EA Today Summer 2014

175th Anniversary Issue

EA TODAY LONG LIVE ACADEMY

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Summer 2014

Mission Statement Elgin Academy is a preschool-12th grade, independent, college-preparatory, coeducational day school committed to academic excellence and developing the full potential of each student. Through a proactive partnership among faculty, parents, and students in a nurturing, dynamic, challenging, and diverse community, the Academy creates an environment where students acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become intellectually engaged and confident about their places in the world.

In This Issue:

Elgin Academy 350 Park Street, Elgin Illinois 60120 847.695.0300 elginacademy.org

Letter from the Head of School

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On Campus 2013-2014

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HEAD OF SCHOOL: Seth Hanford

175th Anniversary Timeline & Feature

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EDITOR: Rapha Zerey ‘06

Faculty Conversations

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PHOTOGRAPHY: Elgin Academy parent Aisha Khan

Board of Trustees

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Letter from the Director of Development

35

Alumni Events & Class Notes

38

Class of 2014 & Commencement

45

CONTRIBUTORS: Elgin Academy Faculty Shannon Howell Dewayne Robinson Susan Kennedy Bill Pearson Samantha Gellin John Weck ‘73

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Letter from the Head of School Dear EA Community,

them. And a rigorous approach to a classical, liberal-arts education is still the right way to ensure that students have an in-depth understanding of the problems they will be responsible for solving. We strive to maintain those crucial tenets and use technology and modern pedagogical methods to enhance them, thus multiplying the impact.

Much of this issue discusses the storied 175year history of Elgin Academy and recaps our worthy celebration. We are incredibly proud of this history and value the local, state-wide, and national recognition of our important role in educating thousands of students from around the globe. The country and world have changed in countless ways since the charter of this school in 1839, and educational methods have developed similarly. And yet, as we have noted countless times this year, the premises upon which an Academy education are built remain beautifully unchanged. Small classes that contain passionate and well-trained teachers and motivated, able students remain the best combination to help students acquire the skills needed to impact the greater world.

We are excited about the past, present, and future of this great place, and we hope you are too.

After a brief absence, we are thrilled to introduce you to the new EA Today! While there is no substitute for being on campus, this edition, and the ones to follow on our new twice-annual schedule, will do its best to showcase the busy life at this vibrant school.

We hope you enjoy it.

Thank you again for your support for Elgin Academy. Please join us on campus to get a first-hand look.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Seth Hanford Head of School

“We are incredibly proud of this history, and value the local, state-wide, and national recognition of our important role in educating thousands of students from around the globe.�

A community that emphasizes service and character is the best platform by which students learn to take that knowledge and use it for the betterment of those around

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Class of 2013

Maham Abbasi University of Illinois at Chicago Beck Blair Pepperdine University Zack Bohenick Michigan State University Nikil Bontu Drake University Jessica Cianci American University Leslie Delgado Southern Illinois University, Carbondale Martin Diaz de Leon Saint Louis University Genevieve DiPaolo University of Indianapolis Andrew Dykun Benedictine University Claire Fluegel Harper College

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Hannah Gallee Illinois Wesleyan University

Kimberly Krawzak Lawrence University

Sedona Georgescu Trinity College

Vito Maglio University of Kentucky

Liana Ginder Columbia College

Ben Mead Ripon College

Billy Gracik Saint Louis University

Chris Monti Duke University

Miranda Green Cornell College

Jonathan Oberdorf DePaul University

Paige Jirsa Saint Louis University

Shayna Oriold Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Ellie Johnson University of Vermont Jordan Kaufman Saint Louis University Cheyenne Kazaross Northern Michigan University Brigitte Keslinke Boston University Colter Kozal New York University

Brandon Perez DePaul University Liam Phalen University of Edinburgh Peter Poulokefalos University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana Siyona Ravi University of Pennsylvania

Owen Rogers University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana Isabella Romano Boston University Samayra Siddiqui Duke University Mary Elizabeth Snell University of Iowa Claire Stone Tufts University Jeffrey Tang University of California, Berkeley Caroline Wadington Indiana University Colin Ward Iowa State University Zeyu Walter Wen University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana Jessica Wilmington University of Missouri

Homecoming 2013

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Academic, Co-Curricular, & Service Achievements

Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering EA’s WYSE team advanced after winning first place at the Regional Competition held in February at ECC to the Sectional Competition held at NIU in March. Their second place finish at the NIU Sectional qualified them to advance to the State Finals held in April in Champaign-Urbana. Although they did not bring home one of the team trophies from the state competition this year, we are very proud of the successes they had as a team and in individual events.

Battle of the Books Elgin Academy’s Battle of the Books team held an extraordinary record this year! The BoB team placed first in all six of their meets. The team (made up of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders) impressively answered 87 of the 90 questions correctly at the six meets.

Biographer’s Tea The Biographer’s Tea presentation is a tradition at EA that is designed to help 5th and 6th grade students develop exceptional skills in the area of research projects and public speaking. The sevenweek process culminates in a formal ‘tea’, where students come dressed in character and assume the persona of the famous person they researched. This year, the 5th and 6th grade researched Mathematicians and Scientists.

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Outreach 360 - Nicaragua The Spring Break community service trip entered its 8th year in 2014.

This year, 31 students, 3 faculty members, and 1 alumna traveled to Nicaragua to teach English to young children. The students designed lesson plans using arts and crafts as well as sports. The group traveled to Jinotega, known as the City of the Mists, for one of their spring break weeks. The community service trip has become a favorite activity for EA students to do over Spring Break!

Photos by Valerie Scimeca ‘16 & Kathy Rusniak

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Focus and Dedication At Elgin Academy athletics are essential to the overall school community. They provide an opportunity for student-athletes to represent something bigger than themselves and to compete with honor and humility.

At EA we strive to instill an understanding of these ideals in all of our coaches and students. Our goal has been to create an environment where athletics serve as an extension of the classroom by providing athletic opportunities which challenge students to learn and succeed.

As a former high school and college athlete, I understand from a first-hand perspective the effects that well run athletic programs can have on student-athletes. Our athletic philosophy at Elgin Academy focuses on competitive athletics as an integral part of the school’s overall educational mission.

The thing that makes us unique is that we value sport participation as much as we do winning. Our student athletes are pushed to give their best, play with honor, and work together throughout each season of competition.

Recently, we have refocused our athletic department on some core values. This process starts with hiring coaches who fit our athletic philosophy and have a genuine passion to see our programs and student athletes grow. As a next step, we hone in on providing coaches and athletes with the facilities and tools necessary to improve and succeed. We also focus on providing maximum support to our coaching staffs through continuous in-house activities and professional development. Dedication to

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these guiding principles helps us to build a solid base for our athletic programs to grow.

The growth of those programs allows us to fulfill our aim to continuously add to the athletic experience by increasing community interaction and presence.

We have seen many individual and team successes during my time here. These include 67 all-conference athletes, 10 all-area athletes, 1 all-state player, 1 conference coach of the year, and various team sportsmanship and sport/academic awards. We have had 6 teams finish in the top three of the conference standings and have even sent golfers to sectionals and state for the last 3 years in a row.

The athletic experience at Elgin Academy is a special one --one that our student athletes continue to find enriching. They receive an experience that is parallel to none. We are proud that the commitment of being a student athlete at Elgin Academy greatly prepares our students to be productive citizens in all walks of life.

Dewayne Robinson Athletic Director

EA Golf: A Coach’s Perspective The hidden treasures you discover within the game of golf are the many parallels to everyday life that come to light when you play the game. The game creates a wonderful opportunity to examine one’s character, perseverance, integrity, intestinal fortitude, and level of humility. Arguably, these are a few of the key building blocks to forming an intellectually engaged and confident individual seeking his or her place in the world, precisely the kind of individual called for in EA’s mission.

In addition to the potential talent that is displayed on the golf course, what makes the EA golf team special is how In support of this philosophy we try to create an they represent our community. Unsolicited feedback environment of commitment and unity with a focus on team success through self-improvement. To achieve team from coaches and other adults who are in the presence of our golfers tells us that they are impressed with how well focus, there must be a unified thought process. Some our players conduct themselves. This is a tribute to the may contend that golf is a game for and of individuals. well-roundedness of our student athletes.

I agree. The exception comes when the results of your game impact the results of other golfers.

