Times of Brunswick, Spring 2019 by Brunswick School

WINTER VARSITY ATHLETES: DEDICATION, GRIT & CARE

JOSYL BARCHUE ’00: FAMILY MAN & RENAISSANCE MAN

BPA FASHION SHOW: TRADITION DONNED ‘CLASSIC STYLE’

TIMES OF BRUNSW ICK | SPRING 2019

Spring 2019

Dimensions Music Drama

W W W.B R U N S W I C K S C H O O L .O R G

Magic Onstage & Hard Work Behind the Scenes Bring Resonance to Oklahoma!

TOB Spring 2019 Cover_12.indd 1

6/19/19 8:38 AM

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018–2019 Gregory B. Hartch ’88, P ’19 Chairman Kimberley C. Augustine, P ’19, ’24 Richard A. Axilrod, P ’14, ’19 Nisha Kumar Behringer, P ’26, ’28 W. Robert Berkley, Jr. ’91, P ’21, ’23 Michael J. Bingle, P ’21 Todd L. Boehly, P ’20, ’22, ’24 Emily W. Burns, P ’19, ’23 David M. Butler, P ’23 Robert F. Carangelo , P ’17, ’21 Sean D. Carney, P ’17, ’22, ’26 Frank J. Carroll III, P ’22 R. Willett Cook, P ’30 Alberto J. Delgado, P ’19, ’20, ’23 Mark F. Dzialga, P ’19 Philip A. Hadley, P ’18 , ’20 Pamela K. Keller, P ’19, ’22, ’24 D. Scott Mackesy, P ’21 D. Ian McKinnon, P ’18 Robert E. Michalik, P ’19, ’21, ’23, ’28 Americo C. Nardis, P ’26, ’28 Thomas D. O’Malley, Jr. ’85, P ’12, ’15, ’21 Douglas I. Ostrover, P ’20 Keith A. Pagnani ’82, P ’23 Stephen R. Pierce, P ’15, ’19 Jennifer C. Price, P ’20 James H. Ritman ’94, P ’28, ’31 Andrei M. G. Saunders, P ’19, ’27 Kerry A. Tyler, P ’15, ’18 Thomas B. Wilson, P ’22, ’26

IN ‘CLASSIC STYLE,’

HIGH FASHION

TAKES THE RUNWAY

RESSED TO THE NINES — and in timeless and iconic ‘Classic Style’ — more than 400 fashion enthusiasts convened on May 1 in Burke Field House for the biennial BPA Spring Fashion Show & Luncheon. For views of the models — mothers, sons, and families — who graced the runways in this longstanding Brunswick tradition dating back to 1943, turn to page 4.

Ex Officio Thomas W. Philip, P ’08, ’10 Headmaster Richard Beattie ’80 Assistant Headmaster for Academic Programs

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2016

Kathleen Harrington CFO/Business Manager Thomas G. Murray, P ’25, ’27, ’31 Executive Director of Development Daniel J. Griffin Director of Institutional Communications Elliott Jenks ’01 Alumni Development Council Angelique Bell, P ’14, ’16, ’17, ’21 President, BPA

ON THE COVER In Brunswick’s winter production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s milestone musical, Nicholas Winegardner ’20 and Holland Ferguson (GA ’20) played young lovers Curly and Laurey. The troubled intentions of farmhand Jud Fry, played by Thomas Kimberlin ’19, shadow their budding romance. For more on this large-scale and truly remarkably collaboration, turn to page 6.

TOB Spring 2019 Cover_12.indd 2

6/19/19 8:38 AM

MESSAGE FROM THE

HEADMASTER Strongest Connections Powered by ‘Unplugging’

S YOU’RE no doubt aware, one of the

Kansas, Indiana, and right here in Connecticut

newest and most pervasive trends

have staged sit-ins and walk-outs to protest

in American education is project-based,

a web-based, self-paced platform and curric-

student-centered (and student-

ulum from Summit Learning — complaining

directed) learning.

of everything from headaches to prolonged

In place of neat rows of desks and chairs, the

feelings of isolation in limited interaction with

new classroom model calls for small-group,

their teachers and peers.

technology-equipped workstations (pods), at

“Silicon Valley has tried to remake American education in its own image for years, even as

of projects, while the teacher stands to the side,

many in tech eschew gadgets and software at

offers encouragement, and poses questions.

home and flood into tech-free schools,” the

which students collaborate in teams on a variety

report observes.

This approach is literally taking over and

“For years, education experts have debated

rearranging classrooms across America, growing from the undeniable enthrallment

the merits of self-directed, online learning

with technology that capti-

versus traditional teacher-led

vates 21st-century adults and

classrooms. Proponents argue

approach to instruction in content, in method,

that programs like Summit

and (especially) in character has been and will

provide children, especially

continue to be the bedrock and cornerstone of a

those in underserved towns,

Brunswick education.

students alike. In this way, Brunswick boys are no different: They play Fortnite long into the night. They’re scrolling through Instagram or Twitter on their walks to and from Greenwich Academy. They’re watching Netflix on bus rides to away games. In the classroom, however, Brunswick has kept a distance from the somewhat irresistible force of technology that is

IN THE CLASSROOM, HOWEVER, BRUNSWICK HAS KEPT A DISTANCE FROM THE SOMEWHAT IRRESISTIBLE FORCE OF TECHNOLOGY THAT IS INCREASINGLY RECONFIGURING SO MANY SCHOOLS.

access to high-quality curric-

And, with the opening of our Vermont Campus,

ulums and teachers. Skeptics

we’ve taken our deliberate commitment to

worry about screen time and

“unplugging” even further: All students turn in

argue that students miss out

their electronic devices upon arrival and remain

on important interpersonal

unplugged for the entire extent of their stay.

lessons.” We strongly concur with the skeptics. Only our Upper School boys are issued laptops — and those

To their surprise and ours, they have found that they love it! With those boys in mind, I offer you a summer challenge: Try to “unplug” for a few hours at a time —

increasingly reconfiguring so

are not to be “on and open”

perhaps even a few days at a time. You’ll likely be

many schools.

during class, so as to maintain

amazed by the refreshing and relaxing results.

We believe we have very good reason to tread carefully, thoughtfully, and cautiously. As detailed in an April New York Times

the direct and invaluable classroom interaction between students and teachers. In honoring and responding to each and

article entitled “Silicon Valley Came to Kansas

every boy as a wonderful and contributory indi-

Schools. That Started a Rebellion,” students in

vidual, a fundamental, direct, human-to-human

Thomas W. Philip

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 01

S P R I N G times of

Brunswick School 100 Maher Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 Tel: 203.625.5800 BrunswickSchool.org

2 01 9

CONTENTS

Headmaster Thomas W. Philip Executive Director of Development Thomas G. Murray Associate Director of Development Meghan McCarthy Director of Institutional Communications Daniel J. Griffin dgriffin@brunswickschool.org Associate Directors of Communications Mike Kennedy ’99 mkennedy@brunswickschool.org Wayne Lin wlin@brunswickschool.org Class Notes Editor Libby Edwards ledwards@brunswickschool.org Contributing Writers Sasha Bulazel ’83 Daniel J. Griffin Mike Kennedy ’99 Katherine Ogden Thomas W. Philip Contributing Photographers Dan Burns Jamie Fessenden Michael Graae Andrew Henderson Jeffry Konczal Minush Krasniqi Wayne Lin Mark Lorenz Heather Prescott

06 FEATURES 06 ‘Oh, What A Wonderful Evening!’ By Daniel J. Griffin

24 Josyl Barchue ’00: Family Man & Renaissance Man By Katherine Ogden 37 Nearly A Century of Commitment By Mike Kennedy ’99 41 Winter Varsity Athletes: Dedication, Grit & Care By Mike Kennedy ’99

Design Mary Lester Design marylesterdesign.com Printing Flagship Press, flagshippress.com

36 02 | TIMES

OF BRUNSWICK • FALL 2017

CONTENTS

74 49

FLEX TIME 04 Fashionable Tradition Takes A Classic Turn 22 ‘Burden’ Became Blessing for Hall of Famer’s Son

36 For Happy Foursomes, A Canopy of Sunny Skies 49 Alum’s Giant ‘Next Step’ Crosses Our Nation

DEPARTMENTS 01 Message from the Headmaster 50 Beyond the Books – Focus on Community: Day Devoted to Serving Others – On the Front Lines of the Workforce – Enthusiasm Triumphs Over the Elements

– A Special Honor for Diversity Leadership 56 Class Notes 62 Alumni Events 64 Last Look

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 03

FLEX TIME S P R I N G FA S H I O N S H O W & LU N C H E O N 01

Fashionable Tradition Takes a Classic Turn

LASSIC STYLE: Driving fashion since

special recognition for managing such a

1902. Such was the headline for the bien-

massive undertaking — and making it all come

nial Spring Fashion Show & Luncheon

to fruition down the runway without a hitch.

— presented this year by Saks Fifth

Avenue and vineyard vines on Wednesday, May 1. The festivities were also made possible,

bility, and accountability are the bedrock of the

Brunswick Parents’ Association and the legion

Brunswick education and community,” Burnett

of volunteers who did all of the work behind

and Mock noted. “The Brunswick Fashion Show has been a

With grace and leadership, co-chairs Eunice Burnett P ’20 and Caroline Mock P ’23 deserve 01 Runway models wowed the big crowd in Burke Field House. 02 Henry Errico ’32 walked the runway with his brothers, Nicholas ’22, Alex ’24, Christopher ’26, and Oliver ’29, as well as his mother, Lisa.

04 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

values of integrity, tolerance, ethics, responsi-

of course, by the tireless dedication of the

the scenes.

“The foundation of Classic Style is timeless and iconic fashion — just as the enduring

long-standing tradition celebrating our boys and their mothers, as well as our faculty,

Flex TIME

03 The Men of Brunswick performed a medley to conclude the event before strutting their stuff on the runway. 04 BPA President Angelique Bell P ’14, ’16, ’17, ’21; co-chair Eunice Burnett P ’20; and co-chair Caroline Mock P ’23 05 George ’31 and Kirsten Riemer 06 Will ’19 and Cosby George 06

our administration, and all who ensure

Scholarship Fund, supporting Waterside School

the consistency, continuity, and excellence of

graduates who attend Brunswick. Jeff, a true

the Brunswick education.”

force for good and friend to all, was a member

Proceeds will be devoted to enhancing the outdoor friendship-building and play spaces

of both the Brunswick and Saks Fifth 08

Avenue families.

on ’Wick’s new and expansive Middle School

07 Colin ’21, Michelle, and Ryan Mulshine ’19

campus. The heart of those spaces will be the Middle School courtyard, a traditional gath-

08 The Petrelli ladies: Taryn, baby Arielle, and Susan

ering center that will be comprehensively

09 Noah ’19 and Fabiola Pierre

re-imagined and reconstructed for an even

10 Harry ’19 and Sarah Barringer

greater, kid-friendly purpose.

11 The Spiess clan: Myles ’22, Hunter ’23, Greta, and Tucker ’25

In addition to supporting the new Middle School campus, a portion of the proceeds will help build the Jeff Long ’01

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2019

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 05

a t A h W , O‘ h

r e f u d l n o W

Evening!’ Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Groundbreaking Musical Unites Largest-Ever Cast & Crew in Milestone Production

06 | TIMES

OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2019

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORGâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;

| 07

Oklaho 08 | TIMES

OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

ma!

