Buzzer Spring 2014 by The Browning School

Spring 2014

@ science

technology

engineering

mathematics

Spring 2014

a rt i n f o c u s

SUMMER TANAGER Alexander Gottdiener ’15 8” x 8” Ink on Paper

THE

BUZZER

contents

Spring 2014

FEATURES

Aaron R. Grill Honored as First STEM Chair Recipient

STEM @ The Browning School

18 From the Archives

What a Year It Was!

20 The Local Buzz

Did You Know?

Music Matters at Browning

Summer Stipends

DEPARTMENTS

Art in Focus (facing page): Art Department Chair Nik Vlahos explains that Alexander Gottdiener ’15, who is completing an independent study, garnered a Silver Key award for his work, “Summer Tanager,” which he entered in this year’s Scholastic Art &

3 From the Headmaster

36 Fine & Performing Arts 44 Athletics 48 Alumni Events 54 Class Notes

Writing Awards competition. Sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, this annual contest is the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition initiative for creative teens. Spring 2014

ON THE COVER The Browning community is involved in numerous projects relating to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Beginning on page 4, we highlight the School’s first STEM Chair recipient, Director of Technology Aaron R. Grill.

MISSION STATEMENT Founded in 1888 as a college preparatory school for boys, The Browning School continues its commitment to the goals of John A. Browning: the pursuit of academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning,

BUZZER STAFF

Stephen M. Clement, III, Headmaster Melanie S. McMahon, Director of Publications, Buzzer Editor Laura N. Lanigan, Director of Alumni Affairs SPRING BUZZER CONTRIBUTORS Mary Bosworth, History Teacher Kevin Dearinger, English Teacher Andrew H. West ’92, Athletic Director Contributing photographers: Christine Bramble, Rossa Cole Photography, Marty Hyman Photography, Jeremy Katz ’04, Melanie McMahon, Laura Lanigan and Sandy Pelz ’71.

the belief in the dignity of the individual, and the development of personal integrity and responsibility to the broader community. The Browning boy develops amid these values. The Browning alumnus is a good citizen, sensitive to the needs of others, and respectful of divergent yet informed opinions. He is, in the best sense of the word, a gentleman.

Design by Misty Wilt Graphic Design LLC BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2013–14 James S. Chanos, President William L. Jacob, III, Vice President William S. Kingson PP’98, Vice President Thomas S. Hexner, Treasurer Richard L.N. Weaver ’75, Assistant Treasurer R. Thomas Herman ’64, Secretary Celeste A. Guth, Assistant Secretary Stephen M. Clement, III, Headmaster Michael P. Beys ’89, President, Alumni Association Alka K. Singh, President, Parents Association H. Kenneth Metz, First Vice President, Parents Association Mildred J. Berendsen, Honorary Trustee Allan L. Gropper PP’93, PP’06, Honorary Trustee Laura Z. Barket Paul A. Burke Stuart J. Ellman Elizabeth Granville-Smith Philip A. Hofmann Ling S. Kwok P’21 Jeffrey M. Landes ‘83 David J. Liptak P’20, P’21 Jeffrey S. Olson P’17, P’19

Raul Pineda P’24 Ellen Stafford-Sigg P’21 David N. Steck P’21, P’24 Sanjay Swani P’21 Lou Switzer Deborah C. van Eck P’25 Valda M. Witt P’20, P’22 Robert Ziff P’20

DIVERSITY STATEMENT The Browning School strives to create a diverse community in which all members are safe, respected and valued. We believe that in actively promoting a diverse learning environment, we are fostering intellectual, social and emotional growth for all. Recognizing and pursuing diversity, however, are not enough; we seek to transcend mere tolerance of differences and aspire to a celebration of the varied appearances, abilities, perspectives and values that characterize our community.

The Buzzer is printed on paper containing 10% total recycled fiber.

The Buzzer is published three times a year by The Browning School Office of Institutional Advancement. The School may be reached at 212 838 6280. The website is www.browning.edu.

The Browning School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school directed program, or employment practices.

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from the headmaster

Leadership in All Its Many Forms The topic of this issue’s

Valley in February where boys

Peer Leaders are boys

am amused by the way

meet for fun and for large and

in Form VI who meet

the nature of leadership.

weekly to discuss

if he is alluding to my

proud to note a new

their own leadership

“buttoned-up”?!

election as president of the

styles and skills.

column is leadership. I

I have been portrayed in

this drawing by a Lower School boy; I wonder style of leadership as

On February 3, we

held a quiet but happy

celebration at the newly refurbished Regency Hotel, situated on Browning’s block (or vice versa). The occasion was to

celebrate Browning’s investments passing the $50 million

mark. For many years, Browning did not have the financial

reserves equal to its status as a venerable institution. Over the past decade, under the leadership of the Board of Trustees,

Browning has moved towards securing an enviable financial position. The strong stock market results for 2013, the low

management fees charged by Vanguard which handles our

investments, and the generosity of the Browning community led by the Board of Trustees have yielded the strongest

financial position of the School in 126 years. Former and

current Trustees raised a glass at the Regency to recognize the past and toast the future.

Perhaps inspired by external leadership, at Browning we all

benefit from the Peer Leadership program under the guidance of Dean of Students Sam Keany. Each year many applicants

from Form V go through a rigorous selection process including written essays and group and individual interviews. Peer

Leaders are boys in Form VI who meet weekly to discuss their

own leadership styles and skills. They also meet regularly with boys in other grades to discuss topics such as bullying, drugs

and alcohol use, and general behavioral norms. The older boys speak from personal experience and are helpful in changing behavior and setting a positive tone at school. They also

provide leadership for the three-day Interschool retreat at Frost

and girls from six schools

small group discussions on Finally, I am personally

leadership post: my recent Headmasters Association. “Headmasters,” as it is

commonly known, is an

organization of 100 school heads, men and women, public and private, from

around the country which

meets annually in February.

The sole purpose is fellowship and sharing of ideas. The organization is unique as the membership is defined to include 20

public school principals

or superintendents and 80

independent school heads.

I was honored to be elected

president for the 2014-15 cycle.

Our School founder, John A. Browning, was a member of

Headmasters from 1905 to 1921, and our honorary Trustee, Mildred J. Berendsen, Headmistress Emerita of the Chapin

School, was one of the first two women to be elected in 1982. Recent presidents have come from schools such as Groton,

Exeter, Roxbury Latin and Harvard Westlake, so Browning is in good company.

As you peruse this issue of the Buzzer, I believe you will

see the results of good leadership at work: Trustees, faculty, alumni and the boys themselves. Grytte.

Stephen M. Clement, III Headmaster Spring 2014

f e at u r e

Director of Technology Aaron R. Grill

Honored as First STEM Chair Recipient

ith over 100 family members, friends

at the School. In teaching Intro to Computer Science and

Director Aaron R. Grill was honored

uses the flipped classroom model in which the boys watch

and faculty in attendance, Technology on November 11 as the first recipient

of The Browning School’s STEM Chair. This endowed

teaching chair honors a faculty member who advances

the School’s mission in supporting science, technology,

engineering and mathematics and was established thanks to a $2 million gift from an anonymous donor.

A video presentation and remarks by Headmaster

Clement, Board of Trustees President Jim Chanos, Board member Stuart Ellman, Dean of Faculty and English

Chair Mike Ingrisani, Philippe Laffont and, of course,

the honoree himself, made for a celebratory evening in

recognition of Aaron’s many accomplishments during his 11 years at Browning.

Born in Kansas and now a Brooklyn resident, Aaron

earned an undergraduate degree in elementary and middle

Advanced Computer Science in the Upper School, Aaron

online lectures given by a Stanford University professor as homework and then do their programming during class.

This teaching strategy is particularly successful, as it allows the boys to ask questions of him or their classmates while working on their projects.

Aaron and the other members of the technology depart-

ment discuss how technology can be used most productively at Browning. In recent years there have been major changes in the School’s approach to technology, including the introduction of Google Apps, upgraded infrastructure, moving

the critical data off site and the outsourcing of web servers.

Aaron notes that with critical data off site, communications within the Browning community are protected in circumstances such as Hurricane Sandy.

Aaron is proud to be the first holder of the STEM Chair

school education and master’s in educational technology

and is proud of the accomplishments made by the technol-

he moved to New York in 2003 and became Browning’s tech-

offers classes for students in nearly every grade. From Pre-

from the University of Kansas. After completing his degrees,

nology coordinator. In 2008, he became director of technology. Aaron’s role at Browning combines education and

technology. He is a classroom teacher and also respon-

sible for planning the direction technology should take

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ogy department in general. He says, “Our department now Primary to Form VI, Browning boys learn topics such as

programming, robotics, design and digital literacy. Engaging the boys with these concepts at a young age allows them to tackle more complex subjects.”

In teaching Intro to Computer Science and Advanced Computer Science in the Upper School, Aaron uses the flipped classroom model in which the boys watch online lectures given by a Stanford University professor as homework and then do their programming during class.

Spring 2014

f e at u r e

science

technology

engineering

mathematics

@ In the months since Director of Technology Aaron Grill received the STEM Chair in November (see pages 4 and 5), Browning boys and faculty members have been involved in numerous projects and competitions relating to science, Melanie McMahon

technology, engineering and mathematics. The hands-on

nature of their activities engages and excites the boys on so many levels and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but facilitate learning and inquisitiveness. Read on to learn more about their work.

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BROWNING BOYS TAKE HEAVENLY TRIPS TO PLANETARIUM…AND BEYOND! ower and Upper School Science teacher Stephanie Seto, accompanied by faculty members Susan Kehoe and Caitlin Coleman, led third grade boys on a field trip to the

American Museum of Natural History in February where they enjoyed a virtual trip to the Moon in the Hayden Planetarium, explored the Arthur Ross Hall of Meteorites, and concluded their studies in The Cullman Hall of the Universe within the Rose Center. The trip coincided with the boys’ current study of space and planets.

The outing alone would have been exciting enough, but

because of a recent snowfall, the Browning boys received a special treat. Ms. Seto explained, “Due to the weather, we

were the only school group at the museum. We had the en-

Hall of the Universe explores the nature and evolution of

celestial bodies; there the boys explored the questions that astrophysicists attempt to answer. This impressive hall is

divided into four zones, including planets, stars, galaxies and the universe.

The boys were able to discover their weight on the

tire planetarium to ourselves!”

Moon, as well as on Saturn, Jupiter, a neutron star and the

launch (complete with ground shaking) and was created

liamette Meteorite, a 15-ton shard of cosmic debris. The

The virtual trip to the Moon simulates a NASA rocket

using NASA engineering models and scientific data.

Browning boys orbited the Earth and enjoyed the view of a

sunrise as experienced by astronauts in space. They learned about the challenges of space travel and Moon landings,

as well as the differences between the Moon and the Earth they live on.

The Arthur Ross Hall of Meteorites explores the origins

of meteorites, which are “leftovers” or remnants of planets, asteroids and perhaps even comets; there the boys uncovered clues to the birth of the solar system. The Cullman

Sun. One of the highlights of the planets zone was the Wilboys were able to touch it and then described how it felt.

They were also encouraged to think about all the different types of galaxies, the kinds of objects in our solar system,

what the surface of the Sun looks like, and what happens to stars at the end of their lives.

Science teacher Emilie Wolf and her astronomy

students also took a trip to the AMNH to view many of

these same exciting exhibits, as well as the new space show, “Dark Universe.”

–Melanie McMahon

Spring 2014

BROWNING CAPTURES ITS FIRST SCIENCE BOWL TROPHY

ovember 16, 2013, was a day that the Browning

community will not soon forget as the science

team won its first Interschool Science

Bowl! This competition is held annually

Philip van Scheltinga ’14

between the eight schools that comprise the Interschool organization: Trinity,

Collegiate, Spence, Nightingale, Dalton, Brearley, Chapin

eight players in total, sat at two separate tables with buzzers

performed admirably, but the team was never able to

correctly answering a toss-up question, a team was given a

and, of course, Browning. In the past, Browning has always emerge victorious over the larger institutions that make up Interschool until now.

With several seniors on the team this year, the boys came

into the competition fully intent on winning. Every Monday during eighth period, these boys held mock competitions

in the science lab under the guidance of Ms. Ting. They also

studied during their spare time for the seven topics covered

in the science bowl, including general science, earth science,

in hand, ready to answer a four-point toss-up question. Upon 10-point bonus question in 20 seconds. Whenever the Browning team was winning, the boys used the full 20 seconds

available to them to answer the bonus question, which the

other team was not allowed to answer, in order to run down

the clock. This piece of tactical ingenuity allowed the team to advance to the championship round against Trinity with the second-most wins.

At half time of this tense match, Trinity was a mere four

astronomy, chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology.

points ahead of Browning. In the second half, however,

seen studying in the library with books sprawled out over a

Haack ’14 and Griffin Bassman ’14 were called the heroes

In the days leading up to the big event, students could be

table, and in class practicing their mental mathematical skills without using a calculator.

On competition day, the boys’ preparations paid off as

they won five out of six games in the preliminary rounds.

During games, a team of four students faced off against an

individual school in two eight-minute halves. The two teams,

“At Browning, I learned skills that have been crucial to my career,

including how to think critically,

organize my thoughts and express myself clearly.”