Looking ahead, the 2014 season will see three experienced and accomplished golfers returning along As a coach you look for moments that define the character of your players and your program. Mine came with one sophomore with varsity experience. Senior Gannon Cottone is a solid golfer who reached the at the 2013 Regional Championship Tournament. One Sectional Tournament as a freshman. Gannon is poised of our golfers, Elliot Gorman, was playing well when to have a strong final year with us. Junior Frankie adversity struck. Elliot called a penalty on himself, Bisconti is looking to make a second straight trip to the which is uncommon considering the venue and what State Championship Tournament. Junior Elliot Gorman was at stake. Elliot did not have to call the penalty on himself but he erred on the side of honesty. The penalty is talented and will undoubtedly take his game to the next level in 2014. I expect him to make a repeat appearance put Elliot in a four-person playoff for two spots in the at the Sectional Championship Tournament. Sophomore Sectional Championship Tournament. Elliot won the Henry Stone played varsity as a freshman and gained playoff by making a birdie on the first playoff hole. His honesty, perseverance, and success are good indicators of valuable experience. The 2014 season should see him come into his own. The future is bright for EA golf! our program.

Coach Bill Pearson

Student Perspectives on EA Sports Frank Bisconti ‘16 (Golf, Tennis, and Baseball)

“There is a strong team attitude, and you develop strong bonds and learn to think as a group rather than an individual. I’ve gotten better at realizing when I’m being overconfident. I think these lessons will be really useful later in life”.

Susanna Cain ‘14 (Tennis, Basketball, and Track & Field)

“At the end of each season, my teammates feel like an extension of my family. We rely on the older and teach the younger. My work ethic wouldn’t be what it is without my EA coaches. They are such good mentors and have taught me how to work hard for something I want. I’m going to miss their support next year.”

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Fine Arts

Lower School art projects

Upper School art projects

Middle School Choir Upper School Production: Fools

Upper School art projects

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Early Childhood mural

Lower School Production: Stone Soup

Middle School Production: Annie Jr.

Upper School Production: 9 to 5 ELGIN ACADEMY

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A Timeline of Tradition, Innovation

A LEG AC Y OF LE ARNING:

by John Weck ‘73

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1835 - 1855

CE L E B R AT I N G 1 7 5 Y E A R S

1835 Founding of Elgin

New Yorker, James Talcott Gifford, seeking a location for a new town, selects a site in Illinois in 1835. The crossing site was on a direct line to Galena.

& Excellence

“The Fox is the finest stream I ever saw.” ~James Talcott Gifford, 1835

1839 Charter

Due to the strenuous effort of Gifford and others, Elgin Academy was granted a charter by the Illinois General Assembly on February 22, 1839. In a radical departure for the time, the seven member Board agreed that Elgin Academy would be non-sectarian and coeducational.

1840s Progress Stalls

After the initial outburst of enthusiasm for the construction of a new school, reality set in. The Academy’s founders were busy men and farming, business, and family pursuits required much of their time. Currency and coin were also scarce and transportation was difficult.

1843 Academy Board of Trustees Reorganized

Five new members are added including prominent physician, dairy magnate, and first Mayor of Elgin, Dr. Joseph Tefft.

1854 Dr. Tefft Elected As Academy President

On August 12, 1854 the Academy Board of Trustees met again in yet another attempt to establish a school and elected Dr. Tefft as President. Under Tefft’s leadership, the Board began efforts to buy property and a partially constructed building on a hilltop east of the Fox River owned by the Free-Will Baptists and designated for a college. After completing only the first story of the building, “pecuniary embarrassments” forced the Baptists to stop the project. By raising $1,300 in cash and by selling $2,000 worth of stock in $50 increments the Elgin Academy trustees purchased the property and partial building.

1855 Old Main Completed

$7,800 of additional stock was sold allowing for the completion of the Old Main building which had been begun in 1848 by the Free-Will Baptists.

1855 MeNeely Bell Cast

The bell was made at the MeNeely foundry in West Troy, NY in 1855. This cast iron bell installed in the cupola of Old Main served the school from 1856 until fire partially destroyed the building in 1911. It announced the firing on Fort Sumter by tolling throughout the day.

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CE L E B R AT I N G 1 7 5 Y E A R S 1856 Elgin Academy Officially Opens

Elgin Academy officially opened December 1, 1856. The Board instructed first Headmaster, Robert Blenkiron, to “maintain an institution of moral character and a high order of learning.”

When the Academy opened Headmaster Blenkiron and four teachers instructed students in ancient languages, mathematics, rhetoric, English, natural sciences, and shorthand.

Students selected their own course of study and stayed as long as they chose. Students and faculty members studied by candlelight or lantern; heat was supplied by four fireplaces.

C. Smith

Chicago Street, Elgin 1860s C. Smith

1861 Civil War

On April 12, 1861 the Confederacy attacked Ft. Sumter, beginning a bloody, four year conflict.

Elgin Academy would be a part of that conflict as 153 students, teachers, administrators and trustees abandoned academic and civilian pursuits to fight for the Union. Nineteen of those men would never return. At least ten more would die from the affects of unhealed wounds, exposure and traumatic stress shortly after the war.

1863 Elgin Academy Catalog Lists Two Courses of Study

Completion of either the six year scientific course or the five year classical course allowed students to enter as juniors to any college in the West.

1870 The Sears Arrive and a Dynasty Begins

Amos and Susan Sears came to Elgin Academy in the fall of 1870 after successful academic careers in Ohio.

Mr. Sears served as the Headmaster and Mrs. Sears as the Preceptress in charge of the female students. They undertook a reorganization of the curriculum into several courses of study: Preparatory (for younger students), Normal (for those seeking to be teachers, English, Classical, Latin, Scientific, and College Preparatory (for those going on to a university). The Sears’ energy and teamwork, coupled with “the school law of 1872,” which required formal examinations for public school teachers, propelled the Academy to new heights of excellence and dramatically increased enrollment.

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“There came to be an atmosphere of conscious dignity about the building as though it stood for high ideals that at last were known” ~Mrs. L.K. Becker, History of Elgin Academy about the era from 1870-1881

1856 - 1892 1872 First Elgin Academy Diploma Awarded

Laura R. Davidson receives the first diploma awarded by the school. She later returned to teach mathematics at the Academy and eventually became a trustee.

After marriage to Judge Nathaniel Sears (the son of Amos and Susan) Laura Davidson Sears continued to provide for her alma mater well into the 20th century with numerous gifts.

1874 Academic Program and Enrollment Grow

“The spirit of earnest purpose was never better” ~Mrs. Lucy Lovell

The first regular class graduated in 1874. By this time the school was filled with 247 students crowding Old Main. Building and grounds improvements were made; the school debt was retired, and “Academy Hall,” the open room on the third floor, was partitioned and refitted for overflow students.

1883 The Idea of an Endowment is Introduced

Professor J. Adolph Schmitz, in conjunction with the Board of Trustees begins efforts to establish an endowment to provide for the financial future of the Academy.

1888 Lovell Hall Constructed

Class of 1878

In 1888 Susan Sears was elected as a Trustee of Elgin Academy. At this time, many educators felt that manual training courses were an important part of any practical education. Mrs. Lucy Lovell, the wife of an original Academy Trustee, believed in this concept and offered to donate the hefty sum of $5,000 if the Board of Trustees would agree to include this subject and construct a building designed for the teaching of woodworking, printing, metal working, and construction. The offer was accepted and the building completed. Located just to the northwest of Old Main on “Senior Knoll,” this new building, Lovell Hall, was constructed with steam heat.

1890s “The Academy Spirit Grew”

Principal Alfred Welch, following the educational trends of the times, expanded Academy training programs and established a night school and a business program on campus. During this time many of the extra-curricular activities we associate with the Academy became established. Literary, debate, and glee clubs flourished. Sports were very popular and tennis, baseball and football events were avidly followed. Several Academy songs were developed during this time period, including the Elgin Academy Hymn. By the 1890s Old Main had a steam heat system and Elgin was served by both electric lights and street cars.

1891 Football Team Organized 1892 Business Department Established ELGIN ACADEMY

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CE L E B R AT I N G 1 7 5 Y E A R S 1893 Academy Siftings First Published

Academy Siftings, a student-produced monthly newspaper, began to be published in 1893. This publication contained news and sports articles, humor, literary pieces, and current events. It was printed on presses run by manual training students on the second floor of Lovell Hall.

1897 Manual Training Discontinued

Once George Newton Sleight took over the reins of leadership of the Academy, he quickly realized that the need for manual training had declined and he discontinued the program.

1899 EA Affiliates with the University of Chicago

During Sleight’s tenure an affiliation with the University of Chicago was affected which also brought changes to the curriculum. Chemistry and physics classes including well-equipped labs were added. A change in the standards required of teachers was also made because the University would allow them to teach only in their major field.

1901 First Boys Basketball Team is Organized

Girls Basketball did not arrive until 1909.

1903 EA Affiliates with

Northwestern University

In 1903 George P. Lord, President of the Board of Trustees of Elgin Academy, and Mr. Sleight succeeded in arranging an affiliation with Northwestern University. It was hoped this would help steady financial problems. Northwestern acquired controlling interest in the Academy through a transfer of stock and in return assisted the school with planning and organization.

That same year Mr. and Mrs. Lord pledged $40,000 to the Academy’s endowment which served as a catalyst for establishing a much larger endowment fund.

