Summer 2011 Blair Bulletin

Summer 2011

Dave & Candy Low 3 2

y e a r s

On Exhibit

Papaya Compost Bruce Lieberman Oil, 16" × 16" Contemporary Artists: Zeuxis Still Life Painting September 5–October 1 – The Romano Gallery

C O NT E NT S

F ea t u res

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Commencement 2011

The School’s 163rd Commencement took place May 26 on Sharpe House Lawn, with family and friends soaking in the sun and cheering on the Class of 2011. The beauty of Blair’s new pedestrian campus peaked to perfection, with lush green amidst the blue and white.

Going Green, Going Solar!

This past summer, the rooftop of Hardwick Hall was outfitted with solar panels as Blair pursued its use of renewable energy.

A power purchase agreement with Tioga Energy will help meet the School’s electrical needs without a sizeable upfront capital outlay.

Alumni Weekend 2011

A Pleasure and a Privilege: Reflecting on 32 Years at Blair Academy

Alumni Weekend 2011 was a time for classmates to reunite in so many ways—from special dinners and gatherings, to playing golf, to sitting in on classes (without quizzes!) conducted by Blair faculty, to remembering classmates and teachers no longer with us.

School-wide recognition of Dave and Candy Low took place during the final weeks of the year. In the midst of all the accolades, the Lows reflected on their time at Blair, recounting the changes and memories that made their 32 years so special.

S ec t i o n s

1 Summer 2011

3 From the Headmaster 4 Around the Arch 14 In the News 18 Academics 23 Arts 37 Planned Giving 44 Leadership Dinner/Advancement 50 Athletics 52 Class Notes 75 In Memoriam

On The C over

The Board of Trustees, as well as the entire School community, recognized retiring Assistant Headmaster for Student Affairs David Low and his wife, Candy, for their 32 years of exemplary service to Blair Academy; see coverage throughout this issue. Photos at right and on front cover (bottom row)

by David W. Coulter; large photo on front cover by Vickers & Beechler.

S TAFF Volume LXXX, No. 2 Summer 2011 Published: April, August, September, November Publication Number: USPS 057-760 Publisher: Blair Academy Blairstown, New Jersey 07825 Editor: Melanie McMahon Headmaster: T. Chandler Hardwick III Class Notes Editor: Colleen Smarth Contributing Photographers: Candy Low Jane Marvin Contributing Writer: Joanne Miceli 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.

2 Summer 2011

F R O M TH E

W

e believe that the values of Blair are immutable, carrying over from year to year,

generation to generation, and providing for us a clear path toward successful daily life. Aside from that, however, Blair is very much a place of change, transition and new approaches. We change all sorts of things: the curriculum, daily schedule, dress code (then change it back again), rules, dining hall menu.

Change is also traditional in the sense that students graduate, move up a year, and new boys and girls start the next year; faculty depart and new faculty appear.

The Blair campus—truly a living thing—constantly changes as well, and sometimes beyond our planning.

Early this summer, a powerful storm took with it a number of stately trees, one of which fell on a Blair faculty home (thankfully, no one was hurt). In years to come, however, new trees will spread their canopy, and the Blair campus, though changed, will remain as strikingly grand and beautiful as ever.

Also this summer, we are ambitiously changing and renovating seven faculty dormitory apartments, creating a new standard for residential living. This project, through a Trustee-inspired fund-raising initiative, shall continue for the next three summers until all faculty dormitory apartments are reflective of the commitment, responsibility and studentfocus our faculty bring to the dormitories. Another summer project will create a new configuration of administrative office space in Clinton Hall, necessary because we will now have three deans in the Student Affairs Office, rather than the previous two, with Dave Low’s retirement.

So, we yield to change but preserve our values— values reflected in the way the Blair community lives each year. What happens when the “keeper of the values” departs? That was the unasked question when Dave and Candy Low announced that this past year—their 32nd—would be their last at Blair. Since their arrival in the summer of 1979, the Lows—particularly Dave as Dean of Students and then Assistant Headmaster—seemed to embody the strong, positive sense of the Blair community and its values for generations of students and faculty.

Selfless, always actively engaged in school life, wise and capable in rising to meet the challenges of leading

H E A D M A S T E R

a discipline system in the current adolescent culture, Dave carries with him a legacy as one of Blair’s great leaders. Blair has always been willing and able to look beyond its Headmasters for the faculty leadership and loyalty that has shaped our history, and in that spirit, no one stands taller than Dave Low. To be sure, throughout his career Dave partnered collegially with many others, and Candy partnered especially well with Dave, bringing to Blair a familial leadership and impact not likely to be repeated in our history. And last year was perhaps their finest year, as they were part of all things Blair. Yet the question remained of how best to honor their service and preserve our values. As the time grew near for their departure, more and more faculty came to understand that the best way to thank Dave and Candy was not in lamenting their loss but in pledging to uphold the values they espoused and lived at Blair. With Dave and Candy moving to Vermont, we must rely upon our own sense of being better selves, serving Blair, and serving the legacy of the Lows. In that way, change will continue, and in collectively doing each day what Dave and Candy did for 32 years, we know our values shall endure. —T. Chandler Hardwick

Blair BuLLETIN 3

A ro u n d

t h e

A rc h

Blairstock Features Alum & Her Band

Blairstock, an annual event, offered student musicians a great outlet for their talents at the end of the School year. This year’s festival featured a Blair alum, Molly McAdoo ’05, and her band, Miko & the Musket; you may check them out on YouTube.

Relay for Life Raises Over $36,000 Community Service “Springs” Into Action Relays, triathlons, home-building and natural disaster relief were among the many community service projects under way on and off campus this past spring.

Community service advisor Kaye Evans reports that the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, an overnight event, took place in April as part of a global fight against cancer. The relay was 24 hours in duration because “cancer never sleeps.”

Headmaster Chan Hardwick thanked Kaye, her husband, Craig, and Cynthia Crowner, School chaplain, for their dedication and oversight, noting, “Much planning and effort went into what is undoubtedly the most successful fundraising effort

4 Summer 2011

ever by the Blair community ($36,188.11 pledged). The spirit and enthusiasm of the nearly 200 students—many remembered relatives and friends who have battled or are battling cancer—were evident during the time Monie and I walked with them.”

Students Maggie Hoffman, Graham Merrifield and Kris Patane organized a May triathlon to benefit the annual service trip to Kenya made by a group of Blair community members each summer. The money raised—$1,500—will aid in the school building project there. The course this year consisted of a 300-yard swim in the pool, followed by cycling eight laps around the campus and, finally, a two-mile run.

Ten students, accompanied by faculty members Blair Buck and Cynthia Crowner (Blair chaplain), traveled to Wilmington, Del., during Spring Break to assist the New Castle County Habitat for Humanity chapter. The group was filmed by Channel 6/ABC News out of Philadelphia, with air time on March 17. Cindy notes, “This chapter is nationally recognized for building between 16 and 20 homes per year in that county! Our group worked from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. alongside local volunteers and members of the recipient families. So we really got to know the people who will eventually live in the homes we worked on.”

Blair students were pleased to participate in an appeal from Church World Service and community service advisor Kaye Evans to compile hygiene kits for those affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Ami Saito suggested that each kit might also contain a paper crane, a traditional symbol of peace and healing in Japanese culture. She and Ali Johnson gathered a group of about 15 students and faculty to fold 80 paper cranes.

Rolling Out the Green Carpet

A break in the weather and the lush lawn of Sharpe House allowed prom-goers to promenade their finery May 25 before boarding buses that whisked them off to the Architects Golf Club for an evening of fun. The

School community and parents alike snapped photos and wished each Blair boy and girl “the time of their life.” Revelers returned to campus around midnight for a post-prom reception in the dining hall and dreams of a sleep-in the next day.

Annual Spring College Fair

Over the course of two evenings in April, Blair welcomed more than 75 college admissions representatives from around the country to meet and speak with interested juniors and sophomores during its fifth college fair. Lew Stival, dean of college counseling, noted, “Without question, the spring college fair was a wonderful opportunity for our juniors and sophomores to gain valuable information about schools with which they may be familiar and to explore schools that may have piqued their interests as well.” John Leach, associate director of admission and financial aid at Davidson College, conducted a workshop on financial aid, while Chris Burkmar, associate director of admission at Princeton University, led a Q&A session on selective college admissions.

Blairstown Earth Day Celebration a Hit!

Science teacher Rob Merrifield reports that the first annual Blairstown Earth Day celebration in Footbridge Park, downtown Blairstown, took place in April. “This event was organized by members of the Blairstown Environmental Commission (of which I am a member) and was intended to showcase the parks, green space and Paulinskill River in Blairstown.

For starters, 25 runners participated in a four-mile run on the Paulinskill Valley Trail. Blair students Becca Dewey and Olivia Davis helped present Project Wet activities such as a ‘bucket brigade’ to a small number of local children. Student kayakers Tom Niemann, Wade Stem, Hanna Huntley and Tamara Mizrachi, along with science teacher Chris Cogswell and me, guided four canoe trips down the Paulinskill from Footbridge Park to Sycamore Park for 31 local 5 Summer 2011

Senior Seminars Set Tone for Transition

Senior seminars for the Class of 2011 were held throughout the month of April, presented by faculty and geared toward seniors. The objectives of the seminars are threefold: 1) to offer some valuable tools for transitioning to college and beyond, 2) to share a new perspective on a variety of topics, and 3) to give seniors an opportunity to learn something new.

Four alumni were on hand to share their perspectives, including those pictured above (L to R): Tyler Browse ’08, Tina Tozzi ’08, Kim VanderVoort ’10 and AJ Kizekai ’06.

residents, most of whom had never been on the river before. All paddlers were treated to beautiful new green leaves draping the river, as well as numerous bird sightings.”

Rob added, “This was a great community service project for our students and a terrific way for the Blair community to work with local residents who were very appreciative of the use of our canoes and the interaction with Blair students.

We hope to make this an annual event and plan to add more activities for children next year.”

Blair BuLLETIN 5

fea t u re

Commencement 2011 163rd COMMENCEMENT, MAY 26, 2011

Photos by David W. Coulter

6 Summer 2011

Commencement Address Excerpt of Remarks by Rebecca Dewey ’11

Receiving a letter from a friend offers a kind of joy that social media will never duplicate.

