Cate School 2024 Fall Bulletin

CATE BULLETIN

EDITOR

Avani Patel Shah

MANAGING EDITOR

Matt McClenathen

COPY EDITOR

Kate Parker '85

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Mya Cubero

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Katie Browne '19

Freddy Randall ARCHIVIST

Judy Savage

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Alexandra Lockett

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

Avani Patel Shah

Matt McClenathen

Freddy Randall

ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

Alison Boris

Beth Engel

Guille Gil-Reynoso

Jake Kim

Michael Lee

Andrew MacDonnell

Lindsay Newlove

Sarah Preston

MISSION STATEMENT

Through commitment, scholarship, companionship, and service, each member of the Cate community contributes to what our founder called “... the spirit of this place ... all compounded of beauty and virtue, quiet study, vigorous play, and hard work.”

NOTICE OF CORRECTIONS

The 2024 Summer issue of the Cate Bulletin inadvertently omitted Edie Abbott '27 from Duncan Abbott '54’s class note about his granddaughters joining Cate. The online Bulletin includes all corrections. We sincerely apologize for any errors.

To update contact information, please email alumni@cate.org.

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The Cate Bulletin is published twice a year by Cate School and is distributed free of charge to alumni, parents, and friends of the School. Send correspondence and address changes to: communications@cate.org

The Cate Bulletin is printed by V3 on Topkote paper.

In this Issue

HEAD OF SCHOOL’S LETTER

Head of School Alex Lockett reflects on the enduring connections within the Cate community, expressing gratitude for shared experiences and highlighting the School’s commitment to nurturing each student’s potential.

ON THE MESA

With the completion of the new Wykoff Library, take a look back at the construction of the McBean Library in 1965. 6

An Intentional Beginning New Faces on the Mesa Navigating Political Discourse Round Square Exchange Mark Metherell '87 Memorial Service Challenge 2023-24 Athletic Highlights Outings Week

REPORT ON PHILANTHROPY

A celebration of the 2023-2024 supporters and volunteers of Cate School.

CLASS NOTES

From the West Coast to the East Coast and all over the world, Cate alumni share recent news about their lives.

IN MEMORIAM

We honor alumni who have passed with reflections on their time at Cate and beyond.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Elias Smith '26 riding the waves during a Cate varsity surf competition at Zuma Beach last fall.

Feature Story

Scholarship and Beyond

Explore the transformative impact of Cate School’s financial assistance program through the inspiring stories of alumni who reveal how it shaped their lives.

For Cate and Forever

The For Cate and Forever campaign celebrates raising $115 million in its 115th year, transforming the School through capital improvements and endowment growth.

Sam Kellogg '28 balances on the slackline on Parsonage Lawn before Homecoming.

Students study together on the steps leading up to the new Inquiry Collaborative.

From the Head of School Lasting Legacy of Cate

I am invested in ensuring Cate’s legacy remains strong by linking our rich history with our hopeful embrace of the possibilities alive in the beautifully complex times we are in today. “ “

Dear Friends,

There is something truly special about being a part of the Cate family. As you read through the Bulletin, I hope you are left with the same feeling of awe and gratitude I feel each day for the generous and spirited engagement from every corner of our worldwide community. While our ages, backgrounds, and perspectives vary, our shared love for Cate is an enduring, unifying force.

As I continue to build relationships with so many of you, I am amazed by how consistently you answer the question ‘What do you value most about your Cate experience?’ Alumni often share stories about how the love and support of friends and teachers on the Mesa fueled their process of becoming themselves – especially during moments of struggle. Parents tell stories about how the Mesa served as a grounding and inspiring backdrop for these transformative teenage years. I hear appreciation for how intellectual life at Cate, guided by inquiry and exploration, shaped each person’s understanding of the vast world within and beyond self. Each story carries gratitude about the power of living, learning, and working within a diverse community as a treasured dimension of a Cate education.

As I work with my colleagues and our students to consider the complexities of artificial intelligence, climate change, and our increasingly polarized world, I am reassured knowing that we share an appreciation of Cate’s lasting legacy of curiosity, connection, and care. Our record-breaking For Cate and Forever comprehensive campaign illustrates the deep commitment to the preservation of what is magic about Cate with the possibilities embodied by each new generation of students.

I can’t help but feel hopeful knowing that who we have been and who we will become are our greatest inheritance. Like you, I am invested in ensuring Cate’s legacy remains strong by linking our rich history with our hopeful embrace of the possibilities alive in the beautifully complex times we are in today.

Thank you for sharing your gifts so generously with the School and for your continued belief in our distinct approach to nurturing the promise alive in each student, each day, and each dream.

Servons, Alexandra

Lockett

On the Mesa

An Intentional Beginning: The Head of School Convocation Reimagined

By Avani Shah, Director of Marketing & Communications

Every school has its cultural markers – traditions, symbols, and people that embody its values. However, as schools change, so do the traditions that shape their identity. When Head of School Alexandra Lockett was asked to plan the annual opening Convocation for the 2024-2025 school year, she reflected on this evolution of space, place, and tradition.

“I think often about how school culture is created, maintained, and even transformed over time,”

reflected Lockett. “The millions of interactions that we have each day are all spontaneous expressions of what we treasure. By intentionally nurturing, shaping, and reinforcing what we hold as our highest ideals, we help ensure our daily interactions are aligned to those values.”

This year, the inquiry question is How do we come to believe what we believe? And when it comes to Cate, there are a few things that Lockett believes to be true.

“This school truly values companionship and living a life of commitment,” said Lockett. “Our commitment to companionship allows us to discover the depths of what makes each of us distinct, unique, and diverse.”

The manifestation of this belief is seen most powerfully at the start of each school year, marked by traditions like Move-In Day and the welcome of new 9th-grade families at the top of the hill, Sunset Ceremony the evening before the first day of classes, the departure for Outings Week, and the return to school, which is marked by the Head of School Convocation.

“The evening before we start classes in earnest felt like another opportunity for us to be intentional as we settle into the unique constellation of who we are this school year, while also locating ourselves within time and place that situates how

Head of School Alex Lockett presents flowers to the children of the Mesa during a reimagined Convocation, symbolizing the start of the school year.

precious it is to share this year together,” shared Lockett.

Lockett designed a program highlighting how the arc of time frames the human experience, the time the community at Cate shares together, and the physical place of the Mesa. First, the children of the Mesa, the young children of the faculty living on campus, received flowers from Lockett and offered her a book featuring illustrations of their favorite places on the campus.

“Each child serves as a reminder that not so long ago, we were young too,” shared Lockett. “May we see each child as a reminder to slow down, to allow ourselves to feel a sense of wonder, and to take time to appreciate the precious and fleeting gifts that only the youngest among us can offer.”

Following this, Julie TumamaitStenslie, a Chumash elder, shared a land acknowledgment and a brief history of the land. She presented a traditional welcome song and perspective on how each cardinal direction represents a way to frame a deeper appreciation of nature and its wisdom.

Next, Dr. Susannah Porter, Professor of Earth Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and spouse of Cate science instructor Dr. Jamie Kellogg, offered reflections on the geology of the Mesa and the profound significance of the physical space.

Finally, Lockett delivered a reflection inspired by the Grandmother paper many Cate students complete in the 11th grade. She reflected on how her Polish grandmother’s life, impacted by war, was also filled with hope as she boldly embraced the ambiguity and possibility life presented her with. Her grandmother’s resilience inspired both Lockett and her mother to pursue lives of impact in service of a better, more just future grounded in a relentless belief in humanity.

To conclude the ceremony and maintain the thread of thoughtful intentionality, the community processed

out of the Class of 1981 Amphitheatre into Booth Commons for the first seated meal of the year. Faculty led the procession, followed by seniors and each descending grade after that, moving the audience from one space of reflection to another of community to launch the year together.

“The spirit of this place is shaped by the alchemy of people and place coming together,” shared Lockett. “It’s about living, learning, and working in this captivating location we call home, where the unique interactions we experience every day create a sense of magic. Honoring both the people and the place allows us to ground ourselves in a deeper appreciation for what shapes us. Intentionally turning toward this idea of place and recognizing the generations that came before and those who will follow allows us to expand our understanding of identity and connection.”

This intentional start gave space for the community to reflect on how the spirit of growth and connection will always remain at Cate, supporting the School’s shared values, and shaping generations to come. While future versions of the opening Convocation may look different, this reimagining opens the door for the greatest growth possible in all things – even traditions.

Julie Tumamait-Stenslie

Dr. Susannah Porter P'23,'28

New Faces on the Mesa

ALESIA ACEVES

Librarian

Alesia has been a librarian at Aliso and Summerland Elementary Schools since 2021, focusing on Latinx community engagement. She loves reading, traveling, and discovering new coffee shops.

BENJAMIN CHEREL

French Instructor

Benjamin has been teaching French at various institutions since 2001, and comes to Cate from Cranbrook School in Michigan. He is passionate about reading, traveling, and sharing his love for the French language.

LISA DELAIGLE

Cate Academic Support Services (CASS)

Fascinated by the science of learning, Lisa shifted her career from teaching to enhancing student learning through research-based practices. She enjoys hiking, yoga, and beach walks with her two daughters.

DR. LORETTA JOHNSON

Executive Assistant of Folger Center

Loretta began her career in education and has held diverse roles, most recently serving as the Executive Director of a local nonprofit organization. She enjoys hiking, sailing, and exploring Carpinteria with her partner and dog.

JAKE KIM

Alumni Director

Jake arrives on the Mesa after working in the Alumni Office at Fay School in Massachusetts. He served as an armored vehicle driver in the Korean Army, is a KPOP songwriter, and has a passion for cooking Korean cuisine.

CAROLYN LAMONTAGNE

Director of Libraries

Carolyn comes to Cate after 18 years as a librarian at Collegiate School in Richmond, Va., where they founded and facilitated LGBTQ+ affinity groups for both faculty and students. They enjoy reading, writing, deep-dive podcasts, and card games.

JASON MAXFIELD

Network Administrator

Jason started his career making phone apps before transitioning to tech support. He enjoys puzzles, skateboarding, and outdoor adventures with his wife, Lieah, and two dogs, Toby and Olivia.

FREDDY RANDALL

Visual Storytelling Manager Freddy returns stateside after working at Leysin American School in Switzerland. He loves being in the mountains and is an avid trail runner and road cyclist. He lives in High House with his wife, Shona, and dog, Obi.

MICHAEL LEE

Manager of Advancement Services

Michael joins Cate School after spending several years at Ventura County Rescue Mission and has over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. He lives with his wife Alicia, and dog, Barley, and together they love all things outdoors.

AURORA SANTANGELO

Science Instructor

Aurora has been teaching physics and engineering since 2019, and comes to Cate after working at Sage Ridge School in Reno, Nev. Originally from Brooklyn, she’s eager to teach yoga at Cate and explore the outdoors with her fiancé, Michael.

TIANMING LIU

Mandarin Instructor

Tianming has taught Mandarin at various educational levels and is dedicated to helping students develop a love for the language. He lives in Ventura with his wife and cat, and enjoys working out and world cinema.

SUFEN YEN

Mandarin Instructor

Sufen has been teaching Mandarin at various levels since 2006, and returns to the Mesa where she was the Chinese Instructor from 2010-2020. In her free time she enjoys hiking, traveling, photography, ceramics, and reading.

Navigating Political Discourse in an Election Year: The Power of Inquiry-Based Learning

By Avani Shah, Director of Marketing & Communications

If there is one thing Cate students do exceptionally well, it is ask questions. At the core of Cate’s academic philosophy is inquiry-based learning, centering exploration, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge to result in the greatest growth possible for each student.

“The idea of ‘explore before you explain’ and encouraging the brave first answer is key to how we engage students in discussions,” shared Annalee Salcedo, Dean of Academics. “We invite them to share an initial thought that we can build on or revise without judgment, just to start the conversation. The courage to share an idea is similar to the courage to ask a question – both are essential in an inquiry-based approach.”

The impact of this approach is greater than simply strong academic performance – it is resilient young people who graduate, prepared to be citizens of the world. This becomes particularly important when navigating the realities of the world beyond the Mesa – for example, an election year.

“When conversations become tricky, it’s important to create a space where it’s safe to share thoughts that aren’t fully formed, that need more attention or elaboration from peers,” explained Salcedo. “That’s how the inquiry-based approach – exploring before explaining and embracing the brave first wrong answer – helps foster deeper, more meaningful discussions.”

A concrete example of this in action can be seen in the Cate History and Humanities classrooms. In the 9th grade, students engage in deliberation, not debate. “The key difference is that in a debate, you hold on to your side and try and prove it, and in a deliberation, you’re trying to hear everyone’s side, and oftentimes, you’re trying to come to a common consensus or understanding,” explained Rebekah Barry, History Department Chair.

This intention for a common understanding that begins in the freshman year is then threaded throughout the history curriculum. Backboned by the inquiry method, students observe, question, infer, and interpret artifacts.

