B U L L E T I N Class Notes Edition Winter 2021
SEEN AROUND 1. A scene from Berkshire’s Theater production of “The Ugly Duckling” by A.A. Milne 2. F all teams come together to play intra-school scrimmages on campus. 3. Bears enjoy the Fall Carnival festivities of lawn games, sack races, corn hole, dodgeball, trivia, and more. 4. S tudents learn to code on the Arduino board in Mr. Urmston’s engineering class.
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BERKSHIRE
Class Notes
B ULLET I N CL A SS N OTE S ED ITI O N • W INTER 2021 OUR MISSION
For Others Keeping Our Community Healthy and Safe Berkshire’s fall semester convened under the Mountain this year amidst unprecedented circumstances as the COVID-19 pandemic pressed on. To keep our community healthy, we implemented a series of safety measures and a wide-scale testing effort that required the cooperation and buy-in of our students, faculty members, and staff—all of whom rose to the occasion. Head of School Pieter Mulder highlighted this year’s theme of “For Others” and called upon our students to lead our community—and to demonstrate that adhering to strict safety measures was for the common good. Over the first three weeks on campus, Berkshire initiated full-community PCR molecular testing in partnership with the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Mass. Then, we began a surveillance phase by testing a representative sample of 30% of our residential student population each week. All Berkshire School employees and day students were tested on a weekly basis. From September 27 up to Thanksgiving recess, Berkshire administered over 4,200 PCR molecular tests with only four positive cases, a positivity rate of 0.09%. Along with testing, all students and employees complete daily survey questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms, and they activate the TRACE app on their devices while on campus, which helps with contact tracing. Additional safety measures include: hand sanitizer stations and air purifiers throughout campus; visual cues and signage to indicate foot-traffic flow; daily and deep-cleaning protocols; social distancing; and mask wearing. “I am extremely proud of the way our students have risen to the challenges in meeting our health and safety protocols and expectations on campus,” Mr. Mulder said. “This year continues to ask so much of them as young people, and their willingness to place the needs of others ahead of their own has been truly inspiring.”
Read more about our alumni pandemic heroes here. Keep up with campus news with our semi-monthly newsletter, The Bears’ Den. Learn more about Berkshire’s Second-Semester Plan on campus.
Stay tuned for our Summer 2021 Berkshire Bulletin issue highlighting pandemic silver linings and alumni changemakers.
Rooted in an inspiring natural setting, Berkshire School instills the highest standards of character and citizenship and a commitment to academic, artistic, and athletic excellence. Our community fosters diversity, a dedication to environmental stewardship, and an enduring love for learning. Lara Schefler McLanahan ’86, P’16,’16,’19 CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Pieter Mulder P’22 HEAD OF SCHOOL
Andrew Bogardus P’23,’24 DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
Carol Visnapuu DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
Bulletin Editor: Megan Tady FREELANCE EDITOR
Class Notes Editor: Jen Nichols ’87, P’19 Class Notes Coordinator: Sue Delmolino Ives P’15 Contributing Writer: Kevin Soja Design: Hammill Design Principal Photography: Berkshire School Alumni, Former Faculty, and Friends Class Notes: www.berkshireschool.org/classnotes All other alumni matters: alumni@berkshireschool.org Published by Berkshire School’s Communications and Marketing Office and Advancement Office for alumni and friends of the School.
Cover: We welcomed 2021 with a fresh snowfall on campus.
Go Green! To receive an electronic issue only of our 2021 year-in-review edition of the Berkshire Bulletin coming this summer, contact bulletin@berkshireschool.org.
Class Notes 1945
1953
Philip W. Goodspeed 616-949-1949
John G. Cluett
To volunteer to be a class agent or nominate a classmate, please contact Jen Nichols ’87, P’19, director of alumni relations, at jnichols@berkshireschool.org
or call 413-229-1223.
jcluett34@gmail.com
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1948 George Church III 413-448-6199
1949 Robert W. Doyle, Sr. robertwdoylesr@gmail.com
1950 Len Swartz writes: “I am retired and recently returned from trips to Iceland and New Zealand.”
1951
70 th
John B. Hull III 413-528-1528
1952 Tad Woodhull writes: “Bored with the virus restrictions, I’m still volunteering as a senior patrol boat captain for the Indian River County Sheriff, as well as additional volunteering for the County Veterans Council. Hope to get back to Berkshire for a visit once all the restrictions are removed. Finally stopped flying, as insurance for a pilot of my age is nearly impossible to get. Proud great-grandfather of Harper, Marie, and Hunter.”
John Cluett writes: “I received this note from classmate Charlie Berry: ‘I was saddened to learn of James McCurrach’s passing. Jim and I stayed in touch over the years as we both worked in New York and lived in Rumson, NJ. In subsequent years, we corresponded, as Jim was having his ups and downs. Through it all, he maintained his very cheerful countenance. His memoir ‘Unrequited Time’ is riveting, as he recounts how he tries to understand his sexuality. I received my last letter from him just a month before he died and he was his usual upbeat self, writing about all of his activities in San Francisco, CA.’”
1955 Lewis E. Sadler lewcchd@gmail.com
Walter S. Henrion walthenrion@gmail.com
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Walt Henrion writes: “Hello classmates! How are you all personally dealing with the COVID-19 crisis? Let me tell you what Page and I have been up to for the last six months. The first three months was almost total quarantine, basically nothing but reading, playing games, and watching TV. In the three months following, we have been a little more adventurous. We started playing golf, drove to Colorado for six weeks, occasionally go to a restaurant that has good outdoor seating, have cocktails with friends (outdoors and socially distant), go see the kids and grandchildren outdoors, and so on.” Mac Odell writes: “Marcia and I are still locked down in socially distant Washington, D.C., since the pandemic found us in church back in March ... and
Frederick C. Twichell ttwichell@thacher.org
1956
1957
65 th
Daniel C. M. Crabbe crabsail@icloud.com
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Tim Austin writes: “I have been on chemotherapy for stage IV cancer since August 2019 and the cancer has reduced significantly ... the CEA level was 2,000 last year (normal is 0 to 3) and in September the CEA was 25.” Mac Odell ‘57 and his son, Jamie, wearing their N95s
Tad Woodhull ‘52 on Indian River County Sheriff’s Marine 6
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Class Notes
we’re not planning to go anywhere until there’s a truly safe, internationally proven and tested vaccine. Thankfully, kids and grandkids in NYC and Silicon Valley and extended families are all still safe ... and we hope the same for all classmates and the greater Berkshire community!”
1958 Benjamin J. Rosin
I hope everyone is well, enjoying life, and is surrounded by loving family and friends. Let’s all keep on getting on. I am a great-grandfather two times over, with family living in seven states from coast to coast and Maine to Virginia. Be good, be safe, and for the love of God, let’s not fall victim to COVID-19. That means be smart. Best to all!”
benrosin@aol.com
1960
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Joseph D. Bodak, Jr.
Chuck DuCharme writes: “Last summer, son Charlie ’93, me, and my grandsons spent time in the Huron Mountains on the south shore of Lake Superior. Truly superior environs. Looked forward to meeting up with K.C. Clow ’69 but was told he stayed in Sheffield, MA. I had an enjoyable talk with Jen Nichols ’87, daughter of departed classmate Sam Nichols. Greetings to Benjamin Rosin, Charles Salembier, Tom Corwin, Jerry Purcell; do we know of Jim Field?”
jdbodakjr@hotmail.com
1959 Charles Ancona writes: “I look back on my days at Berkshire with the fondest of memories—though in my 80th year, a good memory is almost history! At our 50th reunion to recognize a classmate by sight presented problems, but when anyone spoke the voice was a dead giveaway.
Stephen P. Norman steve@spnormanco.com
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Harry MacLean writes: “Showtime is doing a four-part series entitled, ‘Memory Wars’ based on my book, ‘Once Upon A Time: A True Story of Memory, Murder and the Law.’ I will be the primary narrator. Shooting began in October, and the series will likely be available in spring 2021. The book tells the true story of a man prosecuted for Harry MacLean ‘60’s second book is the basis for the Showtime series, “Memory Wars.”
murder based on the recovered memory of his daughter, in which she claimed to see him commit the murder. He was convicted based on nothing but her repressed memory.” Steve Norman writes: “I received a nice letter from Scott Patton recently. He and his wife moved their permanent residence from the San Francisco Bay Area to Sun Valley in Ketchum, ID. Scott has always had a knack for picking beautiful places to live.” Joe Salembier writes: “How lucky we are to live in the Grand Canyon state of Arizona! This summer we cycled and hiked in Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. Susan and I live in Scottsdale, where we garden, attend ASU online classes, and travel. Last year, it was Africa. Our photo book ‘Tusker’ is in the Blurb bookstore. We have a greatgranddaughter and another on the way. Massachusetts is not in our immediate plans but ‘hello’ to all. I still have fond memories as the only person ever to pilfer the Berkshire Hall bell clapper. That’s a story for another day.”
