Summer 2011 Loomis Chaffee Magazine

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Magazine

SUMMER 2011

It Takes a Village | Thinking Beyond Borders | Ten Life Lessons


Summer 2011/ Volume LXXIII, No. 3 ON THE COVER Nine members of the Class of 2011: Julia Russell, Frederick McNulty, Ye Dam Lee, Charles Dorison, Christine Huang, Belle Jung, Laura McConney, Christopher Gallerani, and Michael Moore Photo: John Groo ON THIS PAGE Beyond the math problem etching on the east entrance glass partition of the Clark Center for Science & Mathematics, a student studies in the math lab. Photo: John Groo EDITOR | Louise D. Moran MANAGING EDITOR | Becky Purdy CLASS NEWS | James S. Rugen ’70 OBITUARIES | Katherine A.B. Langmaid CONTRIBUTORS | Mary Coleman Forrester, D. Mercedes Maskalik, Jeffrey Scanlon ’79, Joshua Smith, Jeuley Ortengren, and Marc Cicciarella DESIGNER | Patricia J. Cousins PRINTING | Finlay Printing SUBMISSIONS/STORIES AND NEWS Alumni may contribute items of interest to: Loomis Chaffee Editors The Loomis Chaffee School 4 Batchelder Road Windsor CT 06095 860 687 6278 or 6811 magazine@loomis.org Forest Stewardship Council ™ certified by the Rainforest Alliance SmartWood Program.

Printed in the U.S.A. Postmaster Send address changes to The Loomis Chaffee School 4 Batchelder Road Windsor CT 06095 loomischaffee.org | 2


19 Illustration: Molly Forrester

INSIDE LoomisChaffee 20 | It Takes a Village Nine members of the Class of 2011 pay tribute to Loomis Chaffee faculty and staff members who have profoundly influenced their lives.

30 | A Gap Year, A World

of Education

Through a Gap Year program called Thinking Beyond Borders, Jon Rosenthal ’10 explored firsthand the many challenges of international development, including the vast differences between the Chinese educational system and the American system of which Jon is a grateful but pensive product.

34 | Ten Life Lessons

Fiftieth Reunion celebrant Peter Gwillim Kreitler ’61 offers a Letterman-esque top 10 of lessons learned through his Loomis experiences.

Visit Loomis Chaffee online at loomischaffee.org for the latest school news, sports scores, and galleries of recent photos. You also will find direct links to all of our social networking communities. Scan the QR code at left with your smart phone and instantly link to the magazine or go to loomischaffee.org/magazine.

Junior Ian Knapp Photo: Tom Honan

Departments 2 | Headlines | Breadth and Depth 3 | Around the Quads 6 | the big picture 13| Island Array 15 | OF Note | Faculty & Staff 18| Athletics 37 | Object Lessons | The Colorful Story Behind a Picture 38 | ALUMNI NOTES 47 | IN MEMORIAM 56 | THE LAST WORD | Jonathan Carroll ’67

5 Susan Loomis Wyatt ’81 Photo: Mercedes Maskalik


Headlines | by Sheila Culbert

Breadth and Depth

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he end of the academic year is always a time of celebration. The last five weeks of the term see a host of awards ceremonies, including the Cum Laude induction, the academic awards assembly, the spring athletics tea, and departmental recognitions, all culminating, of course, in Class Night and Commencement. In addition, music recitals, dance performances, one-act plays, and Senior Project presentations fill the spring. By the end of the term, I am inevitably left with both a sense of wonder and humility at the breadth and depth of our students’ talents. This year, for example, 13 students participated in the Senior Project program, completing independent work ranging from the translation of Sumerian tablets for the New York Public Library (Not too many high school students know Sumerian!) to the building of a small boat to the making of a professional music video. The mix of academic, practical, scientific, and artistic presentations kept us all enthralled and emphasized the ways in which Loomis Chaffee has always tried to work with individual students to bring out their very best. Departments give out awards for students who excel in a particular subject, be it mathematics, science, history, English, foreign languages, or the arts, but one of the remarkable things about Loomis Chaffee students is just how many of them excel in multiple areas. We recognized 11 students on either Class Night or Commencement, and they all embodied the school’s mission

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of being their best selves and serving the common good. There was not a single uni-dimensional student among them. The top scholars in the class were Ye Dam Lee from California and Viet Phuong (VP) Dao from Vietnam. These two students excelled across the board in the most challenging courses in our curriculum while at the same time participating actively in the life of the school. Ye Dam was president of the Debate Society and a member of the As Schools Match Wits team; she was also involved in numerous community service projects, played the cello in the school orchestra, and served as a resident assistant in Palmer Hall. VP (rather fittingly given his name) was vice president of the Student Council, a member of the Foreign Policy Association, and captain of his water polo team; he also served on the Disciplinary Committee and was a resident assistant in Warham Hall. Had they not been top scholars, either one of these impressive students could have won one of the other prizes given at Commencement. In addition to the six named Commencement prizes, each year the faculty vote a number of Sellers Prizes for personal achievement and service to the community. This year, two of these coincidentally recognized the two top athletes in the class. Both Laura McConney and Caleb Harris captained all three of their varsity teams. In Laura’s case they were field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse, and Breadth and Depth | continued 36

Photo: Becky Purdy

The mix of academic, practical, scientific, and artistic presentations kept us all enthralled and emphasized the ways in which Loomis Chaffee has always tried to work with individual students to bring out their very best.


Around The Quads

Dreams Can Come True

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still feel like I’m in eighth grade,” revealed Class Speaker Andrew “Dru” Sanders when he took the podium to thunderous applause during Loomis Chaffee’s 95th Commencement ceremony on June 3. “I think that’s why I’m so optimistic about everything. I still feel that tomorrow I could wake up, walk to NASA, and become an astronaut. I still feel that I could discover the cure for cancer if I took the right classes at my local community college. I still feel that I could be the heroic savior of the panda bears; that I could barge in on some ethics-less fur traders and

shout, ‘No fluffy, adorable, wideeyed panda bears will die tonight! No, sir!’” Dru’s themes of optimism and dreaming big resonated in remarks by Commencement Speaker Ruthie Davis ’80, a designer, businesswoman, and entrepreneur. “I hope to inspire you to develop your passions, to think big, work hard, try new things, and to begin right now to live your unique dreams,” she said. Ruthie credited much of her entrepreneurial spirit and success to her time spent on the Island as a three-sport varsity athlete, dormi-

Graduating seniors Lindsey MacDonald, Benjamin Mazzara, Zoe Zachs, and Robert Carroll celebrate at Commencement. Class Speaker Andrew “Dru” Sanders delivers a witty line in his Commencement address. Photos: Highpoint

tory prefect, and yearbook editorin-chief. Loomis Chaffee, for Ruthie, fostered her passion for teamwork, individuality, and resilience. “I am proud to say that I am living my dreams,” Ruthie said. “But these are dreams that I created through hard work, sweat, and tears — and lots of passion. I continue to learn and grow every day, so the lessons loomischaffee.org | 5


Around The Quads

I learned at Loomis are still being learned.” At the ceremony, Head of School Sheila Culbert presented diplomas to 185 graduates and Commencement prizes to six members of the class. Viet Phuong “VP” Dao received the Loomis Family Prize for the top male scholar in the graduating class. Ye Dam Lee received the Mary Chaffee and Charles Henry Willcox Prize for the top female scholar in the class. Frederick McNulty received the Ammidon Prize, which goes to a young man who “has been outstanding in his concern for other people.” Shondaray Ducheine received the Florence E. Sellers Prize, which recognizes “a quest for excellence, self-discipline, and a concern for others.” Riker Jones received the Nathaniel Horton Batchelder Prize for “industry,

Commencement prize winners and dignitaries: (back) Caleb Harris, Frederick McNulty, Trustee Reginald Paige, Commencement Speaker Ruthie Davis ’80, Trustee Andrew Carter ’58, Head of School Sheila Culbert, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Christopher Norton ’76, Viet Phuong Dao, and Zachary Wolf; (front) Robert Carroll, Shondaray Ducheine, Sarah Patrick, Ye Dam Lee, Belle Jung, Laura McConney, and Riker Jones. Photo: Highpoint

loyalty, and integrity.” Sarah Patrick received the Jennie Loomis Prize, recognizing “outstanding contributions to the school.” At Class Night the previous evening, Sheila presented Sellers Faculty Prizes to seniors Robert Carroll, Caleb Harris, Belle Jung, Laura McConney, and Zachary Wolf.

of first headmaster Nathaniel Horton Batchelder, who wanted a school “where it would be easy to be good and to be friendly,” qualities that Sheila said are “perhaps overlooked values in a competitive world where the more usual mode of conduct can be harsh and unforgiving.”

In her closing remarks at Commencement, Sheila cited the words

Sheila reminded the new graduates that they are now part of a special

group who can call themselves Loomis Chaffee alumni. “We will follow your life path with interest and a special fondness,” she said. “And remember that wherever you go and whatever you do, you have a home here.” To see more photos from Commencement, go to loomischaffee. org / magazine.

Students Extract Genetic Coding from Lichen

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University of Connecticut biology professor enlisted Loomis Chaffee science students this spring in a global DNA barcoding project. The advanced biology students gathered genetic data from samples of lichen as part of the International Barcode of Life project, which seeks to identify species through their unique genetic sequences.

“This is real research, in real time, by real scientists,” science teacher Scott MacClintic ’82 says about the opportunity. “It’s rare for high school students to be actively involved in research occurring at the international level.” Bernard Goffinet, associate professor in the UConn Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, visited Scott’s Biology II Advanced Genetics class to give a seminar titled “Barcoding Lichen-Forming

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studying Pseudocyphellaria lichen in the southernmost portion of South America’s Patagonia region. Many of the samples were collected from Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, one of the most biologically diverse areas on the globe for lichens and many other species. UConn professor Bernard Goffinet explains genetic barcoding to an Advanced Genetics class. Photo: Patricia Cousins

Fungi” and to provide lichen samples for the project. Lichen, as described by Professor Goffinet, are the result of a “very sophisticated interaction between fungus and alga or bacteria.” There are more than 15,000 species of lichen, but the genetics class focused its barcoding work on the genus Pseudocyphellaria. Professor Goffinet has spent more than 10 years

After the seminar and discussion, the students began the barcoding process by extracting DNA from the provided samples. Barcoding uses a short genetic sequence to identify species in the way that a grocery store scanner uses the stripes of Universal Product Codes to identify merchandise, according to the Barcode of Life website. The genetic data that the students collected will advance the international project and also may become part of the National Institute of Health genetic sequence database.

19th century engraving of lichen istock.com

“The students’ experience here at LC, and this project in particular, separate them from the pack of talented students of science at the collegiate level,” Scott says. “When they knock on [a] professor’s door, what will impress is not how much science they’ve studied but how much science they’ve done.”


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A Whirlwind Reunion Weekend

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ore than 700 alumni and their guests enjoyed a weekend back on the Island June 10–12 to celebrate their class reunions, participate in service projects, share their stories and art, learn more about today’s school, dine, dance, and catch up with each other.

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Alumni in classes ending in 1 and 6 began arriving on campus on Friday. Most traveled by car over the balloonbedecked causeway, but at least two arrived by bicycle after a two-day, 100-mile ride from Vermont. Friday’s activities included golf outings, volunteer projects in the town of Windsor, and several “Back-to-School” workshops. On Friday evening, the 50th Reunion classes of Loomis and Chaffee and the 25th Reunion class of Loomis Chaffee held receptions, and all alumni enjoyed a dinner buffet and dancing to live music under the big white tent in Grubbs Quadrangle. Late-night enjoyment continued in Erickson Gymnasium with a disc jockey, dancing, and Bruno Burgers flipped by longtime faculty member and coach Chuck “Bruno” Vernon. On Saturday morning, Chaffee alumnae held their traditional breakfast in Sill House on the campus of the former Chaffee School, others fueled up for the day with delicious food at the Loomis Dining Hall, while still others (mostly the younger set without children in tow) caught up on sleep from the late night in Erickson. The day’s events featured a talk by Steve Strogatz ’76 on his decades of calculus-related correspondence with former LC faculty member Don Joffray, a report on today’s Loomis Chaffee by Head of School Sheila Culbert, panel discussions on Education in the 21st Century and Food Systems & Sustainability, a presentation on the school’s preparations for its Centennial in 2014–15, a Reunion art show featuring works by alumni artists, the traditional Alumni Parade, and many other activities for reunion-goers of all ages. The day culminated with dinners for each reunion class, an all-class dessert and dance under the tent, and late-night music and dancing in the Loomis Dining Hall. The alumni/ faculty band Rabbit Creek also performed during the evening in the SNUG. Alumni, guests, and families gathered for a farewell brunch on Sunday morning before returning to their lives off the Island, counting the days, no doubt, until their next Reunion Weekend. To see more photos from Reunion and to listen to the presentation by former Headmaster John Ratté and Archivist Karen Parsons on the plans to commemorate the Loomis Chaffee Centennial, go to loomischaffee.org / magazine.

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10 1. Former mathematics teacher and track coach Donald Joffray holds a vintage photo-turned commemorative plaque during a celebration of Loomis ’61’s undefeated track season. 2. Members of the Class of ’01: Benjamin Israelow, Natalie Henderson, Bafti Baftiu, Christopher “Jack” Knorps, Irfan Baftiu, and Michael Goodwine 3. William Melcher ’86 and his wife, Amy Martel 4. Charlotte “Charlee” Petrillo, daughter of Lynn Petrillo ’86

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11 5. Steven Hirth ’81 and Alexandra Sparrow Bullard ’81 6. Sheila Culbert presents the James and Abigail Chaffee Loomis Award for total overall giving to Edward “Ned” Babbitt ’61, Reunion chair of the Loomis Class of 1961, which raised $1,065,000. 7. Children of Reunion alumni enjoy the interactive antics of mime act Double Vision during Saturday’s lunch.

9. Ellen Seitelman Erlich ’91 with daughter Ava and husband Adam 10. Celebrating his 75th Reunion, Hugh Thurnauer ’36 and graduate of 7 days Jacqueline Mishol ’11 11. Fun with Yellow Brick Road on Saturday night

Photos: Patricia Cousins, Mercedes Maskalik, Ewen Ross

8. Alumni Golf Outing: Kari Diamond ’97, Debra Davis ’71, Barbara Grimes Staats ’61, and Ryan Belden ’97

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Around The Quads | The Big Picture

A Feast for the Eyes and Ears In a magnificent performance in the Hubbard Performance Center, the Loomis Chaffee Orchestra presented its spring concert on April 28, including a crowd-pleasing performance of Saint-SaÍns’ Carnaval des Animaux. Head of School Sheila Culbert narrated, reading verses by Bill Richardson. Photo: John Groo


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Around The Quads

Senior Deciphers Ancient Text

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s a child, David Fischer enjoyed a book collection that included much more than The Cat in the Hat and Where the Wild Things Are. The graduating senior remembers the day his parents brought home a book that taught him to write in hieroglyphics. He was 6 years old.

“I’ve always had an interest in ancient things,” David says. Those interests flourished when David began studying Latin in earnest in the sixth grade. Fast-forward to today and discover David’s most recent project: translating and photographing Sumerian tablets from 2006 B.C. The project began last summer when David assisted a graduate student at State University of New York at Albany, cataloging some of the Sumerian inscriptions the New York Public Library has in its possession. Initially David worked primarily as a photographer on the project but was taught Sumerian to assist in the translation. Later, as the project continued well into the 2010–11 Loomis Chaffee school year, David began translating the ancient script on his own. David studied the Sumer civilization and region extensively (Sumer was located in southern Mesopotamia or modern-day Iraq.), and the Sumer culture and its development and use of cuneiform scripts piqued his anthropological interest. One of the earliest known forms of writing, cuneiform (Latin cuneus, meaning “wedge”) refers to the wedge-shaped letters made by blunt reeds pressed into clay tablets.

Flanked by his parents, Steven and Lucia, senior David Fischer proudly holds the catalogue that he helped research and produce. Photo: Mercedes Maskalik

Mesopotamia, recently approved by the SUNY Press, containing a tablet that David translated and photographed on his own as well as approximately 30 other tablets that David photographed, helped to translate, and catalogued. He presented the catalogue and shared the experience with his teachers and peers as a Senior Project this spring.

“What interests me is what these tablets were used for,” David enthuses. “The cuneiform writing helped the Sumerians log transactions. School tablets taught the scribes how to write and create royal inscriptions.” Nicholas Pukstas, David’s Advanced Placement Latin teacher, is impressed with the project. “Photographing and translating Sumerian tablets; [David’s] doing work that few graduate students attempt,” Nick says.

What’s next for David? “I don’t really know what I want to do,” he says. “Part of me says I’d love to do something with anthropology, or with archeology. Another part of me says I’d love to be a journalist, and yet another part says I’m interested in law.” He will have plenty of fields of study from which to choose at Cornell University next year, an institution he chose specifically for its Near-Eastern program. “I’m not locked down to anything yet. I plan to use my time at Cornell to broaden my horizons and narrow down what I’d like to do.”

The culmination of David’s work was the catalogue Royal Inscriptions of

To hear David’s Senior Project presentation, go to loomischaffee.org/magazine.

Immersed: Thirteen Seniors Complete Intensive Projects

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wooden boat, a graphic novel, a sculpture of the human spine, a stand of dying hemlocks, a preschool for children with special needs, a map of New Orleans, and other intriguing things occupied the minds and energies of 13 seniors during the final two weeks of the school year. The students pursued Senior Projects during the last fortnight of their Loomis Chaffee careers, with impressive results and insights.

More than 30 seniors submitted initial proposals for Senior Projects earlier in the year, and after

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feedback and revisions, the Senior Project Committee approved 11 projects involving 13 students. The selected seniors were excused from regular classes during the final two weeks of May and devoted their full attention to the experiential endeavors. Here is a list of the projects and participating students: The Anthology: Operation Righteous Cowboy Lightning (original works in art and word) — Andrew Sanders and Donnie Collins

Building a Chamberlain Dory Skiff: The Craft of Wooden Boat Building — James Crawford

Observing, Interpreting and Predicting Change in a Local Forest — Caleb Harris

A Chinese Language Primer: The Adventures of Wang Taiyang — Anisa Knox

Pre-School Options in Special Education — Olivia Fraioli

Creating a Graphic Novel — Benjamin Mazzara Modern New Orleans: Mapping Man’s Conquest of the Swamp — Alexander Huseman A Night with the Senior Class — Austin Maier and Russell “Jamie” Kopp

Recording Unusual: Producing Original Music — Marissa Roer Royal Inscriptions of Mesopotamia: Cataloging Sumerian Tablets — David Fischer A Sculpture in Clay: The Human Pelvis, Spine and Ribs — Victoria Garbo


Writer Chris Abani Discusses Storytelling at Colloquium

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hris Abani has always been a writer. He published his first novel — about a coup of the Nigerian dictatorship — at age 16 and was imprisoned for that same novel by the time he was 18. He was tortured and forced into solitary confinement in “a hole in the ground” for six months. Yet, Mr. Abani, who spoke at a convocation this spring as part of the Loomis Chaffee English Colloquium, said he did not regret the novel or any of the many award-winning books he’s written since.

“Everything I write about is sometimes difficult to read because I write about things we don’t want to look at,” he said. Now a professor at the University of California, Riverside, Mr. Abani continues to write, and he speaks across the country and around the world about the importance of storytelling. His 2008 TED talk has been translated into 23 languages. At the convocation, Mr. Abani read an essay called “The Writer and Goat,” which interwove his reflec-

Chris Abani speaks to Loomis Chaffee students in the Burton Room. Photo: Patricia Cousins

tions on the relevance of narrative with personal stories from his past. “This is what my art requires of me: that in order to have an honest conversation with a reader, I must reveal myself in all my vulnerability,” he stated, “reveal myself, not in the sense of my autobiography, but in the sense of the deeper self, the one that we keep too often hidden even from ourselves.”

for Night,” met with the author after the convocation, asking him about the characters and plot details of the novella as well as about a writer’s life, his sources of inspiration, and the difficulties of confronting his past. The author’s visit was made possible by the Hubbard Speakers Series and the Ralph M. Shulansky ’45 Lecture Fund.

Students in Sally Knight’s Contemporary Literature class, who were reading Mr. Abani’s novella “Song

Literature’s Importance in a Complicated and Imperfect World

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edication to academic pursuits offers a deep understanding of the complexities of our lives and our world, asserted longtime English teacher Jane Archibald in the Cum Laude address in April. Alluding to an Alan Dugan poem that begins “Nothing is plumb, level or square,” Jane described the educational process as a search for where and who we are in a complicated and imperfect world. “The process is messy, productively so,” she said. Jane spoke at the induction of 37 members of the Class of 2011 into the Loomis Chaffee Chapter of the Cum Laude Society. The annual ceremony honors the academic achievement of the top scholars in the senior class. As she touched on literary works that Loomis Chaffee students read during their years at the school, Jane noted the journeys of the main characters toward meaning, acceptance, affirmation, and understanding. These journeys, she said, show that order can come out of chaos even though nothing in the world may be “level or square.” “We can love King Lear, mindful of his blunders but moved by his unfathomable endurance,” she continued. “We can accept what we must. We can stop racing, resist the whir, and settle into a kindness so genuine that

it creates its own landscape. We can remember that humility, the recognition of worthiness beyond ourselves — not bravado or arrogance or the competitive struggle — grounds us. We can humbly and confidently decide what rules to live by. Literature can help us make the complex much more simple.” Outlining an ongoing debate in higher education about the place of books in freshman English courses, Jane stressed the importance of literature in the educational process. “Human language has its richest and most profound expression in literature,” she contended. Books of fiction, or “imaginative literature,” demand steady focus and concentrated attention to words and language, attention not exacted by blogs, graphs, Twitter feeds, and the other “digital literacy” that some participants in this debate advocate. Moreover, she said, writers of imaginative literature have the ability to help us find ourselves. For the complete text of Jane’s Cum Laude address, go to loomischaffee.org / magazine.