–George Cabrera III ’98, Facebook technical lead

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Browning dominated, blowing out Trinity. Captains Chris of the day, answering many of the questions and serving as rallying points for the rest of the team. Isaac Barrezueta ’14,

Michael Adeleye ’14 and Armaan Rawat ’15 also performed

very well. The event was a tremendous success, and the team was very thankful for those who came out to support them. –Philip van Scheltinga ’14

“I was born interested in

science, but Browning certainly helped to propel me towards a career in science.”

–Dr. Michael Alpert ’01, founder, Immunathon, a vaccine technology startup

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR ELECTED TO OFFICE cience Chair and Dean of Students Sam Keany was recently elected vice president of the board of directors of the

Black Rock Forest Consortium. He looks

forward to supporting the consortium as it moves toward its strategic goals of promoting research, education and conservation within its local forest setting in the Hudson Highlands. Browning is a founding member of the consortium, which is entering its 25th year and now constitutes 27 member schools, colleges and scientific institutions.

SCIENCE CLASS STUDIES LOCAL BIODIVERSITY

cience teacher Emilie Wolf reports on a late fall trip made to Central Park: The conservation biology students braved the cold and met up with Ken Chaya, one of the developers of The

Definitive Illustrated Map of Central Park, at the 72nd Street entrance of Central Park for a guided tour of our local biodiversity. On our 90-minute promenade through the Ramble, we saw 17 species of birds and stopped to identify 30 different species of trees and shrubs.

Central Park was ingeniously designed by Freder-

ick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux; they created a vast array of habitats which explains the amazing diversity we observed. As Mr. Chaya emphasized, Central Park is an important green oasis in a desert of concrete for

migrant bird species; seven of 10 bird species observed were simply passing through, resting and feeding in Central Park before continuing their flight south.

Although not all species found in Central Park are

native and a few are even invasive (European starling),

the diversity present in Central Park makes it a dynamic

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS PRESENT MATH AND SCIENCE PROJECTS highlight of the year for many in the Browning community, Middle School Math-Science Night was held in February. Math Department Chair Michael Klein and Science Department Chair

Sam Keany offer the following synopsis of this popular event: Annually, students in Grade 5 to Form II perform original

science experiments incorporating increasing mathematical rigor into their research. This year, the boys presented their math and science projects to faculty and parents. The new

cafeteria and lower gym proved to be versatile event locations providing spacious and comfortable viewing of

projects for boys in grades five, six and Form I. Form II boys presented their

work on SMART Boards

to small groups of parents in symposium formats in

the new library and technology center and classroom spaces.

and, most of all, precious New York City landmark.

Spring 2014

ENGINEERING STUDENTS COMPETE ON NATIONAL LEVEL he rise of Browning’s STEM curriculum has introduced the boys, beginning in the Lower School, to courses

that focus on computer science and engineering. One of these new classes,

Thomas McCormack ’14

Advanced Engineering, has captivated the interest of the Upper School boys, the

faculty and parents. As part of the course, the class participates

In the race, Clutch Motorsports struggled with the narrow

track and ended up in fourth place. The Browning boys felt they

in the Ten80 Student Racing Challenge Competition.

had given their best; in the overall placing, Browning took second

to reach nationals by competing against high schools across

Advanced engineering design teacher Mr. Sambuca was ecstatic

against each other in regional contests. Points are earned

second-place spot.

creating a clean visual design or driving a certain maneuver.

team has been diligently working on individual and group

funds. The winners of the regionals advance to the nationals,

identity and website. Jonathan Flinchum and Christopher Haack

This competition is a year-long challenge for students

place, an achievement for the team’s first year in the competition.

America to build and tune radio-controlled cars, then racing

upon hearing the announcer call Clutch Motorsports to claim its

through winning races, overcoming engineering challenges,

Since October’s competition, Mr. Sambuca reports that the

Other tasks involve creating business plans and raising

projects. Ani Akpan ’14 has been developing the team’s brand

held this May at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

have been working on the RoboCar challenge using an Arduino

Clutch Motorsports) was able to secure a second place finish.

autonomously. Jacob King has been upgrading the competition

America Headquarters in Waltham, Mass. After arriving at the

Perochena ’14 and Ty York ’14 have been learning Solidworks in

boys and introduced them to their competition. The space was

Dietzgen ’14 and I are working on the business components to

In Browning’s first regional competition, the class (dubbed

microprocessor to make the car drive around an oval track

The competition was hosted at Dassault Systèmes North

car with aluminum and carbon fiber parts. Juan Pablo Llamas-

competition, the U.S. Army sponsors called up the Browning

order to design a new chassis and an aerodynamic car body. Conor

filled with competing teams and schools that were there to

make sure the team is funded for competition.

observe and learn for future competitions.

The first contest was to answer trivia questions. The Army

The team hosted a bake sale that raised $571.00; the proceeds

helped purchase apparel, car parts, a vinyl banner and promotional

officers walked around asking what category the students

merchandise. Michael Adeleye ’14 and Christopher Stephens ’14

Army facts. Senior Chris Haack ’14 resounded with many

including monthly challenges, website articles and weekly updates.

would like to answer questions in: math, science, history or

have served as utility players, helping with a variety of tasks,

shouts of “MATH!!! MATH!!! MATH!!!” Chris is currently

–Thomas McCormack ’14

enrolled in the Interschool math elective at Spence and quickly “buzzed” through the many rounds of math questions, earning Browning its first points.

The team then moved to the engineering room, where

Jacob King ’14 and Jonathan Flinchum ’14 were tasked with finding the engineering solution of how to fix a broken car.

The boys were victorious and one of the only teams that day to fully fix and analyze their vehicle, giving Clutch Motorsports more points.

The next task was mine, I had to introduce Clutch

Motorsports to the competition and explain the team’s goals

and progress. With more points earned, the team moved to the final task: the race.

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Upper School Boys Take on Math Challenges

With Cakes and Without Calculators!

athematics teacher

Ms. Resika also notes that in

Judit Resika and

February, 20 Upper School boys took

AP Calculus class

nationwide math challenge. The boys

the boys in her

literally sliced their way through some Bundt cakes as they learned how

to calculate the volume of a solid of

revolution using the “cylindrical shell

method.” Ms. Resika explained, “I baked two cakes and the boys ‘sliced’ them in

an unusual way, then took the integral in order to calculate the volume.”

the American Math Competitions, a

AMC 12: Forms V and VI School winner: Griffin Bassman 2) Brendan Walsh and

Isaac Barrezueta (same score)

were given 75 minutes to solve 25

3) Christopher Haack

She had prepared them well during

AMC 10: Forms III and IV

problems without using a calculator. her Monday morning math team

meetings, especially for what she

describes as “the sometimes tricky

questions!” The results are as follows:

School winner: Andrew Medland 2) Michael Lee

3) Michael Zuppone The boys look forward to competing in

The Browning School Math Bowl in May.

Spring 2014

“Browning gave me a fine education

across the board. My interest in biology might have been triggered sooner with

the facilities available at Browning today.” –Dr. Thomas Lovejoy ’59, founder, “Nature” PBS series

“A good scientist isn’t just a smart person, he is a good person, because the pursuit of science is ultimately to help people.” –Leland Stillman ’06, University of Virginia School of Medicine

LOWER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS BUILD ROBOTS AND DESIGN TOYS r. Droke’s first grade

to design a toy that specifically meets

that these toys shared certain char-

work with LEGO

empathy and research skills in the

intuitively played without reading a

boys have begun to

WeDo robotics. Each

boy has a partner and works through the build instructions on an iPad to

build a robot. Eventually they learn

how to program them using the WeDo software and Scratch.

Mr. Droke’s fourth grade boys work

in their Scratch Designer’s Notebook where they complete different chal-

lenge and problem-based questions to

develop their programming skills. They learn how to define the purpose of a

variety of games and to critically think of ways to improve them. As the boys

move through the introductory stages of programming, Mr. Droke stresses

how important it is to always have their overall purpose in mind.

Mr. Droke’s sixth grade boys have

been “hired” by the first grade class

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their needs and wants, developing

process. The sixth graders must create

a shared knowledge of toys to be used as they research, develop, produce

and market an original toy. The toys

are designed on Tinkercad, a browserbased 3D design platform, and made on 3D printers or the laser cutter in

the technology lab. Each design team

was assigned a toy and had to state its purpose, define

its demographic,

talk about how it makes them feel, and research its

history. The teams presented their findings to the entire class.

They boys

quickly realized

acteristics, such as their ability to be

set of instructions. This allowed for a conversation about how simple toys are sometimes more effective, better designed and more well-loved than

complicated toys, thereby impacting the design team’s initial ideas about

their toys by making them think more realistically and practically about their design.

After studying the design of arched, truss, cable-stay, suspension and elevator bridges of New York, second grade boys designed and constructed their own bridges, many combining elements from various styles.

ENGINEER PRESENTS WORKSHOP FOR ALGEBRA STUDENTS

n January, Mark Love, an educator and a former engineer, returned to

Browning and conducted

a mathematics workshop with all of the Form II algebra students

during two 90-minute sessions. Math Department Chair

Michael Klein reports that the boys, armed with only

a pencil, one piece of paper, a calculator, and an eraser (engineers make lots of mistakes!), applied their

algebra and problem-solving skills to a real-world

task, namely, the construction of a mall along a major

thoroughfare requiring the installation of traffic lights. Variables were defined and simultaneous equations

derived to design an efficient, safe and fair system of lights to optimize traffic flow.

Mr. Klein explained, “Experiencing a concrete con-

nection between what the students learn in the class-

room and how that can be used outside of academics

is a powerful learning tool. The reaction by the boys to

this workshop has been incredibly positive. They were still trying to solve the challenge problem during the

study hall following the workshop. The success of this

experience has been such that it is an annual part of the Form II mathematics program.”

BROWNING FEATURED IN MAKERBOT VIDEO n 2011, The Browning School acquired a MakerBot

Thing-O-Matic, a 3-D printer that allows our boys to

create colorful plastic models of objects. This machine

can literally turn a three-dimensional computer model

into a physical object. Engineers, architects and other

professionals, as well as hobbyists and students, use this

machine to make models of designs that they conceive or, alternately, download from the parent company website.

Since 2011, even our Pre-Primary boys have learned about

MakerBot in their technology classes. As part of a MakerBot

series of website stories (on makerbot.com) highlighting how Replicator 3D printers are used in education, The Browning

School was pleased to welcome Blake Eskin, editor, and Annelise Jeske, videographer. Headmaster Clement and Director of

Academic Technology Jeremy Sambuca, along with a number of Browning boys, lent their expertise and commentary for a

video explaining Browning’s use of MakerBot and the School’s embrace of technology in recent years. You may view a video of this segment on the School’s website.

Spring 2014

f e at u r e

What a Year It Was! As we welcome spring here at Browning, we reflect on the many highlights of the School’s past 125th anniversary year, celebrated in each of the 2013 Buzzer editions. The following timeline serves as a pleasant reminder “at-a-glance” of the many accomplishments and accolades to be proud of!

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FEB

Dr. Gerald J. Protheroe

The Barket Balcony is

is inducted as the

formally dedicated in honor

second recipient of the

of the late Keith Barket,

Stephen M. Clement, III

former Browning Trustee

Chair for the Humanities

and parent

MAR

APR

MAY

Business Insider names

The 125th anniversary flag

The Parents Association

The 125th Anniversary

Browning is featured

Browning to its list of “10

is raised with the entire

Benefit, held at the

Alumni Reunion honors

on the Reuters boards

Elite Prep Schools That

school community in

American Museum of

Browning’s first student,

in Times Square as

Have Produced Wall

attendance

Natural History, honors

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. (Class

part of a promotion by

Steven M. Clement, III’s

of 1893). Justin A. Rockefeller,

the NY Association of

25th year as Headmaster

his great-grandson, accepted

Independent Schools

the award.

(NYSAIS)

Street’s Biggest Names”

Spring 2014

JUNE

AUG

SEPT

The Annual Fund enjoys a

The Summer Buzzer is

President of the Board of

The School is literally

The Class of 2000

record year set by alumni in

mailed with a replica of the

Trustees James S. Chanos

wrapped with a red ribbon

Distinguished Speaker

terms of number of donors

1920 inaugural Buzzer in

hosts a reception at his

and bow in recognition of

Series features Trustee

and dollars raised; pictured

celebration of the School’s

home for past Trustees

Browning’s 125th birthday

Tom Herman ’64, former

is Michael Beys ’89,

125th anniversary

to honor their leadership

reporter and journalist at

as the School celebrates

The Wall Street Journal

President, Alumni Council

its 125th

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OCT

NOV

DEC

Ralph Gardner ’71 features

A festive party in

STRONG & TRUE is

Director of Technology

In honor of Browning’s

Browning and its 125th

honor of Browning’s

launched to the public

Aaron R. Grill, pictured

125th and to commemorate

year in his Wall Street

125th concludes with

through the mailing of a

with son Calvin, is

their sons’ graduation,

Journal column

the announcement by

letter and case statement

inducted as the first

the 2013 Form VI parents

President of the Board of

recipient of the School’s

establish a fund to

Trustees James S. Chanos

STEM Chair (see story on

preserve the School’s

of STRONG & TRUE: The

pages 4-5)

archive collection; archival

Campaign for Browning;

material is featured as

more than 600 guests

part of the spring and fall

enjoy a tour of the new

Annual Fund appeals, at

library and tech center,

Alumni Reunion, and in the

cafeteria and reading

lobby display cases and

terrace that evening

Buzzer magazines

Spring 2014

from the archives

On a cold winter morning 64 years after his death in February, 1950, the life of Albert Herter (Class of 1889), Browning’s “first boy in school,” brightens my day. Turning his file card over, I read a type-written note: “Mr. Browning was Albert Herter’s tutor several years before the School started. In 1888 Tracy Dows, Morton Nichols and Everit Macy joined the class, and that was the start of The Browning School.” I learned, too, that one of Albert’s sons, Christian Archibald Herter (Class of 1911), also attended Browning. Father and son lived as luminaries in two different worlds, art and politics, respectively. –M.M.