Cate historians, however, are asked to take the observation stage a bit further and observe themselves as well. They are offered an opportunity for self-inquiry, asking questions like “Who am I?” “What do I believe?” and “Where did those beliefs come from?”

This, in turn, builds what Barry described as “intellectual empathy.” “It’s the idea that you can feel and imagine history from more than one point of view. When exploring a contemporary event, this means that you create space for both self-reflection and to explore someone else’s side.”

Currently, 11th-grade students in U.S. History are working on an election

project wherein they explore historical presidential elections from the last 50 years and contextualize the current election by exploring the ways in which ideas and policies evolve over time.

“When learning about elections from different time periods, there seems to be a very clear divide between voting for what you actually believe in as an American and voting for your favorite

This, in Salcedo’s perspective, is the end goal: for students to observe and understand themselves as learners and thinkers.

“When we center inquiry, we’re really focusing on teaching students how to learn rather than focusing simply on what content they learn. Content is important – it is a vehicle – but it is constantly changing and accessible

The power of graduating students who can consider different perspectives, empathize with others, and question their own assumptions is immense. “ “

candidate just because you like them,” observed current 11th-grade stundent Perrin Veltman '26, who researched the 1992 presidential election between Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush. “Nowadays, I think we as Americans are not very surprised when we see the election as a profound line of different intellectual ideas and proposals between candidates. My favorite part of this inquiry project was being able to see how the election process has changed over the years.”

“In my project, I researched the role of television and mass media and how that drastically affects public perception of potential candidates,” shared Coco Kliman '26. “This was my introduction to the concept of a ‘candidate-centered election’ as opposed to an election centered around the relevant issues, and it was very eye-opening in my own awareness of the way that media contributes to the portrayal of the current presidential candidates.”

in many ways. What really matters is the metacognitive processes we teach: reflecting on their own thinking, communication, and experience as learners. That is what builds resilience, determination, and curiosity – qualities they can carry with them, no matter the context.”

“I feel incredibly fortunate to teach senior electives – it’s such a privilege to witness the culmination of students’ learning,” shared Barry. “I love watching them, both individually and collectively, engage in deliberative discussions where they no longer need me to prompt them. They’ve developed the habit of mind to ask, ‘What are the multiple perspectives here?’ and to draw on that intellectual empathy. Ultimately, they even ask themselves, ‘Could I be wrong?’ The power of graduating students who can consider different perspectives, empathize with others, and question their own assumptions is immense. We need more thinkers and leaders who embody these qualities.”

History Instructor Lisa Holmes utilizes the inquiry method to engage students in a discussion on politics.

Round Square Exchange: South Africa

By Madeline Losey '26

In most of July and some of August this past year, 2024, I had the great pleasure of attending Bridge House School, located in Franschhoek, South Africa. My stay was for around five weeks and instead of staying at an exchange partner's home, which is the normal custom for Bridge House and most exchanges, I had a wonderful time as a boarder where I shared a room with three other girls my age. Staying in boarding was an excellent way to connect with not just one singular exchange partner, but rather with as many people as possible.

Another benefit of shaping my own experience and acting as a regular student rather than just a temporary exchange was being able to pick my own classes. I took history, math, life science, accounting, and French. Although French was my chosen language, I sat in on various Xhosa and Afrikaans classes and many of the other long-stay exchange students were German, so I got exposure to many languages. Of all the classes, though, my favorite would have to be history. For the first half of my stay, my history class covered the French Revolution, a topic covered also by Cate in 9th grade Humanities. I liked sitting in a class with a topic I had previously studied because it allowed me to compare and contrast the two very

different learning styles. For the second half of my stay, we started to dive into South African history and learned about the significance of Shaka Zulu, and how he was one of the most influential Zulu leaders in South African history.

An interesting fact about Franschhoek is that there is a very heavy French influence, and I discovered this through

the celebration of Bastille Day. Bastille Day was arguably my most memorable experience, as all of the boarders were taken to downtown Franschhoek to walk around and celebrate. Every pole, fence, and market stall was covered in various forms of the French Flag, and I still remember two people dressed in full costumes and stilts walking around and waving a French flag.

I think the best part about my exchange is the fact that I never really felt like I was an exchange student. I came at the start of a new term, and there was an influx of German long-stay students who were essentially normal students, so since I didn’t have a specific exchange partner, I was treated as a normal long-stay student. This gave me the opportunity to experience Bridge House to the fullest and make friends that I am sure I will stay in contact with for a long time. It didn’t feel bittersweet to leave, it felt strange simply because I felt like a normal student and everyone else was going on a long weekend! There was no big event or experience that reshaped my thinking of educational differences across continents, but rather I feel as though I got to see and appreciate the similarities between Cate and Bridge House. At the end of the day, both are schools with extraordinary students who push themselves in all mediums. I will be forever grateful that I was and am lucky enough to experience daily life and education at both, however short my stay at Bridge House might have been.

Mark Metherell '87 Memorial Service Challenge

Mark Metherell '87 was an inspirational figure to all those who knew him. A loving husband and father who always had time for others, he often spoke of helping those less fortunate. In 2008, Mark tragically passed away while training Iraqi special forces, and in 2009, his friends, classmates, and family created the Mark Metherell '87 Memorial Service Challenge. He was previously involved in the public service program while at Cate, and the grant in his honor awards service projects for nearly $5,000 each. With volunteerism, the potential to benefit others, vision, and sustainability as the primary criteria for selection, this year’s recipients were Francesca Sutch '25, Daisy Gemberling '25, and Stephanie Akinfolarin '25.

Empowering Refugees through Sewing in Hong Kong

FRANCESCA SUTCH '25

This summer, Francesca Sutch '25 worked with R.U.N., a Hong Kongbased nonprofit dedicated to supporting refugees, primarily women escaping sex trafficking from Africa and South Asia. The organization’s mission – Rebuild, Unite, and Nurture – aims to equip refugees with essential skills for economic autonomy, offering programs in financial literacy, IT, and sewing.

For her Mark Metherell '87 Service Challenge project, Francesca focused on expanding R.U.N.’s sewing program. “I am passionate about sewing and understand the impact it can have on one’s sense of ability, creativity, and community,” she said. “I helped R.U.N. grow their

collection of sewing equipment, provided the participants with sewing lessons, and helped them prepare for their second annual fashion show.” By acquiring new equipment, Francesca expanded participation from seven to 15 women, a significant boost just before the show.

In the week leading up to the event, Francesca worked closely with the participants, purchasing sewing patterns and assisting them in their creations, and even had the opportunity to serve as backstage manager during the show. The event culminated in a vibrant celebration, where participants showcased their handmade garments to the rhythm of a djembe drum.

After the show, Francesca continued volunteering with R.U.N., participating in afterschool activities and forming connections with the women. Through

her work, she witnessed firsthand the strength and joy of the refugee community while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges they face in Hong Kong. This experience strengthened her commitment to advocacy and highlighted the power of creativity in fostering hope and change.

“I can confidently say that I have never encountered such joyous, hardworking, and vivacious people in my life,” Francesca said. “Through conversations, jokes, and affectionate pinches given by older women, I have truly been inspired by the persistent delight in little things. They are some of the most resilient people I have ever met, and through sewing and the Mark Metherell '87 Service Challenge, I am grateful to have made a positive impact on their lives as they have made on mine.”

Supporting Residents of Alexandria House

DAISY GEMBERLING '25 & STEPHANIE AKINFOLARIN '25

Daisy Gemberling '25 and Stephanie Akinfolarin '25 utilized their Mark Metherell '87 Memorial Service Challenge grant to support residents of Alexandria House, a shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, Calif. Their project focused on revitalizing two creative spaces for youth ages 3 to 18, creating a library, and providing art supplies to promote wellness and comfort. With a shared passion for literature, they aimed to foster mental health and healing through reading and creativity, aligning with Alexandria House’s mission.

“Ultimately, this project was a window into the strength of these women and children at Alexandria,” Stephanie and Daisy said. “We are grateful to be able to give the kids the tools and space for independent success in school and life. We are grateful to have been part of something that will hopefully continue to inspire the children of Alexandria House.”

During their summer at Alexandria House, Daisy and Stephanie dedicated seven days to transforming the spaces. They took on roles as painter and builder, assembling bookshelves and painting walls while engaging with residents. A memorable highlight was

creating a handprint tree mural with the children and their mothers, which personalized the space and instilled a sense of belonging. In August, they returned to organize new books and were delighted to see the children frequently using the spaces.

One challenge they faced was securing permission to complete a longunfinished mural. Despite delays, they successfully finished it in a single day. The project provided more than just a physical space; it created a nurturing environment for creativity and learning.

Throughout their efforts, they collaborated with Michele Richards, Development Director at Alexandria House, and engaged the broader community to source meaningful books. The spaces they created serve about 50 children weekly, with one room tailored for younger kids and another for teens.

“We left Alexandria House with sentiments of gratitude, accomplishment, and connection,” Stephanie and Daisy said. “We were able to create more than just a physical space; we built a safe haven for creativity and learning, one that would benefit the children and their families for years to come.”

Daisy Gemberling '25

Stephanie Akinfolarin '25

Outings Week

Familiar rhythms in new locations

By Kern Ducote, Outdoors Instructor

The Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park

After two years of planning, we were finally able to attempt a new backpacking loop that we have been researching over the last few years. The winter of 2022-23 brought some of the most astounding snowfall ever recorded. Even though we obtained permits to the much sought after Rae Lakes Loop, the ensuing spring melt off had other plans. Catastrophic damage was done to the winding and narrow Highway 180 which leads to “Roads End,” the trailhead to our hike. With only one way in and one way out, our permits for the fall of 2023 proved useless and the National Park Service had no choice but to close the road and begin repairs, denying all entry. The road opened more than a year later and suddenly, so did access to the permits.

After some consideration, the Cate Outdoors Program decided to provide the option of challenge by choice to the 11th grade class for the fall of 2024. Options included Backpacking Plus (a trip with increased difficulty), a pod focused on Art & Writing, Ambitious

Adventure (focused on long day hikes, with a basecamp) as well as the standard trip. The Rae Lakes Loop, a 40+ mile loop boasting nearly 8,000 feet in elevation gain, provided the setting for our two Backpacking Plus pods. The trail started out with a flat two mile approach. Exactly three minutes and 40 seconds into our journey we saw our first bear. “Ok,” I thought, “This is going to be a good trip.” Not 10

minutes later, an 11-point buck, still in his summer velvet, pranced by us, not 20 yards away. “Ok,” I thought, “Now you guys are officially spoiled.”

Although the frequency of wildlife sightings slowed down a bit, we had an amazing trip. Long, hard days often concluded with chilly plunges in high lakes and streams laden with melted snow. One highlight included reaching the

highest point on our hike, Glen Pass, at 11,926 feet. The path was barely wide enough for more than one person. While we were at the top taking in the view, as other hikers approached the top, our students extended their arms over the path and created a cheer tunnel for them to pass through. The resulting smiles were broad and genuine. 11th grader Lauren Hubbs '26 reflected, “What if you got up here and there was no one to cheer you on or congratulate you?”

We were thrilled with how the trip went and couldn’t help but agree with John Muir’s sentiment, who once called Kings Canyon, “a rival to Yosemite.”

During Outings Week, Cate students ventured across California. In addition to the Rae Lakes Loop, juniors hiked to San Jacinto and the Kern, while 9th graders made their annual trip to Pyles. As shown above, the sophomore class had the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Yosemite.

2023-24 Athletic Awards

Congratulations to the award-winning student-athletes from the 20232024 athletic season on the Mesa! It was a banner year for the Rams, with 18 programs advancing to the CIF playoffs, highlighted by a CIF Championship in girls tennis. Go Rams!

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Girls Tennis (Tri-Valley League)

Football (Tri-Valley League)

Boys Soccer (Tri-Valley League)

Samuel Anum '25 was named the Tri-Valley League Defensive Player of the Year while leading the boys varsity soccer team to a league title.

The girls varsity tennis team went undefeated and captured the CIF Division 3 Championship last fall.

First team all-league selection Tyler Martinez '24 celebrates with his teammate after scoring a touchdown.

