GEORGIAN
Vol. 92
No. 01
pu bl i c at i on of ge orge s cho o l, ne w tow n, pennsy lvania
INSIDE FALL /WINTER 2021
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q u i nte ss e ntial g e o r g e s c h o o l :
Bravery, Resilience, Creativity, and Innovation.
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a n ew acad e m i c pr o g r am fo r a c han g i n g wo r ld .
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george school in th e ti m e o f c ovi d .
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than k yo u alu m n i e ss e ntial wo r ke r s .
GEORGIAN TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vol. 92 | No. 01 | FALL/ WINTER 2021
01 PERSPECTIVES Quintessential George School: Bravery, Resilience, Creativity, and Innovation 02 A New Academic Program for a Changing World 04 Crossing Traditional Boundaries 08 Toward Media Fluency 11 Socially Innovative
14 FEATURES 14 George School in the Time of COVID 22 Thank You Alumni Essential Workers 26 Defining and Cultivating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 28 Alumni Weekend 2021 Goes Virtual 30 George School Hall of Athletic Honor Our cover: Despite our covered faces and abundant challenges of learning in a global pandemic, every day at George School on campus or online, we collectively are the hopeful, optimistic, joyful, and earnest people who learn and acquire knowledge for the good of the world and for a world of good.
32 CAMPUS NEWS & NOTES 36 ALUMNI TELL US 52 IN MEMORIAM
Melissa Ford ’21, Kalden Lama ’22, Max Forstein ’23, Jasmine Zhang ’22 Mitchell Beatch ’23, Olivia Marshall ’24, Jimmy Ding ’23, Lily Smith ’24 Fionnula Fest ’24, Eric Guo ’21, Julian Lentchner ’23, Israel Rosseter ’24 Ellison Murray ’24, Emani Williams ’23, Tommy Wang ’21, Aqua Withers Carello ’21
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PERSPECTIVES
We are unquestionably influenced, changed, and made acutely aware of our human vulnerability by living through a pandemic, and yet, we have continued to be George School, and continued to move our mission forward.
Quintessential George School: Bravery, Resilience, Creativity, and Innovation It seems inevitable to start any introduction to the Fall/Winter 2021 Georgian with recognition of the last eighteen-plus months as we faced COVID together. We could have filled these pages with tales of the extraordinary challenges the wider George School community has met and the bravery, resilience, and creativity we brought forward, alongside the losses we have shared. Indeed, you will find alumni stories and a photo essay revealing life at George School during the pandemic that brought some silver linings amid the clouds. And yet, you will also see that COVID has not dominated life at George School during this period. We are unquestionably influenced, changed, and made acutely aware of our human vulnerability by living through a pandemic, and yet, in these pages, you will see that we have continued to be George School, and continued to move our mission forward.
In this issue you will find stories about George School innovations—from cross-disciplinary learning to our work for a bold new academic program for the 2022-2023 academic year— resulting from the strategic plan, from lessons learned in our professional development studies in educational neuroscience, and from our faculty’s ongoing commitment to do what is best for our students. We hope you will enjoy reading about these new endeavors as well as the essential aspects that will always make George School George School. In friendship,
Sam Houser
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A New Academic Program for a Changing World The new academic program at George School is founded in educational neuroscience and explores the intersections between traditional academic disciplines. Students will have the remarkable ability to customize their learning options both on and off campus and around the world.
How do you educate students in a way that enables them to let their lives speak? It is a question that’s always on the minds of George School faculty and administrators, driving continual examination of best teaching practices. It has also led to a wholesale review of curriculum and the aspects of campus life that support it. Simply put, the new academic program, coming in fall 2022, will transform the ways students learn. What a 21st-century education should look like has been a nationwide topic of conversation since the millennium began. Most traits and skills identified as vital for today’s graduates—creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, flexibility, resilience, empathy, leadership, and a global outlook, to name a handful—have been taught at George School for some time. Our alumni are prepared to learn and adapt to careers that haven’t been invented and a world that is changing…repeatedly. In the last two years, however, George School has looked further ahead. The recent “Plan for George School” calls for a new curriculum that “is sufficiently flexible to allow for student customization.” The goal is not only to prepare students for brilliant futures, but to prepare each student— with their own background and interests—for
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their individual future, so that each can let their life speak in their own way. Through regular professional development, faculty are using research on teaching, adolescent psychology, and—thanks to the emerging field of educational neuroscience—how the brain learns to reevaluate the curriculum from top to bottom. It will include courses and other experiences in a more flexible structure that maximizes learning for all. Characterized by “informed creativity” and developing the “arts of engaged citizenship” (per the strategic plan), the new research-informed curriculum will include: • A significant interdisciplinary experience for all students. • Enhanced offerings in science, technology, engineering, and math linked to the arts. • Inquiry-based learning as a signature pedagogy. • A significant learning experience that complements the IB Diploma while maintaining a deep commitment to the IB program. • Engagement in the local community and the world, including transformative experiences such as internships, student-faculty research, and enhanced service learning trips.
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To make the most of the new curriculum, the calendar will switch to a seven-term model, with each term different, and fewer (four) but longer daily class periods. The combination of curriculum and schedule will let students choose from more courses and experiences, and more ways to put them together. It will be easier to sample different areas and to dive deeply into one. Connecting studies across disciplines and to the real world will make learning more enduring, while enabling students to tailor their education to their needs and interests will make it more meaningful. The end result will be greater flexibility, opportunities, possibilities to accelerate, equity, and student well-being. “We know we will be able to offer a wider variety of courses,” describes Director of Studies Laura Kinnel. “We also know that no matter how much choice we offer within the curriculum, our creative and curious students will always find things they want to study that we don’t offer.” One exciting prospect of the new program is the ability “to ask students, ‘If you could design your own course, what would you be interested in studying?’ and then providing a structure for them to do just that.”
After completion of the curriculum revision, George School’s academic program will certainly change. What it means to be a George School graduate will not. Graduation requirements will continue to ensure that alumni develop the skills, knowledge, and experience for long-term success, and that they are as well-rounded as they are well-educated, with learning durable and mastery-based. According to history teacher Sara Shreve-Price, the new academic program and calendar will indeed “increase our ability to customize our education,” moving closer to providing “all things for all people, but not in a bad way. If you’re all about advanced math and science, you can do it. If you love music and want to immerse yourself in it, you can do that, while we help you explore other things that you may come to love, too. We’ve intentionally tried to put ‘What do we want for our students and how do we build that?’ at the center of all decisions. I’m blown away by the school’s willingness to do that. This is a really exciting time to be at George School.”
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Crossing Traditional Boundaries At all levels and in every era, the structure of “school” has been defined by disciplines and departments. We educate students by subject to prepare them for the world and their futures. We help them master each area’s content and skills as determined by those who are educated deeply in them. But what if in addition to this, goes recent thinking, schools were to think and work outside the silo (to mix two overused metaphors)? At George School, a push for interdisciplinary education is improving the learning experience for students and teachers alike. Take, for example, a spring 2020 children’s lit project. When end-of-year IB exams were canceled due to the pandemic, Kim McGlynn wanted to keep her IB HL English students engaged at a high level despite being dispersed around the globe. She conceived of a different culminating experience— one where seniors could work with students from Jō Adachi’s painting and drawing classes. Together they took the proffered lemons and baked mean lemon meringue pies.
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“I thought it would be fun to do a more creative project,” explains Kim, “Something nostalgic and whimsical, that would connect them to one another.” Having students write and illustrate picture books together “was a way to care for them at a difficult time and a way for them to give back to their community, pass on their knowledge, and start thinking about their place in the world as adults.” “As a literature course, we talk a lot about authorial choices: developing tone, using figurative language, matching language to audience,” Kim continues. Creating children’s books allowed them to make those choices, including how to present serious subjects in words and images. A few students who were also in IB Global Politics crossed yet another “subject line” by using their story as their peace project (see The Critter Chronicles sidebar). For Jō’s art students, the assignment “fit perfectly” because “it had creative thinking, problem solving, skill development, and the added bonus of collaboration” as part of a project (publishing books) “resembling real-life experience.”
PERSPECTIVES
The assignment fit perfectly because it had creative thinking, problem solving, skill development, and the added bonus of collaboration as part of a project (publishing books) resembling real-life experience.
That, it turns out, is one of the biggest reasons to engage in interdisciplinary learning. The real world does not confine itself to departments. If you look at a topic—structural inequities, say—only in history class, it can feel abstract. Applying a statistical analysis from economics or math, however, adds dimension and brings it to life. Students who think of themselves as a “humanities person” or a “math person” come to realize that understanding subjects in different ways makes them a successful “person,” period. And the ability to see from different perspectives developed through cross-disciplinary work further promotes open-mindedness and civic discourse. George School has been exploring innovative, cross-disciplinary curricula for at least a decade. In 2011, the FOCUS Committee, “a committee of teachers for teachers committed to the art and practice of teaching” was created “for the purpose of facilitating cross-departmental communication and fostering academic skills in our students.” Supported and excited by one another, its members have been at the forefront of initiating interdisciplinary projects and courses. An early example, Thinking Across Disciplines was a program for sophomores. Spurred by research into learning and the brain, it asked students to explore the different ways people learn in different fields and to understand how they learn best. Robotics classes are another example, and not just because they are cross-listed by the math and science departments. Design, too, is a major component, with students programming their individualized robots for tasks ranging from playing soccer to writing poetry, navigating a maze to flying. Indeed, robotics at George School goes full STEAM. This fall’s new media literacy and production course (see page 8) bridges art and history much as the hugely successful film/politics/English
documentary project has in recent years. Several of the films that resulted from it were recognized in the annual Speak Truth to Power video competition, covered in a previous issue of the Georgian. In early 2020, students in four IB classes (economics, environmental science and systems, world literature, and global politics) did an intensive case study on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Working in small groups that spanned classes, students approached the topic of development in a national park from different angles, while all addressing the project’s driving question: “What is our global responsibility to invest in the betterment of other societies?” These and other IB courses are ripe for crossdisciplinary collaboration, despite the time pressures for covering content. Director of Professional Development and Evaluation Meredith Baldi ’01 describes the diploma program as offering “a holistic curriculum with cross-points intentionally built in.” Kim, the IB Coordinator, likens it to concentric circles with the student at its center and interdisciplinary learning “the soul of IB.” Perhaps no course is as barrier-busting as the how-we-understand-the-world class that is Theory of Knowledge, which is being revised by the IB to make it even more real-world ready. George School’s long-term goal—reflected in the most recent strategic plan—is for more crossdisciplinary efforts. As part of the plan’s priority for “Informed Creativity: Excellent Teaching and Learning,” a revised curriculum will include “a significant interdisciplinary experience for all students,” made possible by a new academic program. Opportunities for greater cross-pollination are just getting started.
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The Critter Chronicles A cross-disciplinary learning project by Kate Levesque ’20 and Hana Sparks-Woodford ’20 and illustrated by Celeste Huang-Menders ’22 The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has caused peril in the Middle East since the mid-20th century. Like the Wagahoos and Skiddybumps, the Israelis and Palestinians both believe they should have control over a very special place—Jerusalem. This difference of opinion has been the source of war for over fifty years. These two groups have continued to choose competition over cooperation, and no resolution has come of it. Knowing how to effectively resolve conflict is an important skill for every person to have, and the lessons must start in childhood. The skills that the Wagahoos and Skiddybumps learn in the story are ones that can be used to solve fights between friends or even moderate global conflict. After years of disagreement, they found a common goal and realized that sometimes to gain a little something, you must give a little something in return. Through the adventures of these little critters, the writers want to instill faith in the human capacity for cooperation and show that finding peace is possible. Deep in the forest among the tall twisting trees, the Wagahoos sat in the grass. Nearby in the swamp lands, the Skiddybumps rested in the water. Between the forest and the swamp, there was a lake. Here, the water was clear and the air was warm. But there was just one problem. The Wagahoos had discovered the lake years ago and believed that they deserved to keep it. “Finders keepers,” they always said. But the Skiddybumps argued that they needed the lake because the water was much cleaner than their muddy swamp. To solve their disagreement the two groups of critters created a competition. The winner would get to use the lake. The loser would be banished forever. But the two groups always sabotaged each other, so no one ever won. On the day of the 50th annual competition, the two groups met again at the lake for a swimming race. They were very angry at one another and yelled mean words as they prepared. When the race began the Wagahoos secretly put sap all over the Skiddybump swimmers so they were too heavy. “Not fair!” yelled a Skiddybump. The Skiddybumps used reeds from the swamp to block the swimming path of the Wagahoos. After a long and disappointing day, the two groups returned home. “Is anyone ever going to win?” a Skiddybump asked himself on his way back to the swamp. That night, a dark cloud loomed over the lake. The critters could hear the thunder and heavy rain as they tried to fall asleep.
Unknown to the Wagahoos and the Skiddybumps they were each missing a member. One little Wagahoo and one little Skiddybump had been left behind at the lake after the failed competition. Now, they were stranded in the middle of the storm. The terrible storm had ended when the critters gathered for breakfast the next morning. However, looking around their breakfast tables, they each realized that they were missing a little one. Immediately the Skiddybumps ran to the lake, knowing that the Wagahoos must have done something to their friend. But, the Wagahoos were waiting for them when they got there. “Look,” screamed a Wagahoo, “the little ones are stuck in the middle of the lake.” “I blame you,” cried a Wagahoo. “No, I blame you!” cried a Skiddybump. Suddenly, a Wagahoo raised her hand. “I have an idea,” she said. “The Skiddybumps have reeds and we have sap! Let’s make a raft and save those little ones!” The two groups worked together to make a raft by using sap to glue the reeds together. The Wagahoos and Skiddybumps sailed to the middle of the lake. The little ones were rescued! The Wagahoos and Skiddybumps celebrated together that night. For the first time, they came to an agreement. “We will take half of the lake and you can have the other,” said a Skiddybump. “That is a great idea,” said an excited Wagahoo. From then on, the Wagahoos and the Skiddybumps lived in everlasting peace with one another.
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Toward Media Fluency If the last year taught us anything, it is the importance of media literacy to society. Educators have known this for a while, according to history teacher and Director of Professional Development and Evaluation Meredith Baldi ’01. “There has been a national and international push for it as part of any education. It’s the #1 competency that schools should teach and adults should model.” As the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) puts it, the goal is for students to “develop the habits of inquiry and skills of expression that they need to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, and active citizens in today’s world.” Sounds very George School. Hardly surprising, then, that when Meredith and film teacher Scott Seraydarian ’90 developed a media literacy course, they designed a creative, cross-disciplinary, and distinctly George School one. The course, called Producing Peace: Civic Media Literacy & Production, launched in fall 2020, but it was several years in the making. While Meredith was exploring the historical impact of media in her classes, Scott (working as a filmmaker) was wrestling with the power that digital technology gives to media makers. He
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was struck by how easily meaning can be manipulated with simple devices—like music—and he started delving into media literacy issues. In 2017 he joined the faculty and, soon after, the school’s FOCUS Committee, which included teachers, including Meredith, working to heighten learning through interdisciplinary collaboration. Scott and Meredith decided to develop— and co-teach—a media literacy course. To workshop their plans (as part of NAMLE’s 2019 Media Literacy Week), they had their IB film and IB global politics classes collaborate on four films with media literacy themes, including one about a fake news story deliberately spread around campus. When the films were screened and the story debunked in assembly, reactions varied, but a dialogue was sparked. “It forced our students to understand and apply key questions in media literacy as both consumers and producers of media,” they explained in “A Real Take on Fake News,” an article they co-wrote for the National Association of Independent School’s Independent Teacher magazine. This fall, despite the COVID-altered program, Producing Peace began, with several quintessentially George School features.
PERSPECTIVES
First, the class is driven by queries. Who made this message and why? What does its creator want me to feel and do? What techniques are used to accomplish this? How might people of different backgrounds interpret this message? What is left out? What cultural values and points of view should I be attentive to? Students must grapple with these and other important, complicated questions and embrace the certainty of some uncertainty. Second, the course’s cross-disciplinary nature—it can be taken as either a history or art—ensures that different approaches and perspectives are always on offer, and not just in binary terms. Meredith and Scott teach together (not alternately), challenging students to look at media historically and artistically, as consumers and makers. Sometimes they look at a broad spectrum of media throughout time, for example considering propaganda and its purposes in Ancient India and Rome, Soviet
Russia, and in the US today. At other times, students will explore a specific case study in depth, for example how radio facilitated both violence and reconciliation in the Rwandan genocide. But, as student Ellie Gibson ’22 points out “we aren’t just learning, we use what we learn.” At the end of each unit exploring the historical impact of media, students create their own media. Products so far have included persuasive speeches, graphically designed posters, PSA films, and a podcast. These products all require students to articulate a specific student-driven message, plan an intended outcome, and focus on a targeted audience to use media in a way that contributes positively to society. Both consumer and producer roles are key. Citing a Common Sense Media report that found that “teenagers engage with media for an average of nine hours every day,” Meredith and Scott see students as frequent media makers, even if they do not initially see themselves as such.
Tyler Lechtenberg, Mick Rock, Rich Korson
Show and Tell, Ask and Learn “Visiting” (i.e., Zoom) speakers have added to the depth and breadth of experience in Producing Peace. Prominent media makers have joined the class to reflect on their careers and answer student questions: Tyler Lechtenberg, speechwriter for both President Barack and Michelle Obama, came while the class was exploring the power of language to convey ideas and the essential role speech has in a democratic society. Tyler talked about the relationship between a speech’s writer and speaker and gave students advice on how to make speeches impactful, focusing on Pathos, Logos, and Ethos. Students used Tyler’s guidance when creating their own persuasive speeches, advocating for their vision for a peaceful society. Mick Rock spoke during a unit that explored the power of single image to convey complex messages
and ideas. In this unit, students examined an array of media examples from Neolithic cave paintings to Banksy’s street art, and then had the opportunity to hear and talk directly with the iconic rock photographer, whose images of figures like David Bowie and Freddie Mercury transformed our cultural perceptions of music, masculinity, and sexuality. Emmy-nominated television producer Rich Korson joined the class for a unit on audio-storytelling, discussing the power of podcasts and what makes for a compelling one. After students pitched podcasting projects, he gave feedback on their ideas and messages, ensuring that students had a clear message and unique perspective, a compelling reason for telling their stories, and creative techniques for capturing the audience’s attention.
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The goal is for students to “develop the habits of inquiry and skills of expression that they need to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, and active citizens in today’s world.” The course defines and explores the topic broadly, covering media from voice and sound to still photography and the moving image. Students learn about and create in all of them. Hyatt Sparks-Woodford ’22 has explained “there is so much creative freedom given to students. I love how each assignment requires me to have and express my own personal opinion and ideas.” The course is decidedly mission driven, helping “to develop citizen scholars cheerfully committed to openness in the pursuit of truth, to service and peace, and to the faithful stewardship of the earth.” As Scott explains, “Media has power for destruction, but equally power for good. It’s why we call the class Producing Peace. We ask students to ask themselves, ‘What do I believe in? How can I use media to achieve it?’”
Often students do not see the impact they can make. “They think that if you’re not Greta [Thunberg], you’re nothing,” Meredith continues. But the course challenges them “to use media as a tool for social justice. It sets us apart from many schools jumping on the media literacy wave.” Producing Peace takes both a fresh and a typical George School approach. It strengthens learning by breaking down barriers between disciplines and by asking students to see from different perspectives, think about historical context while making connections to today, question sources of information and truth, understand media’s power, and harness it as a force for good. As Scott says, the course “brings media literacy to life by putting principles into action.”
MEREDITH BALDI ’01 (above) and SCOTT SERAYDARIAN ’90 (page 8) recently earned PBS Media Literacy Educator Certification by KQED, demonstrating expertise in, and commitment to, teaching students to produce media that matters—and to think critically about their role as media consumers.
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PERSPECTIVES
Socially Innovative “ E ntrepreneurship is more accessible than it seems. Furthermore, opportunities for contribution to society can exist in unexpected places.” — Angelina Wong ’22
The Social Innovators Program (SIP). The name sounds tailor-made for George School. In fall 2020, two dozen George School students joined this twelve-week program that provides university-level, real-world opportunities for students interested in merging an interest in entrepreneurship with the desire to make a positive impact on society. The program is offered by the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Schoolyard Ventures, in partnership with select high schools. George School was a natural fit. “We look for school partners who are invested,” says Executive Director Rich Sedmak, “but George School students came to the conversation already having given a lot of attention to social impact. They already had a lot of awareness.” This was especially helpful in the program’s first phase, when students join small cohorts with faculty mentors to learn about the basics of entrepreneurship and design their own projects. There is often some “idea anxiety,” Rich describes, as students feel they “have to have a huge idea. Curing cancer is a noble idea but not a good project.” Students consider what they are interested in, come up with a first draft for a project, reach out to people for information interviews, and create “real-world experiments with feedback loops. The idea serves as the context for learning the skills.” The real goal is to develop not just a successful venture, but a successful mindset and pro-
cess to follow again and again. A certificate in social entrepreneurship from Penn is another nice reward.
In a sign of the times, Ben Berman ’21 created a phone app competition, called the Zoom Boom Challenge, to keep students engaged and productive while learning remotely. Spurred by two years of George School economics, Ben is interested in business and saw SIP as an opportunity to test the waters. “Never in a million years did I think part of my homework would be setting up Zoom interviews with CEOs and doctors, creating my own functioning app, crowdsourcing about user interface, and maintaining a successful venture. However, I was not alone… The instructor and assistant were amazing. They reminded me a lot of how our teachers are so receptive and dedicated to their students’ growth at George School.”
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Piano student and instructor Angelina Wong ’22 piloted the Cadenza Learning Management System, a feedback platform to help students make more progress between piano lessons. “My project ties together my two most prominent interests: music and computer science,” both of which she pursues at George School. Incorporating what she learned in her IB psychology class and doing initial testing with students she taught in a summer program through the Andrew Bourns Social Justice Endowment Fund, she feels the project was a success. “The strategies I sought to integrate into my system seemed to significantly boost productivity and motivation.”