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“There was discernible, too, a spirit amongst the students which rejoiced many a heart – a spirit of loving and giving.” ~L.K. Becker, A History of Elgin Academy (1906)

1893 - 1917 1906 50th Anniversary of the Opening of Elgin Academy

The fall term of 1906 brought with it the 50th Anniversary of the opening of Elgin Academy. By this time Old Main, Lovell Hall, and a new heating plant comprised the campus and the Academy had also become a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. A History of Elgin Academy, written by Mrs. L.K. Becker, a teacher at the school from 1877-1895, was published for the anniversary.

“…the development of thinkers whose minds were carefully trained and whose characters are distinguished by justice, earnestness, moral force and mutual helpfulness.”

1909 Civil War Monument Dedicated

More than 40 years after the Civil War a “Peace Monument” was dedicated before a throng of 600 people on Memorial Day, May 29, 1909. The structure, located just to the east of Old Main, commemorates the 153 men from Elgin Academy who served the Union Army during the Civil War. Atop the monument were two 12 pounder Napoleon barrels made in 1864.

~A 1908 pamphlet listed this as the Academy’s goal

1911 Fire!

During a severe storm on August 17, 1911, lightening struck the cupola on the roof of Old Main and set the building on fire. During the conflagration, the bronze MeNeely Bell under the cupola crashed through the roof and third floor onto the second floor of the building. The bell was badly damaged and was placed in storage until 1962 when it was repaired and then displayed in front of the gym.

1914 A Dynasty Continues with Laura and Nathaniel Sears

After surviving countless struggles for funding and then the devastating 1911 fire, Elgin Academy was adopted as a primary cause by the Academy’s first graduate Laura Davidson Sears and her husband, Judge Nathaniel C. Sears (the son of former Headmaster and Preceptress Amos and Susan Sears). Both members of the Board of Trustees, Judge and Mrs. Sears began a long history of gift giving to the school when they donated $25,000 in 1914 to build up the endowment.

1917 World War I

The Great War had its effect on Elgin Academy. School publications tell us that124 of its students answered their country’s call and served in the war.

One account lists the number of dead at seven.

1917 Davidson Gymnasium Constructed

Constructed with funds from another donation by the Sears and named after Mrs. Sears’ father, Orlando Davidson, Davidson gym was completed in 1917 and contained one of the finest indoor tile pools in the Midwest at that time.

In addition to the many kinds of sports and recreational activities and events that took place there, when the students wanted to perform a play, one end of the gym was built up and curtains were hung from the balcony.

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CE L E B R AT I N G 1 7 5 Y E A R S “Small classes, excellent and satisfied teachers, instruction to suit the individual, and the other phases of school life will develop your boy or girl to the limit of his or her possibility”

1920 Stouffer Becomes Headmaster/ Formal Boarding Begins

During this time the Business Department was discontinued. Academic emphasis was placed on three areas: Preparatory (for students below high school), Academy (for students seeking an education leading to enrollment in a college or university), and Junior College (for students wishing to remain at home during their first two years of college level study). Headmaster Stouffer made the decision to institute a formal boarding program, and Lovell Hall was converted to a Boys Dormitory.

~From a 1920’s era Academy advertising publication

1921 The Hilltopper

EA’s First Yearbook is Published

This and all subsequent yearbooks provide an accurate record of the activities, students, and events of the Academy and capture the spirit and excitement of student life. It was given the name “Hilltopper” for being the old school on the hill.

1924 Sears Gallery and

Hammond Athletic Field Open

Hammond Field was opened in 1924. Laura and Nathaniel Sears purchased this property, two homes, plus additional land north of Old Main. The athletic field comprised 10 acres of facilities for a field house, track, football field and tennis courts. In 1924 Judge and Mrs. Sears brought the Elgin Academy international attention and status with their donation of the Laura Davidson Sears Academy of Fine Arts.

Built at a cost of over $100,000, this classical structure was filled with sculpture, oil paintings and other art donated by the Sears. As a museum open to the public “one day per week” the gallery was staffed by a professional curator who carefully watched over its collection.

1930s The Elgin Academy Plan

Initiated by Karl Stouffer in September of 1931, “The Elgin Academy Plan” consisted of a rotating class schedule. Stouffer touted this plan by saying, “Eminent educators declare this plan to be a forward step in education. The change has resulted in doubling the percentage on the honor roll and almost eliminating failures.” Throughout this time, students continued to achieve excellence in academics and students arrived from other states and other nations to ready themselves for college study.

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You and I, 1927

1918 - 1948 1931 Roy E. Hammond Field House Built at Athletic Fields 1936 Earl G. Leinbach Becomes Headmaster

Mr. Leinbach arrived at Elgin Academy from Choate. He felt that the college preparatory program would be strengthened by increasing the number of boarding students and began making plans to build a new dormitory on the northern part of the Academy’s land. A house across the street from campus on the corner of Park and College was purchased by the Board of Trustees and became known as the Headmaster’s House.

Class of 1945

1937 EA Adds 8th Grade 1938 Penney House Acquired & 7th Grade Added

Penney House was used as a library (1st floor) and an infirmary (2nd floor).

1939 Centennial of Academy’s Charter

Founders Day was celebrated February 22, 1939 with a ceremony recalling the school’s long history. The celebration also included a special radio broadcast from the WGN studios in Chicago. Later, a Charter Centennial Banquet was held as well.

1940 Sears Hall Opens

Headmaster Leinbach’s dream of a new boys dormitory came to fruition with the completion of Sears Hall, another of the many gifts of Nathaniel and Laura Sears.

1941 World War II

The war mobilized the Academy as it did the nation. EA girls rolled bandages for the Red Cross, prepared packages and gift boxes for alumni stationed overseas and organized a book drive for men in the Merchant Marine. Even Sears Gallery participated in the War effort by hosting exhibitions of war posters, camouflage and the works of Army illustrators.

Approximately 300 faculty and students served in the war effort.

1943 Junior College Program Discontinued 1947 Kindergarten and Nursery School Initiated 1948 Elementary School Started in Raymond House

“Whatever difficulties may be encountered, Elgin Academy must move increasingly onward toward greater heights. In doing so with unflagging determination we will be paying our just tribute to the hosts of men and women of the first centennial.” ~Earl G. Leinbach, Headmaster 1939

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CE L E B R AT I N G 1 7 5 Y E A R S 1956 The Centennial Class

Class of 1956

Elgin Academy’s Class of 1956 brought together students from Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kansas and Michigan. In keeping with the long-standing EA tradition of international education, Venezuela and Cuba were also represented!

1958 New Gym Built

The new gym was built adjacent to the Davidson Gym and dedicated in October of 1958.

1958 Elementary Program Ends

After a decade, the Elementary Program was discontinued during this year.

1962 North Hall Completed & Lovell Hall Demolished

Since 1940, female boarding students had either lived off campus or in the bungalow or “cottage”. North Hall, completed in 1962, was a major addition to campus. Lovell Hall had served the Academy well since 1858. The building was demolished in the summer of 1962.

1963 Top Floor of Davidson Gym Demolished –Only Pool Remains

1967 Major Portions of Art Collection Sold

Serious financial difficulties encountered by the Board of Trustees in the late 1960’s necessitated the decision to sell some of the Sears Art Collection to put the Academy on a more solid financial basis. Several valuable paintings were sold to galleries and museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago. The money generated enabled the Academy to keep its doors open.

1968 Soccer Program Begins

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1964 Aeichlorians

1949 - 1981 You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, 1969

1969 Edwards Hall Opens

Margaret Peck Edwards Hall opened in 1969.

Upon completion of this modern classroom building, Old Main was closed to student use and was utilized as storage space only.

1971 Enrollment: 225

By 1971 the Academy served 225 scholars, “almost equally divided between boarding and day students.”

1973 Boarding Program Eliminated

In a major policy shift, the Board elected to phase out the boarding program resulting in a significant drop in enrollment. The fall semester that year opened with only 85 students. Within a year however, enrollment began to rise.

1974 Sixth Grade Added 1975 Mr. Frank Hogan Becomes Headmaster

During Mr. Hogans’s tenure both academic and admission standards were increased and the school day was lengthened until 4pm to accommodate a full integration of fine arts and sports programs into the curriculum. The number of credits required for graduation was also increased.

1976 Old Main Donated to the City of Elgin

Unused and in disrepair, Old Main was deeded to the City of Elgin in 1976. On March 22, 1978, fire broke out severely damaging the first floor of the structure.

Class of 1973

1978 Extravaganza I Takes Place

A novel fundraising tradition that still exists today began in 1978. The first Extravaganza dinner and auction raised about $70,000 to help fund critical school programs.

1979 Restoration of Old Main Begins 1981 EA Wins Five Independent School League Championships

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CE L E B R AT I N G 1 7 5 Y E A R S Class of 1983

1984 Academy Lower School Opens Housed in Nearby Church

In 1984 the current Lower School was opened, expanding superior educational opportunities to students in grades K-4.

