The Maroon & Grey The Official CFS Alumni Connection
Fall 2009
Director’s Corner
Don Burt ’77 in the Chapel with Director of Alumni Relations, Lori McDermott
Many alums made their way back to Church Farm this fall for various events, including the Convocation, Alumni Soccer, the Tyler Award presentation, and most recently, for Winter Alumni Weekend. It means so much to me to see the strong bonds and camaraderie formed within this alumni “band of brothers,” despite differences in age and the lapse of time between gatherings. Inside, you can read about the 45th-year gathering of the class of 1964, and the class of 1960 is eagerly planning for their 50th in June. These past several months I have had the privilege to work with Don Burt ’77 and other alums in the revitalization of your CFS Alumni Association. Don, a former member of the Board of Directors and this year’s Tyler Award recipient, was instrumental in resurrecting the Alumni Association. His enthusiasm and energy have sparked interest from fellow alumni now wishing to get more involved with the school. Thanks to Sean Martin and Damon Charman, Class of 1992, for their past leadership and continued interest. You can read more about the Alumni Association on page six. I continue to enjoy the interactions I have with many of you, via phone, email, social events, meetings, and in-person visits. I have greatly enjoyed meeting your spouses, friends, children and grandchildren. I feel fortunate to be part of the CFS circle of life. It brings me great pleasure when I hear of alumni weddings or share in the news of babies born to CFS alums. I am proud to hear of your scholastic, career and military accomplishments. I am saddened when I hear of the passing of Church Farm alumni. In particular, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you that former Tyler Award winner, Dr. Robert Graf ’62, succumbed to his eight-month battle with cancer this November. Bob’s kindness, smile and fondness for Church Farm will be deeply missed. His wife Joyce shared with me after his passing: “Ever since receiving his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Bob always chose to support CFS. It was his way of giving back to a school that gave him so much.” In keeping with that theme, this is the time of year when we ask for your support of the CFS Annual Fund. Please read Bill Seymour’s column (opposite), and I ask you to consider making a gift to CFS, of whatever amount is comfortable for you. Spring Alumni Weekend is scheduled for the last weekend in April, which will include a culmination of athletic contests, Memorial Service, Dinner and the third induction of honorees into the CFS Hall of Athletic Honor. Commencement will follow on June 5. Time marches on. For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose… Kind regards,
Director of Alumni Relations
By Bill Seymour ’78, CFS Ambassador Not long ago, I had the pleasure of leading an All-Saints Day service in our Chapel. Rich Lunardi opened with a lovely song, accompanying himself on guitar. Student Ambassadors read scripture and led the congregation in a recitation of Psalm 121 (“I lift up my eyes to the hills...”). The names of family members, loved ones and friends lost in the past year were read aloud and prayers offered up in their name. Several fallen Maroon and Grey brethren were among those so honored. My mother, Adele Seymour, (grandmother – Jamie Seymour ’92) was also among those names read aloud and remembered.
Spring and summer are behind us. Fall is rapidly coming to an end as the cold, winter air encroaches upon us. Thus, the seasons seem to come and go in a fl urry. Since our spring publication of The Maroon & Grey, CFS graduated its 87th class. The Class of 2009 is now our newest group of alumni. After 30 years of service, Art Department Chair Jenny Sanderson has retired. Interim Headmaster Tim Rodd returned to his home state of New Hampshire to teach English at a local college, and The Rev. Edmund “Ned” K. Sherrill II has arrived at CFS to lead the school, now in its 92nd year.
Double Your Money!
A loyal CFS donor, my mother imagined she might not survive long enough to receive her “Christmas Fund” appeal. She elected to mail her contribution early – the check was dated October 10, 2009. She passed away peacefully on October 20th, at her Long Island home, with Jamie at her side. Gifts in her honor have been directed Bill Seymour ’78 with his mother, to the school, and a particular- Adele, a longtime supporter of CFS ly generous donor has offered to match the fi rst $20,000 in Annual Fund donations made in memory of Adele T. Seymour. Here is a chance to double the value of your own contribution. A gift reply envelope can be found inside this publication or an online donation can be made through our website at www.gocfs.net – look for Giving or Make a Gift on the home page. I should note that at the outset of the aforementioned Chapel service, I asked students receiving some form of scholarship assistance to stand, and of course they all did. I asked them to remain standing while I asked faculty and staff members whose compensation was in any way underwritten by something other than tuition revenues, to join the students on their feet. The entire Chapel audience stood together. I challenge anyone to ask these same two questions at any other school, and the majority of folks will no doubt remain in their seats. As I told the group that morning, we all have a responsibility to be investors in the community. Please do your part. Look back, come back, give back. Pass it on. The Colonel would be pleased.
Keeping Faith With the arrival of new Head of School The Rev. Edmund “Ned” K. Sherrill II, the Church Farm School begins a new chapter. Although Ned’s offi cial responsibilities did not begin until July 1, he and his wife, Lizette, arrived a few weeks early to get acclimated to their new surroundings. He immediately immersed himself in learning about the history, culture and current challenges facing this unique school. Ned and Lizette have opened their home to all members of the community, hosting events for faculty, students and alumni. They are the gracious hosts for the luncheon on Winter Alumni Weekend. When you return to campus stop by Ned’s offi ce and introduce yourself. He is quite fascinated with the rich history of CFS alumni, and will be pleased Head of School Ned Sherrill to meet you. As we look ahead to our future, we are ever mindful of keeping on the front steps of Greyfaith with our founder and mission. stock Hall.