Winter/Spring 2019 Bulletin

W I N T E R - S P R I N G 2019

Remembering & Honoring the Life & Legacy of

John C. Bogle ’47 ‘One Man Can Make All the Difference’ BLA IR B ULLE T IN A

On Exhibit

The Annual Student Art Exhibition April 25-May 20, 2019, in The Romano Gallery Displaying student work in all different mediums, this show celebrates the accomplishments, hard work and dedication of Blair’s talented fine artists.

On the Cover:

Inventor of the index mutual fund and founder of The Vanguard Group, Blair Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus John C. Bogle ’47 (1929-2019) was a titan of the financial industry and an extraordinarily dedicated favorite son of Blair Academy. His spirit of innovation, drive to excel and vision for a better future led Vanguard to become the world’s largest mutual fund organization, and he brought those same sterling qualities to 47 years of unparalleled leadership, philanthropy and service to his beloved alma mater.

IN THIS ISSUE: WINTER-SPRING 2019 02 S T U D E N T S P O T L I G H T 03 F R O M T H E H E A D O F S C H O O L

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27 A C A D E M I C S

Bringing the Best of Blair to the World 41 A R O U N D T H E A R C H

Students Travel with Faculty & Friends Programs Bring Prospective Faculty to Campus 46 I N T H E N E W S 48 O U T S I D E T H E C L A S S R O O M

Nathan Molteni 52 T H E A R T S

Artists Embrace Creativity in Design Lab Photos Worth a Thousand Words 65 A D V A N C E M E N T

John C. Bogle ’47: ‘One Man Can Make All the Difference’ Blair remembers and honors the life and legacy of Blair Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus John C. Bogle ’47, who died in January 2019 at the age of 89.

Scholarship Memorializes the Howards Bogle Hall Project Continues Indoor Athletic Venues Open 71 A T H L E T I C S

2018-2019 Winter Champions Get to Know Head Track & Field Coach Roy Wilson 82 P L A N N E D G I V I N G 83 C L A S S N O T E S 106 I N M E M O R I A M

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Team-Taught Seminar Explores Human Rights

More than 20 Blair freshmen through seniors are taking advantage of a unique opportunity to dive deep into human rights issues.

Blair & Peddie Share Cup in 115th Year of Friendly Rivalry 30

More than a century of pranks, pep rallies and athletic contests have led to close bonds between Blair and Peddie alumni. Here, we spotlight Bucs and Falcons who have gone on to become friends, family, co-workers and more.

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What’s Happening in the Chiang

Blair’s newest building is much more than home to the fine arts and technology departments: It is a hot spot for community activities of every kind.

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First-Ever Blair Finance Industry Summit

More than 100 Blair alumni, parents and students gathered to build connections and share diverse perspectives at Goldman Sachs’ New York City headquarters.

Thirst for Excellence

Blair Trustee Marianne Lieberman ’79 shares her passion for artisanal wine and for giving back to the community and the world as vintner of Maple Springs Vineyard.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Xiaopei Chen ’21 The sophomore photo student captured a normal day in New York City through the eyes of a driver behind the wheel on a drizzly Monday. “It proves that any view can be lively and unique, depending on how you see the world,” she said. “In the words of Elliot Erwitt, ‘To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place…I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.’”

Staff Volume XC, No. 2 Winter-Spring 2019 PUBLISHED: January, April, June & October PUBLICATION NUMBER: USPS 057-760 PUBLISHER: Blair Academy Blairstown, New Jersey 07825

HEAD OF SCHOOL Chris Fortunato COMMUNICATIONS STAFF Suzy Logan ’99, Editor-in-Chief & Director of Communications logans@blair.edu Joanne Miceli, Senior Editor & Assistant Director of Communications micelj@blair.edu Brittany Rockenfeller, Communications Specialist rockeb@blair.edu Heather Sprague, Communications Assistant spragh@blair.edu CLASS NOTES EDITOR Shaunna Murphy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Timothy Patrick McCarthy, PhD John Redos ‘09 Christopher Sheppard

SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR What do you think about the stories in this issue of the Blair Bulletin? Let us know—your letter may be published in the next issue. Please send your comments to bulletin@blair.edu.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Douglas Benedict Xiaopei Chen ‘21 Thomas Engel ‘20 Brittany Haines ‘05 Seth Kim ‘18 Velma Lubliner Andrew Marvin ‘12 Mike Mountain Elena Olivo Tyson Trish

ATTENTION: Send address changes to Blair Academy Bulletin, P.O. Box 600, Blairstown, NJ 07825 NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY: Blair Academy does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, creed, race, color or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its education policies, admissions, scholarships, loans or other school-administered programs. Each Blair student is afforded the rights, privileges and social, academic and athletic opportunities that are generally accorded or made available to students of the School.

DESIGN BY: Snavely Associates, Ltd., State College, Pennsylvania PRINTING BY: J.S. McCarthy Printers This magazine is printed on recycled paper.

From the HEAD OF SCHOOL

“Jack Bogle, of course, will always be Blair’s patron saint and stand as an exemplar among our many supporters and creators of opportunity.”

We must always be bold enough to

world perspective to students’ Blair

try new things even as we honor our

experience, and a group that traveled

past. You will read about several of

with me to England and France over

these new, evolving and uniquely Blair

spring break was able to garner local

opportunities in this issue of the Bulletin

perspectives as elements of Brexit

that invoke and blend Jack’s pioneering

continue to unfold. With questions

spirit with a grounded and humble

germinating during this trip, our

respect for what has come before. And

student travelers will further benefit

so, I am proud to honor Blair’s 171-

from follow-up discussions with a

year history while, at the same time,

leading Brexit expert later this spring, a

present and future has and will

continuing to offer new opportunities to

one-of-a-kind opportunity orchestrated

always be influenced by the spirit

learn, including our team-taught human

by a Blair alum. We are immensely

of Jack Bogle. Chairman Emeritus

rights seminar, our “Foundations of

thankful for experiences like this one

John C. Bogle ’47 served Blair

Integrated Science Research” course,

and other faculty-student learning

Academy for a remarkable 47 years on

and our inaugural Finance Industry

opportunities taking place across the

the Board of Trustees. When he passed

Summit. This event, hopefully the first of

world in Kenya, the Cayman Islands and

away at the age of 89 on January 16,

many industry-specific Blair gatherings,

Cuba, as well as the many that occur

our community lost one of its most

brought alumni, parents and several

right on our campus as we bring the

stalwart and faithful champions, a man

students together in New York City for

world to Blair.

whose legacy of service and leadership

an evening of learning, networking

will live on at our School forever.

and celebrating our treasured

and staff, I humbly express my deepest

Blair connection.

thanks to all of you—our alumni, parents

The very best of Blair’s past,

Throughout his long and illustrious

On behalf of our students, faculty

lifetime, Jack expressed in countless

Following the Finance Summit,

ways his great love for Blair and his

where a panel of Blair experts spoke

every generation, have so generously

gratitude for the opportunities his Blair

eloquently about their careers, I was

supported the opportunities that make

education afforded him. As I consider

beaming with pride as I attended our

the Blair experience like no other

our School today, I am proud of the

annual TEDx conference, hosted this

educational experience. Jack Bogle,

myriad opportunities we continue

year by Gill St. Bernard’s School. Here,

of course, will always be Blair’s patron

to offer our students in every aspect

five Blair students shared their views

saint and stand as an exemplar among

of their Blair experience. These are

on topics that held great meaning for

our many supporters and creators of

opportunities that, as Jack so beautifully

them, such as triumphing over tragedy

opportunity. As we look to the future

put it, help students “learn more than

and the effects of vaping on today’s

of the School and our forthcoming

they might otherwise have learned,

teens. Having prepared diligently with

strategic plan, we will continue to

accomplish more than they might

TEDx advisor and history department

build upon the strong foundation that

otherwise have accomplished, and

chair Jason Beck—and, in the case of

Jack and so many others have put in

develop their character and their values

the students who spoke on vaping,

place, and we will continue to provide

more than they might otherwise have

with an outside expert with whom we

our students with every opportunity

developed them.”

are collaborating through a special

to learn, grow and courageously try new things.

One of those distinctly Blair and

Blair initiative this year—the students

Bogle values is courage—the courage

commanded the stage, exuded both

to stay true to one’s moral compass

strength and vulnerability, and held an

while being brave enough to chart

audience of peers and adults in thrall.

new courses and adventures that help us actualize our true potential.

Opportunities to travel with teachers and fellow students add real-

and friends of the School—who, in

Christopher Fortunato Head of School BLA IR BULLE T IN 03

John C. Bogle 47: '

‘One Man Can Make All the Difference’ When Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus John C. Bogle ’47 received Blair Academy’s highest honor in 1990, the inaugural Citation of Merit proclaimed that, more than anyone in the history of the School, Mr. Bogle “embodied the notion that one man can make all the difference.” Among the billions of words Mr. Bogle garnered in the national and international press during his pioneering career in the investment industry, truer ones were likely never written.

A s inventor of the index mutual fund and founder of The Vanguard Group, Mr. Bogle made all the difference in the lives of countless individual investors. Vanguard is now the world’s largest mutual fund organization, predominantly due to his spirit of innovation, drive to excel and vision for a better future. Mr. Bogle brought those same sterling qualities to 47 years of Trusteeship at

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Blair Academy, where he served from 1972 until he passed away on January 16, 2019, at the age of 89.

And here, on “this lovely, lovely hill,” as Mr. Bogle described his beloved alma mater, his unparalleled leadership, philanthropy and service have made all the difference to every student who ever followed— or ever will follow—in his footsteps.

John C. Bogle ’47’s portrait, commemorating his service as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1986 to 2001, hangs in Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts.

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47: ‘One Man Can Make All the Difference’

John C. Bogle '

An Educational Foundation

John C. Bogle ’47, J. Brooks Hoffman ’36 and William R. Timken ’53, each of whom served as Chairman of Blair’s Board of Trustees, in an undated photo.

Mr. Bogle entered Blair as a junior in 1945, together with his late twin, David C. Bogle ’47, and following their older brother, William Y. “Bud” Bogle III ’45. Their family had fallen on hard times during the Depression, and scholarships made it possible for the Bogle brothers to attend Blair, something for which Mr. Bogle would remain forever grateful. As a scholarship recipient, he worked as a headwaiter in the dining hall, and he distinguished himself as a high honor roll student, editor of The Blair Breeze and ACTA, and class treasurer. He was known for his ready wit and smile, and his classmates—with great foresight— elected him “best student” and “most likely to succeed” as he graduated, cum laude, in 1947.

Mr. Bogle credited his Blair teachers with having made a tremendous difference in his life, later reflecting that they must have seen some promise in him, unpolished student though he was. “The masters of those days…gave me what seemed to be their undivided attention,” he wrote in 1991, in his forward to Blair Academy: A Sesquicentennial History. “They cared, and they accepted nothing less than my best. They set me on a course of academic achievement at Blair, leading to my matriculation at

Jack Bogle’s greatness was born from his profound goodness. Words hardly do justice to the indelible impact he so lovingly imprinted on Blair, not only through his generosity, but, more importantly, by modeling humility, strength and keen intellect matched by singular wit and a humanity that still inspires us to be better people. We marveled at his conviction, his eloquence and his ability to command a stage or a room while making everyone around him feel important and essential. I had the privilege of spending quieter moments with Jack as he devoted hours of time sharing stories, ideas, wisdom and even dreams with students, often one-on-one and with groups of his beloved Bogle Brothers Scholars. While Jack’s accomplishments in the financial world and at Blair are virtually endless and exceptional, it was in those smaller moments, when he made each student feel seen, known and valued, that he so beautifully reminded me of what Blair stands for and why we love his ‘little school’ on the hill.”

—Head of School Chris Fortunato

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Blair would not be Blair without Jack Bogle. He was so appreciative of the trajectory Blair gave him in life that he never relented on his mission to make sure the School thrived in every way possible. He supported students through scholarship, provided funds to attract and retain the best faculty, and always supported priority facility projects. But, even more important than his financial support, Jack made us proud to be part of the Blair family; his lifelong love of the School was contagious. Blair will forever remember and honor the incredible legacy of Jack Bogle.”

—Chairman of the Blair Board of Trustees Douglas W. Kimmelman P’12 ’13 ’15 ’22 Princeton University…in turn leading to a business career that has given me every opportunity to fulfill the promise they saw, and indeed much more.”

A Hero to Investors At Princeton, Mr. Bogle studied economics and wrote his senior thesis, “The Economic Role of the Investment

Mr. Bogle returned to campus regularly, including in May 2017, when he spoke to students at Chapel.

Company,” a close examination of the mutual fund industry.

That pivotal work launched his career in the investment industry, and his ingenuity and dedication to business integrity and hard work brought him to its pinnacle.

Hired at Wellington Management Company upon his graduation, magna cum laude, from Princeton in 1951, Mr. Bogle rose quickly through the ranks, assuming control of the firm in 1965 at age 36. However, an “extremely unwise” merger led to his dismissal from Wellington nine years later.

“It was a huge mistake, and I got fired for my efforts,” Mr. Bogle said with characteristic candor as he described the experience of “going from the top to the bottom” for The Blair Leadership Stories Project in 2015. What could have ended his career proved to be just the beginning for Mr. Bogle, though, as “out of the ashes of that catastrophe,” he created Vanguard in 1974.

“This new company was based on service to investors and the idea of trying to give them their fair share of whatever the stock market returns are, and that included the creation of the world’s first index fund,” Mr. Bogle continued in his Leadership Story. His insistence on the superiority of the index fund and his concern for the individual investor were radical departures for the investment industry, yet he would stay the course his entire life. His wisdom has been borne out in Vanguard’s success, as today it holds $5.2 trillion in assets and is one of the largest investment management firms in the world.

Mr. Bogle served as Vanguard’s chairman and chief executive officer from 1974 until 1996, the year he underwent a heart transplant. He returned to work as senior chairman until BLA IR BULLE T IN 07

47: ‘One Man Can Make All the Difference’

John C. Bogle '

Photo from the 1947 ACTA.

Mr. Bogle and his wife, Eve (1993).

Jack Bogle is the most towering figure in Blair Academy history and the cornerstone of where we are today. While his philanthropy to Blair is legend, he gave us so much more. Over the years, Jack engaged with students on campus. He participated like no other with his frequent visits, speeches, talks with students, encouragement, positive attitude, wisdom and forward-looking point of view. On my watch as Chairman after he retired from that post, we got to know each other so well, and I am grateful for those times.

Jack Bogle is one of a kind, and how remarkable that we were fortunate to have him in our midst all these years. In my mind, Jack’s greatest accomplishment was his having given the gift of education to hundreds of bright young students, as it was once given to him.

God bless this incredible man, and, as he would say, ‘Stay the course,’ and ‘Press on, regardless.’ This is what we need to do now to honor his legacy.”

—Former Board Chairman William R. Timken ’53 1999 when he turned 70, the maximum age for a Vanguard board member, and then became head of the firm’s affiliate, Bogle Financial Markets Research Center. A prolific writer, he continued to champion the cause of the individual investor as

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author of 12 books and countless articles, op-eds and features on investing, financial markets and the investment world.

Recognition of Mr. Bogle’s towering contributions to the financial industry came from many quarters over the past several decades. Among the most notable accolades were his designation

John C. Bogle ’47’s Philanthropy at Blair Academy

1968

Bogle Brothers Scholarship Program: Mr. Bogle established this program in honor of his older brother, William ’45, and twin, David ’47. The Bogle brothers attended Blair Academy on scholarships, and the Bogle Brothers Scholarship Program has since supported the education of nearly 200 Blair students.

1989

Bogle Hall: Mr. Bogle generously supported the construction of Blair’s science, computer science and mathematics building; it was the first academic facility built on campus since Clinton Hall was erected in 1901. Bogle Hall is named in memory of Josephine Hipkins Bogle and William Yates Bogle Jr., by their sons William Yates Bogle III ’45, David Caldwell Bogle ’47 and John Clifton Bogle ’47.

1993

John C. & Eve S. Bogle Teaching Prize: Originally established as the John C. & Eve S. Bogle Chair for Excellence in Teaching, this prize honors outstanding Blair teachers and epitomizes Mr. Bogle’s belief that much of the School’s success over the years can be attributed to “caring teachers who provide challenging, disciplined education.”

1997

Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts: The Bogle brothers chose the Center for their philanthropy in view of their entire family’s love of the arts, including music, drama, painting and sculpture.

Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts was dedicated in memory of Josephine Hipkins Bogle and her parents, John Clifton Hipkins and Effie Armstrong Hipkins, with love and

gratitude by William Yates Bogle III ’45, David Caldwell Bogle ’47 and John Clifton Bogle ’47.

2009

Chandler and Monie Hardwick Hall: The naming of Blair’s athletic and activity center commemorates 20 years of friendship between the Bogles and the Hardwicks and honors Blair’s benefactor, John C. Bogle ’47.

2010

Squash Tournament Court: Mr. Bogle was a lifelong squash player, and Blair’s Tournament court is named in honor of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Bogle ’47.

2017

Chiang Center for Innovation and Collaboration: Mr. Bogle was instrumental in making the Chiang Center a reality. Home to Blair’s fine arts and technology departments, it was the first new academic facility built on campus since 1989.

2019

Bogle Hall addition & renovation: The first floor of the newly renovated Bogle Hall will be named in honor of Mr. Bogle’s twin brother, David Caldwell Bogle ’47.

Annual

support of the Blair Fund BLA IR BULLE T IN 09

47: ‘One Man Can Make All the Difference’

John C. Bogle '

by Fortune magazine as one of the investment industry’s four “Giants of the 20th Century” in 1999 and his being named one of the world’s 100 most powerful and influential people by Time magazine in 2004. In 2010, Forbes magazine lauded him as the person “who has done more good for investors than any other financier of the past century,” and in 2017, Mr. Bogle was the subject of high praise from business magnate Warren Buffett. “[Mr. Bogle] has the satisfaction of knowing that he helped millions of investors realize far better returns on their savings than they otherwise would have earned,” Mr. Buffett wrote in a letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. “He is a hero to them and to me.”

Blair Leadership & Loyalty Even as he invested himself fully in his career and, together with his beloved wife, Eve, raised their six children, Mr. Bogle gave generously of his time, talent and treasure to the institutions he held dear, especially Blair Academy. Inspired by his strongly held values and genuine desire to pay back the gift of his education, he answered the call to serve at Blair and was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1972.

At that time, Mr. Bogle’s Board mentor, the late Chairman Emeritus J. Brooks Hoffman ’36, was in the midst of his crucial 16-year Chairmanship, a period during which Dr. Hoffman almost singlehandedly brought the School from the brink of bankruptcy to firm financial footing. Mr. Bogle deeply admired Dr. Hoffman’s strong, decisive, energetic and good-humored leadership of the Board, not to mention his indefatigable quest

for financial support. At the conclusion of Dr. Hoffman’s Chairmanship in 1978, the School was poised for growth; when the time came for Mr. Bogle to take the helm, he capitalized on the opportunity.

Mr. Bogle was elected Board Chairman in 1986, a role to which he gave his utmost until 2001, and he served as Chairman Emeritus from 2009 on. During his Board tenure and especially his Chairmanship, Mr. Bogle built upon the foundation established by Dr. Hoffman and helped to lead a historic School renaissance, characterized by significant campus enhancements, robust admission, a strengthened endowment and expanded programmatic offerings. Blair’s transcendence to a boarding school of national and international prominence is unequivocally a result of Mr. Bogle’s leadership and the deep loyalty to his alma mater that enabled him to attract great talent to the Board and the School.

Mr. Bogle’s leadership of Blair, of course, includes his exceptionally generous philanthropy (see page 09). His gifts have impacted every facet of the School and enriched the Blair experience for every student, even as they have inspired the contributions of many alumni, parents and friends over the years.

Perhaps most significant to Mr. Bogle was his support of scholarship aid for deserving students. The one-time scholarship student remarked pragmatically in a 2017 interview: “You don’t have to be a genius to figure out if you have a debt, you have to repay it!” His Bogle Brothers Scholarship Program, which he established in 1968, has provided the gift of a Blair education

The genius of Jack’s leadership was that he inspired all of us, each day, to try and give our best effort. His notes of appreciation, and his belief in us as teachers and students and in the importance of Blair’s mission called forth a loyalty and commitment rare even in the best of schools. Jack believed that education was the underpinning of democracy, a pathway to opportunity, and that conviction was made tangible not just in his generous support of scholarship aid but also in the time he dedicated to writing his scholars individually and meeting them on campus each year—even into his 90th year. Jack’s commitment to Blair Academy was total, and it was intensely personal.”

—Former Director of Development Monie Hardwick 1 0 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

One of the most impressive things about Mr. Bogle was his wide-reaching impact on people. There are certainly people who knew him much better than I did, yet he absolutely ranks as one of the most influential and pivotal people in my life. His incredibly generous scholarships to his two most beloved schools, Blair and Princeton, not only gave all of us Bogle Scholars the opportunity to attend these amazing institutions but also allowed us to reach for a goal that we may not otherwise have had the confidence or courage to pursue. That was most certainly the case for me!”

—Trustee Victoria P. Bailey ’97

Mr. Bogle delighted in meeting his Bogle Brothers Scholars, including (left) Amanda (Tompkins) Apple ’00 and (right) Jon Smolian ’00 (1999).

Mr. and Mrs. Bogle with William R. Timken ’53 and his wife, Judy, in November 2001, celebrating the occasion of Mr. Bogle’s retirement as Board Chair. Mr. Timken succeeded Mr. Bogle in that role.

to nearly 200 students to date—the very same gift of education that he credited with giving him the opportunity to make the most of himself. Mr. Bogle delighted in meeting his scholars at an annual luncheon and kept in touch with many of them long after graduation, responding to letters of thanks and updates on life and career with encouraging notes of his own.

includes three of his 12 grandchildren, Rebecca Renninger ’04, Molly England ’09 and Christopher St. John ’10.

Ever with an eye to a secure future for Blair, Mr. Bogle encouraged everyone to show their care for the institution he so loved. “Blair has played such a wonderful part in my life, and I have done what I could do to support the School,” he said at the Leadership Dinner in 2016, as the School’s most loyal donors were recognized as the inaugural members of the John C. Bogle ’47 Circle of Benefactors. “Others have done every bit as much to serve Blair, and members of the Blair family certainly continue to build a strong footing for the School whose name we prize. We all must continue to care for Blair, as no institution can survive without a constituency—a family—

‘His Shoes Cannot Be Filled’ Mr. Bogle leaves an enduring legacy of care for Blair Academy, one that will live on not only in his many gifts to the School, but, just as importantly, in his legendary leadership, vision and service as a Trustee, and in the memories of his kindness shared by so many members of the Blair family. His Blair legacy also

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Then-Headmaster Chan Hardwick presented Mr. Bogle with a painting of Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts in 1997, the year the building was dedicated.

John Bogle will be remembered as the greatest leader and visionary in Blair history. While still a young man and in the midst of a historic professional career, Mr. Bogle turned his attention to his alma mater, Blair, with an intention to help the School ‘be a little better than it was’ through his efforts of support, leadership and love. A scholarship boy in the 1940s, ‘Jack’ often said that he owed Blair ‘everything,’ yet the truth will always be that Blair owes John Bogle everything. As an alumnus, as the Chairman of the Board for 15 years and as Chairman Emeritus thereafter, John Bogle would most want the School to honor his memory by always striving to make Blair a little better every day.”

—Former Headmaster T. Chandler Hardwick

that cares deeply about the place that helped to nurture them and bring them along in this world.”

When Mr. Bogle stepped down as Chairman of Blair’s Board of Trustees in 2001, the Blair Bulletin published tributes to the man whose abiding love for his School was the source of all he did on its behalf. Among those accolades is one 1 2 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

from his mentor, Dr. Hoffman, which captures Mr. Bogle’s incomparable impact at Blair Academy: “With Jack Bogle at the helm, Blair made its greatest advances in the history of the School. His shoes cannot be filled. Although he will be missed, he will never be forgotten.”

Indeed, John C. Bogle made all the difference at Blair.

Photo by Mike Mountain

The Pennsylvania Society awarded Mr. Bogle its Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement in December 2016. The award recognizes leadership, citizenship and contributions to the arts, science, education and industry.

Jack was single-minded in his goal to make his dear old school a better place for students, faculty and staff. Over the years, he never wavered in his support of Blair. Even on the rare occasion when he couldn’t make a Board meeting, he was in the room.

Everybody always felt his presence. Jack provided advice and good counsel on everything we did as a Board, and every Chairman who followed him consulted with him on all major decisions. He was always very helpful and constructive; he had his point of view but was always gentle in his suggestions. And, all of us generally heeded his advice. Blair will be a different place without Jack’s presence, but, in many ways, his presence will always be felt.”

—Former Board Chairman James P. Jenkins ’66 BLA IR BULLE T IN 13

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Jack was my dear friend of over 73 years. If Rudyard Kipling had been born in the U.S., his poem, ‘If,’ would have been dedicated to Jack. Especially meaningful are the lines ‘If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, / Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch.’ This was Jack.”

—Honorary Trustee Herbert J. Siegel ’46

1.

Mr. Bogle spoke at the dedication of ArmstrongHipkins Center for the Arts in October 1997.

2.

Mr. Bogle addressed the audience at the dedication of Bogle Hall in May 1989.

3.

Mr. Bogle enjoyed his annual visit to campus with his Bogle Brothers Scholars. In 2015, Head of School Chris Fortunato and his wife, Erin, hosted a luncheon for the group at Sharpe House.

4.

After speaking at Chapel in May 2017, Mr. Bogle and the Blair Academy Singers led the audience in singing the Blair “Alma Mater.”

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5.

Mr. Bogle (bear in hand) with his mother and twin brother, David ’47, in 1931.

6.

During Alumni Weekend 2017, Mr. Bogle celebrated his 70th Blair reunion with his wife, Eve, and his brother, William “Bud” Bogle ’45.

7.

Former Headmaster Chan Hardwick, his wife, Monie, and Mr. Bogle in an undated photo.

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1

4

5

As a Blair Academy Bogle Scholar, I had the invaluable opportunity to benefit from Jack Bogle’s generosity, as well as the privilege of spending time with him at luncheons for matriculating scholarship recipients. At these luncheons, Mr. Bogle reviewed all the letters that students had written to him. He showed

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genuine interest in each student’s life, shared some of his own journey, provided guidance and made us laugh. Having attended Blair on scholarship, it seems Mr. Bogle also understood the importance of mentoring. He was an inspiring icon of perseverance, leadership and philanthropy.”

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—Trustee Singleton Cox ’90

View Mr. Bogle’s Leadership Story at www.blair.edu/leadership-stories by clicking on his headshot. ■

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Teaching Trio Guides Student Exploration of Human Rights More than 20 Blair freshmen through seniors have taken advantage of a

unique opportunity to dive deep into human rights issues this year by joining a project- and inquiry-based seminar that launched in late September.

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D

eveloped and led by classics teacher Chris Sheppard, English teacher John Redos ’09, and Harvard Kennedy School professor and Blair

scholar-in-residence Timothy Patrick McCarthy, PhD, the co-curricular seminar convenes on Thursday evenings in the Chiang Center for Innovation and Collaboration for focused discussion and work on extended human rights-centered projects of students’ design.

The seminar is run in graduate-school style, wherein participants’ interests and concerns largely drive the group’s discussions and debates. In addition, students have autonomy in choosing the projects they are building and executing—with the instructors’ guidance—during the spring semester.

Students who are curious about human rights issues are welcome to drop into seminar meetings at any time, but those who regularly attend sessions will receive transcript credit for their efforts.

Dr. McCarthy outlined the goals for the yearlong program. “First, we want students to develop an appreciation and understanding of the history and philosophy of human rights, its origin and evolution over time. Second, we want them to learn how to grapple critically and respectfully with the contemporary implications of human rights, exploring both the possibilities and limitations of human rights theory and practice. And, third, we want students to have the experience of partnering with a real-world institution or organization to develop their own projects for putting human rights into action,” he said. “All told, we hope students will emerge from this new seminar better thinkers and scholars and braver doers and citizens.”

Here we take a closer look at the human rights seminar through this Q & A with its trio of teachers.

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Teaching Trio Guides Student Exploration of Human Rights

Q:

What role do you play as a co-teacher of this seminar? How are you able to bring your particular expertise to students?

Dr. McCarthy: After 23 years of teaching at the

to feed off the energy in the room, to work directly with our amazing students, and to bounce ideas around with John and Chris in real time. Because we all come at human rights from different perspectives—mine as both a historian of politics and social movements and a human rights activist—it

undergraduate and graduate levels, this has been a very

helps to teach in the moment. That’s easier to do when I’m

different—and deeply rewarding—classroom experience

physically, not just virtually, present.

for me. John and Chris bring so much of their own energy

Mr. Redos: I believe that all three of us support each

and expertise to this seminar. They are tremendously gifted

other in such great ways. Already, I have learned so much

teachers who inspire me every week. The three of us have

from working with Tim and Chris, and I have been inspired

been meeting regularly since the summer to design and

to take what I’ve learned and put it into my other classes.

plan the seminar. Since this is the first course of its kind at

My role as a co-teacher in the seminar has been to bring

Blair, much of our lesson planning has been experimental

my experiences in creating nontraditional classes to Blair

and iterative. We have a good road map for the year, but we

Academy. As a Fulbright English teacher in Montenegro,

have also purposefully designed this course to respond to

I created and offered several seminars over the course of

the varied interests and needs of the students, who come

my grant on topics such as entrepreneurship and business,

from a very diverse range of backgrounds. In addition,

teacher education, and leadership surrounding inclusivity.

we’ve been building this unique learning community

While in Montenegro, I tried to create as many unique and

throughout the fall. Since I live and work in Cambridge,

free educational opportunities for Montenegrins of all ages

[Massachusetts], I have been traveling to Blair to co-teach

as possible. Upon returning to the U.S., I thought I’d have

with John and Chris, who, of course, are both based on

less freedom to create classes at first. However, as you can

campus. Fortunately, I have been able to be there in person

imagine, when Head of School Chris Fortunato presented

for most of our Thursday sessions, but I’ve also had to join

the idea of co-teaching this seminar to me last August,

virtually a few times. I vastly prefer being there in person,

I jumped at the opportunity to work with Tim and Chris.

1 8 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Lastly, in my travels, I have had the chance to work with many individuals involved in human rights work around the world. So, part of my role is to create connections among my contacts with Blair students during secondsemester individual or group project work.

Mr. Sheppard: In the first phase of the

seminar, we focused on helping our students examine and discuss a wide variety of human

Meet the Teachers

rights issues with complexity and nuance. Many

Timothy Patrick McCarthy, PhD

of the questions we have examined are deeply

Award-winning scholar, teacher, public servant and human rights activist who has worked with Blair students since 2013.

embedded in issues of language and history, both of which happen to be at the heart of studying Latin, ancient Greek and classics. To that end, I have drawn upon my experience teaching a diverse range of students—from underserved, first-generation middle and high school students at a University of Washington summer program, to undergraduates at the University of Oxford, to my students at Blair—to co-design activities with Tim and John that

Holds a joint faculty appointment in Harvard’s undergraduate honors program in History and Literature, Graduate School of Education and John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he is Core Faculty and Program Director at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy.

Honors graduate of Harvard College and Columbia University, where he earned his PhD in history.

engage our students in critical thinking and

Q:

empathetic discussion.

After more than a semester of weekly human rights seminar meetings, what is one session or moment that stands out to you and why?

Dr. McCarthy: It’s impossible to identify one moment, as this group of students is totally on fire! One moment that stands out to me happened during our second class meeting,

John Redos ’09 Blair English teacher and director of rowing and head girls’ rowing coach.

Taught psychology and English as a second language at Greene’s Tutorial College at Oxford and served as a Fulbright English teacher at the University of Montenegro, where he also taught education workshops and seminars at local nongovernmental and nonprofit organizations.

Earned a bachelor of science in communication (cum laude) from Cornell University and a master in sociology from the University of Oxford.

when we had twice as many students in attendance as we did the week before. I joked with the students that every college professor wants more students to add their course than drop it, so I took this to be a very good sign. There is clearly a great deal of interest in human rights issues at Blair. Another thing that’s struck me about this class is how many students want to stay after class to continue our discussions. We’ve had many nights where we have to strongly encourage the kids to get back to the dorms to do their homework for other classes. This, too, is a good sign.

Chris Sheppard A teacher of Latin 2, 4 and 5 (AP), and ancient Greek at Blair, as well as head boys’ rowing coach.

Taught ancient Greek to first-year Oxford undergraduates and as a substitute Latin teacher at Lakeside School in Seattle.

Holds a bachelor’s degree in classics from the University of Puget Sound and a master’s degree in Greek and Latin languages and literature from the University of Oxford, where he was a member of Merton College and earned a distinction (honors) on his dissertation.

BLA IR BULLE T IN 19

Teaching Trio Guides Student Exploration of Human Rights

but these students have learned how to share space with

Q:

less talkative students. What’s emerged from this is a

“braver citizens,” I mean people who are willing to stand

collective recognition that everyone has valuable things

up and speak out in the face of injustice. These are people

to contribute. These are just some of the many things that

who want to be upstanders rather than bystanders, people

stand out to me.

with the courage to speak truth to power—wherever and

Lastly, and most importantly, I have been so impressed with how the students have developed the ability and willingness to listen to each other. We have a lot of “starters” in this class—my term for passionate, engaged students who jump right into any discussion or debate—

Mr. Redos: This is a hard one, as each week seems

What is the most important thing you’d like students to gain from their participation in this seminar?

