism that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. His was an unusual case that caused him to lose the sight completely in one eye and nearly lose it in the other.
“When I had my first visit to Sanford in April 1998, I was very self-conscious about my eye, which at the time was turned into the nose,” he admits. “One of the things that struck me from the beginning about this wonderful place was that people at Sanford did not pay any attention to my eye. Instead, they were concentrating on the body of my career, how I was a match for the school, and what the future could be.”
When the faculty was told that October that Chip would be permanent head, there was a standing ovation. “Even during his first few hours as head of school, Chip provided our community with a
Chip lends a lunchtime helping hand to lower school students in 1999.
leadership style and personality that called on the faculty to take the risks necessary to unlock the hidden talents within every child,” says head of middle school Eph Humphreys. “Chip was a ‘player’s coach’ and was always proactive in anticipating the needs of children and then providing the faculty with the necessary tools and support to uncover each student’s unique talent.”
Throughout his tenure, he has had a positive relationship with the faculty, who see him as a leader, fellow teacher, and friend. They appreciate, too, MacKelcan’s emphasis on professional renewal and development, a cause he has espoused throughout his career. Under MacKelcan, Sanford’s commitment to faculty development increased dramatically, both in terms of money available and in the opportunities provided for recognition. Funding for summer study grants has more than doubled, from $15,000 to $35,000; last year 48 faculty members benefited from the program. A grant received from the Edward E. Ford Foundation a few years ago enabled 18 senior faculty members to take a mini-sabbatical together in Italy. Participation in local and regional conferences and professional development opportunities has increased. Faculty are supported in their efforts to start and complete advanced degrees in their field as well.
MacKelcan credits the inspiration of his own teachers, colleagues, and former bosses for helping him to develop as an educator and for setting him on the perfect career trajectory. Sanford faculty have looked to MacKelcan as a mentor, too, someone who recognized their special talents, encouraged them to think widely about how they could strengthen education at Sanford, and provided individual growth and leadership opportunities.
“Chip has been an exceptional leader,” says Stan Waterman, dean of students and assistant director of athletics. “I believe that his most significant contribution has been teaching us all—faculty, students, parents, and friends—about team building. He has a special gift for instilling ideals, principles, and concepts that produce a drive and dedication to be successful.”
Ever humble, MacKelcan is quick to credit the faculty and staff for the quality that is Sanford. “The most important thing that I do here is to hire and retain good people. You can really tell that there is a difference at this school when you are in a Sanford classroom,” he says. “Alumni who have gone on to be successful invariably talk about the inspiration they received from teachers who took an interest in them beyond the classroom, and that is a special strength at Sanford.”
Connecting with Students, Parents and Alumni
MacKelcan has an amazing memory. He knows the names of every student, and often knows details about their interests and accomplishments. He remembers the names of parents, siblings, and grandparents as well. But it’s more than memory. He demonstrates a real interest and concern for students and their families. Family has always been important to MacKelcan, he says, and one of the aspects of Sanford that he values most has been the fact that the Sanford community truly is a family.
No matter what the Sanford event, be it a play, concert, sports game, or award ceremony, students know that MacKelcan will be there to support them. On busy sports days, he will move from field to field to catch as much action as he can. Of course, he also follows students’ academic achievements closely, and of late there have been many such accomplishments to celebrate, including two Presidential Scholars, numerous National Merit Scholars, and countless other honors.
Sanford lifer Katie Grant ’11 entered Sanford kindergarten the same year MacKelcan joined the school. She has vivid memories of him even from back then. “I remember one of the first days of school, when
“HE ALWAYS MAINTAINED HIS FIRMNESS OF PURPOSE AND HIS COMMITMENT TO THE HEART AND SOUL OF WHAT SANFORD IS. TO PARAPHRASE MARTIN LUTHER KING’S DEFINITION OF A LEADER, CHIP HAS A TOUGH MIND BUT A TENDER HEART,” SAYS DEDE JOHNSTON.
the seniors came to lower school to walk us to the quad for the first assembly. Mr. MacKelcan came with them to greet us, and he walked and talked with us and held our hands,” she says. “Throughout lower school, all of us thought of him as a kind of Papa Sanford. He was always friendly and knew everyone’s name.
“Sanford will be really different without him. He’s been a great headmaster; he’s been all I could hope for.” Katie’s brother, Lucas Grant, is a rising Sanford junior.
Sanford parents know that MacKelcan has always been approachable. He attends every Home and School meeting and at school events takes the time to talk with as many parents as possible. Parents trust that he always puts the interests of the students first.
“I have enormous respect, admiration, and gratitude for him,” says Dede Johnston, retired educator, three-term board member and mother of Caroline Johnston Polisi ’00. “He always maintained his firmness of purpose and his commitment to the heart and soul of what Sanford is.
To paraphrase Martin Luther King’s definition of a leader, Chip has a tough mind but a tender heart.”
MacKelcan has made a concerted effort, too, to reach out to alumni.
From the beginning he has taken an interest in Sanford’s history, and he knows as much about the school as most anyone, thanks to some coaching from alumna and long-time teacher Jackie Pitts ’55. He notes that Mother Sawin was truly ahead of her time in founding a school where students from ages 3 to 18 would interact daily. Most private boarding schools at that time were strictly for grades 7–12 or 9–12. The family-like environment that was developed in those early days continues to this day at Sanford. “Those early years and early alumni have greatly influenced who we are today,” MacKelcan says.
Recognizing that alumni have much to contribute to Sanford, MacKelcan has worked to bring back those who have lost touch. Mitch Hill ’73 is one such person. “I can’t thank Chip enough for contacting me and encouraging me to reconnect, ” says Hill, who has done much to bring radio broadcasting back as a student activity at Sanford. “Thirty-plus years after I graduated, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to connect with today’s students. But all I had to do was see the look of inspiration and ambition on the students’ faces, to see the way they interact with each other and how they value the school. It inspired me to be an involved alumnus.”
MacKelcan believes that alumni are the key to Sanford’s future, and he is proud to note that alumni who do reconnect with the school are reassured to learn that Sanford continues to build on the past and retain the core values that make the school unique.
Significant Accomplishments
MacKelcan’s accomplishments at Sanford are many. There are two, however, of which he is most proud: 1) that the Sanford community’s pride in itself and the school’s reputation in the community now reflect accurately our mission and quality; and 2) the successful completion of a major plan to improve campus facilities.
“For us to be able to call ourselves a peer school of the other independent schools in the region was important to me. It was already true that we were in their same league, but we needed to get that message out there,” he says. “I don’t think you would find anyone now who sees Sanford as in any way lesser than the other schools.”