Newly inducted members of the Cum Laude Society listen to Jane Archibald’s talk. Photo: Mercedes Maskalik


Around The Quads

Students Learn Wilderness First Aid

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rompted by the rescue of a former faculty member who fell down an embankment while hiking with the LC Backcountry Program, eight students and two faculty members learned Wilderness First Aid this spring.

The course trained the participants in assessing injuries and other medical conditions and administering emergency first aid in backcountry locations where professional rescue personnel are not immediately available. The training included classroom instruction and handson, outdoor role plays with various emergency scenarios. Stuart Remensnyder, an instructor for SOLO Wilderness Medicine and a former Loomis Chaffee math teacher, taught the 16-hour course over three afternoons and the full-day session on spring catch-up day. Stu is also a senior field touring guide with the expedition organization Field Touring Alpine. The group of students asked for the training after they helped with a

backwoods rescue in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, in the early spring. The students were on a day hike near the Barkhamsted Reservoir with faculty members Peter Gwyn and David Newell as well as former faculty members Keith and Ann Palmer when Ann slipped on the icy trail and tumbled down a rocky, 18-foot embankment. Pete says Ann was hiking alongside seniors James Crawford and Doron Shapir, and the rest of the group was a short distance ahead on the trail. James scrambled down the embankment, where he found Ann still conscious but bleeding from gashes in her head and leg. James applied pressure to her head wound, and Doron ran ahead on the trail to get help from the rest of the group. Pete, a Wilderness First Responder, was on his first hike since undergoing foot surgery but made his way as quickly as he could to the scene. By the time he arrived, he says, he was impressed to see the students had tied their jackets together and

In a first aid training session, sophomore Katherine Fotos, faculty member Julia Hinchman and junior Emily Tanji attend to a “victim,” senior Riker Jones. Photo: Jeuley Ortengren

wrapped the makeshift rope around Ann’s shoulders, and they were gently pulling her up out of the gully. Pete assessed Ann’s injuries, which included a broken leg, bruised ribs, a 12-inch gash on her shin, and a head wound. Then he cut down two small beech trees with a hand saw and, with help from the others, made a gurney out of the beeches and everyone’s coats. The group carried Ann on the gurney more than a mile through the woods to the nearest road, and she was transported to the hospital. Participants in the Backcountry Program sometimes discuss emergency scenarios that they might encounter. But after responding to Ann’s accident and witness-

ing Pete’s trained response, the students asked to take the Wilderness First Aid course and offered to give up their spring catch-up day to complete the training. Faculty members Dave Newell and Julie Hinchman also participated in the course. Happily, since the accident, Ann has made a strong recovery from her multiple injuries, and doctors cleared her to bear weight on her leg, with support from a cane, just in time for her to attend Loomis Chaffee’s Commencement and see several of her student rescuers receive their diplomas.

Summer Program to Launch in 2012

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he school is excited to announce the launch of a summer enrichment program for young people next summer on the Island.

more practical courses (for example, SSAT and SAT preparation, geometry, and college essay writing) also will be offered.

The Loomis Chaffee Summer Program, directed by LC English teacher Jeffrey Scanlon ’79, will open its doors on June 27, 2012. The five-week program will cater to students, day and boarding, about to begin grades seven through 11. With a strong emphasis on writing, the program aims to attract eager learners who want to enrich themselves academically, and it will include an array of additional offerings in mathematics, science, modern and classical languages, poetry, performing and fine arts, history, and eventually music. A handful of

In addition to the engaging learning that will take place on a regular basis, the summer program students will have access to the school’s first-rate athletics facilities for supervised activities, will get to hear from the College Guidance Office, and will enjoy off-campus excursions. Loomis Chaffee faculty members will teach the majority of courses, but other high school and college teachers will supplement the faculty teaching these local, national, and international children. Jeff, who has worked at Loomis Chaffee since

1986, served as head of the English Department for the last 11 years. He will continue to teach English during the school year but stepped down from the department head role to take on the summer program directorship. LC faculty member Carey O’Brien was hired this spring as the operations manager for the summer program as well as the new head coach of Loomis Chaffee girls varsity soccer.


Largest Applicant Pool Seeks Loomis Chaffee Admission

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ore than 1,600 students from across the country and around the world applied for admission to Loomis Chaffee this year, creating the largest applicant pool in the school’s history. More than 400 students were admitted, and 200 new Pelicans — a very talented group of young people — will join the school in September, according to Erby Mitchell, assistant head of school for enrollment.

More than 250 accepted students and their families visited campus in April during three Revisit Day programs to learn more about Loomis Chaffee before making their final decision. Families met with a wide range of LC community members, including faculty, current students, and administrators. Parents received an up-close view of academic and student life, and accepted students were paired with current student hosts for the day.

“We believe our new students, who have made impressive contributions in the way of leadership, co-curricular involvement, and engagement in their respective school communities, will make meaningful and significant contributions to student life at Loomis,” Erby notes.

While always important, financial aid has become increasingly significant in enrolling the best and brightest students. In 2000, the financial aid budget was $2,928,950 with 26 percent of the student body receiving aid and an average grant of $15,722. Today, 34 percent of the students receive aid from the school’s more than $7.7 million financial aid budget, with an average grant totaling $31,846. Two new gifts to financial aid have allowed LC to expand access to both low- and middle-income families. The financial aid initiative that started with an anonymous matching gift of $3.3 million has generated an additional $1.5 million, and new gifts continue to arrive. The school also received a significant gift this spring from Henry R. Kravis ’63, a longtime supporter of financial aid, who pledged $500,000 per year over the next 10 years. Henry’s generosity had an immediate impact, enabling the school to provide access to approximately 10 additional deserving students. Plans are under way to create the Kravis Scholars Program, focused on identifying talented students from under-represented communities both within the United States and in select countries around the world.

With an overall enrollment of 675 students, the school will be composed of 60 percent boarding and 40 percent day students. Accepted students represent 29 states and 35 countries, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Georgia, Wisconsin, Thailand, China, South Korea, Mexico, and India. In addition to broadened geographic and international diversity, more than a quarter of the newly enrolled students are students of color. This year’s acceptance rate — 28 percent of those who applied were accepted — is the lowest in school history, indicating a significant increase in competition for admission to Loomis Chaffee. As recently as 2000, the acceptance rate was 48 percent. The school has expanded its outreach to prospective families, providing a deeper pool of candidates from which to select a talented and diverse group of new students. Over the past 10 years, the applicant pool has grown from about 1,000 students to more than 1,600, a 60 percent increase, with a corresponding improvement in the rate of admittance.

The school community looks forward to greeting all of the new students on campus in early September and properly welcoming them into the Loomis Chaffee family.

Reaccreditation Process Concludes

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fter an intensive two-year reaccreditation process, including a self-study that involved the entire school, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) concluded its evaluation of Loomis Chaffee with an on-site visit in April.

Margarita Curtis, head of school at Deerfield Academy, chaired an 11-member NEASC Visiting Committee for the evaluation. While on the Island, the Visiting Committee members observed classes and athletics practices; interviewed faculty, students, and parents; and learned as much as possible about the Loomis Chaffee community.

“Preparing for this visit has been a community effort,” says Molly Pond, coordinator of the NEASC review and head of the History Department. “Were it not for the help of the faculty, students, parents, alumni, Physical Plant crew, administrative staff, and the Aramark [food service] team, neither the self-study nor the on-campus visit could have been the successes that they were.” Molly is relieved that the process concluded smoothly and says she is thankful to be “part of a community that is so generous with its talents and time.” In a concluding meeting between Ms. Curtis, her colleague Beth

Loomis Chaffee administration, Ms. Curtis outlined the committee’s commendations and recommendations. A final NEASC report that summarizes the committee’s discoveries is due to arrive this summer.

Photo: Robert Benson

Bishop, LC Head of School Sheila Culbert, and other members of the

Founded in 1885, NEASC is the nation’s oldest regional accrediting association. Its mission is the establishment and maintenance of high standards for all levels of education, from pre-K to the doctoral level. NEASC provides accreditation services for more than 2,000 public and private institutions in the six-state region.

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Around The Quads

’ ʹ* aretη Historian Finds Holocaust Survivor Through Loomis Chaffee — and Google

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n May 2, the day after Yom HaShoah, or International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Holocaust researcher Andreas Jordan, who works with a small, private historical society in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, did a Google search on the words “Yom HaShoah 2011 Gelsenkirchen.” Completely by chance, the very first result he found in Google was a story on the Loomis Chaffee website about Holocaust survivor Judith Altmann, who would be visiting the school the next day. Mr. Jordan says he knew instantly that he had to speak with Mrs. Altmann, who is “one of a little group of survivors; one of the last eyewitnesses of the Subcamp Gelsenkirchen,” where there had been a Nazi labor camp, a subcamp of BZ Buchenwald. At Gelsenkirchen, about 2,000 mostly Hungarian and Czech women and girls were forced into slave labor for a hydrogenation plant, making fuel for the German Luftwaffe. Mr. Jordan wrote to the school immediately. “Until now, I could speak with only some relatives and a few survivors of this subcamp. Most of them passed away in the last few years,” he said. Mrs. Altmann’s visit to Loomis Chaffee had been arranged by junior Lindsay Gabow and other members of the Jewish Student Union. Lindsay found Mrs. Altmann through the organization Holocaust Child Survivors of Connecticut. In a moving talk, Mrs. Altmann recounted her experiences as a young girl during the Holocaust, including her time at Gelsenkirchen, where she was sent after Auschwitz. The laborers “worked day and night, building roads, building bunkers” at Gelsenkirchen, she said, but at least they were “out of Auschwitz” and wouldn’t be sent to the gas chambers. “We got every day a bowl of soup and a potato and every other day a piece of bread,” she recalled. They also were issued blankets, which she called “a real luxury.” After Gelsenkirchen, Mrs. Altmann was sent to work at Essen, where she was injured. She

Holocaust survivor Judith Altmann speaks with junior Emily Lewis, junior Haley Walsh, and sophomore Jessica Faust. Photo: Mary Forrester

feared that she would be deported back to Auschwitz because she was unable to work. Instead, an SS woman took her to the hospital for treatment. It was her ability for language that had saved her. “I need this girl,” the SS woman told the foreman at Essen. “She speaks six languages. Every time you need the work done in a language that this girl will understand, she tells them what to do. If you send this girl away, your work is not going to be done.” She stayed at Essen. Mrs. Altmann, who speaks often at schools throughout the state, was overjoyed when she learned of the Gelsenkirchen historical society connection. She and Mr. Jordan have begun a series of interviews already. “The work that Mrs. Altmann is doing is so important,” Mr. Jordan says. “We have to show and tell the people in Gelsenkirchen and everywhere else what happened in that dark period, so that it never can happen again.” To listen to Mrs. Altmann’s talk, go to loomischaffee.org/magazine.

 Freshman Kevin Cha placed first in Connecticut on the American Mathematics Competition 10, an exam for students in the 10th grade and below that involves 25 questions using pre-calculus concepts.  Eleven LC students earned medals this spring on the Grand Concours, a national competition in French.  Junior Isaac “Izzy” Kornblatt-Stier was selected to attend the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Scholarship and Journalism Conference in Washington, D.C. From July 9 to 14, Izzy and 51 other students from across the United States were to participate in the all-expensespaid journalism training conference at the Freedom Forum’s Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue between the U.S. Capitol and the White House. After successfully completing the five-day workshop, the students were to be awarded $1,000 scholarships that will be paid to each student’s college or university of choice in the fall of 2012. Izzy is an editor-in-chief of The LOG and previously served as the newspaper’s features editor.  For the last four years straight, senior Cecelia Coffey and junior David Balise have earned gold medals on the National Latin Exam. In honor of their achievement, the American Classical League and the board of the National Latin Exam awarded CeCe and David with Maureen O’Donnell Memorial Awards and copies of the Oxford Classical Dictionary.  Junior Jun Hwan “Josh” Ryu qualified for and participated in the USA Math Olympiad, a six-question, two-day, nine-hour essay/proof examination held in April. Invitations to participate in the olympiad are extended to the top 270 scorers on the American Mathematics Contest 12, a test taken by more than 100,000 high school students.  Senior Halloran Murdock won first place in the Urban Outfitters Weirdest Photo Contest this spring. To see her prize-winning photo, go to loomischaffee.org/magazine.

* areté: Greek for

“excellence of any kind”

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Around The Quads | ISLAND Array

Happenings, night and day, inside and outside, at Loomis Chaffee Inside

Walking sushi at Cultural Outburst: senior Alexander Huseman

English Tea: junior Lindsay Gabow

Performance promo

“Clicker Wars” prep for AP Calculus exam Freshman dinner: Adrianne Thompson, Samuel Verney, and Quinn Schoen

AP Physics class: senior Eugene Cho

One Acts: freshman Amy Ward and senior Michael Curtin

Chéruy Prize presentation: seniors Sean Marris, Cecelia Coffey, and Christopher Gallerani (not pictured: Anisa Knox and Amanda Swinton)

Two Men Falling Musical Revue

Spring Dance Revue Prom evening glamour: William DeLaMater and Elizabeth Trousdale

Senior James Crawford and his hand-made wooden boat

Springtime music in the Rockefeller Quad

. . . senior James Kavanagh . . .

Night

Day

Freshman dinner: Sara Gershman, Seyun Kim, and Caroline Dodson

Starcraft II Club meeting Class Night band

. . . seniors John Gorman and Elise Petracca . . .

. . . and a classy crowd

Dancing senior Michael Moore

Springfest: senior Jaewoo Yun prepares to . . . dunk senior pal Caleb Harris.

Rootles sophomore scavenger hunt

Creatively-coiffed photographer

Frisbee-wielding sophomore Tucker Cheyne in Rockefeller Quad

Spring floods in the Meadows

outside

Cultural Outburst: fire dancer

The Russell family at the Class Night reception: sophomore Benjamin, senior Julia, and parents Jeffrey and Rosemary

Photos: Mary Forrester, John Groo, Jaehwan Kim, Justin Lee, Mercedes Maskalik, Laura Paddock, Elizabeth Tomlinson, Matt Weicker, Justin Zheng

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Around The Quads

Renaissance: Starting with the Egg

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any aspiring artists travel to Italy to study the magnificent artwork of the Renaissance, but Fred Wessel was so inspired by the art and artistic methods that he has devoted his life to creating portrait paintings of incredible beauty using the ancient techniques. Mr. Wessel brought his expertise and joy of working in the medium to LC art students this spring as a Joseph S. Stookins Lecturer.

“After seeing the beauty, sensitivity, and harmony [of Italian Renaissance painting], I realized that, as artists, we may have abandoned too much,” he states as part of his philosophy. He demonstrated this technique in a slide show of his work over the past 25 years that revealed the detail of his figures, who are draped in the elaborate

costumes of the Renaissance, with backgrounds of gold leaf. Mr. Wessel gets the ideas for many of his costumes from living in Italy part of the year and attending the Cortona Pageants. Mr. Wessel’s paintings take many months to complete, and in a separate demonstration for the art students, he started the process with an egg — the basis for the egg tempura pigment that Renaissance artists developed and whose vibrancy lasts for hundreds of years. Beginning his paintings with a detailed drawing or under-painting in green, “an old Renaissance technique,” Mr. Wessel adds many layers of pigment in pinks, reds, and blues, which make the skin tones appear translucent.

Painting students and art teacher Chet Kempczynski listen as artist Fred Wessel describes creating a portrait with Renaissance-era techniques. Photo: Jeuley Ortengren

The golden background is created with 24-karat gold “as thin as a butterfly wing,” applied over a clay-and-glue base that is then burnished until it shimmers. Some of the backgrounds also contain an embossing technique that reveals various themes, such as the zodiac or shells. The finishing touches of his artwork are the gilded frames that are based on the styles from medieval Italy. Mr. Wessel designs his own frames and has them crafted by local artisans. Mr. Wessel is a former professor at the Hartford Art School, which

is now part of the University of Hartford. His work has sold all over the world and has become part of the permanent collections at the MoMA and Brooklyn museums in New York, the Library of Congress, and numerous corporate offices. His latest show will be in Vienna in 2012, in a show called “Gold,” along with pieces by Gustav Klimt. The Joseph Stookins Lecture Fund was endowed in 2010 with a gift from Richard J. Mackler ’57 to support the visits of noteworthy literary or arts speakers who can share their love and passion for their fields with the campus community.

Diversity Task Force Seeks Community Perspectives

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task force created to look at diversity at Loomis Chaffee is entering its second year of work, and its members will be reaching out to the extended school community for perspectives on the topic. A survey and focus groups are in the works for the coming year as the task force seeks to assess diversity at the school and chart a course for the future. Trustee Pauline Chen ’82 chairs the 11-member task force, which includes several other trustees and faculty and staff members. The group’s goal is to present a report of its findings and recommendations to the school community by the beginning of the 2012–13 academic year. During the past year, Pauline reports, the task force has examined three key questions: What is diversity? Why is it important? What should our mission be regarding Pauline W. Chen ’82 diversity? Through monthly conference calls, subcomPhoto: mittee work, and on-campus sessions during trustee Wayne Dombkowski meetings, the members of the group pursued answers to these questions and planned steps for answering two additional questions: What are we currently doing to support or inhibit diversity at Loomis Chaffee? And what should we do in support of our mission? “Over the next year, we hope to involve the rest of the community in

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defining, examining, discussing, and celebrating diversity through an assessment survey and smaller focus groups,” Pauline says. The survey, developed by the National Association of Independent Schools and tested at dozens of schools, will seek input from as many LC community members as possible through an anonymous online questionnaire. The task force will invite and encourage students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and alumni to complete the survey. The task force also plans to gather about a dozen focus groups to delve into the issue in greater depth. Pauline notes that the more individuals who participate in the survey and focus groups, the better and more accurate the assessment will be. “We believe that engaging in this kind of discovery and discussion will only help us strengthen ‘our best selves,’” she says. “I certainly believe it’s going to be an exciting journey — one of introspection and assessment, yes, but also one of recognition and celebration.” In addition to Pauline, the members of the task force are faculty member Elizabeth Conger, Trustee Albert Freihofer ’69, Maintenance Foreman James Jubrey, Dean of Student Life Mary Liscinsky, Assistant Head for Enrollment Erby Mitchell, Trustee and current parent Reginald Paige Sr., Director of Multicultural Affairs Elizabeth Parada, Dean of Faculty Ned Parsons, faculty member Curtis Robison, and Trustee Steven Rosenthal.


Around The Quads | OF Note | Faculty & Staff

 Three faculty and staff members celebrated their 20-year marks as Loomis Chaffee employees this year.

Katherine Ballard has served in several important roles at the school during the last two decades. She started her career at Loomis Chaffee as a French teacher, an excellent one. As a dorm faculty member in Ammidon Hall, she also “became known as one who reached out and connected with the students in the dorm who were struggling, with young people in need of a little — or a lot of — extra support both in and out of class,” Dean of Faculty Ned Parsons said in his tribute to Katherine at the Community Honors Banquet. After a few years at the school, Katherine became head of what was then called the Foreign Language Department. In this leadership role, she advanced the department toward its goals as she encouraged new approaches to teaching and learning, supported and mentored new teachers, and advocated for her department’s needs. During the Our Best Selves capital campaign, which took place from 2000 to 2006, Katherine worked in the Alumni/Development Office, organizing the communication plan for the campaign, strengthening the connection between Chaffee alumnae and today’s school, and serving as faculty liaison to the campaign leadership. After the campaign, Katherine moved into the role of associate dean of faculty, conveying her wisdom and vision for the school as a member of the senior administrative team. “Incisive and fair-minded, protective of our most deeply-held values, Katherine once again played the role over these last five years of classroom teacher’s advocate and voice,” Ned says. “She did so with strength and clarity, backed by her stellar reputation as a classroom teacher herself and her solid understanding of what we do best.” Always rooted in the classroom, Katherine will return to teaching French full time in the fall, providing poetic symmetry to her first 20 years at Loomis Chaffee. A similar trajectory and grounding as a teacher might describe Ruth Duell’s first two decades at the school. A community service director and psychology teacher, Ruth moved into the Academic Office as associate director of studies in 1993 and became director of studies in 2007. She also worked as a dorm affiliate in Harman Hall for 10 years. “Ruth’s personality has perme-

Hers is a talent for amelioration, for calming the waters and bringing people together. … Ruth’s way is to pull people in, to make them feel good about the work before them, to connect.

— Ned Parsons, dean of faculty ated everything she’s done for and with us, most notably for the countless students and families she has counseled through the various processes of course registration, of academic probation and checklist support, of anxieties real and imagined,” Ned said at the Community Honors Banquet. “Hers is a talent for amelioration, for calming the waters and bringing people together. … Ruth’s way is to pull people in, to make them feel good about the work before them, to connect.” Remaining connected to the classroom, Ruth has continued to teach psychology part time while serving in the Academic Office. As a teacher, Ruth combines compassion and insight in bringing her students to new levels of understanding in such courses as Moral Development and Death and Dying. Her students “are cared for even as they’re pushed, working as they are in the presence of someone who knows her stuff and knows how to bring it to young people in a way that gets it to them,” Ned said. Ruth is stepping down from the director of studies position this summer and will return to teaching full time in December after taking a sabbatical break for the fall term.

