HILLTOPPER 10
passionate
alums
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WALKER RENOVATION winter 2014/15
VOLUME XXIII / ISSUE 2
CONTENTS HILLTOPPER MAGAZINE AWARDED
Bronze for Best Overall Magazine The Worcester Academy Advancement Office & staff of the Hilltopper magazine proudly announce that the Hilltopper has been awarded a 2015 Bronze Award for Best Overall Magazine from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District I. The award recognizes excellence in writing, photography, design, and messaging in the first two editions of the redesigned Hilltopper magazine (Winter 2013–2014 & Summer 2014), produced in conjunction with our design partners, Good Design of Deep River, CT. CASE is the nation’s premier professional association serving higher education and independent school professionals working in alumni relations, marketing communications, and development. District I represents educational institutions in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.
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$16M renovation transforms historic Walker Hall Admission Office, Walker Hall
BY NEIL R. ISAKSON
WINTER 2014/15
contents
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10 in ten
WA ALUMNI ACHIEVE WITH PASSION & PURPOSE BY CAROLINE G. REICH
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computer science with Danielle McAvoy BY CAROLINE G. REICH
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Watch for a photo gallery to open or for a video to play
cultural heritage dinner
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Tap video to view in full screen, or slide finger to view additional images in photo gallery
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Enjoy!
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HEAD OF SCHOOL TO THE EDITOR ALUMNI NEWS ON THE HILLTOP THE MIDDLE VARSITY CLUB GIVING NEWS CLASS NOTES PASSINGS FROM THE ARCHIVES
the
HILLTOPPER
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
officers & members
President Henry Dormitzer III ’88 Vice President Susan Weagly Jacobs, J.D. P’03 Treasurer Sarah (Sullivan) Pulsifer ’91 Secretary Brian A. O’Connell, Esq. ’67
winter 2014/15
VOLUME XXIII / ISSUE 2
Head of School
Hilltopper Editor
Ronald M. Cino P’21 Neil R. Isakson P’15, ’19
Associate Editor Barbara Strogoff P’97, ’03 Benny Sato Ambush ’69 Graphic Design Good Design LLC Lauren S. Baker P’15, ’18 William Breidenbach ’69 Photography Ursula Arello Dr. Craig R. Dufresne ’69 Greg Cappello Patricia Z. Eppinger P’16, ’20 Neil Isakson R. Victor Fields ’71 Marcia Mallett Matthew Finkle ’87 Anette Macintire David P. Forsberg ’65 Nancy Osborn J. Michael Grenon ’88 Mike Nydam Thomas Heiser P’09, ’11, ’15 Arthur Kentros ’74 Videography Neil Isakson Jamie E. Lavin ’02 Whit Wales P’16, ’18, DigiNovations Dana R. Levenson ’75 Charles J. O’Connor III ’73 Advancement Office Marillyn G. Earley, Director of Advancement Andrew B. O’Donnell, Esq. ’73 Ursula A. Arello ’85, Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship Jacqueline Peterson Frank R. Callahan ’71, Director of Planned Giving James J. Pietro ’81 Greg Cappello, Director of Alumni Relations J.P. Ricciardi P’15, ’17 Alicia Figueiredo, Coordinator, Campaign Operations and Event Planning Hervey S. Ross ’46 Neil R. Isakson, Director of External Communications Robert Scumaci P’15, ’18 Anette Macintire, Annual Fund Coordinator David V. Shamoian ’70 Marcia Mallett P’21, Director of Marketing Edwin B. Shaw ’61 Dexter P. Morse, Head Emeritus/Advisor to the Capital Campaign Jonathan S. Stuart ’86 Nancy K. Osborn P’13, Director of Parent Relations Luke M. Vaillancourt ’01 Erica Driscoll Ribeiro P’20, Director of Annual Giving Donald E. “Dee” Rowe ’47, Special Assistant to the Head of School Kim Stone, Director of Donor Development Barbara Strogoff, Gift Coordinator/Editor
MISSION
Worcester Academy exists to instill in its students the desire to learn throughout life, to engage passionately with the world around them, and to be honorable persons of strong and resourceful character.
Featured Writer
Contributing Writer
CORE VALUES
We are a community—curious, thoughtful, generous, and thriving in our diversity. We embrace each of our core values as essential to the mission of Worcester Academy and as testimony of our beliefs and commitments. HONOR | RESPECT | COMMUNITY | PERSONAL GROWTH | CHALLENGE 2 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
ON THE COVER 10 in Ten: Achieving with Passion and Purpose
Caroline Reich P’06,’08 is a former development staffer for Worcester Academy. She and her husband, Joel Reich, are benefactors of the Summer Scholars Program, which serves children living in the WA neighborhood. Jody P. McNamara P’09, ’12, a marketing and communications consultant, is a longtime feature writer and former director of parent relations at Worcester Academy. Jody, who organized and chaired two consecutive auctions for WA, lives on Cape Cod. The Hilltopper is published twice yearly by Worcester Academy. Reader comment, as well as information of interest, is always welcome. Please write to Neil Isakson, director of external communications, at Worcester Academy, 81 Providence St., Worcester, MA 01604 USA, or email neil.isakson@worcesteracademy.org.
from the head of school
“Without a doubt, the best part of these experiences has been getting to know our students, watching them grow, celebrating their achievements, and imagining what awaited them in college and beyond.” Over the past 13-plus years, I have had the great pleasure of working at Worcester Academy as a college counselor, teacher, coach, advisor, residential life staffer, director of Upper School, and, now, as head of school. Without a doubt, the best part of these experiences has been getting to know our students, watching them grow, celebrating their achievements, and imagining what awaited them in college and beyond. I have loved when those graduates have come back to share their successes and challenges as they pursued their passions in life. Their stories, and the fact that they want to tell them to us, are great measurement of our own success in providing a valuable learning experience. The accomplishments of some of our younger alumni are illustrated splendidly in this issue of The Hilltopper in our cover feature, “10 in Ten: WA Alumni, 2000–2010, Achieving with Passion and Purpose.” Not surprisingly, we had dozens of bright, interesting alumni to choose from, all of whom were suggested by teachers, coaches, and other Academy staff. The hard part was selecting just ten of those outstanding young people to be profiled in what is an agonizingly limited number of pages. Our only consolation is that we now have a wonderful pool of candidates to
profile in future issues of the magazine—and we promise to do so! As you read “10 In Ten,” I think you will find that our pride in our graduates is well founded. You will read about scientists and NASA specialists, writers and actors, China policy analysts and media personalities, to name a few. As young alumni, their accomplishments are a testament to their abilities and effort and could easily be explained by those alone. That each of these graduates is eager to tell us how influential teachers and transformative experiences at WA have impacted their successes is truly gratifying. I hope that you enjoy the profiles that follow and that each of you is inspired to share with us your own stories of teachers and experiences at Worcester Academy, or of successes you may have had. We welcome those accounts and look forward to including them in Letters to the Editor, Classnotes, or other publications, whenever possible. Continue to be proud of WA!
Ron Cino
to the editor GLAD TO SEE THAT WA’S ‘PROUD TRADITION’—PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE—CONTINUES I just wanted to drop a quick note and congratulate you and your team on an excellent Summer 2014 edition of The Hilltopper. It is fantastic to see the work Peter Smith is doing, and I hope you’ll pass on my regards and congratulations with regard to his efforts. Also, the use of Layar (an app offering augmented reality content within the magazine) was both exciting and well played. In my role here at UCLA, my core job is to encourage people to think creatively about how they can improve the classroom experience and improve student learning, as well as promote student outreach, with a special
emphasis on technology assisted learning. I am grateful to see WA taking seriously its role in developing the digital literacy of its students, continuing the proud tradition that it has of ensuring that students are well prepared for the future they are rushing to meet. I also note from the website, with some pride, that Jason Epstein, CIO, has his B.A. from UCLA. Please send regards from us to him and our happiness at the success he is finding there with you. Yours, Jason Taksony Hewitt ’95 Worcester Academy
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10 in ten
WA Alumni: 2000–2010
4 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
Achieving with
Passion & PURPOSE by Caroline G. Reich
The WA graduates who left the Hilltop during the decade from 2000–2010— they’re Millennials between the ages of about 22 and 34—have been “launched” into a world of lightning fast changes in technology and business practice, economic and cultural mood swings of historic proportions, and are expected to adapt to all of this movement with facility and ease. They’re expected to pivot on a dime, think like an entrepreneur, “lean in,” and “swim with the sharks” right out of college. So, how are our graduates doing in meeting these challenges, and just what exactly are they doing? We set out to discover what kinds of careers our youngest alums have settled into after college and perhaps graduate education. It should come as no surprise that students who are racecar drivers, Latin scholars, robotics fanatics, and haiku prize winners while at WA might develop into some very interesting adults! From a huge list of amazing young adults, we selected ten unique WA grads whose profiles tell a broader story of pride in the school they all share in common.
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Inspired to teach, mentored by great teachers at the Academy
Daniela Faas PhD Class of 2000 WA STORY: Came as a junior from Ludwigshafen, Germany. Loved sciences, math, and swimming; recruited to Bucknell for academics and swimming EDUCATION: Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering and Human-Computer Interaction, Iowa State University, 2010; M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Bucknell University, 2006; B.S. Mechanical Engineering and B.A. International Relations, Bucknell, 2005 WORK: Senior Preceptor of Design Instruction, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University; Research Affiliate, Mechanical Engineering Department, MIT FUN: Enjoys scuba diving, kayaking, hiking with her dog, spending time with family, and gardening
What was supposed to be a junior exchange year for English language immersion turned into a two-year stay at WA, an exemplary academic trajectory, and a respected teaching position at Harvard for Daniela Faas. Always strong in math and sciences, she found herself academically challenged at WA. As a standout swimmer, she formed a strong bond with science teacher and swim coach Barbara Gould, whom she also had for anatomy. Dorm parents Sharon and Eric Plickert made her boarding
experience feel like home. “I loved the intimate school community and having deep connections to faculty, who genuinely wanted their students to succeed,” Daniela explains. Daniela earned a dual B.S./B.A. in Mechanical Engineering and International Relations at Bucknell while being named to the All-Patriot League First Team in swimming four times. She stayed at Bucknell for a master’s, serving as a teaching assistant, and studying topics including biomedical imaging and nonlinear material behavior. Daniela then earned her Ph.D. at Iowa State, where she taught introductory engineering design and robotics. In each of her teaching gigs, she recalled the importance of teacher-student connections at WA and fused these into her own teaching practice. Daniela headed off to MIT to become the Shapiro Postdoctoral Fellow in Mechanical Engineering. In 2012, after being offered tenuretrack jobs that would have required more research and less time teaching, Daniela listened to her heart. She accepted a position as Senior Preceptor of Design Instruction at Harvard. Harvard’s Preceptors are exceptional scholars who teach undergraduates—and that is what Daniela does with passion. She is currently teaches Senior Design and computer-aided machine design courses. “Each day I am able to spend time really making a difference with my students— and that is a privilege. My teaching philosophy is rooted in fostering the same close student-teacher relationships I benefitted from at WA.” What’s next for Daniela? She’s still doing research at MIT, and wants to encourage more young girls and women to enter the engineering field.
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WA’s core values, holistic approach continue to frame work, worldview
Jamie Lavin Class of 2002 WA STORY: 4-year soccer player from Westborough; tennis team, Admission Ambassador, Investment Club EDUCATION: Boston College B.S., Finance and History; magna cum laude CURRENT PROFESSION: Investor & Vice President, JP Morgan Global Wealth Management FUN: Loves skiing, exploring new restaurants, participating in Junior League
Always a driven student, Jamie Lavin envisioned being a Wall Street stockbroker after a magical visit to the New York Stock Exchange as a youngster. By the time she arrived at the Academy, that dream also included a stop at Columbia Worcester Academy
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University. “Even though I was set on a finance career, I was tremendously influenced by my English classes with Bill Treese and by Dr. John Murnane’s history classes. Leaving WA, I was fully prepared to think like a college student, had the desire and skills to question things, and go that extra step in pursuing my goals,” she says. Jamie also had the good fortune of being in Ron Cino’s first class of college counseling advisees. “He opened my eyes to more kinds of schools than just Columbia and, in the end, I chose Boston College, a school that, like WA, leads with strong core values and a well-rounded approach to education,” she explains. After BC, Jamie joined JP Morgan’s Premium Group in NYC as an analyst, working with a senior banker supporting high net worth clients. She then moved to its Global Head of Investment’s Business Management team, gaining key management experience through the 2008 crisis, before joining the JPMorgan Private Bank. In 2012, she became VP, Global Investment Opportunities Group where she works with 15–20 of the largest, most sophisticated U.S. investors. “My work is both highly analytical and extremely dependent on strong client relationships. I am most proud of the long-term trust I am building with my clients (some of whom are household names) so that they are seeking my advice and counsel,” she confides. Jamie’s advice to new WA grads is to keep learning new things, especially outside your wheelhouse, because you never know how that knowledge can help you down the road. Jamie is a member of WA’s Board of Trustees where she sees, from a new perspective, that WA students are getting a rigorous well-rounded education rooted in core values that will serve them well wherever they go. 6 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
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Appreciation of beauty
in sounds of words and sentences nurtured on Hilltop
Yvonne Woon Class of 2002 WA STORY: Came to WA as 8th grader from Worcester; lived and breathed soccer; wrote for Lance and Vigornia. Valedictorian. EDUCATION: M.F.A. Columbia University; B.A. Creative Writing CURRENT PROFESSION: Writer of young-adult and adult fiction in NYC and Palo Alto, CA, FUN: Until recently, just writing 24/7, and learning complex cultural language of teens, but now finds time to run, play soccer, and read
Yvonne Woon wept when she heard about the dress code at WA but once she got settled on the Hilltop, she quickly found a home academically and extracurricularly. Always a lover of the written word, English became her favorite subject. Wonderful teachers encouraged her interest, especially Bill Treese, who “always challenged me to do more and better things with my writing. He instilled in me a deep appreciation for the beauty of the sounds of words and
sentences,” which was pivotal in setting her on her career path. She headed off to Columbia, earning a degree in Creative Writing, then to a job at a NYC literary agency, and then a position at a firm representing sports stars penning books. Yvonne returned to Columbia to work on an M.F.A. Soon, a close friend made a wild suggestion that would change her life. Observing that the Twilight series genre of young adult (YA) fiction was exploding in popularity, creating new readers in droves, he suggested that Yvonne try her hand at it. She thought she could write high-quality material, so she sat down over Christmas break, wrote three chapters and sent them off to a publisher, Those three chapters earned her a two-book contact, and later a third from Usborne Books on what would become Dead Beautiful (2010), Life Eternal (2012), and Love Reborn (2014). Her series is set in a Maine boarding school, and many general details are pulled from Yvonne’s WA experience. But her books are vampire fiction. In real life, “I owe a great deal of my success to my teachers and mentors at WA. I became a writer and reader at WA, and learned to be thoughtful about how I present myself and treat others.” Next up for Yvonne is an adult novel.
4 Financial crisis presents new career path for open-minded lawyer
Elizabeth Ryvkin Class of 2003
WA STORY: From Worcester; In first 6th grade class of “Lifers;” worked backstage in theater productions; We the People, Law Club; Vigornia and Towers staffs; Alumni Office worker
EDUCATION: Brooklyn Law School J.D., 2010; Hamilton College B.A., 2007 CURRENT POSITION: Chief Compliance Officer, Berenberg Asset Management LLC, New York City FUN: Hiking; big “foodie”—both the restaurant and the cooking kind!
