61 minute read
DEI Alumni Council
In the spring, Berkshire launched its first DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Alumni Council, which has been a collaborative effort across the entire Berkshire community. The idea emerged from numerous thoughtful and intentional conversations among alumni, students, faculty and staff, and school leaders who advocated for a DEI Alumni Council to help make the School a more inclusive community.
Head of School Pieter Mulder said, “We’re grateful for the hard work and support of the Council members as we work toward making Berkshire a more equitable and inclusive environment for every member of our community.”
Board of Trustees members Robin Levi P’21 and Kenneth Coard ’85, P’22,’23, led the DEI Selection Committee process for the School. “We were looking for alumni with a deep commitment to DEI work who also have skills and experience relevant to Berkshire, the desire to dedicate time and energy to this initiative, and a love for the School,” Levi shared. “We hope the Council members will contribute new and valuable ideas for building and supporting the community at Berkshire and encourage other alumni from all backgrounds to get involved.”
The Council is organized to advance the Berkshire’s 2019 Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Plan by working across six areas of school life: academics, admissions, athletics and afternoon programs, alumni engagement/ advancement, student life, and faculty and staff support. It is composed of 26 members, representing both BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and white alumni.
Along with the Council members, a Berkshire faculty or staff member will work with each of the above school-life subcommittees. As the Council moves forward, it will engage with current students, faculty, and staff, and lean on alumni for their perspectives and recommendations on how to be most effective.
Brittany Brown ’13 and Rob Jacobs ’04 will serve as the Council’s co-chairs. “Both Britt and Rob have the skills to bridge divides, bring people together, and focus on the project at hand,” said Coard.
Jacobs and Brown have each expressed their excitement about leading the Council. “James Baldwin said it best: ‘Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced,’” Jacobs said. “Berkshire is uniquely positioned to have a meaningful impact on DEI, both in school and around the world. I look forward to making it a success.”
And Brown said she was “humbled and honored” to be chosen as one of the first co-chairs. “I look forward to working with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents in making Berkshire a more diverse and inclusive educational institution as we continue to mold the leaders of generations to come,” she said.
berkshireschool.org/ diversity&inclusion Ms. Brittany E. Brown ‘13 Co-chair
Mr. Robert J. Jacobs ‘04 Co-chair
Mr. Losseni O. Barry ‘18 Dr. Rhonda M. Bentley-Lewis ‘86 Mr. Alexander F. Buteux ‘08 Mr. David H. Chiang ‘05 Ms. Samone J. DeFreese ‘16 Ms. Dalisa Espinosa ‘10 Ms. Cathleen F. FitzGerald ‘85 Mr. Abdul A. Fox ‘89 Mr. John N. Harris, Jr. ‘82 Ms. Marianne Ho Barnum ‘78 Mr. Shawn D. Ingram ‘85 Mr. Klayton H. Johnson ‘10 Mrs. D’vonna S. Johnson-Hines ‘85 Ms. Martha Hagerty Kirkpatrick ‘11 Ms. Angela Lange Meredith-Jones ‘87 Ms. Farah N. Osman Nurse ‘86 Mr. Philip A. Sandick ‘01 Ms. Denise F. Saunders ‘83 Mr. Titus Stewart, Jr. ‘89 Ms. Selina A. Sun ‘10 Mr. Jiles T. Turning Heart ‘04 Ms. Unyimeabasi N. Udoh ‘13 Mr. John E. Washington, Jr. ‘72 Mr. Javier Cruz Winnik ‘96
—Robin Levi P’21 DEI Selection Committee Co-Chair
The Berkshire Chorus shared their moving recording of rock band U2’s elegy to Dr. King, “MLK,” during Black History Month.
Listen here: bit.ly/ChorusMLK
Listen here:: bit.ly/ChorusMLK
DEI WORK ON CAMPUS
Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy
This year, Berkshire honored the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a full day of programming and student-led discussions around the theme “Choosing Hope and Power: Finding the Soul of the Nation.”
The day included an all-school Zoom assembly with music from acclaimed performer Wanda Houston, as well as presentations and discussions with leaders in the fields of education, law, and social justice.
Learn about the leaders and their workshops here:
berkshireschool.org/mlk
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month
In May, Kelly Tsai, an award-winning writer and filmmaker, spent a virtual afternoon with Berkshire’s community to commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which honors Asian Americans’ and Pacifc Islander Americans’ contributions and influences to the history and culture of the United States.
Tsai performed some of her spoken word poetry and led a community discussion over Zoom with students who were listening and contributing within their advisory groups.
kellytsai.com
BSU Hosts Speaker
In honor of Black History Month, the Black Student Union hosted Baratunde Thurston at an all-school virtual event. Thurston, an Emmy-nominated host and “New York Times” bestselling author of “How to Be Black,” led a conversation moderated by co-All-School President Angela Ansah ’21 and faculty member John Speer.
The writer and comedian, who has worked for “The Onion” and “The Daily Show,” answered many thoughtful questions from students and shared his ideas for how we can all work towards a better, if imperfect, society.
baratunde.com
PLAN YOUR LEGACY GIFT TODAY
THE HENRY H. BARD, JR. ESTATE GIFT
In 2005, Dr. Henry “Hank” Bard, Jr. ’41 placed Berkshire in his estate plans, wishing to commemorate his four-year experience under the Mountain. When Dr. Bard’s estate settled in 2020, Berkshire worked closely with his family to follow his wishes by establishing three new faculty chairs.
Two of these chairs celebrate Berkshire faculty legends Albert Keep, Class of 1924, and Frank W. Beattie, Jr., while the third celebrates Dr. Bard’s passion for U.S. history with the Henry H. Bard, Jr. Class of 1941 Endowed Chair in History. In creating these chairs, Dr. Bard and his family planned their estate to honor the teachers who had a tremendous impact on his Berkshire experience, his university and medical school accomplishments, and his remarkable career in medicine that spanned more than 50 years.
Albert Keep Class of 1924 Endowed Chair in History (2019)
This Chair honors Albert Keep ’24, Berkshire’s second head of school, revered history instructor, and member of the School’s board of trustees. Keep resigned his post as head of school in 1943 when he answered the call to serve his country in World War II. Keep’s enduring commitment to his students extended well beyond their graduation, as he continued to support so many through their university and professional careers. The recipient of the Albert Keep Class of 1924 Chair in History embodies Keep’s keen intellect as well as his powerful role as a mentor committed to his students’ growth and development at Berkshire and beyond.
Frank W. Beattie, Jr. Endowed Chair in Music (2019)
Established to honor Frank W. Beattie, Jr., this Chair celebrates an exceptional educator who understood the power of the Berkshire community and the students who studied here. Beattie left his mark on four decades of students through his steadfast belief in them. Whether in the music classroom, at the track, or on the football field, Beattie was admired for his ability to connect with students and motivate them to be their very best. This Chair honors a highly skilled instructor whose kindness, encouragement, and empathy embody Beattie, a champion of students whom Henry H. Bard, Jr. always remembered for his support and advocacy.
Henry H. Bard, Jr. Class of 1941 Endowed Chair in History (2019)
This Chair recognizes an exceptional Berkshire instructor who possesses an unwavering passion for teaching and a tireless commitment to helping students thrive both in the classroom and in all aspects of their everyday lives. The Chair honors that rare history instructor whose teaching brings the past to life, making it relevant today and creating connections to the present that embolden students to think critically and creatively about the subject in a way they hadn’t before. The Chair also celebrates the instructor who naturally inspires the students he or she teaches, coaches, and advises, and instills in them a lifelong love of the discipline, the same way Henry H. Bard, Jr. was inspired by his history teachers while at Berkshire.
As co-chairs of The John F. Godman Society, we proudly encourage our extended Berkshire family to join us to ensure Berkshire’s continued success.
Donors who choose to include Berkshire in their estate plans are welcomed into The John F. Godman Society, introduced in 1996 by the board of trustees to recognize the critical role that planned giving plays in the success of Berkshire School.
Having served as Berkshire’s dedicated headmaster from 1951–1970, John F. Godman left a generous bequest to the School prior to his death in 1987. In addition, in 1985, the Class of 1961 established the John F. Godman Fund to provide the core funding for scholarships in Mr. Godman’s name. The School is forever grateful for the foresight and generosity shown by Mr. Godman and all those who have demonstrated such a commitment to the future of life under the Mountain.
Planned gifts may include bequests, appreciated securities, gifts of real estate, gifts of life insurance, and/or charitable income gifts, such as charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder unitrusts, charitable remainder annuity trusts, or charitable lead trusts.
