HAVERFORD SCHOOLToday
The Heritage of Haverford Crew
8 feature The Heritage of Haverford Crew
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spotlights Faces of Haverford 5 10 things you didn’t know about ... Marion Jacob 8 A passion for clay: V Former Evan Haas 8 Men of Character: Charlie Baker ’43 42 Profiles in Service: John Hickenlooper ’70 53 Global Leaders: Armand Sprecher III ’85 63 Future-Ready: Tyler Williams ’08 70 Reflections 76 departments From the Headmaster 3 Around the Quad 4 Athletics 16 Parents 22 Alumni 36 Class Notes 40 Milestones & In Memoriam 75
covers Front: The Heritage of Haverford Crew. Collage by Emma E. Hitchcock. Inside front: Head Crew Coach Jon Stephanik guides and motivates members of two varsity crew boats. Photo by Jim Roese. Back: (From left) Service Learning Director Jini Loos and Student Service Board members sophomore David McKay, sophomore Will Henderson, sophomore Eusha Hasan, junior Charlie Rahr, and junior M.J. Tricolli with the School’s Toys for Tots collection. Photo by Dawn Blake.
HAVERFORD SCHOOL Today
Upcoming Events » haverford.org/calendars March
May
MAR Upper School Musical: 10-12 “Guys and Dolls” in Centennial Hall 7-10 p.m. (March 10) 7:30-10:30 p.m. (March 11-12)
MAY 18th Annual Edward R. 2 Hallowell Literary Lecture with Natasha Trethewey in Ball Auditorium 7:30 p.m.
April
MAY
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Hav-Afford Recycle Clothing Sale 14 in Centennial Hall 7:30-9:30 a.m. APR
APR Hav-Afford Recycle Clothing Sale 21 in Centennial Hall 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Grandparents’ Day in Centennial Hall/classrooms 9-10:15 a.m.
HSPA Spring Fling 12 at The Haverford School 7:30 a.m.
MAY
MAY
LS Philip Bishop Day & Barbecue
27 at The Haverford School
Alumni, save the date!* APR
in Centennial Hall 10:45 a.m. APR
Alumni Weekend & Arts Festival at The Haverford School
MAY
28th Annual “Doc” Thomas Memorial Golf Outing at Rolling Green Golf Club 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
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* See Class Notes for more alumni events.
9-11:30 a.m.
board of trustees, 2015-16
CORRECTIONS
Below we humbly list known errors in the fall HST magazine; if you notice any errors in this issue, please contact us with details at communications@ haverford.org. Thank you! Tom Potts ’67 reported an error in the “Voices of a Generation: The Haverford School and World War II” feature on page 38, where it states that three Potts served together in the War. It was actually four: Wesley ’35, Joe ’37, Howard ’40, and Robert ’42. In the 2014-15 Annual Report, David L. Beatty should have been listed with the Class of 1965 in
the Annual Giving section on page 44. In addition, memorial gifts given by Carol Roberts Pendergrass in memory of James P. Roberts ’44 and J. Paxton Roberts ’73 should have been included in the Memorial Gifts section on page 69. Howard Butcher IV ’55 emailed to point out that photo No. 4 on page 20 was incorrectly labeled. He mentions that it should have listed, from left, Bill Ward ’55, John Huggins ’55, and Hassie Howard ’55. Jay Goldenberg, who was erroneously included and listed as ’55, is a member of the Class of 1953.
John A. Nagl, D.Phil. • assistant headmaster Mark Thorburn Brian McBride ’82 • chief financial officer David S. Gold managing editor Tim Stay • editors Dawn Blake, Jessica Covello, Emma E. Hitchcock class notes editors Tim Stay, Dawn Blake • alumni editor Andrew Bailey ’02 layout/design Emma E. Hitchcock, Tim Stay • printer Pemcor, LLC., Lancaster, Pa. photographers Andrew Bailey ’02, Dawn Blake, Joe Bradley, V Former David Bunn, Jessica Covello, David Bunn, Jordan Hayman, Kathy Heupler, Emma Hitchcock, Lisa Martin, Patrick McNally, Dan Miller, Jim Roese, Tim Stay, Monica Simpson Toal, Linda Walters, and George C. Wood ’75. contact Tim Stay, Director of Marketing and Communications; 484-417-2763; tstay@haverford.org address changes Please send address changes to Disty Lengel at dlengel@haverford.org. about Haverford School Today magazine is published for alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of The Haverford School. Nonprofit postage paid at Southeastern, Pa., and additional mailing offices. Copyright © 2016 The Haverford School (all rights reserved). headmaster
associate headmaster
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this publication. Special thanks to: Andrew Bailey ’02, Charlie Baker ’43, Sam Barnett ’65, Sam Caldwell, Jeff Day, Bill Farrell ’54, Matt Green, V Former Evan Haas, Betsy Havens, Darren Hengst, John Hickenlooper ’70, Marion Jacob, Sheryl Kaufmann, Disty Lengel, V Former Jeffrey Li, Lisa Martin, Brian McBride ’82, Deirdre McKeon, VI Former Peter Merhige, Sandy Mercer, Jill Miller, Candy Montgomery, Dr. John Nagl, Kim Reynolds, Cindy Shaw, Armand Sprecher III ’85, P.J. Vanni, Tyler Williams ’08, and George C. Wood ’75. special thanks
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Winter 2016
Distinguished Alumnus & Alumni
21 Service Award winners
Elizabeth M. Anderson P’14 Oray P. Boston P’17 Robert C. Clothier III ’79, P’17, Secretary Caroline De Marco P’22 Laurie M. Dennis P’14 ’17 Randall T. Drain Jr. ’01 David B. Ford Jr. ’93, P’24 ’26, Treasurer Maurice D. Glavin ’83, P’14 ’16 ’20 Richard W. Graham II ’52, Vice Chairman William Hambleton William T. Harrington P’24 ’24 Branton H. Henderson ’74, P’12 ’14 ’18 John F. Hollway P’18 Jason Ingle P’22 Barbara Klock P’23 ’23 Jeffrey F. Lee ’95 George B. Lemmon Jr. ’79, P’12 ’19 John J. Lynch P’10 ’12 Christopher J. Maguire P’16 ’19 George C. McFarland Jr. ’77 Sharon S. Merhige P’16 ’18 John A. Nagl, D.Phil. P’20, Headmaster Jennifer N. Pechet P’15 ’17 Amy T. Petersen P’15 Peter A. Rohr P’12 ’13 ’15 Kenneth W. Schwenke P’07 ’10 ’12 Mark D. Turner P’13 ’15 John C. Wilkins Jr. ’95 Thomas L. Williams P’17 William C. Yoh ’89, P’18 ’24, Chairman
FROM THE HEADMASTER
The Boys in the Boat By John A. Nagl, D.Phil. P’20
Dear Fords Nation, It has been a truly spectacular year at The Haverford School, highlighted by an unbeaten season for Coach Mike Murphy and the Fords football team. Murph and the boys haven’t lost since a squeaker in the first game of last season and went 10-0 this year en route to their third consecutive Inter-Ac championship. The seniors on this year’s team never lost to Malvern, and the boys who play lacrosse in the spring and football in the fall didn’t lose a game in calendar year 2015. Soccer won the state championship and its fourth consecutive Inter-Ac title, a feat not accomplished in the 50 years since Harry Smith’s teams did the same, and crosscountry finished second in the state. The Fords went 4-1 at EA this year, dropping only the water polo match. The sweater stayed in Wilson Hall, where it belongs, after a brief visit to Newtown Square for a photo opportunity on EA’s football field. And it wasn’t just sports in which the Fords excelled. Our new Theater Department Chair Darren Hengst directed “Billy Budd” in his debut performance in Centennial Hall, and the Notables, orchestra, and Fantastic Fords band all shone in holiday performances. Pegasus, our literary magazine, was honored with a Gold Medal by Columbia University. Our artists are engaged in helping Philadelphia through the Art in the City program, and our athletes conducted service projects throughout the holiday season; on all fronts, the boys continue to impress and amaze as they grow into men of character. This issue of Haverford School Today focuses on a yearround sport that really shines in the spring season and that focuses on developing men of determination, grit, and courage: crew. Having rowed at Oxford a bit myself, I understand the discipline and the joy that come from completely sublimating oneself into a crew – all the blades moving at exactly the same time, striking the water at the same angle, causing the shell to jump forward with alacrity as the stroke catches. Two years ago, during my first fall, I was back in a racing shell for the first time in 20 years, working hard to keep pace with the boys in the boat and chewing up my soft hands with the sweat on the oar; I think they’re finally starting to heal! Crew has a proud legacy at Haverford. I’m delighted that this year we’ve both dedicated the new boathouse in Conshohocken and installed coach Jon Stephanik in the Chair of Rowing at The Haverford School. You’ll read about both of those wonderful events in this issue.
We’re able to provide such remarkable facilities and coaches to today’s boys only because of the dedicated support and love of families past and present. A number of crew alums speak with passion in this magazine about what they learned under the tutelage of Coach Jim Barker and how fortunate they feel to give back to a school that has given them so much. I’ve heard the same gratitude and admiration for a number of today’s coaches and teachers, from 22-year veteran and National Lacrosse Co-Coach of the Year John Nostrant to our new head basketball coach Bernie Rogers. As we begin 2016, we look to the promise of an even better Haverford. Plans are progressing for a 21st century learning environment to relieve the pressure on a Crosman Hall that is bursting at the seams with the largest Middle School enrollment in history. Your support will help us continue to prepare boys for life–in our classrooms and on our stages and on our fields and on our river, the Schuylkill, which is featured so prominently in these pages. Enjoy, and please keep in touch.
John A. Nagl Ninth Headmaster Former Oarsman
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Around the Quad
AROUND THE QUAD
News & notes from around The Haverford School campus
Global Studies By Peter Merhige, Form VI This past June, 12 Haverford students, along with language teacher Gary Kan, Assistant Headmaster Mark Thorburn, and third-grade teacher Kate Thorburn, embarked on a two-week-plus journey through China to not only explore the Middle Kingdom, but to engage in intensive language immersion. Working with the renowned travel group Where There Be Dragons, we started our trip in Fuxian and Kunming, followed by visits to historic Lijiang and Lashihai, before finishing our journey in Beijing. The trip was lifechanging for all involved, filled with experiences that we will never forget. These experiences include our homestays in Kunming and traditional Naxi farmhouses in Ji Xiang Village. We were gradually acclimatized to China before being introduced to the families with whom we would be living. Staying with a family in China was dramatically different than we expected and presented some unique challenges, in
Student Global Leadership Institute: Equity The Student Global Leadership Institute (SGLI) is comprised of 25 member schools around the world whose students convene annually to tackle global issues ranging from water security to energy. SGLI aims to stimulate discussion of global challenges and societal issues, with international student leaders sharing perspectives, opportunities, and solutions. The 2015 theme was Equity, with three Haverford students traveling to Honolulu, Hawaii, to participate. In 2016, these students will leverage their experience to form a link with our Middle School students to reflect on the topic of equity. One evening, students from the U.S., Japan, Denmark, Sweden, India, and China were discussing artificial intelligence and the human species. I was surprised to find that the students from schools within driving distance of Philadelphia had viewpoints that were very far from my own, while the students from India shared opinions similar to my own. This showed me that people could form opinions that are independent of their cultural upbringing. Cultural differences are not necessarily a barrier to working with people from around the globe in order to address inequity and other world problems. – William Russell, Form V
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that many of us often didn’t understand everything that was being said! We quickly adapted, though, and forged fast friendships with our host families. We practiced our language skills on scavenger hunts and bartering in the marketplaces (VI Former Dan Lee ate a scorpion!); hiked up to the Great Wall; visited Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and more; made dumplings; took Tai Chi; and wrote calligraphy. Another memorable moment was visiting a Buddhist monastery high in the hills. We began to speak with several of the young monks, and quickly ended up in an impromptu soccer match versus a full squad of monks who emerged from the monastery and pulled off their robes to reveal matching Barcelona kits. Reflecting on the trip, fellow VI Former Cameron Miller said, “I love being able to meet people, and now I know that if I ever end up in Kunming, I’ll have people to connect with again.” Forging lifelong connections and experiences while utilizing a foreign language was extremely challenging, but it taught us all the value of true human interaction and understanding.