Elliot Petrosky ’23 created a digital book club of sorts called Scientific Lecture Circuit. This initiative is a forum where students who are interested in science gather weekly to talk about current scientific topics in the news and learn from each other. “While working on this project I discovered that I really enjoy science communication as well as discussing scientific interests and ideas. My Intensive Biology class helped me focus my project on scientific communication and it gave me a good foundation of knowledge for the subject. My Holistic Health class helped me make a communication system via social media.” Like Ben, Elliot was thankful for the mentors involved in the program. “What surprised me about the program was the willingness of the mentors to help. Like our teachers at George School, our mentors would take time to meet with us and check in on the progress of our projects.”
Edwin Onyango ’21 enrolled in SIP because it “seemed like a chance to connect my creativity to productivity.” He developed his project, BlisterGo, with the help of his cohort, who told him of “problems in the athletics field that I wasn’t aware of.” Now his all-in-one kit for treating blisters meets a real-world need. “The community aspect enhanced at George School has never seemed more important than when we worked together in groups to help refine our ideas.”
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Using her own experience of coming to George School from Afghanistan as inspiration, Nadira Talayee ’22 created International Education for Everyone, an advising system using Zoom and Skype to help Afghani students apply to international boarding schools. Two students she advised applied to study abroad, and she is hoping that the knowledge she shares will spread.
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The Social Innovators Program “taught me to see problems as opportunities to make a change and grow,” says Nadira. The problems she seeks to remedy are gender inequality and a lack of education for girls in Afghanistan. “As a girl at George School, I am already getting a better education,” she explains. “As IB students, we learn to be caring, thinkers, inquirers, risk-takers, and communicators.” She hopes to “use the leadership and business knowledge and perspectives gained from this program to improve the lives of girls and women.” This, of course, is just a sampling, but across the board, George School’s participants are happy they enrolled in the Social Innovators Program. And the program is equally happy that George School is taking part.
Other Social Innovators Fall 2020 Aaron Yager ’23 Personal Practice
Anjali Kunnatha ’21 Project Dalit
Arran Goldman ’21 Trails R Us
Aqua Withers Carello ’21 Embracing the Power of the Youth Vote
Ayzia Alexander ’21 Writing 404
Carol Lu ’21 Learning Languages
According to Rich, “George School has the most international student body of any of our existing partner schools,” and the breadth of world experience enriches everyone (a lesson well known at George School). “The international perspective was great. As a result of working with George School, we will be adding more international partners to add value to the cohorts.” Associate Head of School and program liaison Scott Spence is also heartened by the charter class’s success. “We are excited to keep the partnership going,” he says of a program that, like George School, sees value in helping students blend social awareness with applied learning. Future participants will realize, as Angelina did, that “Entrepreneurship is more accessible than it seems. Furthermore, opportunities for contribution to society can exist in unexpected places.”
Chase Quijano ’22 The Strum Mapping System
Denys Sharpylo ’22 OffBooks
Eric Ke ’23 The Foot Defender
Forest Ho-Chen ’22 Simplified and Leveled Sheet Music
Gio Restituto ’21 Network
Grace Williams ’23 The LGBTQ Senior Housing Initiative
Hannah Davis ’21 Fitness for Fun
Ian Liu ’21 Project Scholarship
Pranav Sabapathi ’22 Water Crisis Funding
Sevde Guleryuz ’23 Through the Grapevine
Stephen Hill ’23 InfoPlanner
Varun Mani ’22 Traveling Through Time
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We got good at pivoting to preserve cherished traditions. No indoor gatherings? No problem. We took live music outside during Student Council’s Spirit Weekend.
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FEATURES
George School in the Time of COVID Not surprisingly, the 2020-21 school year was unlike any other in George School history. In many ways, we were more apart. We wore face masks and practiced social distancing—in class, on stage, during sports, and in meeting. We kept to our cohorts—boarding and day—and saw friends who were learning remotely from home via Zoom. But in the ways that matter to our community, we remained very much the same. We engaged in passionate debate and had quiet moments on campus. We built robots, worked out, and let our creative lights shine. We were resourceful and resilient, and in our care and concern for one another, we were as close as ever.
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FEATURES
In meeting, the seating was socially distant. The community was anything but.
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FEATURES
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School life goes on…happily, whether staging Heathers before a live audience, playing through the seasons, or leaving messages of encouragement on Meetinghouse Hill.
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FEATURES
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Thank You ALU M N I ES S E NTIAL WO R K E R S
❤
AMA BAFFO E-BO N N I E ’10 Pediatric Resident, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland CA
ALLI S O N B ETO F WAR N E R ’0 1 Medical Oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York NY
MAR I E-C LAI R E B R OWN ’77 Senior Counsel, District of Columbia Department of Health
KI M C HAVEZ ’07 Chief Critical Care Fellow/ Doctor, Cooper University Hospital, Camden NJ
“Ama is a pediatrician who has a special interest in treating children with sickle cell disease, having lost her own brother to the disease. She works to provide the best care to all of her patients, and she loves serving as a role model to her Black and Brown patients.” — Rebecca Missonis, George School Faculty
“At the peak of the spring cases in New York City, Allison volunteered as an attending physician on COVID inpatient wards and covering the ICU.” — Ari Betof ’98
“As legal counsel to the COVID Health and Medical Incident Management Team, Marie-Claire has been instrumental in the District’s operations, providing legal advice and helped develop the District’s COVID emergency legislation and issuances. I’m so proud to call her my mom!” — Paige Lispcome ’12
“Kim has worked tirelessly since the beginning of this pandemic to take care of her patients in critical care. She’s persisted and remained a steady force in the face of rising cases. What our healthcare professionals have done for us can never be understated. I’m proud to call her my sister.” — Melissa Chavez ’09
AN DY C H E N ’9 1 Captain and Emergency Coordinator, US Public Health Service
LEX DAR BY ’11 EMT, Springfield MA
“Andy works hard to coordinate all emergency support function activities for the Public Health Service for New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.” — Andrea Scherer p’21
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“In the face of a crisis, he was deployed by FEMA to Brooklyn, NY at the height of the pandemic where he ultimately contracted COVID. Undaunted and fully recovered, Lex has stayed focused on the healthcare needs of his community, which includes
many of the most vulnerable members of society.” —Margo Garrison ’72, p’11
FEATURES
AD DY C O S C IA ’11 Labor and Delivery Nurse, Miller Children and Women’s Hospital
“During the pandemic, Addy has battled lack of proper PPE and testing, and the anxiety of working as an essential worker during a global pandemic. She makes sure ALL women who are delivering babies feel safe and loved. She is a hero.” — Gracianna Coscia-Collins ’09 and Patricia Coscia p’09, ’11, ’15, ’20
E LLA C O S C IA ’15 Farmer, Snipes Farm and Education Center
“Ella is a farmer at Snipes Farmer’s Market every Saturday which provides farm fresh produce and goods to local friends throughout Bucks County. Farmers like Ella kept us fed, nourished, and healthy all day, every day! — Gracianna Coscia-Collins ’09 and Patricia Coscia p’09, ’11, ’15, ’20
B E NJAM I N G UTIÉR R EZ ’10 Physician, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore MD DAN I E L G UTIÉR R EZ ’10 Physician, Resurrection Medical Center, Chicago IL
“Ben and Dan Gutierrez were quintessential GS students, excelling in academics, sports, music, and as prefects. After graduating together from University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2020, Ben was living in Baltimore and Daniel in Chicago, each working through their first year of residency. Ben was
LE I LA AR BAN I C R O O KS ’9 0 Director of Health Services, Solebury School, Solebury Township PA
FAITH G E NTI LU C C I ’14 Executive Team LeaderGeneral Merchandise & Food Sales at Target
“Leila is in constant communication with our administration, teachers, students, and parents about how to proceed as a school and does it all with an amazingly calm and cheerful attitude. She is the medical representative on our response team, and one of our two nurses taking care of all of us every day.” —Hanna Howe ’90
“Faith has pulled countless overnight shifts and backto-back 12-hour workdays to ensure that her store was stocked and that her community would have access to essential goods in these times of uncertainty.” —Louis Gentilucci ’11
doing his residency in internal medicine and Daniel was doing it in emergency medicine. They both dealt with COVID patients on a daily basis. Ben decided to switch to emergency medicine and will join Daniel at the same hospital in Chicago in the summer of 2021. Brothers in arms, again!” —Pacho Gutiérrez ’77
R HAZI KH O DADAD ’87 Internal Medicine Physician, Cincinnati OH
“Dr. Khodadad is a tireless medical professional who has worked extensively throughout the pandemic with a range of patient groups, in particular highrisk elderly patients with dementia, to ensure that all of their medical needs are taken care of.” —Malcolm Fleschner ’87
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DAVI D LI PPMAN ’8 6 Internist and Medical Director, ECHO Community Healthcare, Evansville IN
G E O R G E LO N G I I I ’13 English Faculty, Coach, and Dorm Head, Northfield Mount Hermon School, Gill MA
“David is the medical director of a federally qualified health care center and has worked with the under served for his nearly 20-year career as a physician. When COVID was spreading across the area, David was featured in a PSA encouraging proper preventive habits. He continues to sacrifice his own health every day to help his community.” — Emily Norton ’86
“Throughout last spring and this fall, George has gone above and beyond his duties as an English teacher while ensuring the safety and well-being of his students as a dorm head. He always put the needs of his students above all else, and truly has been a model educator and human being during this challenging year.” —Priscilla Wiggins ’12
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SAR AH M O O DY ’0 5 Support Specialist / Social Services Supervisor, Fairfax County Child Protective Services, Fairfax VA
“When the world shut down, Sarah kept moving. She was keenly aware that the children still required the same protections, especially since they were no longer in school every day. She continues to make sure the most vulnerable populations have the resources and visibility that they deserve.” — Marianna Bogucki ’05
J O HVE N S KY PLAI S I M E ’16 Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Jersey
“Johvensky works in the Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health hospital directly with patients in the cardiothoracic ICU. His commitment to upholding George School’s mission of service and stewardship deserves to be recognized.” —Marie Plaisime ’08
SANJAYA R OY ’13 Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Trinity Youth Services, Los Angeles CA
I SAB E L STAR KEY-J O N E S ’12 Registered Nurse, Chandler Hall Hospice, Newtown PA
“San has been meeting with families and children during the pandemic to ensure that children are in a healthy environment during this arduous time. He makes sure people maintain their mental health, and he’s become an increasingly impactful resource for these children.” —Nefertiti Roy ’09
“In the middle of the pandemic, Isabel began working as a hospice nurse at Chandler Hall and has continued to provide the utmost love and care to her patients in this uncertain time. It is inspiring to know that a fellow George School classmate is doing such important work in the Newtown community.” —Priscilla Wiggins ’12
FEATURES
PATR I C IA SWE ITZE R ’74 Registered Nurse, St. Mary Home Care, Mercy Home Care, Bucks County PA
“Pat is a home health nurse providing in-home medical and emotional support to patients. She travels from housing projects to trailer homes through snow and ice, weekends, and evenings, caring for people who need it most. She advocates for them and treats every person with respect and tenderness.” —Susan Sweitzer ’69, Steve Sweitzer ’67, and Sara Taylor ’72
J E SS I CA LAN G MAN TO MASZEWS KI ’00 Pediatric Hospitalist, Dupont Hospital for Children, Wilmington DE
ALI E TO M LI N ’15 Internal Medicine Registered Nurse, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore MD
“My sister has worked as a physician throughout the pandemic taking care of post-operative children who are at their most vulnerable to COVID. She has also taken on the role of Director of Pediatric Medical Education. She has done all her jobs without hesitation despite the risks and her devotion to pediatrics is truly inspiring.” —Bennett Langman ’97
“Alie works to provide excellent care to all of her patients and has had to take many extra shifts in the COVID era, always putting others before herself.” —Rebecca Missonis, George School Faculty
IAN WI G G I N S ’10 Middle School English Teacher, Achievement First Charter School, Providence RI
“In the middle of the pandemic, Ian moved to Providence RI and began working remotely as a middle school English teacher. Through the fall, he has implemented hybrid lesson plans on a rotating basis and supported his students wholeheartedly during this challenging time. I am a proud sister!” —Priscilla Wiggins ’12
VERONIQUE VAILLANCOURT ’89 Owner/Clinical Psychotherapist and Life Coach, Veronique Vaillancourt, MA-LCSW
“Veronique is one of the invisible front line workers who has continued to provide mental health support to her community and clients. She has been fundamental in maintaining stability with her clients who are most vulnerable to the stressors of the pandemic.” —Frances Dixon ’88
Sending a special thank you to our wonderful George School alumni teachers, advisors, and dorm parents who have gone above and beyond for their students throughout the pandemic. Rohan Arjun ’05
Tom Rogers ’73
Meredith Baldi ’01
Rosey Rosetty-Wagner ’08
Gracie Coscia-Collins ’09
Joelle Sanphy ’08
Kevin Davis ’77
Cori Ginsberg Seraydarian ’91
Debbie Vernon DiMicco ’72
Scott Seraydarian ’90
Pacho Gutierrez ’77
Carter Sio ’76
Tom Hoopes ’83
Ben Smith ’91
Robert Machemer ’92
Walter Stephenson ’08
Brittany Mokshefsky ’14
Chelsie Tuttle ’08
Julia Nickles ’03
Melaina Governatore Young ’93
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Defining and Cultivating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
It was an important year for diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus, both in the wake of the summer’s Black Lives Matter protests and emergence of black@GS, and because of the unusual segmentation of the student body necessitated by COVID. Instead of all learning and living together on campus, our diverse students—divided into boarding, day, and remote cohorts—remained apart. Maintaining a sense of inclusiveness was challenging. Rachel Williams returned to George School in fall 2020 as its new DEI director. In her first year in the role, Rachel organized a wide range of events that brought the community together to learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion. (See calendar on next page.) In December, Rachel and the Faculty/Staff Inclusion Committee solicited feedback through the George School Inclusion Survey: Celebrating Our Diverse Traditions. Its purpose was to probe how community members celebrate cultural traditions and holidays as well as to “take the temperature with regards to community health in relation to inclusion efforts amidst COVID realities.” The questionnaire asked for qualitative responses, and the open-ended nature elicited a variety of answers. Of the 278 respondents, 84.5% were students (fairly evenly distributed between freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with somewhat fewer seniors) and 15.5% faculty/ staff. When asked how they self-identify—culturally, ethnically, and/or racially—participants gave 100 unique responses. When asked to self-identify religiously and/ or spiritually, they gave 60 different answers, and when asked what holidays and traditions were important to them, they listed 40. The George School community is well known to be diverse, but perhaps not that diverse.
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Holidays and Traditions When it came to how George School could better support, celebrate, and honor students’ copious traditions, answers were similarly varied. Though many students felt that the school already does a great job and did not know what more could be done, these respondents were not themselves religiously diverse. By contrast, those who suggested a day off to celebrate holidays (including a dozen who suggested a break for the Lunar New Year) represented a broader religious range. As a result of the survey, George School is making some changes. Upon request, students can be excused from class for the Lunar New Year, and dorm celebrations were held. All holidays mentioned will appear in the community calendar, and the library is providing educational resources about those events celebrated by community members. Accepted students will also be asked to share what cultural traditions are important to them. Inclusive Community Most student respondents felt that George School has done a great job of creating an inclusive community this year. They specifically cited DEI emails and outreach, Meeting for Worship (especially remote learners), weekend activities (especially boarders and students of color), assemblies, inclusive online classes, a time-zone-friendly schedule, clubs and organizations, collections and gatherings, a variety of holiday celebrations, attention to pronoun usage, responsiveness to BLM and black@gs, dorm bonding, and teachers. That is not to say that there were not plenty of suggestions for improvement, including greater diversity in the curriculum and more all-school online gatherings (the two most cited). To make the latter possible, the school now has a Zoom account that can connect 1,000 people at a time. Still, overwhelmingly, survey respondents articulated an appreciation for how George School has kept the community as united as possible during the pandemic.
FEATURES
Throughout the academic year the George School community participated in events that celebrated and educated members about diversity, equity, and inclusion both on campus and beyond. August 19, 2020
November 11, 2020
March 4, 2021
DEI Training with consultant Jen Cort
Getting Reconnected with George School
George School All Community Magic Show
Faculty and staff training session.
Presentation to the Newtown Rotary Club.
Performance by TEDx presenter Randy Shine.
Inclusion Goals and Implicit Bias Training
November 19, 2020
March 22, 2021
Faculty and staff training session.
George School Transgender Day of
Standing in Solidarity with the Asian,
Remembrance Vigil
Asian American, and Pacific Islander
Virtual vigil on Zoom.
Communities
December 1-4, 2020
Director of DEI Rachel Williams held a community space for listening, reflection, and sharing.
August 21, 2020
September 17, 2020
Implicit Bias Training
Rosetta Lee presentation for the Board of Trustees.
NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference
October 5, 2020
Aligning with Justice
Town hall for alumni, parents, students, faculty, and staff. October 17, 2020
Parenting with Identity in Mind
Rosetta Lee led a workshop for parents. October 14 – November 4 , 2020
Inclusion Zoom Series
Community members were invited to a series about the history of US voting, an open mic night, a letter writing night, and an election night debrief. October 31, 2020
Mid-Atlantic Region Diversity Conference
For students.
For students. NAIS People of Color Conference
For faculty and staff.
April 19, 2021
All School Art Mural
Work began on the George School Tree of Intersectionality.
December 17, 2020
Virtual Diversity Watch Party and
April 23, 2021
Roundtable
Popcorn, Poetry, & Perspectives
Eddie S. Glaude Jr. with the NFS Diversity and Inclusion Director Sydney Lewis.
The Inclusion Oversight Committee and representatives from different community groups met to share perspectives.
January 17, 2021
Courageous Conversations Across
May 7, 2021:
Differences
Samantha King: Supporting Transgender
All community conversation with Rosetta Lee.
& Gender Expansive Students
SCHout Diversity Conference
This workshop covered language and development to better understand transgender, gender expansive, and non-binary students.
Students attended the conference virtually.
May 14, 2021
January 23, 2021
Samantha King: Follow-up Conversation February 21, 2021
Town Hall Listening Session
All community.
This workshop answered questions and discussed strategies for creating gender inclusive educational environments for all students.
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Alumni Weekend 2021 Goes Virtual More than 600 alumni from across the globe enjoyed Alumni Weekend 2021. The annual event featured four days of virtual gatherings and activities that brought together George School alumni in a new and creative way, while maintaining the traditions that we all hold dear. The weekend kicked off on Thursday, April 29 with a Career Networking Event and ended on Sunday, May 2 when the George School community gathered to share silent worship and reflection during Meeting for Worship. On Friday, April 30 George School held the inaugural Hall of Athletic Honor Induction Ceremony to honor those who have had an enduring impact on George School, its athletics, and the community. This year’s inductees are Anne LeDuc, Paul Machemer ’65, Robert Geissinger, Elaine Maddox ’83, and Stanley Sutton. (see page 30) Retiring Faculty Saturday morning, May 1, we honored retiring faculty members Debbie DiMicco ’72 and Marion Wells during Coffee with Faculty and visited with favorite faculty members from the past and present. Afterwards, Head of School Sam Houser delivered the State of the School Address. Debbie DiMicco ’72 Throughout her George School tenure, Debbie has taught multiple levels of French, Language Arts, ELL English, and various levels of literature and composition in the English Department. Debbie regularly attended IB conferences and workshops, foreign language pedagogy seminars, workshops on the use of technology
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in the classroom, and coaching clinics. In addition to her time in the classroom, Debbie has coached field hockey, track and field, and basketball. For a long stretch, Debbie was both the head coach of the varsity girls’ track team and head coach of the junior varsity girls’ field hockey team. Debbie cares deeply about the athletic experience at George School. If she wasn’t coaching, you could often find her cheering from the sidelines. Marion Wells With her Master of Library Science degree from Rutgers University, and her undergraduate degree from San Francisco State University, Marion joined the George School faculty in 2014 as a librarian with valuable experience, having worked as a librarian at Princeton University’s Firestone Library, in addition to numerous other university and public libraries. During her time at George School, Marion has worked tirelessly to ensure the Mollie Dodd Anderson Library (MDA) is a welcoming, peaceful, and academically focused space for students and
FEATURES
the community. Marion developed cutting edge learning modules for academic research across a range of subjects, teaching George School students valuable, lifelong skills. Alumni Awards Alumni awards were presented to George School alumni in recognition of their extraordinary achievements, community activities, honors, awards, or George School affiliation and service. This year, those awards recognized: Alumni Award 2021: Jaki Shelton Green ’71 Jaki Shelton Green ’71 received the 2021 George School Alumni Award to recognize her talents, expertise, and personal commitment to make a positive impact on those around her. She is the ninth Poet Laureate of North Carolina—the first African American and third woman to be appointed. She is a 2019 Academy of American Poet Laureate Fellow, 2014 NC Literary Hall of Fame Inductee, 2009 NC Piedmont Laureate appointment, and 2003 recipient of the North Carolina Award for Literature. Jaki teaches Documentary Poetry at Duke University Center for Documentary Studies and has authored eight publications. Jaki has performed her poetry and taught workshops around the world. She is the owner of SistaWRITE, providing writing retreats and travel excursions for women writers. Young Alumni Award: Lila Anton ’01 The 2021 Young Alumni Award was presented to Lila Anton ’01, creative marketing manager at Netflix Japan. Lila is responsible for building creative suites including trailers, teasers, and all accompanying artwork and the resulting successes have been instrumental for Netflix overtaking competitors to become a top livestreaming service in Japan. The Young Alumni award recognizes alumni who have excelled in their chosen profession or have done extraordinary things through volunteer and philanthropic endeavors.
