Buzzer Fall/Winter 2015

Fall/Winter 2015

2 0 1 5 C O M M O N B O O K AUT HOR

Bryan Stevenson SPEAKS AT BROWNING

Fall/Winter 2015

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a rt i n f o c u s

SUNSET Bodyn Zajac ’28 12” x 18” Tempera and Collage on Paper

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contents

Fall/Winter 2015 FEATURES

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Browning’s First Blended Learning Cohort

12 Holiday Traditions at Browning 18 Construction Completed “At Last!”

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Common Book Author Seeks to Unite All

40 2015 Browning Book Fair 44 Summer Stipends

DEPARTMENTS 3 From the Headmaster 24 The Local Buzz 50 Alumnus in the News 52 Fine and Performing Arts 54 Athletics 58 Annual Fund News 60 Alumni Events 66 Class Notes

Art in Focus (facing page): Art teacher Zack Davis explains, “During their first art class in September, Pre-primary boys looked at pictures of various skylines featuring vibrant sunsets. They identified the colors and shapes in the composition, as well as the

foreground, middle ground and background. Following a series of demonstrations, they created versions of their own using tempera paint and construction paper. This lesson serves as an introduction to color mixing and spatial depth on the 2-D surface, as well as collage.”

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ON THE COVER Bryan Stevenson, a public-interest lawyer and author of this year’s Common Book, “Just Mercy,” was a special guest at the School on October 30. Read about his efforts to help the incarcerated and poor beginning on page 36.

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

BUZZER STAFF Stephen M. Clement, III, Headmaster Melanie S. McMahon, Director of Publications, Buzzer Editor Laura N. Lanigan, Director of Alumni Affairs

a lifelong love of learning,

the belief in the dignity of the individual, and the development of personal integrity and responsibility to the broader community.

FALL-WINTER BUZZER CONTRIBUTORS Zachary Davis, Art Teacher Anderson Harp, Technology Integrator Janet Lien, Director of Upper and Middle School Admission Betty Noel, Middle and Upper School Science Teacher Gerald J. Protheroe, Chair, History Department Andrew H. West ’92, Athletic Director

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.

Contributing Photographers: Christine Bramble, Derrick Chengery, Rossa Cole Photography, Jeremy Katz ’04, Laura Lanigan, Melanie McMahon, Robert Mintzes, Sanford Pelz ’71, Picture This Design by Misty Wilt Graphic Design LLC BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2015-16 Samuel J. Weinhoff, President Stuart J. Ellman, Vice President Valda M. Witt, Vice President Richard L. N. Weaver ’75, Treasurer Celeste A. Guth, Secretary Michael P. Beys ’89, Assistant Secretary; President, Alumni Association Lisa O. Elson, President, Parents Association Nazmi Oztanir, Vice President, Parents Association Stephen M. Clement, III, Headmaster Laura Z. Barket Wendy W. Brooks Paul A. Burke David E. Glaymon Elizabeth Granville-Smith Philip A. Hofmann Federico Infantino Ling S. Kwok Jeffrey M. Landes ’83

David J. Liptak Alka K. Singh Raul Pineda Andrew M. Snyder Ellen Stafford-Sigg David N. Steck Sanjay Swani Deborah van Eck Robert D. Ziff

Mildred J. Berendsen, Honorary Trustee Allan L. Gropper, Honorary Trustee

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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 published three times a year by The Browning School. The School may be reached at 212 838 6280. Website: 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 programs, or employment practices.

from the headmaster

Old Traditions at Browning, and New When I was appointed

to come to the School in

The two constants

Headmaster in 1988,

the book and in the fall to

remain: singing

The second year we read

“We Gather Together”

and that led to a wonderful

and the arrival of

water and fish. This year, of

the Panther dressed

welcome Bryan Stevenson

as a turkey doing

heard him.

something even

wide Thanksgiving

were started to deal

more outlandish.

in the Upper Gym

attrition management. The Middle School Shakespeare

Browning’s fifth

I was proud to join such an old and

distinguished school.

However, I was

surprised how few

ongoing ceremonial traditions were

already in place. I

decided in the first year to coordinate a simple school-

assembly, then held when the School was much smaller. Word traveled, and the next year young alums home from college began to attend.

The simplicity of this program continues to appeal to me.

The two constants remain: singing “We Gather Together” and the arrival of the Panther dressed as a turkey doing something even more outlandish.

The Holiday Program has a more complex evolution.

When I arrived the ceremony was overtly Christian and

told the Nativity story in scripture and carols. A girl from

the spring to introduce

review it with the boys.

“Cod” by Mark Kurlansky, interdisciplinary study of

course, we were honored to who deeply moved all who Two other traditions

with full enrollment and

play was scheduled just before Thanksgiving to provide the boys opportunities to work with girls, most recently

from Brearley. I like the unofficial mantra: “The Bard’s own

words, cut to under an hour, with no boys in drag.” We also introduced the winter science fair for Middle School boys, held in the Lower Gym. We felt the need to promote our

science program, and now I am so pleased by the strength of the interdisciplinary Math-Science Night.

Finally, a year-end tradition grew up at the suggestion

Hewitt was usually Mary, and the program was full of

of William Moseley, then the new director of admission.

and I supported this tradition, but eventually it became clear

a small graduating class, an enterprising Headmaster could

shepherds and wise men. For a number of years the Board that the program did not reflect or embrace the diversity of the Browning community. Former Music Department

Chair Francesca Smith designed the first “spiritual, but not religious” Holiday Program in 1994.

Another important tradition is the choice of a Common

Book to be read by boys and teachers in Forms II and above.

The innovator of the concept was former Upper School

Head and Assistant Headmaster Keith Frome. The first year we read “Longitude,” and he recruited author Dava Sobel

After my first graduation in 1989, Will noted that with such write an individual statement about each boy. A seed was

planted, and I have done it ever since. A revived tradition is the annual college trip, begun in 1994. Early records

show that under Mr. Browning’s watch, class trips were

often extensive. Under the leadership of Director of College Guidance Sanford Pelz ’71 working closely with every

Upper School division head, the idea of putting Form V and

VI boys in one bus and showing them six to eight colleges in three days in the fall was an innovative idea. It still is!

Stephen M. Clement, III Headmaster

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CREATING A NEW MINDSET IN THE CLASSROOM

Browning’s First Blended Learning Cohort 4

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his summer, Browning faculty were invited to a special workshop organized by the technology department and led by Director of Technology Aaron Grill, Director of Academic Technology Saber Khan, Blended Learning Specialist and Grade Five teacher

Jeff Lisciandrello, and me. Blended learning is an educational practice that combines online and digital learning with face-to-face instruction. We invited

Anderson Harp

an amalgamation of Browning’s faculty to spend a week off campus at a blended learning incubator, collaborating and designing innovative upgrades to curriculum practice. Our goal was to reinvent how teachers define their homework and classroom time, with effective technology integration, so that course work flexibility becomes personalized.

Teachers from all divisions left the workshop with a new mindset and the tools necessary to execute plans for accelerated differentiation. You may be asking, “What does blended learning look like in a Browning classroom?” The answer varies in each case; however, the following examples may shed light on how Browning’s thought leaders are incorporating teaching for understanding with technology:

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boys and teachers.

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Google applications automatically save and organize the boys’ work into folders.

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Assessments for the iPad immediately deliver feedback to the

Classroom websites simplify communication and guarantee assignments are delivered.

Leveraging these and other tech tools not only keeps our pedagogy relevant to 21st-century learners but also frees more class time for problem solving and critical thinking. We anticipate teaching that includes more active and interactive learning to complement traditional methods of instruction.

–By Anderson Harp, Technology Integrator

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M

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER:

y goals when participating in the Blended Learning Cohort

were to learn more about Math

INTEGRATION & IMPLEMENTATION

Buddies, which is the computer-based portion of the new Singapore Math curriculum that we are implementing Meg Epstein

in the Lower School this year. I wanted to spend time with other Lower School

MANY OF BROWNING’S FACULTY

teachers and technology experts to familiarize myself with

members who participated in the Blended

possible. I also wanted similar guidance with Front Row,

Learning Cohort provided feedback on their experience, acquired knowledge and plans for

this new platform and learn how to use it as effectively as which is another online tool that the fourth grade boys will be using in math.

–Meg Epstein, Grade Four Teacher

I

attended the Blended Learning

classroom integration. Read on to learn more.

Cohort in hopes of furthering the

effective integration of technology into my classroom. This year, I am excited to use Front Row, an online math program, to enhance my instruction

Susan Kehoe

in math. It is an excellent supplement to my Singapore Math curriculum.

Front Row provides real time data, which I can use to drive my math instruction and lessons. In addition my students can use information gathered from this site to set goals for themselves and to really take part in their own learning. To further this goal of having the boys become active participants in their learning, I will be piloting Seesaw, an online digital portfolio program. The boys are able to “show what they know” using photos, videos, drawings, text and audio recordings. I can sit down with them to review each one’s progress over time. This program captures the learning process as it is happening.

I am excited to document and track each boy’s exemplary work in all areas of the curriculum and share their digital journals with their parents, with the administration and with my colleagues.

–Susan Kehoe, Grade Three Teacher

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oon after I joined Browning, I headed down to the workshop

site to plan with Jeff Lisciandrello and

to learn how to use numerous

digital tools and instruction models to

Anderson Harp for the week. Once the

enhance pedagogy. One tool I explored

participating teachers explained their

is Khan Academy, a free online

goals and project ideas, we identified Saber Khan

he workshop was an opportunity

resources and outlined how they might fit into their classroom. Working

platform featuring intelligent adaptive Michael Klein

technology that allows students to learn and practice mathematical skills

directly with science teachers, I was impressed with how

and problem solving, while progressing at their own

engaged they were in making their classes innovative and

pace. Students as individuals or as a class can be analyzed

engaging. The week ended with teachers presenting how

in terms of proficiency in topics and their progress.

they intend to use blended learning tools and concepts

This rich data then drives instruction for differentiated

to make their classes more accessible. Working with the

learning within the class, informing student support

teachers at the workshop was a great way to start my new

and enrichment. In combination with the appropriate

position at Browning.

implementation of the flipped classroom model of

–Saber Khan, Director of Academic Technology

instruction, this tool can help increase opportunities for group problem solving during class time. –Michael Klein, Math Department Chair

Jeff Lisciandrello (center), blended learning specialist and fifth grade teacher, helped cohort participants leverage tech tools to complement traditional classroom instruction.

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hen I heard that Browning was going to offer a Blended

Learning Cohort, I immediately wanted to participate. I have played around

math classes. Two of my favorites are

with using the flipped classroom model

Google Classroom and Knewton.

having more instruction would be beneficial. It was a great format to learn

Blended learning requires a new Judit Resika

mindset and more flexibility from the teacher. I believe it provides a more ef-

about new tools that I haven’t seen before and could be

fective study environment for the boys. They can learn at

used to better individualize my science instruction. Having

their own pace, whenever and wherever they wish.

the time and space to think, work and play around with

Imagine mixing ice cream and strawberries in the right

technology has been invaluable. This space often gets lost

way. Combining face-to-face and online learning will be as

during the school year when time is precious and the pace

delicious – a new challenge for me, but if the mix is right,

is faster. I enjoyed interacting with my colleagues from

then I believe my students will highly benefit from it.

different disciplines as well as collaborating and sharing

Math homework will never be the same after this week of

ideas with some of the science team. To implement what I

workshops. Creating screencasts via QuickTime or Explain

learned at this workshop, I use Knewton and EDpuzzle to

Everything is among the homework assignments this year.

personalize learning.

–Judit Resika, Math Teacher

–Betty Noel, Science Teacher

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offered me many new platforms,

apps and websites that I can use in my

and blended learning, but I felt that Betty Noel

he four-day-long workshop

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he time spent this week with colleagues was great! It allowed us

to get ideas from each other regarding

learning workshop very fruitful. It

was a great opportunity to think about

new technological platforms available for

using technology in my classroom, as

use in the classroom. The ability to create

well as gain new ideas about how to

a virtual classroom and link it to different Melodie Ting

found this summer’s blended

platforms allows for a seamless way of

assess student progress and apply it to Brett Wisniewski

integrating technology. Technological

my lesson plans. I developed an idea for a role-playing game for my Form III

tools such as CK-12 allow teachers to create text and videos,

students to play in which they will use conversational

embed pictures into a virtual textbook, and send homework

Latin to learn about the language and culture of ancient

assignments with adaptive capabilities. This means that the

Rome. Learning from my colleagues in the tech department

questions will change in difficulty depending on how well

and sharing with my colleagues from all other departments

the students answer the questions. It will also give teachers

was an ideal form of professional development. I look

a snapshot of the time spent on each question, how many

forward to applying many of the things I learned.

questions they get right or wrong, and the difficulty level of

–Brett Wisniewski, Greek and Latin Teacher

those questions. Since it is linked to the text, the boys can be

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prompted to reread texts if they get multiple questions wrong.

Overall, it was a great and productive experience, and I’m very excited to try out new things this school year!

hrough the blended learning workshop, I learned about new

platforms and new ways of using technology to enhance our students’

–Melodie Ting, Science Teacher

learning experience.

The sixth graders will be beta testing Emilie Wolf

the flipped classroom model through EDpuzzle, an online- and app-based

interactive video platform. This blended learning strategy will allow for more classroom time working on hands-on application of the concepts. EDpuzzle gathers data about each boy which allows the teacher to monitor the students’ understanding and tailor classroom time to meet their needs.

Having the time to work as a group and bounce The Blended Learning Cohort allowed teachers to learn about new technological platforms and discuss ideas with their colleagues.

ideas off each other was invaluable in integrating these great new tools into my classroom.

–Emilie Wolf, Science Teacher

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Front Row and Math Buddies Help Differentiate Instruction in Lower School

I

am so grateful to have attended the blended learning workshop this past August! My goal for the

week was to find online tools to use in conjunction with the Lower School’s new Singapore Math curriculum. Over the course of this workshop, I explored two online platforms, Front Row and Math Buddies. My plan to use both tools in my classroom has worked well.

I’m now able to differentiate instruction and keep the boys engaged in math through this technology.

These photos illustrate a class in which the boys began a lesson on place value and ordering numbers using Math Buddies and then turned to their traditional math workbooks to complete some exercises. Once they completed that task, they were free to use Front Row on iPads. Each student began the year by completing a benchmark assessment on Front Row that determined which level best suited his needs. As the boys continue to work

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on this particular platform, questions are automatically differentiated based on their needs at the time. It’s a perfect way to challenge students who need an extra push and support those who could use additional practice.

These online tools allow me to make the most of our classroom time. I can work individually with boys who need extra help, while other students finish workbook assignments or work independently using Front Row. –Jackie Pellenberg, Grade Two Teacher

Getting an Edge on Grammar With NoRedInk

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rammar and vocabulary

School English classes. These photos

workbooks no longer feel like

illustrate a class in which we discussed

adequate instructional tools

punctuation and sentence structure. I

to me as a teacher. Vocabulary lists too

presented a traditional grammar lesson

often shoot for the middle of the group,

with the boys; they took notes based

boring the top students. And my ex-

on what I wrote on the board, and then

perience in grammar instruction, on

logged on to NoRedInk on their iPads

the other hand, is that there are always

to reinforce these grammar concepts

some students who need remediation –

in an individualized way. Because I

who can’t, for instance, understand my

can use the student performance data

instruction on prepositional phrases

that NoRedInk gives me to see which

because they never got the hang of

questions and concepts are the most

parts of speech – and those boys are

difficult for the boys, I can tailor my

too often left behind.

instruction – at both the group and in-

Blended learning tools, specifically, NoRedInk and Vocabulary.com, ad-

dividual levels – to their needs.

