Georgian, December 2014

GEORGIAN

Vol. 87

No. 01

pu bl i c at i on of ge orge scho o l, ne w tow n, pennsy lvania

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DECEMBER

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perspe c t i v e s

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a c h u r c h u n d e r c o n str u cti o n

a ph oto alb u m

j o h n m . g e o r g e s o c i ety

2014

Planting the Seeds of Generosity

George School’s Service Project in Cuba

New Fitness and Athletics Center Delights Students

Help Grow Our Membership

INSIDE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

JIM INVERSO

Vol. 87 | No. 01 | DECEMBER 2014

PHOTOS: Inside Front Cover: The George School varsity girls’ soccer team received the 2014 Harry Rodgers/Jimmy Walder Fair Play Award. The team, coached by the alumni duo of John Stevens ’02 and Robert Machemer ’92, had a winning season. Front Cover: Illustrator Joseph Adolphe created the cover artwork from an original portrait of George School’s founding donor, John M. George.

01 PERSPECTIVES Planting the Seeds of Generosity 02 Teaching Generosity 04 Making a Career of Generosity and Philanthropy 08 Helping Others: An Entrepreneur Gives Back 10 Art for Relief 12 eQuiz Highlights

17 FEATURES

26 CAMPUS NEWS & NOTES

17 A Church Under Construction: George School’s Service Project in Cuba

29 ALUMNI TELL US

20 Photo Album: New Fitness and Athletics Center Delights Students

48 IN MEMORIAM

24 John M. George Society Needs You: Help Grow Our Membership to 500

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.

PERSPECTIVES

HEAD OF SCHOOL NANCY STARMER

BRUCE WELLER

witnesses generosity and gratitude on campus every day.

Perspectives

EDITED BY LAURA LAVALLEE

Planting the Seeds of Generosity Friends, I can’t think of anything more appropriate for this edition of the Georgian than to highlight perspectives on generosity and gratitude from our students, teachers, and graduates. For over a century, George School has worked hard to educate students in a spirit of generosity and gratitude, and to help them to develop those attitudes in themselves.

I see both the efforts and the rewards in numerous small ways every day at George School: when students and teachers thank each other at the end of class or when handing over their dishes in the dining hall; in programs like the (relatively) new Essentials of a Friends Community class where students and faculty members work side by side with food service staff on Shift; and especially in our students’ messages in meeting for worship.

From expressions of gratitude to parents (“I realized recently that for many years on my birthday I was all about presents, wanting this and wanting that, but this year away from home, I realize that the most precious gift I have is my parents”) to the thanks that are often expressed for friends and teammates (“You guys are my brothers, and though this is my last season at George School,

I will never forget you”) to expressions of gratitude for what George School teachers do (last week, a student rose just to thank the teacher he’d never met before who drove him to the ER, for taking the time to be with him when he was injured), our students regularly display an attitude of thanks-giving.

It is this ability to feel and express gratitude, I believe, that provides the foundation for the generosity of spirit that enables our students to confront the challenges of service, to respond openly and respectfully when their opinions or beliefs clash with those of others, and to feel confident making a difference in the world.

The stories that you will read in this edition of Perspectives I hope will give you confidence that George School continues to instill attitudes of generosity and gratitude, and make you feel as grateful as they do me to be associated with such a wonderful school.

Head of School

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Perspectives

Teaching Generosity Those who are open-eyed are open minded.

Those who are open-minded are open-hearted. ­— Lao Tzu

BY ANDREA LEHMAN

Spiritual Practices is based on the book Essential Spirituality by Roger Walsh. It focuses on seven practices common to the world’s religions, and the “From the time students come on this campus, course in turn uses them as its seven units. The first generosity and service are in the air they breathe,” says teacher Carolyn Lyday. Generosity is “modeled six are: “Transforming Motivation,” “Cultivating Emotional Wisdom,” “Living Ethically,” “Rest in for them not just by adults but by older students,” Peace” (concentration and calm), “Awakening and incoming students “see service all around them, in addition to knowing they will take part in Spiritual Vision” (mindfulness), and “Cultivating Spiritual Intelligence.” The seventh unit is an in-depth service project as juniors and seniors.”

“Expressing Spirit in Action: Generosity and the Joy

But George School is not content merely to of Service,” which Carolyn and other theologians create an environment filled with examples of regard “as the highest practice, what all the other generosity and opportunities for service. In recent years, the school has refined its curriculum to teach practices prepare you for.”

For each homework assignment in her class, these concepts intentionally, notably through the students choose an exercise to get them to examine course Spiritual Practices. their attitudes. They then write reflections describ The groundwork for this sophomore term ing how they went about the exercise, their expericourse, taught by Carolyn and her Religion Department colleagues, is laid in the freshman year. ence of it, and what they discovered about themselves. As they move through the term, students Intertwining school-based service (“Shift” in the become more honest and more aware. dining room) with reflection on the Quaker testi Aspects of generosity, kindness, and commony of service, fall term’s Essentials of a Friends passion are woven throughout. In “Cultivating Community (EFC) provides the integration of Emotional Wisdom,” students are encouraged to service with instruction and reflection that is emblematic of service learning. Following this class identify feelings of fear and anger—barriers to generosity—and how they resolve them. As part of are two terms of Faith Traditions, a course which explores the world’s major religions and their com- “Living Ethically,” students can opt to spend a day being aware of the small kindnesses they do for othmon threads, such as service and kindness. ers.

For the last unit (generosity and service), they

Just as EFC enhances the service experience by combining classroom activities with experiential can perform an activity they do every day, such as Shift, in the spirit of service. Or they can experience learning, so Spiritual Practices brings topics such helper’s high by giving to someone anonymously as generosity and service into the realm of courseand then examining the recipient’s delight and how work to encourage examination of their role in it makes them feel. students’ lives.

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BRUCE WELLER

PERSPECTIVES

TEACHER CAROLYN LYDAY says George School students “see service all around them.”

It’s easy to lose sight of the effects of actions, positive and negative, especially for teens. Spiritual Practices strives to get them to recognize that even small changes—and efforts—make a difference, and that they have a choice about what motivates them and how they approach what they do.

Carolyn describes the course as helping students “discover what they can about how their mind and heart work. It encourages them to be intentional about participating in their own maturation process. They can cultivate certain qualities that they like and are given the tools to accomplish that. I like to think of it as a personal empowerment course.” Michael LoStracco, who also teaches the course, writes in his syllabus: “My hope is that through earnest inward reflection and work with others, you will come to a better understanding of yourself and your place in the world.”

As appropriate for an open-minded and openended course, students take different things from it. Kate Begley ’16 feels, “I have changed in many ways because of Spiritual Practices. I learned to look inward and truly examine myself. I feel more confident and sure of who I am and what I believe in. Spiritual Practices helped me to see the qualities that I appreciate in myself and the ones that I want to change.”

Morgan Kaplan ’16 has a different view: “It didn’t change my opinions or actions, but my thinking did change. The class was very helpful in teaching different points of view and relaxation techniques, but it didn’t change the way I act or

speak. It was a reaffirming class that pushed me to think about the same things but with different questions.”

These varied perspectives point to the course’s strengths—that each student experiences it differently and that small steps matter. Carolyn says, “I look at what we do in the true sense of education: drawing out what’s already within students, helping the seed to blossom, and helping something already blossoming to become more fruitful. We see the results in the quality of student life here and the leadership so many of our juniors and seniors offer.

When we take them on service trips, we see the capacity that they have developed to be caring and considerate of others, to support their peers, to be attentive to the needs of others even across cultural barriers. They have a sense of their own resources.

We develop a community that can act. They may know that they alone can’t solve a big problem, like climate change or hunger or Ebola, but they recognize that they can participate in solving it.

Small things remind us that we have the power to make a difference.”

Of course it is not Spiritual Practices by itself that makes such a big difference, but rather the cumulative effect of a course, its students, faculty, staff, and a school environment where kindness, compassion, generosity, and service are taught, demonstrated, and embraced.

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GEORGE SCHOOL ALUMNI Laura Hopps ’03, Ross Hollister ’03, and Ayo Roach ’89 help make a difference.

Perspectives

Making a Career of Philanthropy and Generosity

BY LAURA LAVALLEE Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines philanthropy as “the quality or state of being generous.” Altruism is a synonym as are service, humanitarianism, selflessness, and benevolence. At their core, all these words refer to acts of kindness and generosity that aim to serve the greater good, and they all relate back to the Quaker testimonies of peace, equality, and community that are fostered at George School.

It comes as no surprise that there are many George School alumni around the globe who are working to effect change in disenfranchised communities, to bring peace to those embroiled in war, to be the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves, and to positively impact the world around them. Laura Hopps ’03, Ross Hollister ’03, and Ayo Roach ’89 are just three of those alumni.

After earning a degree in English and international studies from Boston College (BC) and a master’s degree from Harvard Divinity School, Laura set out to make a difference in the Nicaraguan capital of Managua. She felt compelled to return to the place where she had spent two years volunteering between her time at BC and Harvard.

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Laura was offered the role of country director for ProNica, a Quaker organization founded to provide support for, and work alongside, local organizations in Nicaragua.

ProNica began during the Contra War as a way for Quakers to peacefully display resistance to US involvement in Nicaragua.

“In the beginning Friends began sending medical and other supplies to the Nicaraguans,” shared Laura during a recent Skype interview. “After more than forty years of dictatorship in Nicaragua, St. Petersburg Yearly Meeting founded ProNica to support Nicaraguan efforts to build a new society.

When the US-backed war ended, the organization began supporting grass roots organizations instead of sending medical supplies,” a practice the organization still follows today.

“The language I use to describe my work here is solidarity which has a horizontal connotation as opposed to service which can have a top down effect,” said Laura. “I’m here supporting good initiatives, but I’m also [historically] part of the problem—my country has caused a lot of the things we see today as issues in Nicaragua.”

PERSPECTIVES

Many George School alumni around the globe are working to effect change in disenfranchised communities, to bring peace to those embroiled in war, to be the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves, and to positively impact the world around them.

Through ProNica Laura has had the opportunity to support a number of local organizations, most of which work to help educate and empower women by countering sexism and machismo, working with high risk children, supporting female farmers, and providing free health clinics that offer cervical cancer screenings and pre- and post-natal care for teenage mothers.

“George School was very much influential in shaping me to be a person who is aware of social, environmental, and social justice issues,” she said.

“And George School infused me spiritually as well.

I never took a Quakerism class while I was at George School but I learned about Quakerism experientially because I saw values like integrity, community, equity, stewardship, and peace in action in the community. Breaking down hierarchies through co-op by working alongside staff members impacted me and made me want to spend my life trying to help and make things a little bit better.”

Ross, a fellow Class of 2003 graduate, also found himself working for an international humanitarian and developmental aid organization—his located in Afghanistan. As a country director for People in Need, Ross can attribute experiences he had at George School to giving him his start in humanitarian efforts.

“I participated in a George School service project that traveled to Vietnam,” he shared. “It was my first exposure to the developing world and it piqued my interest. Now I’ve been in one developing world context or another basically ever since.

“George School is particularly effective at instilling a civic or moral duty to serve. From meeting for worship to Quakerism class to Theory of Knowledge and service trips, plus the exposure to

faculty, staff, and teachers, all of that combined can shape a person’s world view in really significant ways. I only attended for two years but I can credit George School with a fairly massive transformation in my orientation and the way I was thinking.”

During the course of his budding career, Ross’ work has brought him to Vietnam, Central Africa, Haiti, and finally Afghanistan. Each experience taught him a bit more about philanthropy.

“Philanthropy takes different forms. I think the higher you go in nonprofits, the less time you spend with the people you are meant to be serving which is unfortunate but it doesn’t make the work any less important,” said Ross. “Without fundraising, the work is impossible. The person who is in a fundraising meeting in Kabul is just as important as someone who is handing out relief kits in some remote district after a flood.”

Being in Afghanistan offers its own unique set of challenges for someone in the nonprofit sector and continuing the work requires an ability to look at the bigger picture.

“Making sure donors don’t forget Afghanistan is one of the biggest challenges,” said Ross.

“Afghanistan is fading from the interest of the West and we’re definitely feeling the shift in focus back to Iraq and Syria. There is a mentality that we’ve ‘won the war’ and we no longer need to support the people here.”

“Thirty-five years of accumulated conflict and massive poverty have caused unquantifiable suffering on a daily basis. But we are swimming against the current and I know that our work is making a difference between life and death for certain people.”

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“ I have always had a desire to connect, learn, show compassion, and give back in a meaningful way. While I didn’t always know what form that would take in my professional life.

Today, I am fortunate to be working in philanthropy, which I would describe as having an awareness of, or an openness to, learning about the communities in which we live and how best to support them.”

The work of Ayo Roach ’89 is most closely aligned to the colloquial definition of philanthropy. At the Program Office of the David Rockefeller Fund, Ayo is responsible for managing the Fund’s art, criminal justice, and environmental grants portfolio. In addition, she works on David Rockefeller’s personal charitable giving.

“I have always had a desire to connect, learn, show compassion, and give back in a meaningful way,” said Ayo. “While I didn’t always know what form that would take in my professional life. Today, I am fortunate to be working in philanthropy, which I would describe as having an awareness of, or an openness to, learning about the communities in which we live and how best to support them.”

Ayo’s work has an impact throughout the Northeast as the Fund oversees grants programs throughout New York State and Maine.

“I enjoy connecting with people and learning about worthwhile efforts to strengthen communities,” continued Ayo as she described her work.

“In my day-to-day life, I enjoy program development, strategy, and thinking about an organization’s short and long-term goals. The hardest part has been learning to say no, which unfortunately, I have become very good at. That said, if it is determined that a program idea is not a good fit, I am always open to giving feedback on why and if I can recommend other resources, I will. I also try to explain that we are only one funding entity with limited resources and that not being a good fit is not a condemnation of an idea or worthy effort.”

For Ayo her introduction to philanthropic work came from early experiences with her family. As a child she remembers many evenings spent debating the important issues of the day with intellectuals,

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artists, and educators during family gatherings.

“It was an exciting and sometimes intense way to grow up but it helped to shape my interest in the world around me.”

Later, as a student at George School she recalls that the school took very seriously “its commitment to nurture students in a thoughtful and engaged way.

“It never felt forced, it was strategically interwoven into the very fabric of our daily lives. We had the opportunity to learn about human and civil rights and I can remember well a number of poignant experiences that helped me to establish a point of view about social change that still exists to this day.”

Ayo remembers several aspects that had a particular impact on her adolescent mind such as a reenactment that brought together the whole community—students, faculty, and administrators alike—to learn about what it was like to live in an apartheid society. Other memorable experiences include a visit from Elie Weisel, a Holocaust survivor and human rights activist who spoke during an assembly, and service trips to the West Bank and Gaza. “Without a doubt, my earliest exposure to important issues of the day having to do with inequality and injustice happened at George School.”

As the school nears its 125th anniversary, the values of service and peace continue to be intrinsic to the George School experience. For each of these alumni the desire to serve others through altruism remains strong, both in their personal and professional lives. They and many other alumni across the globe, continue to find ways to “let their lives speak.”

PERSPECTIVES

LESLE Y BOURNS ’94

Does philanthropy or service play a role in your life?

I’ve spent most of my career working for nonprofit organizations and I’ve been involved in some sort of human rights or humanitarian work the whole time. I started out working for a few small grass roots organizations who were doing human rights work, specifically for women, in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. That was really my introduction to how to think about partnering with people to solve problems. I’m motivated in part by giving back but I’m also compelled by my curiosity about the world and the relationships I have with the smart people that I work with.

Did courses, teachers, or other experiences at George School influence your view of philanthropy and generosity?

As a member of the basketball team I had the opportunity to participate in an exchange program with a Cuban basketball team. We went to Havana and played games with them and saw how they were living. As a high school student, that gave me huge insight into how differently people are living their lives and what it means to be a global citizen. It really piqued my interest in those things. That introduction to how to view the world was really critical to how I still engage with peers who are different from me.

How has your perspective changed over the years?

I now have two young children and that’s made my perspective much more localized. Before they were born I was engaged globally and traveling a lot and thinking about challenges at that level. Now that they are growing up I’m thinking more about the world that they will inherit so I’m doing philanthropy at that level—volunteering at the school, thinking about how the playgrounds are taking shape, and seeing if the neighborhoods are safe.

Lesley is a humanitarian affairs officer in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at the United Nations. A graduate of Vassar College and the School for International Training, Lesley holds a BA in Sociology and an MIA in Human Rights from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. During the course of her career Lesley has worked for the Horn of Africa, the International Center for Transitional Justice, and the Mercy Corps. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children.

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MICHELLE RUESS

Perspectives

BAUM HARRIS ’52, talked with Nancy Starmer about the importance of scholarship funds during his last visit to campus.

Helping Others: An Entrepreneur Gives Back

BY ANDREA LEHMAN The philanthropic efforts of J. Baum Harris ’52, largely on behalf of disadvantaged children, now extend to George School. Though the seeds of his generosity were cultivated somewhat at his alma mater—he was impressed by the faculty’s volunteerism—they were sown well beforehand in his childhood. “It was intrinsic,” he says. “You helped other people.”

Baum grew up in an average American family. His father, a doctor, specialized in the diseases of coal miners, hardly a lucrative field. “During the Great Depression and World War II, nobody made money,” Baum remembers. “The miners paid $1 a month for their care if they were single and more if they had a family. They paid in bread, eggs, you name it, but regardless of getting paid, my father always took care of his patients.” Meanwhile, Baum’s mother worked for the Works Progress

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Administration (WPA) and with the American Red Cross during the war. When his parents moved to West Virginia in 1947, they sent Baum to live with his uncle in Philadelphia, from which he went to George School. He recalls getting into trouble but also learning a lot, especially good study habits.

“George School was so advanced.”

Fast forward several years (and Baum really did move forward fast!). Leaving Cornell after a year, he was drafted and stationed in Chicago. “I went to the University of Chicago and told them I went to George School and did pretty well. I took the entrance test and passed out of almost all the college courses.” He was accepted to the business school as an undergraduate and graduate student simultaneously. “I had to take only four college courses. I read books, took exams, and got my master’s.”

Next, Baum went to Europe for what he thought would be three weeks and stayed for three years. There he found that he could buy Volkswagen

PERSPECTIVES

“ T he Baum Harris Scholarship is especially exciting because it will provide a student who qualifies for full aid with tuition, room, and board, and also with funding for incidentals such as books, field trip fees, and transportation if the student lives a distance away.”

Beetles and sell them for a profit in the United States, where demand was high but supply low.

An entrepreneur was born.

Over the years Baum has owned a series of businesses. He is adept at taking struggling companies and turning them into viable endeavors. For twenty-six years he built Tax Resources, which handles 22,000 to 23,000 tax audits annually, and until recently was its chairman. He sold most of his stock back to the employees. Today, as a “retiree,” he has bought one last turnaround (a small aerospace company), plays a lot of bridge, and uses his bounty to help those in need.

Baum, who has always given what he could to causes, recently became more involved helping homeless children in Long Beach, California. “I had no idea how bad it was,” shared Baum.

