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t h e h olland Hall s c h ool m a g a z i n e
Holland Hall
Holland Hall t h e h olland Hall s c h o o l m a g a z i n e
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Fall/Winter 2015
Fall/ Winter 2015
5666 East 81st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137 (918)481-1111 www.hollandhall.org Thank you to contributing photographers: Heather Brasel, Miranda Caughron, Wes Kane, Richard Meulenberg, Shirley Sokolosky, Greg Spencer ’99, Candace Townsley, and many parent, faculty, and staff volunteers. Questions, corrections, omissions, address changes, letters to the editor, and/or material for publication may be submitted to Heather Brasel, Director of Communications, at hbrasel@hollandhall.org. Questions, corrections, and/or submissions concerning alumni, please contact Christy Utter ’92, Director of Alumni Relations, at cutter@hollandhall.org. MISSION STATEMENT: Holland Hall provides a challenging, comprehensive educational experience grounded in a rigorous liberal arts, college preparatory curriculum that promotes critical thinking and life-long learning. A PreK-12 Episcopal school, we seek to foster in each student a strong moral foundation and a deep sense of social responsibility. Holland Hall shall provide equal opportunity in education and employment for all persons without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, military service, sexual orientation, or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.
Fall/ Winter 2015
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From the Head of School
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Campus View: A Look at School Activities
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Feature Story: Living the Dutch Life
28 Advancement News 36
Spotlight: Focus on School Stories
48 Alumni Matters 66 Landmarks FRONT COVER: Middle School students welcome Mark Twain Elementary students for the annual carnival and day of fun on the Holland Hall campus.
Back Row: J.P. Culley, Stephen Brady, JW Craft, Bill Lawson ’81, Keith Goddard ’87, Rev. Irving Cutter, Hal Salisbury, Roger Collins, Jim Adelson; Front Row: Tony Jezek, Amy Koontz, Jamie Zink, Deana Johnson, Tammie Maloney, Susan Stuart Peterson ’97, David Ragland
2015-16 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Roger B. Collins Chair
J.W. Craft Vice Chair
Stephen J. Brady Treasurer
Amy Fogleman Koontz Secretary
James F. Adelson J. Darin Alred ’84
Rabbi Marc Boone Fitzerman
Susan Stuart Peterson ’97
Sara Fox
David B. Ragland
Parents’ Association President
Bill G. Freudenrich Keith C. Goddard ’87
Past Board Chair 2011–2013
Stephanie Jackson Anthony S. Jezek Deana N. Johnson
Alumni Association President
Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny
Kenneth D. Busby ’85
William C. Lawson ’81
K. Michael Saliba, MD Harold W. Salisbury Jamie Zink
EMERITUS BOARD OF TRUSTEES Philip B. Allen ’73 Katherine G. Coyle Thomas J. Hughes
Past Alumni Association President 1998-2002
Scott Mabrey
Rhonda Chastang
Past Board Chair 2006-2009
Barbara D. Sturdivant
J.P. Culley
Brent Casey
Steve Heldebrand
Richard Hart
Steve Dyer
Leslie Kelly
Bert Bibens
Henry Finch ’76
Director of Technology
Director of Admission & Financial Aid
Joel Bicknell
Frances Fondren
The Rev. Art Scrutchins
Heather Brasel
Beth Goddard ’86
Tammie L. Maloney
Edward C. Lawson
The Rev. Irving T. Cutter
Administration Head of School Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Head of Primary School Head of Middle School
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Director of College Counseling Director of the Walter Arts Center & Fine Arts
Head of Upper School
Director of Communications and Interim Director of Holl and Hall maga zine Marketing Institutional Advancement
Athletic Director
Chief Financial Officer
Olivia Martin
Upper School Chaplain
Welcome from the Head of School. Dear Holland Hall Community, It was five o’clock as we waited at a restaurant just off Broadway in downtown New York City. I was accompanied by Coach Charlie Brown, Director of Stewardship, and Christy Utter ’92, Director of Alumni Relations, while we waited to meet Jeremy Hays ’99. He was between shows, having just completed the Saturday matinée. Donning leather jacket, jeans, and a backwards ball cap, Jeremy arrived, and we found our table. Over burgers and fries, with haste respectful of the second show Jeremy had later that night, we listened to his story of how he moved to Holland Hall from Henryetta, Oklahoma, during his high school years. He explained how much he grew with his writing, thinking, and self-advocacy skills, all to great benefit at the time and years later. And, of course, he regaled us with stories of his interactions with our beloved Coach Brown. Jeremy played wide receiver on the football team. Just as important, if not more, he loved to sing. As we got further into our burgers and our discussion about relationships with Holland Hall, you could tell Christy had a burning question to ask Jeremy. She leaned in, “Jeremy, how did you get to do all of this? You’re a Broadway star, living the dream!” Jeremy looked directly at us with an intense stare that only a deeply trained actor could conjure so quickly and said, “I give all the credit to the educators at Holland Hall. All of it.” It is an understatement to say he stunned us. Jeremy was playing one of the leads in The Phantom of the Opera, Raoul, a demanding role that requires intense training, coupled with immense physical and emotional dedication. Yet, he told us that he found his passion, and the push to pursue it, from the teachers at Holland Hall. He shared that, even after graduation, Mr. Dyer, Director of the Walter Arts Center and Chair of the arts department, encouraged him to audition for one of the best conservatories in the region. He did. And the rest he credits to Holland Hall. As a school with positive, high expectations for our students, discovering if our mission is fully realized does not take place at commencement. Rather, the realization of notions like lifelong learning and a deep sense of social responsibility happen in the stories that are told many years after graduation. Do we help students find their passions? Do we instill in them essential leadership capacities so desperately needed in our world? If we do, those stories, like Jeremy’s, speak to that truth. Evidence abounds in so many stories we hear from our alumni and their families. Whether you are a current student, parent, teacher, or member of our vast alumni network, I, too, hope you feel the story unfolding in you. In Community,
J.P. Culley Head of School
Connect and keep up with current Holland Hall events on social media. @holland-hall
@hollandhall
@holland_hall_prep_school Fall/Winter 2015
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CampusView
Back to School
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1 3 Families and teachers brave the elements on a rainy first day of school. 2 US Commons with Harry Potterthemed decorations on the first day.
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4 Juniors settle in to their new corner. 5 2nd Grade teacher Ms. Cox greets students on the first day.
8 6 7 8 15 Primary and Middle School students line up and prepare to meet their Upper School partners during Convocation.
Back to School
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9 17 Primary and Upper School students take the traditional walk from the football field to the WAC.
12 Captain Dutch says “welcome back” to PS students at the Hall Brawl.
10 US Student Council presents the new “toy boxes” at back to school night. 11 US students enjoy games and down time in the Commons.
13 Football season begins with games against Casady and Cascia Hall. 14 Football players put on a show at the first pep rally of the year.
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18 16 Field Hockey and Football teams welcome PS students to their first pep rally of the year. 18 Head of School Mr. Culley kicks off the year with a demonstration of mindfulness at Convocation.
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traditions
Time-honored moments that bring our community together. Primary School Night at the Football Game Each fall, our youngest fans take over the football field to show their school spirit in what can only be described as an exercise in planning and dedication by our teachers, parent volunteers, and students. Pre-K through 3rd Grade students perform in front of hundreds of parents and fans before the Upper School football game at this event that also features food trucks, games, and tailgating activities. 1
Blessing of the Animals The blessing of pets and animals is celebrated on October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, to reinforce the common kinship of all animals – human and otherwise.
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Field Day
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1 Head of Primary School Mr. Bibens rounds up PS students. 2 The pep band lines up in front of US cheerleaders guiding each grade level.
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3 Students perform song and dance routines lead by PS music teacher Ms. Swisher. 4 Human Skateboard Bowling at Field Day, sponsored by the Juniors.
A Holland Hall tradition since 1941, Field Day is a student-run carnival that funds all Upper School student clubs. This year featured booths such as the egg toss, human skateboard bowling, Jedi “lightsaber” sparring, pony rides, a cake walk, bounce house, face and body painting, the octopi toss, fortune telling by J.P. Culley, Richard Hart, and Justin Butler ’04, karaoke, and much more!
5 Hand made by US students, the octopi are a Field Day must-have. 6 Upper School Chaplain Rev. Scrutchins blesses a pet hamster.
traditions
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ARTworks Featuring Christopher Westfall ARTworks is an annual project of the Holland Hall Parents’ Association providing educational opportunities for students and financial support for the school. A portion of the proceeds raised by the event is used to fund student art workshops. This year’s artist-in-residence, Christopher Westfall, brought a unique, varied, and personable approach to this week-long, hands-on event.
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Jump Rope for Heart This is the 16th year for the PE department to host Jump Rope For Heart/Hoops for Heart, a community service project for grades Jr. K- 6th. Last year a total of $30,326 was raised to benefit the American Heart Association, and Holland Hall earned 5th place in the United States for schools with a dual event. 10
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Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Days Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Days are a time for each child to share school with his/her grandparent(s) or a special family friend. Throughout this two-day event, grandparents and friends are encouraged to visit their student in the classroom and attend several musical performances featuring students of all ages.
7 8 9 Christopher Westfall works with Primary, Middle, and Upper School students in the Student Art Workshops (SAW) program held in each branch during ARTworks.
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10 MS choir performs at Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day assembly.
13 PS PE teacher Mr. Underwood accepts the 2014-15 Jump Rope for Heart award for 5th place in the U.S.
11 PS students learn about heart health with the American Heart Association. 12 Grandparents enjoy special time in the classroom with their PS student.
14 15 PS students jump to raise money for the American Heart Association. Fall/Winter 2015
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at h l e t i c s
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1 8 9 US cheerleaders ring the bell for touchdowns and keep the stands cheering for all HH athletics. Cheer finished 4th place at NCA competition in Dallas, TX, in January 2016.
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11 2 5 17 20 Fill the Hill was a huge success as over 500 people came out to cheer on Dutch field hockey vs. Casady. The Dutch followed up with a 5th place finish at SPC.
3 6 11 18 Football reclaimed the Robert Woolsey Trophy as they defeated Casady, 41-21.
at h l e t i c s
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4 12 13 Cross country had another stellar season while competing against some of the top teams in the state and region at meets like the OSU Cowboy Jamboree and the Chili Pepper Festival along with hosting the 30th annual Holland Hall Cross Country Invitational.
10 A special thanks goes out to our volunteers who came out to support the Cross Country Invitational.
15 16 The Holland Hall Spirit Band and loyal fans are always there to cheer on our athletic teams.
7 14 19 Bump, Set, Spike! The volleyball team showed their stuff as they battled some of the top teams in Oklahoma and Texas. Fall/Winter 2015
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service learning
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Cyber Seniors The “Cyber Seniors� program was implemented in the Upper School in fall 2015 by Community Service Chair Hannah Scroggins and included five sessions, each followed by a pizza party, with senior citizens from the Montereau Retirement Community. The primary purpose of the program is to teach seniors how to use the basics of technology (sending texts and email, making phone calls, browsing the internet, etc.) in a one-on-one setting. Perhaps more importantly, the secondary purpose is to form relationships, embrace servanthood, and improve the lives of senior citizens and their loved ones. Sessions for the spring semester have already begun. In fact, one elderly resident bought her first EVER cell phone, just so she could participate in the much-discussed program.
1 2 Students learn to knit thanks to Shelly Brander from Loops, then take their handmade creations to Crosstown Learning Center for a day of gifts, reading, and play.
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3 5 PS students celebrate Peace One Day, a day of global ceasefire and non-violence on September 21. 4 US students give technology lessons to seniors from Montereau.
6 7 MS students host Mark Twain Elementary students for an annual carnival and day of fun on the Holland Hall campus.
service learning
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Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma
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In 2006, Primary School students began volunteering several times a year at the local Food Bank. Teachers were looking for opportunities in the community for students to provide a service for those in need. Oklahoma ranks in the top of the nation for people struggling with hunger, and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma supplies food and other grocery items to local food pantries, emergency shelters, soup kitchens, senior citizen centers, and after-school programs. Donating time sorting and packaging food items is Holland Hall students’ way of supporting the mission of the Food Bank and helping out the local community. Learn more about the Food Bank at www.okfoodbank.org.
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8 10 US students help unload pumpkins at Southern Hills United Methodist Church with Preschool teacher Ms. Adams and US science teacher Ms. Baumann.
9 PS students volunteer bagging bulk food at the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.
11 12 3rd Grade students meet and perform for residents of Town Village Senior Living during the holidays.
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in the classroom
Experiences, activities, and moments of awe inside the classroom. Hour of Code The Hour of Code, organized by Code.org, is a global movement during Computer Science Education Week designed to demystify code. Activities are self-guided and are currently being implemented in both the Primary and Middle Schools. Coding activities through the Hour of Code and Code.org have provided opportunities for students to collaborate 1 with each other and give each child the opportunity to be a leader in the LeAd Leadership classroom. It nurtures problem-solving Speaker Series skills, logic, and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for The Leadership/Advisory (LeAd) success in any 21st-century career path. program allows students and faculty to engage in activities designed to develop self-awareness and leadership skills. The Speaker Series will bring community leaders to the Middle School to share diverse perspectives on what it means to be a leader. Speakers include US English teacher 3 Ms. Williams-McKnight, and Emeka Nnaka, a semi-pro football player who Face to Faith suffered a paralyzing neck injury and Through the Face to Faith program, now works with the United Way. students take part in lessons that explore understanding the faiths and beliefs of others, peacebuilding, and respectful dialogue. This year, Middle School students have had the opportunity to video conference with schools from Jordan, England, and Italy, and joined in Team Blogging with schools from India 6 and Italy on Peace One Day. 1 PS students learning coding and participating in the “Hour of Code.” 2 US students showing off their “Hour of Code” certificates.
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3 MS students video conferencing with students at the Khaled bid Alwaleed Islamic Center in Jordan. 4 MS students take a selfie with LeAd speaker Emeka Nnaka.
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3D Printers Thanks to a grant from the Hudson Foundation, seven US students learned to build three working 3D printers. The goal is to train MS students to troubleshoot them then donate the printers to the MS. 5 US English teacher Ms. WilliamsMcKnight discusses the pillars of the LeAd program: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Citizenship. 6 US students design and build functioning 3D printers.
in the classroom
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Lego Ladies 4th Grade Girl Scouts competed in the First Lego League competition last fall. The theme was Trash Trek Challenge, and they focused on how to reuse nonrecyclable plastic bags. They created a 3-gear machine that twists plastic bag strips, making them into rope that can be used for many different things. The team won 1st place for their machine.
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7 Channel 6 filming MS Lego Ladies with their award-winning machine.
11 PS students work together on a science experiment.
14 MS students work together on a science experiment.
8 Students working on Lego robotics.
12 Coach Spencer ’99 and Athletic Director Coach Heldebrand play the “sharks” in the MS version of Shark Tank.
15 PS students join Mr. Bergenroth’s chemistry class for a Halloween science experiment.
9 Kindergarten students in the “All About Me Pennant Parade.” 10 MS Lego robotics students present recycling solutions to the City of Tulsa.
13 3rd Graders dress up as their favorite literary character.
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arts
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1 US Show Choir concert in the Branch Theatre.
4 PS students paint in an art workshop during ARTworks.
2 3 MS Dance concert performed in the WAC dance studio.
5 6 US Choir performs a fall concert in the Branch Theatre.
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7 US Jazz Band performs at Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day. 8 MS students learn about cameras in Mr. Abufadil’s photography class.
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arts
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14 Photo by Grace Campbell ’16
Photo by Grace Campbell ’16
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18 Photo by Grace Campbell ’16
9 The US Spirit Band makes their way to the Primary School for a pep rally. 10 US students work the pottery wheel in Ms. Spencer’s ceramics class. 12 The MS Dance Program visits Parsons Dance Company with dance teacher Ms. Shillingford ’03.