AROUND THE QUAD
f o s e Fac ford r e v a H
Our community is full of poets and scholars, human rights advocates and entrepreneurs, aspiring athletes and stage performers. The thread that binds the patchwork of The Haverford School is our commitment to each other, our School, and our neighborhoods. Faces of Haverford introduces you to a sampling of the many alumni, students, parents, and faculty who make The Haverford School experience truly transformative.
What advice do you have for the next generation of Haverford graduates? Don’t be in a rush to think that you need to get on a particular track. Life is full of opportunities and presents all kinds of challenges. You will probably end up making some major turns in your life that you never expected, but always be open to that and not too committed to one path too early. There are lots of ways to succ.
Hometown: Media, Pennsylvania Hobbies: gardening, reading, local community work
What life lessons did Haverford impart? I learned early on that the more you get involved in something, the more you’re going to get out of it. Sitting on the sidelines and watching isn’t a good way to get much out of life.
Note a particularly influential teacher or classroom experience. What always struck me about a Haverford education was the quality of the faculty. They were brigh, inquisitive, and dedicated to educating kids; and they enjoyed it. Don Brownlow always comes to mind as an example; he taught American history and comparative governments. He also advised the History Club, where we visited people like author Pearl Buck and sat in her living room listening to stories of her life in China, and U.S. Army Gen. Benjamin Foulois who learned to fly the first military planes from the Wright brothers … some amazing experiences. Brownlow pushed our thinking on everything. We had to ask the second and third level questions that really get to the heart of a subject and make you come away with a clearer sense of what your core beliefs really are.
Note a special Haverford memory. When I was in ninth grade, a bunch of us started lacrosse at Haverford; it was just a club that first year. The next year it became an official sport, but still had a tenuous status. We were a ragtag lot; we didn’t have official equipment or uniforms. We went to play Haverford High School on a Saturday morning and were doing our jumping jacks when suddenly we heard a huge roar. It sounded like there were a thousand guys pouring out of the gym in their bright yellow uniforms. We were pretty intimidated as they came out onto the field. At halftime, the score was tied, and we learned that they were in the running for the state championship. We ended up beating them by one goal. It was a David and Goliath moment; one that I will never forget.
Sam Barnett ’65
Jeffrey Li, Form V Enrolled: Form III (ninth grade) Siblings: sister, Lindy Hometown: Malvern Haverford School involvement: Upper School Service Board, president of PB&J Club (hunger initiative), crew team, tour guide What’s the best thing about being a Ford? Definitely being a part of such a close-knit brotherhood. Inside and outside of school, whether in the classroom, on the river, or at a friend’s house, my friends and I are always there to push, support, and help each other out. I’m surrounded by a great group of classmates who will likely become my lifelong friends.
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AROUND THE QUAD
f o s e c Fa ford r e v a H What is your dream job? I want to be a thoracic surgeon. In middle school I had a pulmonary lobectomy, and was fascinated by my doctor’s work. I want to improve the lives of others the same way my doctor did for me. What is your favorite spot on campus? It’s not on campus, but The Haverford School boathouse in Conshohocken. I started to row crew in the spring of my freshman year and have fallen in love with the sport. The amount of time my teammates and I have spent working tirelessly to be the best on the river has made us become like a second family, and the boathouse has become our second home. What three adjectives would you use to describe the Haverford educational experience? Life-changing, challenging, thought-provoking. What motivates you? My family really motivates me to be the best student, athlete, and person I can be. My sister and I have a nine-year age difference,
so I grew up watching her do great things, and she became – and still is – a huge role model for me. I don’t think I’d be where I am without the constant support and (sometimes annoying) motivation I get from her and my parents.
P.J. Vanni, Faculty Hometown: Swarthmore, Pennsylvania At Haverford since: 2006 Haverford School involvement: Lower School physical education teacher; coach: baseball, football, basketball, strength and conditioning Share a special teaching or coaching moment. During the annual Lower School spirit day at the varsity baseball game, I ran past the stands to coach third base. The boys gave me a huge cheer and said, “He’s the best teacher in the school!” Moments like that make me feel like I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing. I’m making the right people happy – the boys. That’s all that matters.
What misconceptions exist about physical education? It’s not all just fun and games. In actuality, what I do for the boys helps them everywhere: in class and in family life, with developing confidence and lifelong healthy habits. Exercise fixes everything! Through PE, we reinforce The Haverford School values of leadership, cooperation, perseverance, responsibility, confidence, and respect. What motivates you? When boys of every age and grade level come to me for advice, or questions having to do with anything going on in their lives whether at school, at home, in relationships, in sports, or regarding future goals. What compelled you to work at Haverford? I wanted to come to a place with enthusiastic learners, longstanding traditions, and inspiring colleagues. The reputation of The Haverford School fit my goals. (Plus, there’s free lunch.) What doesn’t our community know about you? My athletic background is just a front; I am a total geek! I’m a huge Star Wars and Game of Thrones fanatic. I started school as a computer science major and switched to exercise science; my professional goal is to graduate with high honors from a doctorate program.
To see more of the faces in our community, please visit: haverford.org/faces.
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AROUND THE QUAD
Parker Lecture
Dirty Nasty Politics On Nov. 18, The Haverford School welcomed Yale University Professor of History & American Studies Joanne B. Freeman as the 26th annual Davis R. Parker Memorial History Lecture speaker. She presented “Dirty Nasty Politics in Early America,” exposing the intense politics of the late 18th century as our Constitution – “an experimentation in government” – was being trialed. The following day, Freeman engaged Upper School students in discussion of the Burr-Hamilton duel that cost Hamilton his life in 1804. Freeman framed her lecture through the eyes of the Federalists and Republicans, who, although divided in their political ideals, were united in their fear of the new government’s potential failure and the Union’s resulting collapse. Politicians knew they were on the world stage, and that both their successes and missteps were being watched and recorded. Reflecting this unease, which was at times both exhilarating and terrifying, Hamilton wrote in 1787, “It has been frequently remarked that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force. If there be any truth in the remark, the crisis at which we are arrived may with propriety be regarded as the era in which that decision is to be made; and a wrong election of the part we shall act may, in this view, deserve to be considered as the general misfortune of mankind.” The potential crises of the moment –
inciting anarchy amongst the 13 states or slipping back into a monarchy – seemed to demand extreme political action, including producing false reports and making character attacks. In the end, it became clear that the party that understood popular politics would win the game. The power rested with the public, and glory would come from serving the general good.
Cox Speaker
Project HOME “The ultimate answer to chronic homelessness lives within all of us,” Sister Mary Scullion noted when she addressed Upper School students at the sixth annual Joseph T. Cox Servant Leadership Symposium on Oct. 30. VI Former James McConnon, whose mother cofounded Project HOME in 1989 with Sister Mary, delivered the symposium’s introduction. Sister Mary shared the message that there is a basic fundamental dignity within every person, ready to be illuminated by those who take the time to lend a hand. Drawing a parallel to the Knotted Grotto that put more than 150,000 struggles, hopes, and prayers on view during Pope Francis’ visit, Sister Mary said, “We all have knots, we all have struggles. For many of us, they remain behind closed doors. But for the homeless, those knots are in the public eye. By sharing our struggles, we become closer to one another and begin to loosen the knots that affect us all.” Marc Wise is one such individual. His knots were on display throughout the
years he spent living on steam grates and in the subway before receiving help through Project HOME. He spoke to the students about his experience living on the streets and urged them to help rather than to judge. “Sister Mary made me believe in myself again,” said Wise. “It’s important that you don’t consider people on the street a lost cause; everyone has some good in them.” Sister Mary also stressed that we need to work together to tackle the global issues of poverty, homelessness, and hunger. “Poverty and homelessness are prophetic signs in our community that something is radically wrong, that the fabric of our community has frayed,” said Sister Mary. “We must look at that in an honest way and recognize what Martin Luther King Jr. challenged us to consider: whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. When we open ourselves to the pain and struggles of others, and find a way to participate and to touch that pain, we will all be transformed.” Sister Mary has been involved in service work and advocacy for those in need since 1978. In 1985 she cofounded Women of Hope, which provides permanent residential and support services for homeless, mentally ill women. In 1988, she launched the first Outreach Coordination Center in the nation, an innovative program integrating private and public agencies. In 1989, Sister Mary co-founded Project HOME, which provides supportive housing, employment, education, and health care to chronically homeless and lowincome individuals.
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AROUND THE QUAD
FA
HT
Marion Jacob Middle School Science
G
10 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ...
T Y SP OTL L I CU
1.
My husband, Terry, and I started dating in high school – I met him at a graduation party. Our first date was out on the boat down in Avalon. We still have a boat; a little 16-whaler that’s in the backyard. I was about 10 or 11 years old, I set up a 2. When library in the neighborhood and little kids would come take books out; in the summer I would run library and arts/crafts camps.
wanted to be just like my ninth-grade history teacher Mrs. 3. ICrippen; I even had my hair cut like hers – it was the “Dorothy Hamill.” My nephew ended up marrying Mrs. Crippen’s niece, so we’ve reconnected!
4.
I played field hockey and tennis and did gymnastics – I’d like to think I could still do a back handspring. I was also a cheerleader for Malvern Prep.
5.
My husband and I run marathons and half-marathons. We’re Disney runners and we’ve actually done the Goofy on a couple of occasions, including last year for the 10th anniversary. You run the half-marathon on Saturday and then the full marathon on Sunday.
6.
I’m a quilter – I go to quilting camp every summer.
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I was in the movie Taps. I was Sean Penn’s date, but I ended up on the cutting room floor.
Actress to play me in a movie of my life: Jamie Lee Curtis.
8.
If I could invite anyone, dead or alive, to dinner: Mother Teresa, Benjamin Franklin, Jesus, and my best friend who passed away – she would have a great time!
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I could only have one food on 10. Ifa deserted island: pretzels. At the grocery store I may literally have six different types of pretzels in my cart.
Evan has attended The Haverford School since junior kindergarten. Last year, he entered his first art show, Montgomery County Community College’s 37th annual Montgomery County High School Art Exhibition and Competition, and received a Certificate of Excellence for his stoneware serving bowl.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Evan Haas V Form 8
Winter 2016
When did you take your first ceramics class? In Form II we did a little clay and I knew I wanted to do it again, but I never threw on the wheel. I saw the seniors making crazy stuff on the wheel; it was fascinating. I just thought
that turning a ball of clay into something so organic and natural was the coolest thing ever. What do you like best about the process? I like trimming because usually when you first finish a piece it has kind of a sandy finish and it doesn’t look that nice. But, when you trim it, you can take off all the excess clay and all the impurities. Where do you get your inspiration? YouTube – I watch a lot of ceramic videos.
AROUND THE QUAD
Character and Citizenship Day By Matt Green, Head of Upper School
In October, Upper School students explored the topic of character and citizenship through a series of activities aimed at service, global studies, diversity awareness, and leadership. I kicked off the day by sharing Marge Piercy’s poem “To Be of Use,” using it as a backdrop to consider the qualities and behaviors of a person of strong character and good citizenship. I then introduced a conceptual model that identified several arenas the boys inhabit and are responsible to: My Self, My School, My Community, My Country, and My World. We believe that character is forged as a young man journeys back and forth among these circles, developing dynamic and mutually beneficial relationships. With Director of Service Learning Jini Loos putting into action the schoolwide service theme of Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability, III Formers volunteered at two nearby locations. They did trail work and planted trees at Haverford Reserve, and supported Skunk Hollow Community Gardens by creating paths with wood chips and closing garden beds for the winter. The trips gave them a sense of working collaboratively with partners in our community and a hands-on experience
What is your favorite piece so far? One of the jars that I made last year because for the first time I made a lid that actually fit well. I like working with vases the best (no lids!) – they can basically be any shape as long as there’s an opening, so I’m free to do whatever I want. This year I’m going to attempt to make a giant pot that’s taller than me. And, yes, there will be a lid. Where does art fit in in your future? Hopefully by senior year I can make a portfolio and that will help me get into some good schools – that’s my goal. I’d love to pursue art in college.
doing environmental work. Global Studies Coordinator Andrew Poolman created a fictitious island in the Mediterranean Sea and asked the boys to represent various ministries of the island nation (Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Immigration, and others). The students were charged with considering how the current movement of people from the Middle East into Europe might impact their island. In the second global studies activity, students videoconferenced with high schoolers from Peru, Ecuador, Spain, and Denmark to discuss their schools and communities, and share their perspectives on environmental responsibility, immigration, and migration. With Director of Community Donta Evans, the boys participated in the diversity awareness activity “Stand in Silence.” The group discussed the many components of diversity that make up a learning community. Evans read a statement and the students were asked to stand if the statement was true for them. The goal of the activity was for our students to acknowledge and embrace differences, and break down stereotypes. “My favorite part of the day was “Stand in Silence,” says III Former Nelson Liu. “As a Chinese American, I’m not a stranger to diversity issues and racism; it’s actually been a huge part of my life. A lot of these issues seem to stem from a lack of empathy. I think this really opened a lot of people’s minds about the issues we face as a school and as a community, and about how outward appearances can be deceiving.”