Already I can see the positive results

dress these issues by allowing students

of blended learning: instructional ma-

to move through the grammar and

terial is delivered to the boys in a more

vocabulary curriculum at their own

effective and efficient manner, allowing

paces. Thanks to the blended learning

me to devote more class time to literary

workshop, which was expertly run by

discussion and creative work.

Jeff, Anderson and Saber, I felt empow-

–Zach Williams, English Teacher

ered to use these tools in my Middle

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holiday traditions at

Browning

As

the Browning community settles

in to the new school year, thoughts turn to the Thanksgiving holiday

and the many celebrations December brings. That

overall sense of camaraderie, comfort and cohesiveness strengthens as Browning boys and teachers

prepare for the season. Both the Thanksgiving As-

sembly and Holiday Program are among the most

anticipated events on the school calendar. Perhaps

no one enjoys them more, however, than Headmas-

ter Clement who will soon preside over his 28th and

Holiday Program covers often reflect the artwork of Browning boys or teachers. In this photo, Headmaster Clement explains the background of the 2014 program cover.

plained, “When I first arrived at Browning, I found

Hanukkah, Ramadan and “as many as 12 religions

tions. However, in July of my first year, Music De-

of you have been at Browning long enough to recall the

last celebration of each as we head to press. He ex-

that such an old and venerable school had few tradipartment Chair Francesca Smith asked me what my plans were for the Holiday Program. I said I’d like

to keep it, since it was one of the School’s few traditions and a fine one at that.”

Jenna Montemayor, assistant to the Headmaster,

kindly provided many of Mr. Clement’s written

remarks (and program covers) from Holiday Pro-

grams gone by. This compilation imparts a sense of

historical events at the time, as well as a behind-thescenes description of what prompted a particular

program theme. Mr. Clement’s personality shines

earlier format of the ‘Festival of Lessons and Carols,’ a

decidedly Christian celebration which increasingly did not reflect the wonderful mosaic of cultures and traditions that is Browning today. A wise friend cautioned me not to replace such a meaningful celebration with a mundane collage: do not throw out King College

Oxford for ‘An Ode to Recycling.’ Each year we strive to create a program with unity of theme, with broad

participation of the boys, with a message that takes us out of ourselves…”

Mr. Clement extends thanks each year to Temple

through, too, as he quotes a favorite author or shares

Emanu-El for the use of its beautiful facilities. “Joanne

achievements in any given class, and seldom does

Sobel of Temple Emanu-El,” he explained. “Mr. Sobel

a bit of scripture. He is proud to tell of the boys’

he fail to capture the essence of what this season should elicit in all of us.

In his December 2000 remarks, Mr. Clement al-

Sobel, a past teacher at Browning, is the wife of Rabbi

generously helped us move our program to the temple, and we have continued to hold it there ever since.”

While it proved difficult to pare down Mr. Clement’s

luded to the change in format he implemented years

remarks, we hope the selections that follow provide

Program more inclusive and reflective of Christmas,

such an important tradition at Browning. –M.M.

earlier as Headmaster, aiming to make the Holiday

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which have celebrations in December.” He said, “Some

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an understanding of why the Holiday Program is

1998

“Incendite candelabrum.” “Light a candle for

2002

currently taught at Browning. In French, allumez;

months after 9/11, contains on the inside the Latin

“ALLUMEZ LA BOUGIE.”

“ILUMINE LA CANDELA.”

peace.” I have just spoken the four languages

in Spanish, illumine; in Latin, incendite. At a small

school like Browning, these four languages represent

WELCOME TO THIS YEAR’S

HOLIDAY PROGRAM TITLED,

“Instruments of Peace.” Our holiday card this year,

showing the chorus singing at the White House three words, “Dona nobis pacem,”/”Give us peace.”

…Ten days ago in Oslo, Norway, the Nobel

a large part of the curriculum…In the broader

Peace Prize was awarded to former President Jimmy

comparison to the number of languages spoken in

chosen, as he just missed receiving the Nobel Prize

sense, however, our total of four languages is tiny in New York City or throughout the world.

In the world of Browning, I often cite the statis-

tic of 40 percent to estimate the proportion of our

Carter. Mr. Carter was particularly honored to be

in 1978 for his efforts to bring Egypt and Israel together for the Camp David accords.

Let each one of us, right now, right here, work to

students who use or hear another language (in addi-

be instruments of peace. Let us bring love from ha-

family. Students, parents, grandparents, other rela-

from doubt, hope from despair, light from darkness,

tion to English) spoken at home by someone in their tives born abroad: all add to the wonderful blend

of cultures we find in our families at Browning. At

our best we mirror the scintillating diversity of New York City, and I believe we provide a context to prepare our boys to compete in and contribute to the

global economy we will find in the next millennium.

The challenge to a community as richly diverse

as ours is to strike the balance between an appreciation and pride in one’s own traditions, on the one

hand, and the respect of very different customs and traditions, on the other.

tred, pardon from injury, union from discord, faith joy from sadness.

2004

YOU HAVE JUST HEARD THE WORDS OF JOHN LENNON’S

song, “Imagine,” read by Ben D’Innocenzo in Form V who, by the way, is also one of the creators of this

year’s cover for the Holiday Program. He and Justin Krasner were inspired by the artist Peter Max who, like the Beatles, provided a new perspective in the 1960s on popular culture and art…

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All of our readings and many of our songs urge

us to imagine. Imagine a better world. Some say

this is naïve and that change is impossible. But ask

any teacher. She or he is successful in changing one

life at a time, by starting small and having faith that small changes lead to big ones.

2005

BROWNING TEACHERS MAKE

A DIFFERENCE, and Ms. Warner

and Mr. Prestigiacomo have transformed the School in the years they have been here. As conductors

themselves, they create a harmonious whole out

of individual contributions…At my best moments, when the School is harmoniously humming along and no single student or teacher or issue takes up

too much of my time, I fancy myself as a conductor.

Headmaster as conductor is a theme developed

in education courses, and I have written about it

myself; but don’t worry. Lucy and David, my sense

of rhythm isn’t very good, and I can only sing with a large group!

2006

WELCOME TO THE PEACEABLE KINGDOM, BROWNING’S

Holiday Program. We need each other, especially

today, December 21, the longest day of the year which offers us the least daylight and the most darkness. It is no wonder that so many of our seasonal holidays celebrate light shining through the darkness…

Another seasonal juxtaposition involves the lion

and the lamb. Together they create the Peaceable

Kingdom, as foretold in the Book of Isaiah: the lion

and the lamb shall lie down together. In our case at

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school, the lion and the lamb might be the older and younger boys living peacefully together. In thinking about this talk, I asked the faculty for examples of

cooperating among younger and older. One teacher said, “I was proud of the experience at the Thanks-

giving Assembly when the Form II drumming class performed with the Forms V and VI drumming

circle.” A coach told of an older boy, a team captain, who takes very seriously his role as a teacher and

leader of the younger boys. Another teacher related this story: During a visit to the art studio, a first

grader noticed the art work of a Form VI student

and couldn’t take his eyes off it. The older artist graciously explained how he did each of his sculptures, and the little boy’s eyes just kept getting wider and wider. When he returned to his classmates, he said, “That was some great art!”

2009

WHAT ABOUT HOPE? WHERE IS HOPE THESE COLD, DARK,

short days? I am hopeful because of what I see daily, through student initiative. Our boys have started the Peer Tutors program, where older boys work

with younger boys in areas where they need help.

One of our newest programs is Book Brothers – not Brooks Brothers – where boys get together and

read. And ask any Pre-primary boy who his fourth

grade buddy is, and he’ll answer with eagerness and pride. Hope matched by good deeds.

Especially in this season, your mitzvah, your

good deeds and your kind acts are important. Be a secret Santa. Practice random acts of kindness.

The Browning choruses are the largest in mem-

ory, with the Middle School alone numbering 40…

One obvious area of new songs is voice range. With

almost 400 living examples, you can clearly hear the difference between five-year-old boys – at their best a choir of angels – and 18-year-old men.

Note also the art on the cover of our program,

created in a third grade studio inspired by the music of Schoenberg and others. Boys listened in class to music on iTunes radio, with classical/jazz, piano/

guitar from over 130 ambient stations. With brushes and paint: I sing a new song.

2011

WHEN MS. WARNER, MR.

PRESTIGIACOMO, MS. GRUHN

and I met in October to begin planning this program, we came up with many themes and quickly settled

2010

AS HEADMASTER AT

BROWNING for quite a long time,

on bells. We knew we would hear many singing and ringing instruments in the program…

Bells ring! What do you think of when you think

I like to get involved at the basic level in many

of bells? My alarm bell is what first comes to my

Program! Today’s specialness comes from gathering

next two weeks I will have great relief. I counted up

of the School’s activities. And I love the Holiday

in this wonderful setting, being able to include all of our boys and their teachers plus all of the parents, and celebrating many holidays which converge at

mind. It goes off at 6:20 every morning, and for the

the daily school schedule and found that the Browning bells ring 24 times a day!

Especially at this time of year in New York City,

the end of the calendar year. There are also several

I associate ringing bells with the Salvation Army.

to the professionals, and the choice of the readers

Manhattan, volunteers ring bells to collect money

guidelines I observe: I leave the choice of the music to the division heads. When we talked about the

program, we batted about titles. I don’t remember who suggested “Sing a New Song,” but it stuck.

Given the religious training in my past, I thought

of the Psalms, or Songs, in the scripture…In the

144th Psalm, or Song, we come across this declara-

tion: “I will sing a new song to thee, O God, psalms to the music of a ten-stringed lute.” Could a ten-

stringed lute be a precursor to the wonderful string

On many street corners, especially in Midtown

for the needy. While clearly not limited to New York City, bells, I always think, lend a special flavor here.

Browning alumnus Jock Elliot, Class of 1938, wrote

about New York in his book, “Inventing Christmas: How Our Holiday Came to Be.”

I love the sidewalk whiffs of roasting chestnuts,

the clanging of the Salvation Army bells, the ho, ho, hos of a hundred Santa Clauses.

I also love another description of New York at

ensembles we are about to hear?

holiday time, this one by the poet Phyllis McGinley.

songs. Count the Tick-Tock Orchestra, the Ovation

(I’m sure the grown-ups in the room know what

In today’s program, we have new sounds, new

Orchestra, the Starbright Strings and the All That

Jazz ensemble. And don’t forget the Form I Hand-

chimes – but guys, you’ve got to get a catchier name!

She writes these lines as part of “City Christmas.” she’s talking about.):

“There is a promise – or a threat of snow noised

by the press. We pull our collars tighter. And twenty

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thousand doormen hourly grow politer and politer and politer.”

I continue to think that New York is the greatest

city in the world, especially in December…Bells help us celebrate. When they ring, we feel alive. Bells

help us share our joy. Listen closely today for the Browning bells! Ring!

2012

WELCOME TO THE HOLIDAY

PROGRAM OF THE BROWNING

School. Our theme today is joy. The art of the program cover, inspired by Matisse, expresses joy. Listen to what we have just heard. This “Ode to Joy” was

written by the German poet and philosopher Friedrich Schiller in 1785 and set to music by Beethoven in 1824

US PEACE. PACEM IN TERRIS.

Peace on earth. Latin to English, English to Latin,

similar to the experience of Browning boys in Forms I through III who speak Latin in lively sessions

daily in class…The theme of peace pervades this year’s Holiday Program: in word, in song, in

musical composition, and even in dance. I like to

think our program cover promotes peace, too. The

art reminds me of the statue of Atlas in Rockefeller

Center, holding the globe on this back. The painting reflects the work of artist Keith Haring, himself a

provocative AIDS activist, who advocated peaceful and safe ways of living together.

We are a school known for its classics – Latin

in his Ninth Symphony.

and Greek – as well as STEM – science, technology,

Bernstein, the famed conductor of the New York Phil-

and test takers. Last year, eight of our boys (one

“Freude” in German means joy, but Leonard

harmonic in the mid-20th century, reminded his audi-

ences that the poem was originally an ode to freedom, or “freiheit.” Schiller, he argued, was fearful of the political overtones of freedom. For our purposes today,

either “freiheit” or “freude” (freedom or joy) will do.

With four solid weeks between Thanksgiving and the

December break, in a community still reeling from the blows of Hurricane Sandy, in a country deeply dis-

turbed by the events in Newtown, we are ready for a break. Brothers (and sisters), we are ready for JOY!

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2013

“DONA NOBIS PACEM.” GIVE

THE

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engineering and math. We have artists and writers

quarter of Form VI) entered engineering programs

in universities and liberal arts colleges. Technology

is embedded into the core of the curriculum; ask our sixth grade boys about their MakerBot projects as

they design toys for their first grade buddies. And check out Browning’s website where our school

is featured in a national piece about technology in

education. Browning at the forefront/leaders of the future. Dona Nobis Pacem/Give us peace.

GIVING THANKS in a SPECIAL WAY

E

ach year, Browning hosts

bly. As Headmaster

the annual Young Alumni

Clement always

Reunion, a Thanksgiving

notes, this event is

tradition. Young men return to the

the first assembly

School to visit with classmates,

in the school year

faculty and current students. The

attended by the Pre-

day begins with the traditional

primary boys. In fact,

Thanksgiving Assembly held at

in his 2014 welcome

Christ Church where alumni are

remarks, he referred

brought on stage by Headmaster

to these youngest

Clement and Director of College

boys and the young alumni who

Readings and music, as well as an

Guidance Sanford Pelz ’71. Each

would be called forward later in

appearance by the Panther, round

alumnus introduces himself and

the program as the “alpha” and

out the Thanksgiving Assembly.

tells the audience which college

“omega” – the beginning and

A special moment occurs in the

or university he attended after

the end” – and mentioned how

beginning of the program when the

Browning. Following the assembly,

pleased he was that they, along

Browning community sings “We

a luncheon for the young alumni,

with the rest of the student body,

Gather Together” in unison, led

faculty and Form VI boys is held

were present for one of his favorite

by an ensemble of faculty singers.

back at Browning.

events of the school year.

Equally heartwarming is “The

As this issue of the Buzzer

Traditionally, the presidents

Browning Song” sung with gusto

heads to press, the Browning com-

of both the Middle and Upper

at the conclusion of the assembly,

munity will soon come together for

School Councils address the

perhaps in anticipation of a well-

the annual Thanksgiving Assem-

audience at this program.

deserved Thanksgiving recess!

Fall/Winter 2015

17

f e at u r e

Construction Completed

“At Last!”

“We Built a School That We Are Proud Of”

IN SEPTEMBER, HEADMASTER CLEMENT REPORTED ON THE FINAL phase of construction at Browning via a video in which he narrated a tour of the School, highlighting the impressive results of this five-year transformational project.

The video appears on the home page of the Browning website (www.browning.edu), while the transcript and related photos appear here.

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Right: Form VI boys enjoy the new Reading Terrace during their free time. During the renovation of the School and excavation of the back yard (most recently used as a batting cage), debris was found under the cracked concrete surface. Among the buried items were five metal assemblages that appear to have been fairly elaborate window grates.

They were cleaned and preserved by the contractor and installed on the Reading Terrace by the architect as potential trellises for trained ivy plants. In the meantime, they are attractive bas relief sculptures.