“Convincing a 400-year old German Bank opening up its first asset management office in the U.S. that I was the right person to be its Chief Compliance Officer was my proudest career moment so far,” says Elizabeth Ryvkin, of her current role at Berenberg Asset Management. The slightly winding career path that led Liz to this niche field, which combines aspects of law and finance, started at WA, she says. “I was very interested in international relations thanks to Dan Dagenais’ class, loved English, and also got very strong math preparation from teachers like John Liller. The faculty were passionate about their subjects and their students, and made us express our ideas constantly so we that we became confident and articulate communicators,” Liz says. She always thought she’d end up doing law school and then policy work in Washington, D.C., and studied international relations and economics at Hamilton College. Then, through Hamilton’s Semester in Washington Program, she interned at the U.S. International Trade Commission doing international trade policy research before attending law school. Liz interned for a European hedge fund, Calypso Capital, doing legal and compliance work. She was there during
10 in ten the 2008 financial collapse, and despite being “just a student,” she got to work directly on the onslaught of regulations faced by hedge funds during that time. After a year with Calypso, Liz was advised to get litigation experience, so she interned at Oppenheimer & Co. doing securities arbitration, and took a role there after graduating and passing the bar. But Liz kept being drawn to the regulatory side of the business, so she started looking for compliance jobs. She took a position at Apollo Global Management, a private equity/hedge fund, which was a “crash course” in all the regulations springing from the crisis. “Lawyers in non-traditional fields have to be proactive and curate their own careers, so I frequently spoke to colleagues and others about the market. It was here that I really appreciated the WA alumni connections,” she explains. Liz learned about a new job opening with an old German shipping bank that was looking to set down solid roots in the U.S. asset management space from one of these discussions. “I’ve had have the chance to build a compliance program from scratch. There are many challenges in working with a multinational entity, but WA set the stage for me to reach for these opportunities and succeed,” Liz says.
5 On-air career all part of the plan for focused post-grad
John Saucier Class of 2004
WA STORY: From Bangor, ME; 7-foot-tall basketball PG chose WA for city experience and top-notch academics. Played football, basketball, and volunteered at Union Hill School. EDUCATION: Brandeis University 2008, B.S., American Studies and Journalism CURRENT POSITION: Radio and TV announcer, iHeart Media Inc. FUN: Plays in Boston basketball league; coaches youth basketball team of boys ages 9–11; gets raffled off as celebrity date for charity auctions!
Right up front we’ll answer the question that anyone in the Greater Boston area has who has heard John Saucier’s deep, melodious voice doing the evening traffic report—and knows that he’s a very tall guy. No, he does not ride in the traffic chopper to do the traffic reports. He sits comfortably in the studio operations center and coordinates with NBC Channel 7 News producers to tell the chopper pilot where to go. John’s nightly traffic reporting is just one of the dozen or so regular TV/radio on-air gigs that are part of his responsibilities as a radio/TV announcer for iHeartMedia Inc., one of the largest media firms in the U.S. Recruited for basketball from smalltown Maine and a recipient of the McEvoy Maine Scholarship, John chose to do a PG year at WA with a clear plan in mind. He wanted to use the extra year to improve his hoops skills and his academics to gain a scholarship/aid to a top college. His year at WA achieved
that and more. “It was a very welcoming community and I achieved success at equal levels, academically and athletically. The school drove home, every day, the concept of doing things the ‘right way.’ You can’t cut the Quad and you can’t cut corners in life,” he declares. John’s plan worked. He went to Brandeis on a scholarship/aid package, found success on the basketball court (team captain, 2 NCAA appearances) and set a path to his chosen career in TV/radio, working at the college radio station. After graduation, he hustled to find work in the field. The 2008 recession was a tough time to be entering the media business. John weathered a couple of layoffs and eventually landed his current full-time job at iHeartMedia, at which he performs a broad array of on-air gigs that are getting him terrific experience. In addition to the daily Channel 7 traffic report, he is a news anchor for WRKO talk radio Boston; a news reporter for Sirius XM Satellite radio Boston doing mid-day traffic, news, and weather; national sports reporter for Sirius XM, doing coverage of the World Cup, for example; and weekend talk show host for WEEI Sports Radio. How does he keep it all straight? “You practice, practice, and prepare, then you go on air and do your best and hope you don’t screw up!” The day of the Boston
Marathon bombings, John was on air for WEEI and had the first report of the bombing. Media outlets from around the U.S were tweeting him to get the scoop as the tragedy unfolded. “At that moment, the principles of being honorable and not taking shortcuts that were stressed at WA went through my mind.”
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Collaboration, leadership, team-building key skills for N.A.S.A Engineer
Myron Clemence Class of 2007 WA STORY: Great grandfather and father graduated from WA; siblings, too. From Uxbridge, came to WA as a freshman. Played football, wrestling, and lacrosse EDUCATION: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, 2011, B.S. in Aerospace Engineering with minors in mathematics and space studies CURRENT POSITION: Flight Controller for International Space Station, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX FUN: When not helping plan his 2015 wedding, plays on a travel ultimate Frisbee team, does cross fit, and enjoys biking
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Many boys dream of being an astronaut, but Myron Clemence’s dreams were more realistic—he wanted to work in the space industry. Today, he feels incredibly lucky to have gotten a job working directly on the day-to-day operations of the International Space Center, and he gets to meet real astronauts all the time! Math and science-focused in the classroom at WA, Myron loved physics and had excellent teachers, especially in some science electives that encouraged him to think “outside the box.” “WA really pushed us to go above and beyond … it gave us all a jumpstart in learning accountability, responsibility, and confidence to take on challenges,” he posits. Myron also played football, lacrosse, and wrestled at WA and it was from these team experiences that he has taken some of the most direct lessons. His title is Flight Controller for the International Space Station but Myron’s specific role is as an Inventory Storage Officer. “Simply put, I lead a team that specializes in inventory and stowage on the space station—where stuff can go, how it can be stowed, how much stuff can come and go each time a new crew or vehicle docks at the station, and how to throw stuff away,” he explains. His team sits in the mission control room, creates activities for the astronauts on board, and deals with the evolving challenges of coordinating the U.S., European, and Russian space programs manning the Space Station. Having been on WA sports teams with good coaches and peer leaders, Myron uses team skills every day. “Being the leader of my team, encouraging collaboration, having a common goal to work towards, handling multiple projects and constantly changing circumstances in a calm manner—I certainly began to develop these skills at the Academy,” Myron says. 8 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
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Legacy of finding beauty in
proteins continues to inspire this M.D./Ph.D. candidate
Daniel Echelman Class of 2007 WA STORY: WA lifer; Got Silver Bowl on Dexter Morse’s undefeated J.V. football team. Mom, Francine Smith, Ph.D., beloved chemistry teacher. EDUCATION: Princeton University, A.B. Chemistry, 2011, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa CURRENT ENDEAVOR: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Medical Scientist Training Program (candidate for M.D./Ph.D.), August 2012–present FUN: Enjoys visiting his brothers; in good weather, riding bike around NYC.
Dan Echelman is not surprised to find himself pursuing a career in medicine. After all, he majored in chemistry and did research on breast and cervical cancer care in Kenya, for which he received a Certificate in Global Health and Health Policy as an undergrad. Throw in a couple of research technician positions at Dana Farber Cancer Institute’s Department of Cancer Biology, and none of his WA classmates would be shocked to hear he’s enrolled in med school either. Dan is a bit more surprised that he’s so involved in medical research, through Columbia’s rigorous M.D./Ph.D. Medical Scientist Training Program. This program is one of 50 in the U.S. established by the
National Institutes of Health to produce medical scientists who can bridge the divide between the bench (research) and the clinical (hands-on patient practice). His passion for research really shouldn’t be a surprise, he says, because his mother, now deceased, was a researcher before leaving WPI to come to teach at the Academy. “Research was not on my radar at WA, but it should have been. I loved thinking about the ‘beautiful proteins’ my mom talked about all the time, and I studied them during a WA internship at UMass Medical School.” An “aha moment” came in college when, working on thesis research all alone at night in the lab, waiting for a small peak on a spectrum to show, a small blip suddenly appeared. He let out a loud whoop of triumph no one else could hear. In that moment, he realized if he could get joy from small successes when no one was watching, then research was a good fit. “I left WA being inspired by amazing teachers like David Baillie and Mike Mallett, among others,” he remembers fondly.
8 Put yourself in position to do interesting things and success will come
Tucker Van Aken Class of 2008 WA STORY: Came to WA as freshman from West Boylston; Played football and lacrosse; may have been only kid on football team his year to do the musical
EDUCATION: Middlebury College, B.A. International Politics and Economics. Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude; Fulbright Research Scholarship—Chongqing University, Chongqing, China September 2012–August 2013; Visiting Scholar, emphasis on firm-state relations and industrial energy policy. CURRENT POSITION: Analyst-China Practice, Albright Stonebridge Group, Washington, DC. FUN: Spending time with friends exploring new eateries; enjoys hiking and cycling.
While some prep schoolers start building a college app package in freshman year, Tucker Van Aken’s philosophy was to just do what interested him. So it was that he played on the Academy football team and coached Pop Warner, played lacrosse, joined the Hillpoppas a cappella group and Academy Singers (despite the inability to read music), and was perhaps the only football player in the musical. “At WA, I had great teachers and advisors; WA’s culture demands that you work hard, be independent, and develop self-confidence in everything you do.” Tucker, who went on to study International Politics and Economics at Middlebury, says teachers like Dan Dagenais, Peter Roberts, and Kirk Upton were huge influences in his career arc. He credits Richard Yanco’s math classes with preparing him for the heavy quant work he found himself doing in college and later on Wall Street. And music teacher Donald Irving deserves all the credit for “making me interesting.” At Middlebury, Tucker dove into his academics and received a Mellon Foundation Grant to do a field research semester on local implementation of industrial energy policy in China. In 2012, Tucker was named a Fulbright Research Scholar and was off again to Chongqing, China for a year to study firm-state and central-local government relations and industrial energy policy. He’s been published and is fluent in Mandarin. Tucker landed a job on Wall Street, but within months knew it wasn’t a
10 in ten good fit. He left the job for his current job as an Analyst on the China Practice at the Albright Stonebridge Group in Washington, DC. The firm, led by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, former NSA Advisor Samuel Berger, and former Commerce Secretary and Kellogg CEO Carlos Gutierrez, is a commercial diplomacy and strategy firm serving multinational firms, philanthropic organizations, and NGOs. In a nutshell, Tucker says, ASG helps clients wade through complex international landscapes to “say the right things to the right people, at the right times.” Tucker’s work revolves around financial services, energy and environmental issues, and trade issues in China, a very tightly regulated country.
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Now teaches critical thinking, multiple approaches to tough problems to his own students
Nathaniel Schermerhorn Class of 2009 WA STORY: From Brimfield; Standout in classroom, on the swimming and water polo teams; regular participant in Dexter Prize EDUCATION: USC School of Cinematic Arts, 2013 B.A. in Film Production, Psychology, and Italian. Summa cum laude CURRENT POSITION: In second year of Teach for America assignment as 7th grade English/ language arts teacher at a middle school in Florence, SC. Recently named Language Arts Department Chair FUN: Teaches spinning classes; involved in the Florence Little Theater.
He left Worcester Academy and headed for the country’s top film school with dreams of a career in cinema and film production.
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Takes hard work to make it work, budding actress says Today, Nathaniel Schermerhorn is Mr. Schermerhorn, a 7th grade Language Arts teacher and Department Head at a middle school in Florence, SC, in his second year of a coveted Teach For America stint. He is integrating the use of film and filmmaking into his curriculum—and that’s just fine with him. A bit of a surprise, but a happy one. Nathaniel’s own teaching practice has been informed by his experiences and teachers at WA. “I came to the Academy for the academic rigor and teachers like Mr. Haringa, who taught us to connect text and meaning, and Robert and Christina Thorn who each had such passion for their disciplines (art and English, respectively). Every teacher pushed critical thinking, writing, and research skills so that by college I was way ahead of the game,” Nathaniel says. Nathaniel is perhaps most appreciative of WA’s accepting, diverse school community, which made the transition to college in L.A. very smooth and “also made moving to South Carolina, where not all backgrounds are always respected, a rewarding professional challenge for me. I am always looking for ways to incorporate culturallyresponsive teaching into my daily practice—diverse texts, films, and creating a truly safe space for my students of different backgrounds to have meaningful conversations,” he explains. “WA really celebrated its diversity and differences, not just tolerated them. I aspire to that in my classroom” he says. What’s next for Nathaniel? His experiences in the small city of Florence have sparked an interest in pursuing a master’s in Public Administration.
Maya Morales, Class of 2010 WA STORY: Worcester native spent four years involved in diversity initiatives; held many school leadership positions including Head Monitor; in multiple plays and musicals; member of the Hillpoppas a cappella group and Academy Singers. EDUCATION: Occidental College, B.A. Media Arts/Culture, 2014 CURRENT POSITION: Actress in Lifetime movie; in a series set to premiere in 2015; parttime brand ambassador; speaker at N.A.I.S. National Students of Color Conference, attended by WA students. FUN: Loves hiking and exploring Los Angeles
Last spring, Maya Morales got the called she’d been waiting for forever. She’d been offered a significant role in a Lifetime Network movie, to be filmed on the east coast. Her heart sank when she realized that the filming dates conflicted directly with the final two weeks of her senior year of college, filled with projects, exams, and papers. She went straight to the dean who asked her “Do you want to do a Lifetime movie or graduate from college?” Maya decided to do both. She went to
each of her professors and worked out a plan. Some were not immediately supportive; others assigned extra work. Still, she boarded a plane and arrived on set to film “The Assault,” squeezing in homework in between filming sessions. The movie premiered in September and Maya graduated with her class, as scheduled. She now has a talent agency and is in a series set to premiere in 2015. Maya arrived at WA already a seasoned performer, having been a “Zoomer” on the PBS children’s television show, Zoom. At WA, though, she found new passions. “Rodney Glasgow, director of diversity at the time, changed my life. He took me as a delegate to the National Diversity Leadership Conference and, because of that experience, I now work as a facilitator for diversity workshops,” she explains. “Jen McCarthy, Worcester Academy director of counseling, was my advisor and touchstone.” She said all her teachers prepared her for college and taught her to “write, think, communicate effectively with non-peers, and to be proactive in working toward goals,” she says. Maya was uber-involved in theater and music at WA, of which she has many fond recollections. Her best memory, though, is of being tapped as Head Monitor. Maya knows she’s in a tough business, but she has her goals set: She’d like to be in a TV series, score a role in feature film, and start a center for kids to take acting and arts classes, fitness, and dance.
Worcester Academy
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$16M renovation transforms historic
Walker Walker HalL
into state-of-the-art home for the humanities and arts by Neil R. Isakson
C C
ity and state officials joined Worcester Academy board members, alumni, donors, building and design team Consigli Construction Co. and Schwartz/Silver Architects, and others in October for a ribbon-cutting Ceremony celebrating the Grand Re-Opening of Walker Hall on WA’s Providence Street campus. Walker Hall, the oldest academic building on campus, has been transformed into a state-of-theart home for the humanities and arts following a $16 Million renovation. The renovation is part of a larger $20M multi-building facilities improvement project begun in 2012.
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“Walker Hall is an inspiring learning environment for our students as they pursue their study and passion for languages, history, theater, painting, ceramics, and much more,” said Head of School Ron Cino. “Teaching and learning at Worcester Academy are innovative, centered on the learner, collaborative, and focused on depth and relevance. Walker Hall—as thoughtfully re-envisioned—now reflects those practices and values,” Mr. Cino said. Two years in the making, the project has turned Walker into a state-of-the-art center for History & Social Sciences, Visual & Performing Arts, and
walker hall World Languages. The historic building, constructed in 1890, has been revived with beautiful, functional learning areas, including high-tech classrooms, shared departmental workspaces, and luminous art and theater rehearsal rooms. Every room now features interactive whiteboard technology and may be used to record audio and video and also for videoconferencing and streaming. An elevator and handicap lift have been installed, as have new lighting and wiring, and plumbing, heating, and cooling systems. Virtually no space has gone untouched and architectural efficiencies have grown useable square footage by thousands of square feet. In addition, six new classrooms allow for better, more flexible class scheduling, while instructional spaces for visual arts are infused with natural light, and theater classrooms provide ample space for movement and expression. One of six buildings on campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Walker Hall overlooks the Academy’s central Quad.
