GEORGIAN
Vol. 89
No. 02
pu bl i c at i on of ge orge scho o l, ne w tow n, pennsy lvania
INSIDE
01
SPRING
alu m n i fi lm make r s :
2017
George School alumni make their mark on the industry.
18
24
26
stu dyi n g fi lm at g s
the green initiative
alu m n i we e ke n d
Students enjoy remarkable success.
Student proposals target energy conservation, environmental issues, and sustainable living.
Everyone is welcome to come back to campus May 5-7, 2017.
GEORGIAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vol. 89 | No. 02 | SPRING 2017
01 PERSPECTIVES Alumni Filmmakers: Behind the Lens 02 Jody Lee Lipes ’00 04 Abe Forman-Greenwald ’94 04 Carson Gordon ’14 04 Tobi Elkin ’82 05 Wayne Parsons ’65 06 Rob Hardy ’91 08 Scott Seraydarian ’90 08 Tanya Wright ’85 09 John Crowther ’57 09 Lynn Mason-Pattnosh ’87 10 Larry Groupé ’75 11 Rachael A. Levine ’89 12 Molly Paddon ’03 12 Kabir Chopra ’09 13 John Duncan ’45 13 Stephanie Feinman ’10 13 Jonathan Epstein ’13 14 Sarah McBride ’96 14 Nick Hoskins ’04 14 Shirwil Schultz Lukes ’71 15 Clifford Anderson ’88 16 Brian Richardson ’04 16 Daraius (DJ) Jaikaria ’12 17 Sturgis Warner ’68 17 Jake Kaplan ’12 17 Marisa Tener Shold ’96 18 Studying Film at George School
22 FEATURES 22 Designing a More Inclusive Georgian 24 The Green Initiative 26 Alumni Weekend
32 CAMPUS NEWS & NOTES 36 ALUMNI TELL US 52 IN MEMORIAM
Front Cover: Rob Hardy ’91 and Charles Sapadin ’91 created their first movie G-Man as seniors and filmed the movie with a camcorder. Rob did the writing and directing, Charles did the shooting and editing, and a crew of fellow students did everything from acting to making posters like the one on our cover. Nate McKee ’79 served as the film’s executive producer. The “G” refers to George School and the title character in not a federal agent, but a superhero living on campus. (Photo courtesy of Rob Hardy ’91)
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JODY LEE LIPES ’00, cinematographer for Manchester by the Sea and Trainwreck, is passionate about telling stories. Here he is shooting with an Arri Alexa camera.
Alumni Filmmakers: Behind the Lens It’s believed that the first public screening of a projected motion picture in the United States took place in 1893, coincidentally the year of George School’s premiere. As movies evolved throughout the twentieth and into the twenty-first centuries— joined by other related media—so, too, did the school and its graduates, many of whom have found fascinating careers in these new art forms. It is a natural fit. The film industry often requires a blend of creativity, technical expertise, and societal awareness—along with an interdisciplinary approach and appetite for change—that are the hallmarks of a George School education. For the last twenty years, the school’s film program has added to that foundation by helping students hone both their craft and their self-expression. Several have gone on to pursue filmmaking in college and career. Regardless of their position, many see themselves not as technical specialists but as storytellers —filmmakers in the broadest sense. This issue of the Georgian profiles twenty-six alumni who work with the moving image, from film and television to digital media, 3D, animation, and video games. While not discounting the work of performers who appear on camera (fodder for another issue of the magazine, perhaps), we have chosen to highlight those who work behind it.
It is their brilliance, not their faces, that we see when the lights go down. Among the graduates featured are directors, producers, writers, makeup artists, composers, animators, and directors of photography, who literally mind the light. In this last category are Jody Lee Lipes ’00, cinematographer for the recent film Manchester by the Sea, and Rachael Levine ’89, camera operator on 2017’s The Zookeeper’s Wife. Among the former is the multitalented director, producer, and writer Rob Hardy ’91, whose first film was shot at George School (that’s the movie’s poster on the cover) and whose current project, The Quad, is a new series on BET. Many other filmmaking alumni wear multiple hats, too, changing them to sustain their interest and imagination as well as to keep pace with a changing industry that delivers digital content to theaters, broadcast and cable, video on demand and streaming services, social media, and gaming. Grab some popcorn and enjoy,
Susan Quinn Georgian editor
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George School F I L M M A K E R S
Jody Lee Lipes ’00 C I N E M AT O G R A P H E R , D I R E C T O R “A lot of storytellers and filmmakers go back and forth between those worlds. Those things feed each other.”
Although Jody Lee Lipes ’00 makes his living primarily as a “DP” (director of photography), he is first and foremost a storyteller, and film is his medium. “Other cinematographers are more about the visual, but I’m focused on the story. For me, that’s what it’s all about—creating a narrative or supporting a narrative.” Like the plot of many movies, Jody’s own story is a mix of chance and fate. “I fell into it a little bit. It was never ‘I’m going to be a film director,’” he concedes about his career goals. Instead, like many in the industry, he shapes the moving image in multiple ways. His credits include directing, writing, and producing in addition to cinematography, just as his vehicles include documentaries, TV, and commercials as well as feature films. Jody grew up in a film-loving family in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, taking a photography
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class at Buckingham Friends, working with his dad in the darkroom, and using a video camera before he even got to George School. After studying painting and drawing for three years, he switched to the school’s nascent film program with Scott Hoskins. He credits Scott with “making sure that people were learning how to do the technical things” and “making sure that what people were trying to do was what others would perceive.” Scott urged the class to submit films to competitions, and Jody found quick affirmation, winning prize money for a video about American citizenship and placing second in the Bridge Film Festival, hosted by Brooklyn Friends School. “It was a big turning point in my life—making film in a serious way,” Jody says. But though he decided to attend NYU film school, he still had not committed to movies as a career. “My girlfriend, who had graduated [George School] previously, was there [NYU], so I had to go. I thought that film was something I liked to do and I had some success at it, but the more I studied it, the more I realized how much a part of my life it is. My love for film just grew.” Before college even started, Jody began a workstudy job in the film equipment cage, which gave him an advantage in understanding and using the equipment. “People naturally turned to me for cinematography. A lot of people in my class asked
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JODY LEE LIPES ’00 directed Ballet 422, which follows an emerging choreographer Justin Peck as he creates a new work for the New York City Ballet.
me to shoot their projects for them.” From this happy accident came a focus on what he now calls “my craft job.” As he puts it, “I spend most of my time working as a cinematographer.” Among his cinematography credits are narrative features Manchester by the Sea and Trainwreck, documentary features such as Ballet 422 about New York City Ballet choreographer Justin Peck, and The Great Invisible on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion, television shows, music videos, and commercials from Apple to Verizon. In general, he prefers movies to TV, largely because they tell complete stories, with beginnings, middles, and ends, but he acknowledges the benefits of both. Filming seven episodes of HBO’s Girls was “my first professional, union job and a bona fide project. It was more about getting to learn on that scale and that I care about Lena Dunham rather than that I wanted to do TV.” Jody was the cinematographer for Tiny Furniture, a 2010 film Lena wrote, directed, and starred in. Jody found working on the pilot of USA’s The Sinner, starring Jessica Biel, was fun because he got to invent and create what the show was going to be and how the show felt. Commercials are also an art form for Jody. Shooting twenty a year, with two or three days on each, allows him to experiment. “Even if they are restrictive—each one has its own film language, whether a tonal or technical thing, having to use this kind of lens or that kind of computer effect—all those things force you to think in a different way.”
When commercials tell a story and are “somewhat morally conscious,” like “Born the Hard Way” (a 2017 Budweiser Super Bowl ad showing Adolphus Busch arriving as an immigrant), he enjoys them even more. “I feel lucky that I can pursue the job of DP and support my family while trying to get my own stuff going, too,” says Jody, though he admits that splitting his time between cinematography and his own filmmaking has slowed down both. He has had opportunities to direct, including for Girls and Ballet 422, co-produced by his wife Ellen Bar, and he is working on a script. Jody feels the impact of having attended Quaker schools beyond the photography and film classes he took there. “Morality is a big part of what I find interesting, and a lot of the morality that I learned growing up is from Quaker ideas, whether I agree with them or not.” He is intrigued by “how many moral stances Quaker people have taken that proved to be true in the long term. That’s something that has become a big theme in the movie I’m writing right now. It’s not about Quakers, but it has a solid moral center. I spent a year reading George Fox’s journal and tried to make a movie about his life. It turned out to be too challenging,” but Quakerism remains “creatively exciting to me, not just something I respect.” Jody lives not in Hollywood, but in Brooklyn, New York, where he is raising two-year-old daughter Kay with his wife when not busy with film jobs. As for future projects, who knows? “Maybe I’ll try to tackle George Fox again.”
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George School F I L M M A K E R S
Carson Gordon ’14 Abe Forman-Greenwald ’94 A S S O C I AT E P R O D U C E R Abe Forman-Greenwald ’94, who produces and directs short documentaries, is also now an associate producer on a new Netflix series. Called Big Mouth, this surreal animated comedy tells the story of real-life best friends Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg as they explore their teenage adventures. Abe’s work involves editing audio versions of the episodes so animators can draw the characters’ activities in storyboard format.
Tobi Elkin ’82 VISUAL STORYTELLER New to film, Tobi Elkin ’82 wrote her first short film in the fall of 2016. The six-minute documentary—that she describes as a “visual poem”—was inspired by her crosscountry train trip as part of her Amtrak Writer’s Residency. Tobi shot the film on her iPhone and learned that it is possible “to tell a story with spare prose, rich visuals, voiceover, and music.” The film was an official selection of the February 2017 International Monthly Film Festival.
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C A M E R A O P E R AT O R Carson Gordon ’14 remembers finding his love for film in Scott Hoskins’ video production class not all that long ago. He is now a film and video student at Drexel University. He is currently working his co-op with Time Inc. where he gets to create internet and television media five days a week. Carson is a camera operator, a position he loves, because that is where he “really gets to bring the film to life.”
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Wayne Parsons ’65 TECHNICAL DIRECTOR “You are required to be your best at all times and an absolutely perfect job is what is required.”
“I owe it all to dramatics at George School,” writes Wayne Parsons ’65, who both acted and stage managed for school productions. “The lessons learned provided the basis for my first television job at WRFT-TV in Roanoke, Virginia,” where his mentor was Adrian Cronauer, played by Robin Williams in the movie Good Morning, Vietnam. “Eventually, my career turned to the engineering side.” Wayne has been a technical director for fortyfive years, earning an Emmy in 1980 for The Oldest Living Graduate, a televised stage performance that was Henry Fonda’s last. He received two addi-
tional Emmy nominations as technical director for Entertainment Tonight, where he worked for twenty years. Among his other assignments were pilots for Warner Brothers; sports for NBC, TNN, and CBS; celebrity roasts; and the Ringling Brothers circus. “I stopped keeping track of the different shows,” he admits. According to Wayne, a TV technical director “supervises the technical crew, which includes cameras, video, sound, video recordists (was tape, now servers), audio mixers, audio boom operators— anyone involved in the production of the video program.” On Entertainment Tonight, a fourcamera show, he supervised a crew of twenty-four people. When covering NASCAR races or golf tournaments, those numbers climbed—to around fifteen cameras and fifty people. At age 70, Wayne is still working as a master control operator on ABC’s Prospect Lot backup network operation. If something goes wrong in New York, Wayne and company uplink programming on a “hot standby” satellite. “I really should have retired by now, but my work today is nowhere near as stressful as an ‘on production’ TD.” He and his wife find time to travel thirty to forty days a year, including in his nifty railroad “speeder.”
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George School F I L M M A K E R S
Rob Hardy ’91 DIRECTOR, PRODUCER “I like both film and TV. Movies give me the freedom to do whatever I want creatively, but you spend so much time setting up the project. TV is great because on any day, you show up and figure out how to make it happen.”
As a director, Rob Hardy ’91 is in charge of “everything creative—setting the staging, talking to actors, working with the different departments.” As a producer, he is responsible for hiring people who do what needs to be done. In an analogy to sports, he likens the latter to being a general manager and the former to coaching: “You work with the players to help them have their best performance.” He switches between the two roles gladly and often.
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Rob’s biography on the online movie database IMDb states, “Hardy began his career as a high school senior, with the camcorder-shot movie G-Man.” Unbeknownst to most people who read this tidbit, the “G” refers to George School, and the title character is not a federal agent, but a superhero living on campus. The year before, classmate Charles Sapadin ’91 had shot a short film, and Rob resolved to “make a movie with that guy, because he knows how to do it.” Together Rob and Charles conceived G-Man, with Rob writing and directing, Charles shooting and editing, and a crew of fellow students doing everything from acting to making posters. “It became a real collaborative effort,” Rob says, noting that George School in general “was a supportive environment open to being creative, to talking about things, and to allowing people to explore themselves.” Nate McKee ’79 served as the film’s executive producer, securing their $800 budget. When it was done, the film was screened in Marshall Center to positive reviews. A friend even suggested that Rob consider filmmaking as a career. Rob would have liked to attend film school, “but my father didn’t think it was a realistic career choice.” Instead he ended up at Florida A&M,
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where he got a degree in mechanical engineering. But his heart was not in it. “Friends saw G-Man and said, ‘Why don’t you do what you love to do?’” With future (now former) business partner Will Packer, he made Chocolate City about being a student at a historically black college, much like his own experience. Rob wrote, directed, and raised money for the indie movie—the first he made on actual film. Chocolate City was released at one theater in Tallahassee, though he later arranged a home video deal. “When the film made money, I realized it could be a viable career for me.” Along with Will and their parents, who were persuaded to invest in “our company, which meant investing in us,” Rob took another leap of faith. “If I don’t take the opportunity to do this and see if it works,” he felt, “I will end up saying ‘Coulda, woulda, shoulda.’” The partners and the company they founded, Rainforest Films, set up shop in Atlanta. (Rob still lives there with his wife and two sons.) “We did odd jobs during the day—telemarketing, delivering newspapers, being a production assistant—to keep the dream alive,” and they learned on the job. Rob watched DVDs about the making of other films and soaked up what he could during production assistant gigs. Their first post-college movie was a thriller called Trois. “It was the first time filmmaking peers were critical of my film,” admits Rob. “It made me want to work even harder to become a better storyteller.” After some small-budget projects with Sony, Rob and Will pitched a movie about college frater-
nities in a step-dancing competition—what would become Stomp the Yard (2007). Rob was executive producer. Though it was the first time he had not directed one of his company’s projects, the film’s success opened doors. Soon he was busy directing for television. ER came first, in 2008. Since then, he has directed for more than twenty-five shows, including Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, The Flash, Empire, Black-ish, and The Vampire Diaries. In directing for TV, he enjoys mimicking the style of each show while “doing creative things to put your stamp on it.” He also enjoys the variety—“vampires week one, superheroes the next week, and college students the week after that.” The college students he alludes to are from his latest venture, a BET series called The Quad, which he co-created. A more mature take on the subject matter of Chocolate City, it centers on the new president of a historically black college in the Southeast. In addition to producing and writing, Rob directed the pilot, establishing the show’s look. It has had a promising start. During Alumni Weekend 2016, Rob spoke at a George School assembly. He could have concentrated on his impressive career, including nominations for HBO Director to Watch and Image awards. Instead he talked about choosing what to focus your energies on, learning from your experiences (especially those that do not go your way), and following your dreams—fitting advice for a man who took a confident but unconventional route to the director’s chair.
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L ARRY BROWN
George School F I L M M A K E R S
Scott Seraydarian ’90 NEW MEDIA PRODUCER/DIRECTOR Scott Seraydarian ’90 has worked with partners such as NBC Universal, Scholastic, and Lucasfilm. Although George School did not offer film classes in the late 1980s, he still says that his time at George School helped to prepare him for his career. Scott said the community allowed him to run around with a camcorder shooting various video productions, including a film titled Captain Rage, a forty-five minute video about an environmental superhero mini-opus.
Tanya Wright ’85 WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER Best known as an actor (most recently on Orange Is the New Black), Tanya Wright ’85 worked behind as well as in front of the camera to bring the 2010 movie Butterfly Rising to the screen. After writing the book on which it was based, she penned the screenplay, directed, and produced the independent film.
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When asked if he has advice for those looking to break into the film industry, Scott said, “The main advice I would offer is to spend time learning the fundamentals of their craft and not to rely on the power of the tools. Learn storytelling. Study the masters. Make mistakes—all in an effort to find and define your personal taste. I cannot think of a better place than George School to begin to learn this craft and see where it takes you.” Scott’s next projects include a historical biography television series for kids and the publication of his first graphic novel.