POSTSEASON QUALIFIERS

Girls Tennis – CIF-SS Division 3 (Champions)

Boys Cross Country – CIF-SS Division 5 Finals (2nd Place), CIF State Championships (11th Place)

Girls Cross Country – CIF-SS Division 5 Finals (13th Overall)

Football – CIF-SS Division 1 (Semifinals)

Girls Volleyball – CIF-SS Division 6 (Quarterfinals)

Boys Water Polo – CIF-SS Division 5 (Quarterfinals)

Girls Water Polo – CIF-SS Division 6 (First Round)

Boys Basketball – CIF-SS Division 3A (First Round)

Girls Soccer – CIF-SS Division 5 (First Round)

Boys Soccer – CIF-SS Division 6 (Second Round)

Baseball – CIF-SS Division 8 (First Round)

Girls Lacrosse – CIF-SS Division 3 (Semifinals)

Boys Lacrosse – CIF-SS Division 2 (Wild Card)

Boys Swimming – CIF-SS Division 3 Finals (6th Place)

Girls Swimming – CIF-SS Division 3 Finals (24th Overall)

Boys Tennis – CIF-SS Division 1 (First Round)

Boys Track & Field – CIF-SS Division 4 (5th Place)

Boys Volleyball – CIF-SS Division 6 (Second Round)

FIRST TEAM ALL-LEAGUE

Fall

Francesca Sutch '25 – Girls Cross Country

Sebastian Sutch '24 – Boys Cross Country (TVL MVP)

Everest Schipper '24 – Boys Cross Country

Ati Zwieback '24 – Boys Cross Country

Kristian Scurtis '24 – Football (TVL Defensive Player of the Year)

Tyler Martinez '24 – Football (TVL Offensive Player of the Year)

Johnny Foster '25 – Football

Cody Mast '25 – Football

Henry Bouma '25 – Football

Zach Coulter '25 – Football

Lisa Hasebe '27 – Girls Tennis (TVL Singles MVP)

Alyna Takahashi '24 – Girls Tennis (Singles)

Colette Chang '25/Reyna Takahashi '27 – Girls Tennis (Doubles)

Melanie Davidson '24 – Girls Volleyball

Oyin Opawumi '26 – Girls Volleyball

Remington Minnis '24 – Boys Water Polo

Winter

Daisy Gemberling '25 – Girls Water Polo

Kate McCoy '25 – Girls Water Polo

Ada Hansen '24 – Girls Basketball

Marcus Scudder '25 – Boys Basketball

Tyler Martinez '24 – Boys Basketball

Zoë Flint '25 – Girls Soccer (TVL Defensive Player of the Year)

Josie Frazer '24 – Girls Soccer

Mel Davidson '24 – Girls Soccer

Samuel Anum '25 – Boys Soccer (TVL Defensive Player of the Year)

Quincy Thorne '26 – Boys Soccer (TVL Goalkeeper of the Year)

George Marin '26 – Boys Soccer

Ari Seal '24 – Boys Soccer

Charlie Dorion '26 – Boys Soccer

Uri Beltran '25 – Boys Soccer

Dimash Anuarbek '26 – Boys Soccer

The boys cross country team finished as runner-up in the CIF Division 5 finals.

Riley Pan '24 was named Channel League Midfielder of the Year and earned All-CIF and All-Academic while leading the Rams to the CIF semifinals.

Daisy Gemberling '25 earned first team all-league honors and received the SBART Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award.

Spring

Quinn Pullen '25 – Baseball (Frontier League MVP)

Chase Meyer '26 – Baseball

Ethan Gibson '25 – Baseball

Peter Lehman '25 – Baseball

Kristian Scurtis '24 – Boys Lacrosse

(Channel League Defensive Player of the Year)

Burak Yanar '24 – Boys Lacrosse (Channel League Goalie of the Year)

Cody Mast '25 – Boys Lacrosse

Elliott Murray Osborn '24 – Boys Lacrosse

Riley Pan '24 – Girls Lacrosse

(Channel League Midfielder of the Year)

Lauren Hubbs '26 – Girls Lacrosse

Maia Holmes '26 – Girls Lacrosse

Josiah Hansen '27 – Boys Swimming

Wil Rivera '27 – Boys Swimming

Phin Stephenson '25 – Boys Swimming

Baye Breene '25 – Boys Swimming

Joba Samson '25 – Boys Swimming

Zach White '24 – Boys Swimming

Jae Wykoff '26 – Boys Swimming

Ben White '25 – Boys Swimming

Stella Rogers '25 – Girls Swimming

Jen Won '26 – Girls Swimming

Madeleine Kollock '27 – Girls Swimming

Makayla Niu '27 – Girls Swimming

Angie Zoric '24 – Girls Swimming

Kakeru Hirofuji '27 – Boys Tennis (Singles MVP)

Harry Su '25/Nate Newlove '25 – Boys Tennis (Doubles MVP)

Everest Schipper '24 – Boys Track & Field

Zachary Goins '25 – Boys Track & Field

Francesca Sutch '25 – Girls Track & Field

Sophie Blank '27 – Girls Track & Field

Madeleine Patrick '25 – Girls Track & Field

Annie Chian '24 – Girls Track & Field

Emerson Evans '26 – Girls Track & Field

Ben Richmond '24 – Boys Volleyball

ALL-CIF RECOGNITION

Kristian Scurtis '24 – 1st Team Football

Tyler Martinez '24 – 1st Team Football

Henry Bouma '25 – 1st Team Football

Johnny Foster '25 – 2nd Team Football

Cody Mast '25 – 2nd Team Football

Zach Coulter '25 – 2nd Team Football

Melanie Davidson '24 – Girls Volleyball

Remington Minnis '24 – 1st Team Boys Water Polo

Baye Breene '25 – 2nd Team Boys Water Polo

Phin Stephenson '25 – 3rd Team Boys Water Polo

Daisy Gemberling '25 – 2nd Team Girls Water Polo

Kate McCoy '25 – 3rd Team Girls Water Polo

Quinn Pullen '25 – Baseball

Riley Pan '24 – Girls Lacrosse (US Lacrosse Academic All-American)

SANTA BARBARA ATHLETIC ROUND TABLE AWARDS

Sebastian Sutch '24 – Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Daisy Gemberling '25 – Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award

Frances Davis '24/Lisa Hasebe '27 – Athletes of the Week

Marcus Scudder '25 – Athlete of the Week

Maia Holmes '26 – Athlete of the Week

ALL-STATE RECOGNITION

Sebastian Sutch '24 – 1st Team Cross Country

Everest Schipper '24 – 2nd Team Cross Country

Oyin Opawumi '26 was a first team all-league selection for the girls varsity volleyball team.

Quinn Pullen '25 had a standout season on the mound for the Rams en route to league MVP and All-CIF honors.

Scholarship and Beyond: The long-term impacts of Cate’s financial assistance program

By Leslie Turnbull '85

The word “scholarship” can be confusing. In its context as one of the value pillars in the Cate School mission statement (the others are “commitment,” “companionship,” and “service”), scholarship denotes a high level of academic study and achievement. The rigorous and often joyful pursuit of this scholarship is part of the air we breathe on the Mesa.

On the other hand, the singular noun “scholarship,” refers to monies awarded to support a student’s education based on merit, achievement, and/ or potential. In a high-level academic setting like Cate’s (where scholarship is eagerly practiced), it might be easy to assume the School awards monetary scholarships … but we don’t, and this is an important distinction. Every student admitted to Cate has already

met an extremely high bar of merit, achievement, and/or potential. As one of only a small percentage of applicants accepted each year, every successful applicant ostensibly qualifies for this sort of recognition.

Thanks to our generous circle of alumni, family, and friends, Cate offers something arguably even better: financial assistance. As independent school tuition continues to rise, many families need some degree of help in order to afford a four-year Cate education. At Cate, financial assistance is awarded solely on the basis of demonstrated need. It can range from a few thousand dollars to full tuition support and extra funds to ensure a student’s ability to integrate and fully experience all that Cate has to offer.

Paid for by both the Cate Fund and endowment funds that promote equitable scholarship at the School the financial assistance program has for decades allowed our Admission Office to thoughtfully and intentionally compose class cohorts who will support and elevate each other, on the Mesa and beyond.

Recently (and with their enthusiastic permission), we sat down with a group of alumni whose journey through Cate was made possible by financial assistance. In their stories and candid conversations, we learn just how this critical element of Cate’s admission process altered the trajectory of their own lives and those of their families and communities.

Please meet:

ARIANA LORENZANA '00

Ariana, a neuroscientist and mother of two, is a Principal Scientist at Bristol Meyers Squibb in San Diego. Now at a point in her life when she has “time to reflect,” Ariana sees her journey at Cate as an inflection point, allowing her to see the possibilities in herself and others thanks to the passionate commitment of Cate faculty.

Having grown up in Los Angeles as the eldest of three children raised by a financially challenged single mother, “There’s no way we were affording expensive private schools,” Ariana recalls. “But my mother knew the importance of education and a broader exposure to the world.”

“I didn’t know it then, but my mom led the charge to ABC.” ABC, or A Better Chance, is a 60-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to placing highperforming students of color into the nation’s leadership pipeline through increased access to the top independent and public schools.

Ariana was accepted by ABC and given a scholarship; she also gained admission to several private schools. However, Ariana says, “The second I drove up to

the Mesa and saw the kind of kids there, I knew it was for me. It was different … a mixing pot, welcoming, and comfortable.”

Ariana enjoyed academic success at Cate, where “... the quality of education was really different,” she says. “The teachers’ passion for their subjects inspired us to learn, and that’s really special.”

Ariana recalls several teachers and coaches who encouraged and supported her, including her art teachers and her squash coach Terry Eagle. “I broke a racquet one day and really panicked, thinking ‘I can’t afford to replace this!’”

But Mr. Eagle didn’t say a word and just quietly brought Ariana another racquet the next day. She never felt singled out as a student receiving financial assistance.

After Cate, Ariana attended Columbia and Barnard College. Intending originally to be an artist, she realized the encouragement of her Cate art teachers might have blinded her to the realities of the competitive New York art scene. Inspired by biology teacher Cheryl Powers, Ariana chose a second major in the sciences as “... something to keep in my back pocket.”

That backup plan has served Ariana well. She conducted research at UCLA and USC. She received her Ph.D. from UCSD. Now a working researcher as well as a mother, Ariana defines success as “… being secure and happy and comfortable with who I am independent of money.”

Well educated in the true meaning of success at Cate, Ariana Lorenzana hopes the same for her own children one day.

JAZMIN (SHERWOOD) ROGERS '10

A former educational consultant who will take up the reins as Chief of Staff at New York City’s prestigious Riverdale School when she returns from her recent maternity leave, Jazmin lives and breathes education. From her current knowledge base, Jazmin looks back at her own Cate experience and realizes just how much others invested in her success.

Jazmin’s natural gifts were recognized early by A Better Chance, and she attended middle school on an ABC scholarship. She fondly recalls that step on her own road to Cate.

“I was lucky to have had a fantastic early education in LA public schools, but I knew the student body connection and community in private school was something I needed in order to thrive in high school. I was looking at LA day schools and boarding schools on the East Coast through ABC when I discovered there were boarding schools in California, too.”

Jazmin saw too much socioeconomic stratification in her local day schools. “There’s no way to even out the playing field when other kids are driven to school in luxury cars and you’re showing up in a city bus!”

Some of the other kids from ABC she spoke to had told Jazmin this kind of stratification was even more magnified in some of the other boarding schools she

was considering. Not so at Cate, where she found the small, close community to be very diverse and egalitarian. In her own words, Jazmin “fell in love the minute I drove onto the Mesa.”

“At Cate, there are so many pathways you can take! The School teaches selfdirection and independence. Whatever non-traditional trajectory I wanted to take, I was encouraged every step of the way. Advisors are partners in decision-making.”

Jazmin fondly recalls her own advisor, history teacher Juarez Newsome. “The way he led advisory was really supportive.” Mr. Newsome’s special version of empathy and tough love “still impresses” his former advisee, who has served as an educational consultant and school administrator for more than 15 years.

Jazmin matriculated to Columbia University “… because it was Columbia!” Unable to afford the prohibitive costs of taking long-distance college trips, Jazmin is grateful that “Cate does a good job of bringing college folks to you.”

MATTHEW

RODMAN '14

When Matthew was very young, both of his parents faced medical challenges that impacted the entire family. His mother passed away when he was still a child, and he and his sister were largely

Still, she had no idea “what it’s like to go to schools with snow!”

It was a hard transition, especially traveling so far from her single mother and family. However, “Cate students particularly get stronger once they leave for boarding school,” Jazmin says.

Jazmin also appreciates all the effort Cate made to keep financial status anonymous. “As an educator, I know the importance of privacy. At Cate, every kid has what they need, and it always happens behind the scenes.”

With that in mind, and knowing she would need scholarships and/or financial aid to attend college, Jazmin handed her single mom the FAFSA. FAFSA is an acronym for the federal government’s forms to determine eligibility for financial aid. “A big part of my choice was the aid package that Columbia gave me. Columbia’s package is need-based. They give you whatever money they can and also make work-study jobs available to you.”

As it turns out, Jazmin owes her current career in education to her work-study

raised by their grandparents. Now in his fourth year as a medical student at Georgetown University School of Medicine, Matthew looks back at his acceptance to Cate and the financial assistance package he was given as a “transformative” experience in his life.

“Cate really is a special place: calling it ‘transformative’ is not just about financial assistance and access. It’s the people, opportunities, and values there that touched me to the core and helped me see the person I wanted to be.