Restoration work on the landmark building included replacement of more than 160 windows with historically correct new units and replacement of most of the millwork throughout the building to match the original. “Collaborating with Worcester Academy on renovation and restoration projects at the campus since 2007, Consigli Construction is honored to be part of this most recent revitalization of Walker Hall, which will serve the Academy’s students for many years to come,” said Anthony Consigli, president. Significantly, the Walker renovation makes the building eligible for a LEED Silver (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification as designated by the U.S. Green Building Council. The accreditation process, which is underway, underscores Worcester Academy’s commitment to environmental and financial sustainability. Walker Hall continues to house several administrative offices—Admission, College Counseling, Business, and Head of School.
$20 MILLION IMPROVEMENT PLAN In addition to the Walker Hall renovation, the Academy’s $20M facilities improvement plan included the renovation of the Daniels Gymnasium exterior and roof, and the relocation of Information Services from Walker to the lower level of the Kellner Student Center. “With the completion of these projects, we have achieved many important strategic goals,” Mr. Cino said. Strategic goals have included, among other things: >>Creating state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces >>Improving visual and performing arts facilities >>Creating collaborative spaces for faculty >>Addressing accessibility goals; making Walker, the Megaron, and Adams Hall handicap accessible >>Using campus space efficiently to meet the needs of students and program and preserving the beauty, structure, and functionality of Walker and other campus buildings Mr. Cino said enhancements to facilities and programs have strengthened the Academy’s ability to deliver on its mission, “To instill in students the desire to learn throughout life, to engage passionately with the world around them, and to be honorable persons of strong and resourceful character.” WA students have also been celebrating the renovation of Walker, which unofficially opened for classes at the start of the 2014–2015 School Year. On Sept. 9, all 650 students ceremoniously signed the blocks of granite that now cap off the building’s new handicap accessible side entrance, which faces the Quad. The students took turns signing 10 large blocks (with Sharpie permanent markers). Each granite slab, which has since been set in place by Consigli’s masons, permanently records the successful conclusion of the two-year renovation. Worcester Academy has been engaged in an ambitious capital campaign, OnWArd: The Campaign for Worcester Academy, with a goal of raising $50 million to strengthen facilities and programs directly benefiting students. To date, more than $40M has been raised. The Campaign has made possible the acquisition of the former St. Vincent Hospital property and the construction of a new synthetic turf field, Morse Field, on the site, which is also open to use by neighbors.
scan this page for more Walker Hall photos Worcester Academy
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Alumni News Alumna Profile:
Alana Morgan ’91: site manager, Cirque du Soleil by Jody P. McNamara
Randy Miramontez/Shutterstock.com
Instilling that ability to think outside the box and nurturing students to work creatively are nothing new at Worcester Academy. We’ve actually been in the business of producing innovative thinkers for quite a while. Take Alana Morgan ’91 as an excellent example of that inventive, persevering spirit. “The seeds definitely came from WA. I 12 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
can’t think of time when someone at WA said to me, ‘That’s not possible,’ or ‘It’ll never work.’ The faculty always gave me the encouragement and the tools to jump right in and to find out for myself where my limits were.” And where did this can-do attitude take Alana? Quite literally, into the business of stretching the rest of our
imaginations! As a production manager and site analyst for the audaciously creative Cirque du Soleil, Alana spends her days bringing the seemingly impossible to avid fans around the world. “For the past 4 years or so, I’ve been production manager for Cirque du Soleil’s touring Big Top show, KOOZA. I’ve toured with KOOZA through North America, Japan, and several European cities including London, Paris and Moscow.” And what exactly does a Cirque du Soleil production manager do? “My goal is to support the artistic vision and direction of KOOZA, as well as to oversee the more pragmatic aspects of site infrastructure. You can imagine the amount of preparation that’s required for a Cirque du Soleil show: From the plumbing to the facilities … the safety issues the during installation and teardown … the advance work for the production … power management … labor acquisition … meeting local and national site-permitting requirements … The preparation alone requires a stretch of imagination and the ability to envision something amazing.” And it all started at WA? “Absolutely!” laughs Alana. “I was a shy kid back in those days, but I got involved with theater productions and with chorus at WA. Although I loved to sing (and still do!), I found my way, pretty quickly, to the ‘dark side’ of the stage, as it’s known. Scene
and lighting design were my passions at WA and, although I intended to study languages at St. Lawrence University, theater was calling me, and I transferred to Emerson College for my degree.” Theater must be Alana’s blood since she never seems to stray too far from it. With stints at Glimmerglass Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Blue Man Group, and The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Alana knows what it takes to bring about a first-rate production. For a time, she even passed this intricate expertise on to her own students as co-creative director and general manager of Hilton Head, South Carolina’s Main Street Youth Theater, a family-centered communitybased theater whose mission is to educate young performers in all aspects of the theater. And what’s next for Alana? “I’m living in Melbourne, Australia, and, among other things, I’m working as a Site Analyst for Cirque du Soleil. In that role, I’ll locate and evaluate the feasibility of production locations in Australia and New Zealand.” “I can’t thank Worcester Academy enough, and especially WA’s Choral Director Don Irving and Theater Director Diana Canterbury. It was an amazing time for me. Through their great mentoring, I was able to grow and learn that with hard work and imagination, anything is possible!”
alumni news
After Hours events were organized on July 17 in Worcester by the Worcester After Hours committee, Aug. 21 in Boston by Lisbet Crowley ’07, and Liz ’05 and Maggie ’07 Amorello, and Nov. 13 in New York by Jamie Lavin ’02. Contact Greg Cappello at greg. cappello@worcesteracademy.org to organize an After Hours event in your city.
Boston
WORCESTER
alumni after hours
from the director of alumni relations Are you interested in helping Worcester Academy students, faculty or alumni in a direct and personal way? Rewarding volunteer opportunities exist: >> Classroom Resource—share your expertise as a guest presenter, project evaluator or host a field trip at your workplace. >> Internship Sponsor—host students for two-week graduation projects as they discover solutions to real-world problems or engage in career exploration. >> Career Networking Resource—support alumni as they enter your field of expertise. >> Regional Networking Contact—introduce alumni to key resources and attractions as they relocate to your city. Please consider how you can support WA alumni, students and faculty. Then visit our website to offer yourself as a WA Alumni Volunteer. Together, we can deliver on the power and promise of a WA network that is 7,500 alumni strong! I look forward to hearing from you,
Greg Cappello
Worcester Academy
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Oskee Weekend Worcester Academy’s Annual Oskee Weekend for alumni, students, families, and friends was a fun and memorable occasion for all. This year’s Homecoming football game, under the lights at Morse Field, was dedicated to the late “Doc” Samko, who served Worcester Academy and advanced athletics here for 47 years.
scan this page for more Oskee Weekend photos 14 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
alumni news
we’d love to see you! Want to reconnect with classmates, faculty, and other friends? Visit us during one of our upcoming alumni events! The schedule below includes many fun opportunities to share memories and rejuvenate fond friendships. For additional details, updates, or to register, go to worcesteracademy.org/register.
March 11
May 2
DALLAS ALUMNI RECEPTION
ALUMNI SOCCER GAME
6:30–8:30 p.m. Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX
11:00 a.m.
May 23
ALUMNAE SOCCER GAME 11:00 a.m.
March TBD
SEOUL, HONG KONG, BEIJING AND SHANGHAI RECEPTIONS
June 7
ALUMNI BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL GAMES
April 16
11:00 a.m.
WORCESTER AFTER HOURS
June 8
May 1–2
ROWE SCHOLARSHIP CLASSIC
REUNION WEEKEND
July 16
WORCESTER AFTER HOURS © Oleg Golovnev/Shutterstock.com
To host an event or to suggest an event location, or for more information, call Director of Alumni Relations Greg Cappello at 508-459-6933, or email greg.cappello@worcesteracademy.org.
Worcester Academy
15
e h t on DANIELLE MCAVOY,
computer science
by Caroline G. Reich
Danielle “Dani” McAvoy came to WA in Fall 2013 to teach Upper School computer science and mechanical design (as well as eighth grade pre-Algebra). A now-second-year teacher and graduate of Bowdoin with a B.A. in Computer Science and Mathematics Education, she finds herself quite busy with many of the usual prep school teaching duties. She coaches track and is advisor to the Middle School Computer Programming Club and also is a rugby coach at the College of the Holy Cross. Dani says she believes it is a privilege to be able to teach and wants students to “learn how to learn on their own.” That, she says, means appreciating the lessons of failure as well as success.
scan this page to watch an interview with Dani McAvoy
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HILLTOP
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“IT’S MY ROLE AS A TEACHER TO MODEL HOW TO DEAL WITH FAILURE AS A LEARNING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING TOOL, HOW TO ATTACK PROBLEMS—SKILLS THAT WILL BE SO IMPORTANT TO STUDENTS LATER ON—WHETHER THEY ARE ENGINEERS, BUSINESS EXECUTIVES, OR ARTISTS.” “Most of the time, when students start a computer program, it’s going to fail and that’s pretty intimidating to some students,” she says. “It’s my role as a teacher to model how to deal with failure as a learning and problem-solving tool, how to attack problems—skills that will be so important to students later on— whether they are engineers, business executives, or artists. “This concept of finding opportunity for growth in success and in failure is a central focus for the learning community at WA.” Dani notes that her approach to teaching computer science and technology is rooted in her educational experience at Bowdoin. There, students were encouraged to study how technology works, to consider how to apply it, and to be prepared to trouble-shoot as needed. To that end, she has stepped up to coordinate WA’s first-time participation in last school year’s National “Hour of Code” initiative, during which 98 percent of WA students received an hour of coding instruction in one week last December. She repeated the feet this year as well. In her mechanical design class, she encourages students to use engineering to solve a real-world problems. Last year,
students reviewed the locations and use of campus lockers and considered efficiencies in Walker Hall, which was being renovated. Students evaluated
the problem, designed a working model using computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing, made a presentation for the head of school and others, went back to the drawing board, and presented a second time. They used several software packages including Google SketchUp, plus they had to hone their writing, oral presentation, and collaboration skills. “Through this process, I often had to say to my students that we were learning together and that the technology
was encouraging us to break down this huge task into logical steps. At its most basic, the students were ‘learning how to learn,’” she explains. Because she is a technology teacher, there is a bit of the evangelist in Dani. “Not every one of my students will become an engineer or computer science major, but I believe that any student with any interest can expand that interest exponentially through the mastery and use of technology.”
scan this page to watch a student drone film
Worcester Academy
17
2014 BOARD OF VISITORS PROGRAM PUTS
focus on the arts Worcester Academy’s Board of Visitors (BoV) convened on campus for its annual meeting in November, bringing nearly 100 board members to the Hilltop to learn how the arts inform innovative teaching and learning at Worcester Academy. The BoV meeting is an opportunity to promote Worcester Academy to the business community, donors, prospective and current parents, civic leaders, alumni and educators. Board of Trustees President Henry Dormitzer and Head of School Ron Cino welcomed attendees and introduced the 2014 program, focused on art and design. “At Worcester Academy, because the arts are a critical component of the our curriculum, we were pleased to demonstrate how they are interwoven into the fabric of the Worcester Academy experience,” said Mr. Cino. The 2014 Keynote speaker was Charlie Cannon, associate professor
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at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). An architect by training, Mr. Cannon teaches in RISD’s Industrial Design Department, teaching core studios in the graduate program and seminars and courses focused on sustainable design. His presentation emphasized that the arts are essential to all aspects of the curriculum and student life, thus the importance of integrating art and design thinking in education and curriculum. Following the keynote speech, Dr. Cynthia Sabik, dean of faculty at WA, broke attendees into groups, which then visited classrooms throughout campus to witness the integration of design thinking in Worcester Academy courses. The event culminated in an afternoon program, requiring groups to demonstrate their impressions of design thinking in action via an artistic medium. Groups designed poetic verse,
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puppet shows, and humorous musical compositions to relay their experiences. Following the program, guests enjoyed a performance from the Academy Singers and a reception in the newly renovated Walker Hall. Faculty, staff, and students all contributed to the success of the day. Visual & Performing Arts Department Co-Chairs Eliza Hale and Elizabeth Bowles were particularly influential in the day’s success. The following quote from a Board of Visitors participant conveys the impact of the experience. “Becoming immersed in classroom visits and the experiential learning was my favorite part of the program. Witnessing the evolution of classroom learning and practices with respect to student interaction and pedagogy was not only exciting but promising, just as it is each year that I visit the Academy.”
WORCESTER ACADEMY’S
FALL 2015 ~ BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MORE INFORMATION
gala & auction Come spend an amazing evening with the Worcester Academy community ~ Cocktails, dinner, music, silent auction and live auction, featuring Auctioneer Paul T. Zekos, promises a night to remember. Worcester Academy holds this bi-annual event in support of our Faculty Professional Development Fund, which provides essential programs that ensure that our faculty members remain experts in their fields. Whether a parent or a graduate— you know that our faculty are what make Worcester Academy the outstanding place it has been for decades. They truly do go Above & Beyond for their students.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? Interested in donating an item for the silent or live auction? Alumni and parents pulled out all the stops in 2013 and we had spectacular items up for bid. The committee is looking for auction items that focus on destination and experiences that you can’t just go out and buy. >> Do you know anyone with a house on the Cape or Islands who could donate a week’s stay? How about someone with a place in Europe or a time-share in the Caribbean? Ski places are always popular whether it be Park City, Utah, Vail, Colorado or anywhere in New England. >> Do you know anyone with access to concerts with backstage passes, box seats to sporting events with a “meet-and-greet,” or Broadway shows? How about a connection to a great restaurant for a private dinner party, wine tasting, or perhaps a jazz brunch? Golf at a wellknown private course is always a desirable auction item.
Interested in being a Gala & Auction Sponsor? There are several Sponsorship Levels available and we would be honored to speak with you about them. Email us at auction@worcesteracademy.org with your contact information and a committee member will call you to discuss the opportunities.
Get a table of friends together and come for the evening.
Details about the Gala & Auction will be coming your way over the next several months.
Worcester Academy
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new board of trustees members
LAUREN S. BAKER, Ph.D., P.E.
J.P. RICCIARDI
EDWIN B. SHAW ’61
Dr. Lauren S. Baker is the president and CEO of Boston Biomedical Associates (BBA). She established BBA in 2000 after an extensive career of nearly 10 years running the corporate clinical research group for Boston Scientific. Prior to BSC, she was employed as a research assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where she worked in the Cardiac and Vascular Surgery Departments. She has served as a professor in Mechanical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and has established herself as a leader in clinical research in a variety of medical areas including cardiovascular, neurovascular, orthopedics, GI and GU. Dr. Baker is a licensed professional engineer and holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a Masters and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Biomedical Engineering. She received her degrees from WPI and her research was performed in the Vascular Surgery Department at UMASS Medical School. She resides in Shrewsbury with her children, Mackenzie ’15 and Jackson ’18, who attend Worcester Academy.
J.P. Ricciardi, a major league baseball executive, is special assistant to New York Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson, a post Mr. Ricciardi has held since 2011. A Worcester native, he is the son of the late John Ricciardi, who worked for 50 years in the Worcester Academy Athletics Department. J.P. Ricciardi’s sons, Dante ’15 and Mariano ’17, attend Worcester Academy. Previously, Mr. Ricciardi was senior vice president of baseball operations and general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. He was also previously special assistant to the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, where he served as director of player personnel, East Coast scouting supervisor, and national crosschecker. He has been an analyst for ESPN’s “Baseball Tonight.” Mr. Ricciardi attended St. Leo University, where he played baseball for the Lions, before playing two seasons as a minor league player with the New York Mets farm team. Following his playing career, he was a minor league coach with the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers. He lives with his wife and children in West Boylston, MA.
