Deerfield Academy 7 Boyden Lane Deerfield, MA 01342
Winter Issue Two Thousand Ten: Vol. 16
ZLQWHU
Topics Today
Executive Committee Creates The Ashley Award by P.B. Weymouth ’83, President of the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association
30%
Cert no. BV-COC-013529
Alumni Making a Big Difference: Hale, Koch, Trovato Although decades separate their Deerfield graduations, three alumni were simultaneously in the news this past fall for their generous contributions to society. David Koch ’58 was recognized for his multimillion dollar donation to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, which will fund a new exhibition hall dedicated to the discovery and understanding of human origins. Rob Hale ’84 and Peter Trovato ’01 were acknowledged for the three million dollars they have raised for the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund, which helps to defray college education costs for the children of fallen Massachusetts’ servicemen and women.
In a press release from the Smithsonian, Mr. Koch said, “Remarkable advances in the
understanding of human evolution are taking place at the Smithsonian Institution as part of the Human Origins Initiative. The program has the power to influence the way we view our identity as humans, not only today, but for generations to come. I am happy to offer this gift as an indication of the importance it holds in my own life and the significance I feel it offers the whole of humankind.”
Alumni Association Executive Committee 2009-2010 Mrs. Elizabeth Greer Anderson '94 Mr. Oscar K. Anderson III '88
The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins is scheduled to open on March 17, 2010, which also happens to mark the 100-year anniversary of the museum’s official opening on the National Mall. Visitors to the 15,000-square-foot hall will be immersed in a unique, interactive museum experience illuminating the major milestones in the origin of human beings and the drama of climate change, survival, and extinction that have characterized humans’ ancient past. The grand opening celebration will include a number of special events, a human evolution and climate change symposium, educational outreach with resources for students and teachers, and other activities for visitors of all ages. In addition, to assist with public engagement around the exhibition, the museum has assembled the Broader Social Impacts Committee, with members from a range of cultural perspectives, to support dialogue about science and religion.
The fund that Peter Trovato began with a check for $50 is now worth $3 million, thanks to his
efforts and a partnership with Granite Telecommunications, and Granite CEO Rob Hale. According to an article in the Boston Business Journal, just five years
ago Mr. Trovato came up with the idea to help the children of fallen soldiers attend college, but he also said, “The Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund wouldn’t have gotten off the ground if it wasn’t for the support of Rob Hale and Granite Telecommunications.” “I liked the fact that the MSL Fund was specific and a grass-roots effort to honor veterans and their families in our community,” Mr. Hale said. “Those were all the ingredients that mattered to us.” When the MSL Fund began, Mr. Hale said, its goal was to raise $600,000. The goal then moved to $2 million. Then $3 million. “We’ve eclipsed all of them,” he said. Five years ago, there were 20 children eligible; now there are 51. The MSL Fund awards up to $10,000 per year, per son or daughter attending a four-year college. “We’d love to give full scholarships but as the number grows and the cost of education goes up . . . it’s still an internal goal,” said Mr. Trovato. “We try to provide as much support to each child as we can.” “Our mission will end when the war ends and with luck that won’t be much longer,” said Mr. Hale. “However, we’ll be there as long as there is a need. We’re honored to be a part of this cause.”
then & now: The Deerfield Scroll
With pride and excitement, the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association is happy to announce “The Ashley Award,” which will be presented annually to a young alumnus or alumna (someone who has graduated in the last 20 years) beginning in the spring of 2011! In its efforts to continuously innovate ways to both engage and recognize alumni/ae, the Executive Committee created this award after it determined that the Alumni Association was missing an important opportunity for recognition, particularly of those involved in service. The committee hopes that uniting the concepts of “service” and “young alumni/ae” will result in honoring these deserving Deerfield graduates, who could then serve as guideposts for current students, and model an example of service for their fellow alumni/ae. Due to the fact that Tom Ashley exemplified this ideal of service in many ways, the committee enthusiastically agreed to name the award after him. “Tom Ashley” is a name that all students hear when they enter Deerfield, and as seniors they sit together and listen to the Tom Ashley story the night before Commencement, to be reminded of the selfless man who so inspired Mr. Boyden. Even so, many students may not know how integral Tom was to the founding of the academy as we know it today. For those who need a refresher, Tom Ashley was a local farm boy who attended Deerfield early in the 20th century, then Amherst College, before returning to the
Ms. Sara E. di Bonaventura '01
Tom Ashley ’11 is remembered for his loyalty to Deerfield, his outstanding character, and his tireless service to others. The Ashley Award is given annually to a young alumnus or alumna who demonstrates Tom’s character and devotion to a people, cause, or place through unwavering volunteer service. academy in 1916 to teach history. Before he enlisted in the Marine Corps, his time at Deerfield was devoted to helping plan the campus, developing a school mission statement, and creating a school catalogue. He once wrote that Deerfield’s mission was “intellectual development, a desire to do service through influence, and a high standard of character;” and, “If the spirit of Deerfield Academy could be condensed into a word, that word would be ‘loyalty.’” Tom Ashley was killed in 1918 while serving his country during World War I, but his “unswerving idealism” will never be forgotten. In the spring of 2011 and in subsequent years, the Ashley Award recipient will come to campus to address the student body and faculty. We look forward to your participation in the nominating process!