Patrick Bassett, president of the National Association of Independent Schools, agrees: “Sanford School is widely known in independent school circles as a very healthy and successful institution, and that success is attributable in large part to the leadership and vision that Chip has shown over these past 13 years.”
Alumnus and Sanford trustee Mitch Hill ’73 chats with Chip about the strengths of Sanford School.
One of MacKelcan’s first moves toward that goal was to add the words “college preparatory” to the school’s mission to reflect what was already the case. He also sent faculty out to conferences and the community to secure the professional recognition that was rightfully theirs, and in so doing to add to Sanford’s prestige. He worked with faculty and administrators to strengthen the school’s educational program and to foster better collaboration across departments and divisions. “We needed to emphasize that we were one, comprehensive JK–12 school,” he notes.
During MacKelcan’s tenure, Sanford has made great strides in improving its fundraising, facilities, and campus. The Annual Fund grew quickly when MacKelcan joined the school, doubling to $360,000 within the first three years. Sanford is now able to boast 100 percent participation in the Annual Fund among faculty and staff, an achievement that has been noted with envy by other independent schools both locally and nationally. While growing the Annual Fund, Sanford also embarked upon an ambitious $10 million capital campaign to fund major improvements to campus. Sanford’s largest previous capital campaign had been $3 million, so it was a bit of a stretch, but the Sanford family did it. The investment allowed Sanford to attend to an enormous amount of deferred maintenance and build much-needed new facilities.
A deteriorating Stephen May Hall was razed and rebuilt larger and with more modern technology capabilities, but still in a style that recalled the beloved older building that had begun life as a barn and been converted into a dorm and classroom building. The lower school was expanded and modernized, allowing the fourth grade to be located in the same building as grades K–3 (and now JK as well). The lower level of Geipel Gym was revamped for after-school care.
The Sawin Math/Science building received a new, green roof—making Sanford the first school in Delaware to have a green roof. Additional green improvements were made throughout campus, including new windows and lighting fixtures. All three divisions benefited from new science and computer equipment. In addition, athletic fields were added, and roads and parking lots redone.
MacKelcan is justifiably proud of the development of community service at Sanford. Community service has been a lifelong passion for MacKelcan, who says he learned about its importance from his father. As a student at Tower Hill, MacKelcan received the Trustees Award for Service.
As he had at his previous schools, MacKelcan has encouraged Sanford students and faculty alike to commit themselves to service. He remains most proud, he says, that the Martin Luther King Day of Service that he instituted six years ago has been embraced wholeheartedly by Sanford students and teachers. It will be among his lasting legacies.
His watch saw the organization of volunteers, under the leadership of Jackie Pitts ’55, to clean up debris in Chapel Valley and relandscape the area. The pond, dam, and stream that lead into Chapel Valley were also restored.
Sanford students regularly go out into the community as volunteers as well. Service to Sanford and the wider community has always been part of the ethos of Sanford School, but MacKelcan has promoted it more assiduously than did some of his predecessors. He notes with pride that numerous young alumni have told him that the commitment to community they learned at Sanford has influenced their career and life choices.
MacKelcan also walks the walk. Many in the Sanford community know that five years ago he donated a kidney to his wife’s cousin’s husband. He is active in the community as well and has served on the vestry of Saints Andrew and Matthew Church and on the Delaware Symphony Board of Directors, in addition to many hours devoted to education-related service.
More than anything, however, MacKelcan has remained committed to the mission of Sanford. “‘No Talent Lies Latent’ is not just a motto for Chip; it is a mandate always to uncover and cultivate what is best in each
In 2001, Chip (second from right) lead a groundbreaking ceremony with Gary Wilkinson who was president of the Sanford Board of Trustees, former Head of Sanford School Nancy C. Sawin, and Sanford parent Leonard Iacono.
of our children. And in the ‘hands on’ way he has responded to that mandate, walking our campus every day and touching the lives of every Sanford student—junior kindergarteners to seniors, musicians, athletes, singers, dancers, everyone—he has inspired others to hold those words equally dear,” Allingham notes.
Leadership in the Education Community
MacKelcan has been active in educational organizations and professional development throughout his career, including service on the board of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the board of the Elementary Commission of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. He is a member of the Country Day School Heads Association. He has been a speaker at many conferences and workshops, and he has served on and chaired several school evaluation teams.
“I always believed that it was important for a head of school to be involved, to get out there and share and learn from others and to find ways for collaboration to take place,” MacKelcan says. “My participation has benefited me as well as the schools I served.”
He was elected to the presidency of three state independent-school organizations (Kentucky, Ohio, and Delaware). While head of school at Sanford, he also was elected by his peers to the presidency of the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS), an organization serving 135 independent schools in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey. MacKelcan was the first head of school from outside Pennsylvania to hold that important position, which requires a six-year commitment. He finishes up his term this year.
“Chip was the right person to lead ADVIS, and the organization benefited tremendously from his wisdom, knowledge, and experience,” says Barbara Kraus-Blackney, executive director of ADVIS.
“Together with being a person of great integrity, he has superb listening skills. He knows when to listen and when to speak, and he always speaks thoughtfully. Of all the presidents I have dealt with, he also stands out as the most considerate. I have been lucky to have served with him.”
In April MacKelcan was honored at reception held at his alma mater, Tower Hill School, that was attended by the administration and boards of trustees from both schools as well as the heads of all the independent schools in Delaware. It was announced there that an anonymous donor had established a financial aid scholarship at Tower Hill in MacKelcan’s name, an acknowledgement of MacKelcan’s commitment to making independent education available to those who would not otherwise be able to afford it.
The End of an Era
The departure of MacKelcan marks the end of an era for Sanford, but also an opportunity for new growth and development. MacKelcan was deeply involved in helping to interview the new head of school, Mark Anderson. It is his fervent hope that in the years to come, Anderson will continue to build upon Sanford’s rich history and strong community.
Although MacKelcan will be retiring, he promises to keep in touch and to continue to follow Sanford, its students, and alumni. He adds that he will value his time at Sanford as among the best years of his career.
“I WANTED TO BE AN AGENT FOR POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT AT SANFORD, AND I HOPE PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT I WAS,” HE SAYS. “I HAVE NEVER THOUGHT OF WHAT I DO AS A JOB; IT IS A CALLING. I HOPE THAT WHEN PEOPLE THINK OF ME, THEY WILL REMEMBER ME AS SOMEONE WHO CARED A LOT ABOUT PEOPLE, SOMEONE WHO CARED ABOUT EVERY STUDENT AND EVERY FACULTY MEMBER HERE.”
THE MACKELCAN YEARS AT
Chapel Valley Upper Fields are built.
Chip MacKelcan is appointed interim head of Sanford School in June.