11 MS Honor Choir, led by music teachers Ms. LeDoux and Ms. Swisher, join singers from Owasso, Tulsa, and BA schools for a master class with British conductor Bob Chilcott. 13 14 18 US students perform the gothic drama “Fontainville Forest,” directed by Theatre & Stagecraft Teacher Mr. Sweeney.
15 PS students perform at Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day. 16 17 Students practice their instruments in music classes.
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outside the classroom
Adventures and opportunities to explore the outside world. Outdoor Day On a fall day each year, Holland Hall’s 162-acre wooded campus becomes the classroom as Middle School students experience their lessons outside on “Outdoor Day.” Regular classroom activities are given an outdoor twist and include scavenger hunts, observation, reading, drawing, and exploration.
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Cherokee Heritage Center As part of the 3rd Grade Oklahoma Unit, students visit the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, OK. The museum seeks to preserve the history of the Cherokees and allows students to view Cherokee artifacts from ancient to modern times. The day includes a guided tour through a reproduction of a Cherokee settlement from the mid-18th century, time spent in the council house watching as Cherokee guides exhibit their bow and arrow, stickball, and blowgun skills, an arrowhead hunt, and a visit to Adams Corner, where students experience what life was like for the Cherokees in Indian Territory in the 1890’s. The study of Native Americans is a very important part of the 3rd Grade Oklahoma Unit.
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1 2 4th Graders explore the Holland Hall campus and have classes outside on Outdoor Day.
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3 4 3rd Graders experience life in both ancient and modern Cherokee culture at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, OK.
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Western Day Western Day, originally “Farm Life Day,” began in Jan Adams’ class in the early 1990’s. It is a culminating event for the Preschool 4’s Western Unit. The children have hands-on experiences that bring together all they have learned about western life as they dress up in western attire, eat western fare, and participate in western life activities (roping cattle, riding the range, racing horses, etc.). The activities on Western Day incorporate gross-motor, fine-motor, math, and language skills. 5
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9 5 7 8 Preschool students enjoy a western-themed day outside including games, races, and a picnic. 6 9 PS students compete for largest bubble on 3rd Grade Bubble Day.
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12 10 PS students record observations in an outdoor lesson.
12 MS students practice dance on a nice fall day under the MS breezeway.
11 MS students take advantage of mobile technology using their iPads outdoors. Fall/Winter 2015
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ho l i days
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1 PS students wear their Halloween costumes to school. 2 PS Support Services Ms. Reavis reads to PS students dressed as The Cat in the Hat.
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3 7 MS students decorate pumpkins like their favorite literary characters.
9 4 5 6 8 9 PS students and teachers dress up as Pilgrims, Native Americans, and classic Thanksgiving animals for a turkey lunch feast.
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17 10 PS/MS Chaplain Rev. Venable teaches PS students about Hanukkah. 11 Santa visits all the PS classes for photos, holiday treats, and hugs. 12 14 US choir performs at the 52nd annual Service of Lessons and Carols at Trinity Episcopal Church.
19 13 3rd Grade students perform the Nativity play in the Holland Hall All Saints Chapel.
17 PS students join US students in the Barnard Commons for a holiday performance.
15 MS students display their “Santa’s Workshop” creations.
19 PS teachers pose with the Grinch on “Grinch Day” in the Primary School.
16 18 US students and teachers show off their vocal skills at “Holiday Sweater and Open Mic Day.”
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Holland Hall students help with trail maintenance at Zanja Arajuno Animal Rescue Center in Ecuador.
Know who you are and be brave enough to live it. In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, Dr. Brené Brown writes, “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” Across the United States and around the globe, Holland Hall alumni report back to share stories of life after graduation that, time and time again, reflect a journey that is as unique and individual as they are. They talk about the choices they have made, how their values are reflected in their lifestyle, and about the person they have become. They describe brave, authentic lives that reflect their true selves — a true self that is rooted in the strong educational foundation Holland Hall provided and was fueled by its supportive, accepting, and motivating community.
The ability of Holland Hall students to find their authentic path and succeed in college and beyond is no accident. It is, in fact, quite by design. Qualities such as critical thinking, lifelong learning, a strong moral foundation, and a deep sense of social responsibility are embedded in the mission statement and are reflected both in the culture and in the curriculum at Holland Hall.
Holland Hall has taught me to be open-minded and has given me a thirst for knowledge that honestly might never be quenched. ~ Thomas LoVoi ’17
As a result, it is not uncommon to hear alumni stories centered around philanthropy and giving back; of intense hard work and lofty goals achieved; of people courageously changing careers or embracing adventure; of respect for community, family, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. These are stories of living “the Dutch life” — a life that celebrates each individual’s passions, beliefs, and dreams. Fall/Winter 2015
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I think it's essential for a Holland Hall student to have passion. Unrelenting, indescribable passion is that which will drive their success and desire to make a difference in society. ~ Jenny Carmichael ’ 12 Jenny Carmichael ’12 will graduate from the University of Oklahoma in May ’16 with a major in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Spanish. During her time at OU, Jenny was a discus thrower on the track and field team, was the president of OU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council, and made history twice as the first female student-athlete to be a member of the Homecoming Court and the first student-athlete to be named Outstanding Senior Woman.
Jenny was the first student-athlete in school history to win the Outstanding Senior Woman award at OU.
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But ask Jenny to describe her journey leading up to her upcoming graduation, and none of these accolades will be in her answer. She said, “My journey through college has definitely been exciting and full of a diverse range of experiences,” then goes on to describe her time as a camp counselor for girls ages 12–14 at Kanakuk Kamps in Missouri; her two internships at Williams Companies in Tulsa; studying abroad in Alcala de Henares, Spain, where she developed a deep understanding of the American
spirit and returned ready to “serve the country as an educated citizen;” countless opportunities to represent the OU Athletic Department speaking to elementary, middle, and high school groups in Norman regarding her faith, experience in athletics, and her journey through college; and traveling to Haiti with fellow Sooner athletes to serve with Mission of Hope, where they performed physical labor and were immersed in the community. Her journey represents the principles of a strong work ethic, a desire for success, and a passion for service that are deeply ingrained and lived fully. Jenny said, “With the opportunity to gain an education comes the obligation to give back and serve others. I am a product of all those who have come before me and influenced me, and in return it is my duty to do the same for others.”
Holland Hall students work side-by-side with the Mariscal community in Ecuador at a Minga, or “communal work day,” to build a fence around their outdoor eating area using natural materials.
discover an area of true passion and strength, and make a difference in the lives of others. ~ Janice Moore ’ 74
After college, Jenny will work in the oil and gas industry and pursue her MBA. Looking towards the new journey ahead while reflecting back on her time at Holland Hall, Jenny said, “Holland Hall has prepared me for life beyond my college education because it stretched me to think about the future, my dreams, and all that I would need to do to reach them.” She adds, “I think it's essential for a Holland Hall student to have passion. Unrelenting, indescribable passion is that which will drive their success and desire to make a difference in society... When we live life for others, our worlds grow so much bigger.”
Janice Moore ’74 was studying French at Holland Hall when a two-month immersion trip to rural Mexico was announced. She immediately added Spanish to her schedule and signed up for the trip. Janice said her first trip to Mexico “opened [her] eyes up to the world and was a defining imprint on [her] life.” She discovered a passion for travel and service that has driven her to volunteer around the world. Now a Middle School Spanish teacher at Holland Hall, Janice has dedicated her life to helping students broaden their perspective of the world, develop a sense of awareness and respect for different cultures, and experience opportunities to immerse themselves in those cultures through service learning both locally and abroad. In conjunction with her Middle School Spanish class at Holland Hall, Janice facilitates Reading Partners at McAuliffe Elementary, a nearby Title 1 Community School. At McAuliffe, 45% of students are considered English language learners as they
are not proficient in English. Each week, a group of Middle School teachers, students, and parents works with children at McAuliffe in their after-school tutoring and/or ELL programs. Also, thanks to Janice, Holland Hall students have the opportunity to go to a Latin American country together with Sustainable Horizon, a unique travel organization that develops authentic service learning, environmental conservation, and cultural immersion programs for schools. In ’14 and ’15, students visited the Amazon region and lived with host families in the rural community of Mariscal and worked at the Zanja Arajuno Animal Rescue Center. Janice’s path of service, travel, and education began at Holland Hall as a student and continues at Holland Hall through the opportunities she provides for her students. Her hope for each student is to “finish Holland Hall with at least one affinity. Discover an area of true passion and strength, and make a difference in the lives of others.”
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Catch Zach, Stephanie, and Rhett on the YouTube series
Stephanie Jackson Lewis ’95 and her husband zach lewis ’98 met at Holland Hall, are happily married with newborn son Rhett in tow, and are working actors and writers in Los Angeles. But this seemingly simple “boy meets girl” story belies the circuitous route, both professionally and personally, each took to arrive where they are today. Zach came to “showbiz” after a law education and initial career as an attorney left him feeling that something was missing. Zach said, “I started secretly taking acting classes at night and quickly realized that was what I wanted to do with
my life. It has not been easy — at all — but I could not be happier with my decision.” Stephanie’s journey to her present-day life was literal; she studied abroad while in college and after graduation spent several years living and working abroad. “During that time away, I was finally able to admit to myself that I wanted to become an actor,” Stephanie said. So in 2008 she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream. She also met — or re-met — Zach, and the rest, as they say, is history. Zach and Stephanie both credit Holland Hall with fostering an independence that helped them make important life and
Stephanie created, “Does This Baby Make Me Look Fat?” a comedic look at her journey to become a mother.
career decisions. They value meaningful relationships with faculty members and fondly recall memories of their HH days — field hockey trips, Freshman O, and lunch at 10:42 — but one in particular stands out for Zach: “Going to the 1994 Winter Dance with Stephanie Jackson...”
The culture of independence [at Holland Hall] helped me question the path I was on and made it easier for me to pull the rip cord and pursue a totally new career. ~ Zach Lewis ’ 95
Connie Lockwood ’75 was a “lifer” at Holland Hall who spent time at both the Eight Acres and 81st Street campuses. She was one of eleven Lockwoods who attended Holland Hall and fondly remembers a close-knit group of families, along with her own, who she still considers friends to this day. After graduation, Connie attended Tulane, received her degree in Asian Studies, and began an adventure that would take her around the world and across the U.S. multiple times. When Japan opened its doors to the West in the late 70’s, Connie was with one of the first groups let in. After a 5-week stay in Japan, she pursued her desire to become fluent in Japanese first at Harvard and Georgetown, then by working at the Institute of International Education in D.C., and finally by living in Japan from ’86-’94 where she taught English and worked as an interpreter. After moving back to the States in ’94, Connie started her own private tour company to the U.S. and Japan in San Francisco. Connie now lives in Kobe, Japan where she designs custom, private, high-end tours and works as a Relocation Consultant. Of her experiences living abroad and far away from home, Connie said, “Living abroad is an adventure every day. There is not a day that goes by that you don't learn something new. Of course you miss your friends and family back in the States, but I have friends who I consider family here as well. I feel extraordinarily lucky all the way around.”
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Joey Wignarajah ’00 was raised with the philosophy that education was the key to success. His parents, aunts, and uncles grew up in Sri Lanka and immigrated to the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. throughout the ’70s and ’80s. Some were well off, while others were not, but no matter where the families were, how they got there, or how much they had, one message was consistently clear — education was paramount. Joey said, “With our parents’ hard work as an example and their tireless efforts to ensure we had what we needed to perform well in school, many of my family members have attained educational and professional success that was only a dream for the generation before. We have doctors, lawyers, academics, teachers, corporate executives, tech entrepreneurs, and a former White House fellow. These achievements were the result of one thing — our parents’ unwavering commitment to our education.”
After graduation from Holland Hall, Joey followed his parents’ advice to continue his commitment to education and received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Tulane, a Master of Public Policy and Business from the Harvard Kennedy School, and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. He is currently a VP at Argonaut Private Equity and recently helped to start College Bound Academy, a new elementary school in East Tulsa, chartered by Tulsa Public Schools. At College Bound Academy, Joey is enabling success stories similar to his family’s to play out for the school’s young scholars. The school is best
Living abroad is an adventure every day. There is not a day that goes by that you don’t learn something new. ~ Connie Lockwood ’ 75
it’s now my turn to pay it forward by providing support and opportunities to others. ~ Joey Wignarajah ’00 described by its three core principles: education is freedom, demographics do not determine destiny, and college starts in kindergarten. By holding students to high standards and showing them the true joy in achieving those standards, they are empowered to live the lives they choose, regardless of where they may have started in life. Of the inspiration and motivation behind College Bound Academy, Joey said, “My experience at Holland Hall certainly played a part in one of my most important personal beliefs — to whom much is given, much is expected. At this point in my life, it’s undeniable that I have been given more than my fair share of support from my family, my teachers, my coworkers, and countless others, and that I’ve been afforded unbelievable opportunities to challenge myself, to educate myself, and to grow as a person. Having been given these things and more, it’s now my turn to pay it forward by providing support and opportunities to others.” Fall/Winter 2015
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AdvancementNews
announcements
The Institutional Advancement team welcomes four new members. Holland Hall is pleased to announce four new members of the Institutional Advancement team, including new leadership under Interim Director Beth Goddard ’86. Holland Hall’s continual commitment to excellence and a holistic approach to education can be seen in its Advancement team’s newest members. “Each brings professionalism to her individual role and an unmatched passion for Holland Hall’s vision, mission, and role in Tulsa.” ~ J.P. Culley, Head of School
Beth Goddard ’86 Interim Director of Institutional Advancement
Ms. Goddard is a graduate of Holland Hall’s Class of 1986 and former Holland Hall Director of the Annual Fund, 2009-2011. With a background in Advertising and Marketing and 20 years of non-profit experience, she brings to her leadership role a deep knowledge of the school and a highly organized, relational approach to the office. She will serve in a part-time capacity while Holland Hall conducts a national search for a permanent I.A. Director. “My nearly life-long love for Holland Hall began when I enrolled as a 7th-grade student, was strengthened through my service on the Alumni Board and with other volunteer activities, and has deepened as my three children make their way through the school as “lifers.” I am thrilled to have the chance to serve Holland Hall as Interim Director of Institutional Advancement and look forward to working with the faculty, staff, parents, and students of the school I love so dearly,” ~ Beth Goddard
Heather Brasel
Monica Champ
Margie Warren ’82
Director of Communications and Marketing
Director of the Annual Fund
Campaign Director
Ms. Brasel joins Holland Hall with a background in marketing and design after 13 years in Tulsa’s full-service marketing industry. She brings with her an eye for detail, high-level design skills, and an organized, strategic approach to marketing and communications. Ms. Brasel will lead the Communications team and tactical partners to ensure effective and consistent communications. “My goals are to streamline communications, both internally and with parents, alumni, and the community, and to be a voice for the message and mission of Holland Hall.” ~ Heather Brasel
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Ms. Champ comes to Holland Hall with more than 10 years of development and fundraising experience. Prior to joining Holland Hall, she worked for the American Red Cross as a Major Gifts Officer and was the Executive Director of the Rejoice Foundation from 2004 – 2013. She brings a history of successful stewardship, community relations, and vision that will lead the Annual Fund efforts to ensure every student can experience the community and education at Holland Hall. “I'm looking forward to continuing and building upon the success of the Annual Fund at Holland Hall.” ~ Monica Champ
Ms. Warren, former member of Holland Hall’s Board of Trustees and former Co-Chair of the Board of Visitors, will oversee the “Enhancing our Common Ground” comprehensive campaign. With a background in sales, philanthropy, and important perspectives as a former Board member, alumna, and parent, she brings exacting standards to a role designed to ensure the future of Holland Hall’s mission. “It's an honor to serve a school that has influenced me so deeply and given me so much. It’s an exciting time for Holland Hall, and I could not be more thrilled to contribute and help ensure our success going forward!” ~ Margie Warren
events
AdvancementNews
Thank you to Meagher Energy Advisors, the 2015 Title Sponsor of the annual Holland Hall Golf Tournament.