Edwin B. Shaw is a financial advisor and co-founder of Planning Alternatives Ltd. an RIA in Bloomfield Hills, MI. With more than 30 years in the financial service industry, he provides comprehensive financial planning to high-net worth clients with a specialization in retirement planning and investment counseling. Planning Alternatives, listed by Crain’s as a top Detroit area money manager, has $1 billion under investment management for clients in 24 states. Mr. Shaw, a graduate of Worcester Academy, Class of 1961, received his bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in 1966. He received his Certified Financial Planning Designation in 1983, the year after founding Planning Alternatives. Prior to beginning Planning Alternatives, Mr. Shaw was an advisor and founding partner of Octagon Corporation specializing in business continuation and estate planning. He was previously an insurance agent and advisor for Connecticut General Insurance Company. He is a licensed insurance counselor in the State of Michigan. A longtime benefactor of Worcester Academy and other educational causes, he and his wife, Felicia, fund a scholarship for the Worcester Academy Neighborhood Scholarship Program. Mr. Shaw also funds a Cornerstone School Student Scholarship and the Evans Scholarship Fund. His wife is a board member and past president for Variety, the Children’s Charity.
20 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
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WA welcomes its new faculty FOR THE 2014–2015 SCHOOL YEAR Worcester Academy welcomed a host of new faculty members for the 2014–2015 School Year. Ron Cino, head of school, said each of the teachers will contribute to the academic excellence and innovation that are the hallmarks of the WA experience. “Our entire community welcomes them, and we look forward to getting to know them in and out of the classroom in the coming months,” Mr. Cino said. See new administrative changes following the faculty list below.
New faculty include the following: >> Brian Abend, Upper School Math BA Mathematics minor Psychology and Teacher Education – 2006, Middlebury College >> Susanne Broderick, Middle School Math Master’s Education Curriculum & Instruction – 2013, University of Scranton; BS Geology – 2001, Florida State University; BS Natural Sciences – 1998, Worcester State College
Performance, University of Massachusetts; Bachelors Degree in Music Education, University of Massachusetts; Massachusetts Professional Teachers Certificate Music – All Levels >> Jeanne Epstein, Upper School Administrative Assistant/Registrar MFA Film Production – 2002, Chapman University, Orange, CA; BA English – 1996, Hope Int’l University, Fullerton, CA
>> Anna Clifford, Upper School World Languages, Spanish (long-term sub) BA Spanish – 2014, Colby College; Worcester Academy Class of 2010
>> Stephanie Jackson, Upper School Math Master’s of Math for Educators – 2014, WPI; BA Mathematics – 2011, Holy Cross; Worcester Academy Class of 2007
>> Bob D’Ambrosio, Upper School Instrumental Music Post-Graduate clarinet studies with Thomas Martin, Boston Symphony Orchestra; Masters Degree in Music
>> Zak Johnson, Upper School Science, Chemistry MAT Curriculum & Instruction – 2014, University of Vermont; BS Chemistry – 2013, St. Lawrence University
From left, first row, Jackson, Clifford, Welcom, Sampson, and Nagle; second row, Johnson, Broderick, Epstein, Nelson, and D’Ambrosio; and third row, Plante, Abend, Mackay Monheim, Mura, and Swindlehurst.
>> Tricia Mackay Monheim, Director, Center for Learning MA Learning Disabilities – 1990, Columbia University Teacher’s College; BA English – 1988, Portland State University >> Kathleen Mura, Administrative Assistant, Admission Office MA Liberal Arts – 1992, Assumption College >> Dan Nagle, Upper School History and Social Sciences/ Head Girls Basketball Coach MA Sports Leadership – 2011, Northeastern; BA History – 2009, Emmanuel College >> Laurie Nelson, Associate Director of College Counseling M.Ed. Student Development – 2005, University of Maine; MA Sociology – 2003, University of Notre Dame; AB Sociology – 2001, Bowdoin College
>> David Plante, Middle School English: Production Designer/Technical Director B.A. English – 2008, Westfield State College >> Stacie Sampson, Upper School World Languages/John Hope Fellow BA Communications, Spanish, Women & Gender Studies – 2014, High Point University >> Bill Swindlehurst, Upper School Math MS Mathematics ED – 1998, WPI; BS Mechanical Engineering – 1985, Rochester Institute of Technology >> Mei Welcom, Administrative Assistant, Middle School BS Management and Finance – 1989, Northeastern University
A number of administrative changes have also been made this year, including: >> Barbara Ahalt, Associate Head of School >> Patty Peterleitner, Director of the Upper School >>Wayne Bolden, Class Dean (Juniors)/CFL >> Nardella Thomas, Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students and Director of Diversity >> Kevin Zifcak, Associate Director of Admission
Also new to WA: >> Kory Erickson, Sports Turf Technician >> Guy Angers, Head Boys Ice Hockey Coach (adjunct) Worcester Academy
21
share the scare
scan this page to “Share the Scare” with chemistry teacher Gordie Lockbaum Jr. ’08
EightyONEnineteen Connect FORMING STRONG COMMUNITY BONDS The members of EightyONEnineteen Connect, one of Worcester Academy’s 25 Upper School student clubs this year, made holiday ornaments and helped residents at nearby Worcester Rehabilitation & Health Care Center hang them on a tree in the facility’s community room. Student service at the Health Care Center, located adjacent to WA’s Morse Field, represents some of the many ways that Worcester Academy engages in the neighborhood—and the city of Worcester at large. The purpose of the club is to form intergenerational connections with the community and to form a stronger connection with places outside of WA. The club links WA at 81 Providence Street with the facility at 119 Providence Street. Club members include seniors Emma Carter-LaMarche, Caroline Eberhard, Nicole Fleming, Maeve Foley, Emily Isakson (president), Rachel Mazur, and Madison Steele. WA faculty member Pat Carter is club advisor. 22 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
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cultural heritage FLAVORS OF THE WORLD ON MENU AT WA’S INAUGURAL CULTURAL HERITAGE DINNER Students and families learned about other cultures and enjoyed great entertainment at Worcester Academy’s Cultural Heritage Dinner, but it was the food and friendship that took center stage at the first-ever event here. Designed as a community-building function, the event brought nearly 400 people to Daniels Gymnasium for a showcase of cuisine that represented the rich ethnic and cultural diversity of the Worcester Academy community, which includes 25 nations, as well as the many other proud traditions of WA’s families.
“The Dinner was incredibly successful, well beyond our initial expectations,” said Nancy Osborn, director of parent relations. “It’s a testimony to all those who contributed their time to making this happen—folks from a wide crosssection of the WA family—who are passionate about building community.” Organized by the Parent Diversity Committee, the event was the handiwork of numerous stakeholders at the Academy, including Residential Life, the director of diversity, the international student advisor, and many others, including
the more than 100 parents and students who made and brought food to the event. At any one time, buffet tables lined each side of the gym, featuring delicacies of every kind from seemingly all corners of the earth: sushi from Japan, rice and beans from South America, meat filled dumplings from China, lasagna from Italy, beef stew from the United Kingdom, Scandinavian ginger snaps, Polish sausage—you name it, it was all there! “There was such a great deal of pride that went into each of these dishes,” said Mrs. Osborn. “Everyone who made
food was so happy to share it and to treat other members of our community to one of the things that makes their families special.” In addition to having dinner, participants were invited to decorate a fabric square representing their families for inclusion in a Community Quilt. Worcester Academy has had a longstanding commitment to celebrating diversity in its community and to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that is in keeping with the Academy’s mission and core values.
scan this page for more photos from the cultural heritage dinner Worcester Academy
23
on the hilltop BEYOND THE HILLTOP
KATHRYN EPPINGER ’16 of Grafton, MA, competed in the Washington International Horse Show Finals at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. Of 1,500 eligible riders, only 40 make it to D.C. Kathryn placed 11th in the Hunter round and 15th overall. Among her other achievements, she was Reserve Grand Champion in Ocala; received the Excellence in Equitation Trophy in Saratoga; qualified for all National Equitation Finals and all indoor National Hunter Finals (hunter finals generally include only the top 20 or 15 horses in the country in each category); and eighth in Washington, eighth at Junior Hunter National Finals, eighth at Devon, fifth in Kentucky, and fifth of 206 riders at the New England Equitation Championship. NATHAN GEURKINK ’15 of Whitinsville, MA, started playing cello (and piano!) when was 5. Shortly after coming to Worcester Academy in Grade 6, he began cello lessons with Andrew Mark, a cellist in the Boston Pops and chair of the string department at Boston Conservatory. Nathan joined the Boston Youth Symphony as a sophomore, as well as the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra when he was a junior. This summer, he will
Kimberly Loushin/The Chronicle of the Horse Photo
student standouts
tour with the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in Berlin, Prague, and Switzerland. During all four years at WA, he has been accepted into the Central District Massachusetts Orchestra and the All-State Massachusetts Orchestra. He won the Seven Hills Symphony Concerto Competition in 2014. Recently, he met Yo-Yo Ma after attending one of his concerts.
KAZ GRALA ’17 of Westborough, MA, drove for Turner Scott Motorsports for the 2014 season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. As a rookie, he scored 4 top-fives, 10 top-tens, and finished 7th in the overall points championship. In the last race of the season, he finished 2nd (a career best to date) at the fastest track of the year (155 mph average). Recently, Kaz signed with Ben Kennedy Racing for 2015 in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. He said he’s thrilled to be back in the same series again to contend for the title, especially with Ben Kennedy Racing.
HEIDI MUNGER ’15 of Worcester recently won the New England Senior Level Figure Skating Regional 24 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
Championship, one of many medals she has won over the years. Heidi, who is from Worcester, began skating at the age of 4. Like many competitive skaters, she has made sacrifices to maintain her level of excellence. She trains about an hour away in Boston and practices skating there most days of the week. Additionally, she is on the WA honor roll and participates in school activities. She has performed in several charity ice shows, including Ice Chips, and has taught skating to developmentally disabled students. In the summer, she volunteers at The Perkins School for the Blind.
ANDJELA SESLIJA ’15 of Bosnia is a remarkable forward on the WA Girls Varsity Soccer Team, having collected 14 goals for her team this season. It is her experience as a defensive player on the international scene, however, where her talents have been honed. Andjela is a member of the Bosnian National Womens Soccer Team. In fact, she spent the first three weeks of her postgraduate year at WA playing against Sweden and Poland in qualifying matches for EURO15. In 2006, she played in the
Junior World Cup in Japan. She expects to play for the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester next year and is grateful for having had the opportunity to live and learn at Worcester Academy, where, she says, teachers and coaches have taught her a lot.
SAM STIMPSON ’15 of Princeton, MA, is a nationally ranked “friskier,” skiing for Killington Mountain in Vermont. Freeskiing is a discipline that has three events, Slopestyle, Halfpipe, and Skicross. Sam’s specialty is Slopestyle, which combines a series of rail features and jumps. His daily routine includes trampoline before breakfast and hours spent on the slopes later in the day. Currently, he competes in two organizations—USSA (the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association) and USASA (the USA Snowboard Association), which includes freeskiing. Sam has qualified for the USASA Nationals for the last five years, and consistently places in the top 20 in his competitions. He is looking forward to a big 2014–2015 season and some top results in this his senior year.
the
middle:
news from Worcester Academy middle school
Forest Ma ’21 ‘smashing the bird’ working way up U.S. national badminton ranks by Neil R. Isakson
Forest Ma ’21 began playing Ping-Pong competitively when he was 7. In 2011, he decided he needed a change. The 4-foot-nine-inch Worcester Academy Sixth Grader decided he needed a bigger court. He decided to try his hand at Badminton. Three years later, the Westborough 12-year-old had earned a No. 21 U13 Boys Singles ranking in U.S.A. Junior National Badminton. His current junior ranking for Boys Doubles is 33. “It’s exciting being in a competition,” says Forest, who appreciates being able to run a lot during Badminton games, as compared to Ping-Pong, which requires that he remain in a narrowly defined space. “It’s the best feeling when you win. It’s fun to smash the bird.”
Forest, who can frequently be seen sporting a Yonex pro badminton bag with high-end racquets and real feathered shuttlecocks (aka birdies), practices and plays Badminton up to 10 hours a week. By all accounts, he is developing the agility, speed, aerobic stamina, and precision that are needed to play at the highest levels of competition. That level of commitment is no small task either when one considers that he plays soccer in Westborough, has earned his junior black belt in karate, and is a violin-playing member of the Rhode Island Youth Symphony, executing renditions of “Presti Omai” and “Dance of the Comedians.” One cannot help but think this is
enjoys being a member of the Middle School’s Scratch computer programming club. In fact, he would love to be a computer software engineer someday developing games. His affinity for computer programming was on full display at Mother’s Day this year when he used Java, a programming language, to create a digital card for his mom. The card read: “Thank you for sending me to Worcester Academy.” Forest admits the Worcester Academy motto, “Achieve the Honorable,” speaks to his competitive spirit. “It makes me want to win more,” he says.
So what has all the practice and competition taught Forest? “Always try your best,” he says, after thinking a minute. “And don’t get mad at yourself if you lose.” Perhaps that’s the advice he gives to his sister, 17-year-old Crystal, a senior at Westborough High and a competitive synchronized swimmer with the YWCA’s Synchro-Maids in Worcester. Forest says he is toying with the idea of starting a Badminton team at WA. He thinks it would be fun to teach the sport to his classmates. How in the world will he find the time?!
“That level of commitment is no small task either when one considers that he plays soccer in Westborough, has earned his junior black belt in karate, and is a violin-playing member of the Rhode Island Youth Symphony…” And winning he has done with a half dozen Badminton medals and trophies to his credit following competitions across the country. Also—while he does admire American sports heroes—he now aspires to the likes of Olympians Dan Lin and Chong Wei Lee, legends in the world Badminton community.
what his parents, Westborough’s Jen Li and Li Ma, had in mind when they named him Forest. “I wanted my boy to be big, growing, alive, and spreading like the woods,” Jen says. And grow he has, including academically. Forest says he loves science best and Worcester Academy
25
WA ATHLETICS
Worcester Academy’s
William C. ‘Doc’ Samko, 95, remembered as ‘treasure for us all’ by Neil R. Isakson
Members of the Worcester Academy community paid homage to the late William C. “Doc” Samko in a special halftime ceremony at the Oskee Weekend football game in October. Dozens of invited guests were joined by hundreds of fans in saluting Doc, a WA legend, who for 47 years advanced Worcester Academy athletics and embodied the Academy motto, “Achieve the Honorable.” “He was truly a treasure for all of us,” said Donald E. “Dee” Rowe, special assistant to the head of school and former WA athletic director. “He loved wearing the Worcester Academy uniform and he was totally committed to the kids, their games, and to building their lives. He made a difference for all who were privileged to know him.” Samko, known as Bill to some but Doc to most, died June 20 at the age of 95. He began at the Academy in 1967, eventually serving as special assistant, a post he held starting in
26 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
2004. Remembered as a friend to all, Doc only recently stopped coming into the office. A tireless advocate for Worcester Academy athletics, Doc Samko was a pioneer in his field, helping to establish the first state and national standards for athletic trainers. He was a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, where he worked prior to coming to Worcester Academy, and once served as an associate professor in orthopedics and physical rehabilitation at UMass Medical School. He had a master’s degree in education and pioneered the use of molded padding by athletes so that they could return to play with protection. He led the way for the establishment of the National Athletic Trainers Association, of which he is a charter member, in 1970. In the early-’70s, Doc collaborated with his close friend, Dr. Paul V. Shannon ’31, forming one of the first, if not the first, orthopedic and physical therapy teams in
the country. Working together, the two were pioneers in a new specialty, known today as Sports Medicine. While at Holy Cross, Doc helped the likes of Bob Cousy, Tommy Heinsohn, and other greats of that era and was trainer for the 1947 Holy Cross national basketball championship team. He started at Worcester Academy under then-athletic director and boys basketball coach Donald E. “Dee” Rowe ’47 and went on to work under successive WA athletic directors Thomas Blackburn and Edward Reilly. Each of the men has fond remembrances of Doc. Dee Rowe, who left WA in the 1970s to coach basketball at UConn, said he had always maintained the close relationships that he formed with Doc at the Academy. “It’s was a very tough loss,” said Dee. “He loved the Academy – and he loved his profession, Holy Cross, the city of Worcester, his wife, Justine, and their family.”
varsity club
Doc’s wife, Justine Samko, died in 2013 at the age of 87. “There will never be another like him,” Dee said, emphasizing his words. Former AD and coach Tom Blackburn said he and others were blessed to have been able to call Doc both a colleague and a friend. “He will be remembered because he touched the lives of so many people in so many ways in life,” Tom said. “I had so much admiration for him because of the type of person he was. He was a very caring person and a lot of people looked up to him and went to him for advice.” Current Director of Athletics Ed Reilly said Doc had positively impacted the lives of a generation of Worcester Academy students and families. “His passing marked the end of a cherished link between our past and our present,” said Ed. “There was no finer professional, no one
more loyal to cause, and, certainly, no one more unwavering in his devotion as a friend. “He was an icon who will be sorely missed but who will always be celebrated as a pioneer in his profession, a devoted husband and father, and as an individual who fully understood and embraced the concept of being the consummate team player.” While Doc left an indelible mark on the Academy and all who knew him, he was equally well regarded by athletic trainers everywhere, by fellow educators, and by industry leaders. Among the accolades he earned over the years were induction into the National Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame (1986), the Worcester Academy Hall of Fame (1991), the St. Peter-Marian High School Hall of Fame (2006), the New England Basketball Hall of Fame (2006), and the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts Hall of Fame (2009). Additional honors include the National
Athletic Trainer’s Association’s first 25-Year Service Award, and the association’s Award of Appreciation (1976), the Kerkor Kassabian Award for Athletic Trainer of Massachusetts (1996), and the All American Football Foundation Outstanding Trainer Award (2000). He was the New England Basketball Association’s Trainer of the Year in 1966, and, at the same time, headed the committee for the licensure of Massachusetts athletic trainers. In 2004, the William “Doc” Samko Scholarship was established at WA by Doc’s friends and family to honor his 40-plus years of service to the Academy. It is awarded annually to a deserving student-athlete with demonstrated financial need. Doc left his sons, William P. Samko ’69 and Philip W. Samko ’72, and an extended family.