It’s a panhandle-state name that brings

an instant smile

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 09

It’s a name that has come near universally to signify big-hearted expansiveness, blue-sky possibility, magnificent melody, and unshakable steadfastness of character.

ND MUCH OF THAT SIGNIFICANCE

comes from its long association with one of the most visionary and legendary theatrical works in American musical-theater history. The broad, powerful, and highly engaging melody

and drama of Oklahoma! swept their way across Baker Theater’s stage as gray February ended and blustery March began. The winter production united scores of Brunswick and Greenwich Academy students in a beguiling Upper School collaboration carefully crafted to delight, surprise, and challenge audience members of all ages. Oklahoma! was the first collaboration in the storied

17-year partnership of composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, which ended with Hammerstein’s death in 1960, just nine months following the Broadway premier of The Sound of Music. Deliberately breaking away from the tried-and-true, semi-burlesque, conflict-free, song-and-dance formula of hundreds of its now-forgotten predecessors, the original staging of Oklahoma! was given slim prospects for success by savvy industry insiders.

10 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

Townspeople crowd together for a classic group photo in one of Oklahoma!’s many and varied ensemble scenes.

TOP LEFT After tryouts in New Haven’s Shubert Theatre, the landmark musical opened on Broadway in March 1943, defying every conventional prediction, breaking all box-office records, and running for more than five years and an unprecedented 2,112 performances.

RIGHT “Territory folks,” played by Amanda Gill (GA ’19) and Andres Cevallos ’21, “should stick together.” FAR LEFT Ben Powers ’19 played Will Parker.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 11

Tommy Kimberlin ’19 played Jud Fry, the troubled farmhand whose romantic interests in Laurey complicate the drama.

Cowboys carry Curly, played by Nicky Winegardner ’20, as part of a dance sequence.

“No legs, no jokes, no chance!” one cynic decreed as he walked out of a preview performance at intermission. But the work had “legs,” strength, and appeal of an entirely different sort: Show-biz insiders underestimated the expanse and heart of Oklahoma! — and audiences’ eagerness for truly human and multidimensional musical characters who resonated with their everyday lives. After tryouts in New Haven’s Shubert Theatre, the landmark musical opened on Broadway in March 1943, defying every conventional prediction, breaking all box-office records, and running for more than five years and an unprecedented 2,112 performances. Rodgers and Hammerstein were

“I’ve been wanting to do a Rodgers

theater teacher and director Seth Potter —

and Hammerstein show for years,” Potter

awarded a special Pulitzer Prize for their

and the 75th anniversary of the musical’s

said. “So many themes of their musicals

work in 1944 — the first time such a cita-

original production and Pulitzer recog-

are incredibly relevant now. It seemed

tion was conferred.

nition seemed to make it an especially

the perfect time for Brunswick to stage

appropriate choice this year.

this show.

Brunswick’s staging of Oklahoma!

12 | TIMES

had long been a dream of Upper School

OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

“Oklahoma! is truly timeless,” Potter noted. “Even in 2019, it encompasses so much wisdom that really applies to all of

of students working on all aspects of the production. The journey toward arrival at the spec-

our lives. And it’s particularly appro-

tacle and wonder of opening night, the

priate for Brunswick because it’s about

last evening of February, began not

embracing our differences in order to rise

long after the set for the 2018 winter

to our true potential.

musical was struck, with informal

“At Brunswick, each and every one

discussions between Potter, technical

of us are our brothers’ keepers,” Potter

director Matthew Kirby-Smith, and

observed. “I’ve directed about a dozen

music director Brittney Redler, who

musicals in my years here. In Oklahoma!,

also teaches Middle School chorus

the students really lifted one another to

and theater arts.

a level of excellence I’ve seen only a few times on the Baker stage.”

‘In Oklahoma!, the students really lifted one another to a level of excellence I’ve seen only a few times on the Baker stage.’

“It starts with us getting together and just talking about the shows

we love,” HAT dimension

Potter

of excellence

said. “Of

was — as it always is —

course, we ask ourselves what songs

the result of nearly a year

we want to have kicking around in our

of careful consideration,

heads for several months. And we also

planning, and strategizing

think hard about the arc of families’ and

by Brunswick’s theater

students’ experience at Brunswick: During

and music faculty, as well

their time here, we want them to get as

as months of dedication

good a grasp as possible of the wonderful

and hard work on the part

canon of American musical theater.”

LEFT Kate Miele (GA ’19) played Aunt Eller. RIGHT Young Laurey, played by Cashel Lahey (GA ’24), flies in the dream ballet at the hands of territory man Ryan Mulshine ’19.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 13

OKLAHOMA!

PASS

OKLAHOMA!

E G A T S K C A B

Technical director Matthew Kirby-Smith (upper left) peers at the action from offstage. “Bringing the boys and girls together on this scale makes for a wonderful experience,” Kirby-Smith said. “It’s really nice to have such a large co-ed group together going through this journey.”

14 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

Kirby-Smith, who spends summers working on the technical team at Glimmerglass Opera Festival in Cooperstown, N.Y., brings that experience and perspective back to Greenwich, encouraging colleagues and students to strive for exceptionally imaginative results — “while still remaining mindful of physics and safety.” “It works the same here as it does in the professional world,” he said. “The whole point of the creative team is to push the boundaries as far as you can — to take the director’s idea and vision and be as true to that as you can be.” In refining his directorial vision for Oklahoma!, Potter was keenly aware of the challenges of working with material created for audiences from a time when prevailing social attitudes and values were very different — particularly with respect to women. “We live in 2019, not 1943,” Potter said. “A production won’t be engaging if it doesn’t strongly and compellingly appeal to today’s audience. “The way to approach those challenges is not to avoid them, but to tackle them head on. For example, I chose to develop the character of Ado Annie as strong and determined on her own, not simply living in a male-centric world. So, Oklahoma!

Surrounded by students, music director Brittney Redler (top right) rehearses one of the show’s complex musical numbers. “This year, the moment I think it really kicked in for them was when Dr. Redler was teaching the complex harmonies to the title song — adding dimension and layering to the melody,” director Seth Potter said. “We had 70 kids in a room with Brittney, and she was breaking the music down into seven parts.”

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 15

As the shows nears its conclusion, eager young women vie to catch Laurey’s bridal bouquet.

Ado Annie was played by Isabel Kalb (GA ’20). “I chose to develop the character of Ado Annie as strong and determined on her own, not simply living in a malecentric world. So, Oklahoma! shows us vibrant, intelligent, and grounded women rather than meek and whimsical characters,” said director Seth Potter.

shows us vibrant, intelligent, and grounded women rather than meek and whimsical characters.”

TUDENTS’ involvement began with auditions, held in

mid-December, just before school closed for the holiday break. Each year, more and more Brunswick boys are summoning the courage and commitment to take part in the winter musical. “The jump from being in the audience to being on stage involves a leap of faith for our boys,” Potter observed.

16 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

‘A show like this lends itself to so many different talents and qualities that we have in this community.’

and invested, their competitive spirits kick into high gear. “It’s fun to see what happens,” Potter said. “They’re thinking about the final product and saying, ‘How great can we be? How large can we become as a team?

“And many are certainly making that

she was breaking the music down into

leap! Last year, we saw more than 20

seven parts.

Brunswick seniors on stage for Oliver! This year, we had more students than ever audition for Oklahoma!”

“Right away, they understood the importance of the work ahead of them.” And, when students become engaged

How awesome can we make this?’” For students, that sense of enthusiasm and achievement makes a powerful impression that lasts long after the final performance, Kirby-Smith said.

When casting was complete and the technical team was assembled, close to 100 students from Brunswick and Greenwich Academy dove into the work. In another heartening trend, the initiative has increasingly involved Middle Schoolers as well as Upper Schoolers — not just on stage, but behind the scenes as technicians. “A show like this lends itself to so many different talents and qualities that we have in this community,” Potter said. Redler and Kirby-Smith also cite other aspects of the work that add perspective and dimension. “Bringing the boys and girls together on this scale makes for a wonderful experience,” Kirby-Smith said. “It’s really nice to have such a large co-ed group together going through this journey.” Redler concurred. “I don’t think there are many things a student can experience that are as collaborative as the winter musical,” she said. “It’s truly unique in this way: Everybody is equally and absolutely needed.” Beginning with the very first rehearsal in January, as the second semester begins, students get a front-line introduction to the show and a clear sense of the magni-

Dancing the two-step are Tia Thevenin (GA ’19) and Jose Riera ’19.

tude of the challenge. “This year, the moment I think it really kicked in for them was when Dr. Redler was teaching the complex harmonies to the title song — adding dimension and layering to the melody,” Potter said. “We had 70 kids in a room with Brittney, and

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 17

Henry Roth ’25, playing young Curly, carves his and Laurey’s initials in a tree during the dream ballet.

Director Seth Potter joined cast members on stage for a final bow. “Oklahoma! is truly timeless,” Potter noted. “Even in 2019, it encompasses so much wisdom that really applies to all of our lives. And it’s particularly appropriate for Brunswick because it’s about embracing our differences in order to rise to our true potential.”

18 | TIMES

OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

Townspeople surround Laurey and Curly, played by Holland Ferguson (GA ’20) and Nicky Winegardner ’20, in the musical number “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top.”

“I see it every year,” he observed. “So many seniors wrap up their final performance and say, ‘I can’t believe I waited until my last year to be in a show like this!’”

OR Oklahoma!’s audiences in 1943, the production’s

opening offered a true surprise: Long accustomed to expect a chorus of singers and dancers hoofing their way through a large, dazzling ensemble number, when the curtain rose, theatergoers instead were treated to a single young cowboy, Curly, singing a simple song: “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.” That moment changed the history and direction of American musical theater forever. “After a verse like that, sung to a buoyant melody, the banalities of the old musical stage became intolerable,” one critic once wrote.

Ado Annie, played by Isabel Kalb (GA ’20), and her rifle toting Pa, Charles Burnett ’20

In 2019, for Potter and the Brunswick team, the challenge was to replicate that

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 19

Adam Morris ’20 played Ali Hakim, the traveling peddler.

effect of surprise by creating a similar, tradition-flouting moment for a contemporary audience. So, on opening night, when Baker Theater’s house lights dimmed and Oklahoma!’s now-familiar overture concluded, theatergoers expecting the curtain to rise were offered a surprise from an entirely different dimension: Spotlighted Curly — lazily singing “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” — emerged from behind, from the back of the darkened theater, ambled casually down the steps, and took a spectacular jump up onto the stage and into the action. That jump was a fitting, visual exclamation point, symbolizing the depth of

20 |

themselves to this milestone production of Oklahoma! “Integrity and intensity are the words I

“Having such a large number of students can only work if everyone is

commitment to excellence and inno-

like to bellow out as the kids are leaving

focused on the same goal — and it’s pretty

vation of all faculty and students, seen

to get into their places for the show,”

amazing when that happens.

and behind-the-scenes, who dedicated

Potter said.

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

“It makes me want to do it again.”

J U ST FOR MI D D LE SC H OOLER S

A Small-Scale Musical ‘Spoonful of Sugar’

“A

NYTHING CAN HAPPEN, IF YOU LET IT,” Mary Poppins, the iconic British nanny, advised. In fact, the Redler Family makes sure it happens!

