Berkshire Bulletin Winter 2025

From Berkshire County to Rockefeller Center

This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree had some Berkshire roots!

George Torsilieri ’10 had the honor of cutting down the iconic tree in West Stockbridge, Mass., in front of an audience that included Mike Dalton, former longtime Berkshire faculty member. The Torsilieri family, based in Far Hills, N.J., has been responsible for felling and transporting each Rockefeller Christmas tree for over 40 years. This year’s 74-foot Norway spruce from West Stockbridge marks the first time a tree from the Berkshires has been chosen since 1959.

When reflecting on the experience, Torsilieri shared, “Our company has been tying, cutting, and delivering the Rockefeller tree for the last 42 years. I used to climb up [each year’s] tree with my uncle when I was a kid. It was incredibly meaningful for me to be able to cut this year’s tree so close to Berkshire.”

After shining in the spotlight in Manhattan, the tree was returned to the Berkshires to serve a new purpose: Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity will use its lumber to construct steps on 26 new homes.

James L. Haskel ’86, P’20,’22,’25 CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Pieter M. Mulder P’22,’26 HEAD OF SCHOOL

Andrew Bogardus P’23,’24 DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Lucia Mulder P’22,’26

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

Bulletin Editors: Megan Tady FREELANCE EDITOR

Julia Kennard

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Class Notes Editor: Robin Gottlieb DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Class Notes Coordinator: Sue Delmolino Ives P’15

Design: Hammill Design

Printing: Qualprint

Photography:

Advancement, Berkshire School Archives, Communications and Marketing

Class Notes: berkshireschool.org/classnote

All other alumni matters: alumni@berkshireschool.org

Published by Berkshire School’s Communications and Marketing and Advancement Offices for alumni and friends of the School.

Berkshire School admits students of any race, color, religious affiliation, national and ethnic origin and qualified handicapped students to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students. We do not discriminate in violation of any law or statute in the administration of our educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

On the cover: After participating in the Alumni Hockey Game, Olympic gold medalist and two-time silver medalist Kacey Bellamy ’05 made a surprise visit to the Girls Varsity Hockey locker room.

LETTER TO ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Dear Berkshire Bears,

As we embrace the beauty of the winter season, I’m already looking forward to the warmth and excitement of spring—especially Reunion Weekend, June 6–8. The campus is especially jubilant in June as we welcome hundreds of alumni back under the Mountain. This year’s Reunion Weekend will be particularly special as we move to a multi-year reunion format. We will celebrate the class years ending in ’4s + ’9s, ’0s + ’5s, ’1s + ’6s. For those marking an anniversary year, I hope you’ll take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to reconnect with classmates, old friends, faculty, and the beautiful campus we proudly call Berkshire School. We’re also thrilled to share that this spring, Berkshire will unveil the renovation of our new Student Center—the hub and heart of our community.

Last May, all alumni who have already celebrated their 50th reunion returned to Berkshire for two days of campus activities to deepen connections with one another and the School. We were especially honored that Tom Wolf ’44C was able to attend and share his memories of Berkshire.

In 2024, we were on the road quite a bit, and with the support of the Regional Advisory Board alumni members, we’ve had the pleasure of connecting with Bears in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, and Washington D.C. Receptions were also hosted in Seoul and Hong Kong (see pages 6-8). Berkshire hopes to travel and connect with even more of you this year, so please stay tuned!

As you flip through this issue, I hope you’ll enjoy reading about some of your fellow alumni: 2005 classmates Johnson Cheng and Matt Crowson, both pioneers in Artificial Intelligence (AI); Andrew Mueller ’92, U.S. Marine Corps retired intelligence officer and foreign policy expert now in private equity; Lisa Roberts ’91, a leader in “Food as Medicine,” chef, and educator; Eli Merritt ’12, artist and founder of the Chicago Maker Space; and Teresa Liu ’09, an engineer at Apple. And, as always, the Class Notes section is a wonderful way to catch up on news about your classmates and friends.

Best wishes,

Robin Gottlieb Director of Alumni Engagement

Save the Date

Multi-Year Reunion Celebration for the Classes of ’4s + ’9s, ’0s + ’5s, ’1s + ’6s June 6–8, 2025

SEEN AROUND

1. In October, the northern lights were visible from campus for the first time in over 30 years, creating very colorful Berkshire skies.

2. This fall, Harry Stone ’25 and Zach Zaurov ’25 hosted the first ever TEDx Berkshire School event. The evening’s eight speakers included six students, alum Kevin Kelly ’19, and faculty member Clay Splawn. Their presentations demonstrated a range of thoughts, experiences, and perspectives fitting with the evening’s theme, “Climbing the Mountain.”

3. A beautiful winter morning under the Mountain as captured by Toby Huang ’25 via drone.

4. In the 17th annual D’Arco Cup, a fundraiser played against Taft School with proceeds benefiting breast cancer research, the Bears defeated the Rhinos 5–1 before a cheering “pink out” crowd in the Jack.

5. Members of Green Key toured over 1,000 prospective students and their families who came from 35 states and 34 countries to visit Berkshire this summer and fall. Tours were given by 168 different Bears!

Bears Hit the Ice in Annual Hockey Game

Bears from the classes 1971 to 2009 returned to Berkshire in January to play in and cheer on the annual Alumni Hockey Game. The exhilarating game was neck and neck for all three periods, but ultimately Gray defeated Green 10–8.

After the game, alumni and their families enjoyed lunch and time to reconnect with one another. During lunch, Head of School Pieter Mulder welcomed attendees and remarked on how the event has become a true school tradition. Alumni Hockey Co-Chairs Chris Reichart ’98 and Jason Pendrock ’98 presented this year’s awards. The W. Ross Hawkins Alumni Hockey Player of the Game was awarded to Matt Crowson ’05, while The Elizabeth Hayes McGraw Alumni Hockey Player of the Game was awarded to Allison Letourneau ’07.

A special thanks to Reichart and Pendrock for their dedication in organizing this year’s game, and to all those who attended. We can’t wait to see alums back on campus next year!

Above: Players in alphabetical order: Kacey Bellamy ’05, Rob Bellamy ’04, Duke Blackburn ’72, Matt Crowson ’05, AJ Grimm ’06, Gage Heitner ’06, Brad Hunt ’95, Victor Hurtuk ’91, Allison Letourneau ’07 (Admission Office), Tim Locke ’82, Braedan McCabe (goalie), Robin McGraw ’70 (coach), Pieter Mulder (Head of School), Jason Pendrock ’98, Jeff Pietrasiak ’02, Chris Reichart ’98, John Shaker ’71, Kevin Soja (Advancement Office), Matt Spurling ’09, Justin Torre ’07 (Faculty), Alex Watts ’02, Whit Watts ’98

Beyond 50th Celebration

A great group of legendary Bears returned to campus last May for the Beyond 50th Celebration. The event, held for all alumni who have already celebrated their 50th Reunion, provided an overview of the current Berkshire experience and a chance to deepen connections with classmates and friends, old and new. Alumni kicked off the weekend with a welcome reception at the Mulders’ East Campus home, and they also enjoyed a panel about life at Berkshire featuring current students, a presentation from Archivist Bebe Clark Bullock ’86, academic master classes, and more.

Above: Alums enjoyed a reception at East Campus. From left: Peter VK Parsons ’63, Robin McGraw ’70, Duke Blackburn ’72, Tom Wolf ’44C, Ned O’Hara ’70, Jerry Weil ’73, John Thompson ’68, Bill Spalding ’65

Below: Front row, from left: Jay Ogden ’68, David Cox, ’68, Joe Bodak ’60, Duke Blackburn ’72, Peter VK Parsons ’63, Chris Blair ’68 Back row: Robin McGraw ’70, John Thompson ’68, Tom Wolf ’44C, Jerry Weil ’73, Ned O’Hara ’70

Tom Wolf ’44C, with his wife, Bobbie, and Head of School Pieter Mulder, celebrated an incredible 80th Reunion last May.

Pancakes at the Sugar House made for a sweet start to the day on Saturday!

BEARS BEYOND BERKSHIRE

NEW YORK CITY

The annual New York City holiday party was at The Campbell this year and brought together over 200 alumni, current parents, and faculty for a festive evening of reconnecting and good cheer.

LOS ANGELES

In November, alumni in the Los Angeles area gathered at Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills. The event was attended by Bears from many class years and by Regional Advisory Board member Shawn Ingram ’85.

Alex Cutler ’99 and Al Laubenstein ’66

Jay Washington ’72 and Bobby Moran ’87

Kelly Price Noble ’82 and Shawn Ingram ’85

Helen Mullany, Jerry Weil ’73, Bev Keith, John Shaker ’71, John Cooper ’73, Paula Pevzner ’73, Ken Gordon ’73, Tom Mullany ’73, Alec Wyeth ’73, Rex Morgan ’73

Annie Ahrens ’11, Jack Travers, Maya Hackett ’11, Melissa Jubinville ’03

Jaye West P’25 and Jennifer Lobo Plamondon P’25

CHICAGO

Chicago alumni reunited in November at The Smith. The event included nearly 20 alumni and Regional Advisory Board members Errett Van Nice ’88 and Will Borders

WASHINGTON D.C.

In September, the Washington D.C. chapter of the Regional Advisory Board hosted a reception at the Jack Rose Dining Saloon. Among the guests, Regional Advisory Board members in attendance were E.B. Harris ’85, Andrew Mueller ’92, and Hattie Waldron Monks ’13.

BOSTON

Boston-based alumni from the class years of 2000–2020 gathered for happy hour in June at Castle Island Brewing Company. Regional Advisory Board members Susie Norris ’79 and Sam Maher ’12 co-hosted this event.

Front row, from left: Susie Norris ’79, David McCrory ’19, Martin Dimo ’19, Andi McGraw ’17, Ryan Keelan ’17, Madison Biasin ’17, Erin Dillon ’17 Back row, from left: AJ Santaniello, Chantal Choi ’09, Lillian Mead Dapic ’11, Sam Maher ’12, Meredith Fulco ’10, Natalia Anderson McDouglas ’10, Gregory McDouglas, Brooks Kiley ’15, Patrick Dapic, Dennis Medeiros ’14, Mike O’Brien ’14

’88.

Jack Kelly ’12, Lilly Weil ’13, Scott McLinden ’12

Deng Kur ’19, Achara Achara ’19, Elliot Winoker ’19

Julia Van Nice P’23, Errett Van Nice ’88, P’23, Will Borders ’88

Bob Killebrew ’85, E. B. Harris ’85, Tria Pell Dove P’86

Tara Mehrbach P’25 and Landon Pickett ’22

Emily Perry ’10 and Hattie Waldron Monks ’13

Justin Price ’23, Kyron Stevenson ’24, Russell Gee ’24

Events BEARS BEYOND BERKSHIRE

SEOUL & HONG KONG

Head of School Pieter Mulder, Director of Advancement Andrew Bogardus, Director of Admission Allison Letourneau ’07, and former faculty member Anna Romano had a fantastic time connecting with alumni, parents, prospective families, and friends at receptions in Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Vietnam.

Seoul From left: Allison Letourneau ’07, Minuk Choi ’08 and daughter, Anna Romano, Kewen Bang ’07, Chungwon Han ’05, Mark Choe ’10, Grace Choe ’08, Daniel Choe ’07 and son, Eric Hong ’18, Pieter Mulder, Kevin Kang ’14, James Kim ’88 with son Jae Seung, and Andrew Bogardus

Kong

and his

YALE/DENVER HOCKEY GAME

Alumni, faculty, and friends cheered on Briggs Gammill ’20 of Yale University and Aidan Thompson ’20 of Denver University as their hockey teams played each other last fall at Yale’s David S. Ingalls Rink. These two Bears helped lead the Berkshire Boys Varsity Ice Hockey team to the semi-finals of the Elite 8 playoffs in their senior year.