Nominations for the 2011 inaugural award will be accepted up until September 1, 2010. To submit a nomination go to deerfield.edu/go/ashleyaward or contact Mimi Morsman at 413.774.1586 or lmorsman@deerfield.edu.
The content and format may have changed over the years but The Scroll is still a great source of information on campus.
REUNIONS: ZEROS AND FIVES SAVE THE DATES! June 10-13, 2010
Mr. Rick Anderson '72, P'10, P'12 Mr. Bayard T. DeMallie III '80
7KH DZDUG FLWDWLRQ UHDGV
circa 1959
2009
Mr. John J. Dinneen III '79 Mr. Malcolm Dorson '02 Mr. David B. Findlay Jr. '51, P'76, G'03, '05, '08
If your class year ends in a “0” or “5”, hope you’ve got the dates for Reunion
Dr. Edward G. Flickinger '65
Weekend on your calendars! Some reasons to Rally in the Valley: See friends and
Mr. Peter W. Gonzalez '62, P'94, P'97, Emeritus Mr. David S. Hagerman '64, P'99
former teachers Visit the beautiful campus Listen to commentary from fellow
Ms. Judith Hegedus '92
alumni on current world events Share Deerfield with your family Be welcomed
Mr. Hudson Holland III '84
by incredibly friendly staff Enjoy the clambake Play a class softball game
Mr. Steven N. Katz '70
Feel the relaxed atmosphere Bond with alumni from classes other than your
Mr. Gordon R. (Zeke) Knight '54, G'03, Ex-Officio Mr. Rush M. McCloy '92
own Meet Head of School Margarita Curtis Pick up where you left off 50 or
Mr. Richard M. McKelvey '79, P'10, P'13
more years ago Benefit from the wonderful combination of “downtime” and
Mr. John P. B. Moran '58
“programming” Utilize the magnificent childcare program Experience again
Ms. Margot Pfohl '97 Mr. John F. Rand '65, P'09, P'13, P'13
“the Deerfied touch.” Pre-registration (featuring reduced rates) takes place from
Mr. Walter S. Tomenson III '95
December 1, 2009 until mid-March 2010. Hope to see you in June!
Mr. Okechukwu Ugwonali '98 Ms. Cassandra Walters '00
deerfield.edu/go/reunions
Mr. Philip B. (P.B.) Weymouth III '83, President
deerfield_today_newsletter_FINAL.indd 4
12/24/09 10:23 AM
deerfield_today_newsletter_FINAL.indd 1
The Rowland Family Field was
dedicated on October 24, 2009. Girls Varsity Field Hockey Head Coach Kim Wright said, “It’s fitting that this new field, which allows Deerfield field hockey to play at a higher level, will always bear the Rowland name, because Jen (Rowland ’07), or J-Ro, as we called her, was one of the most intense competitors I have ever coached. She was a ball of fire who loved the game and pushed herself and her teammates to be better every day . . .” In response, Jen said, “Don’t ever settle for ties, never accept losses. This isn’t a team built on mediocrity—whatever it takes, find your voracious, insatiable appetites for excellence and fill them until your body gives out . . . ”
The Debate Team documentary, A Call for
Civil Discourse, screened on November 14 at the third annual Youth Film Showcase in nearby Amherst, MA, along with other student-made videos inspired by themes of peace and social justice.
Trustee Rodge Cohen ’61, P’99 was featured
in a November 15, 2009 article in The New York Times titled “Rodge
Cohen, The Trauma Surgeon of Wall Street.”