When Dr. Brittney Redler took maternity leave, her eager

and talented husband, Zach, stepped in to lead fourththrough eighth-graders in bringing their own magic to Baker Theater’s stage in late November with Mary Poppins, Jr. Based on one of the most popular Disney movies of all time and on the Broadway musical that played for more than 2,500 performances and received multiple Olivier and Tony Award nominations, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Jr. is irresistibly scaled for young singers, dancers, and actors. Not surprisingly, some seasoned student veterans of this wonderful fall production “caught the bug” and stepped right up to the Big Leagues just a few weeks later by auditioning for parts in the Upper School’s Rodgers and Hammerstein winter classic.

CLOCKWISE FROM THE TOP Ellie Johnson (GA ’23), Dylan Kirsch ’23, and Emily Goodman (GA ’23); M.K. Blum (GA ’23); Caitlyn Lodge (GA ’24) and Holden Fraser ’23; and Cashel Lahey (GA ’24), Campbell Officer ’23, and Ruffin Bryant ’23

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 21

FLEX TIME 8 9 T H A N N UA L FAT H E R - S O N D I N N E R

‘Burden’ Became Blessing for Hall of Famer’s Son

01 Corey Robinson starred as a wide receiver at Notre Dame before injuries forced him to walk away from football.

OREY ROBINSON learned to “pound the rock” at an early age. He learned to keep hammering away until he

02 Robinson is now a businessdevelopment associate at Sotheby’s in New York City.

made a crack like his father, David — three-time

Olympian, two-time NBA champion, and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer — did as a member

03 Chris ’22 and Jim Israel

of the Dream Team, the San Antonio Spurs, and in his

04 Miles ’23 and Brett Barakett

life as a philanthropist and “man of dignity.”

05 Jackson ’21 and Peter DaPuzzo

The younger Robinson — former student-body president at Notre Dame and a varsity letterman in football — was the keynote speaker at Brunswick’s 89th Annual Father-Son Dinner, on Thursday, March 7. “At first, it was a burden to be the son of David Robinson,” Corey said. “But over time, I realized it was a

blessing to be associated with someone like my dad, and to have the opportunity to build on his legacy.” Corey is now following his passion for contemporary art as a business-development associate at Sotheby’s in New York City, after injuries derailed his promising football career. “My dad encouraged me to find my own path and to pursue whatever I wanted to pursue,” he told the audience of more than 700 Brunswick fathers and sons. “You all have the opportunity to do something great by building on your father’s existing legacy that he has

22 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

Flex TIME

worked so hard to lay for you. It’s up to you to pass the

06 Diego Winegardner P ’20, ’22

hammer on to the next generation and allow them to

07 Ali ’21 and Ayman Hindy

pound the rock.”

08 Scott Gibbons ’19

Robinson followed this year’s student speaker, Harry

09 Harry Barringer ’19

Barringer ’19, a two-sport varsity athlete in soccer and

10 Alex ’20 and Kenton Clarke

track, as well as a member of the JV hockey team.

11 Tucker ’24 and Gordon Williams

Barringer’s remarks focused on the role fathers,

12 Owen ’22, Luke ’21, and Billy Hayes, along with Ernie Rosato P ’11, ’13, ’15, ’18, ’20

teachers, and coaches play in the development of boys into men — with a special focus on his own, personal experience with his dad. “As I grew up, I began to see my dad’s crazy work ethic, his ability to connect with people, and his immense love for my mom, my sister, and me,” Barringer said. “Through watching my dad, I began to see how

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2019

much rides on his shoulders and what it truly means to be a man.” At Brunswick, too, Barringer has learned lifelong lessons — especially on the playing fields and on the ice. “From my teammates and coaches, I’ve learned to win and lose with dignity and to leave it all on the field,” he said. “I’ve learned about the power of fraternity and of boys being bound together in brotherhood. “To work and fight together — to have each other’s back and help each other up — is crucial in a boy’s development into a man.”

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 23

Renaissance ManMeets DigitalMan AND THEY JOIN FORCES IN STEEPED IN CHARAC TER EDUCATION AS A

Brunswick “lifer,” immersed in the digital universe as a professional adult, and deeply devoted to the joys and challenges of owning a home, caring for his new baby son, and raising a young family, attorney Josyl Barchue ’00 may well be a kind of Renaissance Man of the digital age.

BY KAT H E R I N E O G D E N

24 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

‘Family Man’ WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 25

‘I can soothe him back to sleep’ A DOG BARKS RELENTLESSLY as Josyl Barchue ’00 answers the phone. It’s the first Friday afternoon of the New Year, a warm January day. The caller finds Barchue at home, up on the roof. His chore on this day is simple: Take down the Christmas lights. While he’s up there on the ladder, in addition to taking a phone call from Times of Brunswick, he eyes the gutters. “There are screens,” he muses, taking a pause from reporting the details of his day-to-day life now that he’s almost 19 years out of Brunswick. “But there are little helicopters from the trees.” He scoops out the goop. The dog continues to bark. “Otherwise it’ll freeze, and be way too heavy,” he says. “Then, in a couple of years, I’ll be replacing my gutters.”

26 | TIMES

OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

Josyl cherishes his time at home with his family of five: Wife Heather, daughters Charlotte (11) and Phoebe (9), and newborn baby, Noah.

OT EXACTLY a glamorous moment for

puppy that needs to be walked up to six miles

the new father of three, but then it’s quite

each day; a house; volunteering at his church.

obvious that Josyl Barchue has never really been after a glamorous life.

Right now, Barchue is busy doing just about

everything — a full-time job as associate general counsel at United Health Group in Shelton, Conn.;

In truth, the mundane chore of cleaning the gutters a few days after New Year’s belies the reality of the life Barchue has built in the years since he left Brunswick. That reality is a man wonderfully

a side gig in private practice in intellectual property;

well-prepared for life in the new, high-tech

a new, young family complete with an energetic

universe of the digital century.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 27

‘ I think I’m not alone when I say my oldest and closest friends are my friends from Brunswick.’ Here’s why. To his career in health care law and everything else he does, Barchue brings all the Courage, Honor, and Truth he could soak in as a Brunswick lifer.

lack of time. The world is going to keep turning.”

raised by a single mother in a big Christian family. Born in Arkansas, Barchue moved to Connecticut in 1982 after his mom, a nurse and a native of St. Vincent, West Indies, got a job at the James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center in the Bronx. He and his mom lived with two grandparents, three aunts, and three uncles — all in the same house on Hamilton Avenue in Greenwich. Those were the early days. Beyond Brunswick, Barchue steeped himself in the study of philosophy and law at Boston College and Fordham University School of Law, as he also sought to master the skills of a new century in its infancy: computer science. “I knew I was going to law school no matter what,” he says. The result is a legal career that blends the ideals of his childhood with the innovation of today’s digital high-tech world — and leaves plenty of time on most any day to rock his baby son back to sleep. “He’s always so happy to see me in the morning,” Barchue said. “If he’s crying and it’s not time to nurse, I can soothe him back to sleep while the girls get ready.”

28 | TIMES

OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

“God gives us all the same 24 hours in a day,” he mused. “There’s nothing overwhelming. There’s no

He brings, also, the bedrock faith of a boy

ABOVE Josyl’s journey as a Brunswick student began in Pre-K in 1986 and lasted through his graduation in 2000. Since then, he has been a loyal member of the alumni body; and, in May, he was nominated as a candidate to join the Brunswick Board of Trustees. Nominations are confirmed by voice vote at the Annual Dinner in September.

“I get that warm feeling inside knowing that I can comfort my son back to sleep.

Josyl has always cast a wide net of friendship at Brunswick and beyond. Here he is at various Brunswick alumni events through the years with (clockwise from the top) Mandela Jones ’00, Shahryar Oveissi ’98, Mike Harris and Tommy Hoyos ’08, Justin Weinstein ’99 and Paul Gojkovich ’01, and Matt Wiggins ’02 and Sam Lalanne ’99.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 29

It’s the bare essentials for Josyl at his desk at United Health Group, where he works as associate general counsel.

EIGHT MINUTES TO THE OFFICE

D OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

stepdad to daughters Phoebe, 9, and Charlotte, 11. Baby Noah Stanley joined the family in 2018.

AY-TO-DAY, BARCHUE tackles highly

The day usually begins between 6 and 6 a.m. with

sophisticated legal negotiations as easily as

Bible study, he says, and after that the first under-

the deeply mundane.

taking of the day is to shepherd his oldest daughter

But not much of it happens in the early

off to Middle School for a 7:30 a.m. start.

morning. He has never been an early riser. In his

Then it’s back home to walk the dog, Orson,

view, the wee hours of the morning are for sleep,

now almost two years old. Orson is a mixed-breed

though he has never been a particularly long sleeper.

rescue that Barchue describes as a unique blend of

Even so, with the short winter days upon us, it’s

30 | TIMES

Barchue married Heather Lewis on March 25, 2017, and immediately stepped into the role of

Beagle, Rat Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, and Husky

still dark on most days when Barchue rises to help

— high-energy, high-anxiety, and very loud. He

get his family moving.

definitely needs his walk.

‘ God gives us all the same 24 hours in a day.’

Next up is to help his younger daughter off to school, snuggle the baby, and generally get ready for the day at the office. A long commute isn’t part of the plan: His office in Shelton, Conn., is just a short ride from his home in Trumbull. “Thankfully, door-to-door is eight minutes,” he says, noting he usually arrives at the office around 8:45 a.m. That’s where we first caught up with Barchue, who on this day was dressed in jeans, a cardigan, and a purple tie. He looked more like a college professor than a corporate lawyer, and the similarities don’t seem to end there. Barchue, 36, spent the early part of his career as an attorney for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where, he says, he was thrown “right into the fire” as he worked to rebuild IT for the service and also lend his expertise to medical research. Building the digital health record for men and women returning from all over the world presented some of the early challenges. “They are exposed

“I was able to wear my IT-project-manager hat to procure things that make the VA hospital better,” he said.

Walking his dog, Orson, day or night, gives Josyl some of that valuable time to reflect or simply to enjoy the fresh air.

After seven years at the VA, red tape and the

to things a regular human just isn’t exposed to,”

whims of the administration made it a good time to

Barchue said. “They need special care.

leave. “Culturally, it didn’t fit me.”

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 31

With its focus on “uber” health care innovation in

Mondays and Fridays see Barchue working at

the digital age, United Health Group has hit all the

home, allowing for extra-special time with baby

right notes.

Noah, who gets a chance to nap on his father as

The group, he says, makes it a priority to “do

he works.

things the right way to benefit the most people you can.

“I’m very intentional,” he said. “This represents my values.”

“One of the things that drew me here is the emphasis on corporate values,” he said. “Integrity. Honesty. Hard work. Constant pursuit of excellence. That actually means a lot to me. “Those values are breathed every day,” he said. “It’s hard to think of it as an insurance company. “It’s in line with me personally,” he said. “I’m always going to be technology driven. But I didn’t think I was going to be here. It’s the most innovative industry there is right now. It really stretches my boundaries in more ways than I can imagine.” Barchue puts in several hours of work before he breaks for a quick lunch and takes a few minutes to check in with private clients. Then he dives back into his work as in-house counsel. The day ends in time for dinner with his family.

kicks into high gear and dives into work for his private practice in intellectual property, trademark, and copyright law.