Baum knew Long Beach to be a diverse city and the world’s busiest cargo port, but he learned that it also had several thousand homeless students in the school system, including a high school valedictorian. Working with the school board, Baum has helped underwrite school supplies, summer camp, and college scholarships. He also funds initiatives for the homeless from meals to holiday toys.

In addition, he endowed an economics chair at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Though he had lost touch with George School, Baum was reconnected thanks to a classmate who Googled him for their 50th reunion. He visited last year, and this year he funded a scholarship that provides four years of education at George School to a qualified student.

“The Baum Harris Scholarship is especially exciting because it will provide a student who qualifies for full aid with tuition, room, and board, and also with funding for incidentals such as books, field trip fees, and transportation if the student lives a distance away,” explains Head of School Nancy Starmer.

“These expenses add up very quickly and can be a real strain for some families. I am enormously grateful to Baum, and I know the recipient and his family are as well.”

Baum was happy to discover that George School offers so much financial support for students in need. “I’m very impressed that 40 to 50 percent of students receive some kind of financial aid. Now it’s a rainbow and it’s working.” Nancy agrees, adding “Our commitment to accessibility—to making a George School education available to students across all socioeconomic groups—and to diversity, so that our students can learn from and with others from vastly different backgrounds, are hallmarks of the school today, reflecting both our Quaker mission and our understanding of the world that our students are growing into.”

According to Baum, he enjoys remedying that by providing “a scholarship for someone who is smart who wouldn’t have a chance otherwise.”

Baum feels he is in a great position to do what his family did—help other people—and he is continuing their legacy. The fruits of the seeds he is sowing now will be enjoyed for years by George School students.

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ART FOR RELIEF 2015 student

TESSA BAILEY-FINDLEY

leaders are Shanti Lerner ’15, Katie McDonough ’15, and Lauren Silverman ’15. The club has chosen to support the city of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program this year.

Perspectives

Art for Relief:

A Tradition of Community Philanthropy

BY LAURA LAVALLEE In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. The storm ravaged the coast leaving destruction in its wake and earning a ranking as the single most catastrophic natural disaster in United States history. The storm left physical marks on the southern coast of the United States and invisible scarring on the hearts and minds of people across the country.

“We were feeling really helpless after Hurricane Katrina,” shared Meredith Zoltick ’07.

“We had a displaced student join our class and we started talking about whether we could do something, and if so, what we could do.”

As Meredith and her friends, Nora Minno ’07 and Trisha Hibbs ’07 talked during the aftermath of the storm, the ideals of Quakerism that are instilled in students at George School prompted them to take action. And so, Art for Relief was born.

“It was the first big natural disaster of our generation where we were old enough to know what was going on. I wanted to do something to support relief efforts and George School has such an awesome art community,” remarked Nora, the mastermind behind the whole event according to Trisha and Meredith.

“We all came together and brainstormed and came up with the idea of the silent auction and art show. We wanted to bring together dancers, singers,

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poets, and artists to help raise money. At the time there weren’t really any events to tie together art and philanthropy at George School,” shared Nora.

“We had lots of faculty and community support and we had such a great turnout. We raised so much money that first year.

“It all goes back to community. I couldn’t have done this on my own—and Trisha, Meredith and I couldn’t have done this on our own—we had lots of people helping us.”

“In that first year it was all trial and error,” continued Nora. “I remember printing the brochures and labels on my home computer and soliciting donations from stores in Newtown for the silent auction and the art show.”

The event was a success, raising several thousand dollars in donations that were sent immediately to Habitat for Humanity to aid in relief efforts.

“I learned two important things from the event. First, what a small community can do if they put their minds to doing something,” said Meredith.

“And second, no matter how much money you raise, it is more money than you had before.”

During the first two years of Art for Relief Nora, Meredith, and Trisha raised more than $13,000 with the help of faculty sponsor Rachel Fumia.

PERSPECTIVES

LEF T AND CENTER: JOJO DAS ’13

CALEB SAVAGE ’11

STUDENTS PERFORM FOR ART FOR RELIEF Ayushi Kokroo ’15 performed a classical Indian dance called Bharatanatyam, Jon Epstein ’13 sang during Art for Relief, and Sandy Chen ’11 delighted the audience with her musical performance.

After the event, “it wasn’t a feeling of ‘look at me I did this great thing,’” said Nora. “It was ‘these things are possible.’ You can have an idea and make it come to life and do something to help. That’s a lesson—you are able to accomplish things. It was very empowering.”

After the second year, Nora, Meredith, and Trisha graduated and passed the torch on to a new set of students—and the tradition has continued each year since, raising thousands of dollars for a broad spectrum of charitable organizations including Free the Children, the Philly Youth Poetry Movement, Philabundance, the Schonstedt Instrument Company, and charity: water.

“Taking pride in service is a big part of what I learned at GS,” said Nora. “Being humble and being of service to someone else shouldn’t be prideful.

Recognizing that service is something really appreciated—not looked down upon, was important.”

“Through our work I learned that individual donations are important and wonderful but having ongoing community support for efforts around the world is amazing,” said Meredith. “George School is really special because the tradition has continued—and students are doing the work to bring the event to fruition annually. I didn’t realize when we set out that we would do it more than once or how big it would become.”

“If you plant seeds—small seeds for change— and you plant them deeply and give them the nutrients and tools they need to grow, over time it will make a big impact,” shared Nora. “The first year

we may have raised only a few thousand dollars but when you look at those smaller amounts cumulatively over time, the event is making a big impact across a number of organizations.

“Our generation thinks everything needs to have a big impact immediately but small things over time can have a huge impact—it’s not about a million views on YouTube.”

Through the years the seeds have continued to thrive and grow and this spring the tenth annual Art for Relief will take place. This year, in addition to the silent auction and performance Art for Relief will be collecting old, unwanted art supplies to donate to the chosen charity—the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program.

“For me, it’s an opportunity to use art— which has played a role in my life at George School—to give back to the community,” shared Katie McDonough ’15, one of the leaders of Art for Relief this year. “As an individual I can’t make a big impact on a charity so having a club that raises money for a charity is really great.

“Art for Relief gives artists—both performing and visual—a way to give back using their art and that is really awesome.”

Several years ago, in a 2012 interview about Art for Relief, Bryan Silverman ’12 shared his hope for the future—that Art for Relief would continue to accomplish its mission of spreading empathy, compassion, and awareness for the global community through service. This year it is doing just that for the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program.

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Perspectives

eQuiz Highlights The August eQuiz asked alumni to share their thoughts and experiences on generosity of spirit and philanthropy.

More than 93 percent of our respondents said that service or philanthropy played a role in their lives. Many alumni give time to a soup kitchen or money to a food bank. Some work at charter schools or paint murals on buildings to brighten their neighborhoods. Our community members also show generosity when they donate funds to organizations that work to change the quality of life for a single mother or to change the future for veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

More than 85 percent said George School had an impact on their personal attitude towards philanthropy. Generosity is abundant at George School. It is seen in the student who volunteers to carry books for an injured classmate, the dining hall worker who takes a moment to brighten someone’s day, and the faculty and staff members who prepare and deliver meals to others during difficult times.

Some of the responses to the eQuiz are highlighted here.

1961 | Karen Johnson Generosity of spirit is a main ingredient to bringing peace to the world. My prayer each morning is this: praise be to God, our home—the planet earth— is treated with loving respect by all peoples, the world’s people all live in abundance and harmony with all their needs being met, world and local leaders act with wisdom and integrity for the good of all mankind!

1961 | Margaret Uehlein Suby-Dorney Doing service is something that was cultivated during my years at George School. Helping others through acts or donations remains central to my life.

1948 | Richard Stephenson

1962 | Susan Baerwald Philanthropy and service are essential to the development of character. Helping others is a basic human instinct that should be cultivated in every philosophy, religion, school, and organization.

Above all, in the family.

Every time I enjoy a visit to a museum, go to a concert, take pleasure in land and scenery that’s been preserved or conserved—and certainly when I went to George School and college—I’m benefitting from what someone else did to create and preserve those things.

1962 | Thomas Nichols It will only be possible for humanity to survive into the foreseeable future, if at least the majority of humans grasp the necessity of service and philanthropy to all humans.

Importance of Service

1956 | Werner Muller To remind ourselves and others that, war is not the way, that our survival as a human race, or as a family is dependent upon respect, self-control, cooperation, humility in the face of natural geologic forces, recognizing that overpopulation will be all consuming (our demise as human beings ) with declining resources for meeting basic needs, like food, shelter, water, security and unconditional love.

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1956 | Carolyn Buckman Hennige Service to others is what completes our lives. If we live only for ourselves we don’t learn to give to, or appreciate, others and how they impact our lives.

My family encouraged participation in organizations whose purpose was to better the lives of others. We didn’t have goods to give but we could make a difference in the lives of others by sharing our time or talents.

1964 | Kathryn McCreary The great kindness of the teachers at George School reaffirmed my belief that people, even strangers, are able to understand and support one another if they take time to really notice one another.

1965 | Don Miller Without service and philanthropy there is little meaning in what we all are doing here. Remember.

PERSPECTIVES

When you have lived your life to the fullest, you must have given of yourself for the betterment of others less fortunate.

Alumni Profile: Derric Landor ’77

1967 | Marina Urquidi The prognosis for the world looks dire, and if anything will save us as a species it will be, in my opinion, our capacity to connect and share for the greater interest.

1971 | Susan Woodman Hoskins It is important to understand that “philanthropy” does not start at a million dollars. Philanthropy can be giving $25 every year for a decade or more.

Philanthropy may also include giving time, or making good works possible through other means like providing space for a group to work, or making connections between people who need something and the people who can meet that need.

1972 | Andrew Rivinus The problem with the world is not that there aren’t enough resources. The problem is that the resources are not evenly or fairly distributed. For those of us who have been more fortunate than others and have received or worked for a greater share of those resources, we need to redistribute some of those resources to others who have not been as fortunate as we have been. That redistribution isn’t just about money. It can also be about time and talent.

1976 | Dorothy Hesselman Bohr It is very important that people volunteer in various capacities to help improve their communities.

Such involvement brings one in contact with a wide range of people in the community and increases awareness of activities, events, and politics. A community thrives on the involvement of its members and needs both their financial and physical support to keep costs down and improvements growing.

1978 | Marta Ernst It is important to give back to the community you live in and the world. Everyone receives support in their life that makes monumental differences in their journey. I was blessed with scholarships to Buckingham Friends School and George School and give back when I am able. Education does not end with degrees, rather with a life-long process which embodies Quakerism.

What is your personal approach to philanthropy and service?

Balancing our work and family lives, we should all devote ourselves to caring and thinking about others, especially those less fortunate. For those who have been recipients, there is a motivation not just to give back generally, but also to help those in need with the gift they themselves received. It’s something I believe strongly in and aim to do more of as I get older.

Why are philanthropy and service important?

They remind us of the inequalities in life, to respect those in need, and to appreciate those with lesser needs who, with kindness and care, help those less privileged.

Did courses, teachers, or other experiences at George School influence your view of philanthropy and generosity?

Generosity comes in so many ways. The teachers at George School are advocates of generosity because they do more than just teach. They give of themselves. As advisors and stimulators, they provide emotional as well as academic support, caring about students as young developing adults and showing enthusiasm for their well-being.

Derric is a business developer of creative imaging products, including an adhesive fabric, and protective coatings for fine art printing applications. He and his family recently relocated from the United Kingdom to Newtown, PA so son Elliott ’18 could attend George School as a day student while Derric continues to work on both sides of the Atlantic.

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1982 | Danielle Walker Palmour Alumni Profile: Melicia Escobar ’96

Service is an expression of our engagement in society and with other humans. There is always need and those with the capacity to address it have a moral obligation to do so.

1984 | Katie Bruton I firmly believe that everyone should give back and be involved in their communities. I also think that it should be a requirement in all schools as part of the curriculum. Service learning is a meaningful way to introduce hands-on volunteerism.

Does philanthropy or service play a role in your life?

I work in midwifery/health care. I serve many women who are underinsured and strive to give them a meaningful and dignified birth experience. I also give to charitable organizations and serve on the boards of nongovernmental organizations on a volunteer basis.

What is your personal approach to giving and service?

So many people and organizations, George School included, have been generous to me. We give to things we care about and feel invested in. Giving back respects and honors the community that has supported me as well as keeps hope alive for a healthier, more peaceful future.

Did courses, teachers, or other experiences at George School influence your view of philanthropy?

The idea of giving back to my community really came to light at George School, especially through my service learning trips and the school’s financial aid program. I recognized my part in the whole.

Melicia is currently practicing midwifery in the Philadelphia area and is a member of the faculty in Georgetown University’s Nurse Midwifery/Women’s Health NP Program. Melicia has a BA from Haverford College where she studied anthropology, a BSN from Georgetown University, and an MSN in women’s health and midwifery from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband (Eric), daughters (Mona and baby Opal), and dog (Millie).

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1988 | Debbie Wong I believe it is important to serve in whatever capacity you can. For some people, financial support is how they want to contribute. For other people, it is a weekly commitment to an organization. For others it is helping one person on a one-time basis.

It is the generosity from your heart that is most important.

2000 | Megan Bret t I believe it is important to give back to the national and local community. I try to support efforts which will help other people have the same amazing opportunities I have. I also believe that in order to be part of a community you have to work in it, so I try to help out in my town.

2007 | Jane Sancinito We live in a state that increasingly seems to begrudge those who have less of even the most basic necessities. If individuals do not pick up the slack, no one will.

2009 | Brynnah McFarland Giving back to the world not only brings joy to your life but it also helps others and that service leads to a better world. Complaining about the world in which we all live does nothing, but action leads to the development of a world we can take pride in. Because service makes the world better.

I have a service dog and he saves my life selflessly helping me.

2011 | Sarah Rainey It’s through kindness that we learn kindness. Many people have given freely to me and I have experienced those rewards. I want to give that gift to others.

PERSPECTIVES

Philosophies and Beliefs about Philanthropy Alumni Profile: Kate Smith ’77 1948 | Charles Smedley I have made a firm rule to never give to any solicitations thus relieving myself of the problem of deciding if the request is good, bad, or indifferent.

1952 | Anne Harris There are so many people in need. I feel that anything anyone does to help others is important. I like this saying that I once saw on a church billboard: “Not what we gain, but what we give, measures the worth of the life we live.”

1955 | Richard Clement We must take care of each other in this world.

1958 | Martha Haines It’s been a way of life as long as I can remember.

My father, J. Frederic Scull, who served on the George School Committee years ago, practiced generosity and service as long as I can remember.

My mother, Ella Scull, did as well, but she did not involve me in her projects as much as my father involved me in his.

1962 | Douglas Maass My father always thought that the religious idea of a “tithe” was a proper proportion of one’s income to give to charitable causes. I’ve never quite managed a full tenth, but I’ve always kept his goal in mind. I have tried to follow his example of service and philanthropy.

1963 | Lucinda Sharp Gates Recognizing the Inner Light is part of the learning, but sometimes that needs to be followed with time, energy, or money to help someone on their way.

1965 | Judy Winter Walker My parents taught me to share and to care for those who were less fortunate. Whether it was putting my money in the offering plate at Sunday School or serving at a camp or now serving the homeless.

Does philanthropy or service play a role in your life?

Yes. I have taught in the Philadelphia school system for the last seventeen years, many of them working with the most economically disadvantaged kids. I often spent summers tutoring kids from North Philadelphia to help them improve their skills and prepare for college or job training, and I still mentor several students. I have always volunteered my time, in college and during my working life. In college I worked with boys assigned to group homes by the Boston courts. I lend support to veterans’ groups, and I donate to projects at the school where I teach as well as to organizations that service my local community.

What is your personal approach to giving and service?

People have responsibilities to help the less fortunate.

Life is far more rewarding when a good part of it is spent in collaborative service. Communities are as strong as the commitment of their members. As members of communities, we should feel obliged to participate, both in terms of time and financial assistance (if possible) to preserve, improve, and promote the overall health of our communities, be they global or local in nature.

Did courses, teachers, or other experiences at George School influence your view of philanthropy?

Fran Bradley (ffac) taught me to think about how my actions and participation in the world can make a difference or have influence. At George School there was a strong emphasis on developing character and integrity through taking on social and community responsibilities, and that has resonated with me throughout my life.

1966 | Jane Heider Giving is a way of “getting what we want” with the assets we have. I would never give to an organization or person I did not personally believe in, out of a sense of duty or guilt. But once we have the physical necessities for a comfortable life (and this varies—some people need more ‘toys” than others,

A mother of two, Kate lives in Center City Philadelphia and teaches math at Philadelphia’s Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School. Her interests include watching Masterpiece Mystery, swimming, reading, and traveling whenever possible.

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that’s their choice), it is natural for a person to look for ways to promote his idea of a good world— whether that is computers for poor kids, a bigger baseball stadium, or flowers at City Hall. It is especially important today not to relax into the idea that “government will take care of it” because the organizations and people that jump through the bureaucratic hoops to get government aid are not necessarily the ones that I would want to help.

1968 | Amy Tabor There are always those less fortunate than I and I have always believed in lending a helping hand.

I believe that every person has a skill that can be helpful to someone else.

1969 | Deborah Smith Hilke Philanthropy in my life is not some set of golden threads crisscrossing and connecting my life.

Rather, philanthropy is closer kin to a simple, sturdy loom that I have built and renewed over the years (my values), as well as the designs I have chosen to express on that loom (my commitments), and the history of relationships, acts, and reactions that emerge as each day or year presents itself, and another inch of my life’s tapestry is woven.

1969 | Lisa Garrison I believe in partnership building, the value of empowering others and the fact that acts of kindness generate ripple effects. I believe that “the gift is to the giver” (Walt Whitman). I try to avoid the kind of “charitable giving” that raises the giver’s status, and undermines the self-reliance or selfworth of the recipient.

1971 | Frank Jarret t I find there is no greater thing than knowing you have helped someone.

1973 | John Hoffman I’ve dedicated my life’s work to issues surrounding educational equality and social justice. I work hard to help intellectually gifted students from the lowest income backgrounds achieve the American Dream via receiving a first-class education.

1975 | Elizabeth Waddington Saciolo I fully believe that caring about everything around us (people, environment, pets, etc.) is what sets us apart from the evil in this world.

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1976 | Ronald Bingham Do the best you can. We must be leaders and rally others to be leaders as well.

1977 | Karen Taylor Gallagher I believe that I have a moral obligation to provide service and pass on some of the gifts that I have received in my life. There are, however, secondary gains from service, I always get more out of it than I give. It helps keep my life in perspective, and helps me to be ever grateful for what I do have.

1986 | Kirby Rosenbluth The feeling of “paying it forward” is an important part of my personal belief.

1988 | Kevin Raff Give what you can when you can, do what you can when you can.

1988 | Tamara Harper I believe that the more you give, the more is given to you. I enjoying giving of my time, money and talents!

