Spring Summer 2017
Cupola
Place Omar Siddiqi ’91 Sowing the Seeds of Neurology Habib Gorgi ’74 and Sam Mencoff ’74 Georgia Hunter Farinholt ’96 ...and more!
Moses Brown School Board of Trustees Paul Adler P ’14 ’16 Gabe Amo ’05 Issmat Atteereh P ’13 ’18 John T. Barrett, Jr. ’63 P ’01 Russell Carpenter ’59 Peter Crysdale Elaine Dickson P ’18 ’22 Clerk, Enrollment & Marketing Committee Jane Dietze P ’20 ’23 Recording Clerk of the Board Thomas J. (T.J.) Fullam P ’14 ’17 Clerk, Trustees Committee Gary I. Goldberg ’87 P ’17 ’19 ’20 Clerk, Campaign Steering Committee Michael Hirtle Gardner Lane P ’27 ’28 Rachel Littman ’87 P ’22 Clerk of the Board Clerk, Executive Committee Dele Mabray P ’17 ’20 Mike McGuigan Donald McNemar Friends Coordinator Kaplan Mobray ’90
Moses Brown, a Friends school, exists to inspire the inner promise of each student and instill the utmost care for learning, people, and place.
Mary Lee Morrison
—Moses Brown School mission statement
Kara Milner P ’19 ’21 ’27
George Panichas ’83 P ’15 ’18 Clerk, MB Alumni Association Alisha Pina ’96 Vincent Porcaro, Sr. ’83 P ’11 ’24 Jim Procaccianti ’76 P ’19 ’23 Jane Ritson-Parsons P ’17 ’21 Brad Shipp ’83 Clerk, Buildings & Grounds Committee Liesa Stamm
Are you reading Cupola in any unusual or interesting locale? If so, please take and share a pic with us! (kcurry@mosesbrown.org)
Stephen Thomas P ’27 ’30 Heather Tow-Yick ’94 Dawn Tripp P ’19 ’24 Clerk, Nominating Committee Marguerite Tunnicliffe P ’21 Clerk, Parents’ Association Carl Weinberg P ’90 ’94 ’16 ’24 Treasurer of the Board Clerk, Budget & Finance Committee Cecily Kerr Ziegler P ’22 ’24 Assistant Clerk of the Board Elizabeth R.B. Zimmerman P ’94 Clerk, Nurturing Friends Education Committee Matt Glendinning Head of School Frederick Weiss Clerk of NEYM
Thank you, Bridget! With this issue of Cupola, we say thank you to longtime designer Bridget Snow, who previously designed Cupola for nearly two decades, helping MB usher in a more sophisticated publications program, transitioning to a four-color magazine with expanded coverage of school and alumni news. Bridget’s outstanding work brought Cupola many compliments from alumni and parents over the years. This past year, she decided to start a new chapter in her life and begin writing a class note of her own: pursuing her painting full-time. See more of her current work at www.bridgetsnow.com. Bridget, thanks for all of your hard work and commitment to MB over these past years and congratulations on planting seeds for new adventures.
Cupola Spring/Summer 2017 Thanks to Guest Editor Noah Davis ’01, p. 22.
Letter from Matt Glendinning .................................... 2 News from Moses Brown Today .................................. 4 Community Perspectives: Rachel Sanders ’96 ................................................. 16 King Odell ................................................................ 17 Omar Bah P ’28 ........................................................ 18 Cassie Cunningham ’21 .......................................... 18 Gifts in Action ............................................................. 20
About Our Cover
Alumni Profiles: Omar Siddiqi ’91 ...................................................... 24 Habib Gorgi ’74 & Sam Mencoff ’74 ..................... 28 Georgia Hunter Farinholt ’96 ............................... 30 Grace Bender ’11 ..................................................... 31 Alan DeValerio ’67 ................................................... 32 Sandy Crary ’66 ....................................................... 32 Ethan Wolston ’05 .................................................. 33 MB Alumni Events & News ....................................... 34 Reunion 2017 .............................................................. 38 MBAA Award Recipients ........................................... 41 Departing Faculty & Staff .......................................... 42 Class Notes .................................................................. 44 Commencement 2017................................................. 56 In Memoriam .............................................................. 58
Neurologist Omar Siddiqi ’91 is making a difference in Lusaka, Zambia. See page 24 for more on Omar.
Cupola — A semi-annual magazine for Moses Brown School alumni Editor:
Managing Editor:
Adam Olenn ’91 P ’25 ’27 ’30
Kristen A. Curry
Director of Alumni Relations:
Class Notes:
Karin Morse ’79
Jordan Bailey (editor)
Assistant Head of School for Institutional Affairs:
Sam Mandeville (designer)
Ronald Dalgliesh P ’21 Photography: Peter Goldberg, David O’Connor, MB Communications Designer: Jason Arias Printer: Colonial Printing, Warwick, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council
Joanne P. Hoffman .................................................. 62 Reflection: Kaiden Anderson ’19 ............................. 64
Contributors: Emily Atkinson P ’14 ’18 Kristen A. Curry Noah Davis ’01 Sam Mandeville Adam Olenn ’91
FSC Placeholder
Cupola is produced by the offices of Communications & Community Engagement and Alumni Relations for alumni and friends of Moses Brown. Your feedback is welcomed. Please send comments to: Cupola, Moses Brown School, 250 Lloyd Avenue, Providence, RI 02906. Send suggestions, class notes, and address updates to MB Alumni Relations via mosesbrown.org or alumni@mosesbrown.org; 401-831-7350
The next issue of Cupola will focus on... EX P ER T T HIN KIN G
x114. Moses Brown School is a nonprofit institution. www.mosesbrown.org
Stay in touch! Send thoughts on this issue or suggestions for our next edition to kcurry@ mosesbrown.org. Please be sure we have your best email and mailing addresses for MB news and event invitations. Direct address changes, news, or photos to alumni@mosesbrown.org. Follow: www.mosesbrown.org | Facebook.com/MosesBrownSchool | Youtube.com/MosesBrownSchoolNews | mosesbrownblog.wordpress.com | twitter.com/MosesBrown | Instagram.com/mosesbrownschool | MB Connects app
Suggestions welcome!
a letter from matt glendinning , head of school
Environmentality Loris Malaguzzi, founder and director of the renowned mu-
similar gatherings” as the justification for building Alumni Hall in the first
nicipal preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, said that students learn
place. In other words, 150 years ago MB needed a flexible-use facility to
first from their teachers, second from each other, and third from their
support the rich academic and cultural life of the school. The more things
environment. This year, I had two ‘third teachers.’ The first is a small
change, the more they stay the same. The Woodman Center had quite the
home in Westport, Massachusetts that Katherine and I purchased
inaugural season, with over 100 performances, lectures and master class-
last year. Most weekends, I found myself with paint in my hair, or
es, film screenings, and meetings for worship in just six months. Every
plaster, or plumbing hardware scattered on the floor next to a set of
day, students of all ages gather in the café, perform on the stage, and use
inscrutable instructions. One might describe these things as chores,
the many versatile features of this remarkable building to enhance their
but I prefer to tell myself they are useful project-based learning.
education, joined by faculty, staff, and parents. At the end of the spring
The other ‘third teacher’ has been the physical environment of
semester, we witnessed a spring musical choreographed by a student.
MB. While the 33-acre campus occupies the same footprint, and is
Construction on the new squash and education center began in
still shadowed by elms (and dogwoods, ginkgos, oaks, and more), this
March, part of an exciting partnership with SquashBusters, an orga-
school year was one of dynamic growth, with more on the horizon.
nization that provides underserved youth with athletic and academic
Last fall, we opened the year with a fully-renovated Walter Jones
enrichment. This project supports MB’s moral and educational mis-
Library. This renovation accounts for the evolving role of libraries in
sion and will enable our students to have world-class squash facilities
modern scholarship and for the frequent use of the space for commu-
and ongoing interaction with children from other backgrounds.
nity gatherings, such as Reunion events and author talks. More collab-
In June we began transforming Alumni Hall into the Y-Lab, a
orative work space, including three studies, 14 independent work pods,
5,000-square-foot maker space that will enhance students’ abilities to
five collaborative work pods, an open classroom with a large-screen
try their ideas in the real world and practice the collaborative, iterative
HDTV, and an enclosed classroom with a smartboard enables library
problem-solving that business leaders deem critical for success today.
visitors to find the space that works best for their needs. Over 30 data-
While these physical facilities are eye-catching, what is most ex-
bases and more than 9,000 books support research projects and read-
citing about them is the way they create optimal conditions for learn-
ing for fun. Students responded by coming through in droves — the li-
ing. It’s the lessons, activities, projects, and friendships that take
brarians estimate that half the upper school population visits daily and
place within them that make the places so special. In other words,
after-school traffic has increased by 200%. This means more students
exactly what Moses Brown has done well for 233 years and counting.
gathering, sharing ideas, collaborating, and learning and knowing that any library is a place where they can belong. In December we opened the Woodman Family Community & Performance Center, a 36,000-square-foot flexible-use facility replacing
Next year, we’ll enjoy these spaces without the disruption of construction, which will generate opportunities for programmatic growth. In the near term, I hope to find similar peace this summer in Westport. That is, if I can get that sink put back together.
Alumni Hall as Moses Brown’s primary performing arts venue. In an interesting recurrence of history, Moses Brown: The First 100 Years (one of the published volumes of MB history) cites the need for “a commodious auditorium for religious meetings, lectures, commencement exercises, and
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In friendship,
news from moses brown today
Hope & Lloyd
Middle School Spring Concert
Pulitzer-Winning Poets Come to Moses Brown In April, MB welcomed Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa as its 2017 visiting poet, part of MB’s Annual Poetry Series. Komunyakaa won the Pulitzer Prize in poetry for his collection Neon Vernacular: New and Selected Poems. His poetic vision encompasses the South and its culture, black resilience, the Vietnam War, urban experience, and blues and jazz. His collection Thieves of Paradise was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. Komunyakaa’s reading was the capstone event for MB’s annual Book Festival. For the past 22 years, MB has welcomed a variety of visiting poets to its annual event including Poets Laureate Billy Collins and Philip Levine, as well as Michael Harper, Sharon Olds, Coleman Barks, Naomi Shihab Nye, Taha Muhammad Ali, Forrest Gander, C.D. Wright, and Brian Turner. Save the date: next year, MB will host current U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith on April 27.
MB & Community
Thank You, Habib!
The Woodman Center recently screened the film I Am Not Your
After 4 years as a student, 19 years as
Negro, followed by a panel discussion about race in America with
an MB parent, 25+ years as a volunteer,
upper school humanities teacher Jennifer Stewart and activist/his-
16 years as a member of the Board of
torian Elon Cook. The event was open to the public, sponsored in
Trustees, and 10 years as Clerk of the
partnership with the Providence Center for Media Culture, a civic
Board, Habib Gorgi ’74 stepped down
organization in Providence that aims to foster media literacy and
following the graduation of his young-
community through meaningful conversation.
est daughter Maddie in June. Current
MB also hosted the New England Yearly Meeting’s Living Faith
parent Rachel Littman ’87 succeeds
Gathering in April, an all-day program featuring workshops on faith,
him as the new clerk, starting this July.
spirituality, activism, and witness.
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StoryCorps Stops at MB In May MB welcomed broadcaster David Isay (right), founder/president of the nationally-syndicated radio program StoryCorps. Isay is the recipient of four Peabody Awards, a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, and the $1 Million TED prize, and his books are New York Times bestsellers. Each year, MB eighth graders embark on a StoryCorps unit, interviewing individuals who have shaped their lives. Students in grades 6-9 enjoyed hearing Isay speak in person about the value of stories. Since its launch in 2003, StoryCorps volunteers have recorded history as told by the masses, with an incredible 50,000 interviews now preserved at the Library of Congress. In 2015, Moses Brown’s collaboration with StoryCorps took a leap forward when eighth graders served as the test group to pilot a Story-
StoryCorps founder David Isay shared his story with MB students in May.
Corps app over Thanksgiving. This successful test was the beginning of “The Great American Listen,” which invites Americans to record one others’ stories over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Evening of Advocacy In April, several MB community members came together for an Evening of Advocacy: Connecting Friends & Refugees, a partnership event to benefit Providence’s Refugee Dream Center. Students raised $1,200 total for the RDC, founded and directed by MB parent Omar Bah (see page 10). Maddy Kerr ’19 planned and organized the event, inspired by a PBL assignment in Modern World History class. “Our open mic event was a great way to learn about local immigration issues, experience advocacy, witness the artistic talents of refugees and MB students alike, and build relationships with people of different backgrounds,” she says. “The night was a huge success!” Middle school students also joined in efforts to help the RDC,
This spring, upper schoolers advocated for refugees at an open mic night.
with a successful drive to collect 500 hygiene items, everything from dish detergent to toothbrushes, for local refugee families in need.
MB Announces Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Program with Brown, $2.1 Million in New Gifts, Y-Lab Director As the result of an anonymous $1 million gift and a partnership with the Swearer Center at Brown University, Moses Brown is launching a new program in Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation. The generous $1 million gift will fully fund MB’s new Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation curriculum, which aims to inspire young people to apply a business mindset to social change. The Swearer Center will provide guidance and ongoing support as we build and develop this curriculum. Additionally, MB shared news this spring of an anonymous $1.1 million gift for scholarship support, with $100,000 of that amount dedicated to support the ‘Y-Lab,’ a 5,000-square-foot maker space and engineering lab, that will be overseen by David Husted ’86 as Director of Innovation and Design. Donors to the MB Believes Campaign have contributed nearly $6.2 million in new endowed scholarship funds.
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Green Ribbon! Moses Brown Named National Green Ribbon School by U.S. Dept. of Education Moses Brown School was designated as a Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Only 44 other schools were recognized nationally, plus 18 districts and colleges, all honored for innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education. Of the four institutions recognized from New England, two are in Rhode Island: Moses Brown and Rhode Island College. Factors in MB’s recognition include the LEED qualifications in the new Woodman Center, the percentage of campus space considered ecologically beneficial, and new bioswale systems designed to collect and absorb rainwater to minimize overflow into local storm drains.