Sally Lengyel, assistant to the deans of students in Founders Hall, also has worked at the school

for 20 years. At the Community Honors Banquet, Aaron “ Woody” Hess, associate head of school and dean of senior boys, spoke with reverence about Sally’s abilities. Sally is known for her flawless work as an assistant and her excellent organizational skills. She “tells the deans what we need to know before we need to know it about communications of all kinds,” Woody said. During her years at the school, Sally has made many improvements to the way the Deans’ Office operates, and Woody credited Sally, notably her “combination of patience, loyalty, and empathy,” with helping to sustain good morale in the office.  English teacher Stephen Colgate received the Austin Wicke ’75 Prize this spring in recognition of his “proclivity for caring for his students and for the needs of the larger community time and again,” in the praising words of Dean of Faculty Ned Parsons. The prize, given in memory of Austin by his parents, is awarded each year to a Loomis Chaffee faculty member with less than 10 years of service who “has demonstrated a dedication to the discipline of teaching and a commitment to fostering the growth and development of young persons.” Presenting the

Stephen Colgate Photo: Jon Goldstein

prize at the Community Honors Banquet, Ned described Steve as an inspiring, thoughtful, patient teacher, “an educator to the core.” Steve’s can-do attitude applies to everything he does for and with the school community, including encouraging students to take intellectual risks; gently guiding his students in class discussions; and ably coaching lacrosse, football, and skiing. loomischaffee.org | 17


Around The Quads | OF Note | Faculty & Staff

 Head of School Sheila Culbert presented the first Dom Failla Award for Teaching Excellence to Jane Archibald, longtime faculty member, former chair of the English Department, and creator of the Writing Workshop. Named in honor of retired philosophy and religion teacher and department chair Dominic S. Failla, the prize recognizes teachers of extensive service to the school who epitomize Dom’s commitment to his students’ growth and intellectual development, commitment to teaching and learning, and more generally, to the life of the mind. It is funded by a small portion of the Dominic S. Failla Teaching Fund, an endowed fund established in 1999 by alumni parents John and Jill Gilbert (Marcella Gilbert Boelhouwer ’85, Thomas Gilbert ’96) and added to by Sarah Lutz ’85, the estate of William Lese ’43 (parent of Claudia Farans Morse ’85), and other alumni in 2009, following the year of Dom’s retirement.  Eight faculty and staff members retired at the end of the school year. After teaching math for 31 years at Loomis Chaffee, Pamela Byrne moved to Portland, Connecticut, where she and her husband, Steve, will begin a new chapter of their lives, one that is closer to their grandchildren. Pam’s teaching career spans more than her years on the Island. She taught in Meriden, Connecticut; North Carolina; Pennsylvania; and the Windsor Public Schools before pausing to raise her family, and she returned to the math classroom in 1981 at Loomis Chaffee. Her colleague in the Math Department, Andrew Bartlett, paid tribute to Pam at the Community Honors Banquet. He described her as a mentor to himself and many others in the department, a highly effective teacher, a matter-of-fact and stalwart colleague, and a master of dry humor. Andrew covered two of Pam’s upper-level classes while she recovered from a wrist injury last year, and he said taking over her classes was a pleasure: “Her students were disciplined, thorough, organized, thoughtful, and diligent. There was a playfulness to her classes, but it was also clearly about the math. And when someone chatted about the mathematics, everyone listened.”  Lbrary Director Elaine DeVoss stepped down after 23 years at the school as she and her husband, Darrel, moved to their home in

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Loomis Chaffee graphic designer Patricia Cousins was inspired to start painting with encaustic media (wax and pigment) after seeing the work of painter Leslie Sobel, who was a Visiting Artist at Loomis Chaffee last year and whose work was part of the show “Waxing Encaustic” in the Mercy Gallery. “I found Leslie, her work, and the possibilities of the encaustic material an inspiration, and although I had never worked with encaustic paint, I felt that the medium was right for my style of painting,” Patty says. A year later, after lots of experimentation with the medium, one of Patty’s encaustic constructions on wood (like the one above) was accepted to a juried show at the Kobalt Gallery in Provincetown, Massachusetts, in June. To see more of Patty’s work, go to pjcousins.com.

Chesterfield, Virginia. Elaine asked for no official fanfare at her departure, but Loomis Chaffee will miss her just the same. Professional and visionary, Elaine brought the Katharine Brush Library into the 21st century during a time of rapid change in the world of books and research. She was known on campus as one of the most tech-savvy faculty members, and she helped develop the library’s strong and user-friendly online presence. Librarian Linda Duncan also departed in June. Linda served for 16 years at the Katharine Brush Library. In addition to her multi-faceted role as librarian, Linda co-directed the compilation of the school’s annual summer reading list and taught library skills courses, among many other contributions. Although she sought to slip quietly into retirement, the school community wished her many happy years ahead. The library will undergo considerable change in staffing as, in addition to Elaine and Linda, three administrative staff members retired this spring.

Jamie Vernon, a member of the library staff for the last 35 years, held many positions at the school as a longtime boarding spouse — her husband Chuck “Bruno” Vernon ran the work program, was a dorm head, and continues to coach at the school — and as an essential administrative staff member at the Katharine Brush

Library. Jamie maintained the library’s online catalog with accuracy and constancy, and she worked some of the hardest shifts at the library. As colleague Gail Ryan notes, Jamie was the staff person in charge of the library on Sunday nights during study hours for 12 of the last 15 years. In her retirement, Jamie and Chuck will split time between their homes in Windsor and on the New Jersey shore and will continue to enjoy their grown children and young grandchildren.

Joan Brundage worked as a technical services assistant and in various other roles at the library for the last 26 years. “Her work assembling wonderful, timely displays of library resources is her most memorable achievement,” Gail said in tribute to her colleague. “Joan would often slip into the library on Sunday morning to set up her incredible displays.” Known by her coworkers as an “Energizer bunny,” she could never really retire, they joke. Carol Chipkin started working at the library as a parent volunteer in 1992, when her son was a freshman. She was hired onto the library staff in 1995, and in the ensuing 16 years earned a reputation for superb oversight of the periodicals collection as well as the rearrangement and movement of the book collection as needed for better use. Coworker Aimee MacGillivray notes that Carol was affectionately known as “the plant lady” because she ably cared for the library’s many plants as well as ailing plants in some of her colleagues’ homes. In her retirement from the library, Carol turns her attention to her successful winery, Cassidy Hill Winery, in Coventry, Connecticut. Two nurses in the Health Center, Ann Petkovich and Kathy Sylvia, also retired. Ann worked at Loomis Chaffee since 1985, most of that time as head nurse. Ann was the community CPR instructor for many years, served on the Health Committee, and was a staff representative to the Board of Trustees. “She was teacher extraordinaire,” says Director of Health Services Debra Aniello. “She displayed a kind and compassionate nature to students, faculty, and staff alike and weathered many challenging times at the school through her deep faith.” Kathy began working at the Health Center in 1991. Deb says Kathy developed deep and lasting relationships


Rachel Engelke Photo: John Groo

with many students and was “a whiz on the computer.” Like Ann, she also served as a staff representative during her tenure. Kathy and her sense of humor will be greatly missed in the Health Center.

Andrew Watson Photo: John Groo

In addition to the retirements, the following members of the faculty are departed from the Island for other ventures: English teachers Andrew Baker and Fiona Mills, math teachers Sandra Reavill and John Chung, science teacher Benjamin Norland, French teachers Katherine Delacourt and Mary Catherine McBrien, Senior Major Gifts Officer John Garvan, history teacher Barrington Edwards, Spanish teacher Nick Van Sant, and theater teacher and director Connie Grappo. English teacher Andrew Watson is taking a one-year leave of absence next year to study learning and the brain at Harvard University.  History teacher Rachel Engelke and Head of the Art Department Jennifer McCandless have been granted Palmer Fellowships for professional and curricular development over the next five years. The Keller and MacLean families established the fellowships in honor of former faculty members Ann and Keith Palmer to recognize superb teaching at Loomis Chaffee, with the specific goal of fostering innovative pedagogy. Palmer Fellowships provide up to $5,000 per year for five years to support curriculum design, advanced study, and campus visits of guest speakers. Head of the Math Department Andrew Matlack held the Palmer Fellowship for the last five years, bringing guest lecturers to campus and pursuing graduate study at the London School of Economics and Boston University. The fund has grown large enough to provide two fellowships for the next five years.  Five faculty and staff members received Service Awards in May for their extraordinary work for the Loomis Chaffee community during the 2010–11 school year. The recipients were Director of Health Services Debra Aniello and Director of Counseling Julie Field, who oversaw the care and well-being of the entire school community in mourning this spring; math and logic teacher Curtis Robison, who developed, tweaked, and

Former director of Institutional Advancement John Clark joins Nina DeSimone at Queen’s Club, London, after the Andy Murray vs. Andy Roddick semifinal on June 11. John and Nina coached the girls varsity tennis teams at Loomis and Kingswood-Oxford, respectively, in the mid-1990s. They are colleagues at the American School in London — John as director of advancement and Nina as a teacher of world languages. John plans to return to the States this summer.

analyzed dozens of potential class schedules as the school worked to perfect a new schedule; history teacher Molly Pond, who oversaw the huge, two-year reaccreditation process for the school; and database administrator Cassandra Corrigan, who has been at the nexus of ongoing efforts to overhaul and coordinate the databases serving a mind-bending range of purposes at the school.  The Student Council honored Andrew Watson as Teacher of the Year at the end-ofyear Awards Assembly in May. The announcement sparked a jubilant standing ovation from the school community and rendered Andrew, uncharacteristically, almost speechless. Andrew managed to share a few words of thanks, saying that teaching is the “great privilege” of his life. The Student Council presents the annual award based on nominating essays from students. Two essays, written by three students, resulted in Andrew’s selection this year. The essays describe Andrew’s contagious enthusiasm for his subject, English; his tireless commitment to his students (including an endless supply of Saltines in his

classroom to stave off brain-draining student hunger); his clever and quirky invention of words (“inflamingatude, n. - failure to show up dressed as a flamingo”); and his personal integrity, among many other beloved qualities. “The classroom atmosphere encourages both wild interpretation and focused analysis, somehow synthesizing two incongruous approaches to English,” wrote seniors Alexandra Crerend and Donnie Collins in their nominating essay. “Even beyond his role as a teacher, Mr. Watson is just a great person,” senior Doron Shapir wrote in his essay. “He is always happy to hear what is new in your life, what you are happy about, and even what you need to complain about.”  The campus celebrated the arrival of two new babies of faculty and staff members in June. College Office Assistant Rachel Falco and her husband, Joshua, welcomed Nathaniel Shane on June 15. And Director of Stewardship Katherine Langmaid; her husband, Jamie ’88; and their 2-year-old daughter, Sally, welcomed Gisella “Gigi” Charlotte on June 21.  Wedding bells rang for six faculty members this year. Head of the Theater & Dance Department Brian Kosanovich and Thomas Dikeman were married on January 29 in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Dean of Students Mara Lytle married Timothy Hebert on June 12 in Riverside, Rhode Island, followed by a trip to Italy. Audiovisual coordinator Keller Glass married Kathleen Marie Eliassen on June 18. English teacher Stephen Colgate and Dana Wasserback were married on June 25 in Waterbury, Connecticut, and honeymooned in Tahiti and New Zealand. History teacher and head of Flagg Hall Elizabeth Yale-Loehr and dorm affiliate and coach Jake Leyden celebrated their wedding on July 2 in Aurora, New York.

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Around The Quads | Athletics | by Bob Howe ’80

Soccer Programs Gain Accomplished New Head Coaches

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he boys and girls soccer programs at Loomis Chaffee will each begin a new chapter this fall when the players arrive to their pre-season camp beginning on September 3. Both teams, having established over the years a long tradition of excellence, will begin their quest of retaining their place as one of the top programs in New England prep school soccer. Since the 2000 season, the girls have won the New England championship five times and have gone deep into the playoffs every year. The boys program won the championship in 2000 and 2002 and has qualified for the New England Tournament 28 times in the last 32 years. This fall, new faculty members Charlie Bour and Carey O’Brien will step in as the new head soccer coaches of the boys and girls teams, respectively. Finding the right people to fill these positions required extensive national searches that took place throughout the school year. When we began looking to fill both the boys and girls soccer coaching positions, we first looked at our past and reminded ourselves of the talent and dedication to school we have had with our coaches, and we made this a priority moving forward. We began this process by looking for individuals who were dedicated school people and would be full-time educators as well as outstanding leaders on the soccer fields. We have been extremely fortunate to find two such accomplished individuals to join our faculty. Carey has extensive experience

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men’s varsity soccer team in his senior year while playing for Coach Durocher.

Carey O’Brien

as a soccer coach and player. An All-American player and captain of the University of Connecticut women’s soccer team, Carey graduated in 2000 and then played professional soccer for two seasons with the San Jose Cyber Rays of the Women’s United Soccer Association. In 2003, she became an assistant coach at UConn, and for the past seven seasons, working under Head Coach Len Tsantiris (one of the most successful college coaches in the country), Carey has gained a keen understanding of the many aspects of coaching and administration. Carey, who joined the school in April, steps into her new role at Loomis Chaffee as the operations manager of the Summer Program, enabling her to apply and develop her experience in both coaching and school-related administration. “As the operations manager of the Loomis

Charlie Bour

Chaffee Summer Program, I am able to continue my professional growth in the administrative and management fields. In addition, I am very passionate about coaching and teaching soccer, and I am excited to lead the Pelicans as head coach,” Carey says. “Growing up in West Hartford, I have always been familiar with the school and its rich tradition of excellent academics and athletics.” Charlie comes to the Island from St. Lawrence University, where he recently worked as an assistant men’s soccer coach under the tutelage of head coach Bob Durocher. Charlie taught Spanish at the local high school near St. Lawrence. He has master’s degrees in Spanish linguistics and in secondary education (Spanish). Charlie spent his undergraduate years on the St. Lawrence University campus and was captain of the

Charlie is excited to get started on the Island, and the school is eager to welcome him and his passion for community, teaching, learning, and soccer. “Loomis Chaffee is a prestigious school that encourages students and faculty alike to chase, and realize, their dreams. When I visited the campus for the first time, I immediately felt a sense of community and support that I had never experienced before,” he says. “I have always had an affinity for language learning, and I am excited to be able to help students acquire the Spanish language and to learn about Spanish-speaking cultures. I have been extremely fortunate to have traveled in Latin America, Africa, and Europe. I can’t wait to share my experiences with the students at Loomis. I hope the students will feed off of my energy and enthusiasm in the classroom.” Through the years, Loomis Chaffee always has counted on strong leadership in its soccer programs, and both teams this fall will be fortunate to have the experience and commitment to the sport of coaches O’Brien and Bour. Coach O’Brien speaks passionately about her opportunity to coach here: “Whether I am coaching a player who wants to play college soccer or a player who simply enjoys the game and the camaraderie of being on a team, it is my goal that the players have a rewarding and enjoyable experience. I want the players who go through this program to bring out the


Sport Record

best and showcase the greatest aspects of what Loomis Chaffee comprises: excellent students, hard-working and motivated student-athletes, and caring people.” Coach Bour shows a similar understanding of the school as a well-rounded community. Asked why he believes Loomis is the right school for him, Charlie answers: “How could it not be right? This is my dream job — an opportunity to be a part of an unbelievable soccer program and teach Spanish. Some people are lucky enough to love their job. I am lucky, multiplied by two.” The variety of other programs at the school also feeds his excitement. “Loomis Chaffee is not only about academics and sports. The school offers amazing programs in the arts, music, study abroad, volunteer programs, and the list goes on. . . . I think it’s fantastic that I’ll be able to encourage students to follow their dreams in any area or areas they choose.” Exciting times indeed are ahead for the soccer programs at Loomis Chaffee. Coaches O’Brien and Bour will make an immediate impact on campus life when the new school year begins. It has been a great pleasure to get to know these two individuals through the search and hiring process. Loomis Chaffee has demonstrated its commitment to the soccer programs and to its faculty with its thorough and patient hiring process. I hope you find the time this fall, or earlier, to come to campus and introduce yourself to Carey and Charlie. ©

Accolades

Baseball 8-7-1 Girls Golf 4-10-2 Boys Golf 14-7 Bader Tournament Champions Boys Lacrosse 5-10 All-Western New England: seniors Tyler Goldman, Christopher Cook, Jack Rowe Girls Lacrosse 12-3 Founders League Co-Champions Western New England Co-Champions All-American: senior Alexandra Crerend Honorable Mention All-American: senior Sarah Byrne New England All-Stars: seniors Crerend, Mallory Collins Academic All-Americans: seniors Crerend, Emily Fluke, Laura McConney, Katherine Yannopoulos Softball 1-12 Western New England All-Star: senior Alexandra Stevenson Girls Tennis 3-6 Boys Tennis 10-1 2nd in Founders League 2nd in Southern New England Tournament New England Class A Tournament semifinalist Girls Track 7-2 2nd at Founders League Championship 4th at Division I New England Championship 4x100-meter relay school record (50.26) 100 meters school record (12.61) by junior Kelsey Adamson Boys Track 7-1 Founders League Champions 3rd at Division I New England Championship 100 meters school record (10.88) by junior John Abraham 200 meters school record (20.00) by senior LaDarius Drew Girls Water Polo 21-5 Founders League Champions Runner-up in New England Championship All-American: junior Kelsey Millward Individual school records for goals in a season (112) and career goals (241) set by Millward

Senior Christian Smoolca

Senior Alexandra Crerend

Senior Tyler Goldman

Senior Fred Fang

Junior Kelsey Millward

Seniors LaDarius Drew and Ignacio Otero Coach Richard Tyo and junior Faith McCarthy All photos on this page: Tom Honan

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It Takes a

Village Seniors pay tribute to LC community members who have profoundly influenced them. By Becky Purdy | Photos by John Groo 22 |


T

eachers with high expectations, advisors who believe in them, coaches who push them to seize their potential, staff members who draw out the best in them, adults who care deeply about them as whole people. These are the kinds of descriptions we received when we asked members of the Class of 2011 to tell us about their favorite faculty or staff members, the adults on campus who had the most profound influence on their lives at Loomis Chaffee.

For Julia Russell, Latin teacher Ronald Marchetti recognized her potential and refused to let her squelch it with silence. For Frederick McNulty, mailroom manager Judy McCormick served as mom-away-from-home and source of unconditional, unjudgmental solace in hard times. For Ye Dam Lee, math teacher Curtis Robison validated her delight in the intellectual and the difficult, and taught her patience. As these and six other graduating seniors tell us, the strong bonds between students and faculty and staff members at Loomis Chaffee are as unique as the individuals themselves, but all share a key ingredient — an abiding, twoway respect that will continue long after these newest alumni head off the Island for college and the adventures beyond.

Christopher Gallerani Hometown: Suffield, Connecticut College plans: Dartmouth College Academic interests: Many and varied, including English, Spanish, and math Other LC highlights: recipient of Sellers Faculty Prize on Class Night; Cum Laude Society; varsity swimming, varsity water polo; captain of both teams; senior director and performer in Two Men Falling, LC’s student-run musical revue; senior section editor of the Confluence yearbook Favorite faculty or staff member: Frederick Seebeck, English teacher; dean of freshmen; coach of boys water polo, boys swimming, and girls track Seebs’ influence: “I’ve known Seebs since fall term of my freshman year on the polo and swimming teams, and I, like all other students, bonded with him immediately. Seebs is a real ally; he’s kind, caring, respectful, mature — the ideal mentor. I always know that I can go to Seebs to vent my emotions (often to jests of my being an abusive student) and talk to him in confidence about any issue. He’s become my honorary second advisor. But, most importantly, he’s become one of my closest friends at Loomis. I’ll miss him incredibly next year.” Illustrative memory: “The one interaction with Seebs I will never forget happened on our Florida [swim team] training trip two years ago. Now, the training trip is hard. We practice twice a day in an outdoor pool, and the practices usually have something insane like 12 200s on a fast interval. So, needless to say, I was tired, really tired, and couldn’t seem to motivate myself during practice. Seebs pulled me aside one day on the bus and (kindly) laid it out for me — that I had more potential than I was showing, and that I needed to get my butt in gear. With his steady input and encouragement, I began to improve greatly. If it weren’t for his belief in me, I never could have finished in the top 10 at New Englands. I remember his ideas of commitment and dedication in everything I do.”

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Ye Dam Lee

Michael Moore

Hometown: Placentia, California College plans: Harvard University

Hometown: Windsor, Connecticut

Academic interests: math, science, English

College plans: Tufts University

Other LC highlights: recipient of the Charles Henry and Mary Chaffee Willcox Prize at Commencement as first scholar in the graduating class; Cum Laude Society; member of the Debate Society and the math team; tour guide; prefect in Carter Hall; resident assistant in Palmer Hall

Academic interests: philosophy, science

Favorite faculty or staff member: Curtis Robison, math and philosophy teacher, advisor to Debate Society Curt’s influence: “Probably the best lesson I’ve learned from Mr. Robison is patience. He’s an obviously brilliant man, but whether he’s teaching math or debate or logic, he’s always extraordinarily patient and will explain things several times if needed. I want to be a teacher, and though more than once I’ve felt myself getting frustrated at my classmates or debaters because I think they should get it by now, his example makes me remember that everyone learns at a different pace. Furthermore, in addition to making me more forgiving toward my peers, his patience has helped me feel better about myself as a student and a debater and a person.” Illustrative memory: “There are a lot of little things he does to make us laugh. On logic tests, when we have to ‘translate’ statements like ‘There exists no boy Mary doesn’t like,’ he’ll provide commentary like ‘Well, Mary is unusually boy crazy!’ and he’ll draw hearts around the page. When he’s crossing things out on the board with red ink, he’ll exclaim, ‘Oooh, it’s a bloodbath!’ He comes in every day with a smile (and usually some apology for being a little late), and he’s not above making a joke at his expense. “On a bigger scale, something I really appreciated was when, in Calc, he had a week or two where we split into groups and ‘competed’ to answer the most multiple-choice questions correctly. The competitive nature was exciting, of course, but I like more that he would choose a group member randomly to answer the question, so we all had to prepare together. It forced us to interact with each other in a math class, which is pretty uncommon in itself, and I had a lot of fun talking with people I probably would never have talked to otherwise.”