We are so proud to be members of The John F. Godman Society. It was easy to join and fulfilling to know that our commitment will help Berkshire long after we’re gone.
Hans L. Carstensen III ‘66 Bebe Clark Bullock ‘86, P’14,’17,’21
Co-chairs, The John F. Godman Society
Berkshire School was thrilled to welcome the following donors to The John F. Godman Society in the 2020–2021 fiscal year. We are so grateful to each of these donors for including Berkshire School in their estate plans. Their generous commitment will continue to help the School grow and prosper so that a Berkshire education is available to all who qualify for admission.
Joseph D. Bodak, Jr. ’60 Michael D. Gutenplan ’99 Lori Mandel Jennifer G. Nichols ’87 Samuel Q. Nichols, Jr. Katherine B. Nichols Katherine Nichols Olney ’85 Willard B. Soper II ’66 Vernon F. Taylor III ’66
Make your impact on Berkshire as a member of The John F. Godman Society:
Estate planning gifts such as Dr. Bard’s (at left) are effective tax planning vehicles that provide tremendous benefits for both the donor and Berkshire School. If you’d like to learn more about planned giving strategies to benefit your estate and Berkshire School, please contact our Director of Planned Giving Bill Bullock at (413) 229-1368 or wbullock@berkshireschool.org. He looks forward to discussing how to create an individualized plan for you and your estate.
berkshireschool.planningyourlegacy.org
Class Notes
1948
George Church III 413-448-6199
______________________________ Jon Miller writes: “Dr. Ira Straus stated in National Review in 1997 that: ‘When Gorbachev spoke of a common European home, he meant: if Russia could not defeat the West, at least it could join it.’ To Western officials this was destabilizing ... Yeltsin made the offer of a surrender-equivalent even clearer ... and spoke of joining NATO. Still the West showed no interest. The practical result of Russia joining NATO would have been that Russia would be giving up, on paper anyway, complete control of its nukes. Paper, though not everything, does count for something. For instance, no more Cuban Missile Crisis. Why was this denied to us by a bunch of NATO bureaucrats? As a private historical researcher, I’m interested in finding out.”
Charlie Sutton writes: “I celebrated my 90th birthday on April 3, 2020, and continue to publish the family-run newspaper Vermont Country Sampler, which my wife, Catherine O’Kane, started 37 years ago, then a single mom. I almost ‘bought the store’ a few times but the ‘big copy desk in the sky’ can’t have me yet. The key to my long life is to keep working at something I enjoy doing.”
Moe England ‘49 is happy to be here!
1949
Robert W. Doyle, Sr. robertwdoylesr@gmail.com ______________________________ Moe England writes: “I would love to hear from and get together with any 1949 alumni! I’ve been meeting with Bob Doyle and Ben Davenport for years. I would love to widen the circle. Hope to hear from one and all!”
1950
Hugh Hessler writes: “I am 89 years young and live in Frankfort, MI, one of the loveliest areas on the shores of Lake Michigan. I have been retired for over 20 years. My wife and I owned a small furniture store which is now owned and run by my son and daughter-in-law. Our business was seasonal so in the spring we traveled all over the world to more than 60 countries. We have four children and all are very successful. Our oldest daughter was a Peace Corps director under Obama, which enabled us to travel to different continents on several occasions. Unfortunately, my wife has been in assisted living for four years now, but my children live around me so I’m thankful for that. Unfortunately, almost all of my friends my age have gone to live with the Lord.”
Become a Class Agent!
Contact Jen Nichols ’87 at jnichols@berkshireschool.org.
Submit a Class Note!
Share your news at www.berkshireschool.org/classnote.
1951
John B. Hull III 413-528-1528
1952 70th
1953
John G. Cluett jcluett34@gmail.com ______________________________ Herb Roskind writes: “John Cluett, grandson of the School’s founder, Seaver Buck, and I stay regularly in touch. He is in Florida and I’m in Arizona. A number of ’53s are still around and hope to make it back for our 70th reunion in 2023. We are working on it.”
Herb Roskind ‘53 with his wife, Laura
1954
Mike Smith writes: “I’m sure the rest of you, who are still around and kicking, are equally saddened by the passing of
our classmate, Pete Van Vleet Young. Always contributing and helpful; we’ll miss you.”
1955
Lewis E. Sadler lewcchd@gmail.com
Frederick C. Twichell ttwichell@thacher.org
1956
Daniel C. M. Crabbe crabsail@icloud.com
______________________________ Tim Austin writes: “I received both Pfizer inoculations, have been on chemotherapy for more than 18 months, and I am still working.”
1957 65th
Walter S. Henrion walthenrion@gmail.com ______________________________ Walt Henrion writes: “As all my classmates know, I have had a love affair with Berkshire for close to 70 years. Over the years, there has been mild disappointment for me, namely our college placements. I am very proud of the college placements for the class of 2020. Thirty percent are attending colleges/universities in the top tier of schools, the likes of Yale, Williams, Dartmouth, and Bowdoin. And this is but the tip of the iceberg with the class of 2020 going to other wonderful schools. My hat off to Pieter Mulder, the entire faculty, the student body, and to Erin Lyman, director of college counseling, for the fine work they are doing.”
Mac Odell writes: “Like all classmates, I stayed virtually locked down with Marcia in our little town house in Georgetown, DC, for the full year from March 2020, staying safe from a tragically avoidable pandemic. But that didn’t stop us from writing thousands of postcards to get out the vote for the big election and then hunker down during the Capitol insurrection, genuinely fearful for the soul of our nation. My refreshing escape from all this has been reprogramming my Great Himalaya Trail project to adapt to the pandemic and to embark on a major fundraising campaign, focusing initially on the Rotary network that originally helped fund Hillary’s Sherpa school project 50 years ago.”
1958
Benjamin J. Rosin benrosin@aol.com
______________________________ Chuck DuCharme writes: “In the outskirts of Grosse Pointe, MI, the town I’m in, is a house where the Southern poet Sidney Lanier died in [c.1880] during the Civil War. Working together with Larry Mills ’36, we found that Lanier’s grandson, Sidney, graduated from Berkshire in 1920 and went on to investment banking in NYC. The private library in Tryon, NC, is named after his grandfather. Stay well.”
1960
Joseph D. Bodak, Jr. jdbodakjr@hotmail.com
Stephen P. Norman steve@spnormanco.com ______________________________ Harry MacLean writes: “My second book, ‘Once Upon a Time: A True Story of Memory, Murder, and the Law’ is the subject of a Showtime documentary series entitled, ‘Memory Wars.’ The show is scheduled for release next September or October. The book/documentary tells the story of a woman who claimed to recover a repressed memory of her father murdering her playmate 20 years earlier. The father was convicted solely on the basis of the ‘recovered memory.’ The book was a New York Times notable book of the year. I am the principal narrator in the series.”
1961
Peter R. Kellogg pkellogg@iatre.com ______________________________ Ed Hunt writes: “In a time when we’ve often felt housebound during the pandemic, we are grateful for several wonderful visits from our children and grandchildren. Brad ’95 and his wife Lauren visited from Salem, MA, bringing along our 3-year-old goingon-25 granddaughter, Eveline, and grandson, Andrew, almost two. We also had a welcome break from our routine with a visit from Tom ’97 and his wife, Julie, who just moved to Ballston Spa, NY, with their 4-year-old son, Lincoln.”
1962 60th
Andrew S. Berkman aberkman@cpny.com ______________________________ Jamie Murray writes: “This past spring, while my wife Coo, and I were at the Windsor Club, north of Vero Beach, FL. I enjoyed notes from classmates Al Popkess, Jeff Denker, Dave Hemelright, Steve Fletcher, Bob Leuthy, and Stu Marsh. It seems that joint replacement and COVID restrictions are occupying many of us. But, it’s great that we are still connected. I hope to see Peter Kellogg ’61 at the Yeamans Hall Club.”
1963
Peter V. K. Parsons pvkp2@msn.com ______________________________ Dick Corwin writes: “After some 25 years practicing maritime law, in 1995 I shifted to marine insurance, where I remained until 2015 when I retired from Gard (a Norwegian insurer of ocean-going ships, offshore platforms, subsea pipelines, and owners’ liabilities) with which I was associated for 20 years. During the last 10 years, my wife, Bonnie, and I lived in Tokyo and Hong Kong. In 2015, we returned to New York City, where we live on West 60th Street. I spend some time as an arbitrator (disputes under maritime contracts such as charters of merchant vessels), am an active user of the gym at the New York Athletic Club, and try to take a couple of ski trips with friends each year.”
