Brimmer and May
spring 2018
INSPIRING THINKERS & DOERS
CONTENTS Ambassador
Spring 2018
editor Jody Weinberg, Esq. Director of Communications editorial counsel Judith Guild, A.L.M. Head of School photography David Barron, Jody Weinberg additional photography Nicole DeCesare, Kathryn Lee, Andrew Stattel, additional contributors graphic design Peapod Design, Norwalk, CT alumni affairs and development office Elizabeth Smith Director of Development Sharin Russell Director of Brimmer and May Annual Fund
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Amanda Spooner Frank ’88 Director of Alumni Affairs and Special Events Anne Bisson Database Coordinator
Inspiring Thinkers and Doers
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Letter from Judith Guild, Head of School Bissell Grogan Humanities Symposium
stay connected
twitter.com/brimmerandmay
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Alumni Holiday Party
BRIMMER AND MAY ALUMNI (especially for alums) & BRIMMER AND MAY SCHOOL (general School news) BRIMMER AND MAY ALUMNI
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Athletics
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Creative Arts
BRIMMER AND MAY BRIMMERANDMAYSCHOOL
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Faculty Innovation Award
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Homecoming 2017
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In Memoriam
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Retirements
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Alumni Focus
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Development Office Update
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Alumni Notes
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Board of Visitors’ Day
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Alumni Winter Gatherings
The Development Office is grateful to donors Michael and Laura Ehlers P ’31 for their donation to the Realizing the Vision Campaign and apologizes for the omission of their names from the 2016-2017 Report of Giving.
BRIMMER AND MAY SCHOOL 69 Middlesex Road Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 617.566.7462 | www.brimmer.org Check out www.brimmer.org for the School calendar, sports calendar and game directions and results, classroom and School news, parent section, online giving, alumni news, online alumni notes, and much more! First-time user? Parents and Alumni: Go to Brimmer and May Community Login on the homepage. Select “First Time Logging In.” Follow directions carefully for your username and password. Questions? Contact the Communications Office at 617-278-2359. ON THE COVER Gator Robotics members Jimmy Yfantopulos ’18 and Jiyang (Jeff) Wu ’18 show off the remote-controlled robot that the team built. The robot is able to successfully place objects.
Head of School
Inspiring Thinkers and Doers JUDITH GUILD, HEAD OF SCHOOL
THIS YEAR’S THEME “INSPIRING THINKERS AND DOERS” EMERGED FROM COLLEGIAL CONVERSATIONS LAST SUMMER AS WE PREPARED FOR THE OPENING OF THE HASTINGS CENTER. We were filled with excitement as we anticipated the wonderful opportunities the new Hastings Center would present and were eager to see how it would further our mission of implementing innovative ideas in a student-centered environment. We underestimated how positive an impact this project would have on the School—it is a stunning addition with endless possibilities for learning! Last fall the Boston Real Estate Journal published an article that captured the beauty and simplicity of the building in its photographs and highlighted its purpose by saying, “Encouraging creative thinking, collaboration and community is at the core of the addition and renovation project. The addition supports independent and collaborative work, critical thinking, and analytics, enhanced by emerging technologies and hands-on problem solving.” Now as we occupy this space, together, our students and faculty are unwrapping the many layers of thinking and doing that this new space enables. The work of thinkers and doers is captured in the philosophy of the maker movement,
a movement with the mission of creating global problem-solvers and that offers a spirit of “the democratization of invention” (Morozov. “Making It.” The New Yorker: January 2014). Over the past several years, various spaces throughout the School were strategically reimagined so that our educators could inspire a maker mind-set in our students. Three years ago, we renovated the Lower School library to include a Design Lab that is now a designated room for the physical sciences, and our fully equipped and carefully designed outdoor Garden classroom provides a delightful space for the exploration and learning of the life sciences. Our curriculum aims to develop “thinking routines” or “patterns of intellectual behavior that are highly transferable across contexts” (Stanford’s Creative Design Process and Harvard’s Agency by Design program). In doing so, as our Lower School children advance to the secondary grade level, they are well versed in maker-centered thinking. Now, with the sophisticated and wellequipped Hastings Center, which is designed to foster maker-centered learning at its highest level, we have a place where thinkers
and doers work together to build on each other’s strengths, push past failure, and explore new ways of learning. Furthermore, the “maker experiences help students learn to pursue their own passions and become self-directed learners, proactively seeking out knowledge and resources on their own” (Agency by Design). This fall when I visited the Innovation Center, I saw evidence of our students engaged in both thinking and doing who were self-directed in their learning. I observed students programming a robot to navigate and maneuver over an obstacle. I witnessed a student quietly studying in one of the concentration cubes. Our Gator staff was writing fervently and producing news stories in the Digital Media Lab, and the video class members employed their cameras and editors to produce compelling video essays. These new facilities are enabling our students to express themselves in highly evolved and engaging ways, and the School’s vision for this space unfolds every day. I hope you enjoy the articles that follow in this edition of the Ambassador. I am impressed by the quality of a Brimmer and May education in all disciplines, as evinced in this addition, and I am confident our faculty is preparing our students for a productive and impactful future.
Joshua Poresky ’19, Head of School Judy Guild, Katarina Klacko ’21, Stephanie Cranmore ’21, and Justin Ewing ’19 in the Innovation space.
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Third graders Dahlia Kirwan Smith and Abigail MacLean.
Inspiring
THINK RS & DO RS
Lower School
From Farm to Table at Brimmer ANDREW STATTEL, SECOND GRADE TEACHER AND LOWER SCHOOL SCIENCE CO-COORDINATOR
THINK FOR A MINUTE. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU PICKED SOME LETTUCE OR PULLED A GIGANTIC ORANGE CARROT STRAIGHT OUT OF THE GROUND TO MAKE A SALAD? ASK LOWER SCHOOLERS THE SAME QUESTION AND THEY WILL PROBABLY RESPOND WITH “EARLIER THIS YEAR—IN THE BRIMMER GARDEN.” The Brimmer Garden is an outdoor classroom that provides authentic environmental science and ecology learning experiences for our students. All Lower School grade levels have a connection to the Garden. Following are just a few examples.
Pre-Kindergartners learn the basics of gardening by harvesting potatoes in the fall and then planting potato seedlings in the spring for the following year’s Kindergartners to harvest. Students observe the life cycle of sunflowers, from seeds to gigantic
10-foot-tall adult plants. First graders sprout vegetable plants under grow lights and plant the seedlings outdoors once the soil has warmed in the spring. Second graders compost garden waste, which eventually supplies nutrient-rich compost for the garden beds. Third graders observe and record the habits of various bee species that pollinate our various flowering plants. Fourth and fifth graders learn how to space out various vegetable plants so that the plants have enough space to thrive over the summer. All Lower School grade levels plant and/or harvest some type of vegetable or flower. Lower Schoolers learn how to take care of the earth. With the use of cold frames, students harness the sun’s energy to extend our growing season. By using our compost bins and raincollecting barrels, they learn how to reuse and conserve. Most recently, Lower Schoolers have been working to promote our native pollinator population. In early November, the sounds of hammering emanated from the third grade classrooms. After studying the importance of mason bees, students put the finishing touches on cedarwood mason bee houses, which they built based on cardboard prototypes. Students will install these houses in the Garden this spring. This project is an extension of 3rd grade’s insect study in science,
“Pre-Kindergartners learn the basics of gardening by harvesting potatoes in the fall and then planting potato seedlings in the spring for the following year’s Kindergartners to harvest.” Jameson Purdy ’28 observes seedlings.