Tom

Hong

Jason Tao ’16

family, here with Andrew Bogardus, Anna Romano, and Pieter Mulder, were among the many alumni and friends who joined Berkshire in Hong Kong last fall!

Annie Hauser ’20,

Hauser P’18,’20, Lizabeth Berke-Hauser P’18,’20, Gehrig Hauser ’18

Becky Zavisza McCabe ’05, Briggs Gammill ’20, Aidan Thompson ’20, Dan Driscoll, George Stetson

Dan Driscoll ’16 and Barclay Gammill ’16

Matt Reed ’68, Chris Reichart ’98, John Shaker ’71

Class Notes

1944C

Trinity Springs. He likes to play chair volleyball and go to the numerous shows, movies, and concerts that the facility provides. They also have therapy dogs and ponies that visit. He has made new friends, too. The staff takes good care of them. He turned 90 in June.”

1954

Richard M. Davis dandkdav@msn.com

1955 70 th

Frederick C. Twichell ttwichell@thacher.org

1956

Daniel C. M. Crabbe crabsail@icloud.com

1957

Thomas B. Anderson III reno_retired@yahoo.com

Mac Odell ’57 on the road campaigning in his Ford from graduation at the Class of 1957’s 50th reunion with Twiggs

1945 80 th

1948

George Church III jayneme3@gmail.com

1950 75 th

1951

John B. Hull III 413-528-1528

1953

Herb Roskind writes: “I received a note from John Cluett’s daughter, Lisa. She wanted to let us know that John has moved into assisted living because of macular degeneration and some cognitive decline. He no longer sees well enough to drive or read his emails. He has a pretty good life at

Walter S. Henrion walthenrion@gmail.com

Walt Henrion writes: “As you can see, Tom Anderson and I are co-class agents. For the last 20+ years, I have been submitting our class notes, and I think Tom would enjoy taking on this responsibility. I know he would love to hear from you at least once a year. On another note, I am assuming that you all got the announcement about our two 2024 Faculty Award recipients and our new Faculty Chair recipient. We have decided to rotate this honor every five years, which will be additional recognition for the faculty members and our class. It is a challenge at our age to stay healthy, but let’s ‘keep on kicking.’ Of course, I will continue to stay in touch.”

Mac Odell writes: “After radio silence for years, Marcia and I sold our house in D.C., moved back to our antique home in New Hampshire, went through a second bout of breast cancer, tackled a mega downsizing of our attic and huge barn of treasures from around the world, plus mountains of family stuff, undertook a major barn sale and renovation for ultimate sale and move to Riverwoods (the same CCRC where my folks retired in 1994), went on the road with my antique Ford from our last reunion, campaigned, and wrote up my lifetime adventures. We have extra beds, so we hope classmates will come visit.”

1959

G. Alexander Creighton lifeosunshine@gmail.com

Sandy Creighton writes: “Elizabeth and I are enjoying our 59th year together. In the fall of 2023, we traveled down the Mississippi after a cruise to Norway to see the northern lights. This year, we started in January and traveled to South America, visiting Iguazu Falls, Easter Island, Antarctica, and The Pentagon. Went to Alaska and the Yukon on the Holland America expedition, visiting Ketchikan,

Wolf on Wolfe. Jerry Weil ’73 with family friend Tom Wolf ’44C in the library of the University Club of New York, standing in front of a collection of books by the writer Tom Wolfe. Photo credit: Bobbie Wolf

where we spent the day with fellow alumnus Garry Morfit ’61. We had an enjoyable visit. Garry took us out for a spin on his boat, which he uses to host Vietnam Vets during the summer.”

1960 65 th

Joseph D. Bodak, Jr. jdbodakjr@hotmail.com

Stephen P. Norman steve@spnormanco.com

Harry MacLean writes: “My book, Starkweather, was released almost a year ago. Sales have been strong, and the book has received excellent reviews in major newspapers, magazines, and online. I have done countless podcasts and interviews and talks to book clubs and historical societies. Two production companies are interested in movie rights, and negotiations are in progress. And now we’re ready to move into phase two, the paperback. The cover has the same dramatic, spooky feel to it—thank God—and now with quotes from The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and Chicago Tribune reviews. For those interested, here is a link to the review by The Washington Post ”

1961

Peter R. Kellogg pkellogg@iatre.com

Tom Hanson writes: “Still working part time seeing some patients whose children I delivered 50 years ago. Continue to be amazed at what some of the ‘new’ medicine can do, but the personal touch, for the most part, is gone. Looking forward to our 65th in June.”

Peter Kellogg writes: “The Class of ’61 Reunion Committee (me, Garry Morfit, and John Ellwood) have been calling our classmates to catch up and encourage them to come to our reunion in June.”

1962

Andrew S. Berkman aberkman@milprop.com

1963

Peter V. K. Parsons pvkp2@msn.com

1964

Geoff Bray writes: “Still practicing architecture, always in hopes of getting better. The other half of most days is spent with the New Britain Institute, now 171 years young with three education-based branch operations. As I began my ninth year as president, we initiated a hands-on learning program

for parents of students in the school system. It was surprisingly successful, showing that hands-on learning—like reading, writing, and listening—should be just another tool that educators can use to reach those interested in learning, along with a desire fostered by curiosity.”

Bill Sheehan writes: “I am still the VP and general counsel of the American Bird Conservancy, and I serve on the boards of three other conservation organizations, acting as counsel for one of them in a local environmental dispute. And I am still taking piano, riding, and squash lessons, with cautious claims for progress but certain claims for pleasure.”

1965 60 th

Andy Brown writes: “Plans for a spectacular class reunion are well underway. We have a nine-member committee assisting in the process and encourage others to join. Register now and encourage others (roommates? teammates?) to register as well. See you all at the 60th!”

1966

Harlan J. Swift, Jr. timswifty@gmail.com

Five classmates gathered for three days in Sedona, AZ, for golf and fun: Tim Swift ’66, Ray Tuller ’66, Willard Soper ’66, Pete Hammett ’66, and Jeff Jones ’66. Since Jones lives in Sedona, he was happy to serve as the tour guide.

BECOME A CLASS AGENT! Email alumni@berkshireschool.org

Elizabeth and Sandy Creighton ’59 spending a day with Garry Morfit ’61 (left) in Ketchikan, AK

Peter Kellogg ’61, Garry Morfit ’61, and John Ellwood ’61 aboard the Coastal Queen (circa 1928) south of Norfolk, VA, on their way south

1967

F. Woodson Hancock III woods1949@gmail.com

Tom Nolan writes: “I have a granddaughter in college on a full-ride scholarship at CSU. So much smarter than me!”

1968

L. Keith Reed lkreed.mt@gmail.com

Davis Anderson writes: “I just received a terrific letter from Keith Reed announcing his generous offer to match gifts to the Class of 1968 Endowed Scholarship Fund, a great way for our class to support Berkshire and our future Bears. On another front, I have joined, at a junior level, the ranks of Berkshire and Class of ’68 published authors. I am not a Fergus or a Thompson, but my book, Sustaining a Family Jewel: Planning for and Driving Generational Succession in Family-Owned American Manufacturing Companies, discusses the fact that family businesses are critical to our economy, and they only remain in the family when owners commit to generational succession. I plan to spread the message in support of family owners—so that they can become great supporters of Berkshire School!”

Chris Blair writes: “I spent a few hours attending Master Classes and lunches organized for the 50th and Beyond Celebration at Berkshire with John Thompson, Jay Ogden, and David Cox The Master Classes were organized to show us the extent, depth, and offerings

of different departments. It was powerful to hear, and the advancements were significant from our time at the school. History, English/writing, and science were well represented. I see David Cox from time to time as he comes to Berkshire County to sing in groups, such as the Berkshire Choral Society. I also spent some wonderful time catching up and cooking with Karen and Rick Spaulding, as well as Lucy and Jeff Masters, over the July 4th weekend in the Adirondacks.”

1969

Kent S. Clow III ksc3@msn.com

K.C. Clow writes: “The Class of ’69 is expecting a great turnout for our 55/56th reunion in June!”

The Bears’ Den

For campus news, events, and more!

Stay connected at berkshireschool.org/bearsden.

Bob Haywood writes: “I was interviewed by Max Borders for two extended interviews, The Invisible Hand Behind a Hundred City-States and Protocol Design for Opportunity Zones. Here are the links: https://underthrow.substack. com/p/the-invisible-hand-behinda-hundred and https://underthrow. subtack.com/p/protocol-design-foropportunity-zones. Max writes, ‘At the risk of embarrassing my interviewee, I would argue no living human being is responsible for helping lift more people out of poverty than Bob Haywood.’”

1970

55 th

Robert L. W. McGraw berkshire.blackrock@gmail.com

Robin McGraw writes: “It is with a heavy heart that I pass on the very sad news that classmate Franklin Ripley was killed in a hit-and-run accident last September. Unfortunately, no obituary is available at this time. This summer there should be a celebration of his life. Franklin endured a difficult life because of his mental health challenges, but we always knew him for his kindness, hospitality, dignity, and work ethic. On a happier note, I hope to see everyone back on campus on June 6–8 for the big multi-year reunion. Not only will our class be celebrating, but the classes of 1969 and 1971 will also be returning to celebrate their 55th reunion.”

Davis Anderson ’68’s first book

Keith Reed ’68 and his wife, Lisa, became first-time grandparents on April 5 when their daughter, Molly, delivered a baby boy (Grady Mitchell Baird).

John Hermans ’69 with former faculty Tom Young

1971

Kevin J. Bruemmer kevin.bruemmer@gmail.com

1972

John Y. G. Walker III jwalker2353@gmail.com

Jan D’Angelo writes: “While at a UVM reunion, Gypsy and I spotted another Berkshire hat on the waterfront, which turned out to be alums Bill Bernart ’75 and his wife, Sandra Swenson ’74. Wear the hat!”

John Walker writes: “In the category of ‘you just never know,’ I noted in the last Bulletin that my second career is narrating audiobooks. Low and behold, I got an email from Dr. Stowe Shoemaker ’73 asking if I would be interested in narrating his book, Hospitable Healthcare: Just What the Patient Ordered. It is a look at the healthcare industry (i.e.,

hospitals, clinics, physicians) and how and why they do not treat patients as the hospitality industry (i.e., hotels, resorts, restaurants) treats their customers. Stowe and his co-writer suggest ways that the healthcare industry might treat patients more ‘hospitably.’ Thank you, Stowe, for letting me help bring your words to life! Available on Audible, iTunes, and Amazon. If you send a note to jwalker2353@gmail.com, I’ll send you a token for a free download.”

Jay Washington writes: “I had the pleasure to attend Clark Brown’s 70th birthday bash last spring in Topanga, CA. Also in attendance from our class was Nick Johnson, who joined from Wichita, KS. The western-themed costume party was a blast, and everyone had a great time! I spent four months in Europe and Africa seeing family and friends

abroad. Among them was a visit with Jabel Sowe in Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia. Jabel spent the summer of our graduation with me at my folks home in New Jersey. We hadn’t seen each other since then. He is well and sends his regards to all. I also ran into a Berkshire connection in Nouakchott, Mauritania. The embassy’s deputy chief’s wife, Andrea Moore, was a roommate of Lauren Duryee Clark ’90 when they lived together in Hoboken, NJ. Lauren was barely born when I graduated from Berkshire. Her mom and dad, Nancy and Bill Duryee, taught at Berkshire. Shout out to Nancy and Lauren!”

1973

Rex S. Morgan, Jr. rexsmorgan@gmail.com

Michele Robins michele.robins@gmail.com

Leon J. Weil, Jr. jerryweil.tennis@gmail.com

Nancy Lo Galbo writes: “Coming back to Berkshire in June 2023 for our 50th was the most memorable moment! I hope we can do it again soon. Since then, I have become a grandmother for the third time. Matthew Joseph Cahill was born on October 12, 2023. I am loving life!”