“I had an unusual childhood. With everything we’d been through, I had no idea of all the options available for high school. When I heard from my middle school classmates about Cate and everything it had to offer, I was intrigued. All those extracurriculars!

job at Columbia School near her campus, where the student body was comprised of 50% children of university faculty and 50% residents of East Harlem. “I started as an intern and went from five hours a week to 40 because I loved the school, the students, and the mission,” she recalls.

“It’s been a rich and satisfying life,” she says. “Being an educator allows you to connect and build community with others. I’ve conducted research around student thriving and it comes down to one simple thing: purpose. Fulfillment comes through purpose. It’s the underpinning of everything.”

And Jazmin feels her dual purposes as a mother and educator acutely.

“Mom came to visit last month to help with my newborn son, Liam. When I originally left home for Cate and then New York, I didn’t think I would be gone for decades. But she saw my independence and the value of my choices and understood my decisions this way: I’m not running away from anything. I’m running toward something.”

And much of that was made possible through financial assistance from Cate.

The sports; the hiking trips; the service opportunities. But what I really fell in love with was just ‘the spirit of the place.’”

Matthew says that “spirit” encompasses much more than material things. “It’s about enacting positive change. A dorm parent taught me to always leave a place better than I found it. At Cate, I never felt different or singled out. I became a better version of myself.”

Matthew particularly recalls his advisor, Mary Arango. “Mrs. Arango was a meaningful person who provided guidance and support and helped me see what my future could be like. She helped me make connections and even helped me get my first job at Zookers! (Most Caties will recognize this as a popular Carpinteria cafe.)

Matthew calls his undergraduate college, Vassar, “The place I needed to be after graduating from Cate.” Helped by Cate’s college counseling office to narrow down his choices to academically rigorous, supportive communities, he was “proud” to be accepted to the prestigious Little Ivy and even more grateful for the financial assistance he was offered.

“Like Cate’s, the Vassar financial aid office was extremely supportive. Unlike many of my peers, I never had to take out loans, because Vassar helped me find extra scholarships. They even helped me study abroad.

“The ability to provide socio-economic mobility is one of an institution’s greatest strengths.”

Now in his last year of med school at Georgetown, Matthew fondly recalls

ABNNER OLIVARES '19

Shortly after his recent graduation from Yale, Abnner’s intellect, compassion, and deep commitment to Servons led him to be named an inaugural recipient of the Obama Foundation’s Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. He has worked in the White House, Congress, and the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office. Now living and working in the State Capitol of Sacramento, Calif., Abnner has committed himself to the issue of accessible housing for the people of his

his science classes at Cate. “Later,” he says, “When I started to study more advanced science, it got me even more excited!”

Matthew’s decision to become a medical doctor is rooted in both his academic interest and the personal story of his parents’ medical issues: MDs can be both accomplished scientists and compassionate helpers.

“I’m becoming an anesthesiologist, because I enjoy managing complex

systems and being able to comfort and reassure people by saying, ‘Yes, this is very scary, but you’re in good hands.’ A career helping people is one of the greatest privileges imaginable.”

In this, Matthew reflects another lesson he learned on the Mesa: “‘Achievement’ is doing good, being kind, and standing up for people who may not quite have their voice yet and advocating for them. And that’s what I plan to do for my patients: give a voice to the voiceless.”

“The ability to provide socioeconomic mobility is one of an institution’s greatest strengths.”

home state, “...creating equitable policies and making a meaningful impact in government and public service.”

Abnner spent his childhood in Los Angeles’ tough Boyle Heights neighborhood. Always a precocious and ambitious student, he was intrigued when representatives from an organization now known as Young Eisner Scholars (YES) came to his middle school. After they explained their mission to help young people make choices about their educational and professional pursuits without restriction by socioeconomic circumstances, young Abbner was ready to sign on.

When it came time to think about high school, Abnner’s mentor in that program helped him research independent schools that offered financial assistance; one of these was Cate. To Abnner, it seemed like another world.

“I applied, not expecting to get in. When the letter of acceptance and the financial aid package came, and we realized I could attend Cate … well.

That was life changing for me and my family.”

Abnner’s single father, Carlos, tells his own story in his own words in the sidebar on the next page. For young Abnner, it was as simple as “... having someone believe in me enough to invest in me. That changed the trajectory of my whole life.”

Abnner’s Cate career was marked by high achievement: in the classroom, in athletics (he was a standout middle distance runner), and the stage (already a lauded learning man, Abnner was awarded the Franklin Ellis Vocal Prize). It was in the realm of public service, however, where Abnner truly stood out. Named a prefect for his senior year, upon graduation he received Cate’s Morgan Gynne Temby Award “for profound empathy and dedication to the service of others.”

Interestingly, Abnner himself doesn’t talk so much about his own accomplishments at Cate as he does about the teachers, classmates, and

opportunities who supported him, uplifted him, and helped him pursue his passion for helping others.

“Cate completely prepared me for life,” he says simply, before thoughtfully addressing a question about his matriculation to an Ivy League university.

“That was more a question of where that opportunity would present itself,” he concludes. “Again, financial aid was a huge consideration.”

So was proximity to his dad, Carlos. “The distance between Los Angeles and New Haven was considerably longer than that between LA and Carpinteria. My father could Amtrak up in two hours,” Abnner reflects. “Sometimes, the School would help with transportation and lodging. He could come to Family Weekends, and that was important to both of us.”

However, when Yale offered Abnner both acceptance and a complete financial aid package that would see him graduate without student loan debt, Carlos told his son to go.

“My dad was supportive because he had seen me grow so much at Cate; he trusted that Yale would be as good for me as Cate was.”

While at Yale, Abnner served as a first-year counselor, where he dedicated himself to guiding first-year students both academically and personally. Additionally, in his role as a Career Fellow at the Yale Jackson School for Global Affairs, he played a key part in developing career programs and connecting students with valuable opportunities in public service.

Now “...happy to be living back in California,” Abnner continues to be “... driven by a passion for creating equitable policies and making a meaningful impact through work in government and public service” in his home state.

A Parent Perspective

CARLOS OLIVARES, P'19

Abnner Olivares’ father, Carlos Olivares, felt the sting of sending a very dear son away from home for his education. A single father and hard-working immigrant, Sr. Olivares feels the mutually supportive ties of family in an especially powerful way. At the same time, his belief in the power of education superseded any personal feelings he might have felt when his son was identified as a scholar of promise and offered the opportunity to attend Cate.

In his own words, as translated from the native Spanish in which he feels most comfortable speaking, Carlos says:

I never had the benefit of a good education. I have felt that lack. Truthfully, I knew Cate would be a better place for Abnner to study. Our home isn’t in the quietest neighborhood; the schools aren’t the best. There’s a lot going on, a lot of noise and distractions. Carpinteria is only a couple of hours away. The School made it possible for me to visit twice a year on Family Weekends.

Carlos could see his son thriving at Cate, and that alleviated some of the pangs he felt when missing Abnner. However, as college approached, and Abnner began talking about the possibility of attending a college or university on the East Coast, Carlos worried … but only for a bit.

Abnner came to me and said he wanted to attend college. I could never afford that! But he got scholarships. We managed. We found a way. We made sacrifices, but it was worth it.

Carlos was able to attend his son’s graduations from both Cate and Yale. His own passion, intelligence, and pride shine through in the way he speaks of Abnner’s current trajectory and answers his own question about Abnner’s potential for life success.

He has studied and worked hard. And now, he wants to help his community. He is developing ideas that will help people in California find housing.

And all of that can be traced to “becas,” as scholarships are called in Spanish, and all the financial support his son has had along the way.

Carlos is a proud donor to the Cate Fund.

$115 Million Achieved in Cate’s 115th Year

By Lindsay Newlove, Director of Stewardship & Parent Engagement

Transformational, comprehensive, and officially complete, Cate School celebrates the For Cate and Forever campaign with more than $115 million raised to preserve and innovate across the Mesa

An initial pledge was made in 2015 for $5 million for the dining commons project, the largest single gift in Cate’s history at the time. The campaign coupled the need for capital improvements with a goal to build the endowment for financial assistance and faculty support. Never losing sight of raising necessary annual operating dollars and growing the planned giving program, the comprehensive campaign, named For Cate and Forever in 2018, was established. The overarching goal was, in the words of former Head of School Ben Williams, “to ensure the vitality and vigor of Cate School.”

THE CAMPAIGN FOR CATE SCHOOL

The need for capital projects emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the renovation of the Class of 1981 Amphitheatre, the vision for health and wellness in Ellis House, and the opportunity to embark on the Meldman Field and Whiting Family Track. Through literal and figurative fires and floods, For Cate and Forever endured.

The largest single donation in Cate history doubled in this campaign with an individual gift of $10 million. And thus, the campus evolved. The endowment grew and the Cate Fund increased by 34% since 2017-2018. The number of major donors, challenge matches, and participants in the effort expanded. Fortuitously, $115

million was raised just as Cate School experienced its 115th year of existence.

Cate’s aspirations continue to soar. Every contribution has made this campaign a success. We are grateful for every donor, volunteer, and supporter of Cate School, For Cate and Forever

New on Campus

Campus improvements since the inception of the For Cate and Forever campaign include infrastructure changes, dormitory renovations, and unseen but crucial work that allows the Mesa to function each day. The campaign has also allowed for significant, state-of-the art new construction to enhance the student and faculty experience.

Booth Commons includes a servery, dining room, meeting and recreation spaces, a recording studio, patio and firepit, the Blue Ewe student store and mail room, to create a new hub of campus life.

Named for beloved faculty member Sandy Ellis, who attended the dedication in 2023, Ellis House provides a nurturing, energizing space to promote positive mental and physical health and well-being.

2017 AND PRIOR

$24.4M RAISED

• The Otis Booth Foundation pledges $5M to the dining commons project

• Li Wen '78 of Gensler Architects hired to build Otis Booth Commons and Student Center

$34.7M RAISED

• Emmett Family Challenge established for new gifts to endowment with $4.3M from seven donors; 28 new funds established including 22 firsttime major gift donors

$51.1M RAISED Blackbird Architects hired for Inquiry Collaborative project

$60.7M RAISED

• First new major endowment gift for Equity of Experience fund

• Class of 1981 Amphitheater completed

Booth Commons dining room

The E. L. Wiegand Performing Arts Center features a dance studio and performing arts classroom for dance, yoga, and music, providing a new gathering space in the heart of the Mesa.

Originally built in 2010, the Class of 1918 Amphitheatre was reimagined with permanent seating to serve as an outdoor gathering space, used through out the pandemic and now, as a part of regular life on the Mesa.

The newest building opened on campus is the Inquiry Collaborative, Cate’s academic hub.

Now known as the Colab, the historic Reginald Johnson-designed building includes the preservation of the McIntosh Room, a new library, ceramics studio, digital arts lab and photography dark room, computational thinking classroom, Student Life offices,

and signature views of the Pacific Ocean.

A small group of generous Cate families have funded an all-weather, state-of-the art track and turf field, Meldman Field and Whiting Family Track, appropriately sized for CIF competitions and other elite sporting events.

$83M RAISED

• “15byFeb” established to support capital projects

• Challenge achieved; $10M became largest single gift in Cate history

• Meldman Field and Whiting Family Track project funded

$93.4M RAISED

• New Emmett Family Challenge of $1.2M to provide 1:1 match for new capital gifts

• Ongoing dorm and infrastructure renovations

• Inquiry Collaborative construction begins

$103M RAISED

• Inquiry Collaborative major gifts and namings secured for the library, tiered staircase, digital arts lab, outdoor courtyards

• Ellis House, the new center for health and wellness, named by an alumna donor to honor former faculty member Sandy Ellis

$115M RAISED

• “Final Four” challenge established in March to raise remaining needed dollars; surpassed goal with 35 donors in 12 weeks

• Cate Fund achieves $3M, exceeding goal

• Campaign officially completed

Class of '81 Amphitheatre

Interplay Ceramics Studio in the CoLab

Linking Arms: The Power of the Challenge Match

Intended to boost participation, beat a record, or overcome a hurdle, the philanthropic challenge match provides an opportunity for donors to boost the size and impact of their gift. Often generated by lead volunteers or those closest to Cate, challenge matches have been structured in a variety of ways throughout Cate history and were particularly impactful during the For Cate and Forever campaign. In fact, these challenges changed the trajectory of fundraising, inspiring stretch gifts and dozens of first-time major gift donors. Importantly, challenge matches create a culture of passing the torch from one donor to the next.

The following challenge matches were accomplished over the course of this comprehensive campaign:

2018 Thomas Fire Challenge

During 2018 March Magic, a challenge to support and thank the Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance (SBFA) was born. If Cate’s Graduates Of the Last Decade (GOLD) achieved 65% participation in the Cate Fund, the donor would

contribute $20,000 to the SBFA. If they reached 75%, the contribution would be $25,000. The challenge helped inspire 78% participation.