2015 Golf Tournament Hosted at the beautiful Patriot Golf Club in early June, the 2015 Holland Hall Golf Tournament was a huge success. The event sold a record number of corporate sponsorships and attracted a full roster of golfers who enjoyed a brilliant, sunny afternoon. Proceeds from the tournament helped to fund the renovation of the Upper School boys’ and girls’ locker rooms over the summer. Thanks to all of our sponsors, participants, and volunteers for helping make this a first-class event.
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Campaign Gathering
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On Monday, Nov. 9, members of the “Enhancing our Common Ground” comprehensive campaign steering committee came together in the newly remodeled Upper School Chapman Library to discuss planning and progress of the upcoming campaign. Special thanks go to alumni parent Annie Brady for her vision and planning of this successful evening.
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5 1 The iconic view from the 1st hole of the Patriot Golf Course.
Mr. Ely and video by Comm. Coordinator Ms. Caughron.
2 Amy Brechin ’74, Julie Yeabower ’77, Karen Moult, Cassie Brewster Barkett ’93.
4 Francy Collins, Tracy Salisbury, Annie Brady
3 US library exterior enhanced with lighting by WAC Technical Director
5 Campaign Consultant Bob Hartsook and Board President Roger Collins.
6 6 Campaign architects Michael and Cara Shimkus ’84 Hall from GH2 Architects. Fall/Winter 2015
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events
Experience ARTworks 2015. Glowing, ethereal, compelling – the artwork of Christopher Westfall. One of Holland Hall’s most unique and inspiring events of the year is ARTworks. For nearly 40 years, ARTworks has welcomed talented artists to expose students to various mediums and host workshops with nearly every student on campus. This year’s artist, Christopher Westfall, uses acrylics to paint beautiful abstracts, interesting still life pieces, and breathtaking landscapes and cityscapes, along with a series featuring the Tulsa Symphony. A special Gallery Opening reception kicked off the week-long event in the fall, in which Mr. Westfall showcased 31 pieces in the Walter Arts Center’s Holliman Gallery.
Holland Hall is very supportive of the arts and I am very grateful to have been a part of ARTworks. ~ Christopher Westfall
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During his residency, Mr. Westfall met individually with Kindergarten through 8th Grade classes, where he taught students how to work on geometrical abstracts using acrylic pencils. A small group of Upper School Advanced Art students painted a landscape piece during an intense day-long workshop. Of his experience at Holland Hall, Mr. Westfall said, “I was honored to have been chosen as an ARTworks artist. I had a wonderful experience interacting with the students. The staff, faculty, ARTworks committee, and parents were incredibly welcoming, helpful, and enthusiastic. I thoroughly enjoyed it.” At the conclusion of ARTworks, Holland Hall offered giclée prints of his piece “City Lights,” which featured Tulsa’s Atlas Life building. A limited number of “City Lights” posters are available for $25 by contacting Katie Johnson, Special Events Coordinator, at kjohnson@hollandhall.org. Funds raised by ARTworks are used to support the Student Art Workshops (SAW) program.
events
AdvancementNews
Holland Hall welcomes Grandparents and Special Friends to campus. Holland Hall is more than a school — it’s a family, and one way this is demonstrated each year is with Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Days. During this year’s two-day event, faculty, students, and parent volunteers welcomed grandparents and family friends with a special program that featured music from all three branches, a student speaker, and a special greeting from Holland Hall grandparent Frank Catalano. Guests of Upper School students also had the opportunity to see the time-honored tradition of Morning Meeting, which takes place in the beautiful Barnard Commons. The daily meeting, which has taken place for over 45 years, is the time when faculty and students can share information, make announcements, and entertain one another with songs, skits, and games.
Special guest speaker Holland Hall grandparent Frank Catalano.
Students later welcomed their grandparents and special friends into many of their classrooms, where they showcased their knowledge, showered them with handmade gifts, or presented special skits. Thank you to everyone who either attended Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Days or volunteered time to make the event a success.
Grandparents’ Day at Holland Hall is a special time for my wife and me to share in the learning process with our grandchildren. ~ Milford & Evelyn Carter
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AdvancementNews
events
Drew Dudley
Distinguished Alumni Awards This year, Reunion Weekend kicked off with the Distinguished Alumni Awards. The Alumni Board honored two distinguished alumni, Micah Fitzerman-Blue ’01 and Ken Levit ’83, with dinner and an awards ceremony in the Barnard Commons.
Joey Wignarajah ’00 and Micah Fitzerman-Blue ’01
Ken Levit ’83
Holland Hall and the Kistler-Gilliland Center for the Advancement of Learning welcomed Drew Dudley, Founder and Chief Catalyst of Nuance Leadership. Over fall break, Mr. Dudley led Professional Development Day for faculty and staff as well as a parent talk on the topic of “Everyday Leadership.” A group of US students sat in on the faculty seminar then had the opportunity to follow up in a special student-only session with Mr. Dudley.
Christy Utter ’92 received a surprise service award from the Alumni Board for her dedication to all alumni.
Reunion Weekend Hundreds gathered to tailgate and watch the varsity football team take the win against Greenhill at the Homecoming game. Alumni from across the U.S. enjoyed a special tailgating section behind the south goalposts then gathered in the Commons for an afterparty.
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events
AdvancementNews
Save the dates for upcoming events. Evening of the Arts
Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Tulsa Historical Society The Schureman Circle Giving Society is named after the first headmistress of Holland Hall, Miss Winnifred Schureman. At the suggestion of Miss Schureman, who was of Dutch descent, the school was named Holland Hall. Schureman Circle members are the dedicated parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the school who give $1,000 or more in a fiscal year to the Holland Hall Annual Fund. Along with being recognized in the Annual Report, Schureman Circle Giving Society members are invited to the eagerly anticipated recognition event in the spring, “Evening of the Arts.” This year’s event will be held at the Tulsa Historical Society and includes a theme from the 1920s with an element of mystery and intrigue that you won’t want to miss! For more information about the Schureman Circle Giving Society or Evening of the Arts, please contact Monica Champ, Director of the Annual Fund at mchamp@hollandhall.org or (918)879-4766.
Dutch Divine
Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Spain Ranch With a mission to highlight talented alumni in culinary and musical arts, this new, one-of-a-kind event, held at Spain Ranch, will feature food from Chef Justin Thompson ’98, wines from Darms Lane, 32 Winds, and Ranch Acres Wine and Spirits, and music by Mark Bennett ’99 and The Dusty Pearls. Proceeds will benefit financial aid for children of faculty and children of alumni. For more information, please contact Christy Utter ’92, Director of Alumni Relations at cutter@hollandhall.org or (918)879-4745.
Dutch Athletic Hall of Fame
Friday, May 6, 2016 at the DoubleTree Hotel The Dutch Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony is an opportunity to recognize and honor the great athletes and teams who, through their athletic achievements, have brought honor to themselves, our school, and the community. For more information, please contact Christy Utter ’92, Director of Alumni Relations at cutter@hollandhall.org or (918)879-4745.
Golf Tournament
Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at the Patriot Golf Club The Holland Hall golf tournament is an annual fundraising event supporting Holland Hall’s physical education and athletic programs at all grade levels. Each team competes in a scramble format, and prizes are awarded for first and second places for both men and women. Sponsorships are still available and include lunch, beverages, green fee, cart fee, range balls, and the opportunity to compete and socialize with other members of the Holland Hall community. For more information, please contact Charlie Brown, Director of Stewardship at cbrown@hollandhall.org or (918)879-4737.
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Your support of the Annual Fund makes the education offered at Holland Hall unique and remarkably memorable. Just ask one of our alumni! “I’ll never forget the moment I was accepted into Holland Hall. My mom started crying, and told me my life would be changed forever. She was right. Being a student at such a prestigious institution shaped me in ways I would have never imagined. I studied harder, dreamed bigger, and learned to see the world in a different light. Amazing faculty members prepared me for the future by encouraging me to love challenges and chase greatness with courage and confidence. I fell in love with learning again, and I’ve never looked back... This school elevated my expectations of what I could become and the impact I could have on the people around me.” ~ Hillary Bach ’08
To make a gift to the Annual Fund, please go to www.hollandhall.org/give or contact Monica Champ at 918.879.4766 or mchamp@hollandhall.org. Thank you for your participation in the Annual Fund. It matters.
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Your gift matters! To give online now, please visit hollandhall.org/give.
The Holland Hall Annual Fund changes lives. “In the middle of my eighth grade year, my parents divorced, my mother, brother and I moved back to Tulsa, and I left a strong public school in Texas to enroll in a rough Tulsa middle school in which academics were non-existent and I had a knife held to my throat within my first month there. My parents were of modest means and had never attended college. After the divorce, my mom was only able to secure a very low wage job, received minimal child support, and any thought of one day attending college had pretty much evaporated. Holland Hall completely changed the trajectory of my life. Virtually overnight, I moved from an unstable, academically-deficient, and dangerous school to a safe, academically-challenging environment which prepared me for college and showed me how I could get there. I played a wide variety of sports and made many great friends, a number of which keep in close contact to this day. The academic preparation that I received at Holland Hall — particularly the training in reasoning and the scientific method — enabled me to succeed in a very challenging engineering program at Texas A&M. When I applied to law school, I was repeatedly told that I would not be successful because the heavy engineering program at A&M would not have prepared me for the writing required to succeed in law. While it was true that I had received no training to write while studying engineering, I had received a very solid foundation in writing at Holland Hall. In fact, those skills enabled me to not only excel academically, but also to become the Editor-in-Chief of the law review. Simply stated, I attribute my academic success in both of these very different disciplines directly to the education that I received at Holland Hall. In a very real sense, Holland Hall turned my life around when it had hit rock bottom. It placed me on a path to achieve the success that I have enjoyed and to be able to send my daughter to Holland Hall. I literally would not be where I am today had I not been provided with the opportunity to attend Holland Hall through the financial aid that I received.” Scott Rowland ’78 After graduating from Holland Hall in 1978, Scott attended Texas A&M University and graduated in 1982 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, receiving Distinguished Student honors. He then attended the University of Tulsa College of Law, graduating with highest honors in 1985. While at TU, Scott was the Editor-in-Chief of the Tulsa Law Review and served as a judicial intern for United States District Judge James O. Ellison. Scott has been in private practice in Tulsa since he graduated from TU in 1985. He is currently a shareholder and serves on the Board of Directors of GableGotwals, a 90+ member law firm with offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Scott also serves as an Adjunct Settlement Judge for the U.S. District Court located in Tulsa.
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Spotlight
ch a p m a n l i b r a r y
The Chapman Library welcomes new decor and new leadership. The Upper School Chapman Library was renovated in the summer of 2015 with funds provided by the Pauline McFarlin Walter Memorial Trust. The space was re-designed by alumna Cara Shimkus Hall ’84 and GH2 Architects and was reorganized to create more collaborative spaces while also preserving quiet areas for student study and reflection. Renovations included new carpet, tables and chairs, seating areas, network connections, and upgrades to the shelving. Along with a new look, Holland Hall welcomed two new employees in the library – Mr. Bracken Klar ’95, US Librarian, and Ms. Audra Meadows, US Library Assistant. After settling in over the fall semester, Mr. Klar and Ms. Meadows have positive and exciting reviews of the success of the renovation and the varied ways students are using the library. How has the renovation improved the look and functionality of the library? mr. klar: The most immediately
noticeable change from the renovation of summer 2015 is the open north end of the library. The open space now has more informal, “comfy” seating with couches, lounge chairs, and benches/ottomans. All of this furniture is also lightweight and is easily moved around and reconfigured by the students or faculty. This customizability makes the space useful for a variety of activities. The library was made infinitely more dynamic than was previously the case. The number of plugins in the library has more than tripled. While this isn’t nearly as visually dramatic as the opening of the north end, the potential to plug in, from almost any seat in the library, has made the space more inviting and useful. Both form and function in the library were greatly improved by
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the renovation. Not only do students want to drop by and spend time in the awesome looking space, the library delivers functionality, giving the students cause to stick around.
MS. MEADOWS: I saw a photo [of
the library pre-renovation] with bookshelves and desktop computers filling the north end of Chapman. Ms. Niver’s weeding of the fiction section so that those shelves could come out provided a beautiful, sunny space for groups to work. I LOVE the renovation.
How are the students using the library improvements both on a daily basis and for special projects? mr. klar: The renovations allowed
for the creation of two distinct areas of the library. The north end is the “loud,” collaborative side. The more casual seating and dynamic setup possibilities in this area encourage collaboration and informal, incidental learning. While conversation and fun are encouraged on this side of the library, the volume expectations are that Group B should not have to talk over Group A to be heard by people within the group. This keeps the space usable by many and ensures many groups can work simultaneously in the library. The expectations on the south end are the same as was true of libraries through the late 1990s. That is, a quiet place where speaking is kept to a whisper, and the overall volume is mostly silent. Students who study, think, or read better in this environment will find more individual seating than on the north end.
ch a p m a n l i b r a r y
MS. MEADOWS: Our library is
hopping! Students visit often and work surrounded by the tools they need to learn. The technology department has equipped us with chargers and devices to support workers in a pinch, Mr. Klar keeps new titles pouring in, and our database selection is current and easy to access. Faculty come to see us often too. Holland Hall meets, reads, creates, prints, studies, and learns here.
Spotlight
or weakly represented. It’s been the perfect task for teaching me what’s on our shelves and what’s important to our faculty and our students – for both individuals and groups. The Chapman Library is equipped to serve an array of learning types and preferences; I hope to develop proficiency in our students for using the many resources at their service.
What are the most memorable moments from your first semester at Holland Hall? mr. klar: I love connecting
What goals do you have for the library, and how else would you like to see it improved or utilized? mr. klar: I’d like to see more
activity in the Maker Space. This includes what has become the more traditional maker activities, 3D printing, robotics, etc., and some less common maker activities. These include skateboard fabrication, guitar and guitar pedal “makes,” bread making, intricate nail polish and makeup application, concrete molding, sewing, DJing (vinyl, cds, digital) – the potential is quite vast. I’d like to put the students in touch with the diverse maker groups from around the community. The students are so creative, I know only good things would come from these encounters.
students with information. There have been several instances in which a student thought that an idea or topic they had in mind was “stupid,” or that they were the only person to be interested in such a topic. I get to show the students where to access information and give them the tools they need to evaluate the sources found. It is great to see the excitement build as they learn about the amount of writing done on a topic they thought was “stupid,” or in which they thought no one would be interested. I also enjoy watching students use both ends of the library. There is an almost ethnographic
element to watching how individual students use the collaborative side and the quiet side. In the span of a few mods, a student might have used both ends for very different types of study. It’s fun to watch the migrations, and how each student navigates the opportunities of each area.
MS. MEADOWS: I loved matching names and faces with special talents and passions this semester. Thank you, morning meeting! And every time a student exclaims excitement over a book on display, I cheer inside.
MS. MEADOWS: It’s the nonfiction section’s turn for a thorough revamp. We are scouring our holdings to investigate which subject material is current or outdated, adequately Fall/Winter 2015
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Spotlight
academics
Generous funding from the George and Jennie Collins Foundation brings Harkness tables to Holland Hall. Holland Hall’s teachers have long sought innovative and meaningful ways to develop critical thinking in students. Two years ago, members of the Upper School history and English departments requested Harkness tables for their classrooms to continue doing just that. Harkness tables and the Harkness Method of teaching began at Philips Exeter Academy when philanthropist Edward Harkness made a significant gift to the school to be used toward a method of teaching in which students and faculty freely exchange ideas and build understanding together. Nearly 100 years later, Harkness tables and teaching are found in some of the most academically-oriented schools in the country. Holland Hall often places students on the same level as the teacher in an effort to establish positive relationships that further learning and growth. The oval-shaped Harkness table is essential in that the importance of eye contact between students and the teacher is emphasized. Being able to see others and construct or critique ideas lends itself to an approach where being wrong — taking an intellectual risk — is seen as part of the learning process. In our efforts to develop self-reliant, independent thinkers, this method of teaching promises to accelerate those efforts.