“Doc” was an unforgettable character to the thousands of people whose lives were transformed for having known him. Our memories of Doc, the stories he told about his life experiences and the stories we all tell about him, will fill our lives with joy always. He is deeply missed by all of us at WA—colleagues, alumni, and students. —Ronald M. Cino Worcester Academy
27
director of athletics
Ed Reilly honored by
Boys and Girls Club of Worcester WA Director of Athletics Ed Reilly was honored at the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester’s 3rd Annual Sport and Celebrity Nite held at the Hogan Center on the Holy Cross campus in September. The evening honors individuals who have excelled in the athletic industry, while acting as exceptional role models for the youth in the Greater Worcester community. In light of the Club’s Core Belief in “the transformational power of ongoing relationships with caring adults,” Mr. Reilly was an ideal candidate. Mr. Reilly has been WA’s Athletic Director for 10 years. He came to the Academy after a lengthy career as a basketball coach, which included stints at Princeton University, Brown University, Bryant University, and at his alma mater, the College of the Holy Cross. In addition to his work on the basketball court and in the AD’s office, Ed has over 20 years experience as a camp director. Ed continues to serve as the director of Worcester Academy’s Summer Sports Camp.
fall scoreboard fall 2014 team
wins
losses
ties
other
Varsity Football
6
2
0
Varsity Boys Soccer
15
2
4
Junior Varsity Boys Soccer
8
1
3
Varsity Girls Soccer
6
9
2
Junior Varsity Girls Soccer
6
8
1
Varsity Field Hockey
2
15
0
Varsity Volleyball
5
12
0
Junior Varsity Volleyball
6
12
1
Varsity Boys Cross-Country
12
4
1
NEPSTA-12th; Invitationals-4
Varsity Girls Cross-Country
4
3
0
NEPSTA-14th; Invitationals-4 Illustration by WA faculty member Jeff McCreight
28 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
varsity club
6to playseniors sign letters of intent college athletics Six members of Worcester Academy’s Class of 2015 signed letters of intent in November to attend colleges and universities with NCAA athletic programs. “We’re extremely proud of the accomplishments of these outstanding student-athletes and celebrate their recognition and good fortune as they sign their National Letter of Intent,” said Ed Reilly, Worcester Academy director of athletics. “We offer congratulations to their parents, coaches, and teachers for their support and direction throughout the process and join the entire Worcester Academy community in wishing them the very best in the years ahead.” Student-athletes signing letters included:
PATRICK BENZAN of Wellesley, who will attend the College of the Holy Cross, where he will play basketball.
Steven Kilday, Peter Bovenzi, Dante Ricciardi, Connor Donahue, Patrick Benzan, and Augustus Culpo.
PETER BOVENZI Breakfast • Lunch • Golf Carts • Prizes • Cocktail Reception & Dinner • Hole-in-One Prize • Not a golfer? Please join us for dinner.
The 17th annual
2015
Save-the-Date! Join alumni and friends of Worcester Academy as they “TEE IT UP WITH DEE” to benefit the Rowe Family Scholarship Fund on Monday, June 8, 2015, at Worcester Country Club. This special endowed scholarship fund was established in 1998 by Worcester Academy alumni, colleagues, and friends of the Rowe family as a lasting tribute to Academy alumnus DONALD E. “DEE” ROWE ’47 and his family. This fund awards scholarships annually to students of outstanding character who, in addition to participation in athletics, exhibit strong leadership both at school and in the community.
Invitations will be mailed in April. For more information, call Greg Cappello at 508-754-5302, or email: greg.cappello@worcesteracademy.org
of Lunenberg, who will attend Tulane University, where he will play baseball.
AUGUSTUS CULPO of Cranston, RI, who will attend Pittsburgh University, where he will play baseball.
CONNOR DONAHUE of Hampstead, NH, who will attend UMASSAmherst, where he will play baseball.
STEVEN KILDAY of Marshfield, who will attend Providence College, where he will play soccer.
DANTE RICCIARDI of West Boylston, who will attend Georgetown University, where he will play baseball.
Worcester Academy
29
Daniels Foundation PONDERS HISTORY, COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS AT WA by Ursula A. Arello
Worcester Academy students, alumni and friends are all familiar with the iconic Fred Harold Daniels (Class of 1905) Gymnasium, named for a generous and loyal benefactor. Generations of students have walked below the clock tower and across the threshold of the imposing doors to participate in basketball, swimming, wrestling, and other activities. In recent years, Daniels has also been the site of Reunion celebrations, Grandparents Day breakfasts, and Board of Visitors events. In the Summer of 2014, WA had the opportunity to again thank the Daniels
Family by hosting the Fred Harris Daniels Foundation G4 (4th Generation) Summit. Fred Harris is Fred Harold’s father. The Fred Harris Daniels Foundation, led by the Daniels family descendants, needed a destination for numerous cousins and siblings to meet and discuss the direction of the foundation. They sought a location rich in family history with living accommodations, ample meeting rooms, and easy transportation. Worcester Academy was the ideal venue. Head of School Ron Cino welcomed the family to the two-day conclave by thanking the members for selecting
SURPASSES GOAL TO RAISE $68,000 Thank you to everyone who helped us to meet and exceed our goal by donating $68,000 to Worcester Academy on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2. A special thanks to our two challenge donors who jumpstarted the initiative with gifts totaling $20,000. Our students additionally raised money and collected goods to be donated to local charitable and service agencies throughout Worcester County. Agencies that benefitted included Girls Inc., Union Hill School, Abby’s House shelter, Friendly House, N.E.A.D.S. assistive dog program, Veterans Inc., and the Worcester Academy Serendipity Fund. “In 1969 my Dad passed away and my mother could not afford prep school. WA gave me a full athletic scholarship, which allowed me to attend. Over the years I have wanted to repay the Academy for this aid and the Giving Tuesday matching gift makes my expression of appreciation a bit more helpful in some small way.” —Chet Gladchuk ’69
30 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
Worcester Academy and noted the school’s close connection to the Daniels family. Later, there were serious board meetings, guest speakers, and croquet & family movies on the quad, culminating in lively after-hours karaoke. Heydon Hall and Davol Hall were outfitted with air conditioners and other amenities for our summer guests. Fred Harold Daniels, president of U.S. Steel and wire and a Worcester Academy trustee from the 1920s until his death in 1967, generosity sustained Worcester Academy during the Great Depression. In 1933, Worcester Academy’s outstanding debt, primarily related to the construction of the gymnasium, led to the seizure of its checking accounts. Mr. Daniels facilitated and significantly funded the restoration of Worcester Academy’s solvency. By 1950, the school was freed of its debt. It was a logical decision to name the gym “Daniels Gymnasium.” Fred Harold Daniels had two brothers, Clarence, Worcester Academy class of 1903, and Dwight. In 1949, all three brothers established the Fred Harris Daniels Foundation in honor of their father, himself a well-respected business leader and Worcester industrialist and philanthropist. The Fred Harris Daniels Foundation remains a dedicated contributor to many Worcester organizations, and has been a stalwart supporter of Worcester Academy. Fred Harold Daniels’ son, Bruce ’43, attended Worcester Academy and was a long time trustee. Fred’s wife, Eleanor,
F. Harold Daniels and his wife, Eleanor.
was also a trustee and member of the Thimble Club. Other descendants have since graduated from WA and been active on boards and committees. Reflecting on the gathering at WA, another Fred Daniels (Bruce Daniels’ son) and Foundation president wrote, “It added up to a special weekend, one which exceeded our three core goals easily: to provide a fellowship and bonding opportunity for these cousins; to provide historical context for the Daniels Family and their commitment to the community; and, to begin the process of learning about philanthropy and the awesome responsibility that is at hand for this upcoming generation.” Worcester Academy was pleased to have the Daniels family on campus and grateful that several generations of family members could personally experience life on the Hilltop. It was an event-filled weekend worth repeating.
giving news
gift by Stewart Lassner ’70 to campaign meant to inspire GREEN ROOM IN NEW PERFORMANCE CENTER TO BE NAMED IN HIS HONOR by Neil R. Isakson
Stewart Lassner graduated from Worcester Academy in 1970 after spending four years in the Academy’s boarding program. By his own account, the experience was a transformative one, just as it would be for any teen living away from home—in his case, Montreal. During Lassner’s time at WA, he grew in independence, gained problem solving skills, and became more self-motivated, all qualities that would serve him well in college and later life. He also developed a love for theater, his “spot in the community.” More importantly, however, it was the lifelong friendships that he made and the faculty who taught and influenced
new parents Parents new to Worcester Academy enjoyed a welcome from Head of School, Ron Cino, and his wife, Nathalie, at Abercrombie House on Oct. 17. Pictured from left are Bill and Tina Sullivan P’18 with Nathalie and Ron.
him as a student and as a person that distinguished his time at the Academy. Now retired, Lassner recalls his time in Worcester warmly. “Worcester Academy treated me very well,” he says. “I got a great education in the humanities and developed good skill sets in writing and communications. All of that was made possible by a few exceptional teachers that I had there.” It’s those exceptional teachers—primarily those who taught English and were connected to the theater program, or EKA, Eta Kappa Alpha, as it was then known— that he had in mind when he and his wife, Rhonda, made a $75,000 gift to “OnWArd: The Campaign For Worcester Academy”
recently. Teachers such as Ray Genesse, John Scott, and Grant Rudnicki were intimately connected to that act of generosity, just as they were in preparing him for Boston University’s School of Arts and a successful career in the home furnishing business in Boston. In recognition of that gift, the Academy will name the Stewart L. Lassner ’70 Green Room in his honor. The Lassner Green Room is a part of the planned South Campus Performance Center, which will be built adjacent to Morse Field later this year. “The Green Room represents the historical gathering place for actors and actresses,” Lassner notes. “It represents my fondest time at the Academy
and the place that I had my largest social circle, with like minded people.” Lassner said the gift is also an endorsement of the many changes he has witnessed at Worcester Academy over the years through his involvement in the Board of Visitors, including an embrace of the school’s urban environment and its expansion of programming in ways that allow every WA student to excel and earn the respect of peers, whatever their interests. “I hope when fellow alumni read this, they will be reminded of their own very positive experiences at Worcester Academy and it will inspire them to make their own gifts to the Campaign,” says Lassner. Lassner and his wife, who live in Boston, have two daughters, and twin 6-month-old grandsons. “We’re hopeful they’ll be legacy students someday,” he says smiling. To learn more about making a gift to “OnWArd: The Campaign for Worcester Academy,” contact Marillyn Earley, director of advancement, at 508-754-5302 x107, or e-mail her at marillyn.earley@worcesteracademy.org Worcester Academy
31
parents/grandparents
parent signathon WA kicked off the Parent Annual Fund on October 7 in the Megaron with our annual Signathon event. Parents enjoyed dinner and socializing before signing letters asking parents to join them in supporting this year’s Fund. Left to right: Melanie Waldron, P’11, ’15, Danna Peterson, ’15, Jane Knowles, P’15
Left to Right: David LaPointe, P’17, Karen Grala P’17, Brenda Hackett P ’16, ’17, Janine Dallas P’17, Carolyn Kelley P ’17, Pamela Nydam ’17, ’20, Erika and Frank Puda P ’17
grandparents go back to class
Grandparents Day 2014 was our biggest ever! More than 400 grandparents and students enjoyed breakfast together and then headed off to class. Grandparents spent the morning learning first-hand about what their grandchildren are experiencing on a daily basis here at WA. The consensus from grandparents is that there are some pretty amazing things happening on the Hilltop!
32 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
class notes
1940
1951
KARL BRIEL celebrated his 95th birthday
The September 2014 American Antiquarian Society newsletter mentioned that 17 new members were elected at the semiannual meeting on May 2, 2014. One of them was LANE WOODWARD “WOODY” GOSS of North Andover, MA. His profile reads: “A nowretired senior executive of State Street Bank, Woody Goss actively participates in and supports a number of organizations involved with the preservation and interpretation of early American history and culture. He is a trustee of Historic Deerfield, and by virtue of deep family roots in New England, he is a member of the Society of Cincinnati.”
at the Worcester Club with more than 50 of his closest friends. His daughter, Julie, traveled from Paris to attend. Karl enjoyed himself immensely.
1942 The Marine Museum of Fall River, MA, has dedicated its library to TOM COTTRELL and his wife, Margot, in recognition of the couple’s dedication to the museum since its founding nearly a half century ago. The Cottrells are among the original life members of the Marine Museum and each has served the institution in several capacities, including as its president and vice president. A framed oil painting of the Cottrells at sea and an engraved wooden quarterboard will become permanent fixtures in the library, which features books and other materials about marine life. One of the highlights of the ceremony on July 4th weekend was when Margot led the 100+ in attendance in a rendition of “On the Old Fall River Line!”
1948 living in The Glenridge, a retirement community in Sarasota, FL, for the past ten years.
BILL KRAFT and his wife, Dawn, of New Milford, CT, have been married for more than 50 years. He sends wishes for good health and happiness to the WA family.
BILL MCALLISTER reports that he is an active participant in Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at a university near his home in Huntsville, AL. He says that learning takes place both in the classroom and on planned trips, and “it’s a blast!”
1961
BILL CAHILL and his wife, Dori, have been
1960
get connected Worcester Academy has a variety of social media channels to help you stay up to date with the latest news from the Hilltop. Whether you still live in the area and want to know about upcoming events, or you live overseas and want to see what is happening in our classrooms through videos, social media is our way of bringing the Hilltop to you. Here are just a few ways that you can stay connected: Become a fan of the Worcester Academy Facebook Page. See posts about upcoming events and connect with the Worcester Academy Online Community. Visit Worcester Academy on Flickr to see the latest photos from games, performances, and school life. www.flickr.com/photos/worcesteracademy Watch videos of students, faculty, alumni, and parents experiencing a real-world education. www.youtube.com/user/WorcesterAcademy Catch breaking news about events, lectures, and more when you follow @WorcesterAcdmy on twitter.