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academic news from moses brown
Academic Highlights
Class of ’48 Awards help students pursue their passions. This year, five seniors presented on their Class of ’48 Awards for In-
next course of action. She was thrilled
dependent Study and Inquiry: Abigail Siegel (above) studied music
with their work and plans to imple-
cognition and perception at the University of California, Jared Schott
ment many of their ideas.
hiked on the Appalachian Trail, Sydney Jenkins conducted astrophysics
Faris Al Raqqad ’18 (right) was ex-
research, Ghazi Ghumman studied organ donation at Rhode Island Hos-
cited to help Erika get her product in
pital, and Jamie Lombardi interned at a Philadelphia biochemistry lab.
the public eye. “The biggest struggle
Reading Without Walls
was that her product doesn’t sell itself,” he says. “When talking about what you’re craving for dinner, I’m willing to
Gene Luen Yang, award-winning graphic novelist and National Ambassa-
bet that most people wouldn’t exactly
dor for Young People’s Literature, visited MB in April for a free public event
be craving a fish cake (not to say that
co-hosted with Books on the Square. Before his public presentation, he met
they weren’t delicious, because they
with MB students from grades 2 through 12, from fans of coding and graph-
were). However, our taste tests and
ic novels to those sharing Asian heritage. Yang called students to “read
surveys showed us two things: One, people love supporting socially
without walls,” exploring books about new topics and characters who look
conscious businesses, and two, people like eating fish cakes!” Students
or live differently. “Reading without walls is an inclusive way to spread ap-
had to think outside the box to figure out how to get word out and came
preciation and understanding for others — and to learn new and exciting
up with several creative solutions to help Erika reach consumers. “We
things,” he says. Yang has written and drawn many graphic novels, includ-
want to see Erika make herself known and loved in the community as
ing National Book Award finalist American Born Chinese and the graphic
the nice, passionate lady who makes gluten-, egg- and dairy-free fish
novel set Boxers and Saints which won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.
cakes that not only taste amazing, but support so many great causes!”
To Market, To Market The upper school Social Entrepreneurship class tackled re-
Kudos
al-world business challenges this spring, including one from Erika
› Jon Gold’s feature story “Shifting Out of Neutral,” published by the
Lamb, founder of Seconds First, a producer of frozen fish cakes made
Southern Poverty Law Center, was a 2017 finalist for a REVERE
from ‘imperfect’ produce and ‘under-appreciated’ Rhode Island fish.
Award by the Association of American Publishers.
Students were presented with the question of how Erika could expand her current institutional customer base to a wider retail market.
› As part of Read Across RI’s spring discussion of Just Mercy, upper
They spent weeks researching how suppliers enter markets; studying
school ethics classes visited the Laurelmead retirement commu-
competing products, prices, and advertising; and contacting local re-
nity to engage residents in an intergenerational discussion of the
tailers. Each team presented their findings to Erika and suggested her
book’s exploration of justice and inequality.
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Fatoumata Sidibe ’18, winner of this year’s Owen Award for International Service Learning & Travel, is using her award to volunteer with disadvantaged children in Peru this summer through the Maximo Nivel program. A long-time friend and supporter of the school, Rob Owen ’71 has made it possible for students in the upper school to pursue an independent program of study with an emphasis on international study and service. Inspired by her experience as a counselor at Camp Eureka, a partnership between MB and Sojourner House for children with disadvantaged backgrounds, Fatou has discovered she loves helping children. “Fatou really took a leadership role in Camp Eureka,” says faculty member Anne Landis. This past year, she also founded MB’s UNICEF club. “These experiences were so rewarding for me,” she says,” being able to reciprocate the opportunity given to me. These children teach me about the strength, willingness, and untainted hope present in each child.” With her Owen Award, Fatou hopes to extend her passion for youth work even further. Fatou will work with disadvantaged children in Cusco, many of whom are homeless and abandoned. She’ll record her experiences in a journal which she hopes to develop into a short story account of her experiences. “I hope not only to touch the lives of children facing great adversity, but to learn and reflect what it means to be challenged from a vastly different cultural angle, because strength has no language.”
Owen Award Winner Fatou Sidibe ’18
“Fatou really took a leadership role in Camp Eureka,” says faculty member Anne Landis. MB students delved into the theme of “Bridging Communities” at this year’s annual Quaker Youth Leadership Conference (QYLC) in Brooklyn, co-hosted by Brooklyn Friends School and the Mary McDowell Friends School of New York City. Keynote speaker Niyonu Spann showed how media can create misinterpretations and foster stereotypes. Students also visited the 9/11 Memorial, Quaker United National Office, Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, Brooklyn
MB & PBL at PC
Pride Center, and the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Students explored topics like
In March, sophomores and fifth graders
feminist art, immigration, abolition, and
accompanied Moses Brown faculty to present
stereotypes at sites such as the Brooklyn
QYLC 2017
at the Fifth Annual Project-Based Learning
Museum, the NY Transit Museum, Brook-
in. This trip is the perfect mix of new ex-
Conference at Providence College. Speak-
lyn Historical Society, and the Museum of
periences, new people, learning, service,
ing to an audience of teachers, lower school
Chinese in America. By learning from oth-
and adventures. Connecting with other
students demonstrated the impacts of climate
ers, students hope to help bridge gaps and
people who share similar values and goals
change, while upper schoolers delivered a work-
combat hate and ignorance.
is an incredible way to learn about Quak-
shop on “Connecting Past to Present in Modern
Annie Hardie ’17 says, “QYLC is a way
World History by Developing Global Citizens,”
to form great friendships with kids from
showing how PBL connects to critical thinking,
all over the country (and Canada), and
Next year’s QYLC will take place at
creativity, collaboration, and communication.
get to know the culture of the area we’re
Carolina Friends School in North Carolina.
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summer 2017
erism and make connections we’ll keep for years to come!”
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Several students represented MB at the High School Ethics Bowl, shown with advisors Galen Hamann and Gara Field.
MB Students Master Ethics at Brown MB made a strong showing at the R.I. Regional High School Ethics
vid Estlund as a competitive, collaborative event for students to dis-
Bowl at Brown University this spring. Seven high school teams partic-
cuss ethics. The planning committee included faculty from 360 High
ipated in February’s Ethics Bowl, with teams from 360 High School,
School and Moses Brown, with state and city officials, URI professors,
Central High, Evolutions High, Paul Cuffee Charter School, High-
Brown graduate students, and local business leaders serving as judg-
lander Charter School, Lincoln School, and two teams from MB.
es and moderators. MB Team 1 — Mason Barrett, Sam Andelman, and
The competition was launched in 2016 by Brown Professor Da-
Nuri van Dommelen — finished as overall Runner-Up in the finals.
Fair Forays Annual student-hosted fairs give students the chance to share their learning with the larger community. Third grade’s National Parks Fair is a highlight of the lower school year, demonstrating the bounty of our country’s natural resources. In June, sixth graders hosted an extensive “Living Museum” about Ancient China. And annual Senior Project presentations covered a range of topics this year, from how clean energy strategies affect small businesses to an examination of images found in mythology.
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The annual fourth grade Immigration Fair took place in February, in which students shared stories of their ancestors’ travels to the U.S.
cupola
MB Graduate is Rhode Island Presidential Scholar Congratulations to Sydney Jenkins ’17, named the female U.S. Presidential Scholar for Rhode Island! The annual program acknowledged a total 161 students for accomplishments and academic excellence. Sydney was recognized in Washington, D.C. in June, where she brought the person she deemed her most inspirational teacher: her mother, Christine Jenkins of the upper school math department. Sydney also won this year’s National Merit Scholarship for Rhode Island, the first time in MB history that one student has achieved both honors in the same year. Aaron Jennis and Zoe Turner-Debs were also recognized as National Merit Finalists this spring.
U.S. Presidential Scholar Sydney Jenkins ’17 and her top teacher Upper school AP Computer Science and Statistics (and mother): Christine Jenkins students held a STEM Poster Session in the Woodman Center this spring (left), presenting original statistical research into MB-specific topics. Students engaged in primary research, drafted original questions, utlilized observational data, and conducted experiments with other students.
In March, Brian Beneduce P ’12 spoke to upper school students about his new memoir Scared To Death, Do It Anyway, which offers a glimpse into the healing thought process, or “tool box,” that he uses to manage his agoraphobia. The book is an inspira-
March D.R. Trip 2017
tional story of a person who achieved financial success from a business he started from the bedroom he was once too scared to leave.
Inspirational speaker (and past parent) Brian Beneduce Sixth graders presented their reflections on the Quaker testimonies to a group of their peers at the Islamic School of Rhode Island in March. Students attended Muslim prayer service together and taught one another about the tenets of their school faiths. Next year, MB plans to host the Islamic school for a discussion about the commonalities and intersection between the two faiths.
In April, the MB hosted a delegation from Changle (“Chang-lee”) Middle School in China, here to learn more about U.S. education. Several MB families hosted them for their visit. The Changle students Upper schoolers traveled to the Dominican Republic
visited upper school Man-
in March, a long-running MB service trip tradition, un-
darin classes and joined dis-
der the guidance of Dr. Molly Bliss ’86.
cussions in middle school.
Chinese student delegation visits MB spring
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summer 2017
9
MB girls’ softball played a perfect regular season this spring, capturing the Division 1 title.
sports news from moses brown
Go Quakers! The girls’ and boys’ lacrosse teams each vied for the state champion-
MB
senior
Brigid
Kennedy
ship this spring, contending with Wheeler and LaSalle, respectively.
(right) set a world record in her
MB girls notched their third consecutive state championship.
weight/age group for the 10,000
MB golfers competed in the State Championship match this
meter on the Concept2 Indoor Row-
spring, coming in second, while senior Will Dickson set a state record
er. This summer, Brigid qualified
by winning his fourth consecutive individual state championship.
and will represent the U.S. in the U23
The baseball team advanced to the Division I playoffs, while the
Collegiate Women’s Lightweight 2x
softball team played a perfect season and finished their year in Di-
at the 2017 World Rowing Champi-
vision I undefeated, advancing to a very close state championship
onships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
game; they lost to North Kingstown, 4-3. Additionally, the baseball and softball teams both received Sportsmanship Awards this year.
Freshman Ryan Johnson was picked for one of 32 spots for the
World-record rower Brigid Kennedy ’17
Three MB athletes joined the new LaSalle/MB co-op girls’ ice
Generation Adidas International
hockey team this year, competing in RIIL Division I. Liza Farnham,
Real Madrid Select Program, a se-
Sydney Swain, and Asia Porter represented MB in the state semi-fi-
lect invitation-only summer training in Spain’s capital.
nals, when their team played the undefeated Burrillville/Ponagan-
Senior Nikhil Das was the runner-up at the New England Prep School Invitational Tennis Tournament which included 101 schools
set/Bay View co-op. In winter indoor track, a handful of MB athletes competed in the
and the top 16 New England players.
Rhode Island Interscholastic League state championships. Senior Luis
At June’s Providence Journal state awards, three MB student-ath-
DeLeon placed third overall in the long jump and freshman Marybeth
letes received Player of the Year awards: Oluchi Ezemma, basketball;
Fitzsimmons won the 55 and 300 sprints and was voted MVP of the state
Will Dickson, golf; and Kari Buonanno, lacrosse.
meet — the first time a freshman has ever been named MVP at this meet.
MB Squash on the Rise: MB-Squashbusters project breaks ground This year, Moses Brown announced a unique partnership
ing SquashBusters enables MB to support educational
with SquashBusters, a program that uses squash and aca-
opportunities for over 100 students from local public
demic support to send 95% of its (typically underserved)
schools, extending the school’s mission far beyond its
participants to college. This summer, that partnership is
gates. This facility will be one of the premier squash fa-
moving forward with construction already underway
cilities in New England and provide a once-in-a-genera-
on a collegiate-quality squash complex that will host
tion opportunity to enhance MB’s athletic facilities while
MB’s squash teams and SquashBusters players. Host-
building powerful new community connections.
Photo by Jon Chase ‘64 10
cupola
It’s In Them! MB students named Gatorade ‘Player of the Year’ in Basketball and Soccer MB is pleased to report its first-ever Gatorade Players of the Year — and not one, but two. Junior Oluchi Ezemma ’18 (below left) was awarded the Gatorade Player of the Year in girls’ basketball, the first basketball player at Moses Brown to have achieved this honor. Poom Mera ’17 (left) is Rhode Island’s Gatorade Boys Soccer Player of the Year, another first. The Gatorade POY program recognizes the nation’s most outstanding high school athletes for athletics, academics, and character. Gatorade will donate $1,000 to sports organizations selected by each athlete: Oluchi chose the Hopkinton Recreation Department, where she developed her passion for basketball, and Poom chose Project GOAL, a Providence nonprofit which supports local disadvantaged youth through after-school tutoring and soccer programs.
Poom Mera ’17
“All-In” with RIIL MB is excited to announce its intention to fully transition its upper school sports program to the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL). This coming year, MB will see boys’ and girls’ swimming, boys’ hockey, and boys’ and girls’ outdoor track and field compete in the RIIL with student-athletes from around the Ocean State. Boys’ tennis will transition to the RIIL within the next few years. Moses Brown has fielded championship teams in each of these sports over the years, and the RIIL presents a wonderful opportunity to continue to compete at a high level against talented friends and neighbors. “We’re excited to deepen our commitment to Rhode Island high school sports,” says Jeff Maidment, Director of Athletics.
Congratulations to 5th grader Quinn Faria, one of two Rhode Island girls who traveled to L.A. in April to participate in the Trailblazer Series, a new baseball tournament for girls sponsored by USA Baseball and Major League Baseball. Built
Oluchi Ezemma ’18 and Cris Argys ’17
Nothin’ but Net: two 1000-point scorers in basketball
around Jackie Robinson
MB had two players who hit 1,000 points in basketball this year: junior Oluchi Ezemma
Day, approximately 100 girls from around the
on the girls’ team and senior Cris Argys on the boys’ team. This phenomenon most re-
country were invited to be coached by some of
cently happened two years ago when Tommy Chase and Oluchi’s sister Ogechi Ezemma
the nation’s top female baseball players.
each scored 1,000 points.
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11
arts news from moses brown
Woodman Debuts
Lighting up the night — and day — at MB, the Woodman Center staged its first show this past year, The Lion King, Jr. The Woodman Center debuted its first student performances this
MB has an exciting upper school theatrical season coming up:
spring, with middle school’s dynamic presentation of The Lion King,
themes for the 2017-18 season are “Revolution, Reunion, and a Reck-
Jr., followed by A Chorus Line staged by upper school. The fifth grade
oning.” Upper school will stage The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Twelfth
collaborated with local musician/storyteller Keith Munslow and ac-
Night by Shakespeare, and Les Miserables next spring, plus student-di-
tor Dave Rabinow to stage an original play all about Rhode Island.
rected works by Arthur Miller and Sarah Treem.
Congratulations to seven MB students honored as part of the 2017 Rhode Island Arts Education Association’s Scholastic Arts Awards: Andrew Binder, Gabrielle Ohlson, Simon Rabatin, Lex Majoros, Yue Zi, Brenda Wasser, and Lucy Tang. The gold key winners saw their work juried at the national level and their artwork displayed at Carnegie Hall in New York City this June.