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19

To me it’s like a dream come true to have a central staircase and clear story skylights with bright, southfacing light. It’s really exciting!

20

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At last I’m so happy to be able to be sitting in a finished classroom to say welcome back for the 2015-16 school year! The exciting news is that by the end of this summer, we had basically rebuilt every aspect of the original school building. I say “at last” on purpose: those were my first words when I greeted the boys at Opening Assembly on September 10.

This has been a very rugged construction project that has gone on for five long years, but at last we’re done. It was very clever that at the end of the assembly, Lower School music teacher Lucy Warner surprised everybody with a wonderful rendition of the classic song, “At Last.”

So the big picture is that when you walk into the School, you will notice the Lobby and how it has been beautifully reconfigured. If you take a look into the Lower Gym, you will notice it has very much been cleaned up, and what’s hidden is a lot of

Fall/Winter 2015

21

tech and AV equipment. On the second floor, you

to members of the Class of ’04. They decided

can take a look out onto the new play deck that

for their 10th reunion that they wanted to give a

has been completely rebuilt, thanks to the Parents

lasting memorial and had the idea of replicating

Association, with a new, much more safe and

what goes on in many schools. A Harkness Table

padded flooring surface, as well as new equipment

is a large seminar table for older boys, and it

and a climbing wall.

facilitates discussion.

Basically every classroom all the way up to the

22

THE

The boys’ reaction to the renovations seems

Upper Gym has been reconfigured in a way that’s

to be very positive. We have such a vibrant

appropriate for each grade level. For example, I’m

community here of scholars and teachers,

in an interesting room right now, an old classroom

supportive parents and proud alumni, that it’s

that is going to be the conference room. We have

wonderful for all of us to be able to come together

on order our version of a Harkness Table, thanks

in a space that, at last, is basically complete.

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“New” Lyrics Describe

a “New” School

B

rowning boys in Grade One through Form VI, along with the entire school community, convened in Christ Church

for Opening Assembly on the first day of the new

“At Last”

Lyrics by Headmaster Clement and Ms. Warner At last – our school has come along.

school year. The assembly concluded with a guest

Construction years are over,

appearance by both the Panther mascot and Lucy

And life is like a song.

Warner, Lower School music teacher. Sporting a construction hat with hammer and crowbar “in paw,” the Panther was a hit with the boys, especially the youngest ones. However, Ms. Warner’s singing of “At Last” was a most fitting finale.

Adapted from the 1941 song written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren and performed by such greats as Etta James and Glenn Miller, “At Last” was revamped for this occasion by none other than Mr. Clement (who was too modest to mention that in his on-line video) and Ms. Warner!

At right are the lyrics they composed.

At last – it was worth all that we’ve been through.

The stairwells and the skylights, A terrace with a view.

We built a school that we are proud of, A dream that we can call our own, A place that we can all at last love, A thrill we’ve never known.

And now – those twists and turns are in the past, And here we are in heaven With our new school at last!

Fall/Winter 2015

23

the local buzz

JOHN M. BOTTI APPOINTED SIXTH HEAD OF SCHOOL On October 15, the Browning commu-

nity learned that Dr. John M. Botti had

School, Mr. Weinhoff said, “John’s

Faculty and boys in Forms II-VI

highest ideals of a ‘Browning gentle-

been named the sixth Head of School. gathered separately to hear this exciting news directly from Headmaster Clement, Board President Samuel J.

Weinhoff and Search Committee Chair

educational philosophy embodies the man’ and of Browning’s mission

statement, including ‘the pursuit of a lifelong love of learning, the belief in

the dignity of the individual, and the

his professional life working in boys

schools, I have admired The Browning School from afar. There is no better

work than helping boys become men

of academic and moral character, and

I cannot imagine a better place to pursue this work than at Browning.”

To read Mr. Botti’s letter to parents,

development of personal integrity.’ ”

boys, faculty and alumni, please visit

mediately after (see facing page for

statement from Mr. Botti in which

announcements/

John Botti begins his term as Browning’s sixth Head of School on July 1, 2016.

John Botti with his wife Eliza and their two sons, Sean (7) and Nathan (4).

Valda M. Witt, with an announcement to the broader community sent imfull text).

24

In a press release issued by the

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Ms. Witt was pleased to read a

he said, “As someone who has spent

http://www.browning.edu/leadership-

52 East 62nd Street

New York, New York 10065

212 838 6280

212 355 5602 fax

www.browning.edu

October 15, 2015 Dear Browning Community: On behalf of the Search Committee and the Board of Trustees, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. John M. Botti, Associate Headmaster of Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland, as Browning’s sixth Head of School since its founding in 1888. He will begin his term on July 1, 2016.

Dr. Botti’s appointment comes as the culmination of a process which began last winter when Headmaster Clement announced his intention to retire. John’s appointment was unanimously recommended by the Search Committee and unanimously endorsed by the Board of Trustees.

You will hear from John directly in the coming weeks, but know that the Committee and Board were impressed by his independent school credentials, his devotion to educating boys, and his ongoing success in promoting academic excellence. A graduate of Williams College, John also holds a M.Ed. from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. His 16-year tenure at Landon, the prominent boys school outside Washington, D.C., has included roles as a history teacher, coach and, for the last five years, Associate Headmaster. We were also impressed that John oversaw a highly regarded program in ethics at Landon which organized weekly speakers and integrated parents and alumni into the conversation about character education. He and his wife Eliza live on campus with their two sons. Prior to Landon, John taught history at Salisbury School, a boys boarding school in Salisbury, Connecticut.

We thank the members of the Search Committee for their hard work and milestone contribution to the School over the past eight months and acknowledge our search firm, Spencer Stuart, for their assistance in this important endeavor. We invite you to join us in welcoming John and his family during a visit to Browning later in the school year.

Sincerely,

Samuel J. Weinhoff P ’10 President, Board of Trustees

Valda M. Witt P ’20, ’22, ’26 Chair, Search Committee

SEARCH COMMITTEE Michael P. Beys ’89, P ’25, ’27, Trustee;

Paul A. Burke, Trustee; Head of School,

Celeste A. Guth, P ’19, Trustee

President, Browning Alumni Association

The Nightingale-Bamford School

Ling S. Kwok, P ’20, Trustee

Wendy W. Brooks, P ’16, ’18, Trustee

David E. Glaymon, P ’25, ’28, Trustee

Alka K. Singh, P ’18, ’20, Trustee Fall/Winter 2015

25

SAMUEL J. WEINHOFF ELECTED PRESIDENT OF BROWNING BOARD OF TRUSTEES TWO NEW TRUSTEES JOIN THE BOARD At the annual meeting of The

Browning School Board of Trustees on June 3, 2015, Mr. Samuel J.

Weinhoff was unanimously elected

President of the Board. Headmaster Clement immediately shared this exciting news with the Browning

community, stating, “I very much look forward to working with

Mr. Weinhoff during my last year at Browning. He is wonderfully qualified for his new post and

clearly has the skills needed for the important transitions ahead. His

hard work during his 12 years on

the Board is one of the chief reasons Browning is such a strong school

today. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Weinhoff to his new post!”

Mr. Clement’s announcement

provided additional details on

Mr. Weinhoff’s appointment, as follows: Mr. Weinhoff is a past

parent who served on Browning’s Board from 1999 to 2011 and was vice president from 2005 to 2011.

He served on almost every Board committee, including the Audit,

Capital Campaign, Development, Executive, Finance and Strategic

Planning Committees, often in the

role of Chair. In preparation for the

election and transition, Mr. Weinhoff

attended Board meetings in 2015 as a special guest.

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L to R: Board President Samuel J. Weinhoff P ’10 with new Trustees Andrew M. Snyder P ’24 and Nazmi Oztanir P ’24, ’27.

Mr. Weinhoff received his B.S.

from the University of Illinois and

his M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

He served as managing director of

Lehman Brothers, and then managing director of Schroder & Co. He is an insurance industry investor and

consultant. His civic involvement

beyond Browning includes service at Wharton. Since its founding, he has

been involved at the Randall’s Island Sports Foundation and was recently elected chairman of the Randall’s

Island Park Alliance independent school board.

His wife Katherine is currently an

adjunct professor at Fordham Law

School and former vice president

for government affairs for AT&T in

New England. Most importantly for Browning, since 2009 she has been

advisor to the Mock Trial team, which finished in the top 16 schools in New York City during the 2014-15 school year. Their son James, who entered Browning’s Pre-primary in 1997,

graduated with the Browning Class of 2010 and from the University of Virginia in 2014. James majored in

math, was an EMS ambulance driver and is currently working at AIG in New York City.

New Trustee Nazmi Oztanir

serves as vice president of the

Browning Parents Association. He

held leadership positions in the

two works of fiction, a novel about

and management firm specializing in

Spring Benefits and was previously

and an illustrated children’s book.

technology industries. Prior to joining

2013 and 2014 Parents Association

chair of Montclare Children School’s

Parents Association. A writer as well as a freelance fashion and industrial

designer, he worked as a production design assistant at Derek Lam and was an assistant pattern maker

at Proenza Schouler. Mr. Oztanir

splits his time between New York

and Zimbabwe, where he was born and raised and where his family’s

business operations are based. He is

presently in the process of completing

the fashion industry in New York

Mr. Oztanir received an L.L.B. from King’s College London, an L.L.M.

in international law and technology from the University of Stockholm, and a certificate in fashion design

from the Parsons School of Design.

He and his wife, Erica Berthou, have two sons, Julian Berthou ’24 and Oliver Berthou ’27.

New Trustee Andrew M. Snyder

is CEO of Cambridge Information Group (CIG), a global investment

information services, education and

CIG in 2003, he spent seven years at Goldman Sachs where he focused on traditional media, technology

and services investing for the firm’s private equity fund. Mr. Snyder

holds a B.S. from the University of

Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a J.D. from Georgetown University

Law Center. He and his wife Molly

have a son, Sam ’24, and a daughter,

Sara, who attends the Ethical Culture Fieldston School.

R. THOMAS HERMAN ’64 RETIRES FROM BOARD OF TRUSTEES After 32 years of dedicated

know I speak for your successors, Richard Weaver ’75,

retired from Browning’s Board

Alumni Association in thanking you for your service and

service, R. Thomas Herman ’64 of Trustees in June. He joined

the board in 1983 and served as

Jeff Landes ’83 and Juan Reyes ’86, along with the entire congratulating you on such a job well done.”

Headmaster Clement reminisced as well, noting,

secretary from 2012 until 2015.

“Tom was one of the first people I met during the

Mr. Herman wrote for The Wall

active and loyal alumnus. We quickly established ties,

A graduate of Yale University,

Street Journal for more than 40

years until his retirement in 2009.

Currently, he teaches at Yale University, Columbia

University and the University of San Diego. (Please

read more about his service to Browning in the 1964

search process back in 1988. Clearly, he is a very

including the realization that we overlapped at Yale; he is the Class of ’68 and I, the Class of ’66. We also

established the fact that our fathers were classmates at Yale, graduating in 1936.”

Mr. Clement added, “Tom has a big heart and gives

Class Notes section of this issue.)

it all to Browning. Anything we have asked him to do

recognized Mr. Herman at the Trustees dinner this

was his book about the history of our school, which he

President of the Alumni Association Michael Beys ’89

past spring: “It’s not possible to conceive of a more

committed and dedicated member of our community than you, Tom, or a person who better represents the ideals and values of a Browning gentleman. You are

the godfather and founder of the Alumni Association. I

he has done gladly and elegantly. An early contribution wrote for Browning’s centennial; it is still the source we rely on when we look for the facts about our origins.

I will miss working with Tom but suspect his internal compass will keep leading him back to Browning.”

Fall/Winter 2015

27

BROWNING WELCOMES NEW FACULTY MEMBERS Physical education teacher Lauck

Blake taught at The Mandell School and Little Red School House prior

to coming to Browning. He earned an M.S. in physical education at

Canisis College and a B.S. in physical education from Castleton State

College. In addition to teaching, he has

Lauck Blake

Emily Byne

Heather Fetrow

Saber Khan

Nicole Kronfeld

Sandra Martinez

Krizia Moreno-Cruz

Katie Smith

coached baseball, basketball, football

and soccer and worked as a health care and rehabilitative services counselor.

Emily Byne joined Browning as

admission associate mid-way through the last school year. She earned a B.A.

in psychology from Boston University, an M.S. in child development from the Institute of Education, and a

Ph.D. in psychology from University

as well as math and science, at the

examined the role between birth order

Liberal Arts, Little Red School House

College London. Her doctoral thesis

and emotional intelligence. She taught at The Phoenix School in London and was a psychology teacher at David

Game College in London. She is the

Berkeley’s Fletcher Lab.

majored in psychology and minored

Pre-primary associate Nicole

prior to coming to Browning.

and PS 199 Jesse Isador Straus

as a choral conductor, music educator, voice teacher and singer, joins the music department at Browning.

She has taught and conducted at

Christ Church United Methodist, Westminster Conservatory, Hun

Krizia Moreno-Cruz, database

manager, graduated from The City

He was also a visiting scholar at UC

Kronfeld most recently served at

Heather Fetrow, who has served

Queens College.

and Elisabeth Irwin High School.

co-founder of Admittedly, where she was head of business development

PS 158 The Bayard Taylor School

School in New York City where she worked closely with head teachers and students, developing and

implementing lesson plans. She

earned a B.A. from Indiana University and master’s degree from Teachers

College of New York where she in creative writing. She joined

Browning in November of last year, having previously worked at her

alma mater as database manager and prospect researcher. Prior to that,

she was employed at the Wildlife

Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo as

database manager and also served as the official donor tour guide.

First grade associate Katie

College at Columbia University.

Smith recently served as an

Seed School, among other places. She

languages department at Browning

School where she worked alongside

and B.M. in music education from

a B.A. from CUNY Queens College

School of Princeton and Mustard

earned her M.M. in choral conducting Westminster Choir College.

Saber Khan joins Browning as

director of academic technology. He earned a B.A. from Kenyon College and M.S. from San Francisco State

University. He has taught technology,

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Success Academy High School of the

serving as an adjunct lecturer at CUNY

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Sandra Martinez joins the modern

as a Spanish teacher. She received

and M.A. from Middlebury College.

She previously taught middle and

upper school students at The Hewitt

School, The Kew Forest School, Elmont Memorial High School and Parsons Junior High School, in addition to

assistant teacher at Brunswick

the head teachers of Grade One,

Pre-kindergarten and the school’s summer camp. She earned her

master’s from Fordham University Graduate School of Education and her B.A. from Boston College Lynch School of Education.

NOBEL PRIZE LAUREATE SPEAKS AT BROWNING On October 16 Ferid Murad, physician and co-winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine, was a guest speaker in a series presented in memory of John W. Hadden, M.D. P ’87, ’93 and designed to bring great minds in

science to Browning. Introduced by Science Department Chair and Dean of Students Sam Keany, Dr. Murad

spoke to the Upper School boys about his early love for science and math, and, ultimately, “the road that led to

Stockholm.”After his presentation, Dr. Murad answered

questions from Mr. Keany and Dr. Betty Noel, Upper and Middle School science teacher.

Dr. Murad and three other researchers – all

pharmacologists – worked on the properties of nitric oxide, a gas that transmits signals from one cell to

another. They were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in recognition of their work for discovering that nitric

oxide functions as a signal molecule in the cardiovascular system. Dr. Murad analyzed how nitroglycerin and related compounds act. In 1977 he discovered that

touching on the pros and cons of academia, the corporate world and owning a biotech company that focused on “going after Alzheimer’s.” Ultimately, “wearing a lab

coat and working with colleagues in a lab” is essential to his happiness. “It’s where I get my jollies,” he declared.