Bill Bernart ’75 and Jan D’Angelo ’72

Jan D’Angelo ’72, Gypsy Brown, Bill Bernart ’75, and Sandra Swenson ’74

John Walker ’72 in the booth

Jay Washington ’72 and Jabel Sowe ’72 visit Kunta Kinteh Island in The Gambia.

Nick Johnson ’72, Clark Brown ’72, and Jay Washington ’72 celebrate Clark Brown’s 70th birthday in Topanga, CA.

Chip Perkins writes: “I am proud to announce that three Berkshire alumni, Andrew Mueller ’92, Sam Perkins ’14, and I have joined forces to launch Global Frontier Capital (GFC) alongside additional partners. GFC is a private equity firm. The first fund invests in nature-based carbon projects in frontier markets that create carbon credits for the voluntary offset market. GFC’s goal is to mitigate climate change risk and create positive environmental and social impact. Forthcoming funds will focus on other 21st-century challenges, such as battery metals exploration and energy transition.”

Rob Stevenson writes: “I miss you guys. Our 50th was such fun. Hope to see you in June!”

Dave Walker writes: “I recently retired after 43 years as a high school English teacher. Interestingly, I realized as a senior at Berkshire that I wanted to be a teacher, and I have never been more grateful for pursuing that discovery! My days now are filled with reading, journaling, writing the odd poem, gardening, cooking, and traveling. The adventure continues!”

Jerry Weil writes: “Son, Ben Weil ’06, and classmates Rex Morgan and Alec Wyeth competed as a foursome at the annual golf fundraiser in Phoenixville, PA, for Partners Creating Community

(my son Harry’s independent living program). Rex lives nearby in Horsham, PA, and Alec was able to tie in a family visit to his hometown of Bryn Mawr.”

1974

Louise A. Clement luluinsf2005@yahoo.com

Walter Baker writes: “It has been a notable year. I am now the very proud grandfather to Henry Charles Baker, who just turned one last fall. Our oldest daughter married in 2024 on New Year’s Eve and our youngest is engaged.”

1975 50 th

Craig Campbell writes: “I retired in 2008 after a career in commercial construction. I live in Las Vegas and Ocean Park, WA. I love photography, surf fishing, gold prospecting, my three grown boys, and six grandchildren.”

Jerry Weil ’73’s granddaughter, Sadie Mabel, debuted in her finest Berkshire attire at a fundraiser for Partners Creating Community in Phoenixville, PA. Go baby Bears!

Paula Pevzner ’73 and Jerry Weil ’73 enjoyed a late September afternoon together on Mill Pond in Sheffield, followed by dinner in Great Barrington, MA.

Ben Weil ’06, Jerry Weil ’73, Alec Wyeth ’73, and Rex Morgan ’73 at a golf fundraiser in Phoenixville, PA, for Partners Creating Community

Craig Campbell ’75 in retirement at Klipsan Beach, WA

Paula Pevzner ’73, Annie Chase Redman, and former faculty Tom Young

Joe Fusco writes: “Momentum is building towards an epic 50th reunion in June! Never ones to wait, numerous ’75ers warmed up for the festivities this summer. Wayne Andrews, Gordon Harris, Beth Mayer Carlisle, Nat Bruning, and Frank Kirschner seemed to be everywhere! Chris Geer, Gerry Katz, Pat Healy, and Ward Doonan also checked in, along with many others on social media. Invitations for Reunion are out now, so register and make plans to attend!”

1976

Stephen H. Hassett shasse01@gmail.com

MacAusland ’76 hosted yet another awesome Berkshire reunion in Rhode Island. From back to front: Gordon Harris ’75, Jon Leet ’75, William Perkins ’75, Wayne Andrews ’75, Nat Bruning ’75, Dave Walker ’73, Tracy Leet, Elisabeth Kinney Robinson ’76, Linda Bruning, John Fusco ’77, Robin MacAusland ’76, Wendy Wedell Walker, Pam Walker ’75, Alex Carlisle ’74, Beth Mayer Carlisle ’75, Joe Fusco ’75

Scott Pape writes: “Hello, Class of ’76! It’s been at least a couple of decades since my last check-in. I have been retired for almost three years and am a very proud grampa to Finley Pape (2 ½). I started rowing competitively 15 years ago after my son, Bryan, retired from the national team. I won my first Masters Nationals in the single sculls discipline in the age 65–69 category in July. My tour group of 10 spent the week visiting and training with Martin and Valent Sinkovic. What a thrill! I hope you are all happy and well!”

1977

Richard M. McGivern rmcgivern@msn.com

1978

Birney B. Boehland bbboehland@gmail.com

1979

Robert D. Thomas bthomas@wwsg.com

David Gefke writes: “My daughter, Lauren, was married on February 24, 2024, at my golf club Willoughby in Stuart, FL. In attendance was a small contingency of Bears: Peter Jennings ’78 and his wife Krista, Doug Hanslip, Bob Thomas and Kim Lewis Thomas ’80, and Bill Harvey ’78 and his bride, Michelle. I was only allowed a few guests

even though Dad paid! LOL. Lauren is pregnant with her first son while my son, Dylan, and his wife are expecting their second boy! See you all in June.”

Kiki Reisch Tormo writes: “I’m living the good life with my husband, Greg, in Palm Springs, CA. We are realtors, and I also mentor high school girls at Palm Springs High and host a dog-friendly charity happy hour. Still modeling in local fashion shows and deejaying vinyl sometimes with my husband. I am grateful to Berkshire School for changing the direction of my young life.”

Robin

Scott Pape ’76 met Martin and Valent Sinkovic, Olympic gold medalists in the men’s pair in Paris 2024, at their home course on Lake Jarun in Zagreb, Croatia.

David Gefke ’79 and his grandson right before his daughter Lauren’s wedding.

David Gefke ’79’s son Dylan with Dylan Jr., “DJ”

Kiki Reisch Tormo ’79 loving life!

Pete Vanden Broeck writes: “Sabrina and I were visiting with Cathy and Bob Cadogan in Charleston, SC, watching the NCAA tournament, walking on the beach, and playing our usual rock-solid game of golf. A big shout out to Cathy’s crockpot and her sugar-free brownies.”

1980 45 th

Kimberley C. Fuchs kcfuchs33@verizon.net

Ralph J. Lamberto uticaeyedoc@icloud.com

Sunil Rajan writes: “Pondering retirement! NAH. That would drive me, and more so, everyone around me, nuts. But I hope to make more of an effort to travel with my fiancée, Lisa Rotella. Made it down to the Patagonia glaciers this year: breathtaking! Looking forward to the 45th reunion in June. We’ve already booked the hotel!”

1981

Sue Ann Stanton sasroyale@yahoo.com

Allen Maxwell writes: “It’s been a relatively busy year. Still working and was promoted to the head of the analytics team at AllyDVM recently. Family is doing great—grandson born in December 2023 and he’s fantastic—also fun to watch what great parents my daughter and son-in-law are. Not sure where they got that from. (Probably Mom.) Continued to play a lot of golf

and scored a scratch round this year! Been a goal for the past two, so that was pretty cool. One son is engaged, and the other recently bought a house in St. Louis. I hope to attend the big alumni gig in June and hope as many of the great Class of ’81 will attend too! Hope you’re all well.”

1982

Andrew Champagne 802-540-0717

James E. Demmert jamesdemmert@gmail.com

Rosemary G. Fitzgerald rose@spiderwebstudio.com

Jay K. Overbye jay@bhsusa.com

Gayle S. Saks gaylesaks@gmail.com

Andrew Champagne writes: “I was fortunate to be elected a national delegate to the Democratic National Convention in August. This was my fourth convention and my third as a delegate. It’s always an amazing and uplifting experience! I’m curious to know if any other Berkshire alumni were delegates to either the DNC or RNC. I was told that the new hockey arena is the best of all the boarding schools in

the East! Berkshire under Mr. Mulder and staff seems to be at a new peak! As a class agent, I’ll do what I can to help. Hello to everyone under the Mountain.”

Billy Grace writes: “Victoria and I went hiking in the backcountry of Wasatch Mountains, Utah. I am also a proud parent of Annabelle, Class of 2028.”

Victoria and Billy Grace ’82

UT

Gayle Saks writes: “I am really excited to be the new founder and director of Camp Happy Place. The nonprofit organization will send 30 campers, ages 9–12, who have lost a parent to addiction, to a

Sunil Rajan ’80 and fiancée, Lisa

Allen Maxwell ’81 writes: “‘The ball and chain’ and me, a lucky man. Ask anyone.”

hiking in the backcountry of Wasatch Mountains,

Gayle Saks ’82

traditional summer camp for three nights and four days beginning in June 2025. This has been a dream of mine for 10 years and will take place on the grounds where I went to summer camp for 15 summers of my life! Visit our website, camphappyplace.org, to learn more.”

Alex Sumner writes: “On behalf of the entire Class of 1982, along with my dear friends Andrew Champagne and George Rioseco III, we look back fondly to our time under the Mountain and the wonderful contributions of Mrs. Susan Young, our librarian, coach, faculty member, parent/grandparent, school historian, and most importantly, friend. Andrew recalls, ‘She always had a smile on her face that extended to everyone in the Berkshire family for 55-and-a-half years!’ George added, ‘She was a remarkable person and a pillar in Berkshire School’s long history.’”

Ned Toffey ’82 named Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club 2024 Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year

Ellie Glaccum ’88 writes: “Ned Toffey was named Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club 2024 Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year. You can read the article on thoroughbreddailynews.com.”

1983

Karen Schnurr Secrist karensecrist6@gmail.com

Sarah Bakhiet writes: “Early retirement is proving to be quite busy! I keep out of trouble traveling, practicing Japanese

Bakhiet ’83 playing “Uneri” by Kodo at the annual Taiko Beats Concert

drumming (taiko), trying to learn American Sign Language, and serving on the board of our city’s largest nonprofit organization, the Jewish Family Service of San Diego. Since retiring in 2019, I’ve had the great pleasure of spending time on Cape Cod every summer (and sometimes fall and/or winter) visiting Debi and Bill Gulotta, Anna Romano, and R.G. Meade. I wish my classmates and Berkshire friends and teachers joy and prosperity always.”

1984

Debra Drucker druckerdeb@yahoo.com

Ennis Blount Baker ’84 e-biking to Colington Island, NC. Zoom!

Ennis Blount Baker writes: “In September, Jeanie Woolsey Borgman, Debbie Drucker, and I were on the Outer Banks having a blast. Also, went on

Eric Mellinger ’84, John Fletcher ’83, and Michael Garrett ’83

a wild horse tour in Corolla, NC. We will see you at Reunion in June! #noexcuses.”

Eric Mellinger writes: “I had a rooftop party in NYC on Labor Day weekend. Stars aligned and John Fletcher ’83 and Michael Garrett ’83 were able to attend. Who is coming over next year?”

1985 40 th

Mary Brosnahan Wachter mtbwachter@gmail.com

1986

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

Tom Funkhouser writes: “One of the highlights of my summer was a visit to campus, where I Introduced my son to Berkshire legend, Mr. Young, and paid respect to the Super Chief, Mrs. Young. The Youngs were such icons under the Mountain in the 1980s, and ‘Sweet Pea’ became one of the most important people in my life outside of my immediate family. I recounted to Tom that, at the end of my sophomore year, I signed up for him as an advisor, seeking a certain relaxed attitude, and later found out I had won the lottery

Sarah

and wound up with the Chief, who I so desperately needed, instead. They broke the mold when they made this pair, and it was good to see him again and share a few minutes with an indelible character from my past.”

Farah Osman Nurse writes: “Elizabeth Marx-Swatfigure and Megan Moore Bond visited me and my family in the UK this summer to attend our daughter Samara’s wedding. We had a brilliant time sightseeing, eating out, and catching up.”

