As we reflect on five decades of excellence and growth, we honor the rich history that has shaped who we are and look forward to the future with renewed purpose and pride. Watch our 50th Anniversary video to learn more!
About the Cover (in the words of Anna Crawford ’75 and Daniel Saucy ’75, editors of the 1975 MKA yearbook): By way of explanation, GENESIS is the name of the yearbook for the obvious reason that ’74-’75 marks the genesis of Montclair Kimberley Academy. By thus entitling the book, however, we had no intentions of begetting the first of a long line of traditionally entitled GENESIS yearbooks. The title merely served our purpose of illustrating the uniqueness of the year.
MKA: A THRIVING INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF PROGRESS AND FUTURE VISION
BY HEAD OF SCHOOL NIGEL D. FURLONGE
As we celebrate MKA’s 50th anniversary, we look not only at our rich history but also to the future we are shaping—a future fueled by innovation across every aspect of our school community. MKA has become a true "Innovation Ecosystem," where academic, athletic, and artistic pursuits intersect, inspiring our students to think critically, creatively, and ethically.
ACADEMICS: NEW PROGRAMS WHERE CURIOSITY MEETS CREATIVITY
TINKER CART: ROLLING INTO THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Our youngest learners dive into hands-on exploration with the Tinker Cart—a mobile resource offering loose parts to spark curiosity and build problem-solving skills through creative play and invention.
TEAMWORK MEETS TECHNOLOGY: MIDDLE SCHOOL ROBOTICS
The first-ever Middle School Robotics team has launched, guiding students to collaborate, code, and build in an environment where technology meets real-world problem-solving.
MACHINE LEARNING WITH A HUMAN TOUCH: COMPUTER SCIENCE CLUB AT THE UPPER SCHOOL
By exploring computer science, data science, and machine learning principles, students collaborate and discuss the challenges and current events related to computer science fields.
ATHLETICS & ARTS: INNOVATION IN MOTION
ON THE FIELD AND COURT: COACHING WITH BRAIN SCIENCE
Our athletics programs integrate the latest in brain science, training student-athletes to tap into the “extended mind,” which combines sports and psychology to enhance both performance and teamwork. The Boys’ Soccer team has been using GPS trackers to monitor their physical performance in training and games. It gives physiological and anthropometric data measurements that help coaches understand how players are moving. In addition, all players can use the HUDL system to watch game footage and evaluate their performance and that of their opponents.
CREATIVE EXPRESSION: PUSHING BOUNDARIES THROUGH ART
In our art studios and music rooms, students explore new forms of expression—encouraged to take risks and push creative boundaries composing their own creative triumphs. Get ready to be amazed as you watch a performance like our level three choreography workshop dancers as they take the stage for their final performance of the year showcasing their own brilliant, self-developed pieces.
YEARS OF PROGRESS 50
At MKA, we’ve spent five decades fostering an environment where innovation thrives. The programs mentioned are just a glimpse of what’s happening on our campuses, all of which are made possible by the generous philanthropic support of our community. Philanthropy is the catalyst that accelerates everything we do, driving the academic excellence that defines MKA. As we move forward, we remain committed to pushing boundaries, fostering curiosity, and building a future where our students lead with creativity, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility. As such, I am excited to announce the launch of MKA’s Strategic Planning process. Strategic planning is an important practice that independent schools
...WHAT’S
NEXT?
like ours undergo every few years. It helps us clarify our shared aspirations as a community and define the steps we need to take to achieve them. The process involves engaging with parents, students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and the Board of Trustees to design a roadmap for our future, aligned with a shared understanding of our school’s identity and community. As we continue to deliver exceptional educational opportunities for our students, it is key for us to build on MKA’s strong culture and traditions, celebrate our school’s 50th anniversary, and plan the future growth of our school. I look forward to working with you on this.
Nigel D. Furlonge, Head of School
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50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
Rooted in tradition, MKA embraces innovation and excellence as we celebrate 50 years of growth and look toward a vibrant future.
60 ALUMNI
Recognizing our Changemakers and sharing news and events
44 AROUND MKA Campus, student, faculty, and staff news
84
PARENTS
News and events for current families
88 TRUSTEES
Top of mind for our Board President
100 CLASS NOTES
Updates and more about our alumni community
96 WE ARE MKA Stories of extraordinary people and why they give
EDITORS
Gretchen Berra
Kim Saunders
ASSISTANT EDITORS/ COPY EDITORS
Richonda Fegins
Madison Kilduff
Marnie McNany
DESIGN
Mercer Design www.mercerdesign.co.uk
CONTRIBUTORS
Laela Perkins
Ashley Santana
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Michael Branscom
Carl Flocco
David Kenas
Evidence of our mission is found in the KNOWLEDGE, VISION, and INTEGRITY of our students and our alumni:
KNOWLEDGE
• Academic excellence
• Intellectual independence
• Love of learning
VISION
• Personal engagement with the world
• Understanding of human complexity
• A sense of humility and compassion
INTEGRITY
• Strength of character
• Responsibility as a citizen and leader
• An honorable and generous life
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF MONTCLAIR KIMBERLEY ACADEMY
A huge THANK YOU to Tom Ruddy, MKA’s Archivist and Middle School Librarian, for his work in making this issue of the Review magazine come to life.
The visionary merger of Montclair Academy and The Kimberley School created Montclair Kimberley Academy and set the stage for a remarkable half-century of growth. As we celebrate MKA’s 50th anniversary, we reflect on the traditions and values that have shaped who we are today. This milestone is not just a celebration of our past but is a tribute to the community, innovation, and excellence that continue to drive us forward. As stewards of this incredible legacy, we honor our history while embracing the promise and potential of MKA’s future, ensuring that the next 50 years are even more impactful.
HERE ARE
50 THINGS (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER) THAT MAKE MKA, MKA...
1 THREE CAMPUSES COMMUNITY SCHOLARS
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By the Brook, In the Valley, On the Hill is the way MKA's fourth Head of School Tom Nammack described our campuses in his Investiture speech, delivered before the all-school community in 2005. Three campuses, one school.
“I know we often think of our school as three campuses, one school, but it is so much more than that. It’s actually one campus with many communities.”
– Nigel D. Furlonge, Head of School
3 4
Established in 1969, The Community Scholars Program has provided more than 90 scholarships to students who have left MKA and made their mark on the world. Each of the 10 scholarships provided to current MKA students covers the full cost of an MKA education and supports students who represent a racial or ethnic minority, show exceptional academic potential, embrace the values of the MKA community, and demonstrate full financial need. Through the generosity of the MKA community, this program fosters diversity and makes an MKA education accessible to exceptional students.
THE ACADEMY BELL
John George MacVicar, the founder of the all-boys’ school that became Montclair Academy, started each school day by ringing a bell. Today it is known as the Montclair Academy Bell and is rung at the All-School Gathering by the youngest kindergarten student and the Head of School to mark the official start of the school year. The bell is also rung to end each school year at the faculty and staff closing meeting and celebration.
ALUMNI AWARDS
MKA annually celebrates the accomplishments of its extraordinary alumni. Four awards honor outstanding alumni achievement: the annual Distinguished Alumni Award, Young Alumni Award, and Honorary Alumni Award, and the biennial Athletic Hall of Fame Award.
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WRITING
Many students speak very confidently about their writing and how they feel distinctly well-prepared at the college level and beyond once they’ve graduated. Oftentimes, they mention how their peers come to them for help with writing. This is a testament to the iterative and process-driven approach that takes place while they are students at MKA, working to develop their voices as writers and building supportive relationships with faculty who are there to help them every step of the way.
OUTDOOR LEARNING SPACES
Moments outside the classroom are as essential as those inside as we prepare students to seize opportunities, realize their unlimited potential, and mature into well-balanced individuals. MKA does everything possible to get our students active outdoors and build an environment of connection, friendship, and team building. Keeping students active supports the mind, body, and spirit.
"There is something so powerful about the open endedness of the outdoor learning classroom. As we engage in imaginative play in this space, it helps Primary School students learn about flexibility, cooperation, and compromise. In this space, students are able to create meaning for themselves and explore with the element of wonder."
– Katie Banks, Head of Primary School
7 ARTS
MKA is committed to fostering creativity in all of our students, from our youngest to the oldest learners. We believe that the fine and performing arts are essential to children’s emotional and physical well-being and to balanced, joyful lives that set the stage (and prep the canvas) for infinite growth. Art is at the Heart at MKA. Thanks to the strength of our program, MKA’s fine and performing artists are consistently recognized; our students achieve success in competitions; our productions garner professional honors; and many graduates pursue art in college, with several going on to thriving professional careers.
A RISING STAR
"The Upper School Winter Musical is definitely the biggest show the school does. I get chills during that first dress rehearsal because for months it’s just a piece of paper and ideas in my head. All of a sudden, I blink and there’s all this magic. There’s nothing like seeing a student who was scared in the beginning look just as confident as my senior lead by the end or struggle to grasp a part of the dance for two months and then nail it on opening night.”
– Nicole Hoppe, Theatre & Dance Teacher and Upper School F&PA Department Co-Chair
"The Primary School play has evolved into a far more child-centered process that is made available for every student. Every voice is valued and heard on their level. We brainstorm together in class, and the students are invested because they have control over what’s happening. The goal is that each has a moment to shine. It’s so important for students to see themselves in the work we do. One day, they'll have to walk into rooms and have a presence, and it starts here. Their confidence doesn't always show up in the moment, but I don't doubt that it carries through and goes into the makeup of who they are.”
– Kristen Weaver, Primary School Dance & Theatre Arts Specialist
“This is the 15th dance concert celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy. I collaborated with Ms. Zhang Simon, our Chinese teacher, and eventually, it evolved into a celebration of Lunar New Year as well. The school has an unwavering commitment to all different facets of diversity, and I wanted to give students that safe space to showcase their artistry and celebrate its many forms. Students are also able to make cross-curricular connections with what they are learning in the classroom. It’s nice when that light bulb comes on for students and they start to get it and understand why it’s so important.”
– Dr. Monica Elmore, Dance Teacher and Middle School F&PA Department Chair
Peter Irwin, a talented seventh-grader, has already made remarkable achievements in music and is an avid athlete. His musical journey began at age four and continued as he grew as a pianist and mastered several, advanced musical pieces at a young age. His early promise has been realized, leading to numerous accolades and opportunities. Between 2017 and 2024, Peter gave five solo recitals at the invitation of Steinway & Sons in New York City. He performed at the Global Music Education and Copyright Conference commemorative concert, hosted by Grammy Award artists and Columbia University, and received a scholarship for his outstanding artistry. Most recently, Peter won first prize at the New York International Concerto Competition and performed with the City Philharmonic Orchestra of Seoul, representing the United States, in 2024. On December 2, Peter performed the Cadenza from Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3. at a Middle School Assembly, sharing his gift with his school community.
Beyond music, Peter excels on the soccer field and tennis court. He was a member of the Middle School Boys’ Soccer team that won the inaugural Middle School Athletic Conference Championship in the fall. His dedication to both his artistic and athletic pursuits is truly inspiring. As he continues to grow and develop, we eagerly anticipate his future achievements.
SCHOOL COLORS
Similar to the process of choosing a new mascot after MKA's founding, students also voted on the school colors. Considering the colors of our founding schools, royal blue was adopted from the Brookside School (which was aquired by Montclair Academy in 1950), and green was adopted from The Kimberley School. In the fall of 2003, Director of Athletics Todd Smith petitioned to switch the royal blue as it was synonymous with our town neighbor, Montclair High. With the blessing of Peter Greer who was Head of School at the time and Judy Polonofsky who was the Director of Development, MKA adopted its navy blue color. Further, we were one of the only schools at the time in the state of New Jersey with the navy blue and green color combination which created a special and unique identity and look for the school.
"I was lucky to be able to watch things evolve and see the growth of the school. For me, it was nice to see it all work out and how things came together."
– Judy Nesbit, Upper School Math Teacher from 1981-2006
BELL RINGERS
Music teachers Miss Carpenter and Miss Bauer brought bells back from England in 1937 and started the Bell Ringers program at The Kimberley School. Jane Smith re-introduced the popular Bell Ringers program in 1989, a highlight of the Primary School experience since its performance debut in 1992.
BELGI’S MKA SANDWICH
The MKA comprised of a chicken cutlet, prosciutto, shredded lettuce, fresh mozzarella, and balsamic vinegar is a staple in this legendary deli.
LIFERS
Students from each graduating class who have attended MKA since they were in Pre-K, kindergarten, or first grade are celebrated at the school’s annual "Lifer" celebration where they receive the infamous lifer blanket.
WE ARE MKA
A welcoming community with character at its core. According to the MKA Character Standards all members of the MKA community strive to act, speak, and think in ways that are: Respectful, Friendly, Responsible, Fair, Confident, Informed, Temperate, Honest.
“Community is such a distinguisher at MKA. To me, it is just about paying attention to one another. In that attention and intention, there are ways we witness students supporting and challenging one another; this is true of our faculty as well. I like to think of MKA as community at full stretch.”
– Nigel D. Furlonge, Head of School
STRINGS @ CARNEGIE HALL
For 25 years, Dimitri Hadjipetkov has led the Strings Program at MKA and has worked diligently over the years to transform it into what it is today. Beginning with only a handful of students during its inception, the program is now a thriving community of over 100 students across all three campuses. The ensemble performs on prestigious stages like Carnegie Hall, where students have experienced the magic of performing in a world-class venue in a tradition that continues every other year. In alternate years, students perform in Weiss Auditorium on the Upper School campus. The program’s curriculum features classical masters like Beethoven and also spotlights senior students as soloists, celebrating their journey in this collaborative art form that emphasizes teamwork and dedication.
OUR MASCOT
Instead of choosing between the boys' mascot of Montclair Academy (a lion) or the girls' mascot from The Kimberley School (Kim the Kangaroo), students came together to vote and chose a cougar as the official mascot of Montclair Kimberley Academy in 1974. Because of the high cost of custom made mascot costumes, the original cougar was crafted from the old Montclair Academy lion costume. The cougar has evolved over the years and is now known affectionately as Cougie.
UPPER SCHOOL SCHEDULE
The Upper School schedule at MKA was shaped by Head of Upper School Dr. David Flocco’s dissertation which focused on the intersection of school schedules and student stress. At a time when the presence of mental health was not as prevelant in education, Dr. Flocco, who served at the time as Dean of Students, understood the need for a change. He entered into a three-year research period that included faculty surveys, student focus groups, and assessments of other schools. After this, the new school schedule entered a 15-month trial phase in 2006 before being fully implemented in the fall of 2007. The results were transformative: a 27% increase in A-range grades, a significant reduction in student stress, and a thoughtful shift in how faculty approached teaching. The revised schedule not only allows students more time for academics and athletics but also caters to the unique needs of MKA’s diverse student body.
COUGAR PRIDE DAY
Hosted by PAMKA, the annual tradition of Cougar Pride Day welcomes hundreds of parents, alumni, faculty, and staff to a wonderful day of festivities, fun, food, and friends. Students decked out in their Cougar Pride Day t-shirts enjoy inflatable rides, carnival games, arts & crafts, an obstacle course, and more. Several MKA groups, including the Pep Band, Cheerleading Team, and Step Teams put on great performances. It's an amazing day to show Cougar Pride!
"Cougar Pride Day is such a special tradition. It brings together the entire MKA community, and I love watching my kids and other students light up with pride; it truly captures the spirit of our school."
– Moushumi Sanghavi Khublall, PAMKA President
FLEMING 5K
The 5K run in Brookdale Park began in 2014 and was renamed and coordinated by eighth-grade students in 2017 after the passing of beloved teacher and coach, Tom Fleming. In that year, over $22,000 was raised in his name and donated to Special Olympics NJ, of which Tom was an advocate and supporter. What started as a capstone project turned into a tradition to allow students the opportunity to be involved in events and initiatives and to support not only the MKA community but also their surrounding community and local organizations. To this day, part of the proceeds from the run now go to the Fleming Fund which provides MKA students with resources to help pay for athletic gear and other academic necessities.
FACILITIES
MKA continually works to reimagine spaces on our campuses in order to better support the teaching and learning needs of our faculty and students and lift up the academic experiences of an MKA education. In the last 50 years, there have been several significant capital projects and upgrades to many areas.
Among some of the top projects have been the Upper School Johnson Academic Center opened in January 2016. The Center houses the Avery Barras Library, the Technology Center, Academic Support, an Archive Room, and varied spaces for teaching and learning to support MKA students in their journey toward becoming independent and autonomous learners. Barrett Field is part of the Middle School Fields Complex located directly behind the Middle School campus. With a grand opening in 2022, the complex allows greater flexibility so several sports can use the fields throughout the year including baseball, softball, soccer, and football. The Primary School underwent a major expansion project under the tenure of former Head of School Tom Nammack. Opened in the fall of 2019, the renovations provided greater space for the school to come together as a whole. The project introduced the “cafetorium” (a 400-seat assembly hall), a state-of-the-art kitchen and servery, an outdoor garden space, expanded parking and carline access, and more. Other reimagined spaces include the Peter Greer Arts Wing and the upgrades to the lighting in Weiss Auditorium at the Upper School; Penick Lobby, Logan Auditorium, the Higgins Common Room, and the main gym on the Middle School campus; and Muenster Field.
THE GATHERING
The All-School Gathering is a cherished event at MKA and has brought together students, faculty, and staff for 29 years. The Gathering is the only event during the year where all three campuses convene, officially markng the start of each academic year. Filled with vibrant performances, inspiring speeches, and beloved traditions like the singing of the alma mater or the bridge crossing where seniors present kindergarteners with stuffed cougars, the event highlights MKA’s commitment to fostering a connected, inclusive community.
HEADS OF SCHOOL
GLOBAL EXPERIENCE
Global Experience at MKA empowers students to think critically about and cultivate empathy for the classroom beyond our walls and gain the skills necessary to be more informed, ethical, and active global citizens. It provides students in grades seven through twelve with the opportunity to experience the world beyond our walls.
Richard Ward Day was invited to be the first Principal of MKA. Though he had originally planned to retire in 1974 after a decade of running Phillips Exeter Academy, Day took over in Montclair instead on July 1. He then initiated the complex process of shaping the new institution. The search for the next Principal began in 1978. Despite the obstacles that resulted in few women applying for the job, Dr. Frances R. O’Connor became MKA’s second Principal in July 1979, followed by Dr. Peter R. Greer who took the title Headmaster from 1992-2005. In the summer of 2005, Thomas W. Nammack assumed the title of MKA’s fourth Headmaster, a title he later changed to Head of School. Following Nammack's 16-year tenure, Nigel D. Furlonge was appointed MKA's fifth Head of School in July 2021.
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HOUSE SYSTEM
One distinctive feature of life at the Upper School is the House System. Introduced in 2007 following an initiative from Student Government, all students, faculty, and staff are divided into Houses named after the original buildings that housed Montclair Academy, Brookside, and the Kimberley School - Bradley, Monjo, Strong, and Walden. Familiar to many through Harry Potter’s Hogwarts, the House System is based on the centuries old British private school tradition and is designed to encourage healthy competition, foster friendships across the grades, create a greater sense of community, and build lasting memories of MKA. Led by House Captains, the entire Upper School community meets in their Houses on a regular basis, and results from monthly competitions that range from flag football to a battle of the bands determine the winner of the Montclair Kimberley Academy House Cup.
Synergy at MKA began in conjunction with the creation of the Upper School House System in 2009. While the campus’s community gathering would often be titled Synergy, the name also speaks to the concept of synergy in that the sum of what we are able to do together as one school is greater than individual parts. On a weekly or monthly basis, students participate in house competitions which helps to create a friendly and fun environment while building both community and joy.
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100 DAYS TO
GRADUATION
Seniors are treated to a “100 Days to Graduation Celebration” by the Alumni Office to celebrate the day that marks 100 days until they become Alumni. Students learn about the amazing community of alumni they are about to join after they graduate, and how the Alumni Office works to keep them connected to the school and each other. After breakfast, an alumni panel discussion moderated by seniors takes place.
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CROW'S NEST
The Crow's Nest refers to the space on the Middle School campus above the library. The term "crow's nest" comes from the often raised lookout stations built on ships. While it was once used as a band room at the Middle School, the Crow's Nest is now the home of our history classes. Many artifacts from its early days still detail the space including a prop cannon which was used in some Middle School plays in previous years.
VAN BRUNT FIELD
Home to Varsity Football, Varsity Soccer (Girls’ and Boys’) and Varsity and JV Lacrosse (Boys’ and Girls’), Van Brunt Field is located on the Upper School campus. It was completely renovated in the fall of 2001. According to former Montclair Academy and Montclair Kimberley Academy faculty member and coach George Hrab, the field was namd after Ed Van Brunt. Van Brunt is also a charter member of MKA’s Athletic Hall of Fame, having been inducted posthumously in 1996.
“At MKA we try to create the ultimate athletic experience for all of our student-athletes. Through athletics, they learn lifelong lessons that will carry them through the next chapters of their life like dealing with adversity or adapting to an ever-changing game environment. I think MKA has built one of the overall strongest NJ prep athletic programs in the State. It’s evidenced by both the championships won as well as our college-athlete matriculation.”
– Todd Smith, Director of Athletics
26 ATHLETICS
Four percent of all high school senior athletes in the United States go on to compete at the NCAA level (per NCAA studies). The MKA Department of Athletics is proud that on average, between 18-24% of our student athletes go on to compete at the collegiate level.
IMMERSIVE LEARNING
Aligned with MKA’s mission to engage each student intellectually and personally with the world, immersive learning is a concept woven into every aspect of the MKA learning experience in order to build community among students. Our academic programs are carefully designed with thoughtful experiential elements much like the eighth-grade Williamsburg trip that began at Montclair Academy. When Upper School students visit Washington, D.C., aside from just touring our nation’s capital, students have the opportunity to meet with government officials, policymakers, and leaders of non-governmental organizations. This unique touchpoint is what makes this trip distinctly MKA—the chance that students have to be a part of something greater than themselves, reinforcing our commitment to fostering leaders who have personal engagement with the world and a sense of responsibility as citizens. This immersion process can happen even on playgrounds for Primary School students, so whether students are on the field or in the classroom, they are being prepared to interact in and effect change in the world around them.
