Gordon
alumni connection
Spring 2012
Dear Gordon Friends, We hope you have been enjoying our What Matters video series at www.gordonschool.org/whatmatters. It has given us a wonderful opportunity to showcase the extraordinary teaching and learning that takes place in our classrooms each day and the lasting impact it has on our students and graduates. This issue of the Alumni Connection celebrates our teachers and alumni who are carrying out the school’s mission in their work today. Gordon’s Teacher Residency Program is in its second year and several of our cooperating teachers share reflections on their work with mentoring aspiring classroom teachers. Also highlighted are alumni who are using the foundation they received at Gordon to forge successful relationships and cooperative partnerships in their professional careers. I am excited to announce the upcoming launch of the Gordon School Alumni Mobile Community. This application is compatible with the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android. It will feature an interactive alumni directory, a school news feed, events page and social media connections. To learn more about this exciting venture visit www.gordonschool.org/mobilecommunity. I do hope you enjoy this issue. As always, Gordon School is enormously grateful for the continued support we receive from our alumni and their families. Stay in touch. Sincerely,
Siobhan Sheerar Welsh Associate Development Director
The Teacher Res i de ncy Program At Gordon School and Roger Williams University
The eight residents of the 2012 cohort began their studies last summer with three intense courses led by Gordon faculty: Foundations of Education, taught by Lower School Literacy Specialist and former first grade teacher Minna Ham; Psychology of Learning and Development taught by Director of Diversity and Multicultural Practice Kim Ridley; Multicultural Children’s Literature taught by librarian Suzanne Fox and third grade teacher Noelle Walters. Residents also had an opportunity to see theory turned into practice as they observed mentor teachers in Gordon classrooms in late May and June. This fall, the residents entered Gordon classrooms and worked alongside their cooperating teachers for the entire semester. In January, the residents had the opportunity to intern with master teachers at Paul Cuffee School in Providence. The residents are now in their final placement at Gordon and are assigned to a new classroom and cooperating teacher. Their practical teaching experiences continue to be supported by rigorous graduate level coursework in standardsbased mathematics, literacy, multicultural children’s literature, art and a seminar taught by Gordon’s faculty. This talented and energetic group of aspiring teachers has brought their diverse experiences, backgrounds and passion for teaching into our classroom community this year. The students, teachers, and families they have worked with know the benefits of having another dynamic educator focused on students’ social, academic and emotional growth.
1
Me et t h e 2 0 11 -20 1 2 Resid en ts
Tracey Clarke
Meg Keefe
Gordon Placements: Noelle Walters, third
Gordon Placements: Greg Carson, sixth grade
grade (fall), Pat Jennings, fourth grade (spring)
(fall), Janet Burnham, first grade (spring)
I have been teaching for several years, but this
As I entered this program I expected to enjoy
year I was reminded so often of why I do this.
working with the younger grades the most, but
I just love kids—the energy they have, the way
I found that I love working with older students
their minds work and the fact that every day
just as much.
is different. Mostly, I love the fact that the little interactions between a teacher and a young
M i k e Ma r n e l l
student can make big differences in their lives,
Gordon Placements: Pat Jennings, fourth grade
whether they involve lessons, teaching, a high
(fall), Greg Carson, sixth grade (spring)
five or a conversation.
I am extremely happy that I have chosen this
Courtney DeAngelis
profession. Every day I have the opportunity to
Gordon Placements: Andrew Barrett, fifth
guide students in their pursuit of learning and
grade (fall), Cendhi Arias, second grade (spring)
I feel fortunate to have the chance to see them grow.
Over this past year, I have learned that I enjoy working in all of the grades. I don’t prefer one
L i sa M c G o ug h
grade over another; they are all wonderful in
Gordon Placements: Kate Mercurio, second
their own ways.
grade (fall), Shai Pina, fifth grade (spring) This year I have learned so many ways of
Seth Gilbertson
Gordon Placements: Shai Pina, fifth grade (fall), Linda Mullin, first grade (spring) I have become aware of what I can bring to the classroom and the effect it can have on my students and colleagues. I have also learned that there is always room to improve my practice and incorporate innovative lessons and strategies for my students to connect more deeply with the material they are learning. Ca i l i n H e a r d
Gordon Placements: Cendhi Arias, second grade (fall), Rosemary Colt, third grade (spring) Through this program I have learned that the first and most important step in being an effective teacher is building meaningful relationships with each and every student.
2
being thoughtful in teaching and in life. This experience has transformed my thinking, and I am excited to carry this thinking with me on my life journey in and out of the classroom. M e ag h a n S c h l o ss t e i n
Gordon Placements: Diana Reeves, third grade (fall), Samantha Kravitz, fifth grade (spring) I have learned to trust my instincts and to always listen to my students. For more information about the Teacher Residency program visit www.gordonschool.org/ residency or contact Program Director, Lynn Bowman at lbowman@gordonschool.org.
Fa c u l t y S p o t l i g h t
Greg Carson
Greg Carson has spent his entire professional career teaching at Gordon, starting in 1999 as a third grade teacher. He spent five years teaching fourth grade and seven years teaching sixth grade and is also a cooperating teacher for the Teacher Residency Program. Greg graduated from Keene State College with a B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education, as well as a M.Ed. from Providence College in School Administration.
What do you enjoy about being a
allow for openness and honesty that everyone
His daughter Emma is currently a student in
cooperating teacher?
benefits from. Our profound commitment to
Gordon’s nursery class.
The impact of the Teacher Residency Program
thoughtful multicultural teaching and learning
on Gordon students is significant, with respect
is something that I appreciate about Gordon.