Dr. Murad has continued his research and is currently a

professor of biochemistry and molecular medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

In addition to providing background on Alfred Nobel

those compounds release nitric oxide, which relaxes

(who incidentally also studied nitroglycerin) and the

nitroglycerin and related drugs worked by releasing nitric

parents, hard-working people who owned a restaurant

smooth muscle cells. His key research demonstrated that

oxide into the body, triggering an increase in the diameter of blood vessels. These discoveries have played a critical role in the treatment of cardiac patients.

His work eventually attracted the attention of the

Nobel committee. In terms of the award, he said the

criteria include work that is “novel, different and not in

the mainstream.” He added, “It’s always a surprise, and

there is no way to know ahead of time; it’s just a matter of luck.” Dr. Murad takes pride in the fact that his career as

a researcher is based on how his work can be relevant. He discussed the many hats he has worn during his career,

history of the Nobel Prize, Dr. Murad talked about his

in Indiana, as well as his early desire to be a doctor. As a student, Dr. Murad pursued an MD-PhD program that provided training in both medicine and research. He

referred to education as “precious” and important to him in his quest for options and opportunities in life. He told

the boys, “I enjoy what I do so much, probably more than other people. I look forward to going to work every day.

My work is exciting. It’s what gets me out of bed in the

morning! So do what you enjoy and what you find exciting.

And do it well. Prepare yourself with a good education. It’s precious and allows you mobility in life.”

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29

FORMS V AND VI BOYS EXPLORE NEW ENGLAND SCHOOLS ON ANNUAL COLLEGE TRIP: A UNIQUE FEATURE OF BROWNING In September, the Forms V and

Durham, the boys grabbed dinner at

with Browning alums, including JR

embark on Browning’s annual

was underway on the UNH campus.

Shawn ’12 at Colby and, at Bates,

VI boys boarded a coach bus to college trip. Led by Director of

College Guidance Sanford Pelz ’71, with assistance from Head of

Upper School James Reynolds

(who offers this report), along with faculty members Kevin Dearinger and Brett Wisniewski, the boys

headed to New Haven where they toured Yale and the University of

Amidst marching bands, goats (from the agriculture school) and campus clubs, which had set up tables to

Chansakul ’12 at Bowdoin, Oliver

Jonathan and Christopher Pelz ’12

along with Michael Florentino ’14.

After one more night at the hotel

promote their particular focus, the

in Wells, the final day of the trip in-

public university offers. From UNH,

College, in Wellesley, Mass., and a

boys got a sense of what that large, the group went to Wells, Maine, where they spent the night.

Day two of the trip included

cluded a tour and lunch at Babson

tour of Olin College of Engineering, a next-door neighbor to Babson.

This trip, which we still believe

New Haven.

visits to Bowdoin College

is unique to Browning, provided

to have the opportunity to catch up

lunch), Colby College (tour and

exposure to a wide range of col-

At Yale, the boys were delighted

with Browning alumnus Ben

Jacobs ’13 who walked the campus with the group. After lunch and a tour at the University of New Haven, they boarded the bus

and headed to another UNH, the

University of New Hampshire. In

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an outdoor activities jamboree that

THE

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(tour, information session and

information session) and Bates

College (tour and dinner). Many were struck by the distinctive

campus cultures that differentiated these small, private liberal arts

institutions. It was also a day of

brief but highly enjoyable reunions

our juniors and seniors with

leges from which to begin to make their decisions about what type of school would be right for them.

It was tremendously gratifying for the faculty on the trip to see our young alumni thriving at their respective colleges.

Fall/Winter 2015

31

FIFTH GRADE TRIP TO MYSTIC SEAPORT REINFORCES UNDERSTANDING OF WHALING INDUSTRY The fifth grade boys, accompanied by Messrs.

Lisciandrello, Ragsdale and Dunham, enjoyed a fall class trip to Mystic Seaport, Mystic,

Conn. This historical port, once a whaling

community, has been painstakingly preserved.

Mr. Lisciandrello noted that the summer

reading book, “Revenge of the Whale,” gave the boys a foundation and understanding of

the whaling industry, of which Mystic was a

hub. He added, “I was amazed at the depth of knowledge many of the boys had developed

regarding the whaling industry, the process of whaling, and the importance of the resources gained from whaling.”

The boys also visited the Mystic Aquarium

and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center.

SECOND GRADE BOYS STUDY BROOKLYN BRIDGE Second grade boys, accompanied by

of all the city’s boroughs. The boys

Pellenberg, associate teacher Casey

what they see during their crossing

teachers Rachel Gerber and Jackie

Harwood, and parent chaperones,

took a bus to the Brooklyn Bridge in early October. The annual outing allows the boys to study the bridge in

detail by walking across the pedestrian promenade of this iconic New York

City structure. A link between the two boroughs of Manhattan

and Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge, which serves approximately 150,000 vehicles and pedestri-

ans every day, was the

longest steel suspension

bridge of its day when it opened in 1883.

The class learns about

the bridge beforehand as part of a year-long study

32

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carry clipboards with them to record of the Brooklyn Bridge. According to Ms. Gerber, this particular trip still proves to be one of the boys’

favorite field trips. The size of the

cables and sheer length of the bridge

never cease to amaze those who visit it for the first time.

ANNUAL CLASS RETREAT BUILDS CAMARADERIE AMONG FORM VI BOYS Head of Upper School James

to have a dry and increasingly

Communications Design Jeremy

the help of facilitators from The

Reynolds and Director of

Katz accompanied Form VI on a retreat to the Sal J. Prezioso

Mountain Lakes Park in northern Westchester County for a day of

activities on the first Friday of the school year.

Mr. Reynolds reports: “After a

day of rain, we had the good fortune

sunny day in North Salem. With Mountain Workshop, the boys navigated low- and high-rope

exercises that compelled them to

work collectively and to challenge themselves individually with the

support of their peers. The boys were enthusiastic and fully engaged with both the activities and each other.”

CONSERVATION BIOLOGY CLASS VISITS OKO FARMS In October, the boys in Emilie Wolf’s conservation biology class visited Oko Farms, a commercial urban

aquaculture and education company on Moore Street in Brooklyn. As its website explains, this farm

“utilizes a hybrid of aquaculture and hydroponics known as aquaponics

to raise freshwater fish along with a

variety of vegetables and fruits. Waste water from the fish tank is constantly pumped through several hydroponic grow beds to provide nutrient rich

fertilizer for our plants. In return, the

plants filter all of the toxic waste from the water while it cycles through the

system. This constant cycling of nutrients via fish waste

of the plants,” she said. She also advised that carrots and

the farm to avoid the toxic environmental run-off that

lettuce, leafy greens, basil and mint are ideal. Ms. Amu even

creates an extremely efficient recycling system that allows characterizes current aquaculture practices.”

The farm’s manager and co-founder, Yemi Amu,

rosemary are not easy to grow in an aquaponics system, but

suggested the boys could grow “Little Flower” watermelons.

In the past three years of working this farm, Ms. Amu

provided the Browning boys with an in-depth tour of this

has learned what works and what does not in this labor-

area between two buildings – and recommended ways to

uses a mist of garlic and water to get rid of pests. The pH

urban farming operation – tucked into a surprisingly small ensure the boys will have success with their own (albeit

much smaller!) classroom aquaponics garden at Browning.

Ms. Amu, who earned her master’s degree in health and nutrition education from Teachers College, Columbia

University, discussed the importance of maintaining three basic components: livestock, plants and the system itself.

“It’s important to match the needs of the fish with the needs

intensive endeavor. Since pesticides will kill the fish, she balance of the water can be controlled naturally with the

use of egg shells and oyster shells, known as “buffer.” She

also learned that tilapia don’t do well in the winter, but catfish and koi do. Crop rotation is also vital.

Ms. Wolf noted, “This experience helped the boys put

our project into context and see firsthand the real world application of the knowledge they are gaining in class.”

Fall/Winter 2015

33

BROWNING ENGINEERS TEST ENTREPRENEURIAL METTLE Director of Technology Aaron Grill

ticle related to entrepreneurship, mar-

to connect to the Internet using Wi-Fi

Harp report on a recent learning

brand their inventions to succeed.

with a phone and the correct pass-

and Technology Integrator Anderson experience enjoyed by the boys in

ket trends and how the boys might

Through process and experience,

Browning’s engineering class: As

the boys made connections with prac-

eryday life that are frustrating. Our

based thinking. In order to test his

users we notice problems from evobjective was to isolate one prob-

lem, ideate and prototype a simple solution connected to the Internet.

Bi-weekly our group worked in the

lab demonstrating an ability to learn, create and problem solve in an un-

structured environment. Ideas brainstormed with pencil-paper doodles

tical, analytical, creative and researchmettle, each boy created a succinct

elevator pitch to sell his invention to a panel of some of the best advertis-

ing professionals from JUICE Pharma Worldwide. Thanks to Browning parent Forrest King for organizing and inviting the boys to JUICE.

One boy offered an accounting

transformed rapidly to functional

of his design and experience, as fol-

ered for a roundtable outside the lab

dog. The purpose of the dog was

prototypes. Furthermore, we gath-

on alternating weeks. Each of these

conversations was sparked by an ar-

lows: “My design was of a robot

to help parents teach their children

responsibility. The dog was upcycled

signals. From these signals, anyone word could control the dog. The

parent could force the dog to make a noise until a button is pressed.

Throughout the course of the

semester-long class, we pushed to-

wards this independent design. Our

designs were created using littleBits, modular electronics that transfer energy and stick together using small

magnets and wood. The final design was taped over or colored in for the

aesthetic. The presentation of the design was a culmination of all the lessons learned in the class. Presenting

the final iteration of the project was a great experience in entrepreneurship and public speaking.”

BOYS PARTICIPATE IN FIRST ROOKIE CHESS COMPETITION Chess Coach John Kennedy reports the following news: In mid-October,

25 Browning boys played in our first Rookie competition of the new school year. The Rookie format serves as an introduction to the rules and rigor of competitive play. A strong showing was made by our new families with 13 Pre-primary boys participating.

Second grader Asher Levine prevailed over first grader Jude Theodore

in the final round to finish in first place with a perfect 4-0 score. Scoring

3-1 in tiebreak order were Jude in second, followed by James Liftin, George

Athanasopoulos, top scoring Pre-primary boy Elliot Smith, Lucas Ferreri and

34

Damon Penna in third through seventh places. Rounding out the top 10 were Alexander Eisenstein, Matthew Schulman and Jamie Olson with 2.5 points.

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LOWER SCHOOL BOYS LEARN TO CREATE “FROM SCRAPS” Brian Yanish, a professional illustrator, was the guest at an October Lower School Assembly. In 2006 he created

ScrapKins, a New York City-based Creativity brand for

kids that follows the adventures of a tribe of monsters who build their world out of the things people throw away.

Through his school visits and “scrap-venting” workshops, Mr. Yanish teaches children to think

creatively to build

pirate ships, puppet

monsters, dinosaurs, etc., from milk

cartons, towel tubes and other common materials.

Much to the

delight of the

Browning boys, he demonstrated the

many ways they can invent their way

to fun by recycling

scraps. He showed them the books he has written,

including “The ScrapKins Build-it Book” that can help

guide them in the creative process, as well as his latest,

“Junk Re-thunk,” which will come out next year in time for Earth Day.

Mr. Yanish fielded a number of questions from the boys

and explained that he created his characters as a result of

his boyhood pastimes. “The ScrapKins were born from my

childhood. As a kid my favorite things to do were drawing

monsters and making things in my father’s workshop. Not much has changed. When my mother handed me a stack

of drawings she had saved from my childhood, I cast the

monsters as the ScrapKins who live in the world of ‘Scrap City’ where they build everything out of the things we

FORM III BOYS BOND DURING PINE FOREST CAMPING TRIP In October, Form III boys boarded a coach bus for

a trip to Pine Forest Camp, as is tradition for their

grade. The annual trip, designed to give the newest Upper School boys an opportunity to enjoy each

other’s company during two days of activities, was

led by Head of Upper School James Reynolds, along with Brett Wisniewski from the classics department and Michael Cohn from the P.E. department.

Mr. Reynolds reports: When the group arrived at

Pine Forest Camp in Greeley, Pa., they were met by facilitators from the Mountain Workshop who led

them through various team-building exercises. The

first day at camp, the boys rotated through activities such as canoeing on the camp’s lake and high- and

low-rope challenges, including the popular zip line.

Before dinner, the boys organized games of pick-up football and basketball and later gathered around a bonfire to roast s’mores.

On day two, the boys, guides and faculty loaded

into six rafts to make the six-mile journey down

the relatively gentle Delaware River. Thankfully,

the day was beautiful, and the activity of paddling warmed all!

throw away.”

Mr. Yanish has worked in the past for Jim Henson

Productions in Los Angeles, trained as a special effects

Editor’s Note: Please visit the Browning website to

educational CD-ROMs and developed products for major

The Local Buzz, as well as additional school news.

moldmaker, written and performed comedy, designed

children’s brands. He has also appeared on “Sesame Street.”

view more photos and/or videos of many items in

www.browning.edu

Fall/Winter 2015

35

f e at u r e

COMMON BOOK AUTHOR SEEKS TO UNITE ALL IN CALL FOR COMMON JUSTICE Bryan Stevenson, Author of “Just Mercy,” Addresses Browning Community

B

ryan Stevenson, a public-interest lawyer

this year’s Common Book at Browning, so his arrival was

October 30. Mr. Stevenson is the founder

book. The Common Book is read by boys in Forms II-VI,

poor, was a special guest at Browning on

and executive director of the Alabama-based group, Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), which as its website

notes, “has won legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent prisoners on death row, confronting abuse of the incarcerated

and the mentally ill, and aiding children prosecuted as adults. EJI works with communities that have

been marginalized by poverty and discouraged by unequal treatment.”

In fact, EJI recently won an historic ruling in the

much anticipated and his address as remarkable as his Browning Trustees and faculty during summer recess.

Mr. Stevenson, who was introduced by Head of Upper

School James Reynolds, began his address by citing tre-

mendous problems that require immediate intervention, such as the deplorable number of incarcerated people – some 2.3 million in the United States – including an increasing number of women in the last 20 years. “In the

21st century,” he said, “one in three Black male babies is expected to grow up and go to prison.”

Mr. Stevenson explained, however, that he was not at

U.S. Supreme Court holding that mandatory life-

Browning to talk about problems but, rather, solutions. “I

are unconstitutional.

he told the boys.

without-parole sentences for all children 17 or younger

36

Mr. Stevenson’s book, “Just Mercy,” was selected as

devoted to helping the incarcerated and

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hope you are prepared to create more justice in the world,”

“Now is the time to make a difference,” he told his au-

dience, then asked them to embrace four concepts, which he explained as follows:

Amendment only deals with involuntary servitude,

and that is not enough. Especially in the south, victims of racial terrorism fled to cities to escape injustice.

Proximity is key. You can’t be too far away from the

We must protect our hope. You are talented and gifted

to the process is what yields solutions. When you get close

hopelessness exists. Today the rich and guilty prevail over

problems and issues. As in science and medicine, proximity to a situation, you will discover powers about yourself that you had not realized before.

Change the world by changing the narrative.