Among other things, according to the article, Mr. Cohen’s influence over Wall Street is both “legendary and pervasive.” Full text at nytimes.com, search for “Rodge Cohen.”
12/24/09 10:23 AM
Topics Today
Happenings On Campus
Play with Lasers.
Deerfield received the somewhat dubious honor of being mentioned by the satirical news organization, The Onion, on November 24, 2009, when fictitious student “Foster R. Poole III” was interviewed. Go to theonion.com for the “interview.”
at 720 resolution
Upcoming Club and Alumni Events: February 23 Deerfield Club of New England Theater at Deerfield: Dark of the Moon
April 7 Philadelphia Area Reception – Haverford, PA: at the Home of Julia and James Alexandre P’06, ‘08, ‘11, ‘13
April 8 DC Area Reception – Chevy Chase, MD: the Chevy Chase Club
May 1 If you see a “slo-mo” replay during Superbowl 2010, chances are the original play was captured by one of
Inertia Unlimited, Ltd.’s cameras.
According to CEO Jeff Silverman ’83, the company also shot the popular NFL League commercials, which feature “exceptionally slow motion,” and the 2009 baseball playoff coverage on TNT and Fox networks. Inertia also covers NBC Sunday Night Football, live boxing events, high stakes poker, and more.
The cover story in the November/ December ’09 issue of Berkshire Living featured world-renowned artist Stephen Hannock ’70. Among other things, Mr. Hannock discussed his art, his inspiration, and his Deerfield mentor, Dan Hodermarsky. Full text at berkshirelivingmag.com
Alumni Lacrosse at Deerfield
May 25 Deerfield Club of New England Theater at Deerfield
June 10 - 13 Reunion Weekend for “0s” and “5s”
Deerfield in SO CAL An “embassy” (for the academy) and “ambassadors” (for you!) in Southern California by Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Aynslie Accomando and Mikey Glazer ‘94 The Deerfield Club of Southern California appropriately kicked off poolside at “Above Beverly Hills,” on the roof of the Thompson Beverly Hills Hotel, on November 5. Over 60 enthusiastic cheerleaders for Deerfield came together to celebrate the creation of a new regional club for alumni, parents, and friends of Deerfield in greater Los Angeles area. Alumni from all five of the academy’s modern eras (Boyden, Pynchon, Kaufmann, Widmer, and Curtis) joined together, and every consecutive class from 1989-2009 had someone in attendance. Guests enjoyed beautiful views of the LA skyline while reconnecting with Deerfield friends and catching up on life in LA. The collective efforts of club leaders Geoffrey Keyes ’65, Dwayne Gathers ’80, Phil Collias ’80, Jennifer Levy ’93, Dick Hillenbrand ’93, Annabelle (Richardson) Apley ’94, Mikey Glazer ’94, Samantha (Saffir) Barnes ’98, Kim Oelman ’98, Brandon Cobb ’98, David Smith ’02, Tara Tersigni ’03, David Dunning ’04, and Natalie Fair P’10, ’11 made the night a tremendous success. Subsequently, a survey was sent to all area alumni, parents, and friends of the academy to learn about potential areas of interest and opportunities for future club events. We’re especially looking forward to welcoming those who are new to the area and hoping to engage and leverage the Deerfield network in Southern California. More events will be coming in 2010! Please get in touch with either Mikey Glazer at mikey@thechimp.net or Aynslie Accomando at aaccomando@deerfield.edu to say hello!
Welcome, Friends In addition to the stateside regional clubs coordinated through the Alumni Office, two international organizations have recently been formalized to strengthen the worldwide Deerfield network. Friends of Deerfield Academy–Korea:
Officially created in 2009 to support international activities at Deerfield, with a preference for activities pertinent to Korea. The organization will support Deerfield’s students, faculty and administration through tax-beneficial fundraising and other friend-raising efforts. For more information contact Terry Lee ’84 at terry.t.lee@citi.com.