What led you to Gordon?
to students’ emotional, academic, and social
I’ve seen the results in our graduates; they
I was attending a friend’s birthday party in
development. I’ve also benefited enormously
leave as confident and empowered members
central Massachusetts just as I was completing
from the “why” questions that residents are
of a community who are willing to take
my student teaching. I struck up a conversation
so adept at asking. For example, they may ask
leadership roles in tackling difficult social
with his mother, Carol Crout, who was a
why I grouped students in a specific way for
justice issues.
beloved second grade teacher at Gordon. She
one lesson, but in an entirely different way
spoke passionately about the work that Gordon
for another. I love these questions, as I some-
What is your fondest memory of your
was doing and encouraged me to apply for
times find them professionally affirming for the
Gordon teaching experience so far?
the third grade opening, which I eagerly did.
part of my practice I do instinctively. However,
It would be the relationships I’ve built and
these questions can also prompt some changes
sustained with students and residents over
that strengthen my teaching practice and over-
the years. Hearing the successes of my former
all work with students.
students brings me a lot of joy and pride that
After meeting with Maryanne Pieri, Director of the Lower School, and other Lower School teachers, I immediately felt drawn to all aspects
stays with me, particularly if I’m able to talk
of the school’s work and the way it lived its
Finally, I feel pride that the residents I’ve
with them or exchange an email. I can honestly
mission. It was a child-centered school that
worked with can take the lessons and learning
say that I look back on each group of students
was bold and innovative in its work with
from their time in my classroom and venture
I’ve taught at Gordon with sincere fondness.
children. Gordon was in the early stages of
off into their own full time teaching positions.
formalizing its commitments to racial diversity
Earlier this week I exchanged emails with a
What do you hope for your students and
and multicultural education, and having the
resident I worked with last spring, as she was
your teaching residents?
opportunity to incorporate this work into my
looking for some support with an astronomy
I hope my students and teaching residents
practice would prove to be both a challenge
unit she’s preparing for. It meant a lot to me
are able to reflect back on their time at Gordon
and a place of very meaningful professional
to know that she’s succeeding in her own
and recognize specific moments and the
and personal growth.
classroom and is still willing to use me as a
cumulative learning that were fundamental
resource.
in their later successes. I hope they understand
What is your role as a cooperating teacher
themselves on many levels and possess the
in the Residency program?
What do you appreciate about Gordon?
confidence and skills to continue to grow
For the better part of a semester, I coach and
Without hesitation, I most appreciate the fact
personally and academically.
guide a resident through all of the varying
that relationships are the foundation of our
responsibilities required of a teacher. Residents
school—relationships with students, families,
are valued members of our teaching commu-
colleagues, and alumni. I get to know my
nity, and it’s very important to establish a
students and their families in very meaningful
climate in the classroom where students and
ways. Conversely, students and their families
their families view us as partners in teaching
get to know teachers in meaningful ways that
our students. 3
Fa c u l t y S p o t l i g h t
Shai Pina
Shai Pina has taught fifth grade at Gordon for
practices, supervising and assessing the
I also see my students benefiting from having
eight years. She is a cooperating teacher for
residents’ professional growth and mentoring
an additional teacher in their classroom.
the Teacher Residency Program and facilitates
them to their next step of having their own
Students connect to different people and having
the Middle School Common Ground program.
classroom.
a resident in the classroom gives them an opportunity to build a trusting relationship with
Her husband, Jason, serves on the Board of Trustees and their children Kayla (8th) and
Lynn Bowman, Director of the Residency
Myles (K) are Gordon students. Shai graduated
Program also has the team of cooperating
from Rhode Island College with a B.A. in
teachers meet to share their experiences and
What do you appreciate about Gordon?
Education and Mathematics
build our skills as mentors. It is not often that
In addition to the school’s emphasis on racial
another adult.
I get to meet with my colleagues, share our
diversity, I appreciate Gordon’s focus on
What led you to Gordon?
ideas with one another and affirm our roles as
individualized instruction. Being a mother of
I was teaching at the Meadowbrook School in
mentor teachers. It has been edifying to build
two Gordon students and also a teacher, I see
Weston, MA and attended the AISNE People of
new relationships with my colleagues.
the benefit of small class sizes and how they lend themselves to individual growth and
Color Conference where I met Gordon’s former Diversity Director, Eric Polite. I was not only
What do you enjoy about being a cooperat-
confidence. Students at Gordon are encouraged
impressed by his work at Gordon but also the
ing teacher?
to find their voice, to believe in themselves and
school’s strategic intention to increase racial
Being a cooperating teacher has given me
to take ownership of their convictions. Recently
diversity—from the student body and faculty to
the opportunity to reflect, assess and affirm
a group of seventh graders expressed an inter-
developing and implementing a multicultural
my teaching practice. When you have some-
est in revitalizing the school newspaper. The
curriculum at all grade levels. I was looking at
one observing you every day, it makes you
teachers helped their idea come to fruition and
Gordon not only for a teaching position but also
reflect on your practice; “Why do I teach this
The Gordonian is now written and published
as a place for my family and when I interviewed
lesson this way?”, “Is there anything I can do
monthly by a group of Middle School students.
I knew it was the right school for all of us.
differently?” The residents also bring their own perspective, creativity and ideas to my
What do you hope for your students?
What is your role as a cooperating teacher
curriculum. Every day I learn something new
I hope students leave my class with the tools to
in the Residency Program?
from them and that strengthens my own practice.
be successful life-long learners. We can’t even
I mentor a resident for half a year and welcome them into my classroom as a teaching partner. It is important for my students and their families to know there are two teachers in their classroom which allows for more individualized instruction and fosters different perspectives. My responsibilities include modeling best
imagine the jobs that will be available to them Having another teaching partner in my class-
when they graduate college and I want them
room allows for more individual instruction
to feel prepared to enter a diverse workforce,
from one on one lessons to small group work.
holding onto the skills they learned at Gordon.
The students can experience a range of learn-
I also want my students to have the confidence
ing experiences and understand the material
to go out into the world and seek the truth and
in a deeper way.
know that the truth can be found in various ways.
4
Fa c u l t y S p o t l i g h t
Tricia Kelly
Tricia Kelly has taught Modern Language at
This year, the eighth grade Spanish classes
What is the course you teach for the Teacher
Gordon for three years. She is an instructor for
have partnered with the Rhode Island Family
Residency Program?
the Teacher Residency Program. Two of her
Literacy Initiative (RIFLI), a free, first step liter-
The course involves a seminar on strategies for
children, Madison (7th) and Connor (5th), are
acy program for adults and their children based
English language learners (ELL) and fieldwork
Gordon students. Tricia earned her B.A. from
at public libraries throughout Rhode Island.
in an urban classroom. We partner with CVS
Washington University in St. Louis, an M.A.