Policymakers have been allowed to make decisions rooted in fear and evil. Whenever that is the case, a poor decision will be made – one that ultimately violates other people’s rights. We need to change the narrative about race,

which has been influenced by a history of racial inequality.

A narrative of white supremacy still exists. The 13th

boys. You need to stay hopeful. Injustice prevails where

the poor and innocent. We must stay hopeful and change these circumstances.

Be willing to do uncomfortable things. Position your-

self to be uncomfortable, even though that’s hard. We can’t have justice without doing the uncomfortable. I represent

those who are broken through abuse and neglect. I work in a broken system. The broken people teach us that we can

do what we thought we couldn’t. I realize that I do what I do because I’m broken, too.

Fall/Winter 2015

37

Mr. Stevenson provided details about his family

that served to influence him later in life, including the

fact that he was the first in his family to attend college.

A philosophy major who enjoyed sports and music,

he joked about the concern others expressed over how he would make a living. Undecided about a career, he decided to attend law school (“Well, why not?”) and

later the School of Public Policy – both at Harvard. Still he remained uninspired and “even more miserable.”

The turning point came when he was asked to go to

Georgia to work with a human rights organization. His first assignment was to meet with a prisoner on death

row and explain to him that he was not at risk of being

get people like him (and me) to higher ground.”

Mr. Stevenson also spoke of the pain he felt when he

executed at any time within the next year. Mr. Steven-

could not win a stay of execution for a prisoner. “He had

man and relaying that message, including the physical

managed to understand his last words to me: ‘Thank you

son described the extraordinary details of meeting this abuse the man endured at the hands of the prison guards and his strength in the face of it: “He began to sing a

hymn, part of which goes, ‘Lord, plant my feet on higher

38

ground.’ That song changed me. I decided I would help

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an awful stutter when he was stressed or nervous, but I

for helping me, Mr. Stevenson. I love you.’ ” That moment triggered a childhood memory of Mr. Stevenson’s mother admonishing him for making fun of another boy with a

Common Book Committee members posed for a photo with guest speaker Bryan Stevenson, author of this year’s Common Book.

(L to R): Melanie McMahon, Mary Bosworth, Hallie Fischberg, Dan Ragsdale, Susan Levine, Betty Noel, James Reynolds, Bryan Stevenson, Sarah Murphy, Aaron Grill, Mike Ingrisani, Pat Flynn, Zack Davis, Emilie Wolf, Elizabeth Suárez and Janet Lien. Missing from photo: Susan Kehoe.

COMMITTEE SELECTS “JUST MERCY” AS 2015 COMMON BOOK Boys entering Forms II to VI, along

discourse across disciplines and

a number of books covering all

in the experience of reading the same

to provide collective knowledge

group. This year’s selection was

with faculty and Trustees, participate book each summer. Head Librarian

Sarah Murphy, who leads the annual Common Book selection process, notes, “The shared enterprise of the Common Book is intended to spark conversation and

divisions. The endeavor is meant and understanding, and most

importantly, it is a way for us to join together as a community of curious individuals.”

This past spring, the Common

genres and offered feedback to the “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson.

Happily, Ms. Murphy was able

to secure Mr. Stevenson as a guest speaker this fall.

Book Committee of faculty read

stutter. She demanded, among other things, that he

me. I found out later that as he was transporting my

“I did as she asked, very awkwardly, and in response that

bought him a chocolate milkshake!”

apologize and even insisted he tell the boy he loved him. boy told me he loved me, too.”

Not surprisingly, serving the needs of disadvantaged

youths is another of Mr. Stevenson’s top priorities. “A

narrative has emerged in America that says the 10,000 kids in jail today are not kids but ‘super predators.’ In fact, all children are children.”

Perhaps one of Mr. Stevenson’s most compelling sto-

ries revolved around an abusive guard he once encoun-

client back to prison, he took an exit to Wendy’s where he Many other such stories are part of Mr. Stevenson’s

compelling book. He ended his address by telling the

Browning community, “I’m so excited that you took the

time to read my book. I want to express my gratitude to

you for that.” Judging by the standing ovation he received, we are all grateful for his fine work and his powerful message shared that day.

tered. It seems the guard later watched Mr. Stevenson in action in the courtroom. “Afterward, this guard asked if he could shake my hand. Then he told me that, like my

client who was mentally disabled (and, by the way had

earlier kept asking us for a chocolate milkshake), he, too, was brought up in the foster care system. ‘I’m an angry

man because of it. But I was listening to you in that court-

As reported by Melanie McMahon For more information about Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice

Initiative, please visit www.eji.org.

room, and I hope you keep fighting for justice,’ he told

Fall/Winter 2015

39

f e at u r e

2015 Book Fair

“L E A F T H R O U G H A G O O D B O O K ”

E

ach fall, the Parents Association’s Browning Book Fair fills the Lower Gym with reading

material for all ages. This literary tradition kicks off with visits to classrooms by guest authors and an evening cocktail party featuring a panel of writers. Browning boys, their teachers and families are never at a loss for finding just the perfect book to read or give.

Congratulations to the parent

volunteers, Parents Association Liaison Christine Bramble, and

the Browning maintenance staff

for helping the school community “leaf through a good book!”

40

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Moderator and Head Librarian Sarah Murphy with panelists (L to R): Jessamyn Hope, author of “Safekeeping;” Roger F. Pasquier, author of “Painting Central Park;” Janice P. Nimura, author of “Daughters of the Samurai: A Journey from East to West and Back;” Barbara Reich, author of “Secrets of an Organized Mom;” George W. Liebmann ’57, author of “The Fall of the House of Speyer: The Story of a Banking Dynasty.” (Author Matt Zoller Seitz, whose most recent book is “Mad Men Carousel,” is not pictured.)

Fall/Winter 2015

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Fall/Winter 2015

43

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; four faculty are featured in this issue.

Scotland: A Catalyst for Creativity and Sustainability The 2015 Parents Association stipend

technology in the Living Machine sewage treatment facility

participate in an extended research trip

values are also expressed in the community’s social,

provided me with the opportunity to

to Scotland focused on observation of

architecture, archeology, museums, artist studios and sustainable community Zachary Davis

development. Each experience offered significant rewards, which I am

confident will prove ideal for curriculum enrichment.

My experience began in Edinburgh with a visit to

the National Museum of Scotland, where the mission

statement alone left me inspired with its emphasis on

the idea that collaborations allow us to share knowledge,

learn from others and make our treasures available to the

and electricity-generating wind turbines. Sustainable

economic and educational initiatives. I see tremendous

potential for collaborating with the science department in the development of a sustainable design unit.

From Findhorn, I pushed north into the majestic Scottish

Highlands. I came across many castles both in ruins and

preserved examples, which were still highly functional. My renewed interest in the idea of speculating just what a ruin might have looked like led me to design a new series of

drawing exercises involving the redesign of a castle using an image of the existing ruin.

At the northern end of the country I discovered the

widest possible audience. While at the museum, I took in

many archaeological treasures of the Island of Orkney,

of eclectic masks that left me thinking directly about

enhanced by a visit to the studio of Andrew Appleby, a

a memorable exhibit featuring an international collection my mask unit in sixth grade. The many photos I took

have added a great deal to my initial slide presentation designed to inspire the boys.

As I began to travel north from Edinburgh, I spent some

time touring the Findhorn Eco-village. In short, the mission of this community is to express sustainable values in the built environment with ecological houses, innovative

use of building materials such as local stone and straw

bales, beauty in the architecture and gardens, and applied

including an active dig. My experience was further

potter who works closely with archaeologists developing theories regarding Neolithic society. Exposure to this

aspect of archaeology left me very interested in engaging in dialogue with the classics department in hopes of

developing a cross-curricular activity. I was also able to

record a great deal of wheel-throwing technique footage with Andrew for use in my ceramics classes.

On my journey south along the west coast of the country,

I had the good fortune to land a studio visit with Lotte

I see tr emendous poten tial for collabor ating w ith th e science depa rtmen t in th e dev elopmen t of a sustainable design unit.

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Glob, another ceramicist who works closely in tune with

nature. Everything from her award-winning eco-house to her studio space and on-site sculpture garden was wildly

inspirational. I spent the afternoon touring her studio and

I h ad th e good fortune to v isit w ith Lotte Glob, a noth er cer amicist, a nd

sharing stories about throwing caution to the wind. Her

I was luck y enough to spend most

through the highlands collecting artifacts, which inform

specific cer amic scu lptu r e in Sa n ta

practice involves spending a great deal of time hiking

of August producing a new site-

her work. Lotte exemplified the courage that I so often ask

Fe, w hich was dir ectly inspir ed by

of my students. I am very eager to use her work in my slide presentations, as her use of texture is highly innovative.

My experience came full circle as I finished my excursion

my time in Scotla nd.

with a visit to the Glasgow School of Art. During my

ceramic sculpture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which was

which reminded me of how great graduate school is for

product reminds me that these excursions are vital for

tour, I took in a fresh and interesting student exhibition, the development of an artistic practice. This program is remarkably well-appointed, and I will indeed be recommending it to some of my seniors.

Upon my return to the States, I was lucky enough

to spend most of August producing a new site-specific

directly inspired by my time in Scotland. The finished the continued pursuit of productivity as an artist and

an educator. I am deeply grateful for the assistance so

generously provided by the Parents Association, which makes these experiences possible. –By Zachary Davis, Art Teacher

Fall/Winter 2015

45

22nd Annual IBSC Conference: “Lessons From Madiba” In July 2015, Janet

of reconciliation and global citizenship. Archbishop

of admission

public commitments due to health issues, spoke with

Lien, director

for Middle and Upper School,

and Betty Noel, Janet Lien

Dr. Betty Noel

science teacher,

attended the 22nd

characteristic aplomb and good humor, at one point

quipping that he was a notorious name-dropper. His

presence awed the audience of 650 delegates and set the tone for the subsequent conference days.

Other notable keynote speakers included Professor

Annual Conference for the International Boys School

Khalil Osiris, an American residing in Johannesburg,

and conference attendees, Ms. Lien and Dr. Noel spoke

economic ties between South Africans and Americans;

Coalition (IBSC) in Cape Town, South Africa. Presenters on the planning and execution of the assembly on gender held at Browning at the end of the 2013-14 school year.

Their presentation, “Why Talk About Gender?” drew

approximately 40 attendees and sparked an interesting conversation with other educators on how to broach a tough but important subject with the boys they teach.

Ms. Lien and Dr. Noel offer the following overview of the conference:

Hosted by Bishops College and Prep (whose rugby

field is widely considered to be the most scenic one

in South Africa, given its unobstructed view of Table

Mountain), the conference was themed “Lessons from Madiba” and featured keynote speakers whose lives’ work continue in the mission and vision of Nelson

Mandela. Mr. Mandela was affectionately known as

“Madiba,” both the name of his Xhosa clan, as well as the name of a chief from the 18th century.

The most notable keynote speaker was Archbishop

Desmond Tutu who, like Mr. Mandela, worked tirelessly against apartheid. Archbishop Tutu spoke on the South African concept of Ubuntu, the interconnectedness of

humanity. “You can’t be a human all by your solitary

self,” urged Archbishop Tutu, as he spoke on the issues

46

Tutu, though in retirement and slowing down in his

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South Africa, whose work seeks to encourage cultural and Judge Edwin Cameron, who served as a human rights

lawyer during the apartheid and has worked tirelessly since for HIV/AIDS awareness and gay rights; and

Dr. Wilhelm Verwoerd, whose grandfather, H.F. Verwoerd, was the prime minister of South Africa and largely thought

Arch bishop Tu tu spok e on th e Sou th Afr ica n concept of Ubuntu, th e in terconnectedness of h uma nit y.

to be the mastermind of apartheid. Dr. Wilhelm Verwoerd

Goals). My work will tie in to Browning’s Senior Projects at

understanding between rivaling factions, in effect working

at next year’s IBSC Annual Conference in Vancouver, B.C.”

himself travels to regions of conflict to facilitate peace and in opposition to the legacy of racism and classism in the

the end of the year. I’ll present my action research project Dr. Noel, who also arrived early to Cape Town,

South Africa of his youth. Another keynote speaker, Eugene

explained, “I attended a pre-conference seminar

sharing his thoughts on lessons from Madiba, stating, “We

Character in Schools,’ presented by a member of CIRCLE,

Daniels, summed up the conference theme effectively when are all potential change agents.”

Ms. Lien added, “As a member of an IBSC Action

Research team for the 2015-16 school year, I arrived early to Cape Town to meet with my team of educators from IBSC partner schools all over the world. For three days prior to

the start of the conference, I, along with others on incoming action research teams, learned about the mechanics of

planning and executing an action research project, while developing research questions. The theme of next year’s conference is global citizenship, and I will be working

with Form VI boys this school year to examine the issue of global poverty (one of the UN Millennium Development

Anoth er k eynote speak er, Eugene Da niels, summed u p th e con fer ence th eme effectiv ely w h en sh a r ing his though ts on lessons from Madiba, stating, “We a r e all poten tial ch a nge agen ts.”

entitled ‘The Character of the Leader and the Leader of The Centre for Innovation, Research, Creativity and

Leadership in Education. I also visited Langa Township, a suburb of Cape Town that was officially assigned

for Black Africans just before apartheid. The lack of

resources, poverty and differences in way of life were

startling and in stark contrast to Cape Town. I found the experience deeply enlightening. My observations at the

Township, the result of the legacy of apartheid, fit in with the theme of the conference. I also had the opportunity to travel to the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwest tip of Africa, and Boulder Beach near Cape Point to see the

endangered African Penguins. Along the route were wild ostriches and baboons galore.”

Ms. Lien and Dr. Noel left time to visit Robben Island,

the former prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. They also explored Kruger

National Park on a safari trip, furthering their commitment to conservation, wildlife protection and natural habitat preservation.

–By Janet Lien, Director of Upper and Middle School Admission, and Dr. Betty Noel, Middle and Upper School Science Teacher

Fall/Winter 2015

47

London: A Vital Teaching Aid in Browning’s Advanced European History Course The Advanced Placement European

Fred Zinneman’s film of Robert Bolt’s play, Wolsey,

focus on British history both in the

medieval churchman. In 1525 Wolsey presented his great

History examination has a strong

16th and 17th centuries and, of course, in the 20th century. This summer, with the help of the Parents Association, I Dr. Gerald J. Protheroe

set out to see how London itself could enrich the teaching of this course. The

origins of modern Britain are rooted in the Reformation of the 16th century. The Tudors, especially Henry VIII

and Elizabeth I, loom large in the AP course, so it was

only fitting that I began my visit to London at the historic royal palace at Hampton Court. The palace, built by

Henry VIII’s chief minister Cardinal Wolsey in 1515, was

celebrating its 500th anniversary when I arrived there on a Monday morning late in July. In “A Man for All Seasons,”

Th e Tudors, especially Henry VIII a nd Elizabeth I, loom la rge in th e AP cou rse, so it was on ly fitting th at I bega n my v isit to London at th e histor ic royal palace at Hampton Cou rt.

48

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played by Orson Welles, is the epitome of the corrupt

palace as a gift to Henry VIII. But by 1529, Wolsey was

removed from Hampton Court when he failed to procure the King’s divorce from Katherine of Aragon.

Today the palace is a splendid memorial to the power

Henry wielded. One could almost feel the central

events of the English Reformation in the Wolsey rooms, Henry’s Great Hall and the King’s processional route

to the astonishing Chapel Royal. In the chapel, Henry witnessed the baptism of his only son Edward and

mourned Edward’s mother, Jane Seymour, his third wife who had died in childbirth. I imagined the horrifying

screams of Catherine Howard, his fifth wife, along the processional route when she heard that the King had

accused her of adultery, which would lead to her death!