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and it will give the students a firsthand opportunity to observe insects outdoors. One of the most inspiring moments of my teaching career occurred when students picked kale, which they had planted the previous spring, and proudly delivered it to Brimmer’s Head Chef Michael Sconce. It was truly remarkable to eat a dish grown by our students and prepared by our kitchen staff. Our Lower Schoolers have since made multiple deliveries of student-grown produce such as beets, lettuce, and more kale, which our kitchen staff has used in delicious salads for our lunches. This burgeoning farm-to-table partnership gives students the experience of growing and eating healthy, local food.
Abigail Coe-Rohl ’27 and William Lawson ’27.
Students at work in the Garden.
I invite you to join our students and spend some time this year in the Brimmer Garden. Pick some kale, watch busy mason bees pollinate, and eat a cherry tomato. Our Garden is a green space where students truly learn how to care for the earth!
Lower School
“This burgeoning farm-to-table partnership gives students the experience of growing and eating healthy, local food.”
Maxwell Hesselbein ’28.
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The New Library Learning Commons and Middle School Learning Center MEGAN DOLAN, MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL LIBRARIAN, AND CARL RAPISARDA-VALLELY, HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
AS LEARNING COMMUNITIES CHANGE AND GROW, SO TOO SHOULD THE SPACES PROVIDED TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE THAT LEARNING. OUR RECENT SHIFT FROM A LIBRARY TO A LIBRARY LEARNING COMMONS IS MUCH MORE THAN A SIMPLE REBRANDING AND A FRESH NEW LOOK. Our renovation concluded a yearlong process of intensive reflection about the purpose of our library, visiting other libraries and peer schools, and team planning to make our space and program as vibrant and relevant as possible to the needs of today’s learner.
Over recent years, our students have shown us that they need a space that allows for both collaborative work and quiet study. By dividing our space into various zones, we can meet all of these needs simultaneously.
“Over recent years, our students have shown us that they need a space that allows for both collaborative work and quiet study.” The revamped Library Learning Commons.
Throughout this change, we have not strayed from our roots of traditional library services. Rather, it reflects the words of the father of library science, S.R. Ranganathan, who said, “The library is a growing organism.” We continue to foster a love of reading,
Middle School
Edan Zinn ’23 and Alison Rimas ‘23 at work in the Middle School Learning Center.
both in print and digital form, and provide a wide variety of quality resources for students to learn from and enjoy. Teaching the selection, evaluation, and interpretation of information remains a top priority. We no longer need as much print content as we once did, and our new space maximizes both the square footage of the library and includes a print collection that still holds value for our faculty and students. Service to our students remains at the heart of what we do. As a learning commons, we can provide access to a variety of professional support services that do not traditionally reside in the library. Now students come here to find help in the Writing Center and the Math Lab or to meet with tutors. It is wonderful to see the space being used as a critical hub at our School.
“As a learning commons, we can provide access to a variety of professional support services that do not traditionally reside in the library.” Along with the shift in the library space, the move of the College Counseling suite to the Hastings Center allowed us to create a Middle School Learning Center in the Almy wing. The space is open during most study halls, reading periods, and after school. The Center is a place where all students in Grades 6 through 8 can go to receive extra help when they hit a plateau in their learning. It is staffed by Brimmer faculty in the humanities, mathematics, sciences, and languages. In addition to academic support, the Center can help
students with organization and other study skills. The change was immediately felt in the Middle School community, as students are taking advantage of this new space. The community response to these changes has been tremendous. We planned these projects with students at the forefront of our decisions, and it is extremely satisfying to see them utilizing both spaces on a daily basis. We are thrilled with the outcome, and believe it will benefit our community for many years to come.
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The Importance of Humanities in a STEAM-Powered School DON REESE, HUMANITIES CO-CHAIR
I STEP INTO THE USUALLY DARK, OFTEN COLD MORNING, BENDING AWKWARDLY TO KEEP THE STRAP OF MY BAG ON MY SHOULDER ALL THE WAY OUT TO THE CAR, WHERE I FIT EACH BEVERAGE INTO ITS CUP HOLDER, PULL UP WAZE ON MY PHONE, AND TURN ON A PODCAST. Then, I head off to merge onto one of the busiest freeways in America to commute from Providence to Brimmer. This sometimes means being “stuck in traffic” for hours. Recently, though, I have adopted a mantra: “You are not in traffic; you are traffic.” Rather than seeing other cars as obstacles and other people as competitors, I’ve started to think of us all as one organism,
as blood vessels in the arteries of the city. This changes the decisions I make. I can let others change lanes, and I can feel sympathy for the drivers who weave frantically between lanes only to wind up 10 feet ahead when the traffic thickens. I am a humanities teacher, so my solution to the problem of my commute is about perspective, imagination, and emotion rather
Dr. Don Reese teaches his 11th grade English class.
than design. This is how the humanities enrich our lives in the age of STEAM; they offer us the gift of empathy, of feeling with other people rather than seeing them as instruments or hindrances. Philosophical, literary, mythical, and historical thinking help us to see ourselves in relationship with others. With this crucial educational mission in mind, we are revamping the English curriculum to allow our juniors and seniors to choose
Upper School English classes that address their lives— classes like Perfecting the Human, Revenge and Justice, and Religion and Literature. (Eventually, we hope, students will begin to make their own suggestions about possible electives, perhaps even collaborating with teachers to design a class.) These classes will choose texts according to theme, not geography, time, or a body of canonical texts, and they will extend the skills that our curriculum fosters: careful reading, effective writing and speaking, critical thinking. At the same time, humanities skills are practical. They make possible the web of communications that most people’s workaday lives demand. Not only do students in the humanities learn to write and speak well, they develop the habit of thinking of things from multiple perspectives, incorporating the lives of others into their own considerations and asking productive questions. STEAM and the humanities interconnect. We anticipate that the students’ work in the STEAM areas—as they learn to create visual delights and useful machines of all sorts—will extend their abilities to create visual models and to design presentations in a variety of media. Our long-term projects in the humanities can thus become more multidisciplinary. Increasingly, students will use what they learn in STEAM classes to design demonstrations of their understanding of themes in humanities classes, and the skills that they learn in the humanities can inform their thinking and communication about the design process in STEAM. The changes are already underway. In the 8th grade, for instance, English, history, and science teachers are developing a project in which students research a social justice leader and design a monument to that leader. Eventually, students will make detailed models of their monuments in the Makerspace. A fully rounded education includes not only problem solving and project-building, but also reading, introspection, and discussion that put our daily activities into the context of a meaningful human life. Thus, I think of both my commute and my profession by way of Camus’ Sisyphus. Sisyphus, although forever condemned to the absurd labor of pushing an enormous rock up a steep hill, only to have that rock roll back down, turns to descend again and has one moment of joy during which he makes sense of the life that led him here. I imagine him glimpsing a Providence River sunrise frosting the underside of scudding clouds a radiant pink, and Sisyphus and I smile to be back at work.