RIFLI offers English as a Second Language (ESL),
Highlander Charter School in Providence.
from Boston University and an Ed.D. from
citizenship preparation and computer instruc-
Residents observe and work with elementary
Teachers College Columbia University.
tion as well as children’s programming, student
students individually and in small groups. The
resource and support.
class raises awareness of issues facing English
What led you to Gordon?
language learners and provides them with
My husband grew up in Rhode Island and
Each eighth grade student is assigned a pen-pal
we were looking to move here in 2008. Prior
at the RIFLI and they write letters to them in
to that we were living in Belgium for my
Spanish. Their pen-pals respond back to them
What do you hope for your students?
husband’s job. I began searching for teaching
in English. The students make connections
I hope my students continue to be interested in
positions and saw a posting on Gordon’s
immediately with their pen-pals about their
both the Spanish language and in the diverse
website for a Spanish teacher.
shared struggle of learning a new language
cultures where Spanish is spoken. I would like
and the application of its grammatics and
them to carry the compassion and respect they
pronunciation.
have for others who are also learning a new
I was very impressed by the school’s commitment to multicultural curriculum. It has allowed me to focus on extending my teaching of the
practical strategies for ELL instruction.
language. I hope that the study of modern In seventh grade, the students engage in a
languages opens their eyes to possibilities for
Spanish language and provide my students with semester-long study of Guatemala. We partner community partnerships and experiences that
with Maya Works, a fair trade nonprofit organi-
allow them to step beyond the memorization
zation that promotes economic development
of the language and provide a window into its
for Mayan women and their families by sup-
practical use.
porting a marketplace for their handcrafted goods. The students organize a Maya Works
What partnerships have you established at
sale for the entire school community. After the
Gordon?
sale, they send the proceeds to Maya Works as
Our eighth grade Spanish classes are focused
well as handwritten letters in Spanish to each
around a year long study on immigration. Their
artist letting them know the success of the sale.
classroom work helps them understand the struggles immigrants face when living in a country where they don’t speak the language.
5
work, cross-cultural relationships and travel experiences around the world.
Campus Notes
Go rdo n M i d d l e S c h o ol music ians nam ed A l l - S tat e
In November, seven Gordon students passed the audition for the Rhode Island Music Educator’s Association Junior All-State Music Festival, including a seventh grader who will serve as first chair in the orchestra. Approximately eight hundred seventh, eighth and ninth graders from throughout the state also auditioned. The Junior All-State Performance was held on Sunday, March 25th. Go rdo n p r o g r a m e a rns nat ional
Middle School Fall Theater
attenti o n
Performances
Kindergarten teacher and Lower School
The Middle School performed two simulta-
Common Ground Coordinator, Julie Parsons,
neous productions this fall: You Can’t Take
and Director of Diversity and Multicultural
It With You, by Moss Hart and George S.
Practice, Kim Ridley co-authored an article
Kaufman, and Arsenic and Old Lace by
on Lower School Common Ground for
Joseph Kresselring. Each play’s cast provided
Independent School Magazine. The article,
the stage crew for the other. The arrangement
Identity, Affinity and Reality: Making the Case
provided the student actors an opportunity
for Affinity Groups in Elementary School,
to experience theater both as a performer
appears in the winter 2012 issue. It is also
and as a crew member.
online at www.nais.org/publications
6
High Sch ool Alu mn i Brea k fa st
Hea d ’s Ad v isory Cou n cil
The December high school alumni breakfast
The Head’s Advisory Council led by Co-Chairs
provided graduates from classes 2008-2011
Sally Lapides and Annie White ’87 met this fall
an opportunity to reconnect with their
and discussed the school’s marketing efforts.
Gordon classmates and teachers prior to the
The conversation was led by Trustee, Robin Boss
school’s winter assembly. Pictured from left
and Head of School, Ralph Wales. The Council
to right: Meghan Wales ’10, Jonah Parker
which consists of fifty alumni and parents of
’10, Nate Bresnick ’10, Will Lupica ’10,
alumni shared their ideas for strengthening
Manny Guerzon ’09, Emilie Chung ’10,
Gordon’s message of providing an academic,
Dani Michaud ’11 and Graham Watkins ’08.
racially diverse and child-centered education.
Class of 2012 Civ il Righ ts Trip
The Class of 2012 traveled to Georgia and Alabama in February for the 11th annual Civil Rights Trip. They met with several civil rights veterans including FBI Investigator, Ben Herren, Dr. Gwendolyn Patton, and they visited historic sites such as the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the Southern Poverty Law Center. The Civil Rights Trip is funded by the Bready-Lapides Eighth Grade Educational Trip Fund which was established through the generosity of Richard Bready (parent of Arika ’02 and Max ’03) and Sally Lapides (parent of Ian ’99 and Emmett ’03) and the Class of 2003 Museum Admissions Endowment Fund. Kar la Ha rry Visitin g Au th or
Award-winning children’s book author April Pulley Sayre was this year’s Karla Harry Visiting Author. Sayre is the author of over fifty-five non-fiction books for children and adults. Her books, known for their lyricism and scientific precision, have been translated into many different languages. She is best known for pioneering literary ways to immerse young readers in natural events via creative storytelling and unusual perspectives. In 2008, she accepted the Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel Honor Award, given by the American Library Association for her book, Vulture View. It was also named a finalist for the 2008 AAA/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science books. Colle ge Alu mn i G ath erin g
Mackenzie Cater ’07 (UC Berkeley), Ben Fine ’07 (Brandeis University), Dylan Neel ’07 (Harvard University) and Lauren Rosalanko ’07 (George Washington University) returned to Gordon in January to share their experiences
Fifteen th Visitin g Artist A n n ou n ced
on college life with this year’s eighth grade
Jim Reynolds will be Gordon’s fifteenth Britt
class.
Nelson Visiting Artist, working with second, seventh and eighth graders from April 9th to April 20th. He is a RISD graduate who uses a repousse technique with metal and focuses his work on creating images from nature. Reynolds will present his work to all three divisions of the school while he is here, and he will give a public talk on the evening of April 18th at 7pm in the Activity Room. All are welcome to attend.
7
alumni spotlight
Andrew Stachiw ‘01
A n d r e w S t a c h i w ‘ 0 1 h e l p e d c r e a t e a n d p r o d u c e C o - o p o l y : the g a me of c oo p e r at i v e s , a b o a r d game r eleased this fall that tea c h es players abo u t c o o pe rat ive s a n d h o w t h e y pr ov ide a v iab le option for ec o n o mi c an d so c i a l ch a n g e.