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John Crowther ’57 WRITER, DIRECTOR, TALENT A G E N T, C A S T I N G D I R E C T O R In the film business since 1961, John Crowther ’57 has written the scripts and spoken the lines, been the “talent” and found the talent. “I actually started out after GS as an actor, with three Broadway credits as well as a bunch of TV and film credits.” His career—or, more accurately, careers—grew from there. John’s screenwriting résumé includes The Evil That Men Do, starring Charles Bronson, and Kill and Kill Again, both box office hits. He spent almost a decade in Italy, where he directed the movie The Martlet’s Tale as well as theater. And he has worked for almost twenty years as a talent agent, “something I backed into. I never thought of it as my number one occupation or passion.”
He is also a novelist, cartoonist, artist, and playwright—a Renaissance man who happens to write action movies. After fifty-five years, John has plenty of stories. In 1982 he was asked to write a film by producer Dino De Laurentiis. “If I liked it, Mr. De Laurentiis said, we would move forward. If not, I was under no obligation. So he flew me to New York first class and put me up in a suite at a fancy hotel. Next day I met with him to hear the story. ‘A Chinese detective is living and working in New York,’ he said. ‘Okay,’ I said and waited to hear more. ‘That’s it,’ Mr. De Laurentiis finally said. ‘Do you like it? Will you do it?’” The film was never made, but John did complete a screenplay, bits of which wound up in Year of the Dragon. According to him, it is one of the “twisted peregrinations Hollywood is famous for.”
Lynn Mason-Pattnosh ’87 CASTING DIRECTOR “A screen is a screen is a screen, and it is all about new media.” says Lynn Mason-Pattnosh ’87, who, in addition to casting, promotes and produces through her website and on social media. She first got involved in casting via infomercials but today casts primarily hosts and journalists, plus actors for new media, voice-overs, and TV. “It’s a wonderful combination for someone who is an acting teacher and professional actor,” she says.
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George School F I L M M A K E R S
Larry Groupé ’75 COMPOSER “I see myself as a filmmaker first and a composer second.”
“Everybody here is going off to become a college professor,” thought Larry Groupé ’75 as he was finishing grad school at UC San Diego, “but I want to write for movies. The decision took about thirty minutes, and then I just said ‘I’m going to give the Hollywood idea a shot.’” Despite the challenges of “life as an independent in the arts” he has loved being on the musical end of film and TV ever since. What Larry loves most is the process of film composition. He often starts with the script before any footage is shot, so he can “unlock the mystery of the movie with story only,” as much as a year ahead. “Then my dialogue with the director can begin with no outside influences.” He starts writing themes and coming up with tone and sound. “If I read a script or see a rough cut, I always see it as a filmmaker. I put off the musical
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response. To be a successful film composer, you must become a filmmaker.” And a collaborative one. Working with directors and editors, whom he calls the “unsung heroes,” he shapes the arc of the score alongside the story. It is the relationship with one director in particular, Rod Lurie, that Larry describes as “the most critical relationship of my life.” Starting with The Contender in 2000, Larry has composed for many of the director’s projects. Most recently, Larry wrote the score for the pilot of Lurie’s TNT series Monsters of God. “I treat a TV show and a movie virtually the same,” Larry says, while admitting that a tenepisode series would make for a very long film. Though he establishes musical elements that give a series its feel, “I won’t copy and paste. I write original music for every single episode,” just as he would for a movie. “A filmmaker doesn’t want you to copy a score you’ve done because where’s the magic in that? If you listen to a John Williams or Thomas Newman score, you hear something that sounds like them, but they aren’t repeating themselves. We’re basically reinventing ourselves all the time.” While writing new music, Larry has also reinvented his career. Four years ago, in a partial return to education, he founded the Palomar Film Music Workshop (PFMW) “to offer an
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in-depth examination on the art and practice of writing music to picture at the highest level.” For a week each summer, workshop participants score scenes and are critiqued by peers and a faculty of Hollywood professionals. Among Larry’s early students was Lars Clutterham, his former George School music teacher who is now a music preparer and musician on the PFMW faculty. The two had reconnected years before, after Larry finished grad school. Lars, who had by then left teaching, “played a critical role getting me hired as a tape editor at a jingle company where he was an arranger.” Larry worked at the music company for many years, rising through the ranks while writing film scores on the side. Eventually, he took another leap of faith to pursue composition
full-time. That was nearly twenty years ago. The two are still good friends. This year, Larry waded further into education, becoming a college professor after all. He was hired by Indiana University’s School of Music to launch its film-scoring program. “My experience at George School allowed me the confidence to follow an unsensible musical path.” With the support of his high school friends, a former teacher, and a loyal director, he has created a successful career that in hindsight looks inevitable as well as sensible.
Rachael A. Levine ’89 C A M E R A O P E R AT O R A N D D I R E C T O R O F P H O T O G R A P H Y Rachael Levine ’89 is a camera operator and director of photography for feature films and television. Her notable credits include Still Alice, The Other Guys, The Zookeeper’s Wife, Collateral Beauty, and Before I Wake. “It has taken many years to secure my place as a female camera operator in this male dominated industry. My most intriguing project comes out next week—The Zookeeper’s Wife with Jessica
Chastain. We filmed for three months in Prague and they cast my baby daughter as nine-month-old Teresa! What an amazing experience that was!” Academy Award Nominee Jessica Chastain complimented Rachael’s work in a 2015 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, which focused on women in film. Jessica and Rachael, along with a predominantly female cast and crew, worked together on The Zookeeper’s Wife.
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George School F I L M M A K E R S
Molly Paddon ’03
Kabir Chopra ’09
HAIR AND MAKEUP
WRITER AND DIRECTOR
Classmates of Molly Paddon ’03 are probably not shocked to learn that for the last thirteen years, she has spent her time doing hair and makeup for celebrities such as Amy Poehler, Emma Roberts, James Franco, and Pharrell. “Starting my sophomore year at George School, I would spend all day of every formal dance set up in a dorm common area doing classmates’ makeup by appointment,” said Molly. “So, in my senior year, when I decided to make hair and makeup my career goal, I’m sure it was more of a surprise to myself than to many of the people around me.” Molly says the most interesting and most misunderstood aspect of her job is that makeup and hair is a secondary focus on set. “I’m the first face the talent sees every morning, and generally the person on set with whom they have the most contact,” she said. “My primary responsibility is putting the actors at ease.” Molly credits George School for helping her develop the skills she uses every day. She said, “Don’t forget meeting for worship, and how to be silent in a room. I’ve seen talented people not succeed in film for lack of knowing how to be quiet.”
Kabir Chopra ’09 graduated from New York University’s the Tisch School of Arts in 2013 with a degree in dramatic writing. Since then, he has written, directed, and acted in a number of short films. For two years, Kabir worked with Oscar nominated director, Mira Nair. During the summer of 2016 Kabir participated in a masterclass taught by actor James Franco and was selected to be a writer of an upcoming feature length horror film that James is producing. “It was an amazing opportunity to work so closely with someone like James and pitch my ideas, show him my work, and get his feedback,” said Kabir. “I also met some incredible directors, writers, and actors in the class, and we are already working on some new projects together. Needless to say, it was one of the best summers I have ever had.”
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John Duncan ’45 FA M I LY F I L M M A K E R A N D A R C H I V I S T Embracing modern film technology has no expiration date, as relevant to the camcorder as to CGI in their respective eras. Like many home movie enthusiasts, John Duncan ’45 shot 16 mm—more than 50,000 feet by his reckoning. Fast forward several decades, when he embarked on the huge task of digitizing all that family history. “I ‘spooled’ them off onto five sets of twenty-six DVDs, each containing about an hour of viewing and labeled for the passage of time,” he describes. He even found footage of his wife, Carol, and her partner Dan Ryan winning gold at the 1953 United States ice dancing championships. The digital archive he created is his gift to his family.
Stephanie Feinman ’10
Jonathan Epstein ’13
DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION C O O R D I N AT O R
A24 INTERN
A 2014 graduate of The George Washington University, Stephanie Feinman ’10 recently worked as a documentary production coordinator on MTV World Rebel Music: Season II. Rebel Music features young artists from around the globe who are working to overcome oppression and injustice by using the power of music and creativity to connect with others and inspire activists to work for change. Learn more about Stephanie and World Rebel Music on page 51.
Jonathan Epstein ’13 interned for eight months with the acquisition and development teams at A24, one of the most well-known independent film companies that specializes in film production, finance, television production, and distribution. There Jonathan witnessed “the status quo of commercial cinema being blown wide open, and in its place is something new and exciting.” In January 2017, A24 won a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture-Drama for Moonlight.
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George School F I L M M A K E R S
Sarah McBride ’96 STORY PRODUCER Sarah McBride ’96 continues to tell compelling stories in a variety of platforms—film, television, and social. She does everything from developing story ideas, to writing, and to polishing the final product. Currently she is a story producer at Food Network.
Nick Hoskins ’04 O P E R AT I O N S M A N A G E R Nick Hoskins ’04 works as the operations manager at Stoopid Buddy Stoodios in Burbank California. “Through a combination of outrageous good luck and some good ole’ fashioned Quaker active listening, I moved up from an entry level position to the studio operations manager in about a year and a half,” said Nick.
Previously, Sarah was a supervising producer at MTV Networks where she was responsible for video development and production for digital support of shows, original online content, and live streaming concerts. In 2010-2013 she was a director and producer for Park Secrets, a show that featured US parks in a new and surprising way. In 2009-2010 Sarah was the field producer for American Chopper: The Series, a work-place reality show that focused on the rift between father and son and the custom motorcycle shop they started together. Sarah also helped produce several television series about cooking in 2008-2010 including Ultimate Recipe Showdown were she was an associate producer, Iron Chef America: The Series where she was a segment producer, and Worst Cooks in America where she was a producer. In 2005, Sarah was the associate producer of Motor Mansions, a TV movie documentary, and National Body Challenge, a television mini-series documentary.
In his role, Nick facilitates interdepartmental communication and completes purchase orders. The studio does primarily stop-motion animation, which he says is “like playing with dolls and action figures, but slower.” Nick has worked on several projects including Robot Chicken and SuperMansion.
Shirwil Schultz Lukes ’71 SCENIC DESIGNER AND 3D A N I M AT O R After developing an independent college major in set design for educational television, Shirwil Schultz Lukes ’71 went on to a career doing just that. “I was hired as an assistant designer. The rest is history,” she says. During her career Shirwil designed “spaces” for a variety of
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shows, on issues from homelessness to investing, experimental dance to roundtable discussions of political pundits. “Always my goal was to create an environment, real or virtual, that supported the program and that made the talent feel at ease—or sometimes challenged them. I never stopped questioning and exploring new ideas.”
PERSPECTIVES
Clifford Anderson ’88 COMPOSER “I provide the missing pieces—the language of music that they can’t supply on their own.”
“Part of the job description for a composer —like every role in the film industry—is that there is no clear-cut career path. You can’t just stay within the lines and be assured of your advancement. You have to take every opportunity to invent it for yourself. Spend time with other creative folks, and see if you can do something creative together.” So says Clifford Anderson ’88 of his long journey to scoring for media. Clifford was always a musician. He wrote songs and played in bands (“all styles of music—anything popular and unpopular”) starting at George School and continuing well after. But there came a point when “I had a young son and going to gigs was exhausting. I wanted to be active in music in a way that didn’t involve lugging around amps.” In 2002 Clifford, a Boston resident, took a position helping to create and run Berklee College of Music’s groundbreaking online music school. Access to Berklee’s robust film scoring program led to freelance arranging and composing projects. A turning point came in 2015 when he devoted himself full-time to composing and to cultivating the relationships necessary for success. “Much of what I do now now is meet and interact with people. Since they don’t need music every day, it’s most important that we come to know and trust each other—so that they can turn to me when they do need music.” Collaborating with filmmakers was a pleasant surprise. “I didn’t realize how much I would love working with others to help them tell their story. When you’re in a band or a solo performer, it’s really about ‘Hey, look at me. Listen to my music.’ That’s a very different approach from saying, ‘How can I help you so we can arrive at a shared vision?’”
Clifford’s appreciation for this collaborative, multidisciplinary approach began in high school, where he was encouraged by music teacher Michael Sherrin and other teachers. “The broad range of experiences at George School is part of my professional arc. There I could go as far as I wanted with math, English, history, computer science, social justice… in addition to the art and craft of music.” The process of education is ongoing. “To be better as a creator and as a collaborator means to always be working on myself. At a certain point, you can’t go much further without looking at how you can be a better person.” Of course, much of Clifford’s work involves the organization and execution behind the music. “There’s a proven process. Where will we use music in each scene in the film? Where will it start and stop? Will it primarily provide emotional context? Propel the action? Support continuity?” Technical aspects must be addressed, too. “Writing a cue that’s exactly one minute and seven seconds to match the timing. Usually the film is shot and edited when I write the music. Sometimes there can be back and forth, but most is upstream of me.” Clifford has composed for varied media, including virtual reality, art installations, and video games. He is especially proud of his work on Through the Place (2016), an award-winning documentary about architectural preservation and restoration in Pittsburgh, featuring David McCullough. This year he is working on his first feature film, more documentaries, and a live theatrical musical. “It’s challenging work,” Clifford concludes. “It requires people skills, technical skills, business skills, as well as the creative craft of actually writing music. And I love it.”
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George School F I L M M A K E R S
Brian Richardson ’04 SOCIAL AND DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Brian Richardson ’04 manages social and digital content for Major League Gaming, the global leader in eSports. His previous industry roles included producing non-scripted television series for the History Channel, Bravo, and VH1, and producing digital content for USA Today. Of his time at George School, Brian says, Scott Hoskins’ class was “easily one of the greatest experiences I had throughout my time at GS. It was objective and constructive while still being open to amazing levels of creativity.”
Besides taking Scott’s film class, Brian says his fondest George School memory was winning the Brooklyn Bridge Film Festival, a festival made up of submissions from Friends schools. Professionally though, Brian says his proudest career moment was having his work featured in the hero section of USA Today’s homepage several times. “There’s nothing like instantaneous feedback from thousands of people online, good and bad, it’s extremely rewarding,” he said.
Daraius (DJ) Jaikaria ’12 VIDEO INTERN Immediately upon graduating from George School, Daraius (DJ) Jaikaria ’12 took off his first semester of film school at Emerson College to work in Bollywood with the Anil Kapoor Film Company on 24: India. After graduating with a BA in film producing, DJ moved to Los Angeles and worked on various freelance projects. He now works at BuzzFeed, a leading independent media company, in their video department.
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PERSPECTIVES
Sturgis Warner ’68
Jake Kaplan ’12
PRODUCER
A N I M AT I O N I N T E R N
Sturgis Warner ’68 and partner Signe Baumane prove that animated films can be for adult audiences. He co-produced Rocks in My Pockets (2014), directed, written, and animated by Signe, about a family of women and their battles with depression. Currently, the pair is working on gaining funding for another animated feature-length movie: My Love Affair with Marriage, due out in 2019.
For two years, Jake Kaplan ’12 has worked as an animation intern at Warner Brothers Animation. His projects include the new Bugs Bunny series, Wabbit, and the Disney XD collaborative series, Right Now Kapow. “I get to work with Bugs Bunny! The Looney Tunes are an important part of everyone’s childhood, and I am honored to have had the chance to be a part of making that experience for the next generation,” said Jake, who believes that animation is one of the most collaborative art forms in the world.
Marisa Tener Shold ’96 TALENT BOOKER Since 2013, Marisa Tener Shold ’96 has worked as a celebrity talent booker on various television and entertainment projects. Some of her most notable assignments include Hollywood Game Night, Fashion Police, and working the pre-Oscar party at the Greystone Mansion in Los Angeles. In her role, Marisa serves as the liaison between the television networks and production companies, securing actors and musicians to be a part of the production. She credits George School’s open and accepting environment with helping to prepare her for her career. Marisa said, “Meeting people from different cities, countries, and cultures in high school was very transforming and helped prepare me for the real world, especially working with so many diverse personalities and backgrounds. I do not think I would have had those experiences if I was not at George School.”
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Studying Film at George School “Film production,” the current name of George School’s cluster of cinematic courses, is clear but incomplete. Started in 1997 by Judy Bartella and taught by Scott Hoskins after the first year, the program revolves around producing films, or as Scott puts it, “The focus is and always will be on making art.” To make the best art possible, however, students must hone both craft and self-expression. They must learn about equipment and techniques, film history and analysis, and, like so much of a George School education, engage in reflection as a prerequisite of growth. “I take film production because I enjoy making films,” explains Elenore Wang ’18. Like fellow IB student Rebecca Campbell ’18, who “figured the class would be more lecturing rather than physical film production,” she was surprised by the independence and volume of movie-making. Students create two films in the first year (Film Production) and three—one each term—in subsequent years (Advanced Film Production). Each film project is a collaborative effort, created by teams of screenwriters, sound designers, cinematographers, directors, and editors. (Though the program name was changed recently from
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“video” to “film”—to coincide with the terminology used by the IB and most colleges—students still shoot video due to cost.) Some students get interested in a particular area. Rebecca, for example, prefers sound design and editing, working with music and creating soundtracks. Technology is integral to the program, and new students spend their first term getting up to speed. Today’s capabilities are a far cry from the early days. What was once a basement science classroom with three PCs has grown into a pair of Retford spaces. A Mac computer lab (shared with newspaper and yearbook) hosts screenwriting and editing, while a classroom down the hall—with a good-quality projector, sound system, and green wall for chroma keying—is used for studio shoots and to screen films. As facilities have grown, so has enrollment. This year there are twenty-four students in the advanced course, but waitlists persist. Visiting industry professionals sometimes supplement the regular curriculum. This year a current parent arranged for a friend—cinematographer Garrett Brown, inventor of the Steadicam— to share how he created this ground-breaking technology. Alumnus and filmmaker Scott Seraydarian ’90 frequently visits classes and provides feedback.