1991 | Winter Miller Do it when and where I can, in small or great gestures and do not compare myself to others who give more or less. We all do what we can, and kindness in itself is a great service. The fact that we all worked “Shift” whether or not we received financial aid was a great equalizer, because I did receive aid, but it was nice not to have to wear it like a badge. And, Shift was often fun, and I enjoyed thinking that by my doing this, I was both giving back something and helping others. I always appreciated George School’s service ethic.

1993 | Shawna Grimm Lyons Service is a high part of our lives. We spend time as a family working to make the lives of others better. Service to others and causes that are near to our hearts have helped us to teach our children to love and respect the world in which we live.

2010 | Marguerite Horikawa I feel less than when I am not helping others.

FEATURES

GEORGE SCHOOL

COURTESY OF ILE ABE TH AYAL A

students helped in the major reconstruction of a church in Holguin.

A Church Under Construction: George School’s Service Project in Cuba

BY EMMA STIEGLITZ ’05 “Begin where you are.”

These are the words of the twentieth century Quaker educator Thomas R. Kelly, spoken at Philadelphia’s Arch Street Meeting House in his 1939 lecture about opening one’s life to the possibilities of faith. “Begin where you are. Live this present moment, this present hour as you now sit in your seats.”

These same words guided a Sunday morning youth discussion in a dimly lit Holguín classroom in June 2014 during George School’s seventh service project to Cuba.

That those words were repeated to a room of Cubans and Americans, students, teachers, pastors, communists, capitalists, and everyone in between, is a testament to what can be accomplished when one resolves to build bridges where none existed, to doggedly pursue peace and to combat injustice.

Twelve George School students and three faculty members traveled to Holguín over the summer to be of service to our Quaker friends

in Cuba. During the trip, the students played volleyball with young Cubans, painted two Quaker churches, squeezed sugar water straight from the cane, painted an orphanage and befriended the children who lived there, broke bread with Cuban families, cleared rubble from a state-run home for the elderly, debated the World Cup with our hosts, and mixed concrete in the Caribbean sun to create a new roof for the Holguín church that was their home for two weeks.

The church in Holguín is more than a sanctuary. It’s a home with a bustling kitchen, several simple bedrooms, den and dining areas, a backyard, and classrooms. It’s also a construction zone, with sand and rocks piled high and rebar sticking out of unfinished ceilings. Materials are hard to come by in Cuba. When asked how long the construction would take, church member and builder José Dorrego Quevedo, responded, “decades.”

Yet even with so little the church leaders have big plans to build a second floor with new showers and dormitories. Despite the considerable challenge

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MEMBERS OF THE CUBA SERVICE TRIP enjoyed a trip to the Quaker community of Gibara (left). George School students visited a community orphanage. Here, Emily Rucker ’15 and Marialis displayed their watercolor paintings which they exchanged as keepsakes. (right).

posed by everyday economic deprivation, there is palpable faith within the community that the project will be completed. Their long-term vision of progress in the face of obstacles gave deeper meaning to the lesson, “begin where you are.”

Embracing the seemingly impossible task of constructing the church in Holguín is an apt metaphor for the creation and continuation of George School’s service program to Cuba. To appreciate the significance of George School’s relationship to the community of Friends in Cuba, one has to understand the severity of the United States’ embargo.

Started in 1961 under President Eisenhower, the embargo blocks Cuba’s access to US markets, goods, and dollars, prohibits most travel to Cuba by American citizens, and inhibits Cuba’s trade with other countries.

Long-time George School history and economics teacher Fran Bradley repeatedly and publicly challenged the embargo, using every loophole to forge a relationship with Cuba’s Quakers.

Since 1982, Fran has organized seven service projects, five sports exchanges, ten George School faculty visits to Cuba, and eighteen visits by Cubans to George School. Over the years he enabled three Cuban students to study at George School through the Bienvenido scholarship—one of whom is a current student, Roxana Gonzalez ’16.

The friendship between the Quaker community in Holguín and George School began as a series of handwritten letters from Fran to the Instituto

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Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos (ICAP).

Fran explained his strategy, “It got ICAP and the Quakers working together to organize our visit.

There were not a whole lot of North Americans visiting, and it was unusual for the government to be working with a church group. But it worked because of the openness with which we organized everything.”

While he gained the trust of Cuban institutions, Fran challenged the embargo at the highest levels of the US government.

When new restrictions imposed by the Reagan Administration jeopardized George School’s 1982 service trip, Fran applied for a license that would enable the group to legally spend money in Cuba. The US Treasury Department denied the application, so Fran joined a lawsuit challenging the restrictions. The case went to the US Supreme Court. The Court backed the Treasury Department, and Fran called in the help of a Federal judge, whose temporary restraining order allowed George School’s first group of students to travel to Havana.

One year later, George School was again denied a license for travel to Cuba. Fran spotted a loophole in the law allowing journalists to travel to Cuba. So he gathered a group of teachers and off they went for George School’s second organized trip. Upon their return, the teachers all wrote articles in local papers or newsletters. The law was subsequently changed to specify “accredited journalists.”

COURTESY OF ILE ABE TH AYAL A

FEATURES

IN CUBA students and faculty members enjoyed spending time with their new friends.

Fran spent the rest of the 1980s arranging for Cuban Quakers to visit George School, and George School teachers to travel to Cuba. Each visit deepened the trust between key Cuban leaders, Holguín’s Quakers, and George School. Because it was illegal for Americans to spend money in Cuba, Fran always sent his Cuban guests home with funds and clear instructions, “This money is for you to host a group of Americans that is going to come down and visit.” Despite obvious political hurdles, these repeated acts of trust laid the foundation for exchanges and service projects decades later.

In the 1990s, facing a near-total travel ban, Fran exploited the ban’s only exception—sports —and organized a series of athletic exchanges.

Between 1991 and 1995 he and Associate Athletic Director Nancy Bernardini arranged for the Cuban Junior National Boys’ Basketball Team, the Cuban Junior Girls’ National Basketball Team, and the Cuban Men’s Junior National Soccer Team to travel to the United States and compete against their American counterparts. The Friends League also sent men’s and women’s basketball teams to play in Havana.

When asked why he kept pressing forward to establish a connection with Cuba despite so many political barriers, Fran’s answer was quite simple, “It’s the peace thing. A Quaker school is supposed to promote peace.”

Thirty years later, fourteen-year-old Nataly Hernández Reyes, a member of the Floro Perez Quaker church, explained the value of George School students sweating it out with Cuban Quakers to put a fresh coat of green paint the walls.

“The work unites us,” she said.

Working alongside and sharing downtime with Cuban teens, this year’s students began to understand a simple truth about their Cuban hosts.

“We talked about music. We talked about school.

They are just normal teenagers,” said Natasja Lessiohadi ’15.

With this most recent trip, the George School Cuba service program boasts nearly one hundred alumni. Fran, who retired in June 2014, has also helped other Quaker schools start their own service programs, continuing to grow the friendship between Cubans and Americans.

Just as the Cuban Quakers often look decades into the future to imagine the fruits of their labor, head of the George School Religion Department, Tom Hoopes ’83, who co-led the trip with Fran, described the long-term effects of the Cuba service program. “It is my expectation that many George School students will occupy positions of influence in the larger world. By planting the seeds of a more complex global awareness into the consciousness of these future leaders, George School is helping to change the world.”

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FITNESS AND ATHLETICS CENTER photo album

BY ODIE LEFEVER

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DAVID L AMB

Students are using the new Fitness and Athletics Center constantly, “even on Saturday mornings, something that was once quite rare to see,” observed science teacher and wrestling coach Pacho Gutierrez ’77.

Associate Athletic Director Nancy Zurn Bernardini says she loves “how lively and fun the building is especially at the end of the academic day” when students and adults wander in for practice or exercise. She is “especially grateful for the ease in which a coach can set up a gym for practice or a game.

The large storage room between the two gyms makes everything safer and cleaner” She also mentions with a smile, “Having come from a storage room office in the old sports center, to an office with a window, I am thankful every day that I have this place to come to.”

The new director of athletics, Paul Weiss, surveyed students, faculty, and staff members in September about what they would like to do in terms of exercise and fitness in the new building. “We have started to open the building at the times that the survey respondents indicated as the times of heaviest demand and are offering Zumba, yoga, and boot camp classes some mornings,” explained Paul.

More new activities will begin in January including Tone and Sculpt classes, along with other new classes responding to student interests.

CONCOURSE

Besides serving the everyday needs of the students, the lobby and two level concourse, have already been the site of the Lower Bucks County Fall Health Fest, a Council for the Advancement of Education regional conference, and the first-floor lounge served as a waiting room for the Red Cross Bloodmobile stationed in the Center’s parking lot one afternoon in November.

FEATURES

DAVID L AMB

SUSAN QUINN

MARSHALL-PLATT POOL

George School Aquatics, a new year-round USA swim club for children aged six to eighteen began recruiting members in September and already has a waiting list. Like the George School winter swim team that is holding tryouts in November, the GS Aquatics team program teaches the sport of swimming in a positive, challenging, and fun environment.

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PERFORMANCE GYM

Fans of the girls’ volleyball team this fall were the first to enjoy a Friends Schools League competition in the performance gymnasium. For those who remember the Worth Gym and its portable bleachers, the pullout seating system and the visibility from every seat is a welcome improvement. And just as important, the acoustics and public address system are top notch.

DAVID L AMB

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TR AINING SUITE

WRESTLI NG ROOM

Students are loving the view of the horse pasture through the window wall as they do their rehab. The new training suite is large enough to handle eight to twelve students at a single time. Now several students can be wrapped before practices and games without long waits. The suite includes a waiting room, an office, a wrapping area, and a dry and wet treatment room.

Wrestling season won’t start until Term 2, but the Stanley B. Sutton Room is busy none-the-less.

The football banquet was held there, and wrestlers are already practicing in anticipation of their winter season. Views of the garden and natural lighting on two sides create a beautiful facility for practice and competitions.

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DAVID L AMB

FEATURES

HAYDE N FAM I LY FITN ESS CE NTE R

This amazing light-filled room can hold dozens of students, faculty, and staff, either arriving for independent exercise or coming in with teammates for workouts designed for sport-specific programs.

The equipment is state-of-art. It feels like the center of GS athletics with views of swimmers practicing on one side and competitions in the gymnasium on the other.

GARRETT FAM I LY MOVE M E NT STU DIO

DAVID L AMB

In early November the action in the movement studio kicked up a notch. About a dozen faculty and staff members attended the first Beginner Bootcamp class designed for desk jockeys.

Other classes include yoga and Zumba classes.

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John M. George Society Needs You: Help Grow Membership from 350 to 500 Members

Had the John M. George Society existed in 1887, its first member would have been John M. George himself. The man for whom the school is named penciled a codicil to his will seventyfour days before his death, leaving the bulk of his estate, including the family farm, “for the purpose of erecting a boarding school.”

Since that original bequest launched George School and its endowment, planned gifts have sustained and enriched the school. These gifts come in all shapes and sizes and for all sorts of reasons.

Many go to scholarships. Both Harriet Paist’s $5,000 bequest in 1903 and the $830,000 left 110 years later by Valentina Stickney (widow of George Stickney Jr. ’34) provided substantial financial aid funding.

When Nancy Ewing Gabel ’61 passed away in 2011, her unrestricted bequest became part of her class’s fiftieth reunion gift, which augmented a scholarship honoring beloved former faculty and staff members John and Jackie Streetz.

As Director of Institutional Advancement Dan Breen points out, “Establishing endowed scholarships through your estate plans allows us to support our amazing students while remembering alumni, faculty, or family members who have gone before.”

But remembering George School in a will is as much for the 99 percent as it is for the 1 percent.

Linda Ticehurst Pierce ’58 explains her motivation: “While I do not have the ability to make large donations now, I am happy knowing that I can leave something behind in appreciation of George School, even though it can never equal the gift the school gave me.”

David Foster ’65 and Holly Barnet-Sanchez ’65 see a practical reason for putting George School in their wills. “We don’t want our children to have

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to support us, so until we’ve passed away without being a burden, we do what we can. But we feel it’s also important to recognize George School with a more substantial gift with respect to our estate.”

Former longtime faculty member Anne LeDuc believes, “When I’m no longer here, I know the need will be just as great or greater. There’s no better place than George School. You know your gift will be used wisely.”

Some older donors choose the benefits of a charitable gift annuity. In exchange for a taxdeductible gift now, the donor receives an income for life. “I think George School is interwoven in me: in the spirit of giving, in being a decent citizen, and marrying someone with the same values. I consider that I have a huge debt that can never be repaid,” says Rolf Valtin ’42, who fled Germany and attended George School thanks to a scholarship and the sponsorship of local families. “My wife and I have written a couple of gift annuities. It’s a winwin situation. George School gets money, and we’re guaranteed income during our lifetimes.”

“ It’s a win-win situation.

George School gets money, and we’re guaranteed income during our lifetimes.”

Don Sutton ’39 agrees: “From those gift annuities, I get a good, regular income, which has proven the astuteness of their financial management.

I’m comforted that I put my gift money in the right place, and I continue to contribute because of their success.”

Still other alumni, parents, and friends include George School as a beneficiary of their retirement plans (e.g., 401k, 403b, or IRA). The society’s youngest member, Emma Rowan ’08 specified George School as a beneficiary of her first IRA.

FEATURES

“The school had a great impact on the person I’ve become,” she says. “I want to give back what I can, which isn’t a huge amount right now. Designating George School as a beneficiary on my IRA is an easy way to make my gift go farther and help future generations of students have the incredible experience I had.”

Now in its third decade, the John M. George Society has a goal of growing from 350 members to 500. As Lam Hood ’55 says, “If you feel strongly about something, you want to help it continue to flourish after you’re gone.”

Dan is impressed by the depth of feeling of those who make planned gifts to the school. “An estate gift is not about the size of the gift but the tremendous level of generosity being expressed. Often people take care of their family in estate planning, and I am proud that so many people consider George School to be part of their extended family.”

For more information on joining the John M. George Society or on planned giving options, please contact Director of Institutional Advancement Dan Breen at 215.579.6575 or dbreen@georgeschool.org.

Dr awing Upside Down

Beginning level students in Painting and

the direction, shape and relationships

Drawing are challenged to complete an

between the lines.

upside down drawing of the George School

founder John M. George as one of their first

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by

assignments.

Betty Edwards that was first published in

1979,” said Jo¯ . In her book, Betty includes

“I use this project as a seeing exercise.

“The project is heavily influenced by

It is meant to show students that drawing

a similar project using Pablo Picasso’s

is about paying attention to what they see

“Portrait of Igor Stravinsky.”

instead of how they think a person or an

object should appear,” said teacher Jo¯

choose projects that students could relate

Adachi. “Often times, our preconceived

to and ones that were relevant to George

notion of a person’s face can be difficult

School.

to overcome and we tend to force our ideas

on our drawing rather than draw what we

School, I was struck by the long history of

actually see.”

our school and its commitment to Quaker

To combat any preconceived notions

values,” said Jo¯ . “I thought knowing why our

of what a person should look like, Jo¯ asks

school is called George was valuable. Many

his students to turn the image upside down.

think that it is after George Fox, the founder

Because the upside down image is less

of Quakerism, but we are not Fox School,

recognizable as a face, students focus on

we are George School.”

Why John M. George? Jo¯ wanted to

“When I began working at George

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Campus News & Notes

BY LAURA LAVALLEE AND SUSAN QUINN

JASMINE SPENCE

POLLY LODGE

Students Moved by Climate Change March George School teaches students to become faithful stewards of the earth.

It’s included in our mission statement, encouraged through our commitment to sustainability, and reinforced through opportunities like beekeeping and organic gardening. On September 21, 2014 more than seventy George School students were among the

thousands of activists who took over midtown Manhattan on Sunday for the People’s Climate March. The march was a call to action on climate change ahead of the United Nations Climate Summit.

Students Explore Barnegat Bay, Hawk Mountain, and Bristol Marsh Students explored Barnegat Bay in Ocean County, New Jersey, Hawk

Mountain, a well-known bird sanctuary in Kempton, PA, and Silver Lake Nature Center and Bristol Marsh in Pennsylvania to supplement their science studies. During the trips they tested water quality, learned about seining, studied raptor migration, evaluated soil quality, and participated in a comparative wetlands study.

SUSAN QUINN

George School Students Learn from Alumni George School students explored thirteen different career options in workshops coordinated by the Parents Association on Friday, October 24, 2014. Most of the workshops were led by George School alumni who returned to campus to help current students learn more about their career paths. Alumni workshop presenters were Daniel HoltonRoth ’95, Rebecca Collins ’99, John Goodwin ’00, Katherine Camp ’01, Adam Tabor ’01, Alyssa Blank ’02, Theodore Colegrove ’03, Tanya Hoke ’03, Palmer Marinelli ’03, Brian Norcross ’03, and Jonathan Stott ’03.

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JIM INVERSO

CAMPUS NEWS & NOTES

Math Challenge Math Madness came to George School this fall as a team of students competed against over 500 high schools in a live, online academic competition similar to the television show, It’s Academic. When the dust settled, George School’s team ranked ninth. Math Madness is a League Play event which opens with leagues of round robin competition organized across the country based primarily

on skill level, but with special consideration given to geography and common time availability. It concludes with a bracket challenge where all teams participate, separated into divisions based on skill level.

National Merit Semifinalists Announced George School is pleased to announce that Abigail Ireland ’15 and Scout Underberg-Davis ’15 have been named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition. Thirteen others were named Commended Students.

Varsity Football Closes Season With Win The varsity football team ended their season with a win over Calvary Christian on Friday, October 24, 2014.

Coach John Gleeson ’65 praised his players for keeping they heads up during the season. “The last three games they just got better and better because they believed in themselves.” It was the third straight win for the team and they scored 35 points or more in each of those games.

JIM INVERSO

Oedipus the King Performed Oedipus the King was the first performance of the 2014-2015 theater season at George School. Also known as Oedipus Rex, the play is an Athenian tragedy by Sophocles that tells the story of Oedipus, the king best known for his relationship with his mother and his crimes against his father. The actors used masks to both enhance their emotions and increase the overall mass of characters in scenes where the entire city of Thebes is meant to be present. Stagecraft students transformed Walton Auditorium into an Athenian theater, complete with graduated seating for chorus members and a circular central stage.

Equestrian Teams Place in Show The varsity equestrian team competed at the Jentri Stables Show on October 19 and the junior varsity team competed at the Fox Heath Horse Show on October 26. Varsity co-captain Katie Kogut ’15 rode Flintstone and finished 3rd, 3rd, and 5th. Co-captain Francesca Annunziato ’15 rode Killian’s Irish Red and placed 4th, 4th, and 5th. For the junior varsity team, Owen Hall ’18 on Grand Belle finished with a 1st, 2nd, 2nd, and 3rd and was Reserve Champion overall.

Yasmina Cobrinik ’17 on her horse Emira finished with three first place ribbons and a second, and was overall Champion in the Beginner Equitation division.