A Seniors Andrew Binder and Coo-
per Greer took a road trip to a Raku firing, furthering their ceramics study, while upper school students enjoyed a visit from local fused glass artist Alice Benvie Gebhart in May.
B Artists in action: This spring, lower school artists created self-por-
A
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B
traits, colorful collaborative pieces, and collages.
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MB Welcomes Chad Putka in Lower School Music Moses Brown welcomed a new lower school music teacher this year. Chad Putka has his B.A. from Oberlin and his Master’s in Music Education from Boston University, has taught general music at a charter school in Cleveland, sings professionally, and has extensive experience leading choirs and a cappella groups. Chad performs in an international choir and has sang and taught in France, Italy, Israel, and Palestine. When applying to MB, Chad says he was struck by an item in the job description for his new position: that a successful music teacher should use music as a way of strengthening community. “When I read that, I was sold!” he declares. “Everything and everybody at MB has a function that serves to build community among students, faculty, and staff. Everybody seems to know how important
• Nursery
it is that we are of one spirit in making MB a safe, fun, reflective, and deeply powerful place to learn.”
and pre-primary students directed musical pretend
play, building pitch, rhythm, and movement vocabulary.
In his new role as lower school music teacher and chorus director,
• Kindergarteners
Chad is always thinking about how music can serve to bring people
experimented with “found sounds,” making
musical compositions with everyday objects.
together, and how he can use classroom opportunities to make students feel more connected, loved, and fearless outside of class. He
• First and second graders learned folk dances.
is excited to inherit MB’s strong lower school music tradition, and to
• Third graders explored music from the Underground Railroad and
bring that experience into the 21st century. “As teaching at MB has
the whaling industry, enhancing their non-music class studies.
helped students to think less about ‘what’ and more deeply about
• Chad introduced the ukulele to lower school. Fourth graders enjoyed
‘why’ and ‘how,’ students’ music class experiences will better match
using ukes to play their favorite songs and create original music.
these curricular choices,” he says. Instead of just asking students to repeat what they are told (“Get louder here.” “Play this rhythm.”),
• Fifth grade students used iPads to compose, with an emphasis
Chad’s lower school music program focuses on process and stu-
on music that tells stories and expresses emotional ideas. And
dent-directed music learning, emphasizing Expert Thinking through
at the annual lower school spring concert, they even wrote and
reflective lessons and rehearsals. “Through this exploration, students
directed their own performances.
not only present exciting musical performances, but they also learn “Through culturally-relevant, collaborative, and creative musi-
to understand themselves as musicians, planting seeds for lifelong
cal experiences,” Chad says, “students not only build musicianship
musicianship,” he says. This past year, lower school students built their musical skills in a variety of ways:
skills, but they also set a foundation of attitudes and mindsets that will help them succeed as musicians and people throughout life.”
Poetry Out Loud Simon Rabatin ’17 was the Rhode Island winner of this year’s Poetry Out Loud championship and went on to the national competition held in Washington, D.C. He also received this year’s Thomas Prize, given in honor of Breck and Editha Thomas, Headmaster, 1925 through 1955, and music / drama teacher, respectively. The annual award recognizes a senior who has labored hard to develop a talent of great value and exemplifies a will-
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ingness to share this talent. In June, Simon
Kudos
shared his talents one last time on the MB
Congratulations to the Middle School Band,
stage, with the provocative one-man show
Chorus, and Strings — all earned honors at
Thom Pain (Based On Nothing).
this year’s Great East Music Festival.
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Rachel Sanders ’96 Teacher
community perspectives
Staying Grounded Current community members on the meaning of place.
Last year, Rachel Sanders
seized an opportunity like no
other: teaching biology to exiled Tibetan monks and nuns enrolled in the Monastics Graduate Introduction to Science Course at Sherabling Monastery in India. While on sabbatical from the Rivendell Academy in Vermont, Rachel was asked to teach in the Science for Monks program, answering the Dalai Lama’s call to make science education part of training for monks and nuns. In this program, four-week intensive workshops bring together Western teachers, translators, and religious participants. The program bridges Eastern and Western knowledge, bringing together Buddhist wisdom and the world of science. Rachel co-taught a week-long biology course. “We wanted an inquiry-based curriculum and started with the question: What is life? How do we know when something is alive? What evidence do we have?” On their first day together, the monks and nuns offered ideas, and the group ran experiments. “At the end of the week, we’d agreed on the characteristics of life from biological, Buddhist, and Socratic perspectives.” The classroom was as lively as any Rachel had known. “Monks are
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trained in argumentation,” she says. “I’d ask about an experiment: what do you see in the data? There’d be a huge outbreak in Tibetan,” which the translator would then have to summarize. Although Rachel has taught in America and overseas with the Peace Corps, her most distinctive students have been the Tibetans. “They stand out for me because they were adults, trained as monks and nuns, and refugees,” she says. “They offered the perspective of many life experiences.” International teaching has shaped Rachel. “Those opportunities helped me think about teaching, learning, and leadership in new ways. In Ghana as a new teacher, I began to realize how many ways there are to convey information. In India, I learned to turn things around so that the students design the learning. These experiences have shaped my trajectory as an educator.” “What I’m most excited about now is developing a collaborative learning environment. How can teachers work with students to develop their own learning? Not to look to us for answers, but instead to challenge each other, come up with their own questions and find the answers in the world? That’s what I want my students to learn, rather than just reciting the Krebs cycle.”
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King “Doc” Odell
arrived on campus in 1953
and has seen buildings appear, expand, move, and vanish based on the community’s evolving needs. With a tenure that spans 11 headmasters, he is a walking time capsule. For 52 years, Doc taught, coached, and supervised the residential community (boarders). Growing up in Warwick, Doc says, “I’d never heard of Moses Brown.” He was finishing his master’s (in French Language and Literature) at Brown when a professor told him the school was looking for a six-month French teacher. “So I strolled over,” he recalls. “I thought the campus was gorgeous — trees, green grass, and open space, so well kept.” Doc chuckles as he recalls the offer: “$1,200 — plus housing, meals, and laundry service.” Most of the school was under one roof in Middle House: classrooms on the ground floor, the dormitory above. “When the faculty met in the Head’s office, across from the Bird Room,” Doc recalls, “as the most junior teacher, I sat on a stool next to the door.” His classroom was over the archway to Gifford. Alumni Hall was both library and study hall. The Head’s apartment was in the building, too — living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bath. Doc smiles, “Meanwhile, I was living in a single room!” The dining room was in the same place as our cafeteria, but only faculty could use the back stairs. “That part of the building was absolutely silent,” he says. “Now it’s bedlam!” The dining room was noisiest at lunch, when day students joined boarders. Students and teachers were assigned tables, and scholarship students worked as waiters. “Those were sought-after jobs, because those boys could eat the leftover ice cream,” says Doc. Walter Jones was still the gymnasium. “I can still see that room as our basketball court,” Doc says. “We usually won because other teams didn’t know what to make of those walls!” Doc is impressed with the new Woodman Center’s interior, and its flow into the renovated library. While he appreciates the new spaces, he cherishes the history: “I still think back to the old days in this building: the creaky floors, the dining room clatter, the study hall. I like to look towards Hope Street at the arch, where my first classroom was.”
King Odell
Senior Master, Archivist
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Omar Bah P ’28 Parent
Omar Bah’s path to MB was as harrowing as it is inspiring. Ten years ago, he was a journalist writing articles critical of Yahya Jammeh, the dictatorial then-president of Gambia. For his work, Omar was jailed and tortured. Once released, he left the country, landing at Green Airport with only his suitcase. Omar appreciates the chance at a new life, and has dedicated himself to supporting refugees’ acculturation. He’s earned degrees from URI, Roger Williams University, Harvard, and William James College, and represents Rhode Island at the Refugee Congress of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in Washington, D.C.
Cassandra Cunningham ’21 Student
A bright-eyed girl with intelligent focus, devoted to friends, hum-
Omar’s focus is Providence’s Refugee Dream Center, which he
ble, kind, and courageous: this is what people see when they see Cassie
founded with his wife Teddi, who joined him here in 2009. The Center
Cunningham. She is a rising ninth grader, an Admissions Ambassador, and
supports refugees’ efforts towards self-sufficiency and integration, pro-
is active in Chorus and Drama. “Cassie is a dynamic and strong individual,
viding interpreting, referrals, education, orientation, mental health sup-
so full of perseverance and resolve that she puts most of us to shame,” says
port, after-school programs, youth mentoring, adult English language,
Middle School Head Jared Schott. “She’s managed challenges with incred-
and job skills development.
ible strength. Her smile brightens up rooms and she has great integrity.”
Last year Omar and Teddi chose to send their son Barry to MB for first
All her life, Cassie has had to think about fitting in and still struggles
grade. “The U.S. has afforded us so many opportunities,” Omar says. “We felt
with challenges — and stares — as a little person. MB has become an im-
Moses Brown’s educational environment reflects those opportunities, with a
portant place for her, one where she’s just like every other kid, seen and
commitment to diversity.” At the end of Barry’s first year, he laughs, “I feel as
valued for what she brings to the community.
though we’ve been part of the MB family for 12 years! I love how parents and
Cassie came to MB in fifth grade. She wasn’t sure how she would be treat-
kids connect here.” Each division has invited Omar to share his perspective
ed, but recalls, “Everyone was super nice and treated me like anyone else.” The
with students, particularly upper school classes studying global issues.
head of lower school, Jeff d’Entremont, walked around with her to check that
This spring, upper school students developed a partnership with the Refugee Dream Center, specifically its youth mentorship program. “Teenagers
she could reach the soap and sanitizer dispensers, and had things moved if needed. “People are here for you,” she remembers.
often have a hard time adjusting to their new country,” Omar explains. Ad-
She’d like to see other people change their perceptions of Moses
olescent refugees face specific challenges due to social pressure and gaps in
Brown. “When people think of MB, they picture preppy people, super
their education. Mentorship can improve their social skills, prevent truancy
successful parents, life all figured out, no problems,” she says. “Visitors
and gang affiliation, and support college readiness. “We thought mixing them
see our buildings, iPads, and classrooms, and assume everyone here is
with American kids would help them build friendships and integrate faster,”
wealthy. That’s not the case for everyone! This is a place where not ev-
he says. “We reached out to many schools, but MB has participated most,
eryone is perfect or has it all together. I’ve learned that you can reach out.
which says a lot for the school’s community orientation.” See page 5 for more.
People here are kind and will help: just ask.”
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Walter Jones Library
gifts in action
See You in September: the Y-Lab Moses Brown’s historic Alumni Hall will soon become our newest space, the Y-Lab — where ideas move from theory to practice. Named for Quaker scientist Thomas Young, the Y-Lab will be a maker space filled with materials and tools for creating prototypes to solve problems, and a home for project-based learning in STEM and beyond. Thanks to $1.25 million in gifts to the MB Believes campaign, renovations began in June and will wrap up by the end of August. This flexible 5,000-squarefoot space will be MB’s new headquarters for construction, deconstruction, tinkering, model building, electronics, sewing, coding/programming, fabricating, and robotics. The Y-Lab will offer both leading-edge technology like 3D printers and digital prototyping software and low-tech materials like cardboard and glue guns. Any group — students, faculty, administrators, parents, or alumni — can head for the Y-Lab to work on complex problems with visual brainstorming, prototyping, and collaboration. In it, they’ll find: • open space with flexible furniture and storage, easily adaptable to shifting project needs • small rooms for collaborative projects, critiques, and presentations • a media lab and green screen
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• a fabrication shop: 3D printing, laser cutting, and industrial design machines • a dedicated robotics room “The Y-Lab is the new home for coursework and activities that are bursting out of our traditional classrooms and labs,” says Laurie Center, Director of STEM Education. “It gives our faculty the tools and flexibility to pursue this kind of pedagogy — design thinking, engineering, collaborating, prototyping. The goal for the first year is that 1/4 of classes will use the Y-Lab, but I think we’ll surpass that.” Some classes will regularly meet there; others will be there for a two-week unit, or visit to spark ideas. Individual students or groups will use it in co-curriculars and independent work, especially senior projects. “The Y-Lab’s tools are low-tech to high-tech, and everything in between,” Laurie says. “For textiles, the Y-Lab will house a long-arm walking-foot sewing machine and another cutting machine for vinyl and fabric.” Machines like a CNC router — for computer-controlled precision cutting, drilling, or engraving of wood, composites, and metals — will let students create what they envision, extending their prototyping beyond cardboard and tape. “In every division’s projects — the Math Arcade, Rube Goldberg projects, Engineering Design — our kids are showing us they’re ready to bring their designs to a higher level,” she says.