PERSPECTIVES
GEORGE SCHOOL STUDENT FILMS have won many awards. Grandma (top left), by Zach Sharma ’18 and John Gens ’17, won Best Documentary at the 2016 Bridge Film Festival. Mommy’s Little Boy (top right), by Sam Mironko ’17 and Edwin Honoret ’17, won the Spirit of the Festival award at the 2015 Bridge Film Festival. Separation (bottom left), by Rebecca Campbell ’18 and Elenore Wang ’18, won Best Narrative at the 2016 Bridge Film Festival. Gotta Know (bottom right), by Sam Mironko ’17, won Best Music Video at the 2016 Bucks Fever Film Fest.
Renowned director Barry Sonnenfeld came to campus and spoke to film students while his daughter was at George School. Since creating films is the priority, Scott Hoskins urges students to enter festivals, “not necessarily because competition is the basis for encouraging quality work, but because it gives a mission deadline.” Students learn one of the most valuable lessons of filmmaking: time management. As Elenore sees it, “Time is everything. Anything can go wrong on a set, and what could go wrong always goes wrong. It is very important to plan ahead, and efficiency is key. If offered an unlimited amount of time, anyone can get the perfect shots.” George School students have had remarkable success in competitions, especially the Bridge Film Festival and Greenfield Youth Film Festival, which they have participated in since the beginning. The former, supported by Brooklyn Friends, is for films that depict Quaker values in action. Among recent George School submissions, Mommy’s Little Boy, about a teen struggling with gender identity, won the Spirit of the Bridge award in 2015, while
Grandma, which treats end-of-life decisions, and Separation, which deconstructs family abuse, took honors in 2016. Roughly 250 films from twenty schools are submitted annually to the prestigious Greenfield festival, which offers cash and other prizes. Scott is especially proud that George School students have received recognition each of the last four years, including five students in 2016. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to have their work screened by professionals in the business,” he says. To watch these and other student works, check out the Film Production section of the Student Gallery (under Arts) on the George School website or GS Student Films on the school’s YouTube channel. While the making of films remains the core, learning spirals out from it. Whether for a standalone certificate or as part of their diploma program, many students pursue the Higher Level IB film curriculum, whose key components focus on the analysis of film-making beyond the filmmaking itself.
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MORE AWARD-WINNING FILMS: Assail, by Sunder Pratt ’17, won third place in the Narrative category at the 2016 Greenfield Youth Film Festival. Banana-man, by Ephraim Benson ’17, Rex Trice ’18, and Sterling Hatch ’17, won Best Screenwriting at the 2015 Greenfield Youth Film Festival. Tomorrow is Today, by Santiago Balmaceda ’16 and Sundar Pratt ’17, won Best Cinematography at the 2015 Greenfield Youth Film Festival. Montsho, by Sam Mironko ’17, won honorable mention in High School Documentary category at the 2016 Bucks Fever Film Fest.
In their presentation assignment, for example, IB students record an oral analysis of a five-minute excerpt from a designated feature film, using it as a lens to look at the whole movie. They address not only content, but the director’s intention, how a film fits in a director’s oeuvre, and audience reaction. When it comes to their own films, students submit not only their team-made movies, but production portfolios, containing their reflections on what they learned from the role they played. Finally, IB students submit an independent study, in which they compare films with common themes from different time periods and countries of origin. Together the IB requirements call for a sophisticated level of film analysis and critique. Many students, like Rebecca and Elenore, come to George School wanting to pursue a career in film. When they graduate, a striking number— at least one per year, according to Scott—go on to well-known film programs, such as Emerson College and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Many eventually get jobs making films or in supporting roles (as shown throughout this issue
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of the Georgian). Still others use the skills acquired, such as storytelling and time management, in other endeavors. As Rebecca asserts, “I’m now unsure of what career path I’ll take, but no matter what, I always want to make films.” Paraphrasing painting and drawing teacher Jo¯ Adachi, Scott says, “The students we work hardest with are not necessarily the ones on a preprofessional trajectory, but those who are simply curious and want to learn more about the medium. I would like for our students to do the best-quality film work that they can. I want people to discover how film can become a good means of expressing themselves. I want students to say, ‘I was able to show the world a little part of who I am and what matters to me.’” The George School film program has been doing just that for nearly two decades. Editor’s note: Scott Hoskins who joined George School in 1983 has announced his retirement at the end of the 2016-2017 academic year. Please join us on Saturday, May 6, 2017 as we honor Scott and other retiring faculty members at the 10:15 a.m. All-Alumni Gathering in the meetinghouse.
PERSPECTIVES
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WHAT YOU TOLD US In the spring of 2016, the Georgian magazine released a survey to readers to ask them about subjects ranging from preferred reading medium to topics of interest. Here is what you told us‌
61.9% of those surveyed read every issue of the Georgian.
OVER ALL QUALITY Georgian readers said the quality of the magazine is good or excellent.
87. 4 % Writing 87.0 % C ontent 8 4 . 5 % E a se of re ading 81. 2 % L ayout a nd de sign
64.5% prefer to read the Georgian in print.
5,959 alumni, parents, donors, and friends of George School received a printed copy of the Winter 2017 issue.
READER FAVORITES Georgian readers enjoy features and articles about:
98.5% H I S TO R Y A N D T R A D I T I O N S
97.0% C A M P U S FAC I L I T I E S A N D G R OW T H
96.2% M A KING CONNECTIONS
88.9% say reading the Georgian strengthens their connection to George School.
71%
say that they have contacted a friend as a result of reading the magazine.
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C L A S S N OT E S
95.2% O B I T UA R I E S
94.6% A L U M N I F E AT U R E S
91.7% CURRENT STUDENTS AND CURRICULUM
90.4% E N V I R O N M E N TA L I S S U E S
FEATURES
Designing a More Inclusive Georgian
Who are you? What year did you graduate? (read: Are you a millennial or a boomer?) Why do you read the Georgian? Do you read the Georgian in print form? Online? Both? Which do you prefer? These were among the many questions George School asked when we joined the fifty-three colleges and universities and three independent schools participating in the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s (CASE) most recent Member Magazine Readership Survey. Among the primary take-aways: young alumni do not respond to traditional surveys. It turns out that it is not just young alumni, major polling organizations like Gallup and Pew struggle to reach millennials generally. Further, as more “older” people follow the millennial trend of ditching computers and landlines and conducting more of their communication and media consumption on smart phones, how to reach anyone is an increasingly compelling question. That is why the CASE survey was so important to us. The Georgian, which has been in continuous publication for eighty-seven years, is our primary means of keeping in touch with alumni, their families, and our community at large. In much the same way George School has long tried to create a campus culture in which every student feels valued and included, we want the Georgian to be a magazine in which all alumni—regardless of when they graduated—feel like they are getting the news and information they need in the way they are most comfortable consuming it. Given the increasingly divergent ways audiences of all ages consume information, one big question magazine editors are constantly asking themselves is whether it makes sense to continue producing a print version of the magazine at all. According to the CASE survey, there is still strong support among George School alumni of all ages for a print version of the magazine, a preference they share with the alumni of other institutions participating in the survey.
Interestingly, every audience age group also reads Georgian content online. Many alumni magazines —much like national journals like The Atlantic Monthly— are moving toward a hybrid form of publication, with the print version of the magazine focusing on longer form pieces or features that rely heavily on photography and using the website for shorter or more timely content. “More online content is definitely something George School is considering,” says Georgian editor Susan Quinn. “For example, putting class notes online would allow alumni to keep track of each other in a more timely fashion. We are also looking at ways to preview and promote Georgian content on Facebook and other social media platforms.” So what else does our CASE report card tell us? Georgian readers are loyal. We had a remarkably high response rate to our online survey. Our readers like the Georgian. More than 85 percent of readers agree or strongly agree that the Georgian strengthens their personal connection with George School. More than 80 percent say the Georgian reminds them of their experience at George School and more than 70 percent say it helps them feel more in touch with their class. These responses suggest that while the magazine is on target, the publication can use some fresh thinking. “It is a perfect time to consider changes,” says Susan. “We’ve been in our current design for ten years, so we’re due for a refresh, and we’re looking at updating the George School website as well. ”
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THE 2016-2017 GREEN INITIATIVE CONTEST WINNERS posed for a photo. Shown here are Kevin Zhou ’20, Jennifer Chang ’19, Josh Hoffman ’17, Sidney Walters ’19, Alex Harris ’17, Roman Gavrila ’18, Addie Gerszberg ’18, Peter Delaney ’18, Merton Li ’19, and Max Brenner ’18. Not pictured are Julie Chen ’18, Jacob Hoopes ’19, Isaac Lee ’19, and Jason Zou ’19.
The Green Initiative “ This is a great opportunity for students to be involved in shaping environmental sustainability at George School. Part of our mission is to educate ‘citizen scholars who are committed to faithful stewardship of the earth.’” Fifty-two students submitted twenty-seven proposals as part of the 2016-2017 George School Green Initiative Contest, a program sponsored by the board of trustees that encourages students to develop new ideas for improving the environment or environmental education. Student proposals targeted energy conservation, environmental education, educational community outreach, renewable energy, and sustainable living. “We are particularly pleased by the enthusiastic turnout and see this as a sign of growing environmental interest at George School,” said Marion Wells, member of the Environmental Stewardship Oversight Committee (ESOC). The twenty-seven proposals were judged based on originality, feasibility, and likely impact by
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ESOC. The finalists presented their proposals to a panel of judges and these were evaluated for innovation, creativity, passion, preparedness, and thorough research. “This is a great opportunity for students to be involved in shaping environmental sustainability at George School,” said Director of Operations Mike Gersie. “Part of our mission is to educate ‘citizen scholars who are committed to faithful stewardship of the earth.’” This year, the panel awarded eight finalists’ proposals in three categories: Best Overall Proposal and Presentation, Best Visual Impact, and the Simple Solution Award.
FEATURES
WINNING STUDENT PROPOSALS from 2015-2016 included a rain barrel system at Retford to collect and recycle rainwater.
Winners in the category of Best Overall Proposal
Winners of the Simple Solution Award are:
and Presentation category are:
• P lant Trees on the South Side of Spruance Alden Science Center submitted by Alex Harris ’17. Recognizing that the south side of the science center gets lots of sun exposure, Alex proposed that adding a few trees to shade the building will reduce air-conditioning use. • Reorganize the Dining Room Trash Area submitted by Josh Hoffman ’17. This proposal is based on Josh’s experience during Shift. He proposes that the trash bin sequence be changed so that the trash bin is first, to reduce the potential contamination of compost bags. • Orton Green Upgrade submitted by Jacob Hoopes ’19 and Jason Zou ’19. This proposal suggests that aerators for faucets, efficient showerheads, and LED hallway lights be installed in Orton.
• P ower from the Foot submitted by Jennifer Chang ’19 and Sidney Walters ’19. This proposal suggested the installation of Pavegen tiles that convert the kinetic energy from footsteps of students into renewable electricity that can be stored in a lithium polymer battery or used to power low-wattage application like displays, lighting, speakers, or signs. • H ome Biogas System submitted by Julie Chen ’18, Addie Gerszberg ’18, and Merton Li ’19. This proposal suggested the purchase of a Home Biogas System that would convert manure from the barn and food waste from the dining room to heat the office and tack room in the barn. • L ow-Flow Aerators submitted by Max Brenner ’18, Peter Delaney ’18, and Roman Gavrila ’18. This proposal recommends that low-flow aerators be installed in the Drayton bathroom sinks to reduce the number of gallons per minute used by each faucet. This would be a test project for water conservation on campus. If successful, the lowflow aerators would be installed campus-wide. Winners in the Best Visual Impact category are:
• I nfographic Posters submitted by Julie Chen ’18. Julie proposed to create and install infographic posters on campus to help community members learn how wasting our water resources impacts our world. • Replace Outdoor Lighting with LED Lamps submitted by Isaac Lee ’19 and Kevin Zhou ’20. This proposal suggests that the current outdoor lamps and shoebox lighting be replaced with GreenTalk LED lamps to reduce energy usage.
Winning proposals will be implemented by the school and the winning students will receive an American Express gift card. Student proposals selected as winners of the 2015-2016 contest included adding a rain barrel system at Retford to collect and recycle rainwater, creating a second forest regeneration zone to help students study environmental systems on campus, developing a system to improve recycling across campus, and creating the first campus thrift store to encourage students to donate apparel and accessories instead of throwing them away. These projects were implemented last year. “I applaud this Green Initiative Contest,” says Head of School Sam Houser, “the entire George School community benefits from it.”
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Alumni Weekend
COME BACK TO CAMPUS MAY 5-7, 2017 The more things change, the more they stay the same. Every May, the campus comes alive for Alumni Weekend, and though there may be a few new faces and spaces since you were here, George School—like you—remains essentially unchanged. The students are still bright, inquisitive, and enthusiastic teenagers. The faculty are just as dedicated and inspiring. If you have not met our new head of school, Sam Houser, come get acquainted. If you haven’t seen classmates, their families, friends, and teachers in a while, come reconnect. It will be like you never left. All community members are invited to attend. Some of the highlights of the weekend include the All-Alumni Welcome Reception on Friday May 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Anderson Library. Earlier in the day, alumni are welcome to attend our all-school assembly, a presentation by architectural historian and bluegrass musician Jacob Tilove ’92. In the afternoon there is a presentation highlighting George School’s journey toward a sustainable future. A Debate-a-thon is planned on Red Square hosted by Junior State of America, our student debate club. Also on Friday are student athletic contests on campus featuring boys’ tennis, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, and girls’ softball.
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On Saturday May 6, we will hold a memorial meeting for worship at 9:00 a.m. and the AllAlumni Gathering at 10:15 a.m. At the gathering, we will welcome new Head of School Sam Houser and honor retiring faculty members Jackie Coren, Nancy Culleton, Jane Dunlap, John Gleeson ’65, Scott Hoskins, and Pam Machemer. We also will recognize Dorothy Detwiler with the Distinguished Service Award and Deborah Beck ’67 and Ann Goldstein ’67 with Alumni Awards. Saturday afternoon includes a reading and talk with Corinna Fales ’61, author of Different: Our Universal Longing for Community hosted by the Cynthia Crooks Carpenter ’47 Alumni of Color Network. Wrap-up the afternoon at our South Lawn Social and enjoy the music of the Straight Ahead Big Band, treat yourself to a Goodnoe’s ice cream cone, and bask in the sunshine with your friends and family. Reunion class receptions and dinners are planned for Saturday evening off campus. On Sunday May 7, join the community for meeting for worship and Sunday brunch. Registration, planning information, and a detailed schedule are available online at georgeschool.org/ alumniweekend.