Andrew is also the co-founder of Toolbox for
Co-opoly is the only board game made Fair
Education and Social Action (TESA), a worker-
Trade that we have been able to find. Every
owned cooperative that develops and
single game piece was made in the United
distributes interactive resources for economic
States. We used recycled materials and found
and social change. Andrew attended Milton
the only US based dice company, which is in
Academy ’05 and Hampshire College ’10.
Kentucky. Just to give you a glimpse into the cost of doing things ethically: the dice were the
How was Co-opoly created?
smallest component of the game, and had we
My Hampshire classmate, Brian Van Slyke,
ordered them from China they would have
had the idea of creating a board game that
cost between $40-$70, including shipping,
would teach people about the unique benefits
whereas to have the dice produced in Kentucky
and challenges of cooperatives, and introduce
they cost $750. Again, that is the smallest
them to this alternative economic model. He
component, so you can extrapolate from there.
What is Toolbox for Education and Social
began working on it during our sophomore
Despite the costs, it was obvious for us in terms
Action?
year in college, and almost four years later,
of ethical production versus cost efficiency,
Brian and I were very close at Hampshire, as
we had a full on board game. After Hampshire,
as it was of vital importance to us that those
our work and activism overlapped frequently.
we decided to come together for TESA, and
making the game were treated well, and that
After Hampshire, and after I got my Massachu-
Co-opoly was the first major product we
the game was produced ethically.
setts teaching license, Brian and I decided to
designed and produced.
begin working together again, so we formed a As we produced Co-opoly independently and
In Co-opoly: The Game of Cooperatives,
worker-owned cooperative and incorporated
asked a lot of manufacturers to do things they
players must collaborate to found and run a
in the state of Massachusetts.
had never done before, we received all the
democratic business. In order to survive as
different parts for Co-opoly unassembled, and
The mission of TESA is to create democratic
individuals and to strive for the success of their
only five days before we had to start shipping
educational resources that cultivate people’s
co-op, players make tough choices regarding
them out. We reached out to a network of
abilities to make social and economic changes
big and small challenges while putting their
friends and volunteers who helped us assemble
in their communities. We build and distribute
teamwork abilities to the test. This is an
over one million moving parts into one-thousand
our own materials as well as work with other
exciting game of skill and solidarity, where
Co-opoly board games. It was an amazing
organizations to develop educational resources
everyone wins—or everybody loses. By play-
experience, having everyone together assem-
for their needs.
ing Co-opoly, players discover the unique
bling boards, game pieces and packing boxes.
benefits, challenges and operations of the
It was a true testament to what cooperatives in
In addition, TESA has designed resources on
cooperative world—as well as the skills
their very natures are—communities of sharing.
cooperatives, and serves as a place to practice cooperation and build educational tools for the
needed to participate in a co-op. Our goal with TESA and the resources we
co-op community. Our most recent partnership
When it came to the production of Co-opoly
create is to be able to share the importance of
is with the South Bronx Green Worker Cooper-
we focused on making the game independently.
democratic and participatory education, while
atives (GWC), who incubate environmentally-
Our business, Toolbox for Education and
teaching lessons of democracy, economic and
friendly worker-owned co-ops in the South
Social Action (TESA), which facilitated the
social change. We are very proud of our early
Bronx, one of the most impoverished areas in
creation of Co-opoly, is committed to using
success as we have sold Co-opoly to people on
New York City. GWC and TESA are creating a
local, sweatshop free, union or cooperatively
every continent in the world (except Antarctica)
democratic education curriculum for GWC’s
made and environmentally sustainable materi-
including destroyed and re-forming businesses
Cooperative Academy, training the teachers,
als when possible in the manufacturing of its
in Christchurch, New Zealand, youth groups in
and designing the entire arc of the program.
resources.
India, and cooperatives in Peru. 8
How would you describe yourself today?
I like to think of myself as an educator, perhaps not in a formal school setting, but certainly in how I live my life and the work I engage in. We are in a time where change is crucial, broad, extensive, and systemic, so I definitely want to be a part of that change—that is what drives me. What do you hope for the future?
I never thought I would own a business. I am thrilled to have this opportunity. I would like to continue to work in education with kids and focus on designing and instructing curriculum with an emphasis on social and economic We are also developing a new game that looks
How did your Gordon experience shape
change. I also would like to see TESA grow as
at community organizing, and we are creating
who you are today?
a resource for communities and educational
an interactive history series that we hope to
Gordon is all about cooperation. Its philo-
institutions. Furthermore, I am excited to start
eventually compile into an alternative text-
sophical day to day practice pushes individual
working on resources that look at US history,
book. A lot of our work is with cooperatives
success but also places great emphasis on
as it is under fire all over the country, and if we
right now, and we work with all kinds of
community. This focus helped me see the
erase the terrible elements of our past from the
organizations that are striving for economic
potential in cooperative working environments,
history books that will only make us that much
and social change.
and allowed me to be able to take the initiative
more susceptible to repeat those mistakes.
to be my own boss, and to push myself to do
To purchase a Co-opoly game and to find out
What do you enjoy about working in a
better. So much of the educational research
cooperative business?
shows that the earlier schools start doing what
It is very empowering to own your own
Gordon has been doing for years, the better off
business, and that is at the heart of worker-
we are as learners, thinkers, and doers, so to
owned cooperatives. The idea of worker co-ops
that extent, I have no idea where I would be
is one member, one vote, one share—that is,
without Gordon.
it doesn’t matter how much you invest into the business, financially everyone is an equal.
As someone who has taught, I have learned to
When you feel empowered and have real own-
appreciate the work that goes into curriculum
ership, you want to take more responsibility,
design. Moreover, as I continue to teach and
and you want to go to work every day.
develop curriculum, I continue to be in awe of
Furthermore, because there is that level of
how advanced and developed Gordon’s edu-
equality, we share the burden and the benefit,
cational philosophy is—hands-on, experiential,
and on a lighter note, we also have the flexi-
democratic, and driven by a positive, empow-
bility to leave early, or work from home, or
ering mission. Gordon has always been a pace
decide to work over the weekend. Sometimes
setter, and sometimes we don’t realize how far
there is nothing better than being your own
ahead Gordon is until they rest of us start doing
boss.
things that Gordon was doing years ago.