“The history teacher in me loves that when we travel to Washington, D.C., students are seeing what we learned in the classroom in action. Witnessing how America tells its story makes it feel real. Also, alumni connections on this trip have led to jobs and students being more interested in D.C., itself. There’s a lot to see and learn, and it allows them to maybe find a sliver of this life for themselves.”
– Gillian Branigan, Upper School Dean of Students, History Teacher
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
All MKA Learners are on an Ethical Leadership journey that starts when they arrive and continues throughout their time at MKA and beyond. We believe that every student and every adult is a leader and can always learn to be a better one, drawing on the essential foundations of integrity, empathy, and service. We look beyond designated or elected leadership titles to the choices and connections a student makes every day—leading during class discussion or taking a stand as they work through a disagreement at recess. Students learn to take intentional action to make a positive impact.
"Ethical Leadership focuses on character, habits, mindsets, and behaviors. Every student and every adult at MKA, regardless of position or title, has the potential to make positive changes in their community."
– Kerry Verrone, Upper School Dean of Student Life and Tri-Campus Chair of Ethics
SUSTAINABILITY
The MKA community is committed to making responsible stewardship decisions and contributing to a more sustainable and just world. Impactful sustainability principles and practices have been implemented throughout all aspects of school life. Sustainability initiatives at MKA are divided into three categories: our physical space, our organizational culture, and our educational program. These three aspects of school life work collaboratively to enact change and provide our students with a true understanding of what it takes to make an impact.
As part of our physical space, we commit to incorporating and holding ourselves accountable for prioritizing best practices in sustainability in the construction, renovation, and maintenance of our facilities and in all school operations. Some examples of this include a recent boiler replacement for better energy efficiency, LED lighting installations, and new insulated roofs that will have the ability to house solar panels.
As part of our organizational culture, we commit to fostering a sense of environmental responsibility and urgency. To do this, we will strengthen our sustainable practices across the organization and connect our commitment to environmental sustainability and justice through our school values, strategic priorities, and investment strategies. One example of organizational culture is our Tri-Campus Sustainability Committee, which is composed of faculty, administration, and a board member. Currently the committee is prioritizing the Sustainability Strategic Plan Goals and making an action plan for implementation.
As part of our educational program, we commit to intentionally integrating sustainability principles and best practices into both curricular and co-curricular programming. By integrating this work into the fabric of our curriculum, our students will understand their relationship with our environment and actively participate in making our world a better place for all to live, grow, and flourish.
THE MKA LEARNER
In keeping with its mission, MKA develops socially conscious and empathetically minded learners, who can notice and wonder to create and innovate, learn continuously while communicating and collaborating effectively, and act as reflective agents for change. We think of all members of our community— students and adults alike—as lifelong MKA Learners. The MKA Learner graphic is our North Star to guide curricular, co-curricular, and instructional planning; professional and curriculum development efforts; and even family and Board partnership. Both inspirational and aspirational, it lends clarity to and celebrates the work of MKA’s dedicated faculty, who have devoted themselves both to helping their students grow and to their own lifelong learning.
The Third Grade Capstone encourages students to notice and wonder as they identify areas within their Brookside campus they'd like to improve. They engage in project-based learning where they develop essential skills related to design thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional learning. Students’ curiosity propels their project as they document and reflect on their design process, transforming their ideas into 3D models. The project culminates in a formal presentation of students’ innovative ideas to third-grade families and the MKA community.
Project Citizen is a project-based civic education program in which eighth-grade students learn to be active citizens and responsible participants in government through monitoring and influencing public policy. By exploring how the government works and what citizens’ roles are, students understand the responsibilities they have as socially conscious community members. MKA values the power of students’ voices, essential to becoming an ethical leader and change agent. Through their Project Citizen work, students come to understand this power and are excited to reveal their efforts in public policy reform to larger audiences within the school and, when appropriate, local government officials.
Students in U.S. History write an original Junior Thesis, a culminating historical research project in which they identify and then explore issues of particular interest to them with a socially conscious mindset. Encompassing years of history study and inspired by curiosity and passion, topics are as diverse as the Chinese Exclusion Act, Walt Disney’s impact on American childhood, and the ethics of medical testing at Tuskegee. The process is an excellent example of the MKA Learner's ability to notice and wonder, reflect, think analytically, and skillfully communicate their findings, contributing to historical scholarship that helps us better understand American history and our world today. A collection of MKA juniors’ particularly outstanding history scholarship, The Primary Source, is published annually.
MERGER
Montclair Academy was founded as an all-boys school in 1887. In 1950, it acquired the Brookside School, now home to our Primary School, and in 1963, expanded to our current Upper School campus on Lloyd Road. Montclair Academy’s all-girls peer school, The Kimberley School, was originally founded as Miss Waring's School and Studio in 1906. In 1949, it expanded to the Montclair Athletic Club on Valley Road, now our Middle School campus.
By 1968, Montclair Academy and The Kimberley School began to offer cross-registration for certain classes, share social events, and combine theatrical productions. In July of 1974, the Boards of both schools made the historic decision to officially merge, establishing the school we know and love today – Montclair Kimberley Academy. MKA's first day of classes took place in September of that year.
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
For 50 years, MKA has upheld a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism beginning with its 1974 founding, which is evident in the public non-discrimination policy in the Montclair Times published in June of that year. We believe the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism should be seen in all facets of school life, from curriculum and pedagogy to athletics and the arts. Guided by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Antiracism, our faculty and staff work to affirm the identity of every student and family. Our goal is to develop a diverse and cosmopolitan community where everyone feels at home and where students become prepared to engage with our dynamic 21st-century world.
THE MKA SWEATER
MKA Sweaters are worn with a great sense of pride among Upper School students. The idea was established in the days of Dr. Peter R. Greer, Head of School from 1992-2005. Dr. Greer wanted to create apparel for those who stood out among the community whether it be through an academic, artistic, or athletics lens.
REIGNITE
REIGNITE is MKA’s innovative, four-day symposium centered on reflection, communication, collaboration, creativity, and professional growth. Through engaging presentations and a conference-style format, participants explore key themes aligned with MKA's vision of what it means to be an MKA Learner—a Reflective Human, Skillful Communicator and Collaborator, Lifelong Learner, Ethical Leader, and Change Agent.
Held at the end of June, REIGNITE serves as a springboard for MKA’s faculty and staff members’ summer work, focusing on their professional development and creating, revising, and refining curriculum and instruction to enhance students’ learning.
"REIGNITE
is anchored in the work we did with the MKA Learner. It has evolved over the course of a few years, but gets our faculty thinking about their curriculum. It really allows them the opportunity to re-envision how they are teaching and creates space for creative collaboration.
– Karen Newman, Assistant Head of School for Curriculum and Professional Development
After a school competition, the design of Betsy Benedict ’76 won student and Trustee approval. Her concept joined several symbols. The rising sun, a beginning, shines on the torch of knowledge. The palm fronds stand for achievement. The three arrows represent the schools combined in MKA.
SCHOOL SEAL
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SURVIVAL SHOP
A student staple, especially integral to getting over an afternoon slump, the Survival Shop in the Dining Room is one of the most important places at the Upper School as it contains all the delicious treats you might need.
SCHOOL SONG
The school song was introduced and sung for the very first time at MKA’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration on November 18, 1984. Though Dr. Frances O’Connor had requested a school song when she first came to MKA as the second Principal, it was not until June of ’84, six years later, that the official search and request was made. Lois Riley and Nixon Bicknell, two members of the MKA performing arts department, accepted the challenge and wrote a new song to the melody of an old navy tune by J.W. Crosley; theirs was the winning entry.
37
PAMKA
The purpose of the Parents’ Association of Montclair Kimberley Academy (PAMKA) is to promote the goals of Montclair Kimberley Academy by working with the parents, students, faculty, administration, and the Board of Trustees for the benefit of the school. PAMKA is run by the parents of MKA students who volunteer to sit on committees to plan, run, or participate in events on all three campuses. Every year, PAMKA slates close to 100 volunteer positions ranging from jobs requiring a commitment of several hours a week to those needing an hour once a year. These positions allow the organization to deliver on its mission to provide opportunities for parents to participate in the support and enhancement of the students' educational experience at MKA.
PAMKA BOOK FAIR
PAMKA's Book Fair is the largest Scholastic book fair in the country. World-renowned authors visit all three of MKA's campuses to speak with our students, and the week culminates with a public event for the Montclair community to enjoy.
"Our
PAMKA Book Fair is one of the biggest highlights of the year. It’s incredible to see the excitement as worldrenowned authors visit our campuses. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate and foster a love for books while encouraging students to discover and dream."
– Moushumi Sanghavi Khublall, PAMKA President
VAN VLECK HOUSE AND GARDENS
Van Vleck House and Gardens is a former private estate run as a nonprofit community resource in Montclair. It features a public botanical garden that has been developed over several generations. This beautiful site, home of several MA alumni, is the place where the MKA tradition of PreProm is held every year.
MAYPOLE
The annual Maypole dance performed by second-grade students on May 1 is a tradition that dates back to one of MKA's founding schools, The Kimberley School, established in 1906.
MKA DAY
MKA Day is a day to celebrate and support what you love most about our school. On MKA Day, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty and staff, and Cougar friends from all over the country come together to philanthropically support MKA.
TECHNOLOGY
First recognized as an Apple Distinguished School in 2013, MKA provides technology tools to support curriculum and instruction, communication, and professional development in ways that promote learning. Through its 1:1 laptop program, which was established over 13 years ago, MKA students and faculty are assigned a Macbook Air in fourth through twelfth grade, and students at the Primary School are issued iPads. The school integrates technology thoughtfully across both educational and operational areas. What makes our approach unique is how students are involved from the start through groups like Student Ed-Tech Leaders (SETL) at the Middle School. MKA is celebrated as a center of educational innovation, and our technology program equips students with essential skills and strengthens connections within the school community.
WEISS AUDITORIUM
For over 50 years, Weiss Auditorium has been home to countless student performances and a central gathering place for assemblies, classes, and events. It is the site of signature programs like the Upper School Winter Musical and the Hemmeter History Lecture Series. In this space, students have pushed themselves as dancers, actors, singers, musicians, and presenters and life-long friendships have been forged.
45 MAY TERM
A signature program for seniors wherein individuals and teams work on Community Engagement Projects, Creative Inquiries, Entrepreneurial Ventures, Teaching Experiences, and Internships. They also have the opportunity to travel. May Term is a final opportunity to design an educational experience for our seniors, allowing them the freedom to pursue their passions, take responsibility, and engage with the world.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT-FACULTY BASKETBALL GAME
Every year, MKA’s eighth grade takes on the faculty in a basketball game that brings an energy unmatched by almost any other event on campus. Players passionately compete for the special trophy handed to the winning team every year, and the audience creates an electric atmosphere. Since its inception, this student government-led game has become a cornerstone Middle School tradition including performances from the MS Pep Band, Step Team, and even the Chamber Singers for the National Anthem.
"The
Middle School student-faculty basketball game is one of the most popular community events we have. It fosters friendly competition and camaraderie amongst students and faculty, develops leadership skills for students, and really gets our parent and family community involved."
– Dr. Carlaina Bell, Head of Middle School
There is a service-learning element to the event as students vote each year to donate game proceeds to a nonprofit of their choice, raising between $3,000 and $5,000 for organizations like Toni’s Kitchen or even student-driven initiatives. Overall, it’s an event that creates a unique sense of camaraderie and connection and draws in parents, faculty, and students from across all three campuses.
STEM+
At MKA, we prepare our students for a future we cannot define. Our students will pursue jobs that don’t yet exist, use technologies that haven’t been invented, and solve problems that are not yet identified. Navigating this complex world requires knowing how to problemsolve, think critically, be creative, apply logic, and see the world as it is. Students need to learn to prioritize perseverance, collaboration, communication, imagination, and innovation. These essential aspects of the MKA Learner will provide students with a solid foundation for future, lifelong learning. MKA is committed to ensuring that all our students develop a STEM+ mindset and that our program continues to build meaningfully and strategically from Pre-K to grade 12.
We are committed to strengthening our highest-level STEM+ offerings, creating new programs focused on innovation, and offering more entry-point courses for students not typically drawn to these disciplines. If our students not only gain STEM+ understandings and skills but also learn to work across disciplines by applying ethical frameworks and questions, research habits, and a sense of humility and social perspective, they will be ready, willing, and able to frame and solve the problems of the future.
KNOWLEDGE, VISION, INTEGRITY
Evidence of our mission is found in the KNOWLEDGE, VISION, and INTEGRITY of our students and our alumni:
KNOWLEDGE
Academic excellence
Intellectual independence
Love of learning
VISION
Personal engagement with the world
Understanding of human complexity
A sense of humility and compassion
INTEGRITY
Strength of character
Responsibility as a citizen and leader
An honorable and generous life
49 STUDENT VOICE
At Montclair Kimberley Academy, student voice is more than just a concept—it's a cornerstone of our community. Led by the Head of Upper School Dr. David Flocco, every freshman and senior participates in personal entry and exit interviews, giving students a platform to share their experiences, ideas, and concerns in a safe space. Additionally, through student-initiated clubs and involvement in leadership positions that help effect policy change, MKA empowers students to actively shape their school environment. This tangible emphasis on student voice and the commitment to listening fosters leadership, confidence, and prepares students for life beyond MKA.
"One of the most tangible things that incorporates student voice are the entry and exit intrviews I do with freshman, at the start of their time here, and with seniors before they graduate. I want to know themtheir hopes and dreams. I don't want the first time they meet me to be when I am handing them their diploma."
- Dr. David Flocco, Head of Upper School Campus
"Teaching is both an art and a science , and true excellence comes from knowing the difference and when to move between each one. This is a community that doesn’t just teach to a moment, but instead challenges students to see themselves in a different way and prepares them to be poised for whatever comes next.”
– Nigel D. Furlonge, Head of School
50
TEACHING EXCELLENCE
By design, learning at MKA is engaging. Teachers innovate intentionally–to spark students' inquiry, encourage collaboration and exploration, and invite experimentation and risk-taking with new ideas taking them to their growing edge. They encourage students to reflect on their learning and adjust strategies, just as they reflect on their teaching and adjust their instruction accordingly. Through the process, teachers come to understand the students well—as scholars and as people—and build the foundation of relationships that are essential to learning at MKA and beyond. Our faculty love to learn and live to teach.
FACULTY WHO LIVE TO LEARN AND LOVE TO TEACH
At MKA, faculty members have always known students as individuals; they model and advance genuine connections so they all rise together, challenge one another, and are prepared to
be excellent in all spaces. As we celebrate 50 years of teaching excellence at MKA, Jaime Bedrin ’94 sits down with MKA’s
three longest-serving faculty members.
Author’s Note
Last spring I bumped into chemistry teacher Laurie Smith in Anderson Park in Upper Montclair. Mrs. Smith was my teacher and a cherished advisor at the Upper School during the early 1990s. We were all so close, several of her advisees and I attended her wedding ceremony in 1991. In the park, we chatted, and she asked me about my former classmates. I asked her about some of my favorite teachers. I knew she had to be one of the more senior faculty members at the school, and I wondered who else had long careers at MKA. The answer? Scott Coronis and Patty Forbes: Funny coincidence as all three were my teachers. I knew then that I wanted to write about their journeys to MKA and what keeps them connected to the school after all these years.
How It Started
Scott Coronis was only a couple of years out of Dartmouth College when he first interviewed for a position at MKA. He had been waiting tables in Hanover, but, now married with a baby on the way, he needed a full-time job with benefits. A former fraternity brother introduced him to a service that places teachers at independent day schools. At the time, MKA had an urgent need for a drama teacher. It was a mid-year replacement. So Mr. Coronis made the trip to New Jersey and taught a demo lesson to a rowdy bunch of fifth graders on field day, calling it “mayhem.” But he never looked back. In January 2025, Mr. Coronis will celebrate 42 years at MKA.
Patty Forbes joined MKA in September 1989. She taught English at private schools in Georgia and Texas and was teaching at St. John’s School in Houston when her family relocated to New Jersey. Patty taught at both public and private schools in Princeton before heading to Montclair. “Each school offered nuances in terms of the students I encountered that influenced me and ultimately made me a tireless learner.” Mrs. Forbes is approaching 35 years at MKA.
In 1985, Laurie Smith (née Neubauer) was a young chemist working on paint formulas when she was laid off from her job in New Jersey. Unsure what to do next, she contacted her former
teachers at Canterbury School in New Milford, CT, a school not unlike MKA. One of her science teachers knew the department chair at MKA, and as luck would have it, MKA needed a mid-year chemistry teacher replacement. That was 39 years ago.
How It’s Going
Today, Mr. Coronis is a health, wellness, and PE instructor at the Middle School. He’s never left the Valley Road campus nor does he want to: “I wouldn't work anywhere else. If you put me alone with 10 kindergarten kids, I would be in a corner crying. I'll take a hundred eighth graders by myself any day.” In his four decades at MKA, he has played the role of swing brilliantly - that is someone who can step into any role at any time. He taught fourth-grade science, advanced math, theater arts, and health. There was also a stint as Dean of Students. I loved our Middle School musicals, Oklahoma! and Annie Get Your Gun, so I’ll always think of him as a director and puzzle master. When Mr. Coronis was my sixth-grade homeroom teacher, he often challenged us with riddles like this one: how many bees did Moses bring on the ark? More than 35 years later he’s still doing puzzles with his students. Every day he projects a Connections-like puzzle onto the smartboard in class as a team-building activity. Sixteen words form four groups based on a likeness. Sometimes it’s easy to group the words; other times it’s not. The students can work independently or in groups trying to solve the puzzle, but they have to explain why they
think the words belong together. Some days his class gets one set. And sometimes they get all four by default. He’s challenging them to look for patterns that may not be obvious.
Mrs. Smith would like her students to lean into chemistry and not just in the lab. It’s a challenge, she says, because, unlike biology, chemistry is often invisible, especially when studying atoms and molecules. So she starts with questions and uses an inquiry approach. Before looking at data points, students are expected to develop a question and try to answer it through various forms of exploration. In a module on food and energy, students have to figure out which snack: cheese puffs, peanuts, popcorn, or marshmallows has the highest energy content. Before they start the unit, Mrs. Smith has them vote for the snack they think would rank highest. Students are often surprised to learn that, due to their higher fat content, peanuts have a larger energy content than fan-favorite marshmallows. Mrs. Smith says that while the core content of introductory chemistry has remained largely the same over the years, textbooks have improved with better particle models and sharper images. What's changed significantly is the way technology impacts teaching methods. Computer simulations have transformed the way students explore and analyze models, allowing her to make chemistry more accessible and engaging. These tools help Mrs. Smith achieve her goal of “making the invisible more visible to the students."
For more than fifty years, Mrs. Forbes has had the privilege of teaching English. It’s a subject she truly loves. To know her is to appreciate her love of literature and its role in making connections. She’s an expert in British Literature having studied many of the great authors at Middlebury’s Bread Loaf School, and she’s taught many of the British and American classics by authors Charles Dickens, George Elliot, John Steinbeck, and William Shakespeare. And while her love of British Literature has never waned, it’s with a new “lens of intersectionality” that book selections have evolved to match the students’ diverse backgrounds. After 30+ years of teaching both ninth and upper-level courses, Mrs. Forbes is teaching only ninth-grade honors classes this year. Her bookstore order form still includes William Golding's Lord of the Flies, but it also includes August Wilson’s Fences, Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and Jumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies. Teaching, she says, is a dynamic profession that requires constant learning. And that is why she loves what she does. “There’s almost not a day that goes by that I don’t learn something with the students.” One way she does this is by changing what she teaches. “Ultimately,” she says, “If literature is intended to help students connect with art, culture, and history, it has to be more inclusive so students find characters whose experiences resemble their own.”
What’s Next?
As for future plans, all three educators say they’re staying put. Mr. Coronis is still looking for the puzzle book he used back in 1987 when I was in the sixth grade. Mrs. Forbes is no longer reading at stop lights, although she still keeps a book on her front seat. And Mrs. Smith says she’s looking forward to the school’s new Inquiry and Innovation Center, scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025.
The answer to the riddle: Moses didn’t take anything on the ark. It was Noah’s ark.
"Each school offered nuances in terms of the students I encountered that influenced me and ultimately made me a tireless learner."
– Patty Forbes
1970s
"The thought of choosing one teacher who 'changed my life' and memorializing it in a published article is as difficult as choosing which of your children changed your life. Consistent with my tendency to interpret the rules to suit my personal objective, I am going to list one teacher for each year that I attended MKA. In chronological order from seventh grade at Kimberley through my senior year, the teachers are Mrs. Gregory, Ms. Dancy, Mrs. Faden, Madame Sciamanda, Mr. Chudomel, and Mr. Gibson. Each in their way, helped build my confidence. The women ‘saw me’ and encouraged me to make my presence known. The men taught me about high standards, discipline, and structure while somehow keeping a much-appreciated sense of humor."
— Anita Sims Rainford ’79
“Marilyn Faden from the Fine Arts Department was more than a teacher; she was a mentor who profoundly impacted my life. Though I never took an acting class, my love for theater led me to the behind-the-scenes team for the Upper School's musical, where Mrs. Faden entrusted me with the role of co-business manager, a position I held for two years. Her guidance helped me develop leadership, financial, and organizational skills that have shaped my career and community service. She expected the best from us, and her passion for theater brought out the best in me. Mrs. Faden was a pivotal figure in shaping who I am today.”
— Gary Powell ’83, Ed.D.