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Other LC highlights: varsity football; member of PRISM; peer counselor; community service, hip-hop krumpin’ Favorite faculty or staff member: Barrington Edwards, history teacher, advisor to The LOG, Warham Hall resident faculty member Barrington’s influence: “I was fortunate enough to take American Civilization with Dr. Edwards. … [He] challenged me to be the best that I could be. He has always offered me help and advice when I have had concerns as well. I deeply respect Dr. Edwards because he truly wants to see each of his students succeed.” Illustrative memory: “During my senior year, I went to Dr. Edwards when I needed advice and support regarding my college process. I thank him for teaching me how to write with a purpose and with passion. When I felt discouraged during the college process, Dr. Edwards was the person who told me to apply to the schools I aspired to go to instead of settling for schools within my reach. Loomis Chaffee has molded me into a great thinker and also a person who takes action to achieve his dreams.”


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Frederick McNulty

Christine Huang Hometown: South Windsor, Connecticut College plans: University of Chicago Academic interests: writing, literature, language, history Other LC highlights: Cum Laude Society; music, including playing principal violin and piano with the Loomis Chaffee Orchestra, in small ensembles, and in solo recitals; community service, often incorporating her passion for music by organizing concerts at nursing homes and hospitals and teaching piano to students at an all-girls charter school in Hartford Favorite faculty or staff member: Jeffrey Scanlon ’79, English teacher, English Department head

Hometown: Cheshire, Connecticut College plans: Connecticut College Academic interests: history, including U.S. History, Russian History, and Jurisprudence; Advanced Placement Literature; and Digital Photography Other LC highlights: recipient of the Ammidon Prize at Commencement; editor-in-chief of The LOG; president of Spectrum; founder and president of the LC Progressives Favorite faculty or staff member: the late Judy McCormick, longtime mailroom manager who died in January 2010 Judy’s influence: “Judy was a mother to thousands of boarding students, watching them open their college letters, helping them through tough times, and laughing at their jokes. She helped students through the hard times — and that’s why we loved Judy. “The most lasting lesson that I learned from Ms. McCormick was to always smile. Judy would always look on the bright side of things. Everyone respected her for that.” Illustrative memory: “Judy McCormick was a sweet woman, but she swore like a sailor. I do not believe that I could accurately represent her in any anecdote without any profanity.”

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Jeff’s influence: “Mr. Scanlon, more commonly known as ‘Scando’ to the LC community, is the kind of teacher English junkies wait a lifetime to have. Unmistakable in his spectacles and (preppy) uniform of suit-and-bowtie, Scando appears at first glance the quintessential classical scholar — just the sort of person who would use words such as ‘obfuscate’ in everyday conversation, and who would boast with a twinkle in his eye, ‘I get to be pretentious because I’m an English teacher.’ Yet those fortunate enough to be in his class also know that he is the kind of teacher who sometimes reads David Sedaris aloud during Friday last period; who allows us to watch Saturday Night Live episodes after a grueling discussion; and who somehow manages, even in the middle of May, to inspire a class full of senioritis-infected students to delight in a particularly charming — or, in Scando’s words, ‘legit’ — zeugma.” Illustrative memory: “When I came to his class last fall, already infatuated with and committed to the written word, I naively believed that my development as a thinker and writer was nearly complete. I soon discovered, however, that the process had scarcely begun. As the months passed, Scando simultaneously humbled and encouraged me, rekindling in me time and again the desire to push the boundaries of my imagination. Over the course of the year, Scando’s faith in me has given me the certainty without which growth is impossible. Even on the nights when I felt most like a clumsy sixth-grader sucked into a whirlwind of splintered thoughts and clichéd ideas, I had the sense that beyond the chaos lay something — an insight, an image, or, perhaps, simply a word — worthy of innumerable hours of struggle.”


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Julia Russell

Laura McConney

Hometown: Englewood, New Jersey

Hometown: Collegeville, Pennsylvania

College plans: Community service gap year in Southeast Asia, then Tufts University

College plans: Middlebury College

Academic interests: history, Latin, and many others Other LC highlights: Cum Laude Society; community service, including tutoring at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford for four years, volunteering at a Windsor daycare center, and teaching viola lessons to students at a charter school in Hartford; Loomis Chaffee Orchestra as principal viola; Chamber Music Ensemble; prefect in Carter Hall; resident assistant in Mason Hall Favorite faculty or staff member: Ronald Marchetti, English and Latin teacher Ron’s influence: “Mr. Marchetti is an absolute encyclopedia. He inspires his students not only to do their homework, but also to Google the references he makes in class every day. We do this to understand both our texts and his jokes. He exudes academia, not pretentiously, but encouragingly, in a way that makes me want to sit in the library day after day until I believe I am as well-read as he (an unlikely event). His students can tell that he truly enjoys Latin, in that over the past two terms we have examined papers that he ‘just felt like writing.’ Mr. Marchetti invigorates the language, pushing us to question it until we realize that the works we study in class have farreaching implications. He was the first Latin teacher I’ve ever had who asked me to go beyond the book and identify the pillars that form the human experience. “On an individual level, I spent the first half of my sophomore year dreading the day that I would be called upon to speak. I remember Mr. Marchetti urging me to say something, even if it was wrong, but to say it with confidence, because he couldn’t hear anything that was coming out of my mouth. Although my translation skills improved dramatically that year, he never stopped prompting me to participate in class. Mr. Marchetti taught me that my thoughts matter, regardless of their intellectual sophistication.” Illustrative memory: “Originally I was in Latin 3A [advanced] with Mr. [Nicholas] Pukstas, but the class was enormous, so they decided to split us into two. Everybody seemed kind of nervous; Mr. Marchetti had been on sabbatical the year before, so none of us knew him. I just remember Mr. Pukstas saying something about Mr. Marchetti [being] far more experienced than he with Latin, and that we would have a great year with him. I also remember being scared out of my mind for the first few weeks of class. Here was this venerable, brilliant man, and we were all just little sophomores and juniors. I also had zero confidence in my ability to translate anything. Latin 3A is the course that brings you from translation workbook sentences to legitimate Latin works. (Besides 3A, I had Mr. Marchetti for Roman Comedy and Roman Satire.) What I learned over the course of my classes with him is that he genuinely wants his students to succeed. He doesn’t grade hard because he’s a stickler; he does it because he wants to push us beyond our academic boundaries. The other amazing thing is that he somehow gets us to want to do well in his classes. … You don’t want to disappoint Mr. Marchetti, because you can see how much he values learning. His intensity is contagious.” 28 |

Academic interests: history, particularly American history, and math Other LC highlights: recipient of Sellers Faculty Prize on Class Night; Cum Laude Society; varsity field hockey, varsity ice hockey, varsity lacrosse; captain of all three teams; peer counselor as a junior; resident assistant in Mason Hall Favorite faculty or staff member: Elizabeth Stewart, associate director of admission, dorm affiliate in Mason Hall Liz’s influence: “Mrs. Stewart, who has served as my advisor this year, has really helped me through a lot this year. Besides giving me grades and performing the mundane functions of an advisor, Mrs. Stewart has taken the time to get to know me, which I must admit isn’t an easy task. Her easygoing nature, sense of humor, and willingness to sacrifice her time make her a great role model for any student. … always reminding me of the bigger picture in any conflict, Mrs. Stewart deftly gives advice while fully understanding my point of view. For me, she embodies the community here at Loomis because to me, she is more of a friend than an authority figure. Her willingness to go the extra mile for me gives me confidence to fight for what I believe is just.” Illustrative memory: “I can’t point to one particular story that defines the relationship that Mrs. Stewart and I share. We just understand each other. We rarely disagree. In fact, I’m creeped out sometimes when I talk to her because she often says exactly what I’m thinking. “I can truthfully say that next year she will remain my support system. She can expect lots of texts and phone calls from me [from] Vermont.”


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Ji Eun “Belle” Jung

Charles Dorison

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea

Hometown: Longmeadow, Massachusetts

College plans: Northwestern University

College plans: Washington University in St. Louis

Academic interests: English, math, many others

Academic interests: physics, English, psychology

Other LC highlights: recipient of Sellers Faculty Prize on Class Night, secretary/treasurer of the Student Council, prefect in Harman Hall, resident assistant in Ammidon Hall, class vice president for two years

Other LC highlights: varsity soccer, varsity tennis, and club basketball; head tour guide; sports editor of The LOG; member of the Disciplinary Committee; co-chair of the Senior Dollar Drive

Favorite faculty or staff member: Ruth Duell, philosophy, psychology & religion teacher; director of studies; dorm affiliate in Harman Hall

Favorite faculty or staff member: Edward Pond, physics teacher, Science Department head, coach of boys water polo and boys swimming

Ruth’s influence: “Ms. Duell (aka Clarkie) has made my life at Loomis an unforgettable one. Working with her as a prefect in Harman and interacting with her my underclassman years, I cannot thank her more.

Ed’s influence: “On my first day of Physics Advanced in my junior year, Mr. Pond gave the typical ‘first-day lecture,’ encouraging us not only to tackle the challenges of the forthcoming terms, but also to glance forward to our senior year and the possibility of our taking AP Physics. As I glanced slyly at my friend to my left while giving the necessary head nod and fake smile to this overly excited teacher sipping on Dunkin Donuts coffee, I inwardly mocked the thought of pursuing a dreaded fourth year of science. Eighteen months later, as I wrestle with the fifth extended problem on my problem set, I just begin to recognize the influence Mr. Pond has had on my final two years on the Island.

“She is the one person to go talk to about anything, from academic to personal problems. She guided my way through Loomis and has taught me to become a mature individual, for she helped me to understand and deal with the world in a much more insightful way. … I learned from Clarkie how to interact with others in a community and how to deal with the pressure you get as a student and as a member of a society. Her blunt, yet incisive and caring, advice and loving comments really stick with me. … The most lasting lesson I’ve learned from Clarkie is that life moves on, and that facing reality in a very shrewd, yet positive, manner is important. She has taught me the value of sharing true emotions with others and good and solid relationships.” Illustrative memory: “When I first saw Clarkie, I was intimidated because she seemed pretty strict. I think my somewhat negative first impression of her also was derived from other students’ experience with her in the Academic Office. We didn’t realize that negotiating in the Academic Office isn’t the easiest task. However, as I got to know her, I realized she was far from a strict, rigid faculty member, but more like a mom. “My number is saved as ‘third daughter’ in her cellphone!”

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“Just as a rock launched in projectile motion into a body of water causes ripples to emerge, reaching out to the farthest ends of the pond, Mr. Pond’s influence on students has extensive, far-reaching effects as well. With his quick wit and even quicker smile, Mr. Pond transforms the inaccessible mystery of AP Physics into a straightforward, manageable undertaking. Mr. Pond’s ability to break down convoluted problems into uncomplicated steps allows his students both to gain confidence and to succeed with the given material.” Illustrative memory: “In the fall term, I had not yet studied integrals in my math class; however, the curriculum demanded the use of antiderivatives. Mr. Pond worked individually with me to overcome this problem by explaining to me the true meaning of the dreaded vertical squiggly line, allowing me to contribute during class periods and work efficiently on the homework. As a department head, Mr. Pond easily could have brushed me off as just another student struggling under a demanding course load, yet he chose to meet with me and make sure I had a chance to ‘catch up’ to the rest of the class. Never growing frustrated, Mr. Pond exhibited his dedication to teaching physics (and me) through his patience and perseverance. My success indelibly marks the connection between first-rate teaching and superior commitment.”


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A Gap Year, A World of Education By Jon Rosenthal ’10

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and teaching English in urban and rural China.

educational career in perspective. As a whole, my education was liberating. Loomis Chaffee teachers guided me to higher truths and ideas and made me question any and all assumptions I may have had as I attempted to envelop myself in new subjects. Most impor-

ing B

ey

During our six weeks in China, our teachers challenged us to think about questions such as: What is the purpose of education? Who decides that very purpose? Does education oppress or liberate? What is taught in our school? Who decides what is taught? What is the relationship between teacher and student? How is education a powerful tool for development? We sought out answers to these difficult questions through reflections upon our own educations, group seminars, lectures from college professors, and the experience of teaching English to middle and high school students. This segment of the program put my own

Think

F

or the past school year after my graduation from Loomis Chaffee, I participated in a Gap Year program called Thinking Beyond Borders. In this program, 13 other college-bound high school graduates and I, along with three program leaders, studied the environment in Ecuador, education in China, sustainable agriculture in India, and HIV/ AIDS and public health in South Africa. We also traveled to Costa Rica, Peru, and Cambodia. Our mission in each of these countries was to understand the respective issues and think about substantive ways that we could become proactive agents of change. To best understand the issues that we studied, we were involved in seminars, lectures, and homestays, but most importantly, we worked with local communities and organizations on service projects. We planted 5,500 trees along two deforested riverbeds in Ecuador, taught English to middle school students in China, worked on an organic farm in India, and assisted care-givers in South Africa as they administered medication and blood sampling for their patients, many of whom were suffering greatly and were HIV-positive. While all of the countries and development issues had a profound impact on me, one of the most exciting and challenging experiences was studying education

tantly, Loomis Chaffee teachers instilled a lifelong love for learning. As I taught in China, I noticed a

s r e d r o B d n o


Jon stands in front of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China.

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very different system than the one I had experienced both at Loomis Chaffee and back home in Marblehead, Massachusetts. In China, teachers are the unquestioned leaders. Students quietly sit down and memorize every word their teachers say. There are no questions, hardly any extra help, and, most troubling, all of the brutal facets of the education system are designed specifically for the high school entrance exam and the even more pressurized college entrance exam. Students typically start school at about 7 a.m. and continue until as late as 9 p.m. The rigidity of the Chinese education system presented lofty challenges for my teaching group. My team of three taught eighth-graders and 11th-graders Monday through Thursday, with one or two classes every day. Lessons included comparative adjectives via the regions of the United States (“In the winter, the Northeast is colder than the South.”), opposites via Katy Perry’s “Hot n’ Cold” (Don’t worry. I coughed really loudly during the inappropriate beginning.), body parts (“Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.”), and travel and exploration (We told them about Boston, Los Angeles, and New York City and asked them what they would want to see.) Of course we also covered food, music, and American holidays. Our goal was to inspire a passion for the English language and Western culture. I enjoyed the entire experience, and it provided a different perspective about my own education and a realization of just how fortunate I am. 34 |

Whether in China or in America, educational systems implicitly and explicitly shape students’ thoughts, feelings, knowledge, and actions. Thus, what is the purpose of education systems?

My teaching group met its fair share of disappointments and frustrations. The students sometimes seemed lost, sometimes we assumed the students’ English level was higher than it really was, and we wondered whether we accurately taught Western culture. We taught an aspect of American culture, but that is not necessarily Western culture. I have gained an appreciation for the fact that culture is a vast, varying, undefined concept, and I learned firsthand that culture creates educational systems. The United States is a nation founded on free speech and individualism, and we Americans attempt to foster the same freedoms in our schools. In China, the country’s imperial history still resonates today as the government seeks order and control over the education system and other aspects of Chinese society. It is important to remember that the order and control aren’t always such a bad thing: The Chinese government influence and strict education system have created a booming economy and flourishing middle class.

Whether in China or in America, educational systems implicitly and explicitly shape students’ thoughts, feelings, knowledge, and actions. Thus, what is the purpose of education systems? What should an education system achieve? In America, I believe students should be critical thinkers. They should challenge societal assumptions. They should be creative, innovative, and unhampered by a system or society at large. They should learn to think both for themselves and within a group. An education should expose, not impose, a wide variety of ideas and concepts. In China, the purpose of the education system is very different. The Chinese would say that education is a didactic, rigid, fierce process that empowers young students to become masters of the world in the fields of engineering, medicine, finance, business, you name it. In my opinion, it all comes down to the idea of Socrates and Epictetus (a Greek Stoic philosopher) that there is the perceived good and the actual good. The actual good is an educated, liberated citizenry.

The perceived good is the “best” educational system. There are varying approaches that educational systems take. What is the best system, and who should even be allowed to say what is “best”? Can anyone truly make this decision? These questions become even more problematic when looked at from an international development standpoint. Can foreign nations dictate the process of education in the developing world? How do outside nations know what is best? On the other hand, the outside nations are the ones giving the money. Shouldn’t they have a say as to how this money is used? Foreign aid is one of the trickier issues in international development. In fact, I see educational development as a microcosm of international development: a complex concept that inherently runs into the trap of subjective goals and competing ideas. As I head to college, I plan to focus on government and economics. I hope and expect that I can some day bring proactive change on a variety of development issues. This motivation was inspired by a Loomis Chaffee education founded upon a commitment to our best selves and the common good. © Jon Rosenthal, class speaker and recipient of the Ammidon Prize at his Loomis Chaffee Commencement in 2010, will begin his freshman year at Harvard University in the fall.


At a school in the rural village of Shaxi, China, some of Jon’s middle school students ham it up for a picture.

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OBJECT LESSONS | by KAREN PARSONS

Life TEN

Lessons

Memorial Service Homily

By Peter Gwillim Kreitler ’61 Editors’ Note: In his homily at the Reunion Weekend Memorial Service in June, the Rev. Canon Peter Gwillim Kreitler, who celebrated his 50th Loomis Reunion, reflected on life lessons he learned at Loomis. He spoke without referring to notes, but we asked him to write down an approximation of his homily from memory so that we could share it with our readers, who may find familiar lessons from their own experiences at Loomis, Chaffee, and Loomis Chaffee.

W

e have been given a birth we did not request and a grave we cannot escape. The time in between defines our lives, defines who we are as men and women.

Part of this life journey, our formative years, were spent at Loomis, and this fact alone ties each one of us here to those whom we honor today: the 86 members of this community who died this past year, and we lift them up to honor and remember them — they are part of our extended family.

Members of the Class of ’61, Peter Cummings, Edward “Ned” Babbitt, Stephen Karp, and Peter Kreitler at the memorial service Photo: Patricia Cousins

36 |

Some peacefully fell asleep in front of the television watching the Red Sox beat the Yankees. Others suffered disproportionately, struggling with a terminal illness like cancer, while a few may have died of a coronary and were taken from us quickly, and without our being able to say goodbye. As we lift up our Loomis family members, we say goodbye to all equally, recognizing each gave a part of himself here on the


Island, and, like us, took away some of life’s most important learnings. In the next few minutes, I will share 10 of life’s lessons learned at Loomis — each of you could add more — and they will be offered David Letterman-style, 10 down through one, to the No. 1 life lesson learned at Loomis.

Life Lesson | No. TEN Do not milk cows with cold hands. I lived in the old Maher House across from a dairy farm and barn my sophomore year in 1958. One winter afternoon a snowball fight took place outside the cow barn. At one point, entering to ostensibly get warm, a couple of us, who had never tried this before, went over to the contented cows, knelt down, and began to milk the surprised ladies, who jumped a foot in the air. Indeed, a good practical lesson learned.

Life Lesson | No. NINE Loomis was the time in my life when I began to see that many classmates had gifts different than I. Some excelled in science and math; for others athletics were second nature, while many were gifted in music and art. Later on when I heard Desmond Tutu, the archbishop of South Africa, comment that the “divine spark” was in everyone, I realized in retrospect how right he is. We all have wonderful gifts, each to be nourished and appreciated. (I forgot to mention in the Memorial Service that I learned to limbo dance for the Senior Prom in the hallway of Warham and became proficient enough to win a bottle of champagne in a nightclub in Bermuda in 1966.)

Life Lesson | No. EIGHT Every one of us is a teacher. Throughout our lives we will all teach someone, even if it is just our grandson learning from us the art of casting. Life Lesson No. 8 from Loomis was that teaching is more than just imparting dull words from a textbook. One typical class day we were all seated as our professor entered the room. “Please close the shades.” Dutifully, a couple of guys jumped to their feet and pulled the blinds. “Now turn off the lights.” We sat in complete darkness. Al Beebe intoned in 1961: “I take you back 100 years to April of 1861 and the beginning of the Civil War. We are going to discuss the darkest period in American history.” For the next one-and-a-half hours we sat in the dark. This single history lesson, embedded in my psyche for all these years, has helped shape my 45 years of teaching. Theater, creativity — important in making history come alive. Thanks, Al.

Life Lesson | No. SEVEN Good teachers are also mentors. Loomis has had many of both. A teacher or mentor often sees in you that which you have yet to discover for yourself. At the end of my junior year, Chaplain Munger put his arm around my shoulder and said, “Peter, I would like you to be head of the Chapel Committee next year.” “Who me?

Well, OK, I am already head of the Dance Committee,” I replied. He saw something. And now, for those of us who are getting a little long in the tooth, it is our time to mentor others. It is time for us to recognize in others — and encourage them openly.

Life Lesson | No. SIX It may sound counter-intuitive, but we do not necessarily learn from experience. If we did, then Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney would not have had enough ex-husbands and ex-wives to play the World Series. Rather, how we really learn is from reflecting upon our experiences. Or, as Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Loomis faculty helped me begin the process of self-examination — a process that should never end. Reflection, examination, makes life worth living.