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Art Goddard ’59 ensures hands-on learning for future generations Over a career spanning nearly four decades in engineering, marketing, and executive management, Art Goddard designed and developed advanced electronics systems at leading companies such as Rockwell and Boeing. As a youth, he was happiest when tinkering and always found deeper learning through hands-on activities. He and his wife Mary Ellen have endowed a fund to support experimental student projects, particularly in STEM topics. “I was one of those kids who learned more from hands-on experience,” he explains. “I was OK with ‘book learning’, but if I could just touch something, work with it with my hands, I’d learn more.” Art’s parents understood and, in the mid-1950s, gave their son a Geniac, a simple “computer” for young students. Art made little projects at home: a wind direction indicator and a unit that would ring a bell if the household furnace needed resetting after a power outage. As a boarder from Plymouth, Massachusetts, he found opportunities at MB. “I may be the only student who took mechanical drawing for three years!” Art recalls. “I got pretty good at it. The third year was challenging — more
“Innovation labs allow different people to be in the same room together. Instead of having the artists in the art space and the engineers and math kids in their silos, people
analytical — and Warren Howe, our teacher, was thrilled to have a thirdyear student.” Art did the lighting for the Proscenium Club, and got his ham radio license through the Radio Club. Art pursued engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
actually rub shoulders with each other in a space like this. All
and Montana State University. “At WPI, everyone wanted me
of a sudden, they’re seeing things that they can do together,
as a partner — I knew my way around a lab,” he laughs. He did
leveraging their individual skills to further as a group.” Mark Schreiber, Senior Fellow, Stanford University
independent projects for credit, which was unusual at the time, he says, but after he graduated, WPI reorganized its curriculum to require project-based learning. Student teams create lasting solutions for government agencies, nonprofits, even international
“The Y-Lab will let students who think tactilely, or in 3-D, show what they know,” says Debbie Phipps, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs. “As an English teacher, I’m excited to think about ways to link courses that kids think of as ‘liberal arts’ with building, making, and tech.” The media lab, equipped with a green screen, cameras, and editing and projection equipment, will draw students with projects in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. While digital production can be portable, the media lab offers a collaborative space to share resources and ideas. The Alumni Hall stage will still host performances, but in a way that suggests Alan Turing rather than Albert Einstein. “We’re finally bringing robotics out of the basement!” Laurie cheers. Vex Robotics programs will extend to all three divisions, as older students mentor the younger ones, and a glass wall will allow spectators to watch robots compete. “A new space can change the ecology of a campus, by changing the way people work together,” Laurie reflects. “When we renovated the library last year, some folks wondered how long it would take students to adapt — and within the first week, that place was jam-packed, full of kids! As soon as the Y-Lab opens its doors, we’ll watch our Expert Thinking program grow. I can’t wait!”
needs. Other universities have followed their example. In graduate school, Art was nominated for Sigma Xi, an honorary scientific and engineering society. Throughout his career, he was impressed by Sigma Xi’s Grants in Aid of Research program, seed money awards for materials or software that could make a big difference in a project’s potential. “That became the model,” he reflects. “If I could have my first choice to support education, it would be grants in aid of student projects.” Moved to support such opportunity for MB students, Art and Mary Ellen have established the Goddard Fund for Student Projects, providing aid grants that support hands-on, experimental learning. The Goddard Fund’s launch fits neatly with MB’s STEM expansion: curriculum, specialized electives, and co-curriculars which will find a home in the new Y-Lab. “Mary Ellen and I hope that this fund extends and complements what can be accomplished in the Y-Lab,” Art says. “When faculty members recognize circumstances where funding can
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they will direct students to the Goddard Fund.”
editor ’ s letter
The Long Way Home My single favorite aspect of being a freelance writer is the ability to work from anywhere, not to be anchored in a specific place. Over the last decade, a series of hardy laptops and I have reported in more than a dozen countries. I’ve worked from World Cups in Germany, South Africa, and Brazil; during the tail end of a coup in Honduras; and on assignment in a Russian resort town. I left a MacBook in an Argentinian internet cafe. That was a low point. So were the multiple trips to Columbus, Ohio.
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I’m lucky. Writing is a wonderful way to see this wide world. But as much as I enjoy wandering, I’ve found that it’s vital to remain grounded somewhere, too. I grew up in Swansea, Mass and have spent the majority of the 12 years since college based in Brooklyn, but whenever anyone asks where I’m from, I tell them Providence. It’s close enough to the truth. And if we’re going to get specific about the Noah-as-writer origin story, it begins with me desperately trying, and eventually succeeding, to get something better
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than a B- on a paper in Lenke Wood’s freshman year En-
Brooklyn freelancer Noah Davis ’01 writes for The New Yorker,
glish class. (Thanks, Lenke. Sorry about all the whining.)
The New York Times, GQ, New York, ESPN, FiveThirtyEight, The
I imagine the subjects profiled in this issue have sim-
Ringer, and many other publications. He has reported from the
ilar feelings about the city Moses Brown calls home and
last three World Cups and run film festivals in India and Brazil.
about the school itself. Whether they graduated years ago
He won an Emmy while working as a writer for NBC’s coverage
or find themselves there daily to drop off their kids, MB
of the 2014 Winter Olympics. At MB, Noah played soccer, was an
serves as a launchpad, a place to start something. After
accomplished track runner, and worked on Mosaic. In his senior
all, it’s nearly impossible to get anywhere if you don’t re-
year, he also won the Fletcher Award before heading to Bates. To
member where you’ve been.
see more or get periodic updates, visit noahedavis.com.
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omar siddiqi ’91
Sowing the Seeds of Neurology
Dr. Omar Siddiqi ’91 and a patient review information at University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.
When Isaac Mweetwe came into University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia for the first time, he couldn’t control his limbs. In crippling pain and unable to walk, he thought his life was ending. “I used to walk, and to work,” he says, “and play the guitar. I loved to play the guitar.” But a mysterious illness had robbed Isaac of all that. Isaac’s story is just one of many that neurologist Dr. Omar Siddiqi encounters on any given Wednesday. Wednesday is clinic day, when Omar and two other neurologists see a long string of patients, beginning at 7 a.m. and working until the hallway is empty. In a country of 13.5 million, they are the only neurologists. For those patients lucky enough to see them, there are answers: epilepsy, vitamin B12 deficiency, HIV toxicity, meningitis. With answers come treatments. Epilepsy, for example, is horribly misunderstood. “If you have epilepsy and live out in the bush,” says Omar, “it’s not uncommon for the village to think that you’re contagious or cursed. To protect the rest of the village, they sometimes tie epileptics to a tree. It can be a life sentence.” With a proper diagnosis, most epileptics can be treated by free medication from government clinics. “That one little pill,” says Omar, “can be the difference. You can go from being completely incapacitated to earning a living to support your family and your village. But first we have to diagnose the problem.” Omar came late to medicine after completing a degree in psychology at Tufts University. In 1997 he received a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship to attend the University of Cape Town in South Africa and earned a Diploma in Africa Studies. He volunteered with mobile
Neurological advances in Zambia made a difference for Isaac Mweetwe (left).
health clinics run by the university that provided medical care to shanty towns, an experience that catalyzed his decision to pursue medicine. After
Or knowing which neighborhoods lack running water and have a history
returning to the U.S., he spent a year taking pre-med courses, eventually
of cholera. Or understanding that because of family and tribal relation-
enrolling in the University of Rochester School of Medicine. After medi-
ships, admitting someone for a long inpatient stay will result in their ex-
cal school, Omar completed his neurology training at Beth Israel Deacon-
tended family camping out in the hospital courtyard. “One of the heart-
ess Medical Center in Boston.
breaking things,” says Omar, “is that there is no shortage of smart, capable
“As a result of my experiences, I was really interested in the developing
Zambian doctors who could do this work. They just need to be trained.”
world. I wanted to make a difference,” he says. And in Zambia, at least,
To address this, Omar has taken on new roles in addition to his work
he is. Isaac, the patient who arrived incapacitated at the clinic? He had
as a physician: administrator and fundraiser. Under the guidance of
a simple case of vitamin B12 deficiency. Untreated, it leads to crippling
Igor Koralnik, his mentor at Beth Israel Deaconess in Boston, Omar has
pain, paralysis, even death. The remedy is a twice-a-month injection that
launched NeurologyZ.com, which aims to bring two full-time educators
costs about $1 per treatment.
to Zambia for two years. “For $500,000,” says Omar, “we can create four
While Omar’s work has a transformative effect on many patients’
Zambian neurologists — two adult and two pediatric. They, in turn, can
lives, that isn’t always the case. “It’s an unavoidable part of the profes-
train new doctors just coming out of medical school, growing an infra-
sion,” he says, “you can’t save everyone. Sometimes you have to tell some-
structure of neurology that will have far-reaching effects. Once you have a
one that the brain degeneration they have is from HIV toxicity, and that
certain amount of expertise in-country, it causes a ripple effect. The peo-
they’re unlikely to regain their ability to speak or walk.” As painful as
ple working in remote district hospitals begin to know what these condi-
that is, it’s not the toughest part of his work. “The hardest thing is know-
tions look like, and make referrals early enough to intervene.”
ing that there are only three of us,” he says, “and even if we did nothing
Donors have begun to step forward to help, including former class-
but see patients around the clock, we wouldn’t make a dent in the disease
mates from MB. “It’s an exciting time,” says Omar, “because this could be
burden here. And what’s worse, we’re all foreigners. There’s always the
transformative for all of southern Africa.”
chance that one of us — maybe even all of us — could leave. What we really need is neurologists from Zambia.”
If that happens, many more patients are likely to have a story that ends like Isaac’s. When Omar visited him in his village this spring, he was
It’s not just about staffing. Deep cultural knowledge is critical when
walking and talking like his old self, and once again gainfully employed.
providing care to Zambians. For example, learning to spot the small scars
At the end of their visit, he sat down on his front porch, tuned his guitar,
on the face or arms that reveal a patient has been visiting a witch doctor.
and began to play.
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Omar Siddiqi ’91 (left) and Sam Slavin interview a resident of Mtendere compound in Lusaka, Zambia.
Podcasting with a Purpose Two of medical science’s greatest achievements are antibiotics and
puncture is safe, effective, and life-saving, many people avoid the
vaccines. These two discoveries have saved untold millions of lives
process out of fear that it causes, rather than solves, fatal problems.
and livelihoods, and yet even in developed nations — and in the face
Harvard medical student and podcaster Sam Slavin came to Zam-
of overwhelming, incontrovertible data — there are those who ques-
bia to study neurology with Omar Siddiqi ’91, and together they are
tion their efficacy, safety, or both. The same irrationality plagues a
interviewing people about lumbar puncture to learn how well people
procedure in Africa — lumbar puncture.
understand the process, whether they fear it, and if so, why. Sam and
Lumbar puncture is a simple process where excess fluid is drained
Omar hope that this podcast can improve public health messaging
from the spinal column, relieving potentially fatal swelling around
about lumbar puncture, and persuade more people take advantage of
the brain. Tuberculosis is common in Zambia (and many develop-
this life-saving procedure.
ing nations), and can cause meningitis. Despite the fact that lumbar
To support Omar’s work or learn more, visit NeurologyZ.com.
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habib gorgi & sam mencoff
Coming Home
’74 Classmates Return to Lead Providence Institutions Photo by Brown University
A 45-year friendship between Habib Gorgi and Sam Mencoff began on the Friends Hall Deck (shown below with MB classmate Bill Goode).
Old friends have a way of reconnecting in Providence, but it’s
freakin’ Arab’ with great affection. He embraced his culture and iden-
usually over an Awful-Awful or a plate of world-class calamari. For
tity, and stood up for what he believed in. It was great for all of us to
Habib Gorgi ’74 and Sam Mencoff ’74, it’s been at the helm of two of
have someone from a different part of the world like Habib.”
Rhode Island’s most storied educational institutions: Moses Brown and Brown University.
Sam also vividly remembers how fortunate they were to be surrounded by great mentors. “The teachers and coaches at MB — peo-
It all began on the deck of Friends Hall. In 1970, Freshman Habib
ple like Mrs. Bachman, Ted Whitford, and Wayne Curtis — had this
Gorgi was a recent immigrant from Egypt. Sam Mencoff had been at
unique combination of being really tough, but caring and compas-
MB for five years and offered to show Habib the ropes with a mix of
sionate,” says Sam. “They were the kind of people you wanted to work
academic seriousness and shenanigans.
hard for.” Habib adds, “We both always believed in hard work. That
“Bill Mullin was leading an Admissions tour,
came from MB and from our families. I was an
and he brought a prospective family over to
immigrant and Sam was from a working-class
Friends Hall,” recalls Habib. “I can’t be sure, I
family in Providence.”
think Sam talked him into it, but Ted O’Sullivan
They both stayed in Providence for college,
screamed ‘I can’t take the pressure!’ and threw
attending Brown University. “I was in Sam’s room
himself over the railing. It looks like a 20-foot
all the time,” says Habib. “In fact, his freshman
drop, and these people were just horrified.”
roommate is one of our best friends to this day.”
Despite their high-school antics, Sam recalls Habib as a focused student. “From the
After Brown, they followed parallel tracks — big cities, investment banking, business school, pri-
start, Habib was very driven, with really strong beliefs.” says Sam.
vate equity — but with Habib settling in New York and Sam in Chicago.
Then editor of The Quaker, Sam respected Habib’s outspoken views
As is the case for so many Rhode Islanders, something kept pull-
— and found them useful. “Habib used to write these opinionated
ing them back. For Habib and his wife Suzie, Manhattan wasn’t the
letters to the editor. They really got people’s attention.” After a wry
place to raise their kids. And so Habib found himself back at Moses
pause, he adds, “He was great for circulation.”
Brown nearly 25 years after he graduated, this time as a parent (all
Sam also recalls the different perspective Habib brought to their class. “While it’s hard to imagine now, we referred to him as ‘the
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four of his children are MB alumni). Soon, he became involved in school governance. And who was there to show him the ropes of the
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MB Board of Trustees? Of course — Sam Mencoff. For six years Sam commuted to Providence from Chicago for Board meetings.
“It all started here at MB,” says Habib. “We learned to write well, speak persuasively, think for ourselves, and, most importantly, how to
And while he was on the East Side, he also assumed increasing
treat people, and that you have responsibility to your community. There
levels of leadership at their other alma mater, Brown University. In
are lots of excellent schools but very few that have that essential balance.”
the summer of 2016, as Habib began his 10th and final year leading MB’s Board, Sam was named the university’s 21st Chancellor. Sam sees Moses Brown’s values playing a central role in 21st century education. “Building community is one of my three main goals
Forty-five years later their relationship now is tipping forward into the next generation. In late May, Sam presided over his first commencement as Brown’s Chancellor. Among the graduates was Habib’s son, Alex (MB ’12).
for Brown. We live in a polarized country and Brown brings togeth-
Habib says, “Sam is the same kid he was in high school. To be that
er people who excel at the highest levels from every possible back-
successful and maintain that level of humility is very unique and that’s
ground. More than ever, universities need to be places where we can
why I’m so proud to call him my friend.” Sam adds, “The durability and
have the difficult discussions, where we can truly listen to and express
longevity of our relationship remind you of so many phases of your life
different points of view.”
that you went through together. There is nothing like an old friend.”
“More than ever, universities need to be places where we can have the difficult discussions, where we can truly listen to and express different points of view.” -Sam Mencoff ’74, Chancellor of Brown University
Legacy Children of the Class of 2017!
Seniors and their alumni parents gathered on the steps of the Walter Jones Library before the Senior Dinner this spring. Left to right, 1st and 2nd rows: Will Worrell ’17 and Jamie Worrell ‘85, Alexis Ricci ’17 & Ed Ricci ’87, Abe Bloom ’17 & Ken Bloom ’90, Cole Triedman ’17 & Scott Triedman ’78, Maddie Gorgi ’17 & Habib Gorgi ‘74, Molly Fischer ’17 & Ted Fischer ’83, Gracie Moran ’17 & Ted Moran ’87, Sarah Ross ’17 & Heather Handrigan Ross ’85, Sinjon Goldberg ‘17 & Gary Goldberg ’87. Third row (l to r): Hannah Kinder ’17 & Phil Kinder ’85, Sheri Lepore ’86 & Drew Blanchard ’17. This year’s legacy graduates will head to a range of fine universities, from Brown University in Providence to Tulane University in New Orleans. See the full list on page 56.
georgia hunter farinholt ’96
Search for Survival Map by Ryan Mitchell To learn more about Georgia’s journey in discovering and recording her family’s past, or to get tips for your own ancestry research, visit her website at georgiahunterauthor.com.