ALBERT HERTER CLASS OF 1889

tian who became Governor of Massachusetts; these works

Born in 1871 in New York City, Albert Herter was an artist

also graced numerous magazine covers. Today, his art can be

and painter. He later studied and lived for many years in

Paris. As a married man, he and his wife spent a great deal

of time in Santa Barbara, Calif., at the family estate, El Mir-

asol, where he died. Before Albert was even born, his father and his father’s half-brother founded Herter Brothers, a

prominent New York interior design and furnishings firm. While Albert was commissioned to produce numerous

portrait paintings, he also created civic and private murals. In fact, in 1915 he painted the four murals in the Supreme Court Room of the Wisconsin State Capitol; eight of his untitled

murals are also housed in the Los Angeles Public Library.

Albert’s most famous murals, however, were dedicated

to his sons Everit and Christian.

Everit died fighting in combat in World War I just

months before the armistice. Like his parents, he had also

studied to be a painter. Albert created the mural, “Le Départ des Poilus, Août 1914,” in tribute to Everit’s memory and in 1926 presented it to the company that operated one of the

largest train stations in France. The website, Invisible Paris,

hang in the Massachusetts State House in Boston. His work

viewed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of

Modern Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and in private collections.

“A Dubious Lineage: Short Stories by Albert Herter,”

published by Herter Studio, includes Albert’s memories of

Browning. In this book he writes, “My tutor [Mr. Browning,

who later founded The Browning School in New York City], who was middle-aged and had a large mustache which he

twirled a great deal…dressed all summer in a heavy cutaway coat with unusually long tails and consequently perspired a lot, mopping his face all through lessons with an enormous

handkerchief. Among other things, I studied botany with him and every day gathered specimens to dissect and classify, il-

lustrating my notes with water colors…With this man, whom I profoundly respected and genuinely liked, a great deal of ground was covered in two years so that at 17, I had been

over what would otherwise have been an active university course and was ready for Paris and Art.”

Albert also wrote, “To my tutor, Mr. Browning, who after-

notes, “[The mural] describes a scene which would have

wards had a successful school in New York, I owe a tremen-

flict. It is…built around a triangular trinity of the father, the

my lessons: something of the art of living, a working philoso-

been a typical one in this railway location during the con-

mother, and the departing (soon to be dearly departed) son.” Albert executed five other murals dedicated to Chris-

dous debt, for he taught me things much more important than phy, self control, patience and moral abstemiousness…Mr.

Browning, without prejudice or personal bias, read with me the

Mr. Browning, without prejudice or personal bias, read with me the philosophies which had most influenced civilization, making understandable such parts of them as might have been obscure to a young mind but never stressing his personal leanings. THE

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philosophies which had most influenced civilization, making understandable such parts of them as might have been obscure to a young mind but never stressing his personal

leanings. He left me free to choose the teachings of Confu-

cius, Buddha or Christ, or any other great spiritual leader as a guide, only indicating that the fundamental principles of

Hoover from

needs of the peoples among whom they had originated.”

during which time

them all were the same, adapted or interpreted to meet the

CHRISTIAN A. HERTER CLASS OF 1911 Albert and Adele’s other son, Christian, was appointed 53rd

1919 to 1924,

he also served as

executive secretary

of the European Relief Council between 1920 and 1921. He subsequently worked as a newspaper editor, a

Secretary of State on April 22, 1959, and remained in that

lecturer at Harvard University, and he served in the

istration on January 20, 1961. Christian’s illustrious political

1943, where he became Speaker of the House in 1939.

position until the end of the Dwight D. Eisenhower admin-

career is detailed online, compiled by the U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. An excerpt follows.

Whether working for the U.S. Government or in the

private sector, Herter dedicated much of his adult life to

serving his country and shaping its role in world affairs.

Herter was born in Paris, France, on March 28, 1895, and attended the École Alsatienne from 1901 to 1904, before

Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1931 to Herter then won a seat in the United States Congress as a

representative from Massachusetts, where he served until 1953. Following his time in Congress, Herter was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1953, a position he held

until 1957, when he became Under Secretary of State in President Eisenhower’s second administration.

Due to the failing health of Secretary of State John

moving to New York City and graduating from The

Foster Dulles, Herter was appointed Secretary of State on

degree from Harvard University in 1915, Herter served in

until January 20, 1961. Herter passed away in Washington,

Browning School in 1911. Upon receiving a bachelor’s the U.S. Embassy in Germany from 1916 to 1917. He held the position of Secretary of the U.S.

April 22, 1959, and, noted above, remained in that position D.C., on December 30, 1966.

Herter played an active role in U.S. diplomacy

Commission to Negotiate Peace (1918-1919) at the Paris

throughout his life, whether he was working for the

position seems fitting in light of his brother Everit’s

While in Congress, a report that was written in a committee

Peace Conference following the First World War. [The

death in combat during this war.] After his initial tenure

at the Department of State, Herter continued to advance his career in both the public and private arenas. He was

the personal assistant to Secretary of Commerce Herbert

Department of State or the U.S. House of Representatives. he chaired initiated proposals that led to President Harry Truman’s Marshall Plan, in which the United States gave $13 billion in reconstruction aid to Europe following the Second World War.

Spring 2014

the local buzz

MOCK TRIAL DEMONSTRATES TALENT AND HARD WORK In February, the Browning mock trial team presented an assembly for the Upper School boys. Advisor and math teacher Marcia Wallace reports: “The Lower

Katherine Weinhoff, a former Browning parent and law professor at Fordham University.”

Ms. Weinhoff said, “We have a motto: hard work beats

Gym was transformed into a spectacular court room,

talent when talent doesn’t work hard. This morning’s

skills as orators, lawyers and witnesses. This year’s

Browning men are both talented and exceptionally hard

and 15 young men displayed their knowledge and

case involved a suit by a farmer against a petroleum company alleging that their practice of fracking

performance clearly demonstrated that these young workers. For them, the best is yet to come.”

Ms. Wallace noted, “It also was an honor to have

resulted in the contamination of his water supply,

Scott Wise acting as judge for the proceedings. Mr. Wise

the health of his family members. Six witnesses gave

prestigious law firm of Davis Polk & Wardell where

negatively impacting his crops, livestock and even testimony and were questioned by three lawyers

representing each side. The team was coached by

is a former Browning parent and current litigator at the he is a member of the litigation department. Mr. Wise

offered the boys a constructive list of ideas to make the team even stronger as they approach their next round of competition.” Over the years, Mr. Wise has

represented clients in products liability, antitrust, mergers and

acquisitions, contracts, consumer protection, tax, and securities

litigation in courts throughout the United States. He also has

represented clients in domestic

and international arbitrations and

mediations and has served as a partyappointed arbitrator.

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Steve Jasikoff, history teacher, and Elizabeth Suárez, Spanish teacher, accompanied a group of Form II and III boys to the United Nations Headquarters in February as part of an interdisciplinary activity; the “Golden Rule” mosaic based on Norman Rockwell’s painting appears here.

UPPER SCHOOL BOYS ATTEND IVY LEAGUE MODEL UN Form II and III Boys Visit UN Headquarters in New York History Department Chair Gerald Protheroe and a delega-

cess leading up to

Ivy League Model United Nations Conference (ILMUNC)

ing applying for

tion of 20 Browning boys attended the 30th session of the

hosted by the International Affairs Association at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Kevin Dearinger,

English teacher, also accompanied the delegates. ILMUNC is often referred to as “the premier Model United Nations

conference for high school students.” Browning boys gath-

ered with students from around the world to participate in a weekend of debate, learning and problem-solving. The

boys were placed on a number of committees with topics

as diverse as “Preventing an Arms Race in Space” to “International Regulation of Human Cloning.”

Mr. Protheroe provided the following report upon the

group’s return: “ILMUNC 30 was the biggest UN in their

history with over 3,000 students attending from all across the United States, Latin America and China. Peter Florescu and Jamil Guzman (pictured, right) received Outstanding Del-

egate awards for their work on the United Nations Human

Rights Council. This was a remarkable achievement, as both

were alternates for boys who were unable to attend. Peter was

their trip, includa seat on the Ad Hoc Committee of the Secretary

General, which is

a crisis committee and quite selec-

tive. Mr. Protheroe

noted “Model UN is a great experience for boys interested in international affairs. ILMUNC is based on the United

Nations formed in 1945. Since that time, we can argue that we are sitting here safely, but if we were to enter another

world war, it would be important to know why.” He said

that a successful Model UN delegate will need to know the issues, have knowledge of parliamentary procedures and be able to research and write well. Mr. Protheroe said the

event is an opportunity to meet all sorts of people from different countries in formal and more casual settings.

At the conclusion of the assembly, Upper School Head

asked to join with only a week to go! Jamil should be congrat-

Jim Reynolds advised the boys to take their global citi-

young partner understood his role and maintained his energy

world. “Pick up a newspaper and follow an issue,” he said.

ulated for his excellence in debate and for ensuring that his

level throughout the three days. Many thanks to the irreplaceable Mr. Dearinger for his strong support of the delegation.” During an Upper School Assembly earlier in January,

Mr. Protheroe and a number of the boys described the pro-

zenship seriously and be aware of what’s going on in the “Even if you are not part of Model UN, you need to be

aware.” He then addressed the boys attending Model UN, stating, “Best of luck, and thank you for your energy and effort in representing The Browning School.”

Spring 2014

THIRD GRADE BOYS TAKE TRIP TO TEATOWN RESERVATION The third grade boys enjoyed a trip to Cliffdale Farm

got to go inside a replicated longhouse and wigwam.

Caitlin Coleman reports: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had the opportunity to

cooked food in a fire circle and created various tools. A

at Teatown Reservation in Ossining, N.Y. Teacher

learn more about the Lenape tribe and how they used resources in the New York area to survive. The boys

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They also experienced how the Woodland Natives

highlight was playing Native American games, such as throwing darts through a moving hoop!â&#x20AC;?

SPELL-BINDING MOMENTS DURING LAURA P. MUHLFELD SPELLING BEES High-fives, handshakes, pats on the back and loud ap-

plause were the order of the morning during the Laura P.

Muhlfeld Spelling Bee in March as the Lower School final-

that this long-standing annual contest was later re-named for Laura Muhlfeld, a retired faculty member.

The boys in the bee were not easily stumped, having

ists (second, third and fourth graders) encouraged and

studied so diligently with teachers and family members to

Gruhn said, “This was one of the most intense, competi-

in front of so many, and making a valiant attempt to spell

complimented one another. Head of Lower School Laurie tive and impressive spelling bees in Lower School history! We owe tremendous thanks to Kevin Dearinger, moderator, and our judges, Susan Levine and Sarah Murphy, for

prepare and make it to the finals. To be so young, standing words such as “occasionally” or “rhinoceros” takes true

“grit” or, as sometimes spelled here at Browning, “grytte.” The Middle School finalists made an impressive

their ears, eyes, insight and compassion. I am pleased to

showing at the Laura P. Muhlfeld Spelling Bee the next

and runner-up was second grader Sebastian Brown.”

“There was tension, there were tears, there was laughter,

announce that the winner was fourth grader Kabir Kurani, Mr. Dearinger spoke to the boys beforehand, breaking the

ice and quelling nerves by asking participants and the rest of audience if they knew how to spell his last name. Like many of the homophones (weather, whether; steak, stake) they

would soon be challenged by, “Dearinger” can take on many different spellings as well, he said. Mr. Dearinger also noted

day. Head of Middle School Chris Dunham reported,

and there was some top-notch spelling! A huge thanks to Mr. Dearinger for moderating and to Ms. Hurwitz and

Ms. Murphy for judging. The winner was Daniel Kravitz, Form II, for the second year in a row; first runner-up was sixth grader Keaton Ramey, and second runner-up was fifth grader Fazeel Khan.”

BOYS IMPRESS WITH CHESS PROWESS AT STATES Browning’s after school chess program experienced another successful year with

record enrollment, especially among Pre-Primary boys. Lara Glazier P’24 reports that Grandmaster Miron Sher led Thursday afternoons for the more advanced players, and the School welcomed Grandmaster Tamaz Gelashvili on Tuesdays.