Life Lesson | No. FIVE Knowing that place, in part, defines who we are is a lesson well learned at any age. Where we live is a significant shaper of our character, and we came to the Island approximately at the same time. Admittedly, this island for some was Alcatraz right from the start: a place of confinement, regimentation, and deadlines. For others, it was Nantucket, and remained so. We all share different feelings about our “prep-school experience,” but we were on the same “island.” And, “island,” when examined, represents solitude, peace, a place set apart for a purpose. We could leave the Island, but it was a nice place to come home to as well, and in retrospect, this place shaped many of us in unique ways.

Life Lesson | No. FOUR Not everything learned at Loomis proved to be correct, and some of the life’s lessons learned then had to be rethought. Football season 1960 was about to begin. Friends Stephen Karp ’61 and Richard Beams ’61, captains alongside my roommate Peter Cummings ’61, were ready to play Wilbraham that fateful Saturday, but they had to go to Chapel first. Remembering their buddy was Chapel Committee head, they prevailed upon me to offer a prayer for the football team. I prayed a doozy, and the team won 55 to nothing. I thought to myself, “Maybe there is a career here some place.” As everyone knows, that team became New England champs and was 7-0. I naively thought prayer was pretty darn powerful, and it was not until several years later that I began to realize that prayer was not about manipulation to gain an advantage, under any circumstances, but rather a conversation within that led to insight. Prayer is fine, but I was a little off track initially.

Life Lesson | No. THREE The Loomis years were years of becoming someone else. Theologian and professor at Yale Divinity School Paul Tillich said it best on the cover of his book, Being Is Becoming. A human being should always be in the process of becoming someone else. Perhaps all of us might offer a bit of gratitude for our one, two, three, or four loomischaffee.org | 37


years of personal evolution at Loomis. I still feel I am on the path to somewhere else. Hopefully, we are all on a journey to being more whole, more loving, more complete as human beings. A good path to walk.

Life Lesson | No. TWO Friendships formed in our teen years are special, and remain so with one caveat — friendships must be based on reciprocity. If reciprocal, the external differences do not matter. Friendship with my Loomis roommate for 50 years has been based on mutual respect and a willingness to check in. Many of us here can attest to the fact that the Loomis friendships have transcended time. In a similar fashion, we are here honoring those who have come before. We are giving them eternal life. Eternal life is not a spot in the magic kingdom some place out there, but our remembering our friends, and today especially those who have died, and in our recollection, story telling, their friendships are kept intact. When our dinner table conversation with the grandkids centers on my parents, they — Mom and Dad — are assured of eternal life. In a similar fashion, and in perpetuity, the yearly Loomis Memorial Service is testimony to their lives, each one counting for something special. And a drum roll, please:

Life Lesson | No. ONE The greatest gift ever given to another, and the greatest gift to receive, is the gift of unconditional love, the acceptance of who we are. We all fall short of the mark on occasion, but when someone loves us even when we mess up, it can be transformative. This is the story of three outstanding Loomis men, told to me on separate occasions by two of the three principals. They decided to skip Saturday or Sunday Chapel — the storytellers could not remember which. They were athletes and decided to work out in the gym, when an accident occurred and a bench fell on the toe of one of the three. The words rang out: “My (expletive) toe!” The

Breadth and Depth | continued from 2

in Caleb’s they were football, wrestling, and track. They also both served as resident assistants in their respective dormitories. While Laura was inducted into the Cum Laude Society for her academic achievements, Caleb became only the ninth New England prep-school wrestler since 1930 selected as an All-American for three consecutive years. These end-of-term awards and celebrations allow us as a school community to acknowledge and celebrate our most accomplished students, and provide a wonderful

38 |

inspiration for other students, demonstrating just how far a student can reach with the right combination of hard work, persistence, good humor, and talent. They also allow us to marvel at and celebrate a broad range of accomplishments in a multitude of arenas. Our seniors continue to do very well in the college process. This year 86 percent of the senior class gained admission to Barron’s “most competitive and highly competitive colleges and universities.” We know from the regular feedback we receive from our young alumni that

three words might have been contained in the gym if it were not for a warm day and the windows of the gym being open, as were the windows in the Chapel. It might have been OK as well had not, just prior to the incident, the guest preacher, the well-known William Sloane Coffin, intoned, “Let us now have a moment of silent prayer.” Our three stalwarts were ushered off to the tribunal of Headmaster Francis Grubbs and Coach Ralph Erickson. Exonerated and dismissed because the powers saw the innocence of the mistake, Steve Karp became a tri-captain of the undefeated next year’s football team, Ed Allen became captain of the following year’s basketball team, and Dexter Earle ’60, the third culprit, is a Loomis Chaffee trustee. Loomis would be a different place had they not been given another chance. Another story, a bit more personal: I flunked physics the last semester of my senior year. I received a zero on the final exam, and if you failed, then you had to be voted a graduate. I never really thanked the faculty, so: Thanks, Joff. Thanks, Grim. Thanks, Al. Thanks, Messrs. Haller, Shimkus, Brown, Howe, the Adams sisters, and Sleepy Nick, my physics professor; and everyone else, especially Mr. Grubbs and Mr. Erickson. Because of what you did, I was able to attend Brown, where I flunked out after my sophomore year, only to be accepted back so I could graduate and go to divinity school. I did not flunk out there. [That was] an important lesson learned at Loomis and reinforced throughout my life. Thanks to all those who have accepted me along the way with unconditional love. Today we affirm each and every one of our stories past and present for they collectively tell the Loomis Story. We who are still on our journey are the beneficiaries of those who have come before. Our collective story, our eternal life, will one day mean that our names will be called out in this sacred space for having shared a portion of our story here on the Island. amen ©

our graduating class will be well prepared for college. Just as importantly, 95 percent of seniors who responded to the senior satisfaction survey administered last month indicated that they feel they will be attending a college that is a good match for them. In that same survey, 92 percent of respondents reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their experiences at Loomis Chaffee. Of course, we would like to see this number climb still higher, which is one of the goals behind our strategic planning process and the quest for continuous improvement as a school.

The weekend after we said goodbye to the Class of 2011, we welcomed back to campus alumni for Reunion celebrations. Common themes emerged from alumni of all ages as they reflected on their Loomis, Chaffee, and Loomis Chaffee experiences — the excellent education they received, the strong friendships they developed, the passions they discovered and developed as students, and the wonderful teachers who mentored them. I look forward to hearing similar stories from the Class of 2011 when they return for their first reunion in 2016 and in the years that follow.


OBJECT LESSONS | by KAREN PARSONS

The Colorful Story Behind a Picture

A

few years ago Charlie Purinton ’67 contacted the Archives about a watercolor he’d painted as a freshman in a Loomis art class. It had hung for years in the Burton Lounge at Erickson Gymnasium, and with the construction of the Olcott Center in 2002 and the dismantling of the original lounge, Charlie inquired about the painting’s whereabouts. A bit of sleuthing in the Archives turned up photographs of the painting, including one showing Loomis’ legendary teacher and coach Stanley Shimkus seated in Burton Lounge with Charlie’s watercolor in the background. Another archived photograph shows Charlie taking suggestions from art teacher Charles Ferguson while the painting sits on an easel near them. This image appeared in the Loomis School catalogs of the late 1960s. A different black-and-white photograph inspired the painting. The young Charlie found a landscape in one of Mr. Ferguson’s art magazines and set about doing the assignment by bringing color to his own painting. He decided on an autumnal palette in part because the spare landscape suggested the fall season. Perhaps more importantly, it was fall, his first on the Island, and these were the colors he saw and felt in the Loomis landscape. Charlie, a novice art student, recalls that the painting took at least six weeks to complete. Dean of Students Charles Pratt made an unannounced visit to the art class one day. The presence of the dean left many

Charles Purinton ’67 gets painterly advice from art instructor Charles Ferguson. Photo: Archives

After carefully examining each student’s artwork, Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Pratt left the room, a move that did little to calm the fears of the boys.

in the room feeling, as Charlie Purinton later recalled, “thoroughly intimidated.” After carefully examining each student’s artwork, Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Pratt left the room, a move that did little to calm the fears of the boys. Mr. Pratt returned and motioned to Charlie Purinton to join him outside the classroom; the freshman could not have predicted what happened next. Mr. Pratt asked if the school might hang the watercolor in Burton Lounge once Charlie finished the assignment. Charlie remembers with a chuckle that the dean emphasized the reason for the request — not because of any artistic talent the painting might reveal, but simply because the colors of the painting complemented the decorating scheme of the room.

Charlie and his wife and children made numerous “pilgrimages” over the decades to see the painting in the original Burton Lounge. In May 2010, we sent news to him: His watercolor was safe and sound in the Archives’ storage area. At the time, Charlie was stationed at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan, serving as chaplain with the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont National Guard. With its artist thousands of miles from the place and time of that freshman art class, the painting and its story had been discovered, again. © Karen Parsons is archivist and teaches history.

loomischaffee.org | 39


ALUMNI News | Edited by James S. Rugen ’70

’51 Bruce Dixon ’51, Helen Dixon, Michelle Florence, Betsy Dineen, Dave Florence ’49, and Jim Dineen ’51 enjoy a gathering at the Field Club in Greenwich, Conn., last fall.

1942

’57

The editors regret that news attributed to William Bayliss in the spring issue should have been attached to someone else, as yet unidentified. William graciously reports the error, adds that he has three grandchildren “who are a joy to the family,” and sends his best to his classmates. Elie Cowan writes of the late Jack Cowan: “Jack died July 13, 2010. We dated when Jack was at Loomis; I visited from Springfield, Mass. Son Keith ’74 set up a scholarship in Jack’s name four years ago.”

1943

“Still happily dividing my time between Needham, Mass; Sanibel, Fla; and Nantucket,” reports Jean Rowland Haffenreffer. “So we don’t feel sorry for Jean.”

1944

From Bill Zinke: “I have become deeply involved in the impact of demographic change in America (e.g., 30 years added to longevity from beginning to end of the 20th century; 78 million baby boomers beginning to reach 65 retirement age in 2011 and each year thereafter through 2029 at rate of 4.24 million each year) and am writing a book, The Later-Life Crisis: Creating a Future with Meaning and Purpose. Thought to remember: Age is mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter.”

1946

David C. Burnham sends this update: “I am immediate past president of the board of Paul Cuffee School, but still on the board and active. Paul Cuffee is a charter school in Providence, R.I. It is K–9 with 560 students, 90 percent of whom are non-Caucasian. I am the founder of the school. We will have a graduating class in 2014. I am also the immediate past president of the Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol, R.I., but still very active on the board. I have four or five other volunteer activities, but my greatest passion is in being of some value to my 10 grandchildren.”

40 |

John Foster ’51 could not attend his 60th Reunion, but he sent this poem along with greetings to his classmates. Fast Colors The maroon and grey ribbon that once tied us together has unravelled into a lengthy strip of years.

Classmates Tony Kimball, Bill Hamilton, Dave Caley, Carroll (Jay) Osgood, John Stevens, and Tom Rudder enjoy the third annual Class of 1957 dinner at the Publick House, Sturbridge, Mass. Classmates interested in joining the group should be in touch with John Stevens.

1947

For great news about Roger Gallic’s son and grandson, see the 1977 newsnotes.

1949

But we have held fast to those colors and though the ribbon has laid down different paths for us, its colors have not faded over time. The Loomis ribbon decorates us all with pride of school, knowledge, character, and at reunion, it binds us again together, as we were … students, classmates, friends.

Beverly Lyon Ellis reports: “Our fourth great-grandchild was born in January. I haven’t seen him or his 3-year-old sister yet. They live in Hawaii, and I’m hoping to get out there later this year.”

’59

“Still in the woods doing research or management many days a week,” reports Mike Newton.

1951

John Foster visited the campus May 12, and he presented two of his recently published books of poetry to the Katharine Brush Library: Chuckles — Verses to a-Muse and his most recent collection, Where There’s a Quill, a comprehensive look at 20 different poetry forms with a glossary of terms and a personal comment on each page. John met with development officer Marc Cicciarella and was given a tour of the Hubbard Music Center by music teacher James Rugen ’70. Later, John lunched in Windsor with Henry Van Vleck, Ted Storrs, and George Edwards. “This was particularly meaningful,” he said, “because I am unable to attend my 60th Reunion.”

Carol Steele Shively ’59 shows off one of her Bird of Paradise plants at her home in La Jolla, Calif. Photo: John Garvan

1952

From Hull Maynard: “The Hull Maynard Agency is prospering under the leadership of our oldest, Jill. After 13 years in the Vermont State Senate, I have been retired two years. My only title left is superintendent of buildings and grounds of High Pastures B & B, which can now be found by adding ‘.com’ to the above.”


lling Ca A Hom l l

1955

“Marianna died in a horseriding accident two years ago,” writes Don Avery. “Not being a dressage type, I kept some of the horses and went into the beef cattle business. Busy year — I had a heart attack and three arteries and two valves cleared out.”

1957

Dave Caley has completed Education for Ministry, a four-year program of theological study, prayer, and reflection in a small group setting, structured by the University of the South School of Theology. EfM, a program of the Episcopal Church, is designed for lay people as a way to come to a deeper understanding of the Bible, church history to the present, and theological issues and reflection. A graduation ceremony was held Sunday, June 6, at Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford. Two new books were launched recently by Alex Kuo: The Man Who Damned the Yangtze: A Mathematical Novel and A Chinaman’s Chance: New and Selected Poems, 1960–2010. Loomis Chaffee trustee, physician, and author Pauline Chen ’82 writes: “Infusing the political and the literary, Mr. Kuo illuminates over and over the profound power of art.” Dorothy Smith Pam writes: “One year ago we moved from Norfolk, Conn., to Amherst, Mass., in order to help with grandchildren Lily, 3, and Oliver, 18 months. Daughter Caroline Pam and husband Tim Wilcox run an organic farm (kitchengardenfarm.com) in nearby Sunderland. I still teach

some courses at Northwestern Connecticut Community College and added Holyoke Community College to my employers. In a serendipitous moment, I was cast to play Lady Bracknell in Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest in Holyoke C.C.’s recent production, my first production in 43 years! Now the performance has been entered in the Kennedy Center Academic Theater Northeast Regional Conference next year. It was quite an experience.” “Jim and I have moved to Arizona after visiting in December,” writes Susan Schaffer Patricelli. “Huge sea-change from our 50+ years in Connecticut, but we are enjoying our new home and environs: Sun City Grand, in Surprise, Ariz. And, believe me, it WAS a surprise!” From Margaret Morrell Smith: “Jim and I are busy in retirement as we’ve bought a country house to supplement our city house as a destination for family and friends. The country house is in the Adirondacks and abounds in wildlife, scenery, and streams.”

1958

Arline Bishop Howard writes: “My husband, John ’56, and I continue to love life in Northern California. Our days are filled with kids, grandkids, community work, leading local earthquake disaster response teams, and work on Triumph and Stag cars (John). We look forward to a reunion next October with my classmates in D.C.”

1959

Debbie Savitt First writes: “Still working, biking for the

eco P e l i ca n s mi ng! Saturday October 15 Show your school spirit! Journey back to the Island for Homecoming on Saturday, October 15, and join alumni, faculty, and current students as we cheer on our fall teams. “Tailgate” BBQ Lunch Athletics at Home: • Boys & Girls Cross Country vs. Choate & Deerfield • Field Hockey vs. Deerfield • Football vs. Deerfield • Boys Soccer vs. Williston Northampton • Girls Soccer vs. Deerfield Stay tuned to the school’s website for updates on Homecoming activities: www.loomischaffee.org/alumni

Chaffee

Book

CluB

SAVE THE DATES

Wednesday, October 5, 2011 Wednesday, February 8, 2012 Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Seventeen Chaffee alumnae gather to discuss The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa at the May Chaffee Book Club meeting led by head of the Mathematics Department Andrew Matlack. Pictured are (standing) Alicia Minor Healey ’77, Blanche Savin Goldenberg ’70, Jody Moreen ’70, Flo Ransom Schroeter ’71, Deirdre Taylor McGary ’70, Susan Seymour Reinhart ’60, and Priscilla Ransom Marks ’66; (seated) Carol “Sue” Fisher Shepard ’62, Linda Cartin Hatten ’70, Miriam Brooks Butterworth ’36, Kate Butterworth De Valdez ’67, Elaine Title Lowengard ’46, Alice Smith Custer ’45, Frannie Woods ’44, Evelyn Smith ’50, Sally Hoskins O’Brien ’55, Mary Ellsworth Ransom ’40, and Andrew Matlack.

loomischaffee.org | 41


’61 ALUMNI News

| Edited by James Rugen ’70

Reunion 2011, Loomis Class of 1961 – 50th Reunion Back row: William Clarkson, Richard Beams, Robin Kent, Dwight Harris, Anthony Kissling, Bruce Alexander, John Daniels, William Webster, Peter Kreitler, Peter Cummings, Samuel Thompson, Warren Johnson, Dave Ashworth, and William Wilbur; front row: Michael Lawrence, Theodore “Pete” Steinhausen, Robert “Rick” Devlin, Ward “Randy” Jones, Samuel Havens, Roger “Rod” Meade, Edward “Ned” Babbitt, John “Jay” Nolan, R. Huntington Breed, Stephen Karp, Bill Brown, and Lauriston “Lorry” King Photo: John Groo

Jimmy Fund, enjoying seven grandkids, including the youngest, named Savitt for his greatgrandpa!” From Dave Impastato: “Added another granddaughter in August, Elizabeth Lucile, definitely LC material. Still attending to families on both coasts and managing to squeeze out occasional pieces for Commenweal and publish an errant poem or two. Looking forward to our next reunion.”

1960

Barry O’Neal writes: “Just returned from visiting a composer friend in Sarasota, Fla., Nice to have a chance to warm up. The concert and opera season in New York has been the usual extraordinary banquet. I am still writing for New Music Connoisseur and enjoying retirement. Miss my nearly 4-year-old granddaughter, but will see her after Easter. I’m singing in a performance of the Mozart Requiem at church on Palm Sunday.” “After 40+ years working in international development, I retired last year and am loving it,” writes Ronald Parlato. “My blog (uncleguidosfacts. com) has a lot of posts on my 42 |

travels, adventures, and the great ride my life in over 50 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Eastern and Central Europe, and the Caribbean has been. Also posts on current interests — literature (I was an English major at Yale but paid no attention whatsoever.), food and wine, and my edited and new short stories. I have lived in D.C. since 1977 and have no intention of leaving — too much to leave. I am a member of Cato Institute, great Libertarian think tank, and many other institutes like Brookings, Hudson, Heritage, etc. Attend theater, museum openings and events, etc. All is well.”

1961

Chris Brooks is playing pedal steel guitar and saxophone with Ray Cross and the Country Heartbeats, the Rhode Island Country Music Association’s 2010 Band of the Year.

1962

Jeanne Robertson Bonaca recently published a novel, The Lady in Blue: A Maria Chavez Mystery. The heroine of this southwestern suspense novel is 29-year-old Detective Maria Chavez, who, with Border Patrol Agent Joe Carter, searches

’61

Reunion 2011, Chaffee Class of 1961 – 50th Reunion Back row: Wendy McConaughy Cryan, Cynthia “Bindy” Mather Winter, Harriet Dower Stephenson, Barbara Grimes Staats, Mary Braman Buchan, Melissa Reese Jones, Lillian Burling Buck, Eleanor “Ellie” Sanders Sheehy, and Margaret “Maggie” Fusari; front row: Carolyn Shimkus Sanzone, Mary Rita Curran Killelea, Lynn Hayden Wadhams, Ann Prestley Barzola, Jean Nilson Ellestad, and Jeanette “Jan” Leary Alsheimer Photo: John Groo

for answers in a brutal double murder. In the course of their work, they become increasingly involved in the lives of illegal immigrants and drawn into the shadowy world of the area’s largest criminal cartel. Jeanne explains the genesis of the novel: “For many years, I made yearly trips to the Southwest, looking for photographic images. The desert intrigued me, as it has so many others from the East. At the

same time, I was becoming increasingly concerned by the reports of what was going on at the border. It seemed to me no one was fully addressing the issue of what happens to immigrants once they get into this country. What about the women? The children? What about the law enforcement personnel that had to deal with the violence in the borderlands and face such difficult choices? Then, two years ago, when I


New Charitable Gift Annuity Rates

ALUMNI News

was in Arizona, following the smuggling trails, I met a young Latina woman whose truck was stuck in an arroyo. We helped her get the truck out. Then we began talking, and I learned something about her story. She had been traumatized as a child as Maria is in the book. On the surface, it looked as if she was making it in her new world; she had a reasonably good job, and she had a family. But she went on to say, in the way that sometimes people confide in complete strangers, that her life here en el norte, felt increasingly confusing to her. Her past and her present, where she felt she was still being considered an outsider, were beginning to merge. That was the beginning. I wanted to find out more about what happens to immigrants once they get here. I was fortunate to be able to find other people who were willing to tell me their stories on a confidential basis, and those stories evolved into the book.” Jeanne is professor emerita at the University of Hartford. She is also a highly-regarded photographer whose images of the Southwest have been a main focus of her exhibits. She will talk about her novel on Wednesday, September 7, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Wilde Auditorium at the University of Hartford.

1964

Tom Quinn reports that he enjoyed a Vermont ski outing this year with Peter Cosel and George McNamee. “Good times were had by all of us.” Susan G. Rogers recently retired. May 20 was her last day with the Anchorage, Alaska, School District.

1966

From Sally Perrin Gibbs: “I was in Connecticut for the memorial service for my uncle, Thomas B. Pond, on April 9. Despite the sad occasion, it was a beautiful spring day, and I was able to see all of my cousins. My uncle was interred with full military honors at Cedar Hill Cemetery.”