2018 Emmett Family Endowment Match

Lead donors Dan '99 and Rae Emmett created a dollar-for-dollar challenge match to establish new endowment funds with a gift of $3 million. Six other donors added $1.3 million, bringing the grand total to $4.3 million. Twenty-eight new funds were established, including 22 first-time major gift donors.

2020 Capital Match

A generous donor who did not wish to be acknowledged with a naming opportunity offered the gift as a match. Those who met it were able to double their capital gift – and double the size of their naming opportunity.

2021 “15 by Feb”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, to boost fundraising and inspire stretch gifts, a generous family created the following challenge: After an initial gift of $5 million, they offered a challenge of $5 million, to be matched by 10 gifts of $500,000. The pledges had to be made within six weeks and pledges paid in four years. The goal was achieved,

raising $15 million for capital and essential infrastructure projects. “15 by Feb” quickly became known as the “Fab15.”

2023 Capital and Scholarship Fund Match to Celebrate Ben Williams

In honor of Ben Williams, Cate’s seventh Head of School, an anonymous challenge was established to create a named scholarship fund and to double capital donations to the Inquiry Collaborative. The scholarship is “intended for students who are compelled by the many opportunities available on the Mesa; young people who are eager scholars and artists, committed athletes and generous community servants, earnest citizens of the community and likely contributors in their own unique ways to the spirit of Cate.”

2024 Final Four

To bring the For Cate and Forever campaign to a close with capital, infrastructure, and new strategic initiatives, a generous family challenged the community to raise $2 million, to be matched by $2 million, to achieve The Final Four. Thirty-five gifts were raised over four months, exceeding the match and officially concluding the campaign.

Students in Dr. Sintetos’ Humanities class, participate in a book speed-dating exercise to familiarize themselves with the new Wykoff Library.

Students study together on the tiered staircase in the CoLab.

For Cate and Forever CAMPAIGN BY THE NUMBERS

$115M Total raised $12.6M

$100M Original campaign goal

8

Major capital and renovation projects

34%

Percent increase in Cate Fund from 2018 to 2024

315

Total number of named endowment funds

Challenge match dollars distributed

Average amount raised per year, not including pledge payments $13.8M

62

Newly established named endowment funds since the Centennial Campaign

1944

Graduation year of most seasoned donor

3,944 Total donors to comprehensive campaign 2024 Graduation year of youngest donor

Through commitment, scholarship, companionship, and service, each member of the Cate community contributes to what our founder called “the spirit of this place...all compounded of beauty and virtue, quiet study, vigorous play, and hard work.”

CATE MISSION

The Class of 1981 Amphitheatre: THEN AND NOW

By Lindsay Newlove, Director of Stewardship & Parent Engagement

The Class of 1981 made a class gift in 2010 in honor of the Centennial Campaign for an amphitheatre in Kirby Quadrangle. In true Cate campaign form, it was established as a challenge match by the Emmett Family to inspire stretch gifts, with lead contributions from Blake Jones '81 and Andy Meyer '81. In all, 32 donors contributed to the effort to honor their peers (and as a tribute to the enjoyment of taking classes outdoors.) The amphitheatre was then constructed as a ledge in a large circle, used for brief meetings and assemblies, where the Cate community could enjoy the temperate weather and exceptional Mesa views.

In the spring of 2020, as the COVID-19 Pandemic took hold, Cate envisioned a more robust amphitheatre to address the needs of the day. The community needed an outdoor gathering space, with fixed bench seating and ample room for the student body and faculty to gather regularly for assemblies, Servons Speeches, performances, and the like.

Quickly responding to the call for support, four impactful donations were made by alumni, parents of alumni, and a then-parent at Cate. The amphitheatre improvements were constructed quickly with eight rows of cedar bench seating forming a semicircle on the hillside, anchored in place by cement radials. Under normal conditions, the seating would accommodate 500, and with COVID-19 restrictions, the space accommodated 300 students. The beauty of this project is that it served both an immediate and long-term need of the community.

Since its completion, the amphitheatre has been used for its intended purposes and more. Stunning sunset views enhance the Baccalaureate address, movie nights are hosted there, and class meetings and discussion sessions take place in the outdoor space. Assemblies

for Family Weekends, Revisit Days, and other large audiences are held in it. Technology, musical equipment, a dance floor, and even an area rug have filled the stage. The amphitheatre fits seamlessly into the landscape, and were it not for the original gift from the Class of 1981, the COVID-19 Pandemic, the generosity of supporters in 2020, and the vision of the For Cate and Forever campaign leadership, it would not have taken shape on the Mesa.

Students in the amphitheatre in 2013.

Class of '81 Amphitheatre today.

Class of '81 Amphitheatre before For Cate and Forever campaign.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

Frank Huerta '85

For his distinguished career in entrepreneurship, especially in cybersecurity; service to his communities; and dedication to Cate School, we are honored to award Frank Huerta, Class of 1985, with Cate’s Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2024.

As a timid freshman on his second day on the Mesa in the fall of 1981, Frank Huerta '85 heard loud, popping echoes coming from the old Fleischmann Gymnasium. He walked from the McBean Library balcony into the gym, up the old steps into an odd-smelling, white room with red line markings, and looked down to see two teachers playing a game he had never seen before. He sat there transfixed and watched for 30 minutes. That fall, he wrote an essay in Mrs. Edwards’ English

His parents, Raymond and Diane, valued and worked in the education field and sacrificed to give Frank and his sister, Anamarie Huerta Franc '91, access to the best education opportunities possible. In 1981, Frank applied to, and later enrolled at Cate, joining the School’s first co-education class.

class called “Squash Court: The Arena of the Modern Gladiators,” later published in The Cate Review. It wasn’t long before he purchased a bamboo racquet at the bookstore and learned how to play, later winning the school championship as a senior.

Born in Richmond, Calif., Frank moved to the Santa Barbara area when he was in the first grade. He started his academic career at Aliso School and Carpinteria Junior High School and always played local sports growing up.

On the Mesa, Frank was an exceptionally strong student, especially in math and science. He served as a science and math tutor and was the co-editor of The Cate Review. As a junior, he won the Harvard Book Prize and in 1985, as a senior, he was awarded the Mathematics and English Department prizes. Athletically, he was the starting point guard on the varsity basketball team under the tutelage of his advisor and head coach, Frank Griffin. During his final two basketball seasons, Cate never suffered a loss in the Condor League. His team made the CIF quarterfinal during his junior year, before losing to powerhouse Crossroads. As a senior, he helped lead the team to a regular season victory at home over eventual CIF Small Schools Champion, Temple Christian, in what is still one of the biggest wins in school history. On the baseball diamond, he started as an infielder during his junior and senior seasons. In his last advisor letter to him, Frank Griffin wrote: “You have certainly distinguished yourself as an outstanding student, athlete, and person throughout the four years. You are to be commended for all the awards and scholarship recognition, including the Cum Laude selection. What impressed me most was the professional way you accepted the praise and the consistency you maintained in your work.”

After graduating from Cate, Frank matriculated to Harvard University with sophomore standing and concentrated in physics, where he worked on hightemperature superconductors and graduated cum laude. It was there that he met his future wife, Daniele Schechter. While at Harvard, he walked on to the top-ranked squash team. He started second from the bottom of the Junior Varsity ladder, steadily climbing the ranks until he made the varsity team as

a junior. His team won the National Championship in 1988, and he was voted co-captain of the 1989 team that finished tied for first nationally but lost the title in a tiebreaker. Later that year, he and his co-captain were runners-up at the National Intercollegiate Doubles Tournament. His squash career did not end after college. He continued playing the game he loved, winning many tournaments, mainly in California –including the Cate Invitational. In 1991, he reached #2 in the national rankings at the Men’s A-level.

He gained admittance to Stanford Business School while at Harvard and worked for two years at the Hughes Santa Barbara Research Center (SBRC) where he trained as a summer engineering intern. Hughes SBRC sponsored his MBA education at Stanford, and after two years, he returned to SBRC to help commercialize their infrared defense technologies. He wrote the original business plan and convinced senior management at Hughes to invest in a new product called the Smog Dog, which passively measured car emissions using infrared and spectral filtering technology. From there, his career took off.

In 1996, Frank moved to Silicon Valley and started working at Seagate Software and then at VeriFone Internet Commerce, focusing on internet security and payments technology. He was recruited to do security services at a startup called Exodus Communications, which went public in 1998, where he later became Director of Business Development. After a major hacking incident, he left the company to start the internet security company Recourse Technologies, Inc. in February 1999. Recourse’s products “trapped and tracked hackers.” With over 110 employees, Recourse was the first company to commercialize honeypots with its ManTrap product, and it pioneered a high-speed, nonsignature-based network intrusion detection system called ManHunt that had a correlation engine that analyzed and prioritized multiple security data

feeds – technology that is still used today. Recourse had many Fortune 500 customers and was about to win the United States Naval Marine Corps Intranet contract when Symantec bought the company in 2002. After working at Symantec as a Vice President for over a year, he co-founded a company called Adapt-a-Path in 2004 to try to win the DARPA Grand Challenge to build a self-driving car to drive across the California desert. In 2005, he cofounded Cartilix with an orthopedic surgeon and a Johns Hopkins researcher to build a device to help regrow cartilage. This work was especially meaningful to him, as he had suffered a hip injury causing arthritis and was told it could not be repaired. After promising clinical trials, but facing huge industry startup investment headwinds in 2009 due to the Great Recession, he sold the company to medical device behemoth Biomet. From there, he led TransLattice, a distributed relational database company, whose assets were sold to Qualcomm – technology that was two to three years ahead of its time. Now, his focus is at Curtail, Inc., as he believes that the best way to improve computer security is to write better code and test it early and to build resilience into the IT monoculture. The recent worldwide outage caused by a CrowdStrike upgrade in July 2024 is an example of the type of problem the company addresses.

Beyond his extensive work in technology, Frank has always found ways to support his communities. He is the chair of Santa Barbara School of Squash, a year-round after-school program that teaches squash and provides academic tutoring and counseling to at-risk children starting as early as fourth grade. His involvement with SBSOS combines his early love of the sport with a desire to help young people in their educational journeys. He has given his time to serving various boards, including: The Ansel Adams Gallery (run by classmate, Matthew Adams '85); the Arthritis Foundation (Northern California); and Hispanic-Net, promoting Latino Entrepreneurship in the Bay Area. In 2012, he was named the winner of the

Stanford Business School Jerry I. Porras Latino Entrepreneur Award.

Since 1985, his spirit of giving back has always extended to Cate. In 2009, he was appointed to the Cate School Board of Trustees. He served in this role for 12 years, from 2009-2021. He was the chair of the Audit Committee and later expanded its charter to address risk – to become the current Audit and Risk Committee. With fellow board member Monique Parsons '84, he helped write the 2012 Cate Strategic Plan. He has supported the Cate Fund for 40 consecutive years, each year since his graduation. His support does not stop there. He has supported capital efforts including the building of the Class of 1985 House Admission Building and the newly opened Inquiry Collaborative. He has consistently supported the School’s endowment, including establishing the Huerta Family Hispanic Scholarship Fund in 2020. He has been a staple figure at Cate events across the world for forty years – attending receptions across the United States as well as the 2016 Asia Summit in Hong Kong. This unwavering belief in the value of a Cate education led him and Daniele to move their family to the Santa Barbara area. His sons, Bryce '17 and Mark '20, graduated from Cate. He wanted his children to learn the critical thinking skills that Cate proudly teaches and to broaden their horizons by sharing experiences with students from all over the world.

Scan to see a list of Cate's Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

Creating the Greatest 50th Reunion Ever The 1974 Band of Brothers

By Greg Smith '74

In early 2024, 1974 Class Agents Wild Bill Kennedy, Jimmy “the Mo” Wright, and I set out on a mission to try and make our 50th Reunion the MOAGR (Mother of all Great Reunions), while also attempting to squeeze some bucks out of the sometimes-tight wallets of our classmates for the Cate Fund. We knew finding, extracting, and herding stubborn, fossilized old dogs out of their private hibernations across the country (and world) wouldn’t be an easy task.

The Game Plan

We aimed to track down, stimulate enthusiasm, and gather as many members of the Class of 1974 for three days of revisiting old friends and soaking in as much of the Mesa as we could for our 50th Reunion. We first

compared ideas, interviewed prior class agents to determine what worked and what did not, and began the long slog of becoming online forensic detectives. We scoured social media, cold-called relatives, and used other unusual sleuthing skills to track down missing, reluctant, or uncommunicative classmates.

Jimmy “the Mo” fine-tuned our email, mailing address, and phone lists, and the outreach onslaught began. “Wild Bill” led the charge with his folksy, Garrison Keillor-esque emails, drawing classmate interest. Mo’s rapid-fire “firm, but kind and consistent” emails never let any of our classmates up for air, and

soon, momentum built as classmates began chiming in, sharing emails, old memories, concert stories, disciplinary bullet-dodging tales, and photos. Cool beans—we were on a roll as the months flew by.