STEAM Lab student Michael Finn-Henry ’18 solders a speed controller to the brushless motor of his self-designed drone, which uses machine learning to autonomously identify and remove climbing holds from a rock gym wall.
“STEAM and the humanities interconnect. We anticipate that the students’ work in the STEAM areas—as they learn to create visual delights and useful machines of all sorts—will extend their abilities to create visual models and to design presentations in a variety of media.”
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Who Will You Become? JOSHUA NEUDEL, HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
OVER THE PAST DECADE, CONVERSATIONS WITH STUDENTS HAVE SHIFTED FROM WHAT WILL YOU BE TO WHO WILL YOU BECOME. WHILE IT APPEARS TO BE A SUBTLE SHIFT IN WORDING, THE SECOND QUESTION HAS A PROFOUNDLY DIFFERENT MEANING. THE SHIFT OF WHAT TO WHO MOVES FROM A FOCUS ON A SPECIFIC TYPE OF JOB TO LIFE GOALS THAT GO FAR BEYOND A JOB TITLE.
Q: How did we get to “Who will you become?” Why has there been such a dramatic shift? A: We regularly hear from experts that due to rapidly changing technology, many of today’s jobs did not exist five years ago, and the workforce for which we are preparing today’s students will look dramatically different by the time they enter the workplace. This is one of the reasons why Brimmer continues to evaluate what students need to be prepared for what lies ahead of them.
For a glimpse into the source of this change, we need to look back to the midtwentieth century, 1965, when Gordon Moore coined what has become known as Moore’s Law: “The number of transistors in a chip will approximately double every 24 months.”[1] Each transistor on a microchip is essentially responsible for a simple decision. If you can continue to add more transistors to the chip, then you can increase the number of decisions and the speed of the decisions made by the computer—otherwise known as increasing the computing power of a machine.
For the last six decades Moore’s Law held true and led to an exponential growth in computing power. We have seen the number of transistors grow, but have also seen the size of transistors decrease, as well as the cost per transistor and the energy used in a transistor. The number of transistors on a chip has grown from 2,300 in 1971 to 2.6 billion in 2011[2]. The evidence we have that this is happening can be seen in the dramatic difference in the size of the computers that existed in 1971 to the computers that we walk around with in our pockets every day.
Q: The question still remains: How has this impacted schools over time and why has the emphasis on critical thinking become so prevalent? A: To help make sense of this shift, it is helpful to consider that we, as humans, have had to adapt to the exponential growth in technology. The rate of change for the implementation of technology in our everyday lives, which also represents the
“Skills such as critical thinking and problem solving take on even more importance as they help people make sense of new scenarios and information.”
way in which schools have to think about using new technology in their classrooms, has been rapid. Until the past seven years, schools had at least a decade to adopt technology and its uses while it was still relevant. However, as technology has become more ubiquitous in our lives, the time period to adapt has shrunk significantly. Can you imagine a world without an iPad or tablet? Brimmer twelfth-grade students were in 5th grade at the time of its release, whereas the current Brimmer first graders have never known a world without the device. This brings us back to our original question: Why has there been a shift to who will you become from what will you be? The answer... yes, there will be some jobs that look the same today as they will in 5 to 10 years, but it may not be possible to predict what jobs will exist when a student, regardless of their current grade, enters the workforce. To address this ambiguity, we have shifted to prepare students for the types of thinking and skills needed to be successful in a rapidly changing world. Skills such as critical thinking and problem solving take on even more importance as they help people make sense of new scenarios and information. In addition to these, we need to continue to use our global focus to develop cultural competency, 360-degree thinking, and adaptability in our students. One example in the Upper School of where this work is being done is in the Problem Solving Through Design course. Students are asked to develop a product, understand users, and go through the design process to make an impact. Last year’s class looked at ways to reduce food waste.
Upper School
A piece of furniture that transforms to serve two different purposes was the final project presented to this year’s Problem Solving Through Design class. Above are Hayden Anderson ’20 and Amalla All ’20 constructing their prototype for a cabinet door that when removed from a specifically designed hinge can attach to another door to create a table.
Brimmer incorporates innovative pedagogies that continue to elevate the teaching that currently exists, and we must also help students develop an innovative mind-set—which includes traits such as having a growth mind-set, understanding how to be open-minded, and being solution oriented. This has led to leveraging and refining new pedagogies such as Blended Learning, Project Based Learning, Adaptive Learning, and Design Thinking, as well as new classes that teach the physical and intellectual skills needed to be successful in higher education and beyond. This is evident in our Makerspace where students are learning about digital fabrication tools
and in our Humanities classes where they hone their debate skills through the use of the Harkness method. The shift to developing skills and competencies alongside content knowledge is how we continue to be an educational institution that is preparing young people for the world that awaits them in college and beyond. While technical competency is important, the values of a liberal arts education are the basis for the skills needed to be successful in the future. A world where the “what will you be” may not look the same, but the “who will you become” is supported by the foundation set by a Brimmer education.
1. “Moore’s Law and Intel Innovation.” Intel. www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ history/gordon-moore-law.html 2. Microprocessor Transistor Count. Digital Image. Wikipedia’ N.p, n.d. Web Additional Resources: • California State University.
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https://web.csulb.edu/~murdock/histofcs.html; Date Accessed 10/10/17 Smart Technologies in Classrooms. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_Technologies; Date Accessed 10/10/17 The Economist. http://www.economist.com/ node/2724397; Date Accessed 10/10/1 History of Makerbot http://www.makerbot com; Date Accessed 10/10/17 Global Apple iPad Sales. https://www.statista.com/statistics/269915/ global-apple-ipad-sales-since-q3-2010/; Date Accessed 10/10/17
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Bissell Grogan Humanities Symposium JODY WEINBERG DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2018, BRIMMER HELD ITS 13TH ANNUAL KENYON BISSELL GROGAN HUMANITIES SYMPOSIUM, THE FUTURE AND FUNCTION OF NEWS. Keynote Speaker Emily Rooney, host/ executive editor of Beat the Press, presented “Fake News–You Know It When You See It,” to Middle and Upper Schoolers, Trustees, parents, faculty, and staff. Rooney asked the audience, “What’s fake—and what is something you don’t like?” She went on to share, “You are
picking and choosing what you want to believe. That’s intentional [on the part of the news]. The vast majority of stories on Facebook and Instagram are not real.” She gave examples of recent “fake news” and shared historical examples. Rooney advised students to “consider original sources” when evaluating news stories in an effort to determine accuracy.
Head of School Judith Guild and Vicki Donlan ’69.
Other Bissell Grogan workshops included: • • • • • • •
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Freedom of Speech as It Relates to the Media, Allan Ryan My Journey from Brimmer and May to Newspaper Publisher, Vicki Donlan ’69 Talking the Blues, Singing the News: How Pop Music Shapes the Media Environment, Dr. Alex Ludwig Reinventing Journalism through Web/Print Integration at the Boston Herald, Joe Dwinell Student Journalism and New Technology, Gator Staff How to Spot Fake News and Where to Go for Reliable Information, David Cutler ’02 How the PR Industry Shapes the News: A Discussion on Influencing, Engaging and Building a Relationship with Key Stakeholders Across a Myriad of Platforms in Order to Shape and Frame the Public Perception of an Organization, Tully Nicholas State of the News in the Current Factual Recession, John Wihbey Just Say No to #fakenews by Making Yourself #realsmart: Exploring the Future of Journalism with a Veteran Boston Globe and NECN Reporter, Peter Howe Making Our Own News: Women, Stories, and Social Media, Cortney Tunis Reporting on Business Outside of the Monoculture, Shelagh Braley
Peter Howe, Denterlein Senior Advisor, during his workshop Just Say No to #fakenews by Making Yourself #realsmart: Exploring the Future of Journalism with a Veteran Boston Globe and NECN Reporter.