9
more about Toolbox for Education and Social Action visit coopolygame.com or toolboxfored. org
To learn more about AnnieMulz, visit anniemulz.com alumni spotlight
Matthew Osofisan ‘02
Matthe w Oso f i san ’ 0 2 is t he c o- c r e at or of Annie Mulz, a su c c essful appa rel c o mpan y th at ha s been pro fi led i n S t yl e Bo s t o n , Bol d fa c e r s . c o m , B o s t on Metr o, and Complex Magazine. Matt h ew att en d ed Mo ses Bro wn ’06 an d No r theastern Un i ve rs i t y ’10.
How was AnnieMulz created?
on Newbury Street. Our company was selected
What is in the future for AnnieMulz?
My business partner, Michael Toney and I
as the top business and we were awarded
Last spring, we were awarded another round
met in our first class at Northeastern and our
$10,000 in gap funding.
of gap funding from Northeastern and we plan
friendship started immediately. We realized that we both had the desire to start our own business and would have tons of conversations about ideas and businesses. Since Michael was a graphic design major at Northeastern, we decided to use his talents to create a clothing line and I began writing up a business plan. We created the AnnieMulz label in January 2009 and focused on creating a brand that provided fresh, individual style for all people. AnnieMulz is a play on words and a personification of the word animals and based on the concept of Natural Law. We decided upon a grassroots effort to spread the word about AnnieMulz. One weekend we ventured to Newbury Street and set up a folding table with the help of my grandfather’s old dolley and a load of our first run of t-shirts. We figured if we sold one t-shirt and talked to one hundred people we would measure that as successful. By the end of the day, we had sold twenty-five t-shirts and talked to over 1,000 people. We knew were on to something. In the spring of 2010, we submitted our business to IDEA Northeastern’s Venture Accelerator, a program that provides mentorship and funding with a focus toward helping to launch sustainable or investment-ready businesses. Of fifty-five businesses, AnnieMulz was among the five finalists chosen. We made a twenty minute presentation to about one hundred people including an advisory board of Northeastern professors and
When were you able to open your pop-up store?
Knowing that the $10,000 award would not be enough for us to open a store, we had to get creative. I leaned on the entrepreneurship course I was taking at Northeastern where I had just reviewed a case study on cooperative business models. I thought it would be a great idea to pull together other businesses with like-minded missions and have a store front that could benefit all of us. We collaborated with three other brands: Born to Purple, The Collective and George Guest, all up and coming young lifestyle companies in Boston and opened our pop-up store, Concrete Jungle in the summer of 2010. The store was a launching pad for all of us and served as a good example of how innovators can work together to accelerate past the grey area of launching a business and move directly into establishing a more well-known brand presence in Boston and beyond. Concrete Jungle was a great success and attracted the fragmented underground culture of Boston. It even brought us local and national attention including visits from Boston Celtics player Glenn Davis, The Wayans Brothers, and Mos Def. When we closed the doors of Concrete Jungle in the Summer of 2010, we had sold over $50,000 worth of merchandise in the ten weeks of our store’s lifespan. That is really when Michael and I realized our brand selling power was viable.
to use it toward taking the next step in developing the AnnieMulz brand. We are focusing on gaining greater visibility through targeted marketing, taking our product to the next level by creating a sample line of tailored goods featuring detail oriented button-downs, and attending major trade shows to increase our network. My goal is to make AnnieMulz a staple in the Boston fashion scene and a recognizable name in the fashion industry as a whole. How did your Gordon experience shape who you are today?
Gordon is a community focused on ideals. We were taught to see one another as individuals and connect with each other despite our differences. Mrs. Bowman, my Humanities teacher, pushed me to think more deeply about issues in politics and the world and her class was structured as an open forum which challenged us to come up with own answers and opinions. Her class helped me become more aware of different ideas, opinions and perspectives. I continue to rely on these skills in my professional life as a business owner. My competitive nature was nurtured in Gordon’s athletic program. Coach Vince, my basketball coach, taught me the skills to be a leader. He always emphasized the importance of team play and being supportive of your teammates. I will never forget those lessons. What do you hope for the future?
I am working hard to grow AnnieMulz into
the University’s investment commitee. Our
a conscious brand. I hope to take time
platform was a plan to open up a pop-up store
to discover myself, travel the world and spend quality time with my family and friends. 10
alumni spotlight
Susanna Emmet ‘95
Susanna Emmet ‘95 is the managing director at Independent Diplomat (ID) in New York. Susanna received an LLM in International Law from the University of Kent, a BA from the New School in Social and Historical Inquiry and is a graduate of the Taft School ‘99.
What is the role of the Independent Diplomat
In 1991, after the fall of the Barre regime
Are there any teachers or classes from your
(ID) organization?
and the total collapse of the Somali Republic,
Gordon experience that stand out for you?
Independent Diplomat is a global non-profit
Somaliland resolved to re-constitute itself
My seventh and eighth grade experiences stand
diplomatic advisory group that provides
as an independent state. Since then, it has
out for me, and had, I believe, a significant
advice and assistance on political strategy,
established peace and sustainability and held
bearing on who I am and what I do today. In
international law, and media to marginalized
parliamentary and presidential elections.
a fundamental way, these years were focused
governments and populations. ID also seeks
Somaliland therefore stands in stark contrast to
on engagement in the world.
to empower those with the most at stake to
south-central Somalia, which remains a failed
participate in decision-making in the
state without an effective government, plagued
One course was based simply on the daily
diplomatic system.
by a series of disastrous humanitarian crisies.
newspaper, which we learned to read and discuss; another—’memory maps’—required
How did you become involved with
Somaliland has met the established criteria
us to spend the year studying the geography
Independent Diplomat?
for recognition as a State. It has a permanent
of the world, continent by continent. At the
After I completed my masters degree at Kent,
population, a defined territory, a functioning
end of the year, we were given a blank piece
I joined Human Rights First (HRF). I worked
government and capacity to enter into other
of poster board and had to draw the world,
closely with the Board of Directors and one
relations with other states in the international
including its countries, cities, rivers and
member became my mentor. As I was leaving
community. Its achievements have won
mountains from memory.