1985 Mr. Donald Reed Becomes Headmaster

1988 Lower School Moves Onto Main Campus

North Hall was renovated to accommodate this expanding program.

With the installation of the Lower School Program on the 1st floor of North Hall, the Middle School program moved up to the 2nd floor of this former dormitory building.

1989 Mr. Selden Edwards Becomes Headmaster

1990s First Strategic Plan

The Board of Trustees adopts the school’s first Strategic Plan (1994). The second floor of Sears Hall was converted from dorm rooms to classrooms, and the Middle School moved from the 2nd floor of North Hall to this newly renovated location in Sears Hall.

1989 Time Capsule Sesquicentennial Show

1994 Ms. Susan J. Thompson Becomes Head of School

1999 Early Childhood Program Begins

The current 3-year-old Preschool and 4-year-old Pre-Kindergarten program were introduced. The lower level of North Hall was renovated to house this program. The Academy library was moved from its North Hall lower level location to the east room on the 1st floor of Sears Hall.

2000 Dr. John W. Cooper Becomes Head of School

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1991 Middle School Graduation

1982 - 2014 2006 Summit Academy Merges with Elgin Academy

Summit Academy, a PS-8 private school located on River Road in Elgin, became part of Elgin Academy. For one transitional year Elgin Academy consisted of the original Hilltop Campus and a River Road Campus.

2008 Harold D. Rider Media, Science,

& Fine Arts Center Opens

To accommodate growth and to prepare the school for a bright and competitive future, the Academy embarked on a capital campaign to raise funds for a new Media, Science and Fine Arts Center. The groundbreaking for this exciting project took place in 2007 and the 42,300 square foot “Green Building� opened in the fall of 2008.

Arsenic & Old Lace, 2007

Class of 2010

2012 Mr. Seth Hanford Becomes Head of School

2013 New Strategic Plan Adopted 2014 Elgin Academy Celebrates the 175th Anniversary of its Charter

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EA Celebrates 175 Years The EA campus was buzzing on the eve of the 175th Celebration. Friday, February 21st began with an allschool assembly in the gymnasium attended by students, faculty, and staff. EA parent and Illinois legislator, Senator Michael Noland, joined the gathering and read the Illinois General Assembly Proclamation concerning the 175th anniversary of Elgin Academy’s charter. Mr. Hanford showed the audience the contents of the time capsule that had been buried in 1989 at the schools’ sesquicentennial celebration and student representatives from different grades showed and talked about what they had chosen to include in the new time capsule that will be unearthed when EA turns 200 years old.

Mr. Hanford then returned to the podium and presided over a lively quiz of the audience on their knowledge of historical facts about our nation and state at the time of the Academy’s founding.

The assembly wrapped up with the whole school singing the Elgin Academy Hymn and Happy Birthday while our community’s oldest members, Mr. Fletcher and Mrs. Shatkus, along with the youngest among us, Mrs. Kuzyk’s Preschool class, blew out 175 candles (believe it or not their collective ages totaled 175!)

Middle School students stuffed envelopes for the Literacy Connection, assembled snack packs in decorated bags for children at the Crisis Center in Elgin, wrote letters to troops, and began a PenPal relationship with clients of the Association for Individual Development.

In addition to helping the Lower Schoolers with their cards, Upper School students did their part by helping to set up lunch at the PADS facility, visiting and playing with students at One Hope United Child Development Center, and setting up some of the exhibits and locations for Saturday’s Celebration.

After the community service portion of the day concluded, there were many things to see and explore here on campus. The Elgin History Museum as well as the Sears Gallery with its newly installed “Architecture on the Hill” exhibit was open to faculty and their students for self-guided touring. They could also take in some of the displays that would be a part of the Saturday All age levels, preschoolers through seniors, rounded out Celebration. Upper Schoolers the morning by participating in a variety of community all gathered to listen and service projects on campus and off-site. Elissa Kojzarek watch presentations by from the United Way arranged for these activities helping each Advisory group about the school to identify needs in the community. one of the 17 decades that Elgin Academy has been Early Childhood and Lower School students made in existence. Students and handmade cards. They worked in partnership with adults were both informed Upper School students and created Thank You cards for and entertained by the book sponsors of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library creative performances. and Thinking of You cards for the Golden Diners, During the course of the day, senior citizens who receive meals through the Salvation all students also viewed the Army. The cards our students created were added to the 175th Anniversary video delivered meals to bring a little cheer to the day. created by Mr. Fleener and the videography classes.

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Saturday, February 22, 2014 EA’s big day finally came! The weather was delightful (by that we mean it wasn’t snowing), and over 300 visitors descended on campus to commemorate the 175th.

Faculty, alumni, parents, past parents, staff, and students walked the campus visiting the numerous historical exhibits and student and faculty projects displayed in Sears, North, Edwards, the Gym, Sears Gallery, and the Rider Center. Faculty docents were on hand to tell a little about the history of each building, and visitors enjoyed a variety of different refreshments as they progressed through each venue. A Nostalgia Candy Buffet with fond favorites from bygone eras was a particular hit.

today made by the Kindergarten class after having studied maps of Elgin Academy from the last 175 years.

The Make Your Own Foxman Ears station was very popular and Hilltoppers of all ages were sporting what turned out to be the fashion statement of the day.

The Upper School Science students put together a Science Timeline spanning the 175 years since EA’s charter and an entire wall of the Rider Center while some of our Middle School students reprised their roles as historical scientists from this year’s Biographers’ Tea. Among the exhibits were: Over 60 students in grades 1-6 prepared a Historical Sing-Along with several songs that spanned 175 years.

Selections included I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad, The Elgin Academy Hymn, I Want to Hold Your Hand, Home, and I was Here. Audience members were invited to sing along with students in their musical tribute to EA. U.S. Videography classes created their own versions of the 175th video project. They were set up for playback in a variety of locations throughout campus for visitors to enjoy.

A Time Capsule Display of the sesquicentennial items as well as the artifacts that will be going into the 175th time capsule proved especially interesting to alums who looked for their messages from 1989.

Lower School Class Projects and Activities included a map of campus as it looks

Displays of Athletics, Community Service, Theatre Productions, and Clubs Through The Years were researched and produced with the help of our yearbooks (going back to 1921) as well as even older student publications like Academy Siftings, and The Orange and Black.

Middle School Students talked animatedly with groups of guests about their division-wide project-based learning experiment Update and Renovate.

The Writing Across Grades & Decades exhibit included student writing from each division. Early Childhood students told stories about what they thought was going on in old yearbook photos they were shown. Upper School students looked through yearbooks and chose a picture that they felt interested in or connected to in some way and then wrote a poem prompted by the picture. The 4th graders took “selfies” and wrote a brief story about themselves which were displayed with the pictures. The first selfie was actually taken in 1839, the year of EA’s charter. Middle School students wrote letters to students who will be sitting in their seats in 25 years when EA celebrates its 200th anniversary. These will be put in the time capsule for safe delivery in February of 2039.

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LONG LIVE ACADEMY! The Closing Program By 6:30 p.m. on Saturday people were seated in the gym for the start of the evening’s program. After a rousing rendition of the Elgin Academy Hymn with the 1st through 6th graders leading the audience, Makena Barickman, the Upper School Student Council President, opened the program by telling the crowd about our student celebration on Friday. She introduced the Elgin Academy 175th Anniversary video, and the audience watched the 15 minute film with rapt attention as it chronicled the many obstacles overcome by the school’s founders and followed its history through to the present day.

Elgin’s Mayor, the Honorable David Kaptain, then addressed the crowd and spoke appreciatively about the role that Elgin Academy has played in Elgin’s history and its place in the city’s educational landscape.

Fred Fletcher, EA’s senior faculty member, and John Weck ’73, the school’s unofficial historian, made several commemorative presentations including the reading of a Proclamation of the Kane County Board; congratulatory letters from Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Senator Richard Durbin, and President Barack Obama; and the presentation of an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Elgin Academy’s 175 years of educational excellence. Head of School, Seth Hanford, was pleased to accept the presentations on behalf of the school.

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In his closing remarks, Mr. Hanford lauded the many dedicated teachers who have contributed to the academic life of the school over its long history. He also praised the 36 Headmasters and Heads of School who came before him and have led the institution through both good times and difficult ones, paying special tribute to former Headmaster (1975-1985) Frank Hogan who was in the audience that evening.

Mr. Hanford closed the evening by saying, “Education remains the most important activity in which we as a society endeavor, and we at Elgin Academy are honored to play our part in that crucial undertaking. We are proud to do so at a place that has such a storied history, and we eagerly anticipate the next 175 years of this rich tradition of educating our nation’s scholars, leaders, and servants.”

ELGIN ACADEMY Fun Facts!