Dr. McCarthy: I would like each of these students to become braver citizens and moral leaders. When I say

whenever it is necessary—to combat human wrongs. At their

to get better and better. One moment that stands out

best, that is what human rights advocates do. When I say

to me, in particular, occurred at the beginning of the

“moral leaders,” I mean people who have a values-based

year. We asked students to define, “What is a human

sense of how to act in the world based on what they know

right?” We had about 13 students in the class at that

to be right and wrong. These people would rather lead by

time, and each definition was different. However, while

moral example than lord their power, privilege or ideology

it was fascinating to read what the students wrote, the

over others, and they are willing to listen to others, learn

exact moment that I won’t forget was when the class

from others, work with others and follow the lead of others.

doubled in size the following week. We were taken

Now, I’m not saying that these students will achieve all of

aback by the interest in the seminar, and it has been so

these things in one year. Becoming—being—a brave citizen

much fun since.

and moral leader is a lifelong journey. But we hope this

Mr. Sheppard: One of my favorite moments was

an early discussion we had about the [United Nations’]

seminar will help set some of this in motion for our students.

Mr. Redos: I am very excited to see what happens

Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Students worked

when our students interact with outside partners. I think

in groups to categorize and prioritize the various rights

everything will become a bit more real at that point. During

outlined in the Declaration. Each group developed

the fall semester, we built a foundation of knowledge

a completely different set of categories and had

surrounding the field of human rights. However, I really

compelling reasons for the choices they made. In our

think the experiential learning element of our seminar is

subsequent discussion, we saw how intertwined each of

something that students and our partners will take with

the rights is with the others, and how conflicts between

them well after Blair.

rights arise in real-world scenarios.

2 0 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Mr. Sheppard: Two things. First, empathy. School often

focuses on the individual, but both the nature of human

rights issues and the choices we’ve made in designing the

happy to report that the kids are all right—and they will lead the way!

Mr. Redos: I’ve learned quite a bit surrounding high

seminar encourage our students to deepen their capacities

school students in general by teaching this class. I want

for empathy by actively listening to and learning from one

to specifically focus on students at Blair. This year, I will

another—even, or especially, when disagreement arises.

celebrate my 10-year Blair reunion. It’s crazy to see how much

Second, when we look at some human rights issues in the

has changed since I graduated in 2009. For example, this

world today, it’s often easy to feel defeated—to feel that

seminar is taking place in the Chiang Center, which stands on

the issues are too complex and too large for any individual

the footprint of Davies and East Halls, the dormitories I lived

to influence. I want our students to see that, regardless of

in for three years. There were many opportunities available

the scope of any individual issue, their voices and actions

to students when I was here, but I feel as though we’re on

matter. Even as high school students, they can think about,

a new level. The students we work with in the human rights

discuss and act upon the issues that most interest them in

seminar are quite mature, and I have to sit back after some of

meaningful, impactful ways, learning from each phase of

our seminars and remind myself that these are still only high

the process.

school kids. Some of our conversations would not be out of

Q:

place in an undergraduate senior seminar, so at the end of

What have you learned from students or about students as a result of teaching the human rights seminar?

Dr. McCarthy: These students give me so much hope. It’s

the day, I am impressed with how in tune students are with difficult topics surrounding human rights.

Mr. Sheppard: I have learned much from our students

(as well as from John and Tim) throughout the seminar— one of the many rewards of teaching it. Like John, I’d

easy these days to fall into despair, to submit to pessimism,

highlight how impressed (though not surprised) I am by

to become cynical and nasty. To be honest, given some

the level of engagement and commitment our students

of the work I do in the world, it’s a constant struggle to

have shown in understanding human rights issues, many

find the light. But these students are bright beacons. Each

of which are seemingly alien to their day-to-day lives as

week, above and beyond all their other commitments,

high school students. Despite their many commitments

they energetically choose to come together to share their

and responsibilities at Blair, these students are choosing

ideas, listen to one another, and debate vigorously but

to spend their Thursday evenings thinking about others,

respectfully. They really want to figure out how to change

doing so with a level of curiosity and engagement that

the world, and each week they convince us they will. I’m

would rival a university seminar. In other words, our students are inspirational. ■

BLA IR BULLE T IN 21

What’s Happening in the

Chiang

Blair’s newest building is much more than home to the fine arts and technology departments. In fact, students and teachers of every discipline have benefited from the facility’s technology-rich resources, configurable layout, and light and airy aesthetic. What follows is a roundup of the classes, meetings and events that have made the Chiang Center a hot spot for community activities of every kind.

++ ++ ++ ++ 2 2 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Harvard professor Timothy Patrick McCarthy, PhD, is team-teaching Blair’s yearlong civil rights seminar in the Chiang Center with Blair classics teacher Chris Sheppard and English teacher John Redos ’09 (see story on page 16).

Head of School Roundtables in the Chiang Center have brought the community together to discuss bitcoin, human rights, school safety, presidential politics and more. Other roundtables, such as one focused on why midterm elections matter, are student-run.

The yearbook, Blair Oracle staff members and underclass councils tackle their work in the Chiang Center’s glass-walled conference and team rooms after the class day ends.

The Blair community embraced its diversity by sharing cultural and culinary delicacies and traditions at International Weekend, which took place in the Chiang Center for the first time in 2019 after 23 years in the Romano Dining Hall.

Balla Kouyaté

da Vinci© Surgical System

++ ++ ++

++

Free speech and open dialogue advocate Zachary R. Wood met with the Inclusivity Committee and Young Democrat and Young Republican Clubs in the Chiang Center to talk about how to engage in uncomfortable conversations and issues such as intellectual controversy and freedom of speech.

Blair’s Black and LatinX Club celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month by screening Coco and holding a discussion on immigration in the Chiang Center.

The Blair community enjoyed an evening performance of internationally recognized balafon player Balla Kouyaté. Brought to Blair courtesy of the Rev. Lisa Durkee, chaplain and chair of the religion and philosophy department, Mr. Kouyaté and his band World Vision perform around the world practicing the ancient art of the balafon, which dates back to the medieval era.

Students gathered in the Collaboration Forum to try out the da Vinci© Surgical System with Dr. Benjamin Schwartz P’21, regional director of obstetrics and gynecology for Northwell Health’s eastern region and chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwell Health’s Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, New York.

BLA IR BULLE T IN 23

What’s Happening in the Chiang

SOCIETY OF SKEPTICS lectures take place in the Forum every Tuesday night, and presentations have focused on everything from the war in Afghanistan to world-class nature photography to current politics.

Chris Wolfe

Alan Moskin

This year’s speakers: • Former equities trader Chris Wolfe ’85 shared personal recollections of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the twin towers in New York City.

• Normandy Allies president and program director Marsha Smith described a remembrance tour of 1944 D-Day beaches, cemeteries, museums and villages.

• Roads author Marina Antropow Cramer talked about challenges faced by Russian families following the 1941 invasion by Nazi Germany.

• Blairstown’s Ridge and Valley School administrators detailed the pros and cons of charter schools.

• National Geographic photographer Alison Wright took attendees on a journey around the world.

• Gynecologic oncology and minimally invasive surgery specialist Ben Schwartz P’21, MD, explained how Intuitive’s da Vinci© Robotic Surgical System is changing the future of healthcare.

• McAfee strategic consultant Frank Angiolelli addressed cybersecurity and took a closer look at hackers’ behavior.

• Senior scientist at Fermilab Dr. Don Lincoln asked the audience to consider issues in physics.

• Seventeen-time Tour de France racer George Hincapie talked about his experiences as a world-class bike racer.

• Author, lecturer and retired Army Maj. Jason Howk delved into America’s longest war in Afghanistan.

• Olympic gold medalist and executive director and head coach of the University of Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Regional Training Center Brandon Slay shared advice about achieving dreams and leadership.

• CNBC contributor Ron Insana P’16 ’20 ’21 analyzed recent political happenings.

• U.S. World War II combat veteran Alan Moskin gave witness to the horrific reality of the Holocaust and urged students to work to overcome hate and bigotry.

• Video producer and writer Rob Montz analyzed political correctness on college campuses.

2 4 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

• Licensed professional geologist Betsy Schamberger P’22 spoke about environmental cleanups and considered what is clean enough.

• Grand View Hospital physician Dr. Jane Ferry P’11, described her experiences during past medical missions to Africa as part of the independent nonprofit “Blair in Kenya.”

• Dr. Lucienne Ronco ’80 talked about her work in translational medicine, drug discovery, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals in her role as vice president of translational medicine at Fulcrum Therapeutics.

• Young Alumni Skeptics speakers Christopher Gatsch ’05, Winnie (Adrien) Lizardo Orbe ’06, Sam Tilney ’08 and Jack Januszewski ’13 reflected on their career success, life on the hilltop and finding fulfillment after Blair.

• McChrystal Group partner and former Navy SEAL Chris Fussell ’92 discussed the importance of leadership and teamwork.

• Brother of Ted Kaczynski (also known as the Unabomber) David Kaczynski talked about his infamous brother, the justice system and capital punishment.

• The final Skeptics of the year focused on John C. Bogle ’47’s legacy in the world of investing. The 2019 Herman Hollerith Lecture on Entrepreneurship and Innovation was moderated by Gina Moore P’19 of AJO Partners, and included panelists Joanne M. Hill P’10, PhD, of the CFA Institute Research Foundation Board and Cboe Vest LLC, Bill McNabb, former CEO of The Vanguard Group and Jason Zweig, personal finance columnist for The Wall Street Journal.

++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Following a Forum presentation from multimedia and print artist Tim Fite ’95 about his Romano Gallery exhibit “Quick Draw,” students and teachers joined the artist in Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts to view his work.

Blair’s ceramicists spent a day in the Chiang Center’s pottery studio creating bowls to be used at the local food bank’s annual Empty Bowls fundraising event.

The Chiang Center was home to a number of sessions honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The campus-wide January program annually highlights topics such as identity, race relations and inclusion.

Blair’s robotics team meets in the Chiang Center robotics classroom five days a week as members prepare for weekend competitions. Blair robotics has become a well-regarded FIRST Tech Challenge team in New Jersey just two years after the team was founded.

The Collaboration Forum was the scene of the Headmasters’ Societies Games’ robotics contest, which brought into the competition some of the technology department’s most cutting-edge equipment.

Students hone their ability to write, record and produce original, professional-quality songs in Blair’s digital music course. The class meets in the Chiang Center’s media lab and recording studio, where students leverage professional quality software and equipment.

Blair’s Young Republican and Young Democrat Clubs met to discuss immigration and U.S. border security and screened U.S. midterm election results in the Collaboration Forum as the news media called each race on Election Day. Freshmen got comfortable working in the Chiang Center shortly after arriving at Blair: Ninth-grade orientation took place there, as did the yearlong Freshman Seminar, which builds connections and baseline skills with two half-year modules on health and wellness and design-andmaker-space training.

BLA IR BULLE T IN 25

What’s Happening in the Chiang

AT ALUMNI ROUNDTABLES this year, Blair graduates discussed careers in film, medicine, the food and events industries, and journalism.

Ashley Thompson

Chrissy Devenny

• Executive producer Andrew Hutcheson ’08 discussed his work at the film production company Voyager.

• Entrepreneur Ashley Thompson ’08 spoke about her overnight oats company, MUSH. • Pediatric nurse Sarah Bugen ’10 gave students insights

Megan Fry

• Reporter Megan Fry ’06 discussed her career as a feature writer.

• Chrissy Devenny ’08 talked to students via Zoom about her career as founder and CEO of Los Angeles-based Dynamo Events.

into the medical profession.

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

After the academic day ends, the Collaboration Forum also serves as a place for students to simply hang out and enjoy each other’s company—as well as a venue for weekend activities such as dance marathons!

In the fall, Blair college counselors host visiting college reps in the Chiang Center on Monday and Thursday evenings.

The Classics Club convened in the Chiang Center to celebrate ancient holidays—wearing togas, of course!

Other student groups, including the Investment Club, Business Club, Writing Club, Girl Up Club, and Black and LatinX Club, regularly meet there, too.

Parents met with faculty members at a host of Parents’ Weekend receptions in the Chiang Center.

A number of standing Blair committees, including those focused on diversity and inclusivity, come together in the Chiang Center. ■

2 6 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Clubs in Collaboration Forum

ACADEMICS

Mr. Fortunato (pictured above with students) and Blair’s scholar-in-residence Timothy Patrick McCarthy, PhD (pictured on page 28), partnered with colleagues from Miss Porter’s School at The Association of Boarding Schools global symposium in a session on establishing connections and empowering students to make a difference in the world.

Bringing the Best of Blair to the World Faculty Share Expertise & Best Practices Ask any alum why Blair is so transformative and he or she is likely to tell you a story about teachers who broadened horizons, introduced new ideas, and offered encouragement at critical junctures of his or her high school experience. We all remember the faculty members who shaped us most, not just because they knew us well and pushed us to reach our full potential, but because they were experts in their respective fields and helped us succeed across disciplines.

That’s truer than ever at Blair today, and the School remains committed to supporting teachers as they share best practices, pedagogies, and techniques by leading sessions and networking

with colleagues from other institutions at educational conferences and programs around the United States. Here are just a few of the ways in which Blair faculty members have shared their knowledge and experience this year.

Head of School Chris Fortunato partnered with Blair scholarin-residence Timothy Patrick McCarthy, PhD, and colleagues from Miss Porter’s School to lead an interactive session on empowering students to become thoughtful and impactful global citizens at The Association of Boarding Schools’ (TABS)

BLA IR BULLE T IN 27

ACADEMICS

Assistant Head of School and Dean of Faculty Lorry Perry presented on authentically giving and receiving feedback at Carney Sandoe’s Women’s Institute.

Blair’s scholar-in-residence Timothy Patrick McCarthy, PhD, joined Mr. Fortunato in an interactive session about empowering students to become thoughtful and impactful global citizens.

April global symposium in Newport, Rhode Island. Mr. Fortunato and Dr. McCarthy, who is a professor at Harvard Kennedy School and program director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, detailed how Blair is enhancing learning by establishing global connections and empowering students to proactively generate knowledge, astutely curate information and make an immediate difference in the world. Attendees left the joint session with a framework for launching similar programs at their own schools.

community expands students’ horizons through curricular and co-curricular programs such as the School’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. seminars. This spring, she teamed up with Blair history teacher Hannah Higgin to present on the topics of diversity and inclusion at a New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) conference.

This fall, science teacher Caroline Chamberlain presented at the New Jersey Science Convention in Princeton, sharing with colleagues how to best use Classcraft to motivate classroom learning. Ms. Chamberlain, who teaches biology and environmental science, talked about the benefits of using the gaming platform in lesson planning.

Associate Dean of Students Andee Ryerson joined colleagues from The Loomis Chaffee School and Episcopal High School to talk about the importance of inclusivity programming at TABS’ December meeting in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Ryerson specifically talked about how Blair’s inclusive and connected

2 8 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Associate Head of School and Dean of Admission Peter G. Curran and Chief Advancement Officer Craig Hall teamed up with colleagues from Mercersburg Academy at TABS’ annual meeting for a collective discussion about how boarding schools’ externally facing offices are no longer able to meet market demands alone. They led a session on educating faculty and staff about specific advancement and admission office opportunities and challenges and shared with participants actionable ideas for promoting buy-in and engagement from internal stakeholders.

Blair’s coordinator of health education Erin Fortunato presented at two NJAIS conferences this fall. In mid-October, she attended “Grit and Grace: An Institute for Female Leaders in Education,” where she served on a leadership panel. A

couple of weeks later, Mrs. Fortunato partnered with Dean of Campus Life and Director of Blair Leadership Programs Carolyn Conforti-Browse ’79 to focus on promoting emotional health and wellness. The duo led a session on the importance of training and certifying high school peer health educators, adapting a college-level program, and the challenges of conducting peer health education in a high-school setting.

Dean of Academics Nathan Molteni traveled to Boston to attend the October meeting of OESIS, the leading network for innovation that includes 600 independent schools from around the world. Mr. Molteni was invited to participate in an academic leaders panel, during which he provided his perspective on learning and transcripts and answered questions from fellow attendees.

At last summer’s Carney Sandoe Women’s Institute in Boston, Blair’s Assistant Head of School and Dean of Faculty Lorry Perry presented on effectively and authentically giving and receiving feedback with colleagues from Carney Sandoe & Associates, Belmont Day School and Westminster School. In addition to being a regular attendee at that conference, which contributes to the overall development and empowerment of women in all stages of their careers in the field of education, Ms. Perry was a panelist at a job fair promoting diversity in Morristown, New Jersey, at which she shared with attendees her independent school experience and answered questions from the audience about career options.

She also served as a panelist at the February session of the NJAIS “Grit and Grace” institute.

Associate Dean of Admission and director of financial aid Teddy Wenner ’96 coordinated, facilitated and led sessions at the Erdmann Institute, a professional development conference for senior-level independent school admission professionals. The annual summer program, now in its fifth year, draws more than 60 admission officers from around the country to Sebago Lake, Maine, for three days of meetings focused on marketing, office cohesion, team dynamics, financial aid and collaboration with program leaders. Mr. Wenner, who has been an institute council member since 2015, also plans to present with Assistant Dean of Admission Timothy Goggins at the September 2019 Enrollment Management Association Meeting. They will focus on cultivating admission office relationships with program leaders to further a school’s overarching strategic goals. ■

Associate Dean of Admission and director of financial aid Teddy Wenner ‘96 has been an Erdmann Institute council member since 2015.

BLA IR BULLE T IN 29

Year h t 5 1 1 p in tion u C e Shar & Connec e i d d e & P ition Blair of Compet n ’99 & ga zy Lo tions

By Su ommunica chief inf c tor o in editorc e r i d t Bulle Blair

I

n the 115 years since the Buccaneers

friendly spirit of competition that underscores

and the Falcons first faced off on the

the strong foundation of care, respect and

gridiron in 1903, beginning what is now

sportsmanship that exists between the

the oldest prep school rivalry in New

two schools.

Jersey, the traditions associated with “Peddie

The stories in this feature, co-created

Day” and “Blair Day” have become a deeply

with the editors of the Peddie Chronicle in a

rooted and quintessential part of school life

weekslong collaboration that had us jointly

at both institutions. Ask most alums about

conduct research and interviews, were

their favorite boarding school experience,

inspired by a Peddie Chronicle class notes

and they are likely to tell you a story about

photo of longtime friends Don Mattucci, Blair

celebrating the Blair-Peddie rivalry and detail

class of 1945, and Clarence Kugler, Peddie

epic victories or heartbreaking losses on that

class of 1963. The friendship between the

first Saturday of November.

south Florida residents who met at a dog

After more than a century of pranks, pep

park 14 years ago led us to search for other

rallies and bonfires—and, of course, in more

relationships between former Buccaneers and

recent years, competition for the coveted

Falcons. And find them we did!

Kelley-Potter Cup—it is perhaps not surprising

Although work on this piece began

that the special relationship between the

months before the early November athletic

two schools has led to lifelong connections

competitions ended in a tie (only the fourth

among their graduates.

one ever!), it seems fitting that this article

Here, we spotlight the close bonds that

be published during a year where Blair and

exist between Blair and Peddie alumni who

Peddie share the Kelley-Potter Cup. Clearly,

have gone on to become friends, family,

this is a rivalry defined not just by intense

co-workers or employees of their respective

athletic competition but also by generosity of

archrival. These ties have been forged

spirit and close connection.

despite—or in some cases, because of—the 3 0 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

rival

recently lost is usually not the one to bring it up.

friendships

Clarence: Don is sort of my mentor for “old-old” age. I mean, a guy that will have two scotches for cocktails...that’s the way I want to age!

How they keep the rivalry fun

B Don Mattucci ’45 P Clarence Kugler ’63

Clarence: The Blair-Peddie rivalry enhances our friendship, and it certainly helps to have a Blair man who you see three to four times a week

How they met

Clarence reminisces about playing

At a south Florida dog park. The

Blair during his senior year, when a

military veterans bonded over their

Blair running back stepped on his

shared Blair-Peddie history, joking

face mask and, yet, Peddie was able

that their dogs, Mikey and Marley,

“to snatch victory from the jaws of

intuitively knew something about

defeat”—an indelible memory about

the rivalry and “sensed hostility from

which Clarence tries to remind

the get-go.” After 14 years, their pets

Don frequently.

have learned to tolerate each other,

Don: That’s one of the things Clarence

their wives, Eleanor and Ali, have become friends and the foursome enjoys dinner together at the same Deerfield Beach restaurant every Wednesday evening.

and I kid about. He played with a face

(Blair ended up playing Lawrenceville and won). Don’s other sports included swimming and tennis, while Clarence also wrestled and captained the lacrosse team. As he prepares to celebrate his 74th high school reunion this year, Don jokes that he was elected captain of the football team because his teammates “saw longevity in the position.”

Don: We let Clarence run with the ball.

Advice for young BlairPeddie alums on becoming friends Don: Buy a dog! guys I know, and that helps. You don’t

top shoes.

need much of an interview process for

Clarence: And Don is still remarkably

Life parallels

was canceled due to a polio outbreak

return his serve.

day. We had leather helmets and high-

Both Don and Clarence lettered in

the year that the Blair-Peddie game

no quarter in kidding me, and I try to

Clarence: Don is one of the kindest

good looking.

captaining the Blair team in 1944,

the disparity in our ages, Don gives

mask. We didn’t have face masks in my

Active athletes football during high school, with Don

to keep the sparks going. Despite

a friend who is kind.

Clarence: We have a lot in common: Don served in the Navy in World War II, and I was in the Army, serving in both Vietnam and Iraq. We have those war stories in common, although Don’s are much more exciting than mine, and he even attended college [at Oberlin College in Ohio] in his Naval uniform!

The two men continue to meet up at the dog park, where they talk about Blair and Peddie memories and, of course, who takes home the KelleyPotter Cup each year—although Don points out that whoever’s school most

Don Mattucci (right), Blair class of 1945, with Clarence Kugler (left), Peddie class of 1963, on Veteran’s Day 2017.

BLA IR BULLE T IN 31

Rival Relationships

B Todd Smith ’90 P Pete Mcclellan ’90 How they met Although they wouldn’t remember until they ran across each other again at Lafayette College, they first met on the soccer field at Blair, where they squared off and got into a heated exchange that sent them both to the bench with yellow cards. They instantly connected as college freshmen, when Pete saw Todd wearing a Blair sweatshirt at a party. They became fast

Todd Smith (left), Blair class of 1990, with Pete McClellan (right), Peddie class of 1990, at their college graduation in 1994.

friends, roomed together sophomore year and became fraternity brothers.

Close to this day, Todd served in Pete’s

while I was a great Ping-Pong player

happened if we didn’t have that initial

wedding party, and Pete’s kids call

who looked like an average Ping-Pong

encounter from our Blair-Peddie

Todd “Uncle Todd.”

player. Still, the common experiences

soccer days. By the way, it still stings

we enjoyed in boarding school helped

Pete to this day that he never beat

to cement a relationship I cherish.

my Blair teams. He may have beaten

Their similarities & differences Todd: Pete saw this outgoing, energetic, charismatic guy from Blair, and he knew to stay close to him if he wanted to make friends at Lafayette. Seriously though, we both came from similar boarding school experiences where our academic and social foundations were formed, and we learned what it was like to get involved, work hard, play hard and take advantage of opportunities that came our way. I think both of us were well prepared for the rigors, demands and challenges of college life, and we can thank Blair and Peddie for that.

Pete: We obviously had our differences. For example, Todd was an excellent tennis player who looked like an intimidating football player,

3 2 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

us in baseball, but that doesn’t count

Keeping the rivalry fun

because I didn’t play. I was too busy

Todd and Pete have traveled to

going undefeated against Peddie in

Blairstown and Hightstown to watch

tennis, too.

the Bucs take on the Falcons since

Pete: Understanding that Todd is

their college days, a trip that always involves good-natured ribbing and some fun side wagers. The fact that one of them has been working at their beloved alma maters since 1994 keeps their friendship alive and kicking: Todd was a faculty member at Blair for five years after graduating from Lafayette before moving to Montclair Kimberley Academy, where he now serves as athletic director, while Pete began his career at Peddie, where he now serves as assistant head of school for student life.

Todd: We have been lifelong friends, but I am not sure if that would have

sensitive and perhaps even a fragile man, I rarely talk about the rivalry in terms of school records. In all seriousness, there is not a great deal of heckling. Even when we were in college and making the trip for a Blair/ Peddie Day, I don’t remember us giving each other gibes. Rather, we were enjoying each other’s company, hanging out with folks from other schools, and getting a yearly reminder of our good fortune—our alma maters have a rivalry that is the envy of every other high school in the nation.

B Caterina Gleijeses ’13 P Megan Zuckerman ’12 How they met At Nike Communications, a small New York City-based agency that specializes in marketing luxury and prestige brands, where Caterina is an account executive specializing in travel and real estate clients and Megan works as part of the fashion and lifestyle team.

The pair never met during their high school years, not even on Peddie/ Blair Day, which they both cite as among their favorite boarding school memories (Caterina played tennis, and Megan was on the field hockey team).

The two went on to attend college hundreds of miles apart, with Caterina graduating from the University of Chicago with degrees in sociology and international studies, and Megan majoring in communications and

Caterina Gleijeses (right), Blair class of 2013, with Megan Zuckerman (left), Peddie class of 2012, work at desks adjacent to one another at a New York City public relations firm.

media studies at Fordham College at Lincoln Center in New York, not far from where they now work.

Today, their desks are adjacent to one another, and they discovered their Blair-Peddie connection while planning the company’s holiday party together last year. Although their office has a sleek design that doesn’t invite displaying school memorabilia, they both admit to having “many Blair and Peddie sweatshirts at home.”

Advice for others who discover they are working with an alum from a rival school Caterina: You can still be friends with

team, they are also really excited for the other team when they win.

Connection & shared experience

an alum from a rival school. If anything,

Caterina: It doesn’t come up often at

finding out we went to rival schools

work, but people think it is cute that we

was a reason for us to become friends.

went to rival schools and ended up at

The head of my team is also married to

the same firm. We have a connection

a Peddie alum, so my supervisor was

in the office that we don’t share with

really excited to learn that we were

anyone else because, even though

able to experience the friendly rivalry

we didn’t know each other at the time,

as students.

we have so many shared experiences.

Megan: The rivalry is really goodnatured and, while I know everyone

It bonds us together and gives us another reason to be friends.

is really passionate about their own

BLA IR BULLE T IN 33

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Rebecca: And we both played tennis, so we knew we would see each other at tennis matches. I would come over to the Blair side for a bit during Blair Day. You have to laugh because it is all just fun and games. This isn’t a mean rivalry; it is good-natured. At the end of the day, we care a lot about the other school.

Sovann: It is kind of hard to explain to someone who didn’t go to boarding school, but Blair and Peddie students are friends as much as rivals, and that’s been true for generations.

Sovann Stark (left) and Rebecca Seman (right), who graduated from Blair and Peddie in 2014, at their North Brunswick townhouse last fall.

Keeping score Sovann’s senior year was the last time the Bucs took home the Kelley-Potter Cup, after a winning streak that made Rebecca’s class the only one at Peddie

B Sovann Stark ’14 P Rebecca Seman ’14

that never won a Blair Day.

Keeping the rivalry fun Sovann: We always respected our friendship and knew that any

How they met

competitiveness wasn’t personal.

At Hilltop Country Day School in

Rebecca, a recent Rutgers graduate,

People would sometimes comment,

Sparta, New Jersey, where they

is working at a law firm in Princeton

“Oh, you know someone from

attended elementary and middle

while Sovann finishes her final year

Peddie?” But it was obviously friendly

school together. Best friends since first

of college.

and funny.

Sovann is from Branchville, so even

Friends who become family

Rebecca: People would say, “Not only

when they decided to attend separate

Sovann: We were both really sad

New Jersey high schools, they saw

friend goes to Blair. Can we trust you?”

that we weren’t going to be together,

each other regularly. It helped that

but it was also time for us to separate

they both played the same fall sport

because we were inseparable...But

(tennis), even though they found it

we knew we would still see each other

“weird” to play on opposing teams

since Rebecca lived in Blairstown and

after so many years of being on the

because of the Blair-Peddie rivalry.

same side.

What I always cherished about our

grade, Rebecca is from Blairstown and

The duo reunited after high school

friendship is that we wouldn’t see each

as fellow Rutgers students and became

other for months, but we could pick up

roommates last fall in North Brunswick.

where we left off.

3 4 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

are you from Blairstown, but your best Sovann: We kept it fun and spirited, made jokes, but also knew that, at the end of the day, our friendship was going to triumph.

B Jenna Faust ’16 P Katie Clark ’16 How they met At the airport on their way to a pre-orientation weekend at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, the summer before freshman year.

Jenna: We were both sitting, waiting for a heavy rain to stop, and I noticed she looked about my age, so I figured I would walk over and ask if she was going to Rhodes as well. We got to talking and found out we are both from New Jersey and went to schools that took their rivalry very seriously.

Jenna Faust (left) and Katie Clark (right), who graduated from Blair and Peddie in 2016, pose together at a Kappa Delta gathering at Rhodes College.

When Jenna asked what school Katie went to, her mouth dropped nearly to the floor when she said Peddie.

Katie: We were instantly connected through our similar experiences at boarding school. I went from being nervous and worried about getting to know my future classmates to being excited and confident that Jenna and I would be friends (and, who knew, eventually sorority sisters!). A few

interests—Jenna singing in the choir,

at rival schools to being in the same

working on behalf of their sorority

sisterhood! I don’t think a relationship

and volunteering in Memphis, while

like Peddie and Blair’s is something

Katie excels at all things sports-

many students from other places have

related (she walked on to the lacrosse

ever seen before. When we tell our

team), actively supports RUF (Rhodes

sisters about it, we feel even closer

College’s Christian ministry), and works

because it helps us process how

as a fellow for the Memphis Center

special and rare it really is.

for the Arts.

Katie is spending her junior year in

Advice for others on transforming rivalry to friendship

Jenna: What are the chances that

Copenhagen, both Jenna and Katie

we are on this same flight, the only

appreciate how their high school

Jenna: You never know, your high

two in this airport and going to the

rivalry has brought them together.

same college? We were inseparable

And, in further proof of the fact the

the rest of that weekend and have

world is incredibly small, during her

made a point to stay connected on

time in Denmark, Katie has befriended

campus since.

Tiffany Sharma ’16, another former

hours later, we even shared our cab to campus from the airport!

Although they no longer see each other regularly because

Buc who sang with Jenna at Blair.

From college friends to sorority sisters

Jenna: On bid day, we were so

Now juniors at Rhodes, the duo

sorority house; I think I jumped into

pledged the same sorority (Kappa Delta) while they pursued different

thrilled to see each other at the same Katie’s arms a little bit because I was so excited that we went from being

school’s rivalry could help you find your best friend!

Katie: Remember that friendly rivalry is healthy, and our connection through Peddie and Blair has really allowed us to get to know each other through memories and talking about Peddie and Blair’s similar rituals related to the rivalry. It was a connecting point for me and Jenna, and for that, I am so thankful!

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B Luke Corrado ’18 P Ellen Timko ’18 How they met At a New Hampshire summer camp when they were 9 years old. They spent many summers together before discovering one would end up at Blair and the other at Peddie.

With a long history of competing against each other and arguing about the Buccaneer-Falcon rivalry, Luke calls going 0-4 against Peddie during his high school years “tough.” They’ve continued their spirited sparring as they finish their freshman year (Luke at Fordham University in New York City and Ellen at Villanova University in Pennsylvania).

Advice for others whose friends attend Blair/Peddie Luke: Make new friends; it’s not worth it. I’m kidding...It’s a unique connection that not many people are fortunate enough to have. Just be prepared

Luke Corrado (left) and Ellen Timko (right) at Peddie Day in 2016, two years before they graduated.

to lose a friend during the first week of November.

Ellen: Of course, we had heated arguments over whether it was “Peddie Day” or “Blair Day,” but it was really cool how we bonded so quickly over our schools’ strong history rather than allow ourselves to be divided by the rivalry.

3 6 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Keeping the rivalry fun

council visits, and Ellen remembers

On Peddie/Blair Day, the duo would

fondly one trip to Blairstown during

watch each other’s soccer games,

sophomore year for the Mid-Atlantic

cheering loudly while still rooting for

Prep League (MAPL) music festival,

their own teams (sometimes sporting

“a sweet, unexpected visit” during

the other school’s T-shirts).

which she and Luke got to spend

They also sometimes saw each other for spring sports or student

time together.

rival

family members B Susan Long P’13 ’16 ’20 P Billy Long ’84 How they met As undergraduates at Washington

Blair’s Assistant Director of Advancement for Parent Relations Susan Long (left) with her husband, Billy (right), Peddie class of 1984.

College in Maryland in 1988. A native of Andover, New Jersey, Billy grew up

wear his Peddie T-shirt under his gear

used every year in Blair’s Peddie Day

not far from Blair, although he chose

on Peddie/Blair Day.

Eve pep rally.

to attend Peddie because his father

Susan: It is hard not to get caught up

Susan: When people find out he went

in the excitement. I remember going

to Peddie, it is not quickly or easily

to Blair Day (which I now call Peddie

forgotten. Regardless of whether we

Day!) when my oldest, Conner [now

are in Blairstown or Hightstown, Billy

24], was in sixth grade. We parked

bops into both hospitality tents and

on the front hill and walked across

embraces the best of both worlds.

worked for [former Peddie Board of Trustees Chair] Finn Caspersen and pushed him to check the school out.

Susan had attended boarding school at Foxcroft in Virginia, and the two met through Susan’s high school roommate during her junior year in college. Susan now serves as Blair’s assistant director of advancement for parent relations.

Switching sides Although the Long family has lived a few miles from Blair’s campus for 20plus years, they used to cheer on the Falcons before Susan began working at Blair more than a decade ago. In recent years, Susan and their sons (Conner ’13, Wyatt ’16 and Garrett ’20, all of whom are Bucs) have since changed their loyalties and are staunchly in the Blair bleachers come early November. And while Billy, of course, supports his very athletic sons, he has been known to

campus, and as he took in all of the excitement, he said, “I wish I could

Why the rivalry is so special

go to school here.” Blair’s beautiful

Susan: We have such a long history

campus had something to do with that, of course, but the rivalry is a big part of the boarding school experience.