If you can’t see someone face to face, take the time to craft a letter for them. They will remember it.

importance

L

etters are marks of slow communication and connection in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Their physical presence is an affront to the transient virtual communication of today. At Blair, letters are still a part of our lives. We receive letters from advisors, letters from colleges, letters from our scholarship donors. In return, we send thank-you notes and chatty replies to friendly inquiries. This method of communication seems so out of touch with modern sensibilities, yet letters exist, carrying out their steady purpose day by day. They offer something physical in a world which is increasingly digital. You can’t hold an email in your hand. Even if you print it, the writer has never touched that piece of paper. Fonts are standard across all computers; every person has their own handwriting. Receiving a letter from a friend offers a kind of joy that social media will never duplicate. If you can’t see someone face to face, take the time to craft a letter for them. They will remember it.

We must also take time to nurture relationships in a face-toface manner. An authentic, full conversation—facial expressions, sarcasm, and all—offers something much more substantial and valued than any media based exchange. Our class has done a very good job of doing exactly this because of social media,

communication

personal value

purpose

or perhaps in spite of it. Though we spend plenty of time texting and tweeting, we also come together in an actively social way. There is an ease of social mobility within the class of 2011 which has eluded other grades. At meals, you will see tables with every chair full and more pulled up to the corners and ends. Usually this would be the domain of the freshmen. However, the seniors have resurrected this form of eating because they want to be together. Our class is free of the forbidding factions which so often plague high schools.

No lunch table is forbidden. There is no dorm room members of our class would never dare enter. The class of 2011 has communicated and bonded in a way other classes have not; we know each other and support each other. The connections we have made with those of our class will last a lifetime, even as we move forward into the larger world.

In life, moments of importance are remembered or forgotten, but communication holds us together. It prolongs the memories and perpetuates friendships. Sometimes, we are able to hold on to a permanent, physical symbol of a moment. Photographs, letters, an old teddy bear­—all hold significance far beyond their physical value. Objects can be reminders of memories, stories and values. Think of what you would save if your house were burning down. Would it be a valuable but replaceable object like a laptop? I doubt it. Instead, you would look for a reminder of the past, an object only of personal value.

Memories of Blair will last a lifetime and perhaps longer.

Tales of a softball game or Peddie Day prank may turn into legend, passed down from parent to child or class to class perpetuating the history which makes Blair seem so solid. The memories of Blair will also last far longer than our time at this school. The members of our class have been at Blair for only four, three, two, or even one short year. High school is just a brief segment in a long lifetime, yet the memories will retain their importance long after we have left. The brevity of our time here enhances its beauty and importance.

joy

•

remember 8 Summer 2011

Blair BuLLETIN 9

Baccalaureate Address May 25, 2011 Excerpt of Remarks by Jake Dellorco, Mathematics Teacher

First and foremost, embrace and enjoy your new independence and begin to solidify the morals and beliefs that you will take with you for the rest of your life.

Y

ou will soon realize, as I did, that this freedom [in college] is liberating but comes with a humbling and scary responsibility.

Your education, health, reputation and respect will all be placed in your hands... own them. Your decisions no longer have to be based on what people think or want you to do. The beautiful thing about being young and independent is you are going to screw up, often, but you will learn from your mistakes until you slowly and surely begin to formulate a set of morals, values and ethics that are, for the first time, yours. You have begun this process at Blair, but it will be in college that you will truly figure it out!

In college, each of you will be presented with a unique list of opportunities, whether it be playing a sport, joining a frat or sorority, studying abroad, writing a thesis paper, or finding an internship. Take advantage of as many as you can. While my football experience offered me an opportunity to grow, I failed to take advantage of the variety of opportunities I had in front of me. I wish more than anything that I had taken advantage of my school’s study abroad program, but when the time came to apply, I came up with excuses that allowed me to chicken out of doing something out of my comfort zone. The application

freedom

responsibility Blair BuLLETIN 11

MATRICULATION LIST 2006–2011 Listed below are the colleges and universities at which two or more Blair graduates have matriculated over the past six years.

American University (8)

Georgetown University (3)

Rice University (4)

Babson College (3)

Gettysburg College (4)

Rollins College (4)

Barnard College (9)

Hamilton College (2)

Rutgers University (12)

Boston College (9)

Harvard University (4)

Santa Clara University (6)

Boston University (6)

Hobart/William Smith

Sarah Lawrence College (2)

University of Pennsylvania (6)

Bowdoin College (4)

Colleges (3)

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (3) University of New Hampshire (3)

Skidmore College (3)

University of Richmond (2)

Brown University (8)

Indiana University (2)

St. Lawrence University (4)

University of Rochester (2)

Bucknell University (10)

Ithaca College (10)

Stanford University (7)

University of Southern

Carnegie Mellon University (3)

Johns Hopkins University (3)

Swarthmore (3)

Case Western Reserve

Kenyon College (2)

Syracuse University (7)

Lafayette College (8)

Trinity College (4)

Colby College (2)

Lehigh University (12)

Tufts University (3)

University of Toronto (4)

Colgate University (9)

Loyola Marymount

Tulane University (7)

University of Virginia (3)

Union College (4)

University of Wisconsin,

University (2)

College of Charleston (13)

University (2)

Columbia University (9)

Middlebury College (2)

Cornell University (17)

Moravian College (6)

Dartmouth College (5)

New York University (14)

Davidson College (5)

Northeastern University (5)

Naval Academy (9)

Dickinson College (5)

Northwestern University (3)

University of Alabama (4)

Drexel University (4)

Ohio Wesleyan University (2)

University of Chicago (6)

Duke University (5)

Parsons School of Design (3)

University of Colorado,

Elon University (8)

Pennsylvania State

Emerson College (4)

University (5)

University of Delaware (4)

Emory University (5)

Pitzer College (4)

University of Maryland (5)

Fairfield University (3)

Princeton University (6)

University of Massachusetts,

Franklin and

Providence College (2)

Marshall College (2)

United States Military Academy (6) United States

Boulder (6)

Amherst (3)

California (5) University of St. Andrews, Scotland (2)

Madison (3) Ursinus College (3) Vassar College (2) Villanova University (6) Virginia Polytechnic Institute (7) Wake Forest University (6) Washington and Lee University (7) Washington University in St. Louis (4) Wesleyan University (2)

Purdue University (3)

University of Miami (10)

Westminster Choir College (2)

George Washington

Rhode Island School

University of Michigan (10)

Williams College (2)

University (6)

of Design (4)

Yale University (3)

challenge yourself was a hassle, I was busy with midterms, I was finally getting comfortable. I missed out on an opportunity to grow and challenge myself. I urge you as these opportunities arise to choose the ones that will both broaden your horizons and challenge you emotionally, intellectually and physically.

In fact, up until the beginning of my sophomore year, I thought that I didn’t relate to the people at Tufts. I had no one to confide in, no one with whom I could talk about real stuff, and I started questioning if I chose the wrong school.

The best thing to do is be patient and follow the age-old advice…be yourself. Eventually, as you and a new group of peers begin to get close, when you spend hours on Sunday mornings at breakfast rehashing the events of the night before or an afternoon procrastinating doing your work because you’re watching a Patrick Swayze movie on TNT, preferably Roadhouse, when you organize trips to Olive Garden for soup, salad and breadsticks because you’re all too poor to get a real meal, when these new people help you get through real problems, and when they help you celebrate your successes, you will find connections as deep as the ones you have to people here. Be patient…you will figure it out.

I think my advice to you boils down to a few basic things.

First and foremost, embrace and enjoy your new independence and begin to solidify the morals and beliefs that you will take with you for the rest of your life. Second, be open and accepting to the countless opportunities that will be placed at your feet.

I urge you to take advantage of these chances for growth with open arms. Finally, be patient and be yourself; your adjustment to the next step will take time, but it will work out. If you have any doubts, I will tell you again, you are ready for the next step and you will figure it out.

• The full text of Rebecca’s and Jake’s addresses is available on the

be patient

Blair website at www.blair.edu

embrace and enjoy

Blair BuLLETIN 13

In the news

Optimism and Talent Prevail on the Links

Chris Nallen ’00 was featured in an extensive article in the February/March 2011 edition of Met Golfer magazine. This pro golfer who has been playing on the Nationwide Tour has his eyes on the prize of qualifying for the PGA Tour. Though he is working hard toward that goal and narrowly missed it this past December, he has much to be happy about in the interim. Tom Ierubino, who wrote the Met Golfer article on Chris, said, “While the Nationwide Tour isn’t as glamorous as the PGA Tour, there can still be some pretty good perks.

The best one for a hockey fan like Nallen has been getting to play with retired superstar Wayne Gretzky in two different pro-am events on the Nationwide schedule. The duo won the team competition at the 2008 BMW Charity Pro-Am in South Carolina and made the cut at the Ford Wayne Gretzky Class last year in Ontario.”

Ierubino added, “Now that he’s gotten to know Gretzky, Nallen hasn’t been shy about asking him questions to learn how a great athlete thinks. ‘I’ve asked him many things. He said he got nervous, and he felt pressure. But he enjoyed it, every second of it. You’ve got to do that. And I love it. I’m lucky I’m doing something I love and I’m good at it.’ ”

Campaigning for Human Rights A May 13, 2011, article by John Branch in The New York Times, entitled “Two Straight Athletes Combat Homophobia,” focuses in part on Hudson Taylor ’05.

Branch begins, “Ben Cohen is a world-class English rugby star, and Hudson Taylor is a three-time college all-American wrestler. They live on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean. They barely know each other. But they have something quite unusual in common. They may be the only two high-profile heterosexual athletes dedicating their lives to the issues of bullying and homophobia in sports. The question that each one frequently gets—besides ‘Are you gay?’—is why are they involved in something that does not directly impact them, or so it would seem.”

Branch proceeds to explain: “That is just the point, they said. In much the same way that the hockey player Sean Avery’s recent endorsement

14 Summer 2011

of gay marriage resonated in large part because it came from an unexpected source, their sexual orientation helps get the message across to broader audiences, Cohen and Taylor said. ‘It’s massively important,’ Cohen said Friday…”

The article continued, “Taylor, 24, finished a decorated wrestling career at Maryland last year and is an assistant coach at Columbia. In college, he said, he was struck by the disparity in how gay students in his theater classes were so warmly accepted and how easily gay slurs were tossed around the wrestling mats. He attracted national attention when he wore a Human Rights Campaign sticker on his headgear. Earlier this year, he launched Athlete Ally, asking athletes of all ages to sign a pledge to help end homophobia in sports. Several thousand have made the pledge.