1987

Janna Klyver Cord jcord3214@gmail.com

Angela Lange Meredith-Jones ameredithjones@gmail.com

Jennifer G. Nichols nifnichols@gmail.com

Jeff Anderson writes: “My kids are playing for Danbury Hat Tricks this season. Joey made the jump to junior hockey and is playing for the Danbury

Thomas Maddock ’87 caught a trophy marlin in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in July.

Thomas Maddock ’87, CEO and captain (#2) of the New Mexico Wildcats hockey team, captured first place in the August Acorn Cup Tournament in Albuquerque, NM. The tournament consisted of elitelevel adult teams from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.

NAHL team for his senior year, and Katie’s on the U16 girls team for her sophomore year in high school.”

Brad Matheson writes: “Hi folks. Hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy. We live down in Tucson, AZ, so

Vince Lahey ’87 and family: son Holden (16), stepson Luca (18), wife Diana, daughter Ella (18), and stepson Sebastian (21)

if you find yourself in the desert, give us a call. Still playing old-man hockey and biking around the Huckleberry Loop. Plenty to see from Mount Lemmon to the Saguaro National Park. Cheers, Brad and Anissa (and Zarley).”

Vince Lahey writes: “Hello, Class of ’87. After 30 years of living in Aspen, and the nest emptied—Sebastian and Luca at Gonzaga, Ella at UVM, and Holden at Hawaii Preparatory Academy—Diana and I made a big move to Carefree, AZ, so that she could pursue her passion in horse reining (see Yellowstone) and I could develop my pickleball game. So far so good.”

1988

James D. Watt, Jr. jdwattjr@gmail.com

1989

Michael Cobb writes: “I graduated from the University of Oregon then taught English and Spanish for 23 years in Spain, Vietnam, and the USA. Today, I am a writer, multimedia creative, and musician. Deeply passionate about music, I have helped produce shows at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Waldorf Astoria, Yale, CBGB, and more.

Jeff Anderson ’87’s daughter, Katie (left), plays for the Danbury Hat Tricks.

Former faculty member Tom Young with Tom Funkhouser ’86

Megan Moore Bond ’86, Elizabeth Marx-Swatfigure ’86, Farah Osman Nurse ’86

Alumni Profile

ON A MISSION

A Q&A with nutritionist and chef Lisa Roberts ’91

BY ROBIN GOTTLIEB • Photos courtesy of Lisa Roberts ’91

Lisa Roberts is on a mission to “elevate physical, social, and global health to a sacred level for all through a shared language of the heart: food.”

Roberts is a culinary nutritionist, culinary archaeologist, and chef who authored NA Wine & Food, the industry’s first guide to nonalcoholic food and wine pairings. She has been featured and quoted in numerous publications, including NASDAQ, Huffington Post, The New York Post, and The Wall Street Journal Currently, Roberts leads classes at Stanford University’s BeWell Program and New York University, and she partners with organizations such as Canyon Ranch and the American Heart Association. She lives in Connecticut with her 11-year-old son, Grayson, and is committed to helping women in recovery use food as medicine.

Read the Q&A below to learn more about Roberts’ work and journey.

How did your path in culinary nutrition start?

I have always loved the food and wine experience. I even remember drinking red grape juice from a wine glass at the age of four! In graduate school I majored in classical archaeology with a specialization in ancient food and wine production, and I was a member of Oxford University’s Wine Circle. From there, I trained to be a sommelier and fromager with mentors at [restaurants like] Picholine, Artisanal, and JeanGeorges in New York.

My health took a turn. I developed autoimmune conditions that were seriously impacting my quality of life while dealing with anxiety, depression, and addiction. To heal, I applied my studies of ancient and indigenous culinary practices, which center on the idea that the manner in which you live shapes your health and well-being.

For me, the kitchen was where I learned to pay attention to what I needed nutritionally to support all areas of my health. Chopping, slicing, and stirring became a practice in what I like to call “meditating without meditating.” As I healed, I wanted to share this lifestyle with others who were seeking a heart-centered approach to holistic health.

After enrolling at The French Culinary Institute in New York City, I worked at Epicurious and Pure Food and Wine, and I became a featured chef and writer. I then produced culinary wellness retreats and events around the country, partnering with organizations such as lululemon, Soho House, and Yelp, while also working with treatment centers and individuals in recovery. Both my corporate and private clients were responding to the power of food as medicine through the hands-on experience of culinary nutrition.

This led to becoming an instructor of culinary nutrition with Stanford University’s BeWell and Healthy Living Programs, where I have been teaching primarily at departments within the School of Medicine.

How would you define “Food as Medicine”?

“Food as Medicine” (or “Food is Medicine”) is a foundational pillar of good health emphasizing the use of nutrition for healing and disease prevention. This approach improves outcomes of heart disease, mental health, diabetes, and obesity.

The idea is rooted in the belief that the nutrients found in whole foods balance and restore the body’s natural processes. For example, eating antiinflammatory foods like dark leafy greens, salmon, and nuts can reduce chronic inflammation, while a diet high in ultra-processed foods and sugars may exacerbate certain conditions.

The “Food as Medicine” concept involves three areas of focus. First, preventative care uses food to prevent disease. Second, therapeutic use focuses on managing symptoms with specific foods or diets. Third, a holistic focus emphasizes integrating nutrition into lifestyle practices like mindfulness, exercise, healthy relationships, and sleep.

What is your advice for starting better eating habits?

According to a Cornell University study, the average person makes 221 food decisions every day. Figuring out what to eat can be hard, so remember that small changes have a big impact! I suggest an add-in approach to create momentum around the changes you are seeking. For example, preparing one meal at home this week if you usually order delivery can help kickstart these positive changes.

A diversity of real foods keeps our gut microbiome healthy, which can be helpful in improving chronic diseases and common symptoms. As a result, eating foods rich in prebiotics (fiber), probiotics (fermented foods), and healthy fats (omega-3 fatty acids) can positively influence your gut microbiome by reducing inflammation. A mid-morning snack of berries, plain yogurt, and nuts is a good example of a dish containing fiber, a fermented food, and healthy fats. This has a positive impact on your mood, brain, and physical health by promoting the production of beneficial gut bacteria.

When you prepare snacks and meals made mostly of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, you are also benefiting from antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory compounds. This has a positive impact throughout your body, including reduced inflammation; improved digestion, mood balance, and brain health; better sleep and overall energy; and enhanced immunity.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Berkshire?

I loved my years at Berkshire; they hold some of my favorite memories—from the friendships I made to the faculty who were instrumental in my growth to the spirit of the Mountain. It was magical even during the difficult moments. I always felt connected to something bigger than myself because of how the Mountain grounded everyone, and I never felt like I had to walk through anything alone. Berkshire was always ahead of the curve with environmental and climate awareness, something others are only just now onboarding. My experience at Berkshire was the essence of Pro Vita.

lisarobertsfood.com

Instagram: @lisarobertsfood

TikTok: @lisarobertsfood

I also produce musically themed travel videos for Brand USA, publish stories about music for The Village Voice, and today, I lead the original Americana band The Crevulators, who perform throughout the USA and Spain. I’ve performed in the Berkshires at The Red Lion Inn, Berkshire Mountain Distillery, and Egremont Barn, to name a few. I am married to Martiña Gago, who’s from Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwest Spain. We have a 15-year-old daughter, Stella, and a cockapoo dog, Sammy. We reside in my hometown of Norfolk, CT.”

1990 35 th

Natalie Bradley Clarke ninabclarke@gmail.com

Katharine Cutler Coughlin katecoughlin1@gmail.com

Natalie Dillon natdillon28@gmail.com

Nina Bradley Clarke writes: “This past summer, I had a great visit with Justin Goff in Watch Hill, RI. Justin is now a proud dad and husband, plus he owns an amazing clothing brand called Three Islands Lifestyle with his wife. Please follow Justin’s brand on Instagram: @threeislandslifestyle. Go Bears!”

Roberts in one of her favorite places, the kitchen

Michael Cobb ’89 performing live in Galicia, Spain

1991

John K. Fretz jfretz@outlook.com

Dee McGaffey Schwein writes: “I just started to work for a software company I’ve been a client of for almost a decade. My home office is in Boston, MA, but the majority of my team is in Norway, so I spent a week there in September. If you ever get the chance to visit Bergen, it’s definitely worth a spot on your list! Midnight sun in the summer, northern lights in the winter, and just absolutely perfect crisp days in the fall!”

Lisa Roberts Hurd writes: “Hello, Berkshire! In September, I was invited to lead four workshops on ‘Food is Medicine’ at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, AZ. It was an incredible experience! I also teach culinary nutrition at Stanford University’s BeWell Program for faculty and staff, at New York University’s Work Life & WellBeing Program, and at the corporate level. When I’m not in the kitchen, speaking, or writing, I’m having fun with my amazing 11-year-old son, Grayson.”

1992

Abram W. Duryee III

bduryee@hotmail.com

Shannon Keating writes: “It was great to catch up with old friends under the Mountain. Like our school motto—

Berkshire’s LinkedIn: Engage with a professional network of alumni

Berkshire Alumni Directory: Connect with classmates and friends

Events: Stay informed about gatherings across the country

Alumni Spotlight: Learn more about what Berkshire alumni are up to today

Ways to Give Back: Make a gift or volunteer… And More!

Learning, not just for school but for life—friendships made at Berkshire are also for life! We had such a fun weekend in Sheffield and on campus reminiscing about our Berkshire days. We saw a lot of new additions: the math and science center, a state-of-the-art hockey rink, and an impressive new student center and dining room under construction. Berkshire has evolved to stay current to offer the very best resources to students, while the heart and soul of the school is the same as it always has been.”

Andrew Mueller writes: “I am proud to announce that three Berkshire alumni, Chip Perkins ’73, Sam Perkins ’14, and I, have joined forces to launch Global Frontier Capital (GFC) alongside additional partners. GFC is a Private Equity firm. The first fund invests in nature-based carbon projects in frontier markets that create carbon credits for the voluntary offset market. GFC’s goal is to mitigate climate change risk and create positive environmental and social impact. Forthcoming funds will focus on other 21st century challenges such as battery metals exploration and energy transition.”

Shannon Keating ’92, Paula Ferreira ’92, Ali Slavid Rush ’92

Dee McGaffey Schwein ’90 in front of the Lille Lungegårdsvannet in downtown Bergen, Norway

1993

Tenley E. Reed tenley@mac.com

1994

Joan H. Frantz jfrantz8888@gmail.com

Chris Lee writes: “Me and one of my oldest and best friends, grade-school classmate and Berkshire classmate Steffen Root, embarked on a 12-day bike camping tour in Los Montañas Vacias in Spain. See you all at the reunion!”

Chris Lee ’94 and Steffen Root ’94 running amok in Madrid, Spain

1995 30 th

Bradley P. Hunt colgate1399@gmail.com

Brad Hunt writes: “I have connected with Matt Naylor, as my family spends time in the Portland area. Matt and his wife, Liz, are proud parents of Henry Quinn Naylor and reside in Falmouth, ME. Matt is a recent retiree from the U.S. Air Force after 25 years as a special linguist/interpreter. I recently enjoyed playing a round of golf with Jason Franz, who lives with his family of four (two teenagers) and works in Beverly, MA. In true Bears fashion, Franz and I tied the

match between our partners, ensuring it was a win for all Bears. I heard from Jennie Burkhard Jadow, who lives in Stockbridge with her husband, David, and their girls, Sophie (11) and Zoe (7). Jennie works in theater and film, either acting, producing, or creating arts education programming. She is looking forward to the reunion and anticipates some of the regular crew will be coming as well. I am living in Marblehead, MA, with my wife, Lauren, and two children, Eveline (6) and Drew (5). I’m looking forward to the reunion and I hope to see you there!”