A Falcon in a Blair family

and, although we are the fiercest of competitors, at the end of the day, regardless of who won or lost, we all come together. It has always been a positive and fun rivalry. I think this

Billy: It has gotten brought up a lot

comes from the top down, and the

over the years and there has been a lot

culture is carried down over the years.

of good-natured ribbing, but it is all in

As much as we want to win, we are

good fun. I get a lot of heat from my

all friends.

friends on Alumni Day. They ask, “How

Billy: The relationship between our

could you do this to us?” I tell them we live two-and-a-half miles away, and my wife works there! At my 20th reunion, everyone was like, “Are you serious?”

But I will say that my Peddie clothes are

two schools is fantastic. The rivalry is intense, but there is something endearing about it. Deep down, the schools are connected and care for each other.

BLA IR BULLE T IN 37

Rival Relationships

United Church of Christ and served in churches for a decade before returning to boarding school in 2017. At Blair, she develops and teaches religion and philosophy courses, facilitates weekly Vespers and Chapel, coaches girls’ JV lacrosse and serves dorm duty in Mason Hall.

Lisa: Having watched Ed’s model of being an administrator, I used to think that would be my path as well. But that was his gift: to know all of the facets of how things run and be hands-on without getting your fingers in the pie.

People knew he cared about what they Blair’s Chaplain and chair of the religion and philosophy department Lisa Durkee is a cousin of the late F. Edward Potter Jr., Peddie’s beloved 13th headmaster.

at a boarding school. Then an

B Lisa Durkee P F. Edward Potter jr.

undergraduate at Wellesley College, she says his rationale for why she’d excel at the job are still the reasons she loves boarding school life today: connecting with adolescents and

were doing, but he didn’t meddle. I am grateful for the gifts I have grown into, and Ed and his brother were two strong role models of my generation who shaped who I became as an adult and educator.

Blair & Peddie connections When Lisa was young, she only ever heard about Blair in context of the

Career inspiration

“meeting them where they are.”

Blair’s chaplain and chair of the

Lisa: When I interviewed at Blair in

as a faculty member concluding her

religion and philosophy department,

2017, I thought of Ed the whole time.

second year as a Buc, she has had fun

the Rev. Lisa Durkee, is the first cousin

I called his brother, John, and said,

discovering family connections and

of Peddie’s beloved 13th headmaster,

“You’ll never guess where I had an

learning more about Ed’s legacy at

the late F. Edward Potter Jr. (1943-

interview.” Ed was so dynamic—larger

Peddie and in the independent school

1988). Although there was a large age

than life. He loved people, and his

world at large.

gap—“Eddie,” as she called him, was 22

day-to-day joy was so authentic and

Lisa: Going to Peddie Day last year

years older—they were close, and Lisa

infectious. To say he was a people

fondly recalls spending summers with

person is a gross understatement. He

him in Vinalhaven, an island off the

was always beaming. I can remember

coast of Maine, a place she saw him

the last time I saw him at Vinalhaven

more than any other.

and the smile on his face.

In fact, Mr. Potter, who became Peddie’s headmaster when he was

Educator & chaplain

in his mid-30s and died of a sudden

Having spent years as an independent

heart attack at the age of 45, was the

school teacher in New York,

first person to suggest to Lisa that

Connecticut and Massachusetts, Ms.

she pursue a career as a triple-threat

Durkee attended seminary, earned a

(teacher, coach and housemaster)

master’s degree in divinity from the

3 8 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

school being Peddie’s archrival. Now,

made me wistful, and I asked a lot of people I met there, “Did you know him?” Our family is filled with talkers and storytellers who are engaged with the world. It is no surprise that Ed became a headmaster who did that...as evidenced by the fact he even met the Queen of England during his time as Peddie’s headmaster...I am two degrees of separation from the Queen!

was close to New York and close to

B Jason Newman ’17 P Daniel Newman ’17 L Scott Newman ’17

home...I just felt at home when I first visited campus.

A family experience The brothers took a very lighthearted view of the Blair-Peddie rivalry,

Triplets at separate schools

cheering each other on during the Peddie/Blair Day contests and

Having lost their mother in sixth grade,

enjoying the opportunity to be

the Newman brothers decided to

together. Their dad, Jerrold, stayed

attend three different New Jersey

neutral, avoiding apparel from either

private high schools with the goal

school, and always rooting for his son’s

of establishing their individuality

respective teams (football for Daniel

and charting their own course to

and soccer for Jason) to prevail.

college: Jason chose Blair and went on to Claremont McKenna College in California; Daniel opted for Peddie and enrolled at Brown University; and Scott went from The Lawrenceville School to Princeton University.

Jason: As much as I wanted Blair to win, I was rooting for Daniel...None of my friends were ever mean-spirited

The Newman brothers all graduated in 2017 from different high schools. From left to right: Daniel (who went to Peddie), Scott (who attended Lawrenceville) and Jason (who went to Blair).

that I had a brother going to Peddie.

They actually thought it was pretty

would have to pick his favorite son.

cool. They said the Newmans are

But Jerrold had a different plan: He

Jason: We’re all actually very different

going to take over the Mid-Atlantic

got the schools to agree to have

people. You can tell by looking at us,

Prep League, since we represented

Scott walk first at Lawrenceville and

too. We’ve got very different interests...

three of the six schools. Peddie won

Daniel to walk last at Peddie so

As great as it is being Daniel’s brother

the Cup all three years Daniel was

he could attend both ceremonies

and Scott’s brother, I didn’t want that

there [after having transferred from St.

(Jason had graduated from Blair the

to be the basis of my reputation, and

Andrew’s School in Delaware], and I

preceding Thursday and attended

none of us really did. At Blair, people

was happy for him.

Daniel’s commencement, while their

Daniel: I just enjoyed seeing my

grandmother attended Scott’s).

brother and my dad that day. And

Daniel had already taken off school to

I thought it was cool to have a

attend Jason’s Blair graduation.

family experience.

Daniel: They had a parking spot

Jason: It’s neat that we’ll always have

reserved for Dad right in front of

that rivalry as part of our story. In 50

Annenberg Hall by the graduation

years when we are 70, we’ll drive up

tent, so he could pull into the parking

together to Peddie or Blair Day and

spot quickly, and he sprinted from

just enjoy the good old times and see

there. You just saw this parent

what has changed since. I think this

breathing heavily and fully sweating

rivalry will always be a part of us.

in his suit at graduation.

knew me as Jason, the guy who likes to ski and enjoys hanging out with friends. It was great to have that individual experience.

Why Blair/Peddie Jason: I felt immediately Blair was a place I could spend four years.

Everyone was so friendly, smiling and happy. I really wanted to go to a school with a community of people who wanted to be there, who wanted to engage with each other. And that’s exactly what I got out of Blair. I got a family.

Two commencements, one dad With two of his three sons graduating

Daniel: I really liked the relaxed

on the same Sunday in 2017, the

environment [of Peddie]. Also, it

boys joked with their dad that he

Jason: We were there, ready to take pictures in case Dad didn’t make it, but he ended up arriving on time. It all worked out. ■

BLA IR BULLE T IN 39

Rival Relationships

rival

employees Blair alums working at Peddie:

B Molly Dunne ’93 director of admission at Peddie

B Andrew Marvin ’12 manager of multimedia strategy & production at Peddie

Peddie alums working at Blair:

P Gwyneth Connell ’96 dean of teaching & learning at Blair

P Brad Strauss ’91 athletic trainer at Blair 4 0 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

P Sarah Newbury ’11 math teacher at Blair

Around THE ARCH

BLAIR TRIPS 2019: EXPLORING THE WORLD WITH FACULTY & FRIENDS Blair students have the opportunity to explore an exciting variety of cultures, locales and activities during six trips offered by the School in 2019. Each excursion features a unique itinerary at a distinctive destination, yet all of them have one thing in common: a shared experience with Blair teachers and fellow students. Read on for a look at the trips that happened over the long winter weekend and spring break and previews of those scheduled for the summer.

Cayman Islands Marine science, community service and daily

respect and love for the marine world of the Caymans

exploration of the pristine beaches of Grand Cayman

and for the culture of this island nation,” he said.

were on the itinerary for the annual long winter weekend trip to the Cayman Islands. Science teacher Rod Gerdsen and history teacher Marianna Paone accompanied 16 freshmen through seniors to this “little piece of paradise,” where everyone enjoyed the warmth of the weather and the Caymanian culture.

The trip included many opportunities for students to get up close and personal with marine life, especially while snorkeling at the beach and at Stingray City and visiting a turtle farm. For the third-consecutive year, the Blair group also volunteered at an island primary school, where they assisted with an after-school program for nearly 50 students.

This year marks Mr. Gerdsen’s 12th Blair trip to the Caymans, and, as always, he enjoyed introducing students, whether or not they are currently studying marine science, to the islands’ native tropical wildlife and habitats. “I hope students returned to Blair with a healthy

Memphis, Tennessee Eight service-minded students traveled with history teacher Joanne Brandwood and Blair’s registrar, Kecia Tillman, to Memphis where they volunteered at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Their mission over the long winter weekend was to brighten the spirits of young patients, who are battling life-threatening illness, and the entire Blair group brought smiles and good cheer to crafting sessions at the hospital. Teachers and students also played games and made crafts with patients’ families and helped prepare and serve meals at the nearby Ronald McDonald House.

McKenziee Belton ’16, a longtime St. Jude advocate, organized Blair’s first service trip to the world-renowned research hospital in 2015, and she and her mother,

BLA IR BULLE T IN 41

Around THE ARCH

Lori Belton, joined the group again this year. While in Memphis, the Blair volunteers also took some time to explore the city’s rich history during visits to the National Civil Rights Museum and Sun Studios, and they thoroughly enjoyed the food and music at B.B. King’s Blues Club.

England & France An eight-day adventure through London and Paris brought those magical cities to life for a dozen students during a spring break trip led by Head of School Chris Fortunato, who was accompanied by his children. Together with co-chaperones Director of Health Services Tara Parker, language teacher Kate Lavalle and her husband, Blair operations analyst Tom Pomeroy, the group explored historic and cultural sites, attended theatrical and musical

cultural immersion, engage in community service and

performances, and relished the culture and cuisine of both

observe Africa’s magnificent wildlife at the famous Masai

countries. The travelers also had the opportunity to meet

Mara Game Reserve. The Blair group will include several

members of the extended Blair family, including alumni/ae.

American medical professionals, and during the trip,

“Whether through discussions about the unfolding

students will help with logistics as doctors and nurses

Brexit plan while in London, touring the Louvre or

attend to villagers’ medical needs. The travelers will also

traversing the Champs-Élysées in Paris or attending

gain an appreciation for the simplicity of village life as

a soccer ‘football’ match, our group built terrific Blair

they live with families in Kisumu and Iten, and they will

memories together,” Mr. Fortunato said. This was the third

work with children at the local “Blair in Kenya” schools.

Fortunato family trip that brought students to Europe,

Assisting in classrooms, conducting daily soccer and

many for the very first time.

basketball clinics, and just having fun with local kids are some of the activities Blair students have planned.

Cuba Language teacher Tim Devaney and photography teacher Tyson Trish will lead a Blair contingent to Cuba from June 2 to 10 for a firsthand view of life in the island nation. Homestays, conversations with local officials and residents, and tours of historically significant sites will all be part of the culturally rich experience for seven students, many of whom will likely join Mr. Trish in documenting their journey with photos of their colorful surroundings.

This will be Blair’s second trip to Cuba, and visits to

Kenya

community arts projects will once again be a highlight

History teacher Quinten Clarke ’87, founder of the

of the week. During collaborative sessions with Cuban

independent nonprofit “Blair in Kenya,” is leading a

dancers, visual artists and musicians, students will witness

summer trip to Kenya, where students will experience

how the arts can make a difference in people’s lives.

4 2 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Around THE ARCH

large part to Archer Martin ’42, a Bronze Star- and Purple Heart-recipient who fought in the Normandy campaign when he was just 19 years old. His desire to give Blair students a firsthand look at Normandy and an understanding of the importance of the events that took place there inspired his generous annual gifts to the School that help fund Normandy Allies trips.

From July 14 to 27, the Blair contingent will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings as they follow a travel itinerary crafted by Normandy Allies’ expert historical team. They will learn about Norman history and culture through exploration of chapels, cathedrals and museums; witness the magnitude of Allied lives lost at the Bayeux British Among the artists the Blair group will spend time with are

Cemetery, Normandy American Military Cemetery and

the young guitarists from Clave Sol Vocal & Orquesta de

several others; and visit key landing and battle sites,

Guitarras, some of whom visited Blair in 2016 during the

including Juno Beach, Omaha Beach, Utah Beach and

ensemble’s first-ever American tour.

the hedgerow country around Saint-Lô. ■

Normandy This summer, language teacher Sharon Merrifield and several students will journey deep into the history of the Allied Forces’ 1944 D-Day landing at Normandy Beach during two weeks in France. The trip, facilitated by Normandy Allies Inc., includes tours of battle sites and the surrounding region, and priceless opportunities to speak with those who lived through the war, all of which will highlight the Allied soldiers’ courage and the Norman citizens’ enduring gratitude.

Normandy Allies is a nonprofit founded to promote greater historical understanding of the 1944 Normandy invasion and the liberation and reconstruction of France that followed. Blair students have taken part in Normandy Allies experiences for nearly two decades, thanks in

To read about some of the winter’s campus highlights, including International Weekend and Headmasters’ Societies Games, visit www.blair.edu/winter-highlights.

BLA IR BULLE T IN 43

Around THE ARCH

Faculty Open House attendees engage with a panel of current Blair faculty members who shared their experiences at the School.

WELCOME TO BLAIR: NEW PROGRAMS BRING PROSPECTIVE FACULTY TO CAMPUS

by Brittany Rockenfeller

With strong student-teacher relationships at the heart of a Blair education, it has always been important to share Blair’s unique values and ideals with prospective faculty members. This year, the School instituted two programs aimed at giving potential teachers a more personalized view of boarding school life and the many rewards of becoming a member of Blair’s close-knit and dedicated faculty. The “Winternship” for competitively selected college students and Faculty Open House both took place in January and were pieces of a more-targeted effort to create a pipeline of outstanding faculty candidates who are prepared to fully embrace a career at Blair.

A Unique Approach Assistant Head of School and Dean of Faculty Lorry

with insight into careers at a private boarding school.

Perry noted that a majority of private boarding schools

“By approaching colleges and working with their career

in the United States, including Blair, utilize placement

offices, we will be able to identify potential faculty

firms to hire new faculty. She hopes to bring a more

members while they are still in school and help them

personalized approach to recruiting through events like

prepare for a career at Blair,” said Ms. Perry.

the Winternship and Faculty Open House.

“We would like to identify professionals at all stages of their careers who are a perfect fit for the culture and specific openings here at Blair,” Ms. Perry said. “By inviting these prospective faculty members to campus, we also hope to demystify the private boarding school world and really show them the benefits of teaching at a school like Blair.”

Part of this effort includes building stronger, deeper relationships with undergraduate and graduate programs around the country to provide young professionals 4 4 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

The three-week Winternship that took place from January 5 to 26 put this plan into action.

Around THE ARCH

Wintern Bri’ana Odom of Davidson College assists a student with an assignment.

Wintern Emily Dentinger of Lafayette College meets with robotics students about a project.

A Working Winter Break

A Short Course in All Things Blair

The Winternship is a uniquely Blair program that

Blair’s Faculty Open House was another opportunity for

brought Davidson College senior Bri’ana Odom and

prospective teachers to learn more about the boarding

Lafayette College junior Emily Dentinger to campus

school experience and the many professional and

during their winter breaks. Selected from more than a

personal benefits the School’s community has to offer.

dozen applicants, Bri’ana and Emily lived with faculty

On January 19, over 50 potential faculty members

members and experienced every aspect of Blair life, from

toured Blair’s historic campus, visited classes, engaged

academics and athletics to student life and professional

in student and faculty panel discussions, and networked

development throughout the month of January. The two

during lunch in the Romano Dining Hall.

“Winterns” contributed to the community as they assisted

“My hope was that this open house would give

teachers in class, helped coach a team, and just talked to

attendees the opportunity to truly see Blair, including

students about life in college and their experiences.

our warm, welcoming and diverse community,” said Ms.

“I hope this opportunity helped Bri’ana and Emily see

Perry. “I believe that we succeeded. We were so excited

themselves as boarding school teachers, especially once

to welcome these professionals to campus and share the

they experienced all that’s involved,” Ms. Perry said. “As we

opportunities that are available to them here.”

continue the Winternship program in the coming years, I’d

As Blair continues to build on this more-personalized

love to develop a pipeline of college students who know

recruiting approach, Ms. Perry is looking forward to

about boarding school teaching as a career option and who

introducing many more potential faculty members to Blair.

are enthusiastic about entering this very rewarding field.”

After all, she noted, the best way to fall in love with Blair is to become a part of its community, if just for one day. ■ BLA IR BULLE T IN 45

In the NEWS

A Rising Design Star on Her Authentic Style & Family Legacy Brittany Haines ’05 was one of 10 designers selected from around the country by the magazine Traditional Home as “Rising Stars of Design” in 2018. Calling the recognition “a complete surprise and honor,” she had the opportunity to share inspiration and ideas with the other nine designers at an autumn New York City gathering that included roundtable discussions and panel speakers. “These designers were all so talented, fun and are taking their businesses in their own authentic directions,” said Ms. Haines, who launched ABD Studio in 2013, a San Francisco-based firm that specializes in high-end residential and boutique hospitality interior design. “I walked away from these couple of days with a huge wave of excitement for all the possibilities my career has before me, as well as feeling very supported by and grateful for the design community.”

Raised in New Jersey, where her father, Jeffrey B. Haines, still owns and operates Butler’s of Far Hills—the interior design

4 6 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

firm that decorated the Blair Room and Blair’s Head of School’s office in 2007—Ms. Haines admits that growing up in and around beautifully designed spaces certainly impacted her career choice. In 2001, three years before she became a freshman at Blair, her longtime historic family home was destroyed by fire, and she recalls closely observing her parents carefully renovating the house where they moved next. “I began thinking that, one day, I would pursue interior design,” she said.

But she wouldn’t take her first formal design class until she was a student at Lehigh University, where she majored in art, architecture and design and studied textile design while studying abroad in Sydney, Australia. After graduating college in 2009, she relocated to San Francisco and began working for some of the city’s top interior designers. “I was learning a lot very quickly, but I realized that my true passion for design continually comes back to the connection to the client, which I felt was not being prioritized in the design process,” Ms. Haines explained.

“Shiny magazine pages, antique shopping trips and beautiful chandeliers can lose their allure to me if the end result doesn’t feel authentic to the personalities and lifestyles of those who dwell within the home.”

That’s why, as principal of ABD Studio, her goal goes far beyond just recreating the same design style over and over again for each client. “Ideally, our clients hire us for our knowledge

In the NEWS

of the industry, ability to gracefully maneuver the sometimes tricky construction process, and our enthusiasm for getting to know their family and creatively enhancing life’s moments through design,” she continued. “In the end, our projects have a consistent level of quality and elegance that is customized for each individual client and speaks to the style that makes them feel the most at home.”

As she works on projects from San Francisco and the Bay Area Peninsula to Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe, tackling everything from ground-up builds to large-scale remodels, she

continues to find her own authentic style while always tapping into the inspiration of her father’s designs. “I am continually amazed by my father’s eye for detail and ability to create a complete ambiance within a space that is more than a visual experience,” she said. “He also has a way of making the process seem effortless and not overthinking it all, which I admire!”

Ms. Haines loves that her dad created warm and welcoming spaces at Blair and appreciates their thoughtful nods to school culture and history and classic elements that speak to the architecture of the original campus buildings. “The Blair Room, in particular, is such an important part of many people’s first impression of the School,” she said. “When waiting in this space for their first interview or to meet a tour guide, the hope is that all visitors feel at ease, welcome and simply at home.” ■ Read the Traditional Home article www.blair.edu/brittany-haines

Read more about Brittany, her style and clients www.abd-studio.com

BLA IR BULLE T IN 47

Outside the CLASSROOM

Nathan Molteni Dean of Academics and math teacher Nathan Molteni is an

expert at working out the intricacies of academic scheduling and solving complex quadratic equations, but he shared a simple formula for happiness: Embrace what is in front of you and value what you have. “That,” he concluded, “is where happiness lies.”

He applied this formula to life as an

thirds soccer and JV baseball, advised Blair’s

undergraduate at Villanova University—a school

History Bowl and Quiz Bowl teams, taught

that he did not expect to attend—and had a

sophomore Blair LEADS and orchestrated

phenomenal college experience. A Villanova

the annual Headmasters’ Societies Games

Presidential Scholar, Nathan embraced the

as co-commissioner. He and fellow Villanova

opportunity to study philosophy and math in a

alum Andrea Magat-Molteni married in 2010,

community of engaged students and teachers.

and, together, they served as housemasters

He had a blast on the Wildcat Quiz Bowl team

on Flight Deck for five years. Now, Nathan and

and went all in for Villanova’s signature service

Andrea, who taught mathematics and advised

trips, participating in nine fall- and spring-

the yearbook in her first several years at Blair

break experiences that shaped his desire to

and now is a full-time mom, live in Lakeside

find a career in which he could work alongside

Hall, home to 40 junior boys. They are parents

mission-focused colleagues to make an impact.

to Jeremy, 3, and Gavin, 1, and Nathan serves

By the time his junior year rolled around, Nathan, who grew up in a family of teachers,

as one of Lakeside’s assistant housemasters.

In 2015, Nathan was appointed Blair’s

decided to become a teacher himself. His

dean of academics, a role that is an excellent

philosophy professor and mentor, John

fit for a self-described “tinkerer” who

Immerwahr, suggested he investigate

thoroughly enjoys the intellectual challenge

independent schools with placement firm

of refining a process to make it better. He

Carney Sandoe & Associates, and that

oversees Blair’s academic process, and his

connection led him to Blair, where he joined

responsibilities include management of the

the faculty as a math teacher in 2008.

School calendar and daily schedule, and

In the 10 years since, Nathan has certainly

coordination of the place and time of the

embraced each opportunity that has come

academic experience. His colleagues in the

his way and, as a result, has found happiness

academic office—including Assistant Head of

in a community he deeply values. In addition

School and Dean of Faculty Lorry Perry, Dean

to teaching math classes from algebra 1 to

of Teaching and Learning Gwyneth Connell,

AP calculus, he has, at various times, coached

registrar Kecia Tillman and administrative

Outside the CLASSROOM

Dean of Academics Nathan Molteni continues to teach a section of math every year.

assistant Erika Croat—are among his

Q. You had a great high school

I could not necessarily tell you what

chief collaborators, and he also works

experience at Saratoga Springs

I learned in their classes today, but I

closely with Associate Head of School

High School in your New York state

remember the joy they helped me tap

Ryan Pagotto ’97 and Director of

hometown. How did that experience

into as a student, particularly the joy of

Academic Support Allison Leddy to

begin to shape you as a teacher?

learning something with purpose and

oversee student academic support.

The myriad demands of the

enthusiasm. That has been long lasting A. I have always been very grateful

for me and part of what shapes the

academic office understandably take

for the opportunities I had in my

teacher I have always wanted to be in

a great deal of Nathan’s time and

public high school. While the school

my career.

energy, but he continues to teach

itself had over 500 students in each

a section of math every year. “My

grade level, a number of academic

Q. You characterize your

heart will always be in teaching,”

programs existed to challenge us as

undergraduate study of philosophy

he reflected. “I especially value the

students. I had many teachers that I

as “the most important training I

direct interaction with students in

still recall fondly to this day for their

ever had.” Why is that so?

the classroom. For me, that’s where

investment in my learning and in who

relationships start, and that’s where

I was becoming as a person. I learned

A. Philosophy instilled in me the

the most immediate, impactful change

about seeing the bigger picture of

importance of understanding the

takes place.”

ideas from my humanities teacher,

principles or ideas behind our

Read on to learn more about

about finding passion in the structure

actions and the value of seeking

Nathan Molteni, outside—and inside—

of ideas from my Latin teacher and the

to understand the reasons why we

the classroom.

importance of overcoming the initially

make choices in our lives. Perhaps

impossible from my physics teacher.

the most important lesson I learned

BLA IR BULLE T IN 49

Outside the CLASSROOM

is that a good life is one in which what we believe and how we act are in alignment. It’s an easy rule to fall back on when I’m considering a new challenge or a situation.

Q. As a Villanova student, you went on several Habitat for Humanity service trips to Slidell, Louisiana, to help with recovery from Hurricane Katrina. What was that experience like and what did you learn from it?

A. My participation on Habitat for Humanity trips began as a more self-interested pursuit. It was an opportunity to meet new people and to do something over spring break that was unique and fun. As part of these experiences, students spent

Nathan and Andrea with their sons Gavin (left) and Jeremy (right).

a lot of time in reflection each night about the purpose of our actions and involvement. In those discussions, I found out how much I valued the collective experience of service and the connections I formed with others over the work we shared. This has been such a large part of my desire to work at a school like Blair, as its small size and shared mission help me replicate aspects of those service trips that I deeply loved. Traveling to Slidell as a trip leader offered a unique experience, as I discovered my capacity to embrace a leadership role when called upon and to convey to others the experience that I valued so deeply. These trips were challenging for us all due to the magnitude of damage caused by the hurricane and the way the damage exposed the fragility of residents’ lives in the 9th Ward and other districts. Even with so many groups working around the clock to provide opportunities for residents to return to the area,

5 0 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

many simply stayed away. Each

conversations with and about the

return trip over an 18-month period

dorm residents and a lot of time spent

reinforced the goodwill that we

convincing students that the smallness

possess to help others in need, as well

of the rooms meant nothing about the

as the limitations of that goodwill to

greatness of the dorm. We have so

overcome systemic issues in parts of

many memories about the people and

the world.

experiences that occurred in that small hallway. It often felt like a world away

Q. What was it like for you and Andrea

from the bigger community at Blair,

to run Flight Deck, a dorm of 18

which helped us all feel connected to

freshman boys, for the first five years

one another on a daily basis. While we

of your marriage?

are very appreciative of the facilities in Lakeside Hall and being able to easily

A. Five years flew by for us on the

step outside into fresh air (in ways

Flight Deck! We were lucky to work

other than climbing out the window

with some wonderful faculty and

onto the roof of an apartment), there

senior prefects while building a

was something truly special about the

community. Since Flight Deck is the

Flight Deck experience. It was certainly

first home for many students at Blair

not something we built solely on

Academy, we wanted to impart the

our own, but we inherited that sense

principles of empathy, enthusiasm

of community from those who had

and respect that are essential for Blair

developed it before us and passed it

students while giving the boys time

forward to the faculty who now also

to grow up in the ways each of them

care deeply for it.

needed. It was a lot of time spent in

Outside the CLASSROOM

Q. You describe teaching as “daily

Q. You and Andrea are major

colleagues in the academic office. We

service to others.” Why is that

foodies. What is a recent memorable

share our mission and vision for the

important to you? How do you put

food-centric experience?

School and enjoy great camaraderie

that into practice as dean of academics?

and fun as we work together and A. We were in Charleston, South

challenge ourselves to help Blair

Carolina, this past summer and had

improve on a daily basis. Erika, Kecia,

A. As a teacher, my aim is always to

the opportunity to enjoy a dinner of

Gwyneth, Lorry and Allison are part of

give others the opportunity and skills

locally sourced Charleston specialties

what makes Blair such a great place

to do what comes more naturally to

like oysters, Charleston gold rice and

to be every day. The best part of any

me; namely, dissect and understand

locally sourced fish. This window into

day, though, is always the time I spend

mathematical ideas. Learning, to me,

the city’s culinary history was a great

with family. Jeremy and Gavin are now

is not accumulating a specific set

experience and part of the way we like

growing up in this world of school

of problems you’ve mastered but

to get to know any place we travel to

that Andrea and I have known for

establishing a framework for future

that has a deep food culture.

most of our lives, and their wonder at

understanding in the discipline.

what goes on around them on a daily

Focusing on that as a teacher forces

Q. What is your favorite place to

basis gives me renewed sight for the

me to consider the ways in which

vacation and why?

experience.

difficulty) are rooted in their own

A. We love to vacation at Disney

Q. What is the best single day

efforts in response to instruction, not

World. Both of us have fond memories

on the calendar?

the instruction itself. Service is always

of visits growing up, and Andrea and

a word that has resonated with that

I went to the parks together multiple

A. Peddie Day has always been the

idea in my head. It is not to say that we

times even before we had kids. Now,

day I look forward to most in the Blair

don’t extract some personal benefit

sharing the experiences and traditions

calendar. Although I focus primarily

from the service of teaching, but the

we love with Jeremy and Gavin adds

on academics in my work at Blair now,

true value lies in how it is received

an extra layer of enjoyment for us all.

I coached thirds soccer for several

and carried forward. It’s a reminder

Trips to Disney World provide balance

years. That taught me a lot about how

that keeps me moving forward at all

to life at boarding school; while both

valuable a feeling of importance is

times as a teacher, even when class

communities are very familiar to us,

to students in any experience. Thirds

didn’t go perfectly or the week feels

Disney World offers a nice anonymity

soccer players always were a bit more

long; there is always another chance

for the week that is restorative and

committed when they understood

to do valuable work for someone on

appreciated after life at Blair.

what Peddie Day might mean. Our

student accomplishment (and

its way. As dean of academics, a large

shared support of every team on

portion of my work is about building

Q. What are some small things that

Peddie Day and excitement for each

the structure in which our academic

make the day better?

other’s successes reinforces the spirit

experience happens, especially

of community that I love about Blair

as it relates to time, place, people

A. There are so many aspects of work

and opportunities. Finding optimal

at Blair that I appreciate and seek

solutions for the way we spend time in

out on a daily basis. Hearing about

our daily schedule, as well as creating

student accomplishments, either from

opportunities for learning that align

students themselves or from their

with our overall mission, keep me in

teachers, always elevates my spirits

touch with that idea of “daily service”

and affirms the work we try to do in

that I find personally fulfilling.

our classrooms. I’m thankful for my

every day of the year. ■

BLA IR BULLE T IN 51

ARTS

Art in Action: Artists Embrace Creativity in Student-Led Design Lab Some of the most groundbreaking artistic works are created when artists with knowledge and experience from different disciplines collide to spark new ideas. The give-and-take of collaboration can spur them to create something incredible. Here at Blair Academy, one student recognized the power of artistic collaboration and the impact it can have on students.

A Small Dream When Wils Acker ’19 came to Blair Academy in September 2017, he carried with him a serious passion for art. While attending the Hong Kong International School, he grew his love for music and design through arts programs. Prepared to continue his growth here at Blair, he wanted to surround himself with the same creative energy he had experienced overseas where, he observed, “teenagers seem more encouraged to embrace their artistic side.”

Inspired by other Blair programs and clubs created and run entirely by students, Wils had the idea to develop a creative lab activity. He asked Director of Vocal Music Ryan Manni to sign on as faculty advisor, and then set to work creating the activity’s curriculum and a proposal to present to Blair’s administration.

“Wils did this entirely on his own, from the idea to the actual development of the lab, which was unbelievable to observe,” said Mr. Manni. “He created everything from scratch, then worked with other faculty members to prepare a presentation for approval.”

In spring 2018, Wils presented his proposal for a music and design lab to Carolyn Conforti-Browse ’79, Blair’s dean of campus life and director of leadership programs, and Ryan Pagotto ’97, associate head of school. With their enthusiastic approval, the lab was set to launch in fall 2018 as an afterschool activity.

“What started as a late-night dream finally became real, and I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to help other students explore different genres of art,” Wils said.

5 2 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Wils Acker ’19 reviews a project with a student as Director of Vocal Music Ryan Manni looks on.

A Lab Is Created From September through November, six students participated in the lab, meeting in the Chiang Center for Innovation and Collaboration after class four days a week. They worked with a range of digital art mediums, including music production, music composition and graphic design. Each student was responsible for forming his or her own long- and short-term projects throughout the season, and they showed their work to Wils at the end of each week to track progress. As this was a brand-new experience for everyone involved, it included a lot of trial and error to iron out the kinks.

“Students differed in the types of art they chose to pursue and in their individual levels of experience. Because of this, it

ARTS

Wils Acker ’19 (pictured above) works in the design lab of the Chiang Center for Innovation and Collaboration.

was really up to participants to push and teach themselves,” said Wils. “Although I was the leader, I was only there to help guide and push them to become better versions of themselves. We really worked together to fix all the problems and take this lab to the next level.”

Each Monday, the first meeting of the week, the group explored an artist “spotlight” to inspire that week’s project.

Spotlights were often musical performing artists, such as the Beatles, Tyler, the creator, and Jhené Aiko.

During subsequent meetings, some students would begin to compose and record pieces using the keyboards in the Chiang Center’s recording studio, while others would put the works through musical production using Logic or use Adobe Illustrator to create digital art. Together, they were able to collaborate and share their creative skills to create success.

Lula Mantegna ’20, an avid piano player, was comfortable learning music rather than creating it when the lab began in September. By the end of the season, however, she had composed and recorded her own works. Another lab member, Sofia Sorensen ’19, began working with Adobe Creative Suite to explore her graphic design skills. After creating and printing stickers as her first project, she is now creating jewelry using the 3D printer and wood cutter in the Chiang Center’s maker space.

Looking Back When asked about the best part of this amazing experience, Wils remarked on students’ independence during their creative process and the opportunity to guide them as they learned more about themselves. He also noted the bond the group formed during their time together.

“Everyone was basically a stranger when we started back in September,” Wils said. “Now, the shared interest of the students has created a strong bond between everyone.”

Although Mr. Manni took a backseat role during this activity, his best memory was observing Wils’ growth as leader and creator. Mr. Manni also noted that he was only present to supervise in the event something went wrong or a question needed to be answered. Mr. Manni remarked on the struggle of wanting to help students while realizing the necessity of letting Wils have control as leader.

“Wils served as both student and teacher, and I was so proud to watch him construct this amazing project from the ground up while I took a step back,” Mr. Manni said. “Each student supported the others to grow their individual craft.”

When thinking about the most challenging part, Wils observed that it became harder to keep focus as the group got more social. Students enjoyed spending time together, and there were a few meetings where they liked to talk a little more than focus on their work. Wils also remarked on the growing pains of a new program and how everyone worked together to help it run smoothly.