Lifetime Service Awards: Mike Kosoff ’56 and Betty Lou Thompson ’56 George School Board of Trustees members Mike Kosoff ’56 and Betty Lou Thompson ’56 were honored with the Lifetime of Service Award, recognizing alumni who have celebrated their 50th George School reunion whose commitment to volunteerism and generosity on behalf of George School make a significant impact on our community. Since joining the George School Board of Trustees in 1997, Mike has served on various committees including the Alumni Annual Fund Committee, Athletic Hall of Honor Committee, Institutional Advancement Committee, Governance Committee, Physical Plant Committee, and Reunion Committee. For Betty Lou, it is the George School experience that has led her to be such a loyal supporter over the years. While on the George School Board of Trustees for the past six years, Betty Lou has served on several committees including the Reunion Committee, Governance Committee, and Clerks Committee. She is currently the Clerk of the Institutional Advancement Committee. Gatherings, Reunions, and Meetings for Worship Saturday afternoon activities included affinity gatherings, a presentation by the Admission Office, a faculty panel on teaching and learning in the time of COVID, and a virtual campus tour including a Q&A with current students. Family and friends gathered for Memorial Meeting for Worship to remember those who have passed away. Reunion class gatherings on Saturday evening provided classes celebrating their milestone reunion the opportunity to share memories, reconnect, and reflect on their George School experience. Alumni Weekend ended on Sunday, May 2 when the George School community gathered to share silent worship and reflection during Meeting for Worship. Plans are already underway for Alumni Weekend 2022, scheduled for May 6–8, 2022.
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George School Hall of Athletic Honor George School honored the inaugural round of inductees for the new George School Hall of Athletic Honor during Alumni Weekend 2021. The first inductees are Robert Geissinger, Anne LeDuc, Paul Machemer ’65, Elaine Maddox ’83, and Stanley Sutton, all of whom have had an enduring impact on George School, its athletics, and the community. The Hall of Athletic Honor was established with a mission to recognize and honor George School student-athletes, coaches, teams, alumni, and sports contributors for their achievements and/or contributions to George School athletics.
Robert Geissinger George School Tenure: 1952–1990 Robert, also affectionately known as Geiss, came to George School as Assistant Director of Physical Education in 1952 and served as the director from 1962 until he retired in 1990. He expanded the athletics program during his tenure to include interscholastic lacrosse, cross country, and golf. The Geissinger Gym in the Fitness and Athletics Center (FAC) is named in his honor. A nomination note submitted for Geiss stated, “Bob Geissinger was not just a coach, he was a mentor and advisor to many, many students. To this day he remains a reason for so many to stay in contact with George School. All who had the privilege of knowing him, respect him—he had genuine concern for so many, and they knew it.”
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Anne LeDuc George School Tenure: 1962–1993 Anne influenced the lives of many George School students during her decades of coaching basketball, swimming, lacrosse, and field hockey at George School. In addition to coaching from 1962 to 1993, Anne became the Girls’ Athletic Director, which allowed her to oversee and mentor other coaches. She was also one of the founders of the Friends Schools League (FSL) with a goal of creating equal opportunities for young women athletes. A nomination note submitted for Anne stated, “Anne was a larger-than-life coach, mentor, athletic organizer, advisor, fighter for women’s athletics, athlete herself, and employer (of many students at the historic Chalfonte Hotel in Cape May NJ). A brilliant woman who gave so much of her life in service to George School.”
FEATURES
was part of a team that was a FSL finalist in 1982 and 1983. She attended the University of Virginia and was First Team All-American in lacrosse from 1984-1986, and a First Team All-American in field hockey in 1985 and 1986. She was also a member of the USA National Lacrosse Team from 19841987. A nomination note submitted for Elaine stated, “She was one of the best athletes I have ever coached at George School!”
Paul Machemer ’65 George School Tenure: 1969–2019 Paul dedicated fifty years of service to George School inside and outside the classroom. He was not only a master teacher of athletes but was also committed to inspiring students’ mathematical imaginations and curiosity. He developed his players’ fundamental skills to the high level where intuition and improvisation could prevail at critical moments. A nomination note submitted for Paul stated, “Outstanding coaching, numerous Friends League titles, character development of his players, and respect from other Friends League coaches. [He] coached in a manner consistently faithful to the mission of the School. Paul was a consummate coach. Although winning was important, the journey with his players was equally important and what he truly enjoyed.”
Elaine Maddox ’83 Elaine was an outstanding student-athlete during her time at George School and was a member of multiple sports teams. In field hockey, Elaine played midfielder and in 1981 was a league finalist. She was also a varsity point guard on an FSL Championship team in basketball from 1981-1982 and 1982-1983, and was undefeated in league in 1982-1983. In lacrosse, Elaine played midfield and
Stanley Sutton George School Tenure: 1922–1962 Stanley was hired in 1922 as the Director for Boys’ Physical Education. He started football as an interscholastic sport and added wrestling, cross country, and swimming during his tenure as director. He also founded the George School Cross Country Invitational. As written in George School: The History of a Quaker Community by Kingdon Swayne, Stanley and Grace Thwing (Director of Girls’ Education 1920-1949), “defined the George School style in athletics: individual growth, comradeship, and fair play took precedence over winning.” A nomination note submitted for Stanley stated, “Stan made athletics at George School a major part of the school experience.” “This class is full of amazing people that have defined the athletic history and tradition at George School,” said Senior Director of Athletics and Recreation Kurt Ruch. “They developed and built the athletic foundations that today’s studentathletes use in their everyday life here at school. It is an honor to acknowledge and induct these members. Being able to present them and their families with this award is a true testament to what they stood for and meant to this community.”
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Campus News & Notes
The Class of 2021 Heads to Colleges and Universities The Class of 2021, comprised of one hundred twenty-five brilliant young minds, will journey to eighty-two different institutions in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom this fall. This accomplished class of scholars have been admitted to unique programs including cinematic arts and media studies at the University of Southern California, sports management at the Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sports at New York University, and the Ujima Global Leaders Program at Northeastern University. Students plan to study within a variety of subject areas including fire science, peace and conflict studies, international economics, aerospace engineering, archaeology, and game design.
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IB and AP Results Highlight Academic Prowess of George School Students Fifty-five George School seniors were IB candidates and fifty-two students earned their diplomas, maintaining George School’s ten-year 95 percent completion rate. This year’s global average was just 85 percent. Students achieved success on this year’s AP exams as well. More than 300 students sat for 521 tests in twenty-three subject areas. The highest scores were in calculus, physics, and 2-D art and design. This year, forty-six students were also named AP Scholars; seventeen were named AP Scholars with Honors; thirty-two AP Scholars with Distinction; and two AP National Scholars.
George School Writers and Artists Receive Scholastic Honors George School students took home sixty Scholastic Art and Writing prizes in the 2021 Regional Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, announced in January 2021. Ten students received Gold Key awards, reserved for the most outstanding student writers and artists in the Pennsylvania region. Their works will be considered for national-level recognition. In addition, Elliott Brown ’21 was nominated for an American Voices award for his poem “Ask No Questions, Hear No Lies.”
CAMPUS NEWS & NOTES
Math Team Continues to Earn Multiple Honors The math team competed against several thousands of teams from across the world in the Purple Comet Spring Competition. George School’s team was the top school in Pennsylvania. In the small high school division, the team came in 14th place out of 288 teams and ranks 21 out of 884 teams worldwide. The George School math team members are Ellen Zhang ’21, Wilson Chen ’23, Forest Ho-Chen ’22, Justin Liu ’21, Jason Liu ’22, and Alex Chen ’24. Chemistry Students Advance to National Chemistry Exam Forest Ho-Chen ’22 and Vinay Thulasiram ’23 have scored high enough on the US National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) Local Examination to advance to USNCO National Examination testing. Jimmy Ding ’23 also scored high enough to advance but was ineligible for the National Exam due to citizenship.
Amnesty International Club Recognized for its Artistic Activism Competing with more than two hundred groups, George School’s Amnesty International Club is one of eight winners of the 2020 Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) ActivismX challenge. ActivismX is an initiative that encourages students to take action for human rights after returning to school campuses each fall. This year,
projects focused on the AIUSA RightsNow! campaign, which puts human rights concerns at the center of the hardships caused by COVID. The prompt focused on projects aimed at ending gun violence and freeing people from Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention.
Notable Student Achievements • David Xi ’21 named National Merit Scholarship winner • Shelby Williams ’21 honored with the Princeton Prize in Race Relations • Maya Cockburn ’22 launches Statement Apparel Company • Ian Hopkins ’22 helps children sruggling with online learning • Pranav Sabapathi ’22 makes a legacy with Legos • Chris Toala ’21 named Hispanic Scholar • A idan Sheehan ’21 starts Project Re-Stock • Safi Baadarani-Feeney ’22 collects school supplies for Lebanon To learn more about our amazing students visit georgeschool.org/ news-and-events.
PASTOR STEVEN TENDO is a human rights activist from Uganda seeking asylum in the US who has been detained for twenty months. Students divided human rights activist Pastor Steven’s portrait into sixteen pieces, so that every member of the group could work on one piece.
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Theater Season Performances Feature Healing Dialogue George School students performed The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later in November 2020. Some students performed in-person on the Walton stage while others performed virtually, appearing on a large screen. The central theme for the 2020-2021 season was “healing dialogue,” an important concept in a time when there is a lot of stress and tension surrounding social rhetoric. Talking With… was the second performance on stage in February 2021. The play consisted of monologues ranging from laugh-out-loud funny to others hard to listen to. The musical performance in May 2021 was Heathers: The Musical, which was performed to the largest in-person audience since 2019. George School Named Outstanding Visual Arts Community The Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) recognized George School for its outstanding commitment to visual arts education with the endorsement Outstanding Visual Arts Community 2020. PAEA empowers its members to transform their practices, students, colleagues, and communities to build a strong art education culture and citizenry.
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Films Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival Two George School student films— Healing Justice and Hero for Humanity —premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2021. They tied for third place in the prestigious RFK Speak Truth to Power video contest. Sponsored by the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization, the annual contest encourages students to become engaged in key human rights issues through creative storytelling.
RIA PALADUGU ’23 performed an original dance called Ananta.
Dance Eclectic 2021: Gratitude and Hope The theme for this year’s Dance Eclectic performance was gratitude and hope—a very fitting premise after a year of life in a global pandemic. Distance learners filmed and submitted their performances, while on-campus learners were filmed individually. 2021 Winter Instrumental Music Concert The George School community came together to enjoy a small reprieve from the pandemic through music at the Winter Instrumental Concert in January 2021. The concert featured three performances: woodwinds, strings, and a collaboration between both ensembles, respectively. Harp soloist, Aqua Withers Carello ’21 also accompanied the ensembles in the last performance of The Nutcracker. The recorded performances were compiled from videos that each student sent in. Music Director David Nolan created a backing track for students to listen to and play along with to help them line up with one another.
CAMPUS NEWS & NOTES
Six George School Students Commit to College Athletics Six seniors from the Class of 2021 have committed to college athletic programs. The student athletes— in four different sports—celebrated their commitment to pursue their passion at the college level next year. In a ceremony held in the Fitness and Athletics Center, each senior was recognized by their families, coaches, teammates, and friends. The students included Jacob Bright ’21 (Cross Country/Track, Connecticut College), Lauren Hanna ’21 (Soccer, Hamilton College), Angelo Leon ’21 (Football, Washington and Jefferson College), Kaliyah Myricks ’21 (Basketball, Georgetown University), Alexis Semidey-Martinez ’21 (Basketball, Colby College), and Aqua Withers Carello ’21(Basketball, Swarthmore College).
Hana Oh ’24 Wins FSL Golf Championship Hana Oh ’24 won the individual championship as she led the Cougars to a third-place finish in the Friends School League (FSL) Golf Championship on May 11, 2021. Hana shot an 81 to win by 4 strokes over Westtown on the challenging par 71 at White Manor Country Club in Malvern PA.
Harlem Globetrotter La’Keisha Sutton Joins Coaching Staff La’Keisha Sutton, former professional basketball player and current Harlem Globetrotter, joins Rachel Williams as varsity girls’ basketball co-head coach on the court this year. La’Keisha’s basketball career started in the fourth grade when she joined an all-boys basketball team and she’s been breaking barriers ever since. She played at the University of South Carolina for American Basketball Hall of Fame Player and Coach, Dawn Staley, and for professional teams in Taiwan, Finland, Ecuador, Germany, and Bulgaria before joining the World-Famous Globetrotters in 2018.
MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2021 dressed up to enjoy the evening of their Senior Dance under the stars at Pen Ryn Mansion.
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Alumni Tell Us EDITED BY EMMA WELLS ’13 For Alumni Contact Information Visit our alumni website: www.georgeschool.org/alumni Contact the Advancement Office T. 215.579.6620 E. advancement@georgeschool.org
1945 Alice Way Waddington writes, “Thanks to COVID, we did not have a reunion gathering for our 75th. I would like to report that I am very happy to be located at Friends Village in Woodstown NJ. In normal times we have a busy life. With the restrictions of COVID we have learned how to meet on Zoom, so we can still communicate. I still have a cottage on the Delaware River, so we enjoyed visiting on the porch and walking on the beach even though we could not have family gatherings. The vaccinations have made us feel hopeful. I would enjoy hearing from classmates.”
1949 Jennie Braddock Fischer writes, “My husband John Fischer and I moved from New Brunswick NJ to Capitol Lakes, in Madison WI in June 2019. This is a very pleasant senior facility with access to many lectures, concerts, and group organizations. Unfortunately John died of COVID in June 2020, but I meet regularly with two of our daughters and their families who also live in Madison.”
1953 David E. Steward writes, “Things are chugging along well for me. What a fine thing the profession of writing is. As for painters and few other endeavors, it allows full speed ahead into the sunset. Chroma (Archae Editions, Brooklyn, 2018) is a récit, a narrative, a telling, not necessarily autobiographical but with the
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constant presence of narration. Begun at the time computers with their ability to enlighten and intrude were becoming commonplace, Chroma is five balanced volumes of six years apiece, 2,470 pages, written in and about the months from September 1986 to September 2016. The text of all five volumes is reflection and description, often self-contained but linked to the theme at hand, which is generally the author’s reading and experience. The books attempt to subjectively deal with the intellectual times in which they are written.”
1954 E. David Luria writes, “Almost eighty-five years old, I still am having too much fun teaching people how to use their cameras on my popular Washington Photo Safari program, taking 40,000 participants from fifty states and fifty-three countries since 1999 to all the most photogenic locations in the Washington DC area, as well as on cruises to the Caribbean, photo shoot cruises to Paris and Normandy, Amsterdam and Basel, Baltimore and the Caribbean, and on pillow fights, snowball fights, and World War II airplane flyovers! During the pandemic my classes have been on Zoom but I hope to get back into in-person sessions by the summer. My latest volunteer gigs are as official photographer for the DC Veterans for DC Statehood Group, and as Co-Founder of the DC Area Tenant Association Consortium.”
1955 Marcia Perera Van Dyck writes, “We had a wonderful Zoom reunion call with twenty of us venturing forth in this new method of reunioning. Lamartine (Lam) F. Hood was our MC. First we heard from William (Bill) D. Pickering about our class fundraising efforts to supplement faculty salaries. He encouraged us to give generously to our 1955 class fund. Lam then invited us to each tell what we had been up to since graduating. We had no idea how much fun it would be, seeing the same faces, albeit changed by the
years, that we had seen and shared with during our time at George School. We heard a number of inspiring stories. So many of us had gone on to higher education and into many different careers. In a post-reunion email, Richard I. Grausman pointed out a couple of threads that were similar for a number of us. ‘Being involved in education seems to have been extremely rewarding for many of us. My thirty-one years of working with high school culinary arts teachers has given me a great appreciation for what they and most teachers do every day. This is another reason for us to increase our endowment for teacher appreciation at George School. A number of us have given of ourselves through social work and other service careers. Several of our classmates had satisfying military careers. It was so interesting to hear the many different ways we are living this retired chapter of our lives, and how some have chosen not to retire.’ Our families, how we were managing during the pandemic, downsizing, health issues, retirement homes frequented our comments. It had been so much fun that we decided to Zoom with our class in another six months. Next time we look forward to having more of you with us and hearing your interesting tales.” Richard I. Grausman writes, “NBC put a video together for Black History Month. The footage is from C-CAP’s 30th Anniversary Benefit on February 25, 2020.”
1956 Diane Rosebraugh Klein writes, “Astounding to be this old! But doing fine, living on our place in Virginia. We have several hundred acres, and our daughter, grandchildren, and family are here too. Lovely.” Heather Trexler Remoff writes, “I now live in Arlington MA. My most recent book, What’s Sex Got To Do with It? Darwin, Love, Lust, and the Anthropocene (London: Shepheard-Walwyn, 2021), will be released October 2021. This exami-
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1949 Jennie Braddock Fischer.
1954 E. David Luria teaching photography in Washington DC.
1957 Ellen N. Chase.
1957 Jerome (Jerry) H. Majzlin.
1958 Prudence (Prue) Ingerman knitted about 517 six-inch peacepals for the Colorado organization Knitting4peace.org.
1960 Henry S. Taylor.
1960 Cover of Images of Peru, by Mahlon (Lon) A. Barash.
1961 Kathryn Waddell Takara’s book Pacific Raven: Hawai`i Poems. The cover displays “the neighborhood vista.”
1964 Judith (Judy) McIlvain Lewis.
1965 Virginia (Ginny) W. Walden in front of her painting, Finding the Magic Fish.
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nation of Darwin’s theory of sexual selection is scheduled for publication in the 150th anniversary year of the first edition of his book, The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex. My update to the great man’s theory expands our understanding of the power of sexual selection by including recent genetic discoveries and viewing the process through a female lens. Many thanks to Jean ( Jeanie) Colgan Gould, former George School roommate and fellow writer, for encouraging me to believe in my passion and this project.”
1957 Ellen N. Chase writes, “Hunkered down in New Hampshire, waiting for winter and the pandemic to be over! Writing has been for me a surprisingly gratifying pursuit lately, including the social aspect of my four groups, all but one sadly suspended for the duration. I put together a little book of my poems last year, one of the thousands of similar efforts out there in the attics, used book stores, and dumpsters of the world. Now I’m into short stories. My husband John Mann is in his fifth (and last, I hope) term in the New Hampshire legislature as they try to navigate the science and anti-science of viral transmission, global warming, and other contentious issues.” Roy Mot tahedeh writes, “Wish that I could meet with my George School friends! Perhaps in the postepidemic world that will be possible.” Jerome ( Jerry) H. Majzlin writes, “Fun sharing virtual gatherings with classmates. You can email me at majzlin@aol.com. Love to you all.” Linda Morris Pearson writes, “Nearly sixty-three years after we went to the Senior Prom together, Philip S. Ross and I have reunited. Spending most of our time in the Adirondacks, surrounded by four chickens, a rooster, and an aging cat. Each evening we raise our glasses to the sunset knowing that life is good even at eighty!”
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1958 John F. Steinfirst writes, “I feel fortunate in this chaotic world and country compared to others shattered by COVID and a crazy autocratic former president. Though officially retired for over ten years as CEO of a large mental health agency based in the Bay Area, I have a consulting and expert witness practice that has been too busy. I’m chair of a non-profit board serving young adults, adults, and seniors. We provide the most effective services in the Bay Area, including permanent housing for the homeless population. I remain an avid bike rider, and am thankful for loving life and those dear to me. I hope we can all be with each other in the future. Love from me to all of you.” Nancy Baker Martin writes, “I was diagnosed with lung cancer in New York City in October, operated on in Florida, and had chemo. Happy to say, I just got a clean bill of health and will soon be back on the golf course! Hope all have had vaccines and are doing well. Hope to attend next reunion either by Zoom or in person! Best to all ’58ers!” Prudence (Prue) Ingerman writes, “Very busy writing and illustrating useful books on caregiving, dinosaurs, gardening, basic life skills, and my three volume memoir with about 150 colored illustrations in each volume. I have also knit about 517 six-inch peacepals for Knitting4peace.org. They are never for sale and are for lonely people needing a companion. Let me know if you have someone who might like one. I have sixty in my bin.”