At times we were pains in the arses. Still, we were relentless and successfully located nearly all the guys (even Miguel Maafs in Mexico, Martin Gross in Switzerland, and Peter “Auk” Arakawa in New Jersey). To our amazement, almost all classmates contributed to various email chains, and about 65% of our class attended the reunion. We knew our class was unique, but the enthusiasm blew us away.

THE AGENDA

Along the way, Zack Crane wisely said, “We don’t need any off-campus dinners or gatherings; we just need to immerse ourselves in Cate the entire reunion weekend. Cate immersion is key.” So, we needed a “ground zero” as the social hub for the reunion weekend. As Cate’s most valuable real estate—spiritually, aesthetically, and visually—Parsonage Dorm was the obvious choice. We tried to claim Parsonage early in 2024, but the Cate brass resisted until we got enough guys to fill all 11 beds. At first, we fibbed and said we had 11 commitments (hoping to procure them all as the months passed). That began a game of cat and mouse with Cate as we conned, cajoled, and convinced 11 guys to brave two nights in the dark, dingy Parsonage rooms, with the intent of creating a festive, fossilized Animal House. (Bear in mind, we are in our late 60s.) We finally signed up 11 brave souls, a motley crew: Manly Men Zack; Jimmy “the Mo”; Bruce Toms (winner of the Best 70s rock star outfit award); Mark “Whito” Whiting; Greg Smith, (G. Smith); Brother Ho Nades; Martin Gross; Russ Van Fechtman; Bert Brown, Chaz McEwan; and Ol’ Doc Sayre. By then, Cate took pity on us, and bingo, Parsonage was ours!

Meanwhile, Zack and the Class Agents spent months gathering photos, flags, old El Batidors, memorabilia, and yearbooks, to transform the faithful old Parsonage into the Class of 1974 shrine. Early Friday morning, Zack, Jimmy “the Mo", and I snuck past Cate security and plastered the Parsonage hallway and bathroom (top to bottom) with memorabilia to create a majestic homage to our class. This included a special wall honoring our seven fallen classmates. Visitors spent hours enjoying the gallery. Each door was wallpapered with each inhabitant’s (sometimes embarrassing) photos complete with fun and silly writeups. We had 70s rock (featuring “Honk") blasting throughout. Nostalgia filled the air and the stage was set for the weekend.

It worked, boy, did it work. We had a blast.

FRIDAY NIGHT

After the initial sensory overload of the meet and greet (let’s face it, everyone was nervous at first—some guys hadn’t seen each other in over half a century.... ponder that), we had a great dinner on Parsonage Lawn. Zack Crane graciously volunteered to be AAPG (All Around Parsonage Gopher) playing part butler, part concierge, part waiter, part busboy, part sommelier, part maid, and part spiritual healer. He did all of this in a white waiter jacket and, which played homage to our old days when first-year students and upper classmen donned jackets to wait tables in shame. Jimmy “the Mo", Wild Bill, and Smith, G. coordinated all the other details while Zack poured special vintage Kubicek and Chateau Whito wines (Thank you, Greg and Mark!) Lots of spirited toasts ensued, celebrating our return to the Mesa and the reunion of this special tribe.

Then Dr. Jim Sayre passed out beautiful custom embroidered “Cate '74” hats and towels he had designed. Lisa and David Forbes created personalized swag bags for each attendee, including Lisa’s homemade blueberry jam, which was a big hit! As a bonus, Chaz McEwan spent countless hours producing a class video featuring old photos, yearbook shots, and much more (set to a 70s soundtrack many of us knew well). It was a unique visual treat documenting our '74 Cate history (Cecil B. DeChaz be Da Man!). There was love in the air with a magical vibe as we settled back into the Mesa mist of 1974.

We were teenagers again when the true experiment began: As bedtime loomed, Parsonage hallway quickly became a convalescent home with endless foghorn snoring, CPAP machines whirring, oxygen tanks humming, and guys bumping into each other during allnight bathroom runs. The good news is that most of us can’t see, smell, or hear well anymore, which became a distinct advantage. Somehow, we all made it through. Again, it was a total blast.

SATURDAY NIGHT

It had to be different and special, and man 'o man, did we knock it out of the park.

After the big Reunion Dinner in Booth Commons, our class meandered to a secluded, remote location above the baseball fields to “Circle The Wagons” and kick off our 1974 Burning Man Catepalooza! It was a festival like no other. We had a live band (thanks Blink-182), blasting music (heard all the way to Thacher we were told), flyovers, a day-glo blimp, acrobats, clowns, mimes, large circus animals, and a massive fireworks display. A giant bonfire raged all night.

Truth be told, it was something much less than all that but so much more fulfilling. We gathered under the stars around a cozy campfire to reminisce, laugh, and reconnect. Then, Zack, as master of ceremonies, guided our evening beautifully. John Lee led with a tear-jerking, passionate speech about the gift of being in the present and the treasure of life. One by one, we honored

Greg Smith '74, Chaz McEwan '74, and Zack Crane '74 stop to take a photo upon arriving at Camp Cate.

our seven fallen classmates (Eric Caspers; Don Dudley; Rob Ewert; Chapin Field; Sandy Hamilton; Eric La Prade; and Mike Otondo) with many of us recalling fond memories and colorful stories of each classmate. Each presentation was followed by a bell ringing and two minutes of silence. The spiritual warmth grew as the chiming bell echoed deep into the misty hills. To embellish the mood, Dr. Anglebrone (Idaho and Hawaii’s favorite son, also known as “Grandmaster Doc Mix-a lot”) mixed up an ample batch of his signature concoction—The infamous Shaka Bra Blue Marg, renamed “Hawaii 5-Oh!” for our reunion. Old cliques or beefs were gone forever. There was much love and deep appreciation for our 50-plus year old relationships and our magnificent tribe. It was an unforgettable evening.

CATE FUNDRAISING

Oh, did I mention our Class of 1974 set a record, reaching 100% Cate Fund class participation? Rumor has it that

another class set the record, but word is out that they did it with fewer guys, so our class prevails as the all-time best on a technicality. Yes, 42 out of 42 guys ultimately coughed up some loot for the cause. It was a tough slog trying to squeeze blood out of some of our old turnips, but eventually, even the “firm no” guys caved in at the end (out of respect for our class). Thank you, boys.

How did we do it? Our secret weapon: Jimmy “the Mo” Wright. Alden Marin inspired Mo with an early gift to the School and Mo transformed into a fundraising machine. He played everyone like a fiddle with one goal in mind—100% participation. Mo’s Shakespearian motto: “Know Thine Cate Classmate Audience.” He was brilliant in the cause, our own “Classmate Whisperer''—part Jesse James, part Robin Hood, and part Mother Theresa. He led us to the 100% promised land. We know every fundraising class would kill for a Mo. Thanks Mo, we’re lucky we have you.

EPILOGUE

Not to sound too sappy, but there really was love in the air at our 50th Reunion. The unexpected spiritual vibe, especially Saturday night under the stars and the glow of the fire was special. We had no idea how amazing this reunion would be. Friendships were coalesced and solidified for life and mini-reunions are already being planned for next year. Our tribe is energized and we are firmly in it for the long haul.

Over three days in June, we evolved from a Band of Brothers to THE Band of Brothers (Cue mic drop). Our 50th Reunion was warm, intimate, magical, and magnificent. It couldn’t have gone much better.

Editor’s Note: John Lee passed away on August 26, 2024, shortly after attending Camp Cate. See reflections from classmates on page 101-102.

Alumni from the Class of 1974 gather around a bonfire to celebrate their 50th Reunion.

Class Notes

1973

Al Ewert shared a picture of a surfboard he made 45 years ago (see photo below). This period marked the transition to smaller performance boards with three fins. Al was active in the surfboard business in Santa Barbara then and wanted to try this concept. He collaborated with Kenji Webb '76 to determine surfboard dimensions and contours, and then had the surfboard glassed at a shop in Santa Barbara. Both alumni met through the Santa Barbara surfing community when Kenji lived in Carpinteria. After riding the surfboard for several years, Al moved to the East Coast, where it got less use. He ultimately gifted the surfboard to his son, who immensely enjoys it.

1975

Steve Royce got together with Richard Chilcott and Richard Hunt this summer in Carlsbad, Calif., and enjoyed some time together. Steve shared that he and his wife, Karen, visited his cousin Stephen Royce '72 in Nice, France, where Stephen and his wife, Brigitte, have been living for the past 30 years. Steve continues to enjoy Zoom meetings with Cate classmates on Thursdays and encourages other alumni to join.

1978

1982

In 2019, Richard MacDonald wrote a new verse for the seafaring hymn, Eternal Father, Strong to Save, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Richard is a volunteer crew member of his local R.N.L.I. in Scotland and composed the verse in honor of three French lifeboat volunteers who were lost at sea during a violent storm. The Archbishop of Canterbury approved the new verse, and it is now the official verse for all future R.N.L.I. launchings and services. The verse was first sung at a special service to mark the bicentenary in Westminster Abbey, London, which Richard was invited to attend. He writes, “It was quite a moment, to be sitting next to the pulpit, and to listen to words I had originally scribbled down on the back of an envelope, being sung by over 2,000 people, including the Westminster Choir, with the backdrop of a massive cathedral organ and trumpeters.” The verse has since been sung at services throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. It will also be sung on national television at this year’s B.B.C. (British Broadcasting Corporation) Christmas Eve Service.

From left: Luke Marsh '78, Bob Bonning, and Luke Marsh '78, in Redding, Calif., in August.

From left: Luke Marsh '78, Judd Hanna '59, and Karl Behring '78, enjoyed lunch together in Lake Almanor, Calif. in July.

Richard MacDonald '82 wrote Eternal Father, Strong to Save, the official Royal National Lifeboat Institution hymn, honoring lifeboat volunteers lost at sea.

1983

Elizabeth Kully shared that Michelle Fontaine '86 visited her in Sydney, Australia, in August. Michelle stayed with Elizabeth for a week, and they enjoyed sightseeing and visiting the Opera House. Both spent a long weekend at Elizabeth’s property at Brush Creek, north of Sydney, Australia, and enjoyed freezing swims at Freshwater Beach and lunch at the Boathouse at Shelly Beach.

1986

Richard J. Marks writes: “I went to Paris to celebrate my 55th birthday. My first morning in the “City of Light,” or “Ville Lumière,” was momentarily gray and drizzling. I ventured to The Paris Métro on Avenue de Suffren, a new and unknown neighborhood, adjacent to La tour Eiffel (The Eiffel Tower). As I passed the entrance of The Japan Foundation’s Maison de la Culture du Japon à Paris, I heard a voice; “Richard, is that you?” and as I turned my umbrella around, Jean Pettigrew Whelan was beaming a smile at me. Jean isn’t a distant classmate from Cate. She has become one of my most beloved people on the planet. Jean, her husband John-Paul, and I sported off that moment to Musée d'Orsay. The rain immediately lifted as we visited the parks that week. We visited Opéra de Paris and Musée Carnavalet (my favorite museum in Paris, which occupies two mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries). Jean insisted that we take glamour shots of

the two of us descending the gilded stairs in the Ritz Paris, and we celebrated my birthday over an excellent Parisian service à la française. Could a better birthday be invented or more cherished? I thank Cate, where soul contracts are made, for being the place where relationships are made that last a lifetime. Jean is among my favorite artists and San Francisco’s greatest one! In other news, my mother passed away when she came to New York City from Maui. Being with her during her last days was the privilege of a lifetime. She died in New York City at the age of 90, and I buried her in Maui, where she lived for 25 years. I am grateful to her (a single mother, artist, and diva!) for helping me get to Cate. Before my mother departed, she told me that she wanted me to grow into a leader and show people who I am. Therefore, I am following her advice and am completing a rigorous coaching certification. Helping people with ‘next-level living’ adds to my purpose and work as an author, producer, and filmmaker. Please visit richardjmarks.com to learn more about my work.”

1989

Lauren Craig Albrecht loved seeing classmates and other alumni at Camp Cate this summer. Lauren is enjoying her third career as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) in Pasadena, Calif., where she focuses on supporting parents and teens. She shares that her son, Alexander Albrecht '21, is a junior at Villanova University and is an analytics manager for the women’s basketball team. Maggie Albrecht '25 is a senior at Cate and is actively involved with the theater department.

1990

Ellen Cowan moved back to San Francisco a few years ago after 20 years of living in New York City. She is happy to be back and would love to hear from Cate classmates nearby. Ellen works for Amazon Web Services as an innovation coach for C.E.O.s and their teams. Her favorite recent project is the creation of Scribl, a collaborative game that uses creativity to build and measure human connection in the workplace. Ellen’s son recently turned 12 years-old and fills her days with tennis, laughter, and an endless screentime battle. Ellen’s husband, Christian, continues to compose and perform at the California Jazz Conservatory, Berklee School of Music, and Sunnyside Records. Christian also helps run Galvanize, a multi-strategy investment firm focused on climate solutions.