Joe Salembier ‘60 cycling at the Grand Canyon in Arizona
1961
60 th
Peter R. Kellogg pkellogg@iatre.com
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Dick Corwin ‘63 and Tom Corwin ‘58 with Tom’s sons, Peter and Chris, at their family golf outing. The young ones claim they won, but Dick and Tom are protesting.
George Beebe writes: “For the past 36 years, I have had to learn how to grow, harvest, dry, store, market, and truck each crop to the point that Riverhill Farm is now the fourth largest grain farm in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts producing over Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
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Class Notes
42,000 bushels of corn per year and several thousand bales of hay. Our next generation, son John Beebe ’06, has been learning right alongside me during this period.” David Haidak writes: “After more than 40 years practicing oncology/ hematology in suburban Maryland, I finally fully retired. My son, Jake, and his wife are nearby, which is of great help since Cecily sustained a near fatal cardiac arrest while overseas on TDY (temporary duty travel) for State. Physically she is doing well, but she’s dealing with some short-term memory issues. I am still indulging myself in my long engagement in fly fishing and bird hunting, though slowing down as both myself and the dog have aged a bit. Since the pandemic, I have taken up cooking, which I studiously avoided previously as Cecily was fabulous in the kitchen. Hope to get up to our place in Alford, MA, and maybe meet up with Hunt, Beebe, and Herrington.” Peter Kellogg writes: “Classmate George Beebe shared a memory from our 50th reunion in 2011. He recalls that Headmaster Mike Maher greeted him in the reception line for the dedication of the Great Room in Berkshire Hall thusly: ‘George Beebe! You know I have read all the bios of your class and found yours to be the most interesting?’ George recalls, ‘I was stunned! What? Me? In this class of illustrious stalwarts? It had never even occurred to me.’ Looking forward to our 60th reunion in June! Classmates, keep those stories coming.”
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1962 Andrew S. Berkman aberkman@cpny.com
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Don Myers writes: “The past year has been good—coronavirus has been a minor inconvenience. Skied for a week in Utah and up until March in Vermont. March was warm enough so I could start leading bike rides again. Usually two or three a week for 30–65 miles. I swallowed my pride and bought a specialized Creo e-bike so I can keep up with the 40- to 50-year-old hotshots! Sold our Vineyard house last August. Too much trouble, and Sue’s sisters each have a house on the Vineyard. Kids and grandkids have grown, so we don’t need one. Life has been good. God willing, I think I’ll stick around for another year.”
1966
55 th
Harlan J. Swift, Jr. timswifty@gmail.com
1967 F. Woodson Hancock III whancock3@aol.com
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Dave Brooks writes: “It’s been a crazy year as the pandemic forced the cancellation of Pat and my 50th wedding anniversary September/ October tour of Italy (a barge tour on the Po River and a tour of the Hill Towns of Italy). We have already rescheduled it for 2021. Keeping our fingers crossed for the world to stop the madness. We were in the Florida Keys with our RV when the virus
Stay tuned for details on Reunion Weekend 2021.
surge hit, and at the end of March we gingerly made our way home. It feels as though we have been in full or near full quarantine ever since. I wish everyone in the Class and Berkshire family good health and to stay safe.” Chris Eddings writes: “I’ve recently been appointed by the governor of Maryland to a three-year term on the Public Information Act Compliance Board. I retired after a career in newspaper publishing. I’m still busy these days, although a bit less so with COVID-19 still rampant. I look forward to traveling again once it is safe to do so.” Woody Hancock writes: “It’s been quite a while since I’ve submitted a Class Note, and frankly it’s great to have something to post. It seems we have an author in the Class of ’67. Duncan Smith recently contacted me to tell me about his literary adventures. He’s written a number of novels and has had the usual problems with getting them published. He finally found a small publisher to get his books out there, and he’s hoping a few members of the Class of 1967 will take an interest. His website is www.duncanrsmith.com. Based on the PDF file he sent me, I’d say it’s worth your time.” Bob Mustard writes: “I am still writing my book, ‘Memories of Moments Not yet Realized,’ but can’t seem to stop. We are living a good life with family and friends in Duxbury and Chatham, MA. However, I have lost my parents and a sister in the first 20 years of the new century, and too many of my good friends and classmates. But grandkids fill the void. Hope to return to traveling after the pandemic subsides. I still wonder what I will become when I grow up. Playing golf and still flying, skiing a lot less after lumbar fusion, etc. Perhaps we will meet again over the coming year for a drink.”
Class Notes
Duncan Smith writes: “I was lucky enough to have been taught English for two years by the legendary Thomas Chaffee, and I wrote film and TV scripts for some years. I subsequently ran a small business and wrote novels on the side, which were enthusiastically received by publishers who ultimately passed. At the insistence of my daughters and friends, I am working with a small publisher and expect to have three novels available, in paperback or e-book form, on Amazon and through a local bookshop. Readers can visit my website: www.duncanrsmith.com. Here’s hoping I get interest from plenty of others who understand the impact a tremendous teacher can have.”
Rob Pilling writes: “I visited my good friend and former roommate, John Haff, in Granite Bay, CA. We went to his house near the coast, walked through some redwoods, and saw some whales breaching.”
1971
Kevin J. Bruemmer kevin.bruemmer@gmail.com
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Robin McGraw ‘70 and Matt Scarafoni ‘89 hunt for dinner at the Austerlitz Gun Club in Austerlitz, NY.
Terry Tighe writes: “Hard to believe it has been 54 years since playing hockey for Jack Stewart. Retired and living in Northern Lower Michigan. Spent 20 years in the Army and 24 years working for the Army.”
1968 L. Keith Reed lkreed.mt@gmail.com
Steve Morgan ‘69, K.C. Clow ‘69, Seamus McKeon ‘69, and Lydia McKeon at John Andrews Farmhouse Restaurant in South Egremont, MA, on September 26
1969 Kent S. Clow III ksc3@msn.com
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Steve Morgan writes: “My son, Kane ’22, entered Berkshire this fall as a junior. It sure brought back memories as I moved him into Stanley, the dorm I also lived in my first year. What an amazing school Berkshire has become. He’s ecstatic to be there.”
1970 Robert L. W. McGraw blackrockfarm@hotmail.com
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Tom Bolmer writes: “I retired in 2016 after 35+ years at Woods Hole
50 th
Kane Morgan ‘22, son of Steve Morgan ‘69, moving into Stanley Dorm
Oceanographic Institution. Ellyn and I moved to Middlebury, VT, in the summer of 2019. Finally selling our Cape Cod, MA, house after building it 30 years ago. Moved to Vermont to find snow, mountains, and open space. And, to cross-country ski, which is just up the road from us. Should have done this years ago.”
Kevin Bruemmer writes: “My wife, Christine, and I have moved from Connecticut to Reno, NV, to join our son, his wife, and three children. Monty Reis, Mark Richardson ’73, and I attended John Shaker’s annual Wicked Wickets Croquet Tournament last summer. I successfully defended my 2019 title in John’s three-decadesold annual tournament. Others from the Class of ’71 who have won this tournament are Bob Shaftoe, John Shaker, George Coyne, and Bill Cushman. Finally, John and I linked up with Chet Van Vleck via Zoom this summer. Chet has lived and worked in New Zealand for the past 25 years. Chet says he is trying his hardest to get to our 50th reunion in June.” Phil McCahill writes: “After 37 years working for Xerox mostly in Rochester, NY, I retired in 2016 to Cape Cod, MA, moving from Dallas, TX. Can’t believe it has been four years already. Spend my time consulting with small businesses and nonprofits. Travel is also a key part of our retirement, although our trips in 2020 have been cancelled. Looking forward to hitting the road again in 2021. Celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this year. Try and spend as much time as possible with our 6-year-old granddaughter, Monica. Plan on attending the Berkshire 50th reunion in June.”
Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
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Class Notes
children home for my birthday in August. First time in two years that we were all together. A wonderful week. Hope everyone is muddling through this crazy COVID-19. Stay well!”
career that has been an absolute gift, and that this dream was inspired by my teachers at Berkshire! Love to all.”