Friends of Deerfield Academy–Hong Kong:
Officially created in 2008, the organization’s mission is to support the Admission Office, provide fundraising support for the academy with a tax-beneficial status, assist students and faculty who wish to visit Hong Kong and learn more about its culture and history, and hold an annual event for alumni, parents and friends. All programs are designed to strengthen the Chinese language and culture at Deerfield Academy. For more information contact Stanford Kuo ’78 via Winnie Au at Winnie.Au@gunzetal.com.
deerfield_today_newsletter_FINAL.indd 2
With course offerings in literature, history, science, philosophy, and religion, “handson” classes and field trips, Look to the Hills, Deerfield’s summer institute, is a wonderful opportunity to learn from the academy’s exceptional faculty. The 2010 program will also feature extensive collaboration with Historic Deerfield –including a class on antiques–is it “real” or is it “junk,” and an architectural walk of The Street; a bit of theater, and a class on the art of writing a memoir taught by former faculty member and Deerfield grandparent Joe Medlicott. LTTH is open to all members of the Deerfield community: parents and grandparents, both past and present, alumni, and friends of the school, and there truly will be something for everyone, such as “Deerfield 101” for new Deerfield parents. Since its inception in 2003, each subsequent year the curriculum has grown, based in part on the suggestions of the prior year’s students. A third study track has been added for 2010, named after the Abenaki Native American tribe of New England. This track will feature hands on learning at the Flynt Center of Early New England Life; the program will include both lectures and analysis of objects selected from the museum’s collections. Director of Alumni Relations Mimi Morsman says that each year returning LTTH students tell her the program gets better and better, and the friendships they make during the weekend are long-lasting. And LTTH does offer exercise for the body as well as the mind, with bike rides through the scenic countryside around the academy, tennis on Deerfield’s state-of-the-art courts, rowing on the Connecticut River, and the option to play golf on a nearby first-rate course. To top it off, the Dining Hall prepares and serves delicious food for every meal. As one 2009 participant said, “The program is outstanding in every way, every day.” If you would like to attend LTTH 2010 or would like more information, please contact Mimi Morsman at lmorsman@deerfield.edu or 413.774.1586 or view the complete schedule online: deerfield.edu/go/ltth
Above: Deerfield’s Mark Ott on a trip to Korea
12/24/09 10:23 AM
What I Did Last Summer
At their fall ’09 meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to move ahead with the Greer Store and Fitness Center renovation. Work will begin in March of 2010 and the project should be completed
and ready for use in October of 2010. Kuhn Riddle Architects (KRA) of Amherst, MA, were responsible for the design of the facility, and the contractor is Daniel O’Connell and Sons of Holyoke, MA. Funding for the project came about thanks
to the generosity of members of the Board and the parents of the classes of ’08 and ’09.
H1N1 Could Not Close the Curtain on the Fall Play
Although opening night was postponed until after Thanksgiving break, the show went on for the cast and crew of the fall play, despite
Performance photos by Ben Benson
≥
6933 frames per second!
JULY 29 – AUGUST 1, 2010
Camera photograph courtesy of Inertia Unlimited, LLC; Korea photos by Terry Lee; Stephen Hannock by Scott Barrow
Rick Prum ’79, chair of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Yale and curator of ornithology at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, became a MacArthur Fellow this fall when he was awarded a five-year $500,000 “genius grant.” More information at macfound.org.
LEARN, HAVE FUN, PERHAPS TAKE “DEERFIELD 101” AT LOOK TO THE HILLS VIII
Kuhn Riddle Architects
An academy event on November 16 featured the Grammy Award-winning Turtle Island String Quartet with guest artist Mike Marshall, presenting Crossroads: A Musical Journey Through the American Landscape.
Greer’s Gonna Make You Sweat.
the fact some members were temporarily laid low by the H1N1 virus. But it was worth the wait as fifteen students and Director John Reese delighted audiences with their performance of What I Did Last Summer by AR Gurney. Set in a well-to-do vacation colony on the shores of Lake Erie in 1945, What I Did Last Summer tells the coming-of-age story of a teenage boy during the final stages of World War II. Charlie, who is summering at the resort with his mother and sister while his father serves in the Pacific, takes a job as a handyman for an iconoclastic, bohemian art teacher. A former member of the “upper crust,” Anna Trumbull lost both her fortune and her regard for the ideals of her upbringing. Sensing a kindred spirit in Charlie, she tries to stretch his mind by teaching him painting and sculpture, and by exposing him to “radical” ideas about life and love. Eventually, under Anna’s influence, Charlie rejects the idea of attending an expensive boarding school come fall, which leads to a family crisis and a showdown between Anna and Charlie’s conservative mother. This clash of philosophies raises as many questions as it answers, and ultimately stimulates the self-awareness that will shape the man Charlie is destined to become.
deerfield_today_newsletter_FINAL.indd 3
12/24/09 10:23 AM
Topics Today
Happenings On Campus
Play with Lasers.
