Alumni Events – Spring 2021

Despite the continued presence of COVID-19 precautions, the late spring and summer of 2021 remained a busy time for the Lawrence Academy Advancement Office. Alumni events, graduation, the virtual reunion, and a return to in-person programming kept former students and LA personnel busy until the start of school.

ALUMNI SPEAKER SERIES On March 31, the Alumni Speaker Series continued with Robin Soloway Farmanfarmaian ’91, who presented “Thought Leader Formula.” Author, professional speaker, entrepreneur, and advisor, Robin provided a timely, informative, and interactive presentation sharing insightful advice from her most recent books: The Thought Leader Formula and Facilitating Virtual Events. Robin also posed several thought-provoking queries to those in attendance as the group engaged in helpful conversation. We are grateful to Robin for having provided such inspiring and encouraging wisdom throughout her presentation, making this a thoroughly beneficial and enjoyable LA Alumni Speaker Series event. ALUMNI FOR LA: A CAREER PANEL The Lawrence Academy Alumni Council followed suit with their Alumni for LA: A Career Panel series, featuring Careers in Sports. On April 29, NESN’s Scott Brewitt ’82, entrepreneur Ben Lord ’75, Greg Rybarczyk ’86 from the Boston Red Sox, and the Chicago Cubs’ Julia Tesoro ’12 spoke about their off-field work in the ever-expanding sports industry. The Alumni Council’s Carolyn Balas-Zaleski ’84, Victor Howell ’08, and Lindsay (Latuga) Howard ’00 moderated, and all in virtual attendance came away with a better understanding of what it actually takes to put players on the field and fans in the seats.

YOUNG ALUMNI GATHERING On Tuesday, August 10, Lawrence Academy held its first in-person alumni event since before the pandemic. Young alumni gathered at Tia’s in Boston, with former Spartans traveling to Atlantic Avenue in Boston’s North End to gather at a “Best of Boston” venue (as chosen by Boston Magazine). There, they reconnected with each other while viewing the Atlantic on a gorgeous, and toasty summer day. It was a festive young alumni event and we say “thank you” to the Spartans who were in attendance — it was great to see you all again!

Golden Alumni Gathering

Lamplighter Society Gathering GOLDEN ALUMNI AND LAMPLIGHTER SOCIETY GATHERING LA hosted two events on the Quad late in August, the first on-campus alumni gatherings since before the COVID lockdowns. On August 17, LA hosted Golden Alumni traveling to Groton for hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and camaraderie. In addition, the Reunion Challenge Cup was presented to the Class of 1970, which boasted the most alumni on hand at reunion, in front of the Ansin Building. The next afternoon, LA alumni gathered as the Lamplighter Society (those who have given to the school for five consecutive years or more) held its inaugural gathering. Head of School Dan Scheibe addressed the group, thanking each of them for their support during unprecedented times.

NEW ALUMNI INDUCTION LA’s youngest graduates were inducted into the Alumni Association on Wednesday, June 2. Following the Class of 2021’s final graduation rehearsal, seniors were treated to a picnic overlooking Murbach Field led by Alumni Council President Carolyn Balas-Zaleski ’84. The class was welcomed by alumni council members Catie Floyd McMenamin ’97, Marianne Balfour ’88, Patrick Donoghue ’06, Lindsay Latuga Howard ’00, Paul Husted ’64, Ann Steward McGuire ’03, and Kevin McDonald ’70, each offering congratulatory remarks and a sincere invitation to remain involved in the life of the school. Moreover, every new graduate received their Class of 2021 banner and LA pin.

VIRTUAL REUNION On Saturday, June 12, Lawrence Academy gathered virtually for LA’s live and on-demand “virtual reunion programming and class Zoom social hours to celebrate the Reunion Classes ending in 0’s, 1’s, 5’s, and 6’s. See the following pages for details of the day.