Wils graduates from Blair this spring, but he will undoubtedly take great memories of this successful program with him to college.

He hopes the lab will continue and that another student is willing to step up to lead it, noting that it is important that the activity remain student-led to create an ideal forum for collaboration.

There are many lessons to be learned from the contribution Wils brought to Blair’s campus. The most important according to him? Bring that idea to the front burner, dust off that piano, sharpen your pencils, find a collaborator and create. ■

BLA IR BULLE T IN 53

ARTS

Worth a Thousand Words: The Arts in Photos

On January 10 and 11, internationally recognized balafon player Balla Kouyaté performed at Chapel and held workshops for Blair instrumentalists. Mr. Kouyaté and his band Crocodile River Music perform around the world practicing the ancient art of the balafon.

From January 14 to February 9, multimedia and print artist Tim Fite ’95 displayed his work in The Romano Gallery. The Blair community had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Fite about his work during an artist’s reception on January 17.

Blair’s vocal ensembles performed a diverse repertoire at the Fall Concert in November.

Musical numbers ranged from gospel to more contemporary American pieces.

In October, the Blair Academy Players presented The Fantasticks. “Try to Remember,” the show’s opening number, reminds us that “without a hurt, the heart is hollow.”

Blair’s Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble delighted the audience at the Fall Concert. A bluesy version of Richard Rodgers’ “My Funny Valentine” and numbers from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story were among the performance highlights.

To view more arts photos, visit www.blair.edu/performing-arts-photos and www.blair.edu/fine-arts-photos.

5 4 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

BLAIR FINANCE INDUSTRY SUMMIT FIRSTEVER

More than 100 Blair alumni, parents and students kicked off the new year by networking and learning from one another at the School’s inaugural Finance Industry Summit at Goldman Sachs’ New York City headquarters.

BUILDS CONNECTIONS & SHARES DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES

BLA IR BULLE T IN 55

FIRSTEVER

BLAIR FINANCE INDUSTRY SUMMIT

BUILDS CONNECTIONS & SHARES DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES

From left to right: Akhil Garg ‘02, Doug Kimmelman P’12 ‘13 ‘15 ‘22, Allen Gibson P’20 ‘20 ‘22, Victoria Bailey ‘97, Liz Robinson P’22 and Peter Santoro P’22.

Organized by hosts Emmanuel Bello ’04, Blair Trustee and vice president at Goldman Sachs, and Akhil Garg ’02, Goldman Sachs managing director, the late January event began with a welcome from Head of School Chris Fortunato, a keynote address by Stephen Scherr, Goldman Sachs’ chief financial officer, and a panel discussion with five Blair finance industry professionals who shared perspectives in various areas of expertise.

MR. SCHERR WELCOMED attendees to Goldman

We have six students here with us tonight, and they will no

Sachs and offered his thoughts on managing risk in

doubt benefit from the wisdom of our alumni and parent

today’s financial markets and the importance of balancing

communities as we learn together.”

the observed fundamentals of the economy with public sentiment.

Mr. Fortunato moderated the first part of the panel

Acknowledging the recent loss of Blair’s favorite son, Chairman Emeritus John C. Bogle ’47, who died on January 16 at the age of 89, Mr. Fortunato expressed

discussion. “What we are doing here tonight has important

gratitude for Mr. Bogle’s long years of service to his alma

implications for Blair,” said Mr. Fortunato. “Not only do we

mater and shared his Blair Leadership Story (to watch it, visit

always strive to bring the best of the world to Blair, but we

www.blair.edu/leadership-stories and click on Mr. Bogle’s

also must bring the best of Blair—our students—to the world.

headshot). “Jack has always been a guiding hand at Blair

5 6 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

“My journey started at Blair and then continued at New York University. When I was a freshman, I went to a Blair young alumni event in Manhattan and met a faculty member’s husband who worked as a trader at the New York Mercantile Exchange. That opened my eyes to the world of finance, and all of the things I learned at Blair—especially how to work hard, manage stress and think on my feet—have been invaluable to me in my career since.”

AKHIL GARG ’02, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT GOLDMAN SACHS

Academy, and he always will be,” Mr. Fortunato said. “As Jack would say, we must press on, and we must embrace divergent opinions as we find the right course.”

He then proceeded to do just that by introducing the panelists, which included Blair Trustee Victoria Bailey ’97, Executive Director and Private Wealth Advisor at Morgan Stanley; Akhil Garg ’02, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs; Trustee Allen Gibson P’20 ’20 ’22, CIO of Centaurus Capital; Liz Robinson P’22, former Global Treasurer of Goldman Sachs; and Peter Santoro P’22, Global Head of Equities at Millennium Management.

The ensuing discussion covered a wide range of topics,

“Don’t assume the people you are working for know all of the answers, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is incredibly important to find great people to mentor you and to learn from the best.”

TRUSTEE VICTORIA BAILEY ’97, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR AT MORGAN STANLEY

including seminal career moments; tips for those just starting out in the field; the habits of highly successful professionals; the importance of relationship building, networking and being well-versed in subjects other than finance; how each navigated the 2008 financial crisis and what they learned from the experience; the overall changing landscape of the industry; and the impact of regulation and deregulation.

Blair Board Chairman Doug Kimmelman P’12 ’13 ’15 ’22 then shared the unlikely story of how he entered the field as a Goldman Sachs associate (having secured an interview by introducing himself to a company executive at a hockey game). He went on to work at Goldman for 22 years, starting in 1983 in the firm’s pipeline and utilities department within

BLA IR BULLE T IN 57

FIRSTEVER

BLAIR FINANCE INDUSTRY SUMMIT

BUILDS CONNECTIONS & SHARES DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES

“I am someone who likes breadth and seeing things from different angles. My best advice is to be unique in what you do. Working in this business is not a sprint but a marathon, and if you can keep your head when no one else can, you will win.”

PETER SANTORO P’22, GLOBAL HEAD OF EQUITIES AT MILLENNIUM MANAGEMENT

“When you find a job you want, don’t send an email to the HR department; call the person you’d be working for.

And keep calling them until they tell you to go away. Find what you want to do and then find who is the best at it. That’s who you want to work for. And then learn to think like the person who owns the business.”

TRUSTEE ALLEN GIBSON P’20 ’20 ’22, CIO OF CENTAURUS CAPITAL

“Working as Goldman’s treasurer through the 2008 financial crisis, I learned just how important it is to be prepared. Be thoughtful about risk, look around corners and never lose sight of your own character. The best way to survive a crisis is to be prepared for navigating it before it happens.”

LIZ ROBINSON P’22, FORMER GLOBAL TREASURER OF GOLDMAN SACHS

5 8 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

the investment banking division and, ultimately, being named partner of the firm in 1996. He left Goldman to found the private equity firm Energy Capital Partners in 2005, which is now one of the largest owners of power plant and pipeline assets in the U.S. Answering questions from attendees about his own career trajectory, as well as his thoughts on the future price of natural gas, Mr. Kimmelman called his decision to start his own company “the best decision I ever made.” “You never want to have a ‘what-if’ moment,” he explained. “It will gnaw at you forever. I cherish my firm and my partners, and thank God I took that risk, embraced my entrepreneurial spirit and never looked back.”

The evening closed with a cocktail reception and an opportunity to network with fellow attendees. The event’s hosts, Mr. Bello and Mr. Garg, were thrilled to see so many

“Do the unexpected, think creatively and prove your value by working hard. How do you become a partner? Act like one, work hard and don’t coast. This is the most competitive industry, even more

attendees engaging with one another and exchanging

competitive today than when I started out,

contact information so that conversations could be continued

so you need to be prepared to hustle and

in the weeks and months to come.

deliver, day in and day out.”

“Our goal in planning this event was to offer our alumni, parents and students the opportunity to connect and

BLAIR BOARD CHAIRMAN

leverage the power of the extended Blair family,” said Mr.

DOUG KIMMELMAN P’12 ’13 ’15 ’22,

Bello. “Without a doubt, the Summit made it exceptionally clear that our Blair network is a powerful one, and it was gratifying to see that at work firsthand.” ■

FOUNDER & SENIOR PARTNER OF ENERGY CAPITAL PARTNERS

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for Thirst

Ex cellence : Marianne Lieberman '79

by Joanne Miceli 6 0 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

A Dream Takes Root

Marianne Lieberman ’79’s favorite wine is chardonnay, so, naturally, it was the first wine produced at Maple Springs Vineyard, her award-winning boutique winery located amid Marianne’s first career was in advertising, and, over two the beautiful hills of Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania. And, because decades, she traveled the world for agencies in Washington, she especially loves chardonnays from the Chablis part of the D.C., Manhattan and, finally, as co-CEO of Interspace Airport Burgundy region in France—“fruit forward, tasting of the rocky Advertising, a family company she operated with her brother, soil’s minerality, not over-oaked and very little butter,” as she Mark Lieberman ’74. Although she loved much of her career, describes it—that’s the style of Maple Springs’ now-flagship wine. including the hard work that paid off in the exponential growth Her passion for fine wine and the attention she gives to its of Interspace and the eye-opening global experiences she regularly handcrafting are only part of the story behind Marianne’s success enjoyed, her constant travel took its toll on family life, especially in the wine industry. As Maple Springs’ vintner (“a fancy name after she and her wife, Carolyn Grant, adopted their daughters, for owner,” she explains), she has built a company that not only Meghan Grant ’17 and Clare Grant ’19. produced the 2017 Sommelier However, Marianne had a plan Judgment Day’s “Best White for a second career that would keep “I’ve always believed it’s critical Wine of Pennsylvania” but also her closer to home. She envisioned incorporates her love of family opening a microbrewery—both to have passion for your work and friends, her commitment sides of her family had once been in order to find satisfaction to hard work, joy in lifelong in the beer business, after all—but, learning, business savvy over time, that dream changed to and be successful.” and, of course, her generous owning a vineyard and winery. Her philanthropic spirit. family’s growing appreciation for “I’ve always believed it’s critical to have passion for your work fine wines played a role in the mind shift, as did the time Marianne in order to find satisfaction and be successful—however you spent in places like New Zealand and Australia, countries that were personally define that,” she said as she considered her path to coming on strong in the world wine scene. winery ownership. “Inevitably, most of us will spend much more “Vintners there were proving you could make great wine time involved with our work than any other part of our lives, so outside of France, Italy and California, and forging the way for do it all in! My advice to anyone is to create a career that taps sustainable new-world growing and winemaking,” Marianne into your passions and mold it to fulfill your goals.” observed. She believed the same could hold true in Pennsylvania, Clearly, Marianne has followed her own counsel over the and she and Carolyn purchased their Bechtelsville farm property past 10 years, as she has blended all of her passions into in 1995, with the goal of one day creating estate wines that Maple Springs Vineyard and cultivated the business from the could compete on a world stage. Just over a decade later, the ground up. winemaking dream began to actually take root.

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Thirst for Ex cellence: Marianne Lieberman '79 The entire business has been built with an eye to sustainability, a model Marianne observed in her travels and took to heart.

Forty-eight solar panels generate all the electricity needed, while seven geothermal wells tap the springs that bubble under the property to provide the 30-plus gallons of water it takes to produce every gallon of wine. The Maple Springs team reuses everything it possibly can, right down to the wash water and grape skins, which become fertilizer in the vineyard. Wine bottles It takes three years for a vine to bear fruit, and, as those first vines feature recyclable screw caps and, recently, “kegging” some of the grew, so did Maple Springs’ production facility and professional wine has reduced the need for bottles. team. One of Marianne’s key early hires was award-winning Maple Springs operates a unique business model in its winemaker Jef Stebben, “a Wine Case Club, which gives winemaker extraordinaire, part members (300 families at The entire business has scientist, part artist,” Marianne present) a hands-on, educational been built with an eye to said, noting, “We are fortunate to experience of vine growing and have him.” Under Jef’s guidance, winemaking. Each fall, member sustainability...The Maple Maple Springs produced its first families help harvest the grapes Springs team reuses everything 100 cases of chardonnay in 2011, and learn how to sort them on it possibly can, right down to which sold out in two months. the production floor. In the The vineyard and winery have the wash water and grape skins. winter, they taste their wine only grown from there. from barrels and discover the Today, Maple Springs has distinct aromas and flavors of 11 acres under vine, including varietals of pinot noir, albariño, new French oak versus Hungarian oak versus neutral oak. They grüner veltliner, syrah, rosé and other grapes used for blending. taste again from the tank after the wine is prepped for bottling, The winery boasts high-tech wine production equipment and an and, when summer rolls around, they enjoy a pool party when outdoor covered crush pad, plus a covered deck with a fireplace, they pick up their case of wine. “These are opportunities rarely outdoor patio and pool, catering kitchen and tasting room for offered to consumers,” Marianne pointed out, “and they are private parties and events. Production of its handcrafted wines really fun experiences to share with family and friends.” stands at 1,700 cases annually and will likely reach 2,000 cases in Even with all the distinctive touches she has made part of her the next several years. company’s DNA, Marianne proudly asserts that the wine itself “Good fortune found us,” Marianne said of the 2006 sale of Interspace, a milestone that allowed her to turn her attention to Maple Springs Vineyard. Two years later, after transitioning Interspace to its new ownership, she “bought a big tractor” and planted the vineyard’s first chardonnay vines.

A Growing Enterprise

Marianne trains Wine Case Club members to harvest grapes.

6 2 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

The Maple Springs name honors Marianne’s grandmother, Helen Maple Doern, mother of John O. Doern ’48.

Clockwise from top left: Giant syrah clusters; Maddie the horse shares her field with rows of pinot noir vines; Hellcat Vineyard.

is what sets Maple Springs Vineyard apart from its competitors.

“Our product is truly great,” she said. “That we are on the wine list in top restaurants in Philadelphia, resorts in the Poconos and across Pennsylvania attests to our quality. Restaurants bring their serving staff to Maple Springs for training, and sommeliers and chefs love our wines, especially because they are farm-to-table.”

A Vintner’s Life So what does a workday entail when you own a winery?

“What’s great is there is no typical day!” Marianne said enthusiastically. As the leader of Maple Springs’ talented, hardworking team, she might be tending the vineyard, running a sales meeting, bottling wine, hosting an event for 150 members, calling on restaurants, harvesting grapes, preparing a budget or doing something else entirely. “I make sure we’re all paddling in the same direction,” she said, “and that everyone has the resources to do what they do best.”

While the variety of her days suits Marianne, she also finds comfort in the annual rhythm that naturally encompasses the vineyard and winery. Fall harvest leads to winemaking, holiday events and budgeting. January brings bottling and barreling of Maple Springs’ various wines, and then member barrel-tasting events and the release of the newly bottled wine. Next, it is on

to early spring pruning in the vineyard. May brings bud break and the start of the busy growing season, while June features blending events with tastings from the tanks and bottling of chardonnay and reds. Veraison—when the grapes change color and build sugars—happens in July, and August wraps up the year with new wine releases and Wine Case Club pool parties.

Then the cycle begins again with harvest in September.

Learning as much as she can about the industry has been a big part of Marianne’s life as a vintner, and she concedes that there is no end to what you can learn about wine. She recently completed a winemaking certificate at the University of California Davis, and she and her family visit vineyards and wineries around the world.

“We’ve been from Spain to Chile trying to learn, and we’ve experienced great camaraderie with other winemakers,” she said appreciatively. “As soon as they find out we’re in the business, we get a soup-to-nuts tour and taste their best and worst. They graciously share all their vineyard challenges and winery secrets, too, and then send us off with free wine!”

Those experiences, as well as the warm reception she and her family have received at restaurants that serve Maple Springs’ wines (“they treat us like royalty!”) are among the most pleasant surprises Marianne has realized since becoming a winery owner.

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Thirst for Ex cellence: Marianne Lieberman '79

Working Hard to Give Back Besides developing high-quality, artisan wines, Marianne’s Marianne’s love for her alma mater and her deep and ongoing biggest goal for Maple Springs at its outset involved her family. involvement in the School as a former class representative, a “I wanted our kids to see old-fashioned, dirt-under-the-nails dedicated Blair parent and a Trustee since 2009. She credits hard work, and the vineyard has that in spades,” she said. “Meg Blair with a role in her success today, noting that the leadership and Clare have not only worked with us in the vineyard, they’ve opportunities and classroom experiences she enjoyed as a also been part of the building of a small business and they’ve student certainly helped her in her first career that made experienced what that takes. They both have a great work ethic,” Maple Springs Vineyard possible. “Blair helped me gain the she added with obvious pride, and, 10 years into the business, confidence to build businesses unafraid, to pursue passions she is happy to have met that goal. to their fullest, and to enjoy and Another Maple Springs goal find satisfaction in my work,” she “It’s all about working that is close to Marianne’s heart is said. “In addition, Blair made me a just coming to fruition: This year, lifelong learner.” hard to give money to our the company formally launched Among the many gifts communities and the world.” its Maple Springs Foundation that Marianne has shared with the supports annual charitable giving.

Blair community has been her Her plan since founding Maple Springs has been to share its passion for wine. She has hosted alumni and parent receptions profits with local, regional and global causes that enrich the lives at Maple Springs Vineyard and provided wine for special adult of others, and, in doing so, share the principles of philanthropy events at Blair. “I’m very proud of the wines we produce at with her daughters, Wine Case Club members and everyone who Maple Springs, and it’s really very special to me to serve them enjoys Maple Springs’ wine. “It’s all about working hard to give to faculty and fellow alumni, parents and Trustees. These are money to our communities and the world,” is how Marianne my peers, my friends and my School—it’s quite a thrill!” she succinctly sums up a big part of Maple Springs’ mission. said. In June, Maple Springs’ kegged wines will be tapped at her Blair Academy is among the beneficiaries of Maple Springs’ 40th reunion, and there is no mistaking the excitement in her philanthropy, and that comes as no surprise when you consider voice when she adds, “I can’t wait!” ■

Maple Springs’ “Dinner under the Stars” event celebrated the 10th anniversary of the vineyard’s Old Dutch field.

6 4 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

ADVANCEMENT

New Scholarship Memorializes James & Selena Howard As Blair’s Headmaster from 1954 to 1976, James M. Howard Jr., together with his wife, Selena, demonstrated time and again their mutual, deep belief in education and in making a positive contribution to the world by sharing their time, talent and compassion. Thanks to a generous gift from Selena Howard’s estate following her death in 2018, a new endowed scholarship was established last fall, ensuring that the beloved couple’s legacy will live on for future generations of Blair students.

Jim Howard served as Headmaster during a period of great growth and change for the School, as Blair became coed and student body diversity increased. Dedicated to excellence in academics, the arts, athletics and School life, he was a big proponent of the importance of writing across the curriculum. Selena embraced her role

as Headmaster’s wife, participating fully in the life of the School and frequently hosting students, Trustees, parents and visitors at Sharpe House, as well as being active on local community boards.

Following their Blair tenure and move to Westport, Massachusetts, the Howards maintained close ties to the School even as he pursued his writing and started a Christmas tree farm, and she became deeply involved in the community and the causes she held dear. After Jim’s death in 2002, Selena continued to visit the School when she could and stayed in touch with Blair friends and faculty. She came to campus in 2008 for the dedication of Howard House, which the class of 1958 named to honor the Howards’ many contributions to the School, and in 2009, established the Mollie Howard Conklin ’71 Memorial Scholarship

in memory of their daughter, Mollie Howard Conklin ’71, who had recently lost her valiant battle with cancer.

The James and Selena Howard Memorial Scholarship will support students who demonstrate passion for learning and leadership, and who engage enthusiastically in the life of the School and in the larger world.

The scholarship will also help ensure that a Blair education is accessible to talented, deserving and diverse young men and women, regardless of their financial circumstances. The Howard family, including daughters Eleanor Howard ’74 and Alida Woods, son-inlaw Huxley Conklin ’71 and grandson Jamie Conklin ’98, believes that creating opportunity for deserving students to attend Blair is the most meaningful way to honor the Howards’ legacy. ■

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Enhanced Science Opportunities on the Horizon as Bogle Hall Project Progresses As the project to expand and renovate Bogle Hall continues this spring, Blair teachers are preparing to make the most of the science center’s highly anticipated new laboratories, dedicated research space, upgraded classrooms and leading-edge technology.

Science department chair Kelly Hadden is especially looking forward to the flexibility these state-of-the-art enhancements will provide to implement a variety of curricular elements, including long-term individual and team research projects, all designed to enrich learning across the science curriculum.

“Students will have many advanced, hands-on laboratory experiences in the renovated Bogle Hall, which will help immerse them in the science behind the theory and reinforce concepts learned in the classroom,” she said. “In addition, expanded research opportunities will help connect students to studies that are currently underway in industry and academia; and soon, they’ll have a platform to participate in that research right here at Blair.”

Independent Research Elective Introduced Science teachers began last year to map out plans to create new electives, to reshape existing electives and to integrate additional technology into labs and projects in classes at every level. One of the new courses they developed during Blair’s 2018 summer 6 6 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Faculty Institute is already underway. This spring, 10 motivated and scientifically curious sophomores enrolled in “Foundations of Integrated Science Research,” a semester-long introduction to the world of independent research. Following this course, students may have the opportunity to embark next year on a research project of their own choosing in the department’s new Integrated Science Research (ISR) program.

In the foundation course, students are examining scientific writing, exploring current industry research, learning how to contact mentors and gaining in-depth knowledge of cuttingedge laboratory techniques. The course culminates in the writing of independent research proposals, which students will submit to the ISR committee. If accepted, students may pursue independent research during their junior and senior years in the ISR I and II courses.

“We want students to ask questions and find ways to answer those questions through research,” Mrs. Hadden explained.

“We would also like them to get a realistic idea of what it is like to be a scientist by introducing them to current primary scientific literature and helping them connect with working research scientists. The ISR course is an exciting, hands-on opportunity for Blair students to engage in real-world research while they are still in high school.”

ADVANCEMENT

Culmination of Recent Campus Academic Projects Even as the science faculty plans for good things to come, the bigger-and-better Bogle Hall continues to take shape around them. Once construction is complete (see box), Blair will celebrate the success of its third academic-focused campus project in the past three years. Generous contributions have already supported creation of the Chiang Center for Innovation and Collaboration, home of Blair’s technology and fine arts departments, and the renovation of Weber Hall for the teaching of math. The Chiang Center and Weber Hall opened at the start of the 2017-2018 school year, and students, faculty and the entire Blair community have benefited from the classes and programs taking place in these state-of-the-art academic facilities. ■

Plans for Bogle Hall: A three-story addition, which includes: • three new classrooms • labs for AP biology, physics and advanced chemistry • dedicated research space for sustained independent projects and collaborative work with outside experts Work is currently underway on the following enhancements: • Gutting and rebuilding all existing laboratories • Refurbishing all existing classrooms • Creating a new chemistry lab prep space • Creating a new department office

If you would like to support the Bogle Hall project, please contact Chief Advancement Officer Craig Hall at (908) 362-6121, ext. 5640, or hallc@blair.edu.

• Installing new lighting and mechanical systems in Cowan Auditorium • Upgrading technology throughout the facility

View a video fly-through of the new Bogle Hall at www.blair.edu/bogle-hall.

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ADVANCEMENT

Bucs Practice & Play in New Indoor Athletic Venues Winter brought its usual snow and frigid temperatures to Blairstown, but two new indoor sports facilities gave Blair athletes warm, dry places to practice no matter what Mother Nature threw at them. The golf training center and seasonal winter sports complex were completed in December, and students began taking full advantage of both venues as soon as they returned from winter break.

“We’re grateful to the current and past parents, alumni and Trustees whose generous contributions funded construction of these outstanding athletic facilities,” said Chief Advancement Officer Craig Hall. More than $400,000 has been raised for the golf training center, which represents phase one of Blair’s planned golf improvements. Concurrently, donors have contributed nearly $1.3 million for the winter sports complex, with fundraising for that project propelled by a generous 3:1 challenge gift from Blair Board of Trustees Chairman Doug Kimmelman P’12 ’13 ’15 ’22.

Throughout the winter, Blair’s golf team members worked on their swings in the golf training center using professionalgrade simulators, while the climate-controlled winter sports complex provided ideal training conditions for track, softball,

baseball, lacrosse, football, soccer and tennis athletes.

Director of Athletics Paul Clavel ’88 was excited about the new opportunities both venues afforded students, whether they were improving their athletic skills or staying active by playing a pick-up game or throwing a ball around. “These facilities add another positive aspect to the overall Blair experience,” he said. “Our community is very fortunate to have such athletic venues, and I am thankful to all those who supported these projects.” ■

Blair’s golf training center is located near the first tee, at the crest of the hill from the School’s golf course entrance. It is the first of many upgrades planned for Blair’s golf facilities.

Blair’s boys’ and girls’ golf team members practiced putting and chipping throughout the winter in the golf training center. The putting green floor is undulated to mimic actual course conditions, while the “rough” (far right corner) provides a realistic chipping environment.

6 8 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Two hitting bays in the golf training center feature Foresight simulators that allow golf team members to play their choice of 20 top courses worldwide. The simulators also function as driving ranges.

ADVANCEMENT

The “bubble”-enclosed winter sports complex is a new seasonal landmark on Blair’s campus during the coldest months of the year.

Created by enclosing a portion of the tennis center under an air dome, the facility features two tennis courts and a turf field.

“The ‘bubble’ has provided the winter track team with more space to perform more workouts during practice. Our hurdles can be set at further distances, and we can really build up speed without worrying about running into walls. It’s a great space, and it’s awesome not being in Hardwick Hall hallways.”

—Girls’ track team member Ashlyn Alles ’20

The turf field in the winter sports complex is installed over three tennis courts, giving teams plenty of room to train and practice.

Beyond the barrier (at the far end), the “bubble” also encompasses two tennis courts for indoor play.

Fundraising continues for the winter sports complex, golf training center and golf course enhancements, including green enlargement, bunker reconstruction and tree removal. If you would like to make a gift to support these projects, please contact Chief Advancement Officer Craig Hall at (908) 362-6121, ext. 5640, or hallc@blair.edu.

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ADVANCEMENT

Blair Dance Band, 1955

Blair Orchestra today

STRIKE UP THE BAND

FOR DEAR OLD BLAIR!

P

lease consider joining the growing ensemble of alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends who help ensure that future generations of Bucs will enjoy a finely tuned educational experience at Blair.

Through instrumental planning, members of our John C. Sharpe Society have provided generous gifts for conducting curricular and extracurricular programs. Such programs create pitch-perfect learning opportunities in tempo with Blair’s history of shaping and transforming students’ lives.

To discuss your lasting legacy at the School or learn about the John C. Sharpe Society, contact Velma Anstadt Lubliner, assistant director of advancement, at (908) 362-6121, ext. 5634, or lubliv@blair.edu, or visit www.blair.edu/planned-giving.

7 0 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

ATHLETICS

04

01

05

01 Thuraya Abdul-Hamid ’19 scored 12 points in the Lady Bucs’ January win over Lawrenceville.

The team earned its ninth-straight MAPL title.

02 In the varsity boys’ MAPL championship win over Hill, Jabri Abdur-Rahim ’20 scored 11 points.

03 Season highlights for varsity girls’ squash included wins over several MAPL opponents (Megan Donaghy ’22 pictured).

04 Nick Incontrera ’19 (152 lbs.) had a comefrom-behind victory in Blair’s defeat of #2 Wyoming Seminary.

05 Olivia Miles ’21 led the way with 34 points in the girls’ varsity basketball team’s win over Life Center Academy.

06 Girls’ skiing finished in first place in their second giant slalom race on January 22 (Marty Dericks ’22 pictured).

07 The swim team competed in five meets at home in Wallace Pool this year.

08 Brian Park ’19 earned a victory in the boys’ varsity squash team’s 9-0 sweep of CitySquash in December.

09 Among his accomplishments this season, Shayne Van Ness ’21 earned championships at 132 lbs. at Ironman and Beast of the East.

10 Winter track participated in indoor meets at Ursinus College, the New York City Armory and other venues this season (Savannah Lee ’20 pictured).

02 03 06

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Winter Champions Exemplify Best of Blair Athletics Throughout the winter season, Blair athletes competed in more than 150 contests in the pool, ski slopes, basketball and squash courts, wrestling mat and indoor track. The Bucs exhibited exceptional sportsmanship, dedication and teamwork, noted Director of Athletics Paul Clavel ’88, marking another successful season in School record books.

“I am very proud of our student-athletes this season, as they achieved team and individual milestones while working hard with grit and integrity,” Mr. Clavel said. “When faced with adversity, our student-athletes rose to the occasion and persevered. As we enter the spring season, we will continue to strive for this level of excellence.”

“Our seniors finish undefeated in the MAPL regular season and tournament play for their final two years.” In addition to four state titles, Blair boys’ basketball has now won a total of 11 MAPL championships.

Meanwhile, the girls’ varsity basketball team finished second in the nation at the 2019 independent school national championship, held February 22 and 23 in North Carolina. Having placed fifth at last year’s prep nationals, the Lady Bucs notched three key tournament wins to achieve second place this year.

“We played one of the most challenging schedules in the country, and it was so gratifying to play our best basketball late in the season,” said head girls’ basketball coach Quint Clarke ’87. “More than our players’ obvious talent, I was impressed with the girls’ character, poise and grit as they rose to this level on the biggest stage. This is a special group of people, and I’m fortunate to work with them.”

Historic Seasons for Boys’ & Girls’ Basketball Blair’s varsity girls’ and boys’ basketball teams won their respective Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) championships in mid-February. The girls defeated Lawrenceville 76-47, securing the team’s ninth-straight conference title, while the boys overcame Hill 65-56, marking their fourth conference title in five years.

The boys’ varsity basketball team then made history on February 21 with its 86-64 win over New Jersey rival St. Benedict’s Prep in the New Jersey Independent Schools Athletic Association (NJISAA) prep “A” state championship. This marks the first time ever that the boys’ varsity basketball program has clinched both the MAPL and state titles during the same season.

“We played at a high level this season, overcoming some very strong teams,” said head boys’ varsity coach Joe Mantegna.

7 2 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Blair Wrestling Brings Home 40th National Title It was a historic season for Blair wrestling as well: In late February, the team won its 40th national prep title in 45 years.

The Bucs scored a total of 354 points, followed by Wyoming Seminary in second place with 325 points. Blair tied the all-

ATHLETICS

time record for the number of individual champions with a remarkable nine champions, including four seniors, three juniors, one sophomore and one freshman.

Earlier in the season, the Bucs won their fourth-straight Walsh Jesuit Ironman tournament by 100 team points in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Blair had two champions in the tournament, Trevor Mastrogiovanni ’20 (120 lbs.) and Shayne VanNess ’21 (132 lbs). Runners-up included Michael Colaiocco ’19 (126 lbs.), Julian Ramirez ’19 (170 lbs.) and Owen Trephan ’19 (220 lbs.).

Head wrestling coach Brian Antonelli ’93 reflected on the season with pride in and excitement for his wrestlers.

“Wrestling one of the toughest schedules in the country and going through it undefeated is a huge accomplishment for our guys,” Coach Antonelli said. “They competed hard and represented the School with class. We are thankful for all of the support we received from parents, alumni and friends. Without it, we would not have concluded the high school season with another national championship.”

The girls’ team traveled to Mountain Creek on February 28 and earned four trophies, winning the New Jersey non-public state championship. The team earned second place in both the giant slalom and slalom races, marking its second non-public state championship in three years.

Swim Team Dives Into Victory

Varsity Ski Team Dominates the Slopes The varsity ski team braved frigid temperatures to compete in a number of slalom and downhill races. During the first race of the season on January 15, the girls’ team placed first and the boys’ team finished third. As the winter progressed, the girls’ and boys’ teams continued to place in the top three.

Varsity swimmers traveled to Franklin & Marshall College for the Eastern Interscholastic Swimming & Diving Competition in mid-February. During the meet, Camille Williams ’20, Rachel Ninomiya ’19, Anna Insana ’21 and Summer Will ’19 all qualified for finals in the 200 medley relay and 200 free relay.

Andrew Brooks ’19, Nate Castimore ’20, Jake Leddy ’19 and Aidan Stockhausen ’20 qualified for finals in the 200 free relay.

Camille had personal best times in the 100 free and 100 backstroke races and competed in the individual finals. Jake broke five minutes in the 500 free relay with a career-best time of 4:56.58. Another highlight of the season was Anna breaking her own school record in the 500 free relay with a time of 5:11.49. ■

“Our student-athletes achieved team and individual milestones while working hard with grit and integrity.”

—Athletic Director Paul Clavel ’88

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ATHLETICS

Head Track & Field Coach Roy Wilson: ‘Any Individual Can Improve’

Head track & field coach Roy Wilson and his wife, Angie.

7 4 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

“I can talk Blair track and field all day,” said Roy Wilson, physics teacher and head coach of Blair’s winter and spring track and field teams. That’s a fact. And, having been part of Blair’s track program since he joined the faculty in 2009, he can reel off a decade’s worth of statistics, including times, measurements, records, best efforts, events won and lost, and specific meets where it all happened.

Yet, while stats are important to Coach Wilson, they are not his sole measure of coaching success. As leader of a program that engages more than 50 athletes over two seasons, he finds just as much meaning in the relationships he is forging with each of those students and in the personal growth they experience by participating in Blair track and field as he does in fast times and big jumps and throws.

“I’ve been through huge ups and downs with this program; we’ve celebrated many successes and traveled to indoor and outdoor nationals with individuals and relay teams. But the things that happen outside of meets are a bigger deal to me,” he reflected.

Things like seeing kids learn to manage disappointment and mature through the experience. Helping them understand personal strengths and weaknesses and figure out how to work on them. And seeing them realize why it’s important to show up for practice day after day, even when they know they’ll face a demanding task that will likely cause, as he puts it, “some level of discomfort.”

When students show up for Blair track and field in the winter and spring, Coach Wilson is there, ready with a systematic training plan for any event and ready to

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help them get stronger, faster or simply more fit. “Any individual can improve” is the mantra that drives him as a coach, and, whether that is as an athlete or as a person, he finds fulfillment in being a part of it.