When the class gathers around the Harkness table for discussion, it’s as if we are sitting down for a family meal. The oval shape of the table brings everyone together in a true spirit of collaboration.
Holland Hall Upper School history teacher Ms. Jane Beckwith uses the table and this method of teaching in her 9th grade and senior elective history classes. When asked about the importance of the Harkness method, she shared, “The Harkness method has helped me provide a classroom environment that ~ Jane Beckwith empowers students to take charge of their learning. After learning and practicing the protocols for Harkness discussion, students lead the way. This approach helps me continue to learn how to be an effective facilitator through quiet observation. Because feedback is a critical piece of this method, I also continue to refine my skills in this area as well.” When we asked Ms. Beckwith about the symbolic importance of the tables, she also shared, “When the class gathers around the Harkness table for discussion, it’s as if we are sitting down for a family meal. The oval shape of the table brings everyone together in a true spirit of collaboration. There is no preferential seating; we can all be heard, and we can all be seen. The Harkness table is an invitation to community and the shared responsibilities of sharing ideas, deep listening, and better understanding.” Four Harkness tables have been installed so far in the Upper School Walter Academic Building with hopes of more being installed in the Upper School and Middle School in the future.
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academics
Spotlight
Three committed Seniors make one big early decision. As the 2015-16 school year progresses into springtime, three Seniors who have already committed to their first-choice schools will take a step back and breathe a sigh of relief as others in their class begin to make their final college selections.
Pete Kelly Brown University
Located in historic Providence, Rhode Island, and founded in 1764, Brown University is the seventh-oldest college in the United States. Brown’s vibrant, diverse community consists of about 6,200 undergraduates, 2,000 graduate students, 490 medical school students, and over 700 faculty members. Brown students come from all 50 states and more than 115 countries. Of his decision, Pete says, “I knew Brown was my first choice school. I’m just excited to meet all the different people who inhabit the campus; there are tons of international students and a lot of people with different backgrounds and minds. I am excited to meet all of them.”
Tobe Nightengale Boston University
BU is a private research university with a reputation for variety, diversity, and a plethora of clubs located in the heart of Boston. The university has more than 3,800 faculty members and 33,000 students. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, medical, dental, business, and law degrees through eighteen schools and colleges on two urban campuses. Of his decision, Tobe says, “Boston University was already my first choice because of academics, but I stepped on campus, and I knew it was the place for me. It is in Boston, so there is a lot of really beautiful architecture, and there is always [a lot] going on.”
Jaelon Woodard Northwestern University
Northwestern is home to a dozen colleges and schools across three campuses: a 240-acre campus in Evanston, IL, a 25-acre campus in Chicago, and a third campus in Doha, Qatar. In 2015, the university accepted 13% of undergraduate applicants, making Northwestern one of the most selective universities in the country. Of his decision, Jaelon says, “When I visited Northwestern, I just had a really strong epiphany, and I knew it was the school for me. Northwestern is right on Lake Michigan, so not only do you have high tech buildings and really old fashioned buildings, you have the lake right there, so it’s beach life.” Fall/Winter 2015
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Spotlight
fac u lt y
Maestra Yolanda Hankins. By Olivia Martin Director of Admission and Financial Aid
If you spend any time in Holland Hall’s Primary School, you will find Maestra Hankins sharing her love of Spanish with our youngest students by way of PE, art, humor, and kindness. Maestra Hankins is a fixture in the lives of Holland Hall students as they progress through the various and exciting programs in world languages. I sat down in the Primary School cafeteria and asked the students what they Holland Hall PS Spanish teacher Ms. Yolanda Hankins being interviewed on Temas En Tulsa regarding scholarships. love most about Maestra, and they all clamored to tell me: “She teaches us colors and numbers in Spanish;” “She plays great games;” “She never yells, only reminds;” “She cares about us;” “She makes me want to keep studying Spanish when I am older;” “She is my favorite teacher;” and “She has a giant heart.” Clearly, our youngest students feel Maestra’s positive influence on their lives and learning. Ms. Yolanda Hankins’ education and experience prior to joining the Holland Hall faculty laid the foundation for her to become the one-of-a-kind teacher she is today. After Ms. Hankins earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Universidad Regiomontana, obtained her license to practice Psychology in Mexico, and took graduate courses in Education at Northeastern State University, she joined the Holland Hall faculty in 1996. For the last twenty years, Ms. Hankins has served as the Primary School Spanish teacher. All of the Primary School teachers appreciate Ms. Hankins’ commitment to their curricular goals. Ms. Hankins beautifully aligns her Spanish instruction with the academic units of the different grades as well as the Primary School art, music, and PE programs. Every Preschool through Grade-3 student has the benefit of her expertise, creativity, and enthusiasm. Recently, Ms. Hankins has served as the Holland Hall ambassador to the Spanishspeaking community in Tulsa. She has appeared on Temas in Tulsa (Topics in Tulsa) and on 1530 AM’s ¡Qué Buena! (That’s Good!). Ms. Hankins not only contributes to the Holland Hall community but also works with MITA’s Foundation (www.mitasfoundation.org), an organization of Oklahomans helping the children of Peru, and serves as Rescue Chair of the Chihuahua Club of Oklahoma (www.chihuahuaclubofoklahoma.org). Her devotion to her chihuahuas is legendary. Ms. Hankins is married to Shannon Hankins and has one son, Dustin, and two granddaughters, Ryleigh ’22 and Harper. Ms. Hankins’ profound influence does not end in the Primary School. Many current Upper School students and alumni fell in love with Spanish because Maestra was their first teacher. According to Kevin Lieber ’06, Maestra’s enthusiasm for Spanish inspired him to pursue formal Spanish instruction for many years. As a Primary School student, Kevin remembers that Maestra’s Spanish instruction was “so fun and active that [he] always forgot [he] was learning.” Kevin frequently calls upon his knowledge of Spanish that began in the Primary School in his work in hospitality. Maestra Yolanda Hankins creates lifelong learners and exemplifies the teaching excellence that students enjoy throughout their educational experience at Holland Hall.
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fac u lt y
Spotlight
Jim Narlock: Tiny house, big story. When Kindergarten teacher Jim Narlock and his 12-year-old daughter, Denver, began the process of downsizing over two years ago, they never could have imagined the reach their story would have. On the surface, it’s the story of appearing on HGTV’s “Tiny Home House Hunters” to find the right “tiny house,” followed by a feature in the Tulsa World. Cute, trendy, and widely publicized, tiny houses have become half-fantasy, half-oddity among viewers of shows like “House Hunters,” but for the Narlocks, the experience of downsizing, finding the right home, and finally, making the move, has become a very real opportunity to enjoy a new perspective on life, where less really is more. Another benefit is the travel that Mr. Narlock and Denver have planned. Because he no longer has a mortgage payment and other major expenses, and his utilities are minimal, he can save up for them to travel and enjoy the upcoming years together. But perhaps the biggest unforeseen outcome for the Narlocks and their tiny home is the positive message they now have the chance to spread. Mr. Narlock says, “Telling my journey into tiny house living to a broader community was not a desire of mine initially. Throughout the process, I began to understand how my story could inspire others to rethink the way they live. I’ve had conversations with people from all over the country about anything from simply minimizing the clutter in their home to jumping head first into a tiny house. I look forward to discovering more benefits of living in a tiny house as well as connecting with others who share this lifestyle.” Photo by James Gibbard/Tulsa World
Happily ever after with Ryan Myers. The Holland Hall community knows Director of Counseling and Wellness Ryan Myers as the go-to person on campus when looking for advice, caring, and guidance. Outside of school, many lucky couples know him as the person who played a critical role in one of the most pivotal and special days of a couple’s life – their wedding day. About five years ago while on staff at Redeemer Covenant Church, Mr. Myers went through the process of becoming ordained to perform wedding ceremonies. He typically officiates one or two weddings per year, however in 2015, he did seven weddings! In addition to several ceremonies in Oklahoma, he traveled to weddings in Arkansas, Missouri, Colorado, and Tennessee. Of his experiences as a wedding officiant, Mr. Myers says, “It truly is a sweet privilege and joy to be able to play that role for people and to seize the opportunity to speak to the power and significance of marriage.”
It truly is a sweet privilege and joy to be able to play that role for people and to seize the opportunity to speak to the power and significance of marriage.
~ Ryan Myers
Ryan Myers officiating a wedding in Overton Park in Memphis, TN, Oct. 2015.
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Spotlight
honors
2015 Collins Award winners.
Jan Adams, Roger Collins, Neil Bergenroth, Mark Johnson
The Collins Family Endowment for Faculty Excellence was established by Roger and Francy Collins as an annual award to an outstanding teacher in each branch of a generous, transformative opportunity for personal and professional development. Recipients are nominated and voted on by their fellow faculty then apply the award toward professional development aligned with personal interests. Roger Collins said, “When you invest in the life and the growth of an excellent teacher, you are really investing in the growth of all the teacher’s students and colleagues—an expanding universe of relationships.”
The 2015 Collins Award winners are Preschool teacher Jan Adams, 7th-Grade English teacher Mark Johnson, and Upper School chemistry teacher and Rowing Coach Neil Bergenroth. Ms. Adams has taught at Holland Hall for 24 years. She actually delayed her upcoming retirement by one year to accept this award! Ms. Adams said, “I am so humbled to have been selected by my co-workers to receive the Collins Award knowing there were many qualified candidates. Teaching Preschool at Holland Hall has been a very rewarding career, and I am honored to represent the Primary School.” Mr. Johnson has used the award to spend a week in a writer’s workshop at Vermont College, where he was able to work on some new poems and finish enough of his novel, Juliet Rescue, that MS drama teacher Sally Adams could turn it into the Middle School play. He is planning on attending another writer’s conference as he works on getting Juliet Rescue, as well as a new book of poems, published. Mr. Johnson said, “It makes the award even more of an honor to know that your colleagues believe you are doing something special.” Last summer, Mr. Bergenroth traveled with his family to Washington, D.C. to visit the science museums and ended up getting a personal tour of the Capitol building. He also coached at the local area rowing club and met with their director to discuss ways to make the sport more accessible to the community. This summer, he plans to visit a rowing camp in Vermont to further develop as a coach, educator, and athlete. Mr. Bergenroth said, “It is truly a great honor to be recognized in this way by peers; it is the best aspect of the Collins award process.”
Supergirls featured in D.C. and LA.
Photo by Chuck Kennedy / The White House
A group of Holland Hall Girl Scouts known as the “Supergirls” went to the White House Science Fair last March. President Obama said, “They are today’s youngest scientists at six years old. They built their [automatic page turning] device out of Legos...It was awesome.” Warner Brothers saw their visit with the president, and invited them to LA to meet Melissa Benoist, who plays “Supergirl” in the new TV series. While in LA, they got to watch production from the director’s chairs, meet the cast, tour the WB lot, and go into the vault at DC comics.
Peak Performance Incentive Award. When demand for electricity is at peak, Holland Hall rises to the occasion by voluntarily reducing our electrical load to help assure that PSO’s system stands up to the stresses and strains of summer’s hottest days. Summer 2015, we were one of six local companies — the only school — awarded an incentive due to our 30% reduction in air conditioning use. Thank you to Facilities Manager Raymond Daniels for his responsible leadership in helping to make Holland Hall’s campus “green”.
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college counseling
Spotlight
On the road with College Counseling. 2015 Summer College Tour takes students across the South. Last June, Director of College Counseling Brent Casey and a group of Upper School students teamed up with students from All Saint’s Episcopal School in Tyler, Texas, and set their sights on visiting schools in Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The two groups met at Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport and together flew to Memphis, Tennessee, where they visited picturesque Rhodes College. After the tour, they boarded a bus and set out for Nashville, where they had dinner on Music Row. The next morning, members of the group had the option of visiting either Vanderbilt University, home of the Commodores, or beautiful Belmont University. That afternoon the group was given a southern hospitality welcome on the front porch of Sewanee: University of the South’s admission office. After a tour of campus, it was on to Atlanta, Georgia, for an overnight stop. The next morning, they had the option of touring renowned Emory University or “geeking out” at Georgia Institute of Technology. In the afternoon, they toured the state’s flagship, the University of Georgia. The next morning, tour participants had the option of visiting Clemson University (Go Tigers!) or the stunning Furman University campus. The afternoon was spent at Davidson College in charming Davidson, North Carolina. They ended the week by visiting rising-star Elon University and either the gothic campus of Duke University or the great college town of Chapel Hill and a tour of the University of North Carolina. After an exciting week and tours of nine campuses, the group flew home from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. One student reports, “The college that surprised me most, and the college I knew nothing about, was Furman University. My family and I had never heard of it, and I honestly thought I was going to visit Clemson that day. I am so happy that I decided instead to visit Furman at the last minute, because it was awesome, so awesome in fact that I ended up applying!” Another student said, “Before this trip, I only had the limited knowledge about colleges my older brother had visited. Needless to say, I was only familiar with the big Ivy League names and a few others like Belmont and Duke. My favorite college on the trip was Elon University. Elon was the “wow” college for me that made me really feel at home on a college campus. Elon also helped me realize that studying abroad was very important to me. Without the college trip, I would have never seriously considered Elon, and now it is one of my top choices!” One student summarized it best when he said, “The most fun was wandering all around campuses of amazing colleges!” The College Tour for Summer 2016 takes place June 18-23. This summer, tour participants will have the opportunity to visit colleges in Boston, Providence, Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C. For more information, please contact Brent Casey in the College Counseling office at (918)879-4718 or bcasey@hollandhall.org. Fall/Winter 2015
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Spotlight
friends
A talented tribute to the Class of 2015. What began for Amy Whitaker as a simple endeavor to draw portraits of her son Lucas and some of his lifelong Holland Hall friends ended as a nearly 8-month-long challenge to complete 85 graphite drawings, one of each student in the class of 2015, and a record-setting Annual Fund contribution by the parents of those students. As she worked on those initial portraits, Amy thought about the community that had touched her family’s life since they moved to Tulsa in 2007 and realized that every single classmate and family had been a part of their journey to varying degrees so she decided to draw each one of them. And as the former Holland Hall Annual Fund Director, she wanted to encourage parents to make a donation in honor of their Seniors, just as she was honoring each of the students with a drawing. Although there was no requirement to donate in order to receive a portrait, the Senior parents won the Annual Fund Grade Challenge with an 81% participation rate, a record for Senior parent giving.