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

Javier Winnik writes: “It’s been a great journey teaching in various capacities, but this year will mark my second year as an art teacher within the New York Board of Education. It has been amazing having my own space to help bolster the creativity of these scholars, and I can’t wait to see how far I can help their creativity flourish! October marked 10 years of self-publishing my book series, A Reason to Smile! I’ve sold over 4,000 copies within that time period, and I hope to have two more books in the mix within the next year. Check out my progress at thecurv.com/books.”

1997

Kristina Thaute Miller kthaute@yahoo.com

Julie Rubinstein Bronder writes: “My husband and I, along with our dog, just returned to Europe, where we plan to live for at least a year or so. We’ll be in Spain and France. If you find yourself on a trip to Europe, let me know. Would be great to meet up.”

John Harker writes: “Visited my colleagues at the Scottish Power Office while attending the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea annual science conference in Gateshead, England. Working to bring together our global efforts in fisheries affairs and research initiatives to support the development of clean, renewable energy through offshore wind as part of the U.S.-based company Avangrid.”

1998

Lauren Levin Budz lauren98@aol.com

Malinda L. Lareau mlaurenlareau@gmail.com

Traci Hinden writes: “I am still an employee civil rights lawyer and continue to thrive in my practice, now in my 19th year, with 18 years of it dedicated to helping employees take their power back. I got engaged in June to my longtime partner, Paul Carey,

Javier Winnik ’96’s very first book cover he ever created, August 2014

John Harker ’97 in Glasgow, Scotland

Alumni Profile

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

A Q&A with Major Andrew Meuller ’92 USMC (Retired)

BY ROBIN GOTTLIEB • Photos courtesy of Major Andrew Mueller ’92

Major Andrew Mueller (Retired) spent the last 20 years as an intelligence officer and foreign policy expert for the United States Marine Corps.

After enlisting in 2003, Maj. Mueller served across Latin America, Africa, Asia, South America, and the Middle East, where he was deployed to the Iraq War. Along with becoming an officer, he also received a master’s degree in international relations from the United States Naval Postgraduate School. He retired from the service in 2023.

Maj. Mueller now works full time in private equity as a managing partner at Global Frontier Capital alongside fellow Berkshire alums Gilman “Chip” Perkins ’73 and his son, Sam Perkins ’14. The team invests in sustainable projects worldwide that generate carbon credits used for carbon offsetting. These nature-based projects mitigate climate change risks, helping to create positive environmental and social impacts.

Maj. Mueller is a member of Berkshire’s newly formed Veterans Memorial Task Force. This volunteer group consists of alumni, faculty, staff, and a current student, all working to recognize and honor the Berkshire alumni and community members who have served the United States in the military.

What inspired you to enlist in the Marine Corps?

I was 28 and living in Boulder, CO, on September 11, 2001, when I saw the planes fly into the Twin Towers on TV. September 11 gnawed at me for several

Mueller at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, VA

Mueller (front left) with a group on a boat in East Kalimantan (Island of Borneo), Indonesia

months, and I knew I had one more adventure in me, so I decided to serve a four-year tour before I “settled down.” I had been a Peace Corps volunteer from 1997 to 2000 in the Guatemalan Highlands, so I was familiar with the power of service. I explored the officer route, but due to supply-and-demand lags in the government, the next available Officer Candidate School seat was well over a year out. I ended up walking into the Marine recruiter’s office in downtown Boulder and made that sergeant’s day.

What are some of your career highlights?

There were so many good and challenging experiences over my 20 years. I have always been attracted to the “road less traveled,” and the military gave me the opportunity to travel widely and to live within many cultures. My experiences—participating in the war in Iraq, floating on a Marine expeditionary unit throughout Asia, training other militaries in Latin America and North Africa, doing humanitarian and medical responses in disaster areas, or planning and

translating for the U.S. Commanding Generals traveling in South America— informed my perspective and showed me where policy and politics meet implementation in the real world, which was eye opening.

The second highlight was being part of a true brotherhood/sisterhood, especially during my enlisted time in an infantry platoon. No matter our background, education, race, or politics, everyone sacrificed and cared for one another when it got tough. It is a powerful concept of service that I wish we could simulate to a broader population (minus the military aspect), and it now informs my work in business.

What are the sustainable projects your private equity fund is working on?

Global Frontier Capital’s first fund, the Global Carbon Credit Development Fund, which was registered last year, invests in nature-based carbon projects worldwide. We establish large-scale reforestation, conservation, and improved forest management projects that will produce verified carbon credits to be sold in the voluntary

markets for companies, and in some cases, countries, to offset their carbon emissions. These projects are not only profitable for investors and help the environment, but they also create a positive economic impact down to the rural village level.

Informed by my experiences in the Peace Corps, international business, and the Marine Corps, I had a front-row seat in studying historical antecedents, including what makes “a rebel” and political uprisings. I noticed that the key driving forces of these changes were income disparities and detachment from the domestic and global economy. We are in a technological revolution, which can produce a large amount of instability. However, it can also provide an opportunity to profitably do things differently because 20th-century institutions are not solving 21stcentury problems. At Global Frontier Capital, we use private capital to create profitability in frontier markets and resolve some of these problems.

What is your fondest memory of your time under the Mountain?

My two years at Berkshire had such a positive impact on my life. I loved my time under the Mountain and on the athletic fields, but as I reflect now, it was also an amazing environment where teachers were more than just teachers. I left with the confidence to strive to pursue any profession, and the knowledge that I can accomplish large endeavors. Berkshire gave me a sense of humble empowerment.

To learn more about the Veterans Memorial Project, contact Berkshire School Archivist Bebe Clark Bullock ’86 at bbullock@berkshireschool.org.

globalfrontiercapital.com

and we were married on September 30, 2024. My firm is based in San Francisco, CA, and I just opened a new location in Los Angeles, where I reside.”

Christer LeBrecque writes: “I’m now the habitat restoration program manager for Tillamook Estuaries Partnership (TEP), on the north coast of Oregon. TEP is one of 28 estuaries funded in part by the EPA.”

Laura Miller writes: “After 10 years, I, along with Sarama Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, was finally able to purchase a property large enough to accommodate 46 animals with room to expand. This 6.5-acre property in South Jersey boasts a 1,200-square-foot pole barn with a large attached ‘catio.’ The three-story, 2,700-square-foot home is a fantastic space. Currently, Sarama is caring for 37 cats, eight dogs, and one guinea pig.

This new and expanded location has room to take in farm animals in the future. Sarama has an additional 58 foster animals being cared for in nearby homes. It has been a busy two months. Both the animals and I are adjusting well to our new homes.”

Jeff Soule writes: “Another beautiful summer enjoying time on the water. Looking forward to winter at Jay Peak and seeing any Bears that can make it up. I telemark ski and have demo skis available; look me up.”

1999

Michael D. Gutenplan michaelgutenplan@gmail.com

George S. Scoville III gscovillempp@gmail.com

Alex Cutler writes: “I recently authored my first children’s book, illustrated by my 10-year-old daughter. It’s based on a

recent trip to Japan, where we couldn’t find a trash can, yet the streets were so pristine. Great bedtime read, full of culture and valuable life lessons as well. For any parents of small children, I would be grateful if you could support me by getting a copy on Amazon.”

Michael Gutenplan writes: “Alex Cutler is a one-man Berkshire connector keeping the Class of 1999 smiling. His recent travels took him to Atlanta, where he met up with Melvin Richey. In Los Angeles, crowd favorite Justin Orgel always says hi when he’s in town! And as I travel the globe entertaining with my wacky mind reading and magic shows, I love meeting up with my Berkshire family. At a show in the Boston area, I loved having Debi and Bill Gulotta, R.G. Meade, and Anna Romano in the audience. My schedule is at mentalist.show/schedule. If I’m in your town, say hi!”

Christer LeBrecque ’98 on the Willamette River helping Fish & Wildlife survey for native salmonids.

The new home of Laura Miller ’98’s Sarama Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, in South Jersey

Jeff Soule ’98 sailing the Hudson River in New York Harbor

The cover of Alex Cutler ’99’s book, No Trash Cans in Japan

Justin Orge ’99 and Alex Cutler ’99

R.G. Meade, Anna Romano, Michael Gutenplan ’99, Debi Gulotta, Bill Gulotta

George Scoville writes: “This summer, I left a business litigation boutique and joined the Nashville Office of Polsinelli (an AmLaw 100 firm), where I represent hospitals and health care provider networks in complex disputes with third-party payors. Remember that our class will be celebrating its 25year reunion in June under Berkshire’s new multi-year approach to Reunion Weekend. Hope to see you all there!”

2001

Nicolas B. Emery emery.nicolas@gmail.com

Shannon M. Flynn flynnshannonm@gmail.com

Peter A. Kearney, Jr. pkearneyjr@gmail.com

2002

Jaclyn Brander Marshall jbrander@gmail.com

Matthew P. Sposito matthew.sposito@gmail.com

2000 25 th

Matthew D. Boynton boynton_matt@yahoo.com

Sarah Scheinman Hulsey sarahscheinman@hotmail.com

Brooke Beebe Noble writes: “My family and I moved to Iowa in July and are settling in. Definitely miss the East Coast but ready for a new adventure closer to Troy’s family and his new career! Hope to be back under the Mountain sometime soon.”

Melissa Fennell writes: “I spent two amazing years at Berkshire, where the foundation of my future in the creative arts was set. During Mr. Bowler’s history class I vividly remember the events of 9/11 unfolding, which sparked my passion to be a part of historymaking media. I pursued a master’s degree in motion graphics at the Savannah College of Art and Design and founded my own LLC in 2010. Since then, I have freelanced across the country, specializing in live event graphics, motion graphics, production, editing, and producing. I am honored to have received one Emmy Award, four Telly Awards, and one Gabby Award in 2023, followed by an additional three

Emmy Awards in 2024. These accolades are a testament to the education and foundation I received at Berkshire, which instilled in me the values of diligence, creativity, and excellence.”

2003

Robert Morgan Ralph robertmralph@gmail.com

2004

Faye Abrams Klein fayevklein@gmail.com

William C. Stern wcstern1@gmail.com

Kraig D. Strong kskraigstrong@gmail.com

Gwen Miller writes: “Hello! I celebrated my brother Emile Miller ’24’s graduation under the Mountain in May, and of course, Lucas Miller ’07 was there, too. I got to cheer on Charlotte DeLeo at the Steel Rail Marathon here in the Berkshires last summer with my three kids: Maeve (5), Orla (3), and Asa, who was born at home the night after Thanksgiving in 2023. All are well, and it’s fun to run into other Bears who have returned to the Berkshires!”

Every gift supports a Berkshire experience.

Gwen Miller ’04’s husband, Eammon, with Asa on the left, Orla on Gwen’s shoulders, Maeve in front, brother Emile ’24 in his gown, and brother Lucas ’07 at the far end

Melvin Richie ’99 and Alex Cutler ’99 in Atlanta, GA

Melissa Fennell ’02 with her 2024 Emmys for her work in motion graphics

Johanna Becker Kiley ’05, Jackie LaBonte ’05, Sukey Mullany Lemus ’05, and Kat Kollmer Gaudin ’05 at Sukey Mullany ’05’s wedding

2005 20 th

Matthew G. Crowson matthew.g.crowson@gmail.com

2006

Stephen W. Piatelli steve.piatelli@gmail.com

Courtney Kollmer Siemborski courtney.siemborski@pwc.com

Chris Drake writes: “Fellow classmate Ben Weil and I participated in a Hyannis, MA, Yacht Club sailing race and won first place in our division over the summer. It was the first time Ben was part of a sailboat crew, and he was the X factor in our win. He really is turning into an old salt!”

The first-place sailing crew was composed of Leland Drake, Ben Weil ’06, Captain Thomas Drake, and family friend Nate.