Elgin Academy Staff

5 735 37

Elgin Academy has been co-educational and non-sectarian since its inception, making it the OLDEST co-educational, non-sectarian, collegepreparatory, INDEPENDENT SCHOOL in Illinois and all of the MIDWEST!

Faculty members in 1856 Faculty members over 175 years Heads of Elgin Academy

Elgin Academy is older than...

1849

1851

1861

1871

1877

1886

EA’s first graduate was a

Since 1839 there have been

FE MALE

36 12 WARS

PRESIDENTS

Laura R. Davidson subsequently graduated from Vassar College and would later return to the Academy as a mathematics instructor, trustee, and wife of Nathaniel Sears, son of Amos and Susan Sears.

When EA was established there were only

26 STATES

When EA was chartered, Queen Victoria had only been England’s monarch for 2 years!

EA has seen a total of 18 professional sports championships in Chicago!

1985

1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998

1906, 1971, 2005

1907, 1908

1934, 1938, 1961, 2010, 2013 ELGIN ACADEMY

1998

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Insights From EA’s Veteran Faculty Members

We asked our veteran faculty, those who have been at Elgin Academy for 20 years or more to share their thoughts on education and their memories of Elgin Academy.

The veteran faculty are: Mr. Fred Fletcher (Fletch), Mr. Jim Kidston, Mr. Joe Stuart (Stu), Mrs. Kathy Rusniak (Sen~ora), Mrs. Roberta Nabor, Ms. Stephanie Merrill, Mrs. Mary Hannert, Mrs. Karen Bazos, Mr. Bill Harris, and Mrs. Terry Vincent (Madame).

What is your first EA memory? ~ora: I remember how connected the Sen

Mrs. Hannert: My first EA memory is

faculty was. When I came we were only Grades 6-12, so we weren’t as big, but I remember how friendly and welcoming everyone was. We spent time together outside of school etc.

Fletch: The Headmaster who had hired

me six weeks before was gone. He had said that he planned to stay for about eight years.

Mr. Kidston: When I started at EA,

there was no Lower School or Preschool.

North Hall and Sears Hall were both still fitted out as dormitories (though the boarding program was small and on its way to extinction), and I (along with all the boys) had to wear a shirt, tie, and sweater or sport jacket every day. I’ve seen lots of kids and teachers come and Stu: Meeting Mr. Fletcher. go, but for me the feel of the place is one thing that hasn’t changed. It has always been about dealing with kids on a near one-to-one basis, getting to know them, and helping them grow into thoughtful and caring adults. EA has always had a family feel to it, and I like that. I’ve always worked with great people—kids, parents, and coworkers—and that’s why I’m still here. Teaching at EA was a one-year experiment, and although I don’t like to Mr. Harris: Trip Week to Camp Edwards rush into things I’m starting to think that in Wisconsin (it was hot) – yet fun. it’s going to work out.

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of a visit to the 2nd grade classroom of Linda Rock. I was interviewing for a 2nd grade teaching assignment, and Linda was to be my partner/mentor. I often reflect upon Linda’s easy, kind and yet in-charge manner with her students. She really embodied the practice of forming strong supportive relationships in the classroom.

There was an atmosphere that was a complicated balance of comfort, high expectations, acceptance and community.

The students presented as a group of learners who were very much engaged and empowered and also in unison with their classroom teacher. I was inspired.

Madame: My first memory was of the students. I was so impressed with their positive spirit and “joie de vivre.”

I immediately felt comfortable at Elgin Academy and knew that I would be very content here.

How has Elgin Academy changed since you started working at the school?

Stu: The school was much more informal (in feeling) back in the day. The physical campus has changed extensively, new buildings, fences, and much improved landscaping. The kids are the same!

~ora: I think the first meaningful Sen

Mrs. Bazos: Fundamentally, Elgin Academy has not changed over my tenure here. We remain focused on providing an education for our students that emphasizes strong programs in reading, writing, math, social studies, science, fine arts, and athletics. Our sense of community and dedication to our long tradition remain. Areas of change include a more attractive campus and larger student population.

change has been the addition of the lower school, followed by the preschool.

Having young children on campus has made such a difference! The relationships formed between the “big” kids and the “little” kids is more important than we realize. Also, what a great opportunity for our upper schoolers to take advantage of an Early Childhood class. The other important change is our diversity. When I first came there was so little diversity, and now it has increased significantly.

Our kids get to learn about each other’s cultures because they become friends with each other. I also love how much impact our foreign students have made on our community.

Mr. Harris: It has become more

technical, moved away from the basics (sometimes good, and sometimes bad).

Mrs. Nabor: The Rider Center was built.

The facilities have changed: the tennis courts used to be on campus and the ‘map lot’ parking is now grass. The old house behind the theater is now a parking lot.

Fletch: The boarders are gone. The

Lower School is in. The education has improved considerably. I bet a lot of it has been the result of a stable faculty.

How has technology changed or improved education?

Fletch: In math, much of the drudge

Mrs. Hannert: I value technology for

work is gone since we all have the scientific calculators. Unfortunately, many students seem to think that because they have the calculators, they do not have to think. Sorry!

Mrs. Bazos: I believe technology

has provided education with new and exciting tools allowing for immediate access to information and swift communication. However, I still believe the fundamental goals for teaching children how to reason, think, create, collaborate, and problem solve are achieved in the classroom.

Stu: Both. It has certainly made the

world a much smaller place – the access to knowledge is incredible! However, I believe we have lost some of our collective imagination and own identity to nature – it is easier to look at a landscape than to be in the landscape.

Ms. Merrill: We now have access to ideas in ways we didn’t have before.

The teaching of literature and writing is more multi-dimensional now. We can hear the voice of Virginia Woolf or we can ask students to watch a rendition of a great poem. Overall, learning is more stimulating.

how it can be implemented in education.

It certainly has its place, and it has most certainly had a tremendous impact on everything. Technology provides so many supports and options. Technology can bring a richness and creativity to many experiences. But, technology, in my opinion, should be regarded as a resource to implement with care. It does feel as though we need to guard childhood and the learning environment that provides for developing the whole child. As with all approaches and methods in education, knowledge of human development is critical. This helps educators to know what is appropriate for the ages and stages in question.

Mrs. Nabor: Technology opens

resources for students, but also kind of cripples their ability to actually have to read and look for information. They tend to Google everything.

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What is your favorite EA memory or tradition?

Ms. Merrill: Graduation. I love EA’s

graduation. The ceremony is elegant, sophisticated, and filled with joy. Every year as those students walk across the stage, I am proud in knowing they each had a great education (even the one who may not have a terrific GPA).

Mrs. Nabor: When Extravaganza was on campus – the gym was decorated, there were tents outside for viewing offerings, and parking was on the quad with students helping direct parking.

During set-up day, the students carried items and helped set up the event.

Madame: Graduation on the lawn. It

is a moment when we all stop for breath.

We cannot grade papers, work on lesson plans, or search for the student with whom we need to talk. We calmly sit for 90 minutes, relegated to one resting place, to celebrate the passage of our seniors to a new frontier. We have time to ponder the moments that we have had with them and wish them the best for their unknown future. Surrounded by the buildings from various stages of the Academy’s history, I savor the thankfulness that I have for being a part of this center of learning.

Mrs. Bazos: My favorite EA tradition is

Homecoming. It is a time when the entire community (pre-school through Upper school) comers together to celebrate our school and our students. At this time, our school spirit and memories of an EA education are most evident. Our 175th Celebration was very exciting and memorable. It was fabulous to greet many former students and listen to their recollections about and affection for Elgin Academy.

Mr. Kidston: I also remember the

first time we used the Valentine’s Day matchmaker program. Back then, there was a Valentine’s Day dance on the Friday nearest the 14th, and we were committed to passing out the results at the dance. My computer classes wrote the program, and at 2:30 on Friday they were still writing code. They got it done (barely) and everyone loved it. The dance completely stopped when the DJ announced that the results were available, and for about half an hour no one talked about anything else. The program went through several revisions and was used for many years.

One year the group that ran the dance even included the faculty. Passing out the results was always one of my favorite moments of the year.

Sen~ora: There are too many! Every child (ok, most of them) I have taught is a favorite memory. One of them is being in Canada on trip week with Sterling and Celeste (from the Class of 2005). I don’t think I ever laughed so much… All of the DR trips and both Nicaragua trips have given me so many touching memories of our kids/ alums/parents with the “orphans” and local kids. How can I pick one? I also look back fondly on the early days of Extravaganza because of the “whole” school involvement. Everyone on campus played some role in its success. The cupola being lowered onto the totally renovated Old Main was also pretty cool. All of us went outside to watch….

What do you think education will look like in ten years?

Ms. Merrill: I think it will be more

Mrs. Hannert: It is my hope that education continues toward embracing the importance of student led learning, experiential learning and more time to move, be outdoors and engage in the world at large.