1980s 1990s 2000s
“While I was fortunate to have many amazing teachers at MKA, Tim Saburn stands out the most. During my time at the Upper School, he served as Upper School Head, Director of College Counseling, and teacher of U.S. History. His passion for history was contagious, blending events and personal stories in a way that captivated even the most distracted students, myself included. He encouraged us to explore topics that interested us, creating a classroom that felt like a group discussion rather than a lecture. More importantly, Mr. Saburn genuinely cared about his students, taking the time to understand our strengths and challenges. His belief in our potential is something I’ll always remember and appreciate.”
— Gillian Sheeran ’94
50
YEARS OF FACULTY EXCELLENCE
“While attending MKA, I was lucky to have many incredible teachers, but Dr. Houston will forever be a favorite. French was not my best subject, but I always looked forward to his class. He was consistently joyful, caring, and kind. It was so clear he was doing something he loved to do. I’m grateful for my time in his classroom and for our friendship to this day!”
—
Katherine Phillips Bergstrom
’09
"I had never picked up a field hockey stick when I met Coach Han at the start of my sophomore year at MKA. She welcomed me to the team with open arms and taught me everything I know from explaining the rules to how to ‘pull-right.’" Coach Han saw in me what I didn't quite yet see in myself. I am grateful for her patience, time, and support to develop me from a novice player ultimately into a Division I college athlete."
— Alix Talkow ’18
2010s
50 YEARS OF POP CULTURE
As MKA turns 50, let’s take a look back at some of the major pop culture events, movies, music, and world news from 1975 to 2025.
1975-1985: THE BIRTH OF BLOCKBUSTERS & DISCO FEVER
1. MOVIES:
• Jaws (1975) – Steven Spielberg's shark thriller set the stage for the summer blockbuster.
• Star Wars (1977) – The beginning of George Lucas' space opera, which became a cultural phenomenon.
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – Another Spielberg classic that captured the imagination of audiences.
2. MUSIC:
• Saturday Night Fever soundtrack (1977) – Disco ruled the airwaves, with the Bee Gees leading the charge.
• Michael Jackson's Thriller (1982) – Became the best-selling album of all time.
3. WORLD EVENTS:
• 1977: Apple Computer is founded, marking the rise of personal computers.
• 1981: MTV launches, revolutionizing music with 24-hour music video programming.
• 1985: Live Aid concert raises millions for famine relief in Africa.
1985-1995: THE RISE OF TECHNOLOGY & POP SUPERSTARS
1. MOVIES:
• Back to the Future (1985) – This sci-fi comedy became a timeless classic.
• Jurassic Park (1993) – Spielberg’s dinosaur epic redefined visual effects in cinema.
2. MUSIC:
• Madonna – The '80s and early '90s marked Madonna's dominance in pop culture with hits like "Like a Virgin" and "Vogue."
• Nirvana’s Nevermind (1991) – Grunge rock becomes mainstream, with Kurt Cobain becoming the voice of a generation.
3. WORLD EVENTS:
• 1989: The Berlin Wall falls, signaling the end of the Cold War.
• 1990: The World Wide Web is invented, ushering in the internet era.
• 1992: Bill Clinton is elected U.S. President, representing a shift in political leadership.
1995-2005: THE DOT-COM BOOM & THE AGE OF FRANCHISES
1. MOVIES:
• Titanic (1997) – James Cameron’s epic romance became the highest-grossing film of its time.
• The Matrix (1999) – Introduced a new era of visual effects and philosophical sci-fi in mainstream cinema.
• The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003) – Defined the fantasy genre for a generation.
2. MUSIC:
• Backstreet Boys and NSYNC – Boy bands ruled the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
• Eminem (2000s) – Eminem’s rise to fame marked a shift in hip-hop, blending mainstream appeal with raw emotion and controversy.
3. WORLD EVENTS:
• 1999: The Y2K scare – Concerns over computer systems crashing at the turn of the millennium.
• 2001: 9/11 attacks – The world changed forever with the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
• 2004: Facebook launches, changing social interactions and communication forever.
2005-2015: THE SOCIAL MEDIA EXPLOSION & MARVEL MANIA
1. MOVIES:
• The Dark Knight (2008) – Redefines the superhero genre, with Heath Ledger’s iconic Joker performance.
• Avatar (2009) – James Cameron’s 3D sci-fi adventure became the highest-grossing film of all time.
• Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-present) – Kicked off with Iron Man, leading to massive cultural dominance by superhero films.
2. MUSIC:
• Beyoncé – With albums like Lemonade (2016) and her rise as a global icon, Beyoncé defined the music of the 2000s.
• Adele – 21 (2011) became one of the best-selling albums of all time, with hits like "Rolling in the Deep."
3. WORLD EVENTS:
• 2008: Global Financial Crisis – The worst financial crisis since the Great Depression hit markets worldwide.
• 2011: Osama bin Laden is killed by U.S. Navy SEALs, a major moment in the War on Terror.
• 2012: Instagram rises in popularity, shifting the focus to visual content in the social media world.
2015-2025: STREAMING, SOCIAL MOVEMENTS, & A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
1. MOVIES:
• Avengers: Endgame (2019) – The conclusion of a decade-long Marvel saga, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time.
• Parasite (2019) – The first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
• Oppenheimer and Barbie (2023) – A cinematic event that dominated global box offices, representing a return to in-person movie-going after the pandemic.
2. MUSIC:
• Billie Eilish – Became a global sensation with her hit "Bad Guy" (2019), breaking traditional pop molds.
• K-pop – Bands like BTS and BLACKPINK dominated global charts, expanding the reach of Korean pop music.
3. WORLD EVENTS:
• 2020: COVID-19 pandemic – A global health crisis that reshaped every aspect of life.
• 2020: The Black Lives Matter movement gained global attention following protests against racial injustice.
• 2025: Predictions for the rise of AI technology, major climate change policies, and space exploration advancements could shape the future.
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW MKA?
Test your knowledge about the school’s history, traditions, and notable moments.
Answers can be found on page 128.
1. What year was the MKA seal created?
2. Who wrote the MKA school song?
3. What three words make up MKA’s motto?
4. Who was MKA’s third Head of School?
5. What year was the merger of Montclair Academy and The Kimberley School?
6. Name MKA’s longest-serving faculty member (and how many years he taught).
7. What was the name of Montclair Academy’s renowned history teacher with a long-standing lecture series named after him?
8. What is the name of Montclair Kimberley Academy’s school newspaper?
9. What year was the Upper School’s Academic Center completed?
10. In 1937, Misses Bauer and Carpenter bought TKS students a set of this instrument so they could learn how to play them. They are still used at the Primary School today.
11. What year did Dr. Flocco start at the Upper School?
12. What production at the Upper School involves at least 60 students each year?
13. Named after a beloved, Olympic-winning track coach, this fundraiser is held annually in Brookdale Park.
14. What was the name of the assistant basketball coach and security guard beloved by all who knew him?
15. Who was the beloved Head of the Primary School from 1977 to 2018?
16. What year was the GSA established?
17. What is the MKA mascot?
18. What is the name of the event that brings all three MKA campuses together each year?
19. Name the four houses at the Upper School.
20. Every year at the Primary School, third graders drop __ to see if it will reach the ground safely.
21. What is the name of the tradition held at the Primary School every May that began at TKS?
22. What is the name of the program that twelfth-grade students participate in before Commencement?
23. Academic or athletic excellence can earn you one of these.
24. What is the acronym of the MKA Parents’ Association?
25. What are the first six words of the MKA song?
26. What is the name of the award given out by the Alumni Council at the end of each school year that represents the best qualities of teaching at MKA?
27. Where does everyone meet up for pre-prom photos?
28. Name the deli that boasts the sandwich named after MKA.
29. Name the assignment that leaves most juniors without a social life.
30. What is the name of the field that all football games are played on?
31. On the first day of the school week, every student at the Upper School gathers in Weiss for __.
32. Which segment of our community chose MKA’s colors, navy and green?
a. Faculty
b. Students
c. Parents
d. Alumni
33. On this day every year, MKA’s Development Office asks all MKA community members to come together and support MKA philanthropically.
34. This is the name given to the group of students who have been at MKA since Pre-K/kindergarten/first grade.
35. Every other year, the string musicians visit this famed place in New York City.
36. This tucked-away space upstairs at the Middle School with a canon residing outside of it has been around since The Kimberley School days.
37. What is the object that is rung at the beginning and end of each school year, a tradition that has been around since the MA days?
38. What is the name of the theater at the Upper School that holds MKA’s smaller productions?
39. What is the name of the MKA magazine?
40. Every year, the juniors visit this city.
41. Until recently moving to Van Brunt field, the Upper School commencement was always held where?
42. Nigel Furlonge, MKA’s fifth Head of School, says this is his favorite movie.
43. True or False: There have been over 120 team championships in the last ten years.
44. What program supports students through financial aid thanks to philanthropic support?
45. True or False: MKA is a non-profit organization.
46. Who is the current Alumni Council President?
47. What sport is played annually when students compete against faculty at the Middle School?
48. What is the place in the Upper School Dining Room where you go to for your afternoon pick-me-up?
49. What is the one athletic field not located on one of MKA’s three campuses?
50. What is the name of the lot seniors can park in when Lloyd Road is full?
AROUND MKA
COMMUNITY
PRIMARY SCHOOL GOES TO THE POLLS
In November, Primary School students participated in an election of their own as a way to learn about the voting process in the United States. Students took to the polls set up in the lobby to vote for the right that meant the most to them: A) Have Fun (for community game time) OR B) Be Yourself (for a dress as yourself dress down day). After making their choice, students dropped their vote into the ballot box and received an “I Voted” sticker. Then, the votes were counted, and the community gathered together to hear the results. Option B was the winner: Dress as Yourself Day!
RECOGNIZING EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATORS THROUGH FACULTY EXCELLENCE FELLOWSHIPS
MKA is thrilled to announce that Dr. Leonard Chang, Shanie Israel, and Derek Morf have been awarded 2024-2025 Faculty Excellence Fellowships. This prestigious program honors exceptional educators who exemplify MKA's commitment to outstanding teaching by offering substantial financial support for past or current advanced educational degrees. It is intended to advance excellence in teaching as well as the school’s commitment to increasing the diversity of MKA’s faculty. Faculty Excellence Fellowships are designed to make a faculty member’s commitment to both their education and their MKA teaching career more affordable. This program is made possible through a lead gift by Linda and Brian Sterling P’12, ’14. This philanthropically funded program remains a fundraising priority, and we are actively seeking support to ensure the ongoing recognition and financial support of our faculty every year.
Upper School seniors Joshua Abrams and Matthew Koffman were named semifinalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. Now in its 69th year, this nationwide academic competition recognizes high school students for their academic excellence and provides opportunities for college scholarships. Congratulations to Joshua and Matthew for being recognized for this outstanding achievement!
gathering the
COMMUNITY
THE GATHERING
On October 18, MKA hosted its All-School Gathering—the only event each year when all three campuses unite. Under a brilliant sky, students, faculty, and staff filled the Middle School fields for the first-ever outdoor gathering. The event was electric, featuring spirited performances and well-deserved recognitions. Voices joined together to sing the alma mater, "Oh, MKA," and seniors continued the beloved tradition of gifting stuffed cougars to kindergartners crossing the bridge. The day wrapped up with the Academy Bell ringing in the 2024-2025 school year.
ATHLETICS
AN INCREDIBLE FALL SEASON
For the first time in MKA Athletics history and in the Super Essex Conference (SEC), MKA placed all five eligible teams/sports in the SEC American Division for the 2025 fall season. The SEC American Division is made up of the top six teams/programs in Essex County and because SEC Divisions are based on strength of program (not enrollment) the SEC American Division is widely considered the strongest and toughest overall division in the State of NJ. By placing, Field Hockey, Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Soccer, Girls’ Tennis, and Volleyball are considered to be one of the top six teams/programs in the entire county, including public, parochial, and private Essex County schools. MKA is the only school in the county to place all five teams/sports in the SEC American Division.
FALL 2024 TEAM AND STUDENT-ATHLETE HONORS AND AWARDS
*During the recently completed 2024 Fall Athletics season, the following MKA teams, coaches and athletes achieved honors:
FIELD HOCKEY
Head Coach: Injoo Han (14th year)
Record: 16-7; 2024 NJISAA Prep B State Champions; 2024 Essex/ Union White Division Co-Champions
Malia Cesareo ’25 Captain; 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; Essex County “All-Tournament” Team; 1st Team All-Prep B; 1st Team All-White Division, Essex/Union Conference; NJFHCA Senior All-Star Game; SEC All-Academic Team; 2nd Team All Non-Public, NJFHCA; 2nd Team All Non-Public, nj.com
Sydney Fradette’25 Captain; 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC; Essex County “All-Tournament” Team; 1st Team All-Prep B; 1st Team All-White Division, Essex/Union Conference; NJFHCA
Senior All-Star Game; SEC All-Academic Team
Samantha Siter ’25 Captain; MKA Players’ Player of the Year Award; 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; 1st Team All-Prep B; 1st Team All-White Division, Essex/Union Conference; NJFHCA
Senior All-Star Game; 2nd Team All Non-Public, NJFHCA; 3rd Team All Non-Public, nj.com
Grace Fitzgerald ’26 2nd Team All-White Division, Essex/Union Conference
Julia Flocco ’26 Honorable Mention All-White Division, Essex/ Union Conference
Addie Goldstein ’26 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC; 1st Team All-Prep B; 1st Team All-White Division, Essex/Union Conference; SEC All-Academic Team
Maggie Murphy ’26 MKA Coaches Award; 2nd Team AllAmerican Division, SEC; Honorable Mention All-Prep B; 1st Team All-White Division, Essex/Union Conference; SEC All-Academic Team
Shea Murphy ’26 Honorable Mention All-American Division, SEC; Essex County “All-Tournament” Team; 2nd Team All-White Division, Essex/Union Conference
Madison Kaminski ’27 2nd Team All-White Division, Essex/Union Conference
Eva Sieger ’27 Honorable Mention All-American Division, SEC; 2nd Team All-White Division, Essex/Union Conference
Mia Wallace ’27 2nd Team All-White Division, Essex/Union Conference
Olivia Adubato ’28 MKA Most Improved Player Award
FOOTBALL
Head Coach: Anthony Rea (11th Year) Record: 8-1; 2024 MIFL South Division Champions
Nate Conforti ’25 Captain
Lincoln Hedberg ’25 MKA Joseph J. Weiner Award
Josh Katz ’25 2nd Team Offense, All-MIFL
Frank Martin ’25 MKA Coaches Award
Benjamin Morganstein ’25 Captain; 2nd Team Offense, All-MIFL
Jack Scuorzo ’25 Captain; 1st Team Defense, All-MIFL
Kalvin Thomas ’25 Captain; MKA Offensive Player of the Year Award; 1st Team Offense, All-MIFL; MKA Fall Captain’s Prize Recipient; 3rd Team All Non-Public, nj.com
Nathaniel Chou ’26 1st Team Defense, All-MIFL
Jack Gallagher ’26 1st Team Offense, All-MIFL
Francis Ogbuehi ’26 MKA Defensive Player of the Year Award; 1st Team Defense, All-MIFL
Charlie O’Hara ’26 1st Team Offense, All-MIFL
Evan Pratt ’27 MKA Most Improved Player Award
BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY
Head Coach: Timothy White (6th Year)
Record: 1-9
Tyler Ho ’26 Captain
Matthew Kwon ’26 MKA Most Valuable Runner Award; Honorable Mention All-American Division, SEC
Nathan Hubert ’26 Captain
Tyler Rizzo ’26 Captain; MKA Coaches Award
Karsh Sinha ’27 MKA Most Improved Runner Award
GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY
Head Coach: Timothy White (6th Year) Record: 4-5
Natalie Ewing ’25 Captain; MKA Coaches Award; 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC; 2nd Team All-Essex County
Victoria Altirs ’27 MKA Most Valuable Runner Award; 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; 1st Team All-Essex County
Jordyn Spence ’28 MKA Rookie of the Year Award; 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC
BOYS’ SOCCER
Head Coach: Rob Leather (11th Year)
Record: 19-4; 2024 NJISAA Prep B State Champions; 2024 SEC Liberty Division Champions
Lucas Furlonge ’25 Captain; MKA Players’ Player of the Year Award; 1st Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; SEC All-Academic Team; 2nd Team All-Essex County, ECCA
Henry Gottfried ’25 MKA Coaches Award; 2nd Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; 1st Team All-Prep B; SEC All-Academic Team
Joseph Nigro ’25 Captain; MKA Most Valuable Player Award; 1st Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; 3rd Team All Non-Public, nj.com; 2nd Team All-Essex County, ECCA
Alex Provost ’25 Captain; 1st Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; 1st Team All-Prep B; SEC All-Academic Team; 1st Team All-Essex County, ECCA
Michael Rallatos ’25 2nd Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; 1st Team All-Prep B; SEC All-Academic Team
Nicholas Carrascosa ’26 2nd Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; 3rd Team All Non-Public, nj.com
Braedan Keegan ’26 1st Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; 1st Team AllPrep B; 1st Team All Non-Public, nj.com; 2nd Team All-State, nj.com; 1st Team All-Essex County, ECCA; SEC Player of the Year, nj.com
CJ Dike ’27 Honorable Mention All-Liberty Division, SEC; Honorable Mention All-Prep B
Max Ludlow ’27 Honorable Mention All-Liberty Division, SEC
GIRLS’ SOCCER
Head Coach: Luke Terkowski (2nd Year)
Record: 4-10-1
Gisella Armstrong-Cassone ’25 Captain; 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC; SEC All-Academic Team
Annie Barrett ’27 MKA Most Valuable Player Award; 2nd Team AllAmerican Division, SEC; 1st Team All-Prep B; SEC All-Academic Team
Shirley Rivera ’28 MKA Rookie of the Year Award; 1st Team AllAmerican Division, SEC; 1st Team All-Prep B
GIRLS’ TENNIS
Head Coach: Bill Wing (28th Year)
Record: 10-7; 2024 NJISAA Prep B State Champions
Nina Abalos ’26 Captain; MKA Player of the Year Award; 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; SEC All-Academic Team; NJ Girls’ Tennis Player of the Year, nj.com; 1st Team All-State, nj.com; 1st Team 1st Singles, All Non-Public, nj.com; 1st Team 1st Singles AllFlight, nj.com
Agatha Greenberg ’28 MKA Rookie of the Year Award; 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; SEC All-Academic Team
VOLLEYBALL
Head Coach: Kyla Sebello (2nd Year); 2024 Super Essex Conference “Coach of the Year”
Record: 15-10; 2024 NJISAA Prep B State Champions
Ciara Branigan ’25 Captain Avery Pratt ’25 Captain; 1st Team All-Prep B; MKA Defensive Player of the Year Award; 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC; SEC All-Academic Team
Mahala Weintraub ’26 Captain; MKA Most Valuable Player Award; 1st Team All-Prep B; Honorable Mention All-American Division, SEC Ava Wheeler ’26 MKA Most Improved Player Award; 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC; SEC All-Academic Team
Congratulations to the recipient of the MKA Fall Captain’s Award, senior football captain Kalvin Thomas. The MKA Captain’s Award is given out each season to that male or female captain who has exhibited the qualities that we look for in our team captain: leadership, dedication, respect, work ethic, and being a role model both on and off the field to his or her teammates and peers. MKA Varsity Football Coach Anthony Rea states, “Captains are looked upon for leadership and are expected to be dedicated, respectful, show a strong work ethic, and be a role model on and off the field. With that in mind, Kalvin is a great person for his peers to look to as an example of outstanding leadership and the qualities of a great captain. As a role model both on and off the field, Kalvin’s shown it’s possible to be a star in your sport while still remaining humble and hungry to do more. Whether it was setting a school record or coaching a freshman on ways to get better during practice, his impact was felt by everyone around him. And through hard work and sacrifice, he finished his high school career as one of the best running backs in the State of New Jersey.”
HUGH HERR PRESENTS “THE FUTURE OF BIONICS” AT MKA’S HEMMETER HISTORY LECTURE
Montclair Kimberley Academy welcomed world-renowned engineer and biophysicist Hugh Herr for a powerful lecture, "The Future of Bionics: Exploration Without Fear," in the Weiss Auditorium at the Upper School. After losing both legs below the knee to frostbite following a climbing accident, Herr dedicated his life to creating bionic technology that empowers individuals to overcome physical limitations. His lecture highlighted groundbreaking innovations and their transformative impact on human potential.
Before the lecture, Herr participated in a Q&A session with Upper School students, including MKA’s Robotics Club, and students from Montclair High School. He shared insights on the importance of perseverance, especially in research, and how his accident led him to pursue science and technology. Herr inspired students to choose careers they care deeply about, emphasizing that “a love of life starts in the mind and heart.”
During the lecture, Herr discussed "neurological embodiment," explaining how his designs allow prosthetic users to feel and move as if the devices are part of their bodies. He shared his journey of challenging perceptions of disability, noting, “Technology isn’t just a tool—it has the capacity to heal and extend human capability.” Herr’s reflections on resilience, human potential, and redefining beauty resonated deeply with the audience. “Science doesn’t always work, but sometimes it does, and it’s magic,” he said.
This inspiring evening, made possible by the Philip McNeal Leadership Program (PMLP), aligns with MKA’s mission to foster innovation, critical thinking, and discovery, preparing students to become future leaders and innovators.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE THROUGH THE IMMERSIVE EJI EXPERIENCE:
OUR COMMITMENT TO FACULTY EXCELLENCE AND ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
MKA is deeply committed to fostering Ethical Leadership, which includes providing meaningful opportunities that elevate faculty excellence. Our new Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) Experience is a powerful example of this dedication, poised to create a lasting impact within our school community and beyond.
The MKA EJI Experience is a powerful and immersive professional learning program designed to offer transformative educational opportunities for the MKA community. This newly annual trip to the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, AL, is intended to foster a strong sense of community, where participants can exchange ideas across various academic disciplines and professional backgrounds and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Before departing for Montgomery, participants engage in thoughtful conversations regarding education, identity, race, and American history.