Taylor suspended plans for law school and spends much of his time speaking at schools, mostly colleges. He usually asks his audiences if they have recently heard someone or something derided as ‘gay.’ Almost always, everyone raises his or her hand, he said... ‘In a lot of people’s minds, it’s not a straight person’s issue,’ said Taylor, who will marry his longtime girlfriend in September. ‘That’s an obstacle that has to be overcome.’ ”

Luol Beats the Heat: Outscores LeBron The Star-Ledger, New Jersey’s largest daily newspaper, featured NBA player Luol Deng ’03 in a May 17, 2011, article by Dave D’Alessandro. At the time of its writing, Deng’s Chicago Bulls were about to face the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, with Chicago leading the series, 1-0.

D’Alessandro wrote, “The show-bizzy trappings of the playoff environment occasionally make Luol Deng laugh, not because he ever thought that the lives of 22,800 screamers would depend on him playing to exhaustion, but because no day goes by without him pondering how lucky he is. The preeminent historian David McCullough likes to say that you can’t know someone until you grasp specifically what they’ve experienced in life. You cannot fully understand an individual, a people, a family, a town, or a country until you know the precise events that governed the motives and the spirit of those involved.”

D’Alessandro continued, “That lesson always comes to mind when you watch Deng. Want to know where the Chicago Bulls forward was on the night LeBron James performed that exercise in extreme narcissism known as ‘The Decision’ last July? He was in northern Kenya, on a humanitarian mission at the Kakuma refugee camp, which is perhaps the most empty place on earth even by name alone: ‘Kakuma’ is Swahili for ‘nowhere.’ ‘It’s a camp of about 72,000—I was there for a week, and it was an experience beyond anything you could

imagine,’ Deng said. ‘It’s a place of complete deprivation—a city, really—people living in tents without electricity, water, nothing. The lack of water was the hardest part: You’re used to going to the refrigerator and grabbing a bottle when you are thirsty.

There, you had to walk for miles for clean water.’ ” The article continued, “Deng didn’t merely compete against Le Bron James Sunday night to lead the Bulls to a 21-point rout of the Miami Heat. He both outscored and outrebounded him—something that had happened only one time previously in LeBron’s 82-game playoff career. And his 45-minute performance Sunday—21 points, seven boards, four steals—was just another illustration that the 26-yearold Sudanese believes he was put here to do great things, and basketball is merely an outlet for it. ‘It’s in him somewhere, but he’s never melodramatic about it,’ said Joe Mantegna, Deng’s coach at Blair Academy in Blairstown. ‘We talk about Sudan a lot, and the heartbreak his country has been through. And though he doesn’t really personalize it, he knows he’s one of the ones who made it out. So sure, it’s part of who he is. It is why he plays like he does.’ ” D’Alessandro noted that Luol “doesn’t merely play with sustained passion, he plays without any fear whatsoever.” Luol told the reporter, “From this perspective, that is true: My lows are never too low because I know someone is going through something much worse. Like anyone else, when I have a bad game, I’m upset. But going back home really helps me a lot to gain perspective. Some of the stuff I’ve seen I was just like, ‘Man, how good do I have it?’ ” Note: At press time, Luol was visiting Juba, the new capital of newly independent South Sudan, to celebrate the country’s birth and to encourage young sports players.

New York Artist-Alum Debuts New Film An article by Dave Itzkoff in the April 28, 2011, edition of The New York Times discusses a new film by Charlie Ahearn ’69 that debuted this past June at the BAMcinemaFest.

Itzkoff writes, “A New York artist well known for capturing street culture and people in cool clothing—as seen through the lens of a documentarian who knows a thing or two about those topics—will be the subject of “Jamel Shabazz Street Photographer,” a new feature from the “Wild Style” director Charlie Ahearn…Mr. Ahearn’s new film chronicles Mr. Shabazz, the Brooklyn photographer whose work is collected in the book “Back in the Days,” with help from Fred Brathwaite, aka Fab 5 Freddy, and KRS-One, both rappers who have figured prominently in Mr. Ahearn’s previous work.”

Charlie and his brother, John ’69, were both featured artists in the recent Romano Gallery exhibition held during Alumni Weekend.

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Blair BuLLETIN 15

F E A TU R E

Going Green, Going Solar!

This past summer, the rooftop of Hardwick Hall was outfitted with solar panels as Blair pursued its use of renewable energy. Solar power generation is electricity produced from the sun, as opposed to typical electricity, which uses non-renewable fossil fuels.

Jim Frick, assistant headmaster for finance and operations, is pleased to note that the School entered into an agreement with a third party, Tioga Energy, to install photovoltaic solar panels that will generate 250 kilowatts per year. Literally, photovoltaic means “light-generated voltage.” Solar panels are installed on rooftops or other open spaces that receive full sunlight. The pool, field house and performance gym are the first buildings at Blair to feature these panels. “There is the possibility that we will install solar panels elsewhere around campus,” said Jim, “but the expansive flat roofs of these particular areas were the ideal locations to begin our effort.”

He added, “Under the power purchase agreement, Tioga Energy owns, operates and maintains the system. The company will sell us the solar electricity that’s been

16 Summer 2011

generated at fixed rates over a 20-year period, providing a safeguard against rising electricity costs, while, at the same time, allowing for improved cash flow management. This project helps meet the School’s electrical needs without an upfront capital outlay.”

Facts on File: Renewable energy sources offer attractive alternatives to conventional electricity generation. Solar electric power is: • Clean – Solar produces no carbon footprint or harmful emissions.

• Dependable – Solar panels are proven and highly reliable; they have 20–25 year warranties and last 30 to 40 years or longer. Solar power costs are fixed—there is no volatility due to fuel price fluctuation.

• Distributed – Solar energy is available everywhere electricity is used.

• Cost Effective – Current financial and tax incentives make solar electricity costcompetitive with conventional electricity.

The new solar project equates to the following: Equivalent to planting 31.8 acres of trees

411,912 pounds of CO2 saved in year one

Reducing driving by 494,294 miles

Community Garden Grows!

Members of Earthshine, Blair’s environmental club, along with members of the School’s Sustainability Committee, took time this past spring to get out and dig in the dirt. Armed with rain barrels, garden tools, seeds, bags of manure and fencing, they worked in the new gardens behind Bogle Hall.

In December, Earthshine members dug these four 8’ x 4’ raised beds, adding a mixture of leaf compost and top soil.

According to advisor and science teacher Rob Merrifield, the beds then sat over the winter. The herbs and vegetable seeds just planted this spring will be used in food preparation by Blair’s dining hall staff.

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Blair BuLLETIN 17

A c a d e m i c s

From Blairstown to Normandy & Back French teacher Maria Bowditch provides a report on a recent exchange between Blair students and a group of their French counterparts, as follows: Take one Blair Academy, 450 students strong, located in rural New Jersey, and then take one French high school, Lycée Henri Cornat, 900 strong with just three grades, situated in the farmland of Normandy. What does this mélange bring but a host of similarities identified, despite the language differences.

The group of Blair students who traveled to France over March break found that love of music and animals and playgrounds knows no boundaries due to national origin or native language. Cheryl Mucciolo and Teddy Riker were glad to share their fondness of horses and dogs with their host families. Emma Price, the brave French 1 student who joined the trip, was happy to see that she and her French host enjoyed the Rolling Stones and How I Met Your Mother. For one week, the Blair students lived individually with French families and attended school each morning.

Celia Jia aptly described the classroom experience: “Armed with the little French we knew, classes like math and history seemed manageable, but

18 Summer 2011

philosophy and economics were a little bizarre.”

The trip also included visits to Omaha Beach and Paris, where the group met Olivia Trozze ’08 for dinner. Olivia, a junior at Cornell University, was spending a semester in Paris.

After spring vacation, Blair welcomed three of the Normandy host students to campus—three students who had never before visited the United States. Jean, Sylvain and Clémence, who lived with host families and attended classes at Blair, wish to thank everyone involved for their warm hospitality: “Upon our arrival, the greatness and beauty of the buildings on campus strongly reinforced the positive image of Blair that our English teacher had described. Moreover, we were pleasantly surprised by the spontaneous kindness and generosity of the Blair students and host families. We would particularly like to extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Hardwick, Mrs. Bowditch and Mr. Dorelien, without whom this exchange would never have happened. Finally, we address a special thought for the families Deehan, Joachim, Fahey, Small, Rencis and Mojdehbakhsh, who welcomed us and helped us discover part of the American lifestyle.”

(L to R): Celia Jia ’13, Emma Price ’14, Cheryl Mucciolo ’14, Teddy Riker ’14

Student Wins Top Award for Fiction Writing Junior Andrew Marvin won the Governor’s Award in Arts Education in the category of fiction (short story) as the result of his submission in the High School Fiction Contest sponsored by the New Jersey Council of Teachers of English (NJCTE). He accepted his award at a special recognition ceremony in Trenton, N.J., this past spring.

The student awards portion of the Governor’s Awards in Arts Education is designed to promote awareness and appreciation for the arts by honoring individual students (grades 9 through 12) and classified students (age 14 to 21 years) who have achieved national/state recognition in the arts and attend public or nonpublic schools in New Jersey.

Dean of Faculty Judges Science Challenge Instructs Blair’s Epidemiology Course Rachel Stone, dean of faculty, served as a guest judge at the third “Think Like an Epidemiologist Challenge” event at the finals of the New Jersey Science Olympiad in March. Sixteen teams competed in the finals. Rachel, who teaches a yearlong junior/senior elective in epidemiology, notes that Blair Academy is one of the only U.S. high schools to offer a full-year course in this subject.

The website for this event explained the concept: “The Epi Challenge asked teams of four students each to test a hypothesis epidemiologically. This Science Olympiad (SO) event was designed to be realistic and requires students to ‘do’ epidemiology so that they experience some of the challenges that epidemiologists face when testing hypotheses in the real world. It requires students to develop and use a variety of epidemiologic skills efficiently and effectively. It requires them to use judgment and innovation.”

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CNBC correspondent Brian Shactman [husband of Dean of Students (Lower School) Jess Matzkin] was a guest speaker in Rachel’s epidemiology class in May. Students in the class watched Brian’s documentary Cigarette Wars, which aired in March, and enjoyed meeting the reporter in person.

Later in May, both epidemiology and statistics students traveled to New York City to visit the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health (CCCEH), having read “The Plastic Panic” in the May 31, 2010, edition of The New Yorker highlighting work by CCCEH and director Dr. Frederica Perera on bisphenol A and other chemicals.