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self-directed (I hope). But I also think we will see the need to reflect more in general as information overloads us.

Also, I think we will be more socially aware in our teaching as the reality of climate change, peak oil, and the impact of too many people on the planet will be affecting our comfort. The paradigm of education as we know it now will likely shift to accommodate the new realities. I think the educational institutions that do not embrace these changes will become irrelevant.

Stu: Well, it depends on whether Mr. Fletcher is still here.

Madame: Although I think that

further developments in technology will mean that students may be working individually more frequently, I think that teachers and group learning will still be the focus of education.

Fletch: Technology will be really

integrated into the curriculum, and all of us, faculty and students, will have a much better understanding about how to use it very effectively.

Mr. Kidston: I hope it looks very much like it does today in places like EA. Education is about thinking, and for that we (teachers) will still have to interact with students, much as we do now.

at Elgin Academy this summer!

SUMMER AT THE ACADEMY

Programs open to grades PS - 12

Adventure Camp For children entering grades PS - 8 Weekly themed sessions Hands on enrichment activities Extended day options

Summer Athletics

Programs for children grades PS - 12 A variety of sports camps and skill building clinics for athletes

Enrichment Programs Lego Robotics SAT/ACT Prep Courses

For more information or to register visit

ELGINACADEMY.ORG 350 Park St., Elgin, IL | 847.695.0300 ELGIN ACADEMY 31

Elgin Academy Board of Trustees

Back row (left to right): Seth Hanford, Rob Berry ’86, John Yavari, Alan Scimeca, Jeff Davis, Bill Skok ’81, Rob Waddington, Keith Rauschenberger, Fred Masnato, George Karas. Front Row: Laura Anderson, Robin Pearson, Claire Suevel, Dani Smiley, Sandy Kirk, Vicki Manning, Margaret Ward.

Not pictured: Hugh Rider, Harold Rider, Phil Wilmington, and Patrick Galley

New Board Members 2013-14 Danielle Smiley Danielle Smiley and her husband, George have two girls that attend the academy. Emma is finishing 5th grade and Olivia is in 3rd grade. Both of their girls started their Elgin Academy education in preschool. They have grown into smart, confident and curious students. Dani has been the President of the Parent Association, the Chair of Annual Fund, and sits on the Development Committee. She and George have chaired Extravaganza 37 and 38! She is proud to have the opportunity to give back to EA for all that they have done for her children.

Thank you, EA!

Patrick Galley Patrick serves as Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager at RiverNorth. Prior to that he was Vice-President at Bank of America in the Global Investment Bank’s Portfolio Management group. Patrick graduated with honors from Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Finance. He is a CFA Charterholder and member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Chicago. Mr. Galley’s financial acumen has proved a valuable asset to the Board in his first year of service. He served as a member of the Finance and Facilities Committee and has recently been elected to the office of Treasurer of the Board for the 2014-15 school year. Patrick and his wife, Cindy, are the parents of three children, Olivia (1st), Blaise (Pre-K), and Charlotte (future EA student). The Galley family enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and the kids’ active sports schedule.

New Board Members 2014-15 Kenneth Gorman Kenneth is Vice President and Owner of Power Construction Company, LLC and the Chief Executive Officer of Power Wellness Management, LLC. Power Construction was founded in 1926 by Kenneth’s grandfather. Kenneth founded Power Wellness in 1995, which focuses on the planning, development and management of wellness centers for hospitals and community colleges. Born and raised in the Chicago area, Kenneth attended North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka and graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in finance and real estate development in 1985. Kenneth has been married to Margaret for 25 years, and has three children. His youngest son, Elliott, is a sophomore at EA. Kenneth enjoys golfing, skiing and a good bottle of Pinot Noir. We are excited that he will bring his significant experience to our board and look forward to benefiting from his varied ideas and background.

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Mike Warren Mike and his wife Laurel joined the EA community in 2013 and have two middle school students, Lindsay (5th), and Derek (7th grade). Mike is a life-long Elginite and has a long history as an entrepreneur in the city. He started his first business, a landscaping company, when he was merely 13 years old and worked in waste disposal and car washes before becoming an account manager at Rieke Office Interiors. Today he is Vice President of Sales for Rieke, and he helps his numerous clients understand the impact of work spaces on health, safety and productivity. Mike has many local involvements, having served as the President of the Well Child Center and the Elgin Noon Rotary in addition to occupying board positions with the YMCA, Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Food for Greater Elgin among others. He also served a stint on the Elgin City Council from 2009-2011. We are thrilled he has agreed to join us and think his wealth of skills as a successful local businessman will add much to our deliberations.

March 15, 2014 | The Stonegate, Hoffman Estates Parents, friends, faculty, staff and alumni came together and supported Elgin Academy’s annual fundraiser. The evening was a wonderful celebration of our EA community and school. A special thank you to the myriad people who played a role in planning a vital and fun evening. And, to everyone, thank you for all you do to support our school; we are humbled by your generosity.

Save the Date Come Together Extravaganza 38

The Kleins, Extravaganza 38 Chairs

Saturday, March 14, 2015 - St. Charles Country Club ELGIN ACADEMY

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June 9, 2014 | Royal Hawk Country Club, St. Charles Alumni, trustees, parents, and faculty members attended the 9th Annual Golf Classic in support of EA’s Athletic Programs. The Golf Classic was established by the Boosters to enhance athletic facilities, equipment, and other sportrelated projects. New to this year’s event was a designated honoree, Coach Kevin Orr. Coach Orr has the distinction of being the EA basketball coach with the most wins in Academy History. The Golf Classic celebrated Coach Orr’s commitment and dedication to the basketball program during his tenure at EA from 1994-2001.

Seth Hanford with Coach Kevin Orr.

A big thank you to EA alumnus and current parent John Cain ’85 as well as his wife, Becky, who worked tirelessly to make this event such a success. That success would not have been possible without the dedicated membership of the Athletic Booster Club, EA Faculty & Staff, and many other wonderful volunteers. Thank you all! We look forward to another fun Golf Classic next year! Photos by Tom Schael.

The hardest working duo: Melissa Woltz and Jodi Lenning.

The 1st place winners: Bill Pearson, Frankie Bisconti, Elliot Gorman, and Greg Norman.

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The Whitlocks and Osharows enjoyed the day of golf!

A New Perspective This summer I will have the unique opportunity to begin a new journey in my career path – all while serving the same great school – Elgin Academy. I have had the good fortune to work in admissions at two stellar independent schools. I see many similarities between admissions and development; both support faculty and students, and move forward with new initiatives to enhance even greater teaching opportunities. I am very excited about becoming the new Director of Development & Alumni Relations and working with the many alumni and benefactors who have made the Elgin Academy legacy what it is, and has been, for 175 years. To be a part of the process that provides resources, talent, and energy for new initiatives for our school could not be more invigorating, both at this time in my career as well as this time in the history of Elgin Academy.

At the same time that we, as a team, are pursuing our goals and following our strategic initiatives, Elgin Academy is on the cusp of some very important changes that will affect everyone in our school community in a very positive way. I look forward with much anticipation to jumping into my new role of advancing the initiatives that will affect our educational environment on a much broader scale for all of our students.

At the same time, I would like to welcome Laura Robinson as our new (and improved) Director of Admission. Laura brings with her a wealth of knowledge about Admissions and Marketing that will benefit our community in many new ways, and I look forward to working with her.

My family and I want to say “thank you” and “have a great summer” to all of our fellow Hilltoppers!

Sincerely, Shannon Howell Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement & Director of Development

To be a part of the process that provides resources, talent, and energy for new initiatives for our school could not be more invigorating...

Shannon Howell (left) with Lynn Martin and Seth Hanford

EA Welcomes a New Director of Admission and Marketing Ms. Laura Robinson (B.A. in Communications, M.S. in Education--University of Dayton) comes to EA from a position as Associate Director of Admission and the Director of Recruitment and Outreach at Northwestern University. She has worked as a member of Northwestern’s Admission Office staff for the past nine years –six of those in her current position where she is responsible for creating and implementing recruitment strategies for the entire United States. Her past experience also includes work at the secondary

level as a college counselor at Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette and five years as the Assistant Director of Admission at the University of Dayton.

Ms. Robinson brings to the table a practical knowledge of the day-to-day operations of a busy admission office coupled with seasoned experience in devising recruitment approaches to attract and enroll a dynamic, diverse student body. Ms. Robinson began her tenure here on July 1st.

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October 12, 2013 | Elgin Academy In 2013, Elgin Academy partnered with Advocate Sherman Hospital to present the Health and Education Symposium. The Symposium aims to provide for parents and professionals a one-day conference bringing together today’s thought leaders in children’s health and education. The Keynote speaker, Dr. Ratey, spoke about brainfitness, based on his most recent book, “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.”