In July, under the leadership of Paris McLean, Assistant Head of School for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Antiracism, Shanie Israel, Middle School Dean of Community Life, and Steve Valentine, Associate Head of School, MKA piloted this program with 13 faculty, staff, and administrators first working together in Montclair and then traveling to Montgomery. The group spent two full days immersed in EJI’s three significant sites: the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Monument Sculpture Park. Participants engaged deeply with the material, reflected on its personal and professional significance, and returned to MKA with new texts and resources, enriching their classrooms and personal growth. One faculty member shared, “The EJI Experience helped me to see new ways of centering both the Black experience and other minority perspectives in my role as a teacher and, even more so, in my role as a Department Chair.” The group also engaged in place-based learning at historical Montgomery sites like the Alabama State Capitol building, the First White House of the Confederacy, the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, and the Mothers of Gynecology Monument.
“The EJI experience has helped me to think about learning spaces in a new way and how I can best create spaces and opportunities for my students and my colleagues.”
The emotional weight of the trip was palpable. Encountering difficult and complex content—such as images of lynched Black Americans and the firsthand accounts of formerly enslaved individuals—sparked deep reflection. Optimism also radiated through the experience as participants explored the music, art, and visual imagery that reflects the joy and hope we strive to witness in our world. Participants were empowered to engage their students and colleagues in challenging conversations, even those beyond the traditional humanities and history disciplines. As thought leaders in the independent school landscape, we are committed to furthering the development of this program to include more subsets of our community and to share our learnings and experiences with a broader audience. We are actively exploring opportunities to present on this program at MKA, at the state level through NJAIS, and on a national stage at NAIS and other conferences.
In the summer of 2025, we are slated to bring the second cohort of faculty and staff leaders to participate in the MKA EJI Experience, and the school looks forward to building upon the success of the 2024 visit. With a future-focused mindset, we believe that within a few years, the school can offer similar experiences for our students, parents and caregivers, and Trustees. These experiences and touchpoints foster learning outcomes that undoubtedly strengthen individual perspectives, add volume to our instructional approaches, reinforce our values as an institution of ethical leaders, and center our mission on community members leading lives of noble character, purpose, and distinction.
A participant noted, “The EJI experience has helped me to think about learning spaces in a new way and how I can best create spaces and opportunities for my students and my colleagues.”
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
BUILDING BELONGING
This year, MKA’s annual Ethical Leadership Retreat, an initiative of the Philip McNeal Leadership Program (PMLP), broke records with 120 student attendees on the Upper School campus. Organized by Upper School Dean of Student Life and Tri-Campus Chair of Ethics Kerry Verrone in partnership with both the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Antiracism (DEIA) and Athletics, the retreat focused on fostering belonging across classrooms, clubs, and athletic teams. The evening began with an inspiring keynote by Aaron Golub, the first legally blind Division I athlete to play in a game. Sharing his journey as a football player at Tulane University and later as an NFL free agent, Golub encouraged students to embrace resilience and apply it to their leadership roles. Reflecting on the event, Merritt Goldman ’26 said, “We learned how to create safe spaces in our club and connect with others to foster inviting conversations.”
Workshops explored key leadership topics such as empowering others, storytelling for connection, and designing inclusive team environments. Students gained practical tools to build cohesion, cultivate engagement, and harness peer collaboration for greater impact. Kerry Verrone emphasized, “Ethical Leadership at MKA is about more than philosophy; it’s about action. This retreat equips students to practice leadership daily and create brave, inclusive spaces for our community.” By integrating DEIA and Athletics into the program, the retreat underscored that leadership is a shared responsibility. MKA remains dedicated to developing empathetic, resilient leaders ready to navigate challenges and make ethical decisions, creating meaningful change within and beyond the school.
Big News
MKA’S 50-HOUR GIVING CHALLENGE: CELEBRATING GENEROSITY, COMMUNITY, AND THE POWER OF PHILANTHROPY
In honor of Montclair Kimberley Academy’s 50th anniversary, our community came together in unprecedented ways for the 50-Hour Giving Challenge, launched on October 17.
This milestone event aimed to engage 800 donors in just 50 hours, with a unique incentive: if we met our goal, an alumna from the class of 1977, Marjorie Lopus Jameson, would fund MKA’s 10th Community Scholarship—a longstanding aspiration for our school.
Marjorie’s generosity is rooted in her early experiences at MKA. Though she left before attending the Upper School, her Primary and Middle School years left a lasting impact, sparking her lifelong commitment to education and giving back. Her support of the Community Scholars Program is a testament to her belief in the power of education to change lives.
Established in 1969, the Community Scholars Program has long been a pillar of MKA’s Financial Aid Program. Beginning with just one scholarship, it has grown over the years and will now offer 10 full scholarships annually to students in grades six through 12. These scholarships cover not only tuition but also all additional costs, making an MKA education accessible to students with remarkable academic and personal potential. Each Community Scholar enriches our school with dedication, integrity, and
diversity, strengthening the MKA experience for everyone.
The response to this year’s challenge was extraordinary. In just 50 hours, 906 donors rallied to raise an impressive $608,768.
Contributions poured in from all corners of our community— faculty and staff, students, parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends—demonstrating the strength and spirit of the MKA family. Volunteers, including parents, alumni, and students, made connections through calls, emails, and texts to inspire others to participate.
The funds raised during the challenge are essential to MKA’s mission, fueling programs and opportunities that make our school exceptional. Philanthropy is the foundation that allows us to dream bigger, say “yes” to new ideas, and provide an education that transcends the classroom.
To all who participated in this effort, thank you. Your support not only honors MKA’s rich legacy but also helps ensure a bright future for our students and our community.
ALUMNI NEWS
A MESSAGE FROM STU HARWOOD '07, ALUMNI COUNCIL PRESIDENT...
THE POWER OF SMALL GESTURES
As we celebrate MKA’s 50th Anniversary, we are celebrating you, the alumni who are the school’s legacy. Although you didn’t all graduate together, you are all MKA alumni who can call Cougarville, the home of green and blue, your alma mater forever. Your commitment to the school and each other truly reflects what our Associate Head of School, Steve Valentine, calls “the power of small gestures.”
• We are grateful for your support, and every small act you do helps change the lives of our students and fellow alumni.
• When you sponsor a student intern, you broaden their world.
• When you speak to students in a club or classroom, you show them possibilities.
• When you take a call, have lunch, or offer advice and mentorship to someone in this community, you make a difference.
• When you come to our events, you create connections.
• When you make a donation that we combine with others to create a scholarship, you directly impact the MKA community.
• If MKA is on your mind, let us know. We’d love to have you involved in any way that matters to you, big or small. SAVE THE DATES April 10, 2025 Alumni Awards Ceremony April 24-25, 2025 Alumni Innovation Summit April 25-26, 2025 Reunion Weekend
C HA NGE MA K ERS
Meet the remarkable individuals who have been selected as this year’s MKA Alumni Changemakers - an extraordinary group of alumni who embody the ideals of Knowledge, Vision, and Integrity. They work tirelessly to break barriers and drive progress. They have turned their passion into powerful purpose and wildly successful careers, leaving their indelible marks on the world. Help us celebrate these inspirational and visionary leaders who are changing the way we live.
ADAM GOLDBERG ’92
CHANGE MAKERS
ADAM GOLDBERG
is the Founder and Chief Brand Officer of PopUp Bagels. During the COVID-19 summer of 2020, Adam Goldberg set off on a mission to redefine the traditional bagel experience. Driven by a lifelong passion for food and hospitality, Adam, a seasoned entrepreneur, started this home-based endeavor by “popping up” in restaurant kitchens.
Through the power of social media and brand partnerships, Adam and his team quickly grew PopUp Bagels into a thriving business, drawing national attention with more than a dozen locations and many more planned. Using only the highest quality ingredients in his recipe, Adam set the standard that every PopUp Bagels customer enjoys a hot, fresh, and whole bagel experience that stands out from the rest.
Tell us about your career path which included work in finance, distribution of AquaFence products throughout the United States in response to storm activity, and entrepreneurial ventures like PopUp Bagels. Since college, I’ve successfully started five different businesses. While these ventures have spanned diverse industries, the common thread has always been innovation. My focus has been identifying opportunities to make a meaningful impact in each field and delivering creative solutions that meet those needs.
Why PopUp Bagels? It all started by accident during the summer of COVID. What began as a small effort to make bagels for friends and neighbors quickly gained traction. When you see there’s a real demand for something you’re doing, you keep going until the demand tells you otherwise. For us, the demand hasn’t stopped.
What is it that ultimately drives you? Seeing the joy on people’s faces when they enjoy our products.
What areas of opportunity in your work excite you the most right now? At the moment, I am most excited about opportunities for expansion within PopUp Bagels and growth in new markets and communities. I’m also deeply invested in our collaborations with iconic brands, as they provide an
opportunity to connect with visionary founders and some of the most inspiring minds in the industry.
What is the biggest career challenge you faced and what did you learn from it? The biggest challenge has been aligning creativity and timing perfectly. Launching a product too early or too late can make all the difference. I’ve learned that success often comes down to understanding the market and knowing when the time is right to act.
"Rebranding the bagel into a cultural phenomenon has been my proudest accomplishment."
POPUP BAGELS
PopUp Bagels started as a backyard pickup window to share a newly created bagel recipe with friends. It’s now grown to multiple popups and permanent locations for alwaysfresh weekend pickup. Their goal is simple: to make you the best, freshest bagels. No frills, plainly perfect: crispy crust and soft crumb center, just the right size and with a perfect proportion of seeds. They have won Brooklyn Bagelfest’s "Best Bagel" two years in a row, and they can’t wait for you to try a dozen.
What do you consider your proudest accomplishment from a career standpoint? Rebranding the bagel into a cultural phenomenon has been my proudest accomplishment. What was once a simple comfort food has been transformed through our innovative "Grip, Rip, and Dip" method, revolutionizing how people enjoy bagels. In just three years, we’ve built a brand that has captured national attention, is supported by renowned backers, and is poised for significant growth with a national franchising strategy under our new CEO.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to current MKA students? No matter where you think you’ll be in 10 years, you really have no idea. Stay open, adaptable, and ready to embrace opportunities!
HELEN CROSSEN ’95
HELEN CROSSEN CHANGE MAKERS
is a human capital advisor and executive coach. Helen has 25 years of experience in the field of human capital. Helen leverages her skills and experiences in strategic human capital planning, leadership development and coaching, organizational change, governance, and Human Resources broadly to help organizations and individuals achieve their goals and potential.
Throughout her career, Helen has enjoyed working with CEOs, executives, professionals, and organizations. Helen has worked in several industries including technology, financial services, media, and alternative asset management including private equity. Helen’s experience includes working at IBM, General Electric, NBCUniversal, and Annaly Capital.
Helen currently serves as a non-executive director at a private company. She is a co-founder of the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations Human Capital Value Creation Lab. Helen is driven by the mission of empowering people and organizations to navigate the complex and dynamic human capital challenges with confidence, creativity, and compassion. Helen holds a B.A., an M.A in Industrial Relations and Labor Relations, and a J.D. from Rutgers University. Helen is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) by the International Coaching Federation and holds a NACD Directorship Certification® from the National Association of Corporate Directors. Helen is married and the mom of two boys who attend MKA.
Tell us about your career path. My professional background is in Human Resources (HR). I went to Rutgers University for a bachelor's and master’s degrees in Industrial and Labor relations, focusing on people, work, and business. I also earned a law degree at Rutgers.
I started my professional career at IBM, where I fell in love with the career of HR and the intersection of people and business. IBM is a mature Fortune 500 company that places a tremendous focus on talent and maximizing the capability of talent for the benefit of the company. It was great to have the opportunity to learn from very talented leaders and professionals early in my career. After a few years at IBM, I wanted to get a bit deeper in the field of labor and employment. Because the law plays a meaningful role in guiding the employment relationship between employer and employee, I went to law school.
After I completed law school, I went to work for GE and worked in a variety of HR roles in the commercial finance business and at NBCUniversal. Working at NBCUniversal was exciting because the business had all kinds of employment relationships. It's a fun creative industry, and I like to work where there are interesting challenges, where I can learn and contribute. I worked for NBCUniversal for quite a while; meeting my husband there was a bonus and we had two children while I worked for NBCUniversal.
I was settling into my career at NBCUniversal when I got a call about an opportunity to work on Wall Street as the head of HR for a public company. It was a great opportunity and was something I always wanted to do. I was tasked to build out the HR function for this company, and it was so rewarding to see the company grow, change, and evolve while I had the privilege of playing a key leadership role at the company. In 2021, I decided to leave Annaly to do more independent work advising companies on human capital-related matters and coaching professionals to help them achieve their professional goals.
When did you first become interested in this type of work?
When I was in high school, my parents had me take a career aptitude test to help me explore potential career paths because it wasn't clear what I wanted to do professionally or what degree I wanted to pursue in college. One of the career paths the assessment identified was HR. I met a few HR professionals, and their work sounded interesting so I pursued a degree in the field. As I have reflected on it, I am so happy I pursued HR as my career path. There is never a dull day working in this field.
How has the field of human resources changed over the last few years? In the field of HR, there is one constant - people working together in an organization to achieve goals. In HR the
"I like to work where there are interesting challenges, where I can learn and contribute.”
primary objective is often to attract, retain, and develop people to help an organization achieve strategic objectives. However, how people are attracted to work, retained, and developed in the world of work is evolving.
AI is beginning to impact how people work. After the pandemic, people in many fields work differently, and there is greater awareness about the overall well-being of employees.
What areas excite you the most about your work? The intersection of people, work, and business is engaging. I have enjoyed working with and for all types of companies.
Much of my work is figuring out how to manage all the change that comes with growing a business, and, in turn, managing the workforce. My new project at the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations called the Human Capital Value Creation Lab is a project that I've co-founded with the university and some professors, as well as a partner who has worked within the private equity space. We’re coming up with models and resources that can be more readily accessible and available to people who work at private companies such as investors, CEOs, and HR leaders regarding how to systematically work with their talent.
Every company is different and unique, and doing things effectively and optimally can be challenging. This new venture will give people more information about research-backed solutions to help them think through how to solve human capital or people-related issues as companies grow, evolve, and change. I really enjoy working with people to help them solve challenges.
What is your proudest career moment? Being named the head of HR for a public company was a proud moment for me. My most recent career transition is another proud momentmoving from my “traditional” career path, which culminated in a C-suite job, to taking a risk to do what I'm doing now has kept me learning and growing. There has always been a bit of a risk at every point in my career, and I find energy in that. It's fun to explore my abilities in different ways.
What would you say is your greatest asset? My ability to work with all types of people is one of my greatest assets.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current MKA students? Dream big, take risks, and you won’t have everything figured out as you move your life forward. Explore and enjoy the journey.
RUTGERS SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND LABOR RELATIONS - WHAT IS THE HUMAN CAPITAL VALUE CREATION LAB?
Mission:
The lab is a center established to advance researchbacked best practices and solutions to create and drive value through human capital in private companies.
Vision:
Dramatically accelerate the knowledge-sharing of the best human capital practices and research across the private sector to drive growth, development, and prosperity in our key stakeholder communities by enhancing the availability of education, tools, and resources proven to add value through human capital.
What the HCVCL Currently Offers:
• Research: Original research and analysis on a range of human capital value-creation topics
• Community of Practice: Enhanced idea sharing across stakeholder groups of private investors, executives, and human capital professionals
• Executive Education Courses: Programs aligning HR with Business Strategy
• Company-Specific Research / Consulting: Company or firm-specific research, study, and consulting
• Labor Relations Research/Consulting: Labor relations research, study, and consulting
CELIA HICKS ’00
CELIA HICKS CHANGE MAKERS
(Figlewski) is a Deputy Chief of the Refugee and Asylum Law Division for the Office of Chief Counsel of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. Within her role, she supervises attorneys providing legal advice and counsel to the agency on a wide range of humanitarian immigration benefits, including visas for victims of human trafficking and other crimes, DACA, Temporary Protected Status, Special Immigrant Juvenile classification, and self-petitions for victims of domestic violence, among others. Celia enjoys the wide variety of work for agency counsel in a complex and constantly changing legal environment and deeply believes in the mission: “USCIS upholds America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve.”
Celia began her legal career with USCIS on the Litigation and National Security Division as a new attorney, after brief fellowships with the American Immigration Council and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in Santo Domingo. She’s a proud graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and Princeton University, and currently lives back in Montclair, New Jersey with her husband, three kids, and dog.
Tell us about your career path. I majored in U.S. history at Princeton University, and while I didn't have a specific career path in mind, I took numerous American history courses, focusing on topics like recent immigration experiences and how various groups became American. My senior thesis examined post-World War II refugee policy and the fear of enemy aliens infiltrating the U.S. as spies. After graduating, I moved to Boston and worked at EF, an educational travel company. I was part of a startup branch creating trips for college students, reflecting my interest in international travel and cultural exchange. Later, I attended the University of Michigan for law school, where I focused on immigration law. I studied under Jim Hathaway, a leading refugee law expert, and spent a semester in Geneva working at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. During the summers, I interned with the Polaris Project, the State Department, and the American Immigration Council. Post-law school. I also did an international fellowship with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in the Dominican Republic. In 2013, I joined U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through a pilot program for hiring new attorneys and have been with them since.
The USCIS is the federal agency that oversees all the lawful immigration programs in the United States. It's part of the Department of Homeland Security. There are over 20,000 government employees and contractors working in the agency. The Office of Chief Counsel is essentially in-house counsel for a giant organization. My division, the Refugee and Asylum Law Division, offers legal advice on a wide range of humanitarian programs. These programs include:
• Citizenship and Immigration for Family Members: assisting with the legal process for family members to join U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
• Employment-Based Visas: providing guidance on obtaining visas for individuals with skills sought after by U.S. employers.
• International Adoption and Visas: covering legal aspects of adopting internationally and securing visas for adopted children.
• Visas for Victims of Human Trafficking and Crimes: offering legal support for victims of human trafficking and certain crimes who cooperate with law enforcement to obtain visas.
• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Visa Pathways: advising on obtaining visas under VAWA provisions.
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS): providing guidance on applying for TPS, a program offering temporary residency to nationals of designated countries facing conflict or natural disasters.
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): offering assistance with DACA, a program providing temporary relief from deportation for certain undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
• Parole Programs: advising on various parole programs offering alternative pathways for individuals to enter the U.S.
I'm the Deputy Chief over most of the other humanitarian benefits that aren't specifically refugee and asylum. The Office of Chief Counsel and its various divisions provide legal advice and litigation support to the agency. This includes working
"Explore the opportunities that are outside of the path of least resistance."
on new regulations, collaborating with policymakers and operational clients, and ensuring the best regulations are published in the Federal Register to guide future adjudications and applications. We also conduct legal reviews of all agency communications, such as briefing and talking points, to ensure legal accuracy for the Secretary of Homeland Security’s public statements.
In litigation, while the Department of Justice represents the agency in federal court, they rely on us for immigration legal expertise. We work closely with the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney's Office to effectively represent the agency's positions in court. As Deputy Chief in my division, I supervise attorneys handling these issues.
What have been some of the greatest changes you’ve seen in recent years regarding your work? Changes in administration bring shifts in program emphasis, policies, and positions. At USCIS, the core immigration benefits programs remain constant, but political shifts can make our work more enforcement- or humanitarian-focused. These changes can affect the number of authorized refugee admissions each year, significantly altering the agency's practice.
The volume of litigation has increased dramatically since I started, shifting our focus from reviewing regulations and training to handling constant legal challenges. We now prepare administrative records in advance, anticipating litigation for any new policy. This reactive approach leaves less time for indepth issue analysis.
Additionally, growing backlogs, especially with border fluxes, exacerbate the problem. Adjudicators are diverted to meet immediate demands, causing delays in other applications. This leads to individual litigation from applicants facing unreasonable delays, further straining our resources and increasing the backlog.
What work opportunities excite you the most? I’m most excited about being part of the immigration experience and the agency's mission. It's rewarding to provide benefits to people and serve America as a nation of immigrants. Visiting naturalization ceremonies and seeing 100 people become citizens is thrilling, and I enjoy being part of the operations that make this and asylum grants possible.
My team works on international adoptions, such as airlifting Haitian children in the adoption process to the U.S. We ensured their paperwork was expedited and had staff on call to facilitate their journey. One attorney spent over 10 hours at the Miami airport, helping these children reunite with their adoptive families.
Intellectually, I’m excited about contributing to lasting work, like publishing regulations. Though the bureaucratic process can take years, seeing it finalized is gratifying. As a supervisor, providing my team with interesting opportunities and witnessing their growth is also rewarding.
What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome? Adapting to shifting priorities and new legal realities that flip the switch on things can be tough and disheartening. Also, allowing time for things to work can be challenging. We are a huge agency and nothing moves quickly. The bureaucracy requires a lot of patience.
What has been your proudest professional moment? I was involved in the first DACA litigation that went to the Supreme Court in 2015. My task was to research the historical precedent for deferred action, demonstrating that it had long been used by the executive branch and accepted by Congress. I delved into old Immigration and Naturalization Service handbooks at the USCIS library and found operating instructions that supported our argument. This research culminated in a briefing with the Solicitor General's Office.
ROBERT J. CERFOLIO ’80, M.D., M.B.A.
CHANGE MAKERS
DR. ROBERT CERFOLIO
Chief of Clinical Thoracic Surgery, treats patients who have lung cancer and esophageal cancer and provides surgical treatment to manage abnormalities of the chest outside the heart. Inspired to pursue medicine by his father, a urologist, Dr. Cerfolio has now performed more than 19,200 thoracic surgeries. His robotic surgical techniques, which have improved survival rates and reduced complications, have been adopted by experts across the country and around the world.
Dr. Cerfolio’s practice centers around the patient experience, finding innovative ways to care for people and improving treatment outcomes and recovery times. Working with a wide array of experts, including nutritionists, chemotherapy specialists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, and psychosocial and spiritual care teams, Dr. Cerfolio strives to treat each patient as a whole person, rather than as a part of the body or a condition. This philosophy of patient care extends to making doctor’s visits simple and convenient, including in-person and online appointments. Dr. Cerfolio consults with patients from across the country and around the world.