The day trip also included the Harlem Toxic Tour facilitated by WE ACT for Environmental Justice, a Northern Manhattan community-based organization whose mission is “to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/ or low-income participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices.”

Rachel noted, “While at CCCEH, we were able to enjoy a Q&A with Dr. Perera, visit the lab of Dr. Tang, and generally tour Columbia’s medical and public health facilities. Overall, the field trip was a great experience and exposure for the students and a very unique opportunity.”

Spring Society of Skeptics Series Topics Range from Media to Medical

Tony Kornheiser

Liz Claman

The spring Society of Skeptics series kicked off on April 1 in Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts with a special Friday presentation by guest Tony Kornheiser of ESPN’s Emmy-award winning Pardon the Interruption. Kornheiser returned to the Skeptics stage (he made his first appearance in 2005) for a lively question-and-answer session with the Blair community. The weekly series, which has been in continuous existence since 1977, is one of the premier high school lecture series in the country. The Skeptics programs normally occur on Tuesday evenings from 7–8 p.m. in Cowan Auditorium. Under the direction of history teacher Dr. Martin Miller, the series has featured a wide variety of speakers who are engaging, accomplished in their respective fields and often controversial. Skeptics programs are free and open to the public. Some of the other special guests this spring are highlighted here: Elizabeth Kate “Liz” Claman, anchor of Fox Business Network’s Countdown to the Closing Bell and co-anchor of Fox Business, was a featured Society of Skeptics speaker in April. According to the Fox News website, Claman joined Fox Business Network (FBN) as an anchor in October 2007. Her debut included an exclusive interview with Berkshire Hathaway CEO and legendary investor Warren Buffett. Before joining FBN, Claman served as an anchor at CNBC. Before CNBC, Claman was an anchor and reporter

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Richard C. Hunt ’70

for Boston’s WHDH-TV (NBC). She was also a contributing correspondent for NBC’s syndicated daytime program RealLife. Prior to that, she anchored a two-hour daily talk show, The Morning Exchange, for WEWS-TV (ABC) in Cleveland and received an Emmy for her work.

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Claman began her on-air career at WSYX-TV (ABC) in Columbus, Ohio, as a reporter and, later, a weekend anchor. Earlier, she was a news associate for KCBS-TV (CBS) in Los Angeles where she was the youngest person in the station’s history to win a local Emmy for Best Spot Producer.

Richard C. Hunt ’70, M.D., clinical professor of emergency medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, was a featured Society of Skeptics speaker in April. A Blair alumnus, he is the director of the division of injury response for the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Dr. Hunt’s topic for the evening was “Leadership for Life: Defining Moments From the ER.” Not a “blood and guts talk,” his program instead focused on life leadership and defining moments from the ER, including a PowerPoint presentation.

To view a video excerpt of Dr. Hunt’s Skeptics event, log onto the Blair website at www.blair.edu Scott Harrison, founder and president of Charity: Water, was also a featured Society of

Skeptics speaker in April. Charity: Water is a New York-based non-profit bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations.

Also in April, the Invisible Children Group— including an Ugandan advocate—presented a Society of Skeptics program on “Children and War in Africa.” The young victims of war in Uganda and the Congo were the focus of discussion.

Carrie Giddins ’92 was the final Skeptics speaker of the school year on May 3. The topic of her presentation was the 2012 election and the current state of politics. She also addressed the ramifications of the May 1 killing of Osama Bin Laden. Carrie is a full-time visiting professor at The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management.

Carrie teaches classes on political communications, oversees the communications curriculum and serves on the alumni board of the school. She also stays busy with her own communications consulting firm for political, non-profit and business clients. In 2008, Carrie served as the communications director for the Iowa Democratic Party for the Iowa Caucuses.

A native of New York City and graduate of Skidmore College, Carrie has worked in politics for over a decade. She holds an M.S. from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and an M.A. from The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management.

Carrie Giddins ’92

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Student Designs Weekly Math Contest Junior Melody Shao created a fun way for students and faculty to sharpen their math skills during the final weeks of this school year.

Each week she devised a problem (posted on Blair’s Intranet) to be solved, asking that the solution be emailed to her by “lightsout” on Thursday in order for answers to be tallied and counted. Solutions were then posted the following Tuesday. Senior Franz Utermohlen was the overall winner and requested a pizza for his prize.

Booking It for Charity Students Read and Raise Over $1,500 The annual Blair Read-A-Thon, sponsored by Timken Library, began over Spring Break and raised funds to support charity. Ann Williams, director of the library, notes that this year’s proceeds are earmarked to help outfit a new hospital in Haiti overseen by Partners in Health. She explains, “Students earn a penny per page for all non-assigned reading they accomplish over Spring Break and beyond, thanks to a generous, anonymous donation.

Blair readers read 156,986 pages for a total of $1,569. The challenge ran until the end of the school year.”

Blair BuLLETIN 21

Public Speaking Program Expands Videos Available Online

Jeremy Joachim ’13

Blair’s long-range plans continue to call for a greater emphasis on teaching public speaking. Seniors have taken to the podium for the last five years or more, but it was just this spring that a select group of sophomores went on stage for their first public speaking competition. English teacher Charles Danhof announced the winners at an April School Meeting, lauding their fine efforts. The winners were as follows: Jeremy Joachim (1st place), Haven Donovan (2nd place), Jordan Janis (3rd place) and Nico Parauda (4th place).

The senior public speaking contest took place a few weeks later. English teacher Tom Parauda, who oversees the annual competition, explained that, many times, the topics reflect a bittersweet quality indicative of the culmination of their time at Blair. Judges consist of faculty members from various disciplines.

Winners were as follows: Jonathan Lucas (1st place), Kelsey Stevens (2nd place) and Cynthia Buchanan (3rd place).

Visit the Blair website at www.blair.edu to view videos of Jeremy’s and Jonathan’s winning speeches.

Jonathan Lucas ‘11

Students Compete in National History Bowl In April, seniors Dan Cioffi, Sara Samuel and Morgan Gardiner, along with junior Robbie Williams, traveled to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National History Bowl Tournament. Faculty advisor and math teacher Nate Molteni reports on their success: “Our students were up against teams that have been playing for years, while we really had just six weeks

of practice. So it was a testament to our students’ ability and dedication that we went as far as we did. I was very proud of what they accomplished and how far they have come in a short amount of time. Robbie deserves additional credit for being the lone junior on the squad and working hard on this venture while simultaneously balancing his heavy junior year course load. He’s going to be the powerhouse on the team next year.”

Nate added, “We played eight matches on Saturday against a field of 74 teams from more than 20 regional sites. Over 200 teams participated across the nation—both in regional qualifying and nationals—and we finished as the 33rd team overall, with a 5-3 record at the event. We won our final three matches of the day, getting stronger as the day progressed.”

Photo by Andrea Magat-Molteni 22 Summer 2011

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Lead Actor in Musical Wins Top Freddy Award Craig Evans, director of the Blair Academy Players’ production of The Drowsy Chaperone, was thrilled to announce in May that Tom Niemann ’11 (above) won a Freddy Award for “Outstanding Featured Performance by an Actor” for his role in this Blair Academy Players’ winter musical.

Tom’s parents, Elaine and Scott Niemann of Frenchtown, N.J., were naturally elated and told Headmaster Chan Hardwick that Tom chose to attend Blair because of the School’s wonderful reputation for its theatre program. “Kudos to Blair for setting the stage for Tom to win this award,” they said. Assistant Headmaster Dave Low noted that Tom’s acting in the musical’s lead role “will be long remembered here at Blair. [It] obviously impressed people far and wide.”

The Freddy Awards honor high school musical theatre in Warren County, N.J., and the Lehigh Valley. They are presented by The State Theatre in Easton, Pa., and are designed to recognize and reward exceptional accomplishments in the production and performance of musical theatre in local high schools.

The Drowsy Chaperone received nominations in six other categories, as follows: best show by a smaller school; best use of scenery; best lighting; best stage crew; best featured actress: Grace Weiner ’11; best supporting actor: Tucker Markus ’11. Grace and Tucker are pictured above.

Blair Orchestra Performs & Studies in NYC Performing Arts Chair Jen Pagotto reports that she and her students ventured to New York City in April: “The Blair Orchestra enjoyed a day of playing and listening to great music in New York City, beginning with a three-hour master class with New York Philharmonic staff conductor Paul Haas, who challenged the orchestra to more deeply examine their musical technique, to improve their ability to play as an ensemble, and to strengthen their understanding of the musical and expressive qualities in the pieces of their repertoire. Students enjoyed dinner and then returned to Avery Fisher Hall to see a concert by the New York Philharmonic.”

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Art Students Learn Bookbinding Tim Fite [Sullivan] ’95, pictured far left, son of veteran art teacher Rita Baragona, visited Blair in May to present a lecture and teach five classes, including drawing, painting, AP portfolio/portfolio and graphic design.

He instructed students on how to make a book using Japanese stab binding. The lessons were made possible by a special fund allowing Blair art students to be taught by professional artists.

During Tim’s sessions over two days in May, each student made a small book. Rita reports: “A great time was had by all; some students have already drawn stories in their books. Besides being a singer-songwriter and performer of indie music, Tim is a professional printmaker and book binder who works for the Center for Book Arts. His artwork is currently featured in two exhibitions, including the Washington Art Association in Washington Depot, Conn., and the Alumni Show in Blair’s Romano Gallery.”

Lisa Daltirus, a professional opera singer and mother of Demetrius Daltirus ’14, conducted a workshop and master class in May with students active in voice. She began with a demonstration, singing “Summertime” from the opera, Porgy and Bess, and followed with a conversation about vocal production and singing technique.

Blair Academy’s ensemble of after-school dancers presented a spring performance in Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts.

First Film Fest: View Online Trailers The inaugural Blair Film Festival screened 13 short student works in May in Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts. Nina Yuen, director of video studies, noted that the fest featured films by students of various ages, including Dan Cioffi, Luke Parauda, Joey McKenna, Paul Mascarenhas, Jennifer Rencis, Richie Jiravanon, Austin Branch, Billy James, Annelies Browse, Annie Kimmelman, Cassidy Kean, Mary Kate Heaney and Teddy Richardson. You may view a sampling of these video trailers on the Blair website at www.blair.edu

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Blair Academy Players Present Two Spring Productions The Blair Academy Players presented a three-act play, Night of January 16th, in the Wean Black Box Theatre of ArmstrongHipkins Center for the Arts in May. Night of January 16th is a melodrama by philosopher Ayn Rand concerning a woman who is put on trial for murdering her lover/employer. The twist to the play was the fact that the jury was actually composed of audience members who ultimately decided her innocence or guilt.