FEATURES
ALUM N I WE EK E N D
2017 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
F R I D AY, M AY 5 10:00 a.m. Registration Mollie Dodd Anderson Library, Conference Room 10:2 5–11:10 a.m. seating begins at 10:00 a.m. All-School Assembly: Alumni Welcome Jacob Tilove ’92, Architectural Historian and Bluegrass Musician, Walton Center, Auditorium 11:3 0 a.m. Campus Walking Tour Main, Admission Office 11:15 a.m.–1:3 0 p.m. Lunch with Students, Faculty, and Alumni Main, Dining Room Noon–1:00 p.m. Legacy and Loyalty Luncheon Mollie Dodd Anderson Library, Patio Tent. By invitation only 1:3 0 p.m.. Campus Walking Tour Main, Admission Office 1:3 0–2:15 p.m. 2017 Green Initiative Presentation The Environmental Stewardship Oversight Committee and student participants will report on the results of the 2017 Green Initiative Challenge. Meetinghouse 3:4 5 p.m. Student Athletic Team Contests Athletic Fields
6:00–8:00 p.m. All-Alumni Welcome Reception Mollie Dodd Anderson Library Kick off the Alumni Weekend festivities with alumni, faculty, and friends. Hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and soft drinks. $20 per person
2:3 0 p.m. Reading and Dialogue with Corinna Fales ’61, Author of Different: Our Universal Longing for Community Sponsored by the Cynthia Crooks Carpenter ’47 Alumni of Color Network Tent by Walton Center
S ATU R D AY, M AY 6 8:3 0 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Welcome Center and Registration Mollie Dodd Anderson Library, Main Floor 9:00 a.m.-9:4 5 a.m. Memorial Meeting for Worship Meetinghouse 10:15–11:3 0 a.m. All-Alumni Gathering Be there to welcome new Head of School Sam Houser and honor special award recipients and retiring faculty Jackie Coren, Nancy Culleton, Jane Dunlap, John Gleeson ’65, Scott Hoskins, and Pam Machemer. Meetinghouse 11:00 a.m.–1:3 0 p.m. Buffet Lunch: Main, Dining Room 11:3 0 a.m.–1:3 0 p.m. 25th Reunion Picnic: Generations Gazebo 50th Reunion Luncheon: Tent by Walton Center Senior Alumni Luncheon: Anderson Library Patio Tent 12:3 0–2:00 p.m. Reunion Class Photos Anderson Library, South Porch (Main), Orton Porch
2:3 0 p.m. Alumni Award Recipient Spotlight Deborah Beck ’67, drug and alcohol prevention advocate; Ann Goldstein ’67, senior editor at The New Yorker and celebrated translator Anderson Library, Conference Room 2:3 0 p.m. Tennis—Alumni and Students Welcome Tennis Courts on Farm Drive 3:00 p.m. South Lawn Social Enjoy the music of the Straight Ahead Big Band, treat yourself to a Goodnoe’s ice cream cone, and bask in the sunshine with your friends and family. South Lawn; Rain Location: Meetinghouse Saturday Evening: Off-Campus Reunion Events
S U N D AY, M AY 7 10:4 5–11:3 0 a.m. Meeting for Worship Meetinghouse 11:3 0 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Sunday Brunch Main, Dining Room
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RALLY IN THE ROTUNDA: on Pennsylvania’s Crisis Drug Epidemic on September 20, 2016 at the Harrisburg State Capitol Building. (Photo courtesy of Deborah Beck ’67)
ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT
Deborah Beck ’67 Deborah (Deb) Beck ’67 has more than thirty years of experience in the alcohol and drug abuse prevention and addiction treatment field. She is president of the Drug and Alcohol Service Providers Organization of Pennsylvania (DASPOP), a member of the Treatment Communities of America, is a co-founder and board member of the National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws, and a board member of the Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance (PRO-A). The George School Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have used their talents, expertise, and personal commitment to make a positive impact on those around them. “After college and turned off by the political environment, I just really wanted to do something useful,” Deb said. “I started working in a drug and alcohol treatment facility and never looked back. What I found is that people suffering with addiction are often the most intelligent among us. They manage to live two lives at the same time and when they get clean, many go on to do extraordinary things. They become entrepreneurs, community leaders, and philanthropists.” Deb’s work at the state and national level has helped established numerous laws regarding alcohol and drug abuse prevention and addiction treatment programs. These include requiring all Pennsylvania group health and insurance plans to
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provide coverage for addiction treatment, specifying alcohol and drug abuse prevention/education programs in schools – kindergarten through twelfth grade and insisting that Medicaid provide comprehensive treatment for addiction. “The programs and legislation that we established over the years have provided access to addiction treatment for about 500,000 people since the mideighties,” said Deb. Most recently, working with a team of people from the field and the families affected by the illness, Deb coordinated an educational campaign in Harrisburg to provide first responders and families with access to Narcan (an opiate reversal drug); police report over 2,300 reversals to date. Deb says she receives the most pleasure from developing advocacy strategy. “Advocacy in the political arena is hard work and I wouldn’t do it for any other cause. The drug problem is an epidemic. We speak daily to families pleading for help for their loved one. Coroners report needing more body bags and storage to handle all the people who are suddenly dying from drug overdoses. Sometimes, there are more autopsies to perform than medical examiners available. Advocacy is hard work, a lot of writing and reading, which George School sure helped prepare me for.” After graduating from George School Deb attended Earlham College in Indiana earning a degree in psychology and religion. She also holds a master’s degree in social work from Temple University. Deb will accept her award on Saturday, May 6, 2017 during an Alumni Weekend ceremony.
FEATURES
ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT
Ann Goldstein ’67 “ Translating the Neapolitan novels has made a big impact on people. They are compelling and important readings, that woman relate to.”
Ann Goldstein ’67 has spent more than forty years at The New Yorker, and is currently head of the Copy Department, a role she has had since 1987. She often refers to her role at the magazine as “a job that supports my translation habit.” After graduating from George School in 1967, she attended Bennington College in Bennington, Vermont and later moved to London. The rest she says, is accidental. “When I first moved back to the states, I answered an ad in the New York Times for a position at Esquire magazine,” Ann said. “About a year later, in 1974, I began working in the Copy Department at The New Yorker.” Ann discovered that she and her new co-workers had something in common. They were interested in learning a new language. “We decided to learn Italian together. We had someone come to the office and work with us.” Those lessons paid off. Ann has become one of the most sought after translators in American literature. She has translated more than thirty pieces of literature, but is best known for her translations of Italian novelist Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Quartet, a task she started in 2004. Translated novels are rarely big sellers, but Ann’s translated books have sold more than one million copies. Elena’s true identity is a secret; only the Italian publishers know who she really is, so Ann has become the face of the books in America, even autographing numerous copies. Ann greatly
admires Elena and describes her as “an intellectual mind, who is able to examine her emotions, or the emotions of her characters,” she said in a 2016 interview with the Sunday Morning Herald. The George School Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have used their talents, expertise, and personal commitment to make a positive impact on those around them. “Translating the Neapolitan novels has made a big impact on people,” said Ann, “They are compelling and important readings, that woman relate to. Doing so has also brought a lot of attention to the job of a translator, which often times, much like a copy editor, is an invisible job.” During her time at George School, Ann studied both French and Latin, but says not to expect a translation in either of those languages any time soon. “I am not at all fluent in those languages,” she joked. She admits though, that her studies at George School helped pave the way for her to learn Italian later in life. “I always loved languages; I found them intriguing,” she said, “I also loved taking English and literature classes at George School. My career was by accident, but those courses were beneficial to me and what I do.” Ann will accept her award on Saturday, May 6, 2017 during an Alumni Weekend ceremony.
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DIS TINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
Dottie Detwiler “ Her commitment to excellence while serving the community has been in evidence throughout her career and well-lived life; George School could not be more proud to call her one of our own.” For more than sixty-five years, Dottie Detwiler has been a part of the George School community. Her long career as both an educator and an administrator distinguishes her from most others, so it was no surprise when the community decided to honor her with the 2017 Distinguished Service Award for non-alumni. Though, if you ask her, she will tell you she is unworthy of such an honor. “I was just doing my job,” she said. Dottie spent the bulk of her six decades at George School shaping the minds of thousands of students as a math teacher. “I got the most pleasure out of helping the kids who struggled with math, because I could really help them,” said Dottie. In fact, she is still in touch with many of her former students today. “When I arrived at George School in the fall of 1969, it didn’t take me long to realize that my George School teachers were different from the ones I had in public school,” said Tom Rogers ’73. “Dottie, as my freshman math teacher, had high expectations for her students, but she also was very understanding. As I later eased my way into a teaching position in the Math Department, Dottie became a great mentor for me. Among my fondest memories from that time were being included in dinners she would host in her apartment and chaperoning a few trips for students to Hershey Park. On one occasion, there were a few unclaimed tickets to the park, and Dottie tasked some of us with giving them away at the park entrance. It was a truly delightful duty, and provided an opportunity to reinforce how good it feels to do a random act of kindness.” Although most of the students’ memories of her are fond ones, Dottie says not everyone enjoyed taking her class. “I demanded a lot of my students, and expected them to do their best,” she said, “One Monday I gave a pop quiz, which wasn’t uncommon of me. One of the students asked
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why I was giving a quiz and I told him it was because I was trying out to be the Wicked Witch of the West, to which he replied, ‘you’ll probably win.’ We all had a good laugh.” In addition to the forty-five years Dottie spent in the classroom, she also served as the school Registrar from 1981 through her retirement in 1997. Now, she volunteers in the Communications and Marketing and Advancement Departments one morning each week. “I don’t mind doing the little projects,” she said, “I do the little stuff, so that the staff have the time to do the bigger, more important things.” Head of School Sam Houser acknowledged Dottie’s dedication to George School by saying “the committee found many reasons to honor Dottie. Her commitment to excellence while serving the community has been in evidence throughout her career and well-lived life; George School could not be more proud to call her one of our own.” In addition to volunteering at George School, Dottie also keeps busy by helping others in need. She volunteers at her church, reads to residents of an assisted living facility, and helps her neighbors. The rest of her spare time is spent meeting friends for lunch or going bowling with her team the Gutter Girls. Barbara Rabberman, a longtime friend and fellow church volunteer says, “Dottie is an amazing woman. We serve on several committees together and she goes well beyond the call of duty. In addition to helping to plan our trips, each year she bakes loads of tins of cookies for us to eat while we travel on mission trips. She’s really an incredible woman.” Dottie will accept her award on Saturday, May 6, 2017 during an Alumni Weekend ceremony.
FEATURES
GEORGE SCHOOL AUTHORS
on Pinterest
From Monument 14 author Emmy Laybourne ’89 to Pulitzer Prize winning novelist and former George School English teacher James Michener, George School has a long history of alumni and faculty who have published works across a variety of genres. We invite you to visit our George School Authors board on Pinterest to learn more about all the biographers, columnists, critics, historians, journalists, novelists, playwrights, poets, and sports writers in the George School family.
If you would like us to include your recently published book, please submit the following information in an email to GSCommunications@ georgeschool.org:
• • • • • •
YOUR NAME, GRADUATION YEAR BOOK TITLE GENRE PUBLISHER, PUBLICATION DATE BOOK COVER JPEG S HORT DESCRIPTION OF BOOK (100 WORDS MAXIMUM)
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Campus News & Notes BY SUSAN QUINN
Here is some of what you have been missing if you haven’t been visiting the George School News & Events section of our website at georgeschool.org/news. Model UN Team Delivers Outstanding Results The George School Model United Nations team took part in the annual Ivy League Model United Nations Conference (ILMUNC) in Philadelphia January 26-29, 2017. During this year’s competition Emily Katsiff ’17 and Will Street ’18 received the Outstanding Delegation Award representing Mexico and Andrew Castle ’17 received Honorable Mention for the G20 Summit. Students Receive Scholastic Awards for Writing George School is delighted to announce that twenty-four students have received awards from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s longest running writing contest. Of the George School winners, five received the highest honor, the Gold Key, and thirteen others received the second highest, the Silver Key.
Annual Community Chorus and Chorale Concert Wows Audience The annual Community Chorus and Chorale concert occurred on February 12, 2017,in the George School Meetinghouse. The concert featured student and faculty soloists as well as group numbers including
Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi and Opera Choruses by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The chorus is comprised of students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and people from the surrounding area including neighboring Pennswood Village.
TED Talks Available Online TEDxGeorgeSchool held in December 2016 explored innovation in the fields of science, engineering, and design. The lineup of speakers included a Noble Prize winning geneticist, a member of the Mars Curiosity rover team, the artistic director of BalletX, several entrepreneurs, and the chair of Physicians Against the Trafficking of Humans. If you missed the event, you can enjoy the TED Talks online at https://tedxgeorgeschool.org/talks.
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CAMPUS NEWS & NOTES
Lysistrata and The Frogs Entertain a Packed House Two Greek comedies written by Aristophanes, Lysistrata and The Frogs, were performed by Theater students in February 2017. Lysistrata is an anti-war comedy first staged in 411 BCE. It is the comic account of one woman’s extraordinary mission to end the Peloponnesian War. The play is a mixture of humor, indecency, gravity, and farce. The Frogs tells the story of the god Dionysus who travels to Hades to bring the playwright Euripides back from the dead.
Students Named National Merit Finalists Dana Homer ’17 of West Chester, Pennsylvania and Eden McEwen ’17 of South Pasadena, California were named finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition. Both Dana and Eden are International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates. Dana’s favorite subject is biology and she hopes to major in biology and possibly English following graduation. Eden’s favorite subject is English. Upon graduation she hopes to attend a STEM school and focus on either engineering or programming.
Virtual Reality Comes to George School Students in Ileabeth Ayala’s Spanish 5 class recently left their passports at home and traveled to Mexico City, while those in Karla Stucker’s biology class went inside of a beating heart without scrubbing in for surgery. These excursions and adventures were possible thanks to George School’s new virtual reality viewers and Google Expeditions. More Math Success at George School More than 155 students completed the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 exams at George School in February 2017. Three students, Tony Tian ’19, Eric Liang ’17, and Bill Cui ’17 will move on from the AMC to the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), meaning they received a top 2.5 percent or top 5 percent score. Tony earned an incredibly high mark of 145.5 out of 150. The AMC 10 and AMC 12 tests evaluate problem-solving and analytical skills and are both twenty-fivequestion, seventy-five-minute, multiple-choice examinations in high school mathematics.
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Students Leave for Spring Service Learning Trips George School students and teachers packed their bags at the end of Term 2 to participate in service learning trips in France, Mississippi, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Washington DC during Spring Break. Each service trip is different but all represent an opportunity for students to spend time learning about other cultures, exploring new geographic regions, and giving back to the local communities. While away, each group shares their experiences and photos in our blog, https://georgeschoolvoices.org.
Teachers Join Forces to Help Students Think Across Subjects Science teacher Becky Hutchins and history teacher Meredith Alford ’01 recently joined forces for a three-day interdisciplinary unit covering the atomic bomb. The interdisciplinary unit took place during February 2017. First Becky and Meredith presented a group lecture about the history of the atomic bomb and the science behind it. Then Meredith’s history class attended a lab session in Becky’s class where everyone studied radiation and its effects. Becky’s students then watched their peers in Meredith’s class debate on topics such as if the bomb had adequate testing and if deploying the bomb would save lives and end the war.
Students Receive Scholastic Art Awards George School is pleased to announce that sixteen students received seventy-seven Scholastic Visual Art Awards. Since 1923, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity, creativity, skill, and talent of our nation’s young people. Lea Belland ’17 received a Gold Key Award for her photograph “Time” and Lisa Corn ’17 received a Gold Key Award for her portfolio in photography “Where the Sky Touches the Earth.” Isabella Lin ’18 received two Gold Key Awards, one as an American Visions Nominee in painting and drawing for her work titled “Leave Me” and the second for her painting and drawing “White.” Thy Tran ’17 received a Gold Key in painting and drawing for her work “A Vietnamese Gymnast’s Life.”
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CAMPUS NEWS & NOTES
Seven Seniors Commit to College Athletics On Monday, February 13, 2017, seven George School seniors representing six different sports made commitments to participate in college athletics. Varsity girls’ lacrosse player Shannon McGinnis ’17 committed to Smith College. Varsity girls’ soccer players Yas Malik ’17 and Jill Mikula ’17 committed to New Jersey Institute of Technology and Ursinus College respectively. Varsity volleyball player Laney Pope ’17 committed to Pomona College. Varsity football player Kiany Probherbs ’17 committed to Bowdoin College. Varsity boys’ lacrosse player Alec Palmiotti ’17 committed to Oberlin College and varsity boys’ soccer player Nick Lilley ’17 committed to Ursinus College. Athletes Named to National Academic Squad Five George School student athletes were named to the National Field Hockey Coaches’ Association High School National Academic Squad for their strong academic performance throughout the fall term. The George School athletes are Maia Finkel ’18, Juliette Jeffers ’18, Kate Klaver ’18, Shannon McGinnis ’17, and Julia
Wilson ’18. The team had a successful 2016 season, ending with an 8-4 record. Swimmers Win Gold at FSL Championships Jonathan Lessiohadi ’18 won the 200yard freestyle and anchored the team that won the 400 freestyle relay and Sara Matson ’20 won the 200-yard freestyle to clinch three wins for the Cougarfish as George School hosted the Friends Schools League swimming championships on February 11, 2017. Two Seniors Lead Varsity Wrestling For the past four years, Clarence Rodgers ’17 and Pete Scuderi ’17 have been a stabilizing presence on the varsity wrestling team and this year serve as two of the team’s captains. They lead the team in wins, pins, six-minute matches, and minor decisions.
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Alumni Tell Us EDITED BY EMMA WELLS ’13 For Alumni Contact Information Visit our alumni website: www.georgeschool.org/alumni Contact the Advancement Office T. 215.579.6620 E. advancement@georgeschool.org
John’s Revelation (New York, WW Norton) 550pp. Have been working on this for decades. As for me I’m in good health. We live part of year in Oakland, CA and summer and early fall in Paris. When we can, hopefully again this year, we go to Serifos, a Cycladic island, where my children own homes. Most recent book is African Bestiary: Paintings and Poems. It is with my agent. At 89 I hope I’ll be able to continue this adventure for more years.