In addition to patient care, Dr. Cerfolio also performs research to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience at hospitals. He has published more than 450 original peer-reviewed articles and 40 book chapters, and previously served as Chief Operating Officer of an orthopedic hospital and a healthcare system. His first book, Super Performing at Work and at Home: The Athleticism of Surgery and Life, was published in 2014.
Tell us about your career path since you began in the medical profession. My whole journey really is about my wife and my kids. The first book I ever wrote was really a love story about my wife who passed away from cancer. At the beginning of my career, I had one goal: I wanted to be the world's best lung surgeon. I now get introduced as the world’s best lung surgeon, which is a great honor, but I’m not sure it's true.
My career as a surgeon took off, and now I travel all over the world operating and coaching surgeries. I've been to 20 countries, operating in 15 of them, and I’ve lectured all over the world, but that's not big enough. My mission and my journey is to make a real difference in the world of healthcare. I want to use my platform to ensure doctors give patients the best experience and the best care.
I got my MBA and I became a hospital administrator. I worked up to becoming COO of a healthcare system, and CEO of an
orthopedic hospital for the number two healthcare system in the world. I realized that all I was doing was making a lot of money for the hospital; I didn’t feel I was helping healthcare around the world. I also couldn’t run a hospital, I couldn't do surgery, and I missed it. Now, I'm back to doing more surgery but just thoracic surgery. Again, I don’t believe that the work I’m doing is particularly laudable or making a global impact. I love doing robotic lung surgeries, but I’m only helping robotic lung surgeons. I'd much rather have a larger effect.
In addition to being named the world's best lung surgeon, you have also been called a pioneer of robotic surgical techniques for lung cancer treatment. What would you say sets you apart from other surgeons in this regard? Well, first I would say that there's a woman in Italy Dr. Franca Melfi who was the real pioneer of this technique. She was way ahead of me, so I don’t want to do her an injustice.
"Leave behind a legacy of kindness."
The thing that truly sets you apart is creating a strong team. It's all about team leadership which is the opposite of what surgeons are taught. Surgeons are taught to be only about themselves: Get more operating rooms for yourself; get nurses for yourself; get the most resources for yourself; and so on. Surgeons get in the sandbox and want all the toys for themselves. For me, it was about learning how to make everyone around me better. I had to make the 10 lung surgeons that I work with better, I had to make the 25 heart surgeons I work with better, in order to make the team better. In the third book that I wrote, I talked about the “I” in team. No one will follow a leader unless they respect them, so as a leader you have to have the “I” qualities a little bit, but a successful team is all about the “we.”
What is exciting you the most regarding your work right now? I'm talking with many venture capitalists about innovations in the field of healthcare that may have a chance to globally impact the world's health, ensuring that patients can see the correct, talented surgeons.
What would you say is your proudest accomplishment? Personally, my marriage of 20 years and my children. Professionally, I have helped the world (or at least thoracic surgeons across the world) learn that they can get better by listening to other people (surgeons are notoriously very poor active-listeners), getting out of their own way, and not being so dogmatic. I have worked hard to change the mindset of surgeons to be receptive to a better way to do things.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced in your career? Physicians are often unwilling to get better and change. That's the biggest obstacle every administrator has.
What advice do you have for high-school or college-aged students who want to be as successful as you in the medical field? Figure out how to define success for yourself. I have all of these awards, and my CV is 93 pages long, but that's all baloney. What defines me is the type of father I am and the type of husband I was. Those are the most important roles, and if you're not super performing in those roles, none of it matters. If you have a drive to be the absolute best in the world at something, like I did, there's a price tag attached. You have to make sure that you don't bring leftovers home. You have to find a way to achieve a work-life balance.
Also, be authentic to yourself. Don't box yourself into anything, because over time you're going to change. Reinvent who you are and what you are, but be good to everyone. Leave behind a legacy of kindness.
JUDY DIXON ’67
JUDY DIXON CHANGE MAKERS
Timeline:
• 1949 – Born in New Jersey.
is an American tennis player, collegiate coach, and tennis instructor.
• 1967 – Won the national junior indoor tennis championship and was ranked in the top 20.
• 1969-1973 – Played on the professional tour; played singles, doubles, and mixed doubles in the U.S. Open; and played singles at Wimbledon. At 17, Judy was invited to be #1 Billie Jean King’s doubles partner on the Virginia Slims Tour. They played two tournaments together, including the U.S. Indoor Nationals.
• 1973 – Graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in psychology and played tennis for USC.
• 1974 – Joined Yale University as Athletics Coordinator & Women’s Tennis Coach.
• 1975 – Facing unfair conditions for women coaches, administrators, and players, Judy filed a complaint with the university. After no actions were taken, she was the first person to file a discrimination lawsuit under Title IX. Her position was downgraded as the suit proceeded, and she resigned in 1977.
• 1975 – First woman nominated for an Emmy Award in Sports Broadcasting for her color commentary on the Spalding International Mixed Doubles Championship.
• 1981 – Yale settled the Title IX discrimination filed by Judy Dixon, agreeing to provide full-time coaches for women athletes and upgrading budgets and salaries for women’s athletics.
• 1980s-90s – Provided sports commentary for NBC and PBS and was a guest commentator on ABC’s “Eye on Sport.” She was also a contributing writer for Sportswoman Magazine. In addition, Judy became the first woman to offer commentary for a professional sports team when she provided Team Tennis commentary.
• 1992-2017 – Joined the University of Massachusetts Amherst as the Head Tennis Coach. She coached the women’s and men’s tennis teams until the University ended the men’s program in 2001. She continued to coach the University of
Massachusetts’ women’s tennis team until her retirement in 2017. Her record makes her the most winning coach in all of UMass’ history.
• 1996 – Founded the Women’s Tennis Camp, a summer weekend of tennis instruction for women taught by women coaches, held at the UMass tennis courts.
• 2006 – Honored by The Yale Club of New York City to commemorate the history of women’s tennis at the school.
• 2008 – Inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame recognizing all she has given to the sport.
• 2011 – Awarded the A-10 Coach of the Year award for the fourth time.
• 2012-2017 – Under Judy Dixon’s coaching, the UMASS tennis team made it to the Atlantic 10 Championships three times. In her final season as coach in 2017, against the odds and in dramatic fashion, the team won the A-10!
• 2017-present – Following her retirement from UMass, Judy became involved with the summer tennis program Moving On Up for youth in Springfield, MA. She has led instruction, developed programming, and is on the board.
• 2017 – At the Super Senior World Individual Championships in Florida, Judy reached the quarter-finals in singles, and she and her partner Molly Hahn reached the finals in doubles, losing to the Australian team.
• 2018-2024 – Member of USTA World Team
• 2018 – At the USTA National Women’s Clay Court Championships in Houston, Judy reached the semi-finals in singles and lost in a 3-set match in the doubles final with her partner Victory McEvoy.
• September 2018 – Judy was part of the 4-person USA team that went to Croatia for the ITF World Super Senior Championships. She and her doubles partner Vicky McEvoy, along with singles players Tina Karwarsky and Wendy McColskey faced Canada, Britain, and finally Australia to win the Kitty Godfree Cup.
What do you consider your proudest career accomplishment? I have to be able to separate my accomplishments on the court and my accomplishments off the court. On the court, it would be playing Wimbledon. That had been my goal since I was 11. Off the court, my greatest accomplishment was suing Yale University for gender equity. People always call me a pioneer in women's sports, but at the time, I didn’t realize the change I was making was historical. You don't know it's historical when you're doing it. I just wanted to stand up because it was the right thing to do and because fairness is fairness. I also grew up in a family with three girls, and my father always told us we could do whatever we wanted.
What is your biggest career challenge and what did you learn from it? I have always tried to live my life by what seems fair and by making a difference. When I got to Yale, there were so many gender inequities and so little desire on the part of Yale's administrators to move women ahead, especially in athletics. I was 25 years-old when I worked as the coordinator of Women’s Athletics at Yale, and it was clear to me that what was afforded the women athletes at Yale was not just. Women were making less than half of what the men were getting. I felt that to make a difference at this time, I needed to speak up. I got a lawyer who worked on contingency because I didn't have any money, and then we filed. Yale settled about a week before we were supposed to go to court, and the only thing that I had to do was promise to not go to the press for three years. Over time, they made some remarkable changes in women’s athletics because of the suit.
I am proud I had the courage to go through with it and then endure the aftermath of the suit. For one year, until I got another job, they tried to make my life hell. They changed my job making it less than what it was; they changed my office, putting me in a closet with a copy machine, so all the coaches had to come in and use it. One day, I was at one of the four tennis courts: three of them were for the men, and one of them was for the women (even though women and the men had the same size numbers on the roster).
I said to the women, "We're going to take two courts." I went on the court and was feeding some tennis balls, and the men's tennis coach said to four of his players, "I want you to go over on that court where Judy is, and I want you to serve." The idea was for them to stand on the baseline and serve into my head. One of the men, Chris Swenson, was someone I had known since he was very young, and he was captain of the men's team. He came over with those four guys, and I heard the coach say, "Serve." And Chris said, "We're not doing this." And he walked off, taking the other three guys with him.
The university made me go through hundreds and hundreds of pages of depositions, numerous times, trying to intimidate me. Then, the Secretary of the University took me to lunch and offered me a lot of money to “Go away.” He said, “No one will remember; you will be forgotten.” I said, “No,” and walked away. All these scare tactics only made me mad, which made me stronger. I didn't buckle. I stood my ground and continued on with the fight. It wasn't just for my own team; it was standing up for women's coaches and for women's sports.
What do you see as an area of opportunity in your work that excites you the most right now? I run a program in Springfield, MA in the public parks for underprivileged kids with fewer opportunities. The program's called Moving On Up. It's free in the summer, and we run two, three-week sessions. There are 60 kids a week and they receive
free tennis equipment, lessons, etc. It’s so great to see the smiles on their faces because they can play and because tennis is now accessible to them.
What is it that ultimately drives you?
Making a difference. For me, that's everything. Making a difference on the court, making a difference with my friendships (one of the reasons I still compete is because I have unbelievable friendships), making a difference in my family, (I have two adopted children, and I want to make a difference in their lives), and making a difference with the programs that I run. I want to come to the end of my life knowing that I made a difference.
You have had such a storied career, is there anything you would have done differently? This is going to sound silly, but I would've worked harder at my game when I was younger. I think I took it for granted that I could play well. Tennis came fairly easily to me, and I had great success. When I was 11, I was number three in the country, and I took my ability for granted as I grew through my teens and college-age years. I didn't work at it as hard as I should have. I took lessons, and I played, but I wish I could go back and have those years over again. It feels to me like it was wasted time: I know I could have done more.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to current MKA students? Whatever you choose to do, do it with passion.
KAREN BODNER ’90
KAREN BODNER CHANGE MAKERS
heads the Market Insights & Initiatives team in BNY Mellon’s Depositary Receipts (DR) division. The team provides investor relations, capital markets, and sustainability advisory solutions to the DR division’s clients to help them maximize their international shareholder base and enhance their investment profile. Before joining BNY Mellon, Karen was the Head of Equity Capital Markets for Daiwa Capital Markets America, where she focused on helping clients access cross-border M&A and capital formation, and on executing equity transactions.
Before joining Daiwa, Karen was a Director in the equity capital markets group at Citigroup, where she was responsible for the execution of equity offerings for non-U.S.-based issuers. She has experience in IPOs, privatizations, convertible securities, block trades, and more, for companies of all sizes and from all geographic regions. Karen began her career at Santander Investment in New York in the investment banking group. Karen holds a B.A. from Vassar College and is a member of the Financial Women’s Association and a former member of the Women’s Syndicate Association. She focuses on mentoring women in finance.
Tell us about what you do and how you got to where you are now. In college, I studied political science and minored in marine geology, which is a concentration that I had put together within the school. I took a lot of biology classes, geology, and marine biology courses because I thought that I was going to get a Ph.D. in marine geology after I graduated. I took a year off because I just didn't want to go straight to grad school, and I started waiting tables, which for me was the hardest job in the whole world. I quit and got an internship in investment banking and ended up loving it. I got hired by that bank straight out of my internship, and I've been in investment banking ever since.
I began my career at Santander in equity capital markets and then moved to the Equity Syndicate desk, where we managed deals like IPOs and secondary offerings. Acting as the central hub for these deals, basically the air traffic controllers for the deal, we gathered feedback from investors and bankers to help price offerings and initiate trading. I loved the pressure and excitement of that role. I then transitioned to Citigroup but lost my job during the financial crisis. This setback allowed me to reflect on my career and led me to think about exploring investor relations, which focuses on building longterm relationships with investors and connecting them to the company. This role involves both external communication and internal strategy, helping the CEO understand market
perceptions and improve the company.
In my next role, I became the head of equity capital markets for North America at Daiwa, where I gained valuable experience in strategic advice, despite a limited number of equity offerings at the time. This experience solidified my ideas about the investor relations role and laid the foundation for my current role at the Bank of New York (BNY), where I advise international companies on navigating the U.S. capital markets, particularly in equity, investor relations, sustainability, and reporting, to better connect with their target investors.
I work with clients in BNY Mellon's depositary receipts division, which helps international companies trade on the U.S. market— the largest and most liquid capital market in the world. My clients want to engage with U.S. investors, so my team was created to assist them. When reaching out to U.S. investors, we talk about their disclosure processes and how they share information with stakeholders like employees, media, and regulators. This helps them to ensure that investors have the information they need to value the company accurately, facilitating easier capital raising at better prices. We meet with key clients a few times a year to discuss their challenges and goals in sustainability, investor relations, and capital markets and then design custom projects to help them achieve those objectives.
What opportunities excite you the most regarding your work? I learn something new every day because things are always changing, and people ask different questions. Sometimes it's about what's going on in the U.S. retail market and investors say, "What is this? What are people talking about?" We find answers by doing real, in-depth market research and helping them understand it. That’s what’s fun about my job. I don't just make it up. I do research. And, if you want to tie it back to MKA and education, it's learning how to do excellent, high-quality primary research.
What are some of the major ways your considerations have changed over recent years? Regulation: The regulatory landscape has significantly diverged between Europe, Asia, and the U.S. For example, Europe, Hong Kong, and Brazil have stringent sustainability disclosure requirements that differ greatly from those in the U.S. This creates challenges for my clients, who must navigate diverse obligations across multiple jurisdictions. European regulators take a comprehensive approach, considering not only a company’s direct actions and products but also the entire supply chain—upstream impacts from suppliers and downstream effects such as packaging and marketing. It’s crucial for companies there to think holistically about their environmental footprint, encompassing all aspects of their operations, because their regulators demand that.
We often discuss sustainability, and in the United States, there has been a significant shift in where and how companies are including these discussions and disclosures about ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues. However, this has been met with pushback recently. Amid these conversations, there are differing opinions on what investors should prioritize. It's natural for people to have honest differences regarding the importance of various investment factors. This creates challenges for companies based outside the U.S., as they may face different regulatory requirements in their home countries. Additionally, U.S. investors tend to view foreign companies differently than domestic ones, complicating the landscape even further.
What would you consider your proudest accomplishment to date? My kids, but much more specifically, how my husband and I have raised two incredibly independent thinkers. Their thought processes and their strengths and weaknesses are vastly different from mine. I recognize this and work hard to encourage their growth. They know who they are, and I want them to follow their internal compasses. Taking myself out of that equation is the actual accomplishment because that’s the hard part.
In what way did MKA prepare you for the path your life has taken? The ability to do research for sure, but I would actually say the real thing that MKA prepared me for was the public speaking part of my job. I was very heavily involved in theater when I was at MKA. The ability to get up on stage, be confident, and be comfortable with who you are and inhabit the stage is something I learned at MKA.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to current MKA students? There are two things I would say. The first is directed to high school and college students: there is no way to know what jobs are out there. How do you know what equity syndicate is, versus equity capital markets, versus investment banking, versus investor relations? There is no way as a high school student that you're going to know what the opportunities or the possibilities are. You have to learn how to think and how to analyze. That's a key life skill. Then you have to be open to seeing where that takes you. I did not think I was going to be an investment banker, but I got an internship and my skills in analysis, reasoning, writing, and speaking persuasively are why they hired me. They hired me because I was able to think and communicate.
My second piece of advice is a corollary to that: There is plenty of time to make these choices. There is time to try different things, and there's time to fail and try again.
"There is plenty of time to make these choices. There is time to try different things, and there's time to fail and try again…"
ALUMNI EVENTS
MKA's Golf & Tennis Classic
Homecoming Barbeque on Lloyd Road
A Packed House at the Harvard Club of New York Winter Games and Friendsgiving at Tierney’s
MKA Visits the University Club in Washington, DC Thanks to Brian Donahue ’94
Kevin Wilkins ’83 Helps Host Recent MKA Graduates at Tulane University
CALLING ALL ALUMNI !
We want to hear from you!
YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US. PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO COMPLETE OUR ALUMNI SURVEY AND HELP US CONTINUE TO IMPROVE AND GROW OUR PROGRAMS.
PARENT NEWS
50 YEARS OF PARENT APPRECIATION
PAMKA PRESIDENTS
Mimi Frederick 1974-1976
Marilyn Hatzenbuhler 1976-1978
Ellen Blinder 1978-1979
Gloria Cole 1979-1981
Anita A. Timmons 1981-1983
Bari-Lynne Schwartz 1983-1985
Patricia T. Wahl 1985-1987
Antoinette LeQuire Schott 1987-1989
Jodi Smith 1989-1991
Robyn Margolis 1991-1992
Linda Garippa 1992-1994
Alice M. Hirsh 1994-1996
Jo Martone 1996-1998
Mary Ellen Gray 1998-2000
Marisabel R. Raymond 2000-2002
Laura L. Phillips 2002-2004
Peggy Santoro 2004-2006
Shelley Phillips 2006-2008
Alex Nolan 2008-2010
Karen Ross 2010-2012
Lori Yanes 2012-2014
Amy South 2014-2016
Karen Gulliver 2016-2018
Tina Jordan 2018-2020
Janice Jacobson 2020-2022
Alison Slone 2022-2024
MOUSHUMI SANGHAVI KHUBLALL, PRESIDENT
To all current and past parents and caregivers of MKA, it has been my privilege to witness your unwavering commitment to the school, shown through your generous gifts of time, talent, and resources. You’ve helped foster a strong, positive, and inclusive community that enriches the experience of every student. Not all heroes wear capes, but you are truly remarkable.
A heartfelt thank you to the past PAMKA Presidents whose visionary leadership laid a strong foundation for PAMKA’s mission. Your dedication created countless opportunities for parents and caregivers to engage in meaningful ways, enhancing and supporting the educational experience of every MKA student. Your contributions continue to make a lasting impact on our community.
As we celebrate MKA’s 50th year, I want to take a moment to celebrate you and thank you for all you have done to make this school such a special place.
MKA BOOK FAIR
Tri-Campus PAMKA Book Fair Chairs Alison Slone and Shane Mark, along with their wonderful team of volunteers, brought the excitement of reading to our community. Our spaces and students’ minds were transformed with the theme, Discover and Dream, for the largest annual Scholastic Book Fair in the nation! The Book Fair welcomed numerous authors to our campuses and included enriching evenings like Pajama Night at the Primary School.
<FACULTY TRUST GRANTS
PAMKA Faculty Trust Grants offer financial support to faculty who pursue field-oriented, transformative courses and/or travel that will enlighten them and enrich their students’ classroom experience. PAMKA is proud to award these grants, and this year’s recipients will join the list of over 100 faculty members who have received such support since the program’s inception in 1978.
Anya Barret ’89, Board Member, parent at MKA, and Chair of the PAMKA Faculty Grant, shared that the following faculty members received grants to travel this summer:
Michelle Barbetta - Upper School Math Teacher
Southern UK
Tri-Campus Director of Orchestras & After School Music Program, Strings Teacher
Venice
Kyle Salkin - Upper School History Department Chair, History Teacher
Denmark
FROM OUR TRUSTEES
CHARTING THE NEXT 50 YEARS
THE VITAL ROLE OF MKA’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
As Montclair Kimberley Academy marks its 50th anniversary, we celebrate not just our rich past but also the visionary leadership propelling us into the future. At the heart of this leadership is our Board of Trustees, a dedicated group tasked with ensuring that MKA remains a beacon of knowledge, vision, and integrity for the next halfcentury and beyond.
Thanks to their guidance and leadership, the next 50 years promise even more extraordinary growth, opportunity, and unwavering excellence for MKA.
NAVEEN BALLEM ’90, M.D., F.A.C.S., PRESIDENT
MEET THE STEWARDS OF MKA’S MISSION...
NAVEEN BALLEM ’90, M.D., F.A.C.S, PRESIDENT
On the Board since: 2017
Relationship to MKA: Alumnus of the class of 1990 and parent of a current student in the class of 2026
Fun fact: Since living in Alabama, my preference in music has been country and my favorite dish shrimp and grits.
LUKE
SARSFIELD, III ’91, VICE PRESIDENT
On the Board since: 2013
PAIGE COTTINGHAM-STREATER ’79, VICE PRESIDENT
On the Board since: 2015
Relationship to MKA: Alumna of the class of 1979
Fun fact: I was a member of The Kimberley School synchronized swimming team.
Relationship to MKA: Alumnus of the class of 1991
Fun fact: I worked the midnight to 8:00 a.m. shift as a shortorder cook in college.
STEPHANIE A. SALZMAN, SECRETARY
On the Board since: 2018
MERRICK G. ANDLINGER, TREASURER
On the Board since: 2004
Relationship to MKA: Parent of an alumnus in the class of 2007 Fun fact: I’m first generation American.
Relationship to MKA: Parent of alumni in the classes of '20 and '22 and current parent of a student in the class of '28
Fun fact: I make a killer chicken soup.
I USED TO LIVE IN ALABAMA AND SINCE THEN MY PREFERENCE IN MUSIC IS COUNTRY...