MacKelcan is named permanent head of school in October.
Below: Chip (right) with capital campaign supporters
Debbie and Chip MacKelcan attend a series of regional alumni events along the East Coast as part of Sanford’s 70th Anniversary year.
Capital campaign grant writing begins with positive responses from area foundations and trusts.
Sanford faculty begins a yearly donation of 100% to the Annual Fund.
The “Shaping Our Future” campaign brochure is mailed to the entire Sanford community.
Phase II of the campaign begins with the unveiling of the plans for the new Stephen May Hall.
School hosts “Stephen May Day” in May to say good-bye to the old building.
The old Stephen May Hall is torn down in June.
Phase II of the capital campaign begins in the fall with the site preparation for the new Stephen May Hall.
The old Stephen May Hall is razed. Although a more modern facility replaced it, the new building reflected the heritage and style of the original structure.
The “Buy a Brick” project is launched. Over 250 bricks are sold, and they are placed along the sidewalks in The Quad.
A grant is submitted to the Edward E. Ford Foundation seeking professional development support for the 56% of the upper school faculty who are in the last quarter of their careers.
Reconstruction and roof-raising begin in Albright Hall in the summer as Phase III of the capital campaign gets underway.
Sanford inaugurates its first student-faculty Honor Council in upper school.
The “Shaping Our Future” campaign reaches $9.6M.
1998 . 1999 . 2000 . 2001 . 2002 . 2003 . 2004 . 2005
Restoration of Chapel Valley commences— headed by Jackie Pitts ’55. This project is on-going to the present day.
All-School UNICEF Drive is reintroduced.
Edward E. Ford Foundation and the Home & School Association each contribute $50,000 to refurbish the upper school science laboratories.
The Campaign Leadership Committee announces “Shaping Our Future: The Campaign for Sanford” with a goal of $10,000,000.
Phase I of the campaign begins in the summer of 2001. The entire campus is turned upside down with new roads, new parking, new underground wires/ pipes, new bio-retention ponds, new lighting, new planting and more.
Despite very bad weather, the footings are poured for the new Stephen May Hall in January.
Steel superstructure is erected for the new Stephen May Hall in February.
Planning for the renovation and expansion of Albright and Yearsley Halls (lower school) begins, but Phase III of the capital campaign is pushed back to 2004.
Planning begins for the gala 75th Anniversary Year of Sanford (2005).
Upper school English, history, world languages, and studio arts classes begin in the new Stephen May Hall in September.
Chip MacKelcan is named president of the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools—the first non-Pennsylvania Head so honored.
After Phase III work on Albright Hall is completed for grades 2–4, work begins immediately on the transformation of Yearsley Hall—for grades K and 1 plus a new lobby, a new office, a new library, a new computer room, and a new science lab.
75th Anniversary events begin with an all-school convocation in April.
Home & School Association matches another Edward E. Ford grant—for upper school faculty professional growth and development.
Nancy C. Sawin, Gordon Schofield, and Sara Yearsley.
Chip reads to lower school students in the 1990s, a tradition he continued throughout his career at Sanford.
SANFORD 1998 through 2011
Assistant to the Head of Lower School
Rita Dietrich (at that time the librarian in Lower School) and friends take part in Sanford’s first MLK Day of Service.
Martin Luther King Day of Service (JK–grade 12) is launched in January.
75th Anniversary
Sanford Student Art Exhibit is mounted at the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts. Students, parents, faculty, and alumni attend in record numbers.
Yearsley Hall is completed and dedicated in early February. The Sandra Hammonds Library opens to great acclaim.
The Annual Fund reaches $500K for the first time!
Two auctions of Nancy Sawin’s famous “collectibles” in October and November bring hundreds of people to campus.
Chip MacKelcan takes a minisabbatical to Massachusetts to donate one of his kidneys to his wife’s first cousin’s husband.
The entire senior class works at the Food Bank of Delaware on MLK Day of Service—beginning another annual tradition.
New Master Plan process gets underway in anticipation of a new strategic plan initiative.
Helen Vermeychuk, a beloved English teacher and chair of the English department, dies suddenly in early April.
A green roof (the first one in a Delaware school) is installed on the Nancy C. Sawin Math & Science Building.
Fall Homecoming is dedicated to Jackie Pitts ’55 for her fifty years of devoted service to Sanford.
Sanford makes history when the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are the first school in the state to win championships in the same season.
MacKelcan announces retirement in October.
Below: Chip joins upper school students in a storytelling session for kindergartners during National Library Week in 2010
Debbie and Chip MacKelcan, honored several times in 2011, enjoy a quiet moment at Chris Wheeler’s reception.
Chip MacKelcan’s last day at Sanford
. 2007 . 2008 . 2009 . 2010 . 2011 . June 30, 2011
Chip addresses graduates and guests at commencement in 2007.
Sanford’s wrestling coach, Mark Bosick, is named Delaware Wrestling Coach of the Year.
The Board of Trustees— reluctantly—puts the Sanford Center (performing arts facility) fundraising on hold due to the economic downturn.
Memorial Day Observance reinstituted.
Sanford participates in Power Up Gambia, a local nonprofit’s effort to raise awareness about alternative energy while raising money for a hospital in The Gambia.
At Homecoming, Wilson Hall is dedicated to the entire Wilson family on the occasion of Father David Wilson’s 50th reunion.
The upper school Punkin Chunkin team established a new world record in the Youth Trebuchet division of the nationwide competition when they launched a pumpkin 832 feet.
History repeats itself when the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams successfully defend their state titles, becoming the first school to win back-to-back championships in the same season.
Celebrating with Chip this year were: Chip’s sister Mary Lee MacKelcan and Sanford staffer Nancy Holland; Sanford employees Becky McCudden and Laura (right) and Ken Gaylor; and, Sanford board member Synthia Wong.
Home & School News
Well, there weren’t any Academy Awards presented during this year’s Home & School Auction, but Sanford went Hollywood for this year’s event at Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club. Parents, board members, and employees walked down the red carpet and enjoyed an evening where lights, cameras, and a spectacular auction awaited them. Thanks to the generosity of the Sanford community and the hard work of a committee chaired by Pam Allingham, Janet Stern, Melody Stevens, and Diane Davenport, the auction brought in about $141,000 that will directly benefit Sanford students.
11.