Richard Marks '86 and Jeannie Pettigrew Whelan '86 met serendipitously in Paris, France, and enjoyed visiting multiple art museums together.

On the Mesa to cheer on Servons speaker Lilli Whelan '25 are (from left) her father JP Whelan, brother Jack Whelan '23, mother Jeannie Pettigrew Whelan '86, and cherished friends and former faculty members Selden and Gaby Edwards.

Elizabeth Kully '83 and Michelle Fontaine '86 pose in front of the Opera House, in Sydney, Australia.

Ellen Cowan '90 with her husband Christian Artmann.

1993

Winston Chan shares: “This August, it was amazing and sad to drop off my oldest daughter, Claire '28, at the Mesa – 35 years after I started my Cate adventure. It is mind-blowing to realize that this puts us both in the same reunion cycle! The rest of the family misses Claire and is adjusting in Marin, Calif. Work remains great at my law firm, where I serve as the cochair of Global White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice Group.”

Michelle (Morey) Ott, Vinette Brown, Jessica (Fu) Bell, Adriana (Palafox) Pina, and Shelly Lee recently spent an amazing long weekend in Sedona, Ariz., catching up, reminiscing about their time at Cate, and generally having a great time!

1994

Creative entrepreneur Cassie Wayne recently launched Wayne Hat Co. Workshop, a new store on Linden Avenue in Carpinteria, offering vintage, decorated, fun, and leisure hats. Cassie was recently quoted in The Coastal View and promised, “I don’t offer anything that I don’t love.” Visit waynehatco.com/ to see her hats.

1997

Patrick Ko was on campus for fall board meetings in September. During his visit, Patrick invited Jake Kim, Cate’s Alumni Director, to attend a service with him at St. Mark’s in the Valley in Los Olivos, Calif., where his former roommate, Scott Claassen, is currently a minister. Patrick and Scott were both High House prefects during their time at Cate and Patrick attends Scott’s service twice a year when he visits the Mesa. While visiting Cate, Patrick reminisced about the many dorm pranks they pulled off back in the day, including one memorable night when they moved the entire Cook House common room into the Raymond Commons dining hall.

Ko '97

2000

2001

Mattie Brickman leads a creative content development team at Apple and recently won the Emmy Award in the Outstanding Emerging Media Program for the For All Mankind Season 3 on January 7, 2024. The multi-part storytelling experience was a huge collaborative effort. It includes a companion series, “The Science Behind For All Mankind,” which explores cutting-edge science, which inspired the season.

and

From left: Jack Jackson '95, Robert Abbott '95, and Edie Abbott '27, during a backpacking trip in Lyell Canyon in Yosemite this August.

Patrick

with his former prefect

roommate, Scott Classen '97, in front of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Los Olivos, Calif., where Scott is a minister.

From left to right: Michelle (Morey) Ott, Vinette Brown, Jessica (Fu) Bell, Adriana (Palafox) Pina, and Shelly Lee, at a mini-reunion weekend in Sedona, Ariz.

From left: Whitney Abbott '90, Erica Delaney '97, Jeannie Pettigrew Whelan '86, Jiwon Song '90, and Robert Abbott '95 gather at the Student Move-In Reception at Carpinteria Arts Center in September.

From left: Jiwon Song '00, Insun Jung, Sk Hwang, Sarah Won, and Won Lee gather for the Seoul Mothers Dinner in July.

2003

Lucas Bressan and Maria Koptya welcomed baby Sofia Anna on May 15, 2024 and are overjoyed. In addition to his day job running the Spagnoletti Law Firm, Marcus Spagnoletti started a side hustle. His journey from a spontaneous purchase in Capri to launching his raffia shoe brand, Concetto Limone, is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. What began as a passion project became a brand known for its unisex slip-on shoes. Despite challenges like the pandemic, the shoes have gained recognition, with GQ Magazine praising the style and influencers showcasing them as a “musthave.” Marcus’s Italian loafers can be purchased at concettolimone.com.

2004

Katya Maganova and Randy Bennett are in love with Mila Wynn, born on May 18, 2024.

2009

Trevor Wallace has been engaged in various fascinating projects, educating the world through his ongoing adventures in archaeology and documentary filmmaking. Trevor launched the Menorca Shipwreck Project, an ambitious multi-year archaeological expedition. The

project focuses on excavating ancient shipwrecks off the coast of Menorca, with ships ranging from 300 to 2,000 years old. In addition, Trevor is working on multiple documentaries, including Son of Labrador, Signs of Life, and Sisters of the Sea, all of which highlight cultural and environmental stories. His feature film, Among Thieves, focuses on the illicit trade of stolen artifacts, which will be screened in Switzerland this November. Trevor will be in Siberia to document the opening of a burial chamber that was discovered in 2017. Michael Yoon married Jieun Lee on June 23, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea.

2010

Karly Brinla writes: “I got married in 2020 in Highland Park, Ill., and had a small COVID-19 wedding and married the best guy I know, Jackson Brinla. We met in college and have been together since. I got pregnant soon, and we were so excited, and I couldn’t wait to be a mother. About ten weeks into my pregnancy, I woke up feeling off. My nausea was gone, and I just didn’t feel pregnant any more. I went to the doctor and sadly, I had a miscarriage. After three years of struggling with infertility, I gave birth to my perfect daughter, Annabelle Roslyn, on May 24, 2024. I love her so much and love being a mother. To any women in the Cate community facing similar challenges, please know there can be a light at the end of your rainbow.” Conrad Kurth married Dasha Tatarnikova on June 22, 2024 in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

2011

Sarah Martzloff lives in Frankfurt, Germany, and works for Leica Camera, managing the global brand. Last year, Sarah graduated with her Master of Business Administration from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. Before Tuck, Sarah graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland in 2015. She worked in brand strategy consulting in London and Sweden, managing global brand development for Volvo, IKEA, and Hasselblad.

Marcus Spagnoletti '03 was featured in the Houston Chronicle for his Italian loafer brand, Concetto Limone.

Trevor Wallace '09 uncovered archeological artifacts as a part of the Menorca Shipwreck Project.

From left: Nathan Vice '09, Trevor Wallace '09, and Dana Edwards '09, atop Mount Asahi. The classmates made a quick stop in Japan to summit this peak.

Karly Brinla '10 swimming with her daughter, Annabelle Roslyn.

2012

Fernando Hurtado and Bryant Perez '14 attended the summer Paris Olympics in August. Bryant is an events and logistics coordinator with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and Fernando is a journalist with NBC. Both alumni met at the Team U.S.A. House in Paris and hung out between cat naps and 12 hour work days. Emma and Ian Keneally welcomed their second son, Oliver Buchanan Keneally, on December 24, 2023.

1. While

2.

3.

5.

6.

vacationing in Southern California in August, Michael Weed '90 and his wife and family made sure to visit Cate.

Jessie King '02 and her four children tour the new Inquiry Collaborative after a dip in the Cate pool in July.

Will Phelps '04 and his wife, Amanda, and their daughters visited some of their favorite spots on the Mesa.

4. Kevin Wu '05 and Rachel Ling visited the Mesa in July, marking Kevin’s first time back in 19 years!

Aparna Iyer '17 and Halie Straathof '17 caught up with Instructor Lisa Holmes at Sunset Bench.

Cathleen Chow '23 made sure to reconnect with Math Instructor Tim Smith, one of her favorite people at Cate.

Sarah Martzloff '11 works for Leica Camera, a global manufacturer of high-end cameras and lenses in Frankfurt, Germany.

Bryant Perez '14 and Fernando Hurtado '12 enjoyed working and spending time together at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

2013

Fiona Buck graduated from Harvard University with a Master’s in Museum Studies. Her thesis, “Defining Authenticity in Non-Fungible Tokens: The Financial and Ethical Repercussions of Digital Art in Museums,” was recognized by a Dean’s Academic Achievement Award. Melanie Gerwin and Felix Pasarow were married on June 15, 2024, at the Katherine Thayer Cate Memorial Chapel at Cate School. See A Love Story Rooted at Cate on page 99.

2015

Will Hogue married Kyla Zavala on July 28, 2024, in Carpinteria, Calif.

2023

Cathleen Chow visited the Mesa in September and toured the campus. She said hello to old friends and explored the new Inquiry Collaborative that opened this year. Cathleen is a sophomore at the University of Chicago, majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Astrophysics. She is exploring careers in finance or consulting.

2024

Led by Class Agents Sophie Alijani '24, Caroline Batchelder '24, Mei Gong '24, George Gordon '24, Ada Hansen '24, Noor Harwell '24, Oliver Lee '24, Shannon Murray '24, Riley Pan '24, Kyle Park '24, and Jules Wecker '24, the Class of 2024 reached 100% participation in their first year of supporting the Cate Fund. All 79 members of the class made their first contributions to the Cate Fund in 8 minutes and 33 seconds, setting a new time record for the School and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

Last spring, members of the Class of 2024 posed to celebrate their record-breaking participation in the Cate Fund.

From left: Emma Keneally '12, Oliver Keneally, Ian Keneally '12, and William Keneally at Steamboat Rodeo, in Colorado, for the Fourth of July holiday, visiting Adrian Walsh Kurtz '12 and her husband Ben Kurtz.

From left: Zosia Ingram '23, Mel Davidson '24, and Karla Camacho '24 connect for lunch in Barcelona, Spain, this summer.

Former Trustee Bob Burch and Grant Mitchell '25 connect for a round of golf in East Hampton, N.Y., in July.

Births

2003

Sofia Anna to Maria Kopyta and Lucas Bressan May 15, 2024

2012

Oliver Buchanan to Emma and Ian Keneally December 24, 2023

2004

Mila Wynn to Katya Maganova and Randy Bennett May 18, 2024

FACULTY

Anna Shenyu to Song Ge and Pong Ma July 25, 2024

2010

Annabelle Roslyn to Karly Brinla and Jackson Brinla May 24, 2024

Marriages

2009

Jieun Lee to Michael Yoon

June 23, 2024

2010

Dasha Tatarnikova to Conrad Kurth

June 22, 2024

2013

Yansy Salmerón to Dan Harwood

August 31, 2024

2010

Karly Brint to Jackson Brinla

June 6, 2020

2013

Melanie Gerwin to Felix Pasarow

June 15, 2024

2015

Kyla Zavala to Will Hogue

July 28, 2024

FACULTY

Nuria Causera-Llorens to Adam Feller

July 6, 2024

Alison Hansen to Tim Boris

June 28, 2024

Cara Terlep to Dylan Smith

July 20, 2024

A Love Story Rooted at Cate

By Melanie Gerwin '13 and Felix Pasarow '13

Having first met on the Mesa in 2010, Cate holds special significance in our relationship. After getting ready for the day in our favorite dorms, High House and Cook House East, we were honored to be married in the Katharine Thayer Cate Memorial Chapel. It was there where Melanie had spent many afternoons playing bassoon in the Cate Orchestra. Exchanging vows beneath the beautiful stained glass, accompanied by our musical ensemble, was the perfect setting to begin our married lives together. Having our wedding on the Mesa allowed us to share the School with our dearest friends and family and reunite with classmates and faculty. We will forever be thankful to Cate School for bringing us into each other’s lives and hosting our dream wedding. We sincerely thank the Cate faculty and staff who made our special day possible.

In Memoriam

Philip C. Berolzheimer '53

DECEMBER 20, 1934 - AUGUST 19, 2024

By Benjamin D. Williams IV

Philip Berolzheimer arrived on the Mesa in the fall of 1950 as a new sophomore with an affection for the sciences and a love for horses and water sports. He impressed his teachers immediately with his work ethic and his resolve, which was no easy feat given the expectations of those old school Cate instructors. As one noted rather emphatically after Philip’s fall term, “Philip is not a bright student, but I admire his tenacity and attempt at concentration. His work on the exam was outstanding.”

Despite that initial assessment, Philip proved to be quite a bright student, graduating in 1953 and going on to Harvard and ultimately to a distinguished career as an entrepreneur, innovator and Director at California Cedar Products in his home town of Stockton, Calif. I met Philip for the first time shortly after I began my tenure at Cate in 1998. Among the projects underway at the time was the Berolzheimer Classroom Building, the first significant effort in some time to expand Cate’s available teaching spaces. Philip was a key supporter of the project, both ideologically and financially. In fact, Philip was generally supportive of every initiative designed to support teaching and learning at Cate, including an endowed fund named for his father, Charles P. Berolzheimer, dedicated to “the heart of the school: the faculty.”

Thankfully, students at Cate over the last two decades also received Philip’s attention and interest. A devotee of music, and jazz in particular, Philip would on regular occasions bring musicians with him to campus to work with students and perform for the community. There was nothing better on such occasions than walking the campus with Philip and watching as he took in the work that was going on between those visiting performers and our students. It seemed, in such moments, that Philip was transported back to his own time on the Mesa, and those years when he too learned to master new crafts.