Finally, there was the Anne Boleyn Arch where her initials are intertwined with Henry’s in a lovers knot. She was executed in 1536.

The English Reformation was instrumental in creating

the modern British state, and it dominates the history of the 16th century. But the 17th century was perhaps even more remarkable because of the great English

Wh at struck me most abou t my v isit to London was th e connection bet w een th e r evolu tiona ry ch a nges th at took place in Br itain in th e 17th cen tu ry a nd th e r evolu tiona ry ch a nges th at w er e to tak e place in Amer ica in 1776.

Revolution, which led to the supremacy of Parliament

and the overthrow of the Stuart dynasty. So I made my

way to Inigo Jones’ masterpiece, the Banqueting Hall in Whitehall, which is one of the great gems of historical

and 1711. In the crypt I found the black sarcophagus

destroyed by the Great Fire of London. It is a stunning

contained the body of Lord Horatio Nelson, the victor

symbolism in London and one of the few buildings not building! There were few visitors perhaps because most

tourists seemed more interested in the mounted troopers of the Queen’s own Horse Guards Cavalry at Horse

Guards Parade, which sits opposite the Banqueting Hall.

So reclining in my beanbag chair, I was able to look

up and view the great glories of the Peter Paul Rubens

ceiling, that paean to the absolute monarchy that the first

Stuart King, James I, wished to create in Britain. On a wall

originally housed in Hampton Court, which now

of Trafalgar, and the casket of the Duke of Wellington, the “iron duke” and the victor of Waterloo. My final

visit was to the Imperial War Museum in Lambeth. This

museum deserves an article in itself, as it commemorates

the centenary of the First World War and is supplemented

now by the most moving and disturbing exhibition on the Holocaust, which was opened by the Queen in 2000.

AP curricula are very controversial, as clearly shown

of the Banqueting House was a portrait of his tragic son

by the recent assault by The Wall Street Journal on the

that Charles walked to his execution on that cold January

Board. What struck me most about my visit to London

Charles I executed in 1649. It was through this aperture day in 1649. It was the supreme irony that the last sight he would have seen as he approached the scaffold was

Rubens’ apotheosis of that absolute monarchy, which had been shattered by the parliamentary armies of the new English Republic of Oliver Cromwell.

As I made my way back to my hotel in Blackfriars near

St. Paul’s, I began to get a clear grasp of the contours

of the medieval city. The Strand led me into Fleet Street at the end of which stood the magnificent St. Paul’s

Cathedral built by Sir Christopher Wren between 1675

new American history curriculum adopted by the College was the connection between the revolutionary changes that took place in Britain in the 17th century and the

revolutionary changes that were to take place in America in 1776. Washington and Jefferson were extremely welleducated; British revolutionary precedent would not

have been lost on such men. This would perhaps be an excellent research topic for another year!

I must thank the Parents Association for their gracious

support of this summer study on the history of London.

–By Dr. Gerald J. Protheroe, Chair, History Department

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49

alumnus in the news

JOHN S. MEAD ’85 In previewing a lecture by Lee Berger at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, the September 10, 2015, edition of The Dallas Morning News mentioned John S. Mead ’85, a biology teacher at St. Mark’s School of Texas. In September, Mr. Berger, one of the world’s most prominent scientific explorers, and his colleagues announced their discovery of Homo naledi, a new species of human relative, in a cave 30 miles northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa.

This past summer, Mr. Mead traveled to South Africa to meet up with Mr. Berger and his team at the Rising Star Cave where this discovery was made. “That was really the chance of a lifetime,” he said. He explored the cave and held rocks that contained the fossils of these ancient hominid. On September 30, St. Mark’s hosted Mr. Berger and received one of the first generation casts of Homo naledi’s skull, hands and feet.

As it happens, Mr. Mead had contacted Mr. Berger on Facebook a few years ago and invited him to speak to his students. The following is an excerpt from The Dallas Morning News about their ongoing friendship and collaboration. –M.M. THE FIND [BY BERGER AND HIS TEAM] IS THE

largest trove of human-like fossils ever discovered in

Africa, consisting of more than 1,550 bone fragments and

other remains belonging to at least 15 individuals. The new species, which Berger’s team named Homo naledi, sheds light on the origins and diversity of our genus.

Berger, who is a research professor in the Evolutionary Studies Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and a National Geographic Explorer-inResidence, has several Dallas connections. The Dallas-based Lyda Hill Foundation supports his research and helps pay for the conservation of the site where Homo naledi was discovered. The Foundation, which also supports the Perot Museum, was instrumental in bringing him to Dallas.

Berger has also forged a close relationship with the St. Mark’s School of Texas, thanks to the efforts of one of the prep school’s science teachers. John Mead, who teaches middle and high school biology at St. Mark’s, had friended Berger on Facebook some years ago, though the two did not

50

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L to R: Scientific explorer Lee Berger and John Mead ’85, a biology teacher at St. Mark’s School of Texas.

Mr. Mead is also pictured teaching in his St. Mark’s classroom (facing page).

know each other. Then, one night in 2012, Mead was on Face-

ship between scientist and science teacher was forged. Since

book when he saw a green dot light up by Berger’s name.

then, Mead has visited South Africa twice at Berger’s invita-

At the time, Mead was about to teach his students about Australopithecus sediba, a human ancestor that Berger unearthed in 2008. Like the current discovery, the Australopithe-

tion and chronicled Berger’s Homo naledi expedition for his blog, his students and other educators.

Like Mead, Berger is passionate about science education,

cus sediba find generated international headlines and was

and he and his team have tweeted and blogged about their

called the most important human ancestor discovery ever.

latest expedition as it unfolded. In 2012, Berger published

Would Berger be willing to field a few questions from his

a children’s book, “The Skull in the Rock,” about evolution

students, Mead asked?

and how he and his then nine-year-old son, Matthew, found

“I had expected him to say, ‘I’m a busy guy,’ ” said Mead.

“But he said, ‘Sure. Tell me about your school.’ ” It turned out that Berger was planning a trip to Dallas.

Berger spoke at St. Mark’s in November 2012, and a friend-

the first Australopithecus sediba fossil together.

“He is a huge proponent of open-access science, and he wants to bring as many people along as possible to share in his success and help make it their success,” said Mead.

Editor’s Note: Shazeb Dayani ’19, who

ing to the New York metropolitan area.

was really pleased when he learned that

joined Browning’s student body this

Shazeb said,“As a sixth grader, I was in

I had been accepted to Browning, his

past fall, is a former St. Mark’s student

Mr. Mead’s class when he invited Lee

alma mater!”

and advisee of Mr. Mead, who sug-

Berger to come and talk to us about

gested he apply to Browning when he

his other famous discovery in 2008.

learned that Shazeb’s family was mov-

Mr. Mead was also my advisor, so he

John Mead’s blog can be accessed at bluelionphotos.blogspot.com.

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51

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

In October, the Studio Art Painting class visited the Studio Museum in Harlem where they studied the colorful square paintings in the “Stanley Whitney: Dance the Orange” exhibition.

FORM IV BOYS PURSUE STUDY OF OPERA AT MET PERFORMANCE In October, Music Director David Prestigiacomo,

accompanied by Modern Languages Chair Megan Ryan, led his Form IV class to the Metropolitan

Opera at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

as part of their study of opera. There they enjoyed a dress rehearsal of Giuseppe Verdi’s timeless tragedy, “Rigoletto.”

George Gagnidze and Željko Lučić shared the role

of the Italian baritone repertory in Michael Mayer’s

production set in 1960 in a Las Vegas casino. Tenors

Piotr Beczala and Stephen Costello alternated as the

Duke, while soprano Olga Peretyatko played the role of Gilda.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS PRESENT “THE COMEDY OF ERRORS” Browning’s Middle School boys staged their fall Shakespeare

production, “The Comedy of Errors,” in November. Directed by Head

Librarian Sarah Murphy, the play provided an opportunity for the

boys, along with girls from Brearley, to display their acting and ability to interpret the language of the Bard.

Ms. Murphy noted how pleased

she was with the boys’ hard work and extreme effort throughout

rehearsals and the final performances.

Please visit the Browning website

to view more photos of the production.

FOURTH GRADE BOYS STUDY ANCIENT EGYPT AT THE MET Fourth grade boys, accompanied by their teachers Bill Cantwell and Meg Epstein, spent part of a November

day in the Egyptian wing of the Metropolitan Museum

of Art in conjunction with their study of Ancient Egypt.

Art Department Chair Nik Vlahos was also present

to speak to the boys about drawing sarcophagi from

observation, offering expert advice on how to master such an assignment. The boys later executed a more detailed drawing in their classroom and, as a final project, built a sarcophagus from clay.

PRE-PRIMARY BOYS SET THE SCENE FOR HALLOWEEN Lower School assemblies are often focused on music,

including the Composer of the Month series and other topics taught by Lower School music teacher Lucy

Warner. Two days before Halloween, the Pre-primary boys performed their Halloween song for the entire assemblage

of Lower School boys and teachers, putting their hearts and body motions into a “spirited” performance! Immediately after, Ms. Warner showed a video of cartoon skeletons

dancing to French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Danse

Macabre (Dance of Death),” which the boys learned about in class. Ms. Warner advised the audience to listen for the harp and other major instruments being played.

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53

at h l e t i c s

2015 Fall Wrap-up It all started in late August when

established themselves late in the season as well. The

Browning held its annual fall preseason

continued serious approach they established last year

training at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac in

carried over to help this year’s team.

Lenox, Mass. The boys set a new

On the varsity front, Coach Watson, assisted by new

record for numbers with 51 boys in

Assistant Coach Protheroe, was very proud of the efforts

attendance, ranging from Form I

put forth by the whole team. Despite being injured

through Form VI. The varsity soccer

throughout the season, the Panthers gave it their best

team had a few returning seniors who were able to keep

shot. The season got away from the Panthers during a

the team determined and focused from the start. The major

heartbreaking stretch of five games. They lost by one goal

question for all the teams was who was going to be the

each game and tied one, when they easily could have

goalkeeper, but that was quickly answered at camp when

come away with three or four wins, including a crushing,

Conor Harkins ’17, Luke Barba ’17 and William Busquette ’21

disallowed game-tying goal from Lycee Francais in the

stepped up and showed the coaches that they had what it

final seconds of regulation. They showed some real

was going to take to be their teams’ last line of defense!

“grytte” and continued to fight out the rest of the season,

The goalies were even treated to some in-depth instruction

but unfortunately, failed to make the postseason.

Andrew H. West ’92

from a semi-professional European league goalie, who

Another team that should be very proud of its efforts

happened to be working at the camp we attended.

is the varsity cross country team. Under the guidance of

The Middle School Panthers had a very strong

Coach Bernard, these boys had a very successful season.

season with a balanced squad that was strong at almost

And even more good news for the Panthers is that the

every position. They truly started to gel late in the

Middle School cross country team also did very well,

season. The junior varsity team, under the leadership of

providing Coach Bernard with some talent down the road.

Coach Lisciandrello and newcomer Coach Blake, really

7-8 GRADE SOCCER The seventh and eighth grade soccer team had a very

successful season. We had a very deep team of boys who

competed all season long, showing marked improvement

both individually and as a team. The boys were quite possibly playing their best soccer as the season came to a close. We

finished with a 6-4-1 overall record, finishing the season strong with three straight victories. It was a pleasure coaching the

boys this season, and as coaches we were very pleased with

the progress they made since the start of the year. The future is bright for next year’s team as we bring back a lot of talent and experience. We wish our departing eighth graders good luck,

and we know they will have a profound impact on the Upper School soccer program next year. Thanks for a great season!

—Coaches Matt Brown and Mike Cohn

54

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VARSITY SOCCER This season started with a

successful soccer camp in late August with a record number

of players in attendance. But no sooner had the boys returned

than the first match was upon

them, taking them by surprise.

Although the match was a tie,

the Panthers allowed a late-tying goal, and, unfortunately, that

seemed to be the theme for most of the season.

The boys played hard and

competed well in every match

but would lose by the odd goal

in a number of fixtures. Added to that, the squad lost two of their

defensive starters in mid-season, which affected the make-up of the team.

However, the players certainly improved over

the course of the year, and I look forward to 2016

with the core of players returning to do battle on the fields at Randall’s Island.

At press time, two Browning boys, Andrew

Medland ’16 and Karsten Monteverde ’16, had

been selected as NYCAL All League Soccer Players.

Coaches from all the varsity soccer teams rank the players in the league, and the top 11 make the All League team. Coaches are not permitted to vote

for their own players. The varsity soccer team also received the NYCAL Team Sportsmanship award, voted on by all opposing coaches!

—Coach David Watson

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55

JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER This was a rebuilding year for junior

varsity as we welcomed many new players to the team, a number of whom were new to the sport. Despite the challenges, the

group became a solid unit by the end of the year. We started building from the back, focusing on making our opponents earn

(almost) every goal they scored. By midseason, we were adept at the possession game, often holding the ball for the

majority of matches even when we came up short on the scoreboard.

Unfortunately, the goal-scoring aspect

of the game eluded us through the end of the season, and consequently, looking at

our results does not adequately represent the progress this team made over the

course of the season. This was a team that

played like a team. We had no single player who stood out, but rather, the coordinated efforts of each boy made this season a valuable experience.

—Coaches Jeff Lisciandrello and Lauck Blake

56

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VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY The varsity cross country team participated in the NYCAL

Championships at Van Cortlandt Park.

With a slight breeze and a sunny sky,

the running conditions were excellent, but the tone of the event was somber

following the loss of the young man from Loyola earlier in the week. Spectators, coaches and participants observed a

moving minute of silence in his memory.

In terms of Browning’s runners, Yvan

Maslennikov ’16, the captain and best

runner on the team, was suffering from a cold and made the wise decision not to run. Moreover, two weeks ago, one

of the five top runners decided to leave the cross country squad for personal

reasons. As a result, Browning’s remaining runners

struggled to generate the energy and focus required for

a strong finish. The boys and I are eager to start the 2016 season.

—Coach Dominique Bernard

MIDDLE SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY Having just completed my second season with the Middle School cross country runners, I am pleased to report that interest in running and

enthusiasm for the team remains high and has even increased since last year.

The team boasted 10 runners this year. Ryan Aotani ’20’s injury early on put him on the disabled list for the entirety of the season, which was a setback

that revealed some weaknesses in the team. Co-captains Alex Kwok ’20 and Sharif Nsouli ’20 did an excellent job of marshaling the runners, leading

stretching circles, keeping times and suggesting routes. Giovanni Taveras ’20 and Alex Naber ’20 proved themselves the fastest of their teammates, finishing in the top 10 at the final

meet. The competition between them was healthy and

invigorating for the whole team. Logan Flynn ’20, Alec

Candidato ’20, Keaton Ramey ’20 and Christian Kim ’21 were consistently ready to run with good attitudes,

each of them getting stronger and more confident every week. Eric Sigg ’21 taught us all valuable techniques and demonstrated the value of regular running on

one’s own time. His dedication to the sport and the enthusiasm of all the runners promise great things for next year’s Middle School and varsity teams.

Indeed, a good number of our runners are interested in doing more this year by petitioning to join the Winter Running Club and Track teams.