12. Sanford parents Kathy and Jay Healy
To view and purchase more photos from this year’s auction, visit www.pattonpro.com/ sanford. The password is sanauc2011. 7. Sanford parents Lynn and Mike
From the top left:
1. Auctioneer David Silverman
2. Melissa and Bill Lafferty, Sanford parents
3. Auction co-chair and Sanford parent Diane Davenport
4. Volunteers prepare for checkout at the auction.
5. Middle School Head Eph Humphreys with Sanford parents Karl Steiner and Deborah Stelling
6. Sanford parents Sharon Watson and Melody Stevens (auction co-chair)
Zbranak 8. A few of the auction items on display 9. Sanford parents Reed and Alice Johnston 10. A star on the Sanford Walk of Fame
Sanford soccer coach Dan Bloom with his wife, Missy, who also teaches in lower school
spotlight on ATHLETICS
Our Sanford WARRIOR fans are among the best around! At volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, or any of the other sports we offer, we support our teams in good times and bad. We cheer on our student-athletes in a positive manner. We offer words of support following a loss, but shower our athletes and coaches with congratulatory messages after a big win!
Sanford WARRIOR fans come in all sizes. At many of the games leading up to the basketball state championship victories for our girls’ and boys’ teams, Sanford fans, from our youngest to our oldest, were in attendance at all contests. The Sanford blue and gold was on display by our very large fan base at The Bob. Our wonderful Sanford Pep Band, comprised of middle and upper school students and performing arts faculty members, and upper school boys in their signature “morph” suits contributed some additional Sanford WARRIOR spirit to the championship titles. Following the tournament, I had colleagues from the athletic director ranks in Delaware comment on the wonderful fan support shown for our teams. They were especially impressed by our large fan following considering the relatively small size of our school!
I want to thank all of our Sanford WARRIOR fans for the wonderful support shown to all of our Sanford teams throughout the year at the many middle and upper school contests that we play. Your support to our players is important, and I THANK YOU!!!
Sincerely,
Joan
S.
Samonisky, Director of Athletics
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
STATE CHAMPIONS, DISC Champions
1st Team All-Conference: Naiesha Brown, Andréa Hines, Anjaleace White
2nd Team All-Conference: Johanna McMillan
Honorable Mention: Danielle Fleming
1st Team All-State: Naiesha Brown, Andréa Hines
3rd Team All-State: Anjaleace White
Blue/Gold Game: Naiesha Brown, Andréa Hines
McDonald’s All-American Nominees: Naiesha Brown, Andréa Hines
1,000th career point: Naiesha Brown
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
STATE CHAMPIONS, DISC Champions
1st Team All-Conference: Trevor Cooney, Deon Jones, Khallid Hart
2nd Team All-Conference: Sabri Thompson
Honorable Mention: Austin Ford
1st Team All-State: Trevor Cooney, Deon Jones
2nd Team All-State: Khallid Hart
1000th Career Point: Deon Jones
Blue/Gold Game: Trevor Cooney, Deon Jones
McDonald’s All-American Nominees: Trevor Cooney, Deon Jones
News Journal Player of the Year: Deon Jones
SWIMMING
1st Team All-Conference: Annie Bruxelles
2nd Team All-Conference: Becca Davies, Jennifer Ehret, Lucy Benson, Michael Ehret,
2nd Team All-State: Annie Bruxelles
DISC Champion/1st Team All-Conference:
DISC 2nd Team All-Conference: Parker Landau
DISC 3rd Team All-Conference: Oliver Fleischmann, Josh Katz
Delaware Wrestling Alliance
Academic All-State Team
1st Team: Josh Katz
2nd Team: Nate Reynolds
Honorable Mention: Oliver Fleischmann
2011 Winter Honors
INDOOR
TRACK
COACH OF THE INDOOR TRACK TEAM, ALSO COACHES CROSS COUNTRY IN THE FALL.
indoor track
SWIMMING
swimming
MIKE HOLLOWAY, HEAD
TWELVE SENIORS WERE ON THIS YEAR’S SWIM TEAM.
WRESTLING
THIS YEAR, THREE SANFORD STUDENTS WERE NAMED TO THE DELAWARE WRESTLING ALLIANCE ACADEMIC ALL-STATE TEAM.
Meet the of Sanford School
Editor’s Note: The Sanford School Board of Trustees is a diverse group of individuals who contribute their intellect, creativity and other talents to benefit Sanford School. In this issue, we present three members of this dynamic organization.
Tom Allingham, Board President: Tom is a partner in the global law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where his practice is concentrated on corporate litigation. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School and of Williams College, Tom has been a member of the Sanford Board since 2005 and was elected Board President in 2007. Tom and his wife Pam (at left), who recently co-chaired the 2011 Sanford Home & School Auction, have been Sanford parents since 2002, when son Hank (Class of 2006) entered 9th grade. They are also the proud parents of daughter Lily, a Sanford “lifer” who will be entering 6th grade this September. Tom was honored to lead the Head of School Search Committee that brought Mark Anderson to our school. His interests include the Phillies, theater, and building and riding bicycles.
Jim Dalle Pazze, Special Counsel to the Board of Trustees: Jim is a founding partner of the Wilmington, Delaware law firm of Herdeg, du Pont & Dalle Pazze, LLP, where the main emphasis of his practice is in taxation, estate planning, and business planning. A graduate of Rider College, Delaware Law School, and Georgetown University Law Center, Jim has been practicing law since 1978. Jim became special counsel to the board in 1995, and he also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Reef Environmental Education Foundation in Key Largo, Florida and Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama. In addition to supporting several professional and community service organizations over the years, Jim served as a member and chairman of Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s U.S. Military Academy Selection Board from 1989 to 2008 while Mr. Biden was a United States Senator. From 1984 to 1995, Jim was an adjunct professor of law at Widener Law School. Jim has been an avid scuba diver and underwater photographer since 1972. He and his wife, Janice, have two children: Laura Marie and Mark Matthew ’06
Charles Fleischmann: Charles, wife Blair and son Oliver live on a farm near Oxford Pennsylvania. Oliver has been a Sanford student since lower school. Charlie has at various times been a salvage diver; the breeder, owner, trainer and/or rider of Steeplechase horses and Three Day Event horses in the US and Europe; a custom hay operator and farm manager; the head of development and IT for a phone company; a partner in a custom software development and integration company that is now part of Microsoft; and is now back custom farming. Currently he is a supervisor for Upper Oxford Township and serving on the board of the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup and Chesapeake Search Dogs. Having attended several different boarding and prep schools, he finds that Sanford embodies the “best of breed” from those past educational experiences.
OnCampus
Muzzy (Annie Rose Baum) enjoys the company of two men (Marcus Bradley and Philip Donahue) while performing “Life is a Holiday.”
From March 3 through 6, the Sanford Repertory Theatre Company presented Thoroughly Modern Millie. More than 1,600 tickets were sold for four thrilling performances in Geipel Gymnasium. According to Performing Arts Chair Clint Williams: “Audience members told us that this was the best SRTC musical they’ve attended in years. Every role was perfectly cast, and we were lucky to have this group of students assembled at this time in SRTC history.”