1973 Rex S. Morgan, Jr. rexsmorgan@gmail.com
Michele Robins michele.robins@gmail.com
Leon J. Weil, Jr. John Walker ‘72 with his newly narrated book
1972 John Y. G. Walker III jwalker2353@gmail.com
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John Walker writes: “Well, a new hip does wonders! Walking without pain and flat hiking in Macedonia State Park with Kim and the dogs! Since retiring, I have been pursuing a new career as a voice over artist, auditioning for commercial spots and as an audiobook narrator. Also keeping busy with the Kent Memorial Library and the National Horse Show. Who says retirement is relaxing?” Spencer Willets writes: “Still surviving in Southern California ... fires, smoke, heat ... and COVID. Missing family for so long but all are surviving and healthy. Jen and I did have all of our
jerryweil.tennis@gmail.com
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Rex Morgan writes: “Alec Wyeth, Tom Mullany, Chris Groves, Jeff Follert, Ken Gordon, Jerry Weil, and I have enjoyed a weekly Zoom session since the beginning of the pandemic. All good—lots of laughs and wonderful school memories shared. Occasionally special guests Paula Pevzner and Carole Maghery King ’72 drop by too!” Stowe Shoemaker writes: “I am still dean at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Recently, I received the Andrew and Peggy Cherng Deanship Chair in honor of the co-owners and founders of Panda Express. The Cherngs gave our college $5,000,000 to develop a concentration in the fast casual segment of the restaurant industry.”
Chris Groves ‘73, Alec Wyeth (host of the member/guest event), Ken Gordon ‘73, and Jerry Weil ‘73 on July 31 at Concord Country Club in Concord, MA
1974 Louise A. Clement luluinsf2005@yahoo.com
1975 Jon Kessler writes: “Having a blast while continuing to teach at Salem State University School of Social Work and breeding English cream golden retrievers. Had a litter of 21 pups (two moms) in spring of 2020. Some headed to the show ring, the rest family pets and therapy/service dogs.”
Dave Walker writes: “I continue to teach high school English here in southern Connecticut. It’s hard to believe that I’m in the twilight of a
Laura Willets (daughter-in-law), PJ Willets (mini-me), Spencer Willets ‘72, Tetsu Nakao (owner, Asanebo Restaurant … best sushi, old roommate, and friend), Jennifer Willets (best wife), and Halowe Willets (the princess) 8
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Zelda, Rosie, and Dave Walker ‘73
A few of Jon Kessler ‘75’s English cream golden retrievers
Class Notes
1976
45 th
Stephen H. Hassett shasse01@gmail.com
1977 Richard M. McGivern rmcgivern@msn.com
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Dave Riatti writes: “Hope all Bears are healthy and happy. Our company, Buzznog, had to pivot from live events all over the world to virtual reality and augmented reality. Take a look at www. Buzznog.com.”
1978 Birney B. Boehland
Eric Levin ‘80 and family
Eric Levin: “I am enjoying a second career with Marriott International in corporate risk management. We welcomed our fourth grandchild and love traveling to Seattle, WA, from Palm Springs, CA, to see them!”
1981
40 th
bbboehland@gmail.com
Annie Godfrey Clyne
1979
Sue Ann Stanton
Robert D. Thomas bthomas@wwsg.com
1980 Kimberley C. Fuchs kcfuchs33@verizon.net
Ralph J. Lamberto
clyne@optonline.net
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Sebastian Graf von Korff writes: “I work in the medical industry installing software and connecting the same to radiotherapy machines for the treatment of cancer.”
1982
Steven P. Veronesi
Anthony P. Addison
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Andy Giddings writes: “Still going strong running an OSHA office through these wildfires and COVID-19 times.”
Janet Rickus, “Little White Pitcher,” oil on canvas, 12” x 16” can be seen at Bernay Fine Art in Great Barrington, MA.
doubleany1@gmail.com
Andrew Champagne 802-540-0717
1983 Karen Schnurr Secrist karensecrist6@gmail.com
James E. Demmert
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jamesdemmert@gmail.com
Gail Cohen Lazarus writes: “I am writing as I reflect on my introduction to dance at Berkshire. I chose dance because I had never played any of the fall sport offerings. Dance became a lifelong passion. I became a fitness instructor a few years back, and now I have sadly been witnessing the closing of my studios and so many others. I created my own business blending my love of dance and fitness. After
Rosemary G. Fitzgerald rose@spiderwebstudio.com
Jay K. Overbye joverbye@halstead.com
George L. Rioseco III laxcoachgeorge@gmail.com
Gayle S. Saks Andy Giddings ‘80
Paula Friedman writes: “My brother, Lou Friedman ’80, and I are the proud owners of Bernay Fine Art in Great Barrington, MA. Growing up in the Berkshires surrounded by artists, we have come back here to start our first business. Stop by and say ‘hi’ if you are in the neighborhood.”
sasroyale@yahoo.com
uticaeyedoc@gmail.com
sveronesi@cox.net
Andrew Champagne writes: “I’m using some of the civic and historical training I learned in Mr. Young’s classes to help people register to vote in the state of Vermont. I was interviewed in July by Chelsea Edgar. The article, ‘Champagne Wishes and Ballot Box Dreams’ appeared in the ‘Seven Days Pandemic Primary Voters’ Guide 2020.’ Chelsea was the 1,304th person I registered. Hello to all and see you on the Mountain.”
gaylesaks@gmail.com
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Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
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all these years, being able to combine my passion for dance into a business helping others has been a true gift. I really do owe it to Berkshire and my lack of sporting ability. I have loved connecting with so many of you on social media. Hoping you are all coping well with these uncertain times. Sending love and peace to you and your families.” Glen Leibowitz writes: “While my wife, Amy, and I are in lockdown with the rest of Israel in an attempt to lower the infection rate, we are keeping busy. Our oldest son, Calev (Hebrew pronunciation of Caleb), is with us for the duration of the lockdown, and we are enjoying his company. We all work from home. Amy teaches on Zoom while our son does his work for the Navy and his Ph.D. research. I am consulting with several InsureTech startups who all want to break into the U.S. insurance market. We also attend language classes, now via Zoom, to improve our Hebrew skills. I hope everyone stays safe and healthy.”
Glen Leibowitz ‘83 at a glassmaking workshop before the pandemic lockdown in Israel
Stephen McGlynn writes: “Hello Berkshire! My wife, Lisa, and I are living in Skaneateles, NY. Our four children are growing up too fast. Cullen graduated from Bentley and is working for AGC Partners in Boston; MA; Mae is a senior playing lacrosse at Elon University; Will is a sophomore at Virginia Tech and fully enjoying the large school experience; and Anna is a junior in high school and hoping to attend and play lacrosse at Brown University. Lisa is teaching special education at Skaneateles Central Schools. I am running two businesses: Multivista and Blue Water Renewable Energy. Go Bears!”
1985 Lionel A. Shaw lionel_shaw@yahoo.com
1984
Mary Brosnahan Wachter
Debra Drucker
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druckerdeb@yahoo.com
Cathy FitzGerald writes: “After years working in film, TV, and advertising as a producer, exec, filmmaker, writer, and director, I’ve been acknowledged by the industry for my latest feature documentary, ‘Jewel’s Catch One,’ now
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Matt Learnard writes: “Had a mini reunion in Nantucket, MA, with classmate Monica Martin. She makes great margaritas!” 10
Matt Learnard ‘84 with Monica Martin ‘84 at Washing Pond Beach in Nantucket, MA
Berkshire Bulletin
mtbwachter@gmail.com
streaming on Netflix and included in Netflix’s ‘Black Lives Matter’ curated section. I made my scripted TV directorial debut on Ava DuVernay’s ‘Queen Sugar’ for Oprah’s OWN network. One of the original producers of ‘Queer Eye,’ I’m proud to continue creating art that is entertaining while also shining a light to create change for a more equal and inclusive world. I spend my time directing, developing content, speaking, writing, and volunteering. I also run a social media management company representing brands and celebrities. I look forward to reconnecting with Berkshire classmates.”
Cathy FitzGerald ’85 in Los Angeles, CA, 2020. Photo by Natalie Knezevic
Michael Gibbons writes: “As I write this in early October, I just want to put a positive message out there during these difficult times. Try, if you can, to live in the present. Be grateful for today. Because tomorrow could be worse. Hope that helps. Sending everyone love from sunny California (sunny = on fire).” Daniel Griffin writes: “I am an educator, founding director of ‘Parasites Without Borders,’ author, father, husband, scientist, and media expert who has been at the forefront of the pandemic crisis. Since the beginning of 2020, I’ve been busy helping treat patients with COVID-19 and educating the public about the
Class Notes
for Reunion 2021 and the supersized festivities. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.”
1986
35 th
Rhonda M. Bentley-Lewis rblewis81411@gmail.com
Anthony S. Clifford tclifford11@gmail.com
Lara Schefler McLanahan lara.mclanahan@berkshireschool.org
Daniel Griffin ‘85
science behind the disease. Each week, I carve out time in my busy schedule to interview with media outlets such as CNN, NPR, TIME, New York Post, ‘NBC News,’ ‘Fox News,’ CNBC, PBS, and many more. There needs to be a global effort if we want to succeed. I encourage people to listen to the ‘This Week in Virology’ podcast and read other science-backed resources that take the time to go indepth regarding COVID-19.”