1969

Bob Barr was recently elected president-elect, 2012–13, of the 300-member Planned Giving Group of New England at the group’s conference in Boston. Bob is the director of gift planning at St. Paul’s School. Franci Vinal Farnsworth reports that her daughter Sarah is still in the Peace Corps in Mozambique and that her son John graduated in May from Johnson State College, Vt. From Brett Lebhar: “Recently retired from IBM, and in addition to spending more time with family, I am active as an elder at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati and involved in an inter-denominational mission providing food and clothing to those in need. Hello to all my classmates.”

1971

“I am looking forward to our 40th Reunion,” writes Julia Ferguson Hulslander. “My life in Williamsport, Pa., consists of teaching preschool, directing a children’s theater, hiking, and maintenance work. Hello to all.”

W

hy is Loomis Chaffee’s charitable gift annuity program so popular? Beyond the satisfaction of making a special gift that benefits you and the school, the answer is simply in the numbers: A charitable gift annuity is a straightforward contract between you and Loomis Chaffee, through which, in exchange for a gift of cash or securities of $10,000 or more, the school agrees to pay you, and a survivor if desired, fixed, secure payments for life. New charitable gift annuity rates went into effect on July 1, 2011. The new rate schedule contains slightly lower rates for single life annuities for ages 69 and younger, and slightly higher rates for single life annuities at ages 75 and older. Sample Charitable Gift Annuity Rates Single Life Age

Fixed Rate

60

4.8%

65

5.3%

70

5.8%

75

6.5%

80

7.5%

85

8.4%

90 and over

9.0%

Celebrating a Reunion? Charitable gift annuities count in overall Reunion totals. Creating a charitable gift annuity is simple to do, and we are here to walk you through every step of the way. To get started or for more information, please contact Director of Gift Planning Marc Cicciarella at 860.687.6087 or marc_cicciarella@loomis.org. Scan the QR code at left with your smart phone to instantly connect to the Loomis Chaffee Gift Planning page, or go to www. loomischaffee.org/giftplanning.

loomischaffee.org | 43


ALUMNI News

’75

’87

Members of the Class of 1975 Dave Title and Bill Bogle enjoy opening day at Fenway Park. Bill notes: “For over 20 years, we have been part of a group that purchases Red Sox season tickets.” On a recent business trip to the Los Angeles area, Mary Kate Behlke Donais ’87 (right) was able to catch up with Betsy Kalin ’87 during a quick visit to Santa Monica pier and dinner with an ocean view.

1973

David Brody, writes: “The Chiapas Project, the volunteer medical/dental group founded by the Brody family 11 years ago to serve the Zoque (Mayan) people of rural Mexico, will have its next week of service in July. On its last trip, our group treated 1,108 patients. Our website, chiapasproject. org, can be consulted for details although it is sadly out of date (Any webmasters out there?), or contact David.BrodyDMD@ gmail.com.”

1974

The Men’s College Officials Committee of U.S. Lacrosse recently presented Michael O’Malley with the Bernie Ulman Award for service to the game. Michael reports: “Some of my mentors were previous winners, so it was a great honor. This summer, I’m running the seventh annual Park 44 |

’89

City (Utah) Ski Town Lacrosse Shoot Out, a youth tournament that draws from nine western states and helps to train new officials.” Morwen Swilling Two Feathers is “in a period of transition, (i.e., unemployment).” While searching for her next position, she has been volunteering as co-chair of Sustainable Concord (Mass.), “raising local awareness and building community towards a sustainable future,” she writes.

1975

“Time flies by,” writes Kevin Cronin. “Our oldest, Megan, got married in November 2010, and our middle kid, Justin, got engaged in April. The youngest, Bridget, is a junior at Colgate.” Tracey Wetstone Siegel writes that her daughter Sarah graduated from Wellesley May 27 and lives in the Boston area.

1977

John Gallic, Loomis and University of Connecticut baseball alumnus, recently called his former coach, retired Loomis history teacher Allen Beebe, to tell him that John’s son Mike has been drafted in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the San Diego Padres. Mike attended Tolland High School (Conn.), where he was All-State in baseball and football; he then went on to Marist College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. This past season, Mike led the Red Foxes in home runs (6), runs batted in (43), stolen bases (12), and triples (3). He also

batted .292, scored 43 runs, was second on the team in total bases (94) and tied for second in doubles (14). He played in 165 games and made 160 starts in his Marist career. He batted .293 with 173 hits, 129 runs scored, 107 runs batted in, 35 stolen bases in 38 attempts, 33 doubles, and 15 home runs. He was a Second Team All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference selection. Mike is slated to play in Eugene, Ore., this summer, and John now plans to take his summer vacation there. Mike Gallic is the grandson of Roger Gallic ’47. Andrew Gibian reports that he lives in Manitou Springs, Colo., and is doing well.

1979

“Life in Charlotte, N.C., is terrific,” writes Andrew Plepler. Claudia and I have more or less control of our three kids — Allie, 16; Jonny, 14; and Cate, 9. We’ve added a dog, Lucy, and a horse, Bitsey, just to keep things interesting. My golf game is pathetic, but I can still beat Scando!”

1980

Keith Scribner’s third novel, The Oregon Experiment, was released June 14 by Alfred A. Knopf (Random House). The novel is set in a fictionalized Corvallis, Ore., where Scanlon Pratt, a political science professor and expert on mass movements and radical action, has come from the East Coast for a position at Oregon State University. His wife, Naomi,

In his first season as Trinity College head men’s lacrosse coach, Michael Higgins ’89 was selected as the 2011 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Coach of the Year. He guided the Bantams to a 12–3 overall record, a 6–3 conference mark, and the program’s first-ever appearance in the NESCAC semifinals. Here Mike guides Trinity to a big win over Bowdoin. Trevor Stern ’07 is a Trinity captain. Photo: James “Grim” Wilson

a fragrance designer who has lost her sense of smell, is pregnant with their first child. Soon, their lives become entwined with Sequoia, the leader of a fledgling secessionist movement, and with Clay, a local anarchist. Critic David Vann writes: “Keith Scribner is certainly one of our most gifted and generous writers. In the midst of anarchists, secessionists, violent clashes and desperate plans, he offers uncommon sympathy and grace in a marriage lost then found, an unlikely hero, a world sensuous and rich, and even redemption from what we might fear most — that we can’t run from who we are, that the past is waiting to ambush us.” Keith is an associate professor at Oregon State University. His wife, Jennifer Richter, published her first poetry collection, Threshold, last year. They make their home in Corvallis with their two children.

1981

Anthony J. “Tony” Dennis is the author of three books on Islamic fundamentalism. Author of Osama Bin Laden: A Psychological and Political Portrait, he has been interviewed by the media on the death of the al-Qaeda leader. Tony’s work has been published by Oxford University Press and used by producers at the BBC in the creation of a documentary on the jihadist movement. Tony is a corporate lawyer in Hartford and co-hosted a 10-part PBS show, which won an Emmy in 2007.


DePaul University.

Reunion 2011: Loomis Chaffee Class of 1986 — 25th Reunion Back row: Elizabeth “Kiki” Hopkins Davis, Lauren Fisher, Sarah Grubbs Kotwicki, Scott Barnard, Chad Olcott, Philip Keating, Edward Sharkansky, and Christopher Whelan; third row: Peter Hsing, Margaret “Margie” Butler, Allison Mills Wickersham, Molly Wickwire Sante, Peter “PJ” Rubin, Heather Sargent Mather, Paul Havel, Katherine “Kaki” Martin, Timothy Craig, R. Stevens “Steve” Hall, Mark Rush, Julian Riley, Alison Patricelli, and Scott Lahman; second row: Christina Perez, Sharon Rogers, Jessica Thurrott Haxhi, Megan Burgess, Julie Elias, Sarah Curtis, Mynette Shifman, Philip Sanderson, Joseph Michaels, Matthew Walton, Robert Lammey, Andrew Mayo, and David London; first row: Hillary Keller, Lynn Goldfarb, Patricia “Trish” Franklin, William Melcher, Perrin McCormick Menashi, Lynn Petrillo, Maureen O’Brien Klautky, Eve Bridburg, Paula Kelly Galanti, Jodi Gebeloff Churchill, Dana Gillette, and Wendy Weller Aldrich. Photo: Wayne Dombkowski

1983

News from Carolyn Carmody: “Mary and I and the kids, Vincent and Simone, moved back to Arlington, Va., from Capitol Hill last year. I’ve had three careers since being on the Island: lawyer, firefighter/medic, and now proposal management consultant. Hope classmates are doing well.” Linda Huang Tolentino reports: “My oldest son, Alec, entered Phillips Academy at Andover as a freshman last September. Although he is required to board because we live outside the day student radius, we see him regularly and have attended sports competitions that involve Loomis Chaffee. It has been a conflicting experience for me. Whom do I cheer on?”

1984

B. Maria Dennis was hired in January as associate counsel by the National Hockey League Players Association. She focuses on collective bargaining and other individual player matters. Maria is a graduate of Yale University and the Georgetown University Law Center. She had an outstanding athletics career,

playing on the Yale women’s ice hockey team and the U.S. women’s national ice hockey team. She has served on the board of USA Hockey, the U.S. Olympic Committee, and the Salt Lake Olympic Organizing Committee. In the latter capacity, Maria worked closely with presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.

1986

David Sarno in the Los Angeles Times (March 13, 2011) reports: “Scott Lahman is co-founder and chief executive of Gogii, Inc., a California start-up that created the free text-messaging application textPlus for the iPhone and Android smart phones. TextPlus is one of Apple Inc.’s all-time most popular apps, with nearly 8 million active users. The ad-supported app allows users to join group texting conversations with people in their social circles or interest groups, and is an attempt to add new visual and social functions to text messaging, long an unadorned but widely used technology.” Jill Traverso Vogel has been appointed associate administrator of the Adirondack Com-

munity College Foundation. She will develop new fundraising projects and provide support for the foundation’s annual giving campaign. Jill received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Union College, where she met her husband, Fred. She was awarded a master’s degree in educational administration and policy studies from the University of Albany. During her studies, she was employed as a college admissions administrator at S.U.N.Y. Albany. She previously served in a similar capacity at the College of New Rochelle. Jill and Fred have two children, Abigail, 13, and Will, 10. They live in Queensbury, N.Y.

1987

Thomas A. Foster is the editor of a recent book, New Men: Manliness in Early America, published by NYU Press. Contributors consider how colonial and Revolutionary conditions gave rise to new standards of British American manliness as new manners developed and European mores and prejudices were cast aside. Thomas is associate professor and director of the LGBTQ Studies Program, Department of History,

Suzanne Meyer McKinney and her husband, Mike, are founders of Pacific Quest, an outdoor therapeutic program for high schoolers and young adults in Hawaii. Suzanne and Mike and their partner recently won Small Business of the Year in Hawaii. See pacificquest.org. Cathryn Prince spoke about her new book, A Professor, a President, and a Meteor: The Birth of American Science, at the Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford, in March.

1988

“Things are good,” writes Eric Turner. “I just earned my master of arts in liberal studies from Dartmouth, and I’m studying at Oxford this summer.”

1989

News from J. Wells Dixon: “My wife, Alison Sclater, and I are pleased to announce the birth of our son, Christopher, January 6, 2011, in New York City.” The film Fake, directed by Gregory Friedle, which premiered June 9, 2010, in the Hoboken International Film Festival, received its Connecticut premiere April 9 at the Litchfield Hills Film Festival (formerly the Kent Film Festival) at the Bank Street Theater, New Milford. Cast members include Gabriel Mann (The Bourne Supremacy, Josie and the Pussycats); Jill Flint (Royal Pains); Fisher Stevens (Academy Award winner, Short Circuit, Hackers); David Thornton (John Q, Home Alone 3, Swept Away); Robert Clohessy (Oz, The Interpreter, Angels in loomischaffee.org | 45


ALUMNI News

’98

’97

’91

Yelda Batur Kalkandelen ’97 and Erman Kalkandelen were married July 10, 2010, in Istanbul, Turkey. Here former Loomis Chaffee faculty member Jim Smucker, Amy Bonnefond Smucker ’97, the groom, the bride, Jennifer Welch ’97, Elizabeth Galbreath Carr ’97, and Mehmet Fahri Batur ’95 (brother of the bride) share the joy of the occasion.

1992 ’91 ’95

’92 ’95

Charlotte Catherine Clarke was born November 16, 2010, to Tina Kinney Clarke ’91 and her husband, Edwin. She joins older sister, Lily, 4. Brooke Palmer Hanlon was born November 3, 2010, to Emily Boyd Hanlon ’91 and her husband, Jeff. Brooke joins doting sisters Alexis, 5, and Lindsay, 3. “Let’s boost Americans’ self-esteem through comedy and laughter,” avows Khristee Rich ’92, president of The Dancing Curtain, a comedy business. “Laughter really is the best medicine!” Henry Novick shows his approval of baby brother Jack Ronen Novick, born February 12 to Dena Springer ’95 and her husband, David. “Henry is overjoyed and looking forward to all the mischief they will create together,” Dena writes. “We are settling into life as a family of four.”

46 |

Mike Moran ’95 executes a Y-scale on a wooden sculpture of American Airline seats in the 2011 Venice Biennale. Photo: Matthew Greenfield

the Outfield); Blanche Baker (Emmy Award winner, Sixteen Candles); James Noble (Benson); and Robert Loggia (Academy Award nominee, Big, Scarface, Independence Day, Jagged Edge). Greg’s film deals with art forgery, and several sculptures of Craig Frederick ’81 figure prominently.

1991

“I am sad not to be able to attend our reunion,” writes Gillian MacLean Growdon. “My husband, John, and I are expecting our third child! We have a son, Stewart, 4, and a daughter, Reese, 2. Have so much fun!”

Khristee Rich, who earned her bachelor’s degree in theater performance from the University of Michigan, started her own business in Ridgefield, Conn., in May 2009. The Dancing Curtain is a comedy business that aims to heal through laughter, offering such services as live sketch comedy, improvisation, stand-up, one-act plays, acting classes, and positive products. The business was selected to compete for a Pepsi Refresh grant, and the company’s grant proposal is to spread laughter in California, primarily in San Francisco, through a month of free comedic plays, including a comedic one-woman show starring Khristee. Supporters had the opportunity to vote for this proposal online throughout the month of May. For more information about Khristee’s company, visit thedancingcurtain.com or “like” the Dancing Curtain on Facebook.

1994

Francesca Cecchi and Adam Meyers-Spector reside in Queens, N.Y., with their daughters, Gaia and Sasha. Francesca teaches in a new public school in Manhattan; Adam, having passed the New York Bar, works in the Legal Department of Major League Baseball. Tanya Travis Kurz and Justin Kurz welcomed their first

Jesse Brown ’95 and his wife, Chrissy, are thrilled to announce the birth of their second daughter, Marin Elizabeth, November 20, 2010. “Marin’s sister Hadley, Chrissy, and I have thoroughly enjoyed our first months with her. This photo was taken by my brother, Malcolm Brown ’98, when Marin was 7 weeks old,” Jesse writes.

child, Lauren Nicole, March 12. She is the first grandchild for both families, including proud grandfather Paul Travis ’67.

1995

“So we are up to three kiddos now: Cassie, 4; Kyle, 2; and Chloe, 9 months,” writes Chris Morosky. We are back in Connecticut and looking forward to Corey Jaquez’s wedding in the fall. Sorry, Corey!” Former member of the U.S.A. Gymnastics Team and acrobatic performer Mike Moran was one of seven athletes and dancers who comprised the U.S. Pavilion exhibition “Gloria” at the 2011 Venice Biennale in June. Exploring the early classical ideals of mind and body and the concepts of competition and nationalism, artists Allora & Calzadilla choreographed performances by professional gymnasts and runners to accompany three of their sculptures. In “Body in Flight (American)” Mike performed 12-minute gymnastic routines using life-size wooden reproductions of business-class airline seats as his apparatus. “This was by far one of the most exciting experiences I have ever had the chance to be part of. There was a line out the door and around the block to get into the U.S. Pavilion.” George R. Trumbull IV is an assistant professor at Dartmouth, where he teaches the


’06

Organist Charlotte Beers ’06, shown here at the Austin organ of St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford, prepares to continue her musical studies on a Fulbright grant in Germany. Photo: Margaret Beers

at Columbia University in the fall.”

2002

Recent graduate Kaily Williams ’11 is flanked by her step-grandmother, Sally Clemence, and 99-year-old grandfather, Joseph McCormick, who proudly claims one son alumnus, Paul McCormick ’58, and seven grandchildren alumni: Perrin McCormick Menashi ’86; Michael McCormick ’89; Amy Williams Lunding ’94; and Adam ’92, Benjamin ’98, and Taegan ’09 Williams. In the photo are Kaily’s sister Quincy, her father and history teacher Mark and mother Myck Williams; brother-in-law Alexander Lunding ’92 holding 2-year-old Tristan; and Taegan.

history of Islamic Africa and where, more recently, he has begun some media commentary work on political events in Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. His first book came out with Cambridge University Press in 2009, and he’s about to embark on a year of research in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and the south of France.

1996

Scott Feldman-Peabody was the third employee hired at PrimeStar Solar, the Arvada, Colo., company that makes thin-film photovoltaic panels; and he is now the oldest employee still there. With the recent sale of the company to manufacturing giant General Electric, Scott notes: “When I was first involved, I was working at the laboratory scale, so I’ll be going from making solar cells that were less than one square centimeter to being involved with the largest solar manufacturing facility in the U.S.” Alert alumni may have noticed Scott, wearing a Loomis Chaffee T-shirt, in a New York Times photograph accompanying an article about General Electric’s solar panel manufacturing venture (Todd Woody, “G.E. Plans to Build

Largest Solar Panel Plant in the U.S.,” April 7). With a record of extraordinary success, the nonprofit organization Out2Play, started by Andrea Wenner in 2005, has announced that it will end operations next year. The organization has constructed roughly 120 playgrounds used by about 80,000 children in public elementary schools in New York City. The organization will complete about 40 more and plans to leave behind an endowment to cover some of the maintenance costs of the playgrounds in the future.

1998

Norell Hall Liddell enjoys her new career in destination management. She lives in Dallas with her husband, Jay. An update from Stephen Matzie: “I just returned from two-and-a-half years of living in India’s capital, New Delhi. I was helping the Ministry of Urban Development confront the massive influx of people into cities, improving their management, finances, and infrastructure services. Working with the urban poor on slum upgrading projects was some of the most rewarding work I’ve

ever done. I’ve just moved back to Washington, D.C., with an extra member of the family, a Delhi street-dog puppy.” Beth Sigman Somerset and her husband, Todd, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Edie Marie, April 7.

2000

Claudine Stuchell Emeott and her husband recently moved to Nepal, where Claudine serves as a Kiva Fellow with a local microfinance institution. She is also a contributing writer and editor to thekathmanduo.com. Katherine Shea received a master’s in public administration degree in international development from Cornell in May. She spent the summer of 2010 working with the World Food Programme in Uganda, and this summer she heads to Ecuador to work in a fulltime position in food security, nutrition, and gender with the organization.

2001

Kate Noonan Brochu writes that she and her husband, François, are expecting a baby boy in August. “I am an artist living in New York City,” reports Jason Kraus. “I am in a three-person exhibition at the Johann Koenig Gallery in Berlin this summer, and I begin work for my master’s degree in fine arts

Heather Hathorn Driscoll was married February 26. Among the attendees were Carla Wheeler, Elizabeth Appleyard Nielsen, Holly Williams, Kat Rorke, and Dave Ruddy. Heather writes: “LC faculty members Nancy and Joe Cleary also joined us for our special day.”

2003

Kaitlin Buttler-Ricketts has been working in Washington, D.C., for a prominent international law firm. She will be leaving Washington in August to attend graduate school at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, pursuing a master’s degree in Africa and international development.

2004

Charlotte Cunningham graduated in 2010 from the San Francisco Art Institute with a bachelor of fine arts degree in photography.

2006

Charlotte Beers recently graduated from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music with a dual degree in organ performance and German studies. After an extensive application process, she has received a Fulbright grant to continue her studies at the Hochschule für Kirchenmusik (School of Advanced Study in Sacred Music) in Tübingen, Germany, where she will study with renowned organist Johannes Mayr, a specialist in improvisation. A year ago, Charlotte interned loomischaffee.org | 47


ALUMNI News

’08

’09

Fashion design student Dana Hurwitz ’08 received a Pratt Institute competition first prize for her cocktail dress, featuring a combination silk bodice and a hand-sewn ostrich skirt with an asymmetrical sheer drape that can be worn over one shoulder or left loose over one side of the skirt. All 12 finalists had their garments and illustrations displayed at the Goldsmith mannequin showroom in Manhattan. The entries were to include a color palate of camel and/or white.

Miss Connecticut competitor Kaitlyn Tarpey ’09 contends for the chance to compete for the Miss America crown. “Please help me raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network by donating to missamerica4kids. com,” she writes. “See missctamerica.org to see the results at the end of June.”

NCAA Tournament this past season. Charlie was named Patriot League Tournament MVP.

2009

Members of the Class of 2011 gather with their alumni parents and grandparents at Commencement: Erin Cohn and father Robert ’76, Spencer Richmond Schulman and mother Elizabeth Richmond ’80, Charles Evans and grandfather James ’43, Emily Miller and mother Janet Schaefer ’77, Frederick McNulty and mother Anne ’72, Julia “Donnie” Collins and mother Mary ’79, William Johnson and father Kenneth ’77, Austin Maier and father Bruce ’71, Alexa Yow and parents James ’75 and Heather ’79, Kelsey Champagne and father Paul ’81, William DeLaMater and grandfather Edward Storrs ’51, and Zoe Zachs and father Eric ’77.

for a month at a church in Herrenberg, Germany, where she served as an organist and choral/vocal accompanist. While at Oberlin, Charlotte served as the organist and choral accompanist at Christ Episcopal Church. Her honors thesis was titled Exploring the Use of the Organ in the Moravian Church and Its Influence on Sacred Music in America. On June 17, Charlotte gave an organ recital at her home church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford, that included a number of pieces she played for her degree recital at Oberlin, including works by Böhn, Bach, Sweelinck, Messiaen, Sowerby, and Vierne.