Cortney Tunis, Executive Director of Pantsuit Nation, presents the workshop Making Our Own News: Women, Stories, and Social Media.
Head of School Judith Guild, Trustee Kenyon Bissell Grogan ’76, Keynote Speaker Emily Rooney, Jeffrey Grogan, and Director of Development Elizabeth Smith.
Keynote Speaker Emily Rooney, Host/ Executive Editor of WGBH’s Beat the Press, gives the Keynote on Fake News— You Know It When You See It.
Around Campus
Faculty Innovation Award Christian Kiley,
a Creative Arts Upper School Digital Cinema teacher, received the 2017-2018 Upper School Innovation Award, funded by E.E. Ford. The grant allowed him to implement the first phase of building the infrastructure for a fully equipped Media Lab in the new Hastings Center. The equipment purchased gives Brimmer faculty the opportunity to offer a pedagogically sound film production curriculum, one that offers students comprehensive opportunities to learn best practices in preproduction, production, and postproduction of their original creative works.
The equipment ordered for this first phase was a catalyst for an ongoing effort to maintain a technologically current suite of cameras, computers, and sound recording equipment. It expands the capability and depth of the learning process for students in Digital Cinema, Digital Cinema II, and Advanced Digital Cinema by providing them with the equipment necessary to create work with high production values. Up-to-date equipment enables students to leverage storytelling techniques.
Christian Kiley with students Xingyan (Henry) Wong ’21 and Minyhao (Jason) Zhu ’21.
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HOMECOMING 2017 Homecoming was an incredible community event! Students, parents, alumni, and faculty and staff enjoyed watching the Varsity Girls’ and Boys’ soccer games. Both Varsity teams defeated their competitors, B.C. Academy (Boys 4-1 and Girls 8-0).
1. Ethan Eastwood ’18, Middle and Upper School Music Director Frank Van Atta, Bella Lepore ’18, Jack Donnelly ’18, Tyler Best ’18, Jimmy Yfantopulos ’18, Miles Munkacy ’20, Dylan Rigol ’18, Jared Heller ’19, and Sujay Jain ’20. 2. Anamaria Adams ’22, Sarah Scott ’22, Tia Hashem, Ayanna Jefferson ’22, and Ugonnaya Adiele ’23. 3. Samuel “Wick” Luczkow ’30 and Jacob Williams ’29. 4. Director of Alumni Affairs and Special Events Amanda Spooner Frank ’88, P ’22 and Tony Ni Evans ’16 (Berklee College of Music). 5. Upper School Science teacher Jill Iuliano, Quinn Iuliano ’14 (Lehigh University), Keenan Iuliano ’15 (Colby College), Grant Iuliano ’18, and Assistant Head of Academic Affairs Joe Iuliano. 6. Ben Mezrich P ’28, ’30, alongside his daughter Arya ‘30, autographs his book Woolly for Victoria Claiborne P ’21, ’24. 7. Alexandra Fisher ’12 (Furman University), Head of School Judith Guild, and Corey Murphy ’12 (Roanoke College).
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Retirements WE WISH TO THANK ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER CAROL TESONE CROFFY ’67 AND HEAD OF MAINTENANCE ROBERT ANNESE FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS, DEDICATION, AND LONGTIME COMMITMENT TO BRIMMER.
Carol Croffy ’67
Carol Croffy retired in fall 2017 after “living” at Brimmer for a long time! She was a graduate of the Class of 1967 and worked at the School for over 33 years. She filled many positions at Brimmer including serving as Assistant Director of Admissions, Director of Financial Aid, and Assistant Business Manager. Carol oversaw campus buildings, including the new Hastings Center, handled Human Resources, and led the Maintenance and Kitchen crews. Carol attended to and directed the
Bob Annese and Carol Tesone Croffy ’67.
management of the building projects over the years, and the School flourished under her leadership. Head of School Judy Guild shared, “Carol has style, a flair for creating and making our buildings beautiful, and was a wonderful team player and an amazing Administrative Team member. I thank Carol for her commitment to making the School the best physical plant it could be for our students and staff and for always maintaining high standards.”
Robert Annese
Bob’s 35 years of service to Brimmer began in 1983 when the campus consisted of three and a half buildings, one field, and a playground. As we grew, so too did Bob’s responsibilities. As Head of the Maintenance Department, Bob ensured that our buildings and grounds were well cared for on a daily basis. Head of School Judy Guild commented, “Bob’s conscientious efforts, his consistent willingness to give extra attention to the smallest detail, his kindness, respectfulness toward others, and his strong sense of responsibility have benefited the entire community.” The Brimmer community enjoyed celebrating Bob on “Bob Annese Day” in December—students were part of his day and he a part of theirs.
– Judith Guild, Head of School
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Development Office Update ELIZABETH SMITH P ’17, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
IT WAS AN ASTONISHING FALL AT BRIMMER AND MAY SCHOOL—IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OVERSTATE THE PRIDE THE COMMUNITY FEELS ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED TOGETHER. The opening of the Hastings Center, the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, and the Grand Opening events in October each focused on the transformational role the new Hastings addition plays in the educational experience we are providing all of our students—current and future. When the Brimmer community stepped up at the end of the 2016-2017 school year by completing the Realizing the Vision Campaign, over goal at $8.1 million, it was clear that the Board of Trustees would be able to complete all of the additional wish list items, furnish the new space, and completely furnish the Library Learning Commons. The new two-story Hastings Center, gym improvements, and endowment are all mission appropriate and serve to help finalize the Strategic Priorities for 2013 and Beyond: 1. Enhancing space for classrooms, collaboration, community, and athletics; 2. Implementing educational practices for the future; and 3. Building a sustainable future. Thank you to the Campaign Steering Committee including Board Chair David Kreisler, Development Chair Kennie Bissell Grogan ’76, Jeff Grogan, Susie Durocher, Carrie Farmer ’70, Lisa Hastings, Mark Hastings, and Linda Waintrup ’72 for their unfailing leadership and support of this project.
Art teacher Kathryn Lee and Jiayi (Jerry) Hao ’20 at work in the Makerspace.
All of the initiatives and events that the Development Office oversees come out of the mission and the strategic priorities. As stated in the Realizing the Vision Report of Giving and 2016-2017 Report of Gifts, the 2016-2017 school year brought an outstanding $1,800,000 in donations to Brimmer through generous Annual Fund gifts, payments on campaign pledges, endowment gifts, and the Auction. We will concentrate on the Annual Fund and the Auction during the remainder of the 2017-2018 school year.