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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: ; Tell us 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 Dan Breen, director of institutional advancement, at 215.579.6575 or dbreen@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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ALUMNI TELL US

Alumni Tell Us EDITED BY MEG PEAKE ’03

For Alumni Contact Information: Visit our alumni website: www.georgeschool.org/alumni Contact the Advancement Office T. 215.579.6572 E. advancement@georgeschool.org

1942 Barbara (Barbie) Gawthrop Hallowell writes, “In mid-July my entire immediate family—eighteen of us—gathered for a few days at the New Jersey Shore to celebrate my ninetieth birthday. Yes, ninetieth!

How can that be? My actual birthday is in October, but July was the only time we could manage to get everyone collected, and what a happy, heartwarming event it was! Of my eleven grandchildren, three have graduated from college, seven are in college, and one is a high school junior. They are a well-educated, well-traveled, thoroughly interesting, and delightful crew. Their lovely parents watched with beaming faces as we all enjoyed one another. We, of course, missed A. Thomas ( Tom) Hallowell ’33, who has been gone nearly five years now but was with us in many ways.

Considering my antiquity, I’m doing remarkably well. I still get around just fine, though I had to give in to help with my garden due to various complaining muscles and joints. I have withdrawn from some Kendal committees and am doing more projects in my apartment, especially ones related to photography, family history, and finding homes for things I seldom use. I have two slide programs scheduled to give this fall, so I am keeping that finger in the pie a bit. But, I forget lots of things. Yes, lots! Classmate Charlie (Chuck) Shoemaker is now living here at Kendal. What a pleasure it is to read alumni news about other classmates, even about

people in other classes I don’t even know! Some other interesting reading is in journals I kept during most of my GS years. Yes, they include lots of teenage chat, but amid it are youthful outlooks on a number of world, GS, and personal events, making for a good read now.”

1943 Bet t y Wilson Parry writes, “As those of us in the Class of 1943 reach the venerable and incredible age of ninety, it is a joy to keep in touch with good old friends like Isabelle (Flash) Ewing McVaugh, Elizabeth (Sis) Eastburn Wells, Donald (Ducky) S. Preston, Jack (Boothie) R. Booth Jr, M. Elizabeth (Bet t y) Haines Williamson, Mary Elizabeth (Liz) Ridge Allison, and Jane (Gillie) Gill Shumaker (I may not have included everyone)—some more often than others—and I’d be delighted to hear from other classmates. My twelfth great-grandchild joined the family recently; it is such fun watching each and every one of them grow! I am so proud of daughter, Lisa Parry Arnold ’7 1, whose first book was published this past spring. Entitled Thee and Me: A Beginner’s Guide to Early Quaker Records, it is a wonderful resource for those wishing to learn more about their Quaker ancestors.”

1944 Charles (Charlie) S. Hough writes, “On sunny May 10, on the beautiful George School campus, the Class of 1944 celebrated its 70th reunion with fourteen in attendance including spouses and families. The planning committee of Virginia (Ginny) Zerega Lloyd, William (Bill) M. Craighead, Harriett S. White Richards, and Cynthia Tomlinson Evans came through again. Six of us enjoyed a cocktail hour in Ginny Lloyd’s Pennswood apartment and Ann Herbert Scot t (who came from California with her son and friend), Cynthia Evans (with her son), and Bill and Bet t y Craighead joined us afterwards along with my wife Nancy

for dinner in a private Pennswood dining room. We were fortunate to have Charles (Charlie) E. Park come for breakfast and stay most of the day, as did Harriet Richards and Edith (Edie) Reeder Pray.

Some of us took a hard hat tour of the new Fitness and Athletics Center that was 80 percent completed at the time and Ralph D. Lelii (fac) gave a wonderful explanation of the status of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Edgar (Ed) P. Leggett, Kenneth (Ken) A. Wilcox, and Doris Johnson Allebach sent their best wishes but could not be with us. M. Blouke Carus had signed up but circumstances prevented him from making it from Chicago IL. We all left George School vowing to be back in 2019!”

1945 Alice Way Waddington writes, “The Class of 1945 will celebrate seventy years since graduation in May of 2015. Plans are made for a heartwarming gathering that weekend.

We’ll have dinner together Friday evening, spend the day on campus Saturday, and have a party at Steve and Jean Torongo’s Saturday evening. Further information will be forthcoming as the time draws near.

In July, Margaret Fogg ’44 and I drove to visit my daughter, Anne Waddington Snyder ’72 and her husband Tom on Peaks Island ME. It’s a beautiful spot in Casco Bay. A big thrill this summer has been watching three bald eagles who perch every morning on a tree about 150 feet from my cottage on the Delaware River.”

1946 Carlos Luria writes, “Except for having lost two wives to cancer, life has treated me exceptionally well.

Born and raised in Germany, I was recruited by the CIA in my last year of college. I served mostly in Germany during the Cold War, and retired after thirty years to live aboard a thirty-seven foot sloop and explore the Caribbean for three-and-a-half years. I wrote a memoir and until last year lectured on the changing face

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of America’s intelligence activities.

Visit my related website at www. skatingonedge.com. I married again in March 2014 and honeymooned in Barcelona, Spain. I am struggling vainly to keep up with technology— but it’s a losing battle.”

1947 Justine Vaughen Fry writes, “I achieved my bucket list trip to Myanmar and Cambodia (specifically Angkor Wat) in February, and I’m hoping to add Machu Picchu, Peru by the end of the year. I also traveled to visit my GS roommate Anne Atlee Crewe in October. Got to keep going!”

1948 George M. Stephens Jr. writes, “I have just finished a musical memoir, ‘A lighthearted memoir on the pleasures and frustrations of an amateur classical musician.’ It reads easily and quickly. If anyone wants a copy, let me know and I will email it to you.”

1949 James ( Jim) A. Hamilton III writes, “I exhibited paintings at two juried shows in the past year—one curated by Nelson Shanks, world renowned portraitist at the Travis Gallery in New Hope PA, and the other at the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Alliance in Red Hook NY, curated by Paulina Pobocha from the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. “ June Miller Kimmel writes, “If you want to hear the voice of David Binder, just buy the memoir of his time as a newspaper correspondent in the Balkans; it is titled Fare Well, Illyria. If you want to theorize about our future development, read Thomas Piketty’s book, Capital in the Twenty-First Century. I had just finished Piketty’s book when someone gave me Donna Tartt’s book, The Goldfinch. Drinking alcohol is so dull compared to the descriptions of drug reactions in this coming of age book.

Sorry more of you did not make it to our 65th reunion. My children are getting older I can understand, but

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how is it possible when I do not?

Well, maybe a little bit, here and there.”

Karl Dinkelspiel, was married to Annie Woitach in Portland OR in May 2014.”

1952

Gudrun (Gudie) Schulz Weeks writes, “Missed another class reunion —so sorry—even though we are finally back in the good ole US of A. The closest I came was a lovely visit from Sheridan (Dan) W. Johns III while we were still in Gaborone, Botswana. We have joined our daughter Kristina and her husband in a house in Brattleboro VT, a very congenial town full of artists, farmers, and hippies. Our lives are busy going to senior center exercise classes, walking, and trying to take in as many of the local plays and concerts as we can afford. We spent the winter in Marlboro VT in Kristina’s living room, cozy with a wood stove and cat, taking the occasional foray into the woods learning about the many footprints reclining into the snow.

Sheldon said there were twenty seven snow storms, but I doubt it. He is an old “Africanist”—is that a word? Been there for too many years except for the seventeen he was in Papua New Guinea. We are expecting a grandchild in two months, so I guess I will be occupied very soon. A few years ago, two of my grandchildren graduated from college. We have quite a few great-grandchildren—not sure how many—mostly in the Amherst MA area. Life is good except for the proximity of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, overfilled storage, and all the petitions one must constantly fill out to try to get one’s human rights attended to. I miss Susan (Sue) Nason Osborne and the various close friends who died before I got back from the other side of the world. Neuropathy in my feet keeps me awake and maybe it will help me to write my memoirs.”

James ( Jim) C. Alden writes, “Anne and I are living on State Street in Newtown PA now. The farm has been rented to another George School family. We need the reduced stairs and outside activity. We still have to shovel snow but the sidewalk beats the driveway. I feel like the bionic man with replaced hips to keep me active and pain free. Anne Brewer Alden ’53 awaits embryonic stem cell technology for her knees, hence, ‘we don’t get around much anymore.’”

Allen C. Starkey writes, “I haven’t got a great deal of news, as advancing age enforces a less active lifestyle, but we’re hanging in there, still living full time on the tundra and slipping away now and again for a weather break.

Judy and I have been lucky enough to have enjoyed nearly fifty-nine years of marriage, raised three daughters, and watched them make their own lives, sometimes in new and remote places.

In the fall, Judy and I went to Chicago IL for a long weekend to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of my old rugby club, Chicago Lions.

A fine outing, enjoyed by all, but carrying bittersweet feelings that it was probably the last time that most of us will see one another in this life. An emotion not unlike that created by our increasingly myopic and nostalgic reunions. Age, distance, and decreasing mobility now are the real factors limiting them, but the memories of good times remain, and loyalties and pride continue to grow. Our best to all George School alumni and best wishes for a safe and prosperous year ahead.”

1953 Stephanie Bunzl Cohen writes, “My husband Fred and I have been globe-trotting this year. Last December and January we went to the South of India, February to Cuba with our synagogue, March saw us in Bolivia and Colombia, and capped off the year with Japan in October. My son,

1954 Wilhelm Streit writes, “Together with my wife Uta, I have left Mainz, Germany, and we have moved to a senior residence near Bonn, Germany.”

ALUMNI TELL US

1942: Roger Ernst ’42, Cornelia (Kinnie) Clarke Schmidt ’42, and Harry M. Woske ’42 gathered in Venice FL in February 2013.

1956: Alice Kent Stephens ’56 and her family celebrated Alice’s seventy-sixth birthday in Iceland.

1946: Carlos Luria ’46

1947: Justine Vaughen Fry ’47

1955: Richard I. Grausman ’55 shared a picture of Jennifer Grausman, Director and Producer of Art and Craft with artist and film’s “star” Mark Landis and Co-Director and Editor Mark Becker.

1957: Eleanor (Ellie) Morris Cox ’57 gathered with Jessica (J.J.) J. Newton ’56, Martha (Marty) Paxson Grundy ’56, Carol Ann Schroeder Castle ’57, and Roberta (Bert) Newton Rosen ’58 in Lenox MA.

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Louise Korn Waldron writes, “Sorry to miss the reunion. In June, I went to the seventieth reunion of the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter in Oswego NY. My father brought 982 refugees from Italy to the United Stated in 1944. I published a book with Amazon, We Were Prisoners, Too: The Effects of World War II, describing my family’s role during World War II. I hope you will visit me in Albuquerque NM or Taos NM, where I am continuing my landscape painting. I miss you all.”

1955 Richard I. Grausman writes, “I am thrilled to let you know that Jennifer Grausman’s new documentary, Art and Craft opened in New York City in September at the Lincoln Plaza Cinema and the Angelika Film Center and was released nationwide in October. If you didn’t get to see it, watch for it on PBS or later in the year on DVD. The trailer for the film can be found at http://artandcraftfilm.com and you can read more in an article from Town & Country that appeared when the film was shown at the Tribeca Film Festival. www. townandcountrymag.com/leisure/ arts-and-culture/art-and-craft-marklandis-cullman-grausman. Please spread the word.”

1956 Alice Kent Stephens writes, “I turned seventy-six as the trombones played in Iceland with my family, now of sixteen. I had been feeling rather blue with the aches and pains of age, but turned around in this wonderful Airbnb farmhouse and there was my family, all right in front of me. What an amazing blessing. Life, God, and fruit! Hope all is well in that beautiful springtime state.”

1957 H. Julian Bond writes, “I have retired from teaching at the University of Virginia but still teach at American University in Washington DC.” Eleanor (Ellie) Morris Cox writes, “Jessica ( J.J.) J. Newton

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’56, Martha (Marty) Paxson Grundy ’56, Carol Ann Schroeder Castle, Roberta (Bert) Newton Rosen ’58, and I gathered in August in Lenox MA and Shelbourne VT to celebrate the seventyfifth birthday year of three of us. We had kept in touch through the years, but had not been all together for many years. In addition to our ties at George School, we grew up together at Bryn Gweled Homesteads in Southampton PA. We had a great time reminiscing as well as sharing our current interests and concerns.”

Harry B. Danner II writes, “This time last September I attended a memorial service for my beloved friend and George School classmate.

GS sent an email out about the plane crash that killed Thomas Y. Huf and his wife, Elaine—both pilots. As many of you know, Tom was a funloving character—outstanding on the football and baseball teams, an enthusiastic violinist in the orchestra, and a charter member of the day student society of Model A owners.

I spent many weekends helping him work on old cars at his farm in Hatboro PA and occasionally we would rent a plane, land behind his house for a quick lunch, take off again to buzz the homes of classmates, and try to pick out familiar faces down on the campus. Tom had a long career as a professional pilot while also being active in sky diving, doing tricks on the wings of bi-planes at airshows, and building and restoring planes. He and his wife had a passionate interest in antique aircraft, owning several that they would fly to be featured in airshows. They were returning from such a show and crashed on approach to their beautiful landing strip and home high on a hill in Kingsley PA. Tom was flying his pride and joy, a vintage plane that he had restored— the type seen on the old Sky King TV show. I got a lump in my throat as I watched busload after busload of friends and flying enthusiasts, many who had just seen him at their last antique airshow, arrive at the memorial.

The service concluded with a most

impressive salute to honor Tom and Elaine—a flyby of historic vintage planes.”

1958 Emily (Lee) Pennell Endries writes, “My husband Robert (Bob) and I moved to Pennswood Village, adjacent to the George School campus, in November.”

Mary Trent Jones writes, “In April, my husband Jim, our travel friends, and I rented a flat for seven days in Sloane Square in London, England.

We had perfect weather, visited a few new places, and saw lots of things we had done in years past. We celebrated our fiftieth wedding anniversary in June and had a dinner at our home that August for sixty which included our children and grandchildren.

We had a marvelous time being with everyone. I still am traveling to Charlotte NC once a month to meet with the Duke Endowment and Jim is still a full-time, sitting federal judge.”

1960 Mahlon (Lon) A. Barash writes, “I am now living in Lima, Peru permanently. I am in the process of trying to get Peruvian citizenship in addition to US citizenship, but the process is very long and the application has to be signed by the president of the country, making it very difficult and time consuming. My objective is to eventually work for a Peruvian development non-governmental organization. In the meantime, I am doing international consulting for housing micro-finance in other countries. I just spent a wonderful month and a half with my two sons, daughter-inlaw, and grandchildren in the United States. I don’t get to see my older son and his family very often because they live in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The last time I saw them was three years ago.”

1961 Diana Wright Barlow writes, “My husband Clint and I were happy to celebrate our fiftieth wedding anniversary in June.”

ALUMNI TELL US

Richard Brown II writes “Dan Breen of the George School Advancement Office sent a nice letter stating the status of the John and Jackie Streetz Scholarship Fund as of 20132014 fiscal year end. The fund is now worth $434,802.20 which is great work by the Class of 1961 in honor of two inspirational leaders. During the upcoming school year the fund will support a day student from Lawrenceville NJ. Remember, the fund is still accepting contributions. Dan also reports that while in California, he saw John D. Streetz (ffac) and he is well.

Peter D. Crown writes, “This is my ninth year with our National Institute of Health funded bio-medical research program at the University of Arizona College Of Medicine in Tucson AZ for disadvantaged high school students. The students do so well during and after the program.

It’s so gratifying for us all. In the department of family history, I’ve done much research, and have started writing a book about my grandfather’s role in the early days of the movie theater business, and the Apollo. I’m still searching for photos of him from 1915-1935. Hoping someone has some leads and would enjoy missives from classmates (still a wild bunch) at sydneyscohen.wordpress.com.”

William C. Green writes, “I am working with Irshad Manji and her Moral Courage Project: irshadmanji. com, moralcourage.org—an international multi-faith program focusing on religious oppression and human rights.”

1962 Garry-Lou Haberman Upton writes, “It was great hearing all the news as our class approached our seventieth birthdays. It does take some getting used to, but we carry on much the same, just slower, and with a few more aches and pains. David and I decided that Third World countries are just too far away and too hard on us, so we thought we would try Europe. I took a group of twenty-two

to northwest Italy for a painting and sightseeing trip in October for twelve days, visiting Cinque Terra and the surrounding area. When I got home, I had to finish up the paintings for my one person show for November called: The Lands of Snow and Ice (Russia), Hot Deserts (India), and Eastern European Charm (Poland). During our stay in Poland we tried to find David’s grandparent’s village, but it was pretty much gone. Some things we really learned to appreciate are elevators, roads that are actually there, cars are better than elephants, US toilet paper, and air conditioning!

Our boys are doing well, one is back in school to get his degree in Nuclear Radiology and the other, in Chicago IL, was downsized but had a new job in one week. The grandchildren are mostly in New Mexico, with two still in high school. The great-grandchildren are all in school now, with the youngest in first grade. Our two local grandkids, Avalon and Bella, are in seventh grade and kindergarten respectively. It’s nice to have two I can get my hands on. Avalon loves to paint so we spend lots of time in my studio.

Bella just loves to hear herself talk and be the center of attention. They are great fun and they keep us young.”

1963 Nancy Sussman Siverd writes, “In May 2013, my husband John and I helped with the 50th reunion for the Class of 1963, and enjoyed an evening at the home of classmate Robert (Bob) W. Thomas. John and I met fifty years ago this summer and have been married for forty-six years. Many of my classmates had met John over the years, as we attended reunions while also visiting with our son John Jr. and his family, who live in Newtown PA. It is with great sadness that I let friends know of John’s death in May 2014. We had a wonderful life together. I will continue to reside in Wyoming from May to November, and in Florida from November to May.”

1964 Kathryn McCreary writes, “I am working on my fourth book after a gentle challenge from Morgan (Scot t) Phenix to finish by our 55th reunion. I am really enjoying writing the story, which I have been thinking about in a vague way for years, and Scott’s idea of including some of my poems in the story as scribbles in the main character’s diary is kind of working too. In California, we are reminded of the drought every day, and many of us are thinking about which trees or acres we will let die next year if the rains don’t come.

Some folks, of course, have already had to let their livestock, fields, or orchards go. Farmers with money are digging gigantic wells, but they are not seeing very far ahead. We may go dry before them, but they, too, will run out of water. I think this will be a very different place in twenty years.

We have a pond that collects runoff from the orchard, and it houses crawdads, fish, snakes, frogs, and several other critters I can’t see. Last winter a great blue heron and a white heron spent a lot of time fishing in our pond, and I look forward to their return. It’s a very small pond, so I suppose they grace us with their presence because the small river nearby is utterly dry. It used to be home to beavers. Where did they go? We do live in interesting times.”

Walter C. Wright III writes, “In the months following our 50th class reunion, I had the good fortune to meet again with three classmates.

First, B. Keith Mat teson gave my wife Leslie and me a personal tour of the spectacular Mohonk Mountain House resort in New Paltz NY, where Keith grew up. Second, William (Bill) S. Evans came to visit in New York City for a week, and we had a great time touring museums and reminiscing about old times.