1946 1943 Sonia Chalif Simon writes, “As a birthright Quaker and lifelong Democrat, I am appalled by the rightist turn our country has taken. We do not live in Nazi Germany; we live in the land of the free with brotherhood for all, whether 17th-century or 20th-century immigrants. It behooves all of us to fight against misogyny and xenophobia. If we do, only then will we be, in all our hearts, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
1945 Mary Lou Johnston Schmidt writes, “We’re fully retired now. When we sold our farm in 2014, it was with a life estate, our pet cemetery, and other perks. It’s great to stay on the property where I’ve been for fifty-eight years and Bill for fortytwo years. I’m still active selling farm equipment and antiques on Craigslist. In my free time I embroider lap quilts for wheelchair residents in nursing homes. Bill has been a hospice volunteer for over twentytwo years and over the past year has totally reorganized our town’s Cares program which provides free services for our town residents in need. We are so fortunate to still be in reasonably good health and with heads that ‘still function.’ But, as Bill says, we will eventually be ‘going to the dogs.’ Happy and healthy 2017 to all.” Willis Barnstone writes, “Just to let you know that in June my 81st book will be published. Poets of the Bible from Solomon’s Song of Songs to
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Marjorie (Peggy) Claassen Craven writes, “I earned my BA in Music at The King’s College in 1950, taught Music K-8 at Newtown Friends School and went on to earn my MA at the College of New Jersey. Afterwards, I was teacher of both the choral and instrumental program at East and West Amwell Schools in New Jersey for a total of twenty-nine years. Retiring in 1988 I opened my own studio, teaching piano, voice, and several orchestral instruments to the present time. Many of my students became GS students, graduating to the present year, and excelling in music and dramatics. I remember with great affection and appreciation the teaching of Julian McCreary (ffac) and “Uncle Jack” Talbot (ffac) in my special fields of interest during my student years. I find joy in teaching a women’s class in Old Testament history, poetry, and prophecy, and currently serve in the Ministry of Music as organist at First Baptist Church of Wycombe PA. My GS class celebrated its 70th reunion this year.”
1947 Gouverneur (Gouv) Cadwallader writes, “Still do math for amusement: fractal graphics generation, torus geometry, polynomial roots, magic squares. Have given up tennis due to bad balance, but manage to play golf. Play duplicate bridge 3-5 times per week.” Robert (Bob) H. Saxton writes, “Dear fellow Georgians: I’m happy to report that I am still above ground,
upright, and taking nourishment. Further, I am still gainfully employed and paying taxes. With that vital information out of the way, I can tell y’all that I have travelled to no place interesting nor have I seen a soul from George School since my last correspondence. I continue to spend multiple pleasant hours in my woodworking shop where I occasionally produce a useful and/or attractive object. Mostly it provides shelter where I can smoke a cigar sans uxorial distress. I’m also deep into a continuing education course in Quantum Physics, which has required learning a lot of unfamiliar math, which at this time of my life is fun. Go figure. I’m planning to return in May for our 70th, aware of course of the old Jewish proverb that “man plans, God laughs.” See y’all. Stop by if you ever come through Waco TX.”
1948 George M. Stephens Jr. writes, “attach music memoir to all.”
1950 Edith (Edie) Veit Johnstone writes, “After living alone (my husband died in October 2013) for almost three years, and turning eighty-four, I decided to move to an independent living community in Rutland Town VT, about twenty minutes from my home in Killington VT. I moved in June 2016. A good move for this time in my life. I still paint the wood slice ornaments which I sell at local shops.”
1952 W. Bernard (Bernie) Marshall writes, “Mary Ann and I continue to enjoy our travels—last year to Vancouver BC, the woods in Washington State, as well as Santa Fe NM. This year to Sonoma CA, soon to Arizona, and then the east coast. Between travels our garden keeps us occupied. We’re currently rejoicing about our drought’s near demise.” Carolyn (Cary) Fitzcharles Wyckoff writes, “I am looking forward to seeing you in May for our 65th reunion. It is hard to believe and
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1945 Willis Barnstone ’45 has published his 81st book, Poets of the Bible.
1947 Gouverneur (Gouv) Cadwallader ’47
1953 Gundrun Schulz Weeks ’53
1956 Susan Trickle Holland ’56 shared photos of her family. Left to right: Susan, Linda, David, and Charlotte.
1959 David (Dave) S. Johnson ’59
1960 Peruvian Superintendent of Immigration Eduardo Sevilla presenting Mahlon (Lon) A. Barash ’60 with the copy of the official Resolucion Suprema granting him Peruvian citizenship.
1961 Kathryn Waddell Takara ’61
1965 Robert F. Lyons ’65 was hired as quizmaster to run quiz nights about Shakespeare at Folkteatern (The Peoples’ Theatre) in Gothenburg, Sweden in connection with a production of Hamlet.
1966 Loren Cobb ’66 as Faculty Marshall on graduation day, 1988.
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certainly an occasion to celebrate. My youngest grandson is sixteen and my only grandaughter will be married in July and live in Ohio. My oldest son will be turning sixty this year in July!”
1953 Gudrun Schulz Weeks writes, “Sheldon and I are having a two month vacation in Loja, Ecuador… which has been quite cool with lots of rain, but still a hell of a lot warmer than Vermont! Loja is a beautiful city in southern Ecuador, a city of music, and we have been to three concerts so far. I found a violin maker, Cesar Arteaga, and bought a second violin, which is quite nice to practice on since upon my return I have a concert playing the Trout Quintet with Brattleboro Windham orchestra members in April….We spent two days at a beautiful reserve Madrigal del Podocarpus and climbed up a steep path to beautiful meadows and views, taking our time of course to be gentle on our hearts here at 7000 feet. They have planted 3000 chinchoa trees with the students of their school on the reserve. I have been increasing my Spanish fluency a bit.” Jean J. Hewit t writes, “Who is still alive? Anyone going to reunion? Seems almost time to go, otherwise might miss it completely.”
1954 Jean Lindsay de Streel writes, “Delighted to hear from any classmates. Taught ESL in New Jersey for many years. Retired at sixty-seven. Daughter Margaret de Streel, an international news editor for The Wall Street Journal, and son Giles Lodge de Streel in “Happy Valley” at Penn State University with wife Nancy and grandson Carter. Keep active with two Gordon Setters and teaming up for competitive dog sports. Easton PA is a fun place to be! See Margaret (Peg) Roy Ewing ’54 on occasion.”
1955 Richard (Dick) B. Clement writes, “I love GS in the snow.”
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William (Bill) D. Pickering writes, “I received a report on the performance of the Class of 1955 50th Reunion Fund for Faculty Salaries last fall. The fund has a current value of $484,700, and $23,783 was distributed to the faculty last year. We still haven’t reached our goal of $555,000, but we are getting closer. The fund is still receiving contributions, and maybe this year you can give it a boost. On a personal note, Kay and I are still in Harrisburg. I work part-time, am active in Harrisburg Meeting, and ride my bicycle whenever I can.”
they were a lens into the cultures in which we were immersed and a thread of understanding for the tourist interlopers that we were.”
1958 Prudence (Prue) Ingerman writes, “I caught the attention of a literary agent at a writing conference last year with the ten books (simplifying complex subjects like diabetes, death, caregiving, teaching, etc.) that I wrote and illustrated. Watch for upcoming website, Lifewithprudence, which is almost up.”
1956
1959
Susan Trickle Holland writes, “I spent the past several months following world affairs and to soothe myself decided to make a painting a day in small format. The effort had the desired effect, and also produced a free and eclectic series of paintings and sketches and messes, of course (well, the news is too often messy!).”
David (Dave) S. Johnson writes, “In August of 2017, my wife Clara and I will have been married fifty-two years. Recently we’ve had to deal with several major changes in our lives, which, as everyone knows, become more frequent and decidedly more complex as we get older. In addition to tackling a few personal health problems, we sold a building we had owned in New Jersey since the early 1970s, Clara sold her antique business which she established and ran for thirty-three years, we sold our house in Point Pleasant after living there twenty-five years, and I retired from Morgan Stanley, ending thirty years in finance (including several years at Lehman Brothers in New York City and Smith Barney in New Jersey). We then moved to Massachusetts to be close to our daughter and her family. After living in an apartment for a year we bought a house last fall and have almost finished moving in. The house is wonderful—built in 1795, it has lots of fireplaces, a huge screened-in porch, a barn, and it’s less than forty minutes from Boston….I have not checked with Clara, but I don’t think we will move again in the near future.”
Nancy Crowell Reinbold writes, “Still teaching English to immigrants/refugees and loving it. Active in the Brookline History Committee, updating one hundred years of history. On the Andres Institute of Art Board of Directors. Passport ever ready. Bogota, Columbia and Canada 2016, Cuba, and wherever else this year. Lots of international family by choice. Married to my best friend for thirtynine years. Still on our honeymoon.”
1957 Donald T. Lit tle writes, “My wife Polly and I spent January 2017 in SE Asia. We explored Singapore and later, Hong Kong. A two week cruise allowed 2500 miles of easy travel to Thailand, Cambodia, and especially Vietnam (in that seminal period of US history when Vietnam was all-consuming for many, I served my country as a C.O., so it is not lost on me that the blood cost for Americans and Vietnamese was immense). We valued the gestures of kindness, humor, and respect that were not at all uncommon and for which we were grateful, as
1960 Mahlon (Lon) A. Barash writes, “On February 7, 2017, I received the notice that after nearly four years’ wait I have become a Peruvian citizen (in addition to my American citizenship). I love this country and have decided to stay here. Now I will be
ALUMNI TELL US
able to look for work in my field of housing microfinance or some other aspect of economic development. There will be a ceremony later this month to give me my official title of naturalization signed by the president of the country.”
Super Bowl, and it made an immediate impact. J.C. knew the ad biz was pretty strange, and he enjoyed the fact that in this case the customer had failed to approve what would come to be seen as a superlative ad, and had to be tricked into appreciating it.”
Aldwin (Al) H. Zim writes, “Still in the same business, still in the same location, still have the same wife, still in love with air cooled Por-sha cars. I am on the west side of D/FW airport if you fly in. Stop by, I am always in the office. My picture is on our website allzim.com. I was a little fatter when that picture was taken.”
Kathryn Waddell Takara published her book Shadow Dancing: $elling $urvival in China, the third book in her poetry trilogy. The book is a complex personal journey about love and friendship through which the reader gains insight into the rapidly changing socio-political attitudes, policies, and economic climate of the People’s Republic of China. Through her poetic lens, Kathryn, an African American scholar of eight books, provides a traveling stage to witness the waking of China, referred to as the “sleeping dragon.”
1961 Lawrence (Larry) K. Houghteling writes,“I was disappointed that the most recent Georgian mentioned the death of our classmate Jean-Claude Kaufmann ’61 but gave no information about a very interesting man. I came to our 25th reunion in ’86 with an infant. J.C. attended that reunion—I think it was the only one he ever went to. He’d recently gotten married, and he and his wife Christine were mulling over starting a family, and they were fascinated by our six-month-old Sam, and I think it emboldened them—they ended up having a daughter and a son. They became good friends, and Gina and I saw a lot of them for the next dozen years. Jean-Claude went to film school, and…he ended up a big shot in the advertising biz, a producer of TV ads. He was one of the creators of what may have been the best ad ever, the Mean Joe Greene Coca-Cola ad….A great ad, with mythic dimensions. The strange thing, according to J.C., was that when the agency pitched the idea—which they loved—to the Coke ad department, the corporate types didn’t like it….But the agency was so sure the ad would work that they made it on their own, and talked the Coke ad people into showing it, just once, at a convention of Coca-Cola distributors. These guys, the local arms of the Coke network, reacted exactly as the agency had expected: they flipped. Coke decided to use the ad during the
1962 David B. Denoon writes, “I am continuing to teach jointly between the Economics and Political Science Departments at NYU and directing the Center on US-China Relations. We are in the midst of publishing a three-volume set of books on the interaction between the United States and China in Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.”
1963 Sara (Sally) Kelso Chambers writes, “I continue to stay very active, enjoying life in the Pacific Northwest: camping and hiking at Mt. Rainier in July and August, exploring the Canadian Rockies in early September, and celebrating my 50th reunion in Ann Arbor MI at the University of Michigan in October 2016. It was great fun seeing familiar and new places and remembering my undergraduate days. In March 2017 we’re off to the Pacific coast to retrace the steps of Lewis and Clark and in April I’ll enjoy visiting our two grandchildren in St. Louis MO. Locally I’m involved in advocating for immigrants and refugees. Greetings to classmates and fond memories of George School!”
1964 Walter H. Daub III writes, “Jaynie Austin Daub ’66 and I are living just west of Salida CO— in the banana belt of Colorado, but among and beneath a string of fourteeners, ten minutes from the Arkansas River, and fifteen minutes from the Monarch Ski Area. Come bike, raft, paddle board, hike, or just visit. We have room!” Kathryn McCreary writes, “Dear Friends, I wonder if you are afraid. I remember being afraid in the hallway of my elementary school, as I huddled with my arms over my head, and thought about my dad’s assurance that such action would be no protection from the bombs that might come. Of course I know that the best protection from that sort of fear is action with open arms, without huddling, so I am doing what I can to resist. My friend is organizing a big public party in a nearby college town to raise money for ACLU, and she is a very shy person. I can see people from all over who never before were involved in political action, getting involved. I grew up in a very politically motivated family, so the letters I write, the petitions I sign, and the signs I carry are all familiar. What is different is that it seems I am no longer in the minority. What is also different is the possibility that our democracy may succumb to the bizarre anti-civil rights, antiConstitution, anti-balance of power, anti-American, anti-environment approach of the present government. The daily challenge of this terribly important moment seems to demand the energy I have previously devoted to writing, gardening, and walking in the valley fog. I still do those things, but in the back of my mind I am aware I should be standing up for some aspect of our precious world that is being threatened. So, I wonder if you are as troubled as I am, and how you are coping. I hope at least you still have time to walk in the fog.” Margo Vitarelli writes, “I organized an art exhibit in which ten scientists and ten artists participated.
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The artists, who were all printmakers, partnered with the scientists to share ideas and research to produce art and scientific posters that reflected the collaborative process. The underlying theme and goal was to promote and encourage cross-disciplinary endeavors that result in innovation, thinking outside the box, and breaking traditional boundaries to solve our most pressing problems in new ways.”
1965 Robert F. Lyons writes, “I spent a good part of last fall in Devon, England helping care for our second grandchild Ronia (1), and she’s a joy! Got an article published in the online periodical Critical Survey at the end of last year entitled “An Arabian Night with Swedish Direction: Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Egypt and Sweden, 2003.” Check it out. Now I’m back in Sweden. PS: Rest assured that Sweden’s not plagued by terrorism.”
1966 Loren Cobb writes, “I retired from teaching and research in January 2017. Not voluntarily, I have to add, but so that I can devote sufficient time to cardiac rehab and physical therapy. Merely having no official work for the last six weeks has been fantastic, and I am already feeling a lot better. I am already well-launched into a new career as a writer (creative non-fiction and more). Cheers!” Diane Edwards La Voy writes, “Cheverly Village, a nonprofit that I’ve co-founded, launched services in October 2016 after more than two years of business planning and community organizing. As of now (February 2017) we have over fifty trained and vetted volunteers who are helping the over thirty fee-paying members to continue to live in their homes as active, valued members of the community here in the town of Cheverly MD. Villages like this are being organized all over the country; I wonder whether other members of our class are involved in other villages. To see
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if there’s a village near you, look at http://www.vtvnetwork.org/.”
1967 Laurie Rendall Coursin writes, “I’m looking forward to our 50th reunion and hope that lots of people will come back. Recently I’ve been attending a yearlong retreat at Pendle Hill (a Quaker retreat Center in Wallingford PA). The retreat is called ‘Journey Toward Wholeness.’ Since I retired as a Certified Nurse Midwife from the Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital in Keene NH two years ago, life has been busy. I sold my house, had a house built, and moved to Putney VT. Since I retired I was able to be with my mother in Pennsylvania as she died and be with my sister and her family as my brother-in-law died. My son (30) is working in Keene NH and my role as a mother has changed. I’m now focusing on my body, soul, and mind. I’ve been very active in the Quaker Meeting in Putney and volunteer in the Community Supers, Foodshelf, and Overflow Shelter. I’ve taken up weaving and hold a knitting group regularly at my house. I also am working on a wedding quilt for my niece. I am hiking more regularly to get ready to hike on the El Camino in Spain in September. Life is full and I am loving this period of my life with the family and friends that I have.” S. David (Dave) Miller writes, “I have enjoyed tremendously reconnecting with so many classmates in anticipation of our upcoming reunion. Bought book on dreams by David Rivinus ’67. Trying to get Mark Spector ’67 to write his memoirs in the music industry. Have already spoken more to Ruth E. Bromer ’67 than I did in four years at GS. Could have talked to Mat thew (Mat t) Syret t ’67 for hours!!! We’re in the process of decluttering that I trust will enable me to return to my haunts of hiking, school, yard work, and reading with the ultimate goal of travel.”