With Director of Leadership Programs Bill Brady, the boys took part in interactive games centered on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. The students were placed in groups, with one boy from each being blindfolded and tasked with finding a ball with only the
direction of his teammates. In each round a new challenge was put in place, such as communicating in Spanish or without the use of words. After each round the team reflected on what worked, what they could improve on, and specifically how to adapt to situations that are uncomfortable. The next day, we returned to the important business of learning the content and skills the boys will need to be successful in the future. Our belief is that thanks to this program and to the many other character-building programs at Haverford, our boys are a little more thoughtful about why they learn what they learn and are better equipped to make a difference. Head to vimeo.com/haverfordschool to watch III Former Intel Chen’s video recap of the day.
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AROUND THE QUAD
Faculty Service Faculty & staff honored at Thanksgiving assemblies for their service to The Haverford School Faculty & Staff Honor Roll (25+ years of service) Sandy Mercer – 51 years! Chris Fox – 34 years Bill Palmer – 33 years Candy Montgomery – 30 years Steve Stephenson – 28 years Jay Greytok ’83 – 27 years Nancy Thomas – 27 years Janet Heed – 26 years Sheila Maginn – 26 years Kevin Seits – 26 years 25 years of service Eileen Buckwalter
Faculty and staff honored for their years of service to The Haverford School during the Middle School-Upper School Thanksgiving Assembly: (from left): Jamison Maley, Upper School science; Michael Murphy, Associate Athletic Director; and Tom Trocano, Science Department chair/teacher.
10 years of service Tiffany D’Alonzo Jamison Maley Michael Murphy Tom Trocano Susan Zickler New Faculty Leader (Promoted from Master Teacher) Nick Romero – Middle School math New Master Teachers (Promoted from Experienced Teacher) Luqman Kolade – Upper School English Nate Pankratz – Middle School art Jeff Potter – Middle School health & physical education
Coach’s Corner:
Bruce Kennett Head Coach Wrestling
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Winter 2016
Faculty and staff honored for their years of service to The Haverford School during the Lower School Thanksgiving Assembly (from left): Susan Zickler, Director of Early Childhood Education; Eileen Buckwalter, junior kindergarten teacher; and Tiffany D’Alonzo, Haverford Center teacher.
In his 19 years as the head coach of Haverford’s varsity wrestling team, Bruce Kennett has led the Fords as perennial Pennsylvania Prep Place-winners, competing for both state and national championships. During his tenure, Kennett has helped produce 13 Pennsylvania State Prep Champions, one National Prep Champion, and a Beast of the East Champion. Getting his coaching start at Mitchell Main Line Day School in 1975, Kennett moved to Malvern Prep in 1978, a post he held for 17 years before coming to The Haverford School in 1995. He also coached the AAU Middle Atlantic National Team
from 1994-2000, the Pennsylvania Cadet National Team from 1997-2003, and Team USA at The Down Under Games in Australia in 2005. Throughout the years, Kennett has stressed the importance of good technique, and trained his athletes in a competitive and fun atmosphere. His success in doing so has helped a majority of his boys move on to wrestle at the collegiate level. Kennett wrestled at Haverford High School before competing for the West Chester University Rams, where he graduated in 1973. Kennett still lives in West Chester with his wife, Sheila; they have four sons: Dan, Matt, Brett ’01, and Ryan ’04.
AROUND THE QUAD
Big Timber Arts Roundup By Headmaster John Nagl
For the past 13 years, Bob Burch ’72 and his wife, Susan, Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Much Ado About have hosted The Big Timber Arts Roundup at their Hobble Nothing.” They recited original pieces of poetry describing Diamond Ranch in Greycliff, Montana. The Roundup this young loves lost and photos and paintings of the sparer, year brought 10 students each from The Haverford School, haunting beauty of central Montana. And Haverford School The Agnes Irwin School, and The Episcopal Academy, teachers joined in the experience, with Upper School along with two young men from Boys Latin, to work Spanish teacher Carmen Epstein showing her photography alongside 18 students from three Montana high schools and Upper School English teacher Luqman Kolade reading for five days. Their task: to depict in photographs, poetry, a short story he had written about a star-crossed love affair prose, watercolor, or a Shakespearean scene the beauty, set in the mean streets of a city, far from the train whistles the passion, the loneliness, and the fear that mark the and lowing heifers of Big Timber. human condition. They succeeded beyond any reasonable There are many ways to support The Haverford School expectation. and to invest in the future The students of our young people. Bob were guided along and Susan – parents of their journey by a two AIS graduates, one crew of professional Haverford School graduate, actors, authors, and a current Haverford School artists, many of whom student and a denizen of have been engaged the Haverford Center – in the Roundup have for years used their since its inception. extraordinary hospitality to The professionals educate and inspire some of challenge and mentor Americas most talented and the students to fortunate young artists. The explore new talents several hundred graduates within themselves of the Roundup uniformly Hillside watercolor by VI Former Matt Paolino and to express them describe their time at the in front of each other Hobble Diamond Ranch as and the local community in a gala presentation on the a life-changing event, and I am now the second Haverford festival’s final day; this year at the Big Timber Fairground. School Headmaster to echo their praise. Giddyup! With photographs of last year’s prize heifer and lamb adorning the walls, students presented scenes from “A
Winter Concerts The Middle and Upper School winter concert Dec. 10 included performances by the Jazz Band, Centennial Singers, Celebrantes, Orchestra, String Quartet, Glee Club, and Notables. The Lower School concert Dec. 14 featured the fourth- and fifth-grade Chime Choirs, Fantastic Fords Band, LS String Ensemble, and Treble Choir.
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AROUND THE QUAD
Bil l y Budd Upper School Play
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AROUND THE QUAD
Spring Arts Calendar March MAR Upper School Musical: 10-12 Guys and Dolls in Centennial Hall 7-10 p.m. (March 10) 7:30-10:30 p.m. (March 11-12)
April Inter-School Art Exhibition The Agnes-Irwin School
APR
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APR Inter-Ac A Capella Concert 14 at The Episcopal Academy APR
US-MS Spring Concert
APR
Form II Playwrights in Progress in Ball Auditorium
APR
Alumni Arts Festival
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GET TO KNOW...
Darren Hengst
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Theater Department Chair
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The first thing you’ll notice about new Theater Department Chair Darren Hengst is his enthusiasm. No, not a manic, Richard Simmons-type of enthusiasm, but a refreshing, intellectual kind that translates into an open dialogue and exchange. This is exactly what you want when trying to get teenage boys to access and express the key tenet of theater – empathy. “When you study a script and have discussions about decisions the characters make, there’s a big lesson in empathy,” Hengst explains. “You want the boys to understand that when someone tells you how they feel, they’re not right or wrong – that’s just how they feel.” So, yes, the boys are learning how to perform in front of an audience, how to control their nerves and command a room – be it a theater, a chemistry class, or a boardroom – but they’re also learning how to challenge the limitations of their personal experiences and grow as responsive, compassionate individuals. One of the shifts under Hengst’s stewardship is the move toward hands-on work – sound, lighting, and sets. “They’ll
probably never touch another stage light after they leave,” he smiles. “But at least they could start and finish a project and see the big impact that it had on the whole. They’ll understand how many people are involved and that the process is collaborative.” Hengst is also a working actor, which enables him to bring some of Philadelphia’s professional theater community into the classrooms to work with the boys, giving them access to invaluable and varied expertise in the field. With his first production as theater department chair, Hengst stepped up to the challenge and chose “Billy Budd.” The work, based on a Herman Melville novella, isn’t flashy or well known, but rather a tense, character-driven work deftly layered with human complexity and subtlety. Even the lighting, set, and sound design was a challenge, needing to be understated yet dramatic, clever, but above all functional. In other words, it was the perfect production for Hengst to introduce his perspective and ideals as the department chair. Hengst began working at The Haverford School in 2013. In addition
May MAY
LS-MS Spring Concert
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to teaching, has been featured in awardwinning Philadelphia productions such as “Les Miserables,” “Candide,” “Winesburg,” “Of Mice and Men,” and Stephen Sondheim’s “Passion.” Hengst earned an MFA in acting from the University of Illinois Professional Actor Training Program.
See more of
Haverford arts View additional photos from these and other arts events:
haverford.org/photos
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THE SKY’S THE LIMIT V Former David Bunn photographed The Milky Way during the annual Big Timber Arts Roundup at the Hobble Diamond Ranch in Montana.
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THE THE BIG BIG PICTURE PICTURE
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ATHLETICS
GO FORDS Athletics
FALL SPORTS Cross-Country Head coach: Tim Lengel League record: 4-2 (3rd place) Team captains: Charlie Scales, Peter Merhige Individual accomplishments: All Inter-Ac –Charlie Scales Led by senior captains Charlie Scales and Peter Merhige, The Haverford School cross-country team enjoyed a successful season, placing third in the Inter-Ac, earning second place at the PAISAA meet, and defeating rival Episcopal Academy in the final race of the season. Highlights from the season included Scales’ outright victory in the Westtown Invitation with a time of 16:38. The team posted a record of six wins and two losses in its Inter-Ac dual meet schedule, followed by a third-place finish in the Inter-Ac Championship meet. The Fords saved their strongest performances for the end of the season. The team earned second place in the PAISAA meet, beating all of the Inter-Ac Conference teams by packing together 16
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and running as a unit. The top five scoring members of the team had the tightest spread of the entire competition with just 1:14 separating the first and fifth runners and an astonishing, 5-second spread from the second runner to the fifth. The Fords squared off against archrival Episcopal Academy on Nov. 14 in their final competition of the year. Thanks to a heroic firstplace finish from Scales, combined with gutsy runs by Merhige and junior Taj Bland, the Fords vanquished the Churchmen by a score of 27-28 (lowest score wins). The win marked the first time in more than 15 years the team posted consecutive victories against EA.