JENNIFER BARBETTA
On the Board since: 2016
Relationship to MKA: Parent of current students in the classes of 2027, 2030, and 2034
Fun fact: I bungee jumped off a bridge in New Zealand.
ANYA BARRETT ’89
On the Board since: 2015
Relationship to MKA: Alumna of the class of 1989 and parent of students in the classes of 2025 and 2027
Fun fact: I've run 3 NYC marathons, and I'm fluent in German.
HEATHER BENJAMIN
On the Board since: 2023
Relationship to MKA: Parent of current students in the classes of 2032 and 2034
Fun fact: My 10-year-old daughter is already 5’8” and a future MKA basketball star!
SYBIL ENG
On the Board since: 2021
Relationship to MKA: Parent of alumni from the classes of 2019 and 2023
Fun fact: I sang with the Boston Pops and the Tanglewood summer chorus in high school and still dream of being a backup singer (think Merry Clayton on “Gimme Shelter”) one day.
DAN CESAREO
On the Board since: 2023
Relationship to MKA: Parent of current students in the classes of 2025 and 2028
Fun fact: I lived in Hawaii and surfed Pipeline and Waimea Bay.
LAUREN TABAK FASS
On the Board since: 2023
Relationship to MKA: Parent of students in the classes of 2029 and 2031
Fun fact: I held a Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance in college.
BRIAN GLATT, M.D.
On the Board since: 2023
Relationship to MKA: Parent of a current student in the class of 2033
Fun fact: I’m a plastic surgeon who plays guitar and piano.
STUART HARWOOD ’07
On the Board since: 2024
Relationship to MKA: Alumnus of the class of 2007 and current Alumni Council President Fun fact: I've mastered cooking Carbone’s spicy rigatoni.
NIGEL D. FURLONGE
On the Board since: 2021
Relationship to MKA: Head of School and parent of an alumnus in the class of 2023 and of current students in the classes of 2025 and 2029
Fun fact: The first concert I attended was Percy Sledge, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago in 1994.
DENNIS GOLDSTEIN ’83
On the Board since: 2023
Relationship to MKA: Alumnus of the class of 1983
Fun fact: When I was a teenager, I rode my bike to the MKA Upper School, knocked on the door of the Admissions director, and asked if I could apply to MKA without my parents' knowledge.
DAVID HARRISON
On the Board since: 2024
Relationship to MKA: Parent of current students in the classes of 2029, 2031, 2034, and 2037
Fun fact: I freestyled with members of P-Funk at a house party in college.
KAREN HEATH-WADE
On the Board since: 2023
Relationship to MKA: Parent of current students in the classes of 2028 and 2030
Fun fact: I have run 11 marathons including NYC, Paris, and Boston.
LAUREN KAPLAN ’93
On the Board since: 2018
Relationship to MKA: Alumna of the class of 1993 and parent of current students in the classes of 2025 and 2028
Fun fact: Mrs. Forbes wrote my college recommendation in 1992, and she wrote my daughter's college recommendation in 2024.
On the Board since: 2018
Relationship to MKA: Parent of a current student in the class of 2030
Fun fact: I got certified as a USA Swimming official during COVID because parents weren't allowed to attend meets.
LIZA HELWIG
On the Board since: 2024
Relationship to MKA: Parent of current students in the classes of 2031 and 2034
Fun fact: I worked at art galleries in San Francisco and London.
SCOTT ROSENBERG
On the Board since: 2023
Relationship to MKA: Parent of an alumnus in the class of 2024 and a current student in the class of 2026
Fun fact: I used to live in Japan and spoke Japanese but sadly have long since forgotten the language!
MOUSHUMI SANGHAVI KHUBLALL
On the Board since: 2024
Relationship to MKA: Parent of current students in the classes of 2032 and 2034 and Current PAMKA President Fun fact: I'm scared of heights but will dare myself to look over the edge.
ROBERT J. RUBERTON
MATTHEW SHERMAN
On the Board since: 2019
Relationship to MKA: Parent of alumni in the class of 2022
I HELD A TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION SECURITY CLEARANCE IN COLLEGE...
CRAIG SOLOMON
On the Board since: 2020
Relationship to MKA: Parent of an alumnus in the class of 2024 and a current student in the class of 2026
Fun fact: At age three, I conducted the Sammy Davis, Jr. orchestra.
ALISON SLONE
On the Board since: 2022
Relationship to MKA: Parent of current students in the classes of 2030 and 2033
Fun fact: I love going to concerts and listening to live music. Metallica is on my bucket list.
JEFFREY G. SZILAGYI
On the Board since: 2013
Relationship to MKA: Parent of alumni in the classes of 2019 and 2023 and a current student in the class of 2028
Fun fact: I enjoy doing the Sunday Times puzzles section, and I can juggle.
SOLOMON STEPLIGHT ’93
On the Board since: 2021
Relationship to MKA: Alumnus from the class of 1993 and parent of current students in the classes of 2030 and 2034
Fun fact: My wife and I are obsessed with Escape Rooms. We try to do them in every city we visit.
MARGARET WAGER ’97
On the Board since: 2019
Relationship to MKA: Parent of current students in the classes of 2028, 2030, and 2032
Fun fact: I love all things British Royalty, and Meghan Markle was my sorority sister in college!
IN MEMORY
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Newton B. Schott, Jr., a cherished member of the MKA community. Newton's dedication and contributions spanned decades. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1990 to 2004 and was a devoted MKA parent and, most recently, a proud MKA grandparent.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years and the love of his life, Antoinette LeQuire-Schott; their son, Keith Schott ’87; their daughter, April Schott-Auerbach ’98, and her husband, Philip; and their beloved granddaughters, Lilly ’28 and Phoebe. Newton’s legacy of love, leadership, and devotion to family and community will forever be a part of MKA’s history. Our thoughts are with the Schott family during this difficult time.
•
With great sadness, we share the passing of Andrée Giltzow Finkle, known to all as Penny. She passed away on December 15, 2024, at the age of 80. Penny was a cherished and longstanding friend of MKA who devoted 20 years of service to our school on the MKA Board of Trustees and on the PAMKA Board.
Penny is survived by her son, Clifford Brown Finkle IV ’92, and daughter-in-law Alexis Dougherty Finkle; her daughter, Jill Finkle Worth ’94, and son-in-law Carter Braxton Worth; and her six grandchildren: Pierce Dougherty Finkle and Skylar Dougherty Finkle who previously attended MKA, as well as Alden Brown Worth, Brewster Boening Worth, Alice Huntting Worth, and Courtland Case Worth. She was predeceased by her husband and high school sweetheart, Clifford Brown Finkle III, and her parents, Blanche Montfort Giltzow and James Hunter Giltzow. Please join us in sending thoughts and deepest sympathy to Penny’s family during this difficult time.
•
With profound sorrow, we share the passing of former MKA Trustee and MKA parent Jon Strain. A beloved friend of MKA for many years, Jon lost his life in a devastating car accident at the age of 62. Jon’s time on the MKA Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2017 made a lasting impact on many in our community.
A long-time resident of Montclair, Jon was living in Scottsdale, AZ, at the time of his death. He was predeceased by his wife Patty, who passed away in 2018. Jon leaves behind their three adult sons— Jack ‘11, Joe ‘16, and Rob ‘16—all of whom were MKA Lifers and who continue to honor his legacy. Former Head of School Tom Nammack recalled the Strain family’s remarkable generosity: “Jon and Patty were an inspiration and vital source of support for the transformation of the athletic facility at 40 Upper Mountain and the naming of the terrace/spectator pavilion in honor and memory of Everett Glenn '11.” The MKA community sends its sincerest condolences to the Strain family.
WE ARE MKA
WALKING THE WALK AND TALKING THE TALK: STORIES OF EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE AND WHY THEY GIVE
THE HIRSH FAMILY
Montclair Kimberley Academy has been a cornerstone for the Hirsh family through three generations. Beginning with Alan ’69, his sons Bret ’00 and Craig ’01 , and now Craig’s children, Charlie ’34 and Henry ’36, the family celebrates their experiences while contributing to MKA’s future.
Can you share more about your family’s history with MKA?
Alan: “I began in seventh grade at Montclair Academy as part of the last seventh-grade class to enter the old school on Walden Place. I remember the basketball court we played on was called ‘The Barn.’”
What makes MKA special for your family? Why did you choose to send your children here?
Alan: “I’m not sure how my parents originally chose Montclair Academy, but I’ve always been glad they did, which is why I wanted my sons to attend although the school had evolved by then in many ways.”
Craig: “The sense of community and familiarity is why Ashley and I send our two kids. My brother and I had a great experience at MKA from academics to athletics, and I wanted Charlie and Henry to have the same. I met many of my closest friends I still have today at MKA; some in kindergarten, some in sixth grade, and some in high school.
What do you hope your children will gain from their time here, both academically and personally?
Craig: “I’m really hoping the boys gain those friendships that I was able to have. I hope they have that type of longevity and the ability to represent the school in different sports and activities as well. The most important thing is to see them develop as people and to gain confidence that they can take back into the world.”
What do you appreciate most about MKA?
Bret: “I loved the MKA community when I was there. You knew the name of every kid in your grade, and by the time you got to high school, you knew most of the kids in your four-year cohort. At the same time, you knew all the teachers whether you were in his/her class or not and the teachers knew you.”
Craig: “I really appreciate the diversity, the honesty, and the well-rounded education. The teachers care about the students and give direct feedback to help us continue to help our kids develop.”
How have you seen MKA evolve over the years?
Craig: “Physically, it’s modernized… I remember learning to swim at the pool at Brookside that is now the cafetorium! I remember playing recess on the dirt field in the back that is now turf. The Middle School had an indoor pool for gym class, and the Upper School field had to get re-sodded every two to three years because five teams used to eat it up over the fall and spring. Also, as with everything else, technology has improved and modernized the campus.”
Do you have any favorite memories, experiences, or educators from your time at MKA?
Alan: “I have many. The old school building afforded many glimpses into the past of the school. We called our teachers (mostly men) “sir” and wore coats and ties. Any teacher or coach wants a student to feel they made a difference. For me, it was
Carmen Marnell [a beloved coach, faculty member, and friend at Montclair Academy and then MKA for 26 years], and I am so pleased there is now a fund in his honor.”
Craig: “Probably too many to count, but the lasting ones are the friendships and the teachers. Mr. Hrab was the best. I’m sorry he retired before my kids got to the Upper School, but it was amazing to know he was still there 20 years after I graduated. Mrs. Smith did get to teach my boys at Brookside and hopefully, they have more musical talent than I do (although the bar is pretty low).”
Bret: “To this day, the most memorable experiences were from teachers from the Upper School. It was an environment where people were attentive and supportive. Teachers always made the extra effort, and they chose MKA because they loved to teach.”
What inspires you to support the school philanthropically? Are there particular programs that resonate with you that you’re proud to give back to?
Alan: “We’ve always been supportive through annual drives and other campaigns…I’m pleased to be a part of the future of MKA.”
Craig: “I have started to get more engaged in the school now that MKA is back in our everyday lives and will be for the next 1012 years. My dad has always been a big supporter of the Carmen Marnell Memorial Fund – I know it’s really important to him. For me, the upgrades to the facilities haven’t gone unnoticed. It’s amazing to come back and see the additions and upgrades, so I would say seeing that continual reinvestment in the school and its facilities is great.”
― The Hirsh legacy is a testament to the enduring impact of MKA. Three generations have experienced the transformative power of an MKA education, fostering a deep connection to the school's values and mission. Their family’s commitment to giving back ensures MKA’s future growth while preserving a strong foundation for years to come.
CLASS NOTES
“MKA HAS BEEN AND REMAINS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION, FOSTERING LIFELONG CONNECTIONS, AND INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS."
CONNECTIONS ACROSS GENERATIONS
The Morehouse family's connection to MKA spans generations. Dorothy Van Winkle Morehouse, a proud alumna of The Kimberley School's Class of 1945, laid the foundation for this enduring legacy. Her granddaughter, Emma (Morehouse) Hatcher, and grandson-in-law, Marshall Hatcher, are integral members of the MKA community: Emma is an active PAMKA volunteer, and Marshall is the Dean of Students, an English teacher, and coach at MKA’s Middle School. Their son, Trip Hatcher, a member of the Class of 2037, carries on the family tradition, thriving in the classroom and on the field.
Dorothy fondly recalls her time at Kimberley, where she participated in many activities, including but not limited to working on the newspaper and serving as the Chairman of the Athletic Association. She also played field hockey and basketball (though girls were only allowed to play half-court games lest the exertion of running full-court got to be too much!). Similarly, Trip, in kindergarten at the Primary School, displays a passion for learning and playing sports. He loves Bitty Soccer and Basketball, plays the violin, and is a huge fan of the library.
This multi-generational bond with MKA is a testament to the school's enduring impact. “Those four years were the best time of my life–they were meaningful and I felt like I grew up there,” shared Dororthy. While Trip has (many) more than four years until Commencement, it is clear that MKA has been and remains committed to providing a well-rounded education, fostering lifelong connections, and inspiring future generations.
PLEASE NOTE...
The deadline for news for the FALL MKA Review is May 15, and the deadline for the SPRING issue is December 15. News can be submitted at any time in response to the Alumni Office's annual mailing, on the MKA Fund remittance envelopes, via mail or email to the MKA Alumni Engagement Office (alumni@mka.org), or to your class representative. We keep ongoing files for each class and welcome photographs in digital or hard copy. If your class does not have a Class Representative listed, please consider volunteering for the position! It is a great way to re-establish contacts with old friends, does not require a great deal of time, and is essential to the ongoing vitality of the school. Thank you.
/ MA / Mr. David Bruck, 34 Nelson Ridge Road, Princeton, NJ 08540; dbruck@greenbaumlaw.com
1962. / TKS / Mrs. Barbara Creed, 501 Portola Road, #8185, Portola Valley, CA 94028; bbcreed@aol.com
/ MA / Mr. W. Doug Donald 189 Sedgefield Circle, Winter Park, FL 32792; D1Donald@aol.com
1965. / TKS / Ms. Katharine “Kitty” Haines 201 East 83rd Street, Apt. 15F New York, NY 10028 khaines22@aol.com
/ MA / From Peter Stern: When New York City essentially shut down in March 2020, I moved to a weekend house in Hampton Bays on the East End of Long Island. It soon became clear that I could work remotely at home, so I gave up my office. Suffice it to say, I never moved back, but due to theatre work, I spend two or three nights a week in the City. I am continuing to slowly retire from my practice of art law, and I still represent several wellknown artists and collectors. But, increasingly, I've been able to devote most of my time to theatre, my true passion. Since Broadway began to reopen, I've been a co-producer on five shows: Limited runs of The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window and Peter Pan Goes Wrong But, most importantly, the open-ended runs of the revivals of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club (a/k/a the James Earle Jones Theatre) and Sunset Boulevard at the St. James Theatre and, most recently, Operation Mincemeat, a new musical.
In the past, several MKA alumni have reached out to learn more about theatre, and I invite any MKA graduate who wishes to learn more about theatre production to be in touch. My email is peter@artlawny.com.
/ MA / Mr. A. Craig Cameron, 11 Bay Point Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32174; ccameron@cameronhodges.com
/ MA / Mr. Douglas Fitzpatrick, 70 Eastern Vista, Sedona, AZ 86351
/ MA / Mr. Craig Perry, 25 Moorgate Square, Atlanta, GA 30327; Craigcperry250@gmail.com
1967. / TKS / Earlier this month in Rancho Mirage, California, Judy Dixon claimed victory at the National 75+ Hard Court Tennis Championships, winning both singles and doubles! A huge congratulations to Judy on yet another incredible achievement on the courts.
/ MA / Mr. Geoff Gregg, 6108 Percheron Trail, Summerfield, NC 27358; tartanone@triad.rr.com
1969. / TKS / Ms. Christine Hannon, 97 North Street, Northhampton, MA 01060; channon@smith.edu
DR. JOHN CAMPANILE ’75
Tell us about your work. I am a cardiologist and work in all parts of cardiology. I used to be an interventional cardiologist, where I put in coronary stents in patients having heart attacks or blocked coronary arteries. Now I practice mostly preventative cardiology, where patients come to me if they have risk factors for heart disease, like developing blockages in the heart arteries. I go over what they need to do from either a lifestyle management side of things, like their diet, exercise, sleep, and nutrition, or the medical side, prescribing medicines if they need to lower their cholesterol, lower their blood pressure, or lower their risk from either side. The focus of my practice is prevention and reversal of established disease.
Why medicine? How did you first become interested in your profession? My father was a doctor in Newark, and when I was growing up, I used to go around with him to house calls. I was a zoology major in undergrad and I had a strong interest in the sciences, especially biology, chemistry, and physics. I gravitated towards biology because it was hands-on work with humans. During my residency in medical school, I became interested in cardiology and then went on to complete my fellowship in Boston in the Harvard system.
What is the biggest career challenge you have faced, and what did you learn from it? Throughout my entire career, the biggest challenge has always been dealing with my very sick patients. Sometimes you work with patients who have a simple heart attack and need a stent replaced then can go home after a few days. But other times, you have patients who have prolonged hospitalizations or sadly do not survive because of heart failure. Working with and comforting these patients and their families is very emotional and the most challenging part of my job.
What is your proudest accomplishment? I once had to place a heart stent into a pregnant woman in her third trimester who was suffering from Spontaneous Coronary Dissection, which is a rare condition that can affect pregnant women and lead to a heart attack if left untreated. If the outcome of my work was not successful, both she and the baby could have died. This surgery was understandably very stressful, and I think about it often. Fortunately, the procedure went well, and both the mom and the baby were healthy. I was able to deliver happy news to her family in the waiting room.
In what ways did MKA prepare you for the path your life has taken? MKA is an academically great school. While a student, I thought MKA was very difficult, and there was a lot of studying. Later in life, I came to appreciate this. When I went to medical school, I found myself very prepared because of how challenging MKA was. I think one of the main advantages of a school like MKA is that it teaches you the rigor to do the necessary things in difficult situations.
To contact Dr. Campanile please visit: functionalheart.com and coraeon.com.
“...when I went to medical school, I found myself very prepared because of how challenging MKA was.”
/ MA / Dr. Edward A. Griggs, Jr. 100 Cedar Street, Apt. B24 Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
1970. / TKS / Ms. Leslie Bryan, 844 East Morningside Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
/ MA / Mr. V. James Castiglia 3 Lark Lane, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438; vjc@vjamescastiglia.com
/ MA / Mr. Peter Webb, Mile Slip Farm, 48 Mason Road, Brookline, NH 03033; pwebb@winerbennett.com
Sara Close, Arleen Sapienza, MaryLou Guttmann, Liz Johnson, Hilary Fandel, Susan Stanton, and Frances Wonnell got together for a girls' day at Sara’s house on August 17, 2024. 1
Greg Mancusi-Ungaro recently directed a production of Bertolt Brecht's remarkable The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the acclaimed Marblehead Little Theatre in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
1977.
Mr. Robert Hubsmith roberthubsmith24@gmail.com
Mr. Andrew Pedersen apedersenco@gmail.com
MKA band directors, past and present, performed together at Carnegie Hall on Sunday, October 9, during the Franz Liszt International Piano Competition. Current MKA Band Director John Leister (left) played percussion, while Barry Centanni (right) performed on timpani. 2
From Rob Hubsmith: “With profound sadness, I report the passing of our beloved classmate, Peter Valentine. Many of our classmates and some from the classes of ’76 and ’78 attended the memorial service. The Valentine family wants to extend their heartfelt thanks to those who came out and
offered their support and comfort. Val was beautifully eulogized by best friends, Keith Ridings and Andy Pedersen. Val wanted to keep his illness private but wanted to ‘tell everyone I love them!’ We will miss you, Val, but we’ll never forget you.
Jason Apter reports no retirement yet with three kids in college or graduate school. The Apter family welcomed a new member to their family, palomino Phinn. After a horrific summer of wildfires perilously close to her home, Bev Hall is now wishing for the snow gods. Send her your good wishes and prayers. Doug and Holly Mahler spent some time this past summer in Northern Jersey. Doug’s son Lukas works for Route in New York City as a logistics engineer, and Derek works for EKO (a startup company using AI to market products with 3D imaging) also in New York City. Mike Platt has transitioned nicely from SoCal to SoFLA. ‘I’m still schlepping back and forth for work, but my twins are freshmen in high school, and one of them, Kash, is a catcher and was recruited by the number one baseball school in the nation. His brother, Avery is an amazing guitarist and plays hockey. Mike’s wife is running her business as a fertility consultant.
Andy Read says, "I enjoy texting my high school buddies Hast , Hub, and Wheels during sporting events.’ Stacy Cochran shared video links to several of her films, projects, scripts, and a short music video with me. Check out stacycochran. com, and you will see the outstanding work that Stacy has produced over the years. Keep those texts, calls, and emails coming: Before you
know it #50 will be upon us!”
1978. Ms. Pamela Zeug, 60 W. 57th Street, #15F New York, NY 10019; pzeug@downinggroup.com
1979. Dr. John Brink, 1246 Beach Haven Road, Atlanta, GA 30324
Congratulations to Kevin Wilkins on his company Trepwise, which was recognized as a 2024 BASA Awards® winner and named Outstanding Business of the Year under the “Best in Class” category. Trepwise is a strategy consulting firm dedicated to unlocking the potential of purpose-driven organizations by aligning people, process, and vision.
1984. Mrs. Jennifer Jones Ladda, 17 Belleclaire Place, Verona, NJ 07044; jjonesladda@gmail.com
1986. Ms. Jennifer Remington-Knodel,
1979.
A group of our 1979 classmates celebrated our 45th reunion on April 26-27, 2024. The festivities started Friday night at Tony and Cindy Cristello’s home featuring a “basement” rec room (just like the great parties Tony hosted in 1979), fully outfitted with vintage pinball machines and much more. We played the 30th reunion video on the big screen to go back in time and remember our enjoyable and sometimes crazy days at MKA.