Third, while Bill was here Jonathan ( Jon) M. Kamen joined us for a long, leisurely, enjoyable lunch. I’d enjoy meeting up with any other classmates who may get to New York City.”

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1961: Sydney S. Cohen, grandfather of Peter D. 1960: Mahlon Barash ’60 shared a photo with

1961: William Green ’61

two of his grandchildren, Thea and Zane.

1966: Charles (Chuck) F. Willson ’66 visited with friends on his farm in eastern North Carolina.

1968: Musical duo Claire Holvik Favro ’68 and her husband Hank Payne.

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Crown ’61, posed for a photo with Farina on the Our Gang set at the Hal Roach Studio in Culver City CA in 1926.

1966: Loren Cobb ’66 delivered his TEDx talk on the mathematics of peace.

ALUMNI TELL US

1965 David H. Foster writes, “Life is good. Retirement for me means spending more time in the gym, reading books I have always wanted, traveling a lot, and spending more time enjoying the company of my wife, Holly Barnet-Sanchez, and friends. As a member of the Board for National Dance Institute of New Mexico, a privately funded organization bringing the arts back into public school classrooms, and the YMCA of Central New Mexico, I keep plenty busy trying to persuade people of means to part with their money for a good cause. Actually, allow me a correction. I get to enjoy the company of my wife when I can see her. After seven years as associate dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque NM and a year of a well-earned sabbatical, Holly is now back in the classroom teaching courses in Latin American art history. She’s also finishing up a book to be published by UNM Press called Give Me Life, which is about the murals in East Los Angeles that were important in the Chicano Civil Rights Movement. It will probably come out in 2016. She expects to retire in May 2015, but she’ll stay on the payroll part time until spring of 2017 when her last big project—an exhibition featuring three important Chicana artists—will be featured here at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and UNM Art Museum before touring the country. A lot going on. This summer, we enjoyed a trip to Seattle WA to see Holly’s son Tom, his wife Jen, and the grandchildren, Mady (6), and Annabelle (4), who are growing up fast. Also, I’m proud to say my daughter, Ashley, who is now Dr. J. Ashley Foster, received an appointment at Haverford College, my alma mater, as visiting assistant professor of writing and a writing fellow. My son, Henry Robinson (Rob) Foster ’04, has just completed his third anniversary working at JP Morgan in New York City. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at our 50th reunion May 8 to 10, and I’d encourage each of you to contribute to the book of recol-

lections we’re putting together. We’ll be sending a notice letting you know where to post your contributions.”

1966 Loren Cobb writes, “I have been enjoying the freedom of my fourth career, which I embarked upon in 2008. Last year I ran a semester-long math clinic on the “Mathematics of Peace,” for both undergrads and graduate students at the University of Colorado Denver in Denver CO, which was a huge success. In addition, I gave a TEDx talk to about 2,000 high school students on the same general topic—www.youtube.com/ watch?v=EEWTNYovKfE. This year I am working on the Ebola outbreak.

Life is full.”

Charles (Chuck) F. Willson writes, “Greetings to all my friends in the Class of 1966. The years have been kind. I’ve started a slow glide into retirement. Starting in July 2015, I will work only four days a week at the medical school here at East Carolina University in Greenville NC. I hope to work until the age of seventy (another three years). I love my job—teaching the next generation of pediatricians.

Let’s all come back in 2016 for our 50th!”

1968 Barbara Samuel writes, “I’m loving my encore career as a freelance writer and editor. It leaves me time to volunteer in elementary schools with Schools of Hope, teach a writing course for foreign grad students, and serve as president of a nonprofit organization—Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs. A close friend was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and, as a writer, I found that I could best cope with her challenging journey by writing about it. I invite classmates to visit my blog, at www.myfriendhascancerblog.com. It is a story of friendship and discovery. If you know someone who might relate to this, please share the link.”

Claire Holvik Favro writes, “Life is full with family, friends, and

lots of music-making. My husband Hank Payne and I, who perform as “Hank and Claire,” just released our second CD, Home at Last, and finished up a very full gig schedule this summer with concerts, festivals, and such throughout the Pacific Northwest.

We know this is what we’re meant to be doing whenever someone shares that one of our songs moved them to heal some old or new pain, brought deep joy to their day, or helped them connect more with the people around them. It’s heart work and so very fulfilling. Be sure to get in touch if you are in the Seattle WA area.”

1969 Robert (Rob) E. Ganz writes, “I continue to practice law in Albany NY but now work remotely from the San Diego CA area in the winter months.

Over the last year I have seen both of my daughters married, while my son continues to pursue his regional acting career after two years in the Broadway cast of Warhorse. I was recently elected president of the Capital Region Board of the Jewish National Fund and left my position, after fourteen years, as a trustee of my local public library. My wife Dorothy and I recently spent a magical two weeks in Portugal. At this year’s Alumni Weekend I received updates from many classmates including Stephen (Steve) A. Somers, who was unable to attend the reunion, but told us that his first grandchild, Katie Ruth Somers, arrived in the spring. His second son is engaged to a San Francisco Bay area woman and plans to be wed in April 2015. His wife, Katherine (Katie) Augenblick Somers ’70, is planning her retirement from her job as curator of Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs’ Bernstein Gallery. Steve’s involvement in the healthcare consulting field has been increased with the issues relating to Obamacare implementation. He and Katie visited with James ( Jim) R. Caulkins during a Paris visit in May. Sigurd (Sig) N. Hersloff III informs us that his new lady is Elizabeth Thomas Rutland ’70,

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and that he has moved from being an appraiser of properties in the Orlando FL area to engaging in the business of buying, renovating, and selling homes. Deborah (DD) Smith Hilke is living in Washington State to be closer to her three grandchildren and has now started a not-for-profit organization providing services to other not-for-profits involved in environmental and social services work. Ian J. Joseph recently retired from the securities business and is now learning ancient Greek. He has one daughter who presently attends Marist College in Poughkeepsie NY. Deborah Snipes Hale has recently returned from a three-week visit to South Africa. She has one granddaughter (2), has finally retired from her business, and is now heading the fundraising efforts for a regional garden club in Rochester NY, supporting Habitat for Humanity. Linda S. Harry-Orr informs us that all three of her kids have finally graduated from college. Wendy Hollenbach Hellyer informs us that she is working to develop a performing arts cultural center in Bensalem PA. She continues to run her music school.

Laura Miller Gilbert saw two of her daughters married within the past year. Unfortunately, one of those weddings was around the reunion and she was therefore unable to join us. She continues to play cello in two different orchestras. Lisa S. Garrison has been working on a project relating to her grandmother, Emma Britten Garrison, who was inducted into the Cumberland NJ Women’s Hall of Fame in April 2014. Elizabeth (Beth) Cope McDonald has been a retired elementary school teacher since 2011. She now volunteers as the education director of a recycling center which involves her speaking, giving tours, and participating in health fairs. She has two grown sons, both of whom live in the Midwest.

A. Catherine (Cass) Seely Boyd is working on her master’s degree in counseling and is embarking on a new life as a condo owner. She is thrilled that her children are employed and healthy. Bebbins Rahmeyer Yudes

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has started a stationery business, Peyton & Clarke, with her daughter, providing original artistic design invitations, note cards, and other items.

The business operates both online and in upscale department stores. She is about to become a grandmother and currently splits her time between her homes in Manchester Center VT and Westfield NJ. Marjorie (Marge) Welker Uhrich manages electronic medical records for an allergy practice. Both of her sons are married and she had her first grandson last fall. Robert W. Lehner has changed professions from healthcare administrator to teaching high school science.

His son is a trombonist attempting to make a living in the music business in Brooklyn NY, while his daughter Julie was recently married and moved to Washington DC to be with her husband who is in the military.

Stephen (Steve) W. Waddington is the construction manager for special projects for a prime contractor to Wawa, Inc. covering a region that stretches throughout the Mid-Atlantic area. He has three sons, two of whom live in California and one in southern New Jersey. He also has one grandson who is already fifteen years old.

Robert (Bob) R. Neff continues to work for the Federal Aviation Administration on future technology projects including a software program to predict flight delays and avoid the ripple effect of such delays throughout the system.”

1970 Robert (Bob) W. Edgar Jr. writes, “My last daughter graduated from college and is actively employed.

I am enjoying being a grandfather to Hannah. Her first birthday is coming up, so a drum set is likely. Payback is wonderful.”

Christopher (Chris) V. Kent writes, “My recent self-help book, Staying Off the Wheel of Misfortune— part of my book and CD set Help and Hope—is now out on Kindle and available as an audiobook at Amazon.

Please check out the free sample! The music video of the CD’s title song

‘Piece of the Puzzle,’ which features quotes from twenty-four people, such as Albert Einstein and Mark Twain, is doing well on YouTube. I’m currently creating a series of short videos based on the book and still writing for Review of Ophthalmology magazine.

Never a dull moment!”

1971 Jaki Vincent Shelton Green writes, “I am a poet, creativity coach, teacher, and cultural activist living in Mebane NC. In October, I was inducted into the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame. I have authored numerous publications through Carolina Wren Press and Jacar Press. I was the recipient of the 2003 North Carolina Award in Literature—the highest honor North Carolina bestowed for notable accomplishments in the fields of science, literature, fine arts, and public service—the 2009 North Carolina Piedmont Laureate, and the 2003 Sam Ragan Award.”

John F. Hallowell writes, “Life is good on Long Island NY. I joined a large health system as director of physician assistants at a system hospital. My wife Meg is a physician assistant in family medicine. Our oldest daughter graduated from Harvard in Cambridge MA in June, our next oldest daughter is a junior at Cornell University in Ithaca NY, and our son started at the University of Vermont in Burlington VT this past fall. Our summers are busy with boating, hiking, and the beach. Had a ninetieth birthday/family reunion at the New Jersey Shore for my mother Barbara (Barbie) Gawthrop Hallowell ’42 in July.”

1973 Jennifer (Sam) K. Cummings writes, “My husband Tom and I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Stephen Fitz-Gerald ’72 earlier this summer at his family home in Castine ME. We talked about his stainless steel sculpture work as well as his life in California. For our anniversary Tom commissioned a beautiful cuff bracelet for me which

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1971: Jaki Vincent Shelby Green ’71.

1973: Jeffrey S. Schwartz ’73 celebrated his twentieth wedding anniversary with his wife and their family.

1973: The cuff bracelet, which was made by Stephen FitzGerald ’72, was given to Jennifer (Sam) K. Cummings ’73 by her husband as an anniversary gift.

1973: Bruce E. Nayowith ’73 participated in the Climate March along the Mississippi River.

1975: Attendees of a summer film music workshop hosted by Lawrence (Larry) N. Groupé ’75 and attended by Lars T. Clutterham (ffac). Lars is at far left and Larry is in middle of back row.

1978: Amy Jo Schaeffer Ford ’78 posed with her new book Lilith: A novel penned under her Sanskrit name, Ambika Devi.

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has double the meaning since it was made by Stephen.”

Bruce E. Nayowith writes, “I have been decreasing my hours of working as a small town emergency physician, and spending more time exploring ways to help shift some of the selfdestructive beliefs and practices that are affecting our planet. In April and again in August, I spent over a week each time with the Climate March (www.climatemarch.org) walking and talking as they walk from Los Angeles CA to Washington DC over eight months. It has been a very moving experience—literally and emotionally.

We have done a great deal of talking with ourselves and others, sharing ideas, listening, and contemplating what might make a difference. During the second section in August, I spoke to a college class, was on the radio, and adapted a few popular songs to the mission of the Climate March. In the activism spectrum, I find myself drawn to more subtle forms. One is seeking useful metaphors to raise awareness, shift consciousness, and facilitate constructive movement skillfully. Another has been learning whole group emergent processes that ‘expand the playing field’ rather than limiting discussions to yes or no options—ways to ‘make a circle that draws everyone in.’ I also have been working with my wife Rosa as she seeks audiences who could benefit from powerful constructive ways to work with conflict. This past year, I also began training in Open Dialogue, a network-based process for acute psychosis that has the highest recovery rates ever reported in the history of the Western world. I hope to adapt some of the insights from this and other healing processes into the social-political spheres. It is quite an education, and is all still in process.

Best wishes to you all!”

Jeffrey S. Schwartz writes, “My wife and I just celebrated twenty years together with the whole family before everyone had to go their separate ways again.”

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1975 Rebecca Armstrong writes, “In December 2013, I had significant spine surgery. The recovery involved spending three months in New York City (my home is in Albuquerque NM). Following hospitalization, I was admitted to a residential rehabilitation facility to address mobility issues. My George School friends got me through the brutal weather and recovery circumstances. My fondest memories include Leslie Plapinger Skolnick playing Go Fish with my great nephew at the rehab facility.

David D. Barash ’74 and Alan D. Thomas ’74 carrying me to a cab, getting me into a wheelchair through the slush and snow to spend a day in a museum, then playing cards with my family in the evening. Katherine (Kim) E. Nagle and David A. DiMicco ’74 getting me out of New York City and into the country so the snow didn’t feel like the enemy.

Marti J. Sagar and her partner Cheryl Hazen driving me to their country home in New Hope PA many times to reinstate my sanity, while Carter J. Sio ’76 made me laugh until tears were rolling down my face.

Lastly and most significantly, Alison Armstrong ’7 7, my sister, was by my side night and day when my world felt like it had been turned upside down. It was all of my George School friendships that guided me down a very rough road to a present day even plane. Scot t A. Stein ’74 is now assisting me with some legal issues and Paul G. Church ’74 calls on a regular basis to rally me forward as I remain in a recovery mode. I am rich in friendship due to George School. I continue to ‘Mind the Light’ and be thankful.”

Lawrence (Larry) N. Groupé writes, “I put on my first film music workshop this summer. Fifteen students from Singapore to the United Kingdom attended and they wrote original music to various film scenes each day. The workshop culminated with a recording session of their best work at end of the week. I had a great time at the workshop; all of the

students were very different musically.

Believe it or not, Lars T. Clut terham (ffac) was one of the students!

Talk about a reversal of roles!”

Pamela (Pam) J. Holberton writes, “I am currently working on publishing my epic poem for Kindle entitled A Phoenix from the Abyss, A Life Such as This. It is a memoir of my life, my amazing journey overcoming bipolar disorder, and having a second chance at life after spending so much time inside the mental health system.

I attended a writer’s conference in Langhorne PA recently and visited withNanette (Nan) Mugge-Alden and her parents. It is always good to see them.”

Elizabeth Waddington Saciolo writes, “My husband Andy and I continue to run our business, Fish Fish Fish. It has been thirty years now.

Our son John works with Andy in the warehouse/fish room. Our daughter Marie helps me run the office while going to school full time to be a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, having a fish tank isn’t a necessity in life so we have suffered in this scary economy but we still deliver from Boston MA to Syracuse NY to Washington DC. I can’t believe we are coming up on our 40th reunion! I hope to see everyone in May.”

1976 Michael D. Goldberg writes, “Greetings, from the Granite State!

Life up here is good. At the beginning of October my wife of twenty-six years and I went hiking in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. The mountains were exploding with unbelievable color. If you ever get an opportunity to hike the White Mountains in early October you should take it. I can’t believe our 40th reunion is coming up a year from this May! See you soon.”

Robert L. Orr (ffac) writes, “I am starting my thirty-fifth year of teaching science and my thirteenth year at Oregon Episcopal School in Portland OR. I am living in Portland,

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with my son, Tyler, who graduates this year! Holly Schroder Orr ’7 8 (ffac) is doing fine and Robin moved to Scottsdale AZ this year to continue teaching second grade. If you’re in the Portland or Vancouver WA area, let me know and we can grab a cold beverage.”

1977 Eugene P. Hough writes, “I continue to be involved in the wonderful cemetery and monument preservation field. Additionally, I remain active as a co-founder of Saving Hallowed Ground (SHG) based in Wayne PA. I am working on monument education and preservation, and engaging communities and schools in researching and reporting on the names of veterans and patriotic citizens listed on community monuments. Student

teams research and then share their findings in community forums and also participate in hands-on basic conservation clinics of the monuments, thus promoting the importance of stewarding our community’s living history memorials. Recently, America Tonight, the flagship program on Al Jezeera America network, filmed our program working with wounded veterans. We focus on promoting our strong belief that this type of in-the-field conservation work has great value in helping veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or physical injuries related to active duty service. The short film entitled Restoration can be viewed by searching the Vimeo website, www.vimeo.com. Additionally, the SHG program recently was asked to participate in the National World

War I centennial project, dedicated to telling the stories about the people and the times of the Great War Era. Please contact me if you have a World War I era monument in your community and we might possibly come to your community and engage a local school in the SHG program.”

1978 Amy Jo Schaeffer Ford writes, “I am happy to share the release of my novel Lilith, penned under my Sanskrit name, Ambika Devi. I was in Pennsylvania for the first time in almost two decades to sign copies at Farley’s Books in New Hope PA. I also spoke at Pebble Hill Church in Doylestown PA and taught a workshop. Meet Lilith at www.LilithNovel. com.”

THANK YOU FOR “STICKING” WITH US! Welcome to the newest members of the Sticky Bun Society.

Jasmine V. Bailey ’01 Alex Bay ’55 Robert M. Benck ’91 Ellen N. Chase ’57 Geoffrey Darby and Margo Garrison ’72 Ethan T. Dunbar ’13 William S. Evans ’64 Jeanne B. Garrison ’65 Charles W. Haines III ’75 Morgan P. Hankins ’93 Eleanor Haupt

Michael S. Healy ’53 and Constance Dederer Healy ’55 Tom Hoopes ’83 and Beth Castiglione Holly Houston Valle Brewer Ingram ’52 Robin K. Long and Joyce K. Conrow ’81 Kathryn C. Machemer ’99 Robert P. A. Machemer ’92 and Kerry Deere Machemer P. Todd Makler Jr and Susan Rarig Makler ’65 Arden D. Miller ’98

Stephen A. ’82 and Laurie Moyer Douglas K. Mylowe ’94 Matthew C. ’96 and Beth Nierenberg Daniel R. Quill ’89 and Alison Shein Quill ’89 Francesca Sacchi ’14 Louis and Susan Sancinito Daniel E. Simon ’13 Emily A. Stone ’13 Clarisse V. Taboy ’13 Pamela A. Williams Alice H. Wu ’96

Sticky Bun Society membership is attained when a person has made gifts to George School for ten consecutive years or every year since graduating from George School.

The individuals listed above are those who became members between March 1, 2014 and October 20, 2014. A complete list of Sticky Bun Society members can be found online at www.georgeschool.org/stickybun.

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1980

1981

Annet te (Anet) C. James writes, “I had been living in the San Francisco Bay Area for almost twenty years when I reconnected with John H. Mot tern on Facebook. We now regularly see Laurence (Larry) V. Heinemann and Elizabeth (Liz) Weiss-Bernarducci. Soon after reconnecting online, John and I met up, and have been together ever since.