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After Fall Break in 2014, Amy began her Senior portrait drawing journey. Amy said, “As I drew each student, I was often reminded of childhood playdates and sleep overs, birthday party celebrations, volunteer projects, sporting events, band and choir concerts, Dance & Manners and Dutchmen Weekends, projects completed at our house like the cardboard regatta and engineering fair projects and robotics assignments, and lastly, the simple joy and honor I have had watching these children grow into young adults. This unexpected gift of quiet reflection of each student both surprised me and made me feel very nostalgic. By Christmas, however, I had only completed about 20 portraits and began doubting my artistic ability as well as my confidence and sanity.” But Spring brought about new focus, and Amy began to pick up speed. Thanks to the encouragement and support of the Holland Hall community, her spirits were buoyed by encouraging words, lunches and coffee breaks, and audio books to listen to as she worked given
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Project “Class of 2015” by the numbers:
43 4 72 12 9 120 13 85
Hours Spent Drawing Raffine Art Sketching Pencils Gum Erasers Blending Stumps Pages of Bristol Vellum Paper Audio Books Portraits Completed
by appreciative friends. By the evening of Baccalaureate, all the portraits were completed and ready to distribute. Since then, Amy has received numerous thank you notes from parents and students that she will cherish forever. She is now considering recreating this challenge for her daughter Hannah’s class of 2017.
friends
Spotlight
Bishop Ed: Dedicated to the mission of equality, dignity, and respect for all. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny (a.k.a. Bishop Ed), Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma and member of Holland Hall’s Board of Trustees, has been, shall we say, busy. In 2015, Bishop Ed was elected to the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church and to the Council’s Executive Committee. He was also made a Member of the Presiding Bishop’s Council of Advice. This past December, he was recognized by the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance for “Outstanding Human Rights Achievement.” Konieczny was honored for his dedication and service as he strives to ensure that all people are honored equally as children of God and are afforded the same respect, dignity, and treatment. Specifically, the bishop was recognized for his support of the Latino community, particularly Santa Maria Virgen Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City. With his support Photo by the Oklahoma State Capitol Legislative and encouragement, Santa Maria’s community outreach programs have thrived. Santa Maria offers after-school care, English as a Second Language courses, and serves as a Red Cross partner shelter. During the 2015 tornadoes, Santa Maria sheltered, fed, and supported nearly 70 people. Bishop Ed has also been leading the diocesan efforts to elevate the work and mission of St. Crispin's Camp and Conference Center in Wewoka. A touch point for many Holland Hall students through the Middle School SOOD (School Out of Doors) program, St. Crispin’s Camp and Conference Center plays a key role in Holland Hall’s student leadership programming. Konieczny said he began working on a plan for the camp and conference center when he first became bishop of the Oklahoma diocese in 2007. He said he knew that the center played a key role in helping Episcopalian youths connect to their faith and gain exposure to educational experiences. “It was one of the things I recognized right away, that we needed to expand our ability and opportunity to reach young people. St. Crispin’s was the obvious place to be able to do that,” he said. The bishop said the diocese takes about 100 children and youth to the camp for the diocese’s camping program each week during the summer. “It’s been an intricate part of who we are as a diocese in raising up and preparing young people for living life and leadership,” he said.
6th Grade students practice team-building skills at 2015 School Out of Doors (SOOD) held at St. Crispin’s.
Finally, Bishop Ed recently completed one of his many commitments to the national Episcopal Church with the appointment of The Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry, former Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina. As co-chair of the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Bishop Ed’s work was instrumental in leading to the appointment of the church’s first African-American Presiding Bishop.
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Holland Hall Field Hockey
The end of an era and a new beginning.
By Christy Utter ’92 Director of Alumni Relations and Field Hockey Coach
Field Hockey at Holland Hall will live on because of its value, because of the dedication to it by our student-athletes and coaches, because it’s tradition, and because it matters. Constance Applebee is best known for what she did for women’s sports in the early 1900s. She graduated from the British College of Physical Education in 1899 and came to America soon afterwards to introduce the sport of field hockey to professors from Harvard University. Holland Hall picked up the sport in the early 1930s, and it has been a staple women’s sport here ever since. Field Hockey at Holland Hall is obviously unique because we are still the only school offering the sport in Tulsa. Holland Hall’s field hockey program has enjoyed remarkable success since its early days. What started as a sport
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played between the Sakawas and Wanatas for physical education soon blossomed into a sport Holland Hall dominated in the Southwest Preparatory Conference. The Dutch have enjoyed SPC Championships in 1973, 1978, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1993, 1994, and 1995. Twenty-six female athletes from Holland Hall have gone on to play field hockey at the collegiate level. Beginning in the fall of 2016, Holland Hall will leave the SPC to join the OSSAA (Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association). Subsequently, there was a question as to whether or not Holland Hall would be able to sustain field hockey without an opportunity to compete for a conference championship.
We were never worried. Notre Dame football has been competing as an independent (no conference affiliation for that sport) for years, and their program is thriving. The same will go for Holland Hall field hockey. We will enjoy a full fall schedule like we have done in the past and will continue to use our resources and connections to support any player who desires to compete at Holland Hall and beyond. Field Hockey will look very similar to what it has been in the past. We will play some traditional SPC schools, and we will always compete for the LeAnne Nuckolls trophy against in-state rival Casady. We will strive to compete through the years in locations such as
A message from Maggie Brady ’10 to the 2015 field hockey team. 3-sport HH athlete, Brown University field hockey player, and current Analyst for Goldman Sachs, NY.*
Denver, CO; Chicago, IL; Louisville, KY; St. Louis, MO; Dallas, TX; and at home. The field hockey teams will have the opportunity to watch collegiate games for the first time in person, and they will compete against teams coached by Holland Hall alumnae. The field hockey program has incredible support from Head of School, J.P. Culley, and Athletic Director, Steve Heldebrand. They see the merit this sport has in the lives of its players, coaches, and fans. Field Hockey at Holland Hall will live on because of its value, because of the dedication to it by our student-athletes and coaches, because it’s tradition, and because it matters.
“I know the [upcoming] Casady game might seem like a blip in the long run (and to a certain extent it will be), but playing this sport is something that is not just a blip — it changed my life. In high school, I loved going to the football games and making signs for basketball games in the gym where everyone crowded in to watch the guys dunk on Cascia, but Field Hockey was different. Field Hockey was just the girls’ sport. It was just Holland Hall’s sport, and I’ve always liked being different. I had friends from other schools come watch us play, guys always asking me to explain the curve on the stick (that continued into college), and I’m still not confident my dad understands what a “corner” is. I hope this sport, along with the traveling, missed classes, and friendships, has given you the confidence to be independent and different. It’s easy to be in the stands and to never leave the comfort of Tulsa, but I keep finding out that the easy stuff isn’t the fun stuff (I live in New York now, it’s raining and I forgot an umbrella, and I am far away from my family, BUT I get to see the Statue of Liberty outside my window at work). I know for those of you not graduating this year, field hockey at Holland Hall will continue, but I hope you take pride in closing out the era of the SPC. You all deserve signs on your lockers, but sometimes you have to put up your own sign, and I hope this sport and this conference has given you the confidence to do so. I know you can all go do great things.”
*This letter has been edited for length.
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AlumniMatters
welcome
From the President of the Alumni Association Board. Dear Dutch, It is my privilege to write to you at a pivotal time in the history of Holland Hall. There are changes and developments on almost every front at every level of the school. A glance through this very magazine will no doubt make that clear. We have strong new leadership in our Head of School, JP Culley, now in his third year. Our Upper School Head, Frances Fondren is in her second year and beloved by her students. We have a wonderful new Primary School Head this year, Reverend Bert Bibbens, a long-serving member of our community. Their vision, enthusiasm, and expertise have revitalized the school in so many ways. We are entering a new era of sports affiliation next year as we leave the SPC and join the OSSAA. We have the retirement this year of several long-time faculty members. We are planning and funding a new major building: a new dining, athletic and wellness center that will be the heart of the school and ultimately serve as its new “front door.” Our current comprehensive campaign protects our ongoing Annual Fund needs, provides for major new facilities, and enhances the long-term financial stability of Holland Hall through endowments and planned estate giving. Believe me, I could go on! The opportunities to be of service and to engage with Holland Hall are many. Over the last few years, your Alumni Association has begun to play a more prominent role in the life of the school. With the support of the administration and Christy Utter ‘92, our Alumni Affairs Director, the board has made significant improvements in our ability to serve the school community and in our opportunities to connect with each other. Kindling deeper connections with our amazing alumni has been my greatest reward while serving on the Alumni Board. Our major public events, Trivia Night (now approaching 400 players), Homecoming / Alumni Reunion Weekend, and our Alumni Awards Dinner, focus on fellowship and community. New events in the planning process will continue that focus. Holland Hall is, indeed, a wonderful place. In my roles as Alumni Association President and on the Board of Trustees, I have gotten a behind-the-curtain look at how the school is run, the challenges we face, and our plans for the future. I am happy, although not surprised, to report that the same principles and core values that we publicly claim to cherish and live by are in evidence every day in the work of our boards, committees, faculty, and staff. Holland Hall practices what we preach to our students and parents. This is not a claim that we achieve our goals perfectly. As in any honest institution, our leadership
2015-16 alumni association board Darin Alred ’84
Kara Beair Butler ’02
Susan Pray Rainey ’85
Dr. Kimberlie Dullye ’83
Adrian Reents ’06
Anne Darnell Gillingham ’88
Sanford Roberds ’93
Noel O'Haren Groves ’94
Oliver Sutton ’98
Vice President
Madison Holder ’08
Nan Hawkins Winton ’91
Brad P. White ’95
Nancy Rizley Lipotich ’76
Julie Yeabower ’77
Kevinn Matthews ’88
Christy Utter ’92
President
Clint Brumble ’93 Past President
Joey Wignarajah ’00
Secretary
Brett Baker ’89 Megan Rule Beck ’98 Lindsey Hawkins Bristow ’95
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Paige Miller ’08 Ashley Parrish ’93 BJ Pohl ’89
Director of Alumni Relations
Mr. Charlie Brown
Director of Stewardship
welcome
AlumniMatters
constantly reflects on our publicly-stated goals and community values to measure ourselves against our ideals. We want to see ourselves clearly and become that best version of ourselves that we have imagined. Part of that clarity allows the honest recognition that we alumni can do more to support the school. I believe that as alumni, we have a responsibility to those who followed us into the Dutch family. Just as those before us were good stewards of our beloved school, we too should take up that labor of love and nurture the school however we are able. For some of us, that means volunteering and engaging with the school through service on committees, in classrooms, and at public events. Hopefully, we also support the school’s mission with our money to bolster programs like the Annual Fund or the current comprehensive campaign. There have been many bright spots in that financial support. Significant contributions have been made by many alumni. But this support has come from a very small percentage of our alumni base of more than three thousand. Many outside entities that could support the school in significant ways look first to the percentage of participation from within the community itself as a guide to giving. No segment of the school community can speak as loudly in this arena as we alumni can. It is my heartfelt hope that more of you, our alumni, will answer the call, let yourself be heard and offer your financial support in any amount. No amount is insignificant because participation counts. Please join me in supporting the school’s mission. As an alumnus of the school, and a current parent, it is important to me, and I hope to all of us, that Holland Hall continues to offer our students the same rigorous education steeped in integrity and social responsibility that we alumni received. The current strategic plan of the school adopted by the Board of Trustees ensures that we have a vision to stay at the forefront of college preparatory education. I am particularly excited about our emerging plans to develop our global awareness and learning through service programs that illuminate our students’ responsibility to embrace their role as global citizens. The future is bright for them and our entire community. We hope you will stay connected and engaged with us. We are one Dutch! Warmest Regards,
J. Darin Alred ‘84 President, Holland Hall Alumni Association
Stay in touch with Holland Hall alumni all over the world! Holland Hall’s Alumni Directory/Community App is FREE and available for iPhone or Android.
Connect and keep up with current Holland Hall events on social media. @hollandhall.alumniassociation
@hhallalumni
@holland_hall_alumni Fall/Winter 2015
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profiles
Mentorship: Kevinn Matthews ’88 and Paige Miller Hulse ’08 When asked what traits are most important for a Holland Hall student to have, Kevinn Matthews ’88 and Paige Miller Hulse ’08 both gave one-word answers. To Kevinn, it was “loyalty.” For Paige, it was “integrity.” Interestingly, both words could be used to describe each of them throughout their unique mentor/mentee relationship. Holland Hall was not the only thing that Kevinn and Paige had in common. Both attended the University of Tulsa College of Law and met while working at the in-house legal department of WPX Energy, Inc., Kevinn as an attorney and Paige as an intern. However, it was the values of loyalty and integrity established at Holland Hall that cemented the connection needed for a successful mentorship.
Kevinn was steadfast and dedicated to Paige throughout the process and in providing a critical professional recommendation for her after law school. Paige said, “Kevinn played a much larger role in shaping the trajectory of my career than just my work at WPX. Due in large part to our connection as Holland Hall alums, Kevinn mentored me through the process of building my career, whether it be navigating interviews, securing other internships, networking, and passing the bar exam. Kevinn’s mentorship has been the most significant influence on my legal career, bar none.” Paige was trustworthy and hardworking in her role as a mentee. Kevinn said, “Paige was special.
She fulfilled each and every obligation presented to her. She tirelessly and diligently attended every meeting, every networking opportunity, and did so with confidence. She trusted me and I was willing to work hard for her and help her because she did the same for me.” Currently, Paige is practicing oil and gas litigation at Levinson, Smith & Huffman, and Kevinn is still at WPX Energy, Inc. As successful attorneys, both say time management was the biggest takeaway from the Holland Hall experience. According to Paige, at Holland Hall she learned “the invaluable life lessons of work ethic and time management, both of which have been critical in [her] career.”
Interview: Rafael de la Vega ’14 and Nathan Stewart ’13 What did you do after graduating from Holland Hall? Rafael: I took two
gap years to work on our product, the EVO aercase. I am set to study Business Technology Management at NYU Poly in Fall 2016. Nathan: I took a gap year after my sophomore year at Long Island University to work on the aercase. I am working on a double major in Business Management and Marketing. What is your company and product?
The first of its kind, the EVO aercase
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is an anti-microbial, anti-odor bag designed for your athletic shoes. Lined with advanced textiles, it is the very best way to protect your shoes. What was the process for creating, designing, and producing the aercase? The concept for the aercase
was inspired by our experiences as soccer players at Holland Hall. [Of Rafael’s two gap years,] the first was spent patenting the bag and developing the product. The second is being spent mass producing bags and marketing them. The greatest challenge we faced so far was the mass-production of these bags. Finding a good factory to work with was a long, trying process. One of our favorite successes so far has to be the photo/video shoot we did summer of 2015. We were able to get tons of great material [for marketing].
What is next for EVO? Right now we are very excited to be working with a fashion designer to make a line of bags that incorporate the same anti-bacterial, anti-odor technology as the aercase and will include a redesigned aercase, a backpack, and a small duffle bag.
Learn more and sign up for email updates at www.evoandco.com.
profiles
AlumniMatters
Mentorship: Andie Pitman Doyle ’97 and Corey Taylor ’15 fellow alumnus who was far away from his own.
Andie Pitman Doyle ’97 and her family are no strangers to sharing their home. Whether as host parents for their church’s Leadership Development program or as Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors, it brings them joy to be able to invest in someone’s life, whether or not they are related. Upon learning that Corey Taylor ’15 would be a freshman at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Andie became interested, once again, in opening up her family’s home, this time to a
Even though Corey was born the year Andie graduated from Holland Hall and the pair are at very different stages in life, they have the same values and spiritual beliefs. These beliefs, along with a shared experience of their time at Holland Hall, have bonded their families together. They get a kick out of trading Holland Hall stories and comparing what has changed — and what has not. And they BOTH credit Holland Hall with the strong, solid foundation upon which they are building their lives. Andie said, “Holland Hall develops leaders. When I entered my freshman year of college, I found myself way ahead of my peers in terms of maturity, time management, study skills, and critical thinking. Soon I found myself leading my peers as President of my sorority. That experience scaffolded me into leadership positions in the workforce through board service
and civic engagement.” Corey added, “Independent learning was probably the biggest thing I took away from Holland Hall that has helped me in college thus far. Here at the Academy you are expected to do a lot of work and solve many problems on your own, to a standard of excellence that isn’t too far from what was required at Holland Hall. The fact that I had already begun developing my critical thinking skills…has separated me from a lot of my peers.” Corey spends weekends at Andie’s home and has become part of the family. He said, “Being a member of the Dutch community to me was always like being a part of a big family” and that could not be more true now, as he is like a brother to the Doyle boys (8, 7, and 2). Andie said, “Corey has been SUCH a blessing to our family... His presence in our family brings us so much joy... I can tell he will be such an amazing leader, on the football field, in his school, and in life in general.”