Ann C. Zimmerli-Haskel azh@me.com
Erik C. Zimmerman ezimmer4@rochester.rr.com
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Peter Alternative writes: “Eric von der Heyden ’87 and I reunited for a Berkshire reunion in the Italian Dolomites. Eric lives outside Munich, Germany, with his wife and two daughters, the oldest of which is a freshman at Northeastern in Boston, MA. I live in Milan, Italy. We are both receiving guests.”
Lionel Shaw writes: “Working to get my first book idea to print, titled ‘Zombie Philanthropy: How the Ultra-Rich are Failing America.’ Distributed all assets from our family foundation in order to help save hundreds of worthy public charities struggling during the pandemic.” Heather Steck Von Seggern writes: “In January 2019, my sister, Megan Steck Berg ’87, and I bought some land in Oregon. We were there in July to start planning the future Steck Compound. Dutch and I drove about 7,000 miles over four weeks, but it was great to get out of the heat of Florida. Eliza Berg ’13 and Daniel Bernstein ’13 came up with their puppy, so it was truly a family affair. It was sad to miss our 35th reunion and Eliza and Daniel’s wedding, which was also supposed to be in June 2020. We are all looking forward to being there
Peter Alternative ‘86 and Eric von der Heyden ’87 gather for a Berkshire reunion in the Italian Dolomites.
Dave “D.B.” Braeger ‘86
Dave Braeger writes: “I founded Dead Space LLC, which is a creator of social media apps and games in the music industry. Dead Space LLC’s developers created the official Rolling Stones app, the official Luke Bryan app, and Dead Space app, which is a collaboration with Garcia Music Arts.” David Weiner writes: “Keeping busy and always thinking of Berkshire and my fellow Bears. In October, I released my second four-hour documentary on ’80s horror movies, ‘In Search of Darkness: Part II,’ despite an extended delay in production due to COVID. Fortunately, I’m able to get a lot accomplished at home using a remote team. I am currently at work on a documentary about ’80s sci-fi movies called, ‘In Search of Tomorrow’ slated for release in fall 2021.”
David Weiner ‘86 and “RoboCop” star/horror icon Nancy Allen are interviewed in Burbank, CA.
Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
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Brooke McLanahan ‘19, Elise Johnston ‘19, Burnham Johnston ‘21, and James Nemeth ‘22 as Bear cubs.
1987
1988
Janna Klyver Cord
Anne E. Glaccum
jannacord@aol.com
glaccume@gmail.com
Jennifer G. Nichols
James D. Watt, Jr.
jnichols@berkshireschool.org
jdwattjr@gmail.com
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Jen Nichols writes: “Hi lovely classmates. I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy. Please reach out if you are in the area ... It would be great to see you!”
Jeff Batten writes: “I completed a Master of School Administration (MSA) degree through the North Carolina State Principal Preparation Program. I am an assistant principal at South Granville High School in Creedmoor, NC.”
Thomas Maddock ‘87 and his twin daughters, Lauren and Brooke, enjoyed an epic day of skiing in Santa Fe, NM, on March 9, 2020.
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Bears together at Anna B. Johnston ’12’s wedding on Saturday, August 15, 2020. From left: James Nemeth ‘22, Georgia McLanahan ‘16, Burnham Johnston ‘21, Anna Johnston ‘12, Elise Johnston ‘19, Brooke McLanahan ‘19, Jake McLanahan ‘16, and Lara McLanahan ‘86 (Photos courtesy of Lara Schefler McLanahan ‘86)
Berkshire Bulletin
Jeff Batten ‘88 at South Granville High School in Creedmoor, NC
Former faculty Wally Long ‘88 and Valerie Long, with their girls Gigi, Charlotte, and Katherine
Wally Long writes: “This summer, we moved back to Montana and are now living in Bozeman. While we will miss our friends in Seattle, WA, Montana has always seemed like home for us. Our oldest daughter, Katherine, began school at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Charlotte, now a junior, continues her fantastic boarding school experience at Midland School in Los Olivos, CA, and our youngest, Gigi, is now a middle schooler at Sacajawea Middle School in Bozeman, MT.”
Class Notes
#GOBEARS
1989 Andrew D. Allen andrewdrexelallen@gmail.com
What’s New This Winter
1990 Natalie Bradley Clarke ninabclarke@gmail.com
Katharine Cutler Coughlin katecoughlin1@gmail.com
Natalie Dillon natdillon28@gmail.com
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Dee McGaffey Schwein writes: “Chad and I celebrated our 15-year anniversary here at home instead of the planned East Coast road trip. Friends reaching out over worries about viral load, fires, and out of control police meant reconnecting with folks like Iffy Onwughalu ’88, Kathy Orlando ’89, and Kate Marcum Horobik ’89 via the book of faces; first it was to check on each other, but now it’s more about checking in. A graphic I created went low-level viral ... which is just odd; especially the total strangers asking to be my friend. The podcast I’m tech director for, www. writersdrinkingcoffee.com, has been around for more than a year and keeps getting stronger. While sheltering in place has been the overarching theme of the year, the silver linings have made it a good year.”
1991
In December, Berkshire installed an indoor turf in the Jackman L. Stewart Athletic Center East Rink, a gift from a generous donor. This gift will provide our Bears with more room to train and play scrimmages regardless of the weather. Installation of the indoor tur f
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John K. Fretz jfretz@outlook.com
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Paul Tao writes: “So excited to reconnect with Berkshire again this year with my eldest son, Logan ’24, attending the fall semester as a freshman. Tradition continues.”
Additionally, Berkshire installed an outdoor skating rink, where the old clay tennis courts used to be, across from Eipper dorm. This rink will provide our Bears the opportunity to enjoy skating, hockey, and broomball during the winter months. Installation of outdoor skating rink
Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
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Class Notes
SHIRTS FOR VACATION MODE Justin Goff ’90’s batik clothing inspires good vibes. By Megan Tady
“Wearing our clothing loosens people up. It just feels like you’re on vacation and you’re relaxed a little.”
Goff with his son in matching Three Islands shirts
When Justin Goff moved to Bali in 1999, he became captivated with all of the beautiful and colorful batik fabrics being sold at boutique markets. Rather than simply buying cookie-cutter shirts sold in stores, Goff began purchasing fabric and enlisting the help of a local tailor to custom make his clothing. Batik is an Indonesian technique of waxing and dyeing cloth to create colorful and unexpected designs. “I fell in love with pretty much everything about the island—the food,
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Berkshire Bulletin
the beaches, and the fact that everyone is smiling all the time,” Goff says on his website. “Bali is not only the most beautiful place in the world, but to me, it feels like the happiest. I quickly swapped my polos and t-shirts for a new uniform—a permanent smile and batik shirts made by an amazing local tailor, Pandu. I loved how they made me feel—instantly in vacation mode.” Each time friends came to visit Goff in Bali, having custom clothing made was part of his unofficial tour, and he
began to hear over and over again: “I love these shirts. You should sell them.” So he did, forming his clothing company Three Islands in 2009, which has a brick-and-mortar location in Watch Hill, R.I., where Goff grew up, as well as an expanding online presence. The company now sells men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. But long before customers could order shirts online or try on swimwear in a fitting room, Goff first began selling his clothing unconventionally with his cousin, Phil Barney, who had initially coowned Three Islands with him. “We bought 2,000 men’s shirts and borrowed my dad’s truck one winter,” Goff said. “We started in Florida and drove up and down the East Coast selling shirts out of the back of the truck. It was 2009, so the country was deep into the financial crisis. It was a pretty funky time to be showing up and trying to sell clothing out of people’s houses or in street markets, but it was a lot of fun and we learned a ton.” Goff discovered that customers were extremely receptive to pop-up trunk shops, and he built his business model around traveling from location to location for a few weeks at a time as he followed the tourist
Class Notes
you’re on vacation and you’re relaxed a little. I’ve definitely had customers tell me, ‘Every time I wear your shirts, I have a really fun night.’ And I say, ‘Well, it puts you in that mood.’ Our brand is about comfort and quality, and it’s well-priced. I’m a Northeast Yankee, so we like a good product that lasts a long time and gets better with age.” Goff says he began to hone his entrepreneurial spirit while at Berkshire. “I think you have to learn to think on your own and be a little more of a hustler than if you were living at home,” he said. “Once you’re at Berkshire, I think you have to lead yourself more.” Ultimately, Goff credits his father for encouraging him to “live outside the box.” “My dad told my siblings and I to get out and explore the world, follow our passion, and don’t feel pressure to go be a Wall Street guy. He told me there’s more to life than the almighty dollar. You can’t take away experiences—they’re priceless. Get out, live life, and do what makes you happy.” The Three Islands store in Watch Hill, R.I.