Football Head coach: Michael Murphy Overall record: 10-0 League record: 5-0 (1st place) Team captains: Kevin Carter, Frank Cresta, Mickey Kober, Micah Sims Individual accomplishments: All-Inter-Ac Player of the Year – Dox Aitken All-Inter-Ac First Team–Brian Denoncour, Dox Aitken, Keyveat Postell, Tommy Toal, Frank Cresta, Colin Hurlbrink, Mickey Kober, Micah Sims All-Inter-Ac Second Team – Mallik Twyman, Asim Richards
ATHLETICS
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First undefeated season since 1971 Three consecutive Inter-Ac Championships Senior class never lost to Germantown Academy, Penn Charter, or Malvern Prep, and only once to Springside Chestnut Hill and Episcopal Academy Aitken first two-time Inter-Ac Player of the Year since 1984 Ranked third in Philadelphia and fifth in Southeastern PA Defeated four PIAA state playoff teams
Golf Head coach: Gui Costin ’85 Overall record: 23-9-1 League record: 20-8 (2nd place) Team captain: Max Siegfried Individual accomplishments: All-Inter-Ac First Team – Max Siegfried, Thomas Gravina All-Inter-Ac Second Team– David Hurly, Jack McNight The golf team finished second in the Inter-Ac behind Malvern and one place ahead of Episcopal Academy. The team was led by Max Siegfried, who had a stellar Haverford School golf career and finished with the lowest stroke average of all Inter-Ac players, a feat no player at Haverford
accomplished during the past five years. Siegfried was also named to the All-Inter-Ac First Team. Senior starter Thomas Gravina was named our most improved player, as he won the Germantown Academy Inter-Ac tournament and was an All-Inter-Ac First Team selection. The 2015 team was filled with young talent, having seven freshmen on varsity, far more than ever before. Led by All-Inter-Ac Second Team selection David Hurly, the freshman roster included starters Sam Walker, A.J. Aivazoglou, and Peter Garno followed by Zak Summy, Mac Costin, and Christian Sarian. Haverford completed its fifth-consecutive EA Day victory, beating Episcopal Academy in a new best ball format by seven shots led by Siegfried and Garno with 33 and Chris Morrison and Davis Rosato with 34. Since moving golf to the fall season, the Fords have never lost or tied on EA Day. The team was supported by strong play from junior Jack McNight, who was named All-Inter-Ac Second Team, junior Max Brooks, sophomore Tyler Roland, junior Rosato, junior Morrison, junior Edmund Garno, sophomore Cal Buonocore, and seniors Jack Bellwoar, Charlie Lesko, and Chris Ambrosio. The 2015 team continued a strong tradition of performance: the last six seasons the Fords have won four Inter-Ac titles and had two second-place finishes.
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ATHLETICS
Soccer
Water Polo
Head coach: Bill Brady Overall record: 18-3-2 League record: 7-1-2 (1st place) Team captains: Connor Gregory, Jimmy Tricoli, Conor Bradley, Shane Bradley Individual accomplishments: All-State – Connor Gregory, Shane Bradley All-SE PA First Team – Connor Gregory, Shane Bradley, Conor Bradley Inter-Ac MVP – Connor Gregory, Shane Bradley All-Delco First Team – Shane Bradley, Conor Bradley, Connor Gregory All-Delco Second Team – Jimmy Tricolli, Alec Haas All-Delco Honorable Mention – Will Baltrus, Jerry Karalis, Matt Mayer All-Inter-Ac First Team – Connor Gregory, Jimmy Tricolli, Conor Bradley, Shane Bradley All-Inter-Ac Second Team – Alec Haas, Jerry Karalis
Head coach: Kevin Van Such Overall record: 10-11 League record: 4-4 (3rd place) Team captains: David Mitchell, Harrison White, Kenny Fitzpatrick Individual accomplishments: All-Inter-Ac First Team – Harrison White All-Inter-Ac Second Team – John Nelligan, M.J. Tricolli
• Fourth straight Inter-Ac Championship • PAISAA State Champions • Ranked as high as fourth in the country • Win over Malvern at home helped the Fords turn the corner • Connor Gregory recorded his 30th goal of the season in the PAISAA semifinal • Senior class carried the team, but there was a steady evolution of Caleb Clothier, Evan Scott, and Josh Ridenhour as vital cogs in the wheel
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Significant victories over Penn Charter and Episcopal Academy at home 24 players on varsity and JV teams, graduated six seniors Completed service project at St. James School during preseason to help clean up and prepare an inner-city school and church Extremely young team with a bright future ahead
FORDS PHOTOS
View additional photos from these and past athletics seasons:
haverford.org/photos
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ATHLETICS
FORDS Student Athletes CONNOR GREGORY
CHARLIE SCALES
The Fords soccer team had another great season winning its fourth straight Inter-Ac Championship. There were a number of standout performers for the Fords this fall, but one in particular was Connor Gregory. Head Coach Bill Brady states, “The thing I have always admired most about Connor is his commitment to making the soccer experience in our program better for every member of the team. He has received very deserved praise and awards from almost every outlet possible and he consistently points to the strength of the team as his reason for success.” Gregory ended the 2015 season with 31 goals and seven assists. He was also named Co-MVP of the Inter-Ac, First team All-Inter-Ac, First Team All-Delco, and All-State. For his career as a Ford he tallied 71 goals and 20 assists. Gregory will attend Brown University next fall and play for the Bruno United soccer team.
The Fords cross-country team entered its season under the leadership of first-year coach Tim Lengel with optimism, momentum, and a competitive group. Lengel led the team in a different direction, integrating strength and core work along with running to help the boys get stronger and avoid injuries. One athlete stood out from the group – team captain Charlie Scales. Coach Lengel describes Scales as, “our ace, helping us place in big meets by dominating competition.” As their top runner, Scales led the Fords in winning the Westtown Invitational and defeating the Churchmen by one point on Haverford/EA Day. It was the first time in more than 20 years that the cross-country team won its EA Day event in back-to-back years. “The team was ecstatic about the victory [on EA Day], because it validated all of our work,” said Scales. Scales and the team also earned second place at States beating all Inter-Ac teams, and had a close third place overall finish in the Inter-Ac.
Athletic Hall of Fame 2016 Inductees 1936–37 Basketball Team Coach Bill Prizer ’39 Ben Heyward Whitney Smith ’62 1976–77 Squash Team Tom Gallo ’77 Dan Mayock ’82 Matt Micolucci ’86 Bill McNabb 1996 Soccer Team Henry Fairfax ’99 2000 Lacrosse Team
Dinner and Induction Ceremony Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 haverford.org/halloffame
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ATHLETICS
The Pursuit of Perfection By Jonathan Stephanik Undefeated seasons don’t come easily in football. In every game, a team is confronted with new obstacles to overcome and sometimes adversity that changes the dynamic of the team for the season. The Haverford School football team found itself in this situation during its 2015 campaign. While preparing for the season in late summer, the coaches and athletes knew that they would need to find their identity and harness their talents to fit the scheme and game plan. There was no lack of talent on the offensive side as they found their identity right away with explosive performances behind the leadership of senior captain and quarterback Kevin Carter. Posting 50 and 45 points in the first two games against strong nonleague opponents sent shockwaves through the region. In the third game of the year, the Fords hosted a seasoned perennial power in West Catholic. Adversity struck the Fords when Carter went down during a play, causing serious damage to his knee and leg. As silence spread through Sabol Field and emotions started to appear on faces of teammates, coaches, and spectators, a statement of change and reassurance came from Carter’s father. Coach Robert Allman describes the situation: “I remember standing behind Bill Wardle, the other trainers, and Coach Murphy when Kevin was lifted on the stretcher. I wasn’t sure how Mr. Carter was going to react, this being a very emotional time for a dad to watch his son, who invested a great deal of time towards football and was on the verge of having a great season. As Kevin was being transported off the field, Mr. Carter turned to the bench and the coaches and said without any hesitation, ‘Next guy up.’ ” The game had to continue. Once the shock of losing their leader settled, teammates rallied around back-up quarterback Tommy Toal. Toal stepped up and led the team to victory over West Catholic. Moving forward, Toal knew he had a big role to fill. Carter
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had a strong command of the offense and was the coach on the field. He was described as having a gifted arm, being hard to tackle, and throwing the ball on the run well. Toal moved confidently into his position and propelled the team forward. “Tommy is a competitor,” says Coach Murphy. “Like Carter, Toal is good on the run, has a strong arm, and he just makes plays.” The relationship between Carter and Toal grew stronger as the season advanced. In the game after the injury, Toal pushed Carter in a wheelchair to the center of the field for the coin toss. There was strong support between the two young men. Carter worked with Toal during practices and games, offering advice and encouragement. Toal and the Fords continued their offensive explosion over Penn Wood, winning 41-6. The defense made changes in personnel and scheme and pulled together against nonleague foe Father Judge, shutting down one of the best offensive players in the area. Inter-Ac play began a week later and Haverford’s first game lived up to the call. A triple overtime stunner against Penn Charter welcomed the team to league play as the Fords scored a touchdown and extra point to seal the victory. Away at Malvern followed with a dominant performance surprising the Friars, 31-14. The Fords posted 45 and 42 points against Springside Chestnut Hill and Germantown Academy heading into Haverford/EA Day and the chance of an undefeated season. EA Day brought cool temperatures and gusting winds, but the conditions didn’t stop the Fords’ pursuit of perfection. The defense set the tone of the game, keeping the Churchmen scoreless for four quarters. The offense posted 21 points on the board. As a team, Haverford football achieved an undefeated season. When all the coaches looked back on the season they brought up words like pride, character, compassion, support, and respect – all great descriptions of student-athletes at The Haverford School. This was the first undefeated season for Haverford football in more than 40 years, with the 1970 and 1971 teams being the last to achieve such an accomplishment.
ATHLETICS
EA DAY/SPIRIT WEEK 2015
Following a week of School spirit activities (the Class of 2016 won the Form competition for the third year in a row!), the Fords varsity teams defeated Episcopal Academy in four of the five events on Haverford/EA Day:
Golf – 184-191 (Fords) Cross-country – 27-28 (Fords) Water polo – 14-5 (Churchmen) Soccer – 2-0 (Fords) Football – 21-0 (Fords)
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PARENTS
HSPA Gala 2015
A Night In Napa A Night In Napa was the theme for this year’s Haverford School Parents’ Association Gala held on Saturday, Nov. 7. Grapes, grape leaves, and vines wrapped arbors and wrought iron railings, bicycles leaned against fences, and vases of fresh flowers on burlap runners graced the tables creating a lovely Napa feeling for the event. Approximately 400 parents and friends of the School bid on live and silent auction items, dined on a delicious dinner, and danced into the night to the house band, The Haligoluks. Gala co-chairs were Donna McNally and Dorothy Walker along with over 100 additional volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the evening a great success. All proceeds from the event support programs that benefit the boys and young men of The Haverford School.
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Clockwise, from top left: (From left) Heather and Garth Hoyt ’89, Dana and Andrew Bailey ’02, and Haverford School Parents’ Association Chair Laurie Dennis; A Night in Napa co-chairs (from left) Dorothy Walker and Donna McNally; (from left) Jeff Payne, Rick Corl, Patrice Stilley, Alicia Payne, andDave Stilley ’92; (from left) Kelly Yoh and Board Chairman Bill Yoh ’89, Gayle and Mike Yoh ’81, with Sharon Merhige.
ALUMNI
Maroon & Gold Society Party The Haverford School honored leadership donors at its Maroon & Gold Society Party on Oct. 8 at The Barn at Valley Forge Flowers. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from 12th Street Catering and musical entertainment by Peter Smyser. The Maroon & Gold Society was established in 1997 to provide special recognition for leadership gifts of $2,500 and more. Last year, 310 members made gifts totaling $8,587.674.
Clockwise, from top left: (from left) Chris and Meg Veno, Kelly and Peter Cordray; (from left) Wendy Haabestad, Rachel Miller, and Cassie Wuollet; (from left) David Harrison ’63 and Sam Barnett ’65; (from left) Jeff Grieb ’95, Bart Smith ’95, Bill Harrington, and Suzanne and Adam Ciongoli; (from left) Lynda and Michael Donahue, Keith Dalton, and Kathy and Jay Bellwoar.
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PARENTS
HSPA Gala Patrons’ Party Spirits were high on Oct. 23 at The Haverford School Parents’ Association Patrons’ Party. The gathering is held annually in advance of the main event to honor those supporting Haverford’s gala at the top two participation levels, as well as all corporate sponsors. The Gala Patrons’ Party was graciously hosted by parent Susan Tabas Tepper (fifth-grader Baron, Fitz ’12, Major ’15), who was recognized for her support over the years with a monogrammed Tiffany crystal bowl on behalf of the School. The Gala Patrons’ Party was a huge success, bringing together benefactors to celebrate another year of collaboration between parents and the School.
(Upper) KellyAnn Ricefield, Michele Davey, Headmaster John Nagl, and Gala Patrons’ Party hostess Susan Tabas Tepper; (lower) J.P. and Sue Ellen Cummins with Sara and Jim Biden
The HSPA fall Recycle Sale The Haverford School Parents’ Association sponsored its “Hav-Afford” recycle sale on Sept. 22. Haverford parents donated gently used clothing and sports equipment. Linda Corcoran, who led the parents in collecting, sorting and selling the items, chaired this year’s sale. The sale raised close to $4,000 on a chilly, but gorgeous morning. All proceeds will benefit the students and programs of The Haverford School. Remaining items were donated to other organizations serving needs of young people.