HRF, my mentor introduced me to Independent widespread praise and its case for recognition Diplomat.
has been favorably assessed by the African
In a third class we pretended to play the stock
Union Commission, the conflict prevention
market, where we had to defend our invest-
I was looking to branch out from a focus
NGO International Crisis Group as well
ments against ethical criteria. At the end of
on human rights alone to more broad based
as the security and development think tank
our eighth grade year we embarked on our
political work. I was immediately taken with
The Senelis Council.
community service project. I taught adult immigrants basic life skills for getting by in
ID’s mission of providing advice and assistance to governments and groups that need it the
How did your Gordon experience shape who
their new surroundings.
most. It struck a deep chord for me, as the need you are today? for this unique service was quite clear. Five
The school’s values and methods helped me to
I can trace many of my adult interests and
years ago, I began consulting on a part-time
develop a solid toolkit for this approach, and
accomplishments to these years; it tied knowl-
basis and gradually gained more responsibility
the curriculum encouraged its use and devel-
edge to action in the dynamic world, and
until two years ago, when I was appointed
opment in diverse ways. Whether in gym class
demonstrated the value of civic engagement.
Managing Director.
or math, students were challenged to learn
What are your plans for the future?
and were held accountable for the opinions What is a recent project that assisted another
they had and the choices they made. With an
country with their political struggle?
emphasis on discovery and problem solving,
We have been working with the democratically-
the world beyond the classroom was exposed,
elected government of Somaliland on diplomatic
and we engaged with it.
While my work at Independent Diplomat and in the field more broadly has been incredibly rewarding, I am reflecting on how I might contribute to other interests and build new skills, expanding my experience. In particular,
strategy. Somaliland is seeking to integrate itself better into the region and to attract more
These elements built a foundation not only of
development assistance, trade and investment
concrete knowledge, but also a confidence of
to help lift its people out of poverty. It is also
application. Today, broad interest in the world
seeking recognition as an independent state.
beyond the four walls of any given room I’m in is paramount, and I feel fortunate and wellequipped to navigate my life, with a personal aim of adding value. 11
I am considering going into education.
Photo above: Susanna and her Gordon classmate, Liza Trafton ’95
Stay Con n e c t e d Gordon School Alumni Mobile
GORDON
Community
What
The Gordon School alumni community will soon be in the palm of your hand. No matter where you are you will be able to connect with your classmates and keep up to date with Gordon School news and alumni events.
Features include: • Alumni
directory integrated with LinkedIn
• Real-time • Gordon • Alumni
class notes
School news feed Connection available to read
• Register
for upcoming alumni events
• Facebook,
Youtube, Flickr and more
f r e q u e n t l y as k e d q u e s t i o n s :
W h a t d e v i c e s su p p o r t t h e Gordon School alumni mobile application?
The free app has cross-platform capabilities and is currently available for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Android devices. Blackberry currently does not support the application. Adam Freedman ‘98
Ph.D. Candidate
When can I download the mobil app?
You will receive an email from Gordon School with a link to the
Civil & Environmental Engineering, MIT
application for the iPhone and Android in the next coming weeks. In order to have access to the application please make sure to update your new email address by contacting alumni@gordonschool.org. D o I n e e d a us e r n a m e a n d p assw o r d t o l o g i n ?
To use the application, you’ll need to sign in with your email address and name. You will then be prompted to verify the terms of use for the app through an email sent to you. After you initially enter your username and password, the app will remember the information. If your email is not accepted, please contact alumni@gordonschool.org to verify your email on file.
Directory
Local
Social
News
Class Notes
Crystal Spence ‘02
Senior Marketing Analyst American Express
Events
L e a r n m o r e a t www . g o r d o n s c h o o l . o r g / m o b i l e c o m m u n i t y G r e g o r y Ka t z e n ‘ 9 9
Psychology Research Graduate Student Columbia University
12
2012 Young Alumni Reunion Alumni from Classes 2008-2011
SCHOOL
and the current eighth grade are
Matters
invited back to Gordon on Saturday,
June 9th from 5:30-7:30 pm. Come celebrate with your Gordon teachers and classmates and enjoy dancing with DJ Ooch, athletic competitions and treats from Spike’s
VIDEO SERIES
Junkyard Dogs.
RSVP to alumni@gordonschool.org. Watch the video series at
www.gordonschool.org/ whatmatters
N o e l Ba r l o w ‘ 0 3
Harvard University ‘11 Filmmaker
Vivian Liu ‘08
Senior, Middlesex School
Stephanie Perez ‘04
Senior, Tufts University All-American Lacrosse Player
13
s s a l c
s e t no 1
g o r d o n
3Os
John T. Spicer ’38 writes: “We are grateful to have retired to a corner of Vermont where community still plays a part in the lives of most
3
a l u m n i
2
8Os
c o n n e c t i o n
4
9Os
of us natives, as well as us folks from some-
Melissa Maynard Leger ’83 writes: “I am
where else. Tropical storm Irene has been
currently the Director of Recruiting at Stanford
the most recent example of people coming
Law School, living in the San Francisco
Benjamin Haig ’90 is developing an oyster
together, to help with recoveries of all kinds.
Bay Area, and enjoying my family and the
farm in New Zealand.
Vermonts river valleys were extremely hard hit
sunshine—my husband Stephen, and two
by floodwaters which should be a part of future
children, Sam and Madeleine (photo 1 ). I
Stephanie Greenbaum ’91 is engaged to Todd
preparations. Visitors to our river valley will
remember my times at Gordon as not only
Goldberg, with plans for a summer wedding.
be surprised to see the devastation and the
instrumental in making me who I am today,
recovery efforts.”
but surely some of the best of my life. I would
4Os
William B. Greenough, III ’42 writes: “We
love the opportunity to reconnect with as many of my classmates as possible (Thank you Facebook)! Hope everyone is healthy and happy
Kathryn Trafton Hudson ’91 writes: “I earned my National Board Certification as an Early Adolescent science teacher. This past July, I married my sweetheart Kelly at her aunt and
on Maxfield Avenue!”
uncle’s house in Washington State. My mother
Childs was the pivotal teacher of my education
Susanna Rhodes Beckwith ’84 and Gordon’s
for Kelly and I which was attended by Nola
including high school, college and medical
Annual Fund Co-Chair Kitty Douglas were in
Riedel Kopfer ’91.” (photo 3 )
school. She let me keep the class alligator on
Washington, DC lobbying the RI delegation
vacations and gave me a whalebone with
on behalf of Reach Out and Read, a national
scrimshaw.”