Interview: Scott Phillips ’88 What did you do after graduating from Holland Hall? I received a
Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University. What is your current job or passion?
I am the founder of Civic Ninjas, a national organization working to solve community and municipal problems through technology. We are specifically focused on entrepreneurship, the maker movement, and civic technology because they are transformative movements that are democratizing how we live, work, and play. Our efforts at Civic Ninjas are anchored in the belief that community
makes the world possible. Because of online technology trends, physical place is becoming a more important part of community building. Consider the role the Upper School Commons plays in the Holland Hall experience as an example.
of advanced technology, traditional manufacturing, established industries, and the broader community with the ultimate goal of creating new businesses, jobs, and opportunities by “enabling serendipity.”
How will Civic Ninjas address this need for physical space as it relates to building community?
We have been working to launch the first version of Raw Space in Tulsa, but recent attention around our efforts to include it in Tulsa’s Vision 2025 Tax Extension has led to interest from other cities as well, so stay tuned.
Our project Raw Space is the world’s first industrial-sized innovation and creativity hub — a sort of business incubator — for heavy industry, manufacturing, and technology. Raw Space is a large scale physical place that is designed to mix the worlds
Learn more or get involved at www.rawspacetulsa.com.
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class notes
1970 Richie Lawrence’s latest solo album Rue Sanxay was released on March 9, 2015. He is getting high marks on the charts. His album featured three songs in the TOP AMERICANA COUNTRY SONG CHART for 2015: “Oxford Town,” #67; “When I Find My Love Someday,” #102; and “Belle Lune,” #116.
annual conference. This conference translates into future careers for male and female students in an industry desperately in need of qualified personnel, especially technicians. 1981 Tim Blake Nelson wrote and directed his newest and fifth feature-length film, “Anesthesia,” which opened in theaters on January 8, 2016. The film features Sam Waterston, Glenn Close, and Kristen Stewart to name a few. Both Tim and his wife Lisa Benavides-Nelson also star in the film.
For more information on Richie and his band, go to www.richielawrence.com.
1979 Carol Bush recently announced that she will be running for State Representative District 70 in Oklahoma. Carol served for 10 years as the executive director of the Tulsa Crime Prevention Network and owned a small business for 25 years. 1980 Curt Ward received the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) 2015 Most Valuable Player award at the NACAT Education Foundation Awards Celebration in July 2015. The 2015 NACAT is a weeklong assembly geared to instruct high school and collegiate educators on up-and-coming technology in the automotive industry. Curt, who is the shop director at Joliet Community College in Joliet, IL, hosted the 42nd
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Susan Simpson and her husband of almost 30 years, David, live in Longview and Austin, Texas. David, a Texas state representative, has been elected to the Texas Legislature three times. Susan and David have seven children; their oldest daughter lives in Montana and is expecting her third child; their three grown sons all live in Texas; and they have three daughters who still live at home. 1983 Doug Allen reports that he was training for the Indianapolis halfmarathon when he was sidelined by an injury and had to miss the race. He offers this story to his classmates in order to encourage them to send in updates to the class notes as well, even when it seems to be unexciting. He reminds his classmates that in middle
school, which had its rough spots, there was something nice about getting a good effort grade from Miss Yeakey or Mr. Stickney. Shelley LaGere Carlin moved to Virginia from Texas in August 2014 to take a new job as general counsel of the Genetics & IVF Institute, a reproductive medicine company in Fairfax, VA. Her husband, Steve, is enjoying life as a retired litigator, amateur political writer, and jazz piano player. Her son, Andrew, is 14 and started high school in the fall. 1984 Jamie Cameron Bentley was named a Top 5 Finalist for Tulsa Public Schools District Teacher of the Year. She currently teaches second grade at Carnegie Elementary School. Barry Lunnon lives in Perth, Australia, and works for Monadelphous, a construction company, as the Quality Assurance Manager/Welding Engineer. He serves Ichthys (LNG project) in Darwin, Australia, a multi-billion dollar company, and is involved in a number of other tenders for the oil & gas industry. His oldest son, Jay, also lives in Australia and is engaged to be married. Jay is a non-destructive technician and will soon have his radiation license, which he uses for testing of welds. Welding has come full circle for Barry and his family. His dad spent years selling steel, Barry spent time welding and then designing the welding of the material, and now his son tests the welding. His second oldest son is an apprentice with a locksmith firm and plays the guitar in his spare time. His youngest son, Zach, is into the music scene, playing the drums and taking lessons from a member of the Baby Animals, an Australian group from the 1990s. Barry has played on the Wanneroo Giants baseball team with his sons for the past three years and is the oldest guy on the team. He has been married to his wife Fiona for 24 years.
class notes
Eric Krieckhaus, his wife, Margaret, daughter Katie, and son, Kyle, are living in South Africa. He and Margaret teach mathematics in the high school division of the American International School of Johannesburg. They moved to South Africa from Brussels, where they spent six years teaching in another international school. They have been overseas for twenty years and previously taught in France, Chile, and Taiwan. Eric’s father Bob, former English teacher at Holland Hall, and his mother Doris, former head of food service at Holland Hall, are retired in Prescott, AZ. Eric says, “There are many fascinating animals and landscapes in South Africa, but also an incredible variety of people and cultures. Apartheid has been over for two decades, but the inequities continue, and that struggle is still on the forefront of most people's minds.” He hasn’t been back to Tulsa for many years and can't promise to be back anytime soon, but once a Dutchman, of course, always a Dutchman! 1985 Suzanne Hale is happily living in Fort Collins, CO with her Colorado State University science professor husband, Jay Ham. They have two children, Clara and Jack. Suzanne still plays a lot of tennis, as she once did in high school, but can’t seem to pull enough people together to play field hockey. Recently, she became the chair of her professional organization, the Registrars Committee of the American Alliance of Museums (RC-AAM). It is a professional network of approximately 1,300 members who work with various types of museum collections. 1986 Paul Lhevine was recently named CEO at Swallow Hill Music in Colorado. Swallow Hill Music is a nonprofit community for musicians and music
lovers who value the ability of music to bring people together. Every year, Swallow Hill Music presents and produces nearly 300 concerts at a wide range of venues across Denver, provides music education at Swallow Hill facilities to over 5,000 students, and provides music education programming to more than 15,000 students through educational K-12 outreach programs in schools in the Denver Metro area and along the entire Front Range. 1988 Kevinn Matthews was recently invited to serve as Board President of the University of Tulsa Law Alumni Association. He currently practices law at WPX Energy in Tulsa and serves in numerous volunteer capacities. Jay Wohlgemuth was recently named the new Chief Healthcare Officer of HealthTap, the company reinventing healthcare by immediately connecting people with doctors and their knowledge via mobile devices and personal computers. Dr. Wohlgemuth was named a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum in Davos. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Harvard and his M.D. and Cardiovascular Medicine specialty training at Stanford. Dr. Wohlgemuth led all test development efforts and oversaw major partnerships in healthcare at his former company, Quest Diagnostics. He also ran companion diagnostics and drug development programs at Genentech, and was a co-founder and head of Research and Development and medical for CareDx, which developed and commercialized the first-of-itskind molecular testing for transplant recipients that reduces the need for invasive biopsies, and is now a standard of care around the world.
AlumniMatters
1989 Mark Falkin released his new Young Adult book, Contract City, from Bancroft Press and is getting rave reviews. Booklist said “Falkin offers a timely and discussion-worthy look at where the U.S. might be headed, wrapped in nonstop (and profanity-laced) action... With twists turning until the end, it’s hard to put this down.” Mark recently held a book signing and excerpt reading at TU’s Bookstore. He is also the author of Days of Grace, which was optioned for a film and nominated for a literary award, The Needle Award, at POD-dy Mouth blog, where the reviewer said, “This is literature at its best...Falkin could easily be likened to the aforementioned Lethem or to Augusten Burroughs or even J.D. Salinger.” Bookpeople said, “Here’s more proof that Austin is home to some of the best new writers around ...Falkin’s novel is reminiscent of the writing style found in Lethem, Sedaris, Coupland, and Kerouac, with his sharp wit and journalistic style.” You can find out more information about Mark by visiting www.markfalkin.com. 1990 Kyle Ham and Devan Yanik reunited to make an independent feature film, Reparation, which won nine awards in eight film festival appearances, including “Best Film” at the Santa Fe Film Festival, and the Audience Award at the Austin Film Festival. Devan composed the original score for the film, which Kyle co-wrote and directed. They expect the film to release in 2016, and encourage fellow Dutch alumni to check out the trailer at www.trailerreparationmovie.com.
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class notes
Lamberton ’97 brought back the TULSA OVERGROUND FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL in August 2014. For more information on the festival, visit www.tulsaoverground.com.
1992
Brooke Hamilton was named CEO of NPI, Inc. (formerly Nameplates USA) on January 18, 2016. Brooke had served as President since 2012. NPI, a printing and product identification business located in the Pearl District near downtown Tulsa, has been in Brooke’s family for three generations. Brooke’s son Conley Pentecost is in 5th Grade at Holland Hall. Cristin Moran Radloff and husband Corey welcomed Preston Charles on July 21, 2015. He weighed in at 8lbs 1oz and was 21.75" long. 1993 Trevor Snyder and his wife Sara welcomed baby boy Benjamin James on February 19, 2015. He weighed in at 8lbs, 2oz and was 22" long. Trent Tucker and wife Chelsea Orr ’04 Tucker welcomed baby girl Tatum on January 12, 2016. She weighed in at 6lbs, 2oz and was 19.5" long. 1994 Molly Crawford was promoted to clinical manager of the adult medical intensive care units at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa. Molly has served in the same unit for 18 years.
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Noel O’Haren Groves bought a new dental practice in South Tulsa this year, focusing on family and cosmetic dentistry as well as implant dentistry. She works with her husband, John, who is a dentist, every day at the practice, Groves Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Noel and John have four children. Nealy and Fia are both Holland Hall students in K and PS-5, respectively. Both girls started in the 3-year-old program like their mom. Their other children are two-year-old Declan and Marin, who is almost a year old. Romney Nowlin McGuire is a hygienist at Groves Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. She has worked at the dental practice with Noel O’Haren Groves for six years. Romney recently finished her third season as an assistant field hockey coach for the Dutch. 1995 Scott Ferguson and his wife Taleen welcomed baby girl Evan Sirelle Ferguson on January 30, 2015. She weighed in at 7lbs, 14oz and was 19" long. Todd Lincoln recently wrote, produced, and directed a new film, Gorgeous Vortex, a secret segment to the third and final installment of V/H/S: Viral, a popular horror franchise from Magnolia Pictures. Gorgeous Vortex is a high fashion horror film shot entirely in Tulsa while Todd was visiting from his home base of Los Angeles. Gorgeous Vortex is now available on V/H/S: Viral Blu-ray and DVD or by purchasing it on iTunes. While in Tulsa, Todd and Jeremy
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Follow Todd Lincoln on Twitter @Todd_Lincoln and on Instagram @killtoddlincoln.
Kaylin Zarski McKenzie has been married for 15 years and has 3 children. Her 3-year-old daughter, Lily, has Down Syndrome and currently attends school at The Little Light House. Kaylin is a huge advocate for her and is very involved in the community. She blogs about what it is like raising a family and having a child with Down Syndrome at asurprisingjoy.com. Kaylin is also on Facebook at asurprisingjoy. Her son, Oz, is 22 months old, and she gave birth to her youngest daughter, Charley, on March 17, 2015. After high school, Kaylin received her BS in biology with a chemistry minor and was recruited to Salt Lake City, UT to work as a zookeeper in the primate department. For 8 years, she managed multiple species of primates in husbandry, enrichment, and training. She also started her own business, Dogism, where she is a behaviorist and offers private training to dog owners. She specializes in rehabilitating
class notes
AlumniMatters
1998 Emily Bradford recently headed to Brooklyn for a position in the office of the borough’s new District Attorney, Kenneth Thompson. She is the District Attorney’s deputy chief of public integrity. Heidi Crockett published her first book Caregiver
Stress: Neurobiology to the Rescue in
Kaylin Zarski McKenzie ’95, husband James, and their children Charley, Lily and Oz.
aggression and anxiety behaviors. She moved back to Oklahoma when she became pregnant with Charley and brought her business with her. Visit her website at www.dogismfordogs.com. Sarah Schobe Randolph and her husband Jeptha Fitz Randolph VIII welcomed Jeptha Fitz Randolph IX in mid March. He weighed in at 7lbs 3 oz.
practice and research clinical trials. She married Paul Wilson in Miami Beach at the Fontainebleau on June 27, 2015. Her Matron of Honor was Elizabeth Schmidt Panos ’97, and one of her bridesmaids was Kylee Schelbar Joyce ’97. She currently resides in Fort Lauderdale and can’t get enough of the sunshine, fishing, and paddle boarding Florida has to offer.
memory of her late husband, Roger. The book is a workbook that uses interpersonal neurobiology to help caregivers better manage their stress. The book is interspersed with stories of her experience as a spousal caregiver. Heidi has completed postgraduate training from the University of Michigan and speaks at local, state, and national conferences. She has a private therapy practice as a licensed clinical social worker and works as a public educator in the Tampa Bay Area. Upcoming presentations can be found at www.HeidiCrockett.com.
1996 Kathleen Parker Lund and husband, Darin, welcomed Charles Magnus Lund on Nov. 8, 2015. The family lives in Portland, Oregon. Jennie Chiu Reidenbach and husband Matt welcomed baby girl, Darcy Reidenbach, on Jan. 31, 2015 at UVA hospital in Charlottesville. 1997 Tiki Husain is a Board Certified Neurologist and Movement Disorders Specialist. She has been an Associate of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center of Boca Raton, FL since 2012, with a focus on her clinical
Kyle Lowery and his wife Heather welcomed baby boy Joel Matthew on April 8, 2015. He weighed in at 7lbs, 11oz.
Suzanne Sharp Dodson coached Lego Robotics through Girl Scout troop 411, and took five Holland Hall students to the White House Science Fair in March 2015. Her co-coach was Upper School teacher Cathy Rose, and one of the girls is the daughter of alumna Amy (Huang) Oneal ’99.
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class notes
Matt Palmer and his wife Alisa welcomed their second daughter, Eleanor Catherine, on Nov. 9, 2014.
Katie Lieber Grinberg and husband Ilan welcomed their first child, Ethan Adler Grinberg, on Dec. 22, 2014.
Christina Fucci married Jeff Magalhaes in Hawaii on Nov. 11, 2014, followed by a honeymoon in Kauai, The Big Island and Maui. Kate Rusley Gorman and Patrick Gorman and their three children, Colby, Kelly, and Connor, returned to Houston, TX after living overseas since 2007. Their travels had them living between Far-East Russia and South Korea and provided them with the opportunity to visit Australia, Indonesia, China, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia. They are all very happy to be back home in the USA.
Eric Vogt and his wife Leesha welcomed daughter Annalee Paige on Dec. 26, 2014. Annalee joins big brother Hunter, 2. 1999 Matt Barnard and wife Michelle welcomed Jackson Tyler on March 12, 2015. He weighed in at 8lbs, 4oz.
Laura Hawkins Johnson and husband Mike welcomed Katherine Jayne on Sept. 21, 2015. She weighed in at 7lbs, 9oz. Katie Kruger won the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts EY Next Wave Leadership Award for her work with Cross-Cultured, which provides discounted admission to various cultural events in an attempt to attract more young people to the arts. As CBCA put it, "The award honors rising professionals who are leading the future of our cultural community."