Deerfield received the somewhat dubious honor of being mentioned by the satirical news organization, The Onion, on November 24, 2009, when fictitious student “Foster R. Poole III” was interviewed. Go to theonion.com for the “interview.”
at 720 resolution
Upcoming Club and Alumni Events: February 23 Deerfield Club of New England Theater at Deerfield: Dark of the Moon
April 7 Philadelphia Area Reception – Haverford, PA: at the Home of Julia and James Alexandre P’06, ‘08, ‘11, ‘13
April 8 DC Area Reception – Chevy Chase, MD: the Chevy Chase Club
May 1 If you see a “slo-mo” replay during Superbowl 2010, chances are the original play was captured by one of
Inertia Unlimited, Ltd.’s cameras.
According to CEO Jeff Silverman ’83, the company also shot the popular NFL League commercials, which feature “exceptionally slow motion,” and the 2009 baseball playoff coverage on TNT and Fox networks. Inertia also covers NBC Sunday Night Football, live boxing events, high stakes poker, and more.
The cover story in the November/ December ’09 issue of Berkshire Living featured world-renowned artist Stephen Hannock ’70. Among other things, Mr. Hannock discussed his art, his inspiration, and his Deerfield mentor, Dan Hodermarsky. Full text at berkshirelivingmag.com
Alumni Lacrosse at Deerfield
May 25 Deerfield Club of New England Theater at Deerfield
June 10 - 13 Reunion Weekend for “0s” and “5s”
Deerfield in SO CAL An “embassy” (for the academy) and “ambassadors” (for you!) in Southern California by Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Aynslie Accomando and Mikey Glazer ‘94 The Deerfield Club of Southern California appropriately kicked off poolside at “Above Beverly Hills,” on the roof of the Thompson Beverly Hills Hotel, on November 5. Over 60 enthusiastic cheerleaders for Deerfield came together to celebrate the creation of a new regional club for alumni, parents, and friends of Deerfield in greater Los Angeles area. Alumni from all five of the academy’s modern eras (Boyden, Pynchon, Kaufmann, Widmer, and Curtis) joined together, and every consecutive class from 1989-2009 had someone in attendance. Guests enjoyed beautiful views of the LA skyline while reconnecting with Deerfield friends and catching up on life in LA. The collective efforts of club leaders Geoffrey Keyes ’65, Dwayne Gathers ’80, Phil Collias ’80, Jennifer Levy ’93, Dick Hillenbrand ’93, Annabelle (Richardson) Apley ’94, Mikey Glazer ’94, Samantha (Saffir) Barnes ’98, Kim Oelman ’98, Brandon Cobb ’98, David Smith ’02, Tara Tersigni ’03, David Dunning ’04, and Natalie Fair P’10, ’11 made the night a tremendous success. Subsequently, a survey was sent to all area alumni, parents, and friends of the academy to learn about potential areas of interest and opportunities for future club events. We’re especially looking forward to welcoming those who are new to the area and hoping to engage and leverage the Deerfield network in Southern California. More events will be coming in 2010! Please get in touch with either Mikey Glazer at mikey@thechimp.net or Aynslie Accomando at aaccomando@deerfield.edu to say hello!
Welcome, Friends In addition to the stateside regional clubs coordinated through the Alumni Office, two international organizations have recently been formalized to strengthen the worldwide Deerfield network. Friends of Deerfield Academy–Korea:
Officially created in 2009 to support international activities at Deerfield, with a preference for activities pertinent to Korea. The organization will support Deerfield’s students, faculty and administration through tax-beneficial fundraising and other friend-raising efforts. For more information contact Terry Lee ’84 at terry.t.lee@citi.com.
Friends of Deerfield Academy–Hong Kong:
Officially created in 2008, the organization’s mission is to support the Admission Office, provide fundraising support for the academy with a tax-beneficial status, assist students and faculty who wish to visit Hong Kong and learn more about its culture and history, and hold an annual event for alumni, parents and friends. All programs are designed to strengthen the Chinese language and culture at Deerfield Academy. For more information contact Stanford Kuo ’78 via Winnie Au at Winnie.Au@gunzetal.com.