“I have always kept odd hours,” he said. “Nine

p.m. to midnight are my most efficient time.” Barchue said his work as a sole practitioner began with a desire to choose his clients and work on innovative ideas he believes in. He brings passion, joy, and care to the idea of protecting innovation, whether it be a new way to make coffee or a new business that aims to help people achieve their best selves. “I have the ability to pick and choose who I work with,” he said. His practice has evolved into a kind of labor

“I get to finish at a reasonable hour.”

of love. Although he has never billed hourly for his services, in the beginning he might charge a

cook, though Blue Apron often provides

nominal fee or perhaps accept equity in an infant

count, and dinner with family is the goal every night. Nor does fitness take a back seat to the pressing demands of the day. Orson gets two walks a day, each two to three miles, and Barchue hits the gym at lunch every day. There’s also basketball on Thursday nights.

OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

T’S AFTER everyone goes to bed that Barchue

Barchue sacrifices nothing. He loves to the shortcut that makes the minutes

32 | TIMES

PROTECTING INNOVATION, AFTER HOURS

company. More recently, he has transitioned into work that is straight pro bono. “I haven’t even felt like charging them,” he said. “I’m in a really good place. My aim is to provide exceptional legal service pro bono, which I think is what I was supposed to be doing.” He manages to make it all work by setting realistic expectations, albeit with aggressive timelines. “I don’t waste their time on things that aren’t essen-

“I get plenty of steps in,”

tial,” he said. “If I were greedy, I wouldn’t have time

he said.

for private practice.”

LAWYERS ARE EXPENSIVE

RANT GYESKY ’98 turned to his friend and former schoolmate when he and his classmates founded their new

business, RISE Brewing Company, which makes nitro cold brew coffee. Gyesky said Barchue was attuned to one of the most crucial concerns of any young business: What can we afford? Barchue helped answer the crucial question: “What should you do about a lawyer in the beginning?” The early days of any business are especially tender because entrepreneurs are loathe to pour money into a lawyer when resources are limited, and resources can be better used to design and build a product. That doesn’t mean that legal documents aren’t important. “These documents are the foundation of where you build your business,” he said. “You can never go back and change that.” Barchue partnered with Gyesky, facilitating with fundraising as well as trademark work. “With Josyl, we knew we were in good hands. We knew we didn’t have to look elsewhere.” Gyesky said his brother, Graham ‘00, and Barchue

Brunswick together, and was grateful to reconnect with him when they both served on the board of the Brunswick Alumni Association. “Josyl has done legal work for me,” Wirth said. “We’re not only friends: We work together now.” Wirth, the founder of No Quit Living and a

were Brunswick classmates, the two first meeting

proponent of positivity in general, said a casual

when they were 12. He said Barchue works hard to

conversation at an alumni event led to some unex-

maintain honest and sincere relationships with a

pected benefits for his company.

wide group of people. “Everyone has certain friends who go to 400

“Josyl offered to take a look at it,” Wirth said. “He pointed out things I didn’t know. His comments

weddings a year,” Gyesky said. “Josyl is one of those

were aimed at protecting me, protecting my image,

guys.”

and protecting my brand.

Chris Wirth ’97 is another former classmate to

Josyl spends many a midnighthour at his desk at home, doing work for his private practice, but he still finds time for Thursday night pick-up hoops to ensure he gets his exercise.

“He has been invaluable to me,” he said. “It’s neat

tap the Brunswick network as he launched a new

when Brunswick boys from the mid-90s connect,

business. He remembers Barchue from their days at

and come back full circle.”

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 33

Josyl gives his undivided attention to all — his family, his friends, and his dog, Orson, of course!

BRUNSWICK FOR LIFE

every era at Brunswick and has been at the core of

Pre-K student and attended all the way through graduation, those lessons permeate every aspect of

a unique era in its history was ending.

his life.

He received his brown and gold diploma in 2000, when the School was launching the

on four campuses in two states, and just as the longtime headmaster Duncan Edwards III was retiring.

“It was a founding part of who I was and still am today,” he said. “Its values are very consistent with my raising, and my Christian upbringing.” Barchue said the list of faculty who influenced him is long.

By 2004, the School would also say goodbye to

“Mr. Cosby was certainly an influence for me all

its longtime beloved teacher and coach, Robert L.

the way through,” he said. “It’s hard to explain. He

Cosby, who died suddenly.

was a gym teacher but he was so much more.”

Even so, Barchue absorbed the lessons in

OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

For Barchue, who started at Brunswick as a

ARCHUE ATTENDED Brunswick just as

transformation that led to its present incarnation

34 | TIMES

everything the School has done since its founding.

He names some more: Mr. Pendergast, Mr. Philip,

character that the School has always held dear —

Mr. Burdett, Mr. Booth, and Mr. Callahan, who still

character education has remained a priority through

teaches fifth grade.

‘ Integrity. Honesty. Hard work. Constant pursuit of excellence. That actually means a lot to me.’

“He’s one of my favorite teachers, still to this day,” he said. “There was an overwhelming kindness from him. That’s

“Mr. Edwards poured a lot into me and my

something I took with me and kept to this day.”

being at Brunswick, making it easier to be there,

Barchue said one of the most influential moments at Brunswick occurred between his junior and

especially financially,” Barchue said. The connection is the reason Barchue serves

senior years. He was struggling with the loss of his

on the associate board at the Waterside School in

grandfather, and his performance at school was

Stamford. Edwards is executive director there.

suffering. Mr. Burdett relayed a conversation he’d had with

“The connection really is Mr. Edwards,” he said. “I think I’m not alone when I say my oldest and

Mr. Edwards, the gist of it being that Barchue was

closest friends are my friends from Brunswick,”

doing fine, but his teachers expected a lot more.

Barchue said. “My most important experience and

“It was what I needed to hear when I needed to

education was my time at Brunswick. In some ways,

hear it,” Barchue said. “It was direct, frank, and

it was more challenging than going to college or a

honest communication — delivered the right way.

top-tier law school.

“It was comforting, too,” he said. “It let me know he was paying attention to me as an individual.

Baby Noah is always the man of the hour and the center of attention for Josyl and his daughters, Charlotte and Phoebe. And why shouldn’t he be!

“It made everything that came after seem a bit too easy. Brunswick wasn’t just a high school.”

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 35

FLEX TIME ’ WICK GOLF OUTING

For Happy Foursomes, A Canopy of Sunny Skies

T WAS a stunning spring day on the links at Stanwich. More than 100 players — ’Wick moms and dads, alumni, and friends — teed it up at the 6th Biennial Brunswick Golf Outing on Monday, May 6.

Co-chairs Kerri Breed P ’30, ’31 and Vicky Williams P ’23, ’27

set the stage for a fantastic afternoon of friendly competition

and fun at Golf Digest’s number-one-ranked Connecticut course — with the round followed by cocktails, dinner, awards, and the silent auction on the picturesque porch overlooking the 18th hole. Lucky (and generous) bidders walked away with future foursomes at Winged Foot, Friar’s Head, and National — to name a few of the storied courses on the auction table. Funds raised from the Outing will go toward redesigning (à la many of the greens at Stanwich!) the outdoor friendship-building and play spaces on ’Wick’s new and expansive Middle School campus.

01 John Sargent, Jim Carey P ’22, and Jim Berger ’85 P ’18 02 David Waldorf P ’25, ’27 03 Jarrett Shine ’92, Greg Shenkman ’99, Charlie Tusa ’62, and Tom Lewis ’93 04 Ben Carter P ’29, ’31 05 Katie Morrissey P ’18, ’22, ’22 06 Co-chairs Vicky Williams P ’23, ’27 and Kerri Breed P ’30, ’31

36 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2019

Years of Dedication Added Up to Something Truly Special

Nearly a Century OF Commitment As the school year concluded, ’Wick came together to recognize and salute the passion, inspiration, and remarkable contributions of six longtime faculty and staff members whose next steps will take them to new and exciting destinations of well-deserved reward, from the expanses of north Texas to the green and magical pastures of Ireland.

SUE DAS

JOAN MICHIE

MARIANNE McSHANE

PAUL RAAEN

MARTHA DURKIN

TERRY BOYD

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 37

Sue Das Brunswick in 1998 as a young and inexperienced teacher — highly motivated to soak up all the pedagogical resources and opportunities surrounding her on Maher

Avenue (and ultimately on King Street). Two decades later, she embarks on the next step of her journey grade, co-directing the Brunswick Faculty Institute, and heading the Assistant Teacher Program.

Since 2005, Joan Michie has

been inspiring Brunswick boys to be creative, imaginative,

and confident as they explore storytelling and reading in their early educational years.

“Sue has always been most excited by the possibilities education can afford children,” said Lower School Head Katie Signer. “She believes children are inherently good and that truly excel-

She exposes them to all sorts of stories on the shelves — and encourages them to be open to different and diverse perspectives. Michie, in her 14 years as Lower School Librarian, leaves a lasting legacy on Edwards Campus.

lent teachers will allow for open-ended learning

“I know our boys will miss her incredible ability to point them

— promoting creativity and critical thinking. She

towards fantastic books and her commitment to helping each one

has never been afraid to take risks and exemplifies much of what

we hope to inspire in our students — perseverance, adaptability, curiosity, and creativity.” Das, admittedly, leaves ’Wick with a heavy heart. “Brunswick is

and will always remain my home away from home,” she said. “The school has been that fertile place where I have grown and prospered under the tutelage of a nurturing, encouraging community. “Much that I am excited about the next phase of my leadership

38 |

HE’S A TRUE CHAMPION FOR

librarians across the world.

as a leader in the world of education after many years teaching first

TRUE LEADER & ADVOCATE FOR OPEN-ENDED LEARNING

Joan Michie

LIFELONG EXPLORER IN ‘QUEST FOR LEARNING’

find his voice,” Lower School Head Katie Signer said. “I know our parents will miss her warmth, her approachability, and the incredible wealth of knowledge she shares so generously. I know her colleagues will miss her unfailingly optimistic spirit and dear friendship.”

ROM NOVICE TO EXPERT. Sue Das came to

Michie, who is heading to Western New York, doesn’t consider this the end of her journey. “I will never ‘retire’ from telling stories and the quest for

journey, I know that I can always count on Brunswick to be an oasis

learning,” she said. “I’ll continue to work in education and the arts

of support.”

and to promote literacy — just at a more relaxed pace.”

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

Marianne McShane

T ALL BEGAN WITH FINN McCOOL. Marianne McShane enthralled her fifth-grade audi-

ence with a story about the mythical Irish warrior (and her fellow compatriot) as she interviewed at Brunswick

more than a decade ago. And she’s been an inspiration and high-energy presence in “Marianne has only continued to wow us with her commit-

School Head Sarah Burdett said. “She will be sorely missed by us all.” McShane will head home to Ireland,

And he’s loved every minute of it. For nearly 14 years, Raaen has been

Notes, ’Wick’s premier instrumental

WONDER OF ’WICK YIELDS TO JOY OF GRANDCHILDREN

group, and the Men of Brunswick,

ment to building a love of reading in our and author outside of school,” Middle

AUL RAAEN WOULDN’T CALL IT WORK. He’d call it making music.

the man at the forefront of the Blue

the Pre and Middle School libraries ever since.

boys and her own talents as a storyteller

Paul Raaen

NEW CHAPTER COMMENCES ON THE ‘OLD SOD’

where she looks forward to long walks

the School’s a cappella ensemble — directing countless school concerts and performances, while also orchestrating multiple international trips and tours.

“It has been my joy to work with the young

along the shore and dreaming up new stories, to (literally)

musicians I have had during my time at Brunswick,”

begin a new chapter — as her first picture book for children

Raaen said. “I’ve been continuously inspired by our

is due to be published in April 2020, and her second has

boys’ commitment to excellence in everything they

been accepted for publication.

do — from arts to academics to athletics.”