I moved to the Boston MA area to be with him and we just celebrated our fifth anniversary. We had dated for a short period of time at George School and remained friends during the rest of our years there, but we had not kept in touch after graduation. We are now very much the same people we were at George School—just bolder, hopefully wiser, and more relaxed after very full lives. John has been a photojournalist most of his career life, photographing presidents, wars, and international and national news.

He is incredibly talented and continues to shoot fashion, portraits, and commercial work. We both run an art gallery outside Boston MA. I have been working as a graphic designer, illustrator, and photographer, and have been a surfer and a hang glider pilot. But my biggest achievement to date has been completing a very successful treatment in December for stage three ovarian cancer. I am now cancer-free and continue to regain my strength and my hair. John was key to my success. He was by my side at every chemotherapy appointment (we had chemo dates), and stayed with me in the hospital during my surgery. He is a wonderful cook and fed me well.

We have incredible friends and family, and the support we received and continue to receive is amazing. We are very lucky. The two years I spent at George School will always be special to me. This is the place where I found my confidence and my voice. I am grateful to the encouraging teachers, coaches, and my lifelong friends!”

David S. Jacoby writes, “I took my sixteen-year-old son on a round-theworld trip this summer, spending time in the Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Canada. We both had a great time and it was very educational and character-developing for him. He is attending a private high school near Boston MA—the closest I can come to George School up here.”

*This note was submitted on April 15, 2014. We are saddened to report that Anet passed away on September 4, 2014.

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Lisa Labalme Osterland writes, “I’m still in Montréal, Canada, with my husband and two sons (who are now young men), dividing most of my time between painting tiny images of people’s homes and swimming. In August, I competed in the FINA (Fédération Internationale De Natation) World Masters Swimming Championships in Montréal with 9,000 other qualified swimmers (ages 25-97) from ninety countries. It was a truly amazing experience from many, many angles. I had personal best times in each of my four events: fiftymeter butterfly, one-hundred-meter butterfly, fifty-meter backstroke, and one-hundred-meter backstroke. I am ranked thirty-ninth in the world for one-hundred-meter butterfly in my age group. Yippee. I am over the moon and send best regards to fellow ’81ers.”

1983 Shaun ( Wolf ) W. Wortis writes, “I have two kids (6 and 3), and a wife who’s a professor at Boston University.

We live in Cambridge MA on a shady street. I still play music (although nowhere near the six gigs a week I used to—yipes). Aside from sprouting little grey hairs from my face and my head, I’m otherwise a muckity-muck for a software company, spending my days allegedly fixing the world’s problems.”

1984 Deborah (Debby) Cadwallader Taylor writes, “It was great to catch up with people at the 30th reunion.

Thanks to Amy Doughert y Scullion, as always, for hosting. Since

May, I have been teaching high school Spanish 1 and 2 again. It is fun to be back in the classroom. We also entered the world of a new teen driver.

Hope to see even more people in five years!”

1985 Kulruedee (Pat t y) Wongpakdee-Hoffner writes, “My new book, Art Without Waste: 500 Upcycled & Earth-Friendly Designs, is available.

This book showcases the creative reuse and re-imagination of everyday items from cutting-edge designers, illustrators, and artists around the world, whose approach incorporates eco-friendy principles such as up cycling. It can be ordered from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, Indigo, Bookish, or QBookshop.”

Jeffrey ( Jeff ) S. Cohen writes, “Greetings from sunny Florida where I have now been for fourteen years.

I am currently an equity research analyst at Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. where I focus on covering public companies in the healthcare equipment, medical technology, and robotic fields. I travel to the Northeast fairly regularly and would love to connect with classmates.”

1987 Alexander (Alex) D. Westerman writes, “I married David Gleason. The ceremony took place on a late afternoon in April on the top level of a Starline Tours bus in front of the historic courtyard of Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood CA. Our friend Tanya Giles officiated. We made our way to the bus in two conga lines made up of the flower girls, ring bearers, tourists, and several buskers dressed as Jack Sparrow, Darth Vader, and Wonder Woman. The reception was held at Soho House in West Hollywood CA. David and I were introduced on a group ski trip to Vermont in 2006 by mutual friends who thought that our similar sense of humor and references to obscure pop culture were signs of a good fit.

The engagement took place in the vegetable garden of San Ysidro Ranch

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1980: Lindalee (Linda) Knight Mulligan ’80 with her daughter Haley celebrated with ice cream after a Geronimo Lacrosse game in Spring 2013 in Richmond VA.

1983: Shaun (Wolf) W. Wortis ’83 and his daughter Isabella.

1981: Lisa Labalme Osterland ’81 posed for a photo at the FINA World Championships in Montréal Canada.

1985: New book, Art Without Waste: 500 Upcycled & EarthFriendly Designs was published by Kulruedee (Patty) WongpakdeeHoffner ’85.

1988: Joy Davis-Posoli ’88 traveled with her family in summer 2014.

1987: Alexander (Alex) D. Westerman ’87 and David Gleason were married on the top of a Starline Tours Bus in Hollywood CA.

1988: Jeffrey K. Mann ’88 competed in a track meet after a twentyfive year break.

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1992: A photograph, taken by John R. Gleeson III ’65 (fac), of Edward (Ed) J. Broderick ’92 during baseball practice in March 1991.

1990: Melissa Harper Jones ’90 and her children.

1993: Ina Willers ’93 and her daughter Isabella visited with Eve F. Gigliotti ’93 and her son Sasha in Summit NJ.

1996: Sons of Natalie Cohen Kopacz ’96, big brother Ian Bryce and little brother Tobin Oliver.

1995: Vivian C. Dittmar ’95 and her family visited the south of Rome Italy.

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in Montecito CA the week after the Supreme Court struck down California’s ban on same sex marriage.”

1988 Joy Davis-Posoli writes, “It’s been a long time since my last update. I am still living in Houston TX with my husband of nearly nineteen years, Paul. We have three children, Matthew (14), Isabella (12), and Michael (10). My parents are selling their house in Yardley PA which means my trips to Bucks County will be limited.

I brought my kids on campus a year ago and it was a blast showing them around. Living in Houston, I love getting to see Frances (Biba) Lee Dixon, Geoffrey (Geoff ) B. Dixon, and Veronique Vaillancourt ’89—our kids even went to the same school for a year. With having a son who just began high school, I find myself thinking back to my George School days often and always with the best memories.”

Jeffrey K. Mann writes, “I recently returned to track competition after a twenty-five year break. My story was picked up by Real Clear Sports, www.realclearsports.com, A Runner’s Belated, and Rewarding, Return and a later interview on National Public Radio (NPR). I’m hoping to stop by the new track at George School some time, put on my spikes, and just run for the fun of it.”

1989 Osvaldo Oyola writes, “I recently defended my dissertation, earning my doctorate in English from Binghamton University in New York, with a focus on the intersection of popular culture and racial/gender identity in contemporary Transnational American Literature. I like to think that all that time I spent back in my George School days reading comics and roleplaying game books in study hall has finally paid off.”

Ayodele (Ayo) N. Roach writes, “I was very excited to return to George School for our 25th reunion, see dear friends, and enjoy the campus and

festivities. I have wonderful memories of my time at George School, and I enjoyed recounting many of them with all of you during alumni weekend.”

1990 Melissa Harper Jones writes, “I am living in Atlanta GA with my two teenagers, Victoria, who is in eleventh grade and Jacob, who is in tenth. I am working at The Home Depot in our Employment Marketing department specializing in college and university branding. I continue to volunteer with our community and anything related to education. I would love to hear from my classmates and hope everyone is having a great year so far!”

Sakina Lunn Sands writes, “I am still living in Nassau, Bahamas, and working as a clinical coordinator and director in the International Patient Department of a private health system. My son Nicholas (12) is entering grade eight and daughter Mila (8) is starting grade four. Life is good down here in paradise.”

1991 Laura Swanstrom Reece writes, “I was named Chair of The Washington Ballet’s Noche de Pasión: The Tango Soirée held in November at the Organization of American States building in Washington DC. The event raised funds for the school’s scholarship programs and the Latino Dance Fund.

With approximately 500 people in attendance, the event brought together a dynamic group of hundreds of leaders involved in business, arts, politics, community, and culture.”

1992 Edward (Ed) J. Broderick writes, “Recently I found a photo that I thought would be fun to share.

John R. Gleeson III ’65 (fac) took it in March 1991, when I hit the Spruance-Alden Science Center during baseball practice.” See photo page 42.

1993

in September to drop my son Ryan Lyons ’18 off for his freshman year.

It is hard to believe that it has been twenty-three years since I walked onto campus as a new sophomore. I saw lots of familiar faces and enjoyed catching up with faculty and staff members. As we said in the junior class play, ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same.’”

Ina Willers writes, “Isabella Lisa Willers was born on April 5, 2014 in Summit NJ. Bruce Schachne and I are thrilled that she shares a birthday with Ada Nelken’s seven-year-old daughter, Elsa. Eve F. Gigliot ti and her son, Sasha, came to visit in June.”

1995 Adjowii Cooper-Henry writes, “Mikko Leinonen and I welcomed our son, Kyo Sisu Leinonen, into the world in May 2014. Big sister, Ece Ziran Ozdemir (11), adores her little brother and is proud of her new role.

The whole family welcomes friends and family to visit whenever they’re in Geneva, Switzerland.”

Vivian C. Dit tmar writes, “I am living happily with my family in South Tyrol, Northern Italy. I am working as a consultant for the Terra Institute, accompanying holistic change processes towards sustainability in small and medium sized businesses. My area of expertise is fostering the emergence of an emotionally and socially competent culture within companies, which I find hugely fascinating. I have just published my second book on the subject—in German—and I am working on a third. My two sons, Arvin (10) and Sunyan (16), are thriving, the latter getting ready for Advanced Placement (AP) in Calculus at the Ecole d’Humanité in Switzerland. It seems like yesterday that I took my AP Calculus course at George School!

Wish I could pop over for Alumni Weekend, but it doesn’t seem realistic at this point. Sending warm wishes all the same.”

Shawna Grimm Lyons writes, “It was fun to be back on campus

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1996

1999

Lenore M. Green writes, “I am living in Houston, TX. Looking for others out here livin’ on the bayou.

I’m at MD Anderson Cancer Center working as a surgical acute care nurse practitioner and loving life. Hope to hear from beloved classmates.”

John D. Fort writes, “I had a great time reconnecting with Lucy J. Lang, her parents, and the newest Lang, Isiah Lang Asher. We got together for an end of summer trip over to Catalina Island CA where we had an amazing tour with Catalina Kevin.

My daughter Amelie and my sister Victoria K. Fort ’03 were all along for the ride and enjoyed the wideopen ocean, reconnecting with old friends, and relaxing on the island.

I am excited to teach calculus and pre-calculus to students at the Village Academy in Pomona CA. I draw on all of my past and present math heroes for inspiration and ideas. Do you have a story from George School about a math or science teacher who really engaged you and helped you learn? I would love to hear it.”

Natalie Cohen Kopacz writes, “My husband Stanley, big brother Ian Bryce, and I are pleased to announce the birth of our new baby boy, Tobin Oliver Kopacz, who was born in May 2014. We live in a townhome purchased in the past year in Scotts Valley CA. Life in the Santa Cruz mountains couldn’t be better—fifteen minutes to the beach and ten minutes to the Redwood Forests.”

1997 Alyssa Katz writes, “This year marks my tenth year as a Spanish teacher. I have loved the Spanish language and culture since 1997, when I spent two weeks living in Nicaragua with Profesora Laura, her son Karel, and the rest of the family. This summer, I was fortunate enough to spend time again with Karel and our cousin Bayardo, who are both living in Virginia. Seventeen years later and we are still as close as were back in 1997! I currently live in Lawrenceville NJ, with my husband Robert and our dog Oso.”

1998 Theresa ( Terri) Ross Clark writes, “I’m excited to be back on the East Coast, since the Navy moved my husband James and me to southern Virginia, where he is a radiologist at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. I’m taking a break from practicing internal medicine to take care of our three young kids. Moving cross-country with our four-year-old, two-year-old, and one-month-old was quite the adventure, but we’re settling in now. We are also looking forward to more frequent visits with friends up and down the East Coast. Feel free to contact me if you’re in this area.”

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2000 Theodore ( Ted) B. Fet ter writes, “My government relations career has started nicely following a couple of degrees from Vermont Law School in South Royalton VT. I am balancing policy work with coaching youth ultimate frisbee as well as playing music, and working on starting a small fruit and nut farm on our Vermont hillside property with my brother, Oliver (Ollie) W. Fet ter ’05 and father, Frank A. Fet ter ’65. I also really enjoy being an uncle to Quynh T. Hoang’s two young children.”

Kristin A. Collier writes, “I recently enjoyed a trip to England visiting friends and was able to visit the air base where my Poppop—father of Lisa A. Collier (staff )—was stationed during World War II. It was a memorable and moving experience.

The trip was capped off by seeing stage one of the 2014 Tour de France in Yorkshire, England. I started a new job within the executive offices of Under Armour, a Baltimore MD based company. I am learning a tremendous amount about the world of fitness apparel and technology every day. I look forward to another trip home to Pennsylvania soon and to see the

new Fitness and Athletics Center on campus. Happy and healthy wishes to all fellow classmates!”

2001 Sarah A. Schiff Feldman writes, “My husband David Feldman and I welcomed our first child, Solomon Leon Feldman, in July. He was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I am eager to share with Solomon all the things I loved to do at George School—swim, sing, and find his havurah.”

2002 Perri S. Lawrie writes, “I’m still teaching kindergarten at the school in West Harlem NY that I helped found five years ago, living in Brooklyn NY, and generally loving life. I’m in Newtown PA frequently since my parents moved into the borough a few years ago, and I make a point of running to George School when I’m home to stop in for lunch with familiar faces.

If you’re in Newtown, Harlem, or Brooklyn, get in touch!”

Kevin H. Martinez writes, “Hello, my fellow George School family and the Class of 2002! It’s been a while since I wrote a class note but I would like to say that all is well. I’m entering my seventh year of service as a police officer with the New York Police Department, working in the heart of midtown Manhattan in New York City. My old George School roommate Michael (Mike) J. Gretz Jr. bumped into me while I was working in Times Square. It was good to see him. I’m also a proud father of two beautiful kids, Sophiah (2) and Matthew (3), with my wife, Maria, who is studying to be a paramedic.”

2003 Christopher (Chris) A. MacDonald writes, “Surrounded by friends and family, I married Carrie Krieger in September at Crossing Vineyards in Washington Crossing PA. We currently live in Yardley PA and are looking forward to this next chapter in our lives.”

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1997: Alyssa Katz ’97 and longtime friend Karel from her Nicaragua service trip have stayed friends through many travels, from Nicaragua to New Jersey to Virginia.

2001: Sarah A. Schiff Feldman ’01 with newborn son, Solomon Leon Feldman, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

2000: Kristin A. Collier ’00 posed for a photo in Yorkshire, England for stage one of the 2014 Tour de France.

2000: George School alums and friends gathered in New York City in January 2014. From left Roger J. Perez ’05, John (Ted) E. Cummiskey ’05, Ian F. O’Brien ’05, Emily A. West ’05, E. Whitney Yarnall ’05, Eric T. Steginsky ’05, Theodore (Ted) B. Fetter ’00, and Oliver W. Fetter ’05.

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2002: Perri S. Lawrie ’02 with her kindergarten class in West Harlem NY.

2004: Daniel (Dan) C. Suchenski ’04

2003: Christopher A. MacDonald ’03 married Carrie Krieger in September 2014 at Crossings Vineyard in Washington Crossing PA.

2005: A luminary made by Thomas (Tom) L. Bick ’05 was part of the Overnight Walk organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It reads: ‘I’m participating in the Overnight Walk for all who suffer.’ Luminaries were placed in a heart shape on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

2005: Sarah E. Moody ’05 celebrated K. Grace Turnbull’s ’05 bachelorette weekend in Maine in August 2014 with Marianna L. Bogucki ’05 and Jennifer (Jenn) L. Rabin ’05.

2010: Emily F. Silber ’10 in Alaska completed an internship at the

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Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center.

ALUMNI TELL US

2004 Avery M. Blank writes, “The year 2014 has been an exciting one for me, working on policy and women’s leadership. I was honored to be nominated and then win the 2014 ‘Twenty in Their Twenties’ award presented by Maryland’s leading business and legal publication—an award that recognizes the top twenty young professionals in the state. I trained women lawyers and law students at the Ms. JD Conference in Austin TX, presented for the American Bar Association’s Career Advice Live Webinar series for more than 400 participants, attended the Global Women of Influence Senior Executive Dinner Series, spoke at the US Department of State on women’s advancement in the workplace, and participated in a breathing exercise class with Arianna Huffington at the Huffington Post’s New York City office. I also had the opportunity to attend our 10th reunion in May and the privilege of being a bridesmaid in Jennifer E. Pilchman’s wedding in August.”

Daniel (Dan) C. Suchenski writes, “I took a new role as the volunteer director of major gifts at the South Asian American Digital Archive in Philadelphia PA.”

2005 Sarah E. Moody writes, “I’ve had a very eventful 2014 so far. I’m still living in Hillsborough NJ and working as a behavioral health counselor for six boys at a group home. I recently had the opportunity to travel with Karina H. Costa ’06 to Cancun, Mexico, for my twenty-seventh birthday. In the summer I celebrated K. Grace Turnbull’s bachelorette weekend in Maine with Marianna L. Bogucki and Jennifer ( Jenn) L. Rabin. We all attended her wedding in Boston MA in August. I also can’t wait to celebrate our 10th reunion in 2015 with all my classmates.”

Thomas ( Tom) L. Bick writes, “In my second semester of my first year of graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia PA,

a new passion emerged after one of my classmates at the School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2) committed suicide. The school’s response was mismanaged and left many students with inadequate support in coping with this loss. I used my energy to meet with the dean of students, the dean of SP2, and representatives in the Office of the Provost to bring awareness that this situation was mismanaged. Eventually I wrote an op-ed article after the process which was published by the Huffington Post and Bucks County Courier Times. I also attended meetings with other students and faculty to address the lack of support at SP2. As a result of SP2 students’ efforts, SP2’s new student orientation now includes a segment addressing suicide. Finally, I was able to show support by raising funds and participating in the Overnight Walk in June organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.”

weeks camping out in the wilderness with a team of researchers and archeologists, excavating old Tlingit sealing camps. Upon my return, I worked in their Anchorage Museum office as a social media coordinator, graphic designer, photographer, and website content developer.”

2012 Meredith Allen writes, “I am currently studying at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies on Kibbutz Ketura in Israel for my study abroad program. I will graduate from Colorado College in 2016. I am taking environmental studies courses and partaking in a peace and environment leadership seminar. For an independent research project, I may be working with The Friends School in Ramallah, Palestine, which I came to know through my time at George School. Hope all is well. Cheers!”

2006 Hannah B. Kane writes, “I am still living in Washington DC and working at the Washington DC Employment Justice Center, celebrating our victories in increasing the District’s minimum wage to $9.50 (and eventually $11.50), mandating that employers provide employees with paid sick days, and passing some of the strongest anti-wage theft legislation in the country.”