Schools owe so much of their identity to such collaborations. It is how we bridge the years and the decades, even the centuries, with purpose and direction and vision. For though everything changes with time —even the choreography of teaching and learning —the principles hold. And they begin with an understanding of the transcendent power of the teachable moment.

Philip Berolzheimer enabled such moments, giving our students a gift that will sustain them as long as they draw breath. It is hard to imagine a more meaningful contribution to any community. We remain forever grateful for Philip’s arrival at Cate in 1950 and his commitment to his school ever since.

R. Judd Hanna '59

JULY 2, 1941 - AUGUST 10, 2024

By Kerry L. Burke

Richard Judd Hanna passed away August 10, 2024 in Mill Creek, Calif. He was born July 2, 1941 to Richard R. Hanna and Polly L. Hanna in San Francisco, Calif. He was raised on the Bay Area Peninsula with sisters Judy, Jennifer, and Jill. Judd made lifelong friends growing up in Hillsborough and throughout his life. Those friendships always involved raising some hell and having an interesting time along the way. He attended Cate School in Carpinteria, Calif. where he acquired knowledge and experiences that provided an amazing foundation for the rest of his life. U.C. Berkeley was a fun-filled adventure and assisted in his quest to become a naval aviator. Immediately after graduation he attended flight school in Pensacola Fla. He flew fighter jets and rescue helicopters for two tours in Vietnam. He married his college sweetheart Carol (Ackerman) Hanna, and they had two sons; Richard Joss Hanna and William Mark Hanna.

After leaving the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander, he obtained an MBA from Stanford University while continuing to fly for the U.S. Navy Reserves.

Judd was a true believer in small business enterprises and had various professional positions primarily in real estate development. Judd fulfilled a personal dream when he moved to Mill Creek, Calif. to the Circle S Ranch, a cattle and timber ranch that has been in his family for 100 years. Besides his professional accomplishments, he was an avid outdoorsman and believed in responsible resource stewardship. His 32 years of full-time residency was shared with his wife Kerry L. Burke. Judd’s conservation efforts not only extended to the ranch but well beyond. He was a founding member of the Mill Creek Conservancy. Judd served on the California Fish and Game Commission and was the champion of eliminating lead ammunition from impacting the California Condor habitat which sparked additional protections for wildlife throughout California. He followed a family tradition and was on the Lassen Volcanic Park Foundation Board and the Lassen Museum Board. Judd was a founding member of the California Wildlife Officers Foundation and served on the Tehama County K-9 Foundation Board and CalTip. Another passion of Judd’s for over 30 years was being the rice farmer/resource manager for Aloha Farms in Yuba County. He shared many great times with family and friends bird hunting, while requiring voluntary

restraint in the field but not necessarily in the clubhouse.

Judd died helping protect the ranch and the surrounding area during the recent Park Fire. Judd is survived by and will be forever missed by his wife Kerry Burke, sons Joss (Diane), Mark (Michele) and grandchildren Jack, Stella, Reed, and Scarlet. A celebration of life is being planned for early this fall.

If so inclined, please consider a donation to the Mineral-Mill Creek Volunteer Fire Department or other organization of your choice.

John Lee '74

DECEMBER 12, 1955AUGUST 26, 2024

By Chaz McEwan '74

On August 26, 2024, John Lee passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and family. While the depth of his physical absence is felt profoundly, we are equally grateful to have been touched by the presence of a fine man, husband, father, friend, and classmate. Saying goodbye is so challenging. How does one say goodbye, especially to someone whose

life has merged with our own? We may selfishly think, “Please don’t go!” but John never will. While he may no longer be here as we have known him, we can always find him “in the breeze.”

John attended Cate for four whole years, from 1970 to 1974. He was a good friend to many of us during our years on the Mesa and remained so long after graduation. At our 50th Class Reunion, John gave us the gift of strength and clarity with his talk at our Saturday night Class of 1974 fire circle. He spoke to us about being present, accepting the nature of life, and the end of life without

fear or self-pity. These insights deeply embody Servons and the spirit of our class. John was an enduring soul, a class act who gracefully ended his time on this planet. We will always treasure the gift of John’s friendship, our times together, and memories of hikes over the ridge fifty years ago. We hope to be as generous and courageous as he was when our time comes. Thank you for everything, John; we are grateful.

John is dearly missed by the family he loved so much: his wife Chimene, his daughter Kiana, his son Jasper, his sister Debra, and his brother Randy; by his many work colleagues; by his rich community and brotherhood in Santa Cruz, Calif.; and by his classmates from the Class of 1974, “the Phoenix.”

By Chris Upham '74

Ask anyone, and they will tell you that John Lee considered his decision to enroll at Cate one of his most significant decisions. He met some of the greatest minds, characters, professors, and peers. Coupled with the incredible opportunity to serve and participate in the Cate community, John acted with other likeminded souls who shared common goals and purposes.

John was an inventive engineer. Who among us could ever forget Polish Pope Checkers? Like some Dalíesque dreamscape, John loved the idea that time was an invention, perhaps poorly understood. He thought time could stand some manipulation, and because we miss him dearly, that is our earnest hope.

John’s lifelong love of creating and learning will continue because that energy does not dissipate. He is in his wind, a breeze that surrounds us, touches us—felt and unseen—and somehow guides us, filling our sails to go forward, farther and further. In a life of such great entirety and wholeness, John still held the helm, thinking there was still much yet to be done. We imagine him busy now, with much more to learn.

Cooper Francis Mayer '17

FEBRUARY

19, 1999 - JULY 27, 2024

By Stephanie and Scott Mayer

“You will teach them to fly, but they will not fly your flight. You will teach them to dream, but they will not dream your dream. You will teach them to live, but they will not live your life. Nevertheless, in every flight, in every life, in every dream the print of the way you taught them will remain.”

- Mother Teresa

Cooper left us too soon but in the way he lived and loved his life, on his own terms. He came into this world with a loud voice, a bright smile, a few golden curls, a twinkle in his eyes, a creative spirit, and with boundless energy. Cooper was highly sensitive and tender but also relentless in his pursuits, whether on his surfboard, with his friendships, or in the classroom. He possessed a curiosity about the world and his place in it. He never accepted being held back or a blanket “no,” and always wanted a thoughtful explanation for the boundaries life put on him.

The Mesa was the perfect petri dish for him to continue grow, to get to

know and love himself more fully and make meaningful connections in a loving community. We remember saying to Gwendolyn Pierce in the admissions process - “Cate will be lucky to have Cooper. He brings so much passion and curiosity to the table. We trust this community and the gifts it offers to be the best oven to finish baking our most beautiful cake.”

Cooper wasted no time making connections at Cate. Ryan Borchardt '17 recalls this about Cooper on Revisit day in the spring of 2013.

I can’t remember exactly the first time I met Cooper, but I’m pretty sure it was in the buffet line at our high school orientation. I remember standing there alone, not really having talked to many people yet, and he walked right up to me and struck up a conversation. He told me things about himself, like how he was a surfer, who also liked skateboarding, and rap music, and all I can remember thinking was, “I have absolutely nothing in common with this guy”.... We ate dinner together that night, getting to know the surface-level details of each other’s lives, and by the end of the evening, he was introducing me to the boarding students he had already gotten to

Cooper '17, Fritze '21, and Spencer Mayer

know as if I was his old friend. I remember this because it meant a great deal to me. I was feeling all sorts of anxiety going into that orientation weekend, but Cooper put me at ease. To me it meant a lot that I had made at least one friend, but for Cooper, it was just him being the type of person he always was—a friend to all, and especially, to those who needed it.

Cooper arrived as a freshman ready to rock. He instantly made “best friends” the first week of school. His room was the de-facto day student meeting spot. He was open to everyone, but it was the surfers who instantly found one another. Julien Maes '17 recalls:

Cooper was like a brother, not just to me, but to anyone he interacted with. He was genuine, curious, and always knew how to make you laugh.

His good humor and mischief went hand in hand.

Christian Herman '17 shared: Cooper was one of the funniest and definitely the cheekiest guy I knew….. Cooper was staying at our house for the weekend. Always gracious, Stephanie sent Cooper with flowers, with specific instructions to give the flowers to my mom. A seemingly simple task. Simple it was not, as Cooper happened to be courting a lovely girl at the time, but he found himself in the doghouse with her. In hopes of confirming that her flowers had ended up with the rightful recipient, Stephanie texted my mom saying, “thanks again for having him and I hope you got the flowers!” When my mom gently asked Cooper about these flowers, he answered: “Mrs. Herman, I’m so sorry but I had to use them for a higher cause.”

Junior year Cooper had the good fortune to spend his fall semester at High Mountain Institute in Leadville, Colorado. He came away from that experience knowing he could summit most any mountain, and had an awareness of gratitude for all that family, home and his Cate community offered him. Cooper rode his best wave his senior year. Living with best friends,

in a corner suite of High House, there was plenty of joy and laughter. He dove into his Biological Oceanography class with passion and most of all he thrived as a Freshman TA. His semmies were his pride and joy. Proud to be a student leader and peer mentor, his ability to connect with people, to be real and trusted, to make an authentic connection fed the best of him.

Dr. Kellogg, Cooper’s advisor, wrote: “Senior year has felt like a complete validation of the journey Cooper has been on during his time at Cate. He has lived up to the expectations we have of our seniors, stepping into leadership roles and spreading himself socially around campus. Intellectually, he is driven by curiosity and passion, not hoop-jumping.”

Ben Williams captured Cooper’s essence at graduation:

A faculty member wrote recently of Cooper, “It is impossible to talk about him without talking about his relationship to the water.” Whether the area of endeavor is academic, like the stream water testing Cooper did here and in Colorado, or athletic, as in his contributions to our water polo team, or recreational, as when he surfs a morning

swell or dives on one of the reefs off Catalina Island, Cooper is literally immersed in aquatic systems. One of the byproducts of that association may well be the fluidity of Cooper’s presence and bearing. He is remarkably adaptable and understanding, unfazed by impediments, and perpetually curious about the world around him. There is a serenity to Cooper, too, perhaps born of so much time spent in the ocean, where he has learned to cede control to the elements, yet glide along the currents they create towards understanding, achievement and joy.”

Cooper joyfully graduated from Cate and joined the USC tribe. He craved “big school spirit” and got it. Active in his fraternity, loving the TKE brotherhood, he also remained connected with the Cate posse and childhood friends. Cooper always found his way to the ocean to surf; it was his spiritual home and his favorite place for fun.

Cooper’s life and his passing is reason to double down on connection, conversation and compassion - showing up for one another. All things he found in the Cate community. Cooper left us too soon, but may Cooper’s bright and beautiful force of energy be a beacon for good, for more love, and more adventure.

From the Archives

The McBean Library groundbreaking on May 8, 1965, with Dr. Ralph Ellsworth, Burleigh Pattee '29, Frederick Clark, and Wally Arendt.

Photos above show the site of the McBean Library before construction began in 1965.

WAYS TO GIVE TO CATE

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GIVING TO CATE:

Alison Boris Cate Fund Director alison_boris@cate.org

Andrew MacDonnell Director of Institutional Advancement andrew_macdonnell@cate.org

Lindsay Newlove Director of Stewardship & Parent Engagement lindsay_newlove@cate.org

Sarah Preston Director of Major Gifts sarah_preson@cate.org

PHONE (805) 684-4127 ext. 215

MAIL

Advancement Office Cate School 1960 Cate Mesa Road Carpinteria, CA 93014-5005

Please make checks made payable to “Cate School.”

CREDIT CARD cate.org/donate Visa, MasterCard, and American Express accepted

CRYPTOCURRENCY cate.org/giving/bitpay

ALIPAY, PAYPAL, AND MORE cate.org/giving/ways-to-give and select AliPay/PayPal

VENMO

• Search “Cate School” under Charities or @CateSchool

• Search @guacamolecate

MATCHING GIFTS

Many companies will match gifts that their employees make to independent schools. Please send your company’s matching gift form along with your gift.

STOCK GIFTS & WIRE TRANSFERS

A gift of stock held more than one year entitles the donor to a charitable deduction for its full current market value (in most cases without paying the capital gains tax on the appreciation, which would be required if the securities were sold for personal gain).

For more information on making a gift of stock or wire transfer, please contact Michael Lee, Manager of Advancement Services at (805) 684-4127 ext. 211 or michael_lee@cate.org.

Sophie Cruz '27 scales the Cate climbing wall during an open climbing session in the fall.

CATE SCHOOL

1960 Cate Mesa Road

Carpinteria, CA 93014-5005

Our World Needs More Cate Graduates

Support the Cate Fund to empower future leaders. Your donation helps cultivate compassionate and innovative graduates ready to tackle global challenges. Scan the QR code and donate today!

To learn more about the Cate Fund, contact Alison Boris, Cate Fund Director, at alison_boris@cate.org.