On Saturday, we gathered at MKA for an all-class lunch, and then we wandered the halls of the Upper School and ended up having the cafeteria all to ourselves and sitting at a big round table in the “cool exclusive senior” section. We had our yearbooks and flipped through the pages of each of our classmates and tested our memories and theories, exchanging where we thought that classmate is presently. Lots of laughter ensued: What’s said in the cafeteria, stays in the cafeteria! We then moved to Tierney’s for more fun in another familiar blast from our past. The evening was an All-Class Reunion at 18 Label with many photos taken by MKA and posted to MKA’s website.
See you all at our 50th reunion, if not sooner!
PAMELA BERKOWSKY '81
Tell us about your work. For more than three decades, I have been focused on some of the largest public policy problems – ranging from the national security challenges of the post-Cold War world to the economic impacts of the 2008 recession and the existential threat of climate change. I have had the incredible privilege of serving at the highest levels of federal and state government and have supported local government efforts. I now run my own public affairs and business advisory consulting practice, Blue Sapphire Strategies, through which I leverage my expertise and years of experience to advise and address the diverse needs of my clients. I also serve on the boards of several local and international non-profit organizations.
Why public service? How did you first become interested in your profession? From animated family dinner conversations about Watergate to participation in MKA student government, I cannot remember a time when politics wasn’t an interest for me. I got my undergraduate degree in Public and International Affairs, spent all my college summers interning in Washington, DC, studied diplomacy on a Fulbright Scholarship in Geneva, Switzerland, and received a Master’s degree in international relations. These experiences laid the foundation for my years of distinguished work as a civil servant and political appointee in the Pentagon, as Chief of Staff to a Governor, and now in the private sector. Public service is extraordinarily meaningful work and has enabled me to address global and local challenges while contributing positively to my community and society at large.
What is the biggest career challenge you have faced, and what did you learn from it? While public service has been the common thread, my career has been far from linear. Given disruptions of political election cycles and a fortuitous move for my husband’s work, I have faced the challenge of reinventing myself several times. Fortunately, these transitions have also generated tremendous new professional opportunities, expanded my network, facilitated personal growth, and enabled me to improve my work-life balance.
What areas of opportunity in your industry excite you the most right now?
Much of my current work lies at the nexus of climate and national security, and I am especially excited by advancements in dual-use technology for enhanced coastal resilience, sustainable infrastructure, and renewable energy. These promising new technologies will move us to a more resilient, sustainable, and secure future.
What is your proudest accomplishment in your career thus far? When I first entered the Pentagon in the 1980s, there were very few women – military or civilian – in leadership positions. That is no longer the case. Mentoring and providing opportunities for a new and successful generation of policy leaders –including my children – has been incredibly rewarding.
In what ways did MKA prepare you for the path your life has taken? From theatrical performances and improv classes with Marilyn Faden to English with Bill Bullard and a volleyball state championship under Coach Hrab, the seeds for so many of the skills that have been vital to my success – public speaking, critical thinking, analytical writing, leadership, teamwork, and time management – were planted during my time at MKA.
“Mentoring and providing opportunities for a new and successful generation of policy leaders has been incredibly rewarding.”
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3. 6. 5. 4.
“...MKA helped me become the person I am today.”
MELISSA BRADLEY '85
Tell us about your work. My professional journey is a unique blend of roles. As a venture capitalist, I am dedicated to fostering $100B of new wealth by and for new majority founders by 2030. Simultaneously, I am a Professor of Practice at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, where I have the privilege of imparting entrepreneurship and investment knowledge to undergraduate and graduate students, shaping the future of business leadership.
Why the entrepreneurial path? How did you first become interested in your profession? My career trajectory was significantly shaped at MKA, where I discovered that entrepreneurship was the most effective route to wealth creation. This realization has resonated deeply with me and has driven my professional journey. I launched my first venture in college and have had the entrepreneurial bug ever since. Since undergrad, I have started and sold two companies and invested in over 50 founders.
What is the biggest career challenge you have faced, and what did you learn from it? My biggest challenge to date has been combatting the ignorance of others who do not believe that women and people of color can be successful CEOs. I learned that sexism and racism are real. I need to surround myself with folks who will be honest with me and supportive. And that I cannot let anyone stop me from pursuing my vision.
What is your proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment is my twin girls, who are now 17. When I met my wife, she had four kids, and we wanted more. We utilized transfer IVF and created case law for two single-sex parents to be listed on a birth certificate in the state of Maryland.
In what ways did MKA prepare you for the path your life has taken? MKA helped me become the person I am today. The faculty taught me the importance of academic rigor. My peers taught me how to follow my dreams. The sports teams taught me to be fearless. My friends taught me the meaning of unconditional support.
44 Hamilton Drive East, North Caldwell, NJ 07006; jenremknodel@aol.com
1987. Mr. Dennis Rodano, 3 Byron Road, North Caldwell, NJ 07006; rodanod@verizon.net
1989. Mr. Louis Lessig, 2009 Morris Drive, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003; llessig@brownconnery.com
Mr. Josh Raymond, 33 Oak Place, North Caldwell, NJ 07006; jraymond@msbnj.com
1991. Ms. Dara Marmon, 330 E. 39th, Apt. 21D, New York, NY 10016; daramarmon@gmail.com
Mr. Luke Sarsfield, 105 Franklin Street, Apt. 4, New York, NY 10013; lasarsfield@gmail.com
1992. Dr. Enrique Neblett; enrique.neblett@gmail.com
Congratulations to Adrienne Phillips on being awarded the 2024 RWJBarnabas Health Medical Honoree Award. Dr. Phillips is the Director of Cell Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplantation at RWJBarnabas Health and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
1993. Congratulations to Dr. Raghuveer Vallabhaneni
on being recognized as a Top Doctor for vascular surgery in the November 2023 issue of Baltimore magazine.
A huge congratulations to Cayce Cummins on her remarkable achievement of being named a 2024 Howard University Hall of Fame Honoree! Cayce was an integral member of Howard’s 1992 and 1993 MEAC Championship Women’s Tennis teams. (The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, or MEAC, is a collegiate athletic conference made up of historically Black colleges and universities that compete at the NCAA Division I level.) Before her collegiate success, Cayce was a standout player on MKA’s Girls’ Varsity Tennis team from 1989 to 1993, serving as team captain during her senior year. What an inspiring journey!
1994. Mr. Jason Awerdick, 23 Greenbrook Drive, Bloomfield, NJ 07003; jasonawerdick@gmail.com
1995. In September, Jonathan Hirsh was at the forefront of the response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. As Board President of Montclair’s Ambulance Unit and an experienced emergency manager, Jonathan’s leadership and expertise have been nothing short of invaluable in organizing relief efforts. His tireless dedication extends beyond Montclair, as he also serves as a member of New Jersey Task Force 1 — one of just 28 federal FEMA urban search and rescue teams nationwide. Jonathan’s unwavering commitment to public safety and emergency response has made an extraordinary impact both locally and across the nation. We are profoundly grateful
for his service and leadership during these critical times.
1996. Ms. Tanya Barnes; barnes.tanya@gmail.com
Ms. Erica Hirsch, 10 West 15th Street, #710, New York, NY 10011; ehirsch77@yahoo.com
Mr. Lee Vartan, 3 Swayze Lane, Chester, NJ 07930; lvartan@csglaw.com
1999. Mr. Alexander Holz, 217 East 10th St, Apt 18, New York, NY 10003; alexbhlz@gmail.com
Ms. Sandra Tritt; sandratritt@gmail.com
Replay, a new short film written and directed by Phil Mazo and co-produced by Neil Grabowsky, was screened at the Montclair Film Festival in the “Montclair Shorts” program at The Claridge on October 24. Replay is a docu-comedy about a man’s chance for redemption after a humiliating childhood appearance on a TV show. For those in NYC, it was also screened at the Bushwick Film Festival in Brooklyn on October 19.
Mr. John Garippa, 2741 NE 58th Street, F ort Lauderdale, FL 33308; jgarippa@gmail.com
Mrs. Jaclyn Spedaliere, 60 E. Oak Street, Basking
Ridge, NJ 07920; jaclynspedaliere@gmail.com
2001.
The PR Net announced the second annual ‘Marcomms’ Most Influential,’ celebrating top brand marketers and communicators for their leadership, innovation, and achievement in the field. Congratulations to Michael Braun on being named to the list! Michael is the Global Head of Communications at ODDITY, Vice President of Communications at Hydrow, Inc., and the Press Advance Lead at The White House.
2002.
Miss Emily Santangelo; emilyannesantangelo@gmail. com
Congratulations to Mary Kate Pretto and her husband Joe on the birth of their first child, Joseph Michael, on August 6, 2024. 3
Congratulations to Emma Barnett Bauman and her husband on the birth of their first child, Yve Dixon Bauman, on July 13, 2024.
Congratulations to Jenna Gottlieb and her husband Bradley Feingerts on the birth of their second child, Oliver Jacob, in September 2024.
AL HAWES '96
Tell us about your work. I work in sales and marketing at Front Office Sports. In my current role is at the sports business media company, I partner with advertisers to reach consumers who are open to considering and buying their products. The goal is to help those advertisers tell their stories and build their businesses.
Why marketing? How did you first become interested in your profession? I started in journalism with the big dream of being a sports writer. Throughout childhood, I wanted to write stories about the Mets. But as I progressed in college, I learned that I also enjoyed business. Marketing is ultimately the perfect combination of storytelling and business. I’m intrigued by the psychological part of it. How do you get people’s attention and motivate them to take action?
What is the biggest career challenge you have faced, and what did you learn from it? My career has had more ups than downs, but being in the media and marketing industry means facing constant challenges. Things change quickly, and you must be willing to learn and adapt to the trends and changing consumer behavior.
Throughout my career, I’ve also been in great work situations with great people, where I’ve flourished, and others where I’ve felt stifled and not valued. In those situations, you need people you can turn to for candid counsel, and ultimately, you always have to trust your skills and worth.
“... As I get older, it’s become increasingly important for me to leave a legacy and help in some way to support the next generation.”
What is your proudest accomplishment? I’m proud of what a group of guys and I are building with Chicago Brothers, an organization focused on opening up opportunities for Black and Brown men in the advertising and media industry here in Chicago. As I get older, it’s become increasingly important for me to leave a legacy and help in some way to support the next generation.
In what ways did MKA prepare you for the path your life has taken? The incredible teachers and education were a huge factor in carving my path. Being around other students and friends driven to succeed was also formative. The environment forced me to elevate my game to prove I honestly belonged. I came out of MKA confident that I could handle any challenge.
ENGAGEMENT FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Five MKA students learned about C4SI through MKA’s Community Engagement program and worked during the summer of 2024 to make a difference in Montclair.
Bram Zeigler '89 is the Founder/President of Capitalists for Shared Income (C4SI) a non-partisan corporation providing cash supplements to those living in poverty. C4SI was founded on the belief that cash is often the best means to combat poverty and economic insecurity. Bram contacted the Office of Alumni Engagement to utilize their resources within the MKA and Montclair communities to broaden his reach and raise awareness. Information about C4SI was shared with the Upper School Community Engagement program, and five seniors at MKA took notice. Brooks Barret, Henry Gottfried, Caspar Turk, Sean Wang, and Chris Zhang signed up to canvas Montclair and raise awareness of and/or funding for the corporation’s mission. On November 23, Bram and Montclair legend Quintus McDonald of I AM Recycling, Inc. joined forces and resources to hand out debit cards to the local community. The MKA Review caught up with the students who interned for Bram in the summer of 2024.
Tell us about the work you have done with C4SI and why it is meaningful. The work we've done with C4SI is incredibly meaningful because it fosters a strong, reciprocal relationship within the Montclair community. Our focus has been on engaging with local businesses—those hallmark, Montclairbased establishments, rather than large chains. These businesses
have thrived largely due to the strong sense of community in Montclair, and we’ve approached them to encourage giving back to the very community that has supported their success.
Many of these businesses likely wouldn’t have flourished to the same extent if not for the community that surrounded them. Being able to recognize that and give back to those who played a role in their growth is crucial. Even for those who may not shop there daily, they’re still part of the fabric of Montclair. It’s important for these businesses to see how integral the community has been to their success, and that giving back— whether through donations or simply being aware of their role— helps sustain the same support that allowed them to thrive in the first place. ― Brooks Barrett ’25
What have you learned about those living in poverty in the Montclair Community? Although I’m not from Montclair, I’ve learned a lot about the community through my experiences there. During one of my visits, while pitching with Caspar, I began to notice more about the town, especially the contrast between its growth and the ongoing challenges some residents face. Montclair is a relatively large city compared to others in New Jersey, and while there’s visible development with new
restaurants and stores opening, the issue of poverty is still very present. Walking around, you occasionally see homeless individuals, which highlights that, despite the town’s progress, it’s not as perfect as we might like it to be.
Being in Montclair so often has made me more aware of the need to address these challenges. While I may not have the resources to make a significant impact myself, being able to contribute by pitching ideas and finding ways to help is important to me. It's clear that poverty in Montclair is an issue that deserves more attention and focus. ― Sean Wang ’25
What skills have you gained from this internship that you will take with you throughout your career? This internship has equipped me with several valuable skills, particularly in sales, which will be essential as I pursue a career in business, a path that many of us in the group are considering. Some of the key skills I've gained include pitching, negotiating, and networking, all of which have strengthened my ability to build meaningful connections, especially within the Montclair community. Time management has also been crucial, as we had to coordinate our schedules—balancing the demands of senior year with group responsibilities. This experience has enhanced my ability to manage my time effectively, both for personal and group tasks. Communication skills have also been a major focus, whether it was within our team, with local businesses, or in following up with potential donors. We learned how to tailor our approach to each person we met, ensuring that our interactions were thoughtful and personalized.
These skills—sales techniques, networking, time management, and communication—are all tools I’ll carry with me as I move forward in my career. ― Chris Zhang ’25
I also think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to be afraid of rejection. Throughout the internship, we spoke to so many businesses, and as Bram explained, there’s only about a 5% hit rate in sales. He emphasized that even if you ask 19 businesses and don’t get a positive response, it’s that 20th one that can make all the difference. The key is not giving up after hearing “no.” The first pitch is often the hardest because of the fear of rejection, but once you get past that, it becomes much easier to keep going. This experience has shown me that even if it’s uncomfortable or if you don’t always get a “yes,” it’s still crucial to put yourself out there and test the waters. If you never ask, you’ll never get an answer. Taking that first step is what opens up opportunities. ― Brooks Barrett ’25
How do you think your contributions have impacted the organization? Since we joined C4SI, over $30,000 has been raised for the November Montclair event. While not all of it is directly due to our efforts, we’ve played a crucial role in building strong relationships with local businesses and members of the Montclair community.
Bram, the founder of C4SI, is based in California, and Quintus McDonald, the founder of I AM Recycling, Inc., lives in North Carolina. Because of the distance, it’s challenging for them to
maintain connections with local businesses and people, despite being former members of the community. That’s where we’ve stepped in. We’ve taken on the responsibility of spreading the word within Montclair—whether it's to our family, friends, or business owners. In turn, these businesses help us further extend our reach by spreading awareness to others. Our efforts have helped bridge the gap and strengthened the community’s engagement with the organization. ― Henry Gottfried ’25
“...What we’ve done as a group has made a meaningful impact on the Montclair community, and personally, I’ve gained invaluable skills.”
What is one piece of advice you would give to another student considering an internship? My advice would be to reach out to anything you're interested in, even if you don’t have a direct connection. C4SI was my first real internship, and I didn’t have any prior connection to Bram, the founder. But after hearing about the organization from Henry and Chris, I knew it was something I believed in and wanted to be part of. So, I took the initiative and sent a cold email to Bram, explaining why I was interested and how I could contribute. From there, we built a relationship.
One thing I’ve learned is that, especially with nonprofits, the people running them are incredibly passionate and eager to share that passion with others who want to make a difference. So, if you come across an organization whose mission speaks to you, don’t hesitate to reach out. What we’ve done as a group has made a meaningful impact on the Montclair community, and personally, I’ve gained invaluable skills. From this internship, I’ve developed sales and communication skills, like pitching ideas, approaching people, and building relationships with businesses— things I hadn’t experienced before. At the same time, we’re doing something good for the community, so it’s truly a win-win. ― Caspar Turck ’25
If you are interested in learning more about C4SI, visit www.capitalists4si.org/.
7. 8.
12. 13. 14. 9. 10. 11.
Congratulations to Amy Ashby on being selected as one of the 35 honorees in Publisher Weekly’s 10th-anniversary edition of Star Watch for 2024. The annual program recognizes rising talent in the publishing and bookselling businesses under the age of 40 from across the globe.
2004. Brendan McCaffrey, 235 West 102nd Street, Apt. 10i, New York, NY 10025; brendan.a.mccaffrey@gmail. com
Congratulations to Kevin Hu and his wife Shanthi on the birth of their daughter, Reese Quinn, on June 30, 2024. 4
Congratulations to Sheldon Fields and his wife Mikelle Nickens on the birth of their second son, Landon Clarence, on July 24, 2024. 5
Congratulations to Rebecca Beyth Stern and her husband Gavin on the birth of their third child, Hannah Pearl on October 14, 2024.
Congratulations to Katie Sisco Burnet and her husband Billy on the birth of their second child, Genevieve Grace, on November 25, 2024.
2005. Mr. Edmund Kozak; e.g.kozak@gmail.com
Mr. Manav Lalwani, 132 Blue Heron Drive, Riverside Court, Secaucus, NJ 07094-2391; 201-617-5312, manav.lalwani@gmail.com
Congratulations to Cassie Kornblau and her husband Brian Desmond on the birth of their first child, Jack Lawrence, on April 3, 2024. 6
Congratulations to Andrew
Kyrejko and his partner Andrew Dng on their engagement in July 2024.
2006.
Ms. Natalie Azzoli Sparks; nat6888@gmail.com
Ms. Angela McCaffrey; angelamccaffrey@gmail.com
Congratulations to Katie Gelnaw Patton and her husband Michael on the birth of their third child, Angus Michael, on August 20, 2024.
Congratulations to Alana Sivin on being featured in PoliticsNY’s inaugural Latino Power Players list. Alana currently directs FWD.us’s efforts on important criminal justice work in New York focused on reducing the jail and prison population.
2007. Mr. Brian May; bmay88@gmail.com
Mr. Harry Raymond; raymond.harry@gmail.com
Mr. Stuart Harwood; stuartmharwood@gmail.com
Congratulations to Nick Andlinger and his wife Sarah on the birth of their third child, Charlie, on June 26, 2024. 7
Congratulations to Pasquale Amato and his wife Victoria on the birth of their second daughter, Mila Isabella, on July 30, 2024.
Congratulations to Mathilde Battsek DeGraff and her husband Patrick on the birth of their third son, Archer Joel, on September 7, 2024.
Congratulations to Max Rudnick on his marriage to Gabriella Sacco on November 23, 2024 at the Park Chateau. 8
2008.
Congratulations to Darrin Bedol on her marriage to Alan Yedid in July 2024.
Congratulations to Nicole Viola and her husband Arthur Pyott on the birth of their first child, Alan Bradley, in July 2024. 9
Congratulations to Elise Bitter and her husband Matt on the birth of their second child, Blaise Matthew, on August 14, 2024.
Congratulations to Rob Fortunato and his wife Cali on the birth of their first child, Laine Tully, on September 3, 2024. 10
Congratulations to Jake Weary on getting cast in the upcoming Netflix series The Waterfront. The series dives into the story of the flawed Buckley family as their attempts to retain control of their crumbling North Carolina fishing empire drive them to increasingly dangerous means to keep themselves afloat. Jake will play Cane Buckley, Harlan’s only son who has a complicated relationship with his father but never stops trying to do the right thing by his dad and can’t seem to say no to him.
Congratulations to Stuart Hinds and his wife Devon on the birth of their first child, William Francis, on October 7, 2024.
Congratulations to Joe “Buddy” Christovao and his wife Rachel on the birth of their son Edward on November 18, 2024. 11
2009. Mr. Brian Purcell; bnpurcell4@gmail.com
Ms. Jane Stanton; janestanton18@gmail.com
Congratulations to Caroline Clark on her marriage to Richard Kaufmann on June 1, 2024.
Congratulations to Brian Purcell and his wife Heather on the birth of their son, Declan Gerard, on June 30, 2024. 12
Congratulations to Katherine Phillips Bergstrom and her husband Erik on the birth of their second child, James Abbott, on June 24, 2024. 13
Congratulations to Joanna Capela on her engagement to Hugo António in July 2024.
Congratulations to Alexandra Guccione and her husband Nick on the birth of their son, Nicholas, on August 9, 2024. 14
Congratulations to Guy Kozak on his new short film Melody of Love, where a cowboy earns the favor of a rancher’s daughter, but can’t keep his eyes off his horse. In October, the film will be shared at the New/Next Film Fest, at The Charles Theatre, in Baltimore, MD.
Congratulations to Jeffrey Magid and his wife Ali on the birth of their first child, Sloane Alix Magid, on October 17, 2024. 15
Congratulations to Philip Reisen and his partner Sarah on the birth of their first child, Eamon Shai, in October 2024.
Congratulations to Max Wait on his engagement to Meghan Roth on October 6, 2024.
Congratulations to Maria Liberti and her husband Marcel Naguiat on the birth of their first child, Emilio Lukas, on October 25, 2024.
Congratulations to Bianca Roses on her engagement to Mael
DENISE SARKOR '03
Tell us about your work. As Principal and Private Wealth Advisor at Sarkor Financial Advisors (“Sarkor Financial”)—an independent, fee-only, wealth management firm, I am passionate about financial planning, investment management, and business advisory services of the highest fiduciary standard. I am committed to serving trailblazing leaders, career executives, small business owners, and families through holistic financial advice and ongoing support. At Sarkor Financial, we prepare our clients to navigate new terrain, seize life-changing opportunities, and build sustainable and impactful legacies.