Around Campus record of support this year as we transition out of a major gift campaign cycle. We have a great volunteer team on the alumni side as well and will be reaching out more through Facebook, Twitter, and email with a newer fundraising platform to get the word out. Last fall, we held a Board of Visitors’ program in October, with Upper School Head Josh Neudel delivering a keynote address on innovation in schools. We also held our Homecoming Varsity Soccer games in October and were excited to welcome many of our young alumni back to campus to cheer on Brimmer. In November, we had our most well-attended Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Days. We were thrilled to welcome so many alumni to our Alumni and Trustee Holiday Party in December. Save the date for our Spring Auction “Brimmer Laboratory,” to be held on April 28 in the Hastings Center. It has also been a pleasure to meet our new families this year and to travel to visit our alumni. I am grateful for my talented Development and Alumni Office colleagues: Sharin Russell, Director of Annual Giving; Amanda Spooner Frank ’88, P ’22, Director of Alumni Affairs and Special Events; and Anne Bisson, Database Coordinator. It is our job to work with the Brimmer community to continue to move the School forward. We understand that volunteer support and deep engagement from alumni, parents, alumni parents, grandparents, and Trustees are key to that success. As both an administrator and as the mother of a Brimmer graduate, I am so impressed with the way in which our graduates throw themselves into their studies in college and the comfort they show in engaging with professors, peers, and extracurricular activities. This is just the beginning!
Sixth graders in Dr. Gallon’s science class built rivers, in water tables in the Innovation space, to learn about erosion and civil engineering. Dr. Gallon was the recipient of a Faculty Innovation Award, which provided resources for the water tables.
This school year, our 2017-2018 Annual Fund goal has been set at $750,000. The Annual Fund continues to be the most important fundraising initiative, year after year, and is critical to maintaining the excellence of our program. Our dedicated volunteer team consists of Parent Co-Chairs Kathy Economy
and Farouc Jaffer P ’24 and the Leadership calling team of Mark and Lisa Hastings P ’18, ’18, ’19; Howard Leeder P ’15, ’20; Rich and Jenn Mynahan P ’18; and Andrew Susko and Dana Baiocco P ’20, along with 27 other parent class callers. I have no doubt that we will continue our
“The Annual Fund continues to be the most important fundraising initiative, year after year, and is critical to maintaining the excellence of our program.”
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Board of Visitors’ Day JODY WEINBERG, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
IN OCTOBER, we welcomed the
Board of Visitors to Brimmer with a Greenline chorus performance and impressive Lower, Middle, and Upper School presentations on the theme of “Thinkers and Doers at Brimmer and May.” Students from all three divisions presented examples of recent learning. Lower School students shared their “garden to kitchen” work and how they have grown vegetables in the campus Garden that are then served for lunch. (Read more on page 3.) Middle
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Schoolers demonstrated knowledge learned in Facing History and Ourselves, and the Upper School Gator editor-inchief discussed responsible reporting. Student panels were followed by a keynote presentation by Upper School Head Josh Neudel entitled “What’s Next: What the ‘I’ Word Means for Schools.” Mr. Neudel focused on the history and impact of innovation and shared what this means for education at Brimmer, currently and in future years. He discussed the challenge of
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preparing students in content and skills areas for college in a world that will be very different from today. Mr. Neudel emphasized that innovation means having a growth mind-set and being open-minded and solution oriented, and discussed how our classes continue to evolve in these areas. (Read more in his article on page 10.) The presentation was followed by lunch at the Head’s House for the Board of Visitors and members of the Administration.
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1. Director of Development Elizabeth Smith P ’17 and Parents’ Association Co-Chair Susan Kirwan P ’25, ’27. 2. Second grade teacher Andrew Stattel with student presenters Adia Kirwan Smith ’25, Kaija Adler ’27, Nydia Comenzo ’27, and Bede Paasch-Pearce ’27. 3. Upper School Head Joshua Neudel, Board of Trustees member Howard Leeder P ’15, ’20, and Lower School Head Thomas Fuller. 4. Julie Brayboy P ’98, ’99, Director of the Annual Fund Sharin Russell, and Helen Wright P ’13. 5. Student presenters Shani Breiman ’18, Hayden Anderson ’20, Karly Hamilton ’21, and Zoe Kaplan ’21. 6. Board of Trustees member Lisa Hastings P ’18, ’18, ’19, Upper School Head Joshua Neudel, and Janet Eastwood P ’16, ’18, ’22. 7. Trustee Emeritus Muriel Stark P ’80, ’85. 8. Board of Trustees member Regina O’Neill P ’12, ’19 and Parents’ Association Co-Chair Carla Leeder P ’15, ’20.
Around Campus ALUMNI HOLIDAY PARTY The Holiday Reception, on December 14, 2017, a traditional event attended by alumni, seniors, senior parents, faculty, and Trustees, was a wonderful evening. Greenline entertained the large crowd of Brimmer friends as they celebrated the season at the Brae Burn Country Club.
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1. Board of Trustees Co-Vice Chair Suzzara Durocher P ’18, ’21, Lisa Pastor P ’04, ’11, and Lauren Lapat P ’18—all former PA Co-Chairs. 2. Janet Eastwood P ’16, ’18, ’22 and Condase Weekes-Best P ’18, ’20. 3. Former Development Director Nancy Sobin Drourr ’66, Trustee Jim Orr P ’91, and Christine Orr ’91. 4. History/Journalism teacher David Cutler ’02 (middle) and his wife Elana with Trustee Pat Byrne P ’02, ’09. 5. Head of School Judith Guild, Head of Middle School Carl Rapisarda-Vallely, and Ali Drourr Brochman ’98. 6. Members of the Senior Class with Head of School Judith Guild. 7. Annual Fund Director Sharin Russell, Micah Levy ’09, and Mario Kula. 8. Assistant Head of Academic Affairs Joe Iuliano, former Development Director Nancy Sobin Drourr ’66, Director of Alumni Affairs Amanda Spooner Frank ’88, P ’22, and Head of School Judith Guild with alumni.
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Athletics Fall 2017 Middle School and J.V. Soccer teams all had winning seasons with our Middle School Girls and J.V. Girls going undefeated! Varsity Cross Country Brimmer was proud to host our first-ever home Cross Country meet at Larz Anderson. Connor Reif ’19 was named Most Valuable Runner in the Mass Bay Independent League (MBIL), and Connor, Matthew Ayres ’18, Kaitlyn Anderson ’20, and Sophia Spring ’22 were named All-League. Varsity Boys’ Soccer The team finished 3rd in the MBIL League with a record of 7-3-2 and an overall record of 11-3-2. In postseason play, Brimmer qualified as the #8 seed in the NEPSAC Tournament and lost in overtime 2-1 to the #1 seed, Hyde School. All-League MBIL players were Tyler Best ’18, Grant Iuliano ’18, and Justin Ewing ’19. Varsity Girls’ Soccer The team finished 2nd in the Independent Girls Conference (IGC) League with a record of 5-3-0 and an overall record of 10-7-1. In postseason play, Brimmer qualified as the #6 seed in the NEPSAC Tournament and lost 2-1 to the #3 seed, Hamden Hall. All-League IGC players were Sophie Lapat, Kimberly Santos, Abby Mynahan, and Hannah Ahearn. Shani Breiman broke the Brimmer Girls’ Soccer record with 149 goals scored during her Varsity career.