deerfield_today_newsletter_FINAL.indd 2
With course offerings in literature, history, science, philosophy, and religion, “handson” classes and field trips, Look to the Hills, Deerfield’s summer institute, is a wonderful opportunity to learn from the academy’s exceptional faculty. The 2010 program will also feature extensive collaboration with Historic Deerfield –including a class on antiques–is it “real” or is it “junk,” and an architectural walk of The Street; a bit of theater, and a class on the art of writing a memoir taught by former faculty member and Deerfield grandparent Joe Medlicott. LTTH is open to all members of the Deerfield community: parents and grandparents, both past and present, alumni, and friends of the school, and there truly will be something for everyone, such as “Deerfield 101” for new Deerfield parents. Since its inception in 2003, each subsequent year the curriculum has grown, based in part on the suggestions of the prior year’s students. A third study track has been added for 2010, named after the Abenaki Native American tribe of New England. This track will feature hands on learning at the Flynt Center of Early New England Life; the program will include both lectures and analysis of objects selected from the museum’s collections. Director of Alumni Relations Mimi Morsman says that each year returning LTTH students tell her the program gets better and better, and the friendships they make during the weekend are long-lasting. And LTTH does offer exercise for the body as well as the mind, with bike rides through the scenic countryside around the academy, tennis on Deerfield’s state-of-the-art courts, rowing on the Connecticut River, and the option to play golf on a nearby first-rate course. To top it off, the Dining Hall prepares and serves delicious food for every meal. As one 2009 participant said, “The program is outstanding in every way, every day.” If you would like to attend LTTH 2010 or would like more information, please contact Mimi Morsman at lmorsman@deerfield.edu or 413.774.1586 or view the complete schedule online: deerfield.edu/go/ltth
Above: Deerfield’s Mark Ott on a trip to Korea
12/24/09 10:23 AM
What I Did Last Summer
At their fall ’09 meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to move ahead with the Greer Store and Fitness Center renovation. Work will begin in March of 2010 and the project should be completed
and ready for use in October of 2010. Kuhn Riddle Architects (KRA) of Amherst, MA, were responsible for the design of the facility, and the contractor is Daniel O’Connell and Sons of Holyoke, MA. Funding for the project came about thanks
to the generosity of members of the Board and the parents of the classes of ’08 and ’09.
H1N1 Could Not Close the Curtain on the Fall Play
Although opening night was postponed until after Thanksgiving break, the show went on for the cast and crew of the fall play, despite
Performance photos by Ben Benson
≥
6933 frames per second!
JULY 29 – AUGUST 1, 2010
Camera photograph courtesy of Inertia Unlimited, LLC; Korea photos by Terry Lee; Stephen Hannock by Scott Barrow
Rick Prum ’79, chair of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Yale and curator of ornithology at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, became a MacArthur Fellow this fall when he was awarded a five-year $500,000 “genius grant.” More information at macfound.org.
LEARN, HAVE FUN, PERHAPS TAKE “DEERFIELD 101” AT LOOK TO THE HILLS VIII
Kuhn Riddle Architects
An academy event on November 16 featured the Grammy Award-winning Turtle Island String Quartet with guest artist Mike Marshall, presenting Crossroads: A Musical Journey Through the American Landscape.
Greer’s Gonna Make You Sweat.
the fact some members were temporarily laid low by the H1N1 virus. But it was worth the wait as fifteen students and Director John Reese delighted audiences with their performance of What I Did Last Summer by AR Gurney. Set in a well-to-do vacation colony on the shores of Lake Erie in 1945, What I Did Last Summer tells the coming-of-age story of a teenage boy during the final stages of World War II. Charlie, who is summering at the resort with his mother and sister while his father serves in the Pacific, takes a job as a handyman for an iconoclastic, bohemian art teacher. A former member of the “upper crust,” Anna Trumbull lost both her fortune and her regard for the ideals of her upbringing. Sensing a kindred spirit in Charlie, she tries to stretch his mind by teaching him painting and sculpture, and by exposing him to “radical” ideas about life and love. Eventually, under Anna’s influence, Charlie rejects the idea of attending an expensive boarding school come fall, which leads to a family crisis and a showdown between Anna and Charlie’s conservative mother. This clash of philosophies raises as many questions as it answers, and ultimately stimulates the self-awareness that will shape the man Charlie is destined to become.
deerfield_today_newsletter_FINAL.indd 3
12/24/09 10:23 AM
Deerfield Academy 7 Boyden Lane Deerfield, MA 01342
Winter Issue Two Thousand Ten: Vol. 16
ZLQWHU
Topics Today
Executive Committee Creates The Ashley Award by P.B. Weymouth ’83, President of the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association
30%
Cert no. BV-COC-013529
Alumni Making a Big Difference: Hale, Koch, Trovato Although decades separate their Deerfield graduations, three alumni were simultaneously in the news this past fall for their generous contributions to society. David Koch ’58 was recognized for his multimillion dollar donation to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, which will fund a new exhibition hall dedicated to the discovery and understanding of human origins. Rob Hale ’84 and Peter Trovato ’01 were acknowledged for the three million dollars they have raised for the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund, which helps to defray college education costs for the children of fallen Massachusetts’ servicemen and women.