2007 Rachel A. Wells writes, “I just returned to Bucks County PA after living in New York City and getting a master’s degree in Education. I am working at Buckingham Friends School as their first grade teacher and loving every minute of it!”

Class notes for this issue were received as of September 30, 2014. Class notes received by January 20, 2015 will be included in the next Georgian.

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, please 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.

2010 Emily F. Silber writes, “I am currently attending Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and living in New York City near campus.

Last summer, I completed an anthropology/journalism internship at the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center in Anchorage AK, where I spent four

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In Memoriam EDITED BY TESSA BAILEY-FINDLEY Elizabeth Suplee Fisher ’29 July 15, 2012 F. Marple (Nip) Ambler ’31 September 14, 2012 Nip was a longtime resident of Cortland NY. Originally from Langhorne PA, Nip graduated from Pennsylvania State College and worked a combined total of thirty-eight years for Mack Trucks and Brockway Motor Trucks, having the title of chief engineer while at Brockway. He was married to Dorothy Ambler for over fifty years until her passing in 1992. Nip enjoyed life and his favorite pastimes included golf, bridge, reading, and playing games with his family. He is survived by two sons, two daughters, eight grandchildren, and fourteen greatgrandchildren.

Esther Wickersham Allcutt ’33 April 7, 2014 Esther resided in St. Petersburg FL. She was an avid reader and had a passion for gardening. She loved her Yorkie, George. She was preceded in death by her husband of seventy-three years and her son. She is survived by three daughters, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Nancy Farquhar Darling ’34 October 16, 2013 As a resident of Kennett Square PA for most of her life, Nancy attended Wilmington Friends School in Wilmington DE and Bradford Junior College in Haverhill MA. She devoted her life to her family and a variety of volunteer organizations. In the early 1970s Nancy participated with several other local residents to assist in the creation of the Kendal Crosslands Communities in Kennett Square. She remained active in the oversight and operation of the facilities. Following the death of her husband, she entered Kendal Crosslands and resided there for the following twenty-nine years.

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In this community she developed many friendships that sustained her and supported her in her later years.

Nancy was a devoted golfer and tennis player for many years, a member of the Kennett Square Country Club, and an active member of the Lake Paupac community in northeastern Pennsylvania. She will be well remembered for the strength and support she supplied to her immediate and “greater” families, as a traveling companion with both family and friends, and for the delight and pleasure she provided her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, son-in-law, six grandchildren, and eight greatgrandchildren.

J. Isabel Goddard ’35 August 19, 2013 Isabel received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania and dedicated her life to hospital and family service social work for over forty years. She is survived by her niece and nephews.

Sarah (Sue) Campbell Coale ’36 March 8, 2014 Sue was born in Brooklyn NY, grew up in Staten Island NY, and attended Goucher College in Baltimore MD. She majored in philosophy and went on to graduate school at UCLA in Los Angeles CA, but left to get married in 1941. In 1947, Sue followed her husband to Princeton University. With art being one of her deepest pleasures, she served for years as a docent at the Princeton University Art Museum.

Another of her deep pleasures was providing a social context for the many foreign visitors to, and students at, Princeton’s Office of Population Research. This included countless dinner parties hosted with attention to the comfort and ease of persons far from their homes. Sue was connected for many years with the Mercer County Child Guidance Center in New Jersey. She was Chairman of the Trustees of the Princeton Public Library in the 1960s during the design and construction of the building on Witherspoon Street. She also served

for many years on the George School Committee, where she dedicated herself to helping the school integrate the student body. Her friends and family remember her unfailing selfless goodness, her empathetic kindness, and her bountiful grace. Survivors include her son Robert C. Coale ’62 and granddaughter Sarah H. Coale ’99.

Eugene W. Bassett ’36 June 10, 2014 Eugene was born in Woodstown NJ, where he lived before retiring to Florida. After graduating from George School, he served in the US Army during World War II and was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu HI when Pearl Harbor was attacked. He worked for the DuPont Chambers Works in Deepwater NJ for thirty-seven years before retiring to Cape Coral FL in 1978. Until recently, he was active in the Masonic Lodge and the Elks Lodge in Cape Coral. He married Muriel Ridgeway in 1946.

She predeceased him in 1998. He is survived by his brother, sister, son, daughter, grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Helen Bernard West ’36 William (Bill) Plummer III ’38 June 15, 2014 Bill was a birthright Quaker and a member of West Chester Friends Meeting and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 1942 with a degree in economics. Because of his Quaker faith, he was a conscientious objector during World War II, and he served in five different Civilian Public Service (CPS) units located in New Hampshire, Oregon, and New York City. His work for a unit that conducted human testing to help fighter pilots overcome fatigue at high altitudes changed the course of his life. Intrigued by the human body’s response during testing, he was inspired to become a physician. While in New York City, he attended Columbia University to attain the necessary sciences for medical school. He received his medical degree from the

IN MEMORIAM

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia PA in 1950.

Bill and his wife moved to West Chester PA in 1952 to start his medical practice. As a general practitioner, he was often seen in his office, making rounds at Chester County Hospital, and attending to house calls in all types of weather. Later in his career, Bill was instrumental in establishing the first diabetic department at Chester County Hospital, and served on its foundation board and the board of trustees. For many years he served on the East Bradford Township Planning Commission Board and several Westtown School committees. After his retirement in 1992, he volunteered at Winterthur Museum helping to restore period furniture. He was an avid golfer and a member of Radley Run Country Club and Divotees Golf Club.

He was a master woodworker, filling the family home with beautiful reproductions of Early American furniture often made from walnut milled from their property. One of his greatest joys was spending summers in Vermont, hiking the trails of Mt. Mansfield, and exploring back roads. He was an amateur photographer, a lover of historical homes, and he appreciated the pleasures of sipping a glass of fine scotch. His sense of humor was his constant companion and the delight of those who surrounded him, and it stayed with him until the end. In addition to his wife, he is survived by five daughters, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Louisa Pitzonka Collier ’39 May 30, 2014 Louisa grew up on her family’s nearly 70-acre pansy farm near Bristol PA where she developed a lifelong love of flowers and would visit for many years. During the Great Depression, a representative from George School knocked on the door of the pansy farm trying to drum up applications. Louisa enrolled soon after and continued on to Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs NY where she graduated with a BS degree. Sharing a tradition important in her mother’s family, many of whom were Philadel-

phia Quakers as far back as colonial times, she was always proud to have attended a Quaker high school. After meeting early in high school—their crowning moment, the kiss in the school play—Louisa’s romance with her husband Tom Collier lasted for more than seventy years. After World War II, the two settled in Millersville PA where Louisa assisted her husband in his mechanical engineering business and raised a family. She was an accomplished seamstress, gardener, reader, cook, and an active member in the American Association of University Women. Upon retirement, she and her husband moved to Oxford MD where they spent many wonderful years together. Louisa had a passion for travelling with her husband and enjoyed many trips to Europe with him. Especially beloved were the many winters they spent together at the Bay of Cascais in Portugal. Louisa is survived by her daughter Ruth Collier Manning ’70, son, sister, grandson, four granddaughters, and four great-granddaughters.

Alice Waddington Price ’40 July 29, 2014 Born in Woodstown NJ, Alice married Harrie B. Price in 1942. Over the next fifty years they lived at the Westtown School in West Chester PA, in Moorestown NJ, and in Penobscot ME. They spent every summer at Flying Moose Lodge, a boys’ camp in East Orland ME. When her husband died in 1992 she moved to Farmington ME where she was a frequent volunteer working for the Safe Visitor Program, the Farmington public schools, Franklin Memorial Hospital, and the Food Closet. She was an active member of the Farmington Friends Meeting and in the summertime participated in the Narramissic Friends Meeting in Orland ME. She is survived by two daughters, a son and daughter-in-law, twelve grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Barclay (Bok) White Jr ’40 October 6, 2012 After graduating from George School, Bok earned his BS degree from Swarthmore College in 1943, and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania in 1947. He joined Barclay White and Co. in 1949 and ultimately served as president and chairman from 1978-1991. Bok was a partner with Glencoe Associates from 1986 until his death. A member of West Chester Friends Meeting in West Chester PA, Bok served on the board of Friends Hospital, the Fleer Corporation, Skytop Lodge, and on the Executive Committee of Westtown School. He was president of the Carpenters Company, a member of the General Building Contractors Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Arbitration Association Construction Panel, and the National Association of Professional Engineers. He was an avid golfer, squash player, and devoted fly fisherman. He was a member of the Parkside Angling Association and the Angler’s Club of Philadelphia PA. Bok was preceded in death by two sisters and is survived by his sister, his wife of sixty-three years, five children, eleven grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren.

David H. Mercer ’40 August 9, 2012 David, a birthright Quaker, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia PA in 1947, where he was an outstanding student athlete, captain of the 1946 track team, and a member of the Sphinx Senior Society, the school’s oldest honor society.

David served in the Army Air Force in World War II and met and married his beloved wife while serving at Eglin Army Air Force Base in Valparaiso FL. He was a member of The Hill School faculty in Pottstown PA for forty-two years and served as athletic director for thirty of those years, retiring in 1990. In 2012, The Hill School Athletics Hall of Fame was created, and David was among seventeen coaches and athletes inducted into The Founders Hall. The David H. Mercer

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Field House was named in honor of his commitment to nurturing strong character and good sportsmanship in young people. From 1948-1992, David spent summers working in various capacities at Camp Deerwood, a boys’ camp in Holderness NH, where he continued to be a mentor and example of integrity. He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, his two daughters including Leah Mercer Galbraith ’69, seven grandchildren, and seven greatgrandchildren.

Arthur Bluethenthal ’41 April 7, 2013 Arthur, a ‘reluctant hero,’ was a B-17 pilot in World War II, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as a selfless servant to the Greensboro NC community, who shied away from public recognition. He owned and ran the Greensboro Bonded Warehouse, which burned to the ground in 1970, after which he owned and ran the Pella window and door franchise for the state of North Carolina. As a member of Temple Emanuel in Greensboro NC, he served as brotherhood president, president, and on the board of directors. His devotion to the Jewish community was also seen in his involvement in the Greensboro Jewish Federation as the drive chairman and vice president. He participated in fundraising endeavors and community service projects for various local charitable organizations.

Arthur is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-two years, three children, six grandchildren, and a great-grandson.

Holly Franchot Cobb ’43 May 10, 2014 Holly was an artist, a musician, and a teacher. She grew up in New York and graduated from Radcliffe College in Cambridge MA with a BA in International Affairs. She and her husband lived in Baltimore MD, Corrales NM, and in Pakistan before settling in Denver CO, where he was a professor at Colorado University Medical School, and she taught art and kindergarten at Graland Country Day School. She leaves a beautiful

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portfolio of paintings and note cards depicting the peaks by their cabin in Alice CO. She is survived by her husband of sixty-seven years, her brother, four children including Loren Cobb ’66, Nathaniel Cobb ’68, and Julianne Cobb Fontenoy ’76, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

William (Bill) D. Boyer ’43 April 13, 2014 Bill was born in Dayton OH but spent most of his childhood school years, from kindergarten through junior high, in Hamilton OH. After graduating from George School, Bill served on a number of ships in the US Merchant Marine from 1943 through fall of 1947. He graduated from the US Merchant Marine Academy in 1945, receiving commissions as ensign in the US Maritime Service and US naval reserve. He later obtained a US Coast Guard license as chief mate and earned a BS degree from the US Merchant Marine Academy in Great Neck NY. Bill loved telling stories about his time in the Merchant Marine: adventures in various ports of call, navigating the mined harbor outside of Trieste, Italy, and the near miss of a torpedo. In the fall of 1947, Bill enrolled at the State University of New York, College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry, at Syracuse University. There he obtained a BS degree in forestry and a master’s degree in wildlife management. He later earned a PhD degree in Forest Ecology at Duke University in Durham NC. After a year of work on the staff of the Hoover Commission in Washington DC, he went to work for the US Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. He was assigned to the unit located in Brewton AL until 1975 when reassigned to a new unit located on the campus of Auburn University in Auburn AL. He retired in 1998 after forty-three years of service with this organization. In his work, Bill authored or coauthored well over one hundred publications, most related to the regeneration and management of the longleaf pine.

After retirement, Bill was named emeritus scientist and continued some

of his long-term research as a volunteer. He was a gentle, kind, patient man who devoted his life to his family and the longleaf pine forests of the Southeast. He is survived by his wife of thirty-three years, four daughters, four stepdaughters, eighteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Catherine J. Smith ’43 December 22, 2013 Ruth (Britt) Britton Gore ’43 May 22, 2011 Mary Stone Brodish ’44 November 7, 2013 Mary was born in Coasteville PA. From an early age she excelled in the arts and sciences, and graduated from Wellesley College in Wellesley MA in 1948. She went on to study art history at New York University in New York City where she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study abroad in Italy and earned an MA in art history.

After graduation, she worked briefly for the art history program at Duke University in Durham NC, before entering a nursing program at Yale University in New Haven CT, where she received an MS nursing degree.

Mary married Alvin Brodish in the summer of 1957 and practiced nursing at Yale University Medical School where he served on the faculty. After taking a break from her career to raise her young children, she restarted her career and served on the faculties of the University of Cincinnati (OH) and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She educated hundreds of student nurses and received several awards for teaching excellence in maternity and neonatal nursing. Warm and caring, Mary always sought the good in everyone she met. She enjoyed music, was a loyal supporter of the Winston-Salem Symphony, and was a longtime active volunteer for the organization Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN). Mary was a voracious reader and gifted at needlepoint, quilting, and knitting. She loved the outdoors, especially long summer walks at the beach, and spring and fall walks

IN MEMORIAM

along the trails of Tanglewood Park in Clemmons NC with her golden retrievers. Mary is survived by her husband of fifty-six years, three sons and their wives, a daughter and her husband, and nine grandchildren.

William (Bill) J. Hough Jr. ’44 October 13, 2014 Bill, of Lafayette Hill PA, was the husband of the late Jane (Pendergrass) and the late Roseanne “Nancy” (Knerr). He is survived by his sons, Eugene P. Hough ’77, T. Bradford Hough ’82, and William J. Hough III ’74, two daughters, twin brother Charles S. Hough ’44, and four grandchildren.

Roselynd (Posey) Wood Jones ’44 February 21, 2014 Posey, born in Philadelphia PA, attended Briarcliff Junior College in Westchester NY and graduated from Oberlin College in Oberlin OH in 1948. Active in civic and community affairs, Posey served as the president of the West Chester Garden Club, president of the Chester County Visiting Nurses Association, and was a longtime board member of both the West Chester Area Day Care Center and the West Chester Friends Community School. Having a passion for antiques, Posey was also a guide at Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library in Delaware and the Chester County Pennsylvania Historical Society. She also enjoyed assisting at the Benchmark School in Media PA for several years. Posey was an avid international traveler and loved playing the piano and attending performances of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

A longtime summer resident of Cape May NJ, Posey belonged to the Cape May and Cottagers Beach Club. She was a member of the High Street Friends Meeting in West Chester PA. Posey is survived by her sister Mary Ellen Wood Tully ’47, three children, and six grandchildren.

Elizabeth (Libby) Williams ’45 September 20, 2014 Born in Philadelphia PA, Libby was a resident of Daytona Beach Shores

FL and formerly of Plymouth Meeting PA. She was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and was a dedicated teacher, coach, and accomplished athlete. Libby was instrumental in the development of U.S.A. Field Hockey Association and coached the United States and Canadian national lacrosse teams. She is an Honorary U.S.A. Field Hockey and National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame inductee.

Libby is survived by her sister-in-law, niece, and nephews.

Richard (Rick) W. Robbins ’45 September 23, 2013 Rick, of Providence RI, was a graduate of Harvard University in Cambridge MA, and received a master’s of library science degree from Simmons College in Boston MA. He later served as director of the Pawtucket Public Library and then the Warwick Public Library in Rhode Island. An activist library leader, Rick initiated the first Sunday open hours for libraries in Rhode Island and the system of interlibrary return of borrowed materials currently in use. Owing to his interest in the history of Providence, Rick established and offered walking tours through the Providence Walking Company. He was a lover of trees and planted many. A birthright Quaker, his hope was that all maintain their aspiration and efforts for a country at peace and a world without war.

Besides his wife, Rick is survived by his daughter, son, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Marie T. Watson ’46 June 28, 2014 Born in Germantown PA, Marie lived most of her life there before moving to Lansdale PA in 1994. A self-described “career girl,” she received professional training at Peirce Business College and worked for many years as an IBM specialist at Smith, Kline & French in Philadelphia, before retiring from The Drug House, Inc. in Thorofare NJ. Raised in the Quaker tradition, Marie attended Germantown Friends School and was a member of Buckingham Friends Meeting. Marie also attended Wakefield Presbyterian Church in

Germantown and Oxford Presbyterian Church in East Mount Airy for many years. In addition to teaching Sunday school at both churches, she also sang in the choir and often performed as a soloist. Music was a lifelong passion for Marie, but not her only hobby or interest. She also enjoyed travel, especially to her favorite destination of Ocean City NJ, photography, genealogy, arts and crafts, and was an avid collector of teddy bears and T-shirts. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the National Carousel Association, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Samaritan’s Purse, The Salvation Army, the American Friends Service Committee, the Audubon Society, and the Bucks County Historical Society. Marie is survived by her cousins.

Klaus Hubben ’47 May 3, 2014 Klaus of Landenberg PA received his undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia PA. He also earned a master’s degree in veterinary pathology and spent two years in the US Air Force in the veterinary corps. Klaus taught pathology at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square PA for ten years before spending the next twenty-two years in pharmaceutical research at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) Americas in Wilmington DE. Klaus is survived by his wife, six children, and six grandchildren.

Langdon Elsbree ’48 June 21, 2014 After leaving George School in 1948, Langdon graduated from Earlham College in Richmond IN in 1952 with a degree in English. He moved happily to Claremont Manor in 2010, having lived in Claremont CA since 1957. Langdon will be remembered fondly by students and associates at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont CA, where he taught, as well as by fellow Friends at the Claremont Friends Meeting. He expressed wishes to be remembered for his study and published work on Thomas Hardy,

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D. H. Lawrence, Virginia Woolf, and two books, The Rituals of Life: patterns in narratives, and Ritual Passages and Narrative Structures. The place of dance figured essentially in his work and as a metaphor for life. His Quaker education remained an influence in his being a Quaker his whole life. He is survived by his wife, Aimée Wildman Elsbree ’44, daughter, brother, sister, and grandson.

where they raised their five children.

When the youngest of the children was in high school, she went to work outside the home at Foley Brothers Dry Goods Co., a Houston department store. Ellen will be missed for her spirit, cooking, laughter, toughness, and wit. Ellen is survived by her devoted husband of sixty-two years, daughter, sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Gerald (Jerry) T. Hertz ’48 January 26, 2014 Jerry, of Whitehall PA, graduated from Muhlenberg College in Allentown PA and honorably served in the US Naval Reserve from 1949 to 1956.