—Coach John Young

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57

REACHING GREATER HEIGHTS

2014-15 Annual Fund Exceeds Participation and Dollar Goals Thanks to the generosity and support from over 900 members of The Browning School community, the 2014-15 Annual Fund reached new heights and raised over $1.9 million!

We are proud to annouce that 90% of our parent body and 20% of Browning alumni participated in last year’s annual giving effort, both new school records. A special thanks to our steadfast Annual Fund co-chairs, Stuart Ellman P ’18 and Elizabeth Granville-Smith P ’21, ’25, who led this momentous effort. We extend a warm welcome to Federico Infantino P ’23, ’25, ’27, our new Annual Fund co-chair joining the team.

09-10

10-11

11-12

12-13

ANNUAL FUND GROWTH

58

THE

BUZZER

13-14

$ 1,950,000 GOAL

$ 1,444,858

$ 1,373,696 08-09

$ 1,528,797

07-08

$ 1,551,148

06-07

$ 1,442,145

$ 1,242,175

could not do our important work without your support.

Thank you for making Browning a philanthropic priority!

$ 1,930,104

resources to ensure its mission is fulfilled every day. We

$ 1,825,510

strengthened Browning financially, giving the School the

$ 1,619,187

For over 127 years, loyal and generous donors have

14-15

15-16

Great Leadership Requires Great Partnership: 2015-16 Goals Achievements are the result of hard work, focus and leadership. Browning is fortunate to offer an environment that embraces leadership at all levels.

As we prepare to honor the incredible 28-year tenure of Headmaster Stephen M. Clement, III, we look to our community of parents, alumni and friends for their ongoing leadership and support so that Browning can contiune to soar to new heights.

The Annual Fund accounts for 12% of Browning’s operating budget.

The need for annual giving becomes more important each year. As Browning prepares to begin a new chapter in its history, we hope you will renew your confidence in the School by supporting the 2015-16 Annual Fund.

Your participation is a meaningful investment in the faculty, programs and facilities that provide a foundation for every Browning boy. In this season of giving, please consider making your gift today.

How to make your gift: online browning.edu/giving mail The Browning School

Office of Institutional Advancement

52 East 62nd Street, NY, NY 10065 contact Soo Mi Thompson

Director of Annual Giving 212.838.6280 ext. 1600

sthompson@browning.edu

Fall/Winter 2015

59

alumni events

YOUNG ALUMNI MIXER On Thursday, June 25, a mixer was held for young alumni from the Classes of 1998-2011 at Rooftop 760 in New York City. Twelve schools participated in this event: Browning, Brearley, Chapin, Collegiate, Dalton, Fieldston, Horace Mann, Nightingale-Bamford, Riverdale, Sacred Heart, Spence and Trinity. More than 700 guests attended. Special thanks to Collegiate for organizing!

L to R: Jeremy Katz ’04, Graham Bahler ’98, Michael Afshar ’98, Anik Akhund ’10 and Justin Kingson ’98.

60

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Alumni Council Members Nick Versandi ’01 (left) and Chris Jennings ’99.

Top row (L to R): Jeremy Katz ’04, Philip Devereux-Demetriad ’08, Nick Rango ’08, Edward Kent ’02, Juan Reyes ’86, John Hutzler ’86, John Hadden ’87, Andy Madden ’96, Allanby Singleton-Green ’83, Garrett Bowden ’69, Joe Metzger ’02, Chris Jennings ’99, Chris Brandt ’09, Marc Cali ’89, Win Brown ’98, Justin Kingson ’98, John Dearie ’99, Ahmed El-Razi ’08.

Bottom row (L to R): Bill Reed ’85, Stevie Rachmuth ’10, Stuart Orenstein ’00, Richard Helgason ’82, Michael Beys ’89, John Moran ’97, Godfrey Bloch ’63, Ishma Best ’04.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HOSTS FIRST COUNCIL MEETING OF 2015-16 The first Alumni Council meeting of the 2015-16 school year

Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan and Director of Institutional

was held in the Wilson Room on Monday, September 21,

Advancement Jim Simon also gave reports to the group.

with a total of 30 guests in attendance (a record turnout!).

Highlights included the record year of alumni participation

Prior to the meeting, alumni were given the chance to tour

in the Annual Fund, which reached an all-time high of 324

the newly renovated facilities.

donors; the Alumni Council once again achieved 100%

The meeting began with a presentation from Parents

participation in this effort. Further, the Charles W. Cook ’38

Association President Lisa Elson, who spoke about PA

Alumnus Achievement Award Committee announced that

initiatives and what to expect for Headmaster Clement’s

Wall Street Journal columnist Ralph Gardner ’71 will be

final year at Browning. Following Ms. Elson’s remarks,

honored in 2016.

Alumni Association President Michael Beys ’89 appointed

Thanks to all who participated in this meeting!

25 members to the 2015-16 Alumni Council and gave an update on the Head Search Committee’s work. Director of

Prior to the meeting, a group of alumni toured the newly renovated facilities with Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan (L to R): Ishma The 2015-16 Officers of the Alumni Association (L to R): Vice President Stuart Orenstein ’00, President Michael Beys ’89, Secretary John Moran ’97 Best ’04 (back), Stevie Rachmuth ’10, Chris Jennings ’99, Joe Metzger ’02, Justin Kingson ’98 and Bill Reed ’85. and Treasurer Richard Helgason ’82.

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61

The topic of Mr. Grant’s talk was “A Kind Word for Money.”

Alumni, parents, trustees and faculty attended Mr. Grant’s keynote address in the Lower Gym in October.

Philip Grant ’00 introduced his father to the audience.

JIM GRANT P ’00 OF GRANT’S INTEREST RATE OBSERVER SPEAKS AT BROWNING

O

n October 29, the Alumni Association welcomed back past parent Jim Grant as the featured guest of this year’s Class of 2000 Distinguished Speaker Series. Mr. Grant is

the founder and editor of “Grant’s Interest Rate Observer,” a twice-monthly journal of the investment markets, founded in 1983. “Grant’s” as it is more commonly known to its subscribers, has an editorial mission “to see the present more clearly and to squint into the future more imaginatively,” while striving “to uncover good ideas and to expose bad ones.” A number of devoted readers of “Grant’s” returned to Browning for this special event.

Upon arrival at Browning, Mr. Grant first spent time with Form V student Ryan Olson ’17 who interviewed him for the Grytte, the student-run newspaper. He then spoke with Headmaster Clement and Jim Grant.

62

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Stephan Rothe ’87 asked the first question during the audience Q&A following Mr. Grant’s address.

Headmaster Clement spent time with parents and alumni during the reception.

L to R: Stuart Orenstein ’00, Philip Grant ’00, Jim Grant, Headmaster Clement, Benjamin Melting ’00, Evan Levey ’00 and Douglas Kellogg ’00.

L to R: Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan, Heather Keane and Philip Grant ’00.

Mr. Grant on stage in the Lower Gym.

a group of alumni donors in the Wilson Room. This intimate roundtable discussion touched on various topics ranging from the recession, inflation and the Federal Reserve to the shipping industry, the Financial Times and journalism today.

Following the roundtable, nearly 100 alumni, parents, trustees and friends gathered in the Lower Gym to hear Mr. Grant’s keynote address, “A Kind Word for Money.”

Headmaster Clement welcomed the audience and first introduced Mr. Grant’s son, Philip Grant ’00, who is a trader for CF Global Trading and writes a daily re-cap on the U.S. markets. Phil then proudly introduced his dad, who was equally proud and also honored to be back at his son’s alma mater in this capacity. Mr. Grant’s humor, wisdom and thoughtfulness were reflected both in his keynote address and during the Q&A session with the audience, which was followed by a reception for all guests.

Jim Grant and Ryan Olson ’17.

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63

L to R: Heather Keane, Philip Grant ’00, Patricia Kavanagh, Jim Grant, Sally Clement and Headmaster Clement.

L to R: Robert Mullin, Jayesh Punater and Nicolas Sitinas ’86.

L to R: Diane Coffey, Headmaster Clement and Debbie Moskowitz.

MORE ABOUT JIM GRANT Mr. Grant has had a long-time career as a financial journalist and historian. He has authored a number of books, including “Bernard M. Baruch: The Adventures of a Wall Street Legend,” “Money of the Mind,” “Minding Mr. Market,” “The Trouble with Prosperity,” “Mr. Market Miscalculates,” and his latest, “The Forgotten Depression, 1921: The Crash that Cured Itself,” which won the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research’s 2015 Hayek Book Prize. He has also written two political biographies, “John Adams: Party of One” and “Mr. Speaker! The Life and Times of Thomas B. Reed, the Man Who Broke the Filibuster.” Further, he contributed an essay to Graham and Dodd’s “Security Analysis: Sixth Edition.” His television appearances include “60 Minutes,” “The Charlie Rose Show,” “CBS Evening News” and a 10-year stint on “Wall Street Week.” He has been published in the Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs and a variety of other periodicals.

A former Navy gunner’s mate, Mr. Grant is a Phi Beta

64

Kappa alumnus of Indiana University. He earned a master’s

THE

BUZZER

A roundtable for alumni donors was held in the Wilson Room with Mr. Grant, prior to his keynote address.

Stuart Orenstein ’00 (left) introduced Mr. Grant during the roundtable in the Wilson Room.

degree in international relations from Columbia University and began his career in journalism in 1972 at The Baltimore Sun. He joined the staff of Barron’s in 1975, where he originated the “Current Yield” column. He is a trustee of the New York Historical Society. Mr. Grant and his wife, Patricia Kavanagh, M.D., live in Brooklyn, and they are the parents of four grown children.

ABOUT THE CLASS OF 2000 DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES This event was established by the Class of 2000 upon the occasion of its 10th Browning Reunion, in an effort to bring interesting speakers to the alumni and parent community.

Prior guests include renowned short-seller Jim Chanos P ’07, ’09, ’11 in 2012, former Wall Street Journal columnist Tom Herman ’64 in 2013, and Governor Howard Dean ’66 in 2014.

We are thrilled to have had Mr. Grant participate this year, and we greatly appreciate his efforts in making this a unique evening for the Browning community!

UPCOMING EVENTS ALUMNI COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, January 19, 6:00 p.m.

BROWNING-MARYMOUNT REUNION: Friday, January 22, 6:00 p.m.

(The Metropolitan Museum of Art) L to R: Jeffrey Eisenstein, Adrian Zajac and Jaime Hobbeheydar.

ALUMNI COUNCIL NOTE-A-THON: Monday, February 22, 6:00 p.m.

SPRING BENEFIT: Friday, March 11, 6:00 p.m. (Gotham Hall) ALUMNI COUNCIL MEETING: Monday, April 4, 6:00 p.m.

ALUMNI REUNION: Friday, April 8, all day; Presenting the Charles W. Cook ’38 Alumnus Achievement Award to Wall

L to R: Bill Reed ’85, Benjamin Melting ’00 and Jim Grant.

Street Journal columnist Ralph D. Gardner, Jr. ’71; Classes ending in “6” and “1” are celebrating major reunions!

FORM VI BREAKFAST (by invitation only): Wednesday, April 20, 8:00 a.m.

(The New York Athletic Club) A NIGHT AT THE MET HONORING HEADMASTER CLEMENT: Thursday, April 21, 6:30 p.m.

L to R: Rob Rizzo, Michael Zuppone ’16, Betsy Zuppone and Michael Zuppone.

(The Metropolitan Museum of Art) ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION: Monday, May 23, 6:00 p.m.

GRADUATION: Wednesday, June 15, 11:00 a.m. (Christ Church)

All events held at The Browning School except where noted in italics above.

L to R: Philip Grant ’00, Jim Grant and Headmaster Clement.

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65

class notes

TO SHARE NEWS with the Browning community, please contact Laura N. Lanigan, director of alumni affairs, at 212-838-6280 Ext. 1920 Laura N. Lanigan

or llanigan@browning.edu.

40s

60s

Sherwin C. Day ’47 visited

Linton Wells, II ’63

his wife, Christie, and

news in June: “Completed

Browning in June with granddaughter, Abby.

submitted the following 51 years of service with

the US Defense Department in

June 2014. Now spending one-

third of the time volunteering/ giving back,

one-third for

family, one-third Sherwin Day ’47 (center) with his wife, Christie (right), and granddaughter, Abby, at Browning in June.

in business.

Having a great

time. Best to all at Browning.”

50s

retired from Browning’s

The latest book from

service. He joined the board

“The Fall of the House

secretary from 2012 until

George W. Liebmann ’57,

R. Thomas Herman ’64

Board of Trustees in June,

after 32 years of dedicated

in 1983, and served as board

2015. From 1990 to 1995,

University of San Diego.

of the Alumni Association.

guests included past parent

Mr. Herman was President In 2002, he received the Charles W. Cook ’38

Alumnus Achievement Award, the Alumni

Association’s highest

distinction. More recently in 2013, Mr. Herman was

the featured speaker in the

Class of 2000 Distinguished Speaker Series. He has

Yale University and then

wrote for The Wall Street Journal for more than 40

years until his retirement in

2009. Currently, Mr. Herman teaches at Yale University, Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and the

Howard Dean ’66. The

entire Browning community is incredibly grateful for

Mr. Herman’s long-term

support and loyalty to his alma mater!

Richard E. Fisher ’72

news in June: “It’s been a

busy year. We added two great sons! Both of our

daughters were married

within 11 months of each

other; Brittany and Josh on Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and

Natalie and Matt on a horse farm in Wilmington, N.C.

Susan and Jeremy Galton ’72 made it to both events.

In early June, Tricia and I went on a working

vacation to the Northeast

lawyer and historian

and had the pleasure of

specializing in American

getting together along the

and international history.

way with TD Werblin ’72,

In November, he was a

66

as fellow alum Governor

submitted the following

A. Browning Society. After

Mr. Liebmann is a

BUZZER

Trustees Jim Chanos as well

Browning, he attended

30 consecutive years, and is

published in September.

THE

of Browning’s Board of

also a member of the John

Annual Fund for more than

Banking Dynasty,” was

Browning Book Fair.

and former chairman

70s

contributed to Browning’s

of Speyer: The Story of a

visiting author at the 2015

This fall at Yale, his seminar

In October, Howard Dean ’66 (center, tan sweater) was a guest at a Yale seminar taught by Tom Herman ’64 (center, red tie).

Peter Wu ’72, Steve Schott ’72 and George Judd ’72

York. It was great to see old

friends. And I do mean old.

These guys have all known me for over fifty years!”

Steven G. Schott ’72

wrote to us in October: “I just celebrated my

61st birthday with fellow Browning friends Peter

Wu ’72, Tom Werblin ’72 and Richard Weaver ’75!

My best to everyone.”

L to R: John Hadden ’87, Dr. Ferid Murad, Michael Chaplin ’87 and Spiros Frangos ’87.

news in July: “I look

Smith and Partners,

or Medicine; he was

through the Buzzer when

and healthcare industries.

discoveries concerning

forward to reading

it arrives, and I am always

biology teacher, wrote to us

Michael Ingrisani. They

involved with the newly

look just as I remember them from my days at Browning in the late

’70s. I loved my time at A new study by Kenneth

Browning, and they taught

Offit ’73 has strengthened

me a great deal about

characteristics and cases

spent the last 23 years as an

that the research could be

other alma mater, Boston

reduce cancer-related

may not have seemed so

presented his findings in

everything Browning had

O’Brien Science Lecture

Mr. Pelz and Mr. Ingrisani

Science at the University

Thanks for the memories

the link between hereditary

respect and friendship. I

of cancer, and it is hoped

operations director at my

applied to dramatically

University. Although it

deaths. In August, Dr. Offit

at the time, I soaked in

Dublin at the third annual

to offer, and I can thank

at the O’Brien Centre for

for my success later in life.