Georgia Hunter Farinholt was a junior in Ransom Grif-
gia says, “and at one point Felicia leaned in and said, ‘It’s a miracle,
fin’s English class when, thanks to her I-Search assignment, she sat
really, that we’re all here...we were the lucky ones.’”
down for an interview with her grandmother and learned that she
Georgia claims the hardest part about writing her book was the
was a quarter Jewish, and that she came from a family of Holocaust
patience it required: “My family history is complicated and remote.
survivors. The discovery sparked an array of questions, and a thirst
It took years to unearth. At times, I felt overwhelmed and discour-
for answers. In 2008, she set off to uncover her family’s remarkable
aged — I had to learn to appreciate each small step forward.”
story, traveling across the globe to interview relatives, dig up records,
Georgia’s own roadmap started in Plainville, Massachusetts
and retrace her ancestors’ footsteps through Europe and South
where she grew up. “I’ve always loved to write,” she says. She penned
America. Over the course of nearly a decade, Georgia’s I-Search-in-
her first “novel” at age four, and at eleven, she pitched an opinion
spired research evolved into a 400-page novel.
piece to the local newspaper. Since her debut in the Attle-
We Were the Lucky Ones, published in February by Vi-
boro Sun Chronicle, her personal essays and photos have
king, follows Georgia’s grandfather, his parents, and his
been featured in places like The New York Times, travelgirl
siblings — a family of Polish Jews — as they scatter at the
magazine, and on Equitrekking.com. She also works as a
start of the Second World War, determined to survive,
freelance copywriter for adventure travel publications.
and to reunite. While one sibling is forced into exile in
Recalling her experience at MB, Georgia says that the
Siberia, another works grueling hours in the ghetto facto-
school pushed her to look outward: “MB was a place where
ry, and others risk their lives by hiding as Gentiles under
I felt I could be myself. My classes were tough but my
the noses of the Germans. Georgia’s grandfather, Addy,
teachers were engaging and passionate about the subjects
managed to flee the continent for Brazil, where he lived out the remainder of the war without knowing whether
Viking
he’d ever again see his parents and siblings.
they taught. MB taught me to be curious, to take risks, and to challenge myself.” Georgia gets asked often whether she will continue to write, now
Georgia says that the idea to write the book was seeded at a family
that her book has been published. Her answer is yes, and that she
reunion on Martha’s Vineyard. Thirty-two Kurc descendants came,
will likely stick with historical fiction. “I find stories based on real
some from as far away as Brazil, France, and Israel. “I was 21,” Geor-
people and actual events inspiring,” she says. “I love an underdog
gia says, “and it was at that reunion that I began overhearing stories
protagonist — someone faced with terrible odds, whose story offers
about the family that I couldn’t quite fathom — a son born in the Si-
a big-picture understanding of a place or time with which you might
berian gulag, a secret wedding in Russian-occupied Poland, a hike
be unfamiliar.”
over the Austrian Alps, a sister’s attempt to escape the ghetto with
We Were the Lucky Ones, ranked #18 at publication on the Indie
her three-year-old daughter in tow.” Georgia says she’ll never forget
Bestseller list, continues to receive rave reviews — it was named one
the comment her great-aunt Felicia (who was a year old at the start of
of the “Books You Need to Read” by Harper’s Bazaar, and described
WWII) made one night. “The cousins had been telling stories,” Geor-
as one of the “Best Books to Read in 2017” by Glamour.
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grace bender ’11
2,186.9 Miles, 5.5 Months, 1 Dream For five and a half months, Grace Bender put one foot in front of the
“My first night alone in Virginia, I set up camp deep in the woods — off the
other in pursuit of a dream. After graduating from Occidental College, she
trail — and left sticks to get me back to the trail in the morning. My food
strapped on her boots, a 28-pound backpack, and hit the Appalachian Trail.
bag and backpack were hung sufficiently high out of the reach of at least
Despite being on such an individual journey, she was rarely alone.
unambitious bears. As I lay in my hammock my head was spinning with
Grace spent several weeks traveling with “trail families” — groups of hik-
all the ways I could potentially die by myself that night; all of a sudden, it
ers that you walk with for miles — and spending nights at shelters along the
clicked. There was nothing more I could do to improve the situation and if
way. Information about the trail and other obstacles would filter through-
I was going to die at least I was living the life of my dreams. And the min-
out the community at these periodic meetups. “The capacity to exchange
ute I gave into the ebb and flow of the world, I started to enjoy the golden
all of this information along thousands of miles between thousands of hik-
sunset and the owls in the trees far above me.”
ers, all without cell phones, was a wonderful experience,” she says. In fact, Grace only spent around seven nights completely alone on the trail. “Those hours tested my mental strength and sanity and taught me a great deal about confronting fear and giving in to the universe,” she says.
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“The Trail teaches gratitude. Gratitude for showers, clean water, a hot meal, an interesting-looking bug, a sense of humor, the wind, sunshine between trees, flat dirt, the two perfect trees to stretch your hammock between.”
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alan devalerio ’67
A Life of Service Alan DeValerio moved to Washington, D.C. because he wanted to become a political humor columnist. While it didn’t take long to make an impact on the White House, he did so in a decidedly different manner. From 1980 to 1990, Alan was a butler in the White House for Presidents Carter, Reagan, and Bush. He served at state dinners and other Presidential functions; brought food and drink to heads of state and celebrities (including Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra); talked comedy with Carl Reiner — and baseball with Yogi Berra. Alan got the gig the old-fashioned way: he asked. After arriving in Washington, he landed a part-time job as a waiter in the Senate restaurant on Capitol Hill. One day, he saw Senator Claiborne Pell and mentioned he was inter-
flow. He served under the watchful eye of head butler Eugene Allen, who
ested in getting a position at a certain building a couple miles to the east. Pell’s
was immortalized in the 2013 movie The Butler.
staff made some calls — anything to help a former (and possibly future) con-
Two and a half decades later, Alan published a book about his expe-
stituent — and got Alan a job on a contract basis. He became a trusted staffer,
riences, A History of Entertainment in the Modern White House, and travels
usually the first person called when the full-time five-butler team needed an
around the country giving presentations about his days serving Presidents.
extra hand, before eventually giving up the job to consult at Marriott full-time.
Alan gave 12 such talks to audiences in Connecticut during a single week
Today’s state dinners feature 500 or more guests, but they were
last May. “For some reason, I’m very popular in Connecticut,” he says. Alan
smaller affairs during the Reagan years. Alan says that First Lady Nancy
might not have become a political humorist, but he ended up with much
Reagan wanted everyone to fit into the state dining room, although they’d
better stories. “One thing I found out about political jokes,” he says, “is that
occasionally have to put a table in the Red Room to accommodate over-
sometimes they get elected!” (www.whitehousemories.com)
to co-author legislation establishing the NEA and National Endowment for the Humanities. Later, Sandy spent summers interning in Senator Pell’s office. With a B.A. in anthropology from Drew University and an M.Div. from Yale, he headed to Washington, D.C. in search of work, and landed a job assisting the curator of the Smithsonian’s Castle on the Mall during the building’s restoration. Sandy kept running into Pell. While he hesitated to leave the Smithsonian, Pell eventually recruited him to be his point person for cultural policy on the Subcommittee on Education, Arts, and Humanities which authorized Pell Grants as well as the NEA and NEH. “As far as I was concerned, it was the best portfolio on Capitol Hill,” Sandy says. “Pell had terrific colleagues across the aisle like Senators Javits and Stafford. It was a civilized time in Congress.” Arts and humanities enjoyed bipartisan support until 1989, Sandy says, “but it all blew up when the far right discovered that money could be
alexander
“ sandy ”
crary ’66
Civil Servant for Arts & Humanities Sandy Crary devoted most of his career to federal cultural
raised by charging the Endowment with funding obscene and anti-religious projects. It put Senator Pell right in the middle of this hot debate for years, but he stood firm, citing how important the arts are in the lives of Americans.” Jane Alexander became NEA Chair in 1993 and Sandy moved to become her Chief of Staff. “She deserves credit for saving the Endowment,” he says. “Jane was so persuasive with Congress, it did the trick. ’Til now.”
programs, first with Senator Claiborne Pell, then as Chief of Staff for
In 2001, Sandy migrated to the private sector as Executive Director
the National Endowment for the Arts. His path began when he was 13
of the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, and helped an American donor create
and Senator Claiborne Pell spoke to the student body in Alumni Hall.
a program for international residencies while overseeing conversion of a
Sandy vividly remembers the talk from the young Senator who went on
15th-century Umbrian castle for use by artists, writers, and composers.
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ethan wolston ’05
Life in the Woods
Ask children what they want to be when they grow up, and they
a field instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School, leading
might say ‘firefighter’ or ‘cowboy.’ Some wish they could spend their days
month-long backcountry expeditions with students in Wyoming, Utah,
in the woods. Ethan Wolston has done all this and more.
Alaska, Washington, and Arizona. Ethan has taught leadership, natural
“The outdoors is such an important part of my life,” he says. “Boy Scouts was my introduction. I liked being outside, meeting challenges with family and friends, without external stimuli.”
history, risk management, and outdoor skills, and even managed a herd of 75 horses at Three Peaks Ranch in Wyoming. This year, however, Ethan is ending his time in the treetops, as he
During upper school, Ethan spent a semester at the Mountain School in
begins a master’s program at Oregon State. “I’ve loved the outdoors and
Vermont: “I valued that experiential learning in a strong community, work-
adventures, but I find teaching most rewarding, and I’m ready for more
ing on the farm.” During college summers, he did trail work with the Student
stability,” he says. “I’d like to find a community like the Mountain School,
Conservation Corps and continued to work on public land. At Bowdoin, he
to bring experiential learning to high school kids.” As a teacher, Ethan can
led backpacking trips and became interested in firefighting.
continue with NOLS each summer, in the woods and in the saddle.
For Ethan, the natural next step was forest service and then wildland
As he prepares to teach, Ethan reflects on his faculty at MB. “Ja-
firefighting. Ethan was a ‘hotshot’ — a wilderness firefighter — with the
mie German created a curriculum and environment of independent,
Alaska Fire Service for two years, managing remote wildfires with spe-
self-guided learning,” he recalls. “She cultivated wonder and inquiry.
cialized tools. “I worked on active fires,” he says. “We were in high-risk
And Lee Clasper-Torch encouraged me to explore the Mountain School.
situations, but I wasn’t afraid of being overrun: fire managers prioritize
I remember saying, ‘I don’t know if I can leave my friends for three
human safety over property.”
months!’ and Lee offered perspective, saying it really wasn’t such a long
A forest service job called Ethan to Oregon. “Bend is nice,” he says, “with 300 days of sun every year.” Working as an arborist, he became
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time. They were kind and thoughtful, emphasizing relationships, curiosity, and lifelong learning.”
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Alumni Events
moses brown alumni association
The Moses Brown Alumni Association and Moses Brown School partner to provide opportunities for alumni to engage with each other and MB, near and far. If you would like to host an event or volunteer for the MBAA, please contact Karin Morse ’79 at kmorse@mosesbrown.org or 401-831-7350 x191.
Coast to Coast January 10 Boston Alumni & Friends Reception at Townsman
Jamie Magee ’78 and Stefan Economou ’88 fully enjoyed Doc Odell’s company at the mid-winter reception at Townsman.
February 4 Après-ski at Sugarbush Resort, Vermont
Peter Canning ’77, Kyle Rotelli ’04, and MBAA Clerk Alumni and guests enjoyed themselves at Reunion this year, the first held in the Woodman Family Community & Performance Center.
George Panichas ’83 gathered at the base of Sugarbush Resort with 25+ alumni for the start of an MB après-ski tradition. Stay tuned for the next location during the winter of 2018. 35
February 14 Los Angeles Scott Champagne ’93 and Sam Daly ’02 were the stars of the MB breakfast at the beach in Santa Monica.
Gaia Liotta ’09 and guest Keegan Johnson, Celia Adelson ’97, Micah ClasperTorch ’05, Harrison Weinfeld ’05, Lily Ferguson ’05, Art Goddard ’59, Jason Weiss ’93 and his wife Grace, and Roger Bennett ’67 joined Linda Kaplan and Karin Morse for an MB Valentine’s dinner at Palomino in Beverly Hills.
February 16 San Francisco Alumni & Friends Reception MB alumni came from throughout the Bay Area for a reception and scrumptious dinner at Foreign Cinema. Uday Kumar ’90 is pictured with Cassie Rogg ’05 and guest Josh Agar.
Caitlin Miller ’03, Greg Katzen ’03, Curtis Woodman ’78, and Nick Salmons ’03 enjoyed the chance to catch up at Foreign Cinema in San Francisco. 36
Luke Hathaway ’04 provided some local knowledge to recent SF arrival Jordan Greer ’12. cupola
moses brown alumni association
February 16
June 1
San Francisco Alumni & Friends Reception
Boston Young Alumni Event at John Lewis ’09 Rooftop Deck
Ben Freedman ’06 enjoyed introducing Karin Morse ’79 to the fine food and design at Google SF.
March 1 Baltimore Dinner with HOS Matt Glendinning
Gathering in Baltimore, Marie Ewens Brown ’95, Cam Colyer ’89, Ted Watson ’73, and Buck Greenough ’49 enjoyed hearing about the latest innovation and projects from Matt Glendinning and Perry Buroker.
May 20
George Panichas ’83 and his wife Sia attended all of the MB events in the Northeast this year; George is pictured here speaking with young alumni about stewardship opportunities and MBAA programs.
Overlooking the Boston skyline, 2009 classmates Brayden Puddington, Mia Rotondi, Leah Saris, and Melissa Gordon ushered in summer with host John Lewis at the Boston Young Alumni Reception.
Alumni Lacrosse Game There was a great turnout for the alumni lacrosse game which also marked 55 years of boys’ lacrosse!
reunion 2017
Reunion 2017 1957 L to R 1st row: Marshall Meyers, Ron Boss, Jerry Knowles, Bill Albert. 2nd row: John Drew and Stanley Goldberg proudly assembled at the entrance to Middle House before leading the way to the Sinclair Room for dinner.
1967 The 50th reunion class celebrated in style at Reunion weekend: front row (left to right): Joe Artabasy, Rick Bernstingle, Rob Wilson, King Odell (faculty), Joe Salvatore; back row: Eric Twachtman, Mark Estes, Ken
1977
Rosenthal, Paul Suttell, Harry Cole, Alan Reider, Peter Lacaillade, Roger Silverstein, David Ransome (former faculty), and Charlie Wick.