1960 Henry S. Taylor writes, “The past year has been troubling and difficult for millions of people, and Mooshe and I have not been excepted from this, though we have stayed healthy enough for folks our age and have even learned to enjoy a life of excruciating caution and unusually strict isolation. We have been very fortunate. Mooshe is a dedicated knitter
(and a brilliant one, if you ask me), so sitting still at home amounts to an opportunity for her. Of course I’m grateful for the same kind of nearactivity, writing along on this and that. A pleasant little rise in that road was the publication last fall of my latest book, This Tilted World Is Where I Live: New and Selected Poems 1962-2020. It comes out from Louisiana State University Press, which published my first book in 1966, and several others in the years since. Making the selection of older poems (seventy-five of the hundred in the book) carried me back to the days when Mr. Laramore and Madame Vickery broadened and deepened my sense of poetry’s ways and means.” Mahlon (Lon) A. Barash writes, “My photography book Images of Peru has just been published on Amazon.com. This bilingual (English and Spanish) photography book of black-and-white photos is primarily from my Peace Corps experience in Peru from 1965 to 1967 helping small indigenous communities in the Peruvian highlands (sierra) to build improved schools using local materials and donated materials from a government program known as Cooperación Popular. It was one of the flagship projects of the president at the time, Fernando Belaunde Terry. The program was designed to reestablish the Inca practice of communal labor (minka) in developing community projects, many of which were schools built of local materials. The pictures show typical daily campesino life. Because I was working with the community members on a daily basis, they always saw me with a camera and so it was easy to get very natural and candid pictures. Each picture is accompanied by a descriptive narrative in both English and Spanish. The descriptions intend to convey the ambiance and the situation shown in the photos. Each photo represents a personal experience so in a sense each one also has a story to go with it. I was humbled by the hard-working nature and dedication to community spirit of the community members
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A Moment With Stanley B. Sutton 1895-1967
Having settled into coaching at George School in 1923, thirty-five years before we arrived, by then the Director of Athletics, and head coach only of track
so some of us felt a touch of resistance to this whiff of the military, but he wanted us to learn how teamwork felt. He forced our close attention by speaking
and field each spring, this legend was in charge each fall of the remedial P.E. class, composed of those of us who were too small, too uncoordinated, or too weak
his commands just above a whisper: “Right turn, march; left turn, march,” and thus put us through maneuvers that emerged one command at a time as we split into two halves and rejoined,
even for a junior varsity sport. We were the dregs, the losers, the washouts, but he taught with a gentle touch, setting us to calisthenics alone or in pairs that took turns holding ankles for face-down upper body raises or for sit-ups, sometimes counting us off into small groups for acquisition of some basic skill, or acquaintance with it, at least—lay-ups, takedowns, flip turns in the pool. He recalled my father’s performance on the football team in 1929, and ventured a guess that my mother might have been somewhat petite. His expertise was wide and deep. He knew how certain moves should feel when they were right. Two boys wrestling would hear a loud “Ahp! Right there!” Then, gentlier, “Don’t mind that I shout, son. I just want you to sense that hold.” Once a week he formed us into a square and had us march in close-order drill. This is a Friends’ school,
or shuffled our files inside out. One day we marched toward the entrance to the gym when three men wearing suits, topcoats, and hats entered the floor twenty feet in front of us, and Mr. Sutton spoke sharply to them: “Stand aside there! Are you trying to get killed?” Absurd on the face of it, outrageous, yet we felt safe bearing down on that trio, awaiting the calm command we knew would come: “Right turn, march,” and we left them as they dodged. We smiled, but we thrilled, too, at that outburst, and carried on. A few of us persisted in our need for that class, while others made some varsity team after a year or two, but in that moment we were all together in a blessing that has sweetened my life since.
by Henry S. Taylor ’60
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1965 Steven D. Hancock with David (Dave) S. Johnson ’59, Joseph (Joe) G. Hancock Jr. ’56, and Robert (Bob) Geissinger ffac at Hancock Harbor.
1966 J. Micheal (Mike) Kramer returning from five weeks of field work in Bangladesh.
1966 Frederic (Fred) S. Bowers’ schooner Sycamore at Gloucester MA festival in 2018.
1966 Robert (Bob) L. Blum and Carol in Uruguay last year.
1966 Stephen (Steve) J. Althouse’s Clamps II, a 2020 archival pigment print.
1967 Steven (Steve) E. Sweitzer shared a photo of the Class of 1967 Zoom Reunion.
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in spite of the hardships they faced daily. They were very hard workers; they struggled against many difficulties and sufferings and were very poor. In spite of all this, they had such dignity and pride. I always had great respect and admiration for them.”
1961 William C. Green writes, “I’m moving into eight years assisting Muslim reformer Irshad Manji (www.irshadmanji.com) founder and director of the Moral Courage Project (www.moralcourage.com), work that involves high school students, college students, and professional and community leaders. I am a retired United Church of Christ pastor.” Kathryn Waddell Takara writes, “I am a published writer of Afrofuturist scholarly articles, ecopoetry, and nine books, and I have owned Pacific Raven Press, LLC since 2008. I am a traveler, spiritual teacher, healer, community activist, gardener, mother, and wife. I have been honored for my work with a lifetime achievement award from the NAACP, the History Makers Award, the Black Futures Award, and was knighted by the Orthodox Order of St. John. Recently, I was interviewed nationally on Black history in Hawaii and the inventor Alice Ball, completed three podcasts, co-produced a jazz night in Honolulu featuring the music of Thelonius Monk, and gave presentations at the UN on the Black arts movement for the Honolulu Museum. I also performed in several poetry readings in California, Alabama, Honolulu, and online, including Black Fire—This Time and Wake Up America, and I am an acting consultant for a film on Martin Luther King’s early visit to Hawaii. Born in Tuskegee AL, I have been a Hawaii resident since 1968. I hold an MA in French and a PhD in political science, and I studied at the University of Bordeaux. I was a professor of Black studies at University of Hawaii at Manoa for thirty-one years, and am a practitioner of Gurdjieff and
Ouspensky. I am married and have two daughters and four grandchildren. David F. Lindenfeld writes, “I have just published World Christianity and Indigenous Experience. A Global History, 1500-2000, with Cambridge University Press. This book examines the multiple ways in which indigenous peoples have interacted with Christianity, as conveyed by missionaries, over the last 500 years.”
1962 Douglas O. Maass writes, “In the late fall of 1958, my freshman year, I suited up for wrestling instruction and practice with Russell (Russ) M. Weimer ’48, with Mr. Sutton supervising. The practice mats were in the gym basement, flanking a large concrete pillar. Wrestling, being a rather rough and tumble sport, I was concerned about the obtrusiveness of the column and asked Mr. Sutton why he didn’t wrap padding around it. I have never forgotten his response: ‘Son, as soon as you put a mat around it, someone will bump into it.’ He was absolutely right. An important lesson. On another subject, I am proud to report that Green Writers Press has published Faron Goss, a novel by my wife Diane Lechleitner. Diane has published numerous short stories and poems and this is her first book. For those interested, here is a link: http:// greenwriterspress.com/book/3828/.”
1963 Robert (Bob) W. Thomas writes, “It has been six years since I lost my life partner of twenty-nine years and husband, Robert Black, and although I was not looking for a new relationship, a friend I have known for two years and I finally realized we wanted more than just a friendship. I am happy to announce that John Sentell and I will be married in July. Joan Hagert y Giunta, Carolyn I. Evans, and Holly Smith are all planning to attend. Imagine...at my age! But I could not be happier to love and be loved again!”
1964 Judith ( Judy) McIlvain Lewis writes, “Except for dealing with this pandemic, I love my life! Still teaching pool aerobics! Still singing karaoke! Donovan and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in October and will both turn seventyfive this year along with many of you. Best wishes to the Class of 1964 and God bless you all!” Kathryn McCreary writes, “Dear Friends: What a strange and terrible year. I hope you and yours have managed to get through without too much despair. I am now caring for my housemate who has been afflicted with a paralyzing disease called neurosarcoidosis. It is a very difficult adjustment for both of us, but we are struggling to cope. I was grateful to get both immunizations for COVID, and I am trying to look ahead to an improvement in the political, social, and environmental climate. The garden once again provides all the renewal I crave, with new plant growth, and bugs, birds, and other critters busily doing what they do to keep all in balance. I hope you have a garden to renew your spirit.”
1965 Virginia (Ginny) W. Walden writes, “More fun in 2021! I am going forward with my vision to run my own art gallery here in Santa Fe NM. Located in the center of midtown, the busiest section of the city, I created a street farm in my yard to unify my neighbors by sharing produce and encouraging children to grow corn or sunflowers to keep in touch with nature. I built a professional gallery in my two car garage for my fifty year retrospective show. Reviewing my past work, I discovered to my wonder that 85 percent of my art, since George School days, is revealing an ancient story, the origins of us, homo sapiens. My drawing, painting, and sculpture show exact references to ancient art, texts, archaeology, and geographic locations. The great message is that we are the hybrids of star people with many gifts
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to explore. I am making a series of photo books of key artworks backed with historical evidence of this mystery. If you are curious, take a look and wonder at https://www. ginnywalden.com. Share your insights at art@ginnywalden.com.” Steven D. Hancock writes, “In September 2013, I got together with David (Dave) S. Johnson ’59, Joseph ( Joe) G. Hancock Jr. ’56, and Robert (Bob) Geissinger ffac at Hancock Harbor.”
1966 James ( Jim) P. Patch writes, “Through the use of Zoom, I have been able to schedule George School grads (and friends) as speakers for the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Madison WI of which I am the program committee chair. I look forward to having other willing George School grads talk about their careers or hobbies. James ( Jim) M. Claiborn spoke from Maine and talked about one of his therapy specialties: OCD. Ruth E. Bromer ’67 and her husband Joseph Huberman, internationally known in their hobby, spoke about orienteering and amateur radio direction finding. And Loren Cobb spoke talked about his experience as a United Nations Peace Keeping Instructor. Captain Andrew (Andy) J. Chen ’91 did not speak to us, but he was instrumental in finding a speaker to talk to us about how the COVID vaccine is distributed in Wisconsin.” Frederic (Fred) S. Bowers writes, “Greetings 1966! Just to report in: I’m alive and well, living in a small rural community on the Maine coast with my wonderful wife Mary. My career has been good, though varied (some would say ‘checkered,’ as many would experience in a place like Maine). I was a coast guardsman, had a long and happy gig as a farrier, then served as a tugboat captain. Now I am mostly retired and enjoying a schooner which I built (thanks Palmer Sharpless ffac) and sail on the New England coast.”
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Robert (Bob) L. Blum writes, “My wife Carol and I have been living in San Diego CA for ten years. I have stayed involved in Rotary on the local and international levels. We are members of a golf club which the last year has been our major source of recreation. We have five children and six grandkids scattered over the east coast. Until COVID, we had been traveling the world and hope to continue later this year. I have retired from my law practice this year, I had been focusing on personal injury cases for the last thirty years. Looking forward to hearing from all.” Stephen (Steve) J. Althouse writes, “I currently have a solo exhibition of my artwork at the Gregg Museum of Art in Raleigh NC. I am living in an Amish area in central Pennsylvania, hiding from pandemic germs.” J. Michael (Mike) Kramer writes, “I’m settled in Rock Hall MD, a quaint boating town on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. I am still working part-time on international environment, mainly climate change adaptation in developing countries, a path that I started on in George School. Feeling very blessed.” Mary Crouch Semple writes, “I retired six years ago to western Colorado; living in a small town surrounded by vineyards, farms, and the Colorado River. To the east I can see the Grand Mesa, and to my west I see the Colorado National Park. Please feel free to visit should you ever be in this area.”
1967 Steven (Steve) E. Sweitzer writes, “The Class of 1967 had a wonderful Zoom reunion on January 22. With twenty-eight alumni from the class and two “party crashers.” It was so much fun we’ll do it again.” Barbara St. John Vickery writes, “I wanted to let you know that the book Birds of Maine, that my husband Peter D. Vickery ’67
was working on when he died in 2017 is now published by Princeton University Press. It was truly the culmination of his life’s work. You can learn more about it here: https:// press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover /9780691193199/birds-of-maine. I was co-editor of the book. I was a student at George School as Barbara St. John from 1964 to 1966, so many of Peter’s former classmates might remember me.”
1968 Sturgis Warner writes, “I am working on My Love Affair With Marriage, Signe Baumane’s animated feature film coming out in 2022 (www. MyLoveAffairWithMarriage.com).”
1969 Robert (Rob) E. Ganz writes, “After practicing law for forty-six years as of the beginning of 2021, I retired. I am now living in San Diego CA full time and enjoying the wonderful weather (quite the difference from the weather in Albany NY)! While the pandemic has restricted my planned level of travel and activity, I am still able to play golf and my new passion—pickleball. Looking forward to visiting with my three grandchildren who are on the other side of the continent. I am still involved in the charitable work to which I was devoted before retirement. Looking forward to seeing others at our 55th Reunion and happy to have visits from any classmates in SoCal.” Clarisse Ebelin-Waller writes, “In 1969 I was the French exchange student at George School. I would have loved to stay in the States but ended up returning to France. Today I live in Lyon, south of Paris, I have a daughter who works in Austin TX and my two grandchildren are American! Life is interesting…”
1970 Roger L. Kay writes, “Hard to think of what to say this year. It’s been an upheaval for all of us. I have had some correspondence with S. Girard (Gerry) Lax and a few
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others. I almost visited Nicholas Emlen in Vermont. Timing didn’t work out, but we had a nice chat as I drove down I-89 from Burlington to where I still live outside Boston MA. We’re weeks away from getting a vaccine here. Everything is different from what it was.” William (Bill) E. Wise writes, “I am retired after thirty years in the green industry. My last job was with Hunter Industries as a regional sales manager for landscape irrigation products. My wife Vicki and I have been married for forty-four years and have two kids and three grandkids. I’m fully employed at home with cooking, house maintaining, kayaking, and woodworking.” Christoffer (Chris) A. Graae writes, “It has been a long time since I have updated what’s been happening in my life, so I hope it is OK if I use this method to relay some highlights —limiting things to say within the past five years or so. Now that I am retired I happily have much more self-directed time on my hands! So that is probably the most recent, big news—selling my shares in the firm I co-founded some thirty-eight years ago to the next gen and retiring at the end of last year. It has been a wonderful forty-three-year career that I look back on with pride and absolutely no regrets —something I believe unfortunately only a minority of folks can say about their jobs, so I feel very lucky. My firm of thirty professionals specialized in institutional buildings, K-12 and higher ed, museums, civic buildings and churches, each pretty much “one-offs,” making each of them unique and exciting. Although there were a few outliers in other states across the country, most of our commissions have been in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. Our firm (cox graae + spack architects) has won many local, regional and national design awards for its projects over the years, most recently for the modernization of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, for which I—as Principal-in-Charge—dedicated the
majority of the last five years of my career. And a wonderful swan song it was. Won in an international competition, the $162m, 265,000 sf renovation/restoration and massive addition to a National Landmark building, Ellington is a quasi-public school and pre-professional training ground for 600 students in the Fine and Performing Arts. A career highlight for me was being chosen as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and receiving my investiture in Chicago at the 2014 AIA Convention. Having settled in DC when I graduated, after our children grew up and moved into their own homes, we sold our home of twenty-five years and moved out to an old farmhouse property on the South River a mile up from the Bay near Annapolis. We lived in it for a year or so to get the “feel” of it, then my architect wife and I worked on the renovation and addition drawings for over a year and completed construction in 2012—a gut and redo as they say. We could not be happier where we are and plan to make this our last house! My son Soren who is thirty-four works for Save the Children in Connecticut and my thirty-two year-old daughter Hannah works in the environmental division of a powerhouse DC law firm, both married to fabulous spouses, and have blessed us with two grandsons with a granddaughter expected this spring. How could one ask for more? I am not one to lounge around having seemingly endless projects around our property including building an Art Studio where Mary paints and I will throw pots. I have also become very active in my Anne Arundel County community on stemming rampant development and preserving the special greenways, rivers and bay that are so precious to us all. My four years at George School were integral in making me who I am, re-enforcing lifelong ethics, morals and goals. Thank you!”
1971 John F. Hallowell writes, “I just retired (!) after forty-two years as a physician assistant, most recently as
director of advanced practice providers at a large Long Island NY hospital. My wife Meg and I are enjoying it already! I look forward to time on the water, fixing things around the house, planting our garden, and reconnecting with friends. I actually drove by George School recently as my brother lives in Newtown. Unfortunately, no visitors were allowed, otherwise I would have made a trip through the campus. Looking forward to our 50th reunion when it occurs!”
1973 Eleanor (Ellie) S. Lathrop writes, “I visited Dorris (Dorree) Spencer Wickman at her home in The Villages FL. We explored parts of The Villages and enjoyed many of the wonderful restaurants. We kayaked and swam near the Three Sisters Springs of Crystal River looking for but not seeing any manatees. And indulged ourselves with pedicures. We chatted with classmate Jeffrey ( Jeff ) C. Clark on the phone. When Jeff visited Dorree two years ago, they surprised Ellie with a phone call, so we returned the favor. A highlight was reading the journals written by the summer of 1972 work-campers in Fort Portal, Uganda. Reading the journals, that each of the twelve of us took turns writing, brought back wonderful memories of some experiences we had forgotten. We particularly want to remember those who shared that incredible journey with us: Jeremy Finkle, Philip W. Garret t-Engele ’72, Joy Bright Mosley ’72, Karen J. Hossfeld, Dede Brownstein, Susan Guhl Brown ’72, David S. Hedden, Janelle ( JB) BakerMcAllister, and our fearless leaders, Mark and Dede Feldman ffac, aka Bwana and Madam Bwana. We stayed at the Kinyamasika Teacher Training College and built two additions to primary schools. We had amazing safaris to the Semliki Game Preserve and Murchison Falls National Park both in Uganda, to Ongorogoro Crater and the Serengeti in Tanzania. We finished by camp-
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ing on a beach on the Indian Ocean near Mombasa, Kenya. We have been forever grateful for the life-changing experience George School provided us and the life-long friendships we still foster and cherish.” John B. Hoffman writes, “My new educational not-for-profit organization, Go to College NYC, is entering its fifth year of operations. And 225 high achieving, low income, public school students attending large, underserved New York City high schools have been placed into leading colleges and universities. My son, Joshua ( Josh) O. Hoffman ’17, will graduate from Brandeis University this May with a major in history, and minors in classics and medieval and renaissance studies. Josh was recently accepted into NYU Steinhardt’s one-year Masters in Education Teacher Residency Program, and will teach history to middle school students in Danbury CT, this September. My daughter, Maia S. Hoffman ’24, is a freshman, loves all of her classes, especially theater with Kevin Davis ’7 7, and volleyball with Dave Nolan, and looks forward to auditioning for the spring musical.” Jennifer (Sam) Macalaster Cummings writes, “Another year of landscaping soon to begin in southern Maine. My husband Tom and I are eager to see extended family again and are hoping to visit North Carolina and New Zealand in 2022 if not before.”
1974 David J. Lehner writes, “I had two publications this year: an article, “Literary Self-Reference: Five Types of Liar’s Paradox” in Philosophy and Literature from Johns Hopkins Press, and a novel, The Far and the Near, which reached number eighteen on Amazon for political fiction.” Laurie Capellan Malkoff writes, “I’m retiring this August! I’m looking forward to spending time with family (grandson Wes (6) is
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son of Henry Capellan ’97) and riding my bike in distant places with my husband Fred.”
1975 Katherine H. Alford writes, “I am enjoying a more free wheeling life after twenty years at Food Network. The power of Meeting for Worship at George School stayed with me and I have been a member of the Morningside Meeting in New York City for almost a decade. I find Friends commitment to service inspiring and serve as a Trustee of the New York Quarterly Meeting. My husband and I have been lucky to travel to Mexico, through the South on the Civil Rights Trail, and recently returned from an amazing trip to Lebanon. Kathy Gunst (NPR) and I co-authored Rage Baking: the Power of Flour, Fury, and Women’s Voices (Simon & Schuster February 4, 2020). It’s a different kind of cookbook, one that combines recipes and writing from the top bakers and activists in the country. I love catching up with Sarah V. Chace ’76 when she is in town, and celebrated Sarah’s book publication with Diane M. Garisto ’74. I also enjoy spending time with my George School roommate Dr. Lindsay Rockwell in Wellfleet MA.”
1976 Evelyn Hoopes Wright writes, “I’m excited to be finishing a book I’m writing referencing my Quaker roots and full circle journey back to Bucks County. I shared the introduction, which mentions Anne LeDuc ffac and the Girls AA Picnic, during her 95th birthday celebration Zoom call. One source of inspiration and information is Kingdon W. Swayne’s book, George School The History of a Quaker Community.” Ann Sweeten writes, “Hello classmates! I’m currently in the middle of working on my next album, “Change is in the Wind.” This will be number fifteen! Hoping for a September street date. On another note, I’ve been in remission from leukemia for six months now after five years on three
different drugs under three different doctors, so certainly no picnic, but I’m happy to say I’m doing well! My husband is ever at my side and with our family of three dogs we carry on! Best wishes to you all!” Joel H. Tabachnick writes, “Busy with a handyman business with my older son, although he took a break and spent a few months in Mexico while working on his book on quantum biology. My younger son helped while he was gone but he mostly does virtual reality design and AR design. Wife Latifa and I will have our 40th anniversary in April. She is super active as a homeopath. Alas I’m not getting much art time but still do West African drumming although the dance classes aren’t happening yet, but should start back up outdoors soon (the blessing of being in California). Also still host music jams every month. Anybody that gets to the Marin County area should feel free to drop on by.” Mavis Mathis Smith writes, “I am still working at a nursing home. It’s been really scary because of the pandemic. I also volunteer with a domestic violence center. I have three children and two grandchildren. Divorced and doing well.”
1977 E. Clifton (Cliff ) Waddington writes, “Hi all. Suz and I continue to live in greater Atlanta and have a get-a-way cabin at Lake Toxaway NC. Spent a lot of time there during COVID. I retired for six months in 2019 and then went back to work in 2020. Our twin girls are in Atlanta GA. Tessa is a NICU nurse, Brie is a medical assistant for a vascular surgeon and is applying to physician assistant school. Looking forward to our 45th.” M. Elizabeth Hawkins Winningham writes, “As I am completing my twenty-third year in teaching, I have to say that this year teaching in person since the end of July has been a challenge, very rewarding and at times had me questioning our beliefs as a society. Our
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1969 Robert (Rob) E. Ganz.
1970 Roger L. Kay.
1970 William (Bill) E. Wise.
1973 Eleanor (Ellie) S. Lathrop.
1973 Tom Kruzshak and Jennifer (Sam) Macalaster Cummings in fall 2020.
1974 The cover of a new novel by David J. Lehner.
1976 Evelyn Hoopes Wright: “Anne LeDuc’s exhortation to ‘anticipate’ became one of my favorite life lessons.”
1976 Ann Sweeten shared a photo of Christmas 2020 on the Salem Common in Massachusetts.
1976 Joel H. Tabachnick.
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1981 David Steven Jacoby.
1984 Harold “Young Buck” Buck does some dancing at a recent (pre-pandemic) college reunion.
1989 David A. Christian sent this image from his new tv show, Kings of Kush on VICE.
1989 Emmy Laybourne Podunovich with her kids Ellie and Rex (and also a literal kid—a baby goat).
1996 Sophia (Sophie) R. Dornstreich.
1998 Anthea S. Brown, happy at 40.
1999 Robyn Pendleton Esancy writes, “‘Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in the morning, sailor’s take warning!’ Good morning from Maine!”