From New World to New World Order, from George Washington to George W. Bush, the Blair Academy Players took audiences on a 90-minute roller-coaster ride through all of American history when they produced The Complete History of America (abridged) in May. Director Craig Evans explained the premise of the play: “Written by Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor, the authors of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), The Complete History of America (abridged) uncovers the fast, funny and physical highlights of American history, bringing you everything you should have learned in history class but probably didn’t.”

Fine & Performing Artists Herald Spring Vocal and instrumental musicians presented their spring concert in early May. Immediately before these performers took to the stage, a reception was held for fine arts students who displayed their work at the annual student art exhibition in the Romano Gallery and The Black Canteen.

Later in May, pianist DJ Jung ’11 and violinist Jenny Shin ’11, who played together for four years at Blair, presented a recital in Chesnutt Chapel and spoke about what music means to them.

Performing Arts Chair Jennifer Pagotto noted, “Jenny performed one of Bach’s Partitas for Solo Violin, while DJ performed a waltz and an etude

by Chopin. Their duet was the Romanian Folk Dances for Violin and Piano by Bela Bartok. In addition to performing in Blair’s Orchestra—where

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Jenny served as concertmaster for the past three years—both girls were members of the Blair Trio and studied at the New York Youth Symphony Chamber Music Program last year. Both plan to continue playing music in college next year—Jenny at Swarthmore and DJ at Barnard.”

Art teacher Kate Sykes reports that Blair Academy students took part in the Second Annual MAPL Art Exhibition at The Lawrenceville School this year. Blair submitted 16 works for the show and received two awards—Anabel Gonzalez ’11 for her black and white photograph, and Jane McConnell ’12 for her altered ceramic vase. Kate and students traveled to Lawrenceville for the reception, to see the show, mix and mingle with other MAPL artists, and receive their awards.

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Campus Memories and “Kodak Moments” Alumni Weekend 2011 was a time for classmates to reunite in so many ways—from special dinners and gatherings, to playing golf, to sitting in on classes (without quizzes!) conducted by Blair faculty, to remembering classmates and teachers no longer with us. Special recognition of Dave and Candy Low, retiring after 32 years of service, was part of the Headmaster’s Assembly (preceded by the Alumni Parade) on Saturday—an event that allows the School to honor those who dedicate their time and resources to making Blair the unique place it is. View a video tribute to the Lows on Blair’s website (www.blair.edu).

Dave Low presented a reflection on his years at Blair, providing an historical timeline of

26 Summer 2011

highlights to a packed audience in Cowan Auditorium. Former Chaplain Peter Amerman officiated at the service of remembrance and celebration for the late Charlie Underwood, former faculty, at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Blairstown. A video tribute to Charlie (housed in Timken Library) was enjoyed by many attendees. Read remarks from the service by his daughter, Lesley ’89, on Blair’s website as well. Several of the artists whose work appeared in the alumni art exhibition in the Romano Gallery were on hand for a reception.

Cocktails and dinner rounded out the weekend on Saturday evening. We hope you’ll save the date for next year’s event, June 8–10, 2012!

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The 2011 Peachey Award winners are as follows: Class Representative of the Year: Kristen E. Bogart ’01 and Maria K. Lieberman ’01 (Maria pictured receiving her award from Jim Naisby ’57, Vice-president of the Board of Governors); Alumni Volunteer of the Year: Stefan A. Kling ’71 and Michael J. Lieberman ’71 (pictured); Outstanding Class Correspondent: Michael A. Habermann ’41; and Outstanding Reunion Committee: Class of 1961 – Frank H. Briggs, James H. Bullock, Peter P. Dadourian, Frederick W. Everett, Lee P. Johnston, Theodore W. Neubert, Jonathan E. Paul, John E. Perez, David H. Permar, James K. Rowbotham, George S. Saunders, Robert L. Schuldenfrei, Marc W. Suffern, Emile F. Vanderstucken, Peter A. Williams

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Blair Academy Alumnus of the Year 2011: David H. Bugen ’66 Remarks by Headmaster T. Chandler Hardwick, Alumni Weekend 2011 Modest and unassuming, David Bugen’s underlying strength of purpose, innate generosity and moral resolve have generated success in his career, his philanthropy and his personal life. A leader in the financial planning industry, a visionary humanitarian and a devoted husband and father, David personifies the very best qualities that Blair hopes to instill in its graduates.

David entered the School as a freshman in 1962, an “earnest, conscientious boy,” according to his advisor, who “attacks every task with determination.”

Academically, he was drawn to history and economics while participating in extracurriculars ranging from the Blair Breeze to the International Society to varsity wrestling and soccer. In his senior year, David placed third in the New Jersey State wrestling tournament, and he later reminisced that wrestling practice was one of his best memories of School life. “A leader among the boys,” his senior year advisor noted, David had made “a real contribution to the community and [was] a credit to the School.”

David matriculated at Rutgers University, earning both a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in finance.

Through hard work and knowledgeable application of his financial expertise, he has

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established a highly successful career as a financial planner and has been frequently named as one of the top wealth advisors in the United States by Money, Worth and Mutual Fund magazines.

Yet even as he has advised his clients on the management of their assets, David, together with his wife, Barbara, have quietly and purposefully directed their own philanthropy to causes they hold dear.

One such cause is education.

In 2008, David and several colleagues established the Afghan Girls Financial Assistance Fund to aid young Afghan women who seek a college education in the United States. The benefactors realized a need existed for such a fund when then-Blair postgraduate Shamila Kohestani ’08 had to return to Afghanistan because she did not have the resources to attend an American college.

David and his partners not only secured a place for Shamila at Drew University, but through ongoing efforts now support an additional 10 young Afghan women at private schools and colleges in the United States.

These women will eventually return to Afghanistan to assist in the rebuilding of their country.

David and Barbara’s support of education has also found its way home to Blair Academy.

Together they established the Bugen Family Scholarship

David Bugen, pictured with his wife, Barbara, on Alumni Weekend.

in 2009, which is designated to aid those young men and women who work hardest, put forth the greatest effort and make the most of their talents during their time at Blair. When their daughter, Sarah, became a member of Blair’s Class of 2010, David and Barbara joined the Parent Fund Group and supported her Blair experience as active volunteers. David serves on his class reunion committee and is a dedicated 1848 Society caller. His expert assistance with the strategic planning process is deeply appreciated as are his realism, reliability and unfailing loyalty to Blair.

David, as you celebrate your 45th Reunion, I am pleased to recognize the resolve, the vision and the genuine goodness that have led to your personal and philanthropic success—success that has reflected back on the School that gave you your start.

Congratulations to Blair Academy’s 2011 Alumnus of the Year.

The Reverend Peter Amerman Honored at Dedication of Bell The Reverend Peter Amerman, retired Blair chaplain, was honored for his 38 years of service and mentorship of thousands of Blair students at the Alumni Weekend dedication of the Amerman Bell. Faculty and alumni gathered in Hardwick Hall to recognize Peter’s abiding contribution to the Blair community through his life of faith, common understanding and cooperation.

The Amerman Bell was given by Scott Jones ’80, in gratitude for Peter’s mentorship. Cast of solid bronze in 1897, the bell weighs 1,500 pounds and has a 40-inch diameter base. Scott remembered “visiting” the bell as a child in the lobby of the bank headquarters where his father worked. Many years later, after successfully completing college and graduate school and launching a career in finance, he saw the bell again, coincidentally after having given a Blair “chapel” talk at Peter’s request.

Scott was inspired to give the bell to Blair, both to memorialize his father and honor Peter, and he worked with the School to bring the idea to fruition.

Rev. Peter Amerman, flanked by Chan Hardwick and Scott Jones ’80, rang the Amerman Bell at the dedication.

Scott thanked those present for joining him in honoring Peter “for his service to Blair and the example he continues to set for all of us today.” Headmaster Chan Hardwick echoed that sentiment: “To this day, Peter’s service, loyalty and friendship have a positive impact on the lives of many in the Blair community.”

Service Celebrates the Life of Charlie Underwood The Blairstown Presbyterian Church provided a beautiful setting for the Alumni Weekend memorial service for beloved former faculty member Charlie Underwood. Charlie, who taught at Blair from 1960 to 1998, passed away in January, and many of the over 100 alumni in attendance had come to last year’s joyous dedication of Underwood Field.

The Rev. Peter Amerman presided at the service during which Carolyn Conforti-Browse ’79 and Jeff Mohler ’67 remembered Charlie’s love for Blair, his dedication to his family, and his care and concern for thousands of Blair students. ­—Joanne Miceli

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P l a n n e d

G i v i n g

A Good Deal: Sally and Jeff Seubel ’63 Establish a Charitable Gift Annuity

“Eventually, Blair will get a great Sally and Jeff Seubel ’63 with their grandson, incoming freshman Andrew Booth ’15, and granddaughter, Allie Reed ’11, at her graduation.

“I’d

hate to think where I’d be today if I hadn’t been to Blair,” said Trustee Jeff Seubel ’63.

“Even though I wasn’t the best student, the School provided the foundation that helped me succeed in college, in graduate school and in my career.”

A retired finance professional, Jeff, together with his wife, Sally, recently established a charitable gift annuity (CGA) at Blair. Jeff candidly described this planning option as a “good deal.” “Eventually, Blair will get a great gift,” he said. “But in the meantime, Sally and I receive an income stream that’s better than anything on the open market because of its tax deductibility.”

The CGA is the latest gift from the Seubels, who have long supported the School through contributions to the Class of 1963 Faculty Chair, the Blair Fund and capital projects. Recently, they gifted the School with a timeshare in Hawaii, providing a much-needed vacation each year for a member of Blair’s dedicated faculty.

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gift. But in the meantime, Sally and I receive an income stream that’s better than anything on the open market.” —Jeff Seubel ’63

The Seubels were on campus in May to celebrate the graduation of their granddaughter, Allie Reed ’11, and they are looking forward to visits with their grandson, Andrew Booth ’15, over the next four years. As Jeff considered the School’s future, he noted that he is pleased his estate gift will eventually help build the endowment. “Blair is the perfect size and composition right now,” he said. “Strengthening the endowment is the key to financial sustainability and enduring success.”