Thanks to the Parents Association, a luxury bus was

arranged to transport boys to and from Saratoga for

the States. Team dinners took place the night before the

tournament as well as after the last round in order to foster team spirit. Plans call for more of the same next year. Preparations for Nationals in May in Dallas are

underway, with many Browning boys honing their skills at several New York City tournaments beforehand. The School also hopes to field a team for the prestigious Mayor’s Cup tournament on May 3 at PS 11.

Spring 2014

REFLECTIONS: THE LIFE OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Multicultural Club advisor Glenn Walker reports that

also viewed a video based on reminisces of Dr. King’s

by the Upper School boys during an assembly in

delivery of his celebrated “I Have a Dream” speech in

the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was celebrated

January. A clip from the 14-hour documentary, “Eyes on the Prize,” was shown, along with presentations

from a number of boys who discussed Dr. King’s ac-

complishments as well as the events and people who influenced his life.

“Eyes on the Prize,” which originally aired on the

sister who recalled the events leading up to Dr. King’s Washington, D.C., in 1963. He spoke to an audience

of 250,000 people on that August day; in fact, “March

on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” was the largest

demonstration ever seen in the nation’s capital and one of the first to receive television coverage.

PBS network, is a series about the civil rights movement in the United States. Yet another presentation,

accompanied by a video, addressed the issues of profiling and racism. This informative assembly raised

awareness of human and civil rights and Dr. King’s impact through the ages.

At an earlier Lower School Assembly, Mr. Walker,

along with members of the School’s Multicultural

Club and the Lower School boys directed by music

teacher Lucy Warner, presented an informative and musical program in recognition of Martin Luther

King, Jr. Day. During the assembly, the community

UPPER SCHOOL BOYS ATTEND DIVERSITY WORKSHOP Four Upper School Browning boys attended the annual Student Diversity

Leadership and Prejudice Reduction

Workshop in February at Convent of

the Sacred Heart. Glenn Walker, Mul-

ticultural Club advisor, offered the following report:

Training was facilitated by the

National Coalition Building Institute. Now in its fourth year, the workshop was an opportunity for students to

gain an increased awareness on the

subject of diversity. Teachers who at-

due to the fact that they were meeting

a variety of ethnic, racial, religious

by the depth of dialogue that takes

communities and were able to discuss

Demonstrated leadership abilities

tend these workshops are impressed place among students of all back-

grounds. The boys said that the work-

shop had a profound effect upon them

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other students from culturally diverse issues away from their home schools.

Each school is asked to select up to

10 students who, as a group, represent

and socio-economic backgrounds.

through a range of academic, athletic, artistic and social activities were considered in the selection of students.

FORM IV BOYS ATTEND FROST VALLEY INTERSCHOOL TRIP Delayed by a snow day, the 2014 Interschool trip to

Frost Valley took place in January. Dean of Students Sam

Keany reports: “Form IV boys traveled to the Frost Valley Y.M.C.A. camp in Claryville, N.Y., for a cold two days of

activities with the 10th grade students of Brearley, Chapin, Collegiate, Nightingale-Bamford and Spence schools. The

activities of this normally three-day event were compressed successfully into a two-day experience whereby our boys met new friends and enjoyed outdoor activities such as broom ball, tubing, square dancing and fire-starting in

the snow. Browning’s peer leaders joined seniors from the other schools in leading discussion sessions with small

groups of 10th grade students. Despite the abbreviated

schedule, the trip was very successful, and our boys returned wishing it could have been longer.”

SIXTH ANNUAL OLYMPIAN DAY Just in time for the opening of the Sochi Olympics, the

English class became Greek gods and heroes in the

once more. In February, the boys of Ms. Bosworth’s

took time in class to explain his costume and his

Olympians of The Browning School roamed the earth sixth grade history class and Mr. Dearinger’s Form I

sixth annual Olympian Day celebration. Each boy interest in mythology.

Spring 2014

BOYS IN HEADMASTER CLEMENT’S FORM VI EXPOSITORY WRITING COURSE MEET FOR “LAST CLASS” AT THE KNICK Headmaster Clement and the

heard from Director of Middle and

remarks, Headmaster Clement

writing class met for the last time

Director of Alumni Affairs Laura

written works they produced

boys in his Form VI expository

on February 20 over breakfast at

the Knickerbocker Club. The boys

Upper School Admission Janet Lien, Lanigan and Head of Upper School Jim Reynolds. Following those

led the boys in an analysis of the during the trimester.

NYSAIS WORKSHOP HELD IN NEW TECHNOLOGY CENTER The New York State Association of

The session, according to its

just architects. Mr. Buckley earned

administrators with an eye-opening

European universities, is a former

Independent Schools (NYSAIS) held a

description, “provides teachers and

A Methodology to Affect Change

experience so they might begin to think

winter workshop, “Design Thinking: in Schools/IMAGINE-DESIGN-

CREATE,” in the new technology

center at The Browning School. Director of Technology Aaron Grill reports that

outside of the box and intertwine their knowledge to conceive innovative

solutions for the future of education.” Don Buckley,

he and four members of the Browning

who directed

members and division technology

has transformed

community attended, including faculty representatives Stephanie Seto, Dan

Ragsdale and Giurissa Grace, as well as Director of Academic Technology Jeremy Sambuca.

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the workshop,

learning spaces so they work

for teachers and

students and not

advanced degrees from leading industrial chemist, published

photographer and former consultant to the Museum of Modern Art’s Education Department.

STUDENTS CONSTRUCT SCALE MODELS OF FRENCH MONUMENTS French teacher Dominique Bernard reports that his sixth grade French students created scale models of famous French monuments and

wrote essays recounting the history of each. C’est magnifique!

LOWER SCHOOL FAMILIES UNITE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE Lower School Community Service

vice Afternoon in February: “The

‘healthy teeth kits’ for a local shelter,

on the success of the second annual

The Walkabout Foundation, Valen-

Henry Street Settlement.”

Coordinator Rachel Gerber reports Browning Family Community Ser-

boys created beaded key chains for tines for Yorkville Common Pantry,

and game bags for children at the

Spring 2014

f e at u r e

THE

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The weekly e-newsletter issued by the Parents Association serves as an ideal venue for showcasing Browning faculty and their many academic pursuits outside the School’s red doors. To allow Buzzer readers the opportunity to know our teachers even better, we present a round-up of these “Did You Know?” spotlights below.

ath teacher Matthew

ary Bosworth, a

Bratnick has been

member of the history

teaching at The

department, has

Oliver Program for

been a teacher at The

eight years. During the summers,

School of Practical Philosophy for eight

Mr. Bratnick teaches math and an

Matthew Bratnick

“improv” elective to Oliver scholars.

years (she has been a student there

Mary Bosworth

He also volunteers periodically with these students during the academic year.

include Introduction to Philosophy and The Dialogues of Plato. Ms. Bosworth has brought her expertise to Browning as well; in addition to teaching history, she also conducts two levels of philosophy courses.

istory Department Chair

(See her Summer Stipend summary in this issue.)

Dr. Gerald Protheroe is also an adjunct associate professor at NYU’s

panish teacher Giurissa

Center for Global Affairs. This fall, he

A. F. Grace recently

taught Global Conflict and the Crisis

Dr. Gerald Protheroe

participated on a panel,

of Diplomacy, a course toward the

Teaching in Independent

master of science degree in global

Schools, sponsored by the Office of

affairs. Dr. Protheroe counts among his students a Brazilian diplomat, two attorneys and a fireman. Dr. Protheroe will next teach a one-day course, 1914: The Crisis of Civilization and the Descent into War.

for 21). Her favorite courses to teach

Career Planning and Professional

Giurissa A. F. Grace

Development at CUNY. She shared her thoughts on issues such as the

challenges and responsibilities of teaching at independent schools and how the mission of the school influences both pedagogy and teacher-student interaction.

Spring 2014

Technology Specialist Brad Droke was recently named to the International Boys’ School Coalition’s (IBSC) 2014-15 action research team. Boys as “makers” is the focus of next year’s action research. Mr. Droke will carry out his project during the 2014-15 academic year and present his findings at the IBSC annual meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, the following summer. In preparation, he will also attend

Brad Droke

the IBSC conference this summer in Nashville, Tenn.

hair of Classics John Young

irector of Academic

recently accepted teaching

Technology Jeremy

positions with both the

Sambuca is a member of

North American Institute

the NYSAIS-sponsored

for Living Latin Studies (SALVI) and

Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI). As

Jeremy Sambuca

part of the two-year course of study,

Hunter College, where, in addition to

John Young

Mr. Sambuca will participate in monthly

his teaching role at Browning, he will be an adjunct instructor in the fall of

meetings, sessions at the summer training institute, and two

2014, teaching a Latin literature course. He often studied at

NYSAIS evaluations of other schools. He is being mentored

SALVI during past summers, thanks to a stipend from the

by Director of Middle and Upper School Alex Ragone at City

Parents Association.

and Country School.

hair of Music David Prestigiacomo performed in a holiday program, Readings and Carols:

Ensemble (MCE). Mr. Prestigiacomo, a tenor and frequent soloist with the

Murphy conducts a monthly podcast with two other independent

school librarians in New York City.

Love, with the Manhattan Choral

David Prestigiacomo

ead Librarian Sarah

During each episode, Ms. Murphy

Sarah Murphy

and her colleagues discuss current events relating to school librarianship.

group, is now in his ninth year singing with the MCE. He

Examples of these topics include the recent youth media

was encouraged to audition by former Browning colleague

awards, curriculum and the use of technology in libraries.

Laura O’Reilly who sings soprano with the ensemble.

Ms. Murphy will also be co-hosting a panel discussion

Check out their videos on YouTube!

(“Where are the heroes of color in fantasy and sci-fi?”) at the Young Adult Literature Symposium, organized by the American Library next fall.

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The musical production of “I Will,” written by Lower School music specialist Lucy A. Warner (a.k.a. Luce Amen), has been selected for

off-off-Broadway production at Cabrini Repertory Theater Manhattan. “I Will” was one of 20 plays and musicals selected out of 240 Lucy Warner

submissions for a three-night run at the Thespis Theater Festival. The performances are scheduled for June 16, 21 and 22, 2014, at 7:00 pm.

evin Dearinger, a 19-year

cience teachers Emilie Wolf

veteran of Browning’s

and Stephanie Seto also work

English department,

at the American Museum

directed a staged reading

of Natural History (AMN)

last summer of “In Respect to Mrs.

where they develop and teach in the

Carter: The American Bernhardt,” his

Kevin Dearinger

original play about “age and artifice.”

education programs throughout the

Emilie Wolf

Additionally, Mr. Dearinger has written

year. Further, Ms. Seto is an instructor in AMNH’s Lang Science Program

a number of books for the academic presses. (See his

(a selective multi-year program for

Summer Stipend summary in this issue.)

middle and high school students),

while Ms. Wolf is an assistant curator of North American wildlife for the online

thletic Director Andrew

database, Encyclopedia of Life.

West ’92 and Director of Physical Education

Stephanie Seto

Patricia Zeuner (who

both coach the varsity baseball team) attended the 2014 World Baseball

Andrew West ’92

Coaches’ Conference recently. The speakers included coaches from top college and major league baseball teams, as well as 2012 Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey. In addition, Coach West was recently re-elected the president and treasurer of the New York City Athletic League (NYCAL) of

Patricia Zeuner

which Browning is a member.

Spring 2014

f e at u r e

Music M AT T E R S AT Browning! Third Grade Boys Express Their Love of Music Earlier in the school year, Lower School Learning Specialist Pat Flynn asked the third grade boys in her enrichment class to ponder the importance of music. “After the first informal music assembly in September, I decided to combine the boys’ love of music with our Quick Outline review,” she explained. “As you will read, the results were so poetic!” During that assembly, Lower School Music Director Lucy Warner introduced the boys to the Composer of the Month series by playing a number of compositions by J.S. Bach, the featured composer for September.

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When asked about his talent as a musician, Bach once said, “There’s nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument will play itself.” Later in January, another Lower School assembly provided the opportunity for a recital by many of the boys who take private music lessons. Perhaps these young performers might well disagree with Bach, as they clearly practiced for many hours, striking and plucking the “right” keys and strings. –Melanie McMahon

“One reason music is important

“One reason is that there are different

is because you can learn about

kinds of music. Another reason is that

composers and music. It can be

it can be a fun piece. Finally, it can be

a lot of fun. Also, it can cheer

about anything. It can be about being

you up. Finally, music uses lots of

mad or sad or hyper.”

instruments: smooth, loud and soft.”

–Jason DaSilva ’23

–Andrew Bates-Zoullas ’23

“Music is important in everyone’s life. One reason

music is important is that it fills your ears with love. Another reason is that there is never enough music. Finally, music can heal your soul to be a better person.” –Nate Dwyer ’23

Music is important in everyone’s life. First, it’s important because it adds color in everyone’s life. Also, if you’re sad,

music can put a smile on your face. Finally, you can learn the history of music. Music is such an important thing to have in our lives.” –Jeremy Hartman-Chait ’23

Spring 2014

“Music is important in everyone’s

“Music is important in everyone’s life.

life. Music is used for entertainment

One reason is that we learn new things.

for people. Music is a way to

Another reason is your ears can identify

cheer someone when they’re sad.

a melody. Finally, everyone remembers

Music calms someone down when

it! Also, it is thrilling to play!”

they are mad.”