John Grace writes: “Hello classmates. Pat and I moved to Santa Barbara, CA, to be closer to family. All good here. Enjoying the history, culture, and arts in the area. Let me know if any of you are in the region.”
Peter Parsons writes: “Dear classmates, In the last Bulletin, I noticed that we had no class agent, and despite everything I learned in my five years in the military, I volunteered. I would enjoy hearing from all of you as to how you would like to stay in contact, and what you might want to share with your classmates. After a year of intensive online study, I was recently certified as a health, life, and business coach. The coaching methodology is a wonderful way of helping people achieve success in almost any endeavor, and if you have any interest, please feel free to contact me for a free consultation of how I may be of help to you or someone you know.” sculpture; travel. Lynn and I will celebrate 52 years in June. Without Berkshire, no Yale, no Lynn.”
Bob Mustard ‘67 clan. Heather Mustard Lovett ‘92 third from right
1964
Geoff Bray writes: “I taught a Pro Vita class for the second time at Berkshire. This year was very different due to COVID. The subject was ‘Bugatti—The Art of Design.’ Realizing students are undoubtedly aware of today’s hyper cars, but not necessarily from whence they came. Interestingly back in 1963–64, I took some heat for saying racing cars could do 200 mph, and now I’m talking about a road car that exceeds 300. Such is life.”
Bill Sheehan writes: “Went to Yale, studied English. Married Lynn. Law degree from UPenn. Federal court clerkship NYC. Went to a small DC law firm (17 lawyers) when Lynn was hired by the National Gallery of Art. Assistant to the Solicitor General, Justice Department, then back to law firm. Moved to Maryland farm outside DC when Lynn became a professional horse trainer (dressage). Deputy General Counsel, Defense Department, then back to law firm, which merged with a giant firm (1,000 lawyers); chaired appellate litigation group for 10 years; quit and became general counsel of the American Bird Conservancy, where I am today. I take riding, piano, and squash lessons; tend ornamental and vegetable gardens; collect bronze
1966
Harlan J. Swift, Jr. timswifty@gmail.com
1967 55th
F. Woodson Hancock III woods1949@gmail.com ______________________________ Bob Mustard writes: “Outside of a few quarantines, COVID has spared our family. Miss three of the grandkids, but added a fourth that stayed with us. Looking forward to Chatham and golf. Hope to see Mike Warren this summer. My 50th college reunion was in June. Still flying but never quite as fast as Steve Connolly.”
1968
L. Keith Reed lkreed.mt@gmail.com ______________________________ Keith Reed writes: “Jim Fergus’ third book of his ‘One Thousand White Women’ trilogy came out on April 6. The book is titled, ‘Strongheart.’ Congratulations, Jim!”
Kane Morgan ‘22, son of Steve Morgan ‘69, playing dodgeball during Winter Carnival at Berkshire.
Ted Batch ‘70 working on a refit of a 44m yacht in the shipyard before the tent goes on. Robin McGraw ’70 and Buzz McGraw’s daughter, Andi McGraw ’17, graduated from Connecticut College on the Dean’s List and was a 4-year NESCAC scholar athlete.
1969
Kent S. Clow III ksc3@msn.com
______________________________ Steve Morgan writes: “Here’s a picture of my son, Kane ’22, ready to nail someone while playing dodgeball during Winter Carnival at Berkshire. Note his dorm’s hippy era, representing the class of ’69 well. He’s excited to contribute to Bear wins on the mound this spring as a lefthanded pitcher! He’s lovin’ Berkshire!”
1970
Robert L. W. McGraw blackrockfarm@hotmail.com
______________________________ Ted Batsch writes: “Living in West Palm Beach, FL, and working on a major refit of a 44m yacht.” Pete Groninger writes: “Thinking about the past 50 years (and channeling Jerry Garcia): ‘What a long, strange trip it’s been.’ After graduating from college in 1974, I struggled to get some traction in life. Finally got into banking, where I spent the remainder of my professional life, primarily as a fixed-income portfolio manager. Married in 1976, divorced in 1991, remarried in 2005. One daughter who lives in DC and two grandchildren in Chicago burbs. Retired in 2013, and spend my winters in Florida and the bulk of the year in Chicago. Life is good, and I certainly don’t understand the source of my good fortune. Regrettably, I haven’t kept in touch with any of my classmates (with the brief exception of Charlie Neuhauser). Would love to change that as well.”
Robin McGraw ‘70 says goodbye to some of his boys.
1971
Kevin J. Bruemmer kevin.bruemmer@gmail.com ______________________________ Phil McCahill writes: “I retired to Cape Cod, MA, in 2016 after 37 years with Xerox Corp. (33 years in Rochester, NY, three in Dallas, TX, and the last from home on the Cape.) Now I spend my time traveling (not in 2020) and volunteering for several nonprofit organizations. Looking forward to spending more time with family in 2021 as the pandemic hopefully winds down. We miss the hugs from our 6-year-old granddaughter.”
Tom Stewart writes: “(Bearing in mind that I grew up a faculty kid.) Berkshire, my bare feet, on a pine-needle floor, in the dappling light, beneath old pines.”
1972 50th
John Y. G. Walker III jwalker2353@gmail.com ______________________________ Nick Johnson writes: “I continue as director of dance at Wichita State University (WSU) teaching mime and dance. I keep in good touch with Clark Brown, who just guest lectured to students at WSU (a Zoom class in experimental theatre). I blame Clark for my career choice.”
SUPERSIZED
JUNE 10–12, 2022
Welcoming Back ‘0s, ‘1s, ‘2s, ‘5s, ‘6s, and ‘7s!
1973
Rex S. Morgan, Jr. rexsmorgan@gmail.com
Michele Robins michele.robins@gmail.com
Leon J. Weil, Jr. jerryweil.tennis@gmail.com
1974
Louise A. Clement luluinsf2005@yahoo.com
1975
Frank Potash writes: “We’ve spent the past year at our New Marlborough, MA, house, only eight miles from Berkshire— the longest stretch of time I’ve been here since graduation. A tough year for all, but I don’t have to tell you what a beautiful part of the world in which to be sequestered during the pandemic. We look forward to retiring here soon, and to a time when the class of ’75 can meet again under the Mountain.”
David Peck ‘75 and Jamie Craig ‘75 attended Motocross of Nations in Michigan. David occasionally races a 1975 dirt bike in vintage motocross. Andrew Baseman ’78’s set decoration for the film “In the Heights,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release
Lily Leonard Goodale ‘78 with her two daughters
1976
Stephen H. Hassett shasse01@gmail.com ______________________________ Ian Foster writes: “What a challenging year it has been. I became eligible for the J&J vaccine on May 1. Seeing the trend in Georgia to suppress voting just makes me sick that all the efforts through the ’60s to present are
Ian Foster ‘76 and Al Gonzalez at the US Air Force Academy Winter Classic (LA Kings vs. Avalanche) in Colorado 2019.
considered not important for our great nation. The beauty of Berkshire School is the wonderful diversification of ethnic backgrounds amongst all the classes. We will get through these difficult times as this nation did in the 1918 pandemic. Wear the mask and stay safe even if you are able to get a vaccine.”
1977 45th
Richard M. McGivern rmcgivern@msn.com
1978
Birney B. Boehland bbboehland@gmail.com ______________________________ Andrew Baseman writes: “Even with the threat of COVID-19 looming, I managed to have a very busy year! ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ opened last fall and was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. For my work, I was nominated for an Art Director’s Guild Award and a Set Directors Society Award. After a long delay, ‘In the Heights’ finally opened in June. My current project is the Apple TV series ‘Severance,’ and principal photography will be completed soon and will air later in the year. Looking forward to working on my next movie!”
Lily Leonard Goodale writes: “I’m living in Jupiter, FL, where I am a Montessori teacher at Turtle River Montessori School. I continue to divide my time between Florida and Ecuador. My husband has a horse farm in Ecuador. All four of our children live in Maine.”
1979
Robert D. Thomas bthomas@wwsg.com ______________________________ Andy Brooks writes: “I played 100 Disc (frisbee) golf courses in 100 days, drove about 7000+ miles, saw friends, alums, met lots of interesting people, rode a jet ski around Key West, FL, went on an airboat in the Everglades, watched expensive
Andy Brooks ‘79
boats go in and out of Haulover Inlet in Miami, saw J.J. Walker perform stand up in Clearwater with my friend (a bounty hunter, need someone found?), and went to a baby shower. The only thing on my schedule was the baby shower.”