Teaching & Coaching Coach Wilson’s involvement in track began during his high school days at John F. Kennedy High School in the Bronx and continued at Colby College, where he was a four-year member of the winter and spring track teams. A sprinter, long jumper and triple jumper, he captained Colby’s team as a senior in 2007 and was inspired by the great coaching he received from sprint coach Jared Beers to start thinking about himself in that role someday.

During his first year out of college that thought became reality. Preparing to graduate with a degree in physics and not quite sure what career path to pursue, he landed a math teaching position at Cushing Academy in Massachusetts, where he also became a dorm parent and coach of girls’ cross country and track.

“The boarding school world soaks you in immediately,” Coach Wilson said thoughtfully. “I found working with kids very fulfilling and learned while I was teaching that I wanted to be a teacher.”

Two years later, looking for an opportunity to teach physics closer to his family in New York City, Coach Wilson discovered Blair, and he has been a Bogle Hall mainstay ever since.

He teaches every level of physics from general to AP, manages the AP physics curriculum and, from 2014 to 2017, served as science department chair.

A member of Blair’s science faculty, Roy Wilson teaches every level of physics at Blair.

The winter track team practiced in the winter sports complex from January through early March.

When class is over for the day, though, Coach Wilson dons sweats and sneakers and heads to practice.

He started his Blair coaching career with football and spring track, but as

sprint coach, he soon realized that the 10-week spring season gave his runners little time to learn new skills and see improvement. He decided in 2012 to “tag along” with then-winter track head

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coach R. Latta Browse as a volunteer coach and talked to kids about why it was a good idea to start their training during winter track. The next year, Coach Wilson switched to coaching winter and spring track, and, bringing his own brand of intensity, focus and training to Blair’s track teams, he has since spent two seasons each year helping athletes see results.

‘Steps Along the Way’ “A student’s development as a track athlete is tied to a patient, long-term process,” Coach Wilson explained. “We focus on steps along the way—you can’t do everything at once or even in a single year.” Winter track marks the critical start of the training calendar, especially for would-be college recruits.

For them, Coach Wilson creates annual

7 6 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

and four-year training calendars, with the goal of achieving peak performance in the junior year so college coaches see those results during the recruiting and admission process.

Coach Wilson’s priority for all team members, however, is to help them become as athletic as possible and, at the same time, “great on the track.”

That goes for football, baseball, softball and lacrosse players who join winter track for off-season training just as much as it goes for core track athletes who are committed to running, jumping and/or throwing in the winter and spring. “I try to invest everything in every student who comes out for track, including strength, endurance, speed and conditioning,” he said.

“These kids have made the choice to be part of the team, and, ultimately, I

want them to be successful. Besides,” he added, “you never know when someone will surprise you. Even when a student’s goal is to get in shape for another sport, he or she might become competitive on the track.”

With support from the School, Coach Wilson regularly attends coaching seminars and has earned U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) certifications in technical coaching, strength, sprints, hurdles and jumps. He uses this in-depth knowledge to design and execute specific training protocols to help students develop skills for their particular events.

He also consults his network of fellow coaches on training programs, especially two men who have served as his coaching mentors: Irving “Boo” Schexnayder, 2008 U.S. Olympic team jumps coach

ATHLETICS

Coach Wilson cheered on his former team members (left to right) Brennan O’Connor ’14 (Princeton ’18) and Ekrem Ayhan ’17 (Yale ’21) at the 2018 Ivy League Heptagonal Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Franklin Field. Both men competed in the 4 x 400: Brennan ran the third leg for Princeton, and Ekrem ran the second leg for Yale.

and an internationally regarded expert in training design, and Harvard University’s award-winning associate head coach Kebba Tolbert, a fellow Colby alum and an authority on women’s sprint protocols. Coach Wilson acknowledges that while there is “no holy grail in training,” there are “certain decisions you make to try to help kids see the most improvement.” Those are the decisions he tries to get right as often as he can.

Competitive Camaraderie Coach Wilson gives the same attention to each of his track athletes, no matter their level of interest or ability, because he knows that, in this sport, “you have to go hard or you’re guaranteed to see

no changes.” Along with that focus on individuals, though, he also promotes a team culture of mutual respect and support, combined with competitive camaraderie. Stopwatch ever at the ready, he even injects a bit of fun into practice by timing everything—right down to tying your shoes.

“I want my athletes to be competitive all the time but be positive and supportive teammates, too,” he said. That means making sure everyone on the team has an appreciation for the demands of each event. Emphasizing the fact that individual improvement leads to team improvement because everyone starts to work a little harder. And gathering after meets to celebrate every success, whether it’s a new record, a personal best or just

progress achieved. “Everyone likes the attention,” Coach Wilson said with a grin, “and they know that sooner or later, they’ll all be in the spotlight.”

Winter into Spring 2019 The spotlight is shining a bit brighter overall on Blair’s track and field program these days, thanks to the 2018 opening of the School’s new winter sports complex.

The “bubble,” erected over a portion of Blair’s tennis center from December through March, provided the winter team with dedicated, climate-controlled practice space for the first time ever. As a result, more team members were able to work on skills in more events with greater efficiency than ever before.

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“I expect the winter sports complex to have a huge impact on Blair track and field going forward,” Coach Wilson said, describing how, up until now, the winter team practiced in the hallways of Bogle and Hardwick halls or dealt with injury-inducing cold weather outside. In the “bubble,” all of the team’s equipment, including jump mats, hurdles, weights, pulleys, sleds, medicine balls and bands, is readily available, and there is plenty of room to practice jumps, throws and running events. Dedicated space makes scheduling easier and allows for increased organization and intensity at practice.

Moreover, all of this translates to a full training cycle during which athletes can improve in every bio-motor area: strength, endurance, speed, flexibility and coordination.

“These are the areas we seek to improve each day, in some capacity. The speed ingredient, in particular, should be more possible than ever with the ‘bubble,’” Coach Wilson noted. “Kids’ ability to learn more skills earlier in the year and earlier in their careers should help us in competitions, too. I’m excited to find out just how much we can gain.”

Heading into spring, Coach Wilson was especially looking forward to the team’s annual spring break trip to the National Training Center in Davenport, Florida, a thrilling opportunity for training and team building at the training home of Olympic gold-medalist Shaunae Miller-Uibo and other elite athletes. He instituted the trip several years ago to add a week to the all-toobrief spring track season, and he believed

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Coach Wilson works on the mechanics of sprinting with Morgan Jones ’21.

the team’s stepped-up training regimen facilitated this year by the winter sports complex would put athletes “well ahead of where we usually are by the time we are in sunny Florida.”

Coach Wilson hoped the new excitement around winter track would mean more students signing up for spring track, too. With an experienced and expanded coaching staff in place— including assistant throwing coach (and head football coach) Jim Saylor,

science teacher Caroline Chamberlain and fine arts teacher Evan Thomas on sprints/jumps, and math teacher Sarah Newbury and science teacher Suzana Markolovic working with endurance athletes—he knew they would have the capacity to give every member of the team individual attention. If all goes to plan, Coach Wilson hopes to see kids experiencing growth in their athletic abilities, especially several promising

ATHLETICS

(Left) Justes Nance ’17 (University of Georgia ’21) and (right) Ekrem Ayhan ’17 (Yale ’21) caught up with Coach Wilson during Peddie Day 2018 at Blair.

returning team members. “I am eagerly anticipating this spring season more than any in recent years,” he said.

This Is Why Coach Wilson is obviously energized about the very real possibility of returning to the New Balance Nationals Outdoor (NBNO), a competition that is recognized as the national high school track and field championship for athletes who are often the best in their state or in the nation at their events. He is also

looking to return to the vaunted Penn Relays this spring, where, among the country’s elite track and field athletes, he hopes to see Blair team members advance to the second day of competition. A trip to the Penn Relays would likely bring back memories of his proudest experience as a coach—ironically, an experience that began with a gut-wrenching defeat.

Justes Nance ’17 (pictured above), one of Blair’s winningest track athletes ever, an All-American high school long jumper and one of the top long jumpers in New Jersey track and field history

(see page 81), was set to showcase his tremendous long jump at the Penn Relays during his junior year. One of only 16 athletes nationwide to qualify for that contest, Justes—and Coach Wilson—arrived at Philadelphia’s Franklin Field with the highest of hopes, only to be dashed when Justes barely fouled on his final and best jump and never made it out of preliminaries.

“Recovery from that level of disappointment was unbelievably hard

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In March 2019, Ashlyn Alles ‘20 competed in the New Balance Nationals Indoor competition, held at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory in New York City.

for both of us,” Coach Wilson said, acknowledging just how much he wants his athletes to achieve the outcomes they desire for themselves and how difficult it is to see them have to cope when they don’t hit the mark. “But despite the disappointment, Justes understood the big picture,” he continued. “He never lost trust in the process, the training system or the goals we had achieved together.” And so, after finding some consolation in cheesesteaks, fries and milkshakes at Gino’s as they left Philadelphia, the recovery began.

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Coach Wilson described how, back at Blair, Justes conducted himself as a leader and team captain, continuing to put others first and training harder than ever. That spring, Justes, who had already reset every Blair record in sprints, went on to break School records as part of the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 relay teams with teammates Ekrem Ayhan ’17, Devyn Saylor ’16 and Harley Wedholm ’17.

In addition, Blair’s 4 x 400 team qualified for the NBNO for the first time in program history, an enormous accomplishment for all four athletes.

“Justes’ winning at the Penn Relays would have been awesome, but the way we handled the adversity and disappointment of that situation means more to me today than how much we would have enjoyed the win,” Coach Wilson reflected. That speaks clearly to his ultimate goal as a coach—fast times aside, he wants to help kids mature and grow as people.

And, when former team members return to the School for Peddie Day, Alumni Weekend or at any other time, excited to reconnect with him, to talk about Blair track, college track and life, Coach Wilson knows he—and they—are on the fast track to success. ■

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A Track Record of Success: Highlights of the Past Decade of Blair Track & Field From Blair Track to College Track: Ekrem Ayhan ’17 – Yale University Kerem Ayhan ’19 – Lehigh University Veronica Blair ’18 – Allegheny College Justes Nance ’17 – University of Georgia Brennan O’Connor ’14 – Princeton University Zach O’Connor ’14 – Colby College Elyse Pettaway ’13 – Bucknell University Na’im Pretlow ’15 – Moravian College Kelvin Serem ’13 – Lafayette College Alec Valle ’18 – Pace University Harley Wedholm ’17 – Franklin & Marshall College

School Records During Coach Wilson’s Tenure (2009 to present): Boys’ 100 – Justes Nance ’17 10.79 (NBNO 2017) Boys’ 200 – Justes Nance ’17 21.63 (NBNO 2017) Boys’ 400 – Ekrem Ayhan ’17 48.74 (Eastern State Champs 2017) Boys’ 4 x 100– Ekrem Ayhan ’17, Justes Nance ’17, David Ojabo ’19, Jayson Oweh ’18 42.01 MidAtlantic Prep League championships (MAPLs) 2017 MAPL record holders Boys’ 4 x 400 – Ekrem Ayhan ’17, Justes Nance ’17, Devyn Saylor ’16, Harley Wedholm ’17 3:22.74 (East Coast Relays 2016) Boys’ Long Jump – Justes Nance ’17 25-0 (2015) Girls’ 100 – Madison Jones ’19 12.32 (MAPLs 2018)

Justes Nance ’17 represented Team USA at the World Youth Games (long jump, 2015). His 25’ 0” jump at the event made him one of only four New Jersey high school athletes in state history (including

Girls’ 200 – Madison Jones ’19 25.91 (MAPLs 2018) Girls’ 400 – Elyse Pettaway ’13 58.31 (States 2013) Girls’ 4 x 100 – Ashlyn Alles ’20, Veronica Blair ’18,

legendary Olympian Carl Lewis) to achieve a 25’

Madison Jones ’19, Savannah Lee ’20 49.17

long jump.

(East Coast Relays 2018) Girls’ 4 x 200 – Ashlyn Alles ’20, Veronica Blair ’18,

2016 New Balance National Outdoor championship competitors: Boys’ 4 x 400 – Ekrem Ayhan ’17, Justes Nance ’17, Devyn Saylor ’16, Harley Wedholm ’17 Boys’ 100 & 200 – Justes Nance ’17

Madison Jones ’19, Savannah Lee ’20 1:43.58 (East Coast Relays 2018) Girls’ 4 x 400 – Elyse Pettaway ’13, Morgan Klein ’13, Ali Surdoval ’13, Maiya Gibbs ’15 4:01.60 (States 2013) Girls’ Long Jump – Ashlyn Alles ’20 18-3 (2019)

Boys’ 400 – Ekrem Ayhan ’17

Ranked 8th in New Jersey & qualified for New

Freshman Girls’ 100 – Madison Jones ’19

Balance Nationals Indoor (2019)

2018 New Balance National Outdoor championship competitors: Girls’ 4 x 200 – Ashlyn Alles ’20, Veronica Blair ’18, Madison Jones ’19, Savannah Lee ’20

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PLANNED GIVING

ROGER GERSHMAN ’82 ‘NOTHING SHAPED MY LIFE MORE THAN BLAIR’ With nearly four decades of experience in the financial services industry, Roger Gershman ’82, Founder and CEO of WealthGuard, Inc., is deeply knowledgeable about money matters, philanthropy, and the intricacies of wealth management and estate planning. However, the advice he shares with anyone considering how to make best use of their assets after their lifetime is simple and straightforward.

“You have a choice: You can pass your money on to the government for taxes. You can pass it on to your kids.

You can pass it on to something that is important to you, something that shaped your life,” he said. “For me, nothing shaped my life more than Blair.” In 2016, he followed his own advice by making a generous bequest to the School.

“A bequest is a neat way to give since you don’t have to immediately take funds out of discretionary income to make a substantial gift,” Roger observed. “Say you want to give $10,000 to Blair, but you don’t currently have the means to make that gift. With a bequest, the money comes out of your estate well after you’ve earned it, perhaps 30 years or more from now. A bequest allowed me to give Blair the gift that I wanted to give.”

Roger came to Blair as a freshman in 1978 and enjoyed an “immeasurable and extraordinary” four-year experience.

A four-season varsity athlete, he was a member of the soccer, skiing and track teams, and he fondly remembers the fun he had playing ultimate Frisbee in front of East Hall, trekking to New York City on weekends and just hanging out with great friends. History and art courses were among his favorite classroom experiences, and it all added up to an impactful education that continues to resonate with Roger to this day.

“Blair builds your character in so many ways,” he reflected. “I gained maturity, social skills, an appreciation for sports and teamwork, and a network of friends for life.

When I got to Syracuse University, I already knew how to live in a college environment, thanks to my experience at

“A bequest allowed me to give Blair the gift that I wanted to give.”

Roger Gershman ’82.

Blair. The life lessons I learned there have even impacted my career.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, Roger headed to Wall Street after college where his first job was at Hambrecht & Quist. He became the firm’s first financial advisor in 1988 and continued in that role at top investment firms for 25 years before joining his family’s financial advisor recruiting business. In 2012, he created WealthGuard, Inc., a company whose tagline is “We watch the people who watch your money.” Wealthguard matches high-net-worth investors with wealth managers who will best serve their needs and monitors them.

These days, managing his businesses and raising his teenage daughters keep Roger “super busy,” yet he keeps in touch with Blair through his network of friends, by returning to campus for major reunions and by serving on the John C. Sharpe Society Planned Giving Advisory Council. He hopes his bequest will help Blair create an even better educational experience than the one he enjoyed, and, as a seasoned financial advisor, he shared this final advice: “If Blair impacted your life as much as it did mine, show appreciation for that experience by giving back to the School. Family, friends and life all pass us by,

—Roger Gershman ’82

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but Blair lives on.” ■

CLASS NOTES

1940 [David T. Blake and James A. Browning, In Memoriam]

1942 Robert M. Fuller

(610) 867-2065 dflippincott@hotmail.com

1943 [Frederick J. Trumpbour Jr., In Memoriam]

Bob Fuller ’42 (right) and his friend, Bob Kearn, at Peddie Day.

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1944

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Robert V. Metz

(207) 627-7053 rmetz1@maine.rr.com

Ralph Balzac ’49 visited campus in November. During his visit, he was able to attend several classes and a Society of Skeptics lecture.

[William R. Berkley Jr. and William C. Lippincott, In Memoriam]

1945 William Bogle

(203) 656-0766 budbogle@aol.com

1947 Arnold Schneider

dottiearnie@verizon.net

News of the class from Arnie Schneider…

Chris Moe has recovered from an ailment and was well enough to travel to St. Louis to see some shows recently. He continues to be active teaching reader’s theater courses.

Jack Bogle has written yet another book! This one, Stay the Course, is a history of his career starting with his time spent at Blair through his founding of The Vanguard Group and the first index funds. Also, in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, he stated that he believed such index funds are becoming too big. [Editor’s note: Mr. Bogle passed away on January 16, 2019. Please see story on page 04.]

[John C. Bogle, Carlton C. Durling and Donald M. Maynes, In Memoriam]

Martin Simon

msimon@trimcobbw.com

David Wakefield

ddwake@yahoo.com

News of the class from David Wakefield…

I recently spoke with Wilfred “Bud” Potter who is still holding forth in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Many of us from ’48 are slowing down, but Bud will outlive us all! His golf is almost done, but he still plays competitive tennis, follows his former medical specialty closely and maintains many friends nearby. We were Blair roommates and have been friends for 70 years.

His lovely wife, Joan, is also a good friend for almost that long as well.

[Eric P. Smith and Charles R. Standish Jr., In Memoriam]

Arnie Koch ’49 in his 1956 baseball uniform during his time serving in the United States Army.

1950 Eugene Krohn

eugenekrohn@gmail.com

[William B. Paton, In Memoriam]

1951 Robert E. Kiley rkiley@cox.net

Frederick W. Rose

1949

th

frose@lindabury.com

[William A. Benton, In Memoriam]

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1948

Arnie Koch ’49 (right) with radio broadcaster Arthur Godfrey on an appeal from the Jazz Appreciation Society of Syracuse in 1952.

N

Elmer Bannan

ecbannan@hotmail.com

NIO

Arnold T. Koch

(781) 662-7425 clarewill@me.com

Robert Neff

princetoneff@aol.com

[Donald H. Leber, In Memoriam]

1952 Robert M. Lerner

robertlerner10@comcast.net

[Alan B. Smith and Walter E. Vallari, In Memoriam] BLA IR BULLE T IN 83

CLASS NOTES

1953

Which reminds me, let’s all continue to stay in touch!

James Youngelson

[William A. G. Boyle, Henry M. Bruen Jr. and Richard W. Jensen, In Memoriam]

So, too, the latest holiday greeting my wife, Terry, and I received this past season from Al Noyes and his wife, Josie, who still reside in Truckee, California. They continue to enjoy the outdoor life and volunteering at their local hospital. All this in addition to following the doings of all their children and, from my count, 17 grandchildren as well! Al has also since shared with me a photo of his that is sure to bring back treasured memories for all of us.

Alas, it needs to be reduced for publication, so I promise to include it the next time. For the record, the photo includes six of our classmates, including Al, attending a Dixieland band concert in New York City our senior year and all dressed to the “tens.” No wonder I agree with Al when his sign-off to me reads “fond memories.” Ah, so true...

Speaking of sign-offs, our honorary classmate, Gladys Van Brederode, sent Terry and me a nice note to start the new year. It ended: “Live in joy, peace and love,” while also reporting that her volunteering efforts still require “a lot of time, as there are more shut-ins to visit and fellowship events to support.” As I said, this is one special class of ours.

I also had the pleasure last fall to spend quality time after our Trustee meeting with Bill Timken and his wife, Judy. It was wonderful to hear that Bill is still playing some tennis these days. The insights he further passed on at our meeting were yet added proof of his special expertise and devotion to our School on the hill and to our own class.

Last, but by no means least, our own Rich Frank has once again outdone himself with his latest holiday creation. This time, his theme was “The Mystery of Stones” from Neolithic times, including a most special stone just for Terry and me as only Rich could do. He and his daughter, Jessica, have definitely not lost their touch!

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News of the class from Jim Youngelson...

I would like to start by remembering our most recent classmates whom we lost this past year.

I, myself, had a unique relationship with each of them, and like so many others of us, they will be sorely missed. I am referring, of course, to our own Harry Bruen, Bill Boyle and Dick Jensen. As some of us will recall, Harry went on as a college classmate of mine and a wondrous chronicler of his special family’s Blair-connected history. I also had the honor of playing alongside Bill on our School’s varsity soccer team and watched him in awe as he outplayed every opponent he ever faced.

Believe me, there is much more to the story than this!

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fairandjust@aol.com

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Hobart Van Deusen rtn.hoby@snet.net

News of the class from Hoby Van Deusen…

As a class agent, I have noticed that it is harder and harder for me to connect with my classmates by phone and have really nice conversations. One reason for this, I believe, is the huge growth of random solicitor calls that we all receive. People are sick about receiving these calls that fool you into answering by using phony area codes and even names of local institutions. However, I was able to connect with a few classmates.

I reached John Lewis and Don McCree and had extended conversations. John had a rough family year, but has been doing very well lately.

He has a rigorous three-day-a-week exercise routine and occasionally plays golf. Cataract surgery has greatly helped, and John feels he can drive at night again. He was going to sell his house in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, but decided to stay there, and his 24-year-old grandson lives with him now. John visits his two sons regularly. Peter lives in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and Mark lives in Denver, Colorado. John attended Al Grande’s burial service last January at Arlington National Cemetery and met with Al’s widow, Claire, and son, Dean. John and Al were Blair roommates for three years.

Don McCree and wife, Patsy, are still in Hobe Sound, Florida, but recently sold their home and downsized into another one. They continue to spend summers in Vermont and now rent rather than own a home there as they did in the past. They regularly visit with former Assistant Headmaster Dave Low and his wife, Candy, while in Vermont. Don and Patsy have seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, which keeps them busy seeing family around the country. They planned a trip to Australia this coming summer and will travel on a cruise ship to see major cities.

Bob Maduro in Madrid sent me a nice email saying that his heart surgery several years ago was a great success, and he only has to take daily medications. He said people of our age (early 80s) have “neurons that don’t function so well anymore.” Bob and his wife, Olga, have two children. Their son, Andres Maduro ’80, lives with them in Madrid, and their daughter, Analisa Maduro ’81, has two children, Diego and Tatiana. Diego is studying business administration and hopes to transfer to Babson

College in Boston. He hopes to eventually earn his master’s degree in the United States.

Tatiana is finishing prep at a British school and getting ready to go to university in England. Bob is very concerned about the world economy and travels to Curacao and Costa Rica annually. He says that in general, life in Europe has changed tremendously and in Spain, even more drastically. Bob and Olga are even contemplating leaving Spain to spend their remaining years in Costa Rica. Bob inquired about classmate Adelsis Grieco, but Blair and I have not heard from him in many, many years. He last lived in Venezuela, but we do not have any address for him. Bob also asked about Albert Eman, who lives in Aruba.

I will try to contact Albert, who was the former managing director of Palmera Quality Products, producers of rum.

I had a very nice conversation with Bob Hunziker who lives in Bay Head, New Jersey, with his wife, Carole, only a few blocks from the beach. Bob continues to own a nationwide industrial storage tank business. Their daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Mark Kelber, and 5-year-old grandson, Matthew, live with them. Besides running his business, Bob likes to garden and is a huge Blair wrestling fan. He travels to Blair matches and to major wrestling tournaments in the East.

[Frank M. Mazurkiewicz, In Memoriam]

1955 George H. Brooks

brooksie01@aol.com

Robert R. Burn

rfburn@optonline.net

Gene A. Losa

galosa1@comcast.net

[John H. Dorsey, In Memoriam]

1956 Nelson P. Cohen

nelson.cohen@gcfl-cpa.com

Courtney R. Fritts petefrittssr@att.net

News of the class from Pete Fritts…

Well, here we are at the point that 60 percent of our class has reached the “Big 80!” It is hard to believe that this many of us are still alive and kicking, after having graduated from Blair in June of 1956. It either has to be our good genes or the “onion milk” we used to get from the Blair farm.

My wife, Page, and I traveled extensively since the latest edition of our class notes. In May, we spent three days in Prague, before we cruised up the Danube River from Passau, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary. Then, in September, we attended the annual reunion of the Retired Military Police Officers Association

CLASS NOTES

Eric Walther ’56 visited campus on September 13, 2018.

Pete Fritts ’56 (far left, standing) and his family on a 2018 Christmas vacation trip in St. Maarten in the Caribbean.

(RMPOA) in Lady Lake, Florida. While we were there, we had dinner at the home of Steve Hopkins, with two other ’56 classmates and their spouses, Sid Baumann and his wife, Gail, and John Hatfield and his ex-wife, Norma Perkins. As usual, a great time was had by all. In late October, my daughter and son hosted an 80th birthday party for me a week before we flew to Hawaii for a week’s vacation.

Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, our entire family of seven flew to the island of St. Maarten for probably our last family vacation.

On February 27, 2018, Peter received the JCRC Distinguished Leadership Award after having led the organization’s Hiring Our Heroes project to match returning Bay Area veterans with jobs. The video is available by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=lkSFAh1EYKE&t=36s.

Mike Smith writes from Argentina: “Unfortunately, no exciting trips or personal events to report; however, Argentina was in the world news as the host of the G20 Summit of world leaders, which took place It was good to have so many of you answer my from November 29 to December 1. Security latest outreach email. Your input allows me measures turned Buenos Aires into a ghost to keep our ’56 column full of news from the city during the event, with few citizens in the members of our class, who live as far north as street, except those protesting the Summit.

Connecticut, as far south as Florida, and out Fortunately, no serious terrorist incidents. west to Montana, Colorado and California.

The leaders got back safely to their countries.

Emmanuel Macron, president of France, The first classmate to respond was Barry returned home one day early, because of Budlong. Barry writes: “You are correct, Pete, about our class being a bunch of octogenarians, rioting in Paris. My next trip to the United States will be in May. My granddaughter is but, thankfully, when Ruth sends me on an graduating from the University of North errand I find my way back home. Of course, I Carolina in Chapel Hill on May 12. My wife, may not remember what I was sent to do. Not Georgina, and I will be touring parts of North much excitement in our lives. Grandchildren Carolina after the graduation. I am still playing are spread around the globe, and I still work tennis, and my health is good.” part time for an environmental contracting firm. I am still involved with some civic and Stew Cole writes: “My wife, Nancy, and I church activities. No big trips planned.” spent a week in Rome in October, and, for those who might be interested, I strongly Raleigh Chinn and his wife, Mimi, are over 83 recommend staying in or around the years old, have lived in Oroville, Washington, Campo de Fiori market. Very central and very for more than 16 years and are in pretty good old Roman.” health. Raleigh appreciates what Blair did for him and the opportunities he was exposed to in many ways. They have three successful children and four grandchildren. One son, Patrick, has been at the University of Oregon for over 20 years, and a granddaughter graduated from the University of Washington.

Lars Carlson shared a YouTube video about our classmate, Peter Gleichenhaus’ recent honor from the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Relations Council.

Richard Young writes: “In June, Carol and I went on another cruise. This time we spent two nights in Barcelona, Spain, and then went on a Seabourn Cruise. Wonderful food and service. The ship made about eight stops in France and Italy, the Mediterranean coast, and then returned to Barcelona. My mobility is not great, but everyone was very kind, and we managed. Aging is a struggle, but we are planning a trip to Alaska next summer.”

Classmates from 1956 and their spouses enjoyed a mini-Blair reunion in Lady Lake, Fla., in September 2018. (Left to right) Sid Baumann, and his wife, Gail, Norma Perkins (John Hatfield’s ex-wife), Pete Fritts and Steve Hopkins.

Fred McCollum writes: “I have fishing trips planned for Chile, Argentina, Yucatan and Alaska. I visited my granddaughter, Kenzie, in Croatia last April. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and will be pursuing her MBA at the University of Texas in Austin this year. It has been cold and windy in Madison Valley, Montana. That being said, Big Sky, the biggest ski resort in the United States, had a record snow in November. For any classmates who are skiers, I recommend a visit.

I hope everyone is well.”

Steve Hopkins writes: “All of my family are doing well, including my five grandchildren. I have been enjoying the Florida winter weather and took a trip to New Jersey in December, where I visited my daughter and her three children. I only had the opportunity to visit for a few days due to a very busy schedule with our shuttle service, which has been a real fun business and has become bigger than expected.

All the best to my 1956 class members and your families.”

Sid Baumann writes: “It has been an interesting end of the year. Our son, Chris, sold his home in Madison, Wisconsin, on June 28 and moved into his new home in Panama City Beach, Florida, on July 1. His furniture

BLA IR BULLE T IN 85

CLASS NOTES was scheduled to be delivered the next day; however, the moving company held his furniture for 100 days demanding more money.

After getting federal investigators and television networks involved, Chris finally retrieved everything from a storage facility in Chicago.

We found out there are currently over 900 reported scams by different moving companies.

Two days after receiving all his belongings, a mandatory evacuation was declared due to Hurricane Michael. Fortunately, our daughterin-law, Holly, and four grandchildren were able to stay with us for three weeks as school did not reopen until November 15. Chris’ home had repairable damage, but several neighbors suffered complete loss. Thankfully, their lives are getting back to normal. On another note, my wife, Gail, recovered from a reverse shoulder operation. I am still actively involved in Taekwondo, and I’m sure it has added 10 years to my life. Gail and I send our very best wishes to all my classmates for a healthy and happy 2019.”

Dick Barber writes: “I am happy to tell you that my wife, Elaine, and I weathered hurricanes Florence and Michael very well, all things considered. We had some wind damage to our roof, had about eight trees blown over and lost several sections of fence. Our dock was damaged, losing about 90 planks. No waves or salt water got near our house, which is a big deal because quite a few houses in our neighborhood were flooded by a three-foot storm surge. Some of the flooded houses have been totally condemned. Of course, our power was out for 10 days, but we have a portable generator that can power our well water pump, the refrigerator and the freezer, as needed.

We live in a small town called Gloucester, North Carolina. The population is about 365, but we have our own post office. Typically our power goes out about four times a year, whenever the wind gets up to 40 or 50 mph, so we are used to living with erratic power. It’s the price we pay for living so near the ocean.

Our view is of the sound side of the Outer Banks. When the wind is blowing, we can see the spray from the breakers on the ocean side.

I’m also happy to report that my health is much improved this year. After the discovery of hypopituitarism resulting from a pituitary adenoma, I began taking synthetic thyroid and adrenal hormones and am now feeling pretty good. I was well enough to replace the 90 dock planks by hand, using 16-penny nails.

I was slow, but I got it done. Elaine’s health has been good all along, so we’re feeling pretty fortunate for 80-year-olds. One thing we miss a lot, living in coastal North Carolina, is the ability to zip in to New York City to take in a show when we feel like it.”

1957 classmates Jim Naisby and Jack Minton at Peddie Day.

1957

Norm Beatty ’58 (right) and Andre Baldanza ’58 (left) visit with Head of School Chris Fortunato in the Chiang Center for Innovation and Collaboration.

However, Peter suggested an informal Blair reunion would be a better solution.

James Naisby

jnaisby@ptd.net

1958 Norman E. Beatty

nbeatty@firsthope.com

Peter J. Cleary

clearypj@aol.com

News of the class from Norm Beatty…

Steve Steiner reports he retired on July 31, 2018, completing 51 years of professional life, beginning with 36 years in the diplomatic service, the last 12 of which he was engaged in nuclear arms negotiations. This was followed by eight years at the State Department focusing on democracy, human and women’s rights. Steve completed his career with seven years at the United States Institute of Peace, where he worked on programs to empower women in countries that have experienced violent conflict. Steve also worked with young men in those countries to encourage them to accept a peaceful narrative of masculinity and to respect the rights of women and girls. He remains engaged on selected issues: women’s empowerment in Afghanistan and working with veterans and internally displaced persons in Ukraine to help that country overcome the Russian aggression against it.

Steve Losa and his wife, Zee, relocated some time ago from Vermont to California. The weather and the proximity to family and friends have improved. While Steve has many wonderful memories of Blair, his relationship with Mr. Marcial was special.

Dave Contant reached out to Peter Cleary informing him that the affordable and friendly island of Nevis offers the perfect site for a doit-yourself wellness retreat. Dave was referring to Peter’s longtime family retreat on the island.

As they relocated from the New York Athletic Club Yacht Club to Coconut Grove on the Biscayne Bay in Florida, Peter Cleary and son, Daniel, took 56 days for the journey, of which 20 were spent waiting for the weather to break. The trip included visits with Greg Wanamaker and his wife, Linda, who continue to enjoy life on the Chesapeake Bay. Karl Wagner shared that he and his wife, Denny, are now spending the winter months in Sarasota, Florida. They are enjoying great weather compared to the cold of Milford, Pennsylvania. They are going to Amman, Jordan, in April 2019 to see his daughter and granddaughter. His son-in-law is a diplomatic officer in the U.S. Embassy in charge of our offices in Iraq. Karl’s youngest daughter Kim, age 30, just got married in Philadelphia, and he promptly filed Chapter 11.

Tony Battelle, still the golfer extraordinaire, writes: “I’m alive and well up in New Hampshire, enjoying woodland retirement along the Contoocook River Gorge, a kayaker’s mecca where Ted Williams, whose son, John Henry, bought my Brookline condo back in ’92, used to fish for landlocks.” But Tony is a golfer to the core. An otherwise busy summer reduced his course time but not his range time on the town’s ballfield, with his teeball distance holding. Tony’s highlight was a 79 in the New England Senior Amateur Qualifier (must be 55; he was the oldest at 78). Tony’s qualifier was held at the Atkinson Country Club, a nasty, narrow, hilly track on which, over many years and many rounds, Tony has seldom broken 80. It was good for sixth place among 11 who qualified. By the way, Tony reminds everyone that the Red Sox again dominated as they collected another World Series trophy.

[William W. T. Jackson, In Memoriam]

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Keep us informed!