2007

Chelsea Burghoff will attend the University of Georgia in the fall, working toward a master’s of education degree in student 48 |

affairs administration. Conor Buttler-Ricketts recently graduated from Villanova University with a major in political science and a minor in Arab and Islamic studies. He was also commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy and will be attending Navy flight school in Pensacola, Fla., starting in September. A Robert Day Scholar, Benjamin Kraus graduated from Claremont McKenna College with honors in mathematics and economics. He now works at Morgan Stanley in New York City.

2008

Jeffrey Hatten helped Yale to its first Ivy League golf title since 2003 this spring. At the Galloway National Golf Club, Galloway, N.J., Jeffrey tied for fourth, scoring a three-round

227, and the Bulldogs secured a 20-stroke team lead over Columbia. Pratt Institute fashion design student Dana Hurwitz was awarded a first prize as part of an annual design competition held at the institute’s Department of Fashion Design. Twelve finalists were chosen by a leading manufacturer, and visual merchandisers and buyers from stores all over the country voted on the competition finalists. The top prizewinner for dress design, Dana received a $1,000 prize. Bucknell junior attack/midfielder Charlie Streep has been named a 2011 Honorable Mention All-American by the U.S. Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association. He helped lead the Bison to a school-record 14 wins, a Patriot League championship, and a berth in the

An update from Melina A. Higgins: “I finished my sophomore year at Bryn Mawr, where I’m a member of the varsity lacrosse team, and I will be studying in Amman, Jordan, this summer in the Intensive Arabic Program.”

2010

Dana Lerner is transferring to Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences in the fall.

Don’t Forget to Write! Share news in the magazine with classmates and friends! Job promotion or change … Higher-education news … Marriage or babies … Travel … Mini-reunions with classmates … Awards … Organizations … Creative projects … Retirement, relocation … Launch of a second career … Email updates to magazine@loomis.org


IN MEMORIaM

FORMER TRUSTEE: John Steven Murtha ’31

1933

Edward “Allen” Drew, at home, on March 1. Allen was a fouryear student from Flushing, N.Y. He was managing editor of The Log and active with the Chess and Glee clubs and a member of the Publications Board. Allen participated in Allyn soccer and was recipient of the Scholarship Prize. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and pursued graduate courses at Columbia University. Allen saw service during World War II as a bomber pilot in the Anti-Aircraft Artillery and the Army Air Corps, for which he was awarded the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, he remained in the reserves doing ground duties until retiring as lieutenant colonel in 1976. Allen was a career pilot for Pan American World Airways for 29 years serving as copilot, navigator, and captain. Allen was a very active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sea Cliff, N.Y. He also served, for many years, as a volunteer for Hospice Care of Long Island and Meals-on-Wheels of Glen Cove. Allen is survived by his wife, Harriet Drew; his children: Margaret Keyes, Helen Stowe, Charles Drew ’68, and Rebekah Guerra; as well as 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A private memorial service was held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wallingford. Allen donated his body to the Yale School of Medicine.

1935

Francis Peter Rohrmayer Jr., on April 21. Pete, as he was known, was a four-year student from Windsor. He was vice

John Steven Murtha, former Loomis Chaffee trustee, law firm chief, and pillar of Hartford, passed away peacefully on May 26. A four-year student from West Hartford, John was business manager of the Loomiscellany, vice chairman of Club Allyn, and active with the Student Council, jazz orchestra, agricultural society, and publications board. He was actively involved with athletics as a member Photo: Fabian Bachrach of the first football, hockey, and baseball teams. John was recipient of the College Preparatory Prize and voted most popular by his classmates.

friends. Throughout his distinguished and remarkably long career, he gave support and leadership to many important institutions, including his school. Loomis Chaffee can be grateful to John Murtha, and proud indeed of his extraordinary life.” In 1970, a classroom in the Clark Science Center was named in his honor. In 2001, John established the Murtha Family Fund to provide financial aid to a deserving student. In addition to his longtime, loyal service to Loomis Chaffee, John’s devotion to Hartford-area education and community organizations was evident through his diverse and tireless involvement. He served as chairman of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, president of the United Way of Greater Hartford, and vice chairman of the Hartford chapter of the American Red Cross. In addition to Loomis Chaffee, John was trustee of the Ethel Walker School, St. Joseph College, the Oxford School, the Hartford Rehabilitation Center, and St. Thomas Moore Center at Yale. He was honored by the Catholic Church as a Knight of St. Gregory; by Yale College as recipient of the Nathan Hale Award; by the United Way as recipient of the Community Service Award; and by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving as recipient of the Distinguished Leadership Citation. In addition John served as director of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford; corporator and director of Hartford, St. Francis, and Mt. Sinai hospitals, as well as The Institute of Living; president for the Oxford School and of The Yale Club of Hartford; and member of the First President Council for the Church of St. Ann in Avon. He served as director of several corporations, including the United Bank and Trust Company, the Mechanics Savings Bank, Security Insurance Company, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut, and Kaman Corporation. He also served as director and president of The Hartford Golf Club.

John earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from Yale University. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1943 to 1946 as the commanding officer of an infantry landing craft in the Mediterranean Theater and of a landing ship tank in the Pacific Theater. He began a long and distinguished legal career in the Hartford area after his graduation from Yale Law School in 1938 upon joining the Hartford law firm Hewes, Prettyman and Awalt. After serving in the Navy, he became an assistant states attorney for Hartford County until 1951, when he rejoined Hewes, Prettyman and Awalt. In 1968 the firm became Murtha, Cullina, Richter and Pinney, with John as senior partner. The firm, now known as Murtha Cullina, employs more than 120 attorneys at locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. John practiced corporate and labor law, representing management. Some of Hartford’s most important businessmen were friends and clients. Known in the office as “Chief,” he had a reputation for integrity, hard work, and high standards, counterbalanced with a more playful side. John retired from the practice of law in John’s pastimes included golf, skiing, and 1989. gardening about which he noted, “My golf has much to be desired, my skiing is adequate for a John served The Loomis Institute as trustee from 1955 to 1960 and again from 1967 to 1976, at man my age, and my gardening is superb.” John which time he was named an honorary trustee. was predeceased by his beloved wife, Winifred Garvan Murtha; a son who died in infancy; two “John had a formal, even formidable exterior,” recalls former Chairman of the Board James T. brothers; and a sister. He is survived by three children: J. Garvan Murtha ’59, Leslie M. Reed, English Jr. ’44. “[He was] a man of composure Brenda M. Croke; 16 grandchildren, including and dignity under all, or almost all, circumstances. But his humor and mischievous love of William J. Murtha ’00, and 20 great-grandchildren. A funeral was held at St. Peter Claver life could break out unexpectedly and delightCatholic Church on June 3, with burial followfully. He had a dry and pungent wit, and he loved his golf and the company of innumerable ing in Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford.

continued 48 loomischaffee.org | 49


IN MEMORIaM

tion Association, Haddam Green Garden, and Haddam Land Trust. Jean was predeceased by her first husband, Albert Minor Hughes, and by her second husband, George Woodrow Curtis. She is survived by her children Christopher Bruce Curtis and Karen Martha Morehouse. A private funeral service and burial was to be held at the convenience of the family.

continued from 47

president of the Radio Club, involved with the Dramatic Club, and a member of the Peace Action Committee. Pete participated on the cross country and winter track teams and was active with the Rifle Club and Allyn senior football. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Haverford College and his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He served as a captain in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Pete was a longtime family doctor, practicing general medicine in West Chester, Penn., for more than 35 years. He was known for making house calls in all kinds of weather when his patients could not come to the office. He was loved by his patients; more than one expectant mother moved back to West Chester in order to have Pete deliver her baby. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Mabel. Pete is survived by his four loving children, all of whom saw him as a hero: Barbara Diehl, Margaret McKechnie, Peter Rohrmayer, and Patricia Lane, as well as eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held on May 15, 2011, at the Reformed Presbyterian Church in West Chester, Penn.

1936

Photo: Archives

as sophomore class president, on the Student Council Nominating Committee, and for two years as Student Council president. She was also active with basketball. Following Chaffee, Ciel received her bachelor’s degree from Smith College and an advanced degree from Tufts University. She was predeceased by her sister, Edith Mather ’37. Ciel is survived by her daughter, Gwendolyn Riggs Cook and three grandchildren: Jackie, Lisa, and Denis. A private service was held.

1937

Jean Pitblado Curtis, at Middlesex Hospital on April 30. Jean, Clara-Louise Mather Rigg, on who was a descendant of the September 9, 2009. Ciel, as she Founders of Hartford, attended was known, was a four-year student from Windsor, Conn. She Chaffee from Hartford. While was involved with the Dramatics a student, she was involved in the arts. She earned her degree Club, the Junior Prom Comfrom the Parsons School of Art mittee, and the Current Events and New York School of Fine Club, for which she served as and Applied Arts. She settled in secretary/treasurer. In addiPortland with her first husband, tion, Ciel was heavily involved Albert Minor Hughes, designing in the Student Council, serving decorator fabrics and wallpapers. 50 |

Edmund Ernest Friedrich, peacefully at home on Memorial Day, May 30. Ed was a three-year student from Holyoke, Mass. He was a member of the Student Council, the Senior Dance Committee, and the Orchestra; vice president of the senior class; and president of the Glee Club. Ed also participated in first soccer, Albert was killed in World War second basketball, and Ludlow II. In 1947, she married her secbasketball. He achieved honor ond husband, George Woodrow roll for all three of his years at Curtis, and moved to Haddam, Loomis. Ed earned his bachelor’s where she was a florist for 20 degree, with distinction, from years, lecturing and demonCornell University, after which strating to garden clubs all over he attended New York Trade Connecticut and beyond. She School in sheet metal work and served as director of the Hadthen worked at the Worthington dam Tercentenary Celebration Pump and Machinery Corporaand taught art in the Haddam tion in Holyoke, Mass. During schools. Jean was also direcWorld War II, he enlisted in the tor of the New Britain Youth U.S. Naval Reserve and served Museum and director of the in the Admiralty Islands in the initial year of the Connecticut Pacific Theater. He attended Youth Conservation Corps (state the Naval Architecture School and federal). She then attended at the University of Michigan, Middlesex Community College during which time he played and Eastern Connecticut State French horn in the UniverUniversity, earning her master’s sity Symphony. In 1945, he was degree in science education, transferred to the South Boston following which she worked in Dry Docks, from which he was the Berlin High School Science discharged in 1946 with the rank Department. Jean founded and of full lieutenant. After the war, taught Outdoor Education and Ed traveled to Norway, where he Nature Studies for the Youth lived for six months. Following Mobile Museum without Walls his return to the United States, at Haddam Schools. She was acEd married Sally Ann Swan, and tive with the Haddam Congregathe couple settled in Longtional Church, Outdoor Educa-


meadow, Mass., for 34 years, where Ed served for two terms on the Planning Board, was a trustee of the old Wesson Memorial Hospital, was a member of the Springfield Colony Club, and was president of the E.H. Friedrich Company in Holyoke, Mass., manufacturers of custom steel doors and door frames for commercial construction. Ed retired in 1985 and moved to Deerfield in 1987. His lifelong avocation was playing music; at various times he played the piano, French horn, clarinet, and oboe. He played in several area musical organizations in western Massachusetts and southern Vermont, including the Pioneer Valley Symphony, in which he played the oboe for approximately half a century. He was an avid skier, golfer, and woodworker, using the latter talent to build a Norwegiantype chalet in Vermont, and helping to restore furniture in Old Deerfield. He was a member of the 80+ Ski Club; the Longmeadow Country Club; the Woodstock, Vt., Country Club; and the Vermont Seniors Golf Association. Ed was predeceased by his first wife, Sally Ann Swan. He is survived by his current wife, Margaret Worcester Friedrich, his son, Kristian S. Friedrich, and his brother, Charles Richard Friedrich. A memorial service was held at Unity in the Pioneer Valley, Greenfield, Mass., June 10.

1938

William C. Huntington, on May 24. Bill was a three-year student from Windsor. While at Loomis, he was active with Allyn senior basketball. Bill earned his high school degree from Vermont Academy and his

bachelor’s degree from Amherst College, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. During World War II, he served as a liaison pilot and field artillery officer. Bill was a partner in Huntington Brothers, growing tobacco for 40 years. He served as president of the Windsor Club, chairman of the Windsor Zone Board of Appeals, and as a board member of the Connecticut Valley Tobacco Museum and Shade Tobacco Association. He was a charter member of the Lions Club and a member of the Suffield Country Club, Litchfield Country Club, Hartford Ski Club, and Greater-Hartford Square Dance Club. Bill was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Joan B. Huntington, and a brother, Edward Huntington. Bill is survived by his daughters, Susan H. Mortimer and Lynn H. Wheeler; two grandchildren, Joanne Huntington and Benjamin Mortimer; two sisters, Priscilla Huntington Silliman ’40 and Patricia A. Huntington ’55; a brother, Sydney Huntington; and 13 nieces and nephews. A gathering of friends was held May 27, at Goldfinch Funeral Home in Loris, S.C.

1939

Ogden Ross Adams Jr., after a sudden illness on February 19, 2008. Ross, as he was known, was a two-year student from Rochester, N.Y. He was involved with the Chemistry Club, Activities Committee, and Radio Club, the latter for which he served as secretary-treasurer. He was also active with club tennis, first hockey, and second football. Ross earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Rochester, where he

played football and was a proud member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He served in the Army from 1940 to 1946, joining the 209th Regiment at the Culver Road Armory, the last of the U.S. Cavalry. He took Basic Training at Camp Stewart, Ga., before serving in Burma with the 10th Army Air Force. Following his service, Ross entered the family machine tool business and then served in the Machine Tool Division of the National Production Board in Washington, D.C., during the Korean War. Ross also worked in personnel for the University of Rochester and Bausch & Lomb, and as a realtor. He was an enthusiastic volunteer for the Episcopal Church, Meals on Wheels, and Boy Scout Troop #341. An Eagle Scout himself, he also served on the Otetiana Council Eagle Board of Review. Ross was an avid sportsman who enjoyed skiing, paddle ball, and tennis, which he played twice a week until the day he died. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Catharine B. Adams; his children, Kitty Murphy, William Ross Adams, and Caroline Burton; and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Adams Scully, a niece, and a grandnephew. A funeral was held February 24, 2008, at Christ Episcopal Church, Pittsford, N.Y. Anne King Kennedy, peacefully, surrounded by her children on April 23. Anne was a three-year student from Windsor Locks, Conn. She earned her high school degree from Mount St. Joseph Academy and went on to graduate from the Guggenheim School of Dental Hygiene. Anne worked as a dental hygienist for The

Travelers Insurance Company before raising her family. Anne was an active parishioner at St. Mary’s Church and spent many years volunteering at St. Mary’s School and serving on the parish council. Ann was a volunteer with the Lion’s Club Auxiliary and served on the Windsor Locks Library board, in addition to many other community involvements. She loved her home, cooking, gardening, entertaining, the beach, the Kentucky Derby, reading, Christmas Eve, playing bridge, and the company of family and friends. Anne was predeceased by her husband, John J. Kennedy Jr.; and her brother William N. Kind. She is survived by her children: Ellen K. Kennedy ’72, John J. Kennedy III, Katherine Doemland, and Ruth-Anne Kennedy; seven grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, Windsor Locks, April 28, with burial following in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

1940

John Charles Faulkner III, on May 30, 2010. Jack was a twoyear student from Keene, N.H. He was involved with The Log and Loomiscellany boards, with the Grounds Committee, the Debating Club, and the Political Club, serving as secretarytreasurer for the latter. Jack was a cast member in Our Town. He was also active on the golf squad, with first basketball and second football. Jack earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and his master’s degree from Harvard Business School. His education was interrupted by his service to the United States, when he loomischaffee.org | 51


IN MEMORIaM

joined the Army Air Force’s 93rd Bomb Group as a pilot of a B-24 Liberator in World War II. Serving as a lieutenant, Jack flew 32 missions over Germany, including providing air support in the Battle of the Bulge. For his service, he received the Air Medal, four Oak Leaf Clusters, and three Battle Stars. Following his active duty, from 1948 to 1954, Jack worked for the family woolen mill, the Faulkner & Colony Manufacturing Co., in Keene, serving as its president, 1953–54. Despite being the second largest woolen mill in the country, the factory closed in 1954, due to the plummeting market for wool following the war. Jack then began his management consulting career in New York City with George H. Elliott & Associates. His career path in New York and Stamford included Stuart, Dougall & Associates; Cresap, McCormick & Paget; Case & Co.; and the Alternative Board. He published numerous articles and book chapters on marketing and strategic planning in his career. Jack was extremely active in the Darien community where he and his family settled. His volunteer and leadership positions included the Noroton Yacht Club; Darien Audubon Society; Audubon Council of Connecticut; Darien Senior Men’s Association; Darien Chamber of Commerce; Darien Representative Town Meeting; Harvard Clubs of Boston, Fairfield County, and New York; Noroton Manor Association; Boy Scouts; Mercara Committee; and the Darien Schools Sex Education Committee. Jack also served as vice president of career counseling for the Harvard Business School Club of New York for 52 |

Photo: Dena Tucker

over 25 years. A committed environmentalist and champion of the conservation of our land and species, he established a philanthropic alliance between Darien, Conn., and Darien, Panama, to develop sustainable economic efforts to protect the rain forest of Panama. Twice, he received a Certificate of Environmental Activism from the Town of Darien for his leadership. He was an avid sailor, birder, gardener, golfer, tennis player, and bowler. He loved his gardens, cats, and racing his sailboat, Whisper. Jack was predeceased by his first wife of four years, Mary Anne Ross Ley, in 1950. He is survived by his second wife, Susan Ott Faulkner; his daughters, Sarah Faulkner and Cynthia Callahan; his son, J. Barrett Faulkner; and two grandchildren. A memorial service was held June 5, 2010, at the First Congregational Church of Darien. A graveside memorial service with full military honors was to be held in Keene at a later date. Jack

asked that these words be used to remember him: “May Jack’s spirit, and the atoms from his ashes, seek out and combine with others to achieve ever better worlds, recognizing that man is part of nature, and that our natural environment should be protected and enhanced.”

1942

Malcolm Parks Hunt at Anderson Inn in Quarry Hill, Camden, Maine on March 11. Malcolm was a four-year student from Fairfield. He was involved with the Radio Club, Rifle Club, Theater Work Group, and Chess Club, for which he served as secretary-treasurer. He was chief electrician with the Stagehands Union, a member of the first soccer team and freshman baseball, and assistant manager for the fencing team. Following Loomis, Malcolm served in the United States Army 99th Division during World War II and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He later served in the National Guard. Malcolm

received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Princeton. He worked as a title searcher for Lovejoy, Canoe and Curtis in Norwalk for over 30 years until retirement. In retirement, Malcolm and his wife moved to Candlewood Lake in New Milford, where he served as president of the New Milford Historical Society. During his tenure, Malcolm spent many happy hours exhaustingly researching the history of New Milford, ultimately publishing his work. Throughout his life, Malcolm continued an avid interest in competitive rifle shooting and was an NRA rifle instructor. His other hobbies included genealogy, collecting Roman coins, early American glassware and sterling silver, stamps, guns, and homemade knives. He is survived by his wife, Mary “Peggy” Hunt; two daughters, Pamela Hunt-Dixon and Valerie Levine; as well as two grandchildren, Chloe and Remy. A memorial service was held at Anderson Inn. Theodore Nierenberg, on April 16. Ted was a one-year student from Larchmont, N.Y. He was a member of the debating team and the Grounds Committee, as well as a cast member in You Can’t Take It With You. Ted was active with the track team, Allyn senior football, and club hockey. He was a member of the honor roll. Ted was a commissioned officer in the United States Navy during World War II, serving as radar technician on the USS Eversole in the Pacific. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Williams College and was a career independent insurance agent and chartered life underwriter. Ted lived in


Teaneck, N.J., from 1952 until 2010, where he was a community activist and served on the board of Temple Emeth for 19 years. He volunteered with Survivors after Suicide and as an ombudsman for residents of local nursing homes. His hobbies included bridge, baseball, sports trivia, crossword puzzles, current events, travel, martinis, and, most of all, family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Roslyn Holtzman Nierenberg; three daughters: Susan Nierenberg, Amy Knitzer, and Ellen Nierenberg; one son, David Nierenberg; and nine grandchildren. Ted was predeceased by two brothers, David and Jay. A funeral service was held April 21, Hackensack, N.J. James Reinoehl Wagner, September 15, 2010, at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Ga., surrounded by his family. Jim was a three-year student from New London. He was a member of the Founders Dormitory Committee, Student Council, Glee Club, and co-chairman of the Library Staff. James was a cast member in You Can’t Take It With You. He was active with first football, winter track, and first track teams, and served as captain of the first hockey team. Jim was president of the Athletic Council. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Yale and served as a pilot in the 8th Air Force during World War II, completing numerous missions over Germany. He was very active in his community. He founded the Dynamo Swim Club and served as coach for several years. He was one of the original participants in the Peachtree Road Race, enjoying participating in the race up until the last few years. He

was a very active tennis player and USTA official, who traveled the Southeast officiating college and youth tennis matches. Jim loved the Atlanta Falcons and maintained season tickets since the team’s first year. He was a member of the All Saints Episcopal Church for 52 years. Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, June Wagner; his daughter, Peggy; his stepdaughter, Diane; two stepsons, Charlie and John; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held September 19, 2010, at All Saints Episcopal Church, Atlanta.