Above: Millie (Zoë Batt Stern) becomes a “modern” at the conclusion of the opening number while the ensemble strikes a final pose.
Left: Jimmy (Thaddeus J. Potter) discusses his future with Millie (Zoë Batt Stern) while being locked up in prison.
Left: The ensemble wows the crowd during the opening number “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
Far left: Senior SRTC members gather for a final farewell photo after their last musical at Sanford.
Millie (Zoë Batt Stern) and Miss Dorothy (Kathryn Marshall) sing about the excitement of “Living Like the Other Half.”
OnCampus Sanford soars in
visual
Ritter earns national recognition in Scholastic competition
sophomore Sophie Ritter won a national American Vision medal in this year’s Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. More than 180,000 works were submitted for review, and only the top 1,500 were recognized in the national competition. Earlier this year, Sophie won an American Vision Award at the regional level, which includes entries from all schools in the state of Delaware. The awards were presented to Sophie for her coffee filter dress (shown at right).
In addition to Sophie, more than forty Sanford middle and upper school student-artists received regional awards in this year’s Scholastic competition. The awards—Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention—are based on: level of technical proficiency, originality, and emergence of a personal style, expression, or voice. Gold and Silver Key winners received a lapel pin, and all winners received certificates and DVDs. Regional award recipients also were honored at a ceremony this winter in Dover, Delaware.
Left: Sophie Ritter’s award-winning dress was made almost entirely of coffee filters.
Below: Tommy Kim’s Couch Potato
Above: Tom Stevens’ The Eiffel Mountain Right: Steven Torres’ Arboreal Flame
arts
ARTS ORGANIZATION COMMENDS SANFORD ARTISTS
The Delaware Foundation for the Visual Arts (DFVA) is recognizing two studentartists in this year’s Excellence in Drawing Calendar Competition. Senior Tommy Kim won a first place scholarship of $1500 for his portfolio, and a drawing created by sophomore Anna Filak will be published in the 2012 DFVA Calendar. The Delaware Foundation for the Visual Arts is a nonprofit, membership organization dedicated to the preservation of the arts.
SEVERAL STUDENTS HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING ARTWORK
The Big Picture, a gallery and framing shop in Hockessin, Delaware, recently sponsored a student art show in which senior Renee Ou won first place for a collage, made of hand painted papers, and senior Christy Wang won fourth place for her colored pencil self-portrait. In addition, middle school student Anneli Wingerts won the first place award for the eighth grade in the DART First State Eleventh Annual Transit Theme Poster Contest.
Sanford’s regional award winners
7th Grade Students
Silvana Alfieri
Laura Davies
David Kelly
Sophia Teixido
8th Grade Students Category
Erik Lundberg
Kelsey Mendell
Samantha
Steven Torres
9th Grade Students
Zoe Zabel
10th Grade Students
Lucy Benson
Anna Filak
Valerie Medoff
Alex Rubin
11th Grade Students
Haley Dabkowski
Chas Frick
Amber Genwright
Phoebe Hering
Natalie Huang
Guinevere Pitcher
Profera
Qiu
Sophie Ritter
Emily Widdoes
Painting The Curious Case of the Little Oysters Honorable Fashion Ocular Brassiere Silver Key
12th Grade Students Category
Title of Work Award
Annie Bruxelles Mixed Media My Beautiful Cousin Honorable Mention
Tommy Kim Drawing The Souls Gold Key Painting Couch Potato Gold Key
Renee Ou Mixed Media Happy Birthday Gold Key
Tom Stevens Digital Art The Eiffel Mountain Silver Key
Christy Wang Photography Tennis Honorable Mention Film and Video Winners
Title of Work Award
Nick Coviello, Megan Kozar, and Kira Stevens The Sanford Ghost Honorable Mention What to Do Honorable Mention
Maddie Wojnisz, Corrie Struthers, and Taylor Denham The Road to History Honorable Mention
Emily Simonton, Sam Grandel, and Weston Schlack The Excursion Silver Key
Jay Chung, Katie Pustolski, and Patrick Francois Stink Bugs Silver Key
Peter Walpole, Shaun Martin, and Valerie Medoff
Buried Life
Portfolios: Four senior artists entered portfolios, each with eight pieces and an essay that explains the role art plays in their lives. All four students won recognition for their portfolios:
Howard Blake
Portfolio
Ariel Jicha Art Portfolio
Tommy Kim Art Portfolio
Katie Pustolski
Sophie Ritter and Tommy Kim
Haley Dabkowski’s painting Dog Dreams Pudiate consenita dolo core cusdam.
Kudos Kudos Kudos Kudos
OnCampus
Bravo to our All-State Band members
Three students were selected for All-State Band this year. The All-State Senior Band members are seniors Hannah Wagner (clarinet) and Katie Grant (4th chair flute). Seventh grade student Jessica Zbranak (clarinet) was selected for the All-State Junior Band. Earlier this year, the talented musicians performed at the All-State Band Concert in Dover, Delaware.
Brown receives AAUW honor
Elizabeth Brown was recently recognized during the twelfth annual American Association of University Women (AAUW) Award Luncheon for Excellence in Science & Mathematics at the University of Delaware. The event, which honors one eleventh-grade girl from every Delaware high school with a junior class of 35 or more students, is designed to recognize academic excellence, encourage higher education and careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics’ fields, and promote equity for girls and women.
Duan is National Merit winner and Best of Class
Cindy Duan has been selected as the winner of the National Merit AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Scholarship, a corporate-sponsored National Merit award. The Sanford senior also recently participated in the 6ABC Best of Class ceremony at Drexel University. Cindy was one of 250 high school students selected as their school’s top student. The annual event, which is designed to celebrate academic excellence, provides students with an opportunity to interact with one another and to share their success stories via television and the internet.
Middle school writers continue winning streak
Trevor Schlack, an eighth grader in Christine Yasik’s English class, recently was recognized for his essay in a Black History Month writing contest sponsored by the News Journal in Education Program. Trevor competed against hundreds of students from Delaware and surrounding states and earned second place honors in the grades 5–8 category for his paper “What Diversity Looks Like to Me.” In addition to being recognized for his accomplishments at school and in the newspaper, Trevor won a $50 cash prize. Sanford middle school students have been participating in the News Journal in Education writing contests for thirteen years, and they have earned recognition for their talents every year.