(908) 362-6121

Shaunna Murphy Melissa Sneed

classnotes@blair.edu (class notes) x5655 sneedm@blair.edu (contact information updates) x5631

CLASS NOTES This past September, Al Holtz experienced an infection in his pacemaker. What was supposed to be a simple replacement on September 12, evolved into a seven-hour open heart surgery, during which the removal of the infected pacer leads blew a hole in the superior vena cava. Going through extensive recovery in intensive care facilities, as well as long-term acute care facilities, Al returned home on Tuesday, December 4, after 84 days of hospitalization. He reports that he is improving daily and uses a walker at home and a transport wheelchair for outside ventures.

In early October, Norm Beatty and Andre Baldanza linked up for a full-day Blair visit.

Andre spent his freshman and sophomore years at Blair (1954-1956). Due to financial issues, he did not remain at Blair. However, his great respect for our alma mater prompted him to send his son, Andre (AJ) Baldanza ’85, to Blair.

Their visit that bright fall day brought back many memories for Andre, including learning table etiquette from Cap Steckel, trying to drain the Blair water tower by flushing every toilet in Locke Hall, a special Chapel service in Memorial Hall, now Timken Library, during which the speaker prepared bacon and eggs to illustrate his message. They visited the new dormitories and academic buildings and enjoyed a chat with Head of School Chris Fortunato. The whole day was a fantastic trip down memory lane for Andre and Norm.

[Walter G. Glaser Sr. and Charles E. Gorham Jr., In Memoriam]

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James E. Burcham

burchje131@comcast.net

News of the class from Jim Burcham…

Nelson Silverstein writes: “It has been an interesting few months. We enjoyed a great two-week cruise to the southern Caribbean back in January. My daughter, global vice president of sales with a company that has a 1,000-person operation in Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore, is a testament to how times have changed from one generation to the next.

I’m just awaiting final clearance to arrange our next venture: meeting up with my daughter in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and touring with her through Vietnam, over to Cambodia and Thailand. My cornea transplant, done eight years ago, suddenly experienced rejection, so I had replacement surgery in August.

My grandkids in Ohio are doing well; the oldest is a junior at Ohio State. The youngest is attending a STEM program, also at Ohio State. He just completed freshman year and has two courses left to graduate high school this semester. Additionally, he earned his way onto the Midwest Olympic-level soccer team as a goalie.”

1960 Phil Koebig

pkoebig@verizon.net

Bill Mahood

w_mahood@yahoo.com

John Meinig

jmeinig@gmail.com

Kit Swenson

chswenson@embarqmail.com

[John P. Gorham, In Memoriam]

1961 Frank H. Briggs Jr.

betabriggs@gmail.com

News of the class from Frank Briggs…

The last handful of years have been quite eventful. On July 1, 2018, at age 75, after 52 years, I retired from YWP/AXA Advisors, LLP having sold my revenue stream to several younger partners. I’ll continue to do some work using my original entity, Briggs & Associates. However, my objective is to learn how to retire.

As some of you know, for many years my limp became increasingly worse, although I continued to hike and ride my bike many hours a week. In October 2007, after expeditions to Alaska and Colorado, it grew much worse overnight. The next eight years were manageable with a surgery and continuing therapy; however, I deteriorated rapidly in 2015. In September, a gifted neurosurgeon at Emory performed miracles, which, accompanied by a new right knee a year later, have me stabilized and slowly improving.

I plan to see everyone at our 2021 reunion!

My wife, Margaret Ann, and I continue to relate often with our 10 grandchildren, the eldest three being at the University of Alabama, the University of Georgia and Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, respectively. Additionally, we enjoy our lake house, volunteering our time with an innerI’m finally returning to my automobile persona. city school, Atlanta Youth Academy (which has sent three or four students to Blair), I had eight Corvettes, the last of which was a among other things. Finally, I have physical 2000. My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s therapy and rehab three days a week, swim in 2005. It’s been five years since her passing, one or two days, fundraise for the Lawn and I needed an older-aged crisis car. I had rooms restoration at the University of Virginia to accept the fact that four lumbar and one and have undertaken the writing of my life cervical surgery precluded getting in and out “remembrances” at a minimum of of a sports car, so I went for the next best, a 500 KB/week.

BMW M-series convertible.

In terms of Blair, I continue to be in occasional touch with Lee Johnston and John Perez of our class and Pete Gulick ’59 of North Hampton, New Hampshire, who I’ve known since his father suggested Blair for me to my father in 1957!

[Craig S. Sim, In Memoriam]

1962 Mark Gottesman

markgott@verizon.net

News of the class from Mark Gottesman…

Classmates on the move, quite literally... Augie Kattermann and his wife, Sue, have moved from Randolph, New Jersey, to Raleigh, North Carolina, to live with their daughter and her family. An escape from winters and the high costs of New Jersey.

Gerry Manning writes: “Darryl and I are now domiciled in Naples, having given up our Connecticut voter privileges for Florida’s wild and woolly political arena. We have Florida licenses. We feel like aliens, exPatriots fans from New England. But the trade-offs are no snow shoveling, no slush and a golf cart in the garage.”

Tim (Timber) Kirby writes: “I recently bought a house in a beautiful area in a hilly county of Florida, located on Lake Griffon at Harbor Hills Country Club, and I have a guest room! After 23 years in the Keys, it was time to move and start another new chapter in my life.”

Andy Berger and his wife, Emily, aren’t going anywhere, except toward full retirement.

Andy will continue as an adjunct professor at Cornell Law, teaching copyright litigation.

In December, Janet and I visited Andy and Emily at their lovely home in Brooklyn and got a quick tour of their lively neighborhood and newly restored waterfront and piers. Their oldest son, Evan, was recently married and lives nearby. Their youngest son, Alex, lives downstairs in their brownstone.

Received a long and thoughtful note from Jim Richart. Jim writes: “After all these years I feel I need to provide you with some explanation of life at Blair and my life after our days at Blair. This may help explain in some ways my being disconnected. You certainly have shared much with us as classmates over the intervening years. As I look back, I can only remember three distinct things from my year at Blair: The joy of running cross country with Pete Humphrey and Ed Mason; our boycott of our senior prom; and my failure to achieve any degree of academic accomplishment. I never could come close to the success of two classmates who roomed directly above me. This is not to say that I

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Will Johnson ’62 and his partner, Diane Kurtz, at Top of the Rock, Missouri.

Creed Terry ’62 (right) during a fishing trip with friends on the Rogue River in Oregon.

did not meet some amazing classmates. In addition, I always had a high regard for the instructors and their effort to teach us. They made every attempt academically to enrich our lives. At the age of 29, I finally received my bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rutgers University after seven years attending night school. At that time, I was already married and had a son and daughter. Upon receiving my degree, I would begin a fairly successful career with the Johnson & Johnson family of companies that would last 24 years. At the time of my retirement, I was controller of a small cardiovascular startup division in Sacramento, California. Following that, I worked for a venture capital cardiovascular startup company and two nonprofit agencies whose missions supported the developmentally and physically disabled. As I think you know, I retired six year ago as director of finance for The Arc of Somerset County in New Jersey. I am keenly aware of what a great school Blair Academy has become since we left.”

Jim also noted that he has two granddaughters who live close by in New Jersey, both of whom are preparing for college.

Jon Ten Haagen writes: “I merged another company into mine, so I have two young partners in their early 30s and 40s to take

over someday. For now, they are enjoying learning from my 40 years’ experience in this business. They are both certified financial planners, as I am, and they are enrolled agents so they can practice accounting in all 50 states and in front of the federal government. My clients will be in good hands. I won the club championship in sailing again this year and took second overall in the Oakcliff Classic Spring Series. I am tied for second in the current fall series. I am on the boards of a community organization, a nonprofit and a PAC government organization (in my copious free time!). My book is finished and now is going through the compliance procedure. The working title is If Not Now...When?!”

Creed Terry, from his home in Eagle Point, Oregon, sent along a photo with him holding a 27-pound salmon caught on the Rogue River. Given my history of “fishing” with Steve Shuart and Don Weinstein on Cape Cod, Creed noted kindly: “Maybe you should fish the Northwest versus Cape Cod. Just sayin’.” On a more serious note, Creed wrote about the challenging heat and related forest fires that have impacted the Rogue Valley, starting much earlier in the summer. “We don’t need all the world scientists to demonstrate global warming.” Creed and his wife, Mickie, remain active travelers, mostly recently with a visit to Amsterdam and then a multiple-river cruise ending in Budapest. They also hiked in Waterton [Lakes National] Park with visits to Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise. “In February, we will take our annual two weeks in Maui.

Our motto is keep moving as long as we can move.” Specifically related to Blair, he added a footnote: “P.S. I, too was impressed with the Head of School letter and the vast, and I mean vast, variety of educational and learning choices Blair offers today. Makes our choices seem somewhat basic. Wonderful progress and leadership at the school.”

[Scott S. A. Coby, In Memoriam]

1963 L. Carter Crewe III

ccrewe@msn.com

William S. Wildrick

wswildrick@yahoo.com

News of the class from Carter Crewe…

My wife, Betty, and I had a quiet Thanksgiving and Christmas visiting with friends and working on the house. Lots of “honey dos” when you have been in a house less than a year. Good to downsize! So far, the big projects have been to move the heat pump off the roof to the back patio, get a new reflective flat roof

Join thousands of Blair alumni online: www.blair.edu/alumni We remain committed to connecting with all of you. So please keep following us!

8 8 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Al Woolf ’63 and his wife, Sharon, at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland.

Barbara and Doug Henderson ’63 (left) with Kristi and George Roenning ’64 (right) at the opening reception of “To the Depths” at Woodwalk Gallery in Door County, Wisconsin.

over the kitchen and have a new 23-panel solar system installed with a great 10-hour backup battery. No more electric bills and a great tax credit. I have been working diligently on finding a workable solution for selling and/or getting rid of the two-week timeshare in our ’63 Faculty Chair endowment with good news on the horizon. More to come on this. Have an outstanding and healthy 2019!

Bill Wildrick called me after the new year to say that his beloved wife, Ginger, had passed away on December 17 after a long battle with cancer. All of the Wildrick family was in La Jolla, California, for the Thanksgiving holiday supporting Ginger and Bill. A note was sent out to our “Band of Brothers” class saying we all are sending our thoughts and prayers to the Wildrick family (which includes five generations of Blair graduates). Blessings, Bill!

John Alden writes: “A few days after Thanksgiving, Alan Greenstein and I met in Boston for lunch. Both of us were in town on business and were able to get together to catch up. We did not take any pictures, as Alan felt that my face had already been in the Bulletin too much.”

Bill Cashel writes: “About a month after our reunion, my wife, Gail, and I checked off a

CLASS NOTES

Gail and Bill Cashel ’63 with the Maasai people in East Africa.

Barry Parker ’63 with his grandson, Mason, on Lake Champlain fishing for bass.

Barry Parker ’63 during a recent fishing trip in Maine.

Bill Cashel ’63 and his wife, Gail, on safari in East Africa.

longtime bucket list item: witnessing the Great Migration in East Africa. Our safari took us to several game parks in Kenya and Tanzania, and we really got up close and personal with a large variety of animals and birds. We also had some fascinating interactions with the Maasai people in both countries. While dusty and bumpy, this safari was far above expectations for us.

We’d recommend this kind of trip to everyone.”

Barry Parker writes: “My wife, Patty, and I are living directly on Lake Champlain in Grand Isle in the Champlain Islands in a winterized summer camp cottage. We are 25 miles from Burlington, Vermont, which is a very exciting university town with great restaurants, music and cultural scene! We are 30 minutes from our two children, Rachel, 48, and Joshua, 44, and our five grandchildren: Maia, 20, a junior at the Grossman School of Business at University of Vermont; Sierra, 16; Mason, 13, Samantha, 12, and Briland, 10. I worked part time for the new L.L.Bean store that opened in Burlington four years ago! I was utilized to keep the fly fishing department going and, in the winter, teach fly tying in the store on Saturdays. I left L.L.Bean recently and am now helping teach wounded veterans and still-active service men and women who fly fish as part of Project Healing Waters. We still own some rental real estate, which requires our attention, and we backstop for our kids

Barry Parker ’63 and his wife, Patty.

and the five grandkids with their sports and doctor appointments. We are also expecting a sixth grandchild in April, which we are excited about.

We recently traveled to the United Kingdom and Wales to see cousins and then Florida and Connecticut to visit some of Patty’s brothers and sisters. Montreal, our urban fix, is only an hour and 15 minutes from rural Vermont.

During the last eight years, I have gotten out west a lot to Montana and Wyoming/ Yellowstone to fly fish. This fall, I traveled with some fishing friends over to Cape Breton Island in the Canadian Maritimes and caught my first couple Atlantic salmon on a fly I tied!

This last summer, I got frustrated by missing the 55th due to unexpected circumstances, so I organized a small lunch down on the Cape with Ray Burghardt, John Alden and Alan Greenstein, and I stayed at Ray’s house for a few days. Met one of his daughters and enjoyed swimming in a Cape Kettle Pond during a wicked heat wave. Also in September, Patty and I drove across northern New England and spent the weekend with Carl Jacobs and his wife, Leah, at their summer house in Castine, Maine. A great time was had by the four of us!”

Al Woolf writes: “In October, my wife, Sharon, and I visited and drove all around Ireland and Northern Ireland, hopped over to London and

Barry Parker ’63 (back center) with his family.

Barry Parker ’63 holding an Atlantic salmon on the Margaree River on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.

then came home. We never got to visit Ireland when we lived in England at the time of bombings, but we finally made it there, driving 2,200 kilometers over eight days and visiting many wonderful sites, including the Titanic museum in Belfast, Churchill’s wartime

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CLASS NOTES bunker in London and several beautiful cliffs.

Naturally, we had to stop for a Guinness at the brewery in Dublin.”

Larry Driever writes: “I did more hiking in the Adirondacks this past summer but got rained out of going up to the White Mountains. On September 29, our youngest daughter was married at a large wedding done locally. My wife, Elizabeth, and I spent the last half of October taking a comprehensive tour of Italy from Pompeii up to Venice.”

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Donald L. Lusardi Jr.

lusardidon@gmail.com

Kevin Suffern ’64 (far left) with his son, Michael Suffern ’06, and brother, Marc Suffern ’61 (far right), during a visit with their cousin Stephen from Paris and his grandsons.

Courtney West

cwestva@gmail.com

Chuck Potter celebrated his 50th reunion at Texas Christian University in May, where he was awarded a gold medallion for his loyalty and continued support. His class raised more than $14 million for their reunion and, in exchange for his efforts, Chancellor Victor J. Boschini Jr. rewarded Chuck with a beautiful medallion, which he wore with his purple cap and gown at the 2018 commencement.

He is grateful that he was able to share this experience, since back in 1968, he received his diploma dressed in his United State Army officer’s uniform. Chuck, as many classmates know, has also been a stalwart supporter at Blair and has never missed any major reunions.

Chuck attended this year’s Peddie Day weekend and will be front and center at the upcoming 55th reunion in June.

News of the class from Courtney West…

I stayed in touch with our ’64 scholarship recipient, Chinonso Chima-Anyanka ’17, during his freshman year at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The following year, he transferred to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) because it offered the specialized curriculum to support his career ambitions. I’m sure his decision was equally applauded by his family members, who live close by in Trenton. It’s been reported that he attended this year’s Peddie Day football game and led several hearty cheers in the football stands!

Gus Hedberg recently returned to Blair in October to attend the theatrical rendition of The Fantasticks, a story about two fathers who plot to trick their children into falling in love. He was joined by Andy Thomson and, afterward, had the chance to visit with Head of School Chris Fortunato, several members of our alumni office and the Blair Academy Players.

9 0 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Chuck Potter ’64 at his 50th reunion at Texas Christian University receiving his medallion from Chancellor Victor Boschini Jr.

Rich Brown (aka Brownie) advised he has been enjoying his retirement by spending more and more time with his grandchildren. For those of us who remember Brownie as the best athlete in our class, it’s gratifying to hear that he has finally hung up his rugby clothes after outperforming many teammates who were decades younger!

Tom Frystock was disappointed that he’ll be unable to attend our 55th reunion due to a commitment as the Grand Master at one of Hilton Head’s major golf tournaments.

Evidently, Tom has become quite the golfer, and he and his wife, Beth, have become active volunteers who support local charities.

Between hiking, biking and tennis, Jim Heath and his wife, Edie, are planning their second river cruise in Europe in 2019. Jim said he “never looked back” after a decadeslong career as both an English teacher and headmaster of a private school in Connecticut.

Jim advised that he is considering a trip back east for our 55th reunion if the hot summer becomes too unbearable.

David Johnson ’64 and his “new pet,” a 900-pound Weddell seal on Elephant Island, Antarctica.

After a distinguished career as a university professor, Rich Drucker has returned to the classroom as a part-time teacher at Rutgers University. His wife, Diane, still works as a full-time professor at Rowan University, and they mainly spend their time off with their family. His two children and three grandchildren live in northern New Jersey, and one is only about 20 miles from Blair. Rich has maintained an ongoing friendship with a fellow Blair graduate, Conrad Jones ’63, who lives across the river from New Jersey and has been fighting health issues over the years. Rich and Conrad have been good friends since the third grade, when they attended the Friends’ Central School in Philadelphia. Later, Conrad transferred to Blair, and Rich followed him as a postgraduate student. Rich said Conrad held a prominent position for years at Temple University, until his paralysis deteriorated and he was confined to a wheelchair. We both plan to visit Conrad and have tentatively scheduled a date in February 2019. Rich asked to be remembered to his Blair classmates.

As most classmates know, Kevin Suffern went to law school at the University of Florida

CLASS NOTES after graduating from Cornell University.

During his career, he practiced law in Missouri representing mostly folks who were indigent or less fortunate than he. His dedication to others is not a surprise for anyone who got to know him at Blair. One of his proudest moments occurred in 2005, when he returned to campus to see his son graduate from Blair.

Kevin resides in Hannibal, Missouri, and plans to attend our 60th reunion.

It comes no surprise that Bill Cramer recently received East Stroudsburg University’s inaugural President’s Distinguished Medal during the university’s 125th anniversary celebration dinner on October 25, 2018, for his generous gifts to aid student scholarship.

Additionally, he was also recognized by the Salvation Army for his charitable gifts and his year-round support. As the class of ’64 may recall, Bill was awarded the Blair Academy Alumni Volunteer of the Year at our 50th reunion. I think it is worthy to note that our class should appropriately refer to Bill as our unofficial ambassador for all things good.

Frank Dengler, a retired United States Navy commander, remained in San Diego after retirement. He experienced four combat tours in Vietnam and served on the USS Intrepid and USS Brinkley Bass. He even stepped ashore at one point and performed as a forward observer for the U.S. Marine Corps. Frank is currently working on tactical communications projects for the defense contractor, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). He has totally transitioned from “East Coaster” to the southern California lifestyle.

During his free time, he and his wife, Patricia, enjoy visiting their two daughters, Heather and Libby, and building replica models of the two destroyers on which he served.

News of the class from Don Lusardi…

Although he once was lost to Blairstown, David Johnson has found his way back and provided an update from his home in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. In 2009, Dave retired as director of the office of attorney ethics of the Supreme Court of New Jersey. He was appointed to that position by Chief Justice Robert N. Wilentz and served under five chief justices. “I worked for our New Jersey Court system for almost 34 years,” said Dave, and his most rewarding experience was investigating and, where appropriate, prosecuting New Jersey attorneys who committed ethics violations. After retiring, Dave has remained busy. “I discovered travel and photography, and they have captivated me. I shared a picture of me and Waddy, my ‘new pet,’ a 900-pound Weddell Seal, at Elephant Island, Antarctica.

This year, I toured Scandinavia and just returned from my sixth trip to Africa, where I love to photograph the animals. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it back to Blair in June as I will be traveling to Indonesia and several other Asian countries in May and June.

But I’ll try to make it back soon.” We hope so, Dave! He gives his best to all his classmates.

Bob Nichols wants us to put him down for the 55th. We caught up with him just after Hurricane Michael blew through the North Carolina area. “We had 24 hours of moderate wind and showers punctuated by 12 hours of torrential rain,” noted Bob. The hurricane threw a wrench in his travels since he was in California and was scheduled to fly to Arizona for a meeting. “I caught the last AA [American Airlines] flight from DFW [Dallas-Fort Worth] and weathered the storm with my child bride,” he explained.

Bob has kept himself busy as a research director for Cotton Incorporated. When I spoke to him, he was putting together two national teams, one for an undiagnosed, likely invasive, virus on the Gulf Coast and another “for a race shift in a soil-borne disease that blows out our resistant cultivars in the Southwest. My work is very challenging and absorbing. If do this for another 100 years I might get good at it. And I’m not going to be doing this in another 100 years!”

Bob has kept in contact with other classmates, and, in June, he met up with Bill Solomon at their 50th Yale reunion. “My wife and I had dinner on the Old Campus. The big issues were Vietnam, which impacted all of us in some way or other, and free speech, which is impacting Yale.” Bob was recognized by Peggy Keeney, wife of the late Greg Keeney, another Yalie. “She identified me during an interactive session, when she heard my peroration on the value of the free exchange of ideas,” noted Bob. “I’ll try to come back to Blair for the 55th.

John Lennon said, ‘If you’re having fun, you’re not wasting time.’ I’ve been working hard for a long time. If I don’t stop soon, I might become a dull boy.” Not a chance of that Bob, and I hope you come back to Blair.

Chris Bengtson is also enthusiastic about the upcoming 55th. We talked briefly about the current political situation, and Chris brought up seeing Brett Stevens, a freelance writer and commentator, mention on television another individual who was fond of history and politics: former Blair faculty member Elliott Trommald Hon. ’65. Cape Cod came up, since we both enjoy vacationing there, but we decided the Cape seems a little less inviting because of a recent great white shark attack that took the life of a swimmer off Wellfleet.

Chris met up with Jim Trozze ’65 at a lunch in Boston. He’s also been in contact with Carter Crewe ’63 and Brian Clayton ’63 on the Internet. As for the 55th, Chris said, “Put me down.” Chris, if you’re looking to help,

why not arrange a pre-reunion get-together with Ray Schaefer and Bob Weber, who are in the Boston vicinity?

Joining the reunion committee for our 55th once again is Clark Heckert, who has retired, moved to Colorado, and taken up international volunteer work and novel writing.

His first work, Sudden Storm, follows the trail of Lt. Keith Maddox as he tries to thwart the Russians from using their weather-modifying system to create super storms off the Florida coast. Clark called upon both his experiences in the Navy, stationed off the coast of Vietnam and during the Cold War, to create a detailed picture of the times. Clark is working on a sequel but also is finding that he really enjoys promoting his works. The writing urge must have struck the Heckert household because his wife, Pam, is writing a novel about girls growing up in the 1850s. The novel is set at the school Pam attended.

Clark put in a good word for another classmate in Colorado, Dr. Robert Derkash, who lives in Glenwood Springs. He is a highly regarded orthopedic surgeon.

If you’re looking for a good read, you can find Sudden Storm online at Amazon. There’s also a copy in the Blair library. Anyone else out there have a literary creation? Let us know if you want to add your work to the collection.

1965 Don Jay Smith

don@lksassociates.com

News of the class from Don Jay Smith…

It is great to stay in touch with classmates through emails, Facebook and phone calls. I hope I hear from all of you even more.

Ed Sleeper and I speak fairly regularly, and we had a long Blair conversation before Peddie Day. Ed was reminiscing about people who meant a lot to him during those teenage years.

In addition to his classmates, he mentioned a couple of guys from the class of 1964 who were close friends: Courtney West ’64 and Rich Brown ’64. I think they will both be back for their 55th reunion in June this year.

Peter Nystrom moved to Ashland, Oregon, back in 2012 where he enjoys retirement in a small college town. He downsized after an accounting/IT career, which wrapped up in San Francisco. He stays in close touch with his Blair roommate, Marc Cottone, and reports that he still practices Tai Chi. We exchange emails occasionally, sharing music mainly from the sixties and seventies.

Keep us informed!

(908) 362-6121

Shaunna Murphy Melissa Sneed

classnotes@blair.edu (class notes) x5655 sneedm@blair.edu (contact information updates) x5631 BLA IR BULLE T IN 91

CLASS NOTES

Blair alumni and their spouses joined Velma Lubliner, assistant director of advancement for capital giving (far right), in Kansas City, Mo., for dinner in the fall. (Left to right) Shu and Steve Driever ’65, Eva and Jeff Karp ’70, and Joy and Ted Haff ’68.

Don Jay Smith ’65 (center) with classmates Bill Foster ’65 (left) and his wife, Kim, and Jim Trozze ’65 (right) and his wife, Lisa.

1965 classmates at Blair for Peddie Day. (Left to right) Bill Foster, Don Jay Smith, Jim Trozze and Ed Sleeper.

I hear often from Bob Lay, who seems to be as busy as ever with a growing family. Bob and his wife, Pam’s, son Sergei got married this year.

Additionally, their daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Stephen, as well as their other son, Morgan, and his wife, Brittany, both added a child to their families (I have lost count as to the number of grandchildren Bob and Pam have). This past summer, Bob went hiking and camping in the Peruvian Andes, getting to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. He also managed to find the time to volunteer at a summer camp for abused children.

Harry Joelson always seems to have a humorous comment to the photos I share with our class, writing after this year’s Peddie Day that he didn’t see any neckties in the photos.

He was preparing to deliver his first lecture in Dutch. The topic was women in Dutch paintings of the 17th century and the women artists of that era. While the topic is impressive enough, the fact that he was giving it in Dutch is mind-boggling. Can we get him to come to New Jersey next year and be a speaker for a Society of Skeptics lecture? It’s all in English, and I’m sure I can get a few classmates to come for the program.

9 2 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Don Jay Smith ’65 and his nephew, Dan Smith ’09, at Peddie Day 2018.

Our classmate in Washington, D.C., Bob Weiner, appeared several times this past fall on Sky News Worldwide TV giving commentary on the election. He was also interviewed after the election on a couple of news programs.

Good work, Bob. It was great to see so many classmates at Peddie Day this year. Unfortunately, not everyone made it for a group photo, but, during the course of the day, we got to see Bill Driver, Ed Sleeper, Kim and Bill Foster, Lisa and Jim Trozze, Janet and Don Campbell, and Janet and Bob Young.

Jim Trozze now heads up his own investment firm, and if you are interested in reading his monthly newsletter, The Special Value Story, you can see it at www.special-value.com.

For the foodies among us, be sure to check out the Facebook page for the wonderful baked goods from Chris Leach. It’s called “Chris’ Confections,” and you can find it listed as “Same Day Confections.” Bob Pollack turned me on to the great work by Chris, whom Bob calls “a culinary whiz.” Chris warns me that shipping from California where he lives can

Bob Halley ’65 and his friend, Linda, visited campus in the fall. Bob enjoyed checking out the old spring track captains’ board.

be expensive, but I have no doubt that his creations are well worth the investment!

We are nearing our 55th reunion, so please be sure to send me your email address if you are not already on our email chain. And don’t forget to join our class of 1965 Facebook group. Email and Facebook are two great ways for us to stay in touch! Let me hear from you.

CLASS NOTES

1966 David Sculnick

david.sculnick@gmail.com

Christopher Barrington c.barrington1@icloud.com

1967 Gregory Auger

gaugeri@gmail.com

Barry Smith

Bhsmith5@gmail.com

Larry Snavely

larry.snavely@snavelyassociates.com

News of the class from Barry Smith…

Although Frank Hummel has now settled into retirement, he and his wife, Sally, are still active with their antique business in Michigan and continue to be involved in charity work with their church. Along with four grown children and 10 grandchildren, their days are very busy!

Stan Spraitzer reports that after many years of active federal service at the National Security Agency, he has now retired. To everyone’s surprise, he has decided to leave “paradise” in Hawaii and is building a new home in New Braunfels, Texas. Stan and his wife, Daphne, made the most of their time living in Hawaii, using it as a base for travel to Korea, New Zealand and Australia and, more recently, to the Philippines where they were able to meet and spend time with five Filipino children they have sponsored for several years.

2018 was an active year for Greg Auger.

Inspired by a conversation with Bruce Sergy at our 50th reunion, Greg finally took the plunge and replaced both his right and left knees.

Greg shared: “I was the father of the bride in September and was the father of the groom to

Tom Martin ’71 and his wife, Jane, celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary.

my son, Greg Auger III ’04, in December. If that were not enough, I am also a grandfather for the first time.”

Barry Smith has dusted off his acoustic guitar after many years and is now jamming again with friends and taking voice and fingerpicking lessons from a Nashville musician.

Larry Snavely has traded the gray winters of central Pennsylvania for sunshine. In March, he and wife, Molly, moved to Florida full time. Larry is trying to improve his rusty golf game and seeks to become involved with several nonprofit organizations that provide educational support for at-risk kids.

Tom Martin ’71 and his grandson at a Washington Nationals game last summer.

1968 Richard Rubin

rarlaw@comcast.net

Dick Boak writes: “In November and December, during an exhibition with painter Tullio DeSantis, I showcased my guitars and illustrations, ‘Approximations of Impossibility,’ in Greenwich Village, New York.”

[Lewis H. Lushear, In Memoriam]

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John Sandfort had a difficult year. Diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, John began needing oxygen full time in 2017. Fortunately, he was able to get into the lung transplant program at Duke University Hospital and in late June, received two new lungs from a 19-year-old man who had been a victim of a hit-andrun accident. The good news is that John is recovering well! He is especially grateful to his wife, Candace, who cared for him throughout while still carrying the load of a full-time job as rector of Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Montclair, New Jersey.

Blair roommates Nick Manero ’67 and Jeff Mohler ’67.

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News of the class from David Sculnick and Christopher Barrington…

DeFrance Clarke writes: “After 23 years in the Air Force and the last 20 years programming for the Department of Labor and Industries of Washington State, I have retired. Two years ago, my wife of 44 years, Tina, and I moved into a retirement community in Lacey, Washington.

We plan to be active in the community and do some traveling.”

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Trey Bohn

ribi7@yahoo.com

Bob Jenkins

rnjenkins1185@hotmail.com

Chris Leverich

cleverich@aol.com

Frederick Mirbach Jr.

flmirbach@gmail.com

Keith Patten

kwpatten@atlanticbb.net

1970 Alexander Sloane alex@ajsloane.com

[Richard A. Simonson, In Memoriam]

Tom Martin ’71’s family at a Washington Nationals game. (Left to right) Tom’s oldest daughter, Teresa, with his grandson, his son-in-law, his sister-in-law and his youngest daughter, Emily.

1971 Michael J. Lieberman

mlieberman@ashleydevelopment.com

News of the class from Mike Lieberman…

Tom Martin writes: “I retired from Booz Allen in July 2017, after almost 17 years. Counting my nearly 23-year Coast Guard career, I ended with 42 years working. Over this past year, I transitioned to my new (unpaid) career, helping to take care of my two grandsons.

It’s a lot of fun and a lot more tiring than it was raising my two daughters. But it’s worth it. This past August, I took family to see the BLA IR BULLE T IN 93

CLASS NOTES

Reese James Liddle, granddaughter of James Houston ’73, was born on October 24, 2018.

James Houston ’73’s daughter, Christy, her husband, Ken, and their 2-year-old daughter, Caroline.

2nd Lt. Kent Greer, son of John Greer ’74, during his first solo flight in an F-16.

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Josefina J. Iglesias joibru@aol.com

David B. Lieberman

dblieb@yahoo.com

John D. Rea

john@crossadvisors.com

An iceberg photo Aileen (Madden) Gaumond ’73 took while traveling in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and Antarctica.

Washington Nationals play at National Park.

I’ve shared some pictures to show you our smiling faces.”

Another iceberg photo Aileen (Madden) Gaumond ’73 took during her travels. If you look closely, the tiny black dot in the arch on the water is a raft (zodiac) that seats 10-12 people. She enjoys this photo as it gives you the idea of the size of the ice.

bonnienaulthomes@gmail.com

Retired life here in southern Brazil suits me well. I’ve gotten back into the swimming pool for the first time in 40 years, and I can actually swim two laps now without stopping to rest.

My wife and I get to the States about once a year to visit my mom in Tucson, Arizona. We also do one or two trips a year to the lovely beaches near the equator in northern Brazil, where the ocean water is the temperature of a warm bath all year. We try to get to Europe once a year. I stay in touch with Jordan Philipbar, Modesto Ulloa, John Banta, Mike Norton and a few others on email. I also have a blog I write about Brazil, and I continue to write unpublished novels, not to mention keeping a daily journal, which has now grown to about 15 million words, making it one of the longest ever written. In another few years, it will be the largest diary in history.”

News of the class from Thomas McLean…

Michael Rubin writes: “I’m still in Brazil, and I’ve been living here for the past 10 years.

Aileen Gaumond writes: “I just got back from a month in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and Antarctica. It was an amazing experience.”

1972 Gregory A. Washburn

washwashburn@optonline.net

Pieter Woodcock

pkwoodcock@embarqmail.com

[Thomas S. Goodkind, In Memoriam]

1973 Thomas McLean

olysportsmclean@gmail.com

Bonnie Hagemeister Nault

Join thousands of Blair alumni online: www.blair.edu/alumni We remain committed to connecting with all of you. So please keep following us!

9 4 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

News of the class from David Lieberman…

It is hard to believe that we graduated from Blair 45 years ago this upcoming Alumni Weekend! On behalf of the reunion committee, I am asking that each and every one of you make it back to Blair, if you are able to, from June 7 to 9. The connections we make when we’re together keep us together. If you are unable to make it, please send us a note we can share with everyone so we know how you are doing and some of the significant things happening in your lives.

The members of our reunion committee 2019 include Tim Eustace, Jo Iglesias, Jeff Koch, John Rea, Denise (Stocker) Current, Ron Spain, Dick Metz and myself. If you would like to be a part of this exciting team, please reach out to any one of us. Hope to see you during Alumni Weekend.

John Greer and his wife, Anita, shared an exciting life event for their son, 2nd Lt. Kent Greer, who is flying his first solo flight in an F-16. Looks like we’ll have Kent protecting our skies for some years to come. John and Anita are very proud of Kent and his accomplishments.