1962
1963
After 17 years at the helm, ARNOLD LEHMAN plans to step down as director of the Brooklyn Art Museum in June of 2015. When his departure was announced in September, his career was profiled in an article in the New York Times. Highlights of his career included doubling annual attendance and more than doubling the museum’s endowment; introducing new programs to attract a younger and more diverse crowd; displaying some controversial exhibits over the years; and redesigning the museum’s main entrance with a modern glass canopy.
GEORGE TAVLAS was appointed by the Greek Prime Minister to the Bank of Greece’s six-member Monetary Policy Council, which runs the bank, for a seven-year term. During the 2014–15 academic year, he will be a Visiting Scholar at Duke University, Stanford University and the University of Chicago. George and his wife, Sophia, live in Athens.
JACK SALTER ’61 visited campus with his fiancee, Jan Rhodes, while the couple was on an east coast vacation. Jack, a retired manufacturing executive, lives in Keene, CA. Worcester Academy
33
1965
50th reunion TOM CLEARY, D.D.S. was honored as a William McKenna Volunteer Hero by the Massachusetts Dental Society in 2014 for dedicating his energy, skills, and time to the society; as well as for inspiring colleagues and dental students to work toward the advancement of the profession of dentistry. Tom practices in Easthampton, MA, but also advises dental students at his alma mater, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he is an assistant professor of operative and prosthetic dentistry.
His active role in organized dentistry has included chairing educational conferences, serving as the past president of the Hampshire Dental Society, and traveling to the Dominican Republic on a service mission, to name but a few of his activities.
DAVE FORSBERG was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society at its October 2014 annual meeting. Dave is the Dean of the Anna Maria College Business School. He had previously been the president of the Worcester Business Development Corporation, after having served in a leadership capacity at several public and non-profit organizations.
1966
1971
PATE RAWAK says, “See you at the 50th
Musician GERARD EDERY, who was born in Morocco, raised in Paris and New York City, and graduated from the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied opera, performed his Sephardic music in Worcester in May. His own diverse background and his travels around the world contribute to the richness and diversity of his musical style. “When I speak about Sephardic music, I really convey that it is world music,” he said when interviewed by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. He has uncovered and preserved songs, stories, and melodies from Europe, the Middle East, South America, and ancient
in 2016!”
1968 BILL GOODHUE, whose wife, Kathleen, passed away in 2012 after a long illness, is a professor emeritus of physics at UMassLowell. He resides in Spencer, MA.
Sharing
the joy of discovery
Worcester Academy Annual Fund 34 the HILLTOPPER : winter 2014/15
www.worcesteracademy.org/givenow
Through the innovations of dedicated teachers, we deliver on our mission to cultivate progressive, forward-thinking leaders with a global perspective. It is the Academy’s Annual Fund that lifts us from good to great. Help us by making your contribution to the Annual Fund today!
class notes Persia, and is working on his 17th album of Sephardic music. “I became by default an ethnic musicologist,” he said, adding, “I feel like an eternal student.’
1974 TOM CAVANAUGH has just finished his 16th year as dean of students at Blue Hills Regional and 4th year as head basketball coach at Mt. Alvernia High School. He lives in Roslindale, MA.
1974 CRAIG AND DEBBIE SARTY’S youngest son graduated from high school in 2014. Their third grandchild, Joshua, arrived in March 2013. The Sarty family lives in Colorado Springs, CO.
1976
1980/85 Although MIKE
TOPALIAN ’80 and TOM MEYER ’85 did not know each other while at WA, their paths crossed last spring when, coincidentally, they chose the same picnic table in Hiawassee, GA, to take a rest from hiking. After some idle chat, they figured out their connection to the Hilltop. At the time, Tom was just beginning his Appalachian Trail thru-hike. (See Tom’s photo below).
1985
After 26 years on the road in a variety of sales, marketing, and management positions with Massachusetts-based Crane Paper, GREG JARVIS and his wife, Janet, now split their time between Vail, CO, and Los Angeles, CA, working together selling residential real estate in both areas—that is, when they are not skiing, hiking, biking, or playing golf! Greg, always highly disciplined, tries to limit these activities to only the days that end in “Y.”
our thoughts and prayers ... they took care of us and taught us so we could teach our kids.” She has particularly fond memories of former Headmaster John Bloom, and his wife, Nancy, who opened their home to the international students, even during summer break. Julie has three children; her son is a police officer, and her two daughters are 12 and 15.
1982
1987 CRAIG DEMALLIE wrote, “Most of my teachers on the Hilltop might fall off their chairs when they read this, but I am very proud to announce that my daughter, Katie, was valedictorian of her high school class of 370 students. She was accepted early decision and now attends the College of William & Mary.” Craig is enjoying his new position as IT Manager at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Milwaukee resident FAITH NAJBERG KOHLER, who had worked in law enforcement for 15 years, is a partner in Been & Badge, a company that makes fashionable, high-end women’s purses designed to allow easy access to legal handguns. Faith appeared on the Fox6Now television show to demonstrate the products and explain their use.
1988 MELINDA HALLISEY and KAREN SCHWARTZ ’89 reconnected after many years thanks to their kids who attended a musical theater summer camp. Melinda and Karen had fun catching up before and after a great show from their favorite performers, Reid and Violet. Melinda, a fundraiser for Project Bread in Boston, lives with her husband and two sons in Waltham, MA, and Karen, a writer and former English teacher, lives with her husband and two daughters in Arlington, MA.
MAY NAMOU-RAMMO and her daughter,
AIDAN HEFFERNAN participated as a
Danielle, who live in Miami, FL, were in Worcester last spring visiting her close friend from her WA days, JULIE BOUTHILLER SWEENEY, who lives in Oxford, MA. They stopped in at Alumni House, visited with Pam Lefferts, former director of global alumni relations, and enjoyed reminiscing and lots of laughter while looking through their WA yearbook. May is grateful to her WA teachers and sends them greetings, saying, “They are in
judge in WA’s 2014 Physics Challenge. Aidan graduated from WPI in 1993 with a degree in industrial engineering. He has worked in the plastics, petrolium, and automation industries, and is currently involved in supply chain management. He resides in Sutton with his wife, Sharon.
TOM MEYER ’85 hiked the entire Appalachian Trail
in 2014: 2185.3 miles, 14 states, 129 days. “This adventure was far and away the hardest challenge I have ever undertaken. The overwhelming euphoria I felt finishing the hike was worth every mile I hiked.” Since finishing the hike, Tom has settled in Colorado Springs, where he continues to enjoy his retirement from the United States Air Force.
CAITLIN MCCARTHY, an English teacher at Worcester Technical High School and a screenplay writer, received the Kathleen Roberts Creative Leadership Award this past June at the Massachusetts Teacher Association’s Human and Civil Rights dinner in Boston. This award honors MTA members and others who have shown extraordinary dedication to civil rights and human relations. Caitlin was recognized for “demonstrating creativity in improving conditions and opportunities for individuals and/or groups through her DES activism; her efforts to raise awareness about DES through her ‘Wonder Drug’ screenplay; and her work with then-U.S. Senator John Kerry and thenU.S. Sen. Scott Brown on obtaining the FDA acknowledgment of DES as a ‘tragedy.’”
1991 MELISSA BENJAMIN ROITER was profiled in a November article in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, and her business, Yummy Mummy Brownies, was highlighted. In October, she opened her first storefront in Westboro, MA, with an expanded selection of fresh gourmet baked goods, countering a trend among many small business owners to switch from renting stores to operating only online. Melissa explained that after 8 years, her business of online, corporate, and farmers’ markets orders simply outgrew the kitchen in her Southboro home.
1993 ELLEN LEB BENZ of Worcester has been named as the new executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester. LVGW helps immigrants, refugees and others take command of their future by teaching basic English literacy skills. The organization has more than 130 trained volunteer tutors who teach English one-onone to more than 300 students, as well as several faculty members who teach classes at LVGW’s Literacy Academy.
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1993
2000
15th reunion MATT FISHER was named one of Worcester Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” as a rising star on the Worcester business landscape and a leader in his chosen field of health law. A graduate of Haverford College and Suffolk University Law School, Matt is an Associate and chair of the Health Law Group at Mirick, O’Connell in Worcester, and the husband of DR. STACEY BEBERMAN FISHER. The WBJ has discovered what WA has always known: that Matt is an intelligent, dedicated, and determined professional. Way to go, Matt!
2001 An article in The New York Times society pages detailed the marriage of R. MORGAN “MO” CASSARA ’93 to Elisa DiStefano in August 2014. Mo is a New York-based on-air college basketball analyst for ESPN. Elisa is a television anchor and reporter for News 12 Long Island. Hilltoppers attending the couple’s wedding reception at New York’s storied Oheka Castle included, from left, WA’s Marillyn and John Earley, Jeff Lonstein ’74, Jamie and Lynda Mili, Jim Davis ’62 and his wife, Anne, Mark DiStefano ’70 and his wife, Mary Wendel, Barbara and Dexter Morse, Blanche Lonstein, Peter Gardner ’63 and his wife, Karla, Jeff Halbreich ’59 and his wife, Linda, Louise and Carlton Jack, parents of Jarrett Jack ’02, Jamie Sullivan, and Fabyan Smith ’93.
1996
1998
ANDREW NIEDZWIECKI was named 2013–
ZHANNA ALKHAZOVA made her Carnegie
2014 MBCA Coach of the Year for Division 3 Central District for boys basketball at Auburn (MA) High School.
Hall debut in October, performing in a joint recital with fellow winners of the Barry Alexander International Competition. She also made her Tosca debut, appearing in the title role with the Martha Cardona Theater in New York City.
1997 JOSH CAHN has been admitted into the partnership at PricewaterhouseCoopers, working in the Health Services Advisory practice. As a principal based in the firm’s Boston office, Josh works with domestic and international health care clients through operations, financial turnaround, and technology based transformation, merger and acquisition diligence and integration. Josh and his wife, Marrin, have a daughter, Lucy, who was born in June of 2014.
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Congratulations to MICHELLE CUTLER DINENBERG and her husband, Eric, on the birth of their daughter, Ayla Isabelle, on June 27, 2014. The Dinenbergs live in New York City.
1999
Congratulations to MARY KATE STUBLJAR BROWN and her husband, Rhett Brown, on the birth of their daughter, Maitlyn Leigh, on June 7, 2014. The Browns live in Foley, AL.
2000
guess who’s teaching at Worcester Academy!? It’s ANNA CLIFFORD ’00, at right, that’s who! Anna, a member of the Class of 2010, is a longterm sub in the World Languages Department. She recently graduated from Colby with a B.A. in Spanish.
class notes
2002
2007
LAUREN BAMBERGER and Sean Saphire were
Last summer, Worcester Magazine interviewed JEROME TOWNSEND about his many and varied interests, which now include posing nude as a model for drawing classes at the Worcester Art Museum. Jerome cycles and races professionally all over the U.S. and Europe. He has also been wrapping up his degree in physics at Clark University, and enjoys rebuilding anything with an engine in his spare time.
married on Oct. 11, 2014 in Massachusetts. YVONNE WOON was in the wedding party, and MICHELLE GOLDSTEIN and LINDSAY RITZ ESPOSITO were in attendance. The Cavaliers traded JARRETT JACK to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a multi-team and multi-player deal to clear salary cap space for the pursuit of LeBron James.
SARAH GAGNE SEGESDY and her husband, Derek, welcomed their second son, Cormac John, on Sept. 27, 2014. Big brother, Seamus, is 2. Derek chairs WA’s Science Department and teaches Physics, and the Segesdy family lives on WA’s campus.
2003 ALEX DEAN HINRICHS and her husband, Brian, were thrilled to welcome their son, Samuel Dean Hinrichs, into their family on Oct. 30, 2014. He made quite the entrance, being born in the front seat of their car just as they arrived at the hospital! Alex says that two-year-old Nate is a doting older brother and is taking the big change like a champ. The family lives in Bangor, ME.
2004 After graduating from Georgetown University with her master’s in May, SARAH METZ passed her Family Nurse Practitioner boards. She started working with an orthopaedic surgeon in D.C. this past fall. Sarah says she fell in love with the ortho specialty while in Ghana volunteering with the Foundation of Orthopaedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS) during 3 trips over the past 5 years. “They do incredible work with spine deformity in West Africa and I encourage you to check them out!” Sarah enjoyed seeing some long lost pals and teachers at the ten-year reunion, and wishes she could have caught up with more.
2009 CALEIGH CROWELL, former Bentley College basketball star and a member of Bentley’s NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship team, has been hired as the assistant coach by her former WA coach, Sherry Levin. Sherry is the director of athletics and varsity head girls coach at Beaver Country Day School in Chestnut Hill, MA. Sherry says it’s great working with Caleigh, and that Sherry is looking forward to seeing Caleigh’s grandparents, Tom and Peg Blackburn, cheering the team on this season.
KIM KNEELAND is working towards her Health Coaching certification.
2014
CHRISTIAN ALEXANDROU ’14 is thoroughly enjoying his new academic adventure at Furman
University, where he made the Furman Cycling Team. In addition to other collegiate extracurricular involvement, he is a member of the University’s College Republicans. Over the summer, he organized a visit to Scotland to see some close friends in Glasgow—traveling over 700 miles of the Scottish Lowlands. He wishes only the best for all the members of the Class of 2014 in their first year at college!
2010
2012
MAYA MORALES played a character named
It’s a small WA world! While hiking the Inca Trail this summer, WA history teacher Kate Schlesinger ran into the Fitman family, Nick, ANDREW, and DEVIN ’16, and their parents Donald and Donna. It was the final day of their respective treks to Machu Pichu so they headed down the mountains and arrived at the ancient ruins together.
“Grace” in the Lifetime TV Movie, “The Assault.” Because the movie centers around a sexual assault in a high school setting, Maya says, “It’s an emotional movie and super relevent to a lot of cases that have been in the news recently.” The film sets up the conversation on how sexual assault cases are handled socially and politically and how social media can complicate the issue.
tell us what’s new with you! To submit a class note, please send note and/or image to Greg Cappello at greg.cappello@worcesteracademy.org Here are some tips for sending us digital photos that will look fantastic in print: > set the photo size to 4 x 6 inches or larger, in 300 dpi > set your digital camera to the best photo setting > save files as JPG or TIF > identify everyone left to right in the photo and provide a caption
GARRETT MCGLORY was elected as vice president of the University of New Hamphire student body. He was a student senator last year and is also treasurer for the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
2013 MATT STEVENS is happy with his decision to transfer to Fairfield University. He says he is glad to hear about all of the progress the Academy is making!
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passings 1935 JOHN N. CHURCH of Worcester died on June 15, 2014. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Florence Church, eight years ago; and by a son, Edward, 13 years ago. He leaves a daughter and three grandchildren. A graduate of Bowdoin College, Mr. Church served in the Twentieth Air Force in the Pacific during World War II. He then worked as an agent for the Paul Revere Insurance Company. Mr. Church greatly enjoyed hiking and mountain climbing, serving as the Worcester chapter president of the Green Mountain Club for four years. He also held a commercial pilot’s license, and had a keen interest in flying.
CLIFFORD F. SOLLOWS of Tiverton, RI, formerly of Natick and Marion, MA, passed away on Aug. 26, 2013. His wife, Alice, predeceased him in April of 2013. Mr. Sollows is survived by two sons; three step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren. He was a World War II Army veteran and had a career in the insurance field. He enjoyed yachting.