Susie Norris writes: “Planning my Berkshire School Pro Vita class, ‘The Science of Chocolate Truffles,’ gave me a chance to connect with faculty and staff in a way that always deepens my connection to Berkshire. It’s alive! The students gave me something new to think about—this year, I noticed how resilient they were and how their friendships and learning styles seemed strong despite compromises we all had to make for a safe environment. Inspiring! They earned their allotment of handmade French-style chocolate truffles!” reunion was cancelled again (but I understand of course). Was looking forward to seeing you all! Still in Utah, still writing software (but mostly building analytics these days). Picked up golf again about three years ago and seem to have an active addiction—I’m sure I can quit anytime though. Just got back from Phoenix, AZ, and played seven rounds in four days ... haven’t skied much this year though. Family is doing great and just living a life of gratitude these days. Best wishes for all of you. ’81 Best!”
SUPPORT BERKSHIRE’S ANNUAL FUND!
Every gift supports a Berkshire experience.
1980
Kimberley C. Fuchs kcfuchs33@verizon.net
Ralph J. Lamberto uticaeyedoc@gmail.com
Steven P. Veronesi sveronesi@cox.net
Kurt Kristensen ‘80 and Michael Bruno ‘80 catching up after 39 years!
Kurt Kristensen writes: “Took a fishing trip out of Venice, LA, and stopped in New Orleans to see Michael Bruno! It had been 39 years since we last hung out so we had a lot to catch up on. All is well!”
Vero Veronesi writes: “Very disappointed that our 40th was derailed! Was looking forward to seeing all of the 1980 pretty faces! Entering my 36th year in the mortgage industry. All three kids are grown with my middle son Keith ’10 recently married. Sadly, my dad passed away on Father’s Day weekend in 2019 but visions of him at every game of mine and then every game of Keith’s some 30+ years later, same fields, same rink, never goes away. Hoping that we can all connect very soon!”
1981
Annie Godfrey Clyne clyne@optonline.net
Sue Ann Stanton sasroyale@yahoo.com ______________________________ Max Maxwell writes: “Pretty disappointed that the face-to-face
Allen Maxwell ‘81 and his wife, Cathy
Tony Scheinman writes: “Even while under stay-at-home orders, I’ve had a very busy fall, completing production on three audiobooks, all approved by their authors and awaiting audio review by Audible, and upping my number of audiobook credits to 16! I’ll also be appearing in the low-budget feature film ‘Sanctioning Evil,’ in which I will be murdered for the first time on screen! I will be appearing in a featured role in a second season episode of the Netflix series ‘Russian Doll.’”
Mark Wickers writes: “Hope everyone is doing well. We live in Colorado full time but are living in New Hampshire this year. During these times I am lucky to be able to work from anywhere, so why not?
Mark Wickers ’81 with his wife, Michelle, hiking in New Hampshire
We are enjoying lots of outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, biking, backyard fires, star gazing and picnics when it’s warm enough. We really hope the best to you and your families! Mark and Michelle.”
1982 40th
Anthony P. Addison doubleany1@gmail.com
Andrew Champagne 802-540-0717
James E. Demmert jamesdemmert@gmail.com
Rosemary G. Fitzgerald rose@spiderwebstudio.com
Jay K. Overbye joverbye@bhsusa.com
George L. Rioseco III laxcoachgeorge@gmail.com
Gayle S. Saks gaylesaks@gmail.com ______________________________ Andrew Champagne writes: “Thank you Mr. Mulder and all the faculty, staff, and students for their diligence to keep our beloved school safe during the pandemic. Berkshire School, like our country, has weathered many storms and has always emerged stronger. I have been involved in Democratic politics as a member of the Vermont State Democratic Committee. I was fortunate enough to be elected as a national delegate for President Biden at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. In SUNY’s F.I.T.). Our eldest, Alexander, finished at St. Marks last spring and is following suit at UNC Chapel Hill as an education major, and Bella Blue (11) is creatively making her mark. I’ve been in the fashion industry for two decades and will soon be celebrating 25 years of marriage. Shout-outs to some of my upperclass brethren on their upcoming 40th reunion: Ennalls Berl ’81, Marty Berger ’81, Geoffrey Shutt ’81, Jorge Heilbron ’81, and Jim Haim ’81, to name a few.”
Vermont, unlike some other states, we want to encourage our citizens to vote. I have registered 1,375 Vermonters to vote. Look forward to seeing my classmates at our 40th reunion in 2022. R.I.P. my dear friend and Berkshire brother, Brian Fahy 1962–2020.”
John N. Harris, Jr. ‘82
John Harris writes: “Hello Berkshire family! 2020 was quite the rollercoaster ride. During the first quarter of 2020, I had the time of my life. I was able to complete two Christian mission trips building schools in Nairobi, Kenya, and Antigua, Guatemala. By the second quarter, I almost lost my mother and brother to COVID-19 in the same week. Prayerfully, they survived. However, 2021 has started off with a bang. I became a published author, launching my first book called, ‘Breakthrough Success,’ available on Amazon. One hundred percent of the book royalties go to two charities: www.hugitforward.org and www.stjudes.org. Wishing everyone health, wealth, and happiness!”
John Kuhn writes: “My son, Weston ’23, is headed to Berkshire in the fall! He will be the fifth Kuhn to attend Berkshire when he joins the fifth form and the Class of 2023! Go Bears!”
Alex Sumner writes: “New York City has been our home for the better part of 35 years. Berkshire was central in engendering a desire to give back and teach (I spent 10 years with the NYC Board of Education and three years with
Alex Sumner ‘82 and family in Southampton, NY—Alexander (19), Bella Blue (11), and Isha (forever 21)
1983
Karen Schnurr Secrist karensecrist6@gmail.com ______________________________
1984
Debra Drucker druckerdeb@yahoo.com ______________________________ Bob Mueller writes: “Greetings. Hope all is well at School. Went whitewater rafting in Colorado last summer with some 1984 classmates. Kevin McCulloch, Stuart Gardner, Jamie Ward, Will Durland, William Lawrence, Robert Hutter, Talbot Adamson ’85, and Mike Doherty attended. We all had fun and came home in one piece. Unfortunately, Craig Powers could not join us, as he was at a yoga retreat that week.”
1985
Lionel A. Shaw lionel_shaw@yahoo.com
Mary Brosnahan Wachter mtbwachter@gmail.com ______________________________ Carla Klein Moriarty writes: “I sold my house in Teaneck, NJ, left my job, and moved to Santa Monica, CA, last August with my two teenagers smack in the middle of the worst time in the pandemic. I am being certified through UCLA in mindfulness facilitation and hoping to land a job with a private school for fall 2021–22.”
Around the corner from Carla Klein Moriarty ‘85’s home is this beautiful wall of bougainvillea.
1986
Rhonda M. Bentley-Lewis rblewis81411@gmail.com
Anthony S. Clifford tclifford11@gmail.com
Lara Schefler McLanahan lara.mclanahan@berkshireschool.org
Ann C. Zimmerli-Haskel azh@me.com
Erik C. Zimmerman erikzimmerman46@gmail.com ______________________________ Melinda Cinkala Handlowich writes: “I have been married for 20 years. My husband and I have no children; however, we have two 4-legged children: Gabriella, a golden retriever and Molie, a golden retriever/lab. We live in Ashley Falls, MA, on 12 acres. I have unofficially retired from teaching to help my husband run his two businesses.”
1987 35th
Janna Klyver Cord Jcord3214@gmail.com
Angela Lange Meredith-Jones ameredithjones@gmail.com ______________________________ Jeff Anderson writes: “It was a bittersweet decision for us, as we always dreamed of sending Joey to Berkshire and reliving that cherished experience vicariously through him. But Joey has committed to playing for his youth hockey coach, Bobby Ferraris, at TrinityPawling, and he will continue playing for his travel team, Westchester Express, through 18U. Joey’s looking forward to playing the Bears. Class of 2025!”
Joey Anderson, son of Jeff Anderson ‘87 and his wife, Dina, playing hockey for his travel team.
Sarah Kloman writes: “Sending love to all as we embrace 2021. Continue to consult as creative director for Victoria Beckham,
Graham Goff ‘87, race director for the inaugural Montana Bike Odyssey. 1,770 glorious grueling miles around Montana in 19 days. Second running of the event will be in Bozeman, MT, in September.