In a press release from the Smithsonian, Mr. Koch said, “Remarkable advances in the
understanding of human evolution are taking place at the Smithsonian Institution as part of the Human Origins Initiative. The program has the power to influence the way we view our identity as humans, not only today, but for generations to come. I am happy to offer this gift as an indication of the importance it holds in my own life and the significance I feel it offers the whole of humankind.”
Alumni Association Executive Committee 2009-2010 Mrs. Elizabeth Greer Anderson '94 Mr. Oscar K. Anderson III '88
The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins is scheduled to open on March 17, 2010, which also happens to mark the 100-year anniversary of the museum’s official opening on the National Mall. Visitors to the 15,000-square-foot hall will be immersed in a unique, interactive museum experience illuminating the major milestones in the origin of human beings and the drama of climate change, survival, and extinction that have characterized humans’ ancient past. The grand opening celebration will include a number of special events, a human evolution and climate change symposium, educational outreach with resources for students and teachers, and other activities for visitors of all ages. In addition, to assist with public engagement around the exhibition, the museum has assembled the Broader Social Impacts Committee, with members from a range of cultural perspectives, to support dialogue about science and religion.
The fund that Peter Trovato began with a check for $50 is now worth $3 million, thanks to his
efforts and a partnership with Granite Telecommunications, and Granite CEO Rob Hale. According to an article in the Boston Business Journal, just five years
ago Mr. Trovato came up with the idea to help the children of fallen soldiers attend college, but he also said, “The Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund wouldn’t have gotten off the ground if it wasn’t for the support of Rob Hale and Granite Telecommunications.” “I liked the fact that the MSL Fund was specific and a grass-roots effort to honor veterans and their families in our community,” Mr. Hale said. “Those were all the ingredients that mattered to us.” When the MSL Fund began, Mr. Hale said, its goal was to raise $600,000. The goal then moved to $2 million. Then $3 million. “We’ve eclipsed all of them,” he said. Five years ago, there were 20 children eligible; now there are 51. The MSL Fund awards up to $10,000 per year, per son or daughter attending a four-year college. “We’d love to give full scholarships but as the number grows and the cost of education goes up . . . it’s still an internal goal,” said Mr. Trovato. “We try to provide as much support to each child as we can.” “Our mission will end when the war ends and with luck that won’t be much longer,” said Mr. Hale. “However, we’ll be there as long as there is a need. We’re honored to be a part of this cause.”
then & now: The Deerfield Scroll
With pride and excitement, the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association is happy to announce “The Ashley Award,” which will be presented annually to a young alumnus or alumna (someone who has graduated in the last 20 years) beginning in the spring of 2011! In its efforts to continuously innovate ways to both engage and recognize alumni/ae, the Executive Committee created this award after it determined that the Alumni Association was missing an important opportunity for recognition, particularly of those involved in service. The committee hopes that uniting the concepts of “service” and “young alumni/ae” will result in honoring these deserving Deerfield graduates, who could then serve as guideposts for current students, and model an example of service for their fellow alumni/ae. Due to the fact that Tom Ashley exemplified this ideal of service in many ways, the committee enthusiastically agreed to name the award after him. “Tom Ashley” is a name that all students hear when they enter Deerfield, and as seniors they sit together and listen to the Tom Ashley story the night before Commencement, to be reminded of the selfless man who so inspired Mr. Boyden. Even so, many students may not know how integral Tom was to the founding of the academy as we know it today. For those who need a refresher, Tom Ashley was a local farm boy who attended Deerfield early in the 20th century, then Amherst College, before returning to the
Ms. Sara E. di Bonaventura '01
Tom Ashley ’11 is remembered for his loyalty to Deerfield, his outstanding character, and his tireless service to others. The Ashley Award is given annually to a young alumnus or alumna who demonstrates Tom’s character and devotion to a people, cause, or place through unwavering volunteer service. academy in 1916 to teach history. Before he enlisted in the Marine Corps, his time at Deerfield was devoted to helping plan the campus, developing a school mission statement, and creating a school catalogue. He once wrote that Deerfield’s mission was “intellectual development, a desire to do service through influence, and a high standard of character;” and, “If the spirit of Deerfield Academy could be condensed into a word, that word would be ‘loyalty.’” Tom Ashley was killed in 1918 while serving his country during World War I, but his “unswerving idealism” will never be forgotten. In the spring of 2011 and in subsequent years, the Ashley Award recipient will come to campus to address the student body and faculty. We look forward to your participation in the nominating process!