1968 Kenneth (Ken) Miller writes, “I retired in July 2016 after working at Friends General Conference for fortythree years. I’m enjoying less stressful times. Looking forward to our 50th reunion in 2018.”
1969 Robert (Rob) E. Ganz writes, “Busy times—in early December Dorothy and I participated in a People to People mission to Cuba, focusing on the isolated and extremely small Jewish communities of that country sponsored by Hadassah. In October we welcomed a second grandson Micah Horwitz. We will spend the winter in San Diego and then be traveling to Israel in May with the Jewish National Fund (I am the President of the Albany NY chapter) and a Danube River cruise in August. All good and I still have time to practice law!” Deborah Snipes Hale writes, “I am divorcing after forty-three years and moving to a new house eight miles away. A new chapter in my life that will be exciting. I visit the home farm (Snipes Farm) often where my dad Sam age 97 still lives. Brother Jonathan R. Snipes ’7 8 and sister Susan run the farm which has a CSA operation and education center.” Randolf (Randy) Hennig writes, “Retired. My wife and I moved full time to our home in New Smyrna Beach FL. Love it.” Catherine (Cass) Seely RulonMiller writes, “I received my MS in Clinical Mental Health from Neumann University in Aston PA in December 2016.”
1970 Michael Humes writes, “It’s hard to believe how many years have passed since my time at George School. After graduating from Pace University and teaching a few years, I took over my parent’s summer children’s camp and have been running it for almost forty years. Boy, time does fly. When I have free time, I enjoy traveling
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1972 Valerie (Val) Kester Morrissey ’72 with grandson Kellan Morrissey and granddaughter Natalie Belle Morrissey.
1974 Wesley (2), grandson of Laurie Capellan Malkoff ’74 and son of Henry Capellan ’97.
1976 Back: Brian H. Whiting ’76, Gretchen Lang ’76, Tomas E. Ancona ’76, and Robert K. Rushing Jr ’76. Front: Elizabeth R. Vahlsing ’76 and Janet A. Flemer ’76.
1976 Elizabeth (Liz) P. Larsen ’76 and husband Sal Viviano.
1976 Phyllis R. Trout ’76 has a solo show at Manhattan Graphics Center.
1979 Jane Lindley ’79 addresses the Bainbridge Island City Council regarding the Friends of Island Power campaign to stop using fossil fuel generated electricity.
1981 David Jacoby ’81
1980 At a gathering of local high school and elementary school students with elders from OceanView Retirement Community in Maine, Jane Shaw Kolkhorst ’40, Dudley H. Woodall ’52, and Holly Eastburn MacEwan ’80 had a mini reunion.
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JOIN THE
John M. George Society A N D PU T A SM I L E BAC K ON JOH N ’ S FAC E
H E R E ’ S HOW: ; Let us know if you have already included George School in your estate plans. ; List George School as a beneficiary of your will, living trust, retirement account (IRA, 401k), bank CD, or life insurance policy. ; Donate a residence to the school and continue to use it for your lifetime. ; Establish a George School charitable gift annuity.
GEORGE SCHOOL IS SEEKING 150 NEW MEMBERS. WILL YOU BE ONE ? Please contact Chief Development Officer Doug Seaberg, at 215.579.6575 or dseaberg@georgeschool.org, to discuss how joining the John M. George Society will support the George School program or purpose you care about most.
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and also snow skiing at the camp which is located near Lake Placid in the Adirondacks. My children have busy lives. Emily (24) is living in San Antonio TX and working for an international university in Florence, Italy; Sierra (19) is a sophomore at George Washington University; and Earl (18) is currently involved in a community service program in New Zealand before entering the University of Vermont next September. At present I’m spending a good deal of time looking for a partner to help me run the camp. It has a Quaker orientation and a beautiful lakefront setting. My hope is to find a person to work side by side, and for them to have shared ownership over time. If any George School alumni are in the Lake Placid area during the spring, summer, or fall, please stop in and visit and take a boat tour on our historic lake.” Roger L. Kay writes, “I continue to do patient escort duty at Planned Parenthood down on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston MA about once a month. For years, Planned Parenthood had been our top charity, particularly the local here in Massachusetts, which delivers direct services (as opposed to mostly lobbying, like the national). But two years ago, when the Supreme Court struck down the thirty-five-foot buffer zone around clinic doors, I decided to take the training and began to work various two hour shifts in any weather on the wide sidewalk between the (heavy) door and the street. Not long after I started, the Colorado shooting occurred. I’ve learned a certain amount about this sort of work and the people who fill out the cast of characters: patients, protesters, clinic staff, security guys, city police, students, random passersby, homeless. But one thing has become perfectly clear: the front is here. In Massachusetts. The raggedy squad of protesters on that sidewalk is every bit as energetic as any others in the country’s mid-section. And their energy has been enhanced by our recent election results. I expect to continue to do this work as my way of trying to ameliorate the situation.”
1971 John F. Hallowell writes, “We have been on Long Island for twentythree years now. We are close to family and the beaches. I continue as director of physician assistants (PA) at a large hospital. I have also been VP of our state PA society. My wonderful wife Meg is a PA in family medicine. Our three children are doing well, and life is good. We are looking forward to warmer weather and getting out on the bay.” Tod J. Kaufman has been appointed to the West Virginia Access to Justice Commission. The commission was established to identify and analyze issues West Virginians may face when using the legal system and to develop ways to be responsive to these needs. The commission works with lawyers, judges, and the public at large to expand the access to justice and to enhance West Virginians’ understanding of our legal system. He writes, “It is an honor to accept the chief justice’s appointment enabling me to bring ‘access to justice’ issues to the attention of this special Supreme Court Commission. The goal is to make our court system, and concomitantly justice, more accessible. Equal protection of our law has significant meaning in America; however, equal protection can never be taken for granted.” Tod was re-elected to an eight year term in May 2016.
1972 Amy A. Jarret t writes, “Looking forward to see as many of my classmates on May 6 for our 45th reunion. Still working full time. Saw Lawrence (Larry) R. Johnson ’74 in December 2016 at my brother Quin’s home in Plainfield NJ. Also there were my other two brothers Frank Jarret t ’7 1 and Jonathan ’79. Larry still is quick to laugh. It was fun catching up with him.” Valerie (Val) Kester Morrissey writes, “Elzada James ’72 was married in June 2015 to John Lukens of Newtown in a modest ceremony at Friends Village. They live in New
Hope PA. I have been doing Quaker wedding certificates for the last couple of years. Black and white calligraphy with color illustration. You can see them on Facebook! I have a new granddaughter Natalie Belle Morrissey, born in January 2017. She joins her brother Kellan and parents Daniel and Daphne Morrissey of Bridgewater NJ.”
1973 Linda Blum writes, “While continuing to work full-time as a palliative medicine consultant in San Francisco CA, I was able to travel with my son Aza (33) to Antarctica this winter. It was a wonderful, rejuvenating trip free from email, work, cell phones, and the like. And the penguins! It was a real treat to travel with Aza. I am enjoying being an empty nester, planning more adventures abroad, and being politically active at home— preserving the America that stands for freedom and justice for all.” John B. Hoffman writes, “I have started my third educational notfor-profit organization called Go to College NYC (GTCNYC). My new organization is modeled after the Albert G. Oliver Program, an organization I created in 1980. At Oliver I placed well over 1,500 outstanding black and Latino students from NYC into leading private day and boarding schools including George School! GTCNYC recruits high achieving black and Latino students out of New York City public, charter, and parochial schools, and places them into leading colleges and universities offering the most affordable financial aid packages. Additional program benefits include one-on-one college counseling, visits to colleges, prep courses on the SAT and ACT, financial aid and essay writing workshops, college resource materials, mentoring and community service programs, as well as special funding for students from the lowest income backgrounds. I expect to place fourteen students in college for matriculation in August 2017, and thirty and fifty students in the following two years.”
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1974 Laurie Capellan Malkoff writes, “I’m living in Manhattan with my husband Fred Leffel where I work as an outpatient psychiatrist three days a week. On the other two days, I am a nanny to my grandson Wesley (2), son of Henry Capellan ’97, who lives with Wesley and his wife Becca Sides Capellan a subway ride away. I really love hanging out with Wesley, who is just learning how to talk.”
1975 Pamela (Pam) J. Holberton writes, “I received a kidney transplant at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington DC on November 29, 2016. It was really like God’s miracle to me in the way I received this chance at a new life. I had been on the national kidney transplant waitlist for just three days....I had been suffering from stage 5 kidney disease and taking a lot of medications to preserve what I had left in the functioning of my natural kidneys....I received a phone call from a representative from the National Kidney Registry offering me a new kidney....I was shocked at the call because most people wait years for the donation of a kidney....With less than two moments of hesitation, I said yes to the new kidney particularly after I heard from the representative that the kidney I was to receive was in perfect condition...Two and a half months later I am doing very well and past the critical part of the transplant recovery....I regard this experience as a stunning miracle, as my life was definitely saved right in the nick of time without even going on dialysis. I am in touch with Nanet te (Nan) Alden Mugge-Alden ’75 several times a week as she looks out for my recovery. Now I don’t even have to take blood pressure medications. My overall health and stamina are returning, and I look forward to hearing from GS friends on Facebook.”
1976 Elizabeth (Liz) P. Larsen writes, “I have been on Broadway doing Beautiful: The Carole King
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Musical playing Carole King’s mother since its inception in 2014, during which I have shot a few movies: Madoff (ABC), The Boy Downstairs (2017), One Percent More Humid (2018), The Hudson Tribes (2018), and The Breaks MTV (2017).” Carter J. Sio writes, “I’m coming to the end of my thirty-second year of running the woodworking program at GS. Still making lots of my own pieces for clients, and always amazed at the creativity of my students. Son Dylan A. Sio ’09 is now a chef at the Mark Vetri restaurant called Lo Spiedo in Philadelphia PA. Daughter Emma is a sophomore at Warren Wilson College and is an art major with an anthropology minor. My wife Erin is still teaching in the Science Department and is a member of the Deans’ office. Retirement is in the not so distant future. Best to all.” Elizabeth R. Vahlsing writes, “For some of us that could not get back east last year for the Class of 1976 40th reunion, we had a West Coast gathering at the home of Brian H. Whiting ’76 in Seattle WA. Brian was an amazing host, and we were spoiled by the awesome cooking of foodie, chef, and food reviewer Nancy Caplan Leson ’76. Tomas E. Ancona ’76 made the drinks, Gretchen Lang ’76 shared details of her graduation for her masters from the University of Colorado Boulder that morning… and Robert K. Rushing Jr ’76 talked about his chiropractic business. Janet A. Flemer ’76 and I talked about the great state of California where we live—Janet in San Francisco and myself in the East Bay (BerkeleyOakland area). Lucy Welsh De Franco ’73 joined us for dinner.” Phyllis R. Trout writes, “I am having a solo show at Manhattan Graphics Center in New York City, May 2017. I would be delighted if you could join me at the opening on May 6, or stop by to see the exhibition. Please feel free to share with friends and family; all are welcome.”
1977 Eugene P. Hough writes, “My involvement as co-founder of the Saving Hallowed Ground program continues to engage community youth mentoring each other in teams of three to research their local community monuments and memorials, participate in hands-on guided conservation clinics to promote the importance of stewardship of their community sites not only in the United States but around the world, and finally to allow the students to share and exchange their monument education and preservation projects with students via social media, thus encouraging other youth to participate in this important work. Subtle diplomacy at its best. Please contact me with the names of individuals or communities that might want to participate in our experiential Saving Hallowed Ground programs. See www.savinghallowedground.org.”
1979 Jane Lindley writes, “City of Bainbridge Island’s Task Force for the Public Power Feasibility Study met in an open session last night. Our campaign to get Bainbridge Island WA off of coal-generated and fossil fuel energy moves forward. Study is favorable, stating city could save $13 million over ten years. Nice overview of campaign by the Kitsap Sun: www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/ local/2017/01/27/study-examineswhether-public-power-would-workbainbridge/97142862/.” Paul A. Sohler writes, “Living in Merchantville NJ with my lovely wife Monica of thirty-three years and the youngest two of our five children. As I write this, we are on our way to Dunedin, New Zealand to visit our newest granddaughter for the first time. I am working as the director of engineering at Velocity Boiler Works in Philadelphia PA.”
1980 Holly Eastburn MacEwan writes, “I work as the service learning coordinator for the Falmouth Public Schools in Falmouth ME. Residents at
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OceanView Retirement Community share their time and wisdom with students from our schools through a variety of intergenerational service programs.”
1981 David S. Jacoby writes, “Recently assisted the Mexican government with climate change policies. Working in the Middle East with energy companies. Writing two new books: one on industrial regulatory frameworks (especially environmental) and one on politics and trade policy.” Susan Keim Wiggins writes, “As of last summer I’ve moved back to Solebury PA with my husband Scott and our twin daughters Alexis and Cayce. We are happy to be back in the area and would love to see any classmates who are around or who happen to visit. I’m between jobs due to our move, but am hoping to get back into elementary teaching. Our girls are in their first year of college, which still surprises me when I think of it. I was sorry to miss the reunion last spring, but our daughters’ prom was moved to the same weekend and I just couldn’t miss their last prom! Hope all is well with everyone.”
1982 Nanet te ( West) Moss writes, “Hi. I have some news. My short story collection The Subway Stops at Bryant Park will be published in May by Leapfrog Press. All of the stories are connected to Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan. The book will be launching in May, and I will be reading in New York City throughout May and June. More info can be found at nwestmoss@wordpress.com and the book can be pre-ordered from your local bookstore or via Amazon.”
1983 Julie Krikorian Eshbaugh writes, “I’m doing well and working hard on my third young adult novel for HarperCollins. The first, Ivory and Bone, was published in June 2016, and the sequel, Obsidian and Stars, is due this June. The third book is still
untitled and is due out in 2018.” Tara R. Greco writes, “Last fall, I joined Pipeline Angels to support women entrepreneurs. I also invest in a variety of startups. My son Dante is a junior at Concord Academy. He just started his college search and is looking at colleges up and down the East Coast. I anticipate many road trips in the coming months. In February 2017, I went on an amazing Earthwatch Expedition to Costa Rica with Darcy Kenton Bellido de Luna ’83. We worked with biologists to identify and protect sea turtles in Playa Grande. We got to see and touch Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles nesting on the beach during the day and night. We penned a blog of our travels: https://randomdays411. wordpress.com/.”
resilience. My research has to do with sustainable agriculture (forest and range) and I just got back from two weeks in Kenya where I was learning from Maasai pastoralists about efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict through integrated livestock-wildlife systems and holistic management. On a separate note it’s been so much fun getting reacquainted with GS now that my older daughter Emma (15) is there as a new sophomore boarder. I’m so impressed with the teaching, advising, and coaching and feel retroactively privileged to have gone there! For my fellow 80s alums, Emma just made the varsity lax team with Melissa B. Keller ’84 and Nancy Zurn Bernardini (fac) as her coaches, and she has Nancy T. Kryven (fac) for French!”
Darcy Kenton Bellido de Luna writes, “Tara R. Greco ’83 and I recently returned from a ten-day Earthwatch expedition in NW Costa Rica, where we worked alongside field biologists observing nesting sea turtles and collecting data to strengthen conservation efforts. It was an amazing experience!”
1985
Anne Snipes Moss writes, “In 2015 I donated a kidney to a friend and co-worker, and it has been wonderful to see her regain her health. To my delight I feel great and have never looked back and am back to all my old tricks. Still horsing around—I have been enjoying an awesome joyride with my four-year-old Hanoverian Gelding Rocky. I have had a ball teaching him to jump and can’t wipe the grin off my face. Last year I earned a USEF Western Dressage License and am enjoying judging at horse trials, dressage, and western dressage shows.”
1984 Hannah Gosnell Schneider writes, “I’m still in Corvallis OR, with my husband John Schneider and daughter Phoebe (13), working at Oregon State University as an associate professor of geography and teaching about land use, water resources, climate change, and social-ecological
Russell (Russ) McRee writes, “I’ve been in the Pacific Northwest for twenty-three years, working for Microsoft for the last ten, now as a group program manager leading the Windows and Device Group’s Information Security Blue Team. Briana, my wife of twenty-four years, is an artist, and daughter Erin is a junior at the University of Washington. For those of you who remember me with long hair and a mildly unruly manner, you may be amused to learn that I’ve been serving as an officer with the Washington State military conducting joint forces information security operations. I still love to play guitar, an instrumental cover of Jerry Garcia’s Loser is available here: https://soundcloud.com/russmcree/ loser-hunter-garcia.” Tanya Y. Wright writes, “I continue to expand distribution with my haircare line, HAIRiette, for women of all ethnicities with dry, curly hair. The brand is currently sold in seven Whole Foods in the New York and New Jersey area, target.com, amazon. com, and the brand’s website, hairiette.com.”
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1983 Julie Krikorian Eshbaugh ’83 in the author photo for her new novel.