Mark Bennett and Shelly McAuliff are the headliners for the music group, The Dusty Pearls. They recently released their debut, self-titled album. The Dusty Pearls were the Folk genre winners/grand prize overall runners up at Alchemy Songwriting Competition in Jan. 2015. The couple got married on July 11, 2015. Matt Brown and wife, Erica Joseph Brown, welcomed daughter Evaline on June 16, 2014. She weighed in at 6lbs, 14oz and was 19 1/4" long. She joins siblings, Tucker, Holland Hall Class of 2026, and Reese, age 5.
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Rob Merrick is the owner of Global Client Solutions in Tulsa. It is the leading provider of account management services to the debt settlement industry today. Global is an independent third-party payment processor for consumers who are enrolled in debt settlement programs. Rob and his wife Taylor celebrated their fifth anniversary on May 15, 2015 and have two daughters, three-year-old Fynley and one-year-old Loghan. Amy Huang Oneal’s daughter Addy Oneal is currently in 1st Grade at Holland Hall. Her Lego team, “Supergirls,” was invited to present their Battery Powered Page Turner at the White House Science Fair in March 2015. They were fortunate to meet President Obama and show him how their invention works. She joined Suzanne Sharp Dotson ’98, Suzanne’s daughter Emery ’27, and Holland Hall faculty member Cathy Rose for the ceremony.
class notes
2003
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Casey Palmer Bogenschutz and husband Tim welcomed their second child, Ollie Jude Bogenschutz, on Christmas morning 2015. Big brother Palmer is thrilled! Elizabeth Frame ’01 Ellison and Adele Beaseley ’11, with funding from the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation, are set to launch Kitchen 66 to help Tulsa-area culinary start-ups overcome those major initial hurdles. Kitchen 66 is designed to help anyone aspiring to own a restaurant, manage a food truck, sell food products at a grocery store, or open a catering company to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses. Kitchen 66 offers a six-month incubator program that provides commercial kitchen access in addition to mentorship opportunities from industry experts, weekly start-up courses and workshops, and access to a distribution network. The former cafeteria in the Sun Building at 907 S. Detroit Ave. in Tulsa will house Kitchen 66. The space includes coolers, storage space and loading docks, and will be divided into stations to allow multiple businesses to operate simultaneously. The first incubator program class will launch in early 2016. Umang Sood and husband Joe Noelker welcomed baby girl Naina Sood Noelker on Jan. 15, 2016. She weighed in at 5lbs, 14oz. 2002 John Sturdivant is now living in Melbourne, Australia, and works as an Engagement Manager with McKinsey & Co., a consulting firm.
Deepak Chetty was featured in Variety in honor of its 110th anniversary. Variety selected 110 students who represent the future of film, media, and entertainment. Deepak is a student at the University of Texas in the Master of Fine Arts program. His film “Hard Reset” is the first 3D UT thesis film. In addition to directing and his vfx expertise, Deepak has had his films featured at festivals including SXSW, Silverdocs, Slamdance, and the Seattle International Film Festival.
AlumniMatters
productions in New York City, regionally, and internationally. She has served various roles including stage manager, producer, and production manager for multiple events involving theater, film, and performance art. She resides in Brooklyn. Visit her website at www.houseofspeakeasy.org Phillip Rosene moved back to Tulsa in March 2015 and opened a film studio. Elyse Embry Smith married Justin Smith on May 30, 2015. She was awarded the Teacher of the Year at Mayo Demonstration School in Tulsa. 2004
Liz Bruce Contreras is stationed in Kuwait and serving as the battalion medical officer in a combat engineering battalion for the Army. Ben Crabtree and Chrisato Kano welcomed baby girl Iris Asuka on Dec. 5, 2014. Jenn Crites is working as a petroleum engineer and living in Australia. She has trekked to Mount Everest base camp and loves scuba diving. Alex Detwiler married Jillian Phillips on May 31, 2014 in Tulsa. Lacy Post recently signed on as Production Director for the House of SpeakEasy Foundation, a literary non-profit dedicated to promoting innovative ways of bringing writers and their audiences together. Lacy is a director and performer who has worked on numerous theatrical
Sarahbeth Sharp Pipkin and husband Taylor welcomed Lucy Beth Pipkin on June 18, 2015. She weighed in at 8lbs and was 21" long. The couple resides in Houston, TX. 2005
Jacquelyn Miller married her college sweetheart, Jason Held, on Aug. 24, 2014 on the beaches of Cape Cod. They live happily in Boston, where Jacquelyn practices law, and Jason is a software engineer. Matt Pargeter married Fernando Villarreal on July 12, 2015. The couple resides in Ft. Worth, TX. Fall/Winter 2015
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2005
Dane Westby was posthumously inducted in the CMRA’s Hall of Fame on December 5, 2015, during the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) Annual Awards Banquet. He was a legendary and beloved motorcycle roadracer and CMRA member. Dane was a very successful racer in the CMRA, having won multiple sprint and endurance races, as well as season championships and records for fastest laps at CMRAsanctioned racetracks. 2006
college within the University), where she was named the recipient of the “Most Dedicated” female rower award for her team. She participated in the Cambridge University Women’s “Development Squad,” and was selected to row for the Cambridge “Dev Squad” at Henley Women’s Regatta in June 2014. This year, she trialed for the Cambridge University Women’s Boat Club, where she earned a spot on the team. Evelyn captained the Blondie boat in the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, a race that began in 1927. This year’s race was the first time the BNY Mellon Boat Race (men’s race) was joined by the Newton Women’s Boat Race. She played basketball for Wellesley College her freshman year and rowed the following three years for the UPenn Crew Team, on which she earned her Varsity Letter.
revolutionary women’s soccer presence in Iran. She captained the women’s national soccer team, successfully persevered through an international battle over the team wearing traditional head scarves on the field, and evacuated her team during the earthquake in Nepal last year. She holds a coveted seat on the sport’s national oversight board and coaches the national under-14 team. Four thousand girls currently play soccer in Iran’s women’s and girls’ leagues, up from zero in 2005. Lauren Robinson married Cody Carson on August 1, 2015 in Newport Beach, CA. 2008
JP Bennett and Ann Bennett ’07 welcomed Emma Mae Bennett on March 5, 2015. She weighed in at 6lbs, 8oz and was 19.75" long.
Katayoun “Kat” Khosrowyar was featured in the Wall Street Journal in August for her leadership and determination in establishing a
Michael Bibens married Kaitlin Warta on Jan. 6, 2016 in Tulsa.
Steven Berklacy graduated from Oklahoma City University School of Law. He will take the Oklahoma Bar Exam this Feb. Steven has been interning for Mustang Fuel Corporation for the past year in Oklahoma City and is pursuing his MBA in the near future. Steven plans to move back to Tulsa this spring. Evelyn Boettcher is a PhD student at Cambridge University. Her first year there, Evelyn rowed for Magdalene College (her residential
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Dane Westby, legendary and beloved motorcycle roadracer and CMRA member.
class notes
AlumniMatters
Ben Von Drehle married Hayden Cantrell on April 18, 2015. The couple resides in Denver, CO.
Paige Miller married Matt Hulse on Sept. 12, 2015. The couple resides in Tulsa. Paige began working as an oil and gas litigator in the fall 2015. Jeff Vogt graduated summa cum laude in May from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, and was ranked #1 out of 160 graduates. Jeff is working as an associate in the McAfee & Taft OKC office. He received numerous scholarships and honors, including the Comfort Scholarship, S.T. Bledsoe Memorial Prize, James F. Hawes Memorial Cup, Gene H. and Jo Ann Sharp Law Review Award, David Swank Professionalism Award, and 17 American Jurisprudence Awards. He was also named to the Order of the Coif, Order of the Barristers, and National Order of Scribes.
Ben Von Drehle ’08 and Hayden Cantrell wedding.
2011 Sherene Iskander was recently crowned Miss Massachusetts Collegiate America 2015. She is currently studying accounting at Northeastern University in Boston, and competed at the national pageant for the title of Miss Collegiate America in July. She is also the former 2013 Miss Oklahoma titleholder for National American Miss.
Luke Frizzell graduated from Virginia Military Institute on May 16, 2015. In August, Luke began BUDS (Basic Underwater Demolition/Seals) training. Luke’s passion is to become a Navy Seal. He is pictured with Troy Siemers ’89.
2009 Mitch Fryer ’09 and wife Bailey welcomed Pierce Hathaway Fryer on Feb. 24, 2015. He weighed in at 8lbs and was 20" long. Bree Gavlik married Mark Cruz on May 1, 2015.
Warriors for a 3-game series Easter weekend 2015. Luke, a Sophmore at Rhodes College, is studying Business and Commerce and plays second base for the Lynx. Grant, then a Senior Physics Major at Hendrix College, pitched for the Warriors, and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at Georgia Tech.
Former Dutch Baseball Teammates Grant Nunn ’11 and Luke Harjo ’14 found themselves on opposing college teams at Warrior Field in Conway, Arkansas when the Rhodes Lynx played the Hendrix Fall/Winter 2015
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class notes
2012 Paris Townsend ’12 and Kelsey Arnold ’14 tore up the softball field last season at the University of Oklahoma. In a game against Utah Valley University, Kelsey hit a solo home run, and Paris hit a grand slam on their way to a 14-0 win. The Sooners finished the 2015 campaign with a record of 49-9 and a #12 national ranking. For the fourth straight season and seventh time in the last eight years, Oklahoma softball is atop the Big 12 Coaches’ Preseason Poll, and they are ranked #4 nationally in preseason polls. 2014
A&M University. An early signee, Jenna started training at A&M in January. Retirees/Former Faculty Reverend Steve Lawler, Chaplain from 1984 - 1988 is Rector of St. Stephen’s & The Vine in Ferguson, Missouri, where he has been involved with community efforts for justice and reconciliation since the killing of Michael Brown last August. He writes the occasional piece for the Huffington Post about that community work and continues to teach at Washington University in St. Louis. Thanks to the internet, he has been able to reconnect with students and colleagues alike.
Zach King was selected for Boston University’s 2015 Summer Training as a Research Scholar (STaRs) program. The STaRs program is a dynamic and focused program that is designed specifically for the enhancement of skills required for successful entrance and completion of a graduate program or an MD/PhD program in biomedical sciences. Zach’s research will focus on how mechanical forces of breathing affect the progression of emphysema. Specifically he will be conducting research to uncover how static and cyclic mechanical forces lead to rupture of the emphysematous tissue.
Frank Ward, 2015 Senior National Tennis Champion.
Frank Ward had a busy 2015 summer on the tennis courts at the National Senior Olympics. In Men’s 80 Doubles, Frank and partner Barry Kinsey defeated #1 ranked Doug Kerin and Dave Noble to claim the Senior National Championship. Frank finished third overall in Men’s 80 Singles by defeating Marvin Winegar of Florida.
2016
Jenna Byers graduated early from Holland Hall to pursue her degree and follow her soccer passion at Texas
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Paris Townsend ’12 and Kelsey Arnold ’14 with Coach Charlie Brown.
events
AlumniMatters
DC/NYC Alumni Receptions. Holland Hall hit the road early this fall with trips to Washington, D.C. and New York City to host alumni receptions. Catching up with our alumni base all over the United States always proves to be rewarding, refreshing, and rejuvenating. We enjoyed stops in Alexandria, VA at 1982 graduate David Rainey’s home, and in New York City at Swine NYC. Our alumni continue to fascinate and impress us with each new mention of what they’re involved in, what they’re passionate about, and how they have carried themselves from the hallways of our beloved school to the real world.
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3 We look forward to our next receptions on March 2 at Perry’s in San Francisco and March 3 at the Wine Room in Palo Alto, CA. We will also be visiting the Dallas/Ft. Worth area in late April and Chicago in early June. If you would like to learn more about our receptions, please contact Director of Alumni Relations Christy Utter at 918-879-4745 or cutter@hollandhall.org.
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1 Holland Hall Campaign Director Margie Harned Warren ’82, David Rainey ’82, Wendy Wilk Markarian ’82
4 Director of Alumni Relations and Field Hockey Coach Christy Utter ’92, Merrin Trombka ’07, Charlie Brown
2 Glenna Reed Huber ’94, Glenna’s daughter Adayah, Kristin Burnell ’94
5 Margie Harned Warren ’82, Peter Diaz, Blake Rollins ’96, Head of School J.P. Culley
3 Jack Runyon ’69, Lorraine Latham, Holland Hall Director of Stewardship Charlie Brown
7 Steve Finch and Sara Stone ’81 8 Ian Hanley ’85, Maggie Brady ’10, Christy Utter ’92, Charlie Brown
6 Maggie Brady ’10, Mani Javvaji ’06
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events
2015 Distinguished Alumni Awards.
1 The Holland Hall Alumni Association and its board selected Ken Levit ’83 as the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award winner and Micah FitzermanBlue ’01 as the 2015 Young Alumni Achievement Award winner. The two were honored at an awards ceremony and dinner on Oct. 1, 2015. The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed on an alumnus/a of Holland Hall. It recognizes an alumna or alumnus who demonstrates exceptional service on a local, state, or national level, exhibits a high degree of character and integrity, demonstrates exceptional accomplishment in his or her profession, and whose accomplishments, affiliations and career(s) have honored the legacy of excellence at Holland Hall.
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Ken Levit ’83 is the Executive Director of the George Kaiser Family Foundation. He works tirelessly to support every citizen of Tulsa and beyond, especially those most in need. The Young Alumni Achievement Award recognizes the alumnus/a from the last 15 years who has made a significant mark on his or her university or community, and excels in their profession or pursuit of education. Micah Fitzerman-Blue ’01 is a writer and co-producer of the Amazon Prime series Transparent, which won the 2015 Golden Globe for best comedy. Micah, too, supports those in his community and beyond who are most in need by speaking on their behalf and promoting real change for the good.
1 Micah Fitzerman-Blue ’01 and Ken Levit ’83. 2 Board President Roger Collins and wife, Francy. 3 George Kaiser, Cookie Kaiser, Ken Levit ’83.
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4 Retiree Eleanor Carmack, Kevinn Matthews ’88, Anne Darnell Gillingham ’88, Interim Director of Institutional Advancement Beth Lieser Goddard ’86. 5 Paige Miller Hulse ’08, Regan Mahl Watts ’06, Adrian Reents ’06.
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6 Nancy Wilk, Rabbi Marc Fitzerman, Charlie Brown. 7 Becca Levit ’20, Olivia Butkin ’20, Julia Butkin ’22. 8 Becca Levit ’20 and Rita Levit. 9 Brian Bovaird ’80, Margie Harned Warren ’82.
events
AlumniMatters
2015 Reunion Weekend. In the past, Reunion Weekend was focused on the classes celebrating their more notable milestones, 10-year, 20-year, 25-year, etc. Recently, it has become so much more! We honor all of our alumni with celebrations throughout the weekend. This year, we hosted our visiting alumni at morning meeting, an alumni field hockey game, a tailgate party at the football game, and a party in the Upper School Commons. The Commons party was a huge success, with alumni from every decade, retired faculty, and current faculty joining in to celebrate all things Holland Hall. A cookout followed on Saturday with individual class parties taking place Saturday evening. We welcomed alumni from near and far for what was one of the most well-attended and exciting weekends in quite some time.
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1 The alumni tailgate tent set up on the south side of Hardesty Field.
4 Lewanna Bumpers ’95, Kipp Slicker ’95, Daryn Jones Bridwell ’95.
2 Class of 1995 celebrating their 20th reunion.
5 Mattie Roberts Whitney, Eric Whitney ’85, Retiree Eleanor Carmack, Bart Bartlett ’85, Ken Busby ’85.
3 Brian Bovaird ’80, Theresa McMichael ’80, Karen Gibson Szabo ’80, Melissa Goodman Peterman ’80, Brad Frank ’80.
6 Members of the Class of 1975 celebrating their 40th reunion. 7 Members of the Class of 1965 celebrating their 50th reunion.