HSPA Pumpkin Fair The Haverford School Parents’ Association hosted its annual Pumpkin Fair Oct. 22. Painted pumpkins, tasty treats, games, and raffles circled the Quad as the Lower School students visited the fair by grade and Middle and Upper School students stopped by during their free periods. The family friendly event was chaired by junior kindergarten Class Parents Shira Paul and Ashley Whamond; kindergarten Class Parents Christen Haughton and Erin Hinckle; and first-grade Class Parent Lesley Coulson. The day made for an exciting kick-off for the fall season.
Haverford/EA Day Pancake Breakfast & Spirit Gear Faculty, staff, alumni, parents, students, and friends gathered together in The Haverford School Dining Hall on Nov. 14, to kick off Haverford/EA Day festivities and athletic events. Form I parents, headed up by Gina Gormley, served pancakes and all the trimmings to approximately 1,000 guests before heading off to the games, hosted this year by Episcopal Academy.
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Haverford/EA Day parent volunteers (from left): EA Day Pancake Breakfast Chair Gina Gormley with parent volunteers Cory and Denise Trucksess and Susan McIntyre.
Volunteer parents (from left) Ann Glavin, Lynn Collins, co-chairs Cheryl Smith and Melissa Stamps, Anne Glunk, and Patty Fabiano selected a variety of spirit gear items that were available for purchase.
LEADERSHIP
2015-16 Board of Trustees The 2015-16 Haverford School Board of Trustees includes (seated, from left) Elizabeth M. Anderson P’14; Sharon S. Merhige P’16 ’18; Caroline R. De Marco P’22; Amy T. Petersen P’15; Robert C. Clothier III ’79, P’17, Secretary; Laurie Dennis P’14 ’17; (second row) John F. Hollway P’18; Jennifer N. Pechet P’15 ’17; Barbara Klock P’23 ’23; Oray P. Boston P’17; Richard W. Graham II ’52, Vice Chairman; Christopher J. Maguire P’16 ’19; Branton H. Henderson ’74, P’12 ’14 ’18; (third row) William T. Harrington P’24 ’24; George C. McFarland Jr. ’77; William Hambleton; George B. Lemmon Jr. ’79, P’12 ’19; (fourth row) Thomas L. Williams P’17; Maurice D. Glavin ’83, P’14 ’16 ’20; (back row) William C. Yoh ’89, P’18 ’24, Chairman; and John A. Nagl, D.Phil. P’20, Headmaster. Not pictured: Randall T. Drain Jr. ’01; David B. Ford Jr. ’93, P’24 ’26, Treasurer; Jason Ingle P’22; Jeffrey F. Lee ’95; John J. Lynch P’10 ’12; Peter A. Rohr P’12 ’13 ’15; Kenneth W. Schwenke P’07 ’10 ’12; Mark D. Turner P’13 ’15; and John C. Wilkins Jr. ’95. New members of 2015-16 Board of Trustees include (from left) Bill Harrington P’24 ’24, Oray Boston P’17, Laurie Dennis P’14 ’17, and John Hollway P’18.
2015-16 Alumni Executive Council Members of the 2015-16 Alumni Executive Council include (front row, from left) Rick Garrity ’01, Avery Cook ’93, Thomas Lindberg ’07, Headmaster John Nagl, Alumni Association President Brant Henderson ’74, Drew Mozino ’58, Robert Corcoran ’82, Senior Director of Major Gifts George Wood ’75, (middle row) Henry Faragalli ’86, John Silverthorne ’68, Turk Thacher ’62, Mike Reese ’98, Peter Hennessey ’95, Jay Wright ’96, (back row) Austin Hepburn ’75, Greg Murray ’03, Casey O’Rourke ’05, Geoff Wright ’01, Director of Alumni Relations Andrew Bailey ’02, Alumni Association Vice President Josh Levine ’94, Rob Hastings ’86, past Alumni Association President Bob Clothier ’79, and Brian Crochiere ’83.
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The Heritage of Haverford Crew By Jessica Covello
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T
he air is crisp and cold; the sky is preparing to be painted with the palette of the early morning sun. Before the city comes to life, athletes step into their rowing shells and glide across the glassy water of the Schuylkill River, the wind and the rhythm of their teammates’ breath as their only guides for the next nine miles. It’s another day of training for The Haverford School’s crew team, building on the endeavors of generations of disciplined rowers. Philadelphia has long had a love affair with crew. The storied Undine Barge Club, founded in 1856, produced some of the sport’s most successful oarsmen and was home to Haverford’s team for more than 75 years. By the 1870s, crew was the most popular sport in the country. John Kelly Sr.’s 1920 Olympic gold medal win propelled Philadelphia to international prominence, officially underlining it as the U.S. capital of rowing. “Serious rowers have three destinations on their bucket list: the Henley in England, Head of the Charles in Boston, and Boathouse Row in Philadelphia,” says Bill McNabb, who rowed for Dartmouth and coached Haverford crew (1979-83). “Philadelphia also has one of the richest scholastic traditions of any city in the country.” Garth Hoyt ’89, who rowed for Cornell, shares the story of Big Red’s 1897 race that changed the direction of the sport. “At that time, regattas were an extended gala party with weeks of festivities. When race day finally came, 100,000 spectators crowded the banks of the river. They even built a railroad for a train to run along the 4-mile racecourse for fans to watch every minute and catch every stroke. This race was unique because it was only a three boat race as opposed to the usual six boats: Harvard, Yale, and the underdog. You had two titans of the sport who relented to a begging challenger, who panted for years for the chance to compete. The press made much of the differences in the average weight of the crews: Yale was the biggest and heaviest; Harvard was a close second; and Cornell, the underdog, was the lightest and smallest with an average weight of 160 pounds. “Against all odds, the underdog won the race by open water over their arrogant rivals. The victory put Cornell on the map as a serious contender for decades to come. The secret to the crew team’s success was a creative shift in thought,
the immeasurable drive of a dedicated brotherhood, and a new stroke technique developed by their coach. It was later referred to as the American stroke, and its efficiency and effectiveness revolutionized the sport, which had been mired in a tradition of only rowing the way the English did for centuries. The subtle differences were the ‘efficacy of uninterrupted gliding between strokes, caused by a modified back swing, a magnificent leg drive, and a wonderfully smooth recovery’ (Harpers Weekly, vol. 41, 1897).” With this defeat, rowing in the U.S. moved into a new epoch. As The New York World put it: “The race resulted in a triumph of brain and soul and spirit over brute muscle. It raises the question whether such athletic sport as this is not a fitting part of a college education – whether it does not broaden the mind and ennoble the spirit as much as Greek and Latin do.” The race was also the impetus for a lawyer and a land developer to move from Ithaca to Seattle, taking their knowledge of Cornell’s rowing program and stroke techniques to start “… a similar program at Washington to take advantage of Seattle’s mild weather, accessible water, and tall young men mainly of Scandinavian descent whose families had moved to the area for its logging and fishing” (“Rowing Begins at the University of Washington on December 15, 1899,” Historylink.org). In 1899, the lawyer donated $200 to start a rowing program at the University of Washington, and later he and other Seattle businessmen spent $650 to build two training singles and a boathouse. This was the catalyst of the team’s later success regaled in Dan Brown’s book, The Boys in the Boat. “The story of the 1897 race reminds me that something transformative happens when you dedicate yourself to something larger than yourself, when you forgo vices, and when you make choices with the kind of discipline required to beat the teams that seemed unbeatable,” says Hoyt. “There is an ineffable chemistry between a crew when they succeed, a mental toughness that, I dare say, only those who’ve sat in that sliding seat can understand, and when you find that magic it lands in the marrow of your bones. In this way, the story captures the essence of what is wrought from hard work, courage, endurance, dedication, selflessness, and team – you couldn’t find a better way to prepare to be a successful partner in business or in life.”
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Forty years following that fateful race, The Haverford the games that any one country won all eight gold medals. School became one of the first high schools in the David Berger ’82 stroked the quad that won the gold medal. country to offer a rowing program. The School’s first Berger was the only high schooler in the boat and I took a lot competitive boat took to the Schuylkill River in 1938 of heat selecting him – I was even threatened with a lawsuit. and won the Schoolboy Eight. Since then, Haverford There were older guys who were accomplished, but I knew crew has produced hundreds of medal winners at what Berger was capable of and that he had the mental the Philadelphia City Championships, Stotesbury fitness.” Regatta, Schoolboy National Championships, and Club Barker built Haverford’s program upon a culture of National Championships, and competed with success in character, one that thrives on accountability, respect, and international competitions in Canada, England (including support. He left an indelible impression on scores of rowers the Henley Royal Regatta), Europe, Israel, and Egypt. as a coach, mentor, friend, and father figure. Bill McNabb, But trophies and medals are only part of the who coached alongside Barker and Fisher, credits Barker success of Haverford rowing. The real victories are in the with helping to shape major life decisions. “Coaching at remarkable young men who have gone on to lead lives Haverford turned out to be one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever of distinction and accomplishment. Many of them credit been given,” reflects McNabb. “Years after I left Haverford legendary coach Jim to go to Penn and work on Wall Barker with guiding them Street, I met Jim Barker for on a path to greatness. cheesesteaks and talked about life, Rowing is a paradigm for life. The Barker started the importance of friendships, ingredients that one needs for his coaching career at and rowing. In a fatherly way, Undine Barge Club, Jim encouraged me to follow my success in life, one can find in that where he trained passion. That conversation led sport – or any sport: teamwork, three Diamond Sculls me to return to Philadelphia and dedication, focus, hard work, winners and two world take a job at Vanguard. It all came champions. A member back to the theme of rowing; the discipline, and wellness. of the National Rowing and friendships made such – Scot Fisher ’74 bonds Hall of Fame and a 50an impression on me. I learned year coaching veteran of the pay-off of hard work, the Haverford crew, Barker importance of setting aggressive has won more national elite championships than any goals, and the value of a high-performance team.” other person in the sport – 24, to be exact. He started McNabb recalls Barker’s technical prowess, humble rowing – by chance – at age 17 and that same year won the nature, and willingness to collaborate. “Jim loved to use me national high school single championship. “An oarsman in for training and conditioning ideas. Scot and I had come my neighborhood talked me into rowing to build myself out of elite college programs and were still competing; we up for football,” recalls Barker. “I had instant success and would bring our experience to Jim and experiment to find never went back. I was rowing out of Undine as a high out whether the conditioning was applicable to high school schooler and rowed in the Olympic trials when I was 18. athletes. Jim is the kind of coach who would let Scot and I’ve never been intimidated by anything, or anyone.” me get into a boat with kids he’d been working with all It’s hard for Barker to pinpoint his favorite coaching week to see what we thought. He is a renowned technical story after more than a half-century, but what he coach, so that was a real honor. For him to ask our opinion reminiscences about most is his relationships with the was reflective of the way he approached coaching: you can athletes. “Haverford Athletic Hall of Famer Scot Fisher always learn something.” ’74 wasn’t initially interested in rowing,” laughs Barker. Barker is a strong advocate for giving back to the “In fact, when he was encouraged to come out for crew, program, something that many of his rowers have put into he assumed he was going to be part of the stage crew! practice over the years. “Coach Barker encourages everyone But Fisher went on to have great success at Haverford. I to do their part,” says Craig Hoffman ’73, head crew coach coached him as part of the Maccabi team in Israel, where at Malvern Prep since 1997. “That might mean coming back he won the single. It was the first time in the history of to coach, being generous with donations, or just spending
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time speaking with the kids. I’ve tried to do all of those things, but if I’ve achieved anything, it’s knowing that I’ve played a role in helping kids go out and be successful, good people.” Head of Middle School and former rowing coach (198898) Jay Greytok ’83 shares those sentiments. “Rowing taught me that hard work and determination pay off,” says Greytok. “But the most important piece, and the reason that I’m here at Haverford, is that Jim Barker told me if I ever have the opportunity to give back, to do so. I returned to Haverford to give my time as a coach in the spring of 1988 and have been here ever since.” Greytok also learned from Barker that he could train and coach at the same time, which Jay often did from a single in pursuit of an Olympic dream. “I was a lucky young boy who took to sports pretty readily,” says Greytok. “Much more than academics, I found a home in athletics. When I came to Haverford in ninth grade, Bill McNabb told me to think about rowing. I fell into a sport that I knew nothing about, aside from driving by Boathouse Row and admiring the athletes who rowed along the Schuylkill. “Rowing came naturally to me. The repetition of the stroke and the ability to break it down into smaller components was very appealing to me. I had immediate success and went to the national championship as a freshman, then won my first national championship as a sophomore. I went to the Club National Championships and earned a medal in the Intermediate Four having just started to sweep. If the bug wasn’t there before, it became engrained then that this was something I would do well beyond high school.”