College Dublin. Dr. Offit is

and for your patience.”

chief of the clinical genetics

service in the Department of Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

Webster J. Lancaster, Jr. ’78

submitted the following

John S. Mead ’85, a

amazed when I see a photo of Sandy Pelz ’71 and Kenneth Offit ’73, pictured before speaking at the O’Brien Centre for Science at the University College Dublin. Photo credit: Damien Eagers (8/10/2015).

specializing in the aviation

80s

in September: “I have been announced Homo naledi

discovery. I spent two weeks with the Rising Star team this summer and created

a series of interviews with

most of the team members, which can be found on

my blog: bluelionphotos. blogspot.com. I was also mentioned in related

articles appearing in The

Dallas Morning News and

recognized for his nitric oxide as a

signalling molecule

in the cardiovascular

system. At Browning, his talk centered on “Nitric

Oxide, Dynamite and the Way to a Nobel Prize.”

Select alumni and parents working in the medical and science fields were

also invited to attend this assembly. Alumni guests included Michael A.

Chaplin ’87 and Spiros G. Frangos ’87.

Stephan E. Rothe ’87

Scientific American.” Please

wrote to us in October with

about Mr. Mead, the subject

Spiros G. Frangos ’87

turn to page 50 to read more of this edition’s “Alumnus in the News.”

In October, John W .

Hadden, II ’87 arranged for Nobel Laureate

Ferid Murad to speak at Browning during an

Upper School assembly.

news that his classmate was promoted to chief of surgery at Bellevue

Hospital Center, the oldest public hospital in the U.S.

90s

Blake R. Thorson ’81

Dr. Murad is the 1998

In May, Director of Athletics

architecture firm Gresham,

Prize in Physiology

of Modern Languages

recently joined the

recipient of The Nobel

Andrew West ’92 and Chair

Fall/Winter 2015

67

wood’s growth, its distinc-

tive beer and its integrity for business practices were fac-

tors in receiving this award.

00s Students in Kenya after receiving a large package of donations from Browning, coordinated by Andrew West ’92 and Stephen Fleischer ’10.

while in New Megan Ryan coordinated a donation

effort for a school in Kenya.

Stephen Fleischer ’10 was

the link between Browning and the school, Our Lady

of Nazareth, where Stephen has volunteered over the

past year. Athletic jerseys,

chess sets, games and school supplies were among some of the items given.

Gregory C. Hewett ’93

Brussels and Amsterdam.

Their daughter, Maya, is

six years old and their son, Asher, is four.

David W. Eppley ’94

Haven Children’s Hospital

weskaplan@yahoo.com.

medicine at Yale-New

His email address is

and Flatbush Avenues in Brooklyn.”

Lee A. Polikoff ’96

submitted the following

THE

BUZZER

Debbie Roth of Oneonta,

Patrick Murtaugh ’97 (left) is co-founder and brewmaster of Hardywood Park Craft Brewery in Richmond. Photo credit: Alexa Welch Edlund /Richmond Times-Dispatch.

J. Patrick Murtaugh ’97

long-term care facility on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. I have continued

to pursue my love of all

things real estate. Whether it’s negotiating on behalf of first time or seasoned

is co-founder and master

customers, I find something

the pre-eminent European

Craft Brewery in Richmond,

transaction. I am coming up

wood won the 2015 Impact

& Associates and can’t

Richmond Chamber in the

with a better or more

Impact Award recognizes

York City. Erin and I are

made an impact on the

to celebrating with family

tributed to the community

shores of Lake Otsego in

The Kusnacht Practice,

addiction treatment center in Zurich, Switzerland.

Wesley N. Kaplan ’97

to their family. Emma Lily

work is located at Ocean

Roth of Chicago, Ill., and

was recruited in April to

project with the New

of Transportation. The

Daughter of the late John

at a rehabilitation and

Warren Alpert Medical

Alexander M. Bacher ’97

now-fiancée, Erin Roth.

She is a registered dietitian

of clinical pediatrics at the

in Malibu, Calif., Dr.

family, I proposed to my

dietetics at SUNY Oneonta.

as an assistant professor

at Promises, the renowned

in Martha’s Vineyard with

University, and M.S. in

Children’s Hospital, as well

Following four years

September 2, 2015, while

in dietetics at San Jose State

physician at Hasbro

School at Brown University.”

submitted the following

N.Y., Erin earned her B.S.

and am now an attending

and his wife, Deborah

York City Department

68

in pediatric critical care

as an account executive.

sent in the following news in July: “I just finished a

works at Kable Business

Progressive Digital Media,

addiction treatment center

Munich, Prague, Croatia,

news in September: “On

friends. He currently

completed my fellowship

conferences in Paris and wife Katie took trips to

hearing from his Browning

news in September: “I

as a clinical psychologist

Barcelona, and he and his

Benjamin S. Melting ’00

Intelligence, a division of

teaches in Tunis, Tunisia.

He recently traveled to

Emma Kaplan is the daughter of Deborah and Wesley Kaplan ’97.

Davis Kaplan, have added Kaplan, born on May 20, 2015, joins her brother,

Mason Eli Kaplan, now

two-and-a-half years old.

The Kaplans live in East Meadow, N.Y., and Wes tells us he would enjoy

brewer of Hardywood Park

new and exciting in every

Va. In November, Hardy-

on my fifth year at Stribling

Award from the Greater

imagine being affiliated

small business category. The

respected firm here in New

local businesses that have

excited and look forward

region’s economy and con-

and friends next fall on the

and to the lives of their em-

Cooperstown, N.Y.”

in their industries. Hardy-

visited Browning in

ployees through innovation

Assaad Y. Nasr ’00

L to R: Headmaster Clement, Assaad Nasr ’00 and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan at Browning in September.

September. He is assistant

can check it on YouTube by

Deloitte LLP.

search box. Rock & Roll!”

general counsel at

Andy Sandberg ’01 is

looking forward to seeing all of his 2001 classmates at their 15th Browning

2015, his article,

“The Pre-

following its successful

Arrest, and Death of Sandra

winter, he will direct the

the front page of “The Pub-

andysandberg.com.

Jonas F. Borra ’03

submitted the following

news in August: “Under the band name Young-Borra,

ventable Stop,

Bland,” was published on lic Defender,” a student-

edited legal publication of the Southern University Law Center.

Roberto Henriquez ’04

visited Browning in

September. He lives in

Venezeula and was in New York visiting his family.

Samuel E. Morril ’05 is

I’ve released my first music

a stand-up comic based in

Desiree Dymond, Brana

he appeared on “Conan”

video starring models

Dane and Bre Lembitz. You

smaller company focusing on New Orleans funk and roots rock bands – right

in my wheelhouse. I look

the fall of

Samora Legros ’03.

be reached at andy@

agent, now working at a

2016. In

available for professional

in February. Andy can

in the music business as an

in January

and directed, is now

which begins performances

continue to grow my career

ern University Law Center

admissions that he wrote

play called “Straight,”

Primarily, however, I

will graduate from South-

comedy about kindergarten

world premiere of a new

keeps me coming back.

Samora L. Legros ’03

“Application Pending,” the

Off-Broadway run. This

(adelesnashville.com) that

typing ‘Young-Borra’ in the

reunion on April 8, 2016.

and amateur licensing

Alex Vadukul ’07 (left) ran into Mr. Prestigiacomo and Ms. Ryan near Browning in October.

New York City. In August, and “@midnight” on Com-

Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan and Roberto Henriquez ’04 at Browning in September.

forward to reconnecting

edy Central. In October, he

so please reach out should

released his album “Class Act” on iTunes and was

with you all soon. Chicago

is only a stone’s throw away, your travels take you here.”

again featured on a Comedy Central special. For

more information and his

performance schedule, visit www.sammorril.com.

Owen B. Cananvan ’06

submitted the following news over the summer:

“After a great four years

post-Vanderbilt in Nashville, I moved to Chicago in

Haakon Lenzi ’06 married Sophie Fader in August.

Haakon Lenzi ’06 wrote

February 2014. Though

to us in October: “I wanted

involved in a new and

the Browning community

I miss the South, I am

quite successful restaurant

in Nashville called Adele’s

to share the good news with that I got married in August

to my beautiful wife, Sophie

Fall/Winter 2015

69

Peter Shapiro ’10 (center) visited Browning in October, with his host family from Denmark.

Fader. We are currently

Scholarship. He will be

Harlem apartment, where I

Musikmarathon 2015 Jazz

residing happily in our East have set up my first ceramic studio and show room. In addition to maintaining

participating in the NYC

Workshop and Concert Se-

ries in Mattighofen, Austria.

James R. Preiss ’10 lives

my own studio practice, I

in Boston and works in

at Greenwich House Pottery

of Science.

continue to teach ceramics and have been an adjunct

marketing at the Museum Peter O. Shapiro ’10

professor at The College of

visited Browning in

the spring term of 2015.”

family from Denmark.

Mount Saint Vincent since In September 2015,

Daniel C. Wessel ’06

L to R: Oliver Shawn ’12, John Scowcroft ’12 and Ms. Bosworth near Browning in June.

October with his host

Peter lives in Copenhagen.

accepted a job as a special

Browning alumni and faculty at Bates College in September during the Form V and Form VI College trip (L to R): Christopher Pelz ’12, Jonathan Pelz ’12, Mr. Pelz ’71, Michael Florentino ’14, Mr. Dearinger and Dr. Wisniewski.

agent with the Naval

Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). He is

assigned to the NCIS Washington, D.C.,

field office economic

crimes squad, where he

investigates allegations of

fraud, corruption and other

Over the summer,

financial crimes affecting

Monsieur Bernard ran into

Marine Corps.

London. Monsieur Bernard

the United States Navy and

10s

In July, Joshua M. Burgess ’10

Aisara Chansakul, Jr. ’12 in tells us, “In addition

to being a remarkable

swimmer, Aisara was an outstanding member of

Browning’s varsity cross

was named the first

country and track teams for

tional NYCMM Austria

and a nice young man!”

recipient of the Interna-

70

JR Chansakul ’12 (left) and Monsieur Bernard.

THE

BUZZER

several years. A great athlete

Benjamin Jacobs ’13 (left) and Dr. Wisniewski ran into one another at Yale, where Ben is a junior, during the Form V and Form VI College Trip.

Director of MS and US Admission Janet Lien and Gregory Belgorod ’13 at Browning’s graduation in June.

IN MEMORIAM William M. Crisp P ’10 Ronald S. Dagar P ’26 Gwen Randolph Franklin P ’62, ’63 Frances A. Hess GP ’10, ’11 Sheldon J. Kravitz P ’18 Douglas L. Leight P ’04 L to R: Grant Thompson ’18, Del Schunk ’16, Peter Florescu ’15, Philip Raftopoulos ’18 and Jackson Richter ’18.

Michael A. McIntosh ’51 Harold V.B. Richard ’32 Joseph X. Spellman P ’17 Rosalyn Versandi P ’01 William R. Watson, Jr. ’74

L to R: Michael Zuppone ’16, Ms. Suárez and Aadir Khan ’15.

Peter V. Florescu ’15

Ben Weiner ’15 and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan.

Ryan P. Flynn ’12

submitted the following

visited Browning in October.

He is a freshman at the University of Virginia.

Benjamin C. Weiner ’15

news in June: “I am

is a freshman at Franklin

the University of Michigan,

He visited Browning

currently a rising senior at

& Marshall College.

and I am the founding

in October.

president of the Delta

visited Ms. Suárez’s Spanish

Former Faculty News

Browning in October. He is

mer Latin teacher, visited

Deuteron Chapter of Phi

Sigma Kappa. This summer, I’m working as a finance

intern for Gretchen Driskell for Congress (D-MI-7) in Lansing, Mich.”

Aadir A. Khan ’15

Conversation class at

Christopher Karachale, for-

a freshman at the University

Browning in October. He

of Pennsylvania, where he

continues to study Spanish.

and his family live in Berkeley, Calif., and he currently

L to R: Dean of Faculty Michael Ingrisani, Greek and Latin teacher Brett Wisniewski, Christopher Karachale and Headmaster Clement.

works as a tax attorney for Hanson Bridgett LLP.

Former Lower School

teacher Chelsea Rossman visited Browning with

her daughter, Ashleigh, in October.

Chelsea Rossman and her daughter, Ashleigh.

Fall/Winter 2015

71

Save the Date!

The Alumni Association invites all alumni and faculty to the annual Alumni Reunion on Friday, April 8, 2016. Classes ending in “6” and “1” are celebrating milestone reunions. All alumni, regardless of class year, are invited and encouraged to attend this special day of events, which includes:

• Cocktail reception featuring the presentation of the Charles W. Cook ’38 Alumnus Achievement Award to Ralph D. Gardner, Jr. ’71 • True Grytte Society and Consecutive Year Donor Luncheon (by separate invitation) • Announcement of the Stephen S. Perry ’76 Memorial Class Representative Awards and the Class of 2006’s 10th Reunion Gift • Alumni Career Panel For more information, please contact Director of Alumni Affairs Laura N. Lanigan at llanigan@browning.edu or 212-838-6280 Ext. 1920. We look forward to celebrating with you in April!

Ralph D. Gardner, Jr. ’71 is the 2016 recipient of the Charles W. Cook ’38 Alumnus Achievement Award. He writes the Wall Street Journal’s “Urban Gardner” column, published four days each week and centered on life in New York City.

His work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, New York Magazine, Barron’s, Spy, Cosmopolitan and more. Mr. Gardner also wrote the New York Observer’s satirical columns “Crime Blotter” and “New Yorker’s Diary.” He is the author of two books: “Young, Gifted and Rich” and “Hay Fever” (with Angela Miller). In 2015 he received the Rev. Mychal Judge Heart of New York Award from The New York Press Club for reporting that is most complimentary of New York City. Mr. Gardner attended Browning for 13 years, along with his three brothers (Peter Gardner ’76, James Gardner ’78 and the late John Gardner ’74). After Browning, he went on to graduate from Middlebury College. He currently resides in New York City and Kinderhook, N.Y., with his wife, Deborah. They have two daughters, Lucy and Gracie.

72

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BOOK FAIRS FUND ARTWORK IN NEW LIBRARY Head Librarian Sarah Murphy describes the artwork, above: “Thanks to funds raised at past Browning Book Fairs [see coverage of the 2015 Fair in this issue], we’ve commissioned original artwork from local children’s book illustrators to brighten the walls of our new library space. To create this particular piece, author Stephen Savage, who spoke to our Pre-primary and Grade One boys last spring, took several photographs of the building’s exterior. Like many in the school community, he found

the bright red doors to be a source of joy and inspiration.

This distinctive feature, combined with the ivy outside the lovely Cook Room windows, makes it clear that Walrus [the character in his book, ‘Where’s Walrus?’] is hiding where Ms. Rodriguez usually sits.” Librarian Susan Levine adds, “Locating Walrus hiding in familiar New York City sights simply delights the younger boys!” Ms. Murphy offers thanks to Browning parents Bill Schunk and Rose Pappalardo for their beautiful framing of the print.

Fall/Winter 2015

73

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

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S AV E T H E DATE

A Night at the Met Honoring Headmaster Steve Clement Thursday, April 21, 2016 6:30 p.m.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art • The Temple of Dendur in The Sackler Wing

74

B Y I N V I TAT I O N O N LY THE

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