1937 FREDERIC HEBARD NEELY of Waterford, CT, formerly of Branford, died on April 8, 2014. He attended the Yale University School of Architecture and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mr. Neely was employed at Electric Boat as a structural engineer, working on hull design for many years, until his retirement in 1980. He had a lifelong interest in music; as a member of Connecticut Opera Theatre in Clinton, a charter member of the Branford High School Band, a choir member at many churches, and a member of the A Cappella Cantorum in Deep River, to name just a few. He was a 32nd Degree Master Mason in the Brainard Lodge #102 in New London, CT. Mr. Neely is survived by two cousins and many friends.
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1938 ERIC F. BESSELS passed away on March 11, 2014 in South Carolina. His wife, Jane, predeceased him by a month. Mr. Bessels had worked as a banker at Bank of New York and lived in Scarsdale, NY, for many years. In recent years, he and his wife had relocated to South Carolina.
RONALD S. DAVIS a resident of Shrewsbury, MA, since 1952, died on Sept. 26, 2014. His wife of 50 years, Marguerite “Peggy” Davis, died in 2000, and his friend, Jane Bryant Matthews, died in 2005. He leaves his daughter, Elaine Reid of Shrewsbury, a son, Mark W. Davis, WA Class of 1973, and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Gilbert Davis, WA Class of 1942. After attending WA, Mr. Davis graduated from Deerfield Academy and Yale University. During World War II, he was awarded a Bronze Star as an Artillery Forward Observer with the 104th Infantry Division in Germany. Mr. Davis was the retired president of The Davis Corporation of Worcester, having joined Davis Press in 1946. Mr. Davis shared his expertise with the business community and numerous professional printing and advertising organizations, as well as with the town of Shrewsbury, where he lived for many years. He was also a hospice volunteer and a member of the American Antiquarian Society. Mr. Davis’ father, Warren Davis, was a member of WA’s Class of 1905.
JOHN MURRAY FOX, a longtime resident of Tiburon and the Tamalpais in Greenbrae, CA, died on March 22, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Evie; two daughters; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ann Murray Fox. A 1940 graduate of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, Mr. Fox joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Pacific. He returned to the U.S. and with his partners, established a transportation consulting firm, specializing in Far Eastern trade. The company worked on port development and design in the U.S. and more than 14 countries worldwide. He served as executive secretary of the Pacific Agricultural Cooperative for Export and the
executive director of the American Frozen Food Export Association. After retiring, Mr. and Mrs. Fox traveled the world. In addition, Mr. Fox was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, who shared these interests with his daughters and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his warmth and wonderful sense of humor.
SAMUEL SALE II of Los Angeles died on April 25, 2014. He attended UCLA, where he majored in business administration and was the sports editor of The Daily Bruin. It was there he met June and went on to become her constant support and lover until he died. In the 1940s, Sam volunteered for the Army Air Corps, serving first as a navigation instructor and then in Honolulu, conducting classes for Air Force personnel on “Why We Fight.” After the war, he spent many successful years in the shoe business, but at age 65, Mr. Sale decided that was not what he wanted to do with the rest of this life, so he concentrated on volunteering, sailing, handball, racketball at the “Y,” and senior classes. He was outgoing and full of fun, yet serious and concerned about those who were unable to fully participate in this rich world. He is survived by June, his wife of more than 70 years; three children; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Following Mr. Sale’s death, his wife appeared in a Los Angeles Times article discussing endof-life planning, and why it had been important for their family for Mr. Sale to manage his own end of life plans.
ROBERT “BOB” TEMPLE of Jackson, NH, died on March 16, 2014. He attended Dartmouth College. His association with the White Mountains began at an early age and continued throughout his life. Mr. Temple worked for the Appalachian Mountain Club for years while living in Jackson with his wife, Virginia, and their daughters. Though he moved with his family to Foxboro, MA, in 1953, where he was employed at the Foxboro Company, he never forgot his New Hampshire roots and always maintained a home in Jackson. After retiring, he moved back to Jackson, the place he loved best. Mr. Temple is survived by his three daughters; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his best friend, Digger. His wife, Ginny, died in 2006.
passings
1940 DR. JOHN L. BIANCHI, a 40-year resident of Shrewsbury, MA, passed away on Sept. 22, 2014. He is survived by two sons, Alden J. Bianchi and his wife, Mary E. Kett, a former WA trustee; and John L. Bianchi, Jr. and his wife, Germain; and two grandchildren. Four brothers and a sister predeceased him, as did his longtime companion, Kay Delaney, who passed away in 1991. A graduate of Harvard College and Tufts University Medical School, Dr. Bianchi worked as an orthopedic surgeon for various local hospitals for 34 years, retiring in 1989. He also was an adjunct professor of orthopedic surgery at UMass Medical School. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army. Dr. Bianchi enjoyed golfing, model ship building, reading, and going to the theater and museums. He also enjoyed music and playing the piano.
ARNOLD R. FRIEDMAN, a resident of Atlanta, GA, since 1968, passed away on Nov. 10, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirley; a son and a daughter; and three grandchildren. Mr. Friedman graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, after a hiatus to serve during World War II. He worked as a retail executive with Lerner Shops for 38 years, retiring in 1995. Mr. Friedman was an avid runner and enjoyed playing tennis and golf.
ROSS HAROLD HIGIER of Gloversville, NY and Boca Raton, FL, passed away on April 27, 2014. After graduating from Dartmouth College and Tuck Business School, he enlisted in the Navy. He was sent to Harvard Business School and then deployed to the South Pacific on a destroyer escort, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After the War, Mr. Higier returned to Gloversville and began his long and distinguished career at Crescendoe and Superb Glove Companies. He eventually became president, employing more than 3,000 workers in factories throughout the world. He was extremely active in community affairs. Mr. Higier served as head of the United Way Board and headed up several Jewish philanthropic agency boards as well. He was also appointed as a New York State GOP Committee member and attended the inauguration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Mr. Higier was married to his wife, Dorene, for 64 years, and they had three children and seven grandchildren.
1944 DAVID WILLIAM ELDREDGE, a lifelong resident of Wareham, MA, died on Nov. 9, 2014. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. A longtime
former president of WA’s board of trustees DR. IVAN MACDONALD SPEAR ’40 of Worcester died on Oct.18, 2014. Dr. Spear practiced orthopedic surgery in Worcester for nearly half a century, caring for thousands of patients regardless of their means. He did his residency at the Mayo Clinic, his medical studies at McGill, and his college work at Bowdoin. Dr. Spear’s kindness, insightfulness and optimism touched many. Dr. Spear was pre-deceased by his wife of 53 years, Hope Spear. He is survived by his second wife, Virginia Spear, with whom he shared the past 12 years of his life. He leaves three children; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his sister, Joanne McBrien. Before choosing medicine, Dr. Spear concentrated his studies on ornithology; he remained a passionate bird watcher all of his life. As a teenager he seized an opportunity to sail with Macmillan on one of his arctic explorations. Later, he gave lectures on his experience to help pay for his studies. Dr. Spear served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II. He met Hope Hartwell while at Worcester Academy and they were married in 1945. In 1952, they settled in Worcester. He participated in numerous medical and social organizations, local and national. He enjoyed plays on words and pranks, reading Guy de Maupassant and reciting Robert Service. Dr. Spear freely expressed his opinions on matters scientific, historic, philosophical and political. He played the piano and the bagpipes, while sporting MacDonald plaids. Dr. Spear cherished his native Maine and contributed generously to the renaissance of the Spear farm in Warren, ME, in the family since before the American Revolution. Dr. Spear served as a Worcester Academy trustee from 1975–2001 and as President of the Board from 1977–1979. He was also a member of the 1834 Society.
cranberry grower, Mr. Eldredge was a member of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association and a director for Ocean Spray. He was also general manager of Edaville Railroad for many years, as well as a Plymouth County Deputy Sheriff and court officer for 17 years. Mr. Eldredge served as a director of Farm Credit Bank and Wareham Co-operative Bank, and was a member of Cranberry Institute in Carver and the Social Harmony Masonic Lodge in Wareham. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eleanor; a daughter and a son; a brother; and four grandchildren.
1946 CHARLES “CHUCK” ARONSON of Boca Raton, FL, died on July 31, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy; a son, Robert, WA Class of 1974; a daughter, Joni; and three grandchildren, Michael Aronson, WA Class of 2002, Jaclyn Aronson, and Spenser Aronson. A graduate of Bowling Green of Ohio, he enjoyed playing basketball, tennis, golf, boating, and many years on Cape Cod. Mr. Aronson was president of Aronson Tire Company, a Worcester tire distributor, founded by his father in 1919, which he owned and operated until he retired. He was one of the first tire retreaders in New England. Mr. Aronson established and manufactured Bandag Products, as well as starting a private label wholesale business, when he moved the business out of Worcester and expanded to Auburn, MA in 1968.
ROBERT WALTER WICKSTROM passed away on Nov. 15, 2012. He had resided in Rochester, NY, for the previous 53 years. Mr. Wickstrom is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara; a son and a daughter; and three granddaughters. He was an honorary lifetime member of The Tennis Club of Rochester. Mr. Wickstrom’s wife wrote that he had enjoyed the years he spent at Worcester Academy and made many lifelong friends here.
1947 DR. JOHN M. STOCHAJ of Berkeley Heights, NJ, died on March 25, 2013. After earning a B.A. from Boston University, he moved to New Jersey to attend grad school at Rutgers University. There he met his wife, Ricki, to whom he was married for 57 years. He also leaves behind a son and a daughter; and his dog, Guy. In 1963, he earned a Ph.D. in economics from NYU. He also served as an arbitrator and mediator, and was elected to the
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National Academy of Arbitrators in 1977. Dr. Stochaj was a professor of industrial relations at New Jersey Institute of Technology for 38 years before retiring in 1993. After Dr. Stochaj wrote a report for the National Consumers League on the working conditions, rights, and health issues of migrant farm workers, he became an advocate for their rights in New Jersey. He also enjoyed teaching for many summers at leadership academies at the Institute of Labor and Management Relations at Rutgers. Dr. Stochaj’s other interests included reading, fishing, playing the accordion, and listening to music. He was committed to a variety of social causes, but his most rewarding experience was working with his wife and daughter to co-lead a Seeing Eye Puppy Club.
1948
record-setting baseball team that won the College World Series in 1952. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent two years overseas serving in the Korean War. Upon discharge, Mr. Dyson completed his graduate studies at Boston University. He then worked at Worcester State University as a Professor of Physical Education for 33 years. In addition to teaching, he coached numerous baseball and basketball teams. He was inducted in to the Worcester State University Hall of Fame in 1992. After retiring from WSU, Mr. Dyson served as the head softball coach at the College of the Holy Cross from 1993–1997. He was named Patriot League Coach of the year in 1995 and was recently inducted into the Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame. Mr. Dyson was a fine craftsman and enjoyed furniture making in his spare time. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed sports, travel, and spending time with his family and friends.
LT. COL. WILLIAM (BILL) E. CREAMER JR., USAF (RET.) of Blairsville, GA, died on Sept. 1, 2014. Receiving
1951
his commission in 1953 through the aviation cadet program, after attending Boston University, he served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for action as an F-4 Phantom aircraft commander, supporting the rescue of an F-4 crew and a Jolly Green Giant helicopter crew during his tour in the Vietnam War. Lt. Col. Creamer retired to the mountains of North Georgia, where he sold real estate until the late-1980s. He was predeceased by his wife, Joan, and by his brother, Ronald Creamer. He is survived by his companion, Beverly Ziegler of Blue Ridge, GA; two daughters and two sons; two sisters; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
JAMES DANIEL FOGARTY of Boca Raton, FL, passed away on May 8, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley; five children; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by a brother and a sister. Mr. Fogarty was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, as well as a self-made man, putting himself through WA to prepare himself for the chemical engineering degree he earned in 1961 from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Upon graduation, he began his storied career in polymeric foams extrusion, and became a pioneer, consultant, entrepreneur and expert in this
field. During his 50+ year career, Jim had many accomplishments, including designing the world’s first tandem extrusion system for foam extrusion, the process still predominantly used to this day. He also held several patents related to his foam extrusion screw technology. Mr. Fogarty was an indefatigable optimist. Though he had had a remarkable business career, it was his kindness, love of helping others, patience, charitable works, love of God, his family and life that are his everlasting legacy to his family, his colleagues, and the world.
JOHN D. THAYER, DDS of Rutland, MA, and formerly a 43-year resident of Princeton, MA, passed away on June 28, 2014. Dr. Thayer was a 1955 graduate of Middlebury College and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1959, followed by an internship at University Hospital in Philadelphia and residency in oral surgery at Worcester City Hospital. He practiced general dentistry in Holden from 1960–1995. His career was broadened by a staff teaching appointment at Worcester City Hospital and later he joined the staff at Holden Hospital for many years. He instituted the dental insurance program at State Mutual Insurance Co., now Hanover, and acted as their insurance consultant for 17 years. He was a member of the Central New England Dental Research Group and local, state, and federal societies. Dr. Thayer raised and showed English pointers and traveled the world to fly-fish. He also enjoyed golf. Dr. Thayer leaves his wife, Martha; three children and four step-children; 11 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his previous wife, Joanne Thayer, and by his brother, Richard C. Thayer.
JAMES E. SHERMAN JR. of Sagamore, MA, died on Sept. 5, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; a sister; three sons and two daughters; and seven grandchildren. Mr. Sherman enjoyed his retirement on the Cape Cod Canal, where he enjoyed watching the boats, and spent joyous days in West Dennis playing bridge, wiffle ball, and croquet with his many friends, children, and grandchildren.
1949 FRANCIS T. DYSON of Westborough, MA, died on June 28, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruth; a daughter and a son; three grandchildren; and a sister. He attended the College of the Holy Cross on a baseball and basketball scholarship. In his junior year, Fran was the starting first baseman for the Crusaders’
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former trustee FRANK EPHRAIM HANO ’51 of Longmeadow, MA, died on June 15, 2014. He received his B.A. from Cornell University and his MBA from Columbia University. After college, Frank, along with his brother and a cousin, became third generation owners of the family business, Hano Business Forms of Holyoke. After the business moved to Springfield, Frank became the president of Technicarbon Co. Inc. in 1958, the entity that produced one-time carbon paper for Hano and other business form companies. Throughout his adult life, Frank took part in and generously supported the Jewish community, as well as the arts communities of the Berkshires and of Scottsdale, AZ. In addition, he served on the boards of Old Colony Bank and Trust Co., Springfield College, Worcester Academy, Baystate VNA and the Springfield History Museum. He loved giving back to the communities where he had lived and had found great pleasure. Above all else, he treasured his children and grandchildren, and shared the joy of each of their accomplishments. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Beatrice. Together they traveled far and wide and shared their passion for travel with their family of six children and 12 grandchildren.
passings
1952 MYLES WHITE LOPATIN of Worcester, died on Sept. 19, 2014. He leaves his wife of 45 years, Lois Lopatin; a nephew and a niece; a grandnephew and two greatgrandnephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Solon Lopatin. Mr. Lopatin was born and lived in Worcester for 44 years before moving to Boston, where he lived for 17 years, and later to Brookline for 17 years. He and his wife returned to Worcester in January of 2013. For many years Mr. Lopatin owned and operated Myles Travel Bureau. He was a graduate of Brown University. He was a member of the 1834 Society.
1954 WILLIAM LOVE WELCH of Sturbridge, MA, passed away on Jan. 5, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jean; four children; two granddaughters; and two brothers. A graduate of Nichols College, Mr. Welch earned an MBA from Western New England College. After serving as a Corporal in the U.S. Marines, he went on to a 35-year career as an economics teacher at Southbridge High School. Bill was a star athlete, excelling at many sports. He was inducted into the Wells-Southbridge Hall of Fame in 1993 for outstanding athletic achievements, including chalking up the highest single season batting average (.600) ever recorded at Wells; earning the longest high school home run records at Alumni Field; and leading county football scorers with 47 points in eight games. He was also an avid golfer. Mr. Welch was active in the Southbridge Community. He was a member of the Southbridge Lions Club for more than 40 years, a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Marine Corps League. His wife, Jean, tells us that Bill always spoke highly of his time at Worcester Academy.