A Pleasure and a Privilege: After 32 years of exemplary service, Assistant Headmaster Dave Low and his wife, Candy, retired from Blair at the conclusion of the school year. A surprise celebration for the Lows took place during Alumni Weekend at the Headmaster’s Assembly, with a presentation by Chan Hardwick of a scrapbook of good wishes from alumni, parents and friends.

(Excerpts of these expressions appear on page 40.)

Chan also presented the 2011 Citation of Merit to the Lows (page 42), emphasizing their warmth: “Together, Dave and Candy are the School’s best ambassadors, not merely welcoming visitors to campus, but setting a tone of thoughtfulness and congeniality...”

Chan adds to his thoughts on page three of this issue.

The Leadership Dinner this spring provided an opportunity for the Board of Trustees to recognize Dave and Candy as well. Chairman Emeritus John C. Bogle ’47 lauded the Lows, while Board Chairman James P. Jenkins ’66 announced the Trustees’ establishment of the David T. and Candida C. Low Scholarship, to which alumni, parents and friends had contributed over $150,000 to honor their service. The following Q&A with the Lows allowed them to reflect on their life and times at Blair.

– Melanie McMahon

What factored into your initial decision that Blair was the right place for you and your family?

When we decided to leave Michigan after 10 years in a suburban independent school, we sought a primarily boarding school with a quiet, peaceful location (though not too far from cultural centers), a community that featured genuine and positive relationships between students and faculty … a school large enough to support a variety of programs and yet small enough so that we could personally know every person on campus. And we sought a school without pretense … one that understood its mission of working with young people. We really liked the people we met when we visited … obviously dedicated faculty and staff, and lively students who (usually) appreciated being at Blair. Time with Jim and Elaine Kelley— and other veteran faculty at that point—left us with the sense that there was a core of very dedicated and very friendly faculty at Blair, all dedicated to the task of doing whatever they could to help young people grow in positive and productive ways.

&

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Plea P

The physical campus of the School has certainly changed since you arrived here 32 years ago. Can you comment on that?

Well, it was beautiful back in 1979 … and it’s even more beautiful now. How fortunate Blair has been over the years to have a maintenance and grounds staff that, with quite limited numbers, do a phenomenal job of taking care of this lovely campus. The “arriving” process is different now … no longer do people drive through the Arch in the way that used to mark their arrival. Fittingly, however, seniors pass through the Arch in symbolic fashion at the beginning of their senior year as they process to Convocation, on the night of Baccalaureate when they are led by bagpipers across campus and on to the Presbyterian Church, and on graduation day as they enjoy their initial moments of alumni status.

Until 1984, Mason and Freeman stood apart as an extension from the main campus; the “bowl” consisted of rolling, weeded hillocks to the northeast of which sat a small

Reflecting on 32 Years at Blair Academy practice field (where Dayton and Jenkins Houses now sit) and beyond that was the wooded frontier, including an elaborate barbeque pit that sat where Howard House is … and which the student body would occasionally travel to en masse for school picnics. In 1984, the creation of Marcial Field and the construction of those two homes framed the new northeast quadrant of campus.

The subsequent improvements to Meerwarth Courtyard and the blocking off of the road that used to lead through the Arch turned the central area between Clinton and Locke into a much more pedestrian-friendly area and provided a comfortable gathering area that was much appreciated. The transformation/expansion of Timken Library made for a truly handsome and welcoming academic hub for the community, and, of course, the wonderful addition of Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts made Blair a truly three-dimensional (academics, athletics and arts) school for the first time. The icing on this already terrific cake came in the form of the creation of Hardwick Hall with its expanded resources for fitness and team sports, the transformation of the old basketball court into The Black Canteen, and then the creation of the interior pedestrian campus. If there is a more beautiful boarding school campus anywhere, we certainly don’t know of it.

respect as we the faculty work with young people has made a difference. While it has been exhausting at times, living and working at Blair—and raising our family here—it has been a pleasure and a privilege. And it has been fun!

Since you always ask this of the young alumni Skeptics panelists each January, I wonder if you might comment on how Blair—in all its many aspects—has influenced your life.

What are you looking forward to now that you’re retiring?

asure Privilege When one is surrounded by optimistic, idealistic and energetic young people—and bright, dedicated colleagues—how can one not be influenced? We have admired and respected so many students and faculty members over the years that the aggregate effect is no doubt immeasurable. And we hope that our belief in the importance of friendliness, kindness, compassion and

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What is your favorite memory of the School? What will you miss most?

The people, of course. And certain times of the year when we are able to enjoy and celebrate the collective Blair experience.

Convocation, Halloween Dinner, Peddie Day, Christmas Vespers, Headmasters’ Societies Week, Baccalaureate, Graduation … all times when we seem particularly alive as a community … and when, upon reflection, we can most understand and appreciate our particular place in the everevolving history of Blair Academy. We will miss the fun of athletic events, musical and theatre performances, public speaking events, etc., and being ever amazed that Blair students can do so much so well. And of course we will miss the daily rhythm of life created by more than 600 people (students, faculty and staff) all committed to the common cause of living, learning, teaching and growing in this special place. Candy has enjoyed the unique photographer’s perspective ... the ability to see and capture so many special moments of life at Blair and to be able to share those moments with students, parents and faculty.

More flexibility in our schedule … the ability to visit children and grandchildren more often, autumn in Vermont, not having to hurt so much for students and their parents dealing with the inevitable challenges and occasional mistakes of growing up. More travel … and the chance to reconnect with many Blair friends spread around the country and the world.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

GO BUCS!

Dear Dave and Candy,

Dear Dave and Candy,

You were the first people to welcome our family to Blair.

I will never forget your kindness. You patiently helped us to find babysitters, had us over for dinner and even told us where the nearest McDonald’s was (much to your horror!) ... Thanks for being so nice to the Evans family all these years. We will miss you!

32 years … what an incredible journey. Thank you for all the love and support you have given to Blair and its students. We are all better people because of you. Your class, your composure and most importantly your humor have always made Blair feel like we are coming home.

Love, Kaye

Hello!

With love and appreciation, Bridget (Brennan) Hodakowski ’99

YOU HAD US AT “HELLO!” Mr. Low,

Dear Dave and Candy, Well, you had us at “Hello!” We have so enjoyed your reign at Blair, and we are glad our kids managed to go through Blair during your years. What wonderful personal gifts you have both brought to Blair!

Nancy and Tim Johnson

40 Summer 2011

There is not a week that goes by in our house that you are not thought of. Your cartwheel on the stage is my favorite!

Mrs. Low, Thanks for all the wonderful photos.

We will treasure them always. Good luck and best of health.

The Gilmartins (Tom, Joya, Alexa ’08 and Thomas)

Dear Mr. Low, Thank you for all that you did to support my family and me throughout our Blair years. I can’t imagine Blair without you; it would be like imagining Peddie Day without a bonfire.

Best wishes, Seeley a.k.a. Melissa (Seeley) Cardone ’00

To Dave and Candy,

Mrs. Low,

May your 32 years of devoted service be rewarded with many happy years filled with new adventures, good health and great joy.

I still may not be a math whiz, but you helped me to at least have a passable understanding of the basics—not an easy feat!

With admiration and affection, Selena Howard

Best, Suzy Martin Logan ’99

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Low,

I remember how Mr. Low looked out for me at Blair.

He was the heart of that place.

Costen Irons ’99

When I saw this card in the mail, instead of putting it to the side to do later, I said, “Heck yeah, I want to let these guys know how much I appreciate them.”

I can’t begin to imagine what the Blair campus will be like without you. But then I realize how exciting this is for you! A change, a time to move on, to give someone else a chance to achieve greatness … Your approach to life is inspiring. Thank you for being a part of mine.

Meredith Habermann ’04

Dear Dave and Candy, Future students will never know what they missed, but I am very fortunate to have been a Buc during the Low era….I’ll miss seeing that smile when I come back to visit.

Love, Winnie Adrien ’06

41 Summer 2011

2011 Citation of Merit: David T. and Candida C. Low Remarks by Headmaster T. Chandler Hardwick, Alumni Weekend 2011

D

ave and Candy Low are the very heart and soul of Blair Academy. For 32 years, they have devoted their lives to the well-being of Blair’s students and to upholding Blair’s core values of intellectual curiosity, selfless service and integrity in all things.

Together, Dave and Candy are the quintessential members of the Blair community, the embodiment of the leadership and service to which all Blair graduates and teachers aspire.

Dave’s storied tenure began in 1979 when he arrived, an enthusiastic, fresh-faced, not-quiteseasoned administrator from the Cranbrook School in Michigan.

Appointed Blair’s first-ever Dean of Student Affairs, he and Candy took up residence on campus with their three young children, David Jr., Katie and Seth, all of whom would eventually become Blair graduates.

In his new role, Dave undertook the development and management of the non-academic life of the School. Counseling, residential life, extracurricular activities and a host of collateral duties became his responsibility, and under his leadership and measured, thoughtful guidance, the student affairs office has become the epicenter of the vibrant, positive living and learning atmosphere of Blair Academy. In 1990, Dave was elevated to Assistant Headmaster for Student Affairs.

The welfare of the School, the faculty and, most of all, the students has been paramount in every decision, discussion and action Dave has undertaken in his Blair career.

Guided by an innate sense of fairness and unerring moral compass, his 42 Summer 2011

contributions to the life of the School will resonate for years to come. With absolute attention to detail, he has resolved issues large and small with grace, humor and/ or sternness, as the situation required.

In addition, his reasonable, unbiased judgment has made him a most valuable asset to Blair’s administration.

Dave has embraced a healthy respect for the traditions of the School, as he recognizes their value to the community and their important role in the education of our students. Yet with a philosophic openness, he has constantly evaluated those traditions and helped to find the best course of action for Blair.

Dave’s even-tempered personality, characteristic kindness and compassion, and truly friendly nature have made him a role model for the entire School community.

Candy’s early years on campus were devoted to family, yet once she was able to join the professional staff, she became indispensible in the student affairs office. Pursuing her passion for photography, she became the faculty advisor to the yearbook and the School’s official photographer, capturing a generation of Blair students and faculty on film. Her constancy and dedication ensured that no matter how late or early an event was scheduled, nor how bad the weather, she would be there to record the action. Even as

Candy supported Dave in his role, he, in turn, supported her, becoming her “junior technician” and driving the golf cart whenever he was called upon.