1985 Russell (Russ) McRee ’85 meeting Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter.
1988 Jennifer (Jen) L. DeVan ’88 with partner Chris and children Ryan and Madeline at Christmas 2016.
1988 Tamara (Tammy) L. Harper ’88 was the accompanist at an Atlanta Music Project concert.
1990 Opera House selfie of Melissa (Lissa) M. Merritt ’90 and family.
1993 Kenneth (Ken) Andersen ’93 and family.
1998 Naima Ahmed Aman ’98
1999 Nora G. Mansell ’99
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1988 Jennifer ( Jen) L. DeVan writes, “My partner Chris and I are enjoying the wonderfully crazy and busy life of having toddler twins. They will be two in April and keep us on our toes! It has been such a joy to watch them change and grow! I look forward to bringing them to GS in May 2018 for 1988’s 30th reunion. I am continuing to work part-time in private practice as an LCSW in Portland OR. I look forward to my first overnight get away since having the twins in May in California with several other GS ladies!” Tamara ( Tammy) L. Harper writes, “I am honored to be a 2017 ArtsATL Luminary Award nominee for my work the last four years with the Atlanta Music Project as a choral accompanist for the AMPlify Choirs. ArtsATL is a non-profit organization that ignites conversations about the arts in Atlanta GA. The four ArtsATL Luminary Awards included philanthropic legacy, social discourse, innovative practice, and community engagement. Founded in 2010, the Atlanta Music Project provides intensive, tuition-free music education for underserved youth right in their neighborhood and believes the pursuit of musical excellence leads to the development of confidence, creativity, and ambition, thus sparking positive social change in the individuals and the communities we serve.”
1990 Melissa (Lissa) M. Merrit t, “I’m still living in Sydney, Australia with my husband Markos, and our daughter Eirene (6). Markos and I both teach philosophy at one of the universities here, and Eirene is in year 2—she is an avid reader and very into Harry Potter. We love it here and have become citizens. If you are ever coming this way please get in touch!”
1992 David (Dave) B. Feinstein writes, “I am thrilled to announce a beautiful life development: my partial ownership of the small but growing Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beers
chain. While their milkshakes get all the headlines and Instagram likes, I’m a sucker for the bacon cheeseburger with a pint or two of the many brews on offer. Check it out! Or better yet, drop me a line and I’ll meet you there. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the big two-five in May. Hope you’re all living your dreams.”
1993 Kenneth (Ken) C. Andersen writes, “I’m going on fifteen years in Mexico City, which is hard to believe as I write this. My wife and I have two beautiful children (5 and 3) that keep us busy. I started an organizational development consulting and executive training business a few years ago, Conversari Communication, following my passion in building bridges between Mexico and the global market place. It’s starting to thrive, and despite what election results would have you believe, we expect good things to happen in Mexico in the coming years. If you’re passing through town, I’d love to hear from you!” Jordan M. Itkowitz writes, “Hej fra Danmark! It’s been a little over two years since we moved to Billund, Denmark, home of LEGO. Max (9) and Evan (7) love attending the International School and have friends from many countries. My wife Becca is on the school board and works for the real estate office, and I am working on LEGO’s games portfolio. We are hoping to see more of Europe this summer!” Heather McKamey writes, “Two years ago I had a cardiac arrest while swimming hardcore and drowned in a pool. Surviving that (less than 12 percent survive cardiac arrest outside a pool), two months later I was diagnosed with epilepsy. Two months later, a week before my fortieth birthday, my cat of twenty-one years died. He was cremated on my birthday. Two months after that my car was hit by a tractortrailer. I’m alive, which my electrophysiologist is also shocked about. So, that’s my update. I bet it beats any class note that you have ever received.”
1997 Kelly E. Brabazon writes, “Hay guys! I’ve been living in Sumner, Christchurch, New Zealand for the past year after accepting a job as an apparel designer for the outdoor brand Kathmandu. I’ve been very fortunate to be working with this awesome brand who are leading sustainability in manufacturing in Australasia. I moved here with my husband William Fleming and son Wilde, and we’re all learning how to surf this summer! We have traveling visitors all the time so feel free to get in touch if you’re traveling through!”
1998 Naima Ahmed Aman writes, “My husband Bilal and I welcomed our baby boy Omar in November 2016. Big brother Reyaan is so proud of his new role and of his baby brother!”
1999 Nora G. Mansell writes, “My husband Mike and I are over the moon about our first daughter Dalia “Pumpkin” Mansell born in Geneva on Halloween 2016. We’re very happy that Patricia M. Estevez ’99 came to visit us. Please let us know if any of you are in Switzerland at any point in time.”
2000 Caroline (Carrie) G. Jones writes, “I recently moved back to Bucks County after more than seventeen years in Philadelphia PA. I am now loving a fifteen minute commute to my office at the Office of the Attorney General in Trenton NJ. The Jones clan, including newest member Charlotte (born September 2015), met up with Kai Xing ’00 and family in the fall. Cheese steaks were had and enjoyed by all.” Jamaal B. Mobley writes, “My wife Denyse and I welcomed into the world Deane Garrett Justus Mobley. We are all adjusting very well and enjoying every moment of these early family days.”
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2001 Kalindi At tar writes, “After eight years living in an indigenous village, I have developed a community-based sustainable clothing company. This project uses local cotton and empowers several hundred indigenous women to spin the thread in their homes, as well as lead the natural dyeing and weaving process (www.khadioaxaca. com). I also co-founded an alternative education preschool and elementary school, Ananda Learning Center, in my village. I am grateful to live in a place filled with so much service, ecological living, and strong ties to traditional ways.” Sarah M. Dohle writes, “I moved back to Doylestown PA this winter to teach plant science classes at Delaware Valley University. It’s great to be back in Bucks County.” Diego Rodriguez writes, “Hey GS! I’m doing great. I’m living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with my fiancé Daniel, and work in midtown Manhattan as a graphic designer for a small marketing agency. I was glad to see everyone at the GS Meeting in Brooklyn a couple weeks ago, and look forward to future events! Also, I just finished designing the cover for the latest book of poems by Jasmine V. Bailey ’01, Disappeared, due to be published this coming November from Carnegie Mellon University Press. It is our second collaboration, and there are more in the works!”
2003 Ross A. Hollister writes, “This spring I am wrapping up a MS in Foreign Service at Georgetown University and joining USAID’s Afghanistan and Pakistan bureau. Besides living in the library, this past summer I worked with democratic activists on the Turkey-Syria border and witnessed firsthand the July 15 coup attempt.” Jonathan ( Jon) R. Stot t writes, “Joanna and I welcomed our second child, Elizabeth “Lilibet” Louise Stott, in November 2016. Lilibet was 6 lbs 8 oz and 20.25 inches at birth. Charlotte
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has been a doting big sister, and we feel blessed to have two healthy and happy daughters.”
More information can be found here: https://cwp.princeton.edu/events/ cwp-workshop-2017.”
Alexander S. Germanacos writes, “I earned my masters in family therapy (MFT) last spring and am now interning at a San Francisco public middle school. While the chronological distance between me and GS only increases, the emotional connections I feel toward the land, buildings, peers, staff, and teachers remains uncompromisingly strong. In particular, I continue to draw on memories and emotions which include struggle, joy, perseverance, heartache, accomplishment, friendship, and learning as a foundational source of hope and resistance for these current times. Many blessings on George School and community of the past, present and future.”
2006
2004 Avery M. Blank writes, “I was honored to be named a member of the Advisory Council for The Wilson Center’s Women in Public Service Project, an initiative focused on increasing the number of women in political and policy leadership positions around the world, as well as to contribute to a report on gender equity that was revealed at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. I am now a Contributor with WEF. I posted my website (https://www. averyblank.com) and enjoyed speaking at Colgate University on my career and maximizing opportunities. Had a great time seeing GS alums at the Thanksgiving meet-up in Newtown and classmate Daniel (Dan) C. Suchenski ’04 at a conference at Princeton University.” Daniel (Dan) C. Suchenski writes, “The Princeton-Harvard China and the World Program that I run will be hosting its annual Workshop on Security, Economy, Diplomacy and International Affairs and China at Georgia Institute of Technology main campus in downtown Atlanta GA, March 8-10 2017.
Danielle R. Glick writes, “I am completing my residency in Internal Medicine at University Hospital in Baltimore MD and will begin a fellowship in Pulmonary and critical care medicine at University Hospital in July 2017.” Sarah L. Koller writes, “We welcomed our first daughter in October 2016! Mia Kathryn is the highlight of our year, and the light of her grammy’s world (Terese ( Teri) Van Solkema-Waitz ’74)!”
2007 Alison L. Craw ford writes, “Enjoyed a blast from the past going to visit Patrick Cassidy ’04 at La Brasa in Somerville MA where he is a manager. My appreciation for GS only grows as the years go by and I reconnect with old friends. We enjoyed reminiscing about GS and influential teachers like John Davison (ffac). I was lucky enough to run into John at my Haverford reunion in the spring as well.” Lauralee Lightwood-Mater writes, “In August 2016 at the Newtown Theatre, John Beacher surprised me by asking for my hand in marriage. Afterward, we toasted to our future together, with sparkling grape juice on South Lawn. John and I met in 2011 shortly before I left to serve in The Peace Corps in Paraguay. Despite the nearly five thousand mile distance for over two years, we stayed together and now live happily on a farm property in Point Pleasant PA. We will be wed in 2017.”
2008 Leigh Raphael Foppert writes, “David (Dave) W. Foppert ’09 and I are pleased to announce the birth of our daughter Lily Foppert this past March 2016.”
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2000 Deanne Garrett Justus Mobley, child of Jamaal B. Mobley ’00 and his wife Denyse.
2001 Kalindi Attar ’01 spinning and weaving in the Oaxaca, Mexico mountains.
2001 Disappeared, the latest book of poetry by Jasmine V. Bailey ’01, with cover design by Diego Rodriguez ’01. Available November 2017 from Carnegie Mellon University Press.
2003 Jonathan (Jon) R. Stott ’03, wife Joanna, and daughter Charlotte welcomed Elizabeth “Lilibet” Louise Stott in November 2016.
2003 Ross A. Hollister ’03
2006 Mia Kathryn, daughter of Sarah L. Koller ’06
2008 Lily, daughter of Leigh Raphael Foppert ’08 and David (Dave) W. Foppert ’09
2007 Lauralee Lightwood-Mater ’07 with John Beacher.
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2009 JoAnn Riker ’09 got engaged in front of Tokyo Tower in October 2016.
2010 Alexa (Lexi) M. Hornbeck ’10
2010 Top photo: Andre J. Estrada ’10, Seumas A. Trull ’10, and Austen H. Popiel ’10 waiting for the Dining Room to open for dinner. Bottom photo: Ten years later on the coast of Oregon.
2013 Max Balka ’13 and his brother Sam Balka ’16
2015 Aislinn F. Keenan ’15 watched Villanova beat UNC in the NCAA championship last year.
Class notes for this issue were received as of March 31, 2017. The “Alumni Tell Us” and “In Memoriam” sections of the Georgian are shared online. If you do not want your name to be included in notes from others, contact us at advancement@georgeschool. org or 215.579.6564. The views and opinions expressed in class notes do not necessarily represent those of the school. Notes submitted for publication might be edited due to space limitations and Georgian style guidelines.
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ALUMNI TELL US
2009 Olivia K. Burns writes, “2016 was a big year for me; I moved to Washington DC in July to take a summer course at Georgetown and complete an internship on Capitol Hill. I’m now working as an economic consultant in the consumer finance space and am in love with the city. Since I’ve been here, I’ve also gotten a chance to reconnect with some friends I hadn’t seen in years, including fellow GS alum Amanda Nadeau ’09. If there are any GS-ers in the DC area, please do reach out!” JoAnn Riker writes, “2016 was a big year for me. I got engaged to my boyfriend of two years and got married in Japan on Christmas. I am currently working at a translation company as a project manager in Tokyo and report directly to headquarters in Barcelona. My husband works for Honda in the finance and account department. My little sister Harmoney Riker turned 12 this year and already talks about going to George School one day as well. I hope to return to the states in 2018. If anyone is in Japan, feel free to get in touch with me!”
2010 Andre J. Estrada writes, “Seumas A. Trull ’10, Austen H. Popiel ’10, and I became friends freshman year at George School in 2006 and are still together over ten years later.” Stephanie M. Feinman writes, “I have been working in international media production and creative operations for almost three years since graduating magna cum laude from George Washington University in 2014. I recently finished working as a documentary production coordinator on MTV World’s Rebel Music: Season II. Our small team based in New York filmed and produced the series in a year. I worked as an intermediate communicator among many cultures and company departments. Launched in 2013 and now in its second six-part season, Rebel Music shines a light on young people around the globe who
are rarely given a chance to speak for themselves, activating the power of music and art to connect, inspire, and ignite action. The series will provide young American audiences a rare, unprecedented look into the lives of their counterparts in countries experiencing crises. The six-part documentary series features artists and activists from Iran, Myanmar, Venezuela, Native America, Turkey, and Senegal. One country at a time, Rebel Music shares the untold stories of fearless young artists rising up against social and political barriers to forge a better future. Buoyed by the success of the first Rebel Music: Native America and a screening at the White House, the series continues to innovate and bring new untold stories to the forefront. After filming the series, MTV World partnered with Amnesty International to share the Rebel Music message and help viewers take action for positive change through the organization’s Art for Amnesty program. As part of Rebel Music’s RebelED, episodes from the second season will be accompanied by lesson plans with a teacher’s guide and background history to bring these topics into the classroom.” Alexa (Lexi) M. Hornbeck writes, “Hey everybody! I was recently accepted in UC Berkeley’s School of Journalism and School of Public Health. All the values George School instilled in me exist at Berkeley, particularly in these programs! I’m going to change the world and guide a future of health education. I feel so blessed and lucky! When I started at George this was the exact kind of future opportunity I dreamed would happen. None of this would have been possible without the guidance of the faculty at George who lit the pathway to my future. Big shout out to Eric Wolarsky (fac), who is forever a role model to me.”
begun working on my MS in arts administration from Drexel University. My plan is to graduate with my MS and continue on to a PhD or DFA program while working within the art industry.”
2012 Rachel B. Tanzer writes, “I have graduated with a BA in environmental studies from Lewis and Clark College in Portland OR. I now work for Eastside Distillery in Portland OR.”
2013 Max Balka writes, “Sam Balka ’16 and I are pleased to report that we send our appreciation to the GS Spanish Department for providing us with the linguistic foundations with which to combat Trumpian xenophobia towards Latinos. Sam just accepted a research position in Costa Rica, where he will be polishing his bilingualism and conducting studies on public health issues regarding pregnancy in the region. I currently volunteer at the Catholic Charities’ Esperanza Center in Baltimore, MD, where my work in the Immigration Legal Services Department allows undocumented immigrants and permanent residents to obtain relief from removal proceedings and patterns of domestic violence. Sam is a freshman at Northwestern University and I am a senior at Johns Hopkins University.”
2015 Aislinn F. Keenan writes, “Some advice for the graduating class as they head off to college: 1. Buy large water bottles, you won’t have easy access to lots of water. 2. Make a structured schedule, you’ll have too much time on your hands and could end up accidentally sleeping through your freshman year. 3. Write letters to your old GS buddies, it’s very romantic.”
2011 Katherine (KC) A. Cherney writes, “I am currently working in Orlando FL as a third grade teacher in a Title I school through Teach for America. As of January 2017, I have
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In Memoriam EDITED BY EMMA WELLS ’13 Edwin S. McVaugh ’34
December 12, 2016 Edwin served in the army during World War II in Texas where he met his wife of sixty-five years. They were married in 1944 and moved to Riverton NJ, where Edwin was a building contractor at McVaugh Construction Company in Burlington County. He served on the board of trustees at George School and at Westfield Friends School. He was also a councilman for the Borough of Riverton. Following his retirement in 1974, Edwin and his wife began traveling around the United States in a motor home, often for several months a year. Their travels more and more focused on Alaska, and they made over twenty-four trips there. In 1991 they won the Salmon Derby by catching a seventeen-pound-five ounce silver salmon. In 1988 Edwin and his wife moved to Medford Leas in Medford NJ. Edwin is survived by three children, five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Jean Comfort Hallowell ’36
December 4, 2016 Born in 1919 in Yardley PA, Jean was raised at Breezyvale Farm, the eldest of the four children. Jean graduated from Rider College in 1939. She was active in Young Friends in the pre-war years. Jean and her husband settled in Morrisville PA to raise their family. She was an active member of the Friends Meeting in Trenton NJ and later the Fallsington Meeting. Their three children, Donald W. Comfort ’64, Alan Comfort ’66, and Anne Morrell Goodale ’68 followed Jean’s path to George School. Horace and Jean started a new life at Pennswood Village in 1986. They motored frequently to Nova Scotia to visit family until Horace’s passing in 1996. Jean was an avid gardener and an active member of the Pennswood community for over thirty years, and she had many lifelong friends. In 2000 she
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married Ralph Hallowell and enjoyed an active life of travel, canoeing, long walks, and tomato growing well into her nineties. She was predeceased by her brothers, grandsons, and her first and second husbands. Jean is survived by her sisters-in-law, children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons.