Faculty, doctors, and researchers as well as parents, professionals, and students in the Fox Valley and Chicagoland area attended the Symposium last October. The 2014 Symposium is open to all Elgin Academy community members.

Health & Education Symposium 2014

Saturday, October 18 | Elgin Academy Campus

There is no charge for this event but pre-registration is required. Please register online at www.elginacademy.org.

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Every gift counts. Keep Elgin Academy strong with an annual gift!

ANNUAL FUND The Annual Fund provides an avenue for every person who believes in Elgin Academy and respects the school’s 175 years of dedication to academic excellence and student growth and development to have a part in sustaining that quality for current and future generations of Elgin Academy students.

CASH

These gifts are fully tax deductible. The School will accept gifts by cash, check or credit card. You may give online at www.elginacademy.org.

STOCK GIFTS

A gift of stock saves two ways. You avoid capital gains tax on the increased value, and you receive a deduction for the full market value of the stock at the time you make the gift.

GIFT IN KIND

Gifts of goods and services are always welcomed.

There are many different needs at the School, and these donations can be distributed where best suited.

MATCHING GIFTS

Businesses and corporations are encouraged to match the gifts given by their employees. Please check with your company to find out if it offers a matching gift program.

PLANNED GIFTS

There are many vehicles available that offer tax savings and benefits: wills, life insurance, life income gifts, charitable lead trusts and real estate. Please let us know if you are interested in more information on planned giving opportunities.

For more information, please contact the Development Office, mkut@elginacademy.org or 847.695.0309 x257.

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Alumni Reunion 2014

October 3rd & 4th

Join us as we come together to celebrate Elgin Academy & our Alumni!

Registration is available at elginacademy.org or contact the Alumni Office at alumni@elginacademy.org (847-695-0309, x209)

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Reunion October 4 & 5, 2013 | Elgin Academy

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Young Alumni Luncheon December 19, 2013 | Elgin Academy

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Alumni Spotlight Tom Jenkins ‘81: Get Involved!

By Samantha Gellin Tom Jenkins (‘81) considers himself a “man of many hats.” As Vice President of Churchill Downs, a multi-state company of premier horseracing, gambling, and entertainment headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, his role is constantly evolving.

“My role at Churchill has changed several times since I’ve been there,” said Jenkins, who earned a master’s of industrial administration from Purdue University in 1986.

His tenure at the nearly 140- year-old company began in March of 2007. Since then, Jenkins has worked in everything from corporate marketing to information technology security to loyalty programs and analytics-based strategy. “Right now, I spend a lot of time focused on what we call iGaming, or Internet gaming,” he said, as online gambling is slowly becoming legalized in different states across the country.

The company’s current online wagering business, TwinSpires.com, garners a billion dollars worth of wagering every year. It’s this assortment of work that keeps Jenkins passionate about what he does. “I get to work across the organization on many different types of projects and on many different types of initiatives,” he said. “For me, that variety is a great thing.”

Jenkins’ constant appetite for new and diverse challenges harkens back to his days at Elgin Academy, where he spent his junior and senior years. “The school taught me to not to be afraid to get involved in things, you know, don’t be afraid to take risks and go out and challenge yourself.”

Jenkins’ constant appetite for new and diverse challenges harkens back to his days at Elgin Academy, where he spent his junior and senior years.

In his time at EA, Jenkins’s was the yearbook photographer and heavily involved in backstage theatre. “That’s something I never would have done at any other school,” he said. “But the environment at Elgin was, for me, small enough and safe enough that I could go out and take some risks, and try things I otherwise would have never tried.”

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Class Notes Congratulations to former faculty member and Upper School Director Mr. Jim Lyons who welcomed two grandchildren this past year!

Class of 1943

ALUMNI EVENTS

Read more about upcoming events and see photos of friends and classmates at elginacademy.org.

CLASS NOTES

We want to hear from you!

Send an update about yourself and your family. Log onto elginacademy.org and let us know how you are doing.

With your permission, we will reprint your note in the next issue of EA Today.

Mr. John Ten Eyck ‘43, a Navy veteran, passed away in January 2014. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in September 1943, volunteering for the submarine service aboard the USS Sand Lance in the Pacific. He ended his Navy service in March 1946 and entered the Babson Institute of Banking, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1952.

Class of 1956 Elinor Drake Ripley ‘56 died on August 2013 in New England. She was a past cancer survivor. She was born on February 16, 1938 in Brockton. She was a graduate of both Elgin Academy and Wellesley College. She worked for Boston Safe Deposit & Trust as an investment trust officer and was one of the first three females to hold that position in Boston.

Class of 1961

CONNECT WITH EA!

Link up at elginacademy.org

facebook.com/elginacademy.us

twitter.com/elginacademy

linkedin.com/company/ elgin-academy-il

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Class of 1985 Mary Elizabeth McKoane ‘85 Koelling passed away in October 2013. She was survived by her husband David; her two sons, Danny and Ryan Ingram; and her stepchildren Jessen and Jorie Koelling.

Class of 1988 Patrick McNulty ‘88 welcomed a son last year! Larson Nicholas McNulty was born 09/10/2013. He has a big sister, Annika and a big brother Seren.

Class of 1998 Congratulations to Dr. Ryan Hurley ‘98 who welcomed daughter Joslyn Rae Hurley in January 2014.

Class of 1999 Congratulations to Jennifer Raines D’Augustinis ‘99! Jennifer was part of a team from Florida Coastal School of Law that won the Robert Orseck Moot Court Competition sponsored by the Florida Bar Association. In the final round of the competition, Jennifer and a teammate argued before the justices of the Florida Supreme Court.

Dorothy Schetgen Paquin ‘61 passed away on February 1, 2014 in Kingwood Texas.

Congratulations to Clare Radford ‘99 who got engaged to her girlfriend in March 2014!

Class of 1975

Congratulations to Lindsay Bazos ‘99 who got married in January 2014!

Current faculty member Mrs. Karen Bazos (3rd Grade) was excited to welcome Andrew into the family. The Bazos also welcomed a new addition.

Erin Bazos ‘96 welcomed baby boy Xaver in 2012. Congratulations to the Bazos!

Karen (Riley) Hansen ‘75 passed away in January 2014 in DeKalb. Karen graduated from Elgin Academy and attended Suffolk University in Boston, MA. She graduated in 1979 with an Art degree. Karen was a teacher and librarian in the Elgin area for many years.

Class of 1982 John Castoro ‘82, passed away in May 2013. During his time at EA, John was an avid tennis player. Memorials were made in John’s memory towards the Tennis and the Partnership in Education Programs at Elgin Academy.

Congratulations to Jenny Aron ‘99 who wed Kyle VanMiddleton in October 2013.

Class Notes Class of 2000

Class of 2005

Class of 2007

Lights, camera, action! Andrew Bartels ‘00 co-wrote an episode of NCIS LA, called ‘Allegiance’. It aired on January 14, 2014. Andrew earned a Master of Fine Arts in Motion Pictures & Television from Florida State University.

Imran Uraizee ‘05 will begin as a 1st year resident at the University of Chicago in June. He was accepted into the Internal Medicine program. Congratulations, Imran!

Mark Ferris ‘07 and wife Charlotte welcomed baby boy Duncan in March 2014. Congratulations, Mark!

Class of 2001 Congratulations to David Aron ‘01 who got engaged to Robert Thesing in January 2014!

Congratulations to Charlotte Preston who welcomed a baby girl in August 2013.

Congratulations to Mattie Whipple ‘01 on her marriage to James Isaac!

Congratulations to Michael Rusniak ‘01 who wed Jan Koepke in June 2013! Ezra Nelson-Garber ‘02 and Luke Chesek ‘02 served as groomsmen.

Class of 2002 Congratulations to Dorothy Youmagul ‘02 who got engaged to Timothy Rosier.

Class of 2003 Congratulations to Tiffani Wesley ‘03 who got engaged to Keegan Bowers in August 2013. Tiffani and Keegan currently live in South Africa.

Congratulations to Nikhil Narang ‘03 and Avani Gupta on their engagement!

Congratulations to Lisa Byers ‘03 Ozzello who welcomed a child in the past year.

Ellen Rusniak ‘05 will wed Michael Corcoran this fall. Congratulations, Ellen!

Congratulation to Kimberly Miller Farbota ‘05. Kim is expecting a second baby. She is currently attending Yale Law School and will be a summer associate at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago. Kim and her husband Jeremy are already parents to Deo Sequoia Farbota.

Class of 2006 Delores (Confer) Brown ‘06 will welcome a daughter Zoe this summer.

She and her husband Dee Brown have a little girl named Michelle.

Toli Karas will attend Duke University as an Otolaryngology (ENT) intern. Her brother Vasili Karas ‘02 is currently an Orthopaedic Surgery resident there. Toli graduated from Rush University Medical School in 2014.