season in places like Florida. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, changed everything. “In 2019, the internet was 5% of our business, and the rest was divided between retail and driving around in our two vans,” Goff said. “Coronavirus, in a weird sense, is a blessing in that it kicked me in the tail and said, ‘The future is the internet. Stop driving around in your van.’ I’ve revamped my website and social media to try to make up for the 50% we lost out on the trunk shows.” It also means that Goff is home more with his wife, Tika, a Balinese swimwear designer, and their threeyear-old son, Lyman. “It’s nice waking up with my son, seeing him in the
threeislandslifestyle.com
morning, and shipping orders out of my home office,” he said. Despite the pandemic and travel restrictions, Goff said their Watch Hill store experienced one of the best summers on record—possibly because he was smartly selling cotton face masks. Goff also generously donated Three Island masks to faculty and staff at Berkshire School. “We love doing our part to keep everyone safe, but I’d rather be just selling fun summer clothing,” he said. The Three Island brand is centered around “good vibes and happy clothes that put a little sunshine in your closet.” “Wearing our clothing loosens people up,” Goff said. “It just feels like
Goff’s son, Lyman, modeling a batik Three Islands shirt
Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
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Class Notes
Connect with Berkshire
Tequila Avion, Wheels Up, Jet Linx, Lokai, Zeel, Watchbox, The National Limousine Association, and The Global Virus Network.”
1998 Lauren Levin Budz
1992 Abram W. Duryee III
1996
bduryee@hotmail.com
Katie C. King
1993
Jules A. Lemire
Hilary Ivey Mueller hilary@schoolscuitessoftware.com
Tenley E. Reed tenley@mac.com
1994 Juan Gabaldon writes: “Two years ago, I accepted to lead and build a state-ofthe-art project in Miami, FL. We have completed this beautiful and iconic cruise ship terminal on time and ready to receive passengers once the travel ban is lifted. It is probably the biggest job of my career so far—never be afraid to challenge yourself and work beyond your comfort zone. It will expand your capabilities to achieve new goals in life.”
lauren98@aol.com
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katiecking@yahoo.com
Malinda L. Lareau mlaurenlareau@gmail.com
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juleslemire@gmail.com
Dylan B. Mattes dylan.mattes.nyc@gmail.com
Seth J. T. Sanders sjtsanders@gmail.com
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Ian Campbell writes: “Attention Berkshire lacrosse alumni. Class of 1996 is putting together a team for the 2021 Vail Shootout for the Men’s Masters Division Ages 30+. A celebration win or lose. Dates are July 1–3, 2021. Go Bears! Message me for details.”
1997
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Matt Berritt writes: “I am a PR executive specializing in celebrity and lifestyle brands. My clients include Pamela Anderson, The Pamela Anderson Foundation, Four Seasons, Halekulani Hawaii, Byblos SaintTropez, Colgin Cellars, Makers Mark,
Paul Rowan ‘98’s first born
Jeff Soule writes: “Hope all are holding up okay. Spent the first half of the year in the apartment in NYC. Then June came and I took to the mountains! Lived off the grid in a cabin in the Catskills from June 6 to July 6 ... then I had to come back to civilization. I am looking for a new opportunity for work, so hit me up Bears! I would love to see what I could do for your business. Be well! Oh, and my old truck is back on the road. Hope to bring it by for some Berkshire biodiesel!”
Juan Gabaldon ‘94 at the new Norwegian Cruise Terminal in Miami, FL
1995 Bradley P. Hunt colgate1399@gmail.com
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Berkshire Bulletin
Matt Berritt ‘97 and his boss, Pamela Anderson
1980 International Scout Diesel owned by Jeff Soule ‘98
Class Notes
1999 Michael D. Gutenplan michaelgutenplan@gmail.com
George S. Scoville III gscovillempp@gmail.com
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Michael Gutenplan writes: “Hello Bears! What a crazy year it has been. Right before the pandemic, I had the honor of returning to Berkshire to teach a class for Pro Vita. What an incredible experience to spend a week under the Mountain with some of my favorite people in my favorite place in the world. I also got to perform my mentalism show for the students! The campus looks amazing! As for normal life ... I’ve been performing virtual magic and mentalism shows until I can get back on the road with my show. I hope you are all well and, as always, if you find yourself in Los Angeles, CA, please reach out!”
Michael Gutenplan ‘99 sets up for his show in Allen Theater.
2000 Brooke Beebe Noble brookebeebe@gmail.com
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Jess Smith-Malphrus writes: “2020 has been a challenge for us all. In light of these uncertain times, I was able to sell three of my flip properties and relocate to Wilmington Island, GA, a barrier island off the Georgia coast about 20-minutes outside of Savannah. In September, I sat for my professional
engineering exam and am happy to report that after 14 years of school, licensing, field experience, and an incredible amount of time and energy, I am finally a professional engineer. Go Bears!”
2001
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Shannon M. Flynn flynnshannonm@gmail.com
Peter A. Kearney, Jr. pkearneyjr@gmail.com
Philip A. Sandick phil.sandick@gmail.com
2002 Jaclyn Brander Marshall jbrander@gmail.com
Matthew P. Sposito matthew.sposito@gmail.com
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Lilly Becker writes: “I got married to Mark Howarth on September 11 at the Roeliff Jansen Park in Hillsdale, NY. Chris Schulz was a groomsman! The wedding took place over three days and included a Renaissance Day (Chris was a knight and Lilly was a princess) followed by a ceremony on day two (both in-person and Zoom), and a cookout for close friends and family on day three. It was a beautiful day for a socially distant masked wedding.” Elizabeth Scoville writes: “I graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling and a specialization in play therapy in 2017. Since then, I’ve become a fully licensed professional counselor, mental health service provider (LPCMHSP), and I started my own private practice, Scoville Counseling! I absolutely love what I do! It’s an honor and a privilege to walk alongside my clients on their journey of healing.
Elizabeth Scoville ‘02
I’m forever grateful to Berkshire and the opportunities I had under the Mountain (living with international students, studying abroad in Ecuador, learning about myself and others, etc.). It truly laid the foundation for me to discover my passion for empowering others. #MentalHealthMatters #RaiseAwarenessNotStigma @ScovilleCounseling”
2003 Melissa N. Jubinville melissajubinville@icloud.com
Robert Morgan Ralph robertmralph@gmail.com
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Nick Vernon writes: “Last November, Monica and I welcomed Arbor Roe Vernon into the world. She has been happy and healthy and kept the ‘quarantined blues’ at bay with an active baby crawling around the house. We continue to enjoy the outdoors outside of Boise, ID. Monica works as a physician assistant for a hospital group and I work for the Meridian Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic.” Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
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Class Notes
SIBLINGS SUCCEED IN STARTUPS Q&A with Laura Bishop ’09 and Ian Bishop ’06 By Kevin Soja
Drawn to compelling, missiondriven companies with big aspirations and talented colleagues, siblings Ian Bishop ’06 and Laura Bishop ’09 have discovered fulfillment and success working in the startup industry. Ian is currently vice president of venture-studio Atomic and head of growth for the company Homebound. Homebound was started by Atomic in the wake of the 2017 California wildfires, and assists families trying to rebuild their homes lost in natural disasters. The first-ever fully techenabled, custom home building company, Homebound provides families with a more accessible and efficient “all under one roof” strategy that simplifies the homebuilding process. By helping to create something tangible that serves a real purpose in the world, the work Ian has done to develop and grow Homebound has been the most gratifying of his young and impressive startup career. Laura is presently the head of marketing and partnerships at Graze, an online, interpersonal connection platform. While she quips that she was never going to work for an “online dating company,” Laura is a true believer in Graze’s commitment to “people not profiles” and to facilitating an authentic interpersonal experience, which has become even more necessary to people during the pandemic. Laura’s career choices are driven by mission and purpose. Undaunted by risk and challenge, she has clarity when it comes to her intrinsic need to believe in the work she is doing. As Ian and Laura reflect on their decision to leave The Bahamas for 18
Berkshire Bulletin
boarding school, they both believe that the Berkshire experience had a profound impact on their lives. They grew more independent, broadened their worldview, developed selfconfidence, and learned the value of stepping outside of their comfort zones to take healthy and calculated risks. They are also quick to joke that, even though they only graduated three years apart, it was probably a good thing they did not experience Berkshire together when they were adolescents! Learn more about Ian and Laura Bishop’s journey to Berkshire and beyond in our Q&A below. What led you to your current career choice and what do you find most rewarding about your job?