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Haverford’s rowing program reached its pinnacle in the 1980s and ’90s. The Boys Varsity Quad won the Scholastic National Championship 19 times in a row (1980-98) and produced athletes like James Delaney ’97 who rowed at Harvard, was a four-time national scholastic rowing champion, and didn’t lose a race in his four-year career at Haverford. In the midst of the team’s success during this era, supporters formed Friends of Haverford School Rowing (FHSR). “Bo Dixon ’61 suggested that to have a successful program, we should start a friends group, as the School was not in a position to provide the degree of money necessary to meet our goals,” says Fisher, who cofounded the group with McNabb and others. “We created FHSR in 1988 with the core mission of purchasing and maintaining a fleet; it has been a very successful fundraising instrument. The model is similar to what you see at a collegiate level and is unique to Haverford. It has enabled us to go from a fleet that was probably 30 years old to one that’s on average 4-5 years old. Races are won by fractions of a second, and the quality of our equipment enables us to maintain the competitiveness of the program.” Today, Haverford’s fleet consists of 28 boats, all housed in a new, state-of-the-art boathouse run by Head Coach Jon Stephanik. Stephanik inherited the reins from Barker in 2013 and in 2015 was awarded the School’s inaugural endowed Chair of Rowing. Stephanik grew up in Ohio, where his father helped start the local high school crew program and also coached a college program. It didn’t take long for Stephanik to take to the water himself, first climbing into recreational single at age 11. He was a three-sport athlete through high school and went on to row at Syracuse University as a fouryear varsity letterman, sharing Orangeman ties with Hoffman
and Greytok. Stephanik began coaching at The Episcopal for the program, and gauging our progress. I want the boys to Academy in 2003 and joined Rutgers University in 2011 as the get the most out of their school experience while learning the heavyweight freshman coach. life lessons that crew provides – time management, learning Stephanik knew he had big shoes to fill at Haverford. your limits, and formulating strategies to break through those “Coach Barker is known around the world for his achievements limits to achieve new levels mentally and physically.” as a rower and coach,” Stephanik is teaching says Stephanik. those life lessons through “Not only are we myriad opportunities You develop mental toughness. You take continuing his legacy available to the team as a pride in yourself as an individual. You're also by honoring him result of the April 2015 part of a team; rowing is a sport for teamwork Conshohocken Rowing with the boathouse, but we hope to Center opening. In and depending on each other. You get out preserve the values the first known publicof it what you put into it. Perseverance he instilled in the private partnership of produces unbelievable champions. program: camaraderie, its kind, the Friends community, and – Coach Jim Barker of Haverford School support. We will strive Rowing along with to attain his level of The Haverford School, success by staying Malvern Preparatory focused and working hard. School, and the Borough of Conshohocken joined together “Haverford’s crew program has long operated at a high to build a 15,000-square foot facility that is divided into three level and achieved success. I’ve tried to add an additional layer bays; Haverford’s section, the James J. Barker Sculling Center, of structure and set expectations for the boys, parents, and pays tribute to Barker. The Conshohocken Rowing Center alumni. This helps with goal setting, establishing parameters serves to advance the sport of crew and the ideals it represents, while making rowing more accessible to students and local community members alike. Driving the public-private partnership were Hoffman, Fisher, and McNabb along with Tip O’Neill, former Chairman of the Board at Malvern. Haverford crew alumni, along with Malvern, funded the building of the boathouse and the Borough provided a strip of land along the Schuylkill that runs from Fayette Street Bridge through Whitemarsh. Since the late 1990s, Conshohocken has sought a waterfront presence,” says Hoffman, who also coached crew at Haverford for 11 years. “We are the first building there to benefit not only our schools, but the local community. The middle bay of the boathouse is The Conshohocken Rowing Center, dedicated to teaching kids and adults of Conshohocken the sport of rowing. Learning the sport alongside coaches and peers from different schools may open doors for these kids to be able to continue on to a college of their choice. We really feel strongly that it’s necessary for us to give back in this way.”
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The idea began percolating in November 2009, when in rowing. The nature of high school rowing has changed; Hoffman met with Borough of Conshohocken Zoning these boys are competing against whole cities that are Officer Christine Stetler to discuss his vision of a boathouse putting together boats. We now have an opportunity for Malvern. Along the way, it became known that Fisher and to build a first-class rowing program, a first-class junior McNabb were looking to build a boathouse for Haverford; rowing program specifically in sculling or small boats, the concept soon evolved into a first-class facility that would and ultimately an elite rowing program, all of which can include space for both schools, as well as the borough. compete locally, nationally, and internationally. We have “Ultimately, when we brought the boards of all the control over how the facility is going to be run and the organizations together, programs that are going to be it was encouraging and launched.” delightful to see folks put The Conshohocken Rowing The values that Haverford and crew aside their personal views Center is a commanding espouse are consistent; the pursuit for the common good,” presence, located just off of of excellence through individual and says Hoffman. “There were Washington Avenue along a lot of bumps in the road, the upper Schuylkill River, collective effort; the adherence to the but with a great amount of which is home to more than a spirit of rules as well as to their letter; support from the boards dozen high school and college and the strength of character, ethics, of the schools and the rowing programs. The twoand sportsmanship, including respect borough council, it started story facility is designed in to come to fruition.” balance with its surroundings for one’s opponents, acknowledgment Borough Manager and features six bays: two for of defeat with grace, and winning with Rich Manfredi echoes each The Haverford School, the humility. this enthusiasm. “The Borough of Conshohocken, and – Garth Hoyt ’89 Malvern Preparatory School. Conshohocken Rowing Center is a very clear The cantilever deck offers a view example of a public and of the 320-foot dock and the private partnership done athletes at work below. Across well,” says Manfredi. “The Haverford School, Malvern Prep, the river, a freight train rumbles by under the shade of and tawxpayers and residents of Conshohocken will all benefit vibrant fall foliage or delicate spring blossoms. from a state-of-the-art facility that provides an opportunity The ground floor of the James J. Barker Sculling for children to learn how to row and affords adults the ability Center is properly planned with rack space for 10 singles, access the river in a way that would not be possible without the six doubles, five quads, five fours, and two eights, plus 40 boat house.” pairs of sculling oars and 40 sweep oars. The two interior Title IX in the ’70s and the subsequent growth of master’s boat bays are named after longtime supporters, former rowing fueled the crowding of Boathouse Row and the coaches, and FHSR Board Members Scot Fisher, Bill Schuylkill River and increased the urgency for Haverford to McNabb, and their families. claim its own space. “First, we wanted to be in control of our Upstairs is the Fred and Vivian Leonard Great own destiny rather than an extension of Undine,” says Fisher. Room, a multipurpose area for working out, stretching, “It was also important to find a venue on a low-traffic portion and event hosting. Famous prints, plaques, trophies, and of the river that was close to the School to save the boys memorabilia adorn the walls. Double doors off the Great significant travel time. The public-private partnership is a great Room expand the experience, leading visitors onto the model for rowing and the facility honors Jim Barker’s lifetime Gerry Cardinale ’85 Balcony that stretches the length of dedication to the sport. It is one of the few – if not the only – the building. boathouse built for high school rowing on the East Coast. The Don Callaghan ’64 named the Great Room in honor boathouse was built with growth and sustainability in mind, of Fred Leonard, Haverford rowing coach (1956-1964). and we strove to make it look like it fit into that area in terms of “After my first year of rowing for Haverford I joined the design. Undine summer program,” says Callaghan. “This decision “We see the boathouse as a springboard for greater good changed my life. I got lucky and was in a boat that won
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a national championship. My self-confidence blossomed and I ended my Haverford crew experience as team captain.” Callaghan was the first in his family to attend college. He received a local corporate-sponsored scholarship and was recruited to attend Trinity College, a school he became familiar with while rowing out of Undine. “Trinity led me to the U.S. Navy, Wharton for an MBA, Goldman Sachs, and the launch of my own investment advisory firm. I truly feel that the direction and trajectory of my life and career would not have been the same without Haverford crew.” Adjacent to the Great Room is the Charlie ’79 and Juan ’76 Clark Coaches Room. As program planning headquarters, the Coaches Room features a meeting space, flat screen television, and five stadium lockers. The Rudy Lewis ’84 Locker Room has shower facilities and more than 50 lockers. The rooms are connected by a hallway that Stephanik envisions as the future Hallway of Character and Culture, a tableau of poems, awards, and memories from past rowers that exemplify how Haverford crew develops well-rounded student-athletes.
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The main foyer of the Conshohocken Rowing Center, with its spiral staircase and two-story window glass wall, makes a lasting impression. The commemorative plaque recognizes the key donors from both Haverford and Malvern who made this facility a reality. “The boathouse presents an opportunity to invite more people into the sport,” says Stephanik. “It’s a big change to leave the history and prestige of Boathouse Row and go up-river to a brand new building. But the move will allow us to get involved in the rowing of today; athletes are undoubtedly proud of the history of the School, but now they have a chance to make their own mark.” Although the boathouse represents a new horizon for Haverford crew, for some, it also marks the end of an era. “The boathouse is long overdue but a bit bittersweet,” reflects Callaghan. “Haverford boys have been an integral part of the Undine Barge Club for over 75 years. They benefited from associating with older, serious athletes who set national championship standards – and met them often. On the other hand, the new boathouse will be far more productive for the rowing program from a time-management standpoint and for the ability to offer deeper programs. “The competitive rowing environment has changed dramatically at the national championship level. New competitors enter every year and the top programs have committed substantial resources to win at the highest level. Haverford is no exception and we now have the facilities, coaching, and School commitment to build a durable, national-caliber program.” What’s next for Haverford crew? Among Stephanik’s aspirations is developing a Middle School team that can compete in the National Scholastic Championships. In fall 2013 Haverford offered a Learn to Row event for Middle School students, and it matured into a spring sports offering. Hanging on the wall of Greytok’s office is a photo of the last group of boys he coached at Haverford. These athletes also happen to be the last from Haverford to have competed in the English Henley. Three of the four boys in the boat started rowing in Middle School, and all four went on to row at
Harvard or Dartmouth. “We believe that getting the program to the next level means identifying guys early who haven’t found a sport but might be interested in doing something different and contributing to the legacy of the School,” says Greytok. “Nationally, Middle School rowing is taking off; the sport continues to grow 2-5 percent every year.” “We would like to get back to our roots and reintroduce the dual races with other independent boys’ schools,” says Stephanik. “We foresee competing at the level where we can start sending rowers to the Henley Royal Regatta and to
be considered for the Junior National Team and high level collegiate teams. We’re trying to change the mentality of the athletes to not just go out and compete, but to win. They should be confident in themselves and know that every time they get into a boat, they have an opportunity to win, no matter who they’re racing against. The empty walls of the boathouse are calling for trophies and memorabilia to mark all the accomplishments that I know are on the horizon.” With a vision like that, we’re going to need a bigger boathouse.
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ALUMNI
Fall 2015 Regional Receptions
New York
Alumni joined Headmaster John Nagl and members of the Board of Trustees at the New York City reception, which was held in the Solarium of the New York Athletic Club on Dec. 2.
More than 25 alumni joined Headmaster John Nagl for the Washington, D.C. regional reception on Oct. 1 at Old Ebbitt Grill: (from left) Mark Gordon ’72, John Helwig ’97, Brooks Garber ’00, Cole Berman ’14, Pete Burchfield ’06, Reid Blynn ’12, Deepak Bhagat ’12, Drew Delaney ’01, John Guinan ’01, Hal Davis ’61, Steve Ledbetter ’78.