She will leave Brunswick with a treasure trove of memories. “I’ll always cherish the boys, the books, and the blessings

Raaen and his wife, Beth, will be moving to a “new stage” in Frisco, Texas, where they look forward to living closer to their daughter, Becca (GA ’99),

— and the conversations and collaborations with faculty

son-in-law, Nate Raymond ’99, and their four

friends,” she said.

grandchildren.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 39

Terry Boyd

Martha Durkin

T’S BECOME ONE-STOP SHOPPING —

Brunswick style. And, in large part, it’s due to the monumental

efforts of Martha Durkin, who has held the key

She’s taught math and English. She’s run the resource room. She’s been an advisor and a class dean — a reliable colleague, mentor, and friend.

In 2011, she was awarded the John F. Otto Award — dedi-

cated to those faculty members with the courage to pursue their

at the Brunswick Upper School Bookstore for the past

individual vision with honesty and integrity so as to earn the

12 years.

appreciation of their critics and the loyalty of their peers.

Students can now find whatever they need not just for the classroom — but also for that chilly wintry

HAPPY FUTURE BEGINS WITH PLENTY IN STORE

Boyd has really done it all during her 23-year career at

walk to Greenwich Academy in

Brunswick — and she’s ready to

December or that last-minute

ride off into the sunset.

’Wick-logoed holiday gift for a friend or relative from out of town. “Martha has done a fantastic job of growing, steering, and

ensuring the customer-friendliness of a truly essential

Deservedly so, most all would say. “Terry is as invested in her students’ success as a teacher can possibly be,” Middle School Head Sarah Burdett said. “She is one

KIND, COMPASSIONATE & DEEPLY INVESTED IN STUDENTS’ SUCCESS

who can read what her students need even before they themselves are aware — and for whom

CFO and Business Manager Kathleen Harrington said.

empathy is second nature.

Brunswick operation during her time at the helm,” “We’re tremendously grateful to Martha for her work

“She is kind and compassionate and leads both teachers and

and expertise, and wish her many years of happiness

students by her incredible example. We feel so fortunate that

in retirement.”

Terry has been part of our Middle School family.”

40 |

ERRY BOYD IS WHAT YOU’D CALL A TEAM PLAYER.

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

WINTER SPORTS WRAPUP

PATIENCE.

DEDICATION. SACRIFICE. ACCOMPLISHMENT. GRIT & CARE. Winter Varsity Athletes Most Distinguished When ‘Backs Up Against The Wall’

HEY HAD an undeniable flair for the dramatic. Throughout a long, damp, and dark winter season, ’Wick varsity athletes — time and time again — stepped up when it mattered most. They saved their best for when the pressure reached its highest point, for when they had their backs up against the wall. The Bruins acted as true competitors and sportsmen in victory and in defeat — on the court, on the ice, on the slopes, on the mats, and on the strip.

Chisom Okpara ’22

BY M I K E K E N N E DY ’ 9 9

And, each playing his part in a varied and sometimes breathtaking winter odyssey, they united to deliver a winter athletic season full of excellence and accomplishment.

For more photos of Bruin Sports, visit bwick.org/ tob_spring2019

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG .ORG

| 41 |

WINTER SPORTS WRAPUP

Brian Leonard ’20

SQUASH

‘Picture-Perfect’ Season Burnishes ‘Remarkable Legacy’

EAD COACH Jim Stephens

says it’s in their blood. They simply know how

to win.

Dana Santry ’20 clinched the national title, with teammates Brian Leonard ’20 and Will Jones ’19 the first to celebrate alongside him.

Brunswick’s squash team

won anything and everything

inspired their younger team-

in its path during the 2018–

mates to reach their goals, both

2019 season — running the

in practice and in match play.

table (11–0) in team matches,

42 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

“These boys recognized that they were all part of the remarkable legacy of Brunswick

capturing the program’s

Nick Spizzirri ’20, Brian

squash — something far greater

17th New England cham-

Leonard ’20, Dana Santry ’20,

than themselves,” he said. “They

pionship, and raising the

Pierce Henderson ’20, Coulter

understood that their victo-

national-championship trophy

Mackesy ’21, Mac Aube ’21, and

ries were meaningless unless

for the fourth time in school

Tad Carney ’22 each made count-

combined with those of their

history.

less contributions to the team’s

teammates.

It was, quite literally, a Nick Spizzirri ’20

Top-seven players (in order)

if there were any defeats!).

unprecedented success — with

“They sacrificed, they worked

picture-perfect winter on the

individual highlights coming

hard, and with their God-given

courts — one that may never be

for all at the New England and

talent, they set an unbelievably

equaled again at Brunswick.

national tournaments.

high bar in their sport.”

Senior captains Will Jones

But Stephens will not allow

and P. K. Keller provided the

himself to measure this team’s

foundation of leadership and

excellence in wins and losses (as

And the scariest part of it all? The entire varsity ladder will return next season.

National Coach of the Year Tim Ostrye gives one of his motivational pep talks to Nadji Ngbokoli ’20.

WRESTLING

Sportsmanship Triumphs Over Adversity

NJURIES. INFECTIONS. Even

ringworm. None of the above (and

more) would stop the

Brunswick wrestling team from putting together one of its finest seasons on record this past winter. The Bruins won four tournaments and compiled an 18–1 dual-meet mark, with their only loss being a close match to the eventual New England champions from Northfield Mount Hermon. Led by senior co-captains Harry Fett and Tim Saunders, ’Wick grappled its way to top-podium honors at the Battle on the Bay at Tabor Academy, the Brunswick Invitational Tournament, and the FAA Tournament for the 22nd year in a row. The squad also captured its

Tim Saunders ’19

sixth-straight Western New England title by besting rivals

the Year for the first time in his

Trinity-Pawling and Greens

distinguished career.

Farms Academy — before

“This team continued the

taking fifth at the New England

storied tradition of Brunswick

Tournament.

wrestling with their performance

More accolades and accom-

on the mat,” Ostrye said. “But

plishments would follow at the

most important, they worked to

National Prep Tournament,

improve every day in the room

where Chris Perry ’21 (126

and showed tremendous sports-

lb.) and Luca Errico ’20 (136

manship despite their success

lb.) etched their places in

and the adversity they faced.”

program history by securing

Errico will be joined by rising

All-American status, while

senior classmates Nadji Ngbokoli

Tim Ostrye was honored as the

and Clayton Ostrover as captains

National Prep Head Coach of

next winter.

Harry Fett ’19

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 43

WINTER SPORTS WRAPUP

SWIMMING

A Team In The Truest Sense

IGGER. FASTER. And stronger than ever. The Brunswick swim team — in its

seventh season of competition — had its best finish in program history, as the

Bruins raced to the silver medal at the New England Championships. Head coach Aaron Montgomery credits his “super” senior class — and the dedication,

The Bruins finished second, the program’s best-ever performance, at the New England Championship meet.

effort, and camaraderie among all 34 swimmers — for the unprecedented success and rapid rise up the regional rankings. “These boys, while clearly talented, have become more than just a group of talented swimmers,” he said. “They have become a team in the truest sense and they celebrate

Apostolides, Ned Camel, Keegan Drew,

everyone’s successes.”

Christian Farricker, Thomas Foley, Cole

And there were many.

Pierce, and Tate Robinson — when reflecting

The Bruins had seven All-American swims,

upon the season.

with Christian Farricker ’19 and Marcus Hodgson ’20 both earning the national honor in the 100 Butterfly and 100 Freestyle.

“They are the real story,” he said. “Under Marcus Hodgson ’20

The team racked up 426 points to set a Those results set the stage for the squad’s

the 119th Eastern Interscholastic Swimming

school-record-breaking performance at New

& Diving Championships — the largest prep

England’s.

winning the FAA title by more than 100 points.

Keegan Drew ’19

44 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

33–4 in dual meets. “They are competitive and caring; they love

high-water mark with a fourth-place finish at

school aquatic event in the country — before

their four-year watch, the team had a record of

But an emotional Montgomery kept returning to his group of seniors — Nico

being underdogs; and they love swimming for each other and Brunswick.” Clearly, they’ll be hard to replace when the Bruins dive into the water at Mehra Natatorium next winter.

Dan Dachille ’19

HOCKEY

Odyssey Defined By Passion & Positive Attitude

HE BRUNSWICK hockey team knew it

would be difficult to match the success of last year’s Bruins — and to hang another championship banner in the proverbial

rafters at Hartong Rink. It’s hard enough to win one title in this league, let alone two in a row. Despite the odds, the team took the ice in November with 24 young men determined to further the firmly established legacy of the Brunswick hockey program. They would work hard to get better each and every day; they would represent themselves and their school with class and dignity; and they would scratch and claw with their opponents to the final buzzer in their quest for victory. In the end, the Bruins fell short of their goal

The Bruins celebrate Henry Hill’s ’19 game-winning goal against Westminster.

to make the playoffs for a fifth straight year. But, according to first-year head coach Mike Kennedy, that doesn’t mean they failed as a team or took a step backward as a program. ’Wick played the second-toughest schedule in New England by the numbers — Kimball

Hampton and Berkshire. Even when a few

Union (Elite-8 champs) twice, Gunnery twice,

games got away from them late in the season,

Salisbury, Westminster, and Kent were among

they kept skating. They kept fighting. They

the top-tiered opponents. Most of those games

kept encouraging one another.

could have gone either way, and were won in the third period. In the league, ’Wick had one of the youngest

“We can’t dwell on our final record or on the fact that we missed the playoffs,” Kennedy said. “I give the boys credit for bringing

teams on paper, often going into the corners

passion and a positive attitude to the rink

with opponents who were bigger, faster, and

every day. We just came up a little short in a

stronger simply because of their age. The boys

league that doesn’t have any pushovers.”

still came out with the puck after many of Cooper Moore ’19

goal, third-period deficits against both New

those battles. ’Wick never quit. The Bruins erased four-

Rising seniors Henry Foster, Shayan Farjam, and Connor Sullivan will lead the Bruins back onto the ice as captains next November.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 45

WINTER SPORTS WRAPUP

BASKETBALL

Battles To The Final Buzzer

HE BRUNSWICK basketball

St. Paul’s and Trinity-Pawling at

team started the season

the Seacoast Holiday Classic at

with a bang.

Phillips Exeter Academy.

On their home court at

Back home, the team ulti-

Dann Gymnasium, the rebuilt

mately earned wins against

Bruins topped Taft by a score of

FAA rivals King, Rye Country

64–56, sending a message to the

Day, and Masters to claim the

rest of the league that they would

fourth seed in the post-season

be far more competitive in head

tournament and a date in the

coach Steve Juricek’s second year

quarterfinals with Hopkins.

leading the squad. The Rhinos, in fact, had

In a back-and-forth contest, which saw the lead exchange

defeated the Bruins by a

hands 17 times, ’Wick held off

combined 65 points in their

the Hilltoppers by two points to

previous two meetings — all

advance to the semifinal game

but running the Brown & Gold

against St. Luke’s.

out of the building during the blowout victories. But this was a different

The top-seeded Storm put an end to the team’s run — but, just as had been the case for the

Brunswick team — one with a

extent of the season, it didn’t

young core of talented players,

come without a valiant fight from

and one looking to give opponents

the Bruins.

a run for their money each and every time it took to the floor. From there, the Bruins

Khari Wilson ’20

“We certainly closed the gap on most of our opponents this year,”

“That’s a credit to our work

Juricek said. “Even when we

ethic, our buy-in mentality, and

continued to battle non-league

didn’t come away with a victory,

our emerging and developing

and FAA foes to the final buzzer,

the games were much more

culture.”

including a pair of narrow

competitive than they have been

defeats to perennial hoop powers

in the recent past.