Births & Adoptions

Allison Letourneau ’07 and her wife, Kim Cooper, welcomed their first child, Adelia Bailey Letourneau, on May 17, 2024, weighing 7.2 pounds and measuring 21 inches long. Allison reports, “She is already loving life as a Bear Cub!”

Vickie Chiang ’02 and her husband, Geoff, welcomed their daughter, Cassandra Collette Chiang Go, on October 23, 2023.

Vickie writes: “Big brother, Griffyn, loves giving baby Cassie kisses and hugs.”

Jacob Shaffelburg ’19 writes: “My beautiful wife, Robyne, gave me the best present in the world, our beautiful baby girl, Daisy Evelyn Shaffelburg.”

Mason Jones Heaslip, son of Chelsea Fizell Heaslip ’09 and Scott Heaslip, was born on April 6, 2024.

Ty Roselli ’10 and Alex Colbert Roselli ’10 welcomed their first child, Riley Roselli, on September 29.

Noah Sinkoff ’13 and Anna Driscoll ’13 are so excited to share their new Berkshire Bear Cub, Connor, born in April.

Chelsea Resnick Masters ’08 and her husband, Ben, welcomed their son, Logan, in July. Chelsea writes, “He is a very happy baby, and we’re looking forward to showing him around campus someday!”

Eloise or “Elle” Beebe was born on July 18 at 10:21 a.m. at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, CA, to John Beebe ’06 and his wife, Gabrielle Hackman. Perhaps Elle will be in the Berkshire Class of 2042, adding to a long line of Beebe alumni dating back to 1920.

Melanie and George Martinecz ’09’s son, Jasper Martinecz (at 1 month). George writes: “He’s side-eyeing mom for his next meal. Drop a line if you’re ever in Brooklyn!”

In July, Shannon Kerr Wright ’09 and her husband, Andrew, welcomed their first baby, Malcolm Ronald Wright, born in Toronto, Canada. The family and their dog, Banjo, enjoying a visit at Grandma and Grandpa’s.

James Coenen ’10 and Aurelie Humes Coenen ’10 welcomed Margot Jean Coenen on February 3, 2024, a day before Aurelie’s birthday. They write: “Her sister Ruby is loving being an older sister.”

Grayson Keith ’15 and Kenzie Lancaster Keith ’15 welcomed Lia into their family in July.

Tyler Wilmot ’12 and Christa Montano Wilmot ’12 welcomed their baby boy, Silas, in August. They write: “Our family is happy and healthy and living in the Berkshires!”

Keunna Dill ’14 and Justin Donawa ’15 welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Kaori DillDonawa, on June 14, 2024.

George Haydock ’09 and his wife, Kylie, welcomed a daughter, Charlotte Regina Rotch Haydock, in March. George writes: “Our son, George, has been the best big brother. We can’t wait to get her up to the Mountain to share the magic of Berkshire.”

Left: George Maxwell Bowman, son of Chris Bowman ’12 and his wife, Fiona, was born on July 15, 2024.

Engagements & Weddings

Chelsea Preston ’12 married Harry Erickson on September 23, 2023, in her hometown of Lake Placid, NY. Katherine Sweeney ’12 was the maid of honor (and introduced Chelsea to her husband!). Their former Berkshire art teacher, Linda D’Arco of Little Farmhouse Flowers, was the florist for the wedding.

Chris Gaynor ’13 and Anna Heissenbuttel ’13 celebrated their marriage in September at a beautiful ceremony in Greenwich, CT. The two met at Berkshire and have been together ever since.

Jen Scala ’00 married James Buck at the Publick House in Sturbridge, MA, on August 12, 2023.

Katherine Smyth ’10 married Brien Morse in Crested Butte, CO, on July 25, 2024.

Sukey Mullany ’05 married Jonás Lemus on June 8 at Gedney Farm in New Marlborough, MA.

Jamie Smith ’12 and Brendan Boyce tied the knot on July 13 at the Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH. They’re at the top of the ski resort overlooking Mount Washington, NH.

2013

Chase Gerber ’13 married Henry Ordway on August 3, 2024, in Whitefish, MT. Their officiant was Dicky Riegel, father of Richard Reigel ’15. Other Bear attendees included Maisie Noesen ’13, Richard Reigel ’15, Elle Mattsson ’15, Lara Schefler McLanahan ’86, and Berkshire CFO Robert Boyd.

2009 2006

2009

Chantal Choi ’09 (seated) celebrated her wedding in Italy with Berkshire Bears Annette Lo ’09, Kang Liu ’08, Meagan Pratt ’09, and Jon Or ’09.

2014

Annette Lo ’09 got married and celebrated with family and friends in both NYC and Hong Kong. Annette is holding Ashes, and her spouse, Robert Krayn, is holding Charcoal.

John Watkins, Jr. ’06 married Pamela Ruggio on May 4, 2024, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Fairfield, CT, their hometown. Both the bride and groom are graduates of Hamilton College. The ceremony was attended by fellow Berkshire alumni, including John Watkins, Sr. ’73, Jeff Wexler ’06, Tom Watkins ’07, and David Watkins ’13.

John Shannon II and Greta Dorsey ’14 got married on September 14 in Weston, CT, at the Norfield Congregational Church, where Greta has been a pastor for the last three years. They write, “We were joined by family and friends in a fabulous celebration. Best day of our lives!”

Alumni Profile

REVOLUTIONIZING INDUSTRIES

Two alumni utilizing AI in their fields to effect change

BY MEGAN TADY • Photos courtesy of Johnson Cheng ’05 and Matt Crowson ’05

Two Berkshire alums, Johnson Cheng ’05 and Dr. Matt Crowson ’05, are revolutionizing their separate fields— education and health care—by teaching and using artificial intelligence (AI).

Cheng, the founder and CEO of Hong Kong-based education firm Voyager Education, is driven to help a younger generation of students harness the power of AI. Along with AI-specific courses, Voyager also offers courses in space science, physics, and the programming language Python—all with an eye toward boosting student’s proficiency with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

“I’m keenly aware of how disruptive technologies like AI will reshape society,” Cheng said. “This awareness motivated me to offer STEM education to prepare the next generation of leaders, scientists, engineers, and innovators in the age of AI.” Cheng is also an investor in AI and enterprise Software as a Service companies across the globe. He attended Cornell University and received his bachelor’s degree in applied economics and management.

While Cheng is exploring how AI can inspire students, Crowson is utilizing AI to make life easier for medical professionals.

A board-certified otolaryngology-head and neck surgeon, Crowson spoke at Berkshire last fall about the promising role of AI to restore the human touch to medicine as part of the Tian Family Endowed Lecture Series.

“AI has the potential to significantly alleviate the burnout that many clinicians

and healthcare workers are experiencing by automating administrative tasks that currently consume a large portion of their time,” Crowson said. “By streamlining processes like documentation, scheduling, and data entry, AI enables clinicians to focus more on patient care—the very reason they entered the profession to begin with.”

In addition to Crowson’s medical practice, he serves as a specialist leader in Deloitte’s Healthcare AI practice, is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, and is the director of Clinical Informatics and AI at Mass General Brigham. He received an M.D. from Dartmouth College, and a master of biomedical informatics from Harvard Medical School.

Motivating Crowson is the “opportunity to contribute to solutions that can reach more people and make a significant difference in the healthcare industry,” he said. “While I cherish the one-on-one interactions with patients

in my clinical practice, working on AI allows me to potentially improve the lives of innumerable patients by enhancing how healthcare is delivered on a broader scale.”

Cheng, too, views AI as a transformative tool. “It will revolutionize how we learn, teach, and assess progress,” he said, “and it will empower us to accelerate learning and take it to the next level faster.” He does stipulate that students still need a strong educational foundation in core subjects like math, languages, and sciences.

“This foundation will equip [students] to ask the right questions and use AI to further their studies,” Cheng said. “As futurist Pascal Finette noted, AI is like the calculator—it didn’t replace the need for humans to learn arithmetic, but allowed us to focus on more advanced mathematics once we had mastered the basics.”

As both Cheng and Crowson lead the way into a new frontier of innovation,

Johnson Cheng ’05

Matt Crowson ’05

they haven’t lost sight of their pasts, and more specifically, Berkshire’s influence on their careers.

“The faculty [at Berkshire] often had more faith in me than I had in myself, inspiring and pushing me to achieve greater things,” Cheng said. One Berkshire experience in particular actually inspired the creation of a Voyager course. “My passion for space science was sparked by the astronomy class I took and the nights spent stargazing. This passion ultimately led me to offer a space science course at Voyager, which has become one of our most successful offerings.”

For Crowson, it wasn’t so much what he studied, but how he was taught to study. “Balancing all of my roles requires the ability to shift gears quickly and maintain intense focus—skills I began developing at Berkshire School,” he said. “Berkshire was a wake-up call regarding the demands on my time and the discipline needed to manage my schedule effectively. That experience taught me to prioritize ruthlessly and adapt on the fly, which has been invaluable in my professional life.”

2007

Casey A. Larkins casey.larkins@gmail.com

Allison A. Letourneau aletourneau@berkshireschool.org

Brendan Brent writes: “After seven years of institutional real estate investment experience based in NYC, I returned to my home state of Connecticut to join Cambridge Realty Partners. Through a fund of individuals and family offices, my partner and I invest in workforce housing and ground-up development of apartment communities in the Northeast and Midwest. The workforce housing investments typically require major capital improvements and strategic repositioning that improves the housing stock, and the ground-up development projects bring needed inventory to the market. Carefully navigating and sourcing investment opportunities through-cycle, my partner and I are actively growing the platform and aim to continue to achieve benchmark-beating returns for our investors.”

Crowson talking with current students during a visit to campus in October

Cheng with his wife and three sons

Jerry Weil ’73, Ben Weil ’06, Harry Weil, Jen Weil, Sadie Mabel Weil, and Rex Morgan ’73 in Phoenixville, PA, in April

Alumni Profile

STAY OPEN, STAY CURIOUS

Teresa Liu ’09’s decade working for Apple

BY MEGAN TADY

As a reliability engineer at Apple, Teresa Liu works on all new generations of products—from the iPhone to the Apple Watch—ensuring that they perform reliably. Liu, who’s entering her 11th year with the tech company, earned a physics degree from the California Institute of Technology. Initially, she considered applying to business school, unsure about the career prospects for a physics major. She credits her physics teacher Dan Yaverbaum for helping to guide her. As an international student from China, Liu says Berkshire “became the starting point of my American adventure.” Navigating life away from home was easier, she says, thanks to all of the faculty members who “became my second family. Their support extended beyond the classroom, shaping my journey at Berkshire.”

How did your experience impact your life beyond Berkshire?

The diverse curriculum, engaging projects, and supportive teachers cultivated a love for learning that transcended traditional textbook study, which was all I knew before I came to Berkshire. In an English project, I drew Mark Twain’s timeline and learned about his literature in the context of his own life. For another book project, I interviewed a Veteran who fought in the Vietnam War. These projects made me feel strongly that knowledge doesn’t just come from textbooks—it’s really alive. The School’s motto, “Pro Vita Non Pro Schola Discimus (Learning—not just for school but for life),” became a guiding

principle that shapes my approach to knowledge.

Which class or teacher inspired your career path?

Mr. Yaverbaum, my physics teacher, stands out. Despite my innate love for physics, its competitive college track in China compelled me to consider alternative, seemingly “easier” paths. Concealing my passion, I entertained the possibility of applying to a business school for college, as my parents envisioned. Mr. Yaverbaum and I spent much time in physics independent studies, so he knew what I really had in my head. His unwavering encouragement nudged me to embrace my true passion for physics, despite the challenges. However, Mr. Yaverbaum’s persistent support guided me through conversations about my genuine passion

and the courage to pursue it. Eventually, I chose to apply for physics, and to my delight, received an offer from Caltech— coincidentally, Mr. Yaverbaum’s dream school. It was his encouragement to be true to myself that propelled me towards a fulfilling career in engineering, which has had a long-lasting impact on my life.