Abishek selected for leadership program
The Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminar is a widely acclaimed international program, begun in 1958 when actor Hugh O’Brian returned from Africa where had spent an inspiring nine-day visit working and talking with the preeminent humanitarian, Dr. Albert Schweitzer. Since that time, the HOBY leadership seminars have been conducted on an annual basis and have motivated thousands of students across the United States to become even more involved in leadership and volunteer activities. Each year, one sophomore from each school in the state of Delaware is selected to attend the three-day leadership seminar. Selection is based on demonstrated leadership ability, service, and communication skills. Congratulations to this year’s HOBY ambassador from Sanford, Robert Abishek
Jessica Zbranak
Katie Grant
Hannah Wagner
Sanford Snapshots . Sanford Snapshots . Sanford Snapshots
The 2010–2011 academic year was filled with hands-on learning, enchanting events, and special visitors who enriched our students’ academic and extracurricular programs. Here are snapshots from a few of this year’s highlights.
A medical helicopter lands on the playground Junior kindergartners
GrandSpecial day pays students a visit
Children had the opportunity to talk with the pilot and crew and see the inside of the helicopter.
Lower schoolers had a ball when the mascot from the Wilmington Blue Rocks brought his grand slamming act to campus.
Thanks to first grade parent and EMT Lisa Carr, who arranged the visit, students landed in just the right place to learn about medical helicopters and the teams that use them.
Magical moments were created when Sanford’s youngest students became characters from another time and place.
Left: Sanford parent Al Opher (right) and his daughter, Camille, were among the special guests who attended.
Right: Heartwarming performances included third graders square dancing to “Buffalo Gals.”
DevelopmentUpdate
Dear Sanford Friends:
For those of you who have followed my comments in Development Update for the past few years, you know that a recurring theme has been gratitude. As I step down as director of development and alumni on June 30th, I want to thank each of you who has made our family’s almost-twenty-year Sanford experience so wonderful. This is a remarkable school with phenomenal students, dedicated faculty and staff, faithful alumni and loyal friends.
May I leave with you my wish list for the future….
• Be proud, Sanford alumni! Shout it from the rooftops—tell your college friends, your neighbors, your grandchildren how wonderful your Sanford education was. Come to Homecoming. Plan a reunion. Tell a friend or co-worker about an admission open house.
• Support your school! Whatever your relationship to the school, attend a performance of the Sanford Repertory Theatre Company (SRTC), make a gift to the Annual Fund, cheer on our sports teams, plan an alumni event for your city!
• Help us expand Sanford’s culture of philanthropy, where each member of the Sanford community knows what it means to give back! Offer a volunteer opportunity to our students for the Martin Luther King Day of Service in January. Invite a member of the senior class to work with you as an intern or “shadow” for his or her senior project in May. Include Sanford in your will, or talk with your financial planner about other ways to show your support to Sanford.
• Stay involved in the local community! Support our fellow Hockessin businesses, march with the Sanford group in the Hockessin Fourth of July Parade, pick up trash in your neighborhood or as part of the Red Clay Cleanup, and vote!
• And finally, be kind to each other. Remember that each one of us has a fondness and loyalty to Sanford. By sharing our talents and including as many constituencies as possible in our projects, we all win. Each of us brings to the table a different perspective; by combining these points of view we enhance the image that we show the world. We are indeed one school, one community, whether we are a parent, an alum, a member of the faculty/staff, or a student. Put your best Sanford face forward!
Again, I thank you for all the blessings you have given to Hillary, Whitney, Fletcher and me over the years. And, thank you for the opportunity to learn from each of you!
With very best wishes for the future,
Sandy King, Director of Development and Alumni
SAVE THE DATE Homecoming2011
To honor Chip MacKelcan’s 13 years of extraordinary service to Sanford School, the Board of Trustees recently announced a scholarship fund in the MacKelcan name, with the goal of endowing annual scholarship aid to a deserving student or students whose enrollment at Sanford would further the goal of a truly diverse student body—a cause near and dear to Chip’s heart. Thus far, $325,000 has been raised. If you would like to donate to the MacKelcan Fund, or have any questions, please contact the Development Office at 302.239.5263, ext. 258, or make a gift online at www.sanfordschool.org/giving/_donate/.
Sanford Alumni Notes Sanford Alumni Notes
Jon Bjornson ’50 retired from a psychiatric practice that specialized in PTSD and forensic psychiatry. He was an associate clinical professor at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital from 1968 to 2001. Dr. Bjornson remains active in Vietnam Veterans for Peace.
Charlie Hayden ’52 was the recipient of the Legendary Captains & Crew Award from the International Game Fish Association. The award was presented at a banquet in February.
Rosalind Kimball Moulton
’60AA was born in Buffalo NY. She lived in India for 3 years; first in the Peace Corps, then later doing a photographic study of Nizamuddin, India. Rosalind received a BFA in art from The Art Institute of Chicago where she won the top art award. After a second trip to India she received an MFA of fine art from the University of Buffalo, NY. She then went on to become a professor of photography at Stephens College, Columbia MO, and chair of the art department. Rosalind’s work has been shown
all over the world and can be found in many museums and private collections. She is divorced and has one daughter, Zoë Kimball Moulton, who lives in Washington DC and works for the State Department. Rosalind is now enjoying retirement, traveling and selling items on eBay under the name “rozkim”. She still spends many hours doing photographic art and entering shows and art fairs.
Dagmar Quiros ’66 recently told us she’s able to keep in touch with several of her Sanford classmates through the fabulous invention of the internet. She lives in her home country Costa Rica, in her childhood home. Dagmar has two daughters,
Erika and Natalie. She also has a granddaughter, Sofia. She said, “Thank you for the job you do keeping former Sanford students in touch with our school’s present, for like any dear friend of whom one holds wonderful memories of, one wishes to know what has been of it.”
Lee Hein ’74 is still actively working to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis. His son, Steve, now 23, suffers from this genetic, debilitating disease. You can learn more by visiting Lee’s page at http://www.cff.org/ Great_Strides/LelandHein
On a recent trip to New Zealand, some of our current students, along with Sanford instructor Donna Sherpa, visited with Mary Schempp-Begg ’69. Mary and her husband, Dave, sailed across the Pacific and when they got to New Zealand they loved it, so they stayed. They have been there five years and still live on their yacht.
On a recent return trip to
Viet Nam with his son, Mark, Mitch Luther ’66 captured this picture in front of the Hanoi Hilton. He said, “The authorities did get a little upset with the word warrior on the flag! We had a great time; it is a wonderful country.”
Sanford Alumni Notes Sanford Alumni Notes
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Kara Lieberman ’74 recently said, “I help my good friend Gail Riblett (who used to be my next door neighbor) at the Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church twice a year at the spring and fall festivals. I most recently helped out at the Attic Treasures Sale and helped make $1,600. I have run into Fred Crowley (a current Sanford parent) a couple of times at the church. He went to Lora Little Elementary School with me!”