L to R, 1st row: Jonathan Blitz, Evan Granoff, Barry Schiff, Henry Diamond. 2nd row: Brad Varr, Bob Ida, Chris Allegra, David Shaw.
1972
3 row: Ralph Kinder, Steve Perry, Gordon
Ed Nickerson and Ahvi Spindell were the life of the
rd
Ondis, George Fenzell.
1997 Cara Camacho and Sheila Dobbyn represented the Class of 1997.
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Front Circle Reception.
1987 L to R, 1st row: Tom Wynn, Julie Thomas Berry, Alysia Kelly Curry, Rachel Littman, Carina Huynh Benningfield, Whitney Tibolt, Rodney Thomas. 2nd row: Ed Ricci, Gary Goldberg, Ted Moran, Natasha Harrison, Katy O’Donnell McNamara. 3rd row: John Torgan, Christine Schomer.
1997 1st row: Evan Tong, TeriLyn Colaluca, Nicole Sheusi Church, Sheila Dobbyn, Cara Camacho, David Penza. 2nd row: Dina Dudzik Bisson, Sarah Casten Silversten, Kerri Monteiro, Joanne Debrah, Sharon Hart Silveira. 3rd row: Gary Ramirez, Mike Guild, Andrew Erskine, Phil Di Ruggiero, Stephanie Ogidan Preston, David Ortiz.
2002 The Class of 2002 ruled the Bluecube photobooth.
1st row: Sarah Lindblom, Ximena Ojopi, Larissa Green, Dana Weiner, Sarah Engle, Joss Poulton. 2nd row: Kim Kalunian, Abby Wilkinson, Alison Connor, Liz Stark, Kylie Harwood, Lindy Nash, Ben Anderson. 3rd row: Eli Cushner, Andrew Easton, Nick Gilson, Eve Ikeler, Toby Stein, Sam Levine.
2007 Doc Odell Fan Club As always, Doc certainly attracted a crowd on the front steps. See an update on Doc on page 17.
39
The Boys Lounge (on first floor of West Middle House today)
congratulations !
Spring Award Recipients
Moses Brown Alumni Association Recognizes 2017 Award Winners at Reunion
Davide Dukcevich ’92 25 reunion achievement award th
Korea, Columbia, and Mexico. Davide values the preparation he received at MB. “I wasn’t a great student, MB didn’t kid me about that.
Davide Dukcevich, along with his brother Stefano ’89, is
That prepared me for reality.” He worked as a writer at
co-owner of Daniele Foods, a charcuterie business which
Forbes before joining Daniele full-time. He is passionate
has defined the Dukcevich family for three generations.
about keeping business in Rhode Island and preserving
Today, Daniele Foods cures over 700,000 hams a
land for farming. “It feels important to care for the
year at its plant in Pascoag, R.I., producing high-qual-
place that took care of my family when we came to this
ity prosciutto, salami, mortadella, and more. Their
country,” he says, reflecting on the path his grandpar-
products are shipped as far away as Japan, Hong Kong,
ents took, as they fled Yugoslavia during World War II.
Paul Suttell ’67 distinguished alumnus award
served as a state representative from 1983-90 and was a delegate at the Republican National Convention. Paul considers himself fortunate to have parents
Paul Suttell is chief justice of Rhode Island’s Supreme
who set a high ethical standard: “These principles were
Court. He’s served on the Court since 2003 and previ-
reinforced daily at Moses Brown. It is important that
ously spent 13 years as an associate justice for Rhode
students learn to make right choices at an early age, in
Island’s Family Court.
small matters as well as large. It is often the small de-
Paul developed his writing skills as a student at MB.
cisions that are the most challenging.” He appreciates
After graduation, he earned his J.D. from Suffolk Uni-
MB’s emphasis on Ethical Leadership, affirmed for him
versity, then returned to Rhode Island to practice. He
as a student by the MB motto, “For the Honor of Truth.”
Tom Andrew
that the propensity of students to share what is on
faculty member of the year award
a richer depth of discussion in English classes. Since
their mind during Meeting for Worship translates to
Tom Andrew is a respected veteran of the upper school
then, my goal has been to structure the student and
who has used numerous awards to develop his teach-
writing-centered classrooms that allow my students
ing over the years, including a John Swan ’50 Grant,
to express freely what is on their minds — about their
a Leonard Miller ’51 Grant, the Rufus Bilodeau ’89
lives, about the literature that they read, and in the
Award, and the James English Prize. Tom also received
papers they write.”
a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for his study of Wordsworth and Thoreau. Tom was hired in 1987 to teach English. “During my first year at MB,” he says, “I quickly recognized
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After walking England’s 80-mile Dales High Way this summer, Tom is looking forward to increasing the environmental/global focus in his classes and teaching a “Survival Literature and Film” elective next spring.
41
departing faculty & staff
Part of this Place
MB says thanks and best wishes to departing longtime employees. We will miss you. Carolyn Buonanno Chase
came
to Moses Brown in 1998, teaching in the middle school, with a stint as Associate Director of Alumni Relations. A dynamic teacher of History and Latin with high expectations and a quick sense of humor, Carolyn encouraged students to delve into content, master learning skills, and embrace middle school. She coached basketball and lacrosse and led efforts to foster students’ executive functioning skills. Carolyn’s enthusiasm on the sidelines and at plays and musical performances deepened her community connections. “I loved teaching this curious and ever-changing middle school
MB’s alumni relations program in her 12 years
Development at MB is witnessing how the con-
at MB. There are now 20-something alumni
tributions of individuals affect the MB commu-
events per year and a very active MBAA. She
nity, which, more or less, echoes my primary
was instrumental in enhancing school commu-
ambition in life which is simply to support and
nication with alumni, from producing hundreds
nurture my family (and have a little fun with
of e-newsletters to her tireless work on this
the grandkids along the way).” We hope she is
magazine’s Class Notes section. Susan also was
doing just that all summer.
a wonderful liaison between faculty and alumni, helping them to re-connect and stay in touch
Upper school math teacher
Christine
over the years. Her positive, outgoing approach
Jenkins
to work was invaluable, and we miss her ready
came to MB in 1998 to teach math and psychol-
sense of humor!
ogy. A gifted teacher, Chris is known for her
Upper school’s
Anne Landis has taught
has moved to Cape Cod. Chris
clear instruction, high expectations, and infectious laugh reminding students that learning
World History to generations of students since
should be fun. She coached debate and track,
coming to MB in 1978. She also coached, led
worked in our Learning Center, and served on
diversity efforts in the upper school, was a long-
the Discipline Committee and as Chair of the
standing champion and organizer for service
Math Department. Her volunteer work mento-
gy, humor, and spirit next year.
work, and advocated for Meeting for Worship
ring Rwandan refugees led her to write a book,
as the cornerstone of the student experience.
Fake Smiles and Lasagna. With her daughters
After almost 20 years in College Counseling,
“I valued teaching at a Quaker school because
heading to college, she has moved perma-
it meshed well with my own commitment to
nently to Brewster to write and teach at Cape
ed with grace and wise counsel hundreds of
peace and social justice,” Anne says, and her
Cod Technical High School. She also traveled
open approach kept things interesting for her
to Washington, D.C. in June to be honored
students, many of whom recall Anne fondly.
as “most inspirational teacher” by this year’s
Says Joel Votolato ’92: “Contemporary Ameri-
U.S. Presidential Scholar for Rhode Island: her
can History in 1992 — what other teacher would
daughter Sydney ’17.
age group,” she says, “and feel privileged to have witnessed the journey our students and their parents took over their years with us.” We will continue to enjoy Carolyn’s parental ener-
Jill Stockman retired in June. Jill assist-
students who have graduated from MB. She was well-known for her care for students, whether chaperoning them at a conference, helping lead a Dominican Republic service trip, contributing to committees, or enthusiastically cheerleading for student athletes and actors. Jill came
let me do a report on the Ramones!?!?”
Beverly Dalessio
Betsy Sherry
has retired to spend more
was a key member
time with her grandchildren and dedicate her-
of the Development & Alumni Relations team.
self to providing resources to aging people,
She joined MB in 2003 and retired this spring,
working as a certified senior advisor (www.
leaving behind a sophisticated process for re-
elderlyparentresources.com).
cording donations, providing receipts to con-
MB in 2003, Betsy advanced our nursing and
tributors, and ensuring accurate handling of
wellness practices in many ways. She codified
and made me smile every day.”
gifts of all sizes. With the launch of MB’s fund-
health policies and created much-needed data-
raising campaign, Bev processed more than
bases for effective, online medical information
Susan Cordina,
2,000 gift transactions each year. Her atten-
management. She stewarded important initia-
tion to detail always ensured a smooth annual
tives for the school, established blood drives
closing and audit. Bev says, “As a gift coordina-
and flu clinics, led participation in Shape Up RI,
tor, what I appreciated most about working in
co-organized the wellness fair, and developed
to MB after several years at IBM and an expat experience in Australia. “I was impressed with MB’s Quaker mission and commitment to excellence,” she recalls. “I loved my job. MB students are smart, creative, and considerate young adults; they inspired me, delighted me,
a valued member of
the MB Development & Alumni Relations team, has returned to CVS and the world of technology. Susan contributed significantly to growing
42
Since
joining
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the health section of the Freshman Studies program. Most importantly, Betsy interacted with almost every student — and many adults — providing care for all on our not-so-best days. After 15 years of service to MB,
(Llopiz) Whitaker,
Maribeth an important
Carolyn Buonanno Chase
Jill Stockman
Susan Cordina
Anne Landis
Beverly Dalessio
Christine Jenkins
Betsy Sherry
Maribeth Whitaker
Jane Barrett
member of the MB Admissions Office, has moved to Philadelphia, where she is enjoying being closer to family. “I loved being around Moses Brown students,” she says. “They are so happy, bright and determined. I was always impressed by their maturity.” She also appreciated the thoughtful, supportive nature of the MB employee community. “I am grateful to have worked in such caring place.” When welcoming and guiding prospective families, Maribeth was always ready with an organized approach, bright smile, and, as one colleague terms it, “that sunshine attitude.” After 12 years, Jane
W. Allen Barrett
retired. Jane’s commitment, positivity, and dry wit permeated MB’s Development & Alumni Relations office. “I love working in schools,” Jane said once. “It’s great being around kids, teachers, sports — everything. We hear the sound of a bat hitting a baseball in the spring, hear the kids in science, and listen to trumpets and flutes on our way to the office.” MB weaves in and out of Jane’s family — her husband John ’63 attended, as did son Jeb ’01, brothers Mark ’68 and Michael ’76, brothers-in-law, and nephews. “Now I, too, ‘went to MB’ — and I’m glad I did.” Thanks also to Colleen
Kerwick, who
worked at MB for many years, most recently as school receptionist. Colleen’s unflappable demeanor helped guide nervous new visitors and returning alumni alike.
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class notes
Class Notes
1947 Congratulations to Charles Staples (above), recently recognized as the longest-serving volunteer at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, having volunteered there since 1994. If you visit Chicago this summer, you might find Charles providing visitor information and a warm smile in the Chicago Cultural Center, a place he knows well and loves deeply. Charles played a significant leadership role in saving this magnificent building — formerly the Chicago Public Library — from demolition in the 1960s and ’70s, and led a successful effort to landmark the building, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a center for art, music, and more. For his work and contributions to the city, Mayor Rahm Emanual declared May 3rd “Charles G. Staples Day” in Chicago.
1947 Charles Staples, Ted Richards, Fran Sargent ’48, and Dick Fitton celebrated their 70th reunion in the Front Circle.
1949 Blake Cady is enjoying retirement with his wife,
Dorothy, in their summer home on Buzzards Bay. The house is a 100-year-old (now complete) fixerupper with great views of the bay and the Elizabeth Islands. Blake continues to be passionate about climate change. He trained with Al Gore’s climate organization, implemented eco-friendly improvements in his home such as solar hot water and a permeable gravel driveway to eliminate rain run-off erosion, and recently visited the Arctic and Antarctic by ship. “The disappearance of Arctic sea ice is staggering and catastrophic in terms of warming oceans, ocean currents, and altered weather patterns,” Blake writes. “Global warming is my overriding anxiety for the future.”
44
1959 Inspired by his own MB experiences, Art Goddard (third from left, shown circa 1992, developing plans for a high-tech system) has started a Fund for Student Projects at MB. See page 21 for more. “I am really enthusiastic about this,” he says. “My whole aerospace career has been in projects. I’m a project guy, what more can I say?” Now retired from Boeing, Art lives in Costa Mesa, California and is an active volunteer for the Costa Mesa Historical Society. cupola
1962
Phil Hindley and Richard Donovon gleefully leaned into Reunion.
1964
Jon Chase continues photographing in New En-
gland, both for Harvard University and independently. Thanks to Jon for sharing photos from squash and hockey matches with MB!
1966 David Kolsky moved to Federal Hill (in Providence) in June 2016, just after he “had a great time reuniting with my old 1966 classmates” — and 55 years after his family first settled near Wayland Square. (For his last ten years there, he was running the local neighborhood group.) He meets several times a year with his classmate Carl Bogus, who now lives in Bristol and teaches at Roger Williams Law School.
1967
Tom placed in the Las Vegas Half Marathon this past November. “Still pounding the pavement, Doc!” he writes. The Class of 1967 returned to the steps of Middle House for their 50th reunion. Front Row: John Femino, Joe Salvatore, Joe Artabasy, Eric Twachtman. Middle Row: Paul Suttell, Mark Estes, Rob Wilson. Back Row: Roger Silverstein, Harry Cole, Alan Reider, Charlie Wick.
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See more! Sandy Crary ’66 describes his career on page 32.
Paul Suttell ’67 was honored by the
MBAA this spring with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. See page 41.
From the Archives MB recently heard from a Connecticut neighbor who discovered this autograph book of signatures dating from June, 1868. Several of the names indicate a hometown of Providence. We’ve confirmed that all of the players were indeed members of the Class of 1868 at Moses Brown. In the lineup for MB’s “Original Base Ball Club,” they were joining in the enthusiasm for the then relatively young sport. This incredible artifact will be 150 years old next year!
Tom Burnett is sorry he couldn’t make it to the class’ big 50th reunion: “I am really impressed reading about all the accomplishments our class has made. Cheers to everyone, and we hope to make it to the next reunion!”
Alan DeValerio ’67 describes his
White House career on page 32 and stays busy today sharing entertaining anecdotes from his experience, like the one where he served hot chocolate at a chilly outdoor Christmas party for the Carters.