Washington, D.C.
View more photos from these and other alumni events at:
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ALUMNI
T he BrownlowSociety FOR YOUNG ALUMNI
The Young Alumni EA Day Reception was hosted by The Brownlow Society and Young Alumni Committee on Nov. 13 at 333 Belrose Bar & Grill, owned by chef Carlo deMarco ’82.
T he Notables Reunion
Haverford School’s past and present singers performed for the 13th annual Notables Reunion Concert on Nov. 25 in Centennial Hall. Song selections included “Kiss the Girl,” “Ave Maria,” “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Precious Lord,” and “Lonesome Road.”
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ALUMNI
Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast and Sports
Annual Thanksgiving soccer Alumni from five decades (1970s-2010s) played two hours of spirited soccer against combinations of varsity players aided by a few college age alumns. While no official team was declared the winner, based on the huge attendance including Coaches Tatta, Seits, and Brady ... everyone must have felt that the entire Haverford soccer program was the winner.
Annual Thanksgiving football Alumni (2009-2015) competed against alumni (1994-2008) and lost in a hard-fought battle on the gridiron. The game was not as close as previous years as the older Fords were primed for their fourth straight victory. Hung Tran ’03 was named this year’s MVP for his stellar performance on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
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ALUMNI
Basketball
3rd Annual Alumni vs. Varsity/JV Basketball Game – Dec. 27
11th Annual Haverford vs. Episcopal Alumni Hockey Game – Dec. 27
6th Annual Alumni vs. Varsity/JV Squash Match – Jan. 2
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MEN OF CHARACTER
Charlie Baker ’43
ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT
By Jessica Covello
If you ask Charlie Baker ’43 about his proudest accomplishment in his close-to 90 years of life, he’ll tell you he hasn’t done nearly enough. But, ask one of the hundreds of Philadelphians whose lives he has impacted as the founder of Baker Industries, and you’ll hear a different story. Baker Industries blends four segments of the low/no income vulnerable adult population (people with disabilities, former substance abusers, ex-offenders, and the homeless) together in a workforce development program, pays a living wage, and serves nearly 200 people – all without government funding. Charlie has been invited by his employees to weddings, is the first call when one of them achieves a life milestone, and is still affectionately called “dad” by many of the people he has guided during his career.
“The most outstanding feature of Haverford was the wonderful teaching staff,” reflects Charlie. “I lost my mother at a young age and a big part of my life was gone. The School, to a great extent, filled that void.” Charlie has long thrived on forging relationships with people, beginning with his teachers at The Haverford School. “The most outstanding feature of Haverford was the wonderful teaching staff,” reflects Charlie. “I lost my mother at a young age and a big part of my life was gone. The School, to a great extent, filled that void.” World War II was at its height when Charlie graduated from Haverford in June 1943. In July, he enrolled at West Point and found the transition to be challenging. “Discipline was beyond belief,” notes Charlie. “But after I graduated, I appreciated it. Meeting people of all backgrounds from different states really did me a world of good.” Following his studies at West Point, Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Army for seven years of active duty, including three years in the Army of Occupation of Germany. “When I landed in Bremerhaven in 1947, the people were starving,” says Charlie. “By the time I left, the economy was picking up; the progress in just three years was unbelievable.” Charlie completed his service in 1953 and went to work for his family’s chemical business. He brought his youngest son, Justin, to work with him; Justin has severe epilepsy, making school difficult Photo: Charlie Baker ’43 and his wife, Weezie, with Turk Thacher ’62
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and limiting his options for employment. When Charlie sold the family business in 1980, he committed to helping Justin find work. “We kept a small volume of furniture polish,” says Charlie. “When Justin couldn’t find a job, I got a guy from church to work with him in our garage making this product and selling it by mail order.” Baker Industries was born. “We didn’t have a plan, a company name, or funding, but both my wife and I feel that work is a very important element of life,” states Charlie. “There are facilities, workshops, and programs for the low-functioning disabled. But back then, there was nothing for a person who was high-functioning to make them feel like they were really doing something important.” Before long, the furniture polish business had outgrown Charlie’s garage and the organization began a series of moves as more people joined the ranks. Within a few years, Baker Industries was an official nonprofit. Charlie was approached by a shelter in Philadelphia that had heard about what he was doing with high-functioning disabled adults. “We hired people who were served by the shelter; they were coming out of prison, out of drug and alcohol rehab, and off the street,” says Charlie. “What we found, which is an amazing thing, is that these people worked well with the disabled. The organization continued to grow because there was a need.” Thirty-five years later, Baker Industries employs approximately 30 junior supervisors who all came through the program. Charlie estimates the organization has placed, on average, 50 people each year in stable, living wage jobs. “My wife and I never anticipated that we would be running an organization like this,” shares Charlie, “but it has turned out to be a wonderful challenge. We’re way past the age where we’re expected to be working, but it’s important for us to be in the office and interact with the people who have enriched our lives.” “From the beginning, Charlie and his wife aimed to instill a strong work ethic in our population, and build their self-esteem and work skills. Charlie has devoted the past 35 years to the nonprofit he and his wife founded, without taking any pay. Baker Industries is a result of their ideals and their desire to provide opportunities for those who have none, beginning with their son, Justin. As Charlie is fond of saying, ‘We take them from the welfare rolls and add them to the “workfare” rolls.’” – Turk Thacher ’62, president of Baker Industries To read Charlie’s full story and more alumni spotlights, visit haverford.org/spotlights.
ARCHIVES
Thunderbolt Patriot, 2000, by Bill Farrell Jr. ’54, features Capt. Quentin Aanenson, U.S. Army Air Corps, after returning from a combat mission with his P-47D Thunderbolt. Farrell’s painting was selected by The Smithsonian Institution for its permanent collection, and now hangs in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
“Thunderbolt Patriot” By Bill Farrell Jr. ’54 Even as a youth I had wondered about the pilots who flew these beautiful but deadly fighting machines. Who were they? How did we find such willing men to face an almost certain death in the daily ritual of war? After I had begun rough sketches for a painting I long felt the need to create, I saw Quentin Aanenson’s powerful and poignant “A Fight Pilot’s Story” on television. I knew at once that he would be the ideal representative for all who left home to fly and fight for their countries – especially those who would never return. It was important for me that this image shows a fighter pilot, aged far beyond his years, silently standing alone. He has seen too much of war. His weary expression would have to reflect a dedication and commitment that only a few understand. Are the thoughts of this physically and emotionally exhausted young warrior about the many lives he has saved or the lives he has taken? In this world of death, there can only be questions, never answers. Capt. Quentin C. Aanenson (1918-2010) 9th Air Force,
U.S. Army Air Corps is pictured after returning from a combat mission with his P-47D Thunderbolt. It is December 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge, a major German offensive against the Allies in the Ardennes Mountains on the Western Front. It was the costliest action ever fought by the U.S. Army, which suffered over 100,000 casualties. Aanenson never considered himself a war hero. Yet among his many citations – including three Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Purple Hearts – he was the only American in World War II to receive the French Legion of Honor. The Smithsonian Institution selected Aanenson’s portrait to be a part of its permanent collection. “Thunderbolt Patriot” now hangs in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Presented to eighth Headmaster Joseph T. Cox on May 16, 2006, a 20.5 x 31-inch limited edition giclée of Bill’s “Thunderbolt Patriot” hangs prominently in the Pechet Room in Wilson Hall.
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PROFILES IN SERVICE
John Hickenlooper Jr. ’70 John Hickenlooper Jr. ’70 has charted an atypical career path from geologist to entrepreneur to governor of Colorado. Common unifiers of each of his jobs have included a willingness to take risks, a mission to collaborate with others, and a sense of accountability, which was first instilled in John at The Haverford School. “I came to The Haverford School from Lower Merion; having a smaller environment really transformed my life,” says John. “Sports became a form of leadership training, my classmates helped define for me what friendship was about, and my teachers gave me limitless opportunities to invent my own reality.” Following six years at Haverford, John studied English literature at Wesleyan University and went on to earn a master’s degree in geology. He then moved to Denver, Colorado, to work in the oil business – an industry that collapsed after five years, leaving John out of work. When it became clear that geology jobs weren’t coming back to Denver, John visited California to see his brother, who introduced him to the concept of a brewpub. It didn’t take much for John’s friends to convince him to start a brewpub of his own. “I wrote a business plan, raised money, found a building – a historic warehouse in downtown Denver for $1 per square foot, renovated it, and opened a restaurant,” recalls John. “Wynkoop Brewing Company opened in 1988 and just like any entrepreneur, I almost went out of business several times.” Within four years, John’s business took off and soon he had restaurants in Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa. The restaurants were frequent meeting spots for nonprofit boards and civic associations, many of which John was a part. Once again, John was talked into a new venture: running for mayor. “I had never run for anything, even Student Council,” jokes John. “But I did think that business people should take the lessons they learned and get involved in government.” It was a rocky start; at the first poll, John had the support of just 3 percent of the vote. But that didn’t stop him; in 2003 he ran for mayor of Denver. “All of a sudden, we were winning about five weeks before the election,” recalls John. “I won 2-to-1, with no negative ads – an ideal I still uphold.” After eight years as mayor, John ran for governor of Colorado and was the first mayor of Denver to get elected in 150 years. Photo: Gov. John Hickenlooper ’70 thanked Colorado voters for electing him to his second term as governor at a press conference on Nov. 5, 2014. Photo courtesy Evan Semón.
“There was a sense that the rural areas of the state would work against the city,” says John. “Somehow, I interrupted that history and we won by 13 points in 2010. Our campaign promised to be nonpartisan, more collaborative, willing to compromise, and to work for the common betterment.” Hallmarks of John’s political career include reducing chronic homelessness by 70 percent in five years, balancing the state budget, and enacting Colorado’s first comprehensive water plan to address the effects of climate change. John is also leveraging his business acumen as chairman of the National Governors Association. “We’re sharing innovative ideas and collaborating on ways to manage resources more efficiently, all aimed at doing a better job of delivering services to citizens,” says John.
“I came to The Haverford School from Lower Merion; having a smaller environment really transformed my life. Sports became a form of leadership training, my classmates helped define for me what friendship was about, and my teachers gave me limitless opportunities to invent my own reality.”
ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT
By Jessica Covello
Although he is quick to point out his fortune in working with talented people, John credits his mother with empowering him to take control of his own destiny. “My mom raised four of us on her own,” says John. “I learned from her that even when things look grim, if you keep working hard, things will turn out well. Don’t accept what comes at you; you have the ability – and responsibility – to create your own happiness.” John Hickenlooper Jr. ’70 is the 42nd governor of Colorado, an office he has held since 2011, and also serves as chairman of the National Governors Association. He was previously mayor of Denver and is the founder of Wynkoop Brewing Co. John earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature and a master’s degree in geology from Wesleyan University. He is the proud father of a 12-year-old boy, Teddy, and an avid squash player and baseball fan.
To read John’s full story and more alumni spotlights, visit haverford.org/spotlights. haverford.org
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EITC & OSTC BY THE
NUMBERS
$2.2 MILLION
raised last year through EITC and OSTC programs
122
the number of students this year who qualify for funding through the EITC or OSTC programs
90%
In other words:
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Schoalrship Tax Credit (OSTC) are PA-based tax credit programs that allow C-Corps, S-Corps, Partnerships and LLCs to contribute to tuition assistance efforts at Haverford. Please consider supporting Haverford through one or both of these vital programs.
haverford.org/eitc
You give a dime, Haverford gets TAX CREDIT a dollar.
10
MINUTES is all it takes to fill out an application
THE HAVERFORD FUND Haverford’s extraordinary faculty and staff ignite the boys’ experiences in the classroom, on the stage, in clubs and activities, and on the playing field. This year, make your gift to honor a current or former teacher, coach, or mentor.