Doug Farwell ’79 and his wife, Marita, became the parents of their first child, Julien PeterSteffen, on August 30, 2010. The family resides in Coxsackie, New York and Hartford, Connecticut where Marita is a creative arts psycho-therapist and Doug is directing commercials and a film in 2011.
Jan Peterson ’81 recently told us, “Never know what a Sanford grad might do... I am starting a marine science foundation in
Outer Banks, NC. Please feel free to “like” the Gulf Stream Marine Science Foundation (on Facebook) if you have a second... many thanks! The Gulf Stream Marine Science Foundation is currently in the 501(C)3 application process and awaiting approval. We are currently seeking a legacy donor and other philanthropists to secure deep water access property for the Foundation.”
Ken Corrin ’95 recently told us, “I have been running my tree service and landscaping business for a few years now and have never been as happy as I am now. A full description of what we do can be found at www.corrintree.com. With each day that passes I realize how lucky I am to have met the people that shaped the life I am enjoying today. The values that the people of Sanford School have instilled in me continue to impact my life on a daily basis.” Ken and his lovely fiancée, Kimberly, will marry on July 7, 2011.
Erin Arruda Timmer ’96 and husband, John, welcomed Caroline Grace Timmer, who was born on February 5, 2011 and weighed 7 pounds 9 ounces. Caroline joins big sister Kate, who is 2 years old.
Ben Sutherland ’96AA became a proud daddy in February. He works as a paramedic in Australia. Ben told us he hopes to get back to the states within a year or two!
SUBMIT ALUMNI NOTES TO:
Alumni Notes, Sanford School P.O. Box 888, Hockessin, DE 19707-0888 or email: alumni@sanfordschool.org
Sanford Alumni Notes Sanford Alumni Notes
Dana McCauley Mort ’99, her husband James, and son Bryce welcomed Gavin Anthony into the world on October 5, 2010, weighing 5lb 6oz! He arrived, unexpectedly, 2 weeks early after Dana spent the whole day in labor and did not even know it! He is now, 4 months later, a very happy and healthy boy weighing 16lbs 7oz!
Ben Louchheim ’01 taught history for three years at St. James Episcopal in MD, and also coached varsity lacrosse and varsity soccer. He is now working toward his master’s degree in education at Simmons College in Boston.
Elena Reznik Doherty ’01 finished the University of Delaware with a degree in psychology in ’05 and achieved her doctorate in physical therapy from NYU in ’08. She is now happily married and lives in north Wilmington. She currently works at Dynamic Physical Therapy, in Newark, with special concentration and certification in vestibular rehabilitation. Elena’s email address is doherty.elena@yahoo.com.
Lisa Pia ’99 married Ryan Welsh on May 8, 2010 at St. Thomas of Villanova in Villanova, PA followed by a reception at The Ballroom at Ben in Philadelphia, PA. The photo above includes some of Lisa’s bridesmaids, Danielle Ament Decarlo ’99, Ashley White Palandrani ’99, Katie Elliott Hain ’99, Virginia Maloney ’99. Amy Pia ’02, Jason Quillen ’99, Michelle Pia Spadone ’01, Elizabeth Miller Schaff ’02, and Jon Ament ’02 also attended.
Zack DuPont ’03 is doing really well with his music. He was on a national tour from March 23rd until April 23rd, which covered 11,000 miles, and 22 cities (Burlington, VT; NYC, Kennett Square, PA; New Orleans, LA; Austin, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Tucson, AZ; Sedona, AZ; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; Boulder, CO; St. Louis, MO; Chicago, IL; Indianapolis, IN; Cincinnati, OH) and they did all this traveling in one month in Zack’s Subaru! He told us, “It was amazing. I can honestly say that America was digging the tunes.” You can reach Zack and follow his upcoming events by going to his website zackdupontmusic.com
Sanford Alumni Notes Sanford Alumni Notes
Rachel Suekoff ’01 is living in Indiana teaching kindergarten and first grade at a school for children with dyslexia and other information processing difficulties. She told us she has been in Indiana for three years now.
Sanjeeb Bhattacharya ’02 graduated from Drexel at the end of May. He then moved to Boston in June to start his internal medicine residency at Boston University Medical Center. Congratulations!
Jonas Daiber ’03 recently told us that he received a master of science degree from the University Maastricht, The Netherlands, in international business on April 30, 2010 and started working on the 1st
of February 2010 for PepsiCo Germany (the German office of the American company that sells Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Frito Lay’s, Quaker, Gatorade, etc.).
Jonas just had to finalize his thesis and wait for graduation, which allowed him to start working in February. He is planning a trip to the US for the end of September/ beginning of October and hopes to visit Sanford.
Brynley Robinson ’05 is engaged to Brett Wayne Patnaude of Burlington, Vermont. Brynley received her BA in elementary education from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont in 2009 and is currently teaching in Burlington. Brett graduated
After graduating from Mary Washington in May 2010 (BS, environmental science), Virgina Brown ’06, traveled to Poland and London with Meredith Langer ’06, for about three weeks. They had a great time and discovered what a fantastic and beautiful country Poland is. In the spring of 2010, Virginia was accepted into a graduate program at North Carolina State University and moved to Raleigh, NC in August. She has just started her second semester, working towards a master’s degree in soil science and plans to graduate in 2012. Virginia’s research project involves studying how tillage can increase water infiltration and retention of compacted soil in areas of high traffic such as construction and development sites. She is working as a research and teaching assistant and taking classes. Virginia told us, “My two horses also moved here with me and everything is going well.”
from Champlain College in 2008 with a BS, summa cum laude, in business. He is in project management at Dealer.Com, an automotive internet marketing solutions company in Burlington. A 2012 wedding is being planned in Vermont.
Our own John Lippincott ’06 is now the lead guitarist for a country group called Little Big Town. They were nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award this past April. They have recently played on the Conan O’Brien show, the Craig Ferguson show and The Talk. They are currently touring with Sugarland as their opening act, and now John is playing in gigs all over the country!
Nicole Dabkowski ’08 is currently studying in Barcelona. She will graduate from Clemson in 2012.
Christopher Copeland ’09 is now well into his sophomore year at Stanford, pursuing electrical engineering, while also studying German and Japanese.
He has received the Stanford Presidential Award, ranking him among the top two percent of Stanford freshmen.
Ariel N. Majidi ’09 and her research team of six were fully awarded a budget of $25,369 by the Jefferson Public Citizens Grant and the University of Virginia Center for Global Health Awards. They will be embarking on a 6–7 week trip to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, where they will be conducting a women’s health assessment of a private clinic and indigenous community in the town of Santiago.