1975 Laura Cochran Morris

lauramorris1@verizon.net

CLASS NOTES

Diane (Kievit) Schulthes ’75 and Barbara (Weiss) Morgan ’75 celebrated 50 years of friendship and their birthdays at Smugglers Notch in Vermont.

The Greater Philadelphia Regional Chapter hosted a luncheon for Blair wrestling fans and alumni on December 15 prior to the Blair vs. Malvern Prep and McDonogh School match. (Bottom row) Tom Kehoe ’83 and Billy Layton ’65. (Middle row) Blake Johnstone ’68, Bob Van Stone ’69, Bruce Holenstein ’78 and Tom Bosler ’66. (Top row) Richard Rubin ’68 and Paul White ’62.

40

Jenny and Eric Maine ’77 ran into former Blair faculty member and Eric’s favorite teacher, English teacher Andros Thomson ’64, at Eno Terra Restaurant in Princeton, N.J.

Robert G. Sigety rsigety@msn.com

Jennifer Woltjen

jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com

1976 Cornelius E. Sigety neal@sigety.org

David L. Waddell

davidwaddell33@gmail.com

1977 Harry D. Gates

harrydgates@yahoo.com

Lee Phillips Horne

hornelh@yahoo.com

Richard Liuzzi

rich.liuzzi@stewart.com

1978 Douglas R. Linton III

douglinton@aol.com

Joe Waddell

gov18@msn.com

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Kenneth Deneau

kdeneau@gmail.com

Guy Saxton

guysax@verizon.net

Susan Ullmann

susanullmann@gmail.com

News of the class from Susan Ullmann…

On December 5, Marianne Lieberman, Guy Saxton, Tamsen Thorpe, Dave McEwen, Ken Deneau, Tim Ho and I had a conference call with Colleen Smarth, director of annual giving, to start organizing our 40th reunion. I’ve heard some of the things we are planning, and it sounds like a busy weekend. I hope you can all make it.

Personally, I am doing well. Another round of physical therapy to address my balance issues, which never seem to end. Keeping busy with church activities. I am in the choir, worship director, pastoral assistant, secretary of the board and treasurer of the women’s group.

Guess that’s what happens when you live across the street and don’t work. I enjoy doing it. I am also still a guardian ad litem in family court and volunteer at the SPCA thrift store.

Marianne Lieberman writes: “We are entering an exciting Blair year for my family. As we all get together for our 40th reunion, I will be serving our Maple Springs Vineyard wine at the Friday night Alumni Weekend celebration, just a couple of weeks after our second daughter, Clare Grant ’19, graduates from Blair! Clare is happily headed to Elon University next year. She has so

Mark Palen ’79’s most recent oil painting, “Telluride 2018” (72 x 52).

enjoyed her Blair experience and immersed herself in the Blair community. Our first Blair grad, Meghan Grant ’17, is enjoying her sophomore year at Pitzer College. Meg credits Blair for her preparedness and love of learning. We are grateful for our Blair family legacy. I will also be entering my eighth year serving on the Blair Board of Trustees. This is an amazing group that includes fellow classmate Dave MacEwen.

I’ve been chairing the Education and School Life Committee for the last few years and also serve on the Executive Committee. I have provided insight into the strategic plan, including the construction of the Chiang Center for Innovation and Collaboration. It’s been awesome gaining a close perspective of Blair as a parent and Trustee. Our School continues to get better, but, of course, we went to Blair in the lost ’70s, so not a fair comparison! Our classmates Tamsen Thorpe and Guy Saxton also have or had kids at Blair! I look forward to seeing lots of you at the big 40th in June! Mark your calendars now! Cheers!”

[Catherine S. Schaffner, In Memoriam] BLA IR BULLE T IN 95

CLASS NOTES Mark Palen writes: “I’ve been running around this country since moving back from Switzerland in 2011. Spent most of my time in Nashville and Seattle and about to move to Reno in 2019. I am looking forward to seeing everyone in June.”

The only person I really see is Mehdi Attaran for the occasional round of golf. Kathy Piowaty, Ken Deneau and I are attempting to coordinate with each other for some event planning for the 40th.”

Pete Bosch writes: “My kids are grown and gone, two of them already in the working world—one a successful sales manager and the other a newly minted chemical engineer. The youngest is at the University of WisconsinMadison, majoring in astrophysics and loving it. We have hosted the last of our roughly eight foreign exchange students. My wife, Connie, amazes me with her dynamism. She is becoming an avid and talented painter in several media, a driven and fluent French student, expert gardener, inspiring cook, fulltime ICU nurse and all-around Renaissance woman (not to mention an expert in the difficult task of tolerating me).

1980

I am doing a fair bit of traveling, much of it for the purpose of photography. In the past couple of years, I’ve been to the Canadian Pacific Northwest, India, Dubai, Greece and Africa. I’ll be going to Germany twice in the next year, once for the Rotary International Convention and once for a river cruise on the Rhine with Connie. To see my work, please visit https://pcbosch.com.

I will most certainly be at the 40th reunion next year and look forward to an even better time than the 30th and 35th!”

Ed Brown writes: “My wife, Val, and I welcomed our first grandchild on April 28, little Kensley Claire. We don’t get to see much of her as our son, Eric, and his wife, Carissa, live in Fayetteville, North Carolina, since he’s stationed at Fort Bragg. They spent the holidays and New Year’s with us. We were so excited about being able to spend time with them and watching the now mobile and energetic young lady who appears to have quite the personality from all the Skype and videos we’ve experienced.

Our daughter, Morgan, just completed her second visit this fall. She lives in Boise, Idaho, and couldn’t make it for Christmas, but she was able to spend time with us in early December seeing friends and family, attending several Christmas parties and helping us decorate.

9 6 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Donna (Salter) Haag

donnahair@hotmail.com

News of the class from Katherine Henry-Schill…

In June, our class will be a year away from our 40th and hoping that you will be able to make it back to Blair in 2020!

I spoke to Rhoads Fearn recently, and he is busy working and attending swim meets for his two children who are in grade school.

He is the proud dad of his oldest daughter, Chelsea, who graduated from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida and is now in the workforce.

While visiting Plattsburgh, New York, last year, Andrew Wylie had an opportunity to meet actor and director Ben Stiller. Andrew got a picture of the manhole by the Clinton Correctional Facility where the two prisoners escaped back in 2015. Be sure to catch the Showtime original series, Escape At Dannemora, directed by Stiller and based on the manhunt for the two convicts who were aided by a prison employee. This event kept district attorney Andrew and his office busy for months in Clinton County, New York.

Dawn Neisse and her husband, Joe, reside in Arizona, where Dawn is a flight attendant for American Airlines and Joe is an author. If you are up for a good book, I highly recommend checking out some of his work.

I always enjoy opening the annual Christmas card from classmate, Jim Maguire. Jim spends most of his time at Villanova University attending basketball games, serving on an advisory board and seeing his two sons, Sean, a senior, and James, a freshman.

When Jennifer Oliva and her husband, Rick, are not traveling, Jennifer is an expert bench jeweler at Martin Jewelers. They currently reside in Clinton, New Jersey, and plan to eventually relocate to Florida.

I hope that 2019 will be exceptionally wonderful to everyone, and may you cherish your time with your family and friends.

1981 Holly J. Anderson-Bender

hollyab418@gmail.com

David E. Owen

david@owenhome.net

Kirsten (Trommald) Bushick ’82 (back left) and her husband, Bryan, visited Juan Pablo Garcia ’82 (back right) while on vacation in Santiago, Chile. Juan’s friend, Maria Cristina Cordero Messmer, joined them for lunch.

1982 William H. Abbott

wabbott24@gmail.com

Marivelle Clavel-Davis

princess_23@embarqmail.com

1983 William Blume

liam.blume@gmail.com

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I’m spending more time on Rotary Club, at both the club and district levels. I am president-elect, and, in July, will become president of my club. My core initiative as president will be to ramp up our members’ hands-on involvement in the charities we help fund.

blairkths@yahoo.com

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I’m winding down my business these days. I like what I do (modeling and simulation), so I’m still happy to work, but I’m a little less aggressive at new business development. My core asset has been placed into open source, and I hope to see it grow further.

Katherine T. Henry-Schill

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Kristine Coughlan Lisi

kristine@lisi.org

1985 Amelia C. Wolfe

Athate67@gmail.com

Christian K. Wolfe

ckwolfe@optonline.net

1986 Linda Fellows

linda1507@aol.com

Jules Coffey Santella

jules@danielandthejumbies.com

1987 Marnie Bruder Raines-Almand marnola@gmail.com

1988 Charles Inkeles

charles.inkeles@gmail.com

CLASS NOTES

Curt Huegel ’86 and Sean Smith ’86 got together in New York City at one of Curt’s restaurants, Campagnola.

1986 classmates Chris Thomas, Sean Smith and Eve Kulczycki in Sean’s home in Southampton, N.Y., in August 2018.

Sean had not seen either of them since graduating in 1986.

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Chrysta De Martino Argue chrysta23@aol.com

Kevin Nofsinger

knofsinger@wsoshea.com

David T. Low

dlow44@comcast.net

[Evelyn M. (Avery-Jones) Brabant, In Memoriam]

1990 Janine Clifford

jpcliff@gmail.com

Heather Jaeger Loeber

blackponyfarm@yahoo.com

Ned Montenecourt

nedmonty@hotmail.com

Todd Smith

toddcsmith10@gmail.com

News of the class from Heather Loeber…

Geoff Samuels qualified and competed in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in South

The Inkeles family during Peddie Day 2018. (Left to right) Barbara Inkeles ’90, Chuck Inkeles ’88, John Inkeles ’93, John’s wife, Sheree, Bob Burn ’55 and David Inkeles.

1990 classmates Seth Greer, Mike Quain and Alex Teller during a recent skiing trip.

Africa this past September, and he has lived to tell the tale. Well done, Geoff!

Last February, Alex Teller had a mini skiing reunion with Seth Greer and Mike Quain.

Alex also went on an epic trip to Tibet with Singleton Cox in May. I have been working pretty hard getting a business up and off the ground here in Portland, Maine. I opened a traveler’s hostel this past June called The Black Elephant. My daughter, Sadie Loeber ’17, and I worked as a team and managed to achieve greatness our first season. If you are passing through Maine, give me a shout. Stay classy, class of 1990!

1991 Erin M. McEldowney Cosgrave

erwinmackie@gmail.com

Elizabeth Wilson Webster

eew1995@hotmail.com

Meredith Magrone Wiacek meri1999@yahoo.com

News of the class from Meredith Magrone Wiacek…

Greetings from Naples, Florida. I finally have some news to report from our class. I’m telling you, it is not easy to get info from our classmates! Erica (Saunders) Bromley writes that she saw Erin (McEldowney) Cosgrave in Washington, D.C., last spring for a girls’ weekend. Erica is still consulting in the

Geoff Samuels ’90 at the finish line at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in South Africa.

juvenile justice field and is a hockey mom, watching her 11-year-old son, Nico, excel in ice hockey. They spend most of their free time cheering him on in the cold all across New England.

Mark McQuillen, who I remember as a quiet young man, has relocated to Boston from San Francisco where he works as a software engineer. He also has written and recorded several songs and has posted them on Facebook for all to see. Very talented!

Krista Reinhardt-Ruprecht has opened a new therapy center as she expanded her private psychotherapy practice, The Nest Creative Therapy Center, in Lafayette, Colorado. She’s very excited to have a space that is child- and family-friendly to help the community heal from trauma and to live their best lives through education and understanding the developing brain. She loves using art and play therapy, and she has definitely found her passion.

Chris Appet, who lives just across Florida’s Alligator Alley from me (although we haven’t gotten together yet), has a new family member—an adorable pig named Bacon.

Tracey Sutton Demaria is a proud mother to her very talented son, Miles. Miles is going to be a big star on the screen and/or stage someday. Make sure you get an autograph!

I spontaneously called Alex Scharnberg to offer support as he is dealing with a terminally BLA IR BULLE T IN 97

CLASS NOTES

I have been keeping busy here in Naples. I am entering my 10th year as a school nurse, and I am also a case manager through Avow Hospice for the Pediatric Palliative Care Team. Last year, we were foster parents to one of my middle school students, which was an interesting experience. Unfortunately, after 10 months, she ended up getting sent to live with her dad in Mexico. My spare time is spent limiting my sons’ usage of Fortnite and watching my 8-year-old daughter, Zoe, play soccer. She has just been accepted onto a select travel team, so weekends will be full! I hope all of you are happy and healthy. And, again, I encourage you to reach out to a classmate you may not have spoken to in a while. There is a bond among us that cannot be broken, no matter how long it has been!

1992 Sarah Burke Mullins

sarahbmullins@gmail.com

Carrie Giddins Pergram carriegiddins@gmail.com

Sona Doran Schiller

sonigdschiller@yahoo.com

1993 Bernadette Clifford

bernadette.clifford@jefferies.com

John Inkeles

johninkeles@hotmail.com

[Michael D. Poster, In Memorium.]

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Bryan P. Kelly

bryankelly@clearchannel.com

JP Weesner

weesner4@gmail.com

Jo Wrzesinsky

wrzesinskyjo@mercersburg.edu

Cam McKinney writes: “I escorted my father, former Trustee Peter McKinney ’52, to the pre-Peddie Day celebration event in Chicago in early November. I am a graduate of Denison University and currently a partner and wealth advisor at William Blair, the Chicago financial services firm. I am looking forward to the 25th reunion in June.”

Brinda Tahiliani writes: “I was named the 2018 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year. This award is presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K-12 American history education. I also received a Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching grant to India from the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. I am one of approximately 35 United States citizens who will travel abroad through the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program in 2018-2019. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.”

1995 Stephanie Jamieson Marcial sjmarcial@hotmail.com

E. Courtnay Brennan Stanford

ecourtnay@gmail.com

News of the class from Stephanie Marcial…

Todd Bowie and his wife, Jamie, welcomed their third little one, a baby boy.

9 8 W I N T ER -SP R I N G 2019

Brinda Tahiliani ’94

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Sarah (Baucum) O’Connor is mom to a 15-year-old daughter, Quinn, and still lives in Denver, Colorado. She was able to see Brad Naylor twice last year as the band he is working with made their way through Denver.

She has been accepted onto a race team of a local running store, Runner’s Roost, and ran in her first marathon on December 2. I don’t know how she does that! If you ever see me running, you better run too!

1993 classmates enjoyed a mini-Blair reunion at Rutgers University to see a wrestling match John Leonardis coached. Go Scarlet Knights and Bucs!

(Left to right) Nicole (Nicusanti) Tipton, Bernadette Clifford, John Leonardis and his wife, Cate.

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ill dad. We had a wonderful conversation, reminiscing of times at Blair. It was as if we talked on the phone all of the time—I encourage you all to pick up the phone and call a classmate! He is teaching eighthgrade science at Alexander Graham Middle School in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also continues to run the Nature Lab at Camp Mondamin. He is also president of the Charlotte area Aquarists Society and a board vice president of the Charlotte Civic Orchestra.

He continues to grow orchids and roses, as well as specializing in cichlid fish.

Stephen Sawran ’95 with the computeranimated fantasy characters, Blinky and Jim from Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia.

Congratulations and best of luck! Send some photos ASAP. Be sure to check out 3Below: Tales of Arcadia, the computer-animated science fantasy series on Netflix, to which Stephen Sawran contributed. According to Steve, he was “late to the party” with the first release of Jim and Blinky’s epic journey on Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia. Congrats on your many recent accomplishments and successes, Stephen.

Tim Sullivan had an art installation in September at the Governors Island Art Fair.

From the pics I saw on social media, it was pretty dang cool and, as some who were there witnessing his work said, “EPIC!” Congrats and great work, Tim! I know our class has accomplishments, family additions and fun tidbits about which we all would love to hear. Please let us know so we can get your faces and names in these hallowed pages. Wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2019. This just means one-and-ahalf more years until our 25th reunion—start planning on attending now!

News of the class from E. Courtnay (Brennan) Stanford...

In November, SangWon Suh and his beautiful family stopped by Blair. This was his first time back on campus since graduation. Great to see him and talk about the crew of West Hall!

CLASS NOTES

Nicole (Nicusanti) Tipton ’93 and E. Courtnay (Brennan) Stanford ’95 coached opposing teams during their children’s basketball game.

Patrice Gallagher Maillet ’77 and James Morris ’95 at the NJSBA conference.

Bobby Riether ’97 and Ryan Pagotto ’97 at the Giants vs. Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in November.

Amelia Edith Manson, daughter of Carey Zimmermann ’97.

1996

1995 classmates E. Courtnay (Brennan) Stanford, Samantha Haspel and Kathleen (Wawrzyniak) Webb.

In December, I had brunch in New York City with Samantha Haspel, her fiancée, Rob, Stacey (Gorski) Spring and Kathleen (Wawrzyniak) Webb. We shared many laughs about our lives and the good ol’ days at Blair. Remember when our class voted for a long weekend instead of the prom? We were kicking around an idea for our 25th reunion to make it a prom theme for our prom-less class. We thought it would be hysterical to have a mini-prom on Friday night—and that Liesel (Diesel Danjczek) Schopler would be all over this. Hopefully, you will join us in our enthusiasm for this theme and will save the date for the 2020 “prom.”

In other news, Dr. Kathleen (Wawrzyniak) Webb has expanded her practice, Greater Hartford Wellness, to a new location in Avon, Connecticut. Congrats!

Stacey (Gorski) Spring continues to teach history and coach at the Groton School and is finalizing her PhD in political science at Boston University.

I am coaching a third- and fourth-grade recreational basketball team. Our first game was away, and when I walked in the opposing gym, guess who the coach was: none other than Nicole (Nicusanti) Tipton ’93.

Samantha Haspel has been living in North Carolina with her fiancée, where

Stefanie Guenther Kuhner Meghan C. Peachey ’96 and Joshua D. Bogen were married at the Dewberry Inn in Charleston, S.C., on September 21, 2018.

she practices as a midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner. Sadly, she has to step away from practice while she battles lymphoma. She is headed up to Penn Medicine for new treatment.

Samantha, on behalf of all of us in the class of 1995 and those who love you at Blair, we are sending love and strength to you as your start your new treatment with an amazing oncology team at Penn Medicine! Big hugs.

James Morris texted me a picture of my Aunt Patty, Patrice Gallagher Maillet ’77, and him during the annual NJSBA conference.

James is a vice president of client development at Impact-XM and knows Patty, who is the director of business development for the New Jersey School Boards Association. Love the Blair connections!

Tim Fite, a multimedia and print artist, returned to Blair to display recent works in The Romano Gallery from January 14 through February 9. Tim’s “Quick Draw” exhibit includes large-scale, compositionally complex, allegorical, black-and-white drawings on paper, video and wood, some of which had a musical or performative component—he also spoke to students opening night.

stefkuhner@yahoo.com

Summer Passannante utvols_21@yahoo.com

Craig Powell

cpowell@motus.com

[Cari F. Bivona, In Memorium.]

1997 Christy Anderson Burkart christy.burkart@gmail.com

Ryan M. Pagotto pagotr@blair.edu

News of the class from Ryan Pagotto...

It was exciting to see Victoria Bailey installed as a new member of the Board of Trustees this fall. She is the second member of the class of 1997 to be represented on the board (the first was Jordan (Price) Ehmann), which speaks well of our great class. There is no question that all of our Trustees enjoyed meeting Victoria over the course of their two days at meetings, and her infectious optimism, business acumen and love for Blair will surely be of value in the years to come. On a personal note, it was great to host Victoria and enjoy catching up on life. We’re excited that she now has more reason to return to campus at least for the next few years.

BLA IR BULLE T IN 99

CLASS NOTES

Victoria Bailey ’97 enjoyed being back on campus for her first Board meeting in October 2018. Above, left: Victoria Bailey ’97 (center) with Jen and Ryan Pagotto ’97.

Above, right: Victoria with Board Chairman Doug Kimmelman P’12 ’13 ’15 ’22 and Trustee Allen Gibson P’20 ’20 ’22.

Rob Wrightnour ’99, his wife, Melissa, and their four children visited campus last September.

Mike McDonald, his wife, and three children live in Elmhurst, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. Mike is director of corporate development at Molex, an international provider of electronic products, services and solutions to businesses in a wide variety of industries. Mike joined Molex in 2013 after earning his MBA at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

1998 Brian Agresta

Jamal Sawab ’97 and his partner, Joseph McCauslin, on their wedding day.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we headed to the Giants vs. Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field and bumped into all-time great Eagles fan, Bobby Riether. Bobby catches the Eagles live for approximately six games a year, and one such game took him to London earlier this fall. I’m trying to get Bobby back to Blair for our Alumni Roundtable series.

1 0 0 W I N T ER -S P R I NG 2019

Carey Zimmerman writes: “This year has brought lots of changes for me. I’m still working for the Bureau of Prisons as a psychologist, but this summer, my husband and I moved from Savannah, Georgia, to Hilton Head, South Carolina, where we bought our first home. Luckily, we closed in enough time to get mostly settled before our daughter was born. Amelia Edith Manson was a little early, but is doing well. She is happy, healthy and growing fast! I was so happy over the Thanksgiving holiday to get to introduce her to Stefanie Meilinger when we traveled north. Hopefully I’ll have the chance to introduce her to some more Blair folk soon.

Charisse Manzi

charissemanzi@gmail.com

Jaimyl Peters

jamiyl@outlook.com

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Jamal Sawab ’97’s new Calico cat, Calypso.

News of the class from Christy Burkart…

Jamal Sawab writes: “2018 was a roller coaster of trials and triumphs! It began with suffering the winter blues, enduring major illness and losing one of my brothers to heart failure in early spring. As dark as my circumstances were last winter, I feel blessed beyond measure to spend this Christmas with my new husband and our first new kitty! On September 8, 2018, I married my partner of five years, Joseph McCauslin, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I was then surprised with an early gift, a lovely Calico cat named Calypso (Miss Lips for short). Glad to close the year on a hopeful note. I’ll catch up with you all on the flip side!

Peace, love and blessings!”

brian.agresta@gmail.com

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Carey Zimmermann ’97’s daughter, Amelia, in her Thanksgiving finest.

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Megan C. Apgar

meganfeeney@gmail.com

Bridget Hodakowski

bridget.hodakowski@gmail.com

Amy Paul Jablonski

amyelizabethpaul@gmail.com

Katie Piotrowski

katiepiotrowski@gmail.com

Mark T. Rosenthal

washington8080@gmail.com

2000 Logan Garrels

lkgarrels@yahoo.com

Andy Peters

andy.peters33@gmail.com

Veronica Reo

veronica_reo@hotmail.com

Meredith M. Seidel Wells meredith.seidel@gmail.com

CLASS NOTES

2001 Kweighbaye Kotee

kkotee@bushwickfilmfestival.com

Maria Lieberman Smalley marialsmalley@gmail.com

[Dean C. Durling Jr., In Memoriam]

2002 Meredith Buck Gal

buckmeredith@aol.com

Blair alums gather for a photo during Kristen Bogart Salmon ’01’s wedding in June 2018. (Left to right) Chris Chaft ’99, Nic Hindle ’04, Courtney Fairclough ’05, Mark Bogart ’04, Kristen Bogart Salmon ’01, Daniel Salmon (groom), Connie Hindle ’74 and Bill Hindle ’74.

Stephanie Leal Garbutt stephanieleal@gmail.com

Chelsea Grefe

grefec@gmail.com

News of the class from Chelsea Grefe…

My husband, Bryan, and I were married in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 28.

Tiffany (Powers) Hutchens was a bridesmaid, and Meredith (Buck) Gal was also in attendance celebrating with us. We’ve lived in Pittsburgh just over a year, after moving last summer from New York City. I am working as a psychologist at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and have my own private practice.

2003 Jessica Shupp Hess

jess.a.hess@gmail.com

Jackson Ajou Andre, son of Adam Andre ‘00.

Chelsea Grefe ’02, her husband, Bryan, on their wedding day, with their dog, Zoey.

Brandon D. Lucien

brandon.lucien@gmail.com

Christine Nalty

Christine.nalty@gmail.com

Elizabeth J. Ricca

elizabeth.ricca@gmail.com

Sarah C. Soden

sarah.dillon4@gmail.com

Stephanie Tucker

hargis.stephanie@gmail.com

Michael E.C. Wilson

michaelecwilson@gmail.com

The class notes below were omitted from the summer/fall 2018 Blair Bulletin.

(Left to right) Bianca Berardi ’02, Suzette Singh ’03, Sally (Singh) Wheeler ’01, Sasha Keady ’03 and Kweighbaye Kotee ’01 celebrated Suzette’s birthday in summer 2016.

Adam Andre ’00 and his wife, Tonia, welcomed their son, Jackson Ajou Andre, on December 11, 2018. Jackson Ajou is named after members of the Deng family: Arek Deng-Guelly ’01, Luol Deng ’03, Chier Deng ’07 and Christelle Akon Akech ’10. Ajou is the common middle name.

Mike Tessel writes: “I am a member of the Office of the Provost at the University of Chicago, for which I direct career development and employer relations for all of the university’s graduate students and postdocs.”

[Michael O. Gooding, In Memoriam]

Sasha Keady writes: “I graduated from Hofstra University in 2007 and went on to produce multiple successful radio shows such as Vaughn Harper’s “The Quiet Storm” and iHeartRadio’s “The Breakfast Club,” and have since made a transition to Apple Music as their senior producer at Beats 1 in New York City. I am currently bicoastal between New Jersey and Los Angeles.

Bianca Berardi ’01 graduated from Boston College in 2005 and received her master’s degree from Barry University in 2007. She relocated from Miami to New York City four years ago and has been working as the controller BLA IR BU LLE T IN 101

CLASS NOTES

Jen and Ryan Pagotto ’97 ran into Molly McAdoo ’05 and her parents at the Eagles vs. Giants football game on November 25. (Left to right) Elsie McAdoo, Molly McAdoo ’05, Jen Pagotto, Jack Pagotto, Will Pagotto, Ryan Pagotto ’97 and Sandy McAdoo.

Rachel Campbell Paris ’05’s three boys got into the holiday spirit. (Left to right) Brighton and twins, Bel-Air and Benjamin.

Classmates Christina Giambrone ’06 and Winnie (Adrien) Lizardo Orbe ’06 celebrated Peddie Day with Blair’s Dean of Campus Life and Director of Leadership Programs Carolyn Conforti-Browse ’79.

for a commercial real estate company based out of Queens. She has enjoyed spending time with old friends and family during her time back in the Northeast.

Suzette Singh graduated from New York University in 2007, graduate school at Columbia University in 2008 and Mount Sinai Medical School in 2013. She completed her residency in anesthesiology at Montefiore Medical Center in 2017, and is currently is a clinical instructor and anesthesiologist at NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital who resides in New York City with her family.

Sally (Singh) Wheeler ’01 graduated from Lehigh University in 2005, is a team leader at QPS, LLC and is the first woman to hold this position with only a bachelor’s degree! She has been happily married for 12 years to Derrick Wheeler, and they reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with their three beautiful daughters, Siani, 11; Saria, 9; and Sovana, 3.

Kweighbaye Kotee ’01 graduated from New York University and is an entrepreneur, filmmaker and founder of Bushwick Film Festival (BFF).

BFF has been featured on Fox News, Huffington Post, Brooklyn Magazine and other notable platforms. Recently, she was the focus of a campaign by Delta Air Lines and POPSUGAR for her work diversifying the film industry. She lives in Brooklyn with her fiancé, Tilo.

Rachel Campbell Paris ’05’s twins, Bel-Air and Benjamin.

Philip Mauriello

pmauriellojr@gmail.com

News of the class from Philip Mauriello…

In December, Michael King was ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church of North America, alongside his wife of eight years, Hannah King, who was ordained a priest as well at the same time. Michael and his wife currently serve at Truro Anglican Church in Fairfax, Virginia, and are the proud parents of two kids, Isaiah, 2, and David, 10 months.

2005 Mollie Dawson

mcd.dawson@gmail.com

Christopher J. Gatsch

christopher.gatsch@ml.com

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Matthew Dwyer

matthewjamesdwyer@gmail.com

Kait Maillet Matyasovsky

kait.maillet@gmail.com

Mary Hall

mjhall09@gmail.com

Kat Hood Nelson

kathryn.g.hood@gmail.com

Julian Swayze

julian.swayze@gmail.com

Join thousands of Blair alumni online: www.blair.edu/alumni We remain committed to connecting with all of you. So please keep following us!

1 0 2 W I N T ER -S P R I NG 2019

During her November visit to campus for an Alumni Roundtable, Meg Fry ’06 spent time in a Theatre 1 class with veteran Blair faculty member Craig Evans.

News of the class from Kat Hood Nelson...

Lauren Ricciardi has been living in Brooklyn, New York, for almost 10 years! Lauren is a practicing psychotherapist in a mental health clinic and also a yoga teacher. This past summer, Lauren officially opened up her own private therapy practice. She specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents and young women who present with a variety of mental health challenges, with treatment focused on healing through a mindfulness and a mindbody approach.

Rachel Campbell Paris shares that twins, Benjamin and Bel-Air Paris, were born in August. They join their older brother, Brighton.

Rachel and her husband, Biko, are overjoyed!

Avishek Kumar writes: “I am currently a research scientist at the Center for Data Science and Public Policy at the University of Chicago. After Blair, I earned a bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a doctorate in physics from Arizona State University. In my role at University of Chicago, I create machine learning models to help

CLASS NOTES

2007 classmates Andrew Lee, Chris Eu, Nate Dalrymple, Brendan Schaeffer, Alex Auger and Cooper Smith.

Matt Gallira ’08 got married on September 29, 2018, in Vermont.

(Left to right) Bobby Boyle ’08, JP Bowditch ’08, Sam Tilney ’08, Matt Gallira ’08, Rick DeFino ’07, and Blair science teacher Rod Gerdsen and his wife, Cassi.

municipalities address community-wide health issues. I also teach a class at the University, training civic leaders how to use data science models to help create effective public policy.”

2006 Anthony Eu

euchie@gmail.com

Alex Graber

abgraber@gmail.com

Elizabeth Kaskel

ekaskel@gmail.com

Anne Newall

newall.anne@gmail.com

Sarah Pearson White

sarahloganwhite@gmail.com

Kathryn Snyder

kwhitmansnyder@icloud.com

Andrew Hutcheson ’08 came to campus in November to present at an Alumni Roundtable about the film industry and founding his own company, Voyager Creative.

Chrissy Devenny ’08 and her fiancé, Hunter Thompson, in Paris.

2008 Dylan Evans

dylanevans20@gmail.com

2007 Kymbia Ainsworth

kymbiaa@gmail.com

Alison Crevi

alisoncrevi3@gmail.com

Maggie Harding

maggie@maggiehardingdesigns.com

Marisa Nedderman

marisasmyers@gmail.com

Cooper Smith

cooper.a.smith@gmail.com

Chris Eu writes: “Nate Dalrymple is now a doctor living in Chicago. Alex Rice is a studio executive in Los Angeles. Cooper Smith recently moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, to join a power tools company, and Alex Auger moved to Colorado back in August.

Lastly, Brendan Schaeffer recently won the Florida State Championship (advanced amateur), People’s Choice award for his sculpture, “Memorial to those lost at Red Tide” at the 32nd Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.”

Alexa Gilmartin

alexa.gilmartin@gmail.com

Maddy Hargis

madeline.hargis@gmail.com

Iris Johnson

kijohnson@me.com

Todd Lewis

toddplewis@me.com

Alex Motiuk

alex.motiuk@gmail.com

Ashley Thompson

ashley.thompson@gs.com

Samantha Tilney

smtilney@gmail.com

Tina Tozzi

tozzit129@gmail.com

News of the class from Samantha Tilney...

In October, Matt Gallira tied the knot with his college sweetheart, Ali Tercek. The wedding was on a beautiful farm in Vermont with Blair folks in attendance: Bobby Boyle, JP

Beth Martens ’08 and her partner, Jack McAndrew, at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

Bowditch, Sam Tilney, Rick Defino ’07, and Blair faculty members Rod and Cassi Gerdsen.

On September 9, Tallarie Thurgood got engaged to her beau, Sean Fallon. They are planning the wedding for next year.

Beth Martens and her partner, Jack McAndrew, recently got all dressed up for BLA IR BU LLE T IN 103

CLASS NOTES

Dan Smith ’09, Brandon Hardman ’10 and Neil Zimmermann ’10 at Peddie Day.

the Marine Corps Birthday Ball and recently adopted a cute new puppy.

(Left to right) Kate Mayes ’11, Matthew Thees ’11, Beth Deehan ’11, Pat Sweeney ’09, Allie Reed ’11, Andrew Booth ’15, Ellie Fielding ’11 and Quinn McKay ’11.

Tina Tozzi recently produced a short-form digital documentary, “State of Grace,” for Refinery29, which explores the intersection of the LGBTQ community and religion.

Chrissy Devenny got engaged to her fiancé, Hunter Thompson, in Paris in August. They are getting hitched in Los Angeles in June 2019.

Juliana Furey was the recipient of the New York Yankees 2018 Eric Nadeau Impact Award.

Sam Wood moved out to Seattle in August and is working at Amazon in their devices world (Kindle, Alexa and Tablets).

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Melissa Collins

mecollins109@gmail.com

Margaret DeOliveira

margaretd1208@gmail.com

Raleigh Dierlam

Taylor Greik ’11 and his Chicago/Midwest Emmy for “Best Morning Newscast” with NBC26 (WGBA-TV) .