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school district has never closed all the schools due to COVID. They only closed the high school if the number quarantined was more than 35 percent of the students. We are teaching students virtually as well as our regular curriculum. We all have had to dig deep into our bags of teacher’s tricks. Cleaning, masking, helping our students understand why we social distance have been very stressful. I find myself sitting quietly (missing the meetinghouse) and thinking how grateful I am for my wonderful teachers that taught me and hoping I have been passing the same on to my students. So here is a shout out to all teachers at George School and those graduates who are in the trenches: you are making a difference every day even if you don’t feel like it in the midst of a pandemic. ”
1978 Elizabeth Smith Jacobs writes, “My husband Peter and I recently bought a house in Solebury PA, just up from the Stockton bridge. We are enjoying exploring new places and getting to know the river towns art communities. Would love to connect with old classmates in the area.”
1980 Pat ti Reinhold-Ryan writes, “Hi! I am going on twenty-nine years back from California and living in Beach Haven NJ. Travel Around is my travel business. I also wait tables at my favorite breakfast restaurant, teach a light weight exercise class online, work at my friend’s pilates studio, and partnered with an incredible nutrition company called Isagenix, (not a diet, but a way of life for me). I’ve never felt more energized, healthy, and strong. I recently became certified to be a peer recovery coach for my friend’s non-profit organization called Sea Change! Jaxson is now 16 and I so wish he had attended George School!”
1981 Lisa Labalme Osterland writes, “I’ve been particularly grateful to be living in Canada these past few years. Life is exceptionally quiet now (especially with Québec’s 8:00 p.m. curfew —not that there is anywhere to go as everything is closed). I will choose quiet over chaos any day. That said, I miss ‘regular life’ in this dynamic city and my usual swimming regime. I look forward to getting into some nearby lakes or outdoor pools— though despite it being mid-March, Montréal is still quite deep in snow and below freezing temps. Aubrey—if you throw another major-rager for our next reunion, Michael and I will definitely make the trek to Pennsylvania and New Jersey—assuming the borders re-open. My best to all.” David S. Jacoby writes that he is “deeply into Buddhist philosophy, thanks to the Kadampa Meditation Center of New York. I have a new book coming out on the clean energy transition, Reinventing the Energy Value Chain. I can’t wait to travel again; I thrive on engaging with folks around the world for business and pleasure.”
1984 Harold M. Buck writes, “When the stay-at-home orders came, we did our best to establish a daily family routine, and we turned to technology to have a virtual social life, including some rousing online Cards Against Humanity games. My wife and I were fortunate to be able to work from home. I spent the spring building online training for new lifeguards for the ocean lifeguarding operation where I work in the summer (Long Beach Township NJ), with an updated manual, videos, online quizzes, and a written exam. My son also lifeguards, and since we live together we ended up working forty hours a week on the same beach to reduce the risk of getting COVID. I also figured out how to move my mathematics and statistics tutoring business online. The spring lacrosse officiating season was canceled, but I was fortunate enough to get vaccinated and have started
officiating again. The only good part of the lockdown was the emergence of online dance classes. I’ve been able to train with dancers all over the world in a variety of street and funk styles, people I never could have worked with before without a plane flight. I keep dreaming about the day when things are safe enough to go dance in the club or to go to a battle. If you want to see what I’ve been up to, I put together a YouTube channel, which you should find if you Google ‘Young Buck dancer’ (don’t search YouTube, it’s not as easy to find there). The worst part of the pandemic is that we lost my mother to COVID in April. She was in her nineties, and it was only a matter of time, but still. We were finally able to have a memorial service in August 2020.”
1985 Tammy Lewis writes, “A silver lining of COVID has been reuniting with most of the Brown House crew (with Michelle Tregea Dorlon as an honorary day student member).” E. Heather Hotchkiss (of the Vermont contingent) captures the joy that our remeeting has brought. “A lot of people thought 2020 was the worst year, but I’ve found it to be one of reawakening as I have reconnected with old friends and found remembering to be pleasant.” Lisa CambridgeMitchell adds, “While living in Ridgefield CT with my husband and son, I run a personal development and leadership coaching company. I feel beyond blessed to have my lifelong George School sisterhood of friends during such complicated times.” Margaret Gillen Boyd agreed, “I am grateful to be able to reconnect and laugh with my George School sisterhood. I have learned how adaptable I can be since teaching second graders virtually in Washington DC with lots of encouragement from my middle schooler and husband.” Tammy Lewis concurs, “This year has gifted some of us with time to reflect on what’s important, and my George School friends fill my heart. I’m glad to be healthy, working as a professor in my empty nest with my
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spouse in Brooklyn NY.” Kristin (Kris) Penner writes from San Jose CA, “Reconnecting with these dear George School friends always feels like no time has passed; they are truly family and have lifted me up in tough times, as do my husband, two kids (in high school and college), and my work on a small non-profit fighting for racial justice and diversity in higher education.” Michelle Tregea Dorlon adds from Annapolis MD, “Living alone and working from home has definitely tested my psyche over the past year.” A. Gray Carr Lemay and I have remained close ever since George School paired us together as boarder/ day student first friends our freshman year. Reconnecting with the rest of these lovely ladies has filled my heart with joy. I can’t wait until we can get together in person.” A. Gray Carr Lemay agrees that reconnecting with this group has been such a boost during this crazy year. “I am living on Cape Cod with my husband and commuting off Cape
to teach third grade. Both daughters are out of college and working; one at a boarding school in Rhode Island and the other in Washington DC with my brother in property management. I am so happy that I have been able to teach in person this year, though it has been challenging and very different. I can’t wait to see this group of lifelong friends in person soon!!!” Mary (Mollie) R. Leiser added, “Our mini George School reunion was definitely the brightest light of 2020. As my twin daughters finish up their unusual senior year of high school in New York City, it’s especially meaningful to reconnect with this incredible group whose lifelong friendships were forged at the same age as my daughters are now. 2020 also expedited a break from a career in the communications field in NYC and a move to join members of my family (and Heather, of course!) in Burlington, VT.” We end with a welcome to Maria McCabe Tomaselli to join us in our next Zoom gathering!
1986 James Tolley writes, “I’m living in Haiku, Maui and have great news! I’ve just received funding to develop my disinformation-destroying platform concordis.io. Phew! Interested in challenging public figures to address the strongest evidence against their narratives? Get in touch!”
1989 David A. Christian writes, “I loved my time at George School. Like everybody, I have great memories of the campus, but also the people, my teachers, friends, and teammates. Such a special school. Now I am so proud of my nephews Christopher (Chris) D. ’23 and Elliot J. Petrosky ’23. Hope you all watch the new show [Kings of Kush, a reality series about CBD on VICE]. It’s a comedy but if you watch closely what you will really see is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
The George School Fund supports the people and programs that brings the School’s mission to life.
Every gift matters. Every year. w w w.geo rgesch ool.or g / donate
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Emily Laybourne Podunovich writes, “My kids are now the age we were when at George School and their antics and theatrics remind me so much how we all spent our time in Newtown PA back in the day. I was lucky this year to spend some time on a pandemic project—writing and acting in a show called Workplace Comedy Podcast. Give it a listen—it’s quirky and fun. I’m sending lots of love to the community at George School—past, present, and future! I hope you all are safe and sound and vaccinated by the time this hits the press.”
addition to passing legislation, we conduct public education campaigns, promote responsible storage of firearms, and support the work of community partners on the front lines of this movement through fundraising, volunteering at events, and more. It’s been really challenging to hold our community together during this difficult time, but I’m proud we’ve been able to keep going, as we showed by taking our annual advocacy day virtual, with hundreds of supporters meeting via Zoom with over 140 legislators to call for regulation of ghost guns and police reform. ”
1991
1994
Adam L. Barea writes, “Just sharing this piece profiling the work I’m doing at Google because it was at George School where I first came to appreciate the importance of service to others in my own life. I am grateful this important lesson has extended into my professional life. Check it out at https://modern-counsel.com/2019/ adam-barea-google/.”
Jocelyn S. Gajeway writes, “Hi all! Currently extremely proud and excited to be working operations and training on the Mars Perseverance mission. I’ve been part of the project since 2017, and couldn’t be happier. Dare Mighty Things!”
1993 Danielle (Dani) S. Veith writes, “I’ve been volunteering for the national grassroots gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action, serving as the Maryland Chapter Leader for the last four years. We just had a big victory when our state legislature overrode the governor’s veto of legislation to close a loophole which allowed for private sales of rifles and shot guns with no background check. It’s the fourth bill we’ve supported that’s become law since I’ve been leading the chapter, in addition to legislation to keep guns away from convicted domestic abusers, to prohibit sales of the rapid-fire trigger devices (like bump stocks, which were used in the largest mass shooting in US history in Las Vegas NV), and a red-flag law to create Extreme Risk Protective Orders to temporarily remove firearms from someone who is a danger to themselves or others. I’ve grown the chapter from a dozen to over 130 volunteer leaders with local groups across the state. In
1996 Stefan D. Dreisbach-Williams writes, “In January 2020, I became the caretaker for The Bowne House, a 17th century home in Flushing, Queens, NYC. The home is associated with the Flushing Remonstrance and was visited by George Fox. I welcome socially distanced visits in the yard and look forward to walking around the corner to attend Flushing Friends Meeting someday. I’ve been able to keep up my maritime heritage work with the Waterfront Museum, the Seamen’s Church Institute, and Turnstile Tours remotely, and have taught a few theatre and history classes online through Northern Hall School. I’ve also started my project of paddling/sailing NYC’s shoreline in my folding kayak.” Sophia (Sophie) R. Dornstreich writes, “I am thrilled to share that this past year I started a fertility coaching company, InCircle Fertility. Along with a partner, we assist women and couples who are navigating infertility and pregnancy loss. Our website is www.incirclefertility.com. I would love to connect with any alums
in this general field of work, as well as those who may need emotional support and practical guidance on their own journey. We work with clients anywhere in the world and at any point on their path to parenthood.” Emily Walters Lebaron writes, “I’ve been living in Las Vegas NV for the last six years and started teaching special education just before the quarantine began. It’s been a crazy time to be a first-year teacher but I’m learning so much and rely quite a bit on lessons learned from the inspiring teachers at George School. My two children are in sixth grade and third grade and attend the school where I work. While we’re still east coasters at heart we don’t miss shoveling snow! I stay in touch with a group of George School friends from ’96 and ’97, sharing frequent messages full of memories and support, and I am always thankful for my time at George School!” Mary Tyler Holmes-Mehdi writes, “In December 2019 I married Visar Kelmendi here in Fairfax VA. We are excited to share that our next Foreign Service overseas posting is New Delhi, India. We’d love to have visitors once international travel opens up. We hope everyone is doing safe and well!”
1998 Anthea S. Brown writes, “I started graduate studies with Goddard College based in Plainfield VT for an MFA in creative writing this past January. My focus is protest poetry and memoir work. I turned forty and feel great, for which I am grateful. Can’t wait to share my writings with the world soon.”
1999 Robyn Pendleton Esancy writes, “Hello George School Friends! Life has been interesting this past year. Feeling blessed to be safe in Maine, able to work from home, and to keep my family safe yet still active. March 2021 marks my tenth year at athenahealth, a cloud-based health-
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care platform offering EHR, medical billing, and patient engagement solutions to medical practices. I currently manage a team of twelve associates researching and resolving complex client concerns. This has been a genuinely challenging and rewarding career with a wonderful company. For fun I continue to ride horses, a hobby that my daughter Liza has also adopted. Additionally, I have spent the last several years helping my husband Jake build his new business, Esancy Enterprise, which started as a plowing contractor and has moved into class A and hazmat transport specialty. I look forward to getting back into the office to see my colleagues again soon as well as traveling again, near and far! I hope everyone is well.”
2000 Caitlin ( Thistle) Jemison writes, “I am living in upstate New York (for now) and work as a professional musician and landlady. I began playing the harp in 2010. In 2019 I put out a record of songs inspired by Hans Christian Andersen stories, written for harp and voice and arranged for orchestral instruments. I also toured as part of Rasputina. In 2021 I will be releasing an album of songs inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s writings. There is also a lullaby record in the works. My project is titled Thistle and can be heard on spotify or at www.musicofthistle.com. I hope you are all doing well and send love to George School.”
2001 Jasmine V. Epstein writes, “I received my doctorate in English/ creative writing from Texas Tech in May and recently began working for Temple Ahavat Achim in Gloucester MA, where I moved with my husband Dan and daughter Freya (3) in 2019. My first book of translation, That Salt on the Tongue to Say Mangrove, is forthcoming from Carnegie Mellon Press in the fall.”
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2003
2007
Alexander (Alex) S. Germanacos writes, “Greetings all. What a year it’s been for all of us. I hope you are all safe and as well as can be. Some personal news: In June I became engaged and in September I passed my licensing exam to become a fully licensed marriage and family therapist. I work in San Francisco CA at a private school as a counselor. One of the elements I try to bring into the school is fostering a feeling of communal spirit. I draw on my time in dorms, classes, van rides, Drayton porch, and Meeting for Worship, all of us sitting or standing side by side, for experiences of common ground. In the past several months I have had numerous wonderful conversations with Sam Metcalf as well as Chip Poston ffac. It’s been almost twenty years since I saw most of you but my memories of you all—peers, faculty, staff (and the buildings and land)—are still so vivid. I wish you all well and continue to hold you alongside me in my thoughts.”
Jane E. Sancinito writes, “After two years as a postdoc at Oberlin College in Ohio, I took up a permanent post as a history professor at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell in 2020. New England is treating me well and has put me back in touch with some George School alumni.”
2004 Daniel (Dan) C. Suchenski writes, “The Delaware STEM Council celebrated its sixth annual DE STEM Educator Awards in a hybrid inperson/virtual ceremony that took place March 2021, at the Buena Vista county estate in New Castle DE. We celebrated seven applications from educators from across the state doing innovative and exemplary STEM instruction. As the executive director of the Council, I am proud of everyone that helped make the ceremony possible in an otherwise tumultuous year!” Eben P. Alguire writes, “My family and I have been in Pittsburgh PA for over five years. I work as technical director for the theatre department at University of Pittsburgh. My wife Andrea works as a software engineer for Showclix. Harper (4) is happy and healthy, and we welcomed Riley to the family in June 2020.”
2009 Gracianna (Gracie) R. CosciaCollins writes, “I started working at George School as dorm head of East Main and am also teaching dance and yoga. I am proud to be working at my alma mater!” Amanda (Mandi) Nadeau writes, “I got married in 2019 in Washington DC and was lucky enough to have my close George School friends attend.”
2010 Jessie P. Mooberry writes, “Soren E. Rubin and I are thrilled to share that we tied the knot in September in an intimate five person ceremony in Chester County PA. This summer we’re opening a cider garden and coffee shop celebrating local Pennsylvania farmers and makers.”
Class notes for this issue were received as of August 4. 2021. The “Alumni Tell Us” and “In Memoriam” sections of the Georgian are shared online. If you do not want your name to be included in notes from others, contact us at advancement@georgeschool.org or 215.579.6571. 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.
ALUMNI TELL US
2000 Caitlin (Thistle) Jemison playing the harp.
2001 Jasmine V. Epstein’s daughter Freya’s first day of preschool.
2004 Daniel (Dan) C. Suchenski Delaware STEM Educator Awards 2020
2004 Eben P. Alguire with his children Harper and Riley.
2009 Left to right: Olivia K. Burns, Monica V. Nadeau ’15, Amanda (Mandi) Nadeau Mayer, Caroline O. Marris ’08, Sean D. Rigby ’08, and Laura G. Claggett.
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In Memoriam EDITED BY ELLA DAVIDYOCK
1938 Eileen Mat tis O’Brien January 26, 2021 Emily Park Powers May 18, 2021 Emily was born July 13, 1921, in Philadelphia PA and was a lifelong member of the Society of Friends (Quakers) and an affiliate member of the Poland Presbyterian Church. Emily graduated from Connecticut College in New London CT. Emily and John Weed Powers of Poland were married in Abington Friends Meeting in Jenkintown PA in 1942. Following John’s service in the US Army during World War II and graduation from University of Michigan Law School, John settled the family in Poland and Emily became the mother of four children. Although home and family were the centers of her life, she was active as a community volunteer in the Junior League of Youngstown, the Women’s Board of the former Youngstown Hospital Association, the Garden Club of Youngstown, New Century Club, Poland Village Club, the Scribblers, and the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. Together, John and Emily enjoyed a close association with the Youngstown Symphony Society and enjoyed gardening and travel. Emily leaves four children, eight grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren. Margaret Brick Robjent May 22, 2021 Margaret was born April 20, 1921 in Crosswicks NJ. She attended Rider College and was a legal secretary from April 1939 until August 1945. She married James F. Robjent in 1943. While he was overseas during World War II, she assisted in the management of the USO at Fort Dix NJ, was active in the Preparative Meeting
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of Friends in Crosswicks NJ and served as a volunteer Travelers Aid at the Trenton NJ Railroad Station in addition to her legal secretarial position. From 1945 to 1955 she lived in Andover MA, where she was active in South Church and the APC Sorority. In 1955 the family moved to Waterville ME, where she served as Cub Scout Den Leader and Merit Badge Counselor for Boy Scouts, volunteered in the hospital Hospice Program, Meals on Wheels, and the Evening Supper Program. Margaret was a pharmacy assistant and a member of the Women’s Club. She was a member of the Crosswicks NJ Preparative Meeting of Friends and in Waterville she was an Associate Member of the First Congregational Church, serving as assistant treasurer and as secretary of the Church Building Committee and as a faithful worker on numerous committees and functions. Margaret’s hobbies included dancing, gardening and handiwork. She enjoyed nature, flowers, birds, butterflies, little creatures and rock hounding, a love of all she passed on to her children. Margaret was predeceased by her husband of sixty years, her brothers, A. Robert Brick ’34, Kenneth Brick ’43, and her sister Elizabeth Brick Collier ’37. She is survived by her three children, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Amelie (Amie) Anderson Sloan December 31, 2020 Amie was a proud native Delawarean, having been raised in Dover and Rehoboth Beach. Born on February 23, 1919 in Wilmington DE, Amie attended Barnard College and graduated from UNC Chapel Hill NC majoring in history. Following college, she returned to Delaware to marry Samuel Sloan, and learned to be a “farm wife.” While raising her family, she spent twenty years teaching elementary school in Millsboro and tutoring homebound students all over Sussex County. Amie had a second career in the arts. From childhood, she had a fascination with the exotic, especially faces of peoples of
the world. Out of this interest, she learned to hand-build and sculpt in clay and became an avid “mask maker” and potter. Amie was a lifelong member of the Rehoboth Art League and attended the opening ceremonies in 1938. She sold and exhibited her pieces at regional craft shows and at the Rehoboth Art League. For many years, she supervised an open studio for budding potters. In 2014, the hand building studio was dedicated in her name. Above all, Amie was curious about the world and the people in it. To that end, she taught hand building pottery class and actively participated in classes at the Osher Center for Lifelong Learning in Lewes until age 100. An avid reader, Amie was a member of two book clubs well into her nineties. She was known for her quick mind, cheery voice, welcoming demeanor and interest in other people’s lives. She is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and five great, great-grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by her friends and family.