–Eli Greenberg ’23

–Varun Seth ’23

“Music is important in everyone’s life because

it touches your heart and you can’t stop hearing it. Sometimes when you feel sad, music can make you feel happy. Music can also make you feel emotional. I love all kinds of music. What kind of music do you like?” –Antonio Pinhiero ’23

“Music is important in everyone’s life

because if there was no music, you

because it warms your voice. Another

couldn’t express yourself. Also,

reason is that if you sing a lot in music

you’d never feel the great melody,

class, you might become famous like

and if you feel sad, what would help

Michael Jackson, and finally, music is

you? Music!”

beautiful, dazzling and remarkable!”

–Joshua Metz-King ’23

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–Ignacio Arnau Avello ’23

Members of Browning’s Ovation Orchestra, along with all viola, violin and cello players, pose for a photo with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra ensemble.

memorable Musical Moments at browning assemblies

or many years, Vincent Lionti, father of Nicholas ’19 and violist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, has graciously presented a concert with an ensemble of fellow orchestra members during a Lower School

assembly. While this year was no exception, the event in February was even more of a treat than usual, as Mr. Lionti’s father, a violinist, played as well. The two men, who bear a striking resemblance to one another, took to the “lower gym stage,” exchanging stories and anecdotes with the audience.

The elder Mr. Lionti told the boys of his exciting visit to

the White House where he performed as a member of the Marine Band when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was in office. His son later quipped that he wore his father’s

Head of Middle School Chris Dunham, Brogan Smith ’18 and his father.

Nick Lionti ’19 (center) with his father and grandfather.

Lucy Warner, Lower School music teacher, arranged for

Marine Band uniform as a Halloween costume! The respect

the performance again this year.

other was an inspiration to all in the audience.

and father of Brogan ’18, performed at a Middle School

mance of Mozart’s “A Little Night Music” and Vivaldi’s “Pic-

and a faculty member at the New York City College of

and admiration these father-son musicians have for each

The ensemble regaled community members with a perfor-

colo Concerto.” Mr. Lionti made it a point to ask the English horn and piccolo players to address the boys. One Pre-Pri-

mary boy was so impressed with the concert that he used his

fingers to play along on an imaginary piccolo! Mr. Lionti also gave special thanks to the string bass player who had agreed

to join them “at the last minute” that morning, as the original

player broke his knee the day before…the audience gave loud applause for this example of Browning “grytte!”

In January, Michael Cedric Smith, a classical guitarist

assembly. A graduate of the Peabody Conservatory

Technology and the Caedmon School, Mr. Smith has

appeared twice at the National Festival of the Guitar in

the Dominican Republic. Here in New York City, he has performed contemporary American chamber music as

a guest artist with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s Chamber

Ensemble at the Guggenheim Museum of Art in SoHo, and with the New York University Chamber Players at Merkin Concert Hall.

Spring 2014

fine and p e r f o r m i n g a rt s

BOYS EXPLORE GREEK AND ROMAN GALLERIES AT THE MET Under the direction of Mary Bosworth, Middle School

The Met’s website explains in detail what the boys

history teacher, sixth grade history students traveled to the

and their teachers enjoyed that morning: “The Hellenistic,

the Greek and Roman galleries as part of their classroom

over 5,300 objects in more than 30,000 square feet,

nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art in January to explore studies. Faculty members Elizabeth Cooper-Mullin and Kristen Sheppard accompanied the group.

Before embarking on their morning at the museum,

Etruscan, and Roman galleries, an entire wing housing

completed the 2007 reconstruction and reinstallation of the permanent galleries of Greek and Roman art.”

Form III boys traveled to the Met a few weeks earlier to

the boys were provided with a clipboard, pencil and

view these same galleries. Classics Department Chair John

art awaiting them. As they viewed each of the assigned

Brett Wisniewski accompanied the boys. Mr. Young reports

study guide to aid in their exploration of the marvelous artworks or artifacts, they jotted answers to questions and made sketches of their own.

The wall paintings in the reconstructed bedroom from

an Italian villa (unrivaled outside of Italy) were one of the

highlights for the boys, as were three Roman wall paintings from a reception hall, an extensive collection of Greek armor, and a rare chariot.

Ms. Bosworth shared her own “highlight” from the

trip: “My favorite moment was when a group of boys were

Young, art teacher Zack Davis and Greek and Latin teacher on the experience: “The artifacts under particular scrutiny included two marble statues of Hercules, which stood in Nero’s baths, Greek ceramics, both red and black figure, and bronze helmets from Crete of the greatest antiquity. The boys practiced their Latin, explored the history and significance of the items, and learned of the processes

behind their creation before making drawings of them in their sketchbooks.”

There is no doubt about it...The Browning School is

‘transformed’ into Greek soldiers going to battle. They

fortunate indeed to have such informed faculty as well as

and greaves) to wear. The boys then drew their outfits. This

that in January, Browning and Marymount co-hosted an

were asked to choose a suit of armor (helmet, chest plate

was truly a magical moment of quiet, focused attention.”

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world-renowned museums in close proximity! Note, too,

alumni function for the second consecutive year at the Met. See Alumni Events section in this issue.

FIRST GRADE BOYS ATTEND THEATRE PRODUCTIONS In January, first grade boys traveled to Hunter College to attend a play

performed by the Paper Bag Players. Teacher Chelsea Rossman reports:

“We saw a performance entitled ‘Hic-

cup Help.’ Upon our arrival, the stage was set with a birthday cake, and the

performance included many original, thought-provoking and interactive

ticipate in decision-making and criti-

Holiday Bash.” That festive perfor-

a safari scene which included a giant

to interact with the cast by calling out

ways that friends across the globe

scenes. One favorite of the boys was snake made out of paper bags! An-

other favorite involved using imagination and collaboration to create a

rainy drawing and a painting of a lost puppy. The boys were excited to par-

cal thinking, as they were encouraged answers and singing along to various musical pieces.”

The boys also traveled to the

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater

in Central Park to enjoy “Three Bears

mance highlighted all of the various celebrate during the holidays. Ms.

Rossman noted, “The production tied into our social studies work as we

explored different ways of celebrating during holidays and the seasons.”

A “STATELY” PRODUCTION BY THIRD GRADE BOYS Third grade boys presented a play, “The

Scrambled States of

America,” in February.

Each of the 50 states was represented by a boy in costume. Families and

the Browning commu-

nity had learned much

about the U.S.A. by the

conclusion of this lively production.

Playing and/or appreciating music is a vital part of every Browning boy’s experience, as you will learn by reading “Music Matters at Browning” starting on page 32 of this Buzzer.

Spring 2014

Two Upper School boys, Brendan Walsh ’15 and Jack Morris ’15, performed in the production of “Spinning Into Butter.”

RAVE REVIEWS FOR “RENT” Upper School Browning

boys joined the cast of the Brearley School’s winter drama performance,

“Rent.” Jacob King ’14, Brendan Walsh ’15,

and Michael Cleary ’15 learned the songs and

staged the scenes before winter break, leaving

plenty of time to polish the show in the weeks

before the curtain rose.

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Photo by Cécile Grégoriades

SPANISH STUDENTS ENJOY PLAYS BY FEDERICO GARCÍA LORCA In February, the Spanish and Latin

American literature and Spanish IV

classes visited El Repertorio Español for an opportunity to watch the comedic farce, “La zapatera prodigiosa” (The

Showmaker’s Wife), and the rural tragedy, “La casa de Bernarda Alba” (The House of Bernarda Alba), by Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca.

Spanish teacher Giurissa A. F. Grace

reports: “ ‘La casa de Bernarda Alba’ concerns a widow, programmed by

the narrow-minded and conservative

customs of the past, who is disinclined to let any man unworthy of her family name marry her daughters. Her

obsession with the preservation of her

family’s honor proves to be its destruction. ‘La zapatera prodigiosa’ depicts

FORM II BROWNING BOY EARNS AWARD AT FRENCH THEATER FESTIVAL Modern Language Talent Show Serves as Dress Rehearsal

the story of a difficult relationship

Browning’s Form II French students

six-member jury and was awarded

older husband. It follows the wife’s

in February at the annual Middle

actor trophy.’ This was a superb

between a young wife and her much struggle to resist her spouse’s and the

townspeople’s unrelenting communal pressure to conform.”

Ms. Grace adds, “In both plays,

Federico García Lorca touches on the subjects of frustration, isolation, cen-

sorship, repression and honor felt and suffered by women as a whole. He

portrays the young female characters as rebels and non-conformists who

explore their feelings and surroundings, but their pursuit for ‘freedom’ has vastly different outcomes. One

may ask: Why study two female cen-

demonstrated their “French touch” School theater festival at the

Lycée Français of New York.

French teacher Dominique Bernard offers this report, including news of the trophy awarded to one

of the boys: “As the imposing amphitheater filled up, the

pressure was tangible for the 200

plays transcend their settings and

resonate with audiences of every age and sex.”

and engaging activity. The

numerous Browning parents who

attended the event had every reason to be proud of their children.”

Just days before, all Middle

annual Browning Middle School

minutes based on this year’s theme of changement (change).”

Mr. Bernard continued, “The

than in the past. In addition to the

ity of Federico García Lorca, how his

was, as it is every year, an enjoyable

short performance of five to seven

assignment it was to present a

value and respect global conscious-

my class to experience the universal-

Français won the best play award. It

School students of Spanish and

quality of all the plays was

ness and cultural diversity, I wanted

achievement indeed! The Lycée

talented young participants whose

tric plays in a boys’ school? As I look

for new ways to teach my students to

the ‘best non-French speaking male

remarkable and perhaps even better regular distinctions and diplomas, the jury decided to bestow five

major awards. Thanks to his great work, and admirably supported by his talented peers, Jackson

Richter ’18 won the hearts of the

French participated in the fifth

Modern Language Talent Show.

Chair of the Modern Languages

Department Megan Ryan reports:

“The event included music videos, songs and short plays performed

exclusively in French and Spanish.

The program also served as a dress

rehearsal for Mr. Bernard’s French I students who went on to perform

their ‘résistance’-themed play at the

Lycée Français of New York’s annual theater competition.”

Spring 2014

summer stipends

EACH YEAR, THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION AWARDS stipends to faculty members who apply for specific projects, such as summer travel, research or study. Each recipient writes an article for the Buzzer about his or her project; two faculty are featured in this issue.

An Ideal Holiday: Combining Knowledge with Pleasure This past summer, thanks to the Par-

town, the group reconvened at 5:00 p.m. to discuss ques-

Plato’s dialogue, “Philebus,” at a three-

Guest speakers with backgrounds in archaeology, history,

ents Association, I was able to study week conference in Delphi, Greece.

David Horan, who is currently translating the entire canon of Plato, a feat that Mary Bosworth

has not been accomplished since Benjamin Jowett’s 1871 translation, oversaw

the program. Studying under exceptional tutelage in the midst of an ancient sacred site was a rare opportunity.

The subject of “Philebus” is pleasure. What is the best

life for men and women? Is it pleasure? Is it wisdom? Or is there a mixed life that includes both? Socrates presents the argument as follows:

Philebus was saying that enjoyment and pleasure and

delight, and the class of feelings akin to them, are a good to every living being, whereas I contend, that not these,

but wisdom and intelligence and memory, and their kin-

dred, right opinion and true reasoning, are better and more desirable than pleasure for all who are able to partake of

them, and that to all such who are or ever will be they are

tions and observations arising from the morning’s study.

philosophy and literature spoke each evening to provide additional context for the study.

At the midpoint of the conference, the group took a

day off from studying the dialogue to tour the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, a place where pilgrims

sought counsel for over 1,000 years. Proceeding through

the entrance, the complex of statuary, buildings, temples, theatre and stadium only slowly emerge as the visitor

walks upwards. One can easily imagine the sense of awe

and excitement that pilgrims felt as they wound their way

through the site. Enveloped by mountains, one experiences a vast panorama. And yet, instead of feeling small, there is

a sense of expansiveness as one watches from on high. Ancient Greeks called Delphi the naval of the earth, omphalos, and when standing in the midst of the temple on Mount Parnassus, one understands something about the use of this term.

While nothing tops the site, the Archaeological Museum

the most advantageous of all things.

is a great consolation. It contains one of the best examples

heads around the thorny issues raised by the dialogue,

or “Rein-holder, Heniokhos.” With eyes alert, feet firmly

For two weeks, 90 students attempted to wrap their

reading, discussing and reflecting upon these words from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day. After a four-hour respite for lunch, a swim in the Corinthian Sea or a walk into

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BUZZER

of classical bronze sculpture, the “Charioteer of Delphi”

planted on the ground and fingers attentively holding the

reins, this champion portrays a self-contained experience of victory that differs from today’s exuberant expression.

Ch edworth Roma n v illa, built in a beau tifu l Cotswold combe, a glorof ious ample Th ewas benefits my ex being of th e golden in age Roma n immersed thof e philosoph y, Br itain. a rt, a rchitectu r e, history a nd liter atu r e of Ancien t Gr eece is being offer ed to studen ts in th e history a nd philosoph y cou rses I teach.