1955 THOMAS A. ETRE JR. of Marlborough, MA, died on Sept. 12, 2014. He and his wife, Barbara, had celebrated their 50th anniversary in June. He is also survived by two daughters and a son; and three grandchildren. Mr. Etre graduated from Boston University and earned his master’s degree from Framingham State University. His passion for teaching was evident throughout his 27 years as an elementary teacher at the Franklin School in Newton. During this time, he took a sabbatical to work on the
development of Project Aries for Harvard University. Upon his retirement in 1997, he taught at the Jewish Community School in Watertown until 2007. He also enjoyed working with his hands and always had a project in progress. Mr. Etre enjoyed many friendships, traveling with neighbors, and lived each day to the fullest. His greatest joy came from watching his grandchildren at their sporting events and bragging about them afterwards.
1956 FRANK D. LARANGE of New Braintree, MA, and formerly of Worcester, passed away on Nov. 7, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kristina; five children; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters. Mr. Larange served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on the Battleship U.S.S. Wisconsin BB-64 “Gallfly” as a Radarman, Petty Officer 2nd Class RD-2 (E-5). He also served on the U.S.S. Mississippi and the U.S.S. Northampton, which had the largest experimental shipborne radar in the world at that time. Mr. Larange once again became part of the crew of his beloved Battleship Wisconsin on her final Veteran’s Cruise in 1991. He was a member of the Worcester Police Department for 32 years, retiring in 1995. During those years, he was a motorcycle patrolman and later, as sergeant, was in charge of the motorcycle patrol. In this capacity, he ushered in the implementation of the moving radar system on traffic motorcycles. An honor of particular distinction was his receipt of the Worcester Police Department’s highest award, the Colonel Walter Scott Medal of Valor in 1971 for the apprehension of William Gilday, who murdered Boston Police Officer Walter Schroeder during a bank robbery in Boston. Mr. Larange was president of the Mass. Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, Chapter Lodge 04; Secretary of Blue Knight Mass. Chapter #33; and a former member of the Knights of Columbus Pope John Council. He enjoyed traveling throughout the country and Canada on his motorcycle, cooking for his wife, and reading. He cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren. His home away from home was the village of Marble Mountain on the Bras d’Oor Lakes in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, where he spent every summer since his childhood, and where he will be laid to rest.
1958 ALLEN R. DENNISON of Titusville, FL, died on Aug. 6, 2014. He is survived by sons, David, Donald, and Matthew; six grandchildren; his sister; and several nieces
former trustee BARRY LEWIS JAFFEE ’62 of Westborough, MA,, died on Oct. 28, 2014. He leaves his wife of 45 years, Phyllis Jaffee; a daughter, E. Ariel Jaffee, WA Class of 1994; and a sister. A graduate of Brown University, Mr. Jaffee earned his MBA at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a Certified Public Accountant and the owner of Jaffee Associates in Worcester. Mr. Jaffee was a former board member of Worcester International Artist Series, a member of the Worcester Academy Board of Trustees and the WA Alumni Association. He was a former member of Congregation B’Nai Shalom in Westborough, a former board member of the Westborough Area JCC, and a member of the Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a current member of the board of directors at the Jewish Healthcare Center. Mr. and Mrs. Jaffee were avid world travelers, having visited over 85 countries.
and nephews. Mr. Dennison earned his B.S. at Florida Southern College. He was retired after service of 23 years in the U.S. Air Force.
1959 DANIEL J. REAGAN III of Narragansett, RI, passed away on Aug. 13, 2014. Mr. Reagan was a realtor at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Company for 25 years before his retirement. He was a collector of antique cars and a member of the local antique car club. Mr. Reagan is survived by his daughter and two sons; four grandchildren; and his brother, Robert Reagan, WA Class of 1961, of Pacific Palisades, CA. Mr. Reagan’s father, Daniel J. Reagan, was a member of WA’s Class of 1931.
1962 DR. CHARLES F. “CHUCK” ALEXANDER III of Stillwater, MN, passed away on June 3, 2014. He was predeceased by his wife, Cathie, and by their son, Zachary. He is survived by his three sisters; two sons and
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passings a daughter; five grandchildren; and by his girlfriend, Jody Andrews. After graduating from Case Western Reserve, Chuck went to Wake Forest University to earn his M.D. Dr. Alexander interned and did his residency at University of Michigan. He also spent two years in the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA. He did his cardiology fellowship at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Alexander spent 31-plus years in the practice of cardiology in St. Paul with St. Paul Heart Clinic. He especially enjoyed interventional cardiology. Dr. Alexander loved his family and being a doctor. He also enjoyed golf, skiing, science and nature, and Hawaii. He was a member of WA’s 1834 Society. Chuck’s grandfather, Charles I, was a member of WA’s Class of 1909.
on the State Police, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Westfield State College. Upon his retirement in 1995, he worked for 10 years as a criminal justice professor at Westfield State College, sharing his real-life experiences in homicide investigation. He also worked for 16 years at Tekoa Country Club Pro Shop, and served on the board of directors for the Westfield Soup Kitchen. Mr. Harrington was a charter member of the Sons of Erin in Westfield and his passions included spending time with his children and grandchildren, helping his many friends and acquaintances stay focused on the truly important things in life, watching golf, and spending his winters in Sarasota, FL.
1964
1965
EDWARD DENNIS HARRINGTON III, a longtime
ROY E. LEINSTER died on Aug. 9, 2014 in Breckenridge,
resident of Westfield, MA, and retired State Police Lieutenant, passed away on Oct. 11, 2014. He is survived by a son and a daughter; four grandchildren; and his former wife, Sheila Fitzgerald Harrington. He also leaves two sisters and a brother. Mr. Harrington attended UMass Amherst prior to joining the Massachusetts State Police in 1968. During his 27 years
CO. A graduate of Duke University, he earned his Doctorate in Law at University of Florida. Well known for his intellect and acumen as a highly skilled CFL criminal attorney, Mr. Leinster is survived by his three children, Elizabeth, Madison, and Leland, his beloved Lilly, and a number of long-time friends.
JOHN A. MOORE passed away on Sept. 11, 2011. He was a resident of Elmhurst, IL, at the time of his passing. He was formerly from Pine Island, MN.
former faculty spouse DOROTHY MILLER OGDEN, wife of John B. Ogden, former chair of the English Department, coach, dorm master and mentor, died on June 9 after a 35-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was 80 and had been married for 57 years. Mrs. Ogden was born in Ohio and met her future husband while he was on active duty as a Naval officer, stationed in New York. She became expert in quilting while serving as assistant director of admissions at Governor Dummer Academy, where Mr. Ogden taught after leaving WA in 1963. She and Mr. Ogden raised four boys who, with her husband, and ten grandchildren, survive her.” Thank you Peter J. Gardner ’63 for offering this remembrance of Dorothy Miller Ogden.
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1966 CHARLES AUGUSTUS SHEA III of Dallas and Lake Nuangola, PA, passed away on March 7, 2014. A graduate of Brown University and Villanova Law School, he practiced law in the Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley for 41 years. He also served in many volunteer roles, including as a president of the Nuangola Lake Association and a chairman of the Nuangola Sewer Authority. Mr. Shea is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sally; a son and a daughter; six grandchildren; and two sisters. With his great sense of humor, he brought joy and laughter to all who knew him.
1967 HAMPTON M. “TRIO” BALLARD III of Gibsonia, PA, passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2013. After attending the University of New Hampshire, he served for four years in the U.S. Air Force as an x-ray technician.
Mr. Ballard earned a B.S. in allied medical sciences at Alderson-Broaddus College, followed by a one-year graduate program at Yale University School of Medicine to train as a surgical physicians’ assistant. He was employed as a neurological P.A. at Allegheny General Hospital in Butler, PA. Mr. Ballard enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his family. He is survived by Melanie, his wife of 31 years; five children; a brother; his mother, Emilie Cherry; and two grandchildren.
1969 PAUL EDWARD KUNIN of Brookline, MA, passed away on Sept. 12, 2014 after a brief illness. He graduated from Clark University and received advanced degrees from Boston University School of Theology and Northeastern University. For the past several years, he had his own consulting firm in Brookline. He leaves his wife, Nina Avedon, of Brookline; two sisters; a brother; a large extended family and many wonderful lifelong friends.
1972 JAMES P. KILCOYNE a resident of Westborough, MA, for 28 years, passed away on June 1, 2014. He graduated from Brown University in 1976, having been recruited to play football and run track there. Mr. Kilcoyne retired after 25 years of service as a lieutenant at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Shirley. He was a communicant of St. Luke the Evangelist Church, coached football at Assumption College for five years, and coached local sports. Along with spending time with his family, Mr. Kilcoyne enjoyed nature, gardening, kayaking, reading, and summer vacations in Ogunquit, ME. In addition to his wife, Claire, and his mother, Mary Kilcoyne of Clinton, he is survived by a son; two brothers, John, and Timothy Kilcoyne, WA Class of 1977; a sister; a large extended family and many close friends.
1976 CHARLES ALTON “CHUCK” JORDAN IV of Island Falls, ME, died on Sept. 3, 2012. He was a passionate keeper of his genealogical heritage for many years. He will be remembered for his attachment to his little dogs. His parents and brother predeceased him. He was survived by his great-aunt Nina Gertrude Sawyer of Island Falls.
from the archives THE THIMBLE CLUB: WORCESTER ACADEMY’S ONLY OFFICIALLY SANCTIONED SECRET SOCIETY by Frank R. Callahan ’71
T
he Thimble Club has long been one of Worcester Academy’s finest organizations, but its beginnings, its membership, and even its name are little known within the Academy community. The Club’s origins—and its all-women membership—stem from the cultural biases of a bygone era, yet over the years its mission has changed to represent what is best about Worcester Academy. At its founding, the Thimble Club it was a secret society, officially sanctioned by Principal Dr. Daniel W. Abercrombie, Worcester Academy’s greatest headmaster. In fact, it was the only officially recognized secret society in the history of Worcester Academy. The members were known as “Thimblers” because of the activity they performed during their meetings. The founder of the club was the Emily Foote Brainerd, wife of Dr. Abercrombie, and like her husband, she had been a teacher. As a young woman, she had attended the State Normal School at Brockport, NY, one of the first state teachers colleges in the country. After college, she returned to her native Vermont where she met Abercrombie, who was teaching at Vermont Academy. However, once Emily married she was no longer allowed to teach—not because her husband forbade her to do so—but because under the laws of the time only unmarried women could teach. In the Victorian Age, women had few rights: they could not vote; nor were they allowed to join professions such as law or medicine; and opportunities to own property or a business were limited. Thus, Emily had to retire from teaching and the working world altogether. Soon after arriving at Worcester Academy, Dr. Abercrombie began to build up both the enrollment and academic standards of the Academy, but he held the cultural bias of the time in not hiring women teachers. Because it was a boys school, he picked a teaching force of only men with strong personalities
to be a positive influence to the youths. Usually half of the faculty were married men, and, like Abercrombie, many had married women who were educated or had been teachers. For example, English teacher Harry Ross met Ella McDuffie in 1902, a teacher from Buffalo, NY, on board a ship taking them to Europe. They met up later in the summer to travel together and married the next year. William Snyder ran the Science Department for two decades and married the former Emma Morrill soon after her graduation from Wellesley College in 1897. Hall of Famer Fred Aldrich’s wife, Mabel, gave piano lessons to Cole Porter, Class of 1909, in Dexter Hall where they served as dorm parents for Porter for four years. Edmund D. Scott was Master in the Classics Department for a dozen years; his wife, the former Sarah Harrington Rogers, an 1891 graduate of Boston University, taught German in the Holyoke public high school prior to their marriage. In many instances, these women were their husbands’ equals in intelligence and knowledge, but sadly had no outlet to use their fine minds and training. It was for these women that Emily founded the Thimble Club, initially a “Blue Stocking Society” that informally combined socializing with educational themes. Each year, a topic was selected, such as the study of English authors or the culture of ancient Egypt. The Club met on Monday evenings at the apartment of one of the members. The hostess was in charge of the topic along with providing refreshments, referred to as
“dainty collections,” which the minutes indicated were given “full justice.” The annual dues were $1 with 50-cent installments Emily Foote Brainerd due on Oct. 15 and Jan. 15. It was called the Thimble Club, as the women sewed during the meetings, and golden thimbles were given to retiring members. The sewing became so prodigious that, by 1914, the members determined to assist others with their work. They voted to help the poor by donating items to the Door of Hope Charity, a shelter for fallen women, which was the euphemism of the time for women with children born out of wedlock. By doing so, the Thimble Club began the process of becoming a mission-driven service organization rather than a simple social group. These actions grew with the advent of the First World War. The members sewed flags for each class (displayed in the Megaron) with stars on each reflecting the number of members serving in the armed forces. The Thimble Club also voted to be an auxiliary of the Red Cross and raised funds to support troops overseas by sending food, chocolates, and cigarettes. With its mission now changed, the Thimblers continued fundraising, and, by 1935, the first Thimble Club scholarship was awarded. Movies were shown in the Lewis J. Warner Memorial Theater—25 cents for students and 50 cents for adults—with $326 cleared in the first year for the scholarship fund. In 1950, a motion was put forward that a permanent
It was called the Thimble Club, as the women sewed during the meetings, and golden thimbles were given to retiring members. Worcester Academy
43
from the archives
fund be created by placing $1,500 in the bank. The fund continued to grow so that, by 1968, the Thimble Club had contributed more than $14,000 to 50 scholarship recipients. Some of those recipients went on to become Worcester Academy Trustees. One became Board president. Throughout this time, the membership of the Thimble Club continued to be faculty wives, but by then the laws allowed them to teach. There were several faculty wives who taught at the Bancroft School, at the time, a girls school at the secondary level. These include Van Barthelman, Dorothy Peckham, and Mary Piper. In this period, a few non-teaching wives also became members, the most prominent being Eleanor Daniels, the wife of Board President F. Harold Daniels, Class of 1905.
A circa 1890s Thimble Club event. Worcester Academy Principal Dr. Daniel W. Abercrombie is seen at top left. His wife, Emily Foote Brainerd, is the second woman to his right.
The Thimble Club began the process of becoming a mission-driven service organization rather than a simple social group. Starting in the 1970s, another factor changed the composition of the membership of the Thimble Club: women faculty. Elaine Bloom, who started in 1975 and taught Latin for three decades, became a member. Janet Macko joined as a faculty wife, but became the school nurse. Barbara Strogoff taught English for one year. School librarian Janet Shainheit was another active member. Faculty wives remained very active including Judy Treese who served as the Treasurer of the Thimble Club. Because of their active professional and personal lives, the Thimblers decided that instead of
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fundraising, it would be more cost effective to make contributions to the Thimble Club fund. In effect, they became a stock club and chose energy companies as long term stocks to make up the portfolio. Though the address of the Club was 81 Providence Street, the members managed the portfolio and determined the amount of the annual contributions to the Thimble Club Scholarship, which was a restricted Annual Fund account. Another source for the scholarship was alumnae/i who have been previous recipients of the Thimble Club Scholarship. A notable example is Peter
Babaian, Class of 1995. After WA, he matriculated to Tufts University, then obtained an advanced degree in engineering at Northwestern University. He is now a principal with Simpson, Gumphertz and Heger, an engineering firm based in Waltham, MA. Each year, Peter donates to the Annual Fund with a restriction to the Thimble Club Scholarship as his way of, not only giving back, but as a means of helping others like himself. A few years ago, Elaine Bloom transferred the administration of the Thimble Club portfolio to Worcester Academy. Though there is still a Thimble Club Scholarship, it is now an endowed fund. Worcester Academy is very grateful, not only to Elaine, but to all of the members of Worcester Academy’s only sanctioned secret society. Frank Callahan ’71 is Worcester Academy’s Director of Planned Giving and a member of the American Antiquarian Society.
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