8 Chandra Morris, Sam Herrin ’05, Logan Morris ’05, Kayla Costner, Tana Karnchanakphan ’05, Christina Karnchanakphan, Stephen Clayman ’05. 9 Lesa Magee ’75, Michelle Holland Dane ’75, Melissa Read Harris, Anne Read Pusey ’75, Allison Bills-Eustis ’75, Sarah Wright ’75. Fall/Winter 2015
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events
Showcasing alumni talent – the best in food, wine and music.
Join us at Spain Ranch on April 21st for a one-of-a-kind event celebrating Holland Hall.
Chef Justin Thompson (’98) will prepare a four-course menu highlighting the best dishes of his culinary career – from his days at Ciao and Sonoma through Tavolo, Prhyme and Juniper. The Dusty Pearls, featuring Mark Bennett (’99) and his wife, Shelly McAuliff, will provide the entertainment while guests enjoy a selection of excellent wines provided by Holland Hall families, all set at the beautiful Spain Ranch. Proceeds benefit financial aid for children of alumni and Holland Hall faculty.
Tickets: $125 Please go to hollandhall.org/alumni/dutchdivine For sponsorship information, please call Christy Utter, Director of Alumni Relations (918) 879-4745. DutchDivineAdFINISHING.indd 1
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f rom t h e di r e c t or of a lu m n i r e l at ion s
AlumniMatters
Transitions highlight lifelong relationships. Dear Alumni, Part of my job as Director of Alumni Relations is to cultivate relationships in our alumni community, reconnect our alumni with the amazing things happening at Holland Hall and with each other, and offer support to our alumni base and overall community in any way possible. I often find myself thinking about what is the most amazing thing our beloved school has to offer. I found the answer this year, and now it seems to be prevalent at every turn. What is the answer, you ask? The quick answer is the lifelong relationships between students, faculty, alumni, and the community. The answer goes much deeper, however, and it became clear to me after attending the funerals of some members of our community. I try to attend the funerals of Holland Hall community members whenever possible. Transitions are a very difficult time for anyone who has lost a loved one, but I found some of the funerals to contain hope, abundant love, and support...and a room full of teachers. At several of those funerals, I saw many of our old teachers. They attended services for the parents of my classmates who had passed away. The teachers we loved so dearly continued to support us well into our adulthood. I later attended the funeral of the wife of an alumnus and there they were again, several teachers who continued to show their love and support long after graduation. I have teachers today who email me if they see a loved one from our community who has passed away. A request to get their address always follows so they can send a card to the family. After seeing this trend throughout the first half of the year, I found the answer to the question above. We did not simply have casual relationships with our teachers while we were in school; we have them throughout our lives. So, as I have said time and again, thank you to all of our teachers, past and present, for being an integral part of our lives, now and forever. Christy Utter ’92
Director of Alumni Relations
Dutch Divine – April 21, 2016 Justin Thompson ’98 has had ten restaurants in thirteen years, and he still hears about dishes from all of them. He immediately thinks about the bleu tortellini from Ciao, with the blue cheese and walnuts, and the duck two ways from Juniper. So when the Holland Hall Alumni Association approached Thompson about a new event showcasing alumni talent, he knew just the right dishes for the menu. Thompson will feature four of his best-remembered dishes at Dutch Divine on April 21, 2016. Dutch Divine is a wine dinner pairing food from Chef Thompson with wines
from vineyards that have school ties. This year features Darms Lane wine, donated by Holland Hall parent Terry Bump Gilbert, and 32 Winds wine, donated by alumna Mia Mascarine Oven ’81, along with other selections from Ranch Acres Wine and Spirits. Music will feature Mark Bennett ’99 of The Dusty Pearls. This new event will be held at Spain Ranch, a gorgeous 44-acre venue in Jenks run by retired teacher Cindy Spain, her husband Michael, as well as alumnus John Spain ’09 and alumna Emily Spain Avolos ’02. The mission: highlight talented alumni in the culinary
and musical arts and reconnect with classmates, parents, and grandparents — all those who helped build the community we know and love. Proceeds will benefit financial aid for children of faculty and children of alumni, a passion of the alumni board. For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.hollandhall.org/ alumni/dutchdivine or call Director of Alumni Relations Christy Utter at 918-879-4745. Sponsorships available.
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Landmarks
In loving memory
Alumni Michael Lieberman ’96 Feb. 8, 2016, Tulsa, OK; brother of Eric Lieberman ’90; nephew of Cheryl Creekmore Lieberman ’62; cousin of Phillip Lieberman ’81, Chris Lieberman ’85, and Melissa Lieberman Jackson ’93; second cousin of Margaret Lieberman ’07 (Non-Grad Alumna), Tori Lieberman ’09, and Max Lieberman ’19.
Priscilla Sharp DesJardins ’51 Feb. 27, 2015.
Rosalind Morgan Rockwell ’43 Feb. 2, 2015, Washington, D.C.
Jean Conway Lush ’54 Jan. 24, 2015, Greenwood, IN.
Daniel Vinyard ’14 July 26, 2015, Tulsa, OK.
Azhar Malik ’05 Feb. 10, 2015, Tulsa, OK; brother of Nabila Malik ’03, Ambar Malik ’01 and Nazi Malik ’98 (Non-Grad Alumna).
Dane Westby ’05 March 23, 2015, Tulsa, OK; brother of Scarlett Westby ’03.
grandmother of Austin Edwards ’13, Gordon Edwards ’15, Sydney Edwards ’18, and Darcy Edwards ’20.
grandmother of Alex JennemannJenkins ’11, MacLeod Lawson ’18, and Caroline Lawson ’20.
Irene Elliott June 29, 2015, Tulsa, OK; grandmother of Lara Utter Cole ’89, Christy Utter ’92, Holland Hall Director of Alumni Relations, Jeff Utter ’92, Heather Brasel, Holland Hall Director of Communications and Marketing, and Kim Raines.
Vernon Lockard Dec. 13, 2015, Bartlesville, OK; grandfather of Sara Lockard Franden ’93 and Drew Lockard ’98; greatgrandfather of Jack Franden ’21, William Franden ’23, Lily Franden ’30, Chloe Lockard, and Elizabeth Lockard.
Friends and Family Shirley Bromley March 1, 2015, CA; mother of Doug Bromley ’66, grandmother of Jeannie Bromley Lindley ’91 and Amy Bromley Harrell ’94. Peggy Bullock Jan. 22, 2016, Tulsa, OK; grandmother of Marc Bullock ’06. Barbara Ann Clark Feb. 26, 2015; mother of Jennifer Clark Reynolds ’85 and mother-in-law of Greg Reynolds ’85. Tom Clark April 4, 2015, Tulsa, OK; father of Tim Clark ’83 and Toby Clark ’84; grandfather of Wallace Clark ’21 and Toby Clark ’19; former Holland Hall Director of Admissions, coach, and teacher. Sharon Daubenburger Nov. 15, 2015, Tulsa, OK; mother of Gretchen Brauninger, Leslie Daubenberger Lorton ’85, and Katie Daubenberger Hubbard ’89; grandmother of Hayden Brauninger ’14, Amanda Brauninger ’15, Lilah Brauninger ’20, Eleanor Lorton ’13, William Lorton ’16, Oliver Lorton ’21, Virginia Anderson, Charles Anderson, and Lucy Hubbard. Jean Edwards April 16, 2015, Oklahoma City, OK; mother of Clayton Edwards;
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Richard Minshall June 7, 2015, Tulsa, OK; father of Bonnie Minshall ’83 and Melissa Minshall ’84.
Michael Elliott Nov. 24, 2015, Tulsa, OK; uncle of Lara Utter Cole ’89, Christy Utter ’92, Holland Hall Director of Alumni Relations, Jeff Utter ’92, Heather Brasel, Holland Hall Director of Communications and Marketing, and Kim Raines.
Jackson Coley Owens Feb., 2015, Tulsa, OK; father of Caroline Owens Crain ’63 (Non-Grad Alumna); grandfather of J. Coley Crain ’89 and Cara Crain ’92.
Jane Estelle July 23, 2015, MT; mother-in-law of Allison Smith-Estelle ’89.
Anna Grabert Ponthieu Aug.29, 2015, Pineville, LA; grandmother of Sarah Regan ’01.
Raymond “Ray” Feldman Jan. 30, 2016, Tulsa, OK; former Board of Trustees member; father of Richard Feldman ’68.
Gertrud “Maebi” Richards Nov. 12, 2015, Albuquerque, NM; mother of faculty Andrea Reese; grandmother of Celia Reese ’30 and Henry Reese.
Mary Jane Jenkins Nov. 7, 2014, Tulsa, OK; mother of Chris Jenkins ’72, Patty Jenkins Lawson ’81, Nancy Jenkins-Heidarian ’74, Becky Jenkins, and Margaret Jenkins; mother-in-law of Bill Lawson ’81;
Patty Roberds Oct. 29, 2015, Tulsa, OK; mother of Sanford Roberds ’93, Brian Roberds ’96, and Jim Roberds ’00; grandmother of Lauren Roberds ’25, John Roberds ’27, Jack Roberds ’29, and Patrick Roberds ’29.
Holl and Hall maga zine
In loving memory
Barbara Ryan April 13, 2015, Tulsa, OK; mother of Andrew Ryan ’93 and Sloan Ryan ’96; grandmother of Jeffrey Ryan ’19. George Safley Feb. 19, 2015, Oklahoma City, OK; father of Susan Bibens, Holland Hall Primary School Admission Coordinator; father-in-law of Bert Bibens, Holland Hall Head of Primary School; grandfather of Robert Bibens ’07, Michael Bibens ’08, and Emily Bibens ’11. Frederick Schaefer March 2, 2015, Tulsa, OK; father of Kyle Schaefer ’03. Joyce Shank Jan. 7, 2016, Tulsa, OK; former Holland Hall pianist.
Terry Sims March 2015, Batesville, AR; fatherin-law of Pamela Savage Sims ’77. Allison Smith Feb.12, 2015, Boston, MA; wife of Lucy Pollard ’06. Cindy Stewart Nov. 21, 2015, Tulsa, OK; mother of Sid Stewart ’09 and Nathan Stewart ’13. Charles Tetrick Dec. 28, 2015, Tulsa, OK; father of Jeff Tetrick; father-in-law of Michaele McKinney Tetrick ’83; grandfather of Taylor Wilburn ’09 (Non-Grad Alumna), Gentry Wilburn ’12, and Ty Tetrick ’20. Shelley Umezawa Jan. 1, 2016, Tulsa, OK; wife of Ken Umezawa ’85; sister-in-law of Kris Umezawa ’88.
Landmarks
Brian “Bucky” Utter June 10, 2015, Tulsa, OK; brother of retired faculty Fred Utter; uncle of Lara Utter Cole ’89, Christy Utter ’92, Holland Hall Director of Alumni Relations, and Jeff Utter ’92. Anne Stewart Vose Jan. 22, 2016, Oklahoma City, OK; mother of Carolyn Hughes; grandmother of William Secrist ’12, Bobby Hughes ’18, and Margaret Hughes ’20. Lauren L. York April 27, 2015, Tulsa, OK; former Board of Trustees member; father of David York ’64, Katie York May ’67, and Betsy York Post ’74; grandfather of Jenny York ’98 and Bryan York ’01.
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Landmarks
retirements
Retiring and recently retired faculty and staff. In 2015, 11 faculty and staff members either retired or announced their upcoming retirement after many years of loyal service. Their dedication and commitment to the mission and ongoing success of Holland Hall is appreciated, and they will be missed by each member of our community.
Jan Adams
Sally Adams
Debbie Brokaw
Ginny LeDoux
PreSchool 3’s Teacher, 24 years
Middle School Drama Teacher, 10 years
Upper School Learning Specialist, 11 years
Middle School Music Teacher, 10 years
Debra Morgan
Betty Niver
Judy Sobel
Sheryl Springer
Middle and Upper School Music Teacher, 17 years
Upper School Librarian, 17 years
PreSchool Teacher, 13 years
Accounts Payable, 34 years
Susan Steinmeyer Jo-An Vargo Primary School Support Services, 33 years
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Head of Primary School, 13 years
Holl and Hall maga zine
Fac u lt y & S ta f f a n n ou n c e m e n t s
US English teacher Michael Berglund and his husband Kevin bought a house in Minshall Park and are currently having a pool installed. Dr. Berglund also played “Doc” in Tulsa Project Theater’s production of West Side Story last summer, which, interestingly, is what some of his students call him.
Landmarks
US Math teacher Cathy Rose performed in Theatre Tulsa’s “Next to Normal,” which explores mental illness. She played the lead role, Diana, a woman suffering from bipolar disorder.
On top of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence, Italy.
MS Music teacher Ginny LeDoux and husband Jerry visited Italy in July 2015.
In Dec. 2015, Junior K teacher Jill Coulter and her husband Rod traveled to Melbourne, Australia to visit their daughter, Courtney Coulter ’08, who has lived and worked there since 2012.
US Librarian Bracken Klar ’95 married Melanie Gillespy on Nov. 7, 2015 at Temple Israel. MS Science teacher Amber Graybill and husband Scott celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in June 2015. Former 8th Grade girls basketball and current fitness class coach Antonio Cool and current volleyball coach Nikki Cool had their 5th baby boy, Sutton Alexander Cool, on Feb. 27, 2015. US English teacher Eder WilliamsMcKnight completed her MFA in poetry from Stonecoast, a program of the University of Southern Maine.
MS Support Services Jeanne Laidlow and her husband Lynn welcomed their 6th grandchild, Beckett Lane Parker, on Dec. 18, 2015 in Edmond, OK.
Amy Venable and co-star Kent Harris, a teacher at Rogers High School.
MS/PS Chaplain Amy Venable played The Baker's Wife in a production of “Into the Woods” at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church last summer. She had a baby in the show...but not a real baby.
2nd Grade teacher Sarah Cox welcomed new granddaughter Krosby Ryan Winters on Nov. 19, 2015.
Director of Communications Heather Brasel and husband Dustin rescued a 6 month old puppy named Lucy in Dec. 2015. She’s destroyed all the pillows on the couch and her big brother, Tonka, is not impressed. On Dec. 10, 2015, PS staff members Kathleen Alabbasi, Matt Christian, and Andrea Turner from the musical trio, “Primarily Acoustic,” performed holiday songs at Philbrook Museum. The trio blended vocal harmonies with accompaniment on guitar, banjo, and tenor guitar.
Head of Primary School Bert Bibens and wife Susan, Primary School Admission Coordinator, welcomed a daughter-in-law, Kaitlin, to the family at a New Year’s wedding to son Michael Bibens ’08 on Jan. 6, 2016 in Tulsa.
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5666 East 81st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137 (918)481-1111 www.hollandhall.org Thank you to contributing photographers: Heather Brasel, Miranda Caughron, Wes Kane, Richard Meulenberg, Shirley Sokolosky, Greg Spencer ’99, Candace Townsley, and many parent, faculty, and staff volunteers. Questions, corrections, omissions, address changes, letters to the editor, and/or material for publication may be submitted to Heather Brasel, Director of Communications, at hbrasel@hollandhall.org. Questions, corrections, and/or submissions concerning alumni, please contact Christy Utter ’92, Director of Alumni Relations, at cutter@hollandhall.org. MISSION STATEMENT: Holland Hall provides a challenging, comprehensive educational experience grounded in a rigorous liberal arts, college preparatory curriculum that promotes critical thinking and life-long learning. A PreK-12 Episcopal school, we seek to foster in each student a strong moral foundation and a deep sense of social responsibility. Holland Hall shall provide equal opportunity in education and employment for all persons without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, military service, sexual orientation, or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.
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5666 East 81st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137
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Fall/Winter 2015
Fall/ Winter 2015