1940 Gloria Scot t Johnson July 28, 2020 Gloria was born October 10, 1923 in Brockville, Ontario, Canada. Her family owned the Brockville and Morristown Transportation Company, which operated a ferry between the two St. Lawrence River communities from 1916 to 1952. Growing up in Morristown, Gloria attended the local school and worked for the ferry company. She is survived by Ellen Johnson Breen ’72 and her two sons, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. During World War II, Gloria worked in a number of jobs —including for the ferry company and as a research chemist for Union Carbide in Cleveland OH. There she met her husbandto-be, Richard W. “Dick” Johnson, a US Navy officer. They were married in Mexico in December 1945. In the 1970s, she completed requirements for her BA at Baldwin-Wallace
IN MEMORIAM
College. When Dick returned, they returned to live full-time in Morristown, where Gloria served two terms as an elected trustee in the 1980s. She was instrumental in the Morristown Foundation’s restoration of the iconic stone windmill, the chairperson of the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, and a key leader in the development of the Village of Morristown’s first sanitary sewer system. Gloria was long active in the Daughters of the American Revolution and the St. Lawrence County Republican Party. She served on the United Helpers Board of Directors for a decade and volunteered for the American Red Cross, USO, and as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. She enjoyed genealogy, reading, bridge, gardening, cooking, playing piano and raising Labrador Retrievers. Jane Shaw Kolkhorst September 7, 2020 Jane was born July 8, 1923 in Jersey City NJ. She graduated from Connecticut College in New London CT in 1944. Jane met her husband, Bernard Kolkhorst (US Coast Guard) on a blind date. They were married in 1947, and moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Coast Guard life suited Jane and she loved the excitement of living in different places. They moved frequently for twenty-plus years with their growing family. Monterey CA, Kodiak AK, and Portland ME were among her favorite “station” places. The family settled in Portland and Jane lived there for over fifty years. She also enjoyed spending summers at the family cottage where she loved to canoe, listen for loons and sleep out under the stars. A warm and exceptionally caring person, Jane was wonderfully wise about life, and taught her children kindness, honesty and integrity through her own example. She was very clever at making even the simplest things seem extraordinary. Jane loved to travel, and she and Barney took many trips in the US and to Europe with friends. She wrote exceptionally well, and kept a detailed, often amusing, travel diary. She enjoyed “birding”
anywhere, even across the street in the Western Cemetery, and got the family very excited when she spotted anything a bit exotic. Her family and friends will remember her well. She brought us great joy, and she will be forever in our hearts. Jane is survived by sibling Kay Shaw Browne ’62, three children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
1942 Mary Eastburn Biggin December 12, 2020 Mary, known as Tawi to family and close friends, was born in Bristol PA. She served on the George School Board of Trustees and many family members attended the school including her father Hugh B. Eastburn Jr., Class of 1907. Her grandfather, Hugh B. Eastburn, Sr. served on the first George School Committee and was a featured speaker at George School’s opening ceremonies in 1893. Mary graduated from Connecticut College in 1946. After college, she moved to New York City and worked as a buyer in the retail industry. There she met her husband James Biggin through mutual friends, and they married in 1950. While living in the West Village, they were acquainted with a writer of the Tarzan comic strip. Always looking for new names for his characters, he used Tawi —a queen—and Jim “Biggim” in one storyline. In 1951, they moved back to her hometown of Bristol PA and then to Levittown PA in 1954 where they raised their family. Mary worked at the department store Strawbridge and Clothier and the George School Advancement office until her retirement, where her job was more pleasure than toil, working for the school that meant so much to her and her family. She was an active volunteer with the American Friends Service Committee, the American Association of University Women, Planned Parenthood, and served on the Board of the Langhorne Library. Mary enjoyed international travel, Elderhostel, bridge, classical music, cooking, and crossword puzzles. She is survived by her three children,
Andrew E. Biggin ’70, Hugh E. Biggin ’73, and Margot A. Biggin ’76, and two grandsons. Charles (Charlie) W. Cadwallader February 15, 2020 Charlie was born August 28, 1923. He was a veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam and flew 151 combat missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with eleven Oak Leaf Clusters, and the European African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal with three battle stars. He was a test pilot for Republic Aviation and a fighter pilot in life and in spirit. Charlie (sometimes referred to as “Uncle Tiger” by family) was a member of the Caterpillar Club, and a member, president, and board member of the Pan American Society in Philadelphia. He graduated USAF Flying Safety Course at University of Southern California and USAF Command and Staff College. Charlie is a member of The Military Order of The Loyal Legion US and a member of the New York Quaker Meeting. His additional awards, medals, and citations include the Bronze Service Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Reserve Service Medal accompanied by the Hourglass Device, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Alice (Robin) Roberts Powelson March 1, 2021 Robin, of Boulder CO, is survived by four children, including Carolyn Powelson Campbell ’82, and two grandchildren. She was born March 8, 1925 and grew up on her parents’ farm in Marlton NJ, working in the packing house during summers, and caring for her beloved horse, Dinah. She graduated from Earlham College in 1946 and set off alone to work at a refugee camp for orphaned children in Germany, with the American Friends Service Committee (AFCS). She helped create a loving, safe home environment for the children, while working to repatriate them to their home countries or finding
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them adoptive homes abroad. When her children learned that the AFSC had won a Nobel Peace Prize for its relief work in 1947, and that she had therefore shared in the prize she waved it away dismissively. She met her husband Jack in Europe and they were married on the farm in 1953. They lived overseas for years at a time and traveled their entire lives. Robin always found direct ways to connect with and help people She was a talented writer, sending family letters to the extended family. Robin was also an artist, painting oils saturated with rich colors, and suffused with evocative forms. Her children always felt her unconditional love and support. Although Alzheimer’s took her memory in the end, it did not touch her openness and eagerness to connect with the people around her. She was always ready with an appreciative smile and an inquisitive look when anyone approached, even when she had no idea who they were. She lived her life with grace to the end. Mary Joyce (Mary) Martin Walton September 19, 2020 Mary was born May 29, 1924 in Christiana PA. She is survived by her son, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She graduated from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC in 1946. Her first job was a reporter for the Downingtown Archive. She then worked as a section manager and buyer for Strawbridge and Clothier until her marriage in 1950, and life on the farm on Bell Road in Christiana PA. After the death of her daughter in 1965, she took classes to teach remedial reading and began a career sharing her love of learning as a teacher’s aide. She helped many children learn to be better at reading and to love books as she did. She also volunteered at the Christiana Library and was involved in story time there for many years. She was a birthright member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and was a member of Sadsbury Monthly Meeting.
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1943 Donald (Don) S. Preston June 15, 2021 Don was born April 30, 1923, in Bel Air MD. He enlisted in the US Navy during World War II and served in the Communications Division as a signalman on a variety of Liberty Ships in the European, Indian, and Pacific Theaters. At the close of the war, he returned to Bel Air and married his high school sweetheart. At the same time, he joined his father in the family business, Preston’s Stationery Store, in 1926. Upon his father’s retirement, Don became president of the business and moved the operation to a new building where it remains today. He was a longstanding member and past president of the Bel Air Rotary Club, served as president of the Tuberculosis Association of Harford County, served as a member of the Planning and Zoning Board for the Town of Bel Air as well as a Town Commissioner for a short term. He served as a director of the Harford County Library Board and of the Commercial and Savings Bank (now BB&T Bank). Don and Betty were recognized by the Harford County Council as Harford County Living Treasures in 2011. In the early 1960s, Don became interested in snow skiing and subsequently taught all four children. Annual skiing trips to the Poconos, Vermont, New York, and Canada were always a winter highlight. When he retired in the early 1980s, Don and Betty purchased a motor coach and toured all over the United States. Don is survived by his wife of seventyfive years, his four children, seven grandchildren, and thirteen greatgrandchildren.
1944 Nancy Lang Boyer December 17, 2020 Nancy, oil and pastel painter, took to art while at the George School in Bucks County and pursued her passion at Bradford Junior College in Massachusetts, graduating in 1946. After a year at Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, she married James K.
Boyer, in 1948. The couple moved to Boyertown in 1955, where she spent sixty years living in the house they built. Nancy’s early works of her children led to commissions. When she started to enter juried shows, feedback led her to pivot from portraits to landscapes, which she believed audiences found more interesting. In 1984 she changed from oils to pastels and her style further evolved when she used sandpaper as a canvas—leveraging the wide variety of patterns offered by that background—and loosened her stroke. Her colorful and whimsical landscapes evoked emotional responses from viewers and top prizes. In 2005, she established the James K. and Nancy Lang Boyer Fund, which supports Boyertown area civic projects and programs as part of the Berks County Community Foundation (BCCF) . In addition to the BCCF, Nancy supported other community projects and organizations including: Building a Better Boyertown, The James K. Boyer Library, Studio B, The Hill School, Planned Parenthood, among others. Known for her kindness, devotion to friends, impish sense of humor, and generosity of spirit, Nancy’s deep engagement with art and community matched her boundless love for her family, especially grand and great grandchildren. In addition to her sister, Nancy is survived by her four children, including Patricia L. Boyer ’68, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Deborah (Debbie) Dresser Filgate May 12, 2020 A member of Oxford, England Meeting, Debbie was the mother of two children and grandmother of five. “Mother was always happy and proud to be associated with George School and with Newtown Friends Meeting, where she and I and my sister worshipped for many happy years. We all give thanks for the workings of the Spirit as shown in the life of Deborah Filgate,” shared her son, Michael.
IN MEMORIAM
Virginia (Ginny) Zerega Lloyd November 17, 2020 Ginny was born in Plainfield NJ and attended Wellesley College. Her life after college involved jobs at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in Boston, the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, and the Office of Public Opinion Research. After her marriage to Van Voorhees Lloyd in 1953, she was a faculty wife at Skidmore College, Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, and Wilson College. She and Van were world travelers during sabbaticals and summer vacations. For forty years they also enjoyed their summer home in Thetford Center VT, close to Dartmouth College, Van’s alma mater. She is survived by the children of her brother and sister, and their families, now numbering some twenty-plus nieces, nephews and their offspring. She also enjoyed with humor and humility the title of Baroness von Bretton, having been a descendant of Augustus Zerega di Zerega, Baron von Bretton, as titled by the King of Denmark.
1945 James ( Jay) J. Jackson III March 8, 2020 Jay attended Cornell University and received a BS degree in Administrative Engineering and learned the skills of a fencer. He served as an artillery specialist in the Korean War, then returned to Cleveland OH where he had successful careers with Sohio, IBM, and American Greetings. While at George School, he worked diligently as the photography editor for the yearbook, and in his retirement, he used those skills to organize family photos and history. He was a lifelong tennis player, and in 1992, he discovered his love for art. He became a docent for the Cleveland Art Museum and took up painting, where he mastered techniques in oils, acrylics, and watercolors, focusing mainly on landscapes, both real and imaginary. His wife of sixty-two years, Ann “Mitzi” Gellhaus, preceded him in death by only a few months. He is survived by two children and two grandchildren.
Virginia Schofield Mueller March 18, 2020 Virginia was born in Philadelphia PA and graduated from Colby Sawyer College NH. Virginia minored in Fine Art and took college classes and workshops through the years to improve her artistic talent. Before moving to Carlisle PA from the Allentown PA area, Virginia held positions and participated in The Lehigh Valley Art Alliance, The Bethlehem Palette Club, and The Allentown Art Museum. After coming to Carlisle, she opened The Hauto Zat Art Gallery on East South Street where she showed and discussed her spiritual paintings. A trained photographic artist, she also had a business restoring and enhancing damaged photos and painting portraits. She was active in the Carlisle Art Association before it merged with the Carlisle Arts Learning Center where she worked a number of years before retiring to spend full time with her gallery. Besides pursuing her interest in art, Virginia also enjoyed being a member of the Carlisle Area Newcomers Club and participating in the many events Carlisle and Dickinson College offered. Married for forty-six years to Kenneth Mueller, who preceded Virginia in death, she is survivedby two children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Mary Stapler Nystrom June 4, 2021 A birthright member of Newtown Friends Meeting, Mary grew up on Mirror Lake Farm, her family’s dairy farm for generations in Yardley PA. After graduating from college, Mary worked for many years at Nationwide Insurance in Trenton NJ and then for the Tolas Corporation in Newtown PA. Mary was married to Lennart Nystrom from Stockholm, Sweden, from 1963 until his death in 2006. They met as pen pals after Mary’s teacher of Swedish suggested writing to Lennart to help Mary learn common, everyday Swedish. Mary was an avid gardener, who took great pride in her Victorian-inspired gardens.
She was also an accomplished quilter, who loved making quilts for her family. Mary loved exploring her family history; as her family’s genealogist, she compiled a very detailed family tree long before home DNA kits and online genealogy websites ever existed. Mary was preceded in death by her husband; her parents, Robert Kenderdine Stapler, Class of 1915 and Mildred Miller Stapler, Class of 1920; and her sisters, Ruth Stapler Eynon ’42 and Esther Stapler Hart ’52. She is survived by her nieces, Kathy Hart Rogers ’75 and Susan (Sam) E. Hart Wyrick ’79; her grand-nieces, Abigail (Abbie) S. Rogers ’05 and Emily S. Rogers ’08; and her nephew, Robert (Bob) Eynon ’7 8.
1946 Carlos Luria January 24, 2020 Born in Hamburg of a German father and an American mother, Carlos and his family emigrated from Nazi Germany in December of 1938 and settled in New York City. Carlos attended Swarthmore College and graduated from the University of Bridgeport CT, entering twenty-eight years of government service in 1952. He and his family lived many years in Washington DC, Miami, FL and Salem, SC. His hobbies included sailing, hiking, writing, and extensive overseas and domestic travel. Author of a published memoir Skating on the Edge (2007), and fluent in German, Carlos often lectured at nearby Clemson University on international issues. At the retirement community of Keowee Key SC, he was president of his condominium association and the founder of “Keowee Cares,” a program providing transportation assistance to disabled seniors. He frequently contributed editorials to the local press. These efforts were a continuation of his lifelong work to promote peace in the world and conversation across political lines. He is survived by his wife, three children, eight grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. He is also
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survived by his younger brother, E. David Luria ’54.
Elizabeth (Ibby) Thom Robinson February 23, 2020
Kenneth S. Rawson March 12, 2020
Ibby was born in Princeton NJ on November 22, 1928. Her parents were Rachel Hoopes Thom, Class of 1912 and Princeton Geology Professor William Taylor Thom Jr. Ibby spent summers in Red Lodge MT with her family and Princeton graduate students working at the geology camp he established, now called the Yellowstone Bighorn Research Association. Ibby volunteered with the American Friends Service Committee in Yautepec, Mexico, where she assisted nurses, and learned Spanish. She graduated from the Cornell University nursing program and was a home health nurse in Arizona, a public health nurse for migrant families in the Rogue Valley, and a school nurse in Talent OR. She reconnected with George School classmate Thomas Thacher Robinson ’46 when near retirement, fell in love, and he became her third and most beloved husband. From her first marriage to Dave Welsh, she is survived by her daughter Lucy Welsh De Franco ’73, James ( Jim) T. Welsh ’76, Sarah L. Welsh ’7 7, and her beloved grandchildren. From her marriage to Thacher Robinson, she leaves behind her beloved stepchildren and many step-grandchildren. Although Ibby endured times of significant hardship, she never lost her sunny disposition or her drive to learn new things. She was self-taught in the natural healing arts, nutrition, organic gardening, and languages— her last venture being Italian. Her greatest joy was being with family and her ever-expanding circle of friends of all ages. She celebrated her love for family and friends by proudly serving food she had grown or by sharing fine chocolates, ice cream, and celebratory drinks. She was a dear friend and is sorely missed.
Swarthmore was the much beloved and adopted home for Ken and his wife of sixty-five years, Anne, who passed away in 2015. The couple met at Swarthmore College and married right after graduating in 1950, beginning a marriage that was more like an extended honeymoon. It was at the Swarthmore College biology department that Ken found his academic calling in the sciences. He and Anne pursued a joint career in biology research, and both enrolled at Cornell. Ken received his PhD from Harvard, taught in the Biology Department at the University of Wisconsin, and then at Swarthmore College 1959. 1959. Ken studied white-footed deer mice, honeybee communication, bird flight mechanics, bird migratory orientation, duck mating behavior, bat echolocation, and topics. He successfully built an ornithopter (a flying mechanical bird) and designed and built live mouse traps. Ken retired and began restoring old houses as a second career. He then moved to mechanical clock repair. In retirement, Ken and Anne took relaxation seriously, enjoying reading, folk music, Prairie Home Companion, old movies, and computer solitaire and generally being self-described “lumpy old guys.” They also could be seen walking hand-in-hand about the Swarthmore College campus and winding the college’s clocks. Both were committed to their Quaker faith and were members of the Swarthmore Friends Meetinghouse. Ken’s children appreciate his unparalleled example of kindness, quiet strength and courage, hard work, curiosity, an adventurous spirit and most of all the transformational power of a strong and loving marriage. Ken will be missed intensely by his three children, five grandchildren, sisterin-law, nieces, nephews, friends and relations who got to know this very special man.
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Joan Redland Schwab August 22, 2020
Joseph ( Joe) A. Smith Jr. February 2, 2020 Joe was born June 18, 1928, in Salem NJ and graduated from Earlham College in Richmond IN, with a major in Geology. Joe was a Korean War veteran and a retired school teacher from Pennsville School District of New Jersey. He has built many homes. Joe’s hobbies include rock collecting and building model cities with electric trains. His imagination and creativity were an inspiration he shared with all that knew him. Joe passed on his kindness, compassion, honesty, and work ethic to families and friends. Joe is survived by his wife Jeannine “Ertel” Smith; three stepsons, his sister-in-law, and his children Deborah (Debbie) Van Ruyckevelt Smith ’79 and David (Dave) G. Smith ’80.
1947 Elizabeth (Babs) Babbot t Conant August 23, 2020 Babs was a college biology professor and activist for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, for peace, and reproductive rights. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College in New London, and her master’s and doctorate from Radcliffe College. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, and Beta Beta Beta. Babs was a lifelong progressive activist. She traveled south with the Freedom Riders to challenge segregation and was a member of the American Friends Service Committee. In the 1970s, she sat in a tiger cage to focus awareness on the torture of prisoners in Southeast Asia. She joined Quaker vigils against the Vietnam War and joined the fight for abortion rights. Babs was honored by several organizations for her contributions to the gay and lesbian community. Babs taught at the International Christian University in Tokyo, the University of Nigeria, in Nsukka, the University at Buffalo, and at Canisius. In 2012 she married Camille Cox, shortly after same-sex marriage was legalized. Babs held several positions with the Buffalo
IN MEMORIAM
Society of Friends, including clerk of meeting. At 70, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, then participated in Buffalo’s Dragon Boat team, for fifteen years. She was a member of the steering committee of the new Pro-Choice Network, which drew nearly 4,000 members in its first year of existence. She was editor of its newsletter, “Speak Out.” During their thirty-eight years together, Babs and her wife enjoyed traveling and visiting national parks. She was especially close to her nieces and nephews. Babs is survived by her wife; two stepdaughters, and a stepson. Louise (Lou) Kirk Mannion January 6, 2020 Born on September 9, 1929 in West Chester, PA, Lou was a member of the Girl Scouts of America for over thirty years and was a Master Gardener whose work on a 2005 Rose Bowl Parade float was featured in hundreds of media outlets around the world. Louise was married to the late James V. Mannion Jr. She then became the life partner to the late James B. Comiskey. She is survived by her four children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
1949 June Miller Kimmel May 25, 2021 June was a passionate supporter of women’s issues who mentored and influenced hundreds of women. She was born in Michigan, the daughter of Dr. Charles Kenneth Miller, Class of 1921, and Alonda Miller, and spent most of her childhood years in Philadelphia, PA. She attended Goucher College and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. June worked for Holiday Magazine and Temple University in Philadelphia and moved to W. Barrington RI in 1964 where her husband taught at Brown University. June served as president of the RI League of Women Voters (LWV) and was a vocal peace activist. When the family moved to Davidson NC June became active with the LWV, volunteered as a reading tutor, raised awareness about
nuclear power waste, helped initiate the Mecklenburg County Recycling Program, and fought for women’s equality in the workplace. She worked at the Davidson College Bookstore and then became Region Administrator for the Council on the Status of Women. June helped start numerous women’s shelters, influenced domestic violence laws to support women, continued to work for equal pay in the workplace, and maintained her active role with the LWV. She also wrote the Women’s Legislative Agenda for the State of North Carolina and sent out a newsletter about women’s issues and women’s rights. She was awarded lifetime membership in the LWV for her more than fifty years of service and support. After she retired in 2005, she served on the Board of the Davidson Lands Conservancy and the Davidson Film Club. She is survived by her four children, including Benjamin (Ben) H. Kimmel ’86, and three grandsons. Louise Billo Shissler December 3, 2020 Louise was born October 30, 1931, in Scarsdale NY and attended Wheaton College in Norton MA. She married Wallace E. (“Mick”) Shissler III in March 1954. In 1962 Louise and her husband, along with several neighborhood parents, founded Cub Scout Pack 577. She became a den mother and national Boy Scout instructor for five years. From 1959 to 1976 she was a program planner and swimming instructor at Sunny Willow Swim Club and Upper Dublin High School. She also served as an AAU swimming official and diving judge. Louise had a lifelong love of crafts and she created decoupage purses, plaques, macramé plant hangers, and decorative items for friends and neighbors. When a new craft came out, she tried it. Her love of crafting led her to open one of the first arts and crafts supply stores in the Dresher PA, area, By Spuz Crafts. She operated the store and taught crafts classes to many. During this time, she attained several national teacher accreditations. Later she focused her attention on needle
crafting, and was a member of the Bucks County Embroiderers Guild of America, winning awards at local and regional competitions and exhibitions. She also loved drawing and painting, nature photography, growing spectacular irises and lilies, and bird watching. She loved the North Carolina mountains, especially the Linville Falls area and Wiseman’s View. Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Gene Billo Haddon ’50, two sons, three granddaughters, and one great-grandson.
1950 Andrew (Steve) S. Kester January 9, 2021 Steve was born September 1, 1932 in Abington PA and graduated from Penn State University. He served in the US Army Chemical Corp finding ways to quickly identify pathogens. Following his army service, he earned his PhD in microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin and went on to work for Miles Laboratories in Elkhart IN. In 1967, Steve joined the faculty of the Biological Sciences Department at University North Texas teaching microbiology. After his retirement, he loved playing golf as often as he could. At home Steve shared the family cooking, and many of his recipes are now used by his grandchildren. Steve was also a deep thinker about life, and he engagingly shared his ideas with others along with a broad sense of humor. This quiet, thoughtful, reliable man will be missed. Steve is survived by his wife, two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He is also survived by his sister, Cynthia J. Kester ’53. Nancy S. Smith March 28, 2021 Born on July 30, 1932 in Chicago IL, Nancy was the daughter of the late Thomas Vernor and Nannie Panola (Stewart) Smith. Nancy earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s degree in library science from Emory University. She settled in Athens and worked as a
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librarian at the Athens Regional Library for many years. She was an accomplished writer of haiku as well as pursuing many other interests in fiction writing, Jungian psychology, and dream analysis. She was a lifetime member of the National League of American Pen Women and enjoyed meeting with her Athens Writers Association critique group for a number of years. She held a deep appreciation for nature and conservation and was an animal lover. She is survived by one son, two daughters, three grandchildren, and one greatgranddaughter. Michael Stroukoff January 18, 2020 Michael was an army veteran and a retired mechanical engineer with twenty-six years of service in the Artillery Armaments Division at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover NJ. He later completed four years of service with the American Red Cross at the Lower Bucks County Chapter Homeless Shelter. Michael was born in the Bronx NY November 2, 1932, and pursued further education at Rutgers University and Mississippi State University where he graduated in 1955. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Carlson Stroukoff, five children, including Michael M. Stroukoff III ’84, Cynthia (Cindy) Sears ’80, and John T. Sears ’84. He leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
1951 Eric D. Blanchard December 19, 2020 Eric was a Philadelphia native, newspaperman, and civil rights activist. Surviving are his wife, Judith Hubbling Blanchard, his two sons, daughter, and six grandchildren. He graduated from Haverford College in 1955. A peace-time army draftee stationed in Munich, Germany, he was the sports editor for the US Army command newspaper. After his military service, Eric was a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer and briefly hired by Ben Bradley for The Washington Post. From 1964 to 1966
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Eric was the information officer for the National Council of Churches Commission on Religion and Race and subsequently spokesman for the Martin Luther King Jr. Poor People’s Campaign and President Johnson’s National Commission on Civil Disorders (Riot Commission). A tennis player and USTA certified umpire, Eric, Judith, and son John were all on lines for the Philadelphia Pro Indoor match in the 1980s. His last tournament officiating was the 1989 US Open. A self-taught carpenter, Eric loved community and professional theater. He was a volunteer usher in multiple venues. His passion for criminal justice and care of the formerly incarcerated led to membership on the board of Efforts for Ex-Convicts in Washington DC, and to visiting prisoners in Maryland and Maine. Eric and Judith moved to Freeport ME in August 1994. He loved looking out at the Harraseeket every day and anticipating frequent calls from his children, especially nearly daily check-ins and updates on the travails of Philadelphia sports teams from poet son David. He enjoyed StoryCorps interviews with son John during the COVID shutdown, sharing his memories of the past nine decades. George Segal Jr. March 23, 2021 George Segal Jr. was among the leading Hollywood stars from the mid-1960s until the mid-70s, and possessed the gift, as Jack Lemmon did, of making neurotic behavior not only funny but sympathetic. George was born in New York, the youngest of four children of George Segal, a hop and malt agent, and Fannie (nee Bodkin), and grew up in Great Neck, Long Island. An accomplished banjo player, George played with Bruno Lynch and his Imperial Jazz Band before enrolling at Columbia University to study drama. After graduation, he joined the off-Broadway company Circle in the Square. Following three years military service, Segal resettled in New York, becoming one of the original members of Theodore J.