Why wealth management? How did you first become interested in your profession? Before the wealth management field was on my radar, I was a student of finance and economics and had naturally begun serving in this capacity for my family and friends. As I gained work experiences both directly within—and adjacent to—wealth management, I noticed the lack of service to various untapped markets, the limited representation of women advisors in Wealth Management, and the need for more servant leadership in the space. I’ve been fascinated by—and committed to—impactful work at the intersection of financial services, entrepreneurship, and human development for almost two decades now, and I’m particularly interested in meeting the above-mentioned market demand. I’m a former investment banker, former international development consultant, and am currently a licensed Financial Advisor, and the common thread for me has always been a passion for solving complex problems with holistic solutions. My experience and education have prepared me for this moment, and I feel immense joy as I design our client experience, build an actual firm, and establish a great work culture—slowly and intentionally growing the Sarkor Financial team.
What is the biggest career challenge you have faced, and what did you learn from it? My nature and approach to work promote transformation, innovation, and the overall
“... when I fall short, I breathe through it and know that tomorrow is a brand new day and that success comes to those who can recover, partner well, and remain in the game.”
advancement of spaces where I live and work.
Earlier in my career, I didn’t understand that some work environments or cultures were not created to embrace ongoing or rapid change. This became a challenge when I sought to fit into spaces that were not focused on growth. Once I understood my nature and which environments would welcome disruptors and change agents, I became more selective and eventually arrived at only working in intrapreneurial, entrepreneurial, and impactful roles at growthfocused companies.
What is your proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment to date is designing—and living—a life in alignment with my beliefs and values, which include having Faith, Family, and Autonomy. I continue to iterate on this design, but what I know without a doubt is that I am on the right path—living my purpose daily at home, as an advisor to my clients, and within the broader community.
In what ways did MKA prepare you for the path your life has taken? I don’t have enough word count to list all the ways in which going to MKA positively impacted my life, but what I’ll say is that MKA prepared me for this moment of leading Sarkor Financial specifically through developing my skill of calendar management! Time is so valuable; once gone, we can’t get it back. And so, I remember having an optimized schedule while in high school that allowed for class, athletic training, breaks, student government, social experiences, volunteer efforts, and more...without dropping the ball. Reflecting on that time, MKA prepared me to live whole and be a high performer–one who adopts good habits, remains consistent to achieve desired results, and is held accountable in all areas of life. And when I fall short—which happens quite a bit given my tendency to pursue high and hard goals, I breathe through it and know that tomorrow is a brand new day and that success comes to those who can recover, partner well, and remain in the game.
DANIELLE IRELAND-IMHOF ’04
Tell us about your work. As the Passaic County Clerk, I am honored to serve as a county-wide elected official, overseeing essential functions like election administration, maintaining public records such as property deeds, and offering services to veterans. My administration focuses on fostering civic engagement, particularly by ensuring voters feel confident in the ease and security of the voting process. Additionally, we prioritize transparency, accessibility, and inclusivity in how we deliver services to our culturally diverse constituency, which spans a geographically large county of more than half a million residents.
Why government/politics? How did you first become interested in your profession? I’ve always believed that government has a unique ability to directly impact people’s daily lives, and I was drawn to public service because I wanted to be part of that change. My interest in government began in my AP History class at MKA and developed into a passion for the power of advocacy and civic engagement. Over time, I saw how much representation and policy decisions matter, especially for communities that have been historically underserved.
What is the biggest career challenge you have faced, and what did you learn from it? Navigating the complexities of election administration in a rapidly evolving landscape has been one of my greatest challenges. I’ve learned that adaptability, clear communication, and cultivating trust within the community are essential. Ensuring every voice is heard and that voters feel confident in the integrity and security of the process requires constant vigilance and a commitment to transparency.
What is your proudest accomplishment? One of my proudest accomplishments has been cultivating a constituent services approach that continues to resonate authentically across racial and ethnic lines, long after earning their vote. It’s deeply rewarding when a diverse range of individuals and organizations seek my partnership on their priorities, trusting me as a committed advocate and leader. Each opportunity reinforces my dedication to being a representative who bridges communities and champions their needs with integrity.
In what ways did MKA prepare you for the path your life has taken? MKA’s motto of “Knowledge, Vision, and Integrity” has been a guiding force in my life. My MKA years instilled in me a lifelong curiosity and commitment to learning, which have been invaluable in my role as County Clerk. MKA also encouraged me to think beyond the immediate and envision the kind of community I wanted to help build. Most importantly, the emphasis on integrity shaped my approach to public service, reminding me that leadership is about trust and responsibility. These core values have been central to my work and personal growth.
Girin in November 2024.
Congratulations to Samantha Brazill Sasala and her husband Brett on the birth of their first child, Teddy.
Congratulations to Carly Abramson on her marriage to Aaron Albinder on November 16, 2024. 16
2010. Ms. Devon Barrett; 1devonbarrett@gmail.com
Mr. Matthew Palmisano; matt.r.palmisano@gmail.com
Congratulations to Rob Gelberg on his engagement to Rachel Simone in July 2024. 17
Congratulations to Patrick Livesey, Jr. on marrying Kenzie Meehan on August 17, 2024, in Plymouth, MA.
Congratulations to Julie Longthorne Dempsey and her husband Chris on the birth of their first child, Heidi Ann on November 23, 2024.
2011. Mr. Seth Bynum; seth.bynum1@gmail.com
Ms. Carina Wong; carinamwong@gmail.com
Congratulations to Carly Earle on her engagement to Michael Dragone in December 2024.
2012. Ms. Casey Holden; casey.musicant@gmail.com
Mr. Ed Rosini; erosini32@gmail.com
Congratulations to Krishna Gall on his marriage to Mackenzie Crow on June 15, 2024.
Congratulations to Kelly Wallace on her marriage to Lee Terwilliger on July 5, 2024. 18
Congratulations to Zach Friedman on his marriage to Kelsey Geisenheimer on August 10, 2024. 19
Congratulations to David Grillo on his engagement to Darby Hogan on September 1, 2024.
Congratulations to Jennifer Brunner Chartier and her husband Kyle on the birth of their first child, Wesley Gardner on October 3, 2024.
Congratulations to Patrick Karole on his marriage to Kelci Smesko on September 21, 2024 in Spring Lake, New Jersey. 20
Congratulations to Kerry Fusco on her engagement to John Carl in September 2024.
Congratulations to Devika Patel on her engagement to Sohan Mone in October 2024.
Anthony Evelina married Christable on September 14, 2024, at Westmount Country Club.
Congratulations to Jeremy Zak and his wife Ashleigh on the birth of their son Hudson on October 24, 2024. 21
Congratulations to Allie Sweeney on her marriage to Alex Garber on November 23, 2024. 22
Congratulations to Daniel Robinson on his engagement to Jamie Friedman on December 7, 2024.
2013. Ms. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Amato; Liz.J.amato@gmail.com
Mr. Edward Bozik; bozik@me.com
Congratulations to Sarah Sharbaugh on her engagement
to Brooks Follett in June 2024. Classmates Carly Sibilia and Daniel Saling tied the knot on July 13, 2024. 23
Congratulations to classmates Ali Fotinopoulos and Kieffer Hessler on their engagement on August 10, 2024.
Congratulations to Kaitlyn Eda on her marriage to Liam Casey on October 5, 2025.
Congratulations to Nick Pai on his engagement to Joy Zou in August 2024. 24
Congratulations to Carlie Till on her engagement to Chuck Foster in October 2024.
Congratulations to Justin Gonsalves on his engagement to Taylor Stokes in November 2024.
Congratulations to Jaime Sommerhalter on her marriage to Sean McLaughlin on November 16, 2024. 25
Congratulations to Kelsey Palmisano on her engagement to Vincent Cannarozzi in July 2024. 26
Congratulations to Sam Eisen on his engagement to Christina Combias in June 2024. 27
Congratulations to Kassandra Fotiadis on her engagement to Mike Sickles in August 2024.
Congratulations to Sarah Esterow on her engagement to Lucas Cohen in August 2024.
Madeleine Carlisle co-produced the lead story on 60 Minutes on October 13, 2024, which featured Al Schmidt, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of State. The segment
focused on the significance of Pennsylvania in the 2024 presidential election and explored concerns over delayed ballot counting.
Congratulations to Joanna Zak Hurlburt and her husband Sean on the birth of their first child, Mia Grace on November 23, 2024. 28
Congratulations to Hayley Morris Toresco and her husband Scott on the birth of their first child, Lucy Lynn on November 24, 2024. 29
2015.
Ms. Korinne “Kori” Durando; koridurando@gmail.com
Congratulations to Isaiah Thompson on returning to his alma mater to join the jazz studies faculty at the Juilliard School.
Congratulations to Ibrahim Abukwaik on the launch of his new company, Advanced Medical Services. Their mission is to help patients eliminate pain without downtime. They connect patients with pre-vetted interventional radiologists nationwide.
Congratulations to Melissa Shelby on her engagement to Francisco Rojas in October 2024. 30
Congratulations to Sarah Botwinick on her marriage to Jason Pollack on September 1, 2024, at the Pleasantdale Chateau. 31
Congratulations to Jessica Schmitz on her marriage to Tate Veley on September 20, 2024. 32
2016.
Ms. Zoe Bieler; zoe.bieler@gmail.com
15. 16. 17. 20. 21. 22. 19. 18.
TAYLOR HATCH ESPINOZA '10
Tell us about your work. Last year I started working on Unicorn Bites, a Montclair-based brand focused on making *naturally* magical snacks. I’ve always loved baking and started experimenting with recipes without refined sugar — hundreds of recipes later, I soft-launched our soft-baked, naturally sweetened cookie bites at the Montclair Farmer’s Market. Now I’m getting ready for a full launch in Spring of this year – keep an eye out for us in local stores, and check us out at tryunicornbites.com and on Instagram (@tryunicornbites).
Why the entrepreneurial path? How did you first become interested in starting your own company? I never thought I would start a company — I’m a lawyer and was always very comfortable with the smooth, low-risk journey that career path offers. Like many others, I caught the entrepreneurship bug during the pandemic when we all had more time to examine our goals. I wasn’t sure what type of company it would make sense for me to start, and I received advice to focus on something I love — years later, that led me to Unicorn Bites.
What is the biggest career challenge you have faced, and what did you learn from it? I’m still practicing law, and it’s been difficult to balance those responsibilities with launching a new company. Eventually, I’d like to focus full-time on Unicorn Bites, but this period has really shown me what I’m capable of, and how important it is to use my time effectively. It’s also shown me how important a healthy support system is— there are plenty of overwhelming days and I’m grateful I can rely on my friends and family (especially my husband Darren) in those moments.
What is your proudest accomplishment? It makes me so proud every time someone tells me that they (or their kids) love Unicorn Bites, especially when they call out the quality of the ingredients. It was really important to me not to compromise on that— it’s hard to make a shelf-stable product that’s not only free of refined sugar but also vegan and made without gluten. I’m proud of all the trial and error that led to Unicorn Bites!
In what ways did MKA prepare you for the path your life has taken? MKA gave me my first exposure to imposter syndrome: I thought school would always be easy for me, and then I started at MKA and realized how much higher the expectations were and how smart my classmates were. The knowledge that things can be really hard and you can feel inadequate and manage to succeed nonetheless got me through law school and continues to get me through this entrepreneurial journey. If any alums have words of wisdom to share, or if you’d just like to try some Unicorn Bites, please reach out to me at taylor@tryunicornbites.com.
ROBERT WONG '15
Tell us about your work. I work as an expert grower for an indoor vertical farming company called Oishii, which produces high-quality Japanese strawberries and tomatoes in New Jersey. As a grower, I specialize in executing our research and development projects, including retrofitting our facilities to create ideal growing environments for our cultivars and overseeing and analyzing our data-driven experiments. Our goal as a company is to revolutionize the produce industry and elevate the standard of fresh fruit in America. You can learn more about us on our website: Oishii.com.
Why the food industry? How did you first become interested in your profession? I come from a family of restaurateurs, so I was surrounded by high-quality food and produce during my early years. This background sparked my desire to learn more about how food is sourced and the growing process for fruits and vegetables. I learned about the indoor vertical farming industry in 2018 and immediately knew I wanted to be involved.
What is the biggest career challenge you have faced, and what did you learn from it? To provide some context, I graduated from college in 2019 and shortly thereafter, decided to open a small restaurant in Paramus, NJ. The business thrived during its first year, but we struggled with staffing and achieving consistent sales during the COVID pandemic, which ultimately led me not to renew our lease after three years. During this time, I was unsure which career path to pursue. However, my desire to get involved in the vertical farming industry never faded. From this experience, I learned that as long as you follow your heart's passion and don’t give up on yourself, you will end up on the right path.
What is your proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment is overcoming the challenges of shutting down my restaurant while also dealing with personal grievances and a battle with depression. Reflecting on that period, I am grateful for the struggles because they shaped me into the person I am today.
In what ways did MKA prepare you for the path your life has taken? MKA provided me with a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which have been essential in my life. The school's emphasis on innovation and fostering curiosity encouraged me to explore diverse fields, ultimately leading me to pursue both the restaurant business and vertical farming. The supportive community at MKA helped me during difficult times, allowing me to build selfefficacy and foster a positive mindset to overcome the challenges I have faced along the way.
“...The school's emphasis on innovation and fostering curiosity encouraged me to explore diverse fields, ultimately leading me to pursue both the restaurant business and vertical farming.”
Mr. Charles Rilli; crilli33@gmail.com
Lily Andres; lily.andres@gmail.com
Congratulations to Joshua Pickett on his engagement to Kaitlyn Morris in July 2024. 33
Ally Heath Prazak and Ryan Prazak got married on September 28, 2024, in the mountains in Breckenridge, CO surrounded by family and friends. The pair now live in Salt Lake City, UT. 34
2017.
Ms. Jenna Donatiello; jdonatiello2021@gmail.com
Mr. Matthew ‘Matt’ Rubenstein; mattrubenstein98@gmail.com
2018. Ms. Lailanni Lucien; llucien05@gmail.com
Mr. Keenan McAuliffe; keenmac13@gmail.com
Ms. Kerri McGuire; kerri.mcguire11@gmail.com
2019.
Ms. Michela Bellapianta; michelabella21@gmail.com
Ms. Claire Brown; claiirebrown@gmail.com
Mr. Patrick Morisseau; ptricky24@gmail.com
Congratulations to Grace O’Shea on her engagement to Joe Destro in July 2024. 35
2020.
Congratulations to Shea Hammond on being named to the U.S. Men’s Cerebral Palsy (CP) National Team for the 2024 IFCPF Men’s CP World Cup. The tournament was held in Salou, Spain from November
9-22, 2024. Shea was also a member of the 2022 IFCPF World Cup Roster and the 2023 Parapan Am Games Roster.
We're so proud of the incredible Jack DeLorenzo! His film Race to the Start was honored at the prestigious Grand Motor Film Festival. This outstanding work has been celebrated globally for its excellence in storytelling and cinematography. You can watch this acclaimed film on Red Coral Universe, a dynamic streaming platform dedicated to showcasing diverse and innovative independent films from around the world.
2021.
Congratulations to Aron Dyadyuk on the launch of his new company, GetYourAcceptance, a platform that provides a unique opportunity allowing verified college students to upload their resumes and earn money every time their resume is downloaded. High school students can then use the platform to access the resumes of college students who were accepted to their dream schools, offering valuable insights into what a successful college application looks like. Are you a college student looking to make passive money or a high school student looking for more transparency in the college process? GetYourAcceptance is your answer!
Congratulations to Leah Glaser on being named to the U.S. Women’s Cerebral Palsy (CP) National Team for the 2024 IFCPF Women’s CP World Cup. The tournament was held in Salou, Spain from November 11-19, 2024. Leah was also a member of the 2022 IFCPF World Cup Roster.
Gentlemen from the class of 2020 had a mini-reunion in August 2024 and caught up over dinner.
2024. Over the summer, Cy Rosenberg went to the Chula Vista Elite Athletic Training Center for Rowing Selection Camp. He was selected for the U19 National Team, specifically the Junior Men’s Quadruple Sculls Boat. Cy trained there for five weeks, then headed to St. Catharine’s Ontario at the end of August to compete in the World Championship. His boat placed twelfth. Cy is on the Princeton Heavyweight Rowing team.
RYAN NAPOLI '15
Tell us about your work. I work in real estate development and investment for Cappelli Organization, a large regional developer in Westchester County, NY. We build many different types of projects but focus on multi-family residential properties, with onsite retail as well. My role is being part of the investment and asset management teams, underwriting new deals, helping to arrange financing for our projects, and keeping tabs on our existing assets, ensuring that things are going smoothly at the property level and that the financial condition of the asset is in good shape.
Why real estate development? How did you first become interested in your profession? I gained more insight and interest in real estate development once I got to college. I majored in finance and real estate at Villanova University via the Business School, so it was a really neat experience to be able to take so many real estate classes (including real estate development), as many colleges do not offer them to undergraduates. Additionally, we were able to perform many case studies and partake in real-life site visits in Philadelphia, which was a cool experience for an ambitious 21-year-old finance person. I wanted to find an opportunity that used my finance background along with this new real estate interest, and the opportunity I was presented with after graduating was a perfect blend.
What is the biggest career challenge you have faced, and what did you learn from it? For me, it was when I first started. When you just recently graduated from college a few weeks earlier and you are thrown right into the fire from Day 1, it can be very overwhelming and difficult to feel comfortable. I was part of a small team where I was given a lot of responsibility and autonomy right from the jump, and this was both a great opportunity but also very stressful and out of my comfort zone. I was being heavily relied on by executive leadership when I still had so much to learn and was so naive to how the business worked. This was the ultimate learning experience, as there will always be times where you are out of your comfort zone in life, or just simply not fully prepared, but you have to just stay present and do whatever you can to get the job done. I learned to ask the right questions and remain persistent no matter what. Everybody screws up at some point, and it's just about learning from your mistakes and overcoming any adversity that comes your way.
What is your proudest accomplishment? Besides overcoming some difficult challenges and being thrown into the fire from Day 1, I'd say there's a real sense of pride when you are working on projects that will change an entire city, county, local area, etc. I've been very fortunate to be part of a development team that has helped create game-changing projects across Westchester County, and it is very fulfilling to drive by our projects and see happy residents, visitors, and local governments show appreciation towards the work we have produced.
In what ways did MKA prepare you for the path your life has taken? MKA has prepared me in several ways, and I'd narrow it down to a few things. I was out of my comfort zone when I started as a high school student at MKA. I was from a town that is far away from the school, where not many other students were from (Franklin Lakes), and I started attending MKA in ninth grade, where many students had been there from the Middle School or even earlier. Like anything, you adapt and adjust to your new environment; keep your head up; and remain optimistic. I was able to meet some amazing people and learn so many things in the classroom, on the baseball field, on the golf course, etc. while at MKA. Additionally, there were a few courses that I took at MKA that were challenging to me. American Romantic Literature comes to mind. I remember being frustrated and also complaining many times about there even being the need to take a course like this. Ultimately, it doesn't matter if you are interested in the coursework or if you think it's worth spending time on a certain task. There will often be times in life when you have to do things that you do not want to do. No matter what, you must do your best and spend as much time preparing for the things that you don't like as you would with the things you like most. Once I started working, I realized how many tasks I'd be working on that were not enjoyable, to say the least. It brought me back to American Romantic Literature. Every school course and every work assignment exists for a reason, and life is about discipline and putting the same time and effort into the things that interest you the least, as you would with the things you love the most.
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“...work ethic does not solely relate to academic subjects, and, if you wholeheartedly lean into what you love, you can be successful.”
CAMERON BRADY '17
Tell us about your work. I am a graphic designer and design coordinator at the New York Football Giants, where I design for digital, print, and in-stadium needs and oversee interdepartmental creative communication. I primarily design for social media, creating weekly Gameday and player-related graphics. I often assist in asset creation for larger brand campaigns as I have a strong understanding of branding and enjoy in-depth design research. Some of the brand campaigns I’ve worked on recently were designing graphics catered to our International Market in Germany, as well as 2023 Media Day and our 1925 Lifestyle Apparel Collection, which allowed me to further my knowledge in logo and apparel design. I also had the privilege of designing the 100th Season branding in the United Terminal at Newark Airport, as well as creating the 100th Season logo.
Why graphic design? How did you first become interested in your profession? I always knew I had a strong understanding of design but never imagined it would lead me here. I began to realize I could make a career out of my design ability during my senior year at MKA in Mr. Cuneo’s AP Art class. Cuneo encouraged me to lean into Adobe Photoshop because he recognized I had a knack for it. With hard work and his guidance, I ended up getting a 5 on my AP Exam. I was proud of the extensive time and work that I put into my portfolio, but looking back, I credit Cuneo as the person who helped me get there. I attest a lot of my love for design and where I am professionally to his encouragement and belief in me; I will forever remember him.
What is the biggest career challenge you have faced, and what did you learn from it? The sports industry is very fast-
paced, requiring you to produce work at your maximum ability at all times, especially in season. My biggest challenge has been keeping myself in that headspace for extended periods of time. Getting the “creative yips” can get you down on yourself, make you question your ability, and be frustrating to get out of, but over time, you learn ways to help yourself and recognize your patterns. I try to remind myself that it is normal and like anything in life; you don’t need to be perfect, you just need to try your hardest and be proud of all you can accomplish.
What is your proudest accomplishment? I’d say designing the Giants 100th Season Logo is my proudest accomplishment thus far. I worked with my Creative Director researching, concepting, sketching, and going through (what felt like) hundreds of iterations until reaching the final logo. The Giants are a historical franchise, embodying ideals of family and legacy, and I wanted to ensure that was portrayed through the logo. If you’ve seen the logo with handwritten notes describing the design around it, those are my design notes, and that’s my handwriting!
In what ways did MKA prepare you for the path your life has taken? MKA instilled in me a meticulous work ethic when it comes to a deep interest. At MKA, I wasn’t at the top academically, but Cuneo taught me that work ethic does not solely relate to academic subjects, and, if you wholeheartedly lean into what you love, you can be successful. He is a big reason why I was able to figure out what I wanted to do in life while at MKA. He set me on my path, and that feels like a privilege.
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