Congratulations to Aafreen Syed ‘06 who got engaged to Patrick Austin McNamee.

Congratulations to Mark Rudolph ‘06.

Mark got engaged to Rhiannon Pimentel.

Mark is currently a PhD student at University of Maryland Graduate Program in Life Sciences in Baltimore.

Congratulations to Taylor Rohlfing ‘07 who will wed Julio Fernandez this summer. Taylor and Julio are parents to Aidan. Taylor’s sister Caitlyn Rohlfing ‘06 and fellow classmate Ali Cella ‘07 will serve as the maid of honor and bridesmaid respectively.

Class of 2008 Congratulations to Elizabeth Van Duyn ‘08 who received her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Chamberlain College of Nursing in October 2013.

Elizabeth currently resides in Long Beach, California.

Dan Vecchiolla ‘08 and Bethany Boyle ‘08 welcomed baby daughter Isabella on February 11, 2014. Dan and Bethany were wed in 2012. Dan is currently a PhD student at Rice University.

Congratulations to the Vecchiollas!

Erica Ovington ‘08 was accepted into the Marriage and Family Counseling Master’s program at Governors State University. She will graduate in 2016.

Congratulations, Erica!

Congratulations to Amy Alvine ‘08 on her engagement to Pieter Norden. Amy is a Senior Account Executive at Yelp.

Class of 2004 Congratulations to Michael Doerr ‘04 and his new wife, Liz Burroughs. Mike got married in June 2013. Bob Doerr ‘05 and Mark Rudolph ‘06 served as groomsmen.

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Class Notes Class of 2009 Suffolk University law student, Elizabeth Murray ‘09, accepted a summer internship with BARCC (the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center) in its legal department. She will be a full-time legal advocate, working with her own clients while also working on a piece of unique research under the organization’s guidance.

Congratulations to Amanda Flannigan ‘09 who will welcome a son this summer with Rene Gomez, Jr. Congratulations to Chris Theodorou ‘09 who was hired as a Marketing Associate at the Advisory Board Company. Chris moved to Washington D.C. in 2013.

Class of 2010 Congratulations are in order for Olivia Lafrenz ‘10. Olivia danced the lead role of Giselle in the University of Cincinnati - Conservatory of Music production and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Cincinnati! Now she will join the Cincinnati Ballet.

Congratulations to Alyssa Pena ‘10 who welcomed son Gabriel in August 2013.

Raynette Bierman ‘10, Valedictorian of the Class of 2010, will be graduating this June from the University of St Andrews in Scotland with a First Class Honours degree double majoring in International Relations and Psychology. Through her position as a research assistant for the MacLeod Lab over the past four years, Raynette was recently published as an author of an article in the May 2014 Journal Psychological Science about forgiveness and forgetting titled, “Forgiving You Is Hard, but Forgetting Seems Easy: Can Forgiveness Facilitate Forgetting?”. Her other interests during her time in Scotland included tourguiding prospective students around the

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town and university as well as exploring Scotland with the Mountaineering Club. This autumn, she will attend the University of Oxford to complete a Master of Philosophy in Evidence-based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation, hoping to further fuse together her undergraduate degrees.

Congratulations to Desiree Dussard ‘10 on her graduation from Eastern Illinois University in May 2014. Desiree majored in political science and sociology, and in the fall she plans to attend Suffolk University in Boston to pursue a graduate degree in public administration.

EA has another future lawyer in its alumni ranks. Gizem Tunca ‘10 will be attending the Washington University Law School in St. Louis after receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University.

Congratulations to all 2010 alumni who are graduating in 2014!

Class of 2011 Congratulations to Cate Stuart ‘11 who earned an internship at The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center in Highlands, NC. Cate was part of the Sustainable Agriculture and Experiential Education Internship program. This program is designed to support the intern’s professional development for work in a variety of settings related to sustainable agriculture.

Congratulations to Christina Masnato ‘11. Christina will be an intern at Steppenwolf Theater for a second year this summer. Christina is studying stage management at the University of Cincinnati - Conservatory of Music and will graduate in 2015.

Congratulations to Irfan Uraizee ‘11 on two award nominations! Irfan received a nomination for The Bob Heisler

Award: for Excellence and Achievement in News Writing and Editing, and The Gordon J. Alderman Memorial Prize: for Excellence in Creative Broadcasting; at The S I Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

Irfan is a senior at Syracuse.

Congratulations to Caitlin Ward ‘11 who graduated in May 2014 from Washington University in St. Louis!

Class of 2012 Larisa Sica ‘12 will be getting lots of fresh air this summer. She is interning in Estes Park, Colorado leading trail rides through the mountains!

Class of 2013 Chris Monti ‘13 finished 8th place in Sabre at the NCAA National Fencing Championships. Chris is a freshman at Duke University! Chris Monti was one of 5 Duke fencers and one of 144 competitors who participated in the 2014 NCAA Men’s Fencing Championships.

He earned finishes of seventh (2013) and third (2010) at the North American Cup and won a team championship at the 2010 World Cup in France.

Duke University freshman Samayra Siddiqui ‘13 recently traveled to Honduras through Global Medical Brigades. Samayra was part of a group of volunteers that shadowed licensed doctors and dentists in medical consultations and procedures and assisted in a pharmacy under the direction of licensed pharmacists. The volunteers also helped deliver public health workshops.

Samayra said she saw over 1,000 patients during her week in Honduras and she can’t wait to volunteer her time again to this wonderful organization.

Congratulations to Iowa State student Colin Ward ‘13 who has landed a summer internship in St. Louis with National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC).

Class of 2014 ~ Meet the Newest Alumni!

Elaine Balassie American University Makena Barickman DePauw University Susanna Cain Michigan State University Christina Calderon Illinois State University Max Cho DePaul University Veronica Clements University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Lauren Farbota University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Brandon Masukawa University of Missouri Columbia

Michael Garrett Saint Louis University

Rebecca May Colorado School of Mines

Ho-Yun Hsu University of Michigan

Michael George Palmer California Polytechnic State University

Hanna Ivanovich Saint Louis University Jumel Julien Marymount University Khadija Khan Marquette University

Mirra Duffy Lawrence University

Miranda Kuzyk Coe College

Madeline Dulabaum DePaul University

Anna Lowell Lake Erie College

Shazia Siddiqui Wake Forest University

Jin Young Park University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Sofia Skok Boston College Cameron Smith Elgin Community College James Souk Colorado State University Hannah Stultz Rochester Institute of Technology

Renee Peterson Marquette University Alexandra Peyton Florida Institute of Technology Kevin Realzola Carthage College Emily Salomon Illinois Wesleyan University

Maxwell Swienton Colorado State University Ethan Vargas Georgie Institute of Technology Jordan Yavari University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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Commencement 2014 May 30, 2014 | Elgin Academy Commencement 2014 was a beautiful day to welcome the newest class of EA alumni! The 32 graduates donned their stoles, gifts from the Alumni Association, with pride. Valedictorian Elaine Balassie ‘14 gave a moving speech as she urged her classmates to be revolutionary global citizens. Alumnus John Weck ‘73, the Commencement speaker, spoke to the graduates about the Academy’s rich history. He urged them to take what they learned from Elgin Academy and build upon that foundation while never forgetting their roots at “the old school on the hill”. This year’s Mother Daughter award was given to Madeline Dulabaum ‘14 for her character and dedication to EA activities. Kevin Realzola ‘14, the Ora L. Pelton Award recipient, was recognized for his hard work and willingness to help others. Elgin Academy is proud of the Class of 2014!

Congratulations to Madeline Dulabaum, recipient of the Mother Daughter Award and Kevin Realzola, recipient of the Ora L. Pelton Award.

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Alumni at Commencement

The Class of 2013 came out in large numbers to support their younger alumni peers!

The Farbota family celebrated their youngest daughter’s graduation this year. Lauren ‘14 now joins her siblings Kimberley ‘05 (left), Matthew ‘10 (middle), and Steven ‘08 (right). Mr. and Mrs. Farbota were also host parents to Shang Li ‘12 and have been an EA family since 1997.

Susanna Cain ‘14 with her father John Cain ‘85.

Sofia Skok ‘14, celebrates her graduation with three generations of Skoks! Left to right: Mr. Martin Skok ‘45, Sofia ‘14, Mr. William Skok ‘81, and Mr. Thomas Skok ‘78.

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PA I D

Elgin, IL 60120 Permit 69

350 Park St. Elgin, Illinois 60120 elginacademy.org . 847.695.0300

Elgin Academy invites you and your family to an afternoon of fun, tennis, and a barbecue.

TENNIS

PA RT Y

Sunday, August 10 | 3:30 pm Elgin Academy Smith Tennis Courts 658 Franklin Blvd., Elgin, IL 60120 We will play, receive some instruction, enjoy each other’s company, and discuss plans for the renovation of our tennis facility.

R.S.V.P. to development@elginacademy.org