Thomas Sakoulas, professor and chair of the art de-

partment at the State University of New York at Oneonta, writes this about the statue, as follows:

Charioteer – though victorious – stands with admirable

modesty and faces the crowd in total control of his emotions. This self-discipline was a sign of civilized man in

Classical Greece, and a concept that permeates the art of

this period. The ability to restrain one’s emotions especially during the most challenging of moments came to define the entire Classical era of Greek art and thought.

The “Charioteer” is one of those works of art that I re-

turn to again and again and find something surprising in each viewing.

Following the two-week study was a tour of the Pelo-

ponnese. Visits to ancient sites in Messenia, Mycenae

and Corinth were supplemented by sunny afternoons on beaches in Kalamata, Monemvasia and Tolo. Back on the mainland we spent a windy morning at the Temple of

Poseidon on Cape Sounion, a glorious temple surrounded by sea on three sides.

The benefits of my being immersed in the philosophy,

art, architecture, history and literature of Ancient Greece

by tasty lunches on sunny beaches. The ancient Greeks

understood the importance of finding the measure. Also

worthwhile was the experience of being a student again.

Enduring sessions when it seems like nothing penetrates

and thinking that it’s time to throw in the towel is a feeling many students experience. If one sticks with the mate-

rial and gives it one’s full attention, something invariably

opens up. It’s good for people, especially teachers, to experience not knowing. Socrates suggests that admitting one doesn’t know is the portal to wisdom.

Thank you to the Parents Association for providing

is being offered to students in the history and philosophy

this amazing experience. Writing this memoir reminds me

ence like this that are more difficult to quantify. The bal-

Socrates’ conclusion to the “Philebus,” which suggests that

courses I teach. There are other takeaways from an experiance between study and recreation seems significant, with

intense mornings requiring unflinching attention balanced

how fortunate we are as a community. I am also struck by

the best life is a combination of knowledge and the purest of pleasures!

–By Mary Bosworth, Middle School History Teacher

Summer Spring 2013 2014

My Theatrical Return, of Sorts Nostalgia is a tricky sedative when you are in your 60s. Although I have been

tress. I was guided, however, by a number of extraordinary

speare in class oddly and although

and some are still shining out, but they have all astonished

known to recite the odd line of Shakemuch of what I teach in Presentation

Skills is based on personal experience, Kevin L. Dearinger

Predictably, I wrote a play about an unremembered ac-

I don’t often speak in detail on the subject of my theatrical career. My usual

actresses, well-remembered friends. Some are gone now,

me with their command, their vulnerability, their strength, their fearlessness, their memorable verve and, if you will,

their “Grytte.” And they have all been smart, smart, smart.

Mrs. Leslie Carter (1862-1937) was born Caroline Louise

précis of my pre-Browning days consists of “I worked

Dudley in Lexington, Ky. After a wildly dramatic divorce

had a chance to travel and meet interesting people, thank

New York and willed herself into becoming a great stage

steadily as an actor and singer, paid my rent regularly, and you very much.”

And then I wrote a play.

My two published books and the one I have been

polishing for several centuries are theatre histories, out-

growths of my fascination with the South, Shakespeare and

from the social-rich Mr. Carter of Chicago, she came to

star of the early 20th century. When her heart overruled her head, Mrs. Carter’s life and career wandered into the wilderness, but her strength of character never wavered. My play attempts to honor that strength.

With a grant from the Browning Parents Association, “In

forgotten actors. At Browning, I teach the analytical essay

Respect to Mrs. Carter, the ‘American Bernhardt’ ” had its

accustomed to the steady legs of non-fiction.

a theatre just up the street from Mrs. Carter’s birthplace. A

and read several hundred thesis statements each year. I am My greatest teaching challenge each year comes with the

poetry and short story classes I offer in Form VI. I cannot

teach creative writing. I can only guide and encourage. It is a very exciting process. We read, we talk, we discuss, and then

I stand back and wait. I am never disappointed. Seizing their freedom, the Browning gentlemen create astonishing plots,

first public performance this summer as a staged reading in very gifted Kentucky actress, Julieanne Pogue, took on my

26-page monologue under the umbrella of New Works, Inc., a theatrical company dedicated to airing new, and I hope,

promising scripts. For one night, August 8, Mrs. Carter returned to the stage and returned to Lexington.

intricate dialogue and wonderfully complex characters. Their language snaps and shines, ripples and roars.

They inspire me. They challenge me. I learn from them.

Their work has moved me to try new things, to unleash another part of myself, and to return to the theatre. Sort of.

And so I wrote a play.

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Ms. Pogu e gav e my words gr eat v ibr a ncy. Sh e found th e emotions I h ad en v isioned as I w rote a nd color ed th em w ith h er ow n a rt.

Mrs. Ca rter’s life a nd ca r eer wa nder ed in to th e w ilder ness, bu t h er str ength of ch a r acter nev er wav er ed. My play attempts to honor th at str ength.

Ms. Pogue is a powerful actress. She gave my words

great vibrancy. She found the emotions I had envisioned

as I wrote and colored them with her own art. The lighting

designer made sure that my set looked glorious. I had a di-

rector who said “yes” but sometimes “no” and always with

sions. My creativity thrives, I think, on such pressure, and I have expanded, contracted, reworded and reordered the play several thousand times since the reading. I do like to write.

I continue to explore the demands of Mrs. Carter’s

wisdom. A friendly audience laughed in all the right places

voice. She needs to be heard, and she won’t let me be still.

was gratifying. There were a few cheers. An unexpected

directors and mature leading ladies, be advised. I have a

and stayed quiet when I hoped they would. The applause

review appeared in the Lexington newspaper, kind enough

that my mother clipped it out and put it on her refrigerator. I was very happy. I learned.

The production challenged me to revise and rethink my

work, to listen to criticism, and to be flexible in my obses-

And who knows where she will go from here? Producers,

script! In fact, I have several scripts. And my mind is full of ideas and full of Mrs. Carter. Bless her.

Thank you, as ever, to the Parents Association for help-

ing me chase my wilder horses. I learned. –By Kevin L. Dearinger, English teacher

Spring 2014

at h l e t i c s

Winter Wrap-up Winter athletics

season, the junior varsity team im-

and downs. The

season. With many boys playing bas-

year had its up

varsity Panthers

struggled at times Andrew H. West ’92

Coming off a very difficult 2013

at Browning this

during the season, which I believe

was partly due to the fact that the

team consisted of eight Form III boys who had grown used to the shorter

seasons with half as many games. The long season took its toll on the squad, but with such a young team and a

solid core, the future is promising.

proved a great deal throughout the

played a full schedule of games, allowing more playing time for all the boys, with both having winning records.

Special congrats to the 7/8 Red

ketball for the first time at Browning,

Squad for bringing home a co-regular

difficulty scoring; however, by season’s

sixth grade teams had great success

the team started the season having

end, the boys had found their rhythm

and competed at a much higher level. Forms I and II were divided into two

separate teams, the Red team coached by Dan Ragsdale and the Black team led by first-time Browning coach

Glenn Walker assisted by another

new coach, Andrew Wolf. Both teams

season championship! The fifth and as well, both finishing 8-2 and 10-1,

respectively. All and all, it was a great season, and I am very confident that

we will put Browning basketball back on the map in the very near future. For now, it’s time to break out the

bats, gloves, clubs, rackets, and track shoes, as it’s time for spring!

FORM I/II BASKETBALL (RED TEAM) What a season for the seventh and

eighth grade Red Panthers! Coming

off a one-win 2012-2013 campaign, the team was determined to find success.

Exceeding even their own high expectations, the Panthers finished the season

with 10 wins and four losses, and an 8-2 conference record that earned them a

share of the league title. To accomplish this, the team had to defeat a tough St. Hugh’s squad, which had previously

handed Browning a 32-point loss. The rematch was all “grytte” and guts as

the Panthers bested their rival by one

point when co-captain Andrew Ceonzo sunk two free-throws with .9 seconds remaining on the clock.

Winning six of the final seven

games of the year was a testament to this group’s dedication to each other as teammates. Trust, hard work and

unselfishness add up to quite a recipe for success.

–Coach Dan Ragsdale

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FORM I/II BASKETBALL (BLACK TEAM)

FIFTH GRADE BASKETBALL

The Black team finished the season by defeating The

The fifth grade Panthers had an extremely successful

finished by winning their last five games, defeating Cal-

loss of the season coming in a close match against an

Town School. It was a great season for the boys. They

houn, St. Thomas Choir, Trevor Day School, Churchill

and, finally, Town School. Our leading scorer and co-captain Stone Abramson led the team in its offensive efforts.

The solid team defense was lead by Justin James, Amedeo Lorenzotti and Patrick McAllister. George Stavropoulos,

our other co-captain, helped to keep the team focused on its goal of teamwork.

The boys’ season started off slowly; it only took a few

games, however, to come together as a solid, in-synch unit. The B team’s final record was six wins and four

losses; that success was based on teamwork, teamwork and more teamwork.

Coach Wolf and I are very proud of the boys and how

hard they worked to achieve their goals. Go Panthers! –Coach Glenn Walker

season. Their overall record was 8-1 with the only

all-sixth-grade team. In fifth grade basketball a large emphasis is placed on teamwork, sportsmanship

and skill development. Of course, it is always nice to be competitive, but at this age level it is most

important that we teach the boys how to play the

game properly. This team has the fundamental skills to be successful in the upcoming years. We had 29

players on the team. Our greatest success was having all players receive significant playing time in games

and enjoying the wins as a team. This group of boys is extremely talented and enthusiastic about the

sport. The team was focused during practice sessions and thus well-prepared come game day. Throughout our nine-game season, we steadily improved as individual players and as a team. –Coach Matthew Brown

Spring 2014

VARSITY BASKETBALL

SIXTH GRADE BASKETBALL

The varsity basketball team started the

With a record of 10-1, the sixth

tremendous success. Unfortunately,

the most successful teams in sixth

it to the NYCAL Championships.

off slowly with a one-point victory

arguably our best games of the year.

in early January, the team

working with this special group from

with big victories against the likes

them grow into terrific players.

Trevor Day and St. Bernard’s. The

season with lofty goals and expected

grade team proved to be one of

we did not reach our goals of making

grade basketball history! Starting

We ended the season by all playing

against the School @ Columbia

I will really miss coaching and

steamrolled the rest of the way

the Class of 2014. I enjoyed watching

of Allen-Stevenson, St. Hugh’s,

–Coach Andrew West

only hiccup was a one-point loss

to Town School, which they might have won easily if their shots had just dropped.

The boys were impressive with

their knowledge of the game, with understanding and learning the

plays, and with being able to set the tempo of each game. But most of all they showed great sportsmanship against their opponents. In games

where it was clearly one-sided, the

JUNIOR VARSITY We started out in November with lots of optimism about the upcoming season. Try-outs brought many new faces to our

basketball program, therefore we had to become a team the oldfashioned way. It was done with a lot of hard work and a lot of

getting to know each other. As the season went on, our opponents seemed to get tougher and tougher. Each game the boys worked

harder and harder. No matter what the situation, the boys gave it their best effort, right down to the final horn.

In fact, our final game was our best of all! We hit our peak de-

feating EF International with a score of 38-25. It was a great emo-

tional win which will last in the boys’ memories for a lifetime. This season turned out to be one of the most memorable seasons of my

Browning career. The boys learned a tremendous amount of basketball, developed their skills, made a bunch of new lifelong friends

and, most of all, had a lot of fun doing it. They gained so many life lessons this season through the game of basketball. As coach, I en-

joyed working with this team. They showed a lot of heart and dedication all season. I want to thank the entire team for a great year. – Coach Paul Mastroianni

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team did not run up the score but

gave opportunities for bench players to score and get good playing time. As these boys move up to the 7/8

grade teams next year, I’m looking forward to coaching the successful fifth grade team next season! –Coach David Watson

PANTHERS PLAY ON MAIN COURT AT BARCLAYS CENTER In November, Browning’s varsity basketball team

Legends Classic Basketball Doubleheader featuring

the main court at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

boys played with intensity and showed lots of pride.

played a game against The Churchill School on

Director of Athletics Andrew West ’92 reports: The Panthers were the opening act for the Progressive

Stanford, Pittsburgh, Texas Tech and Houston. The Thanks to all those who made it out to the game!

HOCKEY The 2013-2014 Browning Hockey sea-

Our success rate with Browning parent

between periods during a New York Rang-

very exciting ride over the past seven

play on the same team in the Lasker Rink

the boys to be skating in such a prestigious

son has come to an end. It has been a months, and the feedback coming

from our parents leads us to believe

coaches was so high that now six of them adult hockey league.

Within our six divisions (Mini-

that this has been the best year ever

mites, Mite Developmental, Mite

only yesterday that a group of five

Select and Peewee) the boys played

for Browning hockey. It seems like

Pre-Primary boys stepped on the ice for the first time, and in a matter of five months, those same boys were

transformed into a powerhouse team

that came in second place in the yearend tournament at Lasker Rink.