pediatric literacy program. While they were
enjoyed attending the Gordon 100th! Miss
5Os
Sara Blanchard ’50 writes: “Cliff and I are happily entrenched in our Naples Paradise
there, they ran into Ash Wall ’01 who is working on Capitol Hill. Susanna serves as the Executive Director of Reach Out and Read and Kitty Douglas is the Programs Coordinator.
and sister Liza ’95 arranged a celebration
Georgi Vogel Rosen ’94 writes: “I’m living in Brookline, MA and was recently appointed to the town’s commission overseeing civil rights and intergroup relations. This March I’m heading to the United Arab Emirates as part of a delegation of American Jewish women. I’ll
(photo 2 )
be co-presenting a workshop about online
or in the Caribbean for cruise. I am singing
Todd Greenbaum ’87 lives outside of San
conference there, and we also will spend some
up a storm, wading through Bach’s Mass in
Francisco with his wife Assia, and two children,
time meeting with UAE officials and touring
B Minor, for one! A joy to which we look
Amaya (4) and Kenzo, who turned one on
both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.”
forward to coming North for Grandfriends’
February 16th. Todd is the Senior Product
Day in May to keep tabs on what Ali and
Manager for Adobe Pass for TV Everywhere.
Georgia Hunter Farinholt ’92 and her husband,
Wensday Greenbaum ’89 was the featured
November 23rd, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Ann R. Langdon ’56 writes: “Our second grand-
actress in a PSA for the City of Providence’s
(photo 4 )
daughter, Georgia Ann Rico turned one this
www.sweetdeceitpvd.com campaign to raise
November. We spent Thanksgiving with 37
awareness about candy flavored tabacco prod-
members of Drew’s family in Savannah, GA.
ucts targeting children which is still airing on
We also celebrated 5th, 35th and 70th birthdays
every television station in RI. Her vintage jazz
plus a 45th wedding anniversary by taking the
band The Corillions won Best Jazz Act 2011
family to Hawaii. Drew is now a professor
in the Motif Music Awards.
with an occasional trips ‘across the pond’
Drew Blanchard (6th and 7th) are doing.”
emeritus at Yale and retired from Morrison Foerster. Liz is doing standup comedy in NYC
Ethan Ruby ’89 and his wife, Julie welcomed
and catering. Dr. Alison is about to start her
thier second son, Bowen Lee Ruby, on
own practice in El Paso. Ann is chugging along
September 9th. Their oldest son Asher is now
trying to determine where best to devote her
21/2
energy.”
14
years old.
grassroots advocacy at a women’s leadership
Robert welcomed their son Wyatt on
Nicholas Foley ’96 practices law in New York at Cravath, Swaine & Moore; he recently moved to SoHo. Rob Glancy ’97, Emily Bresnahan-McRae ’97, Gia Garzone ’97 and Andrea Weisman ’97 enjoyed a mini reunion of the class 1997 at the new Abyssinia Restaurant on Wickenden Street in Providence. They all enjoyed reminiscing and catching up on all things
6
7
8
s p r i n g
2 0 1 2
Crystal Spence ’02 was promoted to Senior Analyst, Charge Card Product Management at American Express in New York. Crystal leads 5
an in-depth analysis of portfolio performance to identify opportunities to increase profitability
Evan Spirito ’02 Remembered
and growth.
S TART W HERE YOU ARE ,
Gordon! They hope to make this a monthly
Sarah Engle ’03 is currently living in New York
AND M AKE S O M ETHIN G O F IT .
gathering and invite any other 97ers in the
and working as an Assistant Buyer at Blooming-
NEVER B E S ATI S F IED .
area to join them.
dale’s. She also works as an SAT instructor for
—George Washington Carver (the quote chosen
Kaplan. (photo 7 is of Sarah and her sister Dana
by the faculty for Evan at Commencement 2002)
W ITH W HAT YOU HAVE
Yi Liu ’98 will graduate with an MBA from
’07 at Sarah’s graduation from Brown
Stanford University School of Business this June.
last May)
Evan Spirito ’02 passed away in
Ben Foley ’99 works as a film editor for
Jamie Macdonald ’03 is teaching history and
with lung cancer. He entered Gordon
Customplay LLC and lives in the sun at Delray
coaching lacrosse at the Viewpoint School in
in Middle School from The Henry
Beach, Florida.
Calabasas, CA.
Barnard School and quickly became
OOs
November after a courageous battle
an essential member of the Gordon Eric Margulies ’03 and his brother, Jake ’98 are
community.
happily pursuing their personal, academic and
Claire Lewis ’01 writes: “I am in the middle of
professional interests. Eric is living in Chicago,
Evan’s quick wit, kindness and athletic
my first year of medical school at Mount Sinai
IL and Jake is living in Boulder, CO.
talents were admired by his friends
in East Harlem, NY. I am thankful for my
and teachers. He possessed the natural
Gordon expereince as it has definitely helped
Bethany Pine ’03 graduated Magna Cum Laude
ability to embrace and draw out the
me navigate the world and gave me the skills
from Brandeis University in May 2011, major-
best qualities of those around him which
to digest knowledge and synthesize new ideas
ing in history and education. She is currently
made him a sought after friend and
from all that I am learning in my medical school
employed at the Lincoln School teaching
teammate.
coursework. Special thanks to Mr. Kravitz
nursery and coaching Middle School girls’ field
and his incredible edible cell lesson in seventh
hockey, basketball and lacrosse.
The Evan Spirito ’02 Scholarship Fund has been established by the Spirito family
grade. The photo above (5 ) is of myself and my brothers, Max ’02 and A.J. ’98 from our recent
David Bresnahan-McRae ’04 is entering his
to celebrate and honor Evan’s legacy.
family trip to Rio de Janiero.”
senior year at the Elliot School of International
This fund will support a student with
Affairs at George Washington University. He
financial need with preference given
Caroline Greene Hunt ’01 writes “Life out
spent last fall semester sudying in Cairo and
to a boy from Henry Barnard who
west is still wonderful. I am living in a small
traveling in Morocco and Turkey.
demonstrates the wonderful qualities
ski town and working at a Youth Center. It’s
that Evan brought to Gordon.
a great place to hike, ski, enjoy the sunshine
Liam Miner ’05 writes: “I just completed a five
and then help some youngsters connect to
month study abroad program in Buenos Aires.
For more information, or to make
their worlds.”
The photo above is from Calafate in Southern
a contribution, please contact
Patagonia. I am standing in front of one of
Director of Development,
Kelly Allen Kujawski ’01 and her husband
Argentina’s largest glaciers, Perito Moreno.”