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MB Alumni Association Board The mission of the Moses Brown Alumni Association is to foster lifelong relationships with the school and fellow alumni. George Panichas ’83, Clerk Albie Dahlberg ’87, Assistant Clerk Brian Panoff ’94, Treasurer John Baldwin ’94, Recording Clerk Gabriel Amo ’05 Taylor Rotondi Anderson ’02 Cheryl Schadone Cohen ’81 Joanne Debrah ’97 Jason Engle ’98 Thomas Frater ’82 Adrian Hendricks ’58 Austin Jaspers ’11 Ngina Johnson ’94 David Keyser ’89 Jane Knowles ’81 Todd Machtley ’00 Vin Marcello ’60 Maggie Moran ’08 David Murdock ’93 David Murphy ’91 Nicole Navega ’89 Neath Pal ’81 John Pariseault ’97 Vincent Porcaro ’83 Matthew Runci ’64 Miles Rutter ’04 Conal Smith ’06 Ahvi Spindell ’72
aylies Frank B
1972 The Class of 1972 enjoyed a merry meal in the Sinclair Room in celebration of their 45th reunion. They are joined by Doc Odell, retired faculty / current school Archivist, and Jordan Bailey, an MB staffer recently named Assistant Director of Alumni Relations.
1974 Thanks to Sam Mencoff for sharing his MB story. See page 28. After 19 years as an MB parent, 25+ as a volunteer, and 10 as clerk of the MB Board,
Left to right: Suzie
Gor gi, Joe ’10, Maddie ’17, Kate ’0 8, Alex ’1 2, and Habib.
Habib Gorgi ’74 P ’08 ’10 ’12 ’17 has stepped down following the graduation of
his youngest daughter Maddie this June. Habib and his wife Suzie have been parents at MB since 1998 and he has been a trustee since 2001. This fall, they’ll see Maddie off to Boston College. Rachel Littman ’87 succeeds him as clerk, starting this July.
Moses Brown was honored to receive mention in the New Bedford Standard Times in March, noted in an article describing the short, epic life of MB graduate Lt. Frank Baylies. Frank was honored with a flag flown in New Bedford during the month of March, atop its Old Glory Tower. A fearless World War I flying ace, Frank was killed in action at only 22 while flying a combat mission on the Western Front. He was a top athlete and joined in the war effort as an ambulance driver before enrolling in aviation school. Frank joined Le Cigognes (Storks), one of the top units in the French Air Force. His new occupation carried a life expectancy of about three
weeks. He lasted seven months. Although his career was brief, Frank was awarded France’s Legion of Honor, the Croix de Guerre (for rescuing the wounded under fire), the Médaille Militaire, and the Aero Club of America Medal. Markers immediately sprang up in New Bedford, honoring a native son who travelled far from the Whaling City: a bronze tablet near his boyhood elementary school and an athletic field and stadium, memorials to his bravery and heroism; Baylies Square (in New Bedford’s North End) was dedicated in his honor on July 4, 1919. His final resting place lies in France, since he died fighting under the tricolor as a member of its LaFayette Flying Corps. cupola
“In 1972-1973, the room beneath the MB cupola was the senior room,” recalls Ted Watson ’73. “They actually permitted smoking in the room! Can you believe it?!” No smoking is allowed today but graduating seniors do get to visit the cupola as a pre-graduation rite of passage.
1981 After many years as owner of Woonsocket Supply Company, Adam Shaw sold the family business to New Bedford Welding Supply. He now manages the two businesses under one name, Woonsocket Welding Supply.
1983 Ted Fischer
enjoys a moment with his daughter Molly ’17 at this past fall’s Homecoming. Molly is the last of Lisa and Ted’s three children to attend MB. She’ll head to Denison University this fall.
Richard Wasserman ’83 and his wife
Jessica welcomed twins Lincoln Marc and Rockwell Mark in March.
“We chose Moses Brown for the strong academics and Quaker values. There’s no other place like it.”
– Neil Beranbaum ’86
L to R: Isabelle ’22, Neil ’86, Brooke ’24, Randi‑Beth, and Sarah ’28
For information about Admission, contact admission@mosesbrown.org
David Husted
1986 Molly Bliss accompanied MBers on another medical service trip to the Dominican Republic this past March, her 12th time with MB students.
started as MB’s new Director of Innovation and Design this summer, coming from a similar position at Derby Academy. With degrees from Roger Williams and Harvard universities, David is an expert in the tools and methods of the maker movement. David brings technical ability, creativity, and an approachable demeanor. He is excited to help MB open its new space and accelerate ‘hands-on, minds-on’ learning at his alma mater.
1985 Place: The Diamond From my crouch behind home plate, I peered out at hulking junior Jeff Finley ’86 who stood on the beautifully-manicured mound at PCD’s field. With two outs in the ninth and a substantial lead, our victory was secure. Yet the game wasn’t over. My athletic archrival had just drawn a walk and was dancing off first base in a mocking manner. The tingle up my neck registered somewhere between annoyance and wrath. Inexplicably, Finley delivered his next pitch from the full wind-up and the runner took off for an uncontested steal. The batter fouled off the pitch, and my foe returned to first. On his next offering, Finley went from the stretch and kept the runner close. After receiving the ball, I fired down to first for an attempted pick off. A battle of teenage egos was being played out in a cat-and-mouse game over a meaningless baserunner.
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Stepping from the dugout, Coach Donovan instructed Jeff to return to a full wind-up. Confused and conflicted, Jeff shrugged and contemplated his next move. Sensing his uncertainty, in a desperate effort to preserve my self-importance, I raised my facemask and bellowed, “Go with what feels comfortable!” It wasn’t a direct affront to my coach, but the tone and volume emanating from the team captain was sufficient to cajole a younger teammate into compliance. Jeff threw the next pitch from the stretch. The batter grounded out, and the game was over. Quakers win, and my nemesis never got that
stolen base. My pride was intact. The following day Coach Donovan approached me. He quietly explained the detriments of elevating personal agendas over team goals. He didn’t need to raise his voice, punish me, or call me out in front of the team. He was strong, wise, and humble enough to discipline without belittling or causing resentment. Deep inside, I knew he was correct. Knowing that I had failed to
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1987 Members of the Class of 1987 met this fall at Second Beach in Newport. Pictured are Doug Morrison, Greg Baldwin, Darren Yesser, Matt Brown, Archie Roberts, and Albie Dahlberg.
David Morsilli ’87
recently self-published his first book on Amazon, a historical thriller titled A Loose End.
Rachel Littman ’87 P ’22 is the new clerk of MB’s board of trustees, following Habib Gorgi ’74 who stepped down in June. Her tenure began
on July 1. Rachel is a graduate of Yale University and Seton Hall University School of Law, where she was the managing editor of the constitutional law journal. In her legal career, she focused on finance and pursued additional graduate studies at NYU. Rachel was assistant dean of career development at Pace Law School and is currently involved with the Yale Alumni Nonprofit Alliance. She also is founder of SeeTheGaps.org, a star t-up nonprofit that brings together resources and commentary on societal inequalities of race, class, and socioeconomic status. She joined the Moses Brown board in 2014, has served as clerk of the trustee’s committee, and has a daughter at MB: Amanda (entering eighth grade). Rachel appreciates the liberal arts training, Quaker education, and collegial atmosphere she found as a student at MB.
live up to his high ideals and standards was punishment enough. It was one of many lessons he imparted on me. Coach played as significant a role in my life as any mentor. I learned as many real, tangible lessons through MB baseball as I have learned in any classroom or client meeting. Leadership, teamwork, character, dedication, and commitment are qualities that permeated Paul Donovan’s baseball program and led to its tremendous success. These qualities are not exclusively re-
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lated to athletics, but are transferable to other areas of life and play a major role in individual success and happiness. I am thankful to Coach for instilling these qualities in his team, and I am fortunate for all his selfless gifts, lessons, time, vision, and especially his patience.
campus and fix your eyes on the beautiful new baseball diamond — please indulge this aging ballplayer and reflect on a wonderful man who gave MB and his community more than most — a humble and decent man that I will always remember when I think about being on the baseball diamond.
MB is filled with many wonderful teachers and thousands of inspiring experiences that shaped lives. My place was the baseball diamond and “my coach” was Paul Donovan.
Thanks to Eugene G. Bernardo II ’85 for sharing this story. Gene was a member of the undefeated 1984 baseball team in Paul Donovan’s first season at MB and, today, is a partner at Partridge Snow & Hahn in Providence.
As you stroll through MB’s transformed
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1991 Adam Olenn (left) travelled to Zambia in March to shoot some video footage for classmate Omar Siddiqi, helping him with his medical work there. Adam joined in a local celebration, singing at a funeral in Chikankata when invited. See page 24 for Adam’s story and photos on Omar’s work. Congratulations to Neal Pandozzi, who recently made partner at Nixon Peabody.
1992 Davide Dukcevich was honored by
the Moses Brown Alumni Association this spring, receiving the 25th Reunion Alumnni Achievement Award. See page 41 for more. Thanks to Davide for again being a supporter and host of this summer’s Chez Innovation program.
Greg Stones spent the winter writing and illustrating a book for Disney. Look for 99 Stormtroopers Join the Empire at your local bookstore this summer. 50
lison is, John Epstein, A 1992’s Matt Karsh ion! un t together at Re and Matt Nowak go
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1994 Joyce Chang (left) was the 2017 Commencement speaker.
Most recently Editor-in-Chief at Self magazine, Joyce has spent the past few months traveling the world, from Patagonia to India, hiking glaciers and riding camels.
1996 Congratulations to Alisha Pina, who recently started a new communications position with the Department of Human Services for the State of Rhode Island. Previously, Alisha was a reporter for the Providence Journal for 22 years — in fact, she began writing for them while still a student at MB!
Georgia Hunter Farinholt and her husband Robert wel-
comed a second son in April. After taking the summer off to be a mom at their home in Connecticut, she’ll be returning to her writing in the fall. See page 30 for more on her new book.
Family members turned out to see Tom Andrew receive his Faculty Member of the Year Award at Reunion. Tom met his wife Katy at MB and is stepfather to Seth Weitberg ’99 and Allison (Weitberg) Spurling ’96, shown with her husband Ken. “I will forever be grateful to Dave Burnham for giving me the chance to form my family through MB,” Tom says.
Rachel Sanders shares her story on page 16. She
recalls Barbara Heavers and Laurie Center as inspirations. After college, Rachel taught biology in Ghana with the Peace Corps, and says the experience changed her life. She also has received a Knowles Science Teaching Fellowship.
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1998 Thanks to Catherine White Ford for stepping into our Friends Education program while Galen Hamann was on maternity leave. MB is grateful for Catherine’s willingness to jump right in, and she was an invaluable asset in our Quaker education program.
1996-2004
1999
Several MB classmates reunited over the winter holiday at the Mignanelli family home in Cranston. Pictured are: top row, Michael Vacca ’96, Stefano Brigidi ’03, Isaiah Osofisan ’04,
Hayden Jones ’01, Adam Mignanelli ’03, Miles Rutter ’04, Chris Brito ’04, Hayden Jones ’01, Becca Rotelli Mignanelli ’01, Matt Mignanelli ’01. Front row: Kyla Maher ’03, Simone Mikolich ’03, and Jeff Smith ’04.
2001
Amanda Fogle-Donmoyer was the first recipient of the
Class of ’48 award and may not have realized that it would be the springboard to her future. With her ’48 Award, Amanda travelled to Africa the summer before her senior year at MB. There, she interviewed high school principals about girls’ education under apartheid. And she’s still doing that work today. Now in Washington, D.C., she is working on her dissertation at the University of Maryland, focusing on women’s education in Africa. Current students might recognize the framed Kente cloth that Amanda brought back from Africa as a thank-you gift for MB, still proudly displayed in the upper school office.
Jeb Barrett married Kassie Eckhart in San Francisco in May. Their wedding was attended by his father John Barrett ’63, uncles Bill Barrett ’60, Charlie Barrett ’67, and Michael Allen ’76, as well as Nick Jezienicki ’00, Chris Gallagher, Halsey Fulton, Michael Karpowicz, Becca Rotelli Mignanelli, Matt Mignanelli, Adam Pennacchio, Cameron Allen ’02, Kyle Rotelli ’04, and Krystyna Metcalf ’05. 52
Noah Davis ’01 writes for The New Yorker, ESPN, The New York Times, GQ, Men’s Journal, New York, The Wall Street Journal, ESPN, and Deadspin. He was guest editor for this edition of Cupola. See page 22 for more. Noah lives in Brooklyn.
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2002 Nicolas Anderson ’03 and Taylor Rotondi Anderson ’02 welcomed their first child George Nicolas “Cole” Anderson in April. Nic and Taylor now live in Elk Grove, California.
Kendall Reiss is owner of Kendall Reiss LLC, a bur-
geoning jewelry business that repurposes old jewelry into new designs. She recently renovated a new studio in Bristol that, in addition to supporting her own business and employees, she hopes will serve as a workspace for artists throughout the community. Kendall earned her master’s degree from RISD and also teaches at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
2005
Ethan Wolston ’05 is Michael Markarian (left) is the CEO and Founder of Mount
Dream, an online platform for new business ideas that provides aspiring entrepreneurs with real-time, quality feedback from their extensive network of business experts and consumers. He recently ran a semester-long program at Babson College to encourage students to shape ideas into businesses.
starting a master’s program in environmental education and recently married Sarah Cuddy, honeymooning in Vietnam. Congrats! See more from Ethan on page 33.
2007
Nick Gilson is the founder and CEO of Gilson Boards, turning out snowboards with
catamaran-inspired bottoms and other innovative design features. Their wood cores are shaped from sustainably-harvested poplar trees grown in Pennsylvania. From start to finish, Gilson Boards are crafted at the Gilson Snowboard Farm in the Appalachian foothills. spring
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Thanks to Jeff Church for coming back to MB to work with students this spring. Jeff is considered one of the top young actors in Providence, recently seen performing in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Trinity Rep. 53
2008 Continuing his passion for baseball, Graham Tyler was recently promoted to Director of Baseball Operations for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Julia Aparicio ’08 married
Brendan Sweeney in May. Pictured are Scott Triedman ’78, Ryan Messier ’07, Demetrios Haseotes ’07, Emily Pariseau, Katherine Gorgi, Rachael Richardson, Julia Aparicio, Kathryn Hayes, Hannah Stahl, Natalie Triedman, Thomas Wilson, Hannah Rockefeller, and Tyler Audette.