Flicker’s satirical revue The Premise in 1960. His film debut was in the entertaining hospital soap opera The Young Doctors (1961). In The New Interns (1964), he was far better as a grim-faced ex-con doctor, and in the same year played a bitter civil war veteran, whom Yul Brynner is contracted to kill, in Invitation to a Gunfighter. In 1965, Segal held his own among a starry cast as a tortured artist in Stanley Kramer’s Ship of Fools and moved into the most successful period of his career. In the 80s and 90s, George found work mainly in TV dramas. He also enjoyed excellent supporting roles, mainly as fathers, in several films, such as the boorish businessman father of Kirstie Alley’s precocious baby in Look Who’s Talking (1989) and Look Who’s Talking Now (1993); Ben Stiller’s neurotic father in David O. Russell’s Flirting With Disaster (1996); and Matthew Broderick’s father in The Cable Guy (1996). From 1997 to 2003, Segal was looking sharp and playing, with comic finesse, the fashion magazine owner Jack Gallo in the TV sitcom Just Shoot Me!, and had another long-running TV role from 2013 onwards as Albert “Pops” Solomon in The Goldbergs. He married Sonia Schulz ’51, his high-school sweetheart, whom he ran into at a class reunion. She survives him, as do two daughters from his first marriage.
1952 Patricia ( Trish) Dow Ashurkoff October 4, 2020 Born in 1936, Trish grew up in Detroit’s Indian Village neighborhood. Trish was afflicted in childhood by Perthes disease—a bone disorder affecting the hip joints— and spent four years using crutches and wearing a brace. Because of her discipline with this regimen, Trish not only recovered, but became a gifted athlete. She played varsity lacrosse and captained the girls swim team at George School. During summers, she swam at the Detroit Boat Club, where she was an interclub champion and joined the coaching
IN MEMORIAM
staff. A University of Michigan graduate and Kappa Alpha Theta sorority member, Trish joined the faculty and coaching staff at Grosse Pointe University School and introduced and coached girls’ lacrosse. She met her husband, Peter Ashurkoff, when he came to Detroit for his work and the couple was married at Mariners Church in 1958. They lived in Grosse Pointe Farms with their children until Peter’s transfer to Mexico when General Motors Co. opened its Toluca plant. Trish and Peter returned to Michigan when Peter joined the engineering staff at GM’s Buick division. Trish was a board member of the Grand Blanc Library, community leader with the Flint Environmental Action Team, and also worked as a substitute teacher at Grand Blanc High School. She and Peter relocated to Ashburn to be closer to their children and grandchildren after they retired. Trish is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, two children, three grandchildren, and three brothers. Shirley Morrell Loder December 12, 2020 Known as “Nanny” to so many, Shirley was well loved for her gentle spirit, unwavering support to all, and enjoyment of life. Born in Trenton NJ on May 14, 1934, Shirley grew up in Washington’s Crossing NJ, and New Hope PA. Shirley was a 1958 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she played field hockey and lacrosse, and was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. At UPenn she met her husband, Robert Alden Loder Jr. The two lived in Westfield for more than thirty years. While raising her family in Westfield, Shirley was active in her children’s activities, including scouts, band parents, and athletics. She worked as a dental receptionist and as a co-owner and manager of Gull Studios, an art gallery in Bay Head which she started with her husband. Shirley loved the beach and the Jersey Shore and was always happiest on or near the water. She worked as a badge checker at Risden’s Beach for over ten years and
always found great joy in summer vacations on Cape Cod and in Maine. Shirley was the ultimate fan. She always showed up to a game, a concert or a play, of her children or grandchildren, and was often the loudest in the stands. She instilled in everyone close to her a passion for sports and was a devout follower of tennis, football, golf, women’s basketball, UPenn Athletics, and the New York Yankees. She also won awards in the Ash Brook Women’s golf league. She is survived by her four children and ten grandchildren. Joanna Vorhaus Pomeranz September 22, 2020 Leonard (Len) S. Thomsen October 7, 2020 Len was born in Baltimore in 1934. Len earned his bachelor’s degree in 1956 from Princeton University where he majored in Architecture, played on the lacrosse team and was enrolled in the Navy ROTC program. Later as an officer and pilot in the Navy, Len traveled extensively through the Pacific aboard the USS Ranger. When stationed in Washington state, he met his bride-to-be, Heather Lorna Watson. For twenty-eight years, Len remained at The Rivers School in Weston MA where he was a math teacher, admissions director, and lacrosse and soccer coach. Through his teaching and coaching, as well as his life-long commitment to Camp Deerwood in Holderness NH, Len inspired and mentored countless boys and young men. With his brother, Len served as director of the camp and Executive Director of The Deerwood Foundation, working to put into action his ardent belief that the summer camp experience should be an opportunity open to all boys, regardless of their economic situation, race, ethnicity or religion. Len was an avid outdoorsman, environmentally conscious ahead of his time, and inspired hundreds of campers and his sons and grandchildren to follow suit, through backpacking and canoeing adventures in his beloved
White Mountains and beyond. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of fifty-seven years, Heather, his three sons and daughters-in-law. He also leaves eight grandchildren who thought the world of him. Len was so proud of them and loved to watch their sporting events and musical and stage performances. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
1953 John P. Bat tin Jr. August 24, 2020 John was born in West Chester PA, in 1935 to John Prat t Bat tin, Class of 1924 and Frances Curren Bat tin, Class of 1923. Along with his sister Barbara Bat tin Dickens ’48, John enjoyed an idylic small-town childhood. At George School, he excelled in track and football. John graduated from Bucknell University with a BS in Commerce and Finance in 1957. While at Bucknell, John participated in the ROTC program and was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, two formative experiences he treasured. Upon graduation, John served two years in the US Army. He served the bulk of his time in Germany where he met and married Parmer Maxwell Battin. Returning to the US, John entered the life insurance industry. After a brief stint in Columbus, Ohio, John was offered the chance to help establish a new agency in Frankfurt Germany to provide insurance and investment services to American troops stationed abroad. Their growing family spent twelve years there, first in Germany and then in Luxembourg. John was reassigned to an agency in Boston MA. Five years later, John became the director of marketing for the Military Benefit Association in Vienna VA. An enthusiastic golfer, John was a member of Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Virginia. In the 1990s, John and Parmer began spending winter months at The Plantation Golf and Country Club community in Venice FL. His family and friends remember John for his many fine qualities, including his sparkling humor and
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superb character. More than anything else, John adored his loving wife of sixty-one years. He is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren, and many cherished family members and friends.
1954 Peter (Pete) D. Glusker January 27, 2020 Born in New York City on September 3, 1936, Pete spent his childhood years in Mexico City. Neurology and medicine were Pete’s two great vocational passions. He completed his MD and PhD degrees at the University of Oklahoma in 1974 and 1975 respectively. He did a rotating internship at the University of California, Irvine, 1974-75, and a neurology residency at the University of California, San Diego, 1975-78. Pete opened a private neurology practice on the Mendocino coast in 1978. He was a member of active staff at Mendocino Coast District Hospital
from 1978 until his 2016 retirement. Peter also served as courtesy consulting staff at Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits from 1996 to 2011. Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in 1981, and certified by the American Board of Sleep Disorders Medicine in 1996, Peter was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology in December 1984 and a Fellow of the American College of PhysiciansAmerican Association of Internal Medicine in January 1999. He was an adjunct clinical assistant professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences at Stanford University Medical Center, 2002-11. Peter will be remembered for his natural gentleness, goodness, kindness, humility, and thoughtfulness. He led a life of service to others. In common with all Glusker men, he possessed an innate ability to pun and a delightful sense of humor. Peter is survived by his life partner, Mara Marie Thomas;
his nephew, and his wife, and their children; his nephew, and his wife, and their children; as well as numerous cousins. Gordon E. Page Jr. April 1, 2020 Gordon was born on January 24, 1937, in Mt. Holly NJ, and grew up in Greenwich and Redding CT. He attended Bowdoin College and was a member of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and the Glee Club. Post-college, Gordon served in the US Army as a First Lieutenant in the Signal Corps and was stationed at Fort Monmouth NJ where he met and married his wife, Donna Cruwell. An English major and lover of books, Gordon worked for Doubleday Publishing for thirty years. In this capacity, he regularly traveled to serve regional independent booksellers throughout a five-state region in the upper Midwest. He hosted Doubleday authors—including Alex Haley,
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Ann Landers, Phyllis Diller, and Gay Talese—when they came to the Twin Cities on book publicity tours. His work also led him to cross paths with the likes of Mississippi River folkster John Hartford and Doubleday editor Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Gordon was committed to his passions for baseball and music throughout his life. He moved to Minnesota in 1965 and became a loyal Twins fan. He was a subscriber to the Minnesota Orchestra and a supporter of Minnesota Public Radio. He played the piano at home and in the last years of his life sang in the choir at Plymouth Presbyterian Church. He will be remembered for his kind spirit and quirky sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and co-workers. He is survived by his beautiful and loving wife of fiftyseven years, Donna Page, three children, two sons-in-law, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and his sister Pamela (Pam) Page Waller ’58.
1955 Sandra (Chris) Christman Garland December 2, 2020 Chris had a passion for life and laughter that she shared far and wide as she did with her latest soup, famous “Boozle Berries,” or infamous shortbread. Chris enjoyed telling tales of battling a squirrel she dubbed Pistachio, reporting on neighborhood goings-on, and beaming while giving updates of her grandchildren. Chris took pleasure in gardening, cooking, bird-watching, shopping, kindness, and crazy dogs (Jack Russells and Rat Terriers). Her hilarious anecdotes were always much appreciated, especially if she could get through them without laughing so hard tears would stream down her face. Chris was born in Pittsburgh PA and grew up in New Canaan CT. She attended Mary Baldwin College and Knox College. In 1963, Chris met and married John A. Garland Jr. (Jack) at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Canaan CT. Chris and Jack made their first home together in New York City, moving to
the suburbs of Rye NY and then Old Greenwich CT as their family grew to include three children. Chris and her family lived in Duxbury MA for 15 years and moved to Cape Cod, where Jack and she enjoyed retired life in Yarmouthport and Mashpee where they savored fifty-seven years of love and laughter. Chris is survived by her best friend and husband Jack and their children, along with three grandchildren, niece, and her favorite cousin. Chris leaves behind a great legacy and a terrible void in the lives of the people who knew and loved her. Charles (Hap) K. Miller Jr. January 28, 2021 Hap was born in Philadelphia PA on November 7, 1936. He was a resident of Warrington PA and Ocean City NJ before retiring to Fort Myers FL. He was a graduate of Guilford College in Greensboro NC. He retired as a Senior Vice President from Core States National Bank in Philadelphia and served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Hap is survived by his wife of sixty-two years Dolores (Dee) Miller, two sons, and sister June Miller Kimmel ’49. He was the grandfather of three and the great-grandfather of three as well.
1956 C. Dilworth (Dil) Pierson January 23, 2020 Dil of Wilmington DE is survived by his beloved wife, Georgia Boines Pierson. He was a member of the Religious Society of Friends and the Welcome Society of Pennsylvania. His interests included traveling, gardening, reading, classical music, and genealogy. He especially enjoyed playing croquet. He was a graduate of Guilford College, Greensboro NC. Dil served as executive director of the Friends Center Corporation in Philadelphia PA, retiring after working with Friends for thirty-two years.
1957 William (Bill) H. Earle July 7, 2020 Bill of Hermiston OR, was born on September 5, 1939, in Wilmington
DE, to parents Fred and Elizabeth Earle. He was raised and attended schools in Delaware and Maine. In 1965, Bill was united in marriage to Marie Patricia “Pat” Earle. They moved from the East Coast and finally settled in Eastern Oregon. He was an extremely industrious man, who managed both a farm and full-time employment at various jobs throughout the years. Bill’s favorite occupation was when he worked as a real estate agent in Hermiston OR. Additionally, he served in the US Army for three years. In his spare time, Bill loved hunting all kinds of game, conversing with his best friend of fifty years, John Day, watching NFL games with his children, and traveling the world with the love of his life, Pat Earle. He is survived by his two children and eight grandchildren. John W. Pusey December 7, 2020 John was the husband of Suzanne Brosius Pusey ’58, with whom he shared fifty-six years of marriage. Born in West Grove PA, he was the son of E. Frank Pusey and Lulu (Dolly) Watkin Pusey. John graduated Earlham College in 1961 and joined the US Army. In the late 1960s, John, along with his brother-in-law, Newton (Newt) T. Brosius ’62, took over their respective fathers’ interests in the insurance agency Pusey, Brosius & Watson. By 1970 they formed Pusey & Brosius, Inc. and served the community for the next twenty-two years. John enjoyed spending time with his family, coaching his children’s sports teams. He was an active member of the Kennett Square Golf & Country Club and served on their Pro-Am committee to support local charities. John enjoyed spending time at the Little Bucket cabin during hunting season or tailgating at a Penn State game. John and Suzanne loved to travel alone or with family and friends. They’ve explored the Greek and Virgin Islands, the Panama Canal, numerous countries in Europe, and the Galapagos. In 2014, they traveled
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to Africa for their 50th Anniversary. John began his service as a Boy Scout, eventually earning his Eagle Scout rank. He served as an officer in the Kennett Lions Club, long time member of the London Grove Meeting and overseer of the Penn’s Grove Quaker Meeting, a driver for the Kennett Food Cupboard, volunteer golf coach for Kennett After-the-Bell, and was the Treasurer of the Anson B. Nixon Park committee in its infancy. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children, nine grandchildren, and his brother.
1958 Miriam Zeman Marecek October 23, 2020 Miriam, known as the “Children’s Book Lady,” was born during World War II in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Arriving in the United States as a displaced person at age eight, Miriam knew just a few words of English. Miriam graduated from Earlham College in Richmond IN, and received her PhD from Columbia University, Teachers College. As a young teacher in Port Washington, her imaginative classroom was known as “Miss Marecek’s Magic Room.” She loved to inspire and encourage her students. She believed in the power of teachers to transform the lives of students. She was a professor of Education at Boston University, Harvard, and Tufts University. She worked with school systems, school administrators, parents, teachers, caregivers, and pediatricians across the country and internationally. She served as president of Children’s Literature for the International Reading Association. She consulted with film and television productions. Even when confined to a wheelchair, Mariam insisted on staying in her home that was filled with children’s books, artwork, hand-written letters, and photographs. She read aloud nightly to her grandchildren over FaceTime. She valued her long-lasting friendships with family, classmates, colleagues, students, caregivers, and neighbors. She continued to take joy in receiving and reviewing children’s books,
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and corresponding with authors, illustrators, animators, and educators like Katherine Patterson, Joy Cowley, Uri Shulevitz, Gene Deitch, and Perri Klass. Miriam is survived by her daughter Alenka M. Zeman ’96; two sons, Jan K. Zeman ’94, and Tomas M. Zeman ’99; and five grandchildren. Roberta Newton Rosen March 11, 2020 Roberta, known to her friends as Bert, was born on January 28, 1941, in Philadelphia PA. She grew up with her older sister Jessica ( Jess) J. Newton ’56 in the Quaker community Bryn Gweled, which her parents helped found. Bert graduated from the New School in New York and then earned her Masters in Library Science at Columbia University. Bert loved books, and wanted to share their beauty with future generations. She served as a children’s librarian at both the Englewood and Irvington public libraries, as well as the Moriah Orthodox Jewish school, all in New Jersey. Bert regularly visited her son and daughter-in-law in Colorado and she moved to Colorado in 1999. She chose La Veta because it reflected the spirit of the cooperative community where she was raised, and because the library was open six days per week. Bert served as the librarian of the La Veta Public Library, helped raise funds for its renovation, and served on the boards of the library and the Friends of the Library. Bert had an abiding interest in family history and historical buildings. In 2001, she and her sister Jessica purchased the postand-beam barn that their grandfather’s grandfather built in Carthage IN where they homesteaded in 1830. Bert and Jess moved to Carthage to disassemble the original barn, labeling each rough-hewn board, before transporting all to La Veta. The barn-raising in 2002 created an addition to their home that honors the historical structure while providing new living space. Bert’s dedication to historic preservation and community is also reflected in the historic building plaques in town that she
helped the Historic Preservation Committee create. Bert also loved to travel. She lived in Venice, Italy for ten weeks to “learn” the city; traveled on a postal boat to see the icefields of Alaska; took each grandchild on a summer trip, including Mission Wolf, Costa Rica, and Hawaii; and traveled throughout the United States, enjoying family and friends as well as the national parks. Bert was a beloved member of the community, admired for her kindness, candor and inclusive spirit. She is survived by her sister Jessica ( Jess) J. Newton ’56, two children, and three grandchildren. Joseph S. Teller January 2, 2021 Joe was the second of four Teller brothers who attended George School—Raphael Teller ’56, David Teller ’60, and Walter S. Teller ’62. At George School, he was a prefect in Orton and received varsity letters in soccer, wrestling, and track over multiple years. He was sadly predeceased by two of his roommates and closest friends, Peter N. Grad ’58 and John ( Jack) M. Templeton Jr. ’58.
1959 John H. Lippincot t April 30, 2021 John was born to John (Jack) Lippincott Jr. and Doris (Doss) Sonneborn Lippincot t ’31 on July 18, 1941 in Atlantic City NJ. John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Jean, his two children, and Jean’s two children. John was affectionately referred to as “PJ” or “Papa John” by his seven grandchildren. John was predeceased by his sister Jan Lippincot t Healy ’63 of San Francisco, CA. John graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business. He retired from a lengthy career as an investment manager, most recently as a vice president at Liberty Mutual Investment Group. Previously, he worked at Cigna Investment Management Company,
IN MEMORIAM
INA Corporation, and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Companies. John was an avid Red Sox fan, skier, tennis player, and a gifted gardener. He loved to travel with family and a close-knit group of friends called the Baggy Knees. He loved spending time at his cottage in Wellfleet MA. John was a member of the Dedham Country Club. He was also a generous philanthropist to many charitable organizations and had a particular passion for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Pine Street Inn of Boston, and the Center for Coastal Studies, where he also served on the Board of Directors.
1960 Neil L. Campbell June 3, 2020 Neil was the oldest child of Roberta (Byus) and John S. Campbell. He graduated from Bradley University and the National Trust School at Northwestern University. Summers were spent working at his family’s company, Mannington Mills. After college he attended the US Army Officer Candidate School and served as a second lieutenant and as the platoon leader in Vietnam where he was responsible for port construction. He returned home and worked at PNC Bank, and later for himself as a Certified Financial Counselor in Wilmington DE. He was fortunate to have two loving marriages, the first to Deborah Happ in 1967 with whom he had two children. After her passing, he married Mary Roberts in 2000. Neil was a well-known lifelong avid boater, owning twelve boats and earning his Coast Guard Captain’s license. He and his family completed the Great Loop in 1989 and made voyages to the Bahamas. He was easygoing and steady, but also loved a good party. A great listener and endless conversationalist, he was quick to shed tears laughing at the same three jokes he liked to tell over and over. He never raised his voice unless there was dirt on his boat and was equally at home at a tiki bar or black-tie event. He was a walking encyclopedia of Civil War, World War II, and Clan Campbell
history and he was never wrong. Most importantly, every evening at 5:00 p.m. he enjoyed a cocktail on the dock to take in the sunset with friends and family. He is survived by his wife, two children, sister, sisterin-law, five grandchildren, and seven nieces and nephews.
1962 Jean Boardman February 10, 2021 Joan Magee August 19, 2020 Joan was born in Wayne PA on February 6, 1944, to Leigh J. Magee and Esther Shallcross Magee. She was the youngest of three siblings. Joan was raised in the Quaker tradition and continued practicing her Quaker faith as an active member of the Catawba Valley Friends Meeting. She was a former member of Radnor Meeting in Radnor PA, one of the oldest Friends Meetings in the country. Joan was a graduate of the Katherine Gibbs School in New York and Caldwell Community College where she graduated Phi Theta Kappa. She retired from many years of serving in the Trust Department at Wachovia Bank in Hickory and Charlotte. In her retirement years, she was a devoted volunteer of the Women’s Resource Center of Hickory, serving as the volunteer coordinator. In her spare time, she loved traveling and had been on multiple trips to Europe, with her friends from the Hickory area. Joan is survived by her son, three grandchildren, sister-inlaw, and nieces and nephews.