Thomas Maddock ‘87, retired Lt. Col, USAF and former Berkshire varsity hockey player, hits the ice as the new commissioner of the Albuquerque Premier Hockey League.
as well as a few other beauty startups through my agency, 4thFl. Looking forward to a summer in Maine with cats, dogs, and family. Lucie (12) sailing all summer as she prepares for 8th grade and Alice (17) starting to look at colleges. Oldest daughter, Eloise, will be teaching sailing on Lake Champlain as she enters into her senior year at UVM.”
Thomas Maddock writes: “I am the new commissioner of the Albuquerque Premier Hockey League (APHL). The league consists of former Division I players, exminor league pros, and University of New Mexico Club team players.”
John Marshall ‘87 participated in the inaugural Montana Bike Odyssey with participant and Race Director Graham Goff ‘87.
Mirabelle, Ella, Caspar, and Angela Lange Meredith-Jones ‘87 looking at the Class of 1987 yearbook on a recent visit to Berkshire.
Angela Lange Meredith-Jones writes: “What a year we have all had! The silver lining has been having copious amounts of family time both in New York City and on Long Island. I have been working on small art projects; my 14-year-old twins applied to boarding school (and will be Berkshire Bears) and my eldest will be applying to college in the fall. We’re hoping the entire Berkshire family is staying healthy and keeping well!”
Blair Gawthrop Miller writes: “We added two miniature donkeys to our growing equine family, so now there’s a horse, some chickens, dogs, a cat, and maybe a little parakeet—my husband calls me Blair Exotic. I’ve been invited to teach a course on diversity in historic preservation at the University of Colorado, Denver, which I’m really excited about. It will be offered in the fall. My teenage kids are making it through COVID times—thank goodness for horses and soccer. Hope everyone is well.”
Jen Nichols writes: “Enjoying life and work under the Mountain. I’m hoping our class will be able to gather in June 2022 for our 35th reunion. Not sure how that happened! I hope everyone is well and healthy. Please stay in touch.”
Blair Gawthrop Miller ‘87’s donkeys, Hazel and Olive
1988
Anne E. Glaccum glaccume@gmail.com
James D. Watt, Jr. jdwattjr@gmail.com
1989
Andrew D. Allen andrewdrexelallen@gmail.com ______________________________ Andrew Allen writes: “Had a great time visiting Kirk Kellogg ’87 in Palm Beach, FL, to celebrate his recent engagement to Emily Maillet. We went deep sea fishing on his boat, ‘School’s Cancelled,’ and caught hammerhead, sailfish, king mackerel, amber jack, and bonita.”
Melissa Glick writes: “I’ve been living in Salt Lake, Utah, for the past 11 years. I have worked for the department of psychiatry at University of Utah for five years and have been a PA for the last 21. I ski whenever I can and made it through COVID with a vaccine in December. Got to ski 60 days so far and that’s been the best therapy. Still close to my Berkshire girls and got to have a great visit with Jenna Pollock this summer and Facetime with all my four year gals several times, which was the best.”
Sherry Lautenbach Murphy writes, “I am living in Jupiter, FL, with my husband Mark and three teenage kids, Ned (19), Tulane University; Nick (17), University of Colorado Boulder; and finally, Grayson (15), a freshman. Had the pleasure of seeing my best friend/prom date Jon Clark ’89 in my hometown at the Honda Classic golf tournament with his adorable son, Oliver!”
Kirk Kellogg ‘87 and Andrew Allen ‘89 at Buccan Restaurant in Palm Beach, FL, with two friends, Hank Brucker and Chris Merton. Sherry Lautenbach Murphy ‘89 with Jon Clark ‘89 at The Honda Classic golf tournament in 2021
Todd Thomas writes: “Since I was furloughed from Hospital Construction Management in February 2020, I split my time between helping create PPE and organizing citizens’ brigade responses to the ongoing pandemic
GET CONNECTED
Try out Berkshire’s online networking platform: BERKSHIRE SCHOOL CONNECT
• 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 • Events: Stay in-the-know about gatherings across the country
Download the app today! www.berkshireschoolconnect.com
with www.nationofmakers.us and other national “maker” organizations (these organizations, church sewing circles, makerspaces, and individuals have helped create over 50 million pieces of PPE to date!). I also co-founded a company in Rhode Island last April, www.oceanstateshields.com, to help locally combat COVID-19 by developing applications and EPA approvals for our long-acting antimicrobial surface coatings. Then, I accidentally stumbled on an opportunity to help local restaurants survive indoor dining restrictions by designing from scratch and then producing winter outdoor dining igloos that survived multiple nor’easters with gale force winds and heavy snow without flinching!”
1990
Natalie Bradley Clarke ninabclarke@gmail.com
Katharine Cutler Coughlin katecoughlin1@gmail.com
Natalie Dillon natdillon28@gmail.com ______________________________ Jeremy LaCasse writes: “I thoroughly enjoyed an opportunity to engage with a great group of Berkshire fifth formers who came in excited and made the most of our time together in the Pro Vita class I co-taught with [Academic Dean] Brooke Depelteau, ‘Leading at Berkshire & Beyond.’” Brian Luts writes: “With the world trying to make steps towards getting back to normal, I’m excited to say we had our fourth annual L&G Charity Sporting Clays Competition for The Trip McNealy Foundation on April 22. We donated all proceeds to the military charity, Hero Dogs, Inc. They raise, train, and place service dogs to improve the quality of life for our nation’s heroes. At the beginning of March, I had the cool experience of teaching students at Berkshire during Pro Vita. The interaction and questions were great. I was pleasantly surprised by the give and take with the kids. If you have something you are passionate about, please offer it up to teach it. It may push you out of your comfort zone, but it’s worth it.”
Dee McGaffey Schwein writes: “I’m happy to say that, as of March, we’re healthy and vaccinated. We look forward to traveling again, and having a do-over on our 15th wedding anniversary celebration, somewhere far from the confines of our living room! I joined the latest Berkshire alumni app (berkshireschoolconnect.com) and was able to reconnect with Anja Hennerkes Boettinger ’89, who’s happily married and living in Germany. May we all live in ‘less’ interesting times soon!”
Deirdre McGaffey Schwein ‘90 showing off her vaccine chic
1991
John K. Fretz jfretz@outlook.com
1992 30th
Abram W. Duryee III bduryee@hotmail.com
1993
Hilary Ivey Mueller hilary@schoolscuitessoftware.com
Tenley E. Reed tenley@mac.com ______________________________ John Holbrook writes: “I started a small BBQ sauce and dry rub business a few years ago. I recently had a nice write up in a local magazine. I make all-natural BBQ sauces, hot sauces, and dry rubs. I also just started using a few of my dry rubs to make sweet and savory BBQ pecans and almonds. My website address is www.pitbullbbqsauce.com.” Jared Soper writes: “Proud to share that our daughter, Annie P. Soper ’24, is officially a Berkshire Bear and headed under the Mountain this fall. Our family, including her grandfather, Willard B. Soper II ’66, and her aunt, Amanda Soper Henning ’97, can’t be more excited. Additionally, with our son, Bear, down the street at Salisbury School, my wife, Linda, and I look forward to spending more time back in New England and hopefully reconnecting with classmates from 1993!”
John Holbrook ‘93 in the January 2021 edition of “Boca Raton Magazine” Michael Gutenplan ’99 using his psychic powers to win big!
1995
Bradley P. Hunt colgate1399@gmail.com ______________________________ Ayren Moskowitz Pfeifer writes: “After 20 years moving around the country in support of my husband’s military career, it’s time to finally settle down as he transitions to civilian life. We have been in northern San Diego county, CA, for five years now. My husband and son have become avid surfers, and I’m leading a busy real estate team. I’m looking forward to serving as the Southern California Advisory Board ambassador and encourage any fellow Berkshire alums in San Diego to reach out to me anytime!”
1996
Katie C. King katiecking@yahoo.com
Jules A. Lemire juleslemire@gmail.com
Dylan B. Mattes dylan.mattes.nyc@gmail.com
Seth J. T. Sanders sjtsanders@gmail.com ______________________________ Nakia Howell-Turner writes: “The pandemic presented many challenges and opportunities. In May 2021, I virtually attended Berkshire’s All-School Meeting as a part of a panel discussing ‘BLM Day Programming: Liberty & Justice for All: Building Bridges Beyond Derek Chauvin.’ I shared both my experience at Berkshire as well as my experience as an educator. Also in May, I completed an advanced certificate in School District Leadership. Effective July 1, 2021 I will be a Principal in the New York City Department of Education. I look forward to this next step in my career.”