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haverford.org/support
GLOBAL LEADERS
Armand Sprecher III ’85 It was a love of travel that paved the path to Armand Sprecher ’85 working internationally with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). “After Haverford, a handful of us bummed about Europe,” says Armand. “I remember Mr. Brownlow; he was in military intelligence during World War II and had a rather interesting career in Europe. His history course was a patchwork of personal anecdotes and lent some color to the Europe that we would later visit.” Armand applied to medical school after completing undergraduate studies at Brown University. He took a year off to journey to Australia, Spain, and Thailand, and decided to pursue emergency medicine to allow himself the flexibility to continue to travel. Upon finishing his residency at the University of MissouriKansas City in 1997, including a stint in Bosnia on an emergency medical project, Armand took a job in Sri Lanka with MSF. Since then, his career has taken him to Uganda in the midst of the 2000 Ebola outbreak, Burundi during civil war, Haiti following the 2010 earthquake, and Brussels, an operational center of MSF. Along the way, Armand met his wife, a Belgian epidemiologist working in Uganda; earned a master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University; and took a two-year leave of absence to work in New Orleans for the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service.
“After Haverford, a handful of us bummed about Europe. I remember Mr. Brownlow; he was in military intelligence during World War II and had a rather interesting career in Europe. His history course was a patchwork of personal anecdotes and lent some color to the Europe that we would later visit.” Armand is a noted expert on Ebola, which for years was a small job but has become more significant in light of the 2014 outbreak in West Africa. “When I got started in Gulu, Uganda, there were 425 cases and that was the biggest outbreak in history,” says Armand. “I was deeply involved in all aspects of Ebola, including clinical care, development of therapy guidelines, protective equipment and infection control, outbreak management, the anthropology
and epidemiology of it … it was a small subject in which you could be well-versed. In early 2015, we saw a situation of a completely different magnitude at more than 50 times the worst outbreak on record.” Why does Ebola continue to be an issue in West Africa? Poverty, according to Armand. “In the U.S. there is one doctor for every 400 people; in Liberia, the ratio is something like 1:10,000,” says Armand. “They need doctors and nurses to address significant health care needs like malaria and dysentery. West African countries are educating medical professionals but cannot pay them enough to keep them there. It then becomes a question of economic disparity, not the health care system. The cause of poor health is poverty, and that’s not a simple thing to deal with.” Technological advances – data collection and organization in particular – can help increase the quality and availability of care worldwide, believes Armand. For the past seven years, he has been working with colleagues to develop a standardized coding system for electronic representation of medical concepts. “There needs to be a worldwide lingua franca of medical data,” explains Armand. “We should be able to easily answer the three questions you have to ask yourself when you run one of these projects: Am I doing enough? Am I doing a good job? Should I be doing something else?” Despite working in 14 countries with natives speaking as many languages, it is the similarities – not the differences – that Armand recalls most. “The thing that always struck me was however different people may appear initially, the more time you spend with them, the more ordinary they seem,” says Armand. “Wherever you go, people are people.”
ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT
By Jessica Covello
Armand Sprecher ’85 works in the Brussels headquarters of Médecins Sans Frontières as a public health analyst. He graduated from Brown University and earned a master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University. Armand met his wife, Catherine Bachy, while working in Uganda. Together, they have a 10-year-old son and twin 8-year-old girls.
To read Armand’s full story and more alumni spotlights, visit haverford.org/spotlights.
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CLASS MILESTONES NOTES
` In Memoriam The School has learned of the following deaths. Available obituaries can be found online at haverford.org/obits. 1932 Fendall W. Yerxa ` Oct. 19, 2014 1934 Frederick C. Durant III ` Oct. 21, 2015 1935 Clifford C. Collings Jr. ` Nov. 11, 2014 1943 James T. Duffy III ` April 4, 2015 1944 David Cole ` March 1, 2015 1944 Homer Hungerford ` Dec. 11, 2014 1949 Dr. William W. Clements Jr. ` Jan. 12, 2015 1949 Thomas C. Moore ` October 2015 1950 F. Joseph Callahan ` Nov. 13, 2015 1950 Derek M. Lofquist ` March 3, 2015 1953 Barry H. Caskey ` Oct. 10, 2014 1953 Ashton “Cubby” T. Scott Jr. ` Aug. 25, 2014 1954 John W. Lentz ` Jan. 16, 2015 1955 Stephen F. McMichael ` Sept. 30, 2015 1958 Dr. John E. Deitrick Jr. ` Sept. 25, 2015 1958 Shel Severinghaus ` Dec. 15, 2015 1962 Alden R. Ludlow IV ` March 6, 2015 1968 Scott A. McMahen ` July 19, 2015 1990 Sean J. Daniels ` March 26, 2015 Faculty Curtis Emery Coull ` June 29, 2015 Faculty Richard B. Hoffman ` Sept. 26, 2013
Marriages Joan Mandeville and Fred Dewey ’89 – December 2014 Ashley Scrimer and Jimmy Decker ’97 – Oct. 10, 2015 Anne Lavoie and Chris Knapp ’97 – July 4, 2015 Amy and Brandon Adams ’02 – June 25, 2015 Ellie and Timo Foster ’02 – Sept. 19, 2015 Ann Imbesi and Don Ware ’02 – Aug. 22, 2015 Caroline and Eric Hoffman ’00 – November 2015 Mary Snow and Austin Tellam ’00 – November 2015
Births Liz and Eric Boden ’95 welcomed their second son, Christian, in April 2015. Jenn and Peter Hennessey ’95 welcomed son Alexander Brooke Kettner Hennessey in June 2015. Monika and John Bollinger ’97 welcomed son Nicholas Apolinary Bollinger on Jan. 1, 2016. Susan Lewis Chew and John Chew ’97 welcomed daughter Sophia in Winter 2015. Jenna and Neil Parris ’97 welcomed their first child, Milo Jack Parris on Sept. 29, 2015. Alexa and Jonas Raab ’98 welcomed daughter Anne Louise on July 21, 2015. Bonnie and Dr. Michael Silverberg ’99 are the proud parents of another baby boy, Blake Baran Silverberg, born in November 2015.
Faculty Samuel Tatnall ` June 16, 2015 Faculty Carmen Mateos-Hirshman ` Nov. 16, 2015
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FUTURE-READY
Tyler Williams ’08
ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT
By Jessica Covello
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Tyler Williams ’08 has inextinguishable vigor. “I love constant energy experiences – to me, that’s the essence of entrepreneurism,” says Tyler. At the age of 25, Tyler lives in Los Angeles cooking up ideas for the latest and greatest in live media. “My objective is to change the way people tell stories and connect to one another,” explains Tyler. The creativity and grit that fuels Tyler is something he credits to his nine years at The Haverford School. He found his niche studying Latin and Chinese, was a four-year athlete in water polo and swimming, and spent his Upper School career as a member of The Notables. Tyler continued singing in college, performing with Stanford University’s Fleet Street Singers a cappella group for three years. “Haverford gave me the opportunity to be expressive,” says Tyler. “I discovered how I like to learn and interact. The environment was engaging; teachers encouraged me to check in and be part of the dynamic. In Chinese, I was tasked with telling my teacher a new story each day. This invitation to be creative really tapped into my energy and fueled my drive for learning.” Tyler’s entrepreneurial fire was first stoked during his studies at Stanford. He took a class in which he was charged with generating and pitching a business idea, spent time at a tech investment banking firm, and executed on-campus marketing for various tech startups. After graduating from Stanford in 2012, Tyler went to work at The Walt Disney Co. in Burbank, California. “I had gone to Stanford to learn entrepreneurism and then I found myself in a major corporate culture,” says Tyler. “But what I discovered right away is that the spirit that built Disney is based off of a man who was extremely entrepreneurial. His story solidified that same spirit in me; I started to see how a great company operates and invests in itself, and constantly tries to expand and meet its long-term strategy.” Tyler worked at Disney for two years in corporate finance and global development, then took the plunge and set up shop in Los Angeles with two Stanford software engineers and a sizable capital investment. In December 2013, he conceived an ephemeral media app that has since evolved into a live video media platform. The new app, scheduled to launch in early 2016, gives users the ability
Winter 2016
to tell a story or share an experience in real time through video. The audience can follow categories of stories and engage with the creators through live chatting, creating a close-up, in-depth cyber community with global reach. “We had to pivot several times,” Tyler says of his team’s development of the app. “The process of iterating and being resilient in our pursuit of finding the right product idea proved to be crucial. The creative process requires a willingness to challenge your own assumptions and evolve quickly, but also smartly.”
“Haverford gave me the opportunity to be expressive,” says Tyler. “I discovered how I like to learn and interact. The environment was engaging; teachers encouraged me to check in and be part of the dynamic. In Chinese, I was tasked with telling my teacher a new story each day. This invitation to be creative really tapped into my energy and fueled my drive for learning.” So what’s the next frontier when it comes to technology, according to Tyler? “The key feature of macro trends in technology is engaging each other in real time and contributing to someone else’s story,” says Tyler. “These cyber communities have unlimited geographic reach. Technology is about supporting, fostering, and driving the human element. As the world becomes more integrated, facilitated by technology, I think we will see increased human interaction.” Tyler Williams ’08 earned a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University in 2012. He spent two years at The Walt Disney Co. in corporate finance and global development. Tyler lives in Los Angeles as a tech entrepreneur. To read Tyler’s full story and more alumni spotlights, visit haverford.org/spotlights.
THE LAST WORD
Reflections By Jonathan Stephanik
On a mild sunny day in July 2012, I was driving a coaches launch west on the lower Schuylkill River trying to catch up with a group of boats that was finishing their warm-up row. My phone rang and I decided to put the boat into an idle and answer the call. It was former headmaster Dr. Joseph Cox, offering me the position of head crew coach at The Haverford School. In addition to coaching, I was hired to work in the Marketing and Communications Office. I hung up the phone with an appreciative goodbye and went on coaching the rest of the evening. At first, it must not have sunk in that I just changed jobs and would be working at The Haverford School. I got home and sat down to process everything as I discussed the occurrence with my wife, Kalyn – we had just been married three weeks earlier. With big decisions comes a lot of change. Along with change comes excitement and uncertainty. I would be leaving college coaching and my position at Rutgers University where I had been for 2.5 years, for a position at one of the most prestigious private schools and scholastic rowing programs in the United States. Leaving a mentor at Rutgers in Steve Wagner and replacing a legend in Jim Barker was unsettling. Legend barely describes the shoes I was planning to fill, with the retirement of Coach Barker and his 50+ year tenure and over 300 national, regional, and local championships. My daily commute just changed from a 5 a.m. drive every morning to New Brunswick to a 3.5-mile roll down Conestoga Road and Haverford Avenue. Expectations and pressures are there with every job, especially coaching jobs, and as I dug into the history of Haverford School crew I knew working at the school and taking over the team would be demanding. Extremely eager for the opportunity, I began to prepare for the change and formulate a plan to control the excitement and uncertainty. Right away I was put in touch with supporters, new co-workers, and athletes that I would be working with as part of
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the Haverford community. While coaching in Canada at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, I met with team captains Wick Egan ’13, Max Freundlich ’13, and Gerard Hoeltzel ’13 and could tell how excited they were for the change and new vision for the team. Numerous people involved with the Friends of Haverford School Rowing (FHSR) reached out to show their support and offer guidance during my introduction to the crew program and Haverford. My new co-workers on campus were extremely supportive, especially those who I would work most closely with in the Marketing and Communications Office. Everyone I met was welcoming and accommodating. In the last 3.5 years I can say that change is good. Personally, some life changes included marriage, a new job and opportunities, two beautiful daughters, and a new home. Coaching, campus life, and marketing and communications work have coalesced to create an amazing work environment, and the crew team is back on track winning a handful of championships and medaling at all levels. With the support of FHSR, Malvern Preparatory School, and the Borough of Conshohocken, we opened and dedicated a stateof-the-art rowing facility in Conshohocken. I am honored and humbled by the generosity of supporters of Haverford School crew with the first endowed coaching position at the School and the numerous donations toward new equipment and funding for the program. There is plenty of excitement within The Haverford School crew community with all the changes and opportunities of the past few years. Uncertainty is always present, but with the foundation of our athletes, parents, and alumni, there is strong sense of stability. Absolutely, change has been good and I am excited for the future.
April 29-30 2016
haverford.org/alumniweekend
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