1. Cross Country runner Connor Reif ’19. 2. Varsity Soccer player Tyler Best ’18. 3. Varsity Soccer player Kimberly Santos ’18.
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Around Campus
2 Winter 2017-2018 It was an exciting season for Middle and Upper School athletes! Varsity Girls’ Basketball The team was the #6 seed in the NEPSAC Tournament and defeated the #3 seed 44-33 in the quarter finals. All-League players were Annie Ganem ’22 and Marianne Alagos ’21.
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Varsity I Boys’ Basketball AJ Reeves ’18 became Brimmer’s all-time scoring leader with a record of 1,928 points, scoring 46 points in a single game, and tying the School record held by Derek Retos ’10. AJ was named Gatorade Player of the Year for the State of Massachusetts. Varsity II Boys’ Basketball All-League was awarded to Geo Echebiri ’18. Curling The team took home a first-place trophy and two second-place trophies in the finals.
1. Varsity Basketball player Molly McHugh ’21. 2. Varsity II Basketball player Olivier Khorasani ’20. 3. Curler Michelle Levinger ’19. 4. Varsity Basketball player Jordan Minor ’19.
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Around Campus
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CREATIVE ARTS 1. The Upper School Jazz Combo performed Watermelon Man and You Are My Sunshine at the Holiday Concert. 2. The Upper School’s creative production of Alice in Wonderland. 3. Mr. Van Atta conducts Middle School’s May Chorale. 4. Birch by Taylor Shore ’18. 5. Middle Schoolers in an excellent production of In a Grove. 6. Mrs. Wooster, the Fourth and Fifth Grade Chorus, and musicians at the Holiday Concert in December.
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AMBASSADOR
In Memoriam JOSEPH IULIANO ASSISTANT HEAD OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Raja Safi-Ullah Aziz ’17 SAFI FILLED OUR community with camaraderie and intelligence. Immediately upon his arrival in 10th grade, he established genial relations with his peers and teachers. He very much enjoyed spending time with his friends, both in person and online. He was a football (soccer) aficionado and a huge fan of the European leagues and players. He loved playing, watching, and talking about the game and was a very wellinformed fan. Safi also played soccer on the Brimmer and May Boys’ Varsity team for each of his three years at the School. He was the
consummate teammate and an enthusiastic participant, whether he was mixing it up on the pitch or helping Mr. Hardman coach on the sideline. He also was an ardent and skilled football gamer online and competed regularly with his mates in PlayStation FIFA matches. With his School friends spread throughout the Greater Boston area, gaming provided Safi an excellent opportunity to connect with them regularly. Safi was active in the School’s athletic program throughout the year, as he bookended each year with a season of soccer and a season of lacrosse, providing these teams with competitive zeal
and strong team play. His winter activities varied: during his first year, he provided backstage assistance for the Upper School musical Seussical. In his second he provided support for the Boys’ Varsity I Basketball team as a student manager, and in his senior year, he worked on his strength and conditioning in the Fitness Center. Wherever he landed, he involved himself with his peers, met his responsibilities and then some, and helped create a friendly, warm, and lively community atmosphere. As a student, Safi was continually growing, learning, and finding increasingly greater achievement in the Brimmer classroom. Having entered the School in Grade 10, he earned 19 credits in just three years. He challenged himself with three AP courses in 12th grade when he enrolled in English Language and Composition, Spanish Language, and Biology. Science was always the area of strongest interest for him at Brimmer, and in the Upper School he enrolled in five science and three STEAM classes from Grade 10 to Grade 12. He earned High Honors throughout 12th grade, finishing his high school career impressively and doing his best work in his most challenging courses. Safi was excited to enroll at Syracuse University as a freshman in the fall of 2017. He went to upstate New York ready and very able to engage his college studies and as a beloved member of the Brimmer and May community. Head of School Judy Guild shares, “The news of Safi’s passing saddened so many members of our community. We lost a young man who had a big heart and a quick wit. Safi could make everyone laugh, help people feel good about themselves, and be with those who needed support. We will remember him for years to come, and as we go about our lives in the future, our daily interactions with one another will certainly spark happy memories when we think of him. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family for whom my heart aches. Our Brimmer community has lost a very special and beloved member.”
Around Campus
In Memoriam AMANDA SPOONER FRANK ’88, P ’22, DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS, AND JODY WEINBERG, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Barbara Shoolman Former Director of Admissions
BARBARA SHOOLMAN was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She passed away during summer 2017 after a brief illness. Her husband, Alan, predeceased her, and she is survived by three daughters, many grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Everyone who knew Barbara Shoolman loved her. People remember her kindness, sense of humor, optimism, and sense of
style. She gave well-deserved compliments and was sure to give feedback when things were truly “fabulous!” She had a deep appreciation for the arts and raved about her classes at the Museum of Fine Arts. Barbara was well known! At every turn, she would run into friends, Brimmer families, alums, and colleagues. She seemed to know the entire Greater Boston area!
Barbara was part of the Brimmer family for over 40 years. She first came to Brimmer in the 1970s as a tutor and English teacher. In 1985, she became the Director of Admissions, a position she held until retiring in 2010. She truly loved her job. Amanda Spooner Frank ’88, Director of Alumni Affairs and Special Events, shares, “I first met Barbara in 1983, when I was in 8th grade. Barbara was a family friend, and I was struggling in English a bit. Barby, as she was fondly known, became not only my English tutor that year, but my advisor, confidante, and friend, and later I assisted her in the Admissions Office. She was like a second mother to me, and I will forever value her advice and friendship. She will be greatly missed.” This feeling is shared by many, and Judy Guild, Head of School, remarked, “Barbara lives on within the halls and walls of Brimmer. Those who worked with her still quote her wise sayings and reflect on her love for Brimmer.”
“Barbara lives on within the halls and walls of Brimmer. Those who worked with her still quote her wise sayings and reflect on her love for Brimmer.”
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Alumni Focus: Hallie Black ’14, Cornell University ’19 JODY WEINBERG DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Q. In which grade did you start at Brimmer?
A. I started at Brimmer in Pre-K—
as young as I could! I’m a Lifer!
Q. What are you studying at Cornell University?
A. I am majoring in architecture
with a German studies minor.
Q. How did Brimmer
inspire you to study architecture?
A. Brimmer’s host of truly supportive
teachers, mentors, and faculty have all in some way inspired me to study architecture. For many class assignments, I was able to propose architecture-minded projects. In my 8th grade English class, I drew the floor plans of Atticus Finch’s home from To Kill a Mockingbird. It may seem silly to examine such a small detail of the book, but by looking at the spaces of the black servants in relation to the whites-only rooms, I could examine the literature through a different lens. Also, the kind and friendly environment that Brimmer creates allowed me to be more open with my ideas among my peers and teachers. That warmth boosted my confidence and selfesteem, especially in a field where your work is heavily scrutinized.
Q. How did a Brimmer
education lead you to the path you’re pursuing now?
A. Brimmer’s multidisciplinary approach
has guided me to think critically about architectural studies. By taking several AP classes, from Calculus with Ms. Houndegla to AP Studio Art with Mrs. Lee, Brimmer challenged me to work rigorously. More importantly to me, the Brimmer education has guided how I learn. I was able to become a more critical student by thinking creatively in math and methodically in art. I believe that being a critical thinker, both in and out of academia, is important to becoming a thoughtful and balanced person. Brimmer has sharpened how I see and think of the world beyond architecture and academia.