Ian: Like most things in life, my current career path has been a healthy dose of dumb luck followed by extreme bouts of hard work. Like all early-stage investors, founders, and operators, I am an opportunist. I meet each day as a new challenge and always try to find the edge. In my early career, I was lucky enough to land a job with Zenreach, the first portfolio company of venture-studio Atomic. I realized quickly that the exposure to incredibly talented people and near-limitless ambition was an opportunity far greater than any individual job. I was quickly indoctrinated with the Silicon Valley mindset that everything is a meritocracy and tenure means nothing. In that world, the only thing that matters is your ability to execute. Ten years later, I still work at Atomic, serving as vice president, having helped launch dozens
“I realized quickly that the exposure to incredibly talented people and nearlimitless ambition was an opportunity far greater than any individual job.” — Ian Bishop ’06
of startups across a very diverse set of industries including technology, healthcare, and construction. In my current role as head of growth for Homebound, I am responsible for a team that is currently working with over 200 families to rebuild their homes lost in natural disasters like the California wildfires and Hurricane Dorian. Being able to work with such a mission-driven company that is solving real-world problems is incredibly rewarding. Laura: I tend to think that you don’t
Class Notes
seek startup life out — it finds you. The late nights, brainstorm sessions, silly jargon, and absurd hustle is either something you can handle or something you can’t. The brands I’ve supported have been filled with Type A personalities who push themselves into the chaos they are hardwired to avoid. I am one of those people. My desperate desire to work in social good for a mission I support has led me through my intricate path of female-focused content at First Media, sustainability at Bird, and interpersonal connection at Graze. Graze, specifically during this pandemic, has felt so important. Taking the stigma out of online dating to focus on telling the story of why human interaction is so vital has been so gratifying. The work performed by such small teams at startups is always jarring and impressive at the very least. If I’ve worked to solve a problem that bothers me personally, I can lay my head down at night with ease. In what ways is your Berkshire experience present in your life today both personally and professionally?
Ian: Berkshire forced me out of my comfort zone and to take risks. Growing up in The Bahamas was relatively sheltered—there was little that was unfamiliar, and even less that felt overwhelming or unachievable. I will never forget my parents driving down the driveway after moving me into my freshman room in Eipper. I knew no one and was walking into a totally unknown world. I no longer had the comfort of familiar friends and teachers, and my parents were not at the end of the hall when I needed them. There were days in that first year where I was incredibly homesick and uncomfortable, but in hindsight, it was one of the best experiences of my life. The fear of total unfamiliarity and the confidence I gained knowing I was able to navigate
it on my own, has enabled me to walk into new challenges and opportunities knowing that I can be successful. Laura: Moving to a new country, pre-cell phones, at the age of 13 is an undertaking in itself. Both Ian and I felt, with the support of our parents, that we were ready to tackle the next chapter under the Mountain. That level of independence can’t be handed over — it has to be experienced, absorbed, and earned. Without a foundation of sheer “figure it out” attitudes, I’m not sure either of us would take the personal or professional risks we have. Constant change, risk, and a sense of self-betting has always served me in a way that I owe gratitude to Berkshire for. Personally, as silly as it may sound, I still carry a laminated card in my wallet that holds 10 traits and 10 behaviors I was given while at Berkshire [the 10 Behaviors and 10 Traits of “Gracious Living,” the legacy of the late Headmaster Lawrence Piatelli who served Berkshire in 2003]. As simplistic as they are, they ride the waves of life with me daily. What are your fondest memories of your time under the Mountain?
Ian: It’s hard to single out an individual memory that tops the rest. I often think back on the overall experience, and it’s not the Mountain Days or wins on the soccer and lacrosse fields that stand out.
It’s the little mundane things. Post-study hall pizzas with friends, bus rides to away games, even cramming for finals in the library. The four years under the Mountain were a gift that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Laura: Although Berkshire feels like a few lifetimes ago, I will always return to a memory of sitting on the wall of Eipper doing nothing with friends and teachers, all of whom remain in my life today. If you could offer any piece of advice to today’s students, what would it be?
Ian: Cherish your time at Berkshire. I know it’s cliche but it goes by SO fast. Don’t say no to things, take the class that sounds lame, play a sport you’ve never tried, and build great friendships with people you otherwise wouldn’t meet. The exposure to new things and opportunities afforded to you by going to Berkshire are once-in-a-lifetime. Laura: I’d simply say, soak it up. Every good, bad, and ugly memory. There is a fire lit in you when you realize what an opportunity is sitting in your hands. The athletics, the classes, the community yes, but the individual memories you will form will stay with you. The drive up, senior lounge, sitting in the same seat in the dining hall — it all stays with you, and that is priceless. homebound.com grazeapp.com
Mr. Piatelli’s 10 Behaviors of Gracious Living
Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
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Class Notes
Engagements & Weddings 2002
2004 Emile Miller ‘24, Lucas Miller ‘07, Gwen Miller ‘04, Maeve Miller Coughlin, and Eammon Coughlin
Lucy Brough with fiancé Chris Schulz ‘02, Mark Howarth (Lilly’s husband), and Lilly Becker ‘02 at the Renaissance Day of their three-day wedding in September
2009
2014
Shannon Kerr Wright ‘09 and Andrew Wright got married on August 20 in Toronto, Canada.
2012
Anna B. Johnston ’12 got married to Ben Rogers on Saturday, August 15, 2020. Lara Schefler McLanahan ’86 officiated the wedding.
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Berkshire Bulletin
Allie McErlean ‘14 and Bryan Gerstenfeld ‘14 were married last June in a small, socially distant ceremony.
Class Notes
Births & Adoptions 2008
2003
2003
Isabella Joan Sadler, daughter of Jocelyn Cullison Sadler ‘03
Nate Opat ‘03 shares the birth of their first child, Peter Sarver Opat, born August 10. My wife, Rebecca, and I are having so much fun as first-time parents. We can’t wait for the day we get to travel from Texas to show our little guy the glorious Berkshire campus!
2001 Katie Cahill Newhouse ‘08 with daughter, Isla Valerie Newhouse, born on July 9
2003
Nick Vernon ‘03 and Monica celebrating Independence Day with their daughter, Arbor Rose Vernon
The newest addition to the Joe Siegle ‘01 family, daughter, Isabel Rae Seigle, was born on January 7, 2020. She’s posing here with Palmer.
Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
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Class Notes
HITTING THE SWEET SPOT Kayla Arsenie Fitzgerald ’08 opens her dream ice cream shop By Kevin Soja
On July 22, Kayla Arsenie Fitzgerald ’08 officially opened Whirlybird Ice Cream & Waffles in Denver, Colorado. Created with the comforts of New England in mind, patrons can warm their souls with an ultra-sweet Liege waffle or happily indulge in a heaping scoop of Salted Golden Oreo ice cream. The idea of owning and operating her first business had been churning in Fitzgerald’s mind ever since she attended a Guster concert in Newport, Rhode Island. In middle school at the time, Fitzgerald recalls feeling overwhelmed with all things Ben and Jerry’s at the concert venue. A lover of ice cream and a product of a small Connecticut town, Fitzgerald was conflicted. In her mind, ice cream was meant to be crafted and enjoyed in a “little mom-and-pop shop” with a 22
Berkshire Bulletin
warm community vibe. After Berkshire, Fitzgerald earned a dual degree from Cornell University, pursuing studies in both the School of Hotel Management and the Culinary Institute of America. She then moved west to Denver. One night, while out to dinner with her then-fiancé, Fitzgerald looked across the street and noticed a line of 32 people waiting for ice cream. Her mind was churning once again. Working on the “numbers side” of the food industry for the companies Aramark and, more recently, Inspirato, Fitzgerald learned an important lesson: she was happiest when she was being creative. She decided to take a second job working in an ice cream shop in the evenings. Now she would really know if this was the path she wanted to pursue. Although there have been some
understandable challenges running an ice cream shop amidst the pandemic, Fitzgerald is optimistic about the future. Located in an up-and-coming and densely populated residential neighborhood near Mile High Stadium, Whirlybird Ice Cream & Waffles stands to be the kind of neighborhood destination that Fitzgerald has always associated with ice cream. For now, she is hard at work looking for local wholesale customers so that many others in the community can enjoy her carefully crafted desserts. If you’re out in Denver, be sure to stop by the shop for a scoop of hometown favorite Black Pepper Cookies and Cream! In the meantime, read the Q&A below to learn more about Fitzgerald’s journey:
Class Notes
“We opened our doors on July 22 of this year— in the height of the pandemic.Without passion and patience, we would not be here.” What has it been like to open and operate your first business?
Opening my business has been a dream come true. It has also been a constant test of passion and patience. I started my business plan in 2016 and spent years searching for the right location and proper funding. Then of course we opened our doors on July 22 of this year—in the height of the pandemic. Without passion and patience, we would not be here. What inspired you to create and build Whirlybird Ice Cream & Waffles?