1997 25th
1998
Lauren Levin Budz lauren98@aol.com
Malinda L. Lareau mlaurenlareau@gmail.com
1999
Michael D. Gutenplan michaelgutenplan@gmail.com
George S. Scoville III gscovillempp@gmail.com ______________________________ Michael Gutenplan writes: “Over the past year, I’ve adjusted my mind-reading show to be all virtual. It’s been a blast entertaining, via the internet, people all across the country. Sarah Cushwa Divine, Alex Cutler, Becca Neagle, Nakia Howell-Turner ’96, and Jason Rano ’98 are just a few of the familiar faces I’ve seen at my shows! I also got to experience the thrill of a lifetime ... I was a contestant on ‘The Price is Right.’ I had so much fun, and yes ... I won!”
Births & Adoptions
1998 2002
Timur Pakay ’98 and wife, Stephanie Pietros, welcomed a baby girl on April 6 in New York. Cecilia Ela Pakay joins big brother Oliver.
2008
Rachel Blandori Simon ’08 and her spouse, Jed, are excited to introduce their son, Axel Guard Simon, who was born January 22, 2021, and weighed in at 7.1 pounds and measured 19.5 inches.
2001
The newest addition to the Emily Bean Livezey ’02 family is son, Rivers Buchanan Livezey, born on October 20, 2020. He is posing here with mom, dad, and siblings, Finley and Rawson.
2003
2008
Melina Mae Sainsbury, daughter of Bubba Sainsbury ’08 and his wife, Seva, was born on February 2, 2021.
2007
Henry Fraser Cannon III, son of Nate Cannon ’07, and his wife, Jennifer, was born September 13, 2020. Pictured here with his auntie Kenzie Cannon ’05 Caitlin Marsden McNeill ’01 and her husband, Christopher, welcomed a daughter, Audrey Jane Marsden McNeill, on September 1, 2020. She weighed in at 6.15 pounds and measured 21 inches long. Morgan Ralph ’03, with wife, Molly, and daughter, Willa Frances Ralph, at Mt. Ellen in Vermont in March. Willa totally “loving” her first après ski!
2000
Elizabeth (Bizzy) Louise Carter Boynton, daughter of Matt Boynton ’00 and his wife, Courtney, was born on February 7, 2021.
George Scoville ’99 in his office in Nashville, TN
George Scoville writes: “Last fall, after helping to scrutinize now-Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s First Amendment jurisprudence during her tenure on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, I was named an adjunct fellow at the Institute for Free Speech in Washington, DC, the nation’s premiere advocacy and strategic litigation organization working to protect political speech. I continue my products liability and business/ commercial dispute resolution practices at Lewis Thomason, P.C. in Nashville, TN, often serving as local counsel in the state and federal courts of Tennessee.”
2000
Matthew D. Boynton boynton_matt@yahoo.com
Sarah Scheinman Hulsey sarahscheinman@hotmail.com
______________________________ Anna Donahue Fiske writes: “I’m happy to report that my son, Thomas ’24, started as a third former at Berkshire last fall. I finished my MBA in 2019 and continue to work in healthcare administration. My husband and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this past December and are still living on Cape Cod, MA.”
Sarah Scheinman Hulsey writes: “What would we have thought back in 2000 if someone told us that our 20year reunion would be cancelled due to a global pandemic? Hope everyone made it through and is doing well. My husband and I felt lucky to be living in Breckenridge, CO, this past year, where both the local library system (where I work) and the ski resort were business as usual.”
Sarah Scheinman Hulsey ’00 camping in a Harvest Host winery on a California road trip
2001
Shannon M. Flynn flynnshannonm@gmail.com
Peter A. Kearney, Jr. pkearneyjr@gmail.com
Philip A. Sandick phil.sandick@gmail.com ______________________________
Caitlin Hettinger Marsden McNeill
writes: “Last September our little Audrey Jane Marsden McNeill entered the world. She is full of joy, happiness, and surrounded by a lot of love. We have been fortunate that I am still working from home in the Berkshires as my New York City office won’t be re-opening until fall 2021. I continue to work for Artemis Partners as the director of community relations in a role that has required increasing amounts of flexibility and persistence during the pandemic.”
John Plumb writes: “I live in Houston, TX, with my wife, Katherine, and three children—Mary, Jack, and Kackie. I work for Hines (real estate developer and manager) and Katherine is a partner at Deloitte. Our family enjoys trips to the beach, hiking/skiing in Colorado, and visiting with friends.”
John Plumb ’01 and family in Telluride, CO
2002 20th
Jaclyn Brander Marshall jbrander@gmail.com
Matthew P. Sposito matthew.sposito@gmail.com ______________________________ Devon O’Rourke writes: “Social distancing offered an opportunity for Jackie and I to seek out new outdoor adventures throughout Cape Cod, MA, with our now 6-year-old daughter, Finny. It’s certainly the most hiking we’ve done since our days spent under the Mountain, but admittedly a little easier given the maximum hill height out our way is about 20 feet. Jackie is
Engagements & Weddings
2015 2012 2010
Grayson Keith ’15 and Kenzie Lancaster ’15 got engaged on Easter 2021. They have been together six years since they met under the Mountain and are excited to say “I Do” to the rest of their lives together!
1987
Joe Connolly ’12 and Jillian Spector got engaged on March 19, 2021.
2008
Alex Colbert ’10 and Tyler Roselli ’10 were married in Longboat Key, FL, on April 9, 2021.
Wylie Galvin and Helen Pearsall ’08 got engaged on February 4, 2021, at their home in Edwards, CO.
2005
Kirk Kellogg ‘87 and Emily Maillet got engaged in Palm Beach, FL, on March 6, 2021. Melissa Young proposed to Kacey Bellamy ’05 on January 21, 2021, at Emerald Lake, British Columbia, Canada, on their way to Golden.
thriving in her consulting work, and I recently joined a biotech startup after earning my doctorate back in 2019. We look forward to seeing faces again on campus soon.”
Allison Zelman writes: “I have been asked to serve in the Biden Administration as deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Labor.” moment! Hope everyone is safe and healthy out there!”
Allison Zelman ’02 at her “virtual swearing-in ceremony” with her husband (not pictured) and son, Caleb, who is 15-months-old
2003
Melissa N. Jubinville melissajubinville@icloud.com
Robert Morgan Ralph robertmralph@gmail.com ______________________________ Hansjörg Behrens-Ramberg writes: “My girlfriend and I got engaged in August and moved to our new home in Germany. We’re planning to get married in 2022.”
Morgan Ralph writes: “My wife, Molly, and I welcomed our first child, Willa Frances Ralph in February. By the time this is published, I’m hoping we will be getting a full night’s sleep, although I’m told that’s very optimistic! The Berkshire staff was kind enough to send a little Berkshire onesie, but she’s way too tiny to fill that out at the
2004
Faye Abrams Klein fayevklein@gmail.com
William C. Stern wcstern1@gmail.com
Kraig D. Strong kskraigstrong@gmail.com ______________________________ Kat Valiotis writes: “Greetings from Greece! Wishing all good health and patience to get through this. Development and management here—a food production facility now in operation and a resort hotel under construction.”
2005
Matthew G. Crowson matthew.g.crowson@gmail.com ______________________________ Kacey Bellamy writes: “I have been living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for the last three years. I got engaged in January at beautiful Emerald Lake in British Columbia. I recently retired from the National Team but I will continue to stay involved in the game to help inspire the next generation of players. I also joined a sports media company, TorchPro. The company is a platform that helps to educate and inspire the next generation by telling the stories of professional athletes. On their website, TorchPro.com, you can access videos on players’ day-to-day habits. Through training, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and mindset, younger athletes can use these tools to improve.”
2006
Courtney J. Kollmer courtney.j.kollmer@pwc.com
Stephen W. Piatelli steve.piatelli@gmail.com ______________________________ Jeff Wexler writes: “A busy 2020 working on the Democratic Convention, BidenHarris campaign, and transition, which led to an even busier 2021. Started a new job in January as director of COVID-19 Operations at the White House.”
2007 15th
Casey A. Larkins casey.larkins@gmail.com
Allison A. Letourneau letourneau.allison@gmail.com ______________________________ Nate Cannon writes: “2020 was an interesting year for the Cannon family as we celebrated one year of marriage, two years of living in Salem, NH, and welcomed our own Bear cub, Henry Fraser Cannon III. Henry arrived 11 weeks early and spent 86 days in the NICU.”
Zan Scala Christoferson writes: “I am excited to announce that, after 10 years in the field of art therapy, the last six as a licensed professional counselor and board certified art therapist, I have opened my own private practice, Art Therapy Explorations, LLC, currently utilizing teletherapy with plans for a physical location in New Haven County, CT, later this year.”