As owner of Hertz Supply Company, Inc., he will long be remembered by his employees, business associates, customers, and acquaintances for his fairness, hard work, integrity, and his joy of working with individuals challenged by disabilities. He also served on the board of directors for the Allentown Osteopathic Hospital and was active in the Asbury United Methodist Church in various capacities. In addition to his family and work, Jerry loved flying and could often be seen at Allentown’s Queen City Airport with his Cessna 182. He enjoyed travel and leisurely meals at the Lehigh Country Club where he was a long-standing member. Jerry will be lovingly remembered by his three children.

Lauren P. Stubbs ’48 September 2, 2014 Lauren, affectionately known as “Stubby,” moved to Fulton County PA in 1991 when he retired from truck driving. Born in Gettysburg PA, he was a son of the late Joseph and Esther P. Stubbs ’19. During the Korean War, Lauren proudly served his country as an Army private first class officer.

One of the greatest pleasures of his life was his 1932 Auburn sedan. Lauren enjoyed the yearly trips to Auburn IN, for the Auburn Cord Duesenberg (ACD) meet and attending many other shows, car meets, and flea markets involving antique cars. He was a member of the ACD Club and the Antique Automobile Club of America, Hershey PA region. Lauren liked to read about the Civil War and historical biographies. The Cardinals were his favorite baseball team. He liked watching sports on TV and bird watching from the back porch. He is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, his daughter, and her husband.

Ellen Jenkins Squyres ’49 September 18, 2014 Born into a long line of Quakers, Ellen was extremely proud of her Quaker heritage. She grew up in the Benjamin West House on the campus of Swarthmore College in Swarthmore PA, where her father was professor of electrical engineering and her mother the first female graduate in electrical engineering. Her fondness for George School continued throughout her life, and she shared many great memories of her life in the dorms. She attended Davis and Elkins College in Elkins WV, and then worked as a bank teller, where she met her future husband.

Her husband took her to Houston TX,

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Virginia (Gini) Rogers Christopher ’49 July 4, 2014 Gini was born in Trenton NJ and graduated from Endicott College in Beverly MA. A lifelong illustrator and accomplished watercolorist, Gini was a member of the Colonial Dames of America in Washington DC, the Mary Washington chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Captain John chapter of Questers International, the Washington Club, and she was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Washington. For decades, Gini lectured on stenciling and the decorative arts—particularly

on adapting historic furnishings to present day settings. In Rockville MD, she volunteered at the United Methodist Church’s women’s day shelter, and at the municipal pool, where she taught swimming and water safety to blind children, and also served on the swim center board. She was active in numerous civic roles and was a docent at the DAR museum in Washington DC. Gini enjoyed traveling with loved ones and toured widely in North America, South America, Continental Europe, and Great Britain. In recent years, inspired by her grandchildren, she created and illustrated a series of children’s books about sharing and kindness. Gini will long be remembered by her family and by her many friends for her lively and loving spirit.

She is survived by two sons and three grandchildren.

William (Bill) L. Finney ’49 June 22, 2013 The consummate family man, Bill was the descendent of settlers who came to Bucks County PA in the 1700s. He worked as a youth at the family general store, feed mill, and post office in the heart of Holland PA, when it was simply a country crossroads. After graduating from George School and attending Rider College in Trenton NJ, Bill enlisted in the US Air Force during the Korean War. Bill was a defender of the Phillies and a protector of all animals, Bill left this world with dignity and grace. Bill adored his wife, Mary Dawson Finney ’49, who survives him, and was the loving father to three daughters. He held a special place in his heart for his five grandchildren.

Milton G. Smith ’49 March 21, 2010 J. Thomas (Tom) Parry ’50 June 6, 2014 Tom, a resident of Long Lake NY, received his BS in industrial engineering from Iowa State University in Ames IA, an MBA from the Carlson School of Management in Minneapolis MN, and an MA in religion and theology from the United Theology

IN MEMORIAM

Seminary in Dayton OH. He served with the US Air Force as a captain during the Korean Conflict. Tom was employed as an industrial engineer at Honeywell for thirty-one years.

He served as president of the Golden Valley Rotary, District Governor Rotary, Zuhrah Shrine Pipe Band, Suburban Shrine Club, National Sojourners, St. Andrew’s Society, St. David’s Society, and the Institute of Industrial Engineers. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7051, American Legion Post 523, Lake Harriet and Mound Masonic Lodges, Zuhrah Shrine, and St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of twenty-three years, three children, two step-children, nine grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and sisters Suzanne Parry Lamborn ’55 and Doris Parry Davenport ’59.

John W. Holmes ’50 March 18, 2014 Harris (Hack) C. Arnold ’51 May 3, 2014 Born in Lancaster PA, Hack was a graduate of Haverford College in Haverford PA, the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and Judge Advocate General (JAG) School at the University of Virginia, and later joined the US Army. Harris served as an attorney for Arnold, Byer, and Homsher and as legal counsel for the state colleges of Pennsylvania. Harris was an elder and member of Highland Presbyterian Church of Lancaster where he sang in the choir for thirtyone years. He enjoyed hiking and being outdoors, swimming, and classical music which included attending the Philadelphia Orchestra series. In addition to his wife, Harris is survived by three stepsons, a sister, two brothers including John T. Arnold ’54, and five step-grandchildren.

Penelope Morrow Pollock ’53 June 30, 2014 Penelope, of Longboat Key FL, passed away at her summer home, Boscobel, located on Owasco Lake in New York.

Susan Berg Hanson ’53 March 24, 2014 Ann M. Talbot ’54 September 14, 2014 Ann spent most of her youth in Newtown PA, and later attended Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs NY, and The Museum School, now known as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia PA. She moved from Montgomery County to Lancaster PA in 2004 to live with her daughter and son-in-law. Her friends in Lancaster knew her to be a devoted Lancaster Barnstormers baseball fan, rarely missing a home game since the inaugural season in 2005. Ann was a floral designer, a calligrapher, a gifted painter and poet, and had a beautiful voice, which earned her the nickname “Torchee”—for her renditions of popular love songs from the 1950s.

She was an athlete as well, enjoying lacrosse, tennis, and ice skating. Ann was also an avid gardener, turning to creative container gardening when she moved to a city home in Lancaster PA. Her gardens were always an oasis for friends and family, and a generous source of food and water for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. Ann is survived by her daughter, son-in-law, sister, brother, and sister-in-law.

Carol A. Culin ’55 February 21, 2014 Caroline Frothingham Garside ’57 March 25, 2014 Caroline spent her early years in Duxbury MA where her parents raised cranberries. Caroline and her two sisters spent much of their time as children around the cranberry bogs and at the shore. After graduating from George School, Caroline went on to Vassar College in Poughkeepsie NY, where she earned a BA in languages. After graduating from Vassar, Caroline moved to Cambridge MA and worked for Harvard University in the Peabody Museum Library as a cataloger and as a research assistant at the Center for Studies in Education and Development. After getting

married and moving to Vermont, Caroline worked in various human service fields including elder affairs and community health, and for the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. She became active in politics and community affairs and even ran for the state legislature. During this time Caroline also started her wholesale baking business, North Branch Bakery, which specialized in pastries made without processed sugar. After her divorce, Caroline moved to Amherst MA to pursue new opportunities and live closer to her family. During this time she continued her interest in elder affairs and in her early fifties completed her MA in gerontology at the University of Connecticut in Storrs CT, focusing on continuing care retirement homes. After sustaining a brain injury in 2001, Caroline made enormous strides in recovery through great fortitude and effort.

In this process she demonstrated her remarkable capacity to reinvent herself for each new phase of her life and to approach it with zest and energy.

She did not return to her job, but held numerous volunteer positions in Amherst, started a small sewing business, and continued as an active member of Northampton Friends Meeting.

She supported many community programs including Not Bread Alone.

Caroline loved cooking and baking, reading, music, textile arts, traveling, hiking and cross-country skiing. She felt her most important accomplishments were starting her bakery in Montpelier VT, her work with elders, and her wide circle of loyal friends.

Caroline is survived by two sisters including Elizabeth (Jo) Garside Goeselt ’52.

Robert (Bob) C. Warner ’60 June 6, 2014 Raised in Toms River NJ as the eldest of four children, Bob made many memories and friends playing in and around the river. He graduated from Washington College in Chestertown MD and Stonier Graduate School of Banking in Philadelphia PA. Bob began his investment banking career at Baker Watts in Baltimore MD, and

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continued in the field at The First National Bank of Toms River where he became the senior vice president and chief investment officer, finally retiring from banking at TD Bank.

Bob was a devotee of the Boy Scouts of America. He achieved Eagle Scout as a teenager, and remained an active member serving as Jersey Shore Council president, treasurer, Sea Scout leader, and as a founding member of the Boy Scout Heritage Foundation, ensuring many future generations of scouting. He is a recipient of the National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout Award for dedication and service. Bob was an accomplished Barnegat Bay (NJ) yachtsman having a great passion for sailing, boating, fishing, and kayaking. His enthusiasm for racing began as a junior sailor at the Island Heights Yacht Club in Island Heights NJ. Other interests and hobbies included triathlons, completing the New York Marathon, skiing, golf, skeet sheeting, and cooking for his large family. Bob is survived by his significant other, three siblings including Mary Ann Warner Stauffer ’73, four children, and seven grandchildren.

Jonathan Vaughan ’61 September 14, 2014 Jonathan was born in New Haven CT. He and his wife moved to Clinton NY in 1971 where Jon began his career as a professor of psychology at Hamilton College. Jon loved teaching and interacting with his students, both in the classroom and in the research lab, and took great pride in their accomplishments. Many of his students went on to professional careers in the sciences and elsewhere. Jon was an active researcher in psychology, publishing many papers, often with student co-authors. During the last year of his life Jon and his long-time friend completed work on a textbook on computer programming for behavioral scientists. Jon also served as editor for professional journals and was the recipient of multiple grants and fellowships from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Health. Jon loved his family, play-

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ing the cello, taking photographs, telling bad jokes, teaching, and being what his sons lovingly referred to as a dork. He was the kind of man who never wanted to retire from his students, brought a cello with him almost everywhere, and had a “debugging axe” for when his computer gave him trouble. Jon is survived by his wife, two children including Joseph G. Vaughan ’92, and grandchildren.

Richard (Rick) W. Robertson ’61 July 18, 2014 Richard was born in Philadelphia PA and raised in Bucks County, where he lived in Newtown PA. He graduated from Pennsylvania Military College in Chester PA. Upon graduation he accepted a commission in the US Army and served with the Adjutant General Corps rising to the rank of captain before leaving active duty for a business career. Rick’s great passion was sailing, whether on the East Coast during college summers as a mate on a racing yacht or on his own boat “Miracle” which he raced and sailed for years on the coast of California, where he lived before retiring to LaPaz. Rick is survived by his daughter, brother, and two nieces.

Elizabeth (Liz) Lunning ’65 July 1, 2014 Liz, a beloved member of the Houston TX arts community, grew up in New York City, surrounded by artists and craftspeople that were friends of her family—an experience that helped shape her well-known extraordinary visual sense. The family’s creation of the Lunning Prize (1951-1970) greatly increased awareness of Scandinavian design in the United States and abroad. Liz received her conservation training at the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University in Cambridge MA. She began her paper conservation career at the Intermuseum Conservation Laboratory in Oberlin OH before working at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston MA for many years.

During this period until the 1990s, she also served as a consultant paper conservator at the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio. In 1990, she was

appointed paper conservator of the Menil Collection in Houston TX and, in time, became chief conservator— heading the museum’s conservation laboratory, from which she retired in 2006. Her circle of friends around the world will miss her great gifts as a conversationalist, her inquisitive mind in both the sciences and the arts, and the generosity she shared with the wide range of people whom she had befriended. Liz is survived by her brother and nephew.

David H. Platt ’66 September 4, 2014 Born in Abington PA, David lived in Trevose PA until moving to Holland PA in 1981. He was the son of the late Vernon D. Platt and Jean Hare Platt ’37. At George School, David was a member of the cross country and swim teams, and went on to swim on the varsity team for Pennsylvania State University in State College PA. In 1970, he graduated with a degree in hotel and food service. David was a true Penn State alumnus, cheering his beloved Nittany Lions on to victory every Saturday during football season.

In 1970, David joined the US Navy, was stationed in Panama through 1972, and received an honorable discharge in 1976. David was a true entrepreneur having many business interests throughout his life. His lifelong desire to avoid wearing a suit and tie was his motivation for always being his own boss. He owned and operated the Newtown Swim Club and Newtown Day Camp from 1983 to 2013. He was an innovator in the retail golf business, opening twentyfour golf stores, golf courses, driving ranges and mini-golf courses in three states under the Somerton Springs banner from 1972 through 2001. David served on the board of directors of the former Northeast Federal Savings Bank and Prime Bank, George School Committee, and was a member of the Bucks County Community College Foundation. He was a long-standing member of the Bucks County Planning Commission. David proudly served as a sponsor and board member of the Richie Ashburn

IN MEMORIAM

Celebrity Golf Classic, which raised over one million dollars during his tenure for the handicapped members of the Boy Scouts of America. David is survived by his beloved wife of twenty-five years, Gerri Platt, his three devoted daughters, siblings Jay R. Platt ’65, Jonathan W. Platt ’78, Richard A. Platt ’68, and Jean Platt Rospondek ’69. He was preceded in death by his brother, Vernon.

Annette C. James ’80 September 4, 2014 Ian C. Spitzer ’85 December 20, 2011 Christian L. Emigh-Doyle ’09 May 25, 2014 As a child, Christian attended the Acadia Friends Meeting in Northeast Harbor ME, until age fourteen when he moved to Newtown PA to attend George School. He completed high school at the Mt. Desert High School in Bar Harbor ME. During childhood, Christian enjoyed many summers at the Friends Camp in China, ME, and Camp Beech Cliff, Mt. Desert ME. In the outdoors, he appreciated rock climbing, ice climbing, skate boarding, slack lining, and bicycling.

He also enjoyed reading, video car racing games, and playing the cello.

Christian is survived by his parents and two sisters.

Arthur (Art) L. Powell (former GSB) June 7, 2014 Art, of Bryn Mawr PA, a philanthropist and former chairman of Kravco, one of the nation’s largest shoppingmall management firms, had resided at Waverly Heights retirement community in Gladwyne PA. Art served on the governing board of George School from 1972-1985. Art and his business partner led Kravco, a Montgomery County-based company whose list of properties included the King of Prussia Mall, Langhorne’s Oxford Valley Mall, and the Hamilton Mall outside Atlantic City. By the 1990s, the company had developed or redeveloped 30 million square feet of

commercial space, including malls in Maine and Texas. Kravco’s properties helped transform the way Americans shop, bringing large department stores—traditionally a staple of gilded urban boulevards—to the rapidly expanding suburbs. Art was the son of Jewish Russian immigrants who arrived in New York City shortly after the turn of the century. He was the youngest of six children growing up on one floor of a three-story tenement in the 1920s. Encouraged by his father, Art went to college, studying engineering at Alfred University in Alfred NY and later earning a master’s degree in industrial management at New York University in New York City. His life changed when friends of his wife arranged for him to meet Philadelphia real estate developer Morris Kravitz. Art sat in on a partners’ meeting at Kravitz’s firm and listened to them discuss development of a shopping center. Art, feeling he could assist with management of the project, eventually pitched a job for himself to Kravitz, who hired him. Kravitz eventually turned the company over to Art and his business partner, who built the company with the help of partners and consultants.

Art and his business partner stepped down from their roles in the company in 1995. Art also was dedicated to his family, which included four children Carol Powell Heller ’71, Nancy E. Powell ’71, and Jon R. Powell ’75, thirteen grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren. His wife died in 2005.

Betty Tjossem (ffac) April 20, 2014 Betty was born in Santa Monica CA. After graduating in 1951 from Roslyn High School on Long Island NY, Betty enrolled at what is now the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz, where she received a BS in education. She married Albert Beard and raised her children in New Paltz NY, where she began her teaching career in the public schools. Betty pursued graduate study, receiving the first MA degree offered by SUNY New Paltz in English Literature in 1969. She went on to teach at Beacon High School

in Beacon NY. Betty taught for two years at Ulster Academy in Kingston NY, followed by a nine-year stint at Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie NY, where she met her second husband, Norm Tjossem (ffac).

In 1983, Betty and Norm moved to Bucks County PA, where she continued teaching at Solebury School until her retirement in 1999 and he taught at George School. Norm and Betty purchased a homestead in Ripton VT in 1978, where they spent holidays and summers. They settled there permanently after Norm’s retirement. In addition to a rich career as an English teacher, Betty was a pianist, church organist, singer-songwriter, modern dancer, yoga instructor, world traveler, member of the Religious Society of Friends, and strong role model for hundreds of adolescents. She loved deeply and widely, and left her world a far better place than she found it. In addition to her husband Norm, Betty is survived by a daughter, a son, his wife, and two grandchildren.

Joseph W. Horger Sr. (fstaff ) May 31, 2014 Joseph, formerly of Andalusia PA, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Philadelphia PA, he was employed as a carpenter for George School for twenty-five years and retired in 1996. Joseph was a US Army veteran of World War II. He loved to go with his family to Harwood Mines near Hazleton PA, where he enjoyed fishing. He will be sadly missed by his beloved daughter, seven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Notification of deaths was recorded as of October 20, 2014.

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.

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Every gift matters.

In every corner of the campus the Annual Fund provides essential dollars to support all aspects of the George School experience for our students.

• Our students participate in a team sport or physical education class almost every term.

As a result, our students display strength, stamina, and determination.

• V isual and performing arts feed the human instinct to imagine, to create, to think critically, and to inspire others.

• Teachers and mentors develop citizen scholars who are comfortable in their self-awareness and confident in their self-sufficiency.

• Hands-on experiences in science labs allow our students to take theory into practice.

We are counting on your support. Please make your Annual Fund gift today!

To make a gift to the Annual Fund, please visit www.georgeschool.org/donate.

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STAY CONNECTED 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.

You also can see what is happening at George School by visiting our Facebook page at facebook.com/georgeschool, following us on Twitter and Instagram @GeorgeSchool, and enjoying our blog at georgeschool.org/voices.

HOLD THE DATES

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 Winter Instrumental Concert

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 & 21, 2015 Winter Musical Performance: The Threepenny Opera

FRIDAY–SUNDAY, MAY 8-10, 2015 Alumni Weekend

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MAY 15 & 16, 2015 Spring Theater Performance: Our Town

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, APRIL 17 & 18, 2015

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015

Dance Eclectic

Commencement

GEORGIAN

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D E C E MBE R 2 0 14 | VOL. 8 7 | NO. 01

GEORGIAN EDITOR Susan Quinn georgian@georgeschool.org 215.579.6567

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© 2014 George School

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Note: If you have received multiple copies of this issue at your address, please contact us with updated address information at advancement@georgeschool.org or at 215.579.6572.

PHOTOS: Inside Back Cover: George School is a member of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association and offers a three-season program for the beginning rider through the advanced jumper who enjoys competing in horse shows. (Photo by Bruce Weller) Back Cover: George School celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Molly Dodd Anderson library. (Photo by William Tenenbaum)