I am from Roxbury, Connecticut, a tiny town much like Sheffield. As a child, going to get ice cream was a way for our entire community to gather and a
way for us to see our neighbors. I have similar fond memories of when I would leave campus and get a scoop at SoCo Creamery in Great Barrington. I wanted to bring that experience to Denver. Additionally, ice cream allows me to be creative every single day which is something I am very grateful for. How is your Berkshire experience present in your life today?
I believe that my experience under the Mountain is what instilled an unshakeable level of self-belief. Whether it was a dorm parent, coach, or member of the faculty, I had limitless support at Berkshire. If I doubted myself, they were the ones who helped me believe. I took this with me and am forever grateful for that.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock drops by for a visit!
What are your fondest memories of your time under the Mountain?
I have so many amazing memories! Rowing with Mr. MacKenzie was an integral part of my Berkshire experience, and I miss that bus ride to Lakeville every day. I think back fondly of when Rovensky rink was attached to Benson, and you could walk 50 feet from dinner to go to a hockey game which was so loud because it was a field house. Additionally, senior year was unique because Berkshire Hall was going through renovations, so we were in modular classrooms. I remember the morning after we pulled off our senior prank—we took all of the classroom furniture from inside the modular classrooms and recreated the set-up on the roof of the modular classroom trailers. What advice do you have for today’s students?
I would tell today’s Berkshire students to not be shy about venturing outside of their comfort zone. Take Mandarin. Join the crew team. Enroll in ceramics. The level of support amongst the faculty and staff is something that you will be hard-pressed to find outside of Berkshire. They will go above and beyond to support you and to see you shine. whirlybirdicecream.com
Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
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Class Notes
2004 Faye Abrams Klein fayevklein@gmail.com
William C. Stern wcstern1@gmail.com
Kraig D. Strong kskraigstrong@gmail.com
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Gwen Miller writes: “Still living and working in the Berkshires, but now with my 18-month-old daughter, Maeve Lillian! She helped my husband and I celebrate our marriage last September in Williamstown, MA. My brothers, Lucas ’07 and Emile ’24, were there, along with Charlotte DeLeo and Kathryn Hollister. We hope Maeve will be a Bear one day and look forward to visiting campus soon. Would love to hang out with some other local alumni! Stay well everybody and keep trucking.”
2008 Christopher J. Buonomo cjbuonomo@gmail.com
Matthew G. Crowson matthew.g.crowson@gmail.com
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Courtney J. Kollmer courtney.j.kollmer@pwc.com
Stephen W. Piatelli
SoCo Creamery in Great Barrington, MA! I look forward to making a Berkshire maple-inspired flavor soon and hope to see any Berkshire alums or students in the area!” Katie Cahill Newhouse writes: “My husband, Andrew, and I welcomed our second child, a girl, Isla Valerie Newhouse, on July 9, 2020. Isla was born on Nantucket Island, MA, where we quarantined for six months due to COVID-19. Mommy, daddy, and big brother Brooks are so happy and in love with our new addition!”
Erica Ginsberg Murphy
2009
eginzie@gmail.com
Kelly Wallace Abbott
Mary E. Pace maryelizabethpace@gmail.com
Abigail I. Tufts abigail.tufts@gmail.com
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2005 2006
and bridged the gap to land my first position on the buy-side of private equity real estate. Always an avid skier, I’ve committed more to other interests, including racing sailboats and studying wine. Outside of work and play, I like to volunteer, which includes mentoring current students and alumni of Berkshire, Skidmore, and Cornell. My favorite Berkshire memory is running cross country for Coach Bill Gulotta.”
Kayla Arsenie Fitzgerald writes: “After years of planning and six months of work in a pandemic, in July I was able to see my lifelong dream of opening an ice cream store come true. Whirlybird Ice Cream & Waffles finally opened its doors in Denver, CO. The store is inspired by New England ice creameries—even
steve.piatelli@gmail.com
2007
kellyjwallace5@gmail.com
Gregory T. Piatelli gpiatelli@gmail.com
Molly Ryan Rubins mollyrubins1024@gmail.com
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Shannon Kerr Wright writes: “Instead of letting COVID foil our wedding plans, we were married on August 20 on a patio in downtown Toronto, Canada, with just our immediate families. Due to border restrictions, Kelly Wallace Abbott was not able to get across the border into Canada to be my maid of honor, but she and her wife, Lowell, were there virtually via FaceTime!”
Casey A. Larkins casey.larkins@gmail.com
Allison A. Letourneau letourneau.allison@gmail.com
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Brendan Calafiore writes: “After completing a double major in business and health services at Skidmore College, I discovered my career passion would loosely involve what I learned in the lab. After years of transferable yet not directly applicable experience, I obtained a master’s in real estate finance and investments from Cornell
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Berkshire Bulletin
The Bears’ Den For campus news, events, and more! • • • Kayla Arsenie Fitzgerald ‘08 at her ice cream store, Whirlybird Ice Cream & Waffles, in Denver, CO
Stay connected at berkshireschool.org/bearsden.
Class Notes
2010 Charles B. H. Brey cbrey11@gmail.com
Alexandra B. Colbert abcolber@gmail.com
William R. Hearty wrhearty@gmail.com
Christopher B. Landry landrycb@gmail.com
Kelsey A. Markiewicz kelsey.markiewicz@gmail.com
at the beginning of quarantine! It was so fun to catch up with everyone. Luckily, Maddie Bricken and I were able to go to Cyrus Wright’s wedding on February 16, 2020, before the quarantine started. I hope to be able to see everyone in-person soon!”
2014 Jacob A. Grant jkgrnt12@gmail.com
Emily M. Hubbard emilymhubbard1@gmail.com
Hattie Waldron ’13, Cyrus Wright ’13, and Maddie Bricken ’13
Shannon E. Nelson senelson913@gmail.com
Tyler J. Reighley tyler.reighley@gmail.com
Yuan Shen
GET CONNECTED
shenyuan1991@gmail.com
2011
Try out Berkshire’s online networking platform: 10 th
BERKSHIRE SCHOOL CONNECT
Arthur M. Copstein acopstein@gmail.com
Margaret A. Fiertz maggiefiertz@gmail.com
• Personalized feed of alumni updates: stay up-to-date with contacts • Full Berkshire directory: Re-engage with alumni, parents, and students • Mentorship program: Network and give/receive professional advice • Job board: Post openings and find job leads
John C. Krueger jckrueger19@gmail.com
• Events: Stay in-the-know about gatherings across the country
2012 Samuel C. Maher smaher@berkshireschool.org
Juliet E. Shatkin jes714@nyu.edu
2013 Wesley J. Lickus wlickus@icloud.com
Harriet F. Waldron hattiewaldron@gmail.com
______________________________
Hattie Waldron writes: “I have enjoyed working from home in Washington, D.C., for the Ecological Society of America. I also enjoyed hosting a few Zoom sessions with fellow classmates
Download the app today! www.berkshireschoolconnect.com Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
25
Class Notes
2015
2018
Andrej P. Bogdanovics
Charlotte B. Childs
andrebogdanovics@gmail.com
charlottebchilds@gmail.com
Jeffrey A. Erazo
Isabelle W. Maher
erazo.jeffrey@gmail.com
Isabellewmaher@gmail.com
Hannah Z. Honan
Mohamed S. Omar
hannahzhonan@gmail.com
moeagles11@gmail.com
Grayson G. Keith
Billy Zegras writes: “Over the summer, Nick Shackford ’03 and Kraig Strong ’04 took me on as an intern for their Columbus, OHbased hockey agency, 85 Sports Management, LLC. Nick and Kraig showed the value of the Berkshire alumni network when I reached out to them over LinkedIn in search of opportunities in the sports industry. I have been working under Nick in a hockey operations role since July. In September, the agency was gearing up for a busy NHL offseason with the league facing challenges presented by COVID-19 and attempting to start their first fulllength season since the league halted operations back in March.”
graysonk5353@gmail.com
Mackenzie L. Lancaster mackenzie.lancaster13@gmail.com
Save the Date!
Chelsea A. Leeds
Join us for an epic climb on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, as the entire Berkshire community comes together in support of our Annual Fund!
2016
chelsea1101@gmail.com
5 th
Peter D. Bahr peterbahr97@gmail.com
Natalie C. Harrington nharrington@rcsny.org
Lane W. Mayher lwm007@bucknell.edu
Anne M. van ‘t Wout annemijn@vantwout.net
Karin M. Vantine kvantine@elon.edu
All gifts, of all sizes, make a difference. Help spread the word by showing your giving spirit!
For more information, please visit www.berkshireschool.org/odfb.