The Bruins should be poised to take another step forward next season, when the team will be led by captains Kevonne

Ben Burns ’19

Wilder ’20, Cedric Lafleur ’20, and Tristan Joseph ’21.

Tristan Joseph ’21

46 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

SKIING

Jose Riera ’19

Excellence In The Nighttime Slalom

HEY’RE ROAD warriors. For practice or games,

Brunswick alpine skiers don’t

first-place trophy by a comfortable margin. William Kallman ’22 also had a

have the luxury of stepping

strong performance and crossed

foot outside of the classroom and

the line in ninth place (in a field

being on the field within minutes.

of more than 190 entrants) to

Instead, they load the vans and head north to Mount Southington, where they work to

William Kallman ’22

help the Bruins to a fourth-place finish among small schools. Both skiers were named

The team also competed in the

Prospects for next year’s team

hone their craft and make their

All-State and qualified for Team

NEPSAC Class B Championships,

look promising with the return of

mark on the New England racing

Connecticut, with an opportunity

placing a respectable ninth.

Kallman and rising seniors Jamie

circuit — often returning home

to compete against the best skiers

Riera, once again, led the Bruins

Meindl and Tyler Eichmann.

to ’Wick long after the lights have

in New England at the Eastern

by finishing fifth in the Giant

Incoming freshman Cameron

been turned off for the night.

High School Championships held

Slalom and sixth in the Slalom to

Shipman will look to round out

in New Hampshire.

earn All-NEPSAC honors.

another solid alpine ski team.

The program continues to grow and solidify itself as a legitimate contender among regional opponents in only its

Cameron Shipman ’23

fourth season of interscholastic competition. Jose Riera highlighted this year’s results, as the speedy senior raced to the individual title at the 2019 CISL State Open Championship. A winner of two regular-season CISL races, Riera posted the fastest times in each of the two runs at Mount Southington to take home the

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 47

WINTER SPORTS WRAPUP

FENCING

Valiant Displays In The Saber & Foil

ITH A small but experi-

enced fencing team, the Bruins took to the strip this season with a competitive mixture of determina-

tion, patience, and grit. Their efforts ultimately yielded one win and two losses, but the continued progress and growth of the program will undoubtedly yield successful dividends in the future for the Bruins. The first match of the season proved to be

George Burke ’19

a nailbiter against Greenwich High School. Senior George Burke went undefeated in the

valiantly in its rematch with GHS to conclude

Junior Olympics as a Cadet, where he finished

saber, while sophomore Cameron Evans and

the season. Despite the result, ’Wick fencers

10th out of 250 fencers under the age of 17.

eighth grader Alden Reals emerged unscathed

came together to cheer for each other and

in the foil. In the end, everyone did his part as

showed great character and poise.

the team secured a close victory. The squad threw everything it had

Evans finished his season undefeated in the foil, and subsequently came in third in

at Masters in the next scheduled bout, but

the United States National Junior Olympics

came up a point short this time, winning the

as a Cadet.

saber and foil and losing the epee. With a skeleton crew of five fencers (typically the minimum is nine), the team fought

Freshman John Lin also stayed perfect and

The three-member saber team of Burke, Evans, and Lin took third at the state team tournament to put the finishing touches on the season. Before looking forward to next season, the team owes a debt of gratitude to Burke and fellow seniors Ryan Seller, Jack Hall, and Nico

won the Connecticut State Fencing Title in

Moulle-Berteaux for their leadership and

the saber. He competed at the U.S. National

commitment.

John Lin ’22

Nico Moulle-Berteaux ’19

48 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

FLEX TIME R I D E F O R PA R A L Y S I S

Alum’s Giant ‘Next Step’ Crosses Our Nation

T WAS the adventure of a lifetime. Janne Kouri ’93 rode his power wheelchair across the

country — from his home in Manhattan Beach, Calif., to

01 Kouri’s ride took him across

the country and into 14 cities, with many friends and supporters joining him for 50- to 100-mile stretches along the way.

Washington, D.C. — to raise awareness and funds to support

the six million individuals and wounded service members living with paralysis in the U.S. Kouri’s two-month journey began on March 10, concluding

02 After sustaining a spinal

on May 15 and covering 2,900 miles and 14 cities. He was joined along the way by other participants, including ABC News correspondent Will Reeve ’10, who biked and ran alongside him with the mission of educating and inspiring. Reeve — whose father, the late Christopher Reeve, was paralyzed in a horse-riding accident in 1995 — covered the story for Good Morning America. In all, the “Ride for Paralysis” raised more than $350,000. Kouri is the founder of Next Step, a nonprofit organization that makes life-changing rehabilitation accessible and affordable to those living with paralysis. “It was just amazing and inspiring in many ways, and also sad in some ways, meeting people who are living with disabilities, or whose family members are living with disabilities, and who don’t have access to the resources that they need,” Kouri told the Washington Post. “That’s the whole mission.”

03 04

cord injury in 2006, Kouri and his wife, Susan, founded Next Step to help provide community fitness, health, and wellness resources to the six million people with paralysisrelated disabilities in America. 03 Kouri came across the

finish line in Washington, D.C., on the campus of Georgetown University, where he starred as a football player for the Hoyas from 1993–1997. Will Reeve ’10 (above left) was there to see it. 04 Supporters, participants,

family, and friends “champagne-toasted” Kouri at the finish line.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 49

BEYOND THE BOOKS

NEWS AND NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

F OCUS O N C O M MU N I T Y

Day Devoted to Serving Others

RUNSWICK

Riverside schools, and to clear

students stepped

away branches and trees on the

outside the class-

Audubon Greenwich property

room to make a

— among other service-oriented

difference as part of

projects throughout Fairfield and

the school’s annual

Westchester Counties — as part

Community Service

of the decades-old tradition.

Day on Friday, April 26. Upper School boys and their

faculty advisors fanned out

“It’s so important for the boys to serve the local community — in any way they can and

far and wide to help restore a

whenever they can,” Headmaster

building in Yonkers that needed

Thomas W. Philip said. “They

a facelift through the Fuller

always bring energy and enthu-

Center for Housing, to read

siasm to the day and make our

to children in Glenville and

school very proud.”

50 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

Students put on their work gloves at the Audubon Greenwich; teamed up with girls from the Convent of Sacred Heart at various sites; and played the role of teacher at Children’s Day School, as all Upper School boys spent the morning serving others on April 26.

Jake Charney ’20 (left) and Keegan Drew ’19 (above), along with scores of other Brunswick students, served with a smile at Brunswick’s Outdoor Classroom and at the Fuller Center for Housing in Yonkers, N.Y.

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2019

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 51

BEYOND the BOOKS

ON THE FRONT LINES OF

THE WORKFORCE Seniors visited Eldridge Industries (left), the New York Giants (above), and LinkedIn (below) during a day of exploration and learning at various companies, corporations, and organizations in the area.

SENIORS EXCHANGED THEIR

backpacks for briefcases — with many standing free of the closing doors (please), as they caught the earlymorning commuter train to New York City — on Brunswick’s first-ever Career Day on April 3. The boys gained the front-line

perspectives of ’Wick alumni, current and past parents, and friends at a number of companies, corporations, and organizations in the area — including Hospital for Special Surgery, the New York Giants, LinkedIn, Merrill Lynch, Zume, vineyard vines, and the Robin Hood Foundation. Special thanks go to all the hosts for making the event such a resounding success.

52 | TIMES

OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

ABOVE Seniors Nico MoulleBerteaux and Will Gregory had a front row seat at a conference table at LinkedIn. RIGHT Seniors Nick Pope and Michael Gottlieb toured the offices of the New York Giants.

BEYOND the BOOKS

Others spent the day at Capital One (right); the Greenwich Hospitality Group (above middle), where fellow Bruins Chris Bass ’19 and Win Smith ’98 connected to discuss the industry; and the Robin Hood Foundation (above inset and top), where CEO and bestselling author Wes Moore detailed his company’s mission to help low-income New Yorkers escape poverty’s grasp.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 53

BEYOND the BOOKS

M S A I S U H T N E R E V O S H P M U I TR THE ELEMENTS

HE RACE would go on — no matter the

windy and chilly spring weather. Nearly 250 runners braved the unseasonably cold and muddy conditions on the 1.6-mile course on Edwards Campus for this year’s

’Wick, Walk, Run — a school tradition dating back decades. Mr. “O” fired up the troops before the starting gun sent many scrambling to the front of the pack. Seventh-grader Patrick Duncan came across the finish line in first place with a time just under nine minutes, while fourth-grader Emmett Unger won the art contest and saw his design sported on spiffy limited-edition backpacks for the participants. Co-chairs Jennette Brilliant P ’29, ’31, ’33 and Jamie Kesmodel P ’29 — along with their

Patrick Duncan ’24 (#3272) was a man on a mission and took first-place honors.

54 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

“silent partner” Cheryl Hurns P ’16, ’29 — deserve a shout-out for their efforts in making the event a big success.

Charlie Ciporin ’19 accepted his award at the Stand Against Racism event from Ralph Mayo, Interim Superintendent, Greenwich Public Schools. The ‘Wick, Walk, Run is often an event bringing fathers and sons together. Here, Ryder ’32 and Rob Weeks capture a “selfie” to remember the fun-filled day on Edwards campus on Saturday, April 27.

PH OTO BY CH I CH I U B I Ñ A /FA I RFI EL D CO U N T Y LO O K

BEYOND the BOOKS

A SPECI A L HONOR FOR

Diversity Leadership

OR HIS WORK PROMOTING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION in the greater Greenwich community, Brunswick senior Charlie Ciporin has won the 2019 YWCA Racial Justice Scholarship Award. Ciporin, president of Brunswick’s Gender-Sexuality Alliance and a member of the First Selectman’s Youth Commission, was

the lead organizer of February’s Greenwich Student Diversity Leadership Conference — at which nearly 100 public and private school students gathered to discuss and participate in activities and discussions centered on the eight core identifiers: race, religion, sexuality, ability, socio-economic status, age, gender, and nationality. “I have watched Charlie lead complex discussions in GSA meetings and present on the importance of building an inclusive and safe community to his Upper School peers, while also encouraging students to find their voice,” said Kyna Shine, Brunswick’s director of diversity and inclusion. The $1,000 award was presented at the Stand Against Racism event at Greenwich Town Hall on April 26.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 55

CLASSNOTES C O M P I L E D B Y L I B B Y E D WA R D S

Fondest of Farewells to ‘Second Home’ Big Heart Heading for Lone-Star State

VERETT FIELD. 1986. Young Jarrett Shine ’92, a seventh-grader at

Brunswick, in his second year at the school, took a handoff and busted through the gap of the line —

ultimately being brought down by a host of tacklers after another significant gain. This time, however, the star running back couldn’t jog back to the huddle and get ready for the next play. He’d come up with a lame wrist — unable to raise it above his waist. It was fractured — his first broken bone. Shine was in pain, but he was immediately comforted by a man who would become his longtime mentor and friend: Robert L. Cosby. “Mr. Cosby made me feel at ease and told me that everything would be okay,” Shine said. “We developed a very strong bond that I cherish to this day.” Cosby died in 2004 — six years after Shine had joined the Brunswick faculty, following standout careers as a student-athlete at ’Wick and Lafayette College, as well as a brief foray into the professional ranks. He credits Headmaster Duncan Edwards for encouraging him to try his hand in education. “I’ll always be thankful for his foresight and for giving me the opportunity to come back to a place that helped shape me into who I am today,” Shine said. Just who was that man and what did Brunswick teach him? “Courage, Honor, and Truth are words Brunswick instills in its students,” Shine said. “The thousands of students who have come through this school have all experienced those ideals — and even though some of us fall short — in the end, the experiences, the lessons learned, and how we are forced to deal with them shape who we are as people.” Being the only African-American in his class until 11th grade also catalyzed some serious character-building. “That forced me to feel secure in who I was and what I could offer — not only as a student (which was touchand-go!) or an athlete, but also as a contributing member of the community,” Shine said. Shine, the faculty member, stepped away from ’Wick in 2006 to pursue business-development opportunities, but it wouldn’t be long before he returned to take over the football program and to become the director of alumni relations in 2009.