Brittany Small

smallb@dickinson.edu

Saul Sparber

saulsparber@gmail.com

Neil Zimmermann

neilpeterz@gmail.com

raleigh.dierlam@gmail.com

Janak Padhiar

janak.padhiar.gr@ouce.ox.ac.uk

2011

[Angel L. Clybourn, In Memoriam]

Anu Akinbamidele

2010

Emily Collins

Sarah Bugen

sarahbugen@yahoo.com

Jin Ryang Chung

cjryang@gmail.com

Mike DeTogni

akinba@live.com

ecollinstv@gmail.com

Maggie Hoffman

hoffmanm@union.edu

Nicholas Hogan

hogannick10@gmail.com

Quinn McKay

detogm@gmail.com

quinncmckay@gmail.com

Dillon Hoffman

Rebecca Smith

Tiffany Kim

News of the class from Emily Collins…

Several Blair Bucs gathered to celebrate the marriage of Allie Reed and Pat Sweeney ’09 on October 26 at the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.

dillhoffman24@gmail.com tkim315@gmail.com

Becca Litvin

beccalitvin@gmail.com

1 0 4 W I N T ER -S P R I NG 2019

rhsmith@mail.roanoke.edu

Claire Daddino ’11 and her fiancé, Danny, in Botswana.

Claire Daddino got engaged this summer in Botswana. She and her fiancé, Danny, live in Seattle with their dog, Hudson. Rumor has it that Hudson is named after Hudson Collins ’07, who is the brother of Claire’s senior year West Hall roommate, Emily Collins. Claire denies this claim. Hudson the dog has more than 12,000 Instagram followers; check him out at @HudsonRiverRunning.

Mikal Davis-West got engaged this summer and passed the bar exam in October.

Marino Orlandi co-founded Aiva in September 2017. Aiva is a lead-conversion platform for residential real estate and mortgage industries. Today, Aiva has 21 employees, is fully profitable, and has clients across all 50 states and Canada.

Taylor Greik started a new job at the end of August as a writer for Fox & Friends, at the Fox News Channel’s New York City studio, where he writes and produces headlines, scripts, cuts videos and creates graphics for the fivehour show. He moved to Battery Park City this past summer. A fun fact: His sister, Ana Greik ’13, lives 23 floors above him! Prior to moving to New York City, Taylor lived in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and worked as a news producer for the local NBC affiliate NBC26

CLASS NOTES (WGBA-TV), where he won a Chicago/ Midwest Emmy for “Best Morning Newscast” for his part in the coverage of the snowstorm that hit Green Bay in April.

2012 Meredith Berry-Toon

mberry.toon@gmail.com

Olivia Davis

ord001@bucknell.edu

Joseph Geller

joseph.s.geller.16@dartmouth.edu

Timothy Hettinger

hettinger.timothy@gmail.com

Rio Hito-Shapiro ’17 and Dick Boak ’68 at a November and December exhibit in New York City that showcased Dick’s art and guitars.

Ali Johnson

folks at the pre-Peddie Day celebration in Chicago, where I work as an analyst for BDT Capital, the banking firm.”

ajohnson3@wellesley.edu

Max Kaplan

kaplan52294@gmail.com

Timothy Kui

2015

timothykui@gmail.com

Bre Cavanaugh

Phoebe O’Rourke

cavanb96@gmail.com

porourke6@fordham.edu

Casondra Peretore cap5@rice.edu

2013 Council Dawson

Harley Wedholm ‘17 with his stepfather Eric Maine ‘77 at a home track invitational in November 2018 at Franklin & Marshall College, where Harley majors in economics and minors in studio arts.

Harley runs the 200-meter dash and the 4 x 400 relay for the F&M team.

councildaw@gmail.com

Rebecca Hargis

rdh217@lehigh.edu

th

tlk2dq@virginia.edu

2014

Danny Kim

Demetrius Daltirus

Maddie Kling

R

dannykim0195@gmail.com

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djd623@cornell.edu

Graham Merrifield

mmk019@bucknell.edu

gem233@cornell.edu

Ben Meisel

Sara Moran

bmeisel@umich.edu

moransc0@sewanee.edu

Claire Ryder

Abigayle Troy

claire.m.ryder@gmail.com

abigayle.troy@yale.edu

Kyle Tierney

Pakapark (Nik) Bhumiwat writes: “I graduated from Stanford University last spring and began working as a software engineer in Facebook’s London office.”

kyletierney@yale.edu

Lucy Drinkwater

drinlv15@wfu.edu

Sophia Elghanayan

elghanayanss@g.cofc.edu

Ethan Simon

esimon@bates.edu

2016

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2018 classmates Max Thorsheim and Danny Sysler with their parents Howard and Robin Sysler and Mark and Margot Thorsheim at Wake Forest University.

Brennan O’Connor writes: “I am an investment analyst at Vanguard in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and live in Philadelphia.

I graduated from Princeton last spring, winning honors on my thesis on arbitrage opportunities in the cryptocurrency market.

My brother, Jake, is now at Blair, a member of the class of 2020.”

Drew Litvin writes: “I graduated from Williams College last spring and served as the co-captain of the men’s squash team during my senior year. I recently caught up with Blair

Shoshana Geller

shoshana.m.geller.20@dartmouth.edu

2017 Catharine Berry-Toon cberryto@bates.edu

Christopher Berry-Toon berrytoon.ch@gmail.com

Lauren Tung

lauren.tung@gmail.com

2018 Maxwell R. Cavallaro mcavalla@bates.edu

Savannah R. Doelfel savdoelf@gmail.com

Clara C. McGrath

Claramcg0604@gmail.com

Yingjian (Jason) Pan

yingjiap@andrew.cmu.edu

BLA IR BU LLE T IN 105

In MEMORIAM

1940

1943

1944

David T. Blake December 8, 2018 Naples, Florida James A. Browning October 8, 2018 Lebanon, New Hampshire Frederick J. Trumpbour Jr. October 29, 2018 Sparks Glencoe, Maryland

1953

Frank M. Mazurkiewicz December 23, 2018 Shreveport, Louisiana

1996

John H. Dorsey December 16, 2018 Boonton, New Jersey

2000

William W. T. Jackson September 16, 2018 Mountainside, New Jersey

2001

Walter G. Glaser Sr. December 29, 2018 Lighthouse Point, Florida

2009

William C. Lippincott February 3, 2019 Charlotte, North Carolina

1954

1947

John C. Bogle January 16, 2019 Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

1955

Carlton C. Durling November 14, 2018 Vero Beach, Florida

1956

Donald M. Maynes June 2, 2018 Brunswick, Maine

1958

Eric P. Smith November 8, 2018 St. Augustine, Florida

Charles R. Standish Jr. October 3, 2018 Bloomfield, New York

1960

1949

Donald H. Leber January 2019 Naples, Florida

1961

William B. Paton October 2, 2018 Basking Ridge, New Jersey

1962

William A. Benton February 14, 2019 Boynton Beach, Florida

1968

Alan B. Smith December 8, 2018 Greensboro, North Carolina

1970

1950

1951

1952

1 0 6 W I N T ER -S P R I NG 2019

1978

William R. Berkley Jr. February 2, 2019 Glen Cove, New York

1948

1972

William A. G. Boyle

September 2017 Bermuda

Henry M. Bruen Jr.

October 31, 2018

Sevierville, Tennessee

Richard W. Jensen

October 4, 2018

East Bangor, Pennsylvania

Walter E. Vallari November 28, 2018 Hendersonville, North Carolina

Charles E. Gorham Jr. August 14, 2018 Cordova, Tennessee John P. Gorham June 24, 2018 Hatfield, Pennsylvania Craig S. Sim October 25, 2018 Charlotte, Vermont Scott S. A. Coby October 30, 2018 Keene, New York Lewis H. Lushear December 26, 2018 Eustis, Florida Richard A. Simonson September 13, 2018 Phoenix, Arizona

1989

1993

Thomas S. Goodkind February 28, 2019 New York, New York Catherine S. Schaffner September 8, 2018 Cincinnati, Ohio Evelyn M. (Avery-Jones) Brabant October 6, 2018 Tucson, Arizona Michael D. Poster February 2, 2019 New York, New York Cari F. Bivona January 27, 2019 Costa Rica Michael O. Gooding January 4, 2019 Clearwater, Florida Dean C. Durling Jr. February 22, 2019 Whitehouse, New Jersey Angel L. Clybourn January 10, 2019 Mays Landing, New Jersey

Parents

Chris L. Lavelle December 20, 2018 Middletown, New Jersey

Barbara A. Ritterpusch July 9, 2018 Fort Myers, Florida

Edward G. Paterson December 8, 2018 Blairstown, New Jersey

Carmen J. Liuzza Jr. Esq. December 16, 2018 Fredon Township, New Jersey

Past Parent

Past Parent & Staff Member

Former Staff Member

Caryl I. Mitchell March 5, 2019 Blairstown, New Jersey

In MEMORIAM

Former Trustee Carlton C. Durling ’47. Founder of the QuickChek convenience story company, Mr. Durling was a steadfast alumnus and champion of Blair Academy. He served as a class representative, a member of the Alumni Board of Governors from 1966 to 1969 and a Trustee from 2001 to 2004. Deeply valuing his Blair education, he established the Carlton C. Durling ’47 Scholarship to provide the same experience for deserving students. Mr. Durling received the School’s highest honor, the Citation of Merit, in 2007, and his Blair legacy includes four grandchildren, the late Dean C. (Chapman) Durling Jr. ’01, Jonathan T. Durling ’03, Ngaere J. Durling ’04 and Oliver W. Durling ’15. He was a member of the ski team at Blair and won the ski prize as a senior. Upon graduating

from Penn State University in 1951, Mr. Durling joined his family’s milk processing and distribution business, Durling Farms, as vice president and went on to found QuickChek in 1967. He remained QuickChek’s chairman until he retired in 2000. Mr. Durling was an avid sportsman who hunted with the Essex Fox Hounds in Far Hills, New Jersey, and traveled the world hunting and fishing. He was a member of the New York Holland Club and served as a Raritan Valley Community College trustee, as an elder of the Rockaway Reformed Church, and as treasurer of the Essex Fox Hounds and Club Limited. Mr. Durling is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty, three children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

1940 David T. Blake. Mr. Blake attended Blair for a postgraduate year before matriculating at Villanova University. He enlisted in the Army during World War II and returned to Villanova to graduate in 1946. Following a long career as head of the Department of Public Health of Princeton Borough, New Jersey, Mr. Blake and his wife, Sally, retired to Naples, Florida. He loved the outdoors and was a devoted fan of college sports. Predeceased by Sally in 2010, Mr. Blake is survived by two children and four grandchildren.

James A. Browning. A swimmer during his Blair days, Mr. Browning won the Headmaster’s Prize and the Blair Academy Trophy in 1940. He matriculated at Dartmouth University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in physics, interrupting his studies to serve in the Army during World War II. He earned an advanced degree in engineering at Stanford University in 1949 and returned to Dartmouth as a professor in the Thayer School of Engineering. Mr. Browning invented a plasma torch and co-founded Thermal Dynamics Corp., which manufactured plasma torches for industry. He formed a series of companies involved with plasma

1944 torch technology and earned more than 100 patents during his lifetime. A New Hampshire resident for 70-plus years, Mr. Browning owned and operated a quarry, enjoyed skiing, jogging and hiking, and proudly claimed membership in the Four Thousand Footer Club, having climbed all 48 of the Granite State’s 4,000-foot or above peaks. Mr. Browning’s father, James H. Browning, class of 1901, and brother, Donald Browning ’36, predeceased him. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lucille, three children and two grandchildren.

1943 Frederick J. Trumpbour Jr. During his year at Blair, “Ted” lived in East Hall and was a member of the boxing squad, track team and camera club. He graduated from Lafayette College and was married to Patricia for 55 years. Mr. Trumpbour is survived by his son and grandson.

William R. Berkley Jr. Mr. Berkley deeply appreciated his two years at Blair, during which he participated in the Blair Academy Players, cheerleaders, band, choir, glee club and track team.

He went to Lafayette College, and then enlisted in the Navy, serving in the aviation combat aircrew program until the end of World War II. Mr. Berkley completed his undergraduate degree at Lafayette in 1951 and enjoyed a long and varied career, during which he served in the Merchant Marines as a signal officer, provided technical support to the Army as a Western Electric field engineer and civil servant, and worked as a test engineer for Grumman Aerospace. After retiring from Grumman, he returned to the Merchant Marines, traveled the world and then became a satellite communications teacher at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Mr. Berkley was the beloved husband of Irma, and together they enjoyed five children, 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

BLA IR BU LLE T IN 107

In MEMORIAM

William C. Lippincott. Mr. Lippincott credited Blair with providing him a foundation for a successful life, and he remained loyal to the School. He was a member of the track and football teams during his year at Blair and served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946. A 1950 graduate of the University of Georgia, Mr. Lippincott worked in the tire and retreading business during his career.

He enjoyed many hobbies, including birdwatching, woodworking, boating, playing poker and doing crossword puzzles. Mr. Lippincott was proud of his family, and his survivors include his wife of 68 years, Anne, three children and four grandchildren.

1947 John C. Bogle. (See page 04.)

Donald M. Maynes. Mr. Maynes came to Blair for his senior year and remained loyal to the School throughout his life. He attended Syracuse University and served two years in the Army before beginning his career with Bemis Company, Inc., in 1954. He worked in New York City and in Massachusetts in a variety of managerial roles in sales and operations until his 1991 retirement. Mr. Maynes was active in his community of Pepperell, Massachusetts, as a church deacon and member of the Lions Club, Rotary Club and Pepperell finance committee. He and his wife of 64 years, Sue Ann, moved to Brunswick, Maine, in 2006, where he happily became involved in the Thornton Oaks community. Mr. Maynes enjoyed traveling, investing, photography, keeping abreast of technology and home-brewing beer. His survivors include Sue Ann, their two daughters and two grandchildren.

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1948

1950

Eric P. Smith. “Pete” was an honor roll student at Blair, as well as a varsity football and basketball player.

He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1953 and earned a graduate degree at Harvard University.

A public school history teacher in Green, New York, for 35 years, Mr. Smith also coached football and basketball. He retired from teaching in 1986 and moved to St. Augustine, Florida, 10 years later.

Mr. Smith’s wife, Marion, four children, seven grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren survive him.

William B. Paton. A two-year Blair Buc, Mr. Paton studied at Babson College and served in the Army during the Korean War. He worked for many years at his family’s Newark, New Jersey, business, the Brewster-Ideal Dairy Maid Chocolate Company, eventually becoming its president. He also worked as a realtor. Mr. Paton served his Harding Township, New Jersey, community as a member of the board of health and civic association. In addition, he volunteered at his church and for a number of equestrian events and causes, including the Somerset Hills Handicapped Riders Center, which he helped found. Mr. Paton is survived by his wife of 65 years, Bernice, three children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Charles R. Standish Jr. A member of the camera club, band and wrestling team at Blair, Mr. Standish attended Brown University. He worked for Bristol Springs Equipment Corporation and was an avid fisherman. Mr. Standish’s survivors include three children and four grandchildren.

1949 Donald H. Leber. A loyal member of the class of 1949, Mr. Leber played football during his year at Blair. He graduated from The College of Wooster with a bachelor’s degree in economics and enjoyed a long career in the insurance industry with Connecticut General Life Insurance Company and CIGNA Corporation, from which he retired as senior vice president. Mr. Leber was a master storyteller and motivator, an avid golfer and sports fan, and a beloved husband and father. His survivors include his wife, JoAnn, three children, three stepchildren and 19 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Jan, and his son, David A. Leber ’74.

1951 William A. Benton. A loyal member of the class of 1951, Mr. Benton was a three-season athlete (football, wrestling and track) and participated in the science, chess and camera clubs. He served in the Army for two years during the Korean War and matriculated at Bucknell University, where he captained the wrestling team. He was recognized for his wrestling accomplishments with induction into the Bucknell University Athletic Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Mr. Benton enjoyed a long career as a member of the New York Stock Exchange and served the town of Madison, New Jersey, as a councilman and YMCA board member. His hobbies included making jewelry and stained glass creations, as well as boating and fishing.

Predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Marilee, and his brother, T. Clarke Benton ’48, Mr. Benton is survived by five children, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In MEMORIAM

1952 Alan B. Smith. Mr. Smith earned his bachelor’s degree at Marietta College and master’s degree at the University of Michigan. He taught earth science for 35 years in the Franklin Township school system in Somerset County, New Jersey. During his teaching career, he established the Franklin Township women’s track and field and cross country teams, and he was later inducted into the Franklin Township Sports Hall of Fame. Mr. Smith enjoyed reading, watching lacrosse, attending the opera and observing the wildlife that passed through his backyard. Predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Bernice, his survivors include his son and daughter-in-law.

Walter E. Vallari. Captain of the Buccaneer football team during his postgraduate year at Blair, Mr. Vallari attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and served two years in the Army during the Korean War. He worked for many years as a concrete finisher for Mahoney Troast Construction and was a member of United Cement Masons’ Local 780 in New York City and BAC Local 4 in Fairfield, New Jersey. Mr. Vallari enjoyed golf, University of Alabama football and home landscaping projects. His wife, Nancy, predeceased him.

1953 William A. G. Boyle. Mr. Boyle came to Blair from Bermuda for his senior year of high school. He was a member of the drama and glee clubs, as well as a three-season varsity athlete (soccer, swimming and tennis). He matriculated at Washington and Lee University and was named to the 1956 All-American intercollegiate soccer team, the first player in Washington and Lee’s history and the first Bermudian to receive All-American honors. He returned to

Bermuda following his graduation to lead his family’s shoe business, which grew from one to seven stores over the course of his career. Mr. Boyle was elected a common councilor for the city of Hamilton in 1968 and remained on the council for 29 years. He was elected mayor of Hamilton in 1994, and during his three-year tenure, a strategic plan for the city’s development was drafted and numerous civic improvements were achieved. He was recognized for his service in 2002 when he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth at a Buckingham Palace ceremony. Mr. Boyle is survived by his wife, Ann, four children and 11 grandchildren.

Henry M. Bruen Jr. The Rev. Bruen’s Blair legacy includes his parents, Henry M. Bruen Sr., class of 1892, and Martha (Scott) Bruen, class of 1894; his uncle, Norman J. Bruen, class of 1894; and aunt, Emily (Miller) Bruen, class of 1896. “Harry” was a loyal classmate who was a member of the camera club and served as The Blair Breeze photo editor during his Blair days. He matriculated at Princeton University and the Princeton Theological Seminary.

An ordained Presbyterian minister, he served as a pastor and chaplain, eventually retiring as a supervisor in clinical pastoral education. Mr. Bruen enjoyed woodworking, as well as building and flying airplanes as a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Charlotte, four children and three grandchildren.

Richard W. Jensen. A graduate of Rider College, Mr. Jensen was a member of the choir, band and flying club during his two years at Blair. He retired as vice president of the former Vicon Tile Co. in Washington, New Jersey, and owned and operated DJ Woodcraft in Bangor, Pennsylvania, during his retirement. Mr. Jensen is survived by his wife, Olga, three children, six grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

1954 Frank M. Mazurkiewicz. Mr. Mazukiewicz played varsity football at Blair, and the ACTA describes him as “the politest guy on campus.” Upon graduation from the University of Buffalo, he served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force security police and Office of Special Investigations. He retired as a lieutenant colonel and continued to work in security services until his retirement from Burns International Security Services. Mr. Mazurkiewicz’s survivors include his wife of 62 years, Joanne, and three children.

1955 John H. Dorsey. An attorney and member of the Republican Party, Mr. Dorsey served 18 years in the New Jersey legislature. His political career began with a term in the New Jersey General Assembly (1976-1977) and continued with his election to the New Jersey Senate in 1978. He represented the state’s 23rd District from 1978 to 1981 and 25th District from 1982 to 1994, serving as Senate majority leader from 1991 to 1994. A loyal classmate, Mr. Dorsey was four-year Blair Buc who ran track and was a member of the Cum Laude Society. He matriculated at Yale University and Yale Law School and served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Mr. Dorsey practiced law for 51 years, 42 of which at the firm now known as Dorsey Semrau in Boonton, New Jersey.

His survivors include his wife, Susan, two daughters, four grandchildren and his cousin, John W. Wist ’61.

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In MEMORIAM

1956 William W.T. Jackson. “Tex” captained the Buccaneer soccer team and was a member of the tennis and track teams during his three years at Blair. A graduate of Florida Southern College and proud Marine Corps veteran, he was deeply involved in his community, the Borough of Mountainside, New Jersey. Mr. Jackson served as a council member, council president, police commissioner, and on a number of municipal boards and committees.

His civic involvement also included serving on the boards of Provident Bank, Provident Financial Services, Bayview-New York Bay Cemetery and St. Francis Hospital, and he was a founding member of the Hudson County 200 Club, Bergen Carteret Club and Acme Companies, all of Jersey City, New Jersey. Mr. Jackson retired as president and director of the Thomas A. Deming Company and as executive director of Bayview-New York Bay Cemetery. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elsa, four children and nine grandchildren.

1958 Walter G. Glaser Sr. Mr. Glaser treasured his Blair experience and remained a loyal classmate for life, returning to campus for major reunions and keeping in touch with his many Blair friends. He was a member of the cross country, basketball and baseball teams, and the ACTA described him as a “man with ambition who dug Trig and hated the walk to class.” Mr. Glaser studied engineering at Bucknell University and joined his family’s elevator business, GAL Manufacturing Corporation, in 1960. He went on to lead the company with his brother, Herbert, and the business continues to flourish today in the Bronx, New York. During his career, Mr. Glaser created and designed door operators and emergency rope grippers that revolutionized elevator production standards industrywide. His survivors include his former wife, Judith

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Hughes Glaser, his dear companion Tina Hassan, three children, five grandchildren and his nephews, Herbert Glaser ’84 and Brian J. Glaser ’88.

Charles E. Gorham Jr. Captain of Blair’s track team, “Charlie” matriculated at Albion College and served three years in the U.S. Army. While working in Bogota, Colombia, he met and married his wife, Lilian Sanchez, and they moved to New Jersey, where they raised their family.

Mr. Gorham worked for International Paper Company and Terex Co. during his career. He was a lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast and a dedicated member of his Catholic parish, and he enjoyed listening to his jazz, Latin and blues LPs. Mr. Gorham was predeceased by his wife of 43 years and his brother, John P. Gorham ’60; two children and two grandchildren survive him.

1960 John P. Gorham. Mr. Gorham captained the soccer team, ran track and worked on The Blair Breeze as a Blair student.

He earned an associate’s degree in business at Jackson Junior College and a bachelor’s degree in international business at American University, where he resumed playing soccer. His career in sales took him to Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. Mr. Gorham is survived by four children and eight grandchildren. In the months following Mr. Gorham’s death, his brother, Charles E. Gorham Jr. ’58, also passed away.

1961 Craig S. Sim. Loyal to the School and his 1961 classmates throughout his life, Mr. Sim was a member of Blair’s Alumni Board of Governors (1976-1979), his 50th-reunion committee and the John C. Sharpe Society of planned givers. He

sang in the choir, glee club and Tweeds as a Blair student, wrestled on the varsity team, and served on the ACTA staff and as The Blair Breeze features editor. Mr. Sim graduated from Gettysburg College in 1965 and served as a Marine Corps officer for the next four years, receiving a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for combat valor in Vietnam. His Wall Street career spanned three decades, 25 years of which with the firm of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, where he became chairman of international investment banking and director of capital markets at CFSBdirect.

He was a Gettysburg College and Franklin & Marshall College trustee and served on the parents’ executive committee at Hamilton College. He and his wife, Susan, retired to Vermont, where Mr. Sim became a trustee of the Vermont Historical Society, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and the Shelburne Museum. He was a lifelong piano player and music lover with a memorable sense of humor and sense of style. Mr. Sim is survived by Susan, their two children and four grandchildren.

1962 Scott S. A. Coby. Upon graduation from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1967, Mr. Coby accepted a position on Wall Street. He served two years in the Army from 1969 to 1971 as a general staff officer, and then resumed his civilian career. He worked for more than 30 years in the financial industry, serving in executive managerial positions with several firms. In 1990, he established the first of several companies of his own that provided corporate finance services to emerging technology businesses. Mr. Coby was an expert rifleman and one of the youngest U.S. recipients of the Distinguished Rifleman Award. His survivors include his wife of 49 years, Francine, three children and four grandchildren.

In MEMORIAM

1993

1968 Lewis H. Lushear. A 1972 graduate of Gettysburg College, Mr. Lushear worked in banking and insurance. He enjoyed woodworking and traveling the world and was truly dedicated to his family, including his wife of 46 years, Nancy, two children and four grandchildren, all of whom survive him. During his Blair days, Mr. Lushear ran track and played football.

1970 Richard A. Simonson. Following in the footsteps of his brother, Michael Simonson ’68, “Ricky” came to Blair for his sophomore through senior years.

A trumpeter, drummer and tenor, he was active in the band and choir. Mr. Simonson matriculated at the University of Arizona and South Texas College of Law, where he won the prestigious Nathan Burkan Memorial Competition for his writing on copyright and entertainment law. He began his legal career as a clerk to Federal District Court Judge Valdemar Cordova then established a personal injury practice and eventually became a public defender in the Phoenix municipal court system. Mr. Simonson went on to join his family’s real estate ownership and management business. He was a fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks and known for his compassion and kindness. Mr. Simonson is survived by his brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew, Paul Simonson ’10.

1972 Thomas S. Goodkind. A Blair track athlete and managing editor of The Blair Breeze, Mr. Goodkind earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees at New York University. He founded the folk music group Washington Squares in the early 1980s, and toured and recorded with the act for more than a decade.

In addition to his success in the music industry, Mr. Goodkind also pursued a

business career, working as a certified public accountant at Arthur Andersen, LLP. An advocate for housing affordability and local public schools, he served for many years on Community Board 1 in Battery Park City, New York. Mr. Goodkind is survived by his wife, Jill.

1978 Catherine S. Schaffner. Ms. Schaffner was an ACTA staff member, prefect and table foot at Blair, in addition to serving on the admission and activities committees. She touched the lives of many friends and colleagues during her life. Her siblings, including Thomas Schaffner ’75, nieces and nephew survive Ms. Schaffner.

1989 Evelyn M. (Avery-Jones) Brabant. “Lyn” grew up on campus as a faculty child and captained Blair’s track team during her student days, taking first place in the state cross country championship as a freshman. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in education at Northern Arizona University. She spent most of her working life with various affiliates of the University of Arizona, most notably the Association of International Studies, where she organized domestic and international conferences. A lover of the outdoors, Ms. Brabant was a skydiver, a cave explorer and a technical climber. She was a longtime member of the Hash Harriers, an international cross country running organization. Ms. Brabant’s survivors include her father, Brian Avery-Jones; her mother, Cynthia Amerman; her stepfather, former Blair chaplain the Rev. Peter Amerman; her former husband, Marc Brabant; her daughter, Sofia; and her brother, Alexander Amerman ’93.

Michael D. Poster. Mr. Poster attended Blair for his senior year and matriculated at the University of Miami and C.W. Post College. He worked at a home improvement industry magazine in New York City for many years. Music and sports were among Mr. Poster’s many interests, and he was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins. He is survived by his mother, Harriett Poster.

1996 Cari F. Bivona. A multi-sport athlete at Blair, Ms. Bivona was a member of the soccer, skiing and lacrosse teams. She also served on the Blue and White Key Society. Ms. Bivona graduated from Middlebury College and lived in Costa Rica for several years. Her survivors include her parents and her brother, Christopher J. Bivona ’99.

2000 Michael O. Gooding. A member of the cross country and golf teams at Blair, Mr. Gooding served as golf team captain as a senior and led the Bucs to a prep state championship. He attended Western Maryland College and graduated from the Golf Academy of America before beginning his career as a golf professional. He taught the sport on cruise ships and as director of instruction for National Golf Schools, where he was twice named teacher of the year. Mr. Gooding also worked for Golf Central magazine, and he greatly enjoyed the opportunity to play on some of the finest golf courses in the world. His survivors include his parents, siblings and many friends and relatives.

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In MEMORIAM

2001

Parents

Past Parent

Dean C. Durling Jr. An accomplished ski racer, “Chapman” captained the ski team at Blair and won the skiing prize. He earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality at Lynn University and worked for his family-owned business, QuickChek, in the store maintenance and construction division. Mr. Durling was a skilled carpenter who loved working with his hands. He was also an avid outdoorsman and athlete who enjoyed many sports, including horseback riding, hunting, tennis, golf, ice hockey and waterskiing.

He shared his enthusiasm for skiing as an instructor at Stratton Mountain in Vermont. Mr. Durling cherished his family, and his survivors include his father, Dean Durling, his mother, Donna Durling, his stepmother, Liz Durling, his siblings Jonathan T. Durling ’03, Ngaere J. Durling ’04, Oliver W. Durling ’15 and Margaret Durling, and his grandmothers, Betty Durling and Jean Dufek. He was predeceased by his grandfather, former Blair Trustee Carlton C. Durling ’47.

Chris L. Lavelle. The mother of Christopher R. Cannon ’19, Ms. Lavelle loved to travel, and she had recently realized her dream of becoming a flight attendant. She was well known for her kindness and generosity, as well as her warmth and selflessness. She is survived by her husband, Anthony, five children and three grandchildren.

Barbara A. Ritterpusch. Together with her husband of 52 years, retired U.S. Army Col. David Ritterpusch, Mrs. Ritterpusch (“Mimi”) was a loyal supporter of Blair wrestling and the School. Their son, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kurt D. Ritterpusch ’87, was the 1987 wrestling prep national champion at 149 lbs. during his postgraduate year at Blair. The Ritterpusch family moved 10 times during Col. Ritterpusch’s Army career. While they were stationed at the Army War College in 1987 and 1988, Mrs. Ritterpusch taught English as a second language and U.S. history to 30 foreign military officers and their wives, an activity for which she received awards from the Army and the War College. She was a renowned hostess who loved giving parties and welcoming friends and family into her home. To memorialize his wife’s great devotion to Blair and Blair wrestling, Col. Ritterpusch established the Barbara Ritterpusch Standard of Excellence Fund, which supports Blair wrestling.

Mrs. Ritterpusch’s survivors include her husband; their sons, Kurt and Keil J. Ritterpusch Esq.; and six grandchildren.

2009 Angel L. Clybourn. Angel was a football and track athlete during his two years at Blair, serving as captain of the undefeated Buccaneer football team as a senior. He attended the University of Cincinnati, Villanova University, Widener University and Wesley University, where he received full football scholarships. A humble, kind and loyal man, Angel loved to spend time with his family and friends.

His survivors include his parents, siblings and grandmother, as well as his fiancée and son.

Carmen J. Liuzza Jr. Esq. A graduate of Morris Catholic High School, Mr. Liuzza earned his bachelor’s degree at Seton Hall University and his JD at Quinnipiac College School of Law. He was a partner in the law firm of Gruber, Colabella, Liuzza and Thompson for more than two decades, and he was admitted to the American, New Jersey, and Sussex, Morris and Warren County Bar Associations, as well as the United States District Court, District of New Jersey, the American Trial Lawyers Association and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Liuzza volunteered in his Sussex County, New Jersey, community as an attorney and lecturer for Project Self Sufficiency, a pro bono attorney for Sussex Legal Services, a youth basketball and baseball coach and as a parishioner at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. A sports fan and true outdoorsman, Mr. Liuzza enjoyed hiking, biking and traveling to national parks with his family. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Christina, son Carmen J. Liuzza III ’20, and daughters, Sara Rose and Christie.

Past Parent & Staff Member Edward G. Paterson. Mr. Paterson was an accountant at Blair from 1986 to 1995, and he always had a kind smile for those who walked into the business office. A graduate of New York University, he served in the Navy during World War II and then with the Jersey City Fire Department. He is survived by his wife, Agnes, sons, Dr. Ian M. Paterson ’93, and Keith E. Paterson, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Former Staff Member Caryl I. Mitchell. Mrs. Mitchell was a secretary at Blair Academy for many years.

A longtime Blairstown resident, she is survived by four daughters, including Kathy Otinsky, Blair’s student life office administrative assistant, and Karyn Schar, Blair’s print shop coordinator, as well as three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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. d n e k e e e s i . r w o m e e m f n o O etime if l A

Weekend Highlights: »»

Blair Cup Golf Scramble

»»

Alumni Parade

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An Evening Under the Lights: All Alumni Welcome Back Party & Fireworks Display

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Head of School Assembly & Awards Presentation

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Picnic, Class Photos, Live Entertainment & Children’s Activities

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Blair’s World-Record Marathon Swim of 1971 Dedication honoring:

Catering & beverages provided by:

Marianne Lieberman ’79, Maple Springs Vineyard Tom Kehoe ’83, Yards Brewing Company Mark McLean ’98, Remarkable Cuisine, LLC Emily Downs ’02, Emily’s Hearth Shaun Mehtani ’02, Mehndi Matt Gallira ’08, Big Mozz, Inc.

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Weekend athletic activities: Guided Hike, 5K Run, Paulinskill Rail Trail Bike Tour, Softball Game & Lacrosse Game

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Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony:

Gerald Knapp ’54 Anne Cramer ’75 Melissa Erne ’96 Royal Ivey ’00 Dion Lewis ’09

David Borow ’72 John Greer ’74 Andrew “Scott” MacLean ’74 Todd Ruppert ’74

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Weekend Master Class sessions in English, history, science & the maker space

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Society of Skeptics presentation featuring Charlie Ahern ’69 & John Ahern ’69

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Saturday Evening Dinner & Dancing

For more information and to register for Alumni Weekend, visit www.blair.edu/alumni-weekend.

Questions? Contact Shaunna Murphy, director of alumni relations, at (908) 362-6121, ext. 5655, or murphs@blair.edu.

Blair Academy Post Office Box 600 Blairstown, New Jersey 07825-0600

Periodicals postage paid at Belvidere, NJ 07823 and at additional mailing offices

Blair Fund gifts directly support the meaningful faculty-student relationships that are at the heart of the Blair experience, preparing our graduates for the future of higher education and instilling in them a lifelong love of learning. These connections, as well as Blair’s emphasis on leadership development and effective communication, put our students a step ahead in college, the workforce and beyond.

Please make your Blair Fund gift today. www.blair.edu/make-a-gift Questions?

Contact Colleen Smarth P’18 ’20, director of annual giving, at (908) 362-6121, ext. 5684, or smartc@blair.edu.