Q. What is your fondest
memory from Brimmer?
A. I don’t think I can name just one!
From running around with my friends in the playground to bouncing across the globe on Winterim trips, I loved my time from Pre-K to 12. One memory I will never forget was when I submitted artwork I drew for my humanities course, Rise of the City, with Mr. Barker-Hook, to the SISAL [Small Independent School Art League] competition. I was shocked when Mrs.
“Brimmer’s multidisciplinary approach has guided me to think critically about architectural studies.”
“The Brimmer education has guided how I learn. I was able to become a more critical student by thinking creatively in math and methodically in art. I believe that being a critical thinker, both in and out of academia, is important to becoming a thoughtful and balanced person.” Lee, my wonderful art teacher, told me that I had won Best in Show and 1st in Drawing! I was not only proud of what I had created, but also able to pursue what I love while having the support of caring, inspiring teachers.
Q. Tell me about your
plans after college.
A. After I complete my five-year program
here at Cornell and before setting off on my professional journey as an architect, I hope to return as a full-time
Alumni Profiles
Hallie Black ’14.
teaching associate for the program. I really love to teach and help others grasp what I am passionate about. Brimmer motivated me throughout Upper School to become a peer tutor. I have carried on that love of learning and mentoring, and I am currently an undergraduate teaching associate for a Structural Systems course! Hopefully, in the future, I will return to Boston for my master’s in architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design or MIT’s graduate design program.
Q. Tell me about your family. A. I am so immensely proud of and thankful for my wonderful family who has supported me. My mom, Jody Black [Brimmer Trustee], is my biggest inspiration and has recently completed her Ph.D. in social policy. I hope to similarly follow in her footsteps by confronting social issues within architecture, such as those I am researching in my sponsored seminar course (Mellon Collaborative
Studies in Architecture, Urbanism and the Humanities) on the topics of migration and discrimination. I couldn’t do what I love without my dad, Jeff Black [former Brimmer Board Chair], as well; he has always told me to follow my passion and do the best I can. My brother, Ry, is an eleventh grader at Brimmer. My family’s support has made me immensely grateful for the opportunities afforded to me, and shaped me into a well-rounded, happy daughter.
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Alumni Focus: Christian Ernest ’14, Skidmore College ’18 JODY WEINBERG DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Q. In which grade did you start at Brimmer?
A. I’m a Lifer! I started
Brimmer in 1st grade.
Q. What are you studying at Skidmore College?
A. I am pursuing a business
and management major with a potential music minor.
Q. You are passionate
about music. Can you share your background?
A. Music plays an important role in my
life—it is an integral part of who I am as a person. Music provides me with a sense of discipline and confidence to accomplish what I need to get done. My pre-college music experience was unique and impactful. My mother signed me up to audition for the Intensive Community Program (ICP), which is part of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO). This is an intensive string training program aimed at diversifying the orchestra. After successful auditions, I was admitted to the program. That’s when the hard work began! I had weekly double bass lessons and orchestra rehearsals on Sundays for about five hours—plus the required one-two hours of daily practice! Concurrently, I was also playing clarinet with the Lower School Music Ensemble.
Christian Ernest ’14.
I then committed to playing classical bass with the BYSO, and with time, commitment, and perseverance I successfully completed the program and graduated at the highest level. Being one of the more advanced players in the program, I was able to travel to Germany, Austria, and Hungary and perform at some of the most historical and prominent venues.
Alumni Profiles At Brimmer, I had many opportunities to share and advance my musical skills. I played in “the pit” for the Brimmer musicals. I also enjoyed participating in the Upper School Band and Honors Ensemble with Mr. Rose and assisting Ms. Wooster with special Middle and Lower School events. At Skidmore, I was principal bassist with the Skidmore Orchestra and performed with various musical ensembles on campus for fun. Another passion of mine is singing. Brimmer nourished and encouraged this passion through Greenline [Upper School Chorus]. I participated in Greenline all through Upper School, thanks to the support of amazing teachers like Ms. Segal and Mr. Van Atta. As a result, I have enjoyed participating in the Skidmore Chorus as well! My music has also played a role in my community. When I am available, I participate in my church orchestra on Sundays and perform at community events during the holiday seasons. Music provides me with an outlet to express myself, to unwind, and to bring a smile to others.
Q. What are your plans for after college?
A. I am targeting management/leadership
development programs at various Fortune 500 companies. I have had some successful interviews, and I am now in the waiting period. I’m confident that I will receive an offer soon.
Q. Tell me about your family. family, all of whom are originally A. My from Haiti, are inspiring, influential, dedicated, and hardworking. We are a very close-knit clan—my parents, my brothers, Justin ’09 and Benjamin ’19, and my extended family. My grandmothers and my grandfather, who recently passed away, along with my aunts, uncles, and cousins, have all greatly influenced and challenged me to put my best effort in all I do. They are the reason why I strive to achieve academic excellence and to create a sense of purpose in my life.
“Brimmer inspired me to pursue my college studies by encouraging me to try new things and to extend myself beyond my comfort zone.”
Q. How did Brimmer
inspire you to pursue your college studies?
A. I’m so blessed to have received a
Brimmer education. The Brimmer curriculum is very rigorous and also provided me with lots of opportunities to pursue creative arts. I knew I wanted to attend a college that would challenge me, but that would also provide the supportive environment I had grown accustomed to at Brimmer.
Brimmer did an excellent job preparing me for the demands and challenges of Skidmore College. Brimmer inspired me to pursue my college studies by encouraging me to try new things and to extend myself beyond my comfort zone. This steered my interest in my business and management major. The Brimmer environment is such a wonderful community of students, teachers, administrators, and parents. At Brimmer, I was always encouraged
to challenge myself, take risks, and explore new avenues. My Brimmer experience gave me the confidence and open-mindedness to take college classes in varied disciplines, like African Art and Exercise Science. One of the classes that I really enjoyed at Brimmer was Mr. Iuliano’s International Relations. This inspired me to take courses in political science as well as business.
Q. What is your fondest
memory from Brimmer?
A. I have so many good memories of
Brimmer! My fondest memories are playing on the Varsity Soccer team and acting and singing in the musicals and plays. I’ve always had a passion for soccer so this is no surprise, but acting and singing—that was a new one! It all started when I was injured in a soccer match and had to sit out the rest of the season. Mr. Jacob approached me and encouraged me to try out for the School play and then the musical. I really had no experience acting and was definitely out of my comfort zone! I ended up playing lead roles and gained a new appreciation for acting. This experience did wonders for my self-confidence. The performances were extremely fun and allowed me to make new great friends. I also enjoyed all the wonderful and lasting relationships I formed at Brimmer with my teachers— Mrs. Guild, Ms. Robinson, and my advisors, particularly Mr. Langlois. These experiences really shaped who I am; instilling values such as integrity, honesty, and responsibility. I was able to step outside of my comfort zone and really develop myself. Brimmer will always remain a special place for me!
“At Brimmer, I had many opportunities to share and advance my musical skills.”