1946

Robert Edward DePatie, peacefully, on May 3, after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for several years. Bob was a four-year student from West Hartford. He served as president of the Student Council and Athletic Council and as sports editor of The Log. He was a member of the Press Club, Chess Club, Senior Entertainment Committee, Committee of Review, and Junto. Bob was a cast member in Wings over Europe. He was active with the first football team and served as co-captain of the first basketball and first baseball teams. An honor roll student during each of his four years, Bob was the recipient of the Gwendolen Sedgwick Batchelder Prize for industry, loyalty, and manliness. Bob earned his bachelor’s degree from Yale in 1950 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army, 1951–52. In 1956 he joined Stanley Works in New Britain and spent the remainder of his career there, holding a series of increasingly senior management positions. He spent the

last five years of his career in England and retired in 1993 as president and general manager of Stanley Tools Europe. In retirement, Bob and his wife, Ann Lord DePatie, lived in Chatham, Mass., where Bob was an avid tennis player and active in many local organizations, including the Chatham Athletic Association, Chatham Historical Commission, the Chatham Wastewater Citizens Advisory Committee, and the Chatham Retired Men’s Club. He was a longtime volunteer for his Loomis class, serving as class agent and reunion chairman. Bob was predeceased by his brother William J. DePatie. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann DePatie; four children: Marianne DePatie Fouhey, Robert E. “Ted” DePatie Jr., Peter J. DePatie, and Thomas T. DePatie; eight grandchildren; and his brothers: Thomas C. DePatie ’48, Richard J. DePatie ’51, and Eugene P. DePatie ’59. A funeral mass was held for Bob on May 24 at Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church in Chatham. The family requested that gifts in Bob’s memory be made to The Loomis Chaffee School. David Stuart Palermo, at his home on March 3, following a long illness. David was a twoyear student from Longmeadow, Mass. He was involved with the Debating Club, Founders Committee, Political Club, Membership Committee, and Le Cercle Français. David was active with Allyn intermediate football, Allyn senior basketball, and the track squad. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Lynchburg College, his master’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and a doctorate in

experimental child psychology from the State University of Iowa (now University of Iowa). He began his career as assistant professor of psychology at Southern Illinois University and as assistant professor of psychology at the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. In 1963, he joined the faculty at Pennsylvania State University as associate professor of psychology, rising to full professor in 1966. He received a Career Development Award from the NICHD (National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development). He was a visiting professor at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1969, and a senior Fulbright scholar at the University of Sydney, Australia, in 1975. For over 30 years, he did pioneering research in psycholinguistics, specifically in child cognitive development and language acquisition. His contributions had a broad impact on the field, including reshaping, with James Jenkins, research methodology in language acquisition. His publications also addressed questions relating to the philosophy and sociology of science. David served as editor for the journal Child Development Abstracts and Bibliography for 13 years and the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology for 10 years. He served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior; Journal of Experimental Psychology; Metaphor and Symbolic Activity; and Cognitive Development. His work resulted in more than 100 scholarly articles and edited volumes and a book, Psychology of Language (1978). From 1988 to 1993, David loomischaffee.org | 53


IN MEMORIaM

served as associate dean of research and graduate studies in the College of Liberal Arts at Penn State. He retired in 1993 as professor emeritus. The same year, he received the Thornton Award at Lynchburg College, Va., given by Phi Kappa Phi to alumni who have made significant contributions to their field. He pursued his passion for color photography into retirement, exhibiting work at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and at other venues. David is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Marion Gindes; his children: Scott, Craig, Lynn, and Lisa Palermo; his stepdaughter, Jessica Hornstein; 11 grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Jane Wallace. He is also survived by his former wife, Shirley Bowen Palermo. A memorial service was held on June 12. David donated his body to the Columbia University Medical School.

1947

John Jewett Little, at home, surrounded by his family on April 14. John was a two-year student from Westfield, N.J. He was a member of the Glee and Jazz clubs, the Endowment Fund, and the Senior Dining Hall Committee. He was a cast member in Macbeth, a member of the choir in York Nativity, and the chorus in Princess Ida. John was active with Allyn senior football, Allyn intermediate basketball, and Allyn baseball. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Brown University and his master’s in business administration from Columbia University Business School. He was a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts and was awarded a CFA by the Institute of Chartered Financial Ana54 |

in his life as the 1955 camping trip he took to Europe with his wife, journeying from Paris to Norway, Spain, and Italy, and all the countries in between. John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty A. Little; two children, Shirley Patricia Zedar and James McMullen Little; two granddaughters, Jessica Mae Stuhmer and Sarah Jean Zedar; a sister, Shirley Hazelwood; a sister-in-law; and five nieces and nephews. A memorial service was to be held at Grace Church in Rutland, Vt.

Photo: Dena Tucker

lysts. John served the United States Air Force in Korea, 1951– 1955, in the Photo Intelligence Division. Following his military service, he went to work on Wall Street as a security analyst for Fiduciary Trust Co., later becoming a vice president in research, then a financial analyst at Schroder, Naess & Thomas. In addition to his professional responsibilities, John served as treasurer for Millington, Passaic Township and worked in quality control for H&R Block helping to develop electronic tax preparation for Block with Beneficial Finance in northern New Jersey. John’s hobbies and interests were many and varied. He held a private pilot’s license, flew for pleasure and worked on geological surveys in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He enjoyed golfing, tennis, and travel. But his lifelong passions were hiking and skiing. He climbed many 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado, some with his wife. He was the very first to play Frisbee at the summit of

Longs Peak, Colo. After retiring to Vermont, John hiked often with the Green Mountain Club and on his own in the Presidential Range. He was an avid skier up until the end, and skied many areas in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. He was a member of Schussbaumer Ski Club in Georgetown, Colo., and a charter member of the Black River Corporation in Plymouth Union, Vt. John began singing as a boy soprano in a Westfield, N.J., church, a pursuit he continued during his time at Loomis, Brown, and through adulthood. He sang for 19 years in Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church in N.J., and for nine years in Grace Congregational UCC in Rutland, Vt. In retirement in Vermont, John was devoted to weekly volunteering at the Rutland Regional Medical Center. He and his wife were regular participants of Elderhostel programs, attending more than 35, and traveling to many places in the world. He recalled the most memorable time

Henry Beveridge Phelps, following a brief illness, February 21. Henry, or “Bev” as he was known, was a four-year student from North Adams, Mass. He was involved with the Bridge, Photography, Political, and Rifle clubs. He was a study hall supervisor and was a member of the Senior Dining Hall Committee. Henry was active with the first football team, for which he received a varsity letter, the first track team, and Ludlow senior basketball. Bev earned his bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College and his doctorate in psychology from Columbia. After serving in the U.S. Army, Bev was appointed director of clinical psychology for Howard Family Services Center in Burlington, Vt., where he was a brilliant and empathetic therapist, specializing in phobias and cognitive therapy. Always a scientist, he employed empirical and rational methods tempered with compassion. He later taught psychology at Castleton State Teacher’s College, where he was a dynamic and beloved professor. He retired as chairman of the Psychology Department. Bev then went on to explore his love for cutting-


edge technology by launching the first Apple Computer retail store in the state of Vermont. He was an engineer at heart and spent most of his time in his wood shop, soldering circuit boards, studying technical stock charts, and building a family clay tennis court. Other hobbies included tennis, skiing, golf, bridge, and blackjack. Bev is survived by four children: Anne Hamilton, David Phelps, Douglas Phelps, and Carlton Phelps; six grandchildren; his former wife of 36 years, Betty Phelps; and a longtime companion, Frances Kennedy.

1949

Crocker Luther, peacefully at home following a brief illness, on March 21. Crocker, who was known as “Kerry,” was a fiveyear student from Cambridge, Mass. He was involved with the Glee and Political clubs, vice president of the Stamp Club, and a member of the Library, Founders, and Warham Dormitory committees, the latter for which he served as chairman. He was a member of the Foreign Policy Association and comanager of the athletic store. Kerry was a member of the Christmas Choral Group and a cast member of Iolanthe. He was involved in Wolcott senior soccer and winter track, and he served as manager for the first baseball team. Kerry received the William Cogswell Card Memorial Prize in Music. He earned his master’s in business administration from Harvard Business School in 1962 and began a professional career that spanned the world of banking with Marine Midland Bank in Manhattan from 1962 to 1982 and with Manufacturers

Hanover Bank from 1983 until his retirement. His life was devoted to his friends and family along with his passions for opera, golf, history, and the Sunday New York Times crossword. He brought his dedication to opera to life through decadelong work with the Metropolitan Opera in programs that range from screening local talent in audition programs, to getting the Met live on TV, to bringing area school children to attend matinee productions. In addition, throughout his life, he worked with the Harvard Club of New York, Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, the New York Board of Trade, the Evergreens Cemetery, and the Ladew Topiary Gardens. Kerry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Hebard Luther, in 1978. He is survived by his children, Sandra Brinton Luther and Donald Crocker Luther; his brother, Michael Luther; his sister, Anne von Rosenberg; and a granddaughter, Sierra Rose.

1951

Elizabeth Spafard DeGraw, from complications of multiple sclerosis, on February 5. Betty, as she was known to all, attended Chaffee from Windsor. She was president of the French Club, literary editor of the Epilogue, associate editor of the Chiel, and a member of the choir. She was active with the Athletic Association, played on the field hockey team, and was named top athlete. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mount Holyoke College, where she also learned to play the organ. She did postgraduate work in astronomy at Indiana University, where she

met her husband of 53 years, Roy. They settled in Fremont, Calif., where Betty worked as a computer programmer and in a radiation laboratory, before becoming a full-time mother. Betty served as church organist, pianist, treasurer, and Sunday school teacher for the churches to which she belonged. Her hobbies included playing bridge and the computer. She was initially diagnosed with MS in 1978, but at no time during the remainder of her life did she ever complain about her condition or become despondent. Betty is survived by her husband, Roy DeGraw; her two daughters, Yvonne Prater and Rhonda Sharp; four grandchildren: Kenyon, Tenaya, Jared, and Calvin; and her sister, Esther Spafard. A memorial service was held March 26, in Pollock Pines, Calif.

1961

Judith A. Lahey, unexpectedly, at her home on May 12. She was a four-year student from West Hartford. Judith was staff art editor for the Epilogue and active with ten-pointers and tennis. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Manhattanville College and her doctorate of law from the University of Connecticut. Later, she earned a master’s degree in library science at Southern Connecticut State University. Judith began her career as an assistant law librarian at the UConn law library. She then worked with the Office of Legislative Research before returning to her career as a legal librarian, this time for Wethersfield School of Law (now Quinnipiac School of Law). During her tenure at Wethersfield, Judith

also served briefly as acting dean. Judith then returned to the UConn law library, where she remained until 1983. In 1975, Judith was named to the first Freedom of Information Commission for the State of Connecticut by Governor Ella Tambussi Grasso ’36. She was appointed the commission’s chair in 1979 and continued to serve until 1986, when she became the assistant reporter of judicial decisions for the Commission on Office Legal Publications, for which she reported on state Supreme and Appellate Court decisions in The Connecticut Law Journal, a job she loved and undertook until her retirement. Between those careers, Judith and her partner of 30 years, Judy Pflum, raised miniature horses, pigs, and goats on their small farm. Judith’s adventurous spirit was reflected in her airplane pilot’s license, as a sailor, and in her later love for travel. She was an avid Red Sox fan, ardent supporter of UConn women’s basketball, and a political junkie. She is survived by her partner, Judy; her siblings: Sara M., Margaret A., and Michael J. Lahey ’76; her aunt, cousins, nieces, and a nephew. She was predeceased by her brothers, William F. Lahey and Paul J. Lahey. Calling hours were held May 18 at Molloy Funeral Home in West Hartford. The family requested that gifts in Judith’s memory be made to The Loomis Chaffee School.

1962

John Hawthorne Deming, at the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C., on March 30. John was a four-year student from Washington, D.C. He loomischaffee.org | 55


IN MEMORIaM

was involved with the Dance Committee, Junto, and Key Society. He served as vice president of the Student Endowment Fund, vice president of the Student Council, president of the Senior Biology Club, and senior editor of the handbook. John was a member of the first football and first baseball teams, earning varsity letters for each. In addition, he was coach of the Ludlow junior basketball team. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Rollins College and then joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam during that war. After leaving the Marine Corps, he pursued graduate work in Brattleboro, Vt., and then studied and worked in Europe for a number of years. Returning to Washington in the early 1980s, John worked as a security supervisor at FAA headquarters and then at U.S. Coast Guard headquarters. In retirement, John enjoyed reading, visiting with family, and following sports and political developments. He was a devoted New York Yankees fan for years but began to switch his loyalties to the Washington Nationals after their reincarnation. John was predeceased by his parents, the Honorable Olcott H. Deming ’29 and Louise Macpherson Deming. He is survived by his siblings, Rust M. Deming ’60 and Rosamond B. Deming. A private ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was to be held at a later date.

1964

Ronald Gregory Green, on March 29, after courageously living with COPD lung disease. Greg came to Loomis from Providence, R.I. He was involved with the Student Coun56 |

Photo: Dena Tucker

cil, Key Society, and Religious Life Committee. He served as editor-in-chief of the Loomiscellany for two years, chairman of the Dance Committee, president of the Mechanics Club, and secretary-treasurer of the Darwin Club. He was active with soccer and lacrosse, earning varsity letters in each. In addition, he was a member of the Wolcott senior hockey team and president of the Ski Club. Greg, an honor roll student, was recipient of the Martin Harold Johnson Prize, awarded to the student who gives all he has and more. The 1964 Loomiscellany noted: “Everyone — students and faculty — agree that Loomis is a better place because of Greg’s presence.” Greg earned two bachelor’s degrees from Rhode Island School of Design (one in fine arts and one in architecture) as well as a bachelor’s degree from Brown. He was a U.S. Army Engineer Officer Candidate School graduate at the end of his service at the Pentagon in Washington,

D.C., where he was awarded a Joint Commission Medal. Greg, who was certified as both a senior professional in human resources (SPHR-Life Certification) and as a global professional in human resources (GPHR), was senior human resources consultant to industry, specializing in strategic, tactical, and operational implementations involving human assets. He served as a third-party ombudsman and certified mediator working with employers and employees in the resolution of workplace issues. Most recently, he was owner and chief human resource officer at North Star Human Resources and was senior advisor at Strategic Development Worldwide out of San Diego, Calif. Greg served on the national board of directors of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and on the board of directors of the SHRM Global Forum. He was a key contact to the National Skill Standards Board in Washington, D.C., was a

registered member of the New Mexico Mediation Association, and was the 2006 chair of the board of directors of the Human Resource Certification Institute. He was the recipient of the SHRM State of New Mexico Award for Professional Excellence in 2000 and was the past state chair of the Job Service Employers Connection of the New Mexico Department of Labor. He was also proud to be a member of the Society of Cincinnati, and the Native American All-Nations Stronghold, for which he was a shaman (Standing Green) and pipe holder. Greg was known around Santa Fe, where he lived, for his gentlemanly, dapper sense of style and impeccable taste. He was appreciated by his many friends for his combination of charm, warmth, keen intelligence, quick wit, sense of humor, and generosity of spirit. Greg is survived by his wife, Shirley Butenhoff Scott; his children: Dana Cataldi, C. Taft Green, Stuart Green, and Josephine “Bay” Green-Hill; his stepdaughter, Lisa Charles McDonald; eight grandchildren; his sisters, Cornelia “Keena” Palmer and Kate Vibert; his stepsisters, Sara LeFleur and Elizabeth Hudson; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life was held May 14.

1968

Eric Carl Gilchrist, on February 28. Eric was a four-year student from South Salem, N.Y. He was involved with the Darwin Club and Dining Hall Committee. In addition, he served as editor of the Loom and reporter for The Log. He earned a varsity letter with the cross country team. Eric


IN MEMORIaM

was an honor roll student. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology (summa cum laude) from Western Connecticut State University, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois and a doctorate in psychology from the Denver School of Professional Psychology. The field of psychology inspired him scholastically and professionally for the remainder of his life. From his acute focus on psychology, he grew a broad base of knowledge and expertise by learning new languages, teaching himself guitar and oil painting, memorizing long passages of literature and poetry, and writing fiction as well as professional research papers. He was an enthusiastic hiker and ran the New York City and Pikes Peak marathons. An avid philanthropist for a broad range of organizations, he was devoted to the Blue Ocean Institute, where he was formerly a director. His passion for birds, the environment, the arts, and human rights not only enriched the lives of those around him but also protected and enhanced the life of this planet and the lives that depend on it. This was reflected by his enduring support for additional interests such as Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Resources Defense Council, The John Hand Theater of Denver, Amnesty International, and U.S. national parks. Eric was predeceased by his father, Thomas B. Gilchrist ’28. Eric is survived by his mother, Jocelyn Marshall Wallace; his son, Michael James Gilchrist; his brothers: Thomas “Toby” Gilchrist ’69, C.B. Marshall Gilchrist ’77, R. Angus C. Gilchrist ’78, and

Alexander J. Gilchrist ’80; his sisters, Juliette and Clarice; his stepmother Ulla Swartz; and his stepsiblings: Cal-Otto, Nappe, and Madeleine. Private services were to be held in New York and Arizona.

Faculty

John Herbert Lander, unexpectedly, while visiting New York City, April 6. Born in Farmington, Maine, John graduated from Yale University in 1955 and earned a master’s degree from Trinity College. He taught the classics in Latin and Greek at Saint Paul’s School in Concord, N.H., before coming to Loomis Chaffee, where he taught Latin and Classical Greek from 1964 to 1970. During his teaching years, John began to lead tours of Greece and Rome during the summer months. Eventually he gave up his teaching position and became a full-time travel agent. He worked most recently for All Points Travel in Simsbury, until a disabling stroke in 1988. He was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Hartford and All Saints Episcopal Church in Wolfeboro, N.H. He was also a member of the Cherry Brook Garden Club in Canton, Friends of Canton Library, and the Canton Historical Society. John is survived by his partner of 27 years, Douglas H. Robins; and his goddaughter, Anna Schneider Durham. A memorial service was held on May 5, at Grace Episcopal Church in Hartford.

Staff

Irene “Rene” Chupilo Mahoney, at her home on April 22. Born in New York, N.Y., daughter of the late Walter and Anna Chupilo, Rene lived in Windsor for 34 years. She was a nurse’s aide with the Health Center for more than 25 years before her retirement. She made many friends at Loomis Chaffee and particularly enjoyed helping the students. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William J. Mahoney. Rene is survived by her children, Carolyn Koloseus, William M. Mahoney, and Patrick J. Mahoney; five grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was held April 27, at St. Joseph Church in Windsor.

including all those whose journey through life brought them to her home. Sue is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 56 years, David Malinoski; her sons: David Malinoski Jr., Joel Malinoski, and Philip Malinoski; five grandchildren; a niece; a great-nephew; and a great-niece. A memorial service was held at Saint Bridget’s Church, Manchester, Conn., on April 9.

Susan S. Zylawski Malinoski, peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on March 18. Sue, who worked for many years in the Loomis Chaffee Audiovisual Department, was born in Northampton, Mass., to Josef and Suzanne Zylawski and grew up the youngest of four sisters. Her life was a celebration of adventure and appreciation of curiosity. Sue and her husband, David, eloped in 1954 to Vermont; traveled throughout the land looking for the ideal ice cream cone; revered learning and wonder; viewed the world around them as a community of people; and lived a life of caring and openness. She opened her heart to many, loomischaffee.org | 57


The last Word | by Jonathan Carroll ’67

A Young Writer Affirmed Editors’ Note: As Loomis Chaffee plans for its Centennial in 2014–15, firsthand accounts from faculty, students, and alumni about their daily affairs at school figure prominently in the historical record of the school’s first 100 years. In each issue of Loomis Chaffee Magazine, “The Last Word” shares a firsthand account from an LC community member.

Jonathan Samuel Carroll from the Loomiscellany 1967

“Senior year I’d cautiously and most secretly begun to write short stories. One day in the spring, petrified, I handed one in to Morris Brown — my favorite teacher of all. I was so embarrassed to be doing such a presumptuous thing that I literally put it on the desk in his apartment and ran out. “Later in the day I was walking to dinner and heard someone calling my name. I turned and saw Mr. Brown running — actually running — towards me with a sheaf of papers in his hand. I froze and watched him approach. ‘Carroll, this story is good! I just finished it and I really liked it. You’ve got something here.’ “I remember the expression on his face. I remember the white flash of papers crumbled in his hand — my story. I remember my joy.”

— Jonathan Carroll ’67 originally published in the Spring 1983 Loom For more information on Jonathan’s writing, go to jonathancarroll.com.

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English instructor and adviser to the Loom Morris H. Brown Photo: Archives


Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Mailed From Hartford CT Permit No. 1720

The Loomis Chaffee School 4 Batchelder Road Windsor, Connecticut 06095 Change Service Requested

Annual Fund 2010 _11 | A Banner Year ! A record 4,390 alumni, parents, and friends

Parent Participation — Achieved

Million Raised — A NEW RECORD

Thank You!

34

N IT • O W O

Alumni Participation — Achieved

34% = $ 2 5 E •

34% 82% $2.7

HALLEN C G UR

%

00 • LET’S 0,0

contributed to our success:


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