Nominations for the 2011 inaugural award will be accepted up until September 1, 2010. To submit a nomination go to deerfield.edu/go/ashleyaward or contact Mimi Morsman at 413.774.1586 or lmorsman@deerfield.edu.
The content and format may have changed over the years but The Scroll is still a great source of information on campus.
REUNIONS: ZEROS AND FIVES SAVE THE DATES! June 10-13, 2010
Mr. Rick Anderson '72, P'10, P'12 Mr. Bayard T. DeMallie III '80
7KH DZDUG FLWDWLRQ UHDGV
circa 1959
2009
Mr. John J. Dinneen III '79 Mr. Malcolm Dorson '02 Mr. David B. Findlay Jr. '51, P'76, G'03, '05, '08
If your class year ends in a “0” or “5”, hope you’ve got the dates for Reunion
Dr. Edward G. Flickinger '65
Weekend on your calendars! Some reasons to Rally in the Valley: See friends and
Mr. Peter W. Gonzalez '62, P'94, P'97, Emeritus Mr. David S. Hagerman '64, P'99
former teachers Visit the beautiful campus Listen to commentary from fellow
Ms. Judith Hegedus '92
alumni on current world events Share Deerfield with your family Be welcomed
Mr. Hudson Holland III '84
by incredibly friendly staff Enjoy the clambake Play a class softball game
Mr. Steven N. Katz '70
Feel the relaxed atmosphere Bond with alumni from classes other than your
Mr. Gordon R. (Zeke) Knight '54, G'03, Ex-Officio Mr. Rush M. McCloy '92
own Meet Head of School Margarita Curtis Pick up where you left off 50 or
Mr. Richard M. McKelvey '79, P'10, P'13
more years ago Benefit from the wonderful combination of “downtime” and
Mr. John P. B. Moran '58
“programming” Utilize the magnificent childcare program Experience again
Ms. Margot Pfohl '97 Mr. John F. Rand '65, P'09, P'13, P'13
“the Deerfied touch.” Pre-registration (featuring reduced rates) takes place from
Mr. Walter S. Tomenson III '95
December 1, 2009 until mid-March 2010. Hope to see you in June!
Mr. Okechukwu Ugwonali '98 Ms. Cassandra Walters '00
deerfield.edu/go/reunions
Mr. Philip B. (P.B.) Weymouth III '83, President
deerfield_today_newsletter_FINAL.indd 4
12/24/09 10:23 AM
deerfield_today_newsletter_FINAL.indd 1
The Rowland Family Field was
dedicated on October 24, 2009. Girls Varsity Field Hockey Head Coach Kim Wright said, “It’s fitting that this new field, which allows Deerfield field hockey to play at a higher level, will always bear the Rowland name, because Jen (Rowland ’07), or J-Ro, as we called her, was one of the most intense competitors I have ever coached. She was a ball of fire who loved the game and pushed herself and her teammates to be better every day . . .” In response, Jen said, “Don’t ever settle for ties, never accept losses. This isn’t a team built on mediocrity—whatever it takes, find your voracious, insatiable appetites for excellence and fill them until your body gives out . . . ”
The Debate Team documentary, A Call for
Civil Discourse, screened on November 14 at the third annual Youth Film Showcase in nearby Amherst, MA, along with other student-made videos inspired by themes of peace and social justice.
Trustee Rodge Cohen ’61, P’99 was featured
in a November 15, 2009 article in The New York Times titled “Rodge
Cohen, The Trauma Surgeon of Wall Street.”
Among other things, according to the article, Mr. Cohen’s influence over Wall Street is both “legendary and pervasive.” Full text at nytimes.com, search for “Rodge Cohen.”
12/24/09 10:23 AM