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Alumni Notes 19 50
19 92
Connie (Ludcke) Huebner ’50
Samantha Eburne Morgan ’92
“In August, Jim and I moved from the Bay Area to Grass Valley, CA, to be near our daughter and her husband. What an ordeal! We never had to throw anything away—just stick it someplace. Huge mistake! We’re getting settled, and it’s good to be closer to our son in Reno. It’s hard to believe we’re now seniors—not just in the Class of 1950!”
19 61 Rabbi Connie (Abramson) Golden ’61
“I’m looking forward to being installed as the first woman President of NAORRR, the National Association of Retired Reform Rabbis!”
19 62 Beverly Kimtis PurcellGuerra ’62
“My husband and I enjoy our retirement. I still stay involved by serving on boards and travel. I spent two weeks in Sicily with a group of 16 people and a college friend.”
19 78 Mary Haskell Martell ’78
“I cannot believe it’s my 40th Reunion this year! I have such wonderful memories of my years at Brimmer. I am still with Marriott Hotels and enjoying every minute—it will be 35 years in March. My son, Jack, graduates from Boston Latin in June and is college bound.”
“My husband’s name is Calvin (Cal) Morgan, and we have a 6-year-old named Jack. My husband also has two grown kids from his first marriage, Mike and Karen. I am a social worker (mental health therapist), and my husband is a nonprofit CEO. We are so happy in Georgia and blessed that my husband is healthy after having open-heart surgery (quadruple bypass) a year ago. I think about Brimmer and May so often—being in the musicals, directed by Martha Donaldson (before she was married); Greenline singers and the small singing group under Susan Schoonmaker; and field hockey with Ms. Barbara Lynch. Math was taught by Mrs. Bradley, science was Mrs. Prielson, and English was with Mr. Don Berger!”
my husband’s business and changing my 8-year-old daughter’s school in the process. I am thrilled to say the gamble paid off as we love living the rural life on three acres of land in Groton—plus, I love my 20-minute work commute. I am proud to say that my Brimmer and May education and extracurricular activities prepared me for college and the world beyond. High school, especially, sets a base for your behavior and actions for many years to come. Brimmer and May taught me how to thrive, continually set new standards for myself, and to push outside my comfort zone. Not only has this shaped my life, but it will also shape my daughter’s as I look for schools that will challenge her in all the wonderful ways Brimmer and May did to me! Wish there was a Brimmer and May West!!”
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20 00
Rachel Wrightson ’93
Rachel Zeig-Owens ’00
“I am back to portrait photography, including school portraits. I was teaching preschool for awhile. I can’t wait to see everyone at my 25th Reunion in May!”
19 94
“We are all doing well. Zena is enjoying being a big sister to Fiona (most of the time), and I’m finally getting to enjoy maternity leave after having to write a grant for the first half of my leave.” Rachel is an epidemiologist for the New York Fire Department.
Vanessa (Walton) Keefe ’94
“I have left my role of vice president of marketing at Charles River Apparel, an apparel manufacturing company, to venture into the world of retail. I am now head of marketing for The Paper Store, a chain of 60 retail gift stores throughout the Northeast. After joining The Paper Store, my family made the major decision to move from Massachusetts’ South Shore closer to my work in Groton, MA—moving Rachel Zeig-Owens ‘00 and family.
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20 07
20 15
David Cutler ’02
Quinn Fitzgerald ‘07
Chardon Brooks ’15
Brimmer’s Upper School History and Journalism teacher David Cutler married Elana Rome on August 6, 2017, in Boston, MA. David’s writing has recently been published in Edutopia, PBS, The Edvocate, NAIS Independent Ideas Blog, NAIS Independent School Magazine, and NAIS Independent Teacher Magazine.
We were thrilled to welcome Quinn Fitzgerald, a graduate of Harvard Business School, back to campus to speak to students about entrepreneurship and the process of founding her own company, Flare Jewelry (flarejewelry.co).
“Yes, I am traveling abroad! I was based in Prague through December and traveled around to many places in Europe working on journalism and international reporting. I am an English major at Bates, but focused on journalism and reporting— specifically international reporting—while traveling. I hope all is well at Brimmer!”
Quinn Fitzgerald ‘07 presents to students in the Ruth Corkin Theatre.
20 09 Julia Cohen ’09
“I graduated from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, with a bachelor’s in social services. I got my master’s from Wheelock College in elementary and special education. I worked at an elementary school in Roxbury for my graduate internship, in a second-grade class. I then worked at a bilingual preschool and started an English tutoring business during my first year in Israel, before the army.” David Cutler ‘02 and his bride Elana.
20 14 Houghton Yonge ’14
Houghton Yonge is a senior at Hamilton College where he presented his thesis dissertation in physics on microfluidic devices. He has applied to graduate school for mechanical engineering. Houghton’s varsity crew schedule resumes in the early spring.
Elizabeth Leeder ’15
Congratulations to Elizabeth Leeder on being named to the Dean’s List and for being asked to join Furman’s Xi Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi. Kappa Delta Pi is an International Honor Society in Education. Elizabeth is serving as secretary this year.
In Memoriam Raja Safi-Ullah Aziz ’17 (See page 24) Elizabeth Burgess Bolster ’47 Elizabeth Dalbeck Huson ’45 Ellen Quinlan - Mother of Courtney Camps ’04 Margaret “Peggy” Rothrauff - Mother of Margaret (Molly) Rapp ’82, Rebecca (Becky) Neville ’75, and Amy Rothrauff ’78 Barbara Shoolman (See page 25)
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ALUMNI WINTER GATHERINGS
New York Dinner Back Row: Director of Alumni Affairs Amanda Spooner Frank ‘88, Director of Development Elizabeth Smith P ‘17, Mahlet Woldemariam ‘95, and Abby Gaudette ‘92. Front Row: Head of School Judith Guild, Patrick Pierre-Victor ‘10, and guest.
Palm Beach Luncheon
Sarasota Luncheon
Back Row: Director of Development Elizabeth Smith P ‘17, Head of School Judith Guild, and Director of Alumni Affairs Amanda Spooner Frank ‘88. Front Row: Leslie Fitzgerald Fallon ‘66, former Assistant Business Manager Carol Tesone Croffy ‘67, and former Trustee and alumna Mollye Lichter Block ‘66.
Back Row: Mary Jo Goggin Hopkins ‘48, Director of Alumni Affairs Amanda Spooner Frank ‘88, Nina Cook ‘84, and Director of Development Elizabeth Smith P ‘17. Front Row: Head of School Judith Guild and Nathalie Warren McCulloch ‘37.
ALUMNI DAY Come Back to
Brimmer
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018
CELEBRATING REUNION CLASS YEARS: 1968 • 1973 • 1988 • 1993 • 2003 • 2008 • 2013
ALL Alumni are invited to Alumni Day!
Special reunion recognition for the Class of 2013 (5th) to the Class of 1968 (50th) & all reunion classes ending in “3” and “8.” Alumni vs. Students Soccer Game & Lunch • Brimmer and May Today, Workshops, Tours • Toast to Brimmer • Alumni Dinner •
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 1008
69 MIDDLESEX ROAD | CHESTNUT HILL, MA 02467 | 617-566-7462
Kindergartners Molly Ship and Jacob Stander.
BOSTON, MA
