Connect

Top: Alumni gathered on The Hilltop in June for the 2023 Reunion to reconnect with friends, faculty, and classmates.

Middle Left: Stephen Terhune ’73, Michael Tessier ’73, Bob Withington ’73, and Rollin White IV ’73 at Reunion.

Middle Right: Morgan Ong ’15, Emu Haynes ’17, Alissa Vailiant ’15, Erin GregoryDavis ’17, Julia Surgenor ’17, Matt Thibert ’17, Jonathan Grigull ’17, Cat Sensing ’17 and Karla Radke P’21 in New York.

Bottom Left: (L-R)

Giuliano Fantilli P’21, Jason

Constantine P’21, Luca Fantilli ’21, Adam Fantilli ’21, Lucas Constantine ’21, Julia Fantilli P’21, KUA Head Coach Tim Whitehead P’18 ’20

Bottom Right: Kevin Wickless ’92 is joined by his wife Cristin and children Jackson and Maddy at the annual Fei Cup race.

The Connector

Apple engineer Spencer Kulbacki ’14 dials in iPhone components.

If your daily routine includes an iPhone 14, then the work of Spencer Kulbacki ’14 is part of what ensures your device is reliable, structurally sound, and seamless from app to app. After he completed his degree at Rochester Institute of Technology, Apple invited him to join its team in Silicon Valley.

“Everyone applying to STEM jobs understands programming, electronics, or engineering very well, but during my interview it helped that I had something to show for my work,” Kulbacki says. In addition to his collegiate coursework and previous job experience, he included several personal projects on his resume that demonstrates his passion for the field.

“The interview panel and I spent more time discussing one of those projects than anything else, and that helped me stand out from the crowd,” he explains. He had several years of pet projects to use as catalysts for conversation, dating back to his days as a KUA student focusing on STEM and competing in robotics competitions. He cherishes his memories of the STEM program and bringing home trophies earned by his array of robots.

That love of the field earned him one of the most coveted spots in tech.

Today, Kulbacki is on the system integration team charged with connecting all the components in the iPhone. He collaborates with teams in charge of specific components—such as the camera module, the screen display, and the buttons—to ensure the final product works seamlessly. By now, the iPhone 14 is already old news. And although his current projects won’t reach the market for quite some time, Kulbacki continues to find inspiration in pursuing the next big thing.

Silicon Valley is an environment that works so far in advance, Kulbacki finds it difficult to predict the future with much precision. Right now, he’s particularly interested in up-and-coming apps that will support electric vehicles and personal transportation.

“The need for apps and technology in that area is exploding,” he says. “These products improve lives in a functional way, and those are usually the ones that will succeed.” K

A Real Shot

High-scoring frosh year at Michigan propels center to NHL Blue Jackets.

All eyes in Meriden were on Nashville, Tenn., on the evening of June 28, when the Columbus (Ohio) Blue Jackets selected Adam Fantilli ’21 as the third overall pick in the National Hockey League (NHL) draft. Following the draft, Fantilli hung up his skates at the University of Michigan, signing a three-year, entry-level NHL contract. “It was amazing to go through the whole process with my immediate family, extended family, friends, coaches and teammates,” says Fantilli.

“We’re beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to draft Adam,” says former Wildcat Chris Shero ’14, a Blue Jackets scout. “He’s an elite talent but an even better person, a dominant 200-foot player who can also take you out of your seat. Similar to his time at KUA, Adam’s going to have a profound impact both on and off the ice. We’re extremely happy to have him in Columbus!”

For the Michigan center, the draft was the culmination of a remarkable season. As a freshman, Fantilli helped the Wolverines secure their 27th Frozen Four appearance after scoring 30 goals in 36 games. A day after Quinnipiac ousted Michigan in the National Championship game, Fantilli received the 2023 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, becoming college hockey’s top player and just the third freshman to receive the honor.

“He has displayed a remarkable knowledge of the game and a dynamic offensive skillset that has set him apart from his peers. His contributions on the ice have been nothing short of exceptional, leading him to this prestigious accolade,” according to the Hobey Baker Award Committee in its announcement. “His exceptional performance on the ice has earned him a place in the annals of college hockey history, and we look forward to seeing him continue to excel in the years to come.”

The Nobleton, Ontario, native arrived on The Hilltop in September 2019 just shy of his 15th birthday, following older brother Luca Fantilli ’21, who committed to play with the Wildcats.

“It was clear from the very beginning that Adam was extremely focused on improving every aspect of his game as quickly as humanly possible,” says Tim Whitehead P’18 ‘20, KUA boys varsity head coach. Although he was the youngest player on our team that year, Adam brought a remarkable intensity and competitive drive to every practice and game. At KUA, we practice hard and fast and we play lots of small games to develop hockey sense and that was right in Adam’s wheelhouse.”

After KUA, the Fantilli brothers headed to the U.S. Hockey League’s Chicago Steel before both moving to Ann Arbor, Mich. With Luca playing at Michigan and their parents residing in Toronto, Adam is eager to remain close to his family in nearby Columbus, Ohio.

Whitehead says, “It certainly won’t be easy playing as a 19-year-old rookie in the NHL, but I’m confident that through the next two to three years Adam will rise up to become one of Columbus’ top players and eventually establish himself as one of the best players in the NHL.” K