Rob Nutini ’09 along with the rest of his band, The Early Nasa, won first place in the 2011 SCPAB’s (Student Centers Programming Advisory Board) Battle of the Bands at the University of Delaware. They played at a UD dance on March 13th and opened for Steel Train on May 8th. Rob and his fellow band mates are all self taught.
Kristin Andrews DeRamus (right) ’04 married Chris DeRamus on October 10, 2010. The bride and groom were surrounded by friends and family during the ceremony and reception at Deerfield Golf & Tennis Club in Newark, Delaware.
Meredith and Virginia in Gdansk (Danzig) on the Baltic Sea coast.
In Memoriam
We extend our deepest sympathy to families and friends of these members of the Sanford community.
Gwen Bennaton ’48 passed away on September 28, 2010 in New York. Prior to her death, Gwen ran the Honduras Information Service in Manhattan.
Bill Bessel ’79 passed away on May 3, 2011. He was a graduate of Wesley College in Dover. He worked for many years in the family businesses with dedication. He enjoyed vacationing with his family and fishing. Among his survivors are his wife, Ann Marie; daughters, Katelynn and Jenna; and parents. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Billy may be made to the William H. Bessel III Memorial Fund, c/o Wells Fargo for the education of his children. To express an online condolence, visit www.strano-feeley.com
Sterling “Mac” Brinkman, Jr. ’74 of Middletown, DE, passed away at Christiana Hospital on Thursday, January 13, 2011. Mac worked as an environmental consultant/network administrator for ECSI for 17 years; and previously worked for W. L. Gore as an associate engineer for 12 years. He was a championship handgun shooter and his hobbies included piloting, woodworking and boating. He was a former member of Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church. Mac played an essential part in the FDA approval of FloLan and other trial medication for primary pulmonary hypertension which have significantly enhanced the understanding, knowledge, and research regarding this once thought of as “untreatable” condition. He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn M. Brinkman of Middletown, and her mother, Donna Adams of Elkton, MD; and his beloved dogs, Lizzy and Winston. A celebration of life was held on Thursday, January 20th.
...with deepest sympathy
Published in The News Journal from January 16 to January 18, 2011
Robert “Bobby” Fell ’51 of Brunswick, GA, passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2010 peacefully at his residence. A memorial service was held on October 30, 2010 at the St. Simon’s United Methodist Church. Bobby was born in Wilmington, Delaware, to the late Dr. Harvey Lewis Fell and the late Harriet Talley Fell. He had been a resident of Glynn County, GA, for the past 21 years. He graduated from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT. Bobby had been employed as a comptroller for 20 years at Buster Brown Textiles and ten years at Bonnie Doone Hosiery. He also did accounting for the WMOG and The International Seafarers’ Center where he also was on the Seafarers’ Center Board of Directors. He served on the Glynn County Zoning Appeals Board and the Glynn County Planning Commission. He was a member of the Maritime Club, Navy League, St. Simon’s United Methodist Church, and a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following charities: Hospice of the Golden Isles, at 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525; International Seafarer’s Center, 307 Newcastle St. Brunswick, GA 31520; or the St. Simon’s United Methodist Church, c/o Missions Committee, 624 Ocean Blvd., St. Simons Island, GA 31522 .
Virginia “Ginny” Lee Brown Gilleas ’67 died suddenly in her home in Baltimore, MD on Friday, November 5, 2010. After attending Albright College for one year, she left college to pursue her life’s passion for horses and horse racing in particular. She worked at various Maryland racetracks, and for a number of trainers until a tragic fall at a training track cut short her ability to ride horses. She continued to work with trainers to develop racehorses until her injuries and resulting disabilities limited her mobility. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the ASPCA, ATTN: Linda Tiramani, 520 Eighth Ave., 7th floor, New York, NY 10018.
David C. Gregg, ’54, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 28, 2011 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was a lifelong resident of Yorklyn, DE. Dave was employed at Gregg Bus Service, Inc. for 57 years. Driving the bus and “the people that he hauled” were the love of his life. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty L. Gregg; two sons, David P. and his wife, Charlene, Richard W. and his wife Sandra; and four grandsons. He is also survived by one brother, Donald Gregg of Mendenhall, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Mary of the Assumption Church.
Published (in part) in The News Journal from May 1 to May 2, 2011
In Memoriam
Lawrence “LT” C. McNutt II ’93 of Wilmington, DE, passed away at Christiana Hospital on Saturday, March 19, 2011. He was on Sanford’s state championship basketball team in 1990. He was a die-hard fan of the New Orleans Saints and was passionate about his Irish heritage and loved St. Patrick’s Day. He loved spending time with his family. In passing, he was able to share the gift of life with another person through the donation of an organ. In addition to his many survivors, he is survived by his sister, Judy McNutt Heacock ’89, of Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Lawrence C. McNutt II Children’s Education Fund, c/o Wilmington Trust Company, 4899 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808.
Published (in part) in The News Journal from March 23 to March 24, 2011
Joseph “Jay” Middleton IV ’64 passed away on November 22, 2010. He had been a school bus driver for Kennett School District, for a number of years, since retiring after 17 years at Gore.
Jessica Richey ’07 died suddenly April 15, 2011. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Jan. 26, 1989, Jessica resided in Hockessin, Delaware. A visitation and celebration of life were held in April. Jessica was preceded in death by her oldest brother Brett. Her symphony to her parents, Frank and Linda Richey; brother, Justin; her sister-in-law, Faiye; her niece, Nevaeh; her special “Auntie”; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and loving friends. Information provided by The House of Wright Mortuary
John Russell Willard ’76 passed away on January 29, 2011, at his home in Wilmington, DE. He was a native Delawarean and graduated from the University of Delaware, majoring in theater. John was a lover of the Jazz Age, Big Band and Swing music, preferably listened to on scratchy ’78s. He enjoyed collecting classic pens, watches, fedoras and rose tinted eyewear. His true passion was writing short stories, many printed on vibrant paper with descriptive phrases of colorful images, characters and places in the 1920s. John especially loved palm trees, sunsets and fine cuisine. A private service took place in the spring. For online condolences, please visit www.chandlerfuneralhome.com
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Congratulations Sanford Lifers
Students who attend Sanford from grade one or earlier are affectionately and respectfully known as Sanford lifers. The Class of 2011 has twelve members who achieved lifer status. They are (from left to right): Andrew Olivieri, Lauren Olivieri, Thaddeus John Potter, Alison Marcozzi, Tyler Yates, Leah Kelly, Josiah Hannon, Caitlin Cook, Katherine Grant, Kelsey Davis, Aubrey Heberton, and Kathryn Pustolski