Together, Dave and Candy are the School’s best ambassadors, not merely welcoming visitors to campus, but setting a tone of thoughtfulness and congeniality that is willingly and genuinely emulated by Blair’s students and staff. As we have prepared for their retirement this past year with a reorganization of the student affairs office, we know, deep in our hearts, that Dave and Candy are irreplaceable at Blair. Their passion for education, love of this School and its students, and keen understanding of what makes a school not just good, but great, combined with the enduring support they have been to one another in their careers, simply cannot be matched. There have rarely been two people who are more deserving of Blair’s highest honor, the Citation of Merit, and it is with great pride that we recognize Dave and Candy Low as its recipients for 2011.

Senior Class Council Honors Lows In addition to the new ACTA yearbook dedication to them and the recognition they received at the spring Leadership Dinner and during Alumni Weekend, Dave and Candy Low were lauded by the entire School community in May. Tucker Marcus ’11, a member of the Senior Class Council (above center with Dave at Commencement), spoke for his peers when the council honored the Lows at a late May School Meeting in Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts. A musical performance by faculty and students, a cake with candles blazing, flowers for Candy, and special blue and white M&Ms bearing Dave’s photo were all part of the on-stage celebration. Cards signed by students, as well as a special lunch in the Romano Dining Hall featuring Dave’s favorite foods on the menu, were also the order of the day.

Tucker read tributes to Dave and Candy, as follows: As iconic at Blair Academy as the front hill, the magnolia tree, the Arch, is David Thomas Low. For over 30 years, DTL has been the conductor of the day-to-day orchestra that is Blair Academy. He has composed the chorus that constitutes our seasons at School, shaping the sweeping refrains while weaving in subtle melodies. Through his tireless, pervasive work, Mr. Low has created a rich harmony in the arrangement of our Blair lives.

As of the 2011-12 school year, this maestro will no longer wave the baton to our attentive serenade. No longer will he be found roaming the athletic fields on fall days, cheering on each Buc—individually—by name. No longer will his flawless grammar be the standard by which true eloquence is judged here on campus. No longer will students spend countless hours studying that dictionary of smiles in ultimately fruitless attempts to displace him from his throne as facebook [school directory] challenge champion. No longer will his friendly visage be seen in Clinton, in Bogle, on the stage of Armstong-Hipkins.

43 Summer 2011

In his absence, however, he leaves an unmatched legacy of diligence, fairness, respect and generosity. DTL has been a supreme servant to the Blue and White. In the 163-year history of our Blair, no man has been more dedicated, no man has been more influential, no man has been more appreciated.

As his final verse comes to a conclusion, as the notes culminate to one closing tune, we the chorus hold out our ending note in thanks to our conductor, Mr. Low. For over 30 years, Mrs. Low has been quietly lending vital support to the Blair community in countless ways. Many of you know her simply as the woman with the camera, the one who zooms up in that iconic golf cart to take pictures at every School event. It must be said that Mrs. Low is surely one of the great photographers in the world…

But when she’s not taking pictures, Mrs. Low spends the day working hard in the School Office to help make all of our lives better. For her three decades of devotion to the students, enthusiastic work and love for Blair, we thank Mrs. Low.

L E A D E R S H I P

D I N N E R

Trustee David D. Wakefield ’48 was honored for his chairmanship of the Ever Always Campaign.

Honoree Nancy LaFountain with granddaughter Emi ’11

Philanthropy and Service Recognized Photos by David W. Coulter

Trustees and Friends Establish the David T. and Candida C. Low Scholarship

Blair Academy honored a group of its most steadfast supporters at the annual Leadership Dinner on May 6. Headmaster Chan Hardwick noted that the honorees have not only been generous in their financial support, but have “shared their exceptional talents and personal expertise in service of the School and its educational mission.” Blair Arch prints were presented to: Lynne and Bob Kiley ’51, P ’80 ’82; Cindy and Coray Kirby ’80, P ’12 ’13 ’14; Nancy LaFountain GP ’11; Cathy and DJ Romano ’74, P ’04 ’07 ’10; Jacquelyn and Arthur Snyder III P ’06 ’08 ’11 ’13; Terry and Jim Youngelson ’53; Koula and Stathes Kulukundis ’60; and Joonho Lee and Seon Young Kwon P ’11.

Special recognition was accorded to Trustee David D. Wakefield ’48, as he stepped down

Chairman Emeritus John C. Bogle ’47 shared a word with Dave Low

Seniors Temi Fagbenle ’11 and Morgan Gardiner ’11 thanked leadership donors on behalf of scholarship students

from his role as Vice Chairman after eight years of service on the Board. Dave was honored for his chairmanship of the successful Ever Always Campaign and his leadership role in the recent strategic planning process.

The Leadership Dinner also provided a wonderful opportunity for the Board of Trustees to recognize retiring Assistant Headmaster for Student Affairs David Low, and his wife, Candy, for their 32 years of exemplary service to the School. Chairman Emeritus John C. Bogle ’47 personally lauded Dave and Candy, and Board Chairman James P. Jenkins ’66 made two presentations to the Lows from the Board of Trustees: First, he awarded the Seubel Timeshare, a gift from Trustee W. Jeffery Seubel ’63 and his wife, Sally, which provides faculty members with a two-week vacation at a Hawaiian resort. The Lows are the inaugural recipients of this gift.

Finally, Jim announced the establishment of the David T. and Candida C. Low Scholarship by the Trustees. This scholarship is intended, when possible, to support the sons and daughters of those alumni who attended Blair during the “Low years.” Ideally, its recipients will represent the principles which the Lows embodied at Blair: selfless devotion to others; unflagging energy, enthusiasm and hard work; and above all else, integrity of the highest order.

Dave and Candy Low

The Blair Singers and Orchestra performed during cocktail hour; cellist and former Dave Low advisee Terence Ting ’10 joined the orchestra for a surprise piece dedicated to the Lows

Eve and Jack Bogle ’47 were hosted by Blair’s Bogle Scholars

Honorees Terry and Jim Youngelson ’53

Barbara and Bill Cramer ’64 with their scholarship recipient, Ally Cianni ’11

Ellie and Dave Low Jr. ’89, Seth ’94 and Anne Low, and Katie ’91 and Jonathan Owsley joined Dave and Candy for this special evening

2011 Leadership Dinner honorees included (L to R) DJ Romano ’74 and his wife, Cathy, Bob Kiley ’51 with his daughter, Susan Taylor ’80, Jackie and Art Snyder, and Cindy and Coray Kirby ’80 45 Summer 2011

ad v ance m ent

Blair Alumni Surpass $250,000 Challenge: Growing Volunteer Outreach Powers Blair Fund Success Blair alumni set all-time records for both participation and giving in a tremendous Blair Fund year as one-third of the alumni body gave $1,152,924.

This marks the first time ever that alumni giving surpassed one million dollars.

Volunteer outreach, which has been growing steadily, was the driving force behind this success.

Over 250 alumni (some pictured above)—Class Representatives, Alumni Association Board of Governors, 1848 Society Committee members and

46 Summer 2011

Alumni Challenge Committee members—contacted fellow alumni throughout the year to encourage them to take on the Alumni Challenge.

And take it on they did, achieving impressive results far exceeding $250,000: • 380 new donors participated – totaling $134,646 • 518 donors increased their gift – totaling $242,027 The alumni who established this Challenge wished to engage Blair graduates of all classes in supporting the School, a

goal that was met as alumni of every age were inspired to give.

Dr. Mark Moon ’84, Trustee and Advancement Committee Chairman, applauded participants saying, “I’m thrilled with the success of the Challenge and even happier that so many alumni took advantage of this great opportunity to support Blair. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Alumni Challenge for believing in our students and in Blair.”

Faculty Apartment Renovations Under Way: All Gifts Matched Until December 31!

Students had just departed campus in May when the music of summer (read: hammers and power tools) overtook several dormitories—renovations to the first seven of 21 faculty apartment were under way! This $1 million project marks the first exciting step in the fulfillment of Blair’s strategic plan initiative to update dormitory housing for the dedicated teachers who provide students with a school-year home away from home.

Thanks to an anonymous Blair family’s challenge gift, fundraising efforts for this important initiative are off to a great start, reports Sue Habermann,

47 Summer 2011

director of capital giving. All donations and pledges for faculty dormitory renovations received before December 31, 2011, will be matched, dollar for dollar. The “double your gift” concept—and the opportunity to “name” an apartment for a teacher or loved one—have been strong incentives to donors. To date, $208,217 has been raised.

To take advantage of this excellent opportunity and make a gift in support of the faculty housing initiative, contact Sue Habermann at (908) 362-6121 ext. 5653 or habers@blair.edu

Blair BuLLETIN 47

Blair Crew Teams “Keep on Truckin” Thanks to Gift from Duryea Family

Following the first home races of the season on April 2, Blair’s crew coaches and team members enthusiastically thanked Russel and Marie Duryea for their gift of a new pickup truck dedicated for use by the crew team. The Duryeas are the grandparents of Dillon ’10 and Maggie Hoffman ’11. Their generous gift fulfills the need for safe, reliable transportation for the crew teams’ shells and equipment.

“Russel and Marie have been familiar and welcome faces at many of Dillon’s and Maggie’s athletic events over the years,” said Headmaster Chan Hardwick. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to thank them for their spirited support of the School and of their grandchildren’s Blair experience.”

Crew program director Maril Davenport, varsity coaches Hans Doerr and Stephanie Guilmet, and assistant coach Amy Van Nostrand presented the Duryeas with Blair crew jackets and hats as well as a framed photo of the truck and the entire team taken on their spring break trip to South Carolina.

The coaches noted that the truck performed admirably on the long drive: “We never wondered if we would make it up the next hill, thanks to Russel and Marie Duryea’s generosity.” ­—Joanne Miceli

The Hoffman family (Dillon ’10, Rich, Suzanne and Maggie ’11), crew coaches and Headmaster Chan Hardwick surround Russel and Marie Duryea at the crew truck dedication. The crew truck was a welcome addition when Blair rowers participated in pre-season activities in South Carolina over spring break.

“We never wondered if we would make it up the next hill, thanks to Russel and Marie Duryea’s generosity.”

Photos by Jane Marvin 48 Summer 2011

Grandparents’ Day 2011 Sets Precedent for More Much to the delight of all involved, students and their grandparents spent quality time together on Blair’s campus in April. A Headmaster’s address, class visits, performances by the Blair Orchestra and Blair Singers, lunch together, and campus tours were all part of the fun. Many are already looking forward to Grandparents’ Day 2012, according to Susan Long, director of parent relations.