Our coaching staff this season was

one of the best within the New York City private schools led by Alana Blahoski (1994 Team USA Hockey gold medal

winner) as well as Coach Lada, Coach Mike and Coach Vilam who all have

extensive youth hockey coaching experience. In addition to them, we have had numerous parents who assisted our

coaches on the ice on a weekly basis.

ers hockey game. It was very exciting for arena with 20,000 fans cheering them on

and an experience they will never forget.

Preparations for the 2014-2015 season

Select, Squirt Developmental, Squirt

have already begun. The parents and the

over 75 games this year and won more

to build and improve the program. We

than 60% of those games. Just recently in the Lasker Cup Tournament, four

of the above-six division placed in the top three of their level. I would like

to point out that two members of the

Mini-Mite team are five-year-old girls.

School are working together to continue would like to take this opportunity to thank Headmaster Clement and The

Browning School for their continued cooperation and support of the Browning hockey team.

–Coach Jose Garcia P’22, 24

They are Bronte Clarke and Piper Rose Garcia. Bronte’s older brothers are

Oliver and William Clarke (grades 2

and 4), and Piper’s older brothers are

Jack and Jose Garcia (grades 2 and 4). All four trophies were turned over to the School to be displayed.

In March, 20 Browning hockey

players participated in a short game

Spring 2014

alumni events

Young alumni were brought on stage during the annual Thanksgiving Assembly at Christ Church in November.

YOUNG ALUMNI REUNION On Wednesday, November 27, Browning hosted the annual Young Alumni Reunion, a Thanksgiving tradition. More than 25 young alumni from the Classes of 2009-2013

returned to School to visit with classmates, faculty and current students.

The day began with the

traditional Thanksgiving Assembly held at Christ Church where alumni

were brought on stage by

Headmaster Clement and

Mr. Pelz ’71. Following the assembly, alumni, faculty and Form VI enjoyed a luncheon in the newly renovated cafeteria.

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L to R: Mr. Ingrisani, Ms. Suárez, Colin Carter ’13, Adam Nebenzahl ’13 and Ben Jacobs ’13.

L to R: Mr. Pelz ’71, Andrew Amarosa ’12, Chris Pelz ’13, Jon Pelz ’13 and Peter Shapiro ’10.

L to R: Erik van Os ’10, Robert Denton ’10, Nurse Linehan and Greg Davis ’10.

Steven Klurfeld ’09 and Ms. Bosworth.

Michele Gama Sosa ’10 and James Weinhoff ’10 (right).

L to R: Alex Bendo ’13, Robert Denton ’10 and Erik van Os ’10.

L to R: James Adeleye ’12, Headmaster Clement and Mr. Reynolds.

L to R: Harrison Fields ’11, Ms. Grace and Peter Shapiro ’10.

L to R: Coach West ’92, Morgan Miller ’13, Freddie Edwards ’13, Spencer Wolfe ’13, Julian Rodriguez ’13, Ben Jacobs ’13 and Coach Watson.

L to R: Ms Bosworth, Farouk Oni ’13 and Mr. Pelz ’71.

L to R: Julian Rodriguez ’13, Paul Pricop ’13, Christopher Stephens ’14, Michael Gabrellian ’13, Colin Carter ’13 and Kevin Wu ’13.

L to R: Ethan Parisier ’17, Alec Siden ’17, Freddie Edwards ’13, Ms. Resika, Ms. Lien and Spencer Wolfe ’13. Spring 2014

L to R: Mr. Bernard, Chris Jennings ’99 and Robert Jennings P ’99.

Godfrey Bloch ’63 (left) and Allanby Singleton-Green ’83.

and friends attended for a festive

alumni room. Alums and their guests

annual Holiday Party was hosted by

This event is always an Alumni

farewell to Director of Institutional

HOLIDAY PARTY On Friday, December 13, Browning’s

evening of drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

the Parents Association at the School.

Association favorite, and this year,

Hundreds of alumni, parents, faculty

the new cafeteria was the designated

Michael Beys ’89 and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan.

Louis Lenglet ’02 (left) and former Director of Institutional Advancement Marty Haase.

L to R: Browning Architect Peter Gisolfi, Michael Beys ’89, Peter Orphanos ’89 and Jonathan Mason ’89. THE

BUZZER

turned out in record numbers to bid

Advancement Marty Haase, who left Browning at the end of 2013.

Adele and Sandy Pelz ’71.

Eric Ordway ’67 (left) and Classics Department Chair John Young.

L to R: Farouk Oni ’13, Harrison Fields ’13, Andrew West ’92, Terrel Phelps ’11, Steven Kassapidis ’11 and Miles Collins ’13.

Sandy Pelz ’71 (left) and Philip Blake ’95.

L to R: Philip Blake ’95, Michael Dorra ’92 and George Dafnos ’99.

The annual Alumni Basketball game is always held in Browning’s Upper Gym. Back row (L to R): Andrew West ’92, Philip Blake ’95, George Dafnos ’99, Luc Vareilles ’04, Jonas Borra ’03, Adam Dalva ’04, Samora Legros ’03 and Michael Dorra ’92. Front row (L to R): Miles Collins ’13, Efrain Morales ’13, Adrian Muoio ’10, James Preiss ’10, Terrel Phelps ’11, Harrison Fields ’11, Steven Kassipidis ’11, Evan Blumenthal ’13 and Farouk Oni ’13.

Young Alums Evan Blumenthal ’13 Miles Collins ’13 Freddie Edwards ’13 Harrison Fields ’11 Steven Kassapidis ’11 Efrain Morales ’13 Adrian Muoio ’10 Farouk Oni ’13 Terrel Phelps ’11 James Preiss ’10 Erick Teran ’09 Veterans Philip Blake ’95 Jonas Borra ’03 George Dafnos ’99 Adam Dalva ’04 Michael Dorra ’92 Steven Johnson ’96 Samora Legros ’03 Luc Vareilles ’04 Andrew West ’92

Points

Rebounds

Assists

8 8 – 18 8 2 6 2 37 9 6

4 14 – 18 10 3 6 8 5 12 7

5 6 – 6 2 3 4 4 1* 2 5

Points Rebounds Assists 38 9 12 2 6 12 3 7 4

10 11 4 3 5 20 18 7 10

4 5 5 6 11 5 4 7 12

ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME By Andrew H. West ’92 On Thursday, December 19, the annual Alumni Basketball Game was

held in Browning’s Upper Gym. This year we had

an excellent turnout with 20 players ranging from

the Classes of 1991-2013. The game format followed the recent

tradition of pitting the older alums against the younger alums. Unlike years past, however, the younger squad was victorious this year. Teamwork, sportsmanship, patience and experience used to be enough for the older guys, but this year all of that

just couldn’t make up for the actual talent that this year’s young guns brought. It was a close game throughout the first three

quarters, but as you can imagine, the more we played, the more the margin seemed to stretch. At left is the box score from this year’s game that the younger alums won 104-93.

Spring 2014

In January, Browning and Marymount co-hosted an alumni event together at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Guests enjoyed guided tours through several different museum galleries.

L to R: Pierce Forsythe ’92, Sperry Younger ’92, Samantha Stern and Steven Goodman ’92.

BROWNING-MARYMOUNT EVENT On Friday, January 24, Browning and Marymount hosted an alumni function together for the second year in a row at the

Metropolitan Museum of Art, followed by a lively reception

across the street at the Marymount School. At the Met, guests had

L to R: Marymount Headmistress Concepcion Alvar, Kieran Pickering ’02, Stuart Orenstein ’00, Joe Metzger ’02 and Marymount alumna Jennifer Heger ’97.

the opportunity to enjoy student-guided tours comparing and

contrasting aspects of the museum’s permanent collection with

several of the special exhibitions. Special exhibits “Silla: Korea’s Golden Kingdom” and “Jewels by JAR” were highlighted

alongside the Greek and Roman Galleries, and “Ink Art: Past

as Present in Contemporary China” was toured in conjunction

with the Islamic Galleries. At Marymount, guests enjoyed wine and cheese compliments of the two hosting schools. Close to

100 guests from both schools attended, and we look forward to

repeating this event in the future. Special thanks to Marymount

L to R: Marymount student Eleanor Sugrue ’14, Marymount student Ines Spinnato ’07, Marymount alumna Oliva O’Shaughnessy ’07, Tennyson Singer ’08, Chris Brandt ’09 and Ethan Schulman ’08.

for being such gracious co-hosts!

Marymount alumna Angelina Darrisaw ’05 and Chris Brandt ’09, both Davidson College alumni.

THE

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Benedict Duffy ’09 and his guest.

Susu and Sharif Tanamli ’87.

ALUMNI WEBSITE LAUNCH In January, Browning’s Alumni Association started the

information, his record is automatically updated in the

thanks to the Class of 2001’s 10th Reunion gift which

news, event photos and the alumni events calendar, among a

New Year with a vastly improved online community,

funded the integration of Blackbaud’s Online Campus Community into Browning’s existing website.

One of the biggest highlights is the site’s career

networking capabilities, allowing alumni to post or search for a job, connect with Browning’s internship board, or

comment in the job discussion forum. The site also boasts a more user-friendly alumni directory in which searches

can be customized by class, industry, company name, city,

state, etc. Basic functionality has also been upgraded; each

School database. One can also view his giving history, recent number of other relevant Alumni Association pages.

To learn more and access these features, please visit

www.browning.edu/alumni. Thank you, Class of 2001!

ALSO AT WWW.BROWNING.EDU/ALUMNI:

2014 Alumni Reunion details and registration. Save the date for Friday, May 2!

time an alumnus makes a change to his profile and contact

Spring 2014

class notes

TO SHARE NEWS WITH THE Browning community, please contact Laura N. Lanigan, director of alumni affairs, at 212-838-6280 Ext. 192 or Laura N. Lanigan Director of Alumni Affairs

llanigan@browning.edu.

’30s

in 1949. Since then, I’ve

worked in bookshops and as an economist, photographer, house builder, teacher, fur-

John G. McGhee ’39

niture designer and commu-

recently wrote to us from

nity organiser. Very happily

Mexico, where he resides.

retired, we sing in a choir,

The 1920 Buzzer issue that accompanied the 2013

Summer Buzzer brought

back many memories for

him, particularly one about

grow our own fruit and George von Haunalter ’52 and his wife visited Browning in November.

neurology practice in Janu-

vegetables in London. We

go Irish Set Dancing every week. Couldn’t be better.” In December, the Bo-

John A. Browning: “In

ary, now part-time.

at Browning, Mr. and

recently submitted the

of Texas announced that

our class, located at the

ember 4, 2013, my wife,

is the 2014 recipient of the

building and overlooking

ing our home of 36 years

cellence in Conservation,

Mr. Browning directed a

be moving to Singapore,

life-long work in biodiver-

to study hard and obtain

18-month mission for the

a professor at George Mason

that he and Mrs. Browning

Latter-day Saints. Our very

a senior fellow at the United

the rest of the school. I may

ing friends and family.”

who had the honour of

recently submitted the fol-

listening to his advice.”

Browning School from 1946-

1928, during my first year

Kenneth F. McAllister ’58

tanical Research Institute

Mrs. Browning visited

following news: “On Nov-

Thomas E. Lovejoy, III ’59

southwest corner of the

Marilyn, and I will be leav-

International Award of Ex-

the back courtyard.

here in Cincinnati and will

recognizing Dr. Lovejoy’s

few words to us, urging us

Southeast Asia, to serve an

sity protection. Dr. Lovejoy is

good grades. And with

Church of Jesus Christ of

University and also serves as

departed, no doubt to visit

best wishes to all our Brown-

be the only living person

lowing news: “I was at The

’50s

49 from ages six to nine years

wrote to us recently that he is starting his 50th year of

THE

BUZZER

On November 20, Browning’s Spanish and Latin

American literature class

visited El Repertorio Espa-

ñol and had the privilege of watching a wonderful theatrical adaptation of “Don Quijote de la Mancha” by

17th century Spanish author, Miguel de Cervantes. Spanish teacher Giurissa A.F.

Grace noted that, “it was a

pleasure to visit with Robert Federico ’63, the executive

director of the theatre, who always makes a point to

personally greet visiting students and teachers from The Browning School.”

Linton Wells, II ’63

remains director of the

Center for Technology and

Adam M. Ritchie ’58

seeing Mr. Browning and

Alexander G. Reeves ’55

Nations Foundation.

’60s

old. I seem to remember the names of Leon Dalva ’58

and Krov Menuhin ’58 in

my class. I had come from

England with my family and returned there with them

Lin Wells ’63 (center) and his family in June on the occasion of Lin’s 50 consecutive years of service with the Defense Department.

National Security Policy

up Mr. Herman’s pearls of

Defense University. In June,

a journalist and asked him

(CTNSP) at the National

he finished 50 consecutive years with the Defense

Department. In December, Lin wrote to Browning:

“Thank you for a wonderful 50th reunion/125th

anniversary. All the best for a wonderful 2014.” In December, R.

Thomas Herman ’64 had lunch with the staff of

his opinion on how to over-

range of the Grytte staff,

with members as young as

fifth grade all the way up to Form VI!