56 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

CLASSNOTES

Again, it was a Brunswick

capital campaign, and founded the

Headmaster — this time Tom

Brunswick Athletics Hall of Fame.

Philip — who believed that Shine would be the best man for the job. “Tom put so much faith in me

Accolades and accomplishments aren’t what he’ll remember most, though, as he and his family

to take on those two big jobs,”

depart for Dallas, Texas, where

Shine said. “There were chal-

Shine will be athletic director at

lenges at first, but he gave me

Greenhill School.

the time I needed and trusted me to overcome them.”

“As a coach and advisor, you’re able to have a positive impression

And he certainly did.

on so many lives — which is such

Under Shine’s watch, in 10

a rewarding feeling,” Shine said.

seasons, the Bruins compiled

“I have great memories on the

a record of 53–32 and won two

football field, but some of the

NEPSAC championships — all while

best moments were those times

moving into the ultra-competitive

when our teams came together

Erickson League.

after disappointment.

At his desk and on the road,

“Looking back, I have embraced

Shine helped boost alumni giving

the journey. The tough moments

from 13 to 38 percent, assisted

only made me stronger, and the

in the School’s most successful

success was that much sweeter.”

Now, Time to Explore

S ALEXANDER “Sasha” Bulazel ’83 moves into the next chapter

of his life — after a 50-year association with Brunswick — he plans to stay quite active and not “sit in a rocker” after stepping away from the Brunswick wood shop!

He will continue to serve as a Trustee of Mystic Seaport Museum and is on

the Executive Committee as the Chairman of Exhibitions for the Museum — for which he will help bring J. M. W. Turner to the U.S. from the Tate Britain this upcoming fall. Brunswick also wishes the best to Jarrett’s wife, Kyna, who served as director of diversity and inclusion this past year, and his two sons, Landon ’27 and Bryce ’30.

For the last 30 years, too, he has served on several boards in the oil and gas industry and will continue working in the industry. He’ll also spend time lecturing about findings while on an archaeology expedition to South Georgia Island as a team member. And next year, he’ll help lead the bicentennial celebration of the discovery of Antarctica with a historical cruise to the continent. Indeed, Sasha will be busy!

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 57

CLASSNOTES

Before he said goodbye, however, Sasha shared this letter with the Brunswick community in January:

least the next few decades. Time

family we call Brunswick. It is a very

at these two separate schools as did

will tell!

unique place. Take it from one of

my wife and I. My son and daughter,

the Last of the Mohicans.

whom many of you have taught,

When Duncan Edwards ’70 hired me in his first year as headmaster, I

Dear Colleagues, The advent of the new year a few days ago marked a personal milestone for me. Four headmasters and a half-century ago, in 1969, I was enrolled in Brunswick’s

I have seen vast changes in this

graduated from both schools as

stated that I would teach the wood-

institution, which has been my

well. Thank you for teaching them

working program for “only a year.”

second home, over the last 50 years.

and giving them an exceptional

These changes can be described

education.

He said, “You will be here for 10 years before you know it.” I remember distinctively laughing in his office and saying, “Never!”

kindergarten at what we used to

We were both wrong.

call Everett Field.

Thirty-one years later, I want to

After 50 years of involvement

thank him and so many of you in

with Brunswick in one capacity or

the four divisions, many of whom

another, this seems an appropriate

I have known for these last three

time to open a new chapter for the

decades as my colleagues but more

next 50 years — well, hopefully, at

importantly as friends within this

as good, exceptional, transforma-

To all of my colleagues and

tive, amazing, and, as can always

the staff members of the school,

be expected with growing pains

it is with an awkward feeling of

in any institution, some less than

excitement that I look forward to

perfect. However, they’ve all

next September. For the first time

been undertaken with the positive

during the fall, school will not be

intentions of trying to continually

starting for me as either a student

build on the exceptional school that

or a faculty member. While this may

is Brunswick. All institutions need

be farewell to the many chapters of

to stay relevant and must change as

Septembers as student and teacher

time relentlessly marches on.

at Brunswick, it will never be

Brunswick is no exception. Factoring in the three consecutive generations of my family who have

goodbye to my alma mater. Thank you one and all for the vast collective experience that

graduated from Brunswick (’59, ’83,

Brunswick School has meant to me

’10), as well as three consecutive

for the last 50 of my 54 years, as a

female generations of my family (’60,

legacy, student, employee, parent,

’83, and ’18) from Greenwich Academy,

and alum.

coupled with various other relatives in the family, the numbers and statistics start to get out of control. Needless to say, my parents met

58 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

All the best, Courage, Honor, Truth Alexander “Sasha” Bulazel ’83

CLASSNOTES

03 05 01

1977

Rich Parent and his wife, Kelly, welcomed a baby girl,

Jeffrey Prisco and Tim von Gol

Solene Estelle, on April 19.

enjoyed a road trip to the Daytona

See photo 04.

International Speedway for the Daytona 500 in February from their homes in Wake Forest, N.C.,

2004

and Roswell, Ga., respectively. The

Kyle Petrelli and Emily Barasch

classmates were treated to extraor-

tied the knot in front of a large

dinary access to the International

wedding contingent of Brunswick

Speedway before and during the race

and Greenwich Academy alumni/ae

and report: “Even the sporadic rains

at the Whale Room at the Museum

couldn’t spoil such a wonderful time

of Natural History on April 6.

of a couple of ’77 Bruins reconnecting

Pete Brosens was the best man,

at a great event!” See photo 01.

while Brett Loscalzo, John

1979

Rogers, Sankesh Abbhi ’05, Alex

Rick Ford played Dr. Watson in an original musical production about Sherlock Holmes at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in West Hampton, N.J., from March 20–April 30. He sends this message to all: “It was great to be back on the stage singing and dancing — reminding me of the old

Glazer ’05, Charlie Gumz ’06, Crista Petrelli Downey (GA ’01), Taryn Petrelli Boardman (GA ’05), and Stevi Petrelli (GA’07) were all in the wedding party. See photo 05.

2006

days in Guys and Dolls at Brunswick.

Eric Epstein and his wife,

I’m still here, gang.” See photo 02.

Marissa, had a baby boy, Elijah Thomas, on January 16.

1995

See photo 06.

Ted Adler and his wife, Abigail,

Jimmy Tormey and his wife, Gwen,

welcomed a baby girl, Annabelle

welcomed James Patrick into their

Sylvia, on March 2. See photo 03.

family on March 17. See photo 07.

01 Tim von Gol ’77 and Jeffrey Prisco ’77 enjoyed a two-man reunion at Daytona International Speedway in February. 02 From the stage at ’Wick to an original

musical about Sherlock Holmes: Rick Ford ’79 played Dr. Watson in a spring production at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, in West Hampton, N.J. 03 Welcome, Annabelle: The new

daughter of Ted Adler ’95.

04 Solene, the new baby daughter of Rich Parent ’95, sleeps peacefully. 05 Kyle Petrelli ’04 married Emily Barasch at a spendid wedding in New York City. Photo credit: Brian Dorsey Studios 06 Elijah, the son of Eric Epstein ’06, is all smiles! 07 James, the son of Jimmy Tormey ’06, is ready to hit the road!

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 59

CLASSNOTES

Judy. In 1970, he joined the College

the Red Sox and the Patriots, going

Division of Little, Brown & Company

to exercise class, and watching his

in Boston, where he worked as

granddaughter grow.

economics editor before switching

family, Bo leaves behind two

serving as regional sales manager

treasured older sisters, May Louise

and national sales manager, with

Paton and Chloe Nolan, as well as

responsibility for four regions and

several nieces and nephews and

40 sales representatives.

their children. He is also survived by

Admired for his leadership ability and firm-but-friendly manner, he advised those who worked for him to 09

In addition to his immediate

to the sales side of the business and

his sister-in-law, Kathy Box, and her husband, Lon. Bo will be forever in our hearts

“look a disgruntled professor in the

because of his incredible generosity,

eye, stand your ground, and make

warmth, humility, and loyalty to

the sale.”

family and friends.

After 20 years with Little, Brown,

08 The Harris Family: Ellen,

newlyweds Chris ’07 and Megan, Pete ’11, and Mike.

Bo moved to Cape Cod, where he

David Walker Jenkins ’71, eldest

and Judy ran a small bed-and-break-

son of Laura Hallie Walker and

fast. He also worked as a tour

James Stealey Jenkins, died peace-

guide and led groups across Cape

fully at home on August 12, 2018,

Cod and the Islands, throughout

at the age of 64.

New England, as well as to New

09 Carson, the new baby

boy of Lower School Reading Specialist Jill Costello, has two admiring older brothers, Colin ’31 and Sean.

Brunswick and Nova Scotia, taking

blastoma tumor in March 2017. He is

pains to learn the history of every

survived by his wife of 40 years, Lisa,

place on the itinerary, so he could

and daughter, Sara. David is also

add local color.

survived by a sister, Stealey Ashley,

His interest in history continued

2007 Chris Harris tied the knot with

the devoted grandfather to Evonne J. Walsh. Bo was born in 1936 to Basil G.

Megan Grass in Kingston, N.Y., on

Dandison and Minnie R. Dandison,

February 23. See photo 08.

spending his childhood in Newton Centre and later in Greenwich.

David was diagnosed with a glio-

as well as his five brothers, Chris,

when he became president of

Jim, Frank, Adam, and Tony Jenkins;

the Historical Society of Old

their spouses, and many nieces and

Yarmouth and founded a men’s

nephews. He was preceded in death

book group devoted to history.

by his parents.

While living on Cape Cod, Bo

Born in New York City in 1953

also became a Big Brother, was a

and raised in Greenwich, David

member of the Unitarian Church

followed the love of his life, Lisa

of Barnstable, and enjoyed water-

Anne Falkenstein, to Boulder,

color painting, especially of trees,

Colo., shortly after high school in

flowers, and seagulls.

1974. They were married in 1978.

FACULTY NOTES

After graduation from Brunswick

Lower School reading specialist

in English from the University of

Jill Costello and her husband,

Michigan in 1959 and then joined

Rob, welcomed a baby boy, Carson

the Marine Corps as part of the PLC

Disease progressed, he and Judy

Jeffrey, on May 25. He joins his two

officer-in-training program, serving

relocated to Stratham to be nearer

older brothers, Sean and Colin ’31.

for three years in Okinawa and

to their children. Although not as

and construction supervisor, who

See photo 09.