Zan Scala Christoferson ’07’s business logo created by Sean Taillefer ’12
2008
Christopher J. Buonomo cjbuonomo@gmail.com
Erica Ginsberg Murphy eginzie@gmail.com
Mary E. Pace maryelizabethpace@gmail.com
Abigail I. Tufts abigail.tufts@gmail.com ______________________________ Chris Buonomo writes: “It was a great experience to teach my first Pro Vita Class, ‘How to Ready a City: An Introduction to Urban Planning.’ The first Pro Vita was during my senior year at Berkshire, and I was glad to be able to be a part of it again.”
Bubba Sainsbury writes: “My wife and I introduced our first newborn, a baby girl, in February 2021. Her name is Melina Mae and she has already brought us so much joy and has melted our hearts. I will also be completing my residency program in endodontics and will be relocating to Tampa, FL, to join a group practice.”
2009
Kelly Wallace Abbott kellyjwallace5@gmail.com
Gregory T. Piatelli gpiatelli@gmail.com
Molly Ryan Rubins mollyrubins1024@gmail.com ______________________________ J.J. Jemison writes: “Hi everyone! I am so proud and excited to share that I am a dad! My wife and I welcomed a baby boy, Jalen Jerome, in late April. I am also proud to say that after four years of working at Berkshire (2013–17), I will be wrapping up my fourth year as an admissions representative for my collegiate alma mater, Kenyon College. I hope this note finds the rest of you Bears doing well and staying safe throughout the remainder of this pandemic—I can see light at the end of the tunnel!”
J.J. Jemison ’09 and his wife, Mandy, with Jalen Jerome on the way!
Kevin Scheller-Crowley ’09 and his wife, Elizabeth Scheller-Crowley, are expecting their first child, a baby girl, this September!
The Bears’ Den
For campus news, events, and more!
Stay connected at berkshireschool.org/bearsden.
2010
Charles B. H. Brey cbrey11@gmail.com
Alexandra Colbert Roselli abcolber@gmail.com
William R. Hearty wrhearty@gmail.com
Christopher B. Landry landrycb@gmail.com
Kelsey A. Markiewicz kelsey.markiewicz@gmail.com
Shannon E. Nelson senelson913@gmail.com
Tyler J. Reighley tyler.reighley@gmail.com
Yuan Shen shenyuan1991@gmail.com ______________________________ Alex Colbert Roselli writes: We originally planned our wedding for August 2020 in Lenox, MA, and instead married in Longboat Key, FL, on April 9, 2021. We look forward to celebrating with friends and fellow Bears next year.
2011
Arthur M. Copstein acopstein@gmail.com
Margaret A. Fiertz maggiefiertz@gmail.com
John C. Krueger jckrueger19@gmail.com
2012 10th
Samuel C. Maher smaher@berkshireschool.org
2013
Wesley J. Lickus wlickus@icloud.com
Harriet F. Waldron hattiewaldron@gmail.com ______________________________ Kira von Steinbergs writes: “I married Abraão Magalhães; I met him while studying abroad in Fortaleza, Brazil. He is a third degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt and professional MMA fighter. Our daughter, Cherry, was born in August of 2016. She is currently in Pre-K and a white belt in BJJ. I graduated from the University of Arizona in December 2017. I majored in Spanish studies with a concentration in Portuguese studies, and had minors in both Russian studies and military leadership and sciences. I was commissioned into the U.S. Navy in January 2018. I graduated flight school, earned my wings of gold and the title of naval aviator in July 2020. Soon, I will be flying the MH-60R Seahawk out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii (after I finish the Fleet Replacement Squadron school in Mayport, FL). I am also a two-degree blue belt in BJJ.”
2014
Jacob A. Grant jkgrnt12@gmail.com
Emily M. Hubbard emilymhubbard1@gmail.com ______________________________
Keunna Dill ’14 at graduation from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. COVID prevented her master’s degree graduation ceremony. Jay Spoehel ’17 flying a cross-country solo trip on January 4, 2021
Keunna Dill writes: “I graduated with a master’s degree in physical therapy (physiotherapy) in England in February 2021 and have accepted a job working as paediatric physiotherapist with the NHS at Oxford University Hospital.”
2015
Andrej P. Bogdanovics andrebogdanovics@gmail.com
Jeffrey A. Erazo erazo.jeffrey@gmail.com
Hannah Z. Honan hannahzhonan@gmail.com
Grayson G. Keith graysonk5353@gmail.com
Mackenzie L. Lancaster mackenzie.lancaster13@gmail.com
Chelsea A. Leeds chelsea1101@gmail.com ______________________________ Kris Govertsen writes: “In the spring, I completed my master of science in sustainable building systems and passed my qualifying exam. I am now a Ph.D. candidate!”
Kay Humes Paz writes: “Tyler and I are expecting a baby boy in July 2021!”
Reilly Kennedy writes: “During the first month of the pandemic, my dad set up one of the first (of many) group video calls to celebrate my 23rd birthday. Not only were some of my fellow alums all there, but even my advisor, Mrs. Anselmi! It was such a great surprise.”
2016
Peter D. Bahr peteydb@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
______________________________ Ray Li writes: “For my graduate application (mechanical engineering), I got accepted by MIT and Stanford.”
2017 5th
Andrea L. Cass cass.and@northeastern.edu
Margaret P. Curran maggiecurran99@gmail.com
Benjamin W. Dixon benwdixon@mac.com
Juliana L. Kokot julielkokot@gmail.com ______________________________ Sam Boorstyn writes: “Unfortunately my entire senior year at Claremont McKenna was remote and my last football season was cancelled. But as a silver lining, online classes afforded me unique experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I was able to move to Richmond, VA, and I had the opportunity to work on Mayor Stoney’s reelection campaign this past fall. Congrats to the Class of 2021!”
Jay Spoehel writes: “I began my flight training at Berkshire in 2015 on a Pro Vita trip to Florida. After nearly six years, including a 20-month break from flying, I decided to get back into
it and finally earned my Private Pilot License on January 18, 2021. Thank you Berkshire and Mr. Lee.”
2018
Charlotte B. Childs charlottebchilds@gmail.com
Isabelle W. Maher Isabellewmaher@gmail.com
2019
Gohta Aihara gohta.aihara@gmail.com
Daniel A. O. Akomolafe dakomolafe8@gmail.com
Danielle R. Malarney dmalarney4@gmail.com
Elizabeth B. Nutting enut8089@uni.sydney.edu.au
James H. Schoudel jayschoudel@gmail.com
Elias E. Sienkiewicz elias31201@gmail.com
Aichen Yao aichenyao07@gmail.com ______________________________ Alex Ross writes: “I am currently a sophomore and a political science/ history major at Bates College. This is my second year on the Bates baseball team, and after that season ends I will be interning in Washington, DC, with Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas.”
Sydney Wray recently published a book that she wrote at age 11 through Amazon. Her mentor and business partner, Craig Bouchard, helped her establish her own company, The Run Productions LLC. “I wrote the second and third book, in addition to others, during my four years at Berkshire. I took creative writing classes with Mrs. Cooper, amazing English classes with Mrs. Bogardus, and worked with DK! Go Bears!”
2020
Katherine R. Aiello kaiello@colgate.edu
Ashanti S. Bruce 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
2021
Henry R. Alpaugh henry.alpaugh@richmond.edu
Angela B. Ansah angelaansah@gmail.com
Reid C. Curran reidcurran2@gmail.com
John W. Fiore jwf203@gmail.com
Abigail R. Hayes ahayes5541@gmail.com Gillian M. Maher gillianmaher66@gmail.com
Luke H. Nguyen hngnam25@gmail.com
The cover of “The Run” by Sydney Wray ’19, recently published through Amazon. Jed Scala ‘85 and former faculty member David Beecher after a wonderful visit with Jed and his partner, Paula Wardynski, the consummate host
Peter Scott ‘85 and former faculty Bill Gulotta and his wife, Debi, at Jed Scala ’85’s home for a mini 1985 reunion
Sophia R. Pasquale sophiarpasquale@gmail.com ______________________________
Former Faculty
In Memoriam
The Berkshire School community extends its sincere condolences to the families of the following alumni and friends of the School. To send obituaries or remembrances of classmates or family members, please email alumni@berkshireschool.org. To view the obituaries for those listed below, please go to www.berkshireschool.org/inmemoriam.