George E. Brown, III ’66

ing news: “We are leaving of permanently relocating to Tucson, Ariz. Blessings to all.”

as a member of the Grytte and gave a PowerPoint

recently featured Browning

“best practices” in journal-

column in an article titled

Katz ’04 reported that the

View.” Within the article,

critique of their latest issue. He also shared his history

“Get There,” on October 29.

quite impressed by the age

’70s

boys to provide a detailed

released its debut album,

boys’ questions and was

Ohio and are in the process

the fall, sat down with the

band called Minor Alps that

was thrilled to answer the

Mr. Herman, who spoke

guished Speaker Series in

liana Hatfield started a new

writing a story. Mr. Herman

recently sent in the follow-

at the Class of 2000 Distin-

Matthew Caws ’85 and Ju-

come certain hurdles when

the Grytte, Browning’s

student-run newspaper.

’80s

wisdom from his years as

staff when he was a student

Ralph D. Gardner, Jr. ’71

presentation concerning

in his Wall Street Journal

ism. Grytte advisor Jeremy

“School With a (Fine)

boys were eager to soak

Mr. Gardner also mentions fellow Browning alumni

Matthew Elliot ’73 (left) with Headmaster Clement at the 2013 Book Fair. Dr. Elliot was one of the visiting authors this year.

Matthew Caws is the lead

singer of the band Nada Surf.

James Gardner ’78, John

Elstad ’71, Bob Lightfoot ’71 and John Straley ’71. The article focuses on Browning’s neighbor, The Re-

gency Hotel, and its recent renovations, which face Browning on one side.

Matthew Caws ’85.

MYSTERY SOLVED! Richard M. Fischer ’66 was kind enough to contact

us regarding the photo and caption on page 18 of the most recent Buzzer (see above). Mr. Fischer wrote,

“I have been enjoying the Fall/Winter 2013 Buzzer,

and I have a bit of additional information for you. It

was great that Tom Herman ’64 submitted this photo; the caption would be completed by adding the

following: Front row, (R-L): Rick Lazar ’66, Richard

Fischer ’66, John Coleman ’65, John Edson ’66. Back

row (L-R): Kenton Morris ’65, Andrew Kennedy ’66, William Basil Nikas ’67. The music teacher at the

piano is David Hewlett. That would round out the

photo caption by including the names of several of Tom Herman ’64 returned to Browning in December to have lunch with the staff of the Grytte, Browning’s student-run newspaper. Here he is pictured with two of the 17 students who were present.

my friends and classmates. Thanks for noting these comments. I am proud to be a Browning graduate and think of my classmates often. Best regards.”

Spring 2014

and the Founder Institute, the world’s largest entrepreneur training and startup launch program.

Matthew E. Webber ’93

recently sent in the following update: “Back in July

of 2012, my wife and I hit

the road for a five-month, 21,000-mile honeymoon

from Portland, OR, bound for Portland, ME, and all places in between. Our Alex Goekjian ’89 (top left) and his son spent time catching up with Mr. Pelz ’71 at Browning in October. Luis Llosa ’86 (far right) spoke on a visiting author panel as part of the 2013 Book Fair at Browning in October.

Friday night before Christ-

mas. Alumni in attendance included: Bryan Rhee ’89, Campbell McCrary ’89, Michael Beys ’89,

Andrew Monachelli ’89, Peter Orphanos ’89,

Jonathan Mason ’89,

Vassili Frantzis ’89 and L to R: Bryan Rhee ’89, Campbell McCrary ’89, Michael Beys ’89, Andrew Monachelli ’89, Peter Orphanos ’89, Jonathan Mason ’89, Vassili Frantzis ’89 and James Chow ’89 at the Class of ’89’s annual holiday dinner in December.

James Chow ’89.”

Alexander W. Goekjian ’89

and his son visited Brown-

ing in October. They reside in Amsterdam, where Mr.

Goekjian is a freelance film

producer. This was his first

visit back to the School since he left in the ’80s when his family moved to Paris.

’90s

goal? Taking strangers out

to breakfast across America. Almost a year and a half

since we began our journey, our book ‘Breakfast with

Strangers: 50 Meals Across America’ has hit virtual

bookstands. It’s filled with tons of photos, the stories

of 50+ breakfast strangers, and all the other stuff we encountered on our anti-

‘stranger-danger’ odyssey.

We’ll be donating 10% of the proceeds from the book to US Servas, our partner on

this adventure. It was truly an amazing journey and,

we hope, an inspiring story to read.” For more infor-

mation, please visit www.

breakfastwithstrangers.com.

In November, Adeo Ressi ’90 Andrew Monachelli ’89 (center) visited Browning in January. He is pictured here with Director of Technology Aaron Grill (left) and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan.

Andrew Monachelli ’89

reports: “In what has now

become a holiday tradition

for members of the Class of

THE

BUZZER

1989, eight of us gathered this year at Bobby Van’s Steak House for our 5th annual steak dinner the

was featured in a New York

Times article titled “An Entrepreneur Who Manufactures

Entrepreneurs.” Mr. Ressi is the

founder of TheFunded.com, an online community where

entrepreneurs rate investors,

Adeo Ressi ’90 as featured in The New York Times in November.

L to R: Director of Facilities and Security Kenny Marshall, Scott Etess ’97 and Headmaster Clement.

Christoph S. Teves ’98

recently sent in the follow-

ing news: “Ended 2013 on a glorious note. Got engaged to my marvelous soon-tobe wife, Katherine Bundy

Harding. I think about my

class and school every day. Go ’98!”

Wesley Kaplan ’97’s son, Mason.

Wesley N. Kaplan ’97

’00s

John H. Baker ’01 was mar-

L to R: Alex Sheridan ’04, Adam Dalva ’04 and Jeremy Katz ’04 met at Browning in October to discuss plans for their 10th reunion.

Andy Sandberg ’01

continues to work as a

director, writer, producer

and performer in the New York theater scene. His

latest production, “Craving for Travel,” a comedy he

co-wrote and directed, had its world premiere Off-

Broadway in January and

in business development

is the associate scenic

on Andy’s upcoming

ential programs.

Broadway musical, “The

for leadership and experiScott J. Etess ’97 visited

Browning in November.

Mr. Etess is the chief operating officer of a security

systems integration company called Idesco.

Chris Coffey ’98 mar-

ried Adam J. Riff at Jazz at Lincoln Center on January

4, 2014. The two met working on Mayor Michael R.

Bloomberg’s 2009 re-elec-

tion campaign. They live in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

Colin R. McGurk ’01

designer on the new

catching up with many

alumni at the Holiday Party and looks forward to seeing everyone again at Alumni

Reunion on Friday, May 2! Class Representatives

Sheridan ’04 met in Octo-

film directorial debut in

for The Conference Board

reports that he enjoyed

will be making his feature

video editor in New York.

Mr. Kaplan currently works

July and is working as a

AndySandberg.com. Andy

Adam Dalva ’04, Jeremy

various theater projects, he

have a son named Mason.

contact him at Andy@

February. In addition to

ried to Lene Hockstein last

and his wife, Deborah,

AndySandberg.com, or

2014. For more information productions, please visit

Katz ’04 and Alexander

ber to discuss plans for their class’ 10th Reunion celebration at Browning on Friday, May 2, 2014.

Laurent S. Manuel ’04

Gentleman’s Guide to

recently joined Atmospheir

Walter Kerr Theatre. This

business development.

show. Mr. Dearinger at-

networking application

preview performance and

one ID to connect and share

Both events were full of

of contact information. The

very active part of Brown-

process of beginning a Series

in lighting design and set

also teamed up with a fellow

Love and Murder,” at the

Inc. as vice president of

is Colin’s first Broadway

Atmospheir is a social

tended the show’s first

where individuals can use

had dinner with Colin.

complete and tailored sets

belly laughs. Colin was a

company is currently in the

ing drama, on stage and

A financing round. He has

construction.

Colin McGurk ’01.

Brown University alum,

Spring 2014

IN MEMORIAM Carter K. Berardi ’08 Paul D. Collins ’43

Anna E. Crouse P ’64

Barton P. Ferris, Jr. P ’93 Marcia Glanz P ’02

Many Alumni Council members attended the 2013 Book Fair’s opening night cocktail party (L to R): Nick Versandi ’01, Peter Stavropoulos ’82, Andrew Ponzo ’98, Stuart Orenstein ’00, Juan Reyes ’86 and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan.

also written for T: The New

York Times Style Magazine. In January, he was named

Pamela Greenspan P ’00 Sarah Kidd

T. Jonathan Revere ’56

Eda Seasongood Field Zahl P ’68 Stephanie Zaro-Levey P ’01

the U.S. Editor (a writing position) of the British

men’s quarterly magazine, Port. The magazine, currently on its 12th issue, Tab McEntyre ’09 (left) and Sandy Pelz ’71 at Browning in January.

Shilpi Gupta (a Sundance Festival Grand Jury Prize winner and three-time

Emmy nominee), to produce

focuses on literature, politics, design and style, and has featured writers such

as Jonathan Franzen, Jona-

than Lethem, Martin Amis, Nathaniel Rich, William T.

Vollmann and Rick Moody.

obstacles – war, violence and

’10s

through the metaphor of

a sophomore at Skidmore

“Changing the Game,” a

feature-documentary about

youth learning to transcend

a ravaging AIDS epidemic –

Matthew M. Marani ’12 is

soccer. Laurent has played

College.

countries on three continents,

Michael J. Gabrellian ’13

soccer has the power to

Current, a current events

professional soccer in 11

Former Grytte Editor

always with the belief that

now writes for the Cornell

change young lives.

and industry trends organi-

regular contributor to The

where he is a freshman.

writes for the Metro and

made the track team at the

tions of the paper. He has

where he is a freshman.

Alex Vadukul ’07 is a

New York Times, where he Sunday Metropolitan sec-

THE

BUZZER

zation at Cornell University, Wilfred O. Wallis ’13

University of Rochester,

The Browning community

mourns the loss of Sarah Kidd, a talented young cellist and

first conductor of the School’s Ovation Orchestra. Ms. Kidd

died on January 28, 2014. She

was an adjunct faculty member

at Browning, conducting during the 2011-2012 school year. In early January, with the aid of Director of

Technology Jeremy Sambuca, the members of the

Ovation Orchestra produced a video in her honor. Included was their performance of Prokofiev’s

“Troika.” Ms. Kidd, her husband and family found

great comfort in the boys’ video and extended their

heartfelt thanks to the Browning community for their thoughtfulness and support.

Have you registered?

2 01 4

FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2014!

1888

Alumni Reunion is right around the corner on AL UMNI REUNION Fri

d ay, M ay 2, 2014

If your class year ends in “4” or “9,” your class is celebrating a major reunion in 2014! All alumni, regardless of class year, are invited to attend the following events on Friday, May 2: • Alumni Career Panel • True Grytte Society & Consecutive-Year Donor Luncheon at the Knickerbocker Club (by invitation only) • Reunion Cocktail Reception for alumni and faculty featuring the Alumnus Achievement Award presentation to Mr. Vernon, as well as the announcement of the Stephen S. Perry ’76 Memorial Class Representative Awards and the Class of 2004’s 10th Reunion Gift For more information, please contact Director of Alumni Affairs Laura N. Lanigan at llanigan@browning.edu or 212-838-6280 Ext. 192 or visit www.browning.edu/alumni to reserve your place. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Honoring the 2014 Recipient of the Class of 1938 Alumnus Achievement Award

Weston Vernon III ’49 Veteran broadcast journalist and Washington-based writer

Spring 2014

IT TAK ES GRYTTE: WITH YOUR SUPPORT, WE CAN DO IT!

With its reputation for academic excellence, camaraderie and a caring, dedicated faculty, The Browning School is set to stand the test of time through your continued confidence. Please join us in our commitment to the present and future generations of Browning boys.

THE

BUZZER

Welcome to The Browning School, strong and true Sharing and giving, we give to you A school blessed with peace, with love, without fear This is the place where we learn and grow through the years. Stout hearts and true, hold fast what is ours Friends give us courage through darkest hours God, give us strength and guide with thy hand The Browning School, our loyalty we give to you. —The Browning School Song Adapted from “America: Our Heritage” by Helen Steele

LEADERSHIP GIVING TO DATE: $5 million gifts:

$3 million gifts:

$2 million gifts:

$1 million gifts:

$500,000 gifts:

$250,000 gifts:

$100,000 gifts:

And remember, every gift counts!

STRONG & TRUE: The Campaign for Browning is nearing its goal of $30 million. We continue to receive campaign gifts of all sizes and are excited to share an update of our donors’ generosity as we move toward the conclusion of this exciting initiative.

Spring 2014

T H E BROW N I NG SC HO OL 52 East 62nd Street New York, New York 10065 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID AUGUSTA, ME PERMIT NO. 121

TO PARENTS OF ALUMNI If this magazine is addressed to your son who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumni Office at 212 838 6280 x192 with the correct mailing address. Thank you.

Browning Captures Its First Science Bowl Trophy! Under the leadership of science teacher Melodie Ting, Browning competed in the Interschool Science Bowl and won against seven other schools, many of which are much larger in size. Learn more about the boys’ success by turning to page 8 for an article by Philip van Scheltinga ’14. THE

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