Parris Island.

active as he once was, Bo liked

worked for Randall J. Hartmann in

tending his backyard garden, taking

the ’80s and ’90s. He brought many

rides along Rye Beach, rooting for

of Hartmann’s innovative plans to

School, in 1955, he received a B.A.

Following in his father’s

IN MEMORIAM

footsteps, he began a long and

Basil G. “Bo” Dandison Jr. ’55, of

1962, first as a “college traveler”

Stratham, N.H., died on April 10

in the Midwest and San Francisco

from complications of Parkinson’s

Bay area, and later as acquisitions editor in electrical engineering

of Judy J. Dandison for more than

for the College Textbook Division

50 years; the proud father of Mark

of McGraw-Hill Book Company in

E. Dandison and his wife, Diana

New York City.

Faust, and of Kristin J. Walsh and

It was during those years that he

her husband, Charles Walsh; and

met and married the love of his life,

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

In Boulder, they built their life and raised their daughter, Sara Hallie. David was a talented carpenter

satisfying career in publishing in

Disease. Bo was the loving husband

60 |

In recent years, as his Parkinson’s

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our mailing address information for members of our extended Brunswick family. If you are not receiving this publication at your preferred or current address, please let us know and we will update our records. If, for whatever the reason, you would prefer to suspend or terminate receiving this publication, please indicate so by emailing Libby Edwards (ledwards@brunswickschool.org).

CLASSNOTES

life, which can be seen throughout the neighborhoods of Boulder County. In the 2000s, David had his own LLC, DLS Construction,

DIGITAL PHOTOS

and worked on various remodeling projects throughout the city. One of David’s great loves was

We love pictures, and we like you to look good. Here are tips for providing digital photos that will look fantastic in print:

live music, and he was always on the hunt for the best concert ticket or autograph. He was a consistent audience member on the Boulder music scene from its early days to present, while also enjoying music venues throughout the East Coast and Colorado, including his favorite — Red Rocks. He built a large collection of memorabilia, including autographs from some of rock’s biggest names. This collection was his pride and joy. His encyclopedic knowledge of the world of rock music was a constant source of amusement and amazement to those who knew him. An avid skier, David adored Boulder and its proximity to some of the top ski areas in the world, where he enjoyed skiing with friends and family. He loved the outdoors and spent many peaceful hours fly fishing, often in his beloved Adirondacks. But family always came first.

William Jones ’10 and his sisters, Elizabeth (GA ’15), Catherine (GA ’15), and Julia (GA ’13)

• Set the photo size to 4x6 inches or larger, in 300 dpi.

William Pickering Jones III ’10, of Darien, lost his battle to addiction and died on December 25, 2018, at the age of 27. William was born in Greenwich on December 12, 1991, to William P. Jones, Jr. and Elizabeth Higgins Jones (Betsy and Bill). He was the

William was truly one of a kind and will be dearly missed by those who were lucky enough to know him. In a May issue of the Darien Times,

beloved big brother of Julia (GA ’13)

the Jones family shared William’s

and Catherine (GA ’15) and Elizabeth

story, in hopes of “carry[ing] on his

(GA ’15).

passionate commitment to help

He was the grandson of the late Dr. and Mrs. H. P. Higgins of Toronto, Canada, and the late Mr.

After many years surrounded by

and Mrs. William P. Jones, of Darien.

cats, dogs and parrots, David and

William was a second-year law

others and continuing his fervent hope to make a change.” “The time for drug policy reform and early intervention is now. All of us must become educated in order

Lisa’s life blossomed with the birth

student at Fordham University, Class

to dispel the shame and disgrace

of their daughter in 1993. Sara was

of 2020, and received his B.A. from

that surrounds our addicted loved

the focal point of the family, filling

McGill University.

ones and their families,” his mother,

the house with friends and laughter,

On April 4, William posthumously

Betsy, said.

and inheriting her father’s love of

received the Fordham University

the outdoors and sports. In spite

School of Law “Public Interest law

law school statement underlines

of her father’s protectiveness, Sara

student of Year Award – 2L” in

this sentiment in his realistic opti-

became a confident world traveler.

recognition of his commitment to

mism for the future, if we all pitch

Through the inevitable ups and

public interest through his substan-

in. It was his belief that even the

downs of life, David focused on his

tial volunteer work, leadership, and

most unsurmountable — such as

love for his family.

inspiring others to become involved

conquering the pain, the epic loss,

in public service work.

and the stigma of opioid addiction

David was honest, strong-willed, forthright, and loyal. He was a

He had a beautiful mind and was

The story concludes: “William’s

— could be done as a united effort of

presence in every room he entered,

passionate about everything he did,

with a booming voice and bright blue

whether it was his work on legal initia-

eyes. As the eldest brother, he set

tives, or just making his little sisters a

moving a mountain, I am trying to

the example for all who came after

new music playlist. William was loving

move a pebble I care about — if we

him. No person ever had a fiercer

and compassionate to his family and

all move our pebbles, we can move

protector or a more stubborn ally.

friends, but also to anyone he met.

mountains.”

humanity.” William wrote: “Instead of

• If photos have been taken by a professional photographer, submit hi-resolution files obtained from the photographer. Low-res files from photographers’ websites don’t reproduce well. • Set your digital camera to the best photo setting. • Save files as JPG. • Identify everyone, left to right, and provide a caption. • E-mail photos as attachments to Libby Edwards at ledwards@ brunswickschool.org.

If you’d rather send a traditional print (made from a negative), we love that, too. But please send them on glossy paper. Matte prints and prints from digital photos do not scan well. We can’t reproduce photos from photocopies, magazines or newsprint. Mail prints to: Libby Edwards Brunswick School Development/Alumni Office 100 Maher Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 61

ALUMNI EVENTS SPRING 2019

COLLEGE NIGHT

01 Dougie Neviera ’18, Tim Carter ’18, Jack Altman ’18, Billy O’Malley ’15, Jack Montinaro ’18, Reed McMurchy ’15, Muna Nwana ’18, Teddy Cassoli ’15, Addy Albano ’15, Charlie Cassoli ’15, and Luis Hernandez ’17

College Camaraderie A Stone’s Throw from Fenway H

02 Dougie Neviera ’18, Luis Hernandez ’17, and Jack Altman ’18

ARVARD. MIT. Boston College.

03 Director of Career Services Paige Montinaro P ’15, ’18 and Reed McMurchy ’15

Despite their new academic affiliations,

’Wick’s most fresh-faced alumni stepped away from their various college campuses and gathered as one in Beantown for dinner at Back Bay Social on Thursday, April 11. As the evening was such a big success — from the standpoint of simple connection and camaraderie — the Alumni Office plans to put one or two “college-town visits” on the calendar each year. Keep an eye out for our next stop!

BAA HAPPY HOUR

Much More than First-Round Draft N

EITHER THE Jets’ or (more so) the Giants’

first-round picks could bring spirits down as

’Wick alumni turned out to watch the NFL Draft

05 06

at the Public House at Merrion Row Hotel in New York City on Thursday, April 25. Thanks to the Brunswick Alumni Association — a hearty crew of dedicated and loyal Bruins — for organizing the happy-hour event to kick off the spring!

04 Conrad Oberbeck ’11 and Jamie Knox ’13 05 Tommy O’Malley ’12, Max Heiden ’12, and Joe Beninati ’12 06 Zach Dobbs ’06 and Tommy O’Malley ’12 07 Blake Booker ’14 and Joe Beninati ’12

62 |

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

Alumni Events

CLASSNOTES

ALUMNI TENNIS

Storied ’Wick Champs Test Hopefuls 08

varsity team on Saturday, May 11.

AME. SET. Match. ’Wick alumni took to the tennis courts to test

their mettle (and fitness level!) against the current Three generations of Hartches headlined the event, as Tom ’59, Greg ’88, Tim ’88, and Christian ’19 all participated in the doubles action at the Richman Tennis Courts on Edwards Campus. The matches were full of skilled shot-making — and served as ample preparation for the Bruins before they won the New England Class A Championship.

08 Tim ’88, Christian ’19, Greg ’88, and Tom Hartch ’59 09 Andrew Boer ’89 P ’21 10

10 Zach Hascoe ’06

ALUMNI TENT PARTY

On New Terrace, Savory Slices & Hugs for Longtime Friends T

HE SKIES cleared just in time for the Alumni Tent Party — and the national lacrosse

showdown between Brunswick and Salisbury on

11 12

Cosby Field on Friday, May 10. Unfortunately for Bruins fans and many former ’Wick LAXers in attendance, the Crimson Knights pulled away in the fourth quarter to win the game, 12–7. However, all on hand still enjoyed a great night of company and conversation on the new Alumni Terrace — sided by the “now-traditional” pizza truck, of course! 11 Alumni, parents, faculty, and friends enjoyed a beautiful spring night under (and outside) the Alumni Tent.

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_spring2019

12 Bill Schneider ’72 P ’12, ’16 and Sam Sammis ’56 13 Luca Errico ’20, Jon Errico ’16, and Alex Russell ’16

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG

| 63

LAST LOOK BY MIKE KENNEDY ’99

Sneak Peek at ‘Bruin Pass’ Artist’s Rendering

T’S MUCH more than a passageway

and Joe Delgado (P ’19, ’20, ’23) — for

under King Street.

spearheading the fundraising efforts for

It’s about integrating, linking, and connecting Brunswick’s entire Back

this essential capital project, which is scheduled to be completed in the fall.

Country school community — and bringing boys of all ages and grade levels safely together as they play on fields and use facilities on both campuses. This architectural rendering also includes a

As a permanent expres-

It’s about integrating, linking, and connecting Brunswick’s entire Back Country school community.

partial view of a new, state-

TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2019

gratitude for this gift, a plaque in the name of the Class of 2019 will grace the entrance to the new passageway. In addition, the senior boys themselves are donating a plaque embossed

of-the-art track facility that will benefit

with a bear paw for students to “high-

and enhance the Brunswick athletic expe-

five” as they pass through.

riences of all students.

64 |

sion of Brunswick’s

What a wonderful way to honor ’Wick’s

Brunswick is grateful to the parents

newly minted graduates, while providing

of the Class of 2019 — led by Gina Pate

safe passage for generations of future boys

and Steve Pierce (P ’15, ’19) and Linda

of Brunswick!

C LAS S OF 201 9

Newest ‘Trustees’ of Traditions Held Dearest

HIM M E RIN G SU N shone over Edwards Campus for a day of merriment, reflection, and tears as Brunswick graduated the Class of 2019 at its 117th Commencement on May 22. Commencement speaker Anthony M. Kennedy, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (Ret.), told class members they’ll now serve as “trustees” of three cherished traditions: Brunswick School, their families, and America. Please be assured: We’re hard at work now! Complete coverage of the festivities, remarks, and awards will appear in Times of Brunswick’s Fall 2019 issue.

TOB Spring 2019 Cover_12.indd 4

6/19/19 8:38 AM

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID TIMES OF BRUNSW ICK | SPRING 2019

100 Maher Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830

Permit No. 3931 Stamford, CT

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Opening Day..................................................... September 3 Annual Meeting & Dinner....................... September 12 For more events and updates, please visit BrunswickSchool.org. W W W.B R U N S W I C K S C H O O L .O R G

ATTENTION ALUMNI PARENTS Please notify us of your sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current address at 203.242.1225 or Alumni@BrunswickSchool.org.

TOB Spring 2019 Cover_12.indd 6

6/19/19 8:38 AM