Trustee Emeritus
1989–2009 John H. Stookey January 31, 2021
Trustee
1971–1981 Peter V.V. Young ’54 March 25, 2021
Faculty
James P. Balch ’51 April 5, 2021
Jeanne W. Merrill May 16, 2021
Peter Giordano May 23, 2021
Kaye A. Overbye June 11, 2021
1945
Philip W. Goodspeed March 21, 2021
1947
Phelps Dewey March 29, 2021
1950
Paul W. Meyer January 21, 2021
1954
David M. Crabbe January 2, 2021
1956
Joseph T. Geiger January 11, 2021
1957
Peter B. Katzenbach January 15, 2021
1958
James B. Kimberly June 4, 2021
1960
Alessandro B. Salimbeni April 19, 2021
1968
Joseph W. Blagden, Jr. March 13, 2021
1972
Jean-Claude Kergaravat March 20, 2021
1986
Charles G. Beyer March 20, 2021
A note to our readers:
The list of names for the In Memoriam section is reported from January 1 through June 11, 2021. If we have missed a name, please accept our apologies and email us at alumni@berkshireschool.org.
We Remember...
John Hoyt Stookey
Trustee Emeritus • January 31, 2021
“Our School, our county, and our country * are unquestionably made better thanks to the selflessness of those like John Stookey, and we are forever grateful for the service, generosity, and vision he shared with us.”
John Stookey was a loyal trustee and supporter of Berkshire School, as well as a well-loved and deeply respected community leader throughout and beyond Berkshire County. His service on the board of trustees spanned an extraordinary 20 years (1989–2009)— chairing the Technology Committee and serving on the Compensation Committee, Committee on Trustees, and Executive Committee.
An avid lover of music, Stookey founded the Berkshire Choral Festival housed under the Mountain in the early 1980s—one of his most noted contributions to life at Berkshire.
Committed to ensuring equal access to recreational, cultural, and environmental experiences for all, Stookey was a member of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Alumni Board and instrumental in founding Berkshire South Regional Community Center. He also founded Landmark Volunteers, a nonprofit based in Sheffield that provides volunteer opportunities for high school students in Berkshire County and throughout the country. His commitment to equity was further demonstrated in his founding of Per Scholas, an organization that provides no-cost training to individuals historically excluded from the tech industry.
Stookey served as chairman of National Distillers and Chemical Corporation and Suburban Propane, LLC, and as a director of more than 50 other companies and nonprofits. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Katherine “Appy” Stookey; daughters Helen Jones and Laura Johnson; and sons Hunt and Anson.
*All quotes delivered by Head of School Pieter Mulder.
Peter Van Vleet Young ’54
Past Trustee • March 25, 2021
“Peter was a loyal alumnus and natural leader under the Mountain.”
Peter Van Vleet Young served as a member of Berkshire School’s Board of Trustees for a decade (1971–1981), and his generous support of the School stretched over three decades. As a student at Berkshire, he was a member of the Glee Club and Student Council, among other student groups, and he played football, hockey, and tennis.
Young was also a board member at Low-Heywood School, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, and Woodway Country Club. An avid golfer, he served on the board of the Junior Senior Golf Association and co-founded the Anguilla Golf Association. Young served in the U.S. Army, and he retired as vice chairman at Union Trust.
Young is survived by his wife, Georgia, and his children, Christie Young ’78, Dana Young Goering ’85, and Todd Van Vleet Young.
James Prescott Balch ’51
Former Faculty & Past Trustee • April 5, 2021
“Jim wore multiple hats in his many years of service to Berkshire. He was an adored and respected member of the Berkshire community and will be greatly missed.”
James “Jim” Prescott Balch was an engaged and dedicated alumnus who returned under the Mountain to serve as the director of development, CFO, and associate headmaster until his retirement in 1996. He also served on the board of trustees for five years (1972–1977), was the 1993 Distinguished Alumni Award winner, and was the recipient,
along with his wife Gretchen, of the 1985 Kellogg Grant Award.
Balch also served on numerous boards throughout his life—United Way of Utica, Hamilton Alumni Council, The House of the Good Shepherd, and Kirkland Art Center. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gretchen; his sons, Tom Balch ’77 and Mike Balch ’79; his daughter, Carolyn Balch Streett ’83; and his grandchildren, Jim Streett ’16, Luke Streett ’17, and Ben Streett ’19.
Peter Giordano
Faculty • May 23, 2021
“Peter was a true scholar with a quick wit and ready smile. He made the library a welcome space for all, and we will dearly miss his presence on campus.”
Peter Giordano came to Berkshire in 2018 with his wife, Ruth, and served as library director, taught college writing, and advised the School’s student newspaper, “The Green and Gray.” Newspaper staff members Megan Mokriski ’21 and Samantha Bernstein ’22 dedicated an issue in his memory, writing, “Mr. Giordano was so important to getting this newspaper started again two years ago. He cared so much about the outcome. Despite being so busy, he always made time for the newspaper in his day.”
Prior to Berkshire, Giordano served as the librarian instruction coordinator at Williams College and head librarian at Albany Academies. From Albany, he moved to Taiwan, where he was the middle school head librarian at Taipei American School.
Jeanne Wile Merrill
Former Faculty • May 16, 2021
“Jeanne fostered an inviting and scholarly atmosphere with her warm, kind presence that made students feel comfortable and at home.”
Jeanne Wile Merrill served Berkshire for 27 years alongside her husband, Norm, who passed away in 2015. When they both arrived on campus in 1986, Merrill worked for two years in admissions and then joined the Geier Library staff. She later became the School’s head librarian in 1996, following Susan Young, who was preceded by Alice Ann Chase, Berkshire’s first full-time librarian. Merrill retired in 2013.
During Merrill’s tenure, the Geier Library experienced tremendous growth. She completed Berkshire’s online catalog, created an online database, and provided computers for student use. She enjoyed helping students with everything from research to discussing the latest library acquisition.
Merrill earned her master’s in library science from the Nelson A. Rockefeller School of Policy and Information Science at the University at Albany in 2000. While at Berkshire, she was the author of two articles published in peer-reviewed journals: “The Internet and Classical Civilization” and “In the Blink of an Eye: Developing Trends in Publishing.”
The Merrills are survived by their two sons, Norman, Jr. ’94 and Richard ’98.
Meet Berkshire’s New Archivist: Bebe Clark Bullock ’86
Jesse Owens speaking at the Fall Athletics Banquet in 1965. Also pictured is John Taussig ’69, a third former assigned as waiter to the head table, and Athletic Director Jack Stewart, who became friends with Owens and helped him with the Jesse Owens Foundation.
In the fall of 2020, Bebe Clark Bullock ’86 accepted the role of archivist, following in the footsteps of C. Twiggs Myers Hon. ’57. She’s since spent long hours in the basement of the James C. Kellogg ’33 Alumni Center, putting her background as an organizational specialist to good use as she sifts through
and organizes decades of images, photos, letters, and publications. “I am following Twiggs’s system: I find his notes scratched on legal pads everywhere,” she mused. Prior to this role, Bullock taught and coached at Berkshire from 2007 to the spring of 2020.
One of her latest, jaw-dropping discoveries: an image of four-time Track & Field Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens speaking at Berkshire’s Fall Athletic Banquet in 1965, where he handed out varsity letters to athletes. To commemorate the find, Bullock organized a Zoom call with 17 alumni and three past faculty members who attended the banquet. “The photo, long forgotten in a folder, ignited an amazing night of stories, memories, and pure joy of seeing each other again— for some, not since 1965,” Bullock said. Inspired by Owens, the students, along with Myers, started the cross country team in the spring of 1966.
Bullock believes that “if we don’t save our past, then we may forget who we are,” and she plans to build a website so that the archives will be accessible to everyone. “I have started guest lecturing in the English and history departments so that students will know how Berkshire started and flourished,” Bullock said.
245 North Undermountain Road Sheffield, Massachusetts 01257-9672
Address Service Requested
For Parents of Alumni: If this magazine is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer lives at home, kindly call us with the correct address: 413-229-1225
Join the Berkshire community for the
2021 All-School REAd
E. Lockhart’s #1 New York Times bestseller “We Were Liars” is a novel about family, betrayal, privilege, and one young person’s reckoning with a terrible mistake. In it, friendships turn toxic and secrets are covered in layers of lies. Unearthing the wreckage brought on by dishonesty will provide a lens through which our community will explore one of the School’s core values: integrity.
Learn more about the ASR, visit: berkshireschool.org/ASR.
Kick-off Event: 9.30.21
Join us for a discussion with author and speaker E. Lockhart this fall, whose visit will launch a yearlong dialogue about accountability, trust, and responsibility.