1968 Marian Wiest Sommerfeldt May 24, 2020 Marian was born July 2, 1950, in Pottsville PA, the daughter of Fred and Elizabeth (Hay) Wiest. She graduated from Ripon College and received her master’s degree shortly after. On March 29, 1978, she married Glen Sommerfeldt in Ripon. Marian worked as a board of directors at Community Options in Green Lake. Marian was a good wife and a good
mother, who’s greatest joy was in her boys, family, and wonderful friends. She spent the most of her life helping people anyway she could. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband of forty-two years, son, and brother, Richard J. Wiest ’75.
1970 Mary Randall Vaiden June 1, 2021 Mary was raised in Massachusetts with her younger sisters. She spent summers watching sunsets from the porch of her family’s home on Welch Island, Lake Winnipesaukee. A lifelong Quaker, pacifist, and activist, Mary attended the Stella Adler Academy of Acting in New York City, and pursued a life filled with theatre and the arts. In 1976 she married the boy from two houses down on Welch Island, Russ Vaiden. They settled in Bristol and spent their marriage motorcycle camping, performing in and helping produce community theater, and indulging their shared passion for scaring local children on Halloween. Mary’s biggest joy in life was her daughter Hannah. They shared a beautiful bond and spoke multiple times a day, sharing with one another all the big and little events in life. In her final years her joy grew deeper as she forged a special relationship with her son-in-law, Mitchell Quintanilla. Mitchell and Hannah’s two little boys were absolutely the light of Mary’s life. They were all fortunate enough to spend two summers together at the lake, where she reveled in being the best Gran anyone could have. She taught patience, kindness, generosity of spirit, gentle wisdom, and the thrill of caustic wit and dry humor. She was a fabulous cook, costume designer, and singer, and an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast. Many will remember her as a generous community member, a creative and empathetic educator, a beautiful voice in the choir or an Aunt to share an eye roll with. Each of her many roles in life made the world a warmer and more colorful place.
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1972
1974
Lakeeta M. Harrington July 16, 2020
David (Dave) D. Barash February 11, 2020
Lakeeta was born September 26, 1954, in Moultrie GA. She was the fifth child of eight children—seven girls and one boy. Lakeeta loved to participate in conversations with her childhood friends and siblings about personal challenges and social or political injustices—always willing to identify what she believed was the root cause or ideal solution to any situation. She was available to answer your call at all hours and listen until she fell asleep. Lakeeta was known to invest more time than any of her siblings to develop deep relationships with individuals. It was not unusual for her to talk to all six of her sisters daily. Lakeeta attended Howard University in Washington DC receiving a BS in Political Science. She served as an intern for Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan during the Watergate hearings. Lakeeta served her entire professional career in criminal justice, and she retired as a senior probation officer from Allegheny County PA where she worked for nearly forty years. Compassionate and caring, Lakeeta was willing to confront anyone she encountered living what she deemed a “low life.” She believed anyone with the desire and the appropriate support could do better. Lakeeta was married to John Nichols for over twenty years. Lakeeta developed and enjoyed the role of surrogate mother to Angelica Harris. She considered Angie her daughter and her son Richard Harris, her grandson. She is survived by her six sisters, sister-in-law, and two stepbrothers Also surviving her is Barbara Lynn Roberts of Hartford, CT who she loved as a sister; five nieces, including her namesake, Sommer Moise Johnson, and nine nephews, a host of cousins and friends, who will miss her.
David was born on December 30, 1955, in Doylestown PA, the son of Theodore and Elise Ludeke Barash. He is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Juliet Barash; two children, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. Additional survivors include his siblings Phoebe Barash ’68, Timothy ( Tim) W. Barash ’66, and Mahlon (Lon) A. Barash ’60; as well as many other close family members, friends and business colleagues. So many people were touched by David in so many ways. He was an incredibly loving, optimistic, and hardworking human being. Throughout David’s life, he devoted his work toward helping others and growing small businesses in an environmentally conscious and socially responsible manner. Some of these included Shelburne Farms, Ben & Jerry’s, Burton Snowboards, Autumn Harp, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, and Brimstone Consulting. He was an avid lover of nature and an active supporter of land conservation efforts. In his free time, he much enjoyed spending time with his family, hiking throughout the Green Mountains, and reading the New York Times either by the woodstove or in a hammock.
Elzada J. Lukens March 19, 2021
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Constance (Katie) Muldoon December 8, 2020 M. Steven Thomson February 14, 2020 Born July 10, 1955 to Jane and Robert Thomson, Steven enjoyed many things in his life—gardening, showing many times at the Rhododendron Truss Show, his beloved animals, beer and wine making, but most importantly, time spent with his family and friends. He was a man with a big heart though he may not have always shown it. He will be deeply missed. Steven was employed with RCA for thirty-five years until recently retiring from L3 Technologies. He is survived by his wife of forty-four years,
Susan Roach Thomson, two sons, brother, step grandson, grandchild, and his extended family.
1982 William Judson Henrie March 28, 2020 Jud grew up in Jackson MI. A US Marine Corps veteran, Jud served his country guarding the Commander of the Sixth Fleet on the Flagship USS Puget Sound and was a member of the multinational peacekeeping force in Beirut, Lebanon during the US Embassy bombing in 1982 and the US Marine Corps barracks bombing in 1983. He was awarded the Marine Corp Expeditionary Medal and received his Honorable Discharge in 1987. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1990. On October 15, 1994, Jud married Giti Mohajeri. They lived in Kalamazoo MI and more recently, in Tampa FL. Jud successfully worked in commercial sales for over thirty years. Jud’s passions included playing golf, animal rescue, and supporting other veterans through the Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis Foundation, which provides college scholarships for children whose parent(s) have been disabled or killed in a combat zone. Jud is survived by his wife, his parents Arthur (Art) C. Henrie ’47 and Sarah N. Henrie, his sister Melissa Henrie Cowan ’79, his aunt, two nieces and a nephew, and many beloved cousins. Jud’s quick wit, sense of humor, and compassion will be greatly missed. Milena Fernandez Rudolph January 25, 2020 Milena was born January 30, 1965 in Bitburg, Germany. Milena, the daughter of Paul G. Rudolph and Shirley M. Rudolph, moved often in grade school; however, her longest stint was in Venezuela, which she considered home while growing up. She attended Gustavus Adolphus and received her BA from Florida Southern College. After college, Milena set roots in Miami, Florida until 2002 when she moved to Austin and began working with Novartis/Alcon Vision
IN MEMORIAM
Care. Milena had a gift for friendship, forming long-lasting connections with colleagues, clients, and friends from the various stages of her life. With these friends Milena enjoyed playing tennis, the theater, exploring new restaurants, and traveling. Her open heart also extended to animals, especially her dogs, which she considered her children. Milena is survived by her parents, sister, brother-in-law, nieces, and nephew.
1984 John J. Schrogie III November 15, 2020 John was born in Baltimore MD on August 18, 1965. His survivors include his wife Elizabeth, their three children, and his father. He graduated from Keene State College, Keene NH, and earned his MBA from the University of Connecticut, Stamford CT. John enjoyed a long career in merchandising with QVC, Circuit City, Shop NBC, Sears Holdings, Tiger Direct, Icahn Automotive Group, and Adorama. A passionate entrepreneur, one of his earliest start-ups was Nik’s Supermarket in Moscow. Subsequently he worked with the oldest and largest oyster producer in the US. John was the author of many innovative and successful e-commerce-based merchandising programs. John loved aviation and after earning his private pilot license, he completed his pilot training at Flight Safety Institute, Vero Beach FL. John was a Certified Flight Instructor, earned an airline transport pilot license, and was inducted into the Arnold Air Society. John was proud of his students’ 100% pass rate. He loved flying with his family to enjoy an adventure. His travels took him around the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa. John and Elizabeth loved spending time on their front porch, catching up with neighbors and friends, their children, and especially one another. Family trips to the Outer Banks or Fincher family reunion were joyful occasions. John especially loved getting to
know better his extended family in Charlotte and loved organizing the reunions with his cousins. A. Greta Simon-Mumper September 6, 2020 Greta was born in Trenton, NJ. She received her BS in Science from Purdue University, as well as her master’s in Health Physics from Georgia Tech. Greta completed her degree in Elementary Education and went on to have her two beautiful children. Upon moving to Bloomington IN from West Chester PA, Greta made many friends and devoted her life to her family and her community. She had just completed her third master’s degree in special needs childcare development with a “mild to moderate” designation and was looking forward to helping children with special needs and giving them a better quality of life. She always went above and beyond in everything she did, always putting others first. Daughter of the late Dr. Erich H.W. Simon, MD and Adella (Durcanin) Simon, mother of the late Dr. Emma Elyse Mumper and Jakob Ayden Mumper, she is survived by her brother, sister Erika Simon Sands ’82, niece, nephew, and numerous cousins and friends. 1985 Margot Neyland Silverman January 17, 2020 Margot was a loving mother of four and lifelong New Yorker who split her time between Manhattan, Rockville Centre, and East Marion. Born August 5, 1966, Margot is survived by her husband, Frank Silverman MD, their four sons, her parents, her brother, and many aunts and cousins. Margot grew up in Rockville Centre. She received her BA from Hood College and an MA from Bank Street College. Her mother and aunts were all teachers, and Margot proudly continued that tradition as a teacher at both the Dalton School and Allen Stevenson School. She volunteered as a member of the Children & Youth Committee at St. James Church and the Parent Council at the New York
Steiner School, where her sons were students. The North Fork village of East Marion played a special role in her life. Margot spent summers there as a child, enjoying long, joyous days with family on the beach. She shared these experiences with her husband and four sons and continued to adore every minute in East Marion. She was fond of gardening, interior decoration, museums, reading, and movies (with an unexpected soft spot for horror films). Margot was known to be resilient, caring, and sincere. Her family and friends will miss her profoundly.
1986 Kristen Spehrley-Mims April 29, 2021 Kristen was a loving mother, devoted daughter, special sister, caring aunt and true friend. Kristen’s life revolved around her children. From attending every school performance and concert to 4H outings and church retreats, Kristen supported every aspect of their lives (smother mother!). As their main cheerleader she was a committed Assistant Coach and score keeper of their softball and baseball games as well as team mom for soccer and basketball. She was dedicated to rearing her children in a church community and instilling in them the meaning of loving everyone. She taught them “old fashioned” manners and the art of writing thank you notes. “You can do anything, if you just put your mind to it,” was one of her favorite mantras. Kristen was overjoyed at the birth of her grandchildren, who loved her as much as she loved them. Kristen was the daughter of Karen Spehrley Dewar (nee Wetherill) ’64 and Charles W. Spehrley. She was the special sister of Kimberly (Kim) Spehrley Laughlin ’84. Kristen was born in Hanover NH and grew up in White River Junction VT. She attended Sterling College in Craftsbury VT. She was employed by Wesley Enhanced Living in Doylestown PA where she was loved by staff, residents, and friends for her daily uplifting messages and dedication to their well-
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being. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Solebury where she was married, and her children were baptized. She was a sponsor to the Trinity Youth Group and ‘Momma(y) Mims’ to many young adults who have been forever impacted by her caring devotion. “My life and so many others will be forever better because you’ve touched it.”
1990 Heather E. Morrow May 12, 2021 Heather was remembered as someone who fell in love with stunt kites since she flew her first one at age nine with her father. As an adult, she flew kites around the world and was a natural performer whether her medium was through kites, dance, puppets or yoga. She was also a loving mother to her son, Luca Morrow-Yeager. Heather lived life to the fullest. Kindness and beauty, artistry and adventure embodied her. Heather left us and is dancing in the arms of Jesus. She was listening to Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
2002 Zachary (Zac) T. Love July 3, 2020 Zac will always be remembered for his kind, gentle, and creative spirit and his devoted love for family, friends, and animals. Zac showed courage, strength, and determination. Zac leaves behind his son, his significant other Anne, his mother Kay Love Hushon (nee Boldt) ’73, his father, aunt, uncle, and a circle of beloved friends. Zac worked in construction trades. He was an artist, a musician, a reader, and had a deep appreciation for nature—collecting stones and driftwood and sharing the joys of wandering in the woods and creeks with his son and Anne. Zac attended Edinboro University of PA.
2020 Maggie J. Popkin November 18, 2019 Maggie Popkin died tragically after battling brain cancer. She was a lifelong resident of Doylestown PA.
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From an early age, Maggie was an enthusiastic and fearless performer— at home, at school, and wherever she could find a willing audience. Maggie fell in love with musical theater at age two, and, at every Broadway show, couldn’t wait to run to the stage door to meet the actors and ask them questions. Maggie was fascinated with medicine, and decided at age eleven that one day she would become a neuro-ophthalmologist to help people with visual problems related to the nervous system. She read the classic medical text Gray’s Anatomy cover to cover, in the sixth grade. A precocious and mischievous third child, Maggie could always light up a room with a hilarious impression of a relative, or a song-and-dance routine that showed no fear. For her age, she also was a strong advocate for social justice and progressive values, and would not tolerate racism, sexism, or intolerance. Maggie will be remembered for her sheer joy of life, caring nature, raucous humor, fierce loyalty to her family and friends, and her infectious optimism. She will be loved and missed forever. Maggie is survived by her parents Amy Taylor Popkin ’82 and Andrew (Andy) M. Popkin ’83, her brother Samuel (Sam) T. Popkin ’11, and sister Emma F. Popkin ’14, her grandparents, and her cousins, aunts, uncles and other relatives and close friends.
Former Trustee Robert (Bob) M. Appelbaum January 29, 2020 Bob was a successful businessman and a socially engaged citizen with an unconventional streak. He was born November 29, 1921, in Trenton NJ and his experience as a Jewish child in a Gentile neighborhood sensitized him to broader issues of difference and prejudice. Bob studied at Bucknell University and then served in the World War II infantry, earning a Bronze Star. He met his future wife Elizabeth, a fellow chemistry major when he returned. They joined the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) together and remained active
Friends and peace advocates. Bob worked in the family business, the International Products Corporation, which manufactured chemical and household products, taking over as president after his father’s retirement. He introduced Micro, a detergent for laboratory and industrial applications. In 1981 he retired, sold the company, and working for social betterment. Bob was a founder and longtime board member of Mercer Street Friends. He served on the school board in Hopewell Township NJ and on the planning commission in Newtown Township PA. As a George School Trustee, Bob headed its buildings and grounds committee for many years. Bob and Elizabeth were overseers at Newtown Friends Meeting and they helped found the Peace Center of Bucks County. At Pennswood Village, Bob served on the community garden committee. He was a generous donor to George School and other nonprofits. Bob was an avid and skillful gardener and foraged for wild foods. He enjoyed beaches, sailing, and canoeing. A music lover, he sang bass and completed crossword puzzles in ink. Bob is survived by his four children, including Lorraine Appelbaum ’68, Patricia (Patty) Appelbaum ’7 1, and Martha Appelbaum Feltman ’7 7; four grandchildren, three nieces, and a nephew. Alan R. Keim January 28, 2021 Alan was a committed supporter of George School, valued for his insightful counsel and perspective. He became a board member in 2012 and served on George School’s Clerks, Environmental Stewardship, and Investment committees. As Clerk of the Physical Plant Committee his leadership helped bring several projects to fruition, including the renovation of Walton Auditorium and the renovation of the Children’s Center, as well as some equally important infrastructure projects like the reroofing of Main building and the replacement of the school’s boilers that heat the campus. A member
IN MEMORIAM
of Wrightstown Meeting, Alan was committed to Quaker education and thus generously supported George School building and scholarship funds and endowments for racial diversity and social justice, among other important areas. We all knew him as a rare blend of the pragmatist and the idealist, whose optimism and positive nature buoyed all of us around him. He was the father of two George School graduates, Susan Keim Wiggins ’81 and Nancy Keim Comley ’88. He was also the grandfather of Rebekah R. Comley ’18. Alan will be fondly remembered for his directness and good humor, and his abiding commitment to seeing the mission of the school come to life in our students. Alan will be deeply missed.
Former Faculty Anne C. LeDuc October 3, 2020 Anne was born on June 15, 1925 in Philadelphia PA and attended Haddonfield Friends School, excelling in sports from an early age. At age five, she was the only girl on the baseball team. Anne attended Moorestown Friends School, graduating in 1943. In high school, Anne attended the Tegawitha field hockey camp in Tobyhanna PA organized by Constance Applebee, credited with bringing field hockey to the US. Anne received an athletic scholarship to Rollins College in Winter Park FL and graduated in 1947 with a BA in Psychology and Education. She later received an MA in Philosophy and Social Science from Columbia University Teachers’ College. Anne worked in New York City for the Multiple Sclerosis Society first as field director and later as Director, the only woman at that time who was head of a major non-profit. Anne earned a spot on the US Field Hockey Touring Team traveling to South Africa, Britain, Australia, and the Fiji Islands. Anne coached in Baltimore, MD and Montclair NJ before coming to George School from 1962 to 1993. At George School, Anne coached hockey, swimming, basketball, and
lacrosse and was a dorm parent. She became Girls’ Athletic Director and was one of the founding members of the Friends School League. Today the turf field bears the name Cougar Field and honors Anne and other long-time coaches. Upon retirement, Anne put her resources into saving her beloved Chalfonte Hotel in Cape May NJ from the wrecking ball. She and fellow teacher, Judy Bartella, helped the Satterfield family manage the Chalfonte and then purchased the hotel in 1982. Anne and Judy developed work weekends in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania and University of Maryland, allowing much needed work to be done by architectural students for credit. Anne nursed the hotel through decades of renovation, preservation and good times. Anne leaves behind her four goddaughters, her business partner and friend Judy Bartella ffac, and friends too numerous to count. Pamela (Pam) Rea Machemer August 27, 2020 Pamela Elsbeth Machemer was an only child of the late Phyllis Edwards Rea and Dr. Robert R. Rea, legendary professor of history at Auburn University. A teacher of math, European history, and English (and later a college guidance counselor) at George School for forty-five years, Pam had the extraordinary ability to enable students and colleagues to find and use their individual talents. Many considered her a “heart” of George School, a living personification of simple values and integrity, who always looked for and celebrated the good in others. Born in Wichita KS, and raised mostly in Auburn AL, Pam graduated from Westtown School in 1964, and Oberlin College in 1968. She earned an MA in History from the University of Wisconsin and started teaching at George School in the spring of 1970. She married Paul A. Machemer ’65, also a teacher at George School, in 1971. After a two-year honeymoon in Highgate, Jamaica, while Paul fulfilled his alternate service, Pam and Paul returned to George School in 1973.
She retired in 2017. Pam is survived by her husband, Paul; her son, Robert P. Machemer ’92 and his wife, and their children; and her daughter, Kathryn (Kate) Machemer Kiernan ’99 and her husband. Josephine ( Jo) Vasquez October 26, 2020 Born in Bristol PA to the late Anthony and Frances (Carter) Mariani, Jo lived in Wycombe for forty-five years and was a beloved member of the community that meant so much to her. She was a spirited, caring person who was a dear friend to those close to her and who had an abiding love for animals. Jo graduated from Delhaas High School in 1964 and from Shippensburg University in 1968, studying for a year at the University of Valladolid in Spain as she completed her degree in education. She was an accomplished and revered Spanish teacher who began her career working at Willingboro High School NJ in 1968, later teaching at both Council Rock and George School before retiring in 2012. She was devoted to her students who loved her in return, many remaining in touch years after they graduated. She was an avid gardener who adored her home through all the years she lived there, caring for it as she did Wycombe itself, actively taking part in the beautification and preservation of the town as a founding member of the Wycombe Village Association. She also was a member of the Anchor Church in Wrightstown PA. She was the loving mother of Joshua ( Josh) R. Vasquez ’93, a devoted sister, and a loving aunt. Notification of deaths was recorded as of Jun e 30, 2021. 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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FALL/WINTER 2021
JOHN M. GEORGE SOCIETY
YO UR L E G AC Y. THEIR FUTURE. When you make a planned gift to George School, your generosity has an impact far beyond your lifetime. Your gift supports generations of students whose lives will be forever changed by their George School experience.
To learn more about planned gifts, please contact the Office of Advancement at 215.579.6575 or jzabramov@georgeschool.org
68 | G E ORGIAN
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 FRIDAY–SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5-6, 2021
FRIDAY–SATURDAY, APRIL 22-23, 2022
Fall Theater Performance: Twelfth Night
Dance Eclectic
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2022
Alumni Weekend
Winter Music Performance
FRIDAY–SUNDAY, MAY 6-8, 2022 FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 20-21, 2022
FRIDAY–SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2022
Spring Theater Performance: I Hate Hamlet
Winter Musical Theater Performance: Something Rotten!
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2022
FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Student Film Festival
Commencement
GEORGIAN
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GEORGIAN EDITOR Susan Quinn georgian@georgeschool.org 215.579.6567
GEORGIAN CONTRIBUTORS Alyson Cittadino
Andrea Lehman
Kim Colando ’83
Katharine Sipio
Christine Davidyock
Priscilla Wiggins ’12
Ella Davidyock
Emma Wells ’13
© 2021 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 215.579.6570.
PHOTOS: Back Cover: George School celebrated the members of the Class of 2021 during the school’s one hundred and twenty-seventh
Commencement Ceremony on May 29, 2021. Head of School Sam Houser welcomed the seniors and their friends and families. “You learned that you can survive uncertainty, that you can adapt to the unknown, and you can get through deprivation and loss. You have learned that you are strong. You have learned that you have a voice and that that voice can influence other people. The past year and a half has made you more than ready…I trust you with the world and I look forward to it being better because of you.”