______________________________
Peter Bahr writes: “I graduated from Sewanee, the University of the South, with a major in philosophy, minors in French and politics, and a certificate in civic and global leadership. This year, I am living in Nice, France, as part of the teaching assistant program to teach middle school English.”
gohta.aihara@gmail.com
Daniel A. O. Akomolafe dakomolafe8@gmail.com
Danielle R. Malarney dmalarney4@gmail.com
2017
enut8089@uni.sydney.edu.au
Andrea L. Cass
James H. Schoudel
cass.and@northeastern.edu
jayschoudel@hotmail.com
Margaret P. Curran
Elias E. Sienkiewicz
maggiecurran99@gmail.com
elias31201@gmail.com
Benjamin W. Dixon
Aichen Yao
benwdixon@mac.com
aichenyao07@gmail.com
julielkokot@gmail.com Berkshire Bulletin
Gohta Aihara
Elizabeth B. Nutting
Juliana L. Kokot 26
2019
Class Notes
2020 aiellokate@gmail.com
LEAVE A LEGACY.
Ashanti S. Bruce
SUPPORT BERKSHIRE’S FUTURE.
Katherine R. Aiello
ashantibruce@gmail.com
Giang H. Le giangle1605@gmail.com
Nathan J. McShane nate.mcshane@richmond.edu
Emmanuel F. Roldan-Lezcano emmanuelroldan22@gmail.com
Amelia C. Schelle aschelle1tulane@gmail.com
James T. Welch jtw7ct@virginia.edu
Former Faculty John Callahan writes: “I am a former Berkshire history teacher, head football coach, and dorm parent from 1997 to 2003. I am teaching weight training, physical education, and coaching football at St. Andrew’s School in Savannah, GA.”
CALL FOR CLASS NOTES Submit your news online or call 413-229-1907. Deadline: March 31, 2021, for the Summer 2021 issue Photos: Please submit your digital photos online at the highest possible resolution. Photos must be sized 1 MB or larger. Photo captions should include full names and class years of everyone in the photo (from left to right) and the date and location of the occasion.
“While I attended another boarding school, I grew up at Berkshire. I arrived as a 23-year-old and spent my 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s with my Berkshire family of teachers, students, and staff. When I look back at how lucky I was to be a part of this great school, it was an easy decision to make a legacy gift to Berkshire. I will forever cherish my time under the Mountain and take great joy in knowing that I will be giving back to Berkshire.” —Rick Bellas, Berkshire Faculty Member from 1974–2005 and a member of the John F. Godman Society, Berkshire’s Planned Giving Society
In this complex year, we know that many of you are thinking carefully about donating to the causes that are most meaningful to you. We would be honored to discuss the multiple ways you can support Berkshire’s future with a legacy gift.
If you’d like to learn more about taking this step and about the tax advantages available with planned giving, please contact Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving Bill Bullock at 413-229-1368 or wbullock@berkshireschool.org.
Learn more at berkshireschool.planningyourlegacy.org.
Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
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In Memoriam
In Memoriam The Berkshire School community extends its sincere condolences to the families of the following alumni and friends of the School. Click here to view obituaries of those listed below. To send obituaries or remembrances of classmates or family members, please email bulletin@berkshireschool.org.
Past Trustee
1951
1974
1987–1995 Edward C. Shotwell III ’51 October 16, 2020
Samuel Cutting III (USAF Ret.) October 22, 2020
Stephen W. Clifford October 18, 2020
Former Faculty
1955
1975
David R. Burghoff June 28, 2020
Anne T. McNiven September 9, 2020
1956
1979
Edward Foss September 12, 2020
Sara-Louise R. Cottrell December 4, 2020
1957
1982
Wayne S. Irvine July 26, 2020
Thomas J. Boyd November 11, 2020
Sylvia Geer December 21, 2020 Norman E. Rioux October 28, 2020
1944 Dirck D. Harrison November 2, 2020
Thomas B. Fahy Jr. October 5, 2020 A note to our readers: The list of names for the In Memoriam section is reported from June 6, 2020 through December 31, 2020. If we have missed a name, please accept our apologies and email us at bulletin@berkshireschool.org . Fallen alumni and faculty will be honored at the Service of Remembrance during Reunion Weekend in June 2021.
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Berkshire Bulletin
In Memoriam
Remembering “Steady Eddy” (1932–2020) By Katie Kutney
Throughout his life, Edward “Ed” C. Shotwell III was a champion of Berkshire. Graduating in 1951, he remained engaged with his alma mater as a loyal alumnus, parent, grandparent, trustee, and philanthropist. Shotwell was a strong athlete under the Mountain, leading in the arenas of hockey and baseball, and he also sang in Berkshire’s Glee Club. Lance Odden, a former Berkshire trustee, Taft headmaster emeritus, and Shotwell’s longtime friend, shares: “When Ted Harrison, a 9-letter winner at Yale and Ed’s hockey and baseball coach at Berkshire, learned that Ed and I were friends, he exclaimed, ‘Ed was easily the best competitor and athlete, pound for pound, I ever coached.’” Following Berkshire, Shotwell attended Middlebury College and Boston University. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and in 1986, he became co-founder of American Fiber and Finishing, Inc., which still manufactures medical and industrial textiles. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Shotwell firmly believed in the value of education. His son, Dudley, and niece, Olivia Sawyer, graduated from Berkshire in 1985. His grandson, Sam Smith, graduated in 2011, and his grandson, James Scullin, is a current junior. Family members recall: “A patriarch to his ever-growing family, Ed was the family mast, the keel in our voyage through life’s rough waters. He insisted that we all attend college and receive a proper degree. He
Edward Carle Shotwell played football, soccer, hockey, baseball, and sang with the Glee Club at Berkshire. Shotwell with his hockey teammates (front row, second from right); Photos from The Trail 1951
was a generous mentor to us all, while observing our trials and tribulations and only interceding when we were missing the mark.” Shotwell and his wife, Jane, were steadfast in their commitment to education, which was further demonstrated in their extraordinary generosity to Berkshire, including the establishment of the Edward and Jane Shotwell Endowed Scholarship (amended to a scholarship in 2018 from an endowed chair established in 1997). The scholarship provides needbased financial assistance to a student each year who would otherwise not be able to afford a Berkshire education, giving preference to students who demonstrate leadership and the highest level of character in all aspects of their Berkshire experience. In dedication to Berkshire’s community, Shotwell served as a trustee from 1987 to 1995 and on the Hail Berkshire Campaign Committee thereafter, and he made
annual gifts to the School for nearly 40 consecutive years. Remarking on the man known to his golf buddies as “Steady Eddy,” Odden describes Shotwell’s impeccable character: “I was privileged to know Ed over the last three decades of his life. He was a principled gentleman devoted to his wife, Jane; to his family; and to his passions: Berkshire School, the Republican Party, Boston teams, and amateur golf— a game he played exceptionally well until the very end.” Be it on the golf course, with his family, or as a lifelong advocate for Berkshire, Shotwell exhibited a spirit of generosity and fair play that lives on in the hearts and minds of his family, friends, and fellow competitors, and all those able to experience Berkshire thanks to the Edward & Jane Shotwell Endowed Scholarship.
Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
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R BE
KSH
I RE S C H O
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Hats off to Reunion Committees, Chairs, and Class Agents for your outreach around Reunion 2021! Stay tuned for more information on Reunion.
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Berkshire Bulletin
From the Archives
“His quiet dignity, his kindness, and his ability to connect with everyone who was lucky enough to enter his orbit, has shaped our school into what it has become today.” —Dan Driscoll, Director of Athletics
Celebrating 43 Years of Service Athletics Equipment Manager Skip Bowman Retires After 43 years of dedicated service to Berkshire School, Skip Bowman retired from his post as equipment manager this September. Mr. Bowman, often viewed as the backbone of the athletic department, joined Berkshire in 1977. The School
Skip Bowman was a steady presence on the sidelines.
community will honor Mr. Bowman with a traditional gauntlet ceremony this spring. With his character wit, grace, kindness, and love for Berkshire, Mr. Bowman has left an indelible mark on thousands of students, colleagues, parents, and friends of the School. Many students’ fondest memories of athletics include Mr. Bowman, who had a reliable presence in the Jack—and doled out a steady stream of Jolly Ranchers. He made a point to attend as many games (no matter the sport or skill level) as he could, even in inclement weather. And students welcomed his words of encouragement as they were healing from injuries or preparing for tough matches. Director of Athletics Dan Driscoll said of Mr. Bowman, “His quiet dignity, his kindness, and his ability to connect with
everyone who was lucky enough to enter his orbit, has shaped our school into what it has become today. Skip’s presence alone was reassuring. He was always there … there for a nervous student who forgot their uniform or for a coach who was running from class to the court. Most importantly, he was there to make sure that everything was going to be okay. This presence gave those around him the confidence to grow, to connect, and to feel at home. Without Skip, we would not be Berkshire. We can’t thank him enough.”
Read the special tribute to Mr. Bowman or submit your own memories about him.
Class Notes Edition • Winter 2021
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The Sof fer Athletic Center, Winter 2021
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