What

does your job at Apple entail?

As a reliability engineer, I work very closely with designers on new generations of products to ensure that they meet high standards of reliability performance, and most importantly, give customers a delightful experience. I’m lucky to be one of the few people on the team who has worked on almost all product lines, including, iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, all the computers, as well as the recently released Vision Pro.

Photo: Mian Studio

What do you enjoy the most about your work?

One of the things I enjoy the most in my role at Apple is that every team member plays a meaningful part in shaping products that have a profound impact on people’s lives. Within the product core team, there’s a remarkable openness for individuals to influence not only in the design phase, but throughout the intricate process of mass production. The dynamic and challenging nature of the job also ensures a continuous drive for innovation. Additionally, the anticipation and thrill of product launches brings a unique sense of accomplishment. I vividly recall the moment when [Apple] announced Vision Pro. After spending a few years working on this “ultra-black” project, being able to finally share it with the world was an immensely rewarding experience.

What’s your advice for Berkshire Bears who might want to work in tech?

To aspiring Bears eyeing a career in the tech industry, my advice is: stay open and stay curious. Reflecting on my own career, I started in the reliability group with zero prior knowledge, but I learned on the job. In addition, I developed my career interest in program and people management. The ever-changing tech industry offers tons of possibilities, so be open to exploration. Embrace different roles and challenges, as you never know where your next exciting opportunity may arise.

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

2009

Kelly Wallace Abbott kellyabbott05@gmail.com

Gregory T. Piatelli gpiatelli@gmail.com

Molly Ryan Rubins mollyrubins1024@gmail.com

2010

15 th

Charles B. H. Brey cbrey11@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

Alexandra Colbert Roselli alexbroselli@gmail.com

Yuan Shen shenyuan1991@gmail.com

2011

Arthur M. Copstein acopstein@gmail.com

Margaret A. Fiertz maggiefiertz@gmail.com

John C. Krueger jckrueger19@gmail.com

2012

Samuel C. Maher smaher@mxschool.edu

Jenny Grogan writes: “I began my dream job this summer as a year-round camp director at Farm Camp in Sonoma County, CA. I get to create an incredible community of campers and staff who work together to care for animals and discover new skills.”

Charlotte Parsons writes: “Over the summer, I went to Kira Puth’s wedding, and in October 2023, I went to Kate Yoder’s wedding. Both magical and beautiful events. Our friend, Amelia Patsalos-Fox ’14, is engaged! Jack Kelly and I both work and live in downtown Chicago and are good friends. I work in real estate, and Jack works in insurance. I miss and think of Berkshire often and dearly. Jack, Kate, and I talk about how special it was almost weekly. Lastly, I spoke with a student caller from the 1907 Society, and it was a great conversation. A nice reminder of how special life was under the Mountain.”

Jenny Grogan ’12 and her co-director, Dara, at Farm Camp in Sonoma County, CA

A SPACE FOR ARTISTS TO LEARN AND THRIVE

Q&A with Eli Merritt ’12, founder of the Chicago Maker Space

BY MEGAN TADY • Photos courtesy of Eli Merritt ’12

Growing up, Eli Merritt spent many hours in the “hot shop” of his parent’s glass blowing studio in West Stockbridge, Mass., getting comfortable safely handling tools like blow torches. The experience helped to mold him into an intrepid and bold artist who doesn’t shy away from using wood and metal shop tools to make his own art. As he was earning his B.F.A. from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he realized that most working artists don’t have access to the tools and spaces they need, and that novice artists feel intimidated by the equipment. He aimed to solve that problem for Chicago-based artists. In 2019, he founded the Chicago Maker Space with his brother, Sam Merritt ’14. Merritt now runs the space independently. The 1,700-square-foot studio space is housed in the Bridgeport Arts Center,

offering members access to metal, wood, and fabrication equipment. Multiple nights a week, Merritt teaches classes covering many topics, including welding and furniture making. And he started the Grace Foundation, a monthly youth outreach program that invites young people to use the space for free. It’s named after his grandmother, who brought him along to her community volunteer outings, instilling the value of giving back. Merritt is also producing his own art, ranging from sculptures to drawings, including large carvings of three original Pokémon characters. The Chicago Maker Space now has a waitlist, with people drawn to the space itself, and to Merritt’s enthusiasm for creating a supportive community for artists.

What inspired you to enroll in art school?

I wanted to learn how to weld and how to woodwork, and I wanted to learn about kinetics and electronics and motors. I was a sponge in art school. I took notes in two notebooks that I still keep with me. One I titled Wood, and one is called Metal. They essentially provide a step-by-step on how to do things. And I wanted to work in the woodshop and the metal shop so that I could learn how to run a shop myself, fix the tools, and deal with people.

What do you enjoy the most about running the Maker Space?

There’s a moment when I teach someone something, and then they can do it without my help, and I’ve changed their world just a little bit. I see the twinkle in their eye and the skip in their step. That makes it so worth it for me. I’m a glorified hype man. My job in this space is to help make people feel good about themselves. I want them to feel excited to come back. Running this space isn’t easy, and I’m really proud of it.

How do you set people at ease who are new to the space?

People are often uncomfortable when they walk into the studio, maybe because it’s a foreign or loud or potentially dangerous place. Human beings also have a weird, innate competitiveness in them. When they’re not at the top of their game or they feel vulnerable because they don’t know

what they’re doing, two things happen: They’re either going to ask for help and learn, or they get defensive, nervous, and mean. So I try to guide them in a positive way, and remind them that it’s okay to not be good at something in the beginning. It’s more important to try, and to be okay with failing, and then learning from that failure. The big secret is that there’s no secret. You just have to do it again and again and again.

What’s your teaching approach to your classes at the Maker Space?

I tell everyone who walks into the Maker Space that they’re already arriving with the best tool in their pocket: their phones. You can figure anything out. You just have to know what you want to find, and figuring out the vocabulary can be the hardest part. Concepts are important. I want my students to be conscious of the reasons why they’re doing something and know how to apply that in different scenarios, rather than just replicating cookie-cutter projects. You might only make that thing once, but you’ll always be able to draw from those skills. I want my students to be able to face a challenge and have the mental prowess to tackle it—the conceptual tool belt of skills. To be able to say, “I’ve never done this before, but I know that a lug nut only twists left, and if I put a spring here, it will do this.” All that knowledge adds up, and then it gets fun.

How would you describe your art/art aesthetic?

The process in which I make my art is multi-minded. Half of my work is fashioned entirely from found objects that have been collected from the places that I inhabit. I think of it as a visual diary of the area and its excess; the things we have given up on. I believe that all things and people deserve a second chance, and when I am in this mind, it is the beauty of the forgotten objects which draws my attention. Spanning to the other side of the creative spectrum are my hyperrealistic wood carvings. These serve as a technical challenge to test my skills and growth as an artist. Switching between these two minds is paramount to my creative process. I have realized, for my found object sculptures to be substantial, I must place myself in an alternative creative realm . . . a different skill set both mentally and physically. One mind justifies the other.

How did Berkshire impact your path as an artist and entrepreneur?

I played varsity lacrosse and did theater all four years at Berkshire, but deep down I knew I was an artist, and I took all the art classes I could during my four years. Linda D’Arco, my art teacher, had a substantial impact on me. She recognized that I had a lot of ambition, and that I was hungry to learn and to prove myself. She suggested I write my own independent study for my junior and senior years, and she even gave me access to her office to use as a sculpture studio, because I was creating art that was too large for the art studio. For my senior year independent study in sculpture, I asked every classmate to donate one object. It could be random or something that was meaningful, and then I made a sculpture of a Berkshire Bear from that collection of objects. The independent study was a real turning point for me. Ms. D’Arco told me that the true test for an artist is whether they can self-motivate to produce art when no one is watching. Ultimately, that’s what I did. I had a vision and an unwavering belief that this was my calling in life. I’m so grateful to her for giving me that initial freedom to fail and learn to pick myself back up to try again.

Years later, when it came time to create the Maker Space, I was able to draw on this inner confidence. I knew how to walk head first into the storm. My time at Berkshire provided me with the courage to push on into the unknown wilderness of the world, when challenged to say “how” instead of “no,” and lastly to love each and every precious moment fighting for this dream. A dream that has now become my reality. If you’re ever in Chicago, come check out the Chicago Maker Space and let’s build something! Go Bears!

chicagomakerspace.com

A sculpture by Merritt

Merritt teaches classes in the Maker Space on a variety of topics.

2013

Harriet Waldron Monks hattiewaldron@gmail.com

Kira von Steinbergs writes: “I finished my sea duty assignment at HSM-37, MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. I am currently at the HITU (helicopter instructor under training) squadron, learning to fly and then instruct SNAs (Student Naval Aviators) in the TH73A Thrasher. I plan to graduate from instructor school in 2025 and will go on to teach future Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard helicopter pilots at HELTRARON 28 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Florida.”

2014

Jacob A. Grant jacobgrant.jag@gmail.com

Emily M. Hubbard emilymhubbard1@gmail.com

Sam Perkins writes: “I am proud to announce that three Berkshire alumni, Andrew Mueller ’92, Chip Perkins ’73, and I, have joined forces to launch Global Frontier Capital (GFC) alongside additional partners. GFC is a Private Equity firm. The first fund invests in nature-based carbon projects in frontier markets that create carbon credits for the voluntary offset market. GFC’s goal is to mitigate climate change risk and create positive environmental and social impact. Forthcoming funds will focus on other 21st century challenges such as battery metals exploration and energy transition.”

2015

10 th

Andrej P. Bogdanovics andrebogdanovics@gmail.com

Hannah Z. Honan hannahzhonan@gmail.com

Grayson G. Keith graysonkeith203@gmail.com

Mackenzie Lancaster Keith mackenzie.lancaster13@gmail.com

Chelsea A. Leeds chelsea.a.leeds@gmail.com

Alyssa Cass writes: “I’m making waves as a recording artist in Los Angeles. My latest release, ‘New Moves,’ an ’80s-inspired pop track, has amassed over 100k plays across platforms. This year, I also kicked off a residency at Lounge 51, where I perform live with my band. I’m thrilled to soon release my next single, ‘Heat Wave,’ along with its music video.”

Kris Govertsen writes: “In my inaugural year as head varsity softball coach, I guided the Ida B. Wells Varsity Softball team to a top-three finish in the Portland Interscholastic League and secured a spot in the Oregon School Activities Association State Playoffs. The team’s green and gray colors evoke fond memories of my time as a Berkshire Bear when I competed for the NEPSAC title.”

2016

Peter D. Bahr peteydb@gmail.com

Natalie C. Harrington natalieharrington17@gmail.com

Lane W. Mayher lane@mayher.com

Anne M. van ‘t Wout annemijn@vantwout.net

Karin M. Vantine miavantine97@gmail.com

Alyssa Cass ’15 makes her red carpet debut at the Breaking Hits event in Los Angeles.

Head Coach Kris Govertsen ’15 and her 2024 Ida B. Wells Varsity Softball team

Michael Kutzer ’11 and Michael Allen ’13 coached the Episcopal School of Dallas to their second state championship in five years.

Maisie Noesen ’13, Elle Mattsson ’15, and Richard Riegel ’15 at Chase Gerber Ordway ’13’s wedding in Montana

Photo courtesy Lara McLanahan ’86

2017

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

Greer Gibney writes: “I moved from Brooklyn, NY, to Dublin for a master’s program in archival studies! Would love any Dublin recs from Bears who know what’s up.”