49 Summer 2011

AT H L E T I C S

Blair Crew Competes in Youth Nationals Blair crew traveled to Tennessee where they competed in the U.S. Rowing Youth National Championships in June. The boys’ varsity four (Henry Foote ’11, Eric Timken ’11, Troy Dundas ’11, Evan Redos ’12 and Robert Kimmelman ’13) and girls’ lightweight four (Jacqueline Lung ’12, Ashley Zimmerman ’13, Annika Rollock ’14, Jane McConnell ’12 and Ami Saito ’12) participated.

Coach Maril Davenport reports that the boys finished first in the C final, 13th overall, with a time of 6:59, while girls finished 3rd in B final, 9th overall, with a time of 8:07.

The Mid-Atlantic Junior District Championships in May served as a qualifying event for the Nationals.

Unlike most of Blair’s 1500m races, these events were all 2000m. Coaches and rowers returned to Blair having earned top qualifying spots in two events, the boys’ varsity four and girls’ lightweight

varsity four. In non-qualifying events, Blair crews also excelled. The boys’ novice four and boys’ second varsity four both advanced through their heats and went on to capture silver medals in the finals. The girls’ novice eight finished third in their final-only event, bringing home a bronze.

Spring Season Athletes Honored

Brooks Baseball Prize: Ross Danzig ’11, Eric Peterson ’11 Stowell Softball Award: Kelsey Stevens ’11, Michelle Fox ’12 Blair Lacrosse Prize: Spencer Beriont ’11, Andrew Iacocca ’12, Melissa Evans ’12 Paul Tennis Award: Noah Joachim ’11, Musyoka Mbithi ’11 Anzel Tennis Trophy: Jeremy Joachim ’13, Chris Sabaitis ’12 Hurley Crew Prize: Henry Foote ’11, Eric Timken ’11 Kemp Crew Prize: Maggie Hoffman ’11, Jane McConnell ’12 Pender Track Award: Scott Chamberlin ’11, Quinn McKay ’11, Allie Reed ’11 Blair Girls’ Golf Award: Ann Park ’13 Zimmerman Golf Trophy: Lucas Ludgate ’13

50 Summer 2011

Boys’ Tennis Wins Another MAPL Championship

The boys’ tennis team, by sweeping all four singles flights, won its second consecutive MidAtlantic Prep League (MAPL) Championship at Lehigh University this spring. Head coach Lew Stival noted that the team finished in a tie for first place with the Lawrenceville School in the N.J. Prep A State Tournament in May (see photo).

Lady Bucs Sweep New Jersey Prep State Golf Title Girls Add to Earlier MAPL Title

Head coach Paul Clavel reports on his team’s success on the links in May: “The Peddie golf course was in excellent condition. The Bucs took advantage of all the elements and walked away with the N.J. Prep State title! Blair compiled a score of 170 and outdistanced second place Lawrenceville by 14 strokes.”

Coach Clavel noted that adding the N.J. Prep State title to the MAPL Championship title and a 9-0 match record capped a perfect season for the 2011 girls’ golf team.

Blair Alumnus Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

Camaraderie & Competition Stay the Course An April 10 online article by Howard Ward in the pilot.com—“Brits Invade Sandhills: The Swifts Voice High Praise for the Dormie”—focuses on the golf tradition known as the Blair-Swift exchange involving Blair golfers and their British counterparts. Math teacher Razz Rasmussen has been a vital part of the swap’s success, as has past Blair parent John Skvarla III and his son, Matt ’95, who played on the U.S. team.

John loved the concept of the exchange and has played a role in hosting the team at his home in Pinehurst ever since.

51 Summer 2011

Dion Lewis ’09 is a Philadelphia Eagle after being selected April 30 in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. While he was at Blair, he was named New Jersey Prep Offensive Player of the Year, as well as MAPL Offensive Player of the Year. Head football coach Jim Stone had this to say about his former player’s well-deserved success. “We are thrilled for Dion.

He is a great talent and an even harder worker…It is an honor for us at Blair to know that one of our guys will be represented in the NFL.”

The Star-Ledger, New Jersey’s largest daily newspaper, selected Kelsey Stevens ’11 as the Prep Softball Player of the Year.

IC NL AMS ES M N O O R IT AE M S IN MEMORY OF… 1938 LeRoy Weber Jr. Mr. Weber’s lifelong passion for model aeronautics led to international recognition in the field. As president and founder of Blair’s Model Airplane Club, he and his brother, John ’39, placed third in the 1938 Eastern States Model Airplane Championships against, as he later noted, “all the big name fliers.” He attended Colgate University, earning his private pilot’s license through Colgate’s civilian pilot training group after World War II broke out. Mr. Weber decided he “could do more for the war effort in the aircraft industry than in the Army,” so he left Colgate and went to work first for Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company, then as a parts inspector for Lockheed Aircraft, along with his bride, Helen. He was drafted in 1944 and served as a Navy aviation electronics technician. Upon his return to civilian life in 1946, he became a partner in his family’s business, Weber’s Department Store, in Rio Vista, Calif., and pursued his interest in model aircraft. Mr. Weber served for many years as scale model director for the Academy of Model Aeronautics national championships and chaired the international aeronautics modeling committee which set the rules for the inaugural world scale model championship in 1970. Mr. Weber was inducted into the Academy of Model Aeronautics Hall of Fame in 2000. He remained loyal to Blair throughout his life, attending his 65th Reunion in 2003. He was predeceased by Helen in 1991.

1938

LeRoy Weber Jr., November 26, 2010, Rio Vista, California

1939

James B. Near Sr., January 30, 2011, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

1940

Hamilton Carothers, April 19, 2011, Charlottesville, Virginia

1940

Gilbert M. Stout, May 31, 2011, Scituate, Massachusetts

1941

James S. Vanderhoff, February 12, 2011, Sarasota, Florida

1941

Jack Vogel, January 21, 2011, Palm Springs, California

1943

Paul D. Zimmerman, April 21, 2011, Charlotte, North Carolina

1944

Lyman F. Nicholas, February 16, 2011, Mendham, New Jersey

1946

Gordon J. Pentecost, January 8, 2011, Troy, New York

1948

R. Theodore Vreeland, December 30, 2010, Chatham, Massachusetts

1950

George A. Hillman Jr., April 29, 2011, Gainesville, Florida

1950

George W. Van De Weghe, November 28, 2009, San Diego, California

1957

Peter E. Thauer, March 24, 2011, Saddle River, New Jersey

1957

Robert S. Whaley, February 23, 2011, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

1970

David A. Treyz, April 8, 2011, Banner Elk, North Carolina

Parent

Marlene Palmore, March 4, 2011, Hackettstown, New Jersey

Parent

Earlene Welch, June 20, 2011, Waccabuc, New York

Friend

Jane E. Hoffman, June 26, 2011, Stamford, Connecticut

1939 James B. Near Sr. A graduate of Colgate University, Mr. Near was a decorated Army Air Force pilot during World War II, flying B-26 combat missions in Europe. He worked for Texaco, then became a partner in the insurance brokerage firm of Gebhard, Tryon, Lattimore and Near, Inc. Mr. Near was active in the YMCA and Rotary Club of Auburn, N.Y., and served on the boards of Fort Hill Cemetery, Marine-Midland Bank and the Red Cross. Upon his retirement in 1977, Mr. Near moved to Hilton Head Island, S.C., where he was board president of both the Sea Pines Country Club and the TidePointe Community.

During his Blair days, Mr. Near played varsity hockey, served as a proctor and was secretary and treasurer of the International Society. He was predeceased by two wives, Susan and Virginia. Three children and six grandchildren survive him.

1940 Hamilton Carothers. Mr. Carothers excelled in every aspect of School life in his two years at Blair. According to the 1940 ACTA, he was awarded Blair’s “two highest honors” at the end of his junior year—the MacDonald Trophy and the senior class presidency—and “a better job as president could not be done.”

He earned varsity letters in soccer, tennis and wrestling and captained the varsity wrestling team in his senior year. Mr. Carothers matriculated at Princeton University, where he was again chosen as captain of the wrestling team in his senior year (1944). However, he never set foot on the mat as a senior, instead graduating a year early to serve in the Army during World War II. Mr. Carothers worked in truck maintenance in the Pacific theater for over two years before returning to civilian life and entering law school at the University of Virginia. He distinguished himself as class president and a member of the Law Review, and following graduation, he joined the firm of Covington and Burling in Washington,

D.C. For over 30 years, Mr. Carothers served as general counsel for the National Football League and was a key advisor to Commissioner Pete Rozelle. His time at Blair meant a great deal to him, and he remained loyal to the School for life. Mr. Carothers was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Monika, and by his brother, Neil ’37. Survivors include his brother, Stuart ’41, as well as two daughters and a son.

Gilbert M. Stout. A graduate of Princeton University, Mr. Stout served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. He enjoyed a 40-year career with Prudential Insurance Company, first in Newark, N.J., then in Boston, retiring as a general manager. Mr. Stout was a loyal congregant, deacon and trustee at the First Trinitarian Congregational Church in Scituate, Mass. Predeceased by his wife of nearly 65 years, Marguerite, on May 5, 2011, Mr. Stout is survived by one son, two daughters and a grandson.

BLAIR BULLETIN 75

THANK YOU! Gifts to the Blair Fund Totaled $2.57 Million in a Record-Breaking Year Loyal alumni, parents and friends once again provided outstanding support to the School through their Blair Fund contributions: •

➢Alumni gave an all-time high $1,152,924 with one-third of the alumni body

contributing to the Blair Fund

•

➢Parents gave a record $1,141,506 with 81% participation, one of the hightest

parent participation rates in the country

The students, faculty and staff of Blair Academy extend a heartfelt thank-you to each and every donor.

Your support makes all the difference!

Every Gift Matters, Every Year.

THE BLAIR FUND www.blair.edu

Blair Academy

Periodical postage paid at Blairstown, NJ 07825 and at additional mailing offices

Post Office Box 600 Blairstown, New Jersey 07825-0600

The Brevity of Our Time “Tales of a softball game or Peddie Day prank may turn into legend, passed down from parent to child or class to class, perpetuating the history which makes Blair seem so solid…The brevity of our time here enhances its beauty and importance.”

Excerpt: Remarks to the Class of 2011 by Rebecca Dewey ’11, commencement speaker, May 26, 2011