Priscilla Huntington ’39
C. Trevor Dunham Jr. ’37
September 7, 2015 Born in Norwich CT, Priscilla attended Sarah Lawrence College and obtained her master’s degree in child psychology from University of Chicago. An East Hampton NY resident, she also resided in Claviers, France, Penngrove CA, Nova Scotia, and New York City.
October 10, 2016 C. Trevor Dunham Jr. passed away in Merritt Island FL.
Mary (Dimp) Carswell Johnson ’42
Orin A. Smith ’37
September 10, 2016 Charlot te Thompson Haase ’37
January 1, 2017 Margaret Wolf Kaiser ’37
August 21, 2015 Margaret helped start the Atlanta Friends Meeting. Margaret was predeceased by her husband of thirty-nine years. She is survived by three sons, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a sister and a sister-in-law, and a number of nieces and nephews. Mary Brown Wright ’38
November 11, 2016 Mary was an executive secretary for most of her career and went on to work in the Methacton High School library for many years. She was always active in volunteer work and was a volunteer at Montgomery Hospital for over forty years. Mary was also a member of the Norristown Garden Club, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Elmwood Park Zoo, Philadelphia Zoo, Montgomery Hospital Auxiliary, Philadelphia Orchestra, and the ASPCA. In her leisure time she was a top bridge and scrabble player and completed The New York Times crossword puzzle almost daily. In addition to George School, Mary attended Plymouth Meeting Friends School and Pierce College. She was a member of the Religious Society of Friends at Norristown Monthly Meeting and Upper Providence Meeting House. Her husband preceded her in death. Survivors include two sons and a grandson.
February 4, 2017 Born in New York City and raised in Caldwell NJ, Mary graduated from Smith College. In 1949, she married her late husband, and the couple lived in North Caldwell NJ, where they raised their children and were residents for more than sixty years. Mary moved to Mount Pleasant SC in 2011. She also maintained a summer home in Point O’Woods NY since 1941. Mary worked at her husband’s law firm Johnson, Gallagher, and Burgio until retiring, and was active with the Caldwell Kiwanis. She was the devoted mother of four, cherished grandmother of ten, and adored great-grandmother of four. David Y. Hughes ’43
August 19, 2016 David was born November 12, 1924 in Berkeley CA, and he and his family moved to Madison WI in 1936. After graduating from George School, he immediately enlisted into the armed forces and was honorably discharged in 1946. He then received his BA from the University of California Berkeley in 1951, his MA from Columbia University in 1955, and his PhD from the University of Illinois in 1962. He taught from 1961 to 1964 at Chapel Hill in North Carolina and then began teaching at the University of Michigan in 1964, becoming a full professor in 1978, where he taught humanities to engineering students until his retirement in 1994. He was a respected H. G. Wells scholar. He married his wife in 1955, and they had three children. He was a loving, kind father and an inspiration to his three children. David loved ice cream,
IN MEMORIAM
coffee, and pasta. During retirement David enjoyed bicycle riding, walking, and collecting coins. He helped his wife during her struggle with Alzheimer’s from 2002 until she died in 2014. In January 2016 he moved to Glacier Hills Senior Living Community in Ann Arbor MI. He is survived by his sister and his sons, their partners, and their children. John ( Jack) R. Booth Jr. ’43
November 22, 2016 John was the husband of Elisabeth Ann Booth and the father of two. He was the grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of two. Margaret Fogg ’44
January 7, 2017 Margaret graduated from Earlham College. The loving mother of seven children and eleven grandchildren, Margaret was a skilled cook and baker who loved travel and the outdoors. While living in the DC suburbs Margaret volunteered at the Friends Committee on National Legislation. When she moved to Florida she worked for the State for twenty years. Margaret was a founding member of the Tallahassee Friends Meeting. She was locally active on both the environmental and political fronts, had frequent letters to the editor published in the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper, and she contacted her representatives about issues that concerned her regularly. Dorothy Thomas Hughes ’44
May 7, 2014 Elizabeth (Betsy) Eves Bak ’45
August 7, 2006 Betsy was born in Trenton NJ. Her parents raised Betsy and her siblings at George School, where her father William Eves III was a teacher and administrator. She attended Earlham College. She spent her young adulthood in Philadelphia, working as a secretary at the International House, where she met Dongkyu Bak, a University of Pennsylvania architecture student. Betsy and her husband were married at Chester Friends Meeting.
Betsy gave birth to her first two sons while they lived in West Philadelphia, and to her next two children after moving to Media PA, where she would spend the rest of her life. Betsy was her own person, unabashed in her opinions, yet welcoming and open to others. She attended the Quaker meeting in Chester. When her husband started his own architectural firm, she worked as his business manager. Once the firm became established, she was able to retire. She then filled her time with taking care of grandchildren and with her handwork hobbies. She almost always had something in her hands, beginning with knitting and then later with cross-stitch. She donated many of her works to local charities for auctions and fundraising. While living at Riddle Village in Media, she enjoyed the social activities, games, bingo, and companionship of the other residents. Betsy is survived by her sister Rebecca, her four children and six grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and countless others who will miss her spirit. Jean (Nurse) Elmer Robinson ’45
January 21, 2017 Jean was born in Bronxville NY and grew up in Hartford CT. She received her AB from Smith College and MSN from Yale University School of Nursing. She was a public health nurse in Connecticut prior to serving in the Philippines. After moving to Hanover CT in 1974, Jean enjoyed working for more than twenty years in a variety of nursing and teaching positions at Dartmouth Hitchcock Memorial Hospital. She belonged to the Religious Society of Friends and served for several years as Clerk of the Quaker Worship Group at Kendal. Jean enjoyed traveling throughout her life. She participated in a work camp in post-war France; survived an Austrian avalanche; camped for four months in Turkey, the Holy Land, Greece, and Europe with her young family; travelled in Nepal and Bhutan; stayed in an ashram in Bali and in village homes in the Cook Islands, American Samoa, and Fiji; and was a member of
an American medical team studying geriatrics in China. In her fifties she got into shape for a trek with Tenzing Norgay in Sikkim, a peak experience of her life. She enjoyed reading biographies, making pottery, doing puzzles, woodworking, studying Renaissance art, watching old movies, kayaking, and cutting brush around her beloved Squam Lake. Most of all she was devoted to her large family. Jean is survived by her sister, her former husband, and her five children. Her grandchildren also survive her as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Geraldine (Gerrie) Dana Tisdall ’45
January 5, 2017 Helen Wolfe Dunn ’47
April 29, 2014 Born in Vienna, Austria, Helen came to the United States in 1939. She attended Radcliffe College and went on to receive two master’s degrees in English and education. Helen retired from the Winsor School faculty after twenty-two years. Helen was the devoted mother of three, and the cherished grandmother of twelve grandchildren. Ellen Haines Sodano ’47
April 1, 2014 Ellen loved animals, children, and nature. She also loved walking, swimming, reading, and helping those in need. Most of all, Ellen loved her family. David L. Emory ’48
October 16, 2016 Louis A. Jammer II ’48
November 29, 2016 Lou touched the lives of so many people during his eighty-five years. His generous ways and kind heart left a lasting impression on all those he knew. He was born in Morrisville PA, where he grew up and spent his childhood years. At George School he made lifelong friends and managed sports teams as well as the school bank. Lou met his wife at Syracuse
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University. They were married in 1950 while juniors in college. Lou was then drafted into the Army during the Korean War and was first stationed in San Antonio TX as a medic and later in Colorado Springs, where he worked in the pathology department. Following his service and the birth of their first child, the family returned to Morrisville so Lou could take over the family business, Jammer Doors. Lou also started a summer rental business, Surfside Vacations, which he ran for more than forty years on Long Beach Island with his partner and lifelong friend. Lou also built and developed homes on the island, one of Lou’s greatest passions. At the same time, he developed a love for cooking and was well known for his great meals and epic paella. Lou was involved in many philanthropic organizations, including being a lifetime board member of both the Salvation Army and Kiwanis Club of Trenton NJ. He and his wife cared for many foster children prior to beginning a family of their own. Lou was predeceased by his wife and his granddaughter. He is survived by his sisters and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Lou lived a full and legendary life filled with family, friends, travel, and adventure. Elizabeth (Bet t y) Garver Swope ’48
August 3, 2013 Born in Roaring Spring PA, Betty graduated from Brown University. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Roaring Spring, and she enjoyed classical music, her pets, and cooking. Surviving are her sons and her sister. Judith Segal Gatof ’49
May 30, 2016 Susan (Sukie) Webb Hammond ’50
August 13, 2016 Sukie taught political science at American University for forty-four years, publishing extensively on congressional staffs and caucuses, and is remembered as an encouraging mentor to younger scholars, and es-
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pecially to women entering the field. Sukie headed the Alumnae Association of Bryn Mawr College and served as a trustee of the Farm and Wilderness Summer Camps in Vermont. Her faith in our experiment in self-government never faltered. She remained enthusiastic about bipartisan cooperation for the common good. Sukie is survived by her children and two grandsons. She identified strongly with I Love Lucy, laughed until she cried watching Stephen Colbert, and loved cats, walking on the C&O Canal, and bluegrass music. Sukie considered Goose Creek Meeting her spiritual home. Family and friendship meant more to her than anything else. Michael S. Muskat ’51
September 15, 2015 Mike was a career US Air Force fighter pilot and a warrior academic. A graduate of Amherst College and ROTC commandant, Mike also received a master’s in Business Administration and a master’s in International Affairs from George Washington University. Highly decorated, including the Silver Star and Purple Heart, Mike flew more than 125 combat missions in the F-105 Thunderchief during the Vietnam War, most of them as a member of the Wild Weasels. In February 1968 he was shot down, leading to the first night time rescue by the Air Force’s pararescue service using a Jolly Green Giant helicopter. He particularly enjoyed flying the F-111, and finished flying as the deputy commander of Air Force Korea in an F-16 prior to serving as chief of staff of Air University. The historical airpark at Maxwell Air Force Base provided a special touch of recognition with the F-105 Thud carrying his name and combat markings. Many remembered his deep voice over the airwaves of Southeast Asia. One memory from the war was a personal briefing he gave to President Lyndon Johnson detailing the Wild Weasel mission. He served as a scoutmaster and helped his three sons to attain Eagle Scout rank. In retirement, Mike re-designed and largely constructed his generational home; served on the boards of the
River Valley Credit Union and Putney Cares; and traveled and hiked the world with his wife of more than sixty years. Michael is survived by his wife, three sons, and six grandchildren. Mostly, Mike is remembered as a man who adored his wife, loved and supported his sons, and cherished his grandchildren. Kenneth L. Tyson ’51
April 23, 2016 Born in Gettysburg PA, Ken was a graduate of Penn State University and received his master’s from Millersville University in 1969. Ken was the supervisor of special education at Lincoln Intermediate Unit in Greencastle PA for a number of years. He later was supervisor of federal programs with the Washington County Board of Education, retiring in 1995. He was an avid bird watcher, photographer, and videographer. Ken enjoyed reading and participating in local bird counts. He was a member of Chambersburg Friends Meeting. Surviving family include his wife, two daughters, two grandchildren, and his brother. Jack H. Miller ’53
June 3, 2016 Born in Lancaster PA, Jack graduated from aeronautics school in New York, Gettysburg College, and the former Eckel’s School of Embalming in Philadelphia PA. Jack was the sixth generation owner and supervisor of the former J. Hawthorn-Miller Funeral Home from 1960 until its closing in 1990. Hawthorn’s Furniture & Interiors, Inc. of Bainbridge started in 1820 and was the manufacturer of fine furniture and caskets, and continued in the furniture business until 1995. Jack also founded Jack’s Auto & Aero in 1967, an independent BMW Auto Service company. Jack was a member of BMWCCA, Lancaster Ski Club, and the Lancaster Liederkranz. A thirty-two degree mason, Jack was a member of Ashara-Casiphia Lodge #551 F&AM of Mount Joy, and was a former member of the Donegal Rotary Club. Surviving are two sons, four grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren.
IN MEMORIAM
Giles Wayland-Smith ’53
October 28, 2016 Giles taught political science for thirty-two years at Allegheny College. After retirement, he moved to the Oneida Community Mansion House and served on their board of trustees since 1992. Giles was foundational to the Mansion House as it is today and especially as an organization devoted to history and the humanities. He was a strong and passionate advocate of OCMH as the sum of its many narratives, and of its mission to explore those narratives especially as they intersect in contemporary society. His view of history was propelled by an equally strong and sincere humanism, which he attributed to his lifelong association with the Oneida Community and its descendant community in the region. Giles was a mentor to many and always a ready and willing advisor and collaborator in these pursuits. As we grieve his passing let us also celebrate his many contributions to knowledge, to history with a capital H, and to enriching the human spirit. Richard (Dick) D. Claiborn ’55
November 25, 2016 Dick, of Guilford CT, married his wife in 1968 in Guildford, Surrey, England. He is survived by his wife, his daughters and their children, as well as his three siblings, Louise (Nicki) Claiborn Smith ’57, William (Bill) L. Claiborn ’60, and James (Jim) M. Claiborn ’66. Dick and his siblings were third generation GS students and Dick loved George School and the many long time friends he made there. He was a regular reunion attendee. Dick graduated from Brown University, spent three years active duty in the Navy and many more years in the Reserve. He worked in the printing business in North Haven CT for thirty-eight years and retired to Guilford CT with his wife. He has kept active with his family and friends and volunteering at a local hospital cancer unit. Dick began swimming as a boy, was on the swim team at GS, and went on to be the captain of the Brown University swim team. He
continued with swimming, golf, and bridge for many years. Hugh K. Tyson ’58
December 6, 2016 Hugo was a loving and supportive husband and father. For over four decades, he was a skilled and compassionate physician. He had an unselfconscious and gregarious charm that touched the lives of all those around him. His work in the Indian Health Service and the US Coast Guard fostered lifelong friendships and lasting gratitude. His love of learning and desire to deeply understand the world stayed with him to the very end. He is survived and remembered by his wife, three children, his sister, and many dear friends. Janet ( Jan) Clark Riley ’61
April 1, 2015 Jan was a resident of Easton MD and most recently of St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Lawrenceville NJ.
were cookouts to hold on the picnic hill, art galleries to visit, and friends to welcome with warm and gracious hospitality. Her personal library was filled with many first edition and autographed books, and Carol’s passion for reading was rivaled only by her love affair with current events. The New York Times was always at her elbow, and her uncanny ability to recall the smallest of details of many headline stories amazed everyone who knew her. A remembrance of Carol would not be complete without mentioning her love of all things chocolate. Carol also loved to travel and had a passport to prove it. Overseas trips to Australia, Mexico, Guatemala, Europe, the British Isles, and Greece were interspersed with multiple trips across the United States. She was preceded in death by her husband Sid, her daughter, and her grandson. She is survived by her children and their spouses, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Bernard (Bernie) M. Komer ’7 1
October 23, 2016 A former resident of South Florida, Bernie was a longtime stockbroker and financial advisor. He was the beloved father of three and a dear son, brother, and uncle.
Former Trustee Carolyn K. Cadwallader
January 1, 2017 Carolyn attended Swarthmore College, where she met and fell in love with a classmate, T. Sidney (Sid) Cadwallader ’32. They were married in 1938 and first resided in Langhorne PA. She served as secretary of the George School Committee for many years. She held many positions in Yardley Friends Meeting and was known for her spiritually grounded vocal ministry. Carol was adored by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In so many ways, she was the glue that held the family together. Summers would find Carol presiding at the family’s second home in Vermont where there
Notification of deaths was recorded as of January 22, 2017. We edit and publish information provided by families of deceased alumni, faculty, staff, and trustees. Notes submitted for publication might be edited due to space limitations and Georgian style guidelines.
Printed using soy-based ink on paper containing recycled fiber. Cover and text stock are certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and contain 10% post-consumer recycled fiber.
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IMPACTS
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Visit the alumni website at georgeschool.org/alumni to stay connected. Submit a class note, find friends, update personal profiles, check out upcoming events, and much more.
FRIDAY–SUNDAY, MAY 5-7, 2017
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Spring Theater Performance: Godspell
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FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MAY 19 & 20, 2017
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PHOTOS: Inside Back Cover: An impressive flight of steps leads from the gravel trail from Main building to the William Penn Outdoor Auditorium, the site of commencement exercises (weather permitting) since 1936. Back Cover: IB Biology teacher Polly Lodge observed Maanav Patel ’17, Anna Coleman ’17, and Alec Palmiotti ’17 as they collected microorganisms at nearby Neshaminy Creek. (Photos by Bruce Weller)