2018

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 eliassienkiewicz@gmail.com

Aichen Yao aichenyao07@gmail.com

Brooks Gammill writes: “My entrepreneurial spirit and drive was fostered at Berkshire when I participated in the Sabin Entrepreneurial Prize competition. Click on the link to learn more about RecruitU, a company I co-founded with my lifelong friend, Wes Farley. www.forbes.com/sites/ marybethgasman/2024/08/13/howrecruitu-is-changing-the-recruitmentlandscape/.”

2020 5 th

Katherine R. Aiello kateaiello2@gmail.com

Ashanti S. Bruce ashantibruce@gmail.com

Giang H. Le giang.le@tufts.edu

Nathan J. McShane mcshanenate@gmail.com

Emmanuel F. Roldan-Lezcano emmanuelroldan22@gmail.com

Amelia C. Schelle aschelle1@tulane.edu

James T. Welch jtw7ct@virginia.edu

2021

Henry R. Alpaugh henry.alpaugh@richmond.edu

Angela B. Ansah aba126@miami.edu

Reid C. Curran reidcurran2@gmail.com

John W. Fiore jwf203@gmail.com

Abigail R. Hayes abby.hayes@yale.edu

Gillian M. Maher gillianmaher66@gmail.com

Nam H. Nguyen hngnam25@gmail.com

Sophia R. Pasquale sophiarpasquale@gmail.com

Owen de Cordova ’21, Téa Cuvelier ’21, and John Fiore ’21 enjoy a Fiorentina

studying abroad in the spring 2024 semester.

2022

EliJose Araujo elijose.araujo04@gmail.com

Alexander C. Byrne acbyrne8@gmail.com

Natasha G. Fertig ngf@cornell.edu

Alice M. Fisher alice.m.fisher@icloud.com

Christian D. Kim christian.d.kim@gmail.com

Amanda C. Miller acmiller80@gmail.com

James E. Nemeth jnemeth240@gmail.com

Madison H. Rabb mrabb26@amherst.edu

DeVon C. Thompson devont922@gmail.com

Josh Bernstein writes: “Hey, everyone! I’m a junior at Tufts University, and I’m excited to share an update on my startup, TouredIt. We provide personalized college tours by matching students with tour guides who share similar interests, such as their major, extracurriculars, or Greek Life. I’ve been growing TouredIt while continuing my studies at Tufts, and it’s been an exciting journey. Looking forward to hearing what everyone else has been up to!”

soccer match while

2023

Chandler P. Gilbane chandlergilbane4@gmail.com

Jessica A. Lomo naajessie10@gmail.com

Aidan J. Pesce aidan.pesce@gmail.com

Justin P. Price justin.price@gwu.edu

Justine A. Rabley justine.rabley@yahoo.com

Adelaide A. Robertson addierobertson2004@gmail.com

Xuan De A. Shen andrewxdshen@gmail.com

2024

Zamia A. Barradas zamiabarradas200@gmail.com

William C. Faucett willcfaucett@gmail.com

Max E. Guryan maxguryan@gmail.com

Gracyn D. Kurrle gracynkurrle@icloud.com

Asher M. Lefkoff asher.lefkoff@icloud.com

Mary R. O’Keefe mosie0405@gmail.com

Kyron D. Stevenson kyronstevenson7@gmail.com

Mei Lin Zhao celinameilinzhao@gmail.com

Trinity Buckrham writes: “I loved my time at Berkshire and wholeheartedly appreciated the bonds, connections, and relationships that I was introduced to there! Live, Laugh, Love Berkshire.”

Alexander Weil writes: “Thanks to the knowledge my outstanding AP Government teacher Mr. Gappa instilled in me, I propelled myself to find opportunities in politics. After a year of interviews and article submissions,

I accepted and completed a summer internship with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, working with her finance and social department. In three short months, I helped grow her portfolio and viewer profile by 15% and have earned a return offer for next summer. I look forward to joining Mr. Gappa on his young alumni panel to speak about my experiences and plans for the future in politics. Go Bears!”

Former Faculty

Matthew Mosman writes: “I joined Pelion Venture Partners, a technology venture fund in Salt Lake City, as a partner.”

Em Putnam writes: “If you are reading this and are a female student or graduate, please give a silent thank you to Mr. Putnam. As director of admission, he spent nearly the entire 1969 summer trying to convince Mr. Godman to accept female students. Just

Art Wood ’68 with his French teacher, Marianne Hubert Stein, and former faculty Richard Carter. Although Carter did not have Wood in his class, they did know each other through many other activities on campus.

before the opening of the school year, Mr. Godman capitulated. Nine female day students were accepted! The late 1960s were difficult years for everyone. Anti-Vietnam War, civil rights, women’s liberation, protests on college campuses, assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, and racial violence. All independent schools were suffering. Berkshire was the vanguard, and other schools were copying Berkshire and accepting girls by the fall of 1970.”

Mike Dalton writes: “The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree hailed from West Stockbridge, MA. I was there when the tree was harvested and ran into George Torsilieri ’10, who cut the tree

June 6–8, 2025 Alumni with graduation years ending in ’4s + ’9s, ’0s + ’5s, ’1s + ’6s

Alexander Weil ’24

down. I learned from George that for 40plus years, the Torsilieri family from Far Hills, NJ, has been tasked with moving the selected tree to Rockefeller Center in New York City.” See page 2 for more.

Christopher Coenen, longtime Berkshire biology teacher, recently published a book titled General Tom Thumb: American Man in Miniature. In 1978 at an antique photography show in New York City, Coenen came across a photograph for sale featuring Charles Sherwood Stratton and his wife (Mr. and Mrs. Tom Thumb). This started his collection, which now contains over 1,500 items all related to Stratton. Coenen donated his collection to his alma mater, Tufts University, and has compiled his knowledge of Stratton into a comprehensive biography, highlighting the peak of his popularity in the mid-to late-1800s. Coenen has gifted a copy to Geier Library for members of the Berkshire community to enjoy!

Christopher Coenen with a copy of his book, General Tom Thumb: American Man in Miniature, during a visit to campus this fall

Bill Gulotta reunited with two of his former pupils, Lizzy Spalding ’07 (left) and Allison Letourneau ’07, at Chase House last March.

George Torsilieri ’10 with Mike Dalton in West Stockbridge, MA

From the Archives

THE RETURN OF THE MYERS MYSTERY PHOTO CONTEST

By Bebe Clark Bullock ’86, School Archivist

In 1999, longtime history teacher and Berkshire School Archivist C. Twiggs Myers, Hon. ’57 inaugurated a photo contest with puzzling pictures from the Archives. Berkshire alumni, students, former faculty and staff, and friends sent in their guesses, all vying to win the Minnie Award, named after Mr. Myers’s beloved golden retriever, Minnie.

As Berkshire celebrates 60 years of musical theater this year with a fanfavorite production of Mamma Mia!, we’ve chosen a theater-themed moment for this issue’s mystery photo. Can you identify the who, what, where, and when in this photograph? Here’s a hint: It was Berkshire’s first musical!

PLEASE SEND YOUR ANSWERS TO alumni@berkshireschool.org or write to: Myers Mystery Photo c/o Bebe Clark Bullock 245 N. Undermountain Road Sheffield, MA 01257

Stay tuned for more Myers Mystery photos on the Berkshire School Archives Instagram account, @berkshireschoolarchives. You, too, could be a Minnie Award winner!

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 berkshireschool.org/inmemoriam.

ALUMNI

Marvin Sterman ’46

February 20, 2024

Robert W. Doyle ’49

March 11, 2024

Paul D. Kaplan ’52

July 3, 2024

Bruce C. Francis ’54

August 24, 2024

Josiah W. Edgerly ’55

August 4, 2024

Stephen K. Urner ’55

March 24, 2024

Robert J. Habacker ’58

December 21, 2024

David F. Palmer ’59

November 25, 2024

Peter T. Colket ’60

September 20, 2024

William P. Klingenstein ’61

April 22, 2024

Stephen R. Boyd ’62

December 25, 2024

Wallace H. Ross ’64

April 24, 2024

Marc F. Greene ’67

September 26, 2024

Dean C. McChesney ’67

December 2024

Richard Clark ’69

July 15, 2024

Franklin L. Ripley ’70

September 28, 2024

Kirk H. Handley ’71

June 17, 2024

Kathryn E. Casey ’76

September 28, 2024

Frank J. Mann ’80

April 20, 2024

Patrick M. Major ’81

September 10, 2024

Leaving a Legacy

Giving Back in a Way That Works for You

Through estate planning, you can achieve your philanthropic and financial goals while making a difference for Berkshire’s students. You may be surprised to learn of the flexibility that comes with a planned gift, including options that:

n Make an impact during your lifetime and beyond

n Offer immediate and future tax solutions

n Protect your assets for your loved ones

n Provide an income stream for life

Michael J. Lucey ’85

December 6, 2024

Daren C. Repici ’98

March 28, 2024

FORMER TRUSTEE

Bruce H. Person

September 7, 2024

FORMER FACULTY & STAFF

John P. Blessington

February 27, 2024

Phyllis Bouthillette

November 2024

Richard K. Brown

September 21, 2024

William G. Earle August 2, 2024

Susan Montgomery

October 3, 2024

A note to our readers: The list of names is reported from February 16, 2024 through December 31, 2024. For the names of alumni who passed in 2024, please visit www.berkshireschool.org/ inmemoriam. If we have missed someone, please accept our apologies and email us at alumni@berkshireschool.org.

To begin the conversation, contact Director of Planned Giving Jeff Leyden at (207) 624-2044 or jleyden@berkshireschool.org.

To find out how a planned gift can benefit you, your family, and Berkshire—and learn about ways to give and up-to-date information—visit berkshireplannedgiving.org/give.

BERKSHIRE SCHOOL

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2024–2025

OFFICERS

James L. Haskel ’86, P’20,’22,’25

Chair

Westport, Conn.

M. Casey Herman ’82 Vice Chair and Treasurer Chicago, Ill.

Pieter M. Mulder P’22,’26 Secretary Sheffield, Mass.

TRUSTEES

Peter Barkan P’27 Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Susan Block Casdin P’26 New York, N.Y.

Kenneth R. Coard ’85, P’22,’23 Southampton, N.Y.

Katharine Cutler Coughlin ’90, P’20,’22,’24 Dedham, Mass.

James E. Demmert ’82, P’25,’25 Sausalito, Calif.

Roney Eford ’91 Atlanta, Ga.

John P. Esposito P’20,’22,’25 Greenwich, Conn.

James D. Feeley ’92, P’25,’27 Nantucket, Mass.

Peter B. Freund P’26,’26 Bedford, N.Y.

Kenneth M. Gammill, Jr. P’16,’19,’20,’22 New Canaan, Conn.

William J. Grace III ’82, P’28 New York, N.Y.

James E. Hooper ’69 Dedham, Mass.

Jennifer Hayes Johns ’86 Longmeadow, Mass.

C. Kirk Kellogg ’87, P’16 Palm Beach, Fla.

Robert S. Boyd Assistant Treasurer Salisbury, Conn.

Amy Cullett Controller Pittsfield, Mass.

Matthew J. Kopel ’09 Rumson, N.J.

Nicholas C. Kunkler ’09 Wellesley, Mass.

Robin Levi P’21 Oakland, Calif.

Ann Brackbill McKee P’15,’19 Darien, Conn.

Robert W. Moran ’87, P’24 Chatsworth, Calif.

David T. Rondeau ’78 Haworth, N.J.

Hillary Beard Schafer P’25,’27 Rye, N.Y.

Matthew E. Sharp P’22,’26 New York, N.Y.

Nicole Picotte Smith ’09 Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

Jeffrey M. Soffer P’16,’18,’22 Aventura, Fla.

Thomas D. Steiner P’10,’12,’12 Longboat Key, Fla.

Lauren Walsh P’23 Riverside, Conn.

John W. Watkins, Sr. ’73, P’06,’07,’13 Fairfield, Conn.

Leon J. Weil, Jr. ’73, P’06,’13,’13 Great Barrington, Mass.