Kerrie Donahue at (401) 434-3833 x117
Nathaniel, welcomed their son Ethan James
(photo 8 )
or at kdonahue@gordonschool.org
Kujawski on Decemeber 30, 2011 at 6:04 am. He weighed a total of 6 lbs and was 19 inches
Maggie Sawdy ’05 a junior biology major at
long. Kelly and her husband are thrilled to be
Smith College is spending her spring semester
new parents and are having an amazing time
in Kenya and Tanzania, learning about wildlife
with their son. (photo 6 )
management in a school for field studies program.
15
8
9
10
Nick Lee ’06 is a sophomore at the College of
Lauren Benoit ’08 a senior at Lincoln School,
on to Georgetown. Highlights included
the Holy Cross.
was named to the 2011 Providence Journal
snorkeling in Thunderball Grotto and Rocky
All-State Tennis Team and the All Division I-
Dundas, swimming with nurse sharks at Com-
North Singles First Team.
pass Cay and feeding the swimming pigs. They
Dana Engle ’07 is a freshman at Trinity College and a member of the Women’s Varsity Field
proceeded north into the Bight of Eleuthera Alexa Bourque ’08 a senior at Moses Brown
for a few stops before moving on to Harbour
was named to the 2011 Providence Journal Ben Fine ’07 is a freshman at Brandeis
Island where they spent time tagging sea turtles
All-State Field Hockey Second Team and the
University and a member of the Men’s Varsity
(photo 9 ). Back on campus for the winter term
All Division I Second Team.
Allie’s sea legs have been adjusted for compet-
Hockey team.
Tennis team. Zoe Foulkes ’08 a senior at Wheeler School Nick Mirza ’07 is a freshman at Macalester
was named to the All Division I Honorable
College and is enjoying his classes, and the
Mention Field Hockey Team.
internationally diverse student body. He is still happily and enthusiastically playing the drums.
Lucy Green ’09 a junior at Moses Brown was named to the 2011 Providence Journal
Dylan Neel ’07 is a freshman at Harvard
All-State Field Hockey Team and the All
University. He is rowing crew for Harvard,
Division I First Team.
and writing for the Harvard College Global Health Review. He is also enjoying playing on the club tennis team.
1Os
Maddy Berkson ’10 a sophomore at Classical Seth Neel ’07 is a freshman at Harvard
High School placed sixth with a time of
University. He is playing on Harvard Men’s
5:02:77 in the girls high school invitational
Varsity Squash team. He hopes to major in
mile at the U.S. Open Track & Field, which is
mathematics.
part of USA Track & Field Visa Championship
Jonathan Pine ’07 writes: “I am currently taking classes at George Washington Univer-
Series. Maddy also received highest honors on the school’s honor roll.
sity where I intend to major in political science
Audrey Chisholm ’10 a sophomore at Classical
with a minor in communications. Along with
High School was named to the school’s honor
taking classes, I have continued my work on
roll this fall and was a member of the girl’s
Capitol Hill with Congressman David Cicilline.”
volleyball team. (photo 8 )
Lauren Rosalanko ’07 writes: “I am enjoying
Allie Fuller ’10 and six other students attending
George Washington University and being
St. George’s School in Newport, RI were
in Washington, DC. There are so many oppor-
selected for the Fall 2011 Geronimo crew.
tunities. I am in the School of Business and
Geronimo is a 69-foot cutter-rigged sloop
currently working with two marketing profes-
designed specifically as a classroom at sea.
sors in developing a case study to be used in
On their voyage south from Newport, RI to the
GW business classes in the spring. I love going
Bahamas they covered close to 2,000 nautical
to different parts of the city on the weekends
miles and enjoyed some great sailing—many
and finding new restaurants and places to see.”
of their passages were completely under sail.
Danielle Benoit ’08 a senior at Lincoln School, was named to the 2011 Providence Journal All-State Tennis Team and the All Division INorth Singles First Team.
They traveled through 11 states, anchored in 29 different locations (including the Statue of Liberty) and tacked 112 times. While in the Bahamas, they sailed south to the Exumas and
16
itive squash. As tri-captain of the girl’s JV squash team she plays in the number two spot. Blake Johnson ’11 a freshman at Classical High School was named to the school’s honor roll this fall. Blake and her sister Jazmyn ’06 are hosting a cable access television show for teens on Cox Rhode Island channel 18. Arden Morris ’11 and brother Owen ’11 traveled to Paris in December. Their mom Allison’s 400 lb bronze “Still Life of Three” commissioned by Gordon Parents Frances and Guy McLeod, was exhibited in the 150th anniversary of the Paris Salon Nationale Beaux Arts and the Caroussel du Louvre. (photo 1 0 : Arden and Owen reading the Warren Times Gazette under the Eiffel Tower) Jamie Pine ’11 a freshman at Lincoln School, took the state doubles tennis title in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League title match. She was also named to the All Division INorth Doubles First Team. Jamie was one of the athletes featured on NBC’s Varsity Life in October. Sachie Springwater ’11 a freshman at Classical High School, was named to the All Division IINorth Singles First Team. She received honors on the school’s honor roll this fall.
GORDON Getting a move on the Annual Fund
Your gift to the Annual Fund provides essential support for the school’s talented faculty, exceptional academic programs, and student opportunities. Join the many parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and special friends in making a gift to the Annual Fund. It’s the best way to show your belief in a Gordon School education and will positively impact the present-day and future of the school.
Give online today at www.gordonschool.org/give.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
45 Maxfield Avenue East Providence RI 02914 www.gordonschool.org
Permit #365 Providence, RI
save the dates C J Bu c k l e y E x p e r i e n t i a l L e a r n i n g N i g h t
2012 Commencement
Thursday, June 7th at 5:30 pm
Wednesday, June 13th at 5:30 pm
This night provides an opportunity for family and friends to honor CJ Buckley
Come back and congratulate the members of the Class of 2012
’00 and to hear the current eighth grade present their service learning projects.
as they graduate from Gordon School.
Young Alumni Reunion
For more information about these events or to RSVP
Saturday, June 9th at 5:30-7:30 pm
please contact a l u m n i @ g o r d o n s c h o o l . o r g .
This annual reunion invites back the four most recent graduating classes along with the current eighth grade to celebrate their time at Gordon.