40% teaching and academics
20% athletics, the arts, friends education
&
20% scholarship
20% our historic campus
LOOK WHAT WE CAN DO TOGETHER. www.mosesbrown.org/onlinegiving
A priority of
MB Believes A CAMPAIGN FOR LEARNING, PEOPLE, AND PLACE
2012 2011 After graduating from college,
Grace Bender
hiked the Appalachian Trail. See more from Grace on page 31.
Tim Graul, Max Martineau, Skyler Patrick, and Mike Beneduce enjoyed being back at MB for their first Reunion.
Thanks to all who are TRUE BLUE. MB recently celebrated all who generously support students and Moses Brown with time and philanthropy, recognizing all the ways people give.
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commencement
Welcome: The Class of 2017! Joyce Chang ’94 delivered the 2017 commencement address. “Here’s to new beginnings and to you, the Class of 2017,” she told graduates. “Show up. Be present. And be good.” Joyce described the lessons she learned at and after MB. See more at www.mosesbrown.org/commencementweek.
Best wishes to the Class of 2017 heading to: Babson College (2)
Central Alabama Community College
Florida Southern College
Lehigh University
Bennington College
Colby College (3)
Franklin and Marshall College
Loyola University Maryland (2)
Bentley University
Colgate University (2)
George Washington University (2)
Miami University of Ohio
Boston College (2)
College of Charleston (4)
Georgetown University
Michigan State University
Boston University (7)
Colorado College
Georgia Institute of Technology
Middlebury College
Bowdoin College (2)
Dartmouth College
Gettysburg College (2)
Northeastern University (4)
Brandeis University
Denison University (2)
Harvard University
Penn State University
Brown University (7)
Dickinson College
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Pomona College
Carnegie Mellon University
Emory University
Ithaca College
Princeton University
Catholic University of America
Fairfield University (2)
Kenyon College
Providence College (2)
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Place pros: These MB “Lifers” in the Class of 2017 spent the most years at MB. They marked the end of their Moses Brown years with a photo at lower school. They now head off to freshman year at college and adventures beyond MB. We wish them the best.
Quinnipiac University
Union College
University of Vermont
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University of Chicago
Vanderbilt University
Roger Williams University
University of Louisville
Vassar College
Sarah Lawrence College
University of Massachusetts–Amherst
Washington Univ. of St. Louis (2)
Seton Hall University
University of Miami (2)
Wellesley College
Skidmore College (2)
University of New Hampshire
Xavier University
Southern Methodist University
University of Pennsylvania
Yale University
Trinity College (Conn.)
University of Puget Sound
Juniors Hockey (gap year)
Tufts University (3)
University of Rhode Island (2)
Tulane University
University of Richmond (2)
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Keep in touch! Share a note for the next magazine: www.mosesbrown.org/classnote
Give us your email for alumni e-news and event invites: www.mosesbrown.org/alumni
Send news / notes / photos
for Cupola to: alumni@mosesbrown.org
Get the MB Connects app today!
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condolences
In Memoriam
Robert McLaughry, Class of 1939, graduated from
MBAA member, and reunion class agent and received the Service
Dartmouth College where he majored in political science and
to Alma Mater Award in 2007 for his many years of service and
played on the football team. He was a pilot in the U.S. Marine
dedication. Besides his affinity for tennis, bridge, and chess, Steele
Corps Reserve, 1942-1968, eventually earning the rank of Colo-
was a wine aficionado, writing on the subject for The Providence
nel. In World War II Bob flew 42 combat missions as a dive-bomb-
Journal. He was married to Patricia for 55 years. (4/18/17)
er in the Southwest Pacific and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement for aerial flight. He
Robert Tollefson, Class of 1942, had a strong interest
was awarded a Gold Star for heroism in actions against enemy
in ships and the sea. As a conscientious objector, he contributed by
forces in the Korean Conflict. After military service, Bob worked
serving as a hand on a ship that carried livestock to Poland as part
in the oil industry and established a real estate business in New
of America’s effort to rebuild Europe after World War II. He also
Hampshire where he raised his family. After his wife Joan’s pass-
worked with the Civilian Public Service in reforestation projects
ing, Bob married Ann, with whom he was inseparable for 40
in New York State and Oregon. He graduated from Wilmington
years. Bob was an avid skier, active in public service, and enjoyed
College in 1965. He was an accountant and tax adviser for many
golf and traveling to six continents. (9/7/16)
retailers, businesses, and clients throughout southwestern Ohio. Bob was also an active member and leader in numerous capacities
Robert Aaron, Class of 1942, attended Harvard College
at Wilmington Friends Church. He loved travel, playing board and
before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. He proudly served with
card games, especially pinochle, and was an avid jigsaw puzzle
the First Marine Division in China. After completing his military
maker. He and his wife Martha enjoyed dancing and excelled in
service, he returned to Harvard and received an English degree in
dance competitions throughout the Midwest. (1/27/17)
1947. Bob had a successful 50-year career in television. He held many distinguished positions such as NBC’s Senior VP of Day-
John Littlefield, Class of 1943, left MB after his junior
time Programming and Executive VP of Merv Griffin Productions.
year to enroll at Harvard College and then Harvard Medical School.
In 1967 he formed the Bunker Hill Production Company and was
He was a renowned physician-scientist at Harvard and Johns Hop-
the creative force behind four successful programs on Canadian
kins whose work dramatically advanced the field of genetics and
television. Bob had a passion for swimming; he coached the 1948
touched countless human lives. His career in genetics was set in
Bermuda Olympic Team and taught countless individuals how to
motion at Cambridge University, where he worked with Drs. James
swim, dive, and recognize the benefits of the sport. Bob was mar-
Watson and Frances Crick. John was a prolific researcher who
ried to Margaret for 66 years. (3/8/17)
focused on the use of human cells in culture as a valuable tool in scientific experimentation. He developed the technique of using
F. Steele Blackall III, Class of 1942, earned a B.S. from
amniocentesis to diagnose prenatal genetic disorders and played
Yale University and a M.B.A. from Harvard University. He held
a leading role in developing a procedure to map human genes.
both in high esteem, but rallied unconditionally around the Yale
Throughout his life, John was passionate about ethical issues and
Bulldogs at the Yale/Harvard annual football games. Steele broke
the health of women and girls, especially in developing countries,
the all-time game attendance record last November, with 80
as well as global issues such as nuclear disarmament and climate
games. After serving in World War II, Steele spent most of his ca-
change. He was a former chairman of pediatrics and physiology
reer with Taft-Peirce Manufacturing Company in Woonsocket and
at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and pediatri-
Cumberland. He also co-founded Quest for Excellence, a human
cian-in-chief at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as a professor
resources development organization. At MB he was an overseer,
at the Harvard Medical School. He was a member of the National
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59
Academy of Sciences. John was married to his wife, Bette, for 45
later years, he owned a real estate company in Old Greenwich,
years before her passing in 1995. (4/20/17)
Connecticut. Bill moved from the East Coast to California when
Arthur Halenbeck, Class of 1944, attended Massa-
his grandson Ben was born, feeling that he could not be a real grandfather so far away. There he pursued investment financial
chusetts Institute of Technology for one year before enlisting in
planning in the San Francisco Bay area. Bill enjoyed spectator
the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Technician, Second Class. After
sports, crossword puzzles, travel, all food (especially lobster and
the war ended he returned to MIT to receive an engineering de-
chocolate), and time spent with friends and family, where his
gree in electronics. He worked as a Chief Engineer on the design
gift for stories was notable. He lived in Walnut Creek with his
and operation of top-secret satellites that tracked Soviet weapon-
wife Sandy. (1/18/17)
ry, and was part of the Air Force’s Manned Orbiting Laboratory program, the predecessor to SkyLab and the current Internation-
Edward Winsor, Class of 1947, graduated from Dart-
al Space Station. In 1978, Art moved to Washington, D.C. appoint-
mouth College before receiving a master’s from Columbia Uni-
ed by President Carter to head an evaluation team for the CIA. He
versity and a B.S.T. from Yale Divinity School. Ed, or “Duke,” as
was Director of Advanced Operations at NASA before retiring to
he was known by classmates, was rector of St. Columba’s Berkeley
a 42’ sailboat named Phoceana. Art’s passion was sailing; he spent
Memorial Chapel in Middletown for 25 years. He was a reserve Air
the first three years of retirement sailing from Maine to the Baha-
Force Chaplain for 28 years, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel, and
mas. He was married to Kathryn for 48 years. (1/27/17)
taught political science at the Naval War College, URI, and RIC.
Robert Sleicher, Class of 1945, was an accomplished
He and his wife Jean, avid sailors from childhood, retired to live aboard their sloop Retreat and cruised from Nova Scotia to the Ba-
athlete at MB and Brown University. He was captain of MB’s track
hamas. They settled in the Florida Keys where Ed was in charge of
team and a pole-vault state champion, ensuring a place in MB histo-
three parishes. (4/10/15)
ry. At Brown he was again the captain of the track team and won the heptagonal championships in the pole vault and high hurdles. He
William Considine, Class of 1949, attended the Cho-
was selected to compete in Olympic tryouts, but a broken arm pre-
ate School (post-graduate year) and Brown University before
vented him from competing. Bob entered the Army and earned five
graduating from URI in 1955. He entered the U.S. Army as a sec-
medals during the Korean Conflict. Robert co-managed the Sea-
ond lieutenant in the Special Forces unit and served in the Cold
board Foundation – New England for 39 years, employing over 250
Weather School as a ranger. Upon his honorable discharge in 1958,
at its peak. In retirement, he moved to the Adirondack Mountains to
he moved to Boston to run the Considine Distributing Company
pursue painting. Throughout his prestigious art career, he earned 54
and later the Wayne Distributing Company, of which he was Pres-
awards in all 50 states and 13 countries. His works reflect his love of
ident until its sale in 2010. He was also a director and co-owner
the outdoors and wildlife, and he painted many covers for outdoor
of C&J Jewelry Company, a manufacturer in Providence. Bill was
magazines. Bob was married to Jessica for 33 years. (2/10/17)
very involved with the Special Olympics of Rhode Island, was an
Edward Cook, Class of 1946, was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and worked for the U.S. Army Map service for 20 years. Later, he was a chemist for the Rhode Island Depart-
avid supporter of the Pawtucket Red Sox, and supported many charities around the state. He enjoyed traveling all over the world playing golf with friends and family. (2/19/17)
ment of Health and the Rhode Island State Air Pollution Control
Clarence “Lance” Vars, Class of 1951, graduated
Lab. Ed was active in many community service organizations
from Trinity College in 1955 with a B.A. in history. After gradua-
throughout his life. He was an Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster of
tion he was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Maine with the
Boy Scouts Troop Three in Cranston and President of the Rhode
Air Force, and eventually earned the rank of Captain. After the Air
Island Archaeological Society. He was a member of the Grand
Force, he returned to Westerly to work at Vars Brothers, his fami-
Masonic Lodge of Freemasonry’s Overseas Lodge Number 40,
ly’s pharmacy. It was there that he met his wife Beverly, to whom
the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, the Shriners, and the
he was married for 50 years. Lance eventually opened his own
Rhode Island Beekeepers Association. (9/23/16)
pharmacy in Hope Valley, which later became a liquor store called
William Maguire, Class of 1946, graduated from
The Village Place, known for its wine selection. Lance was a lifelong member and president of the Chariho Rotary Club, sat on the
Brown University. He served two years in the Army before start-
board of Old Stone, People’s, and Fleet banks, and was a member
ing a financial career with Merrill Lynch in New York City. In
of the Royal Order of Jesters, the Shriners, and the Elks. (1/28/17)
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Daniel Pollen, Class of 1952, graduated from Harvard
U.S. District Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals, and the Rhode Is-
College and Harvard Medical School. He became interested in
land Asbestos Defense Counsel Steering Committee. Ray was a
how the brain works and followed medical school with an intern-
lover of animals and a supporter of animal rights and shelters. He
ship at the Cleveland Metropolitan Hospital and a fellowship at
was a knowledgeable gardener and an avid baseball player, enjoy-
the Montreal Neurological Institute. He ran a research lab at Mas-
ing both the game and the camaraderie that followed. He was a
sachusetts General Hospital, was Director of Research at Barrow
friend to many and always generous with his time and his advice.
Neurological Institute in Phoenix, and a professor at University
Ray was married to his wife Dale until her passing in 2012. He
of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester. As a neurologist,
lived with his two dogs, Lucky and Star, in Chepachet. (9/23/16)
Daniel made important contributions to understanding epilepsy, visual perception, and Alzheimer’s disease. He chronicled the
Edwin “Ned” Whitford, Class of 1968, received a
search for genes causing the disease in the acclaimed book Han-
B.A. in French from Bowdoin College in 1971. He was the owner
nah’s Heirs: The Quest for the Genetic Origins of Alzheimer’s Disease.
of Euro-Car Service, a steadfast business staple in the Bradford/
Daniel and his wife Linda were married for 50 years. (6/28/16)
Westerly area for 37 years. Ned worked hard, lived an honest life, and cared deeply about his family and friends. His kind, quiet
Bancroft “Nick” Littlefield, Class of 1960, gradu-
manner touched and inspired those who knew him, and he was
ated from Harvard. After a successful year in New York acting on
always ready and willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He
Broadway, Nick received a degree from the University of Penn-
loved cooking, problem-solving, the night sky, summer vacations,
sylvania Law School and studied at the London School of Eco-
and, above all, family. He and his wife Barbara spent much time
nomics. He went on to serve as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New
cooking and volunteering for the Chorus of Westerly and Christ
York, teach at Harvard Law School, and serve as Chief Counsel
Church. They also enjoyed wonderful trips abroad and summer
to the Massachusetts Special Anti-Corruption Commission. Nick
vacations in Maine. Ned is the son of longtime faculty member
worked in Washington, D.C. for Senator Ted Kennedy and even-
Ted Whitford and his wife Ruth. (4/28/17)
tually wrote Lion of the Senate: When Ted Kennedy Rallied the Democrats in a GOP Congress. He helped found the Edward Kennedy
Gregory Beals, Class of 1971, received a B.A. from
Institute for the U.S. Senate, a museum and nonprofit dedicated
Holy Cross College and attended Suffolk Law School. He was the
to educating people of all ages about the unique and exciting role
administrator of G. Chandler Beals Law Office in Johnston and
of the Senate in our democracy, and devoted his career to causes
manager and trustee of Belcourt Castle in Newport. He is fondly
he believed in. (2/4/17)
remembered as photography editor and editor-in-chief of MB’s Mosaic. At the time, Greg was the youngest Eagle Scout in Rhode
Jacob “Buddy” Kenner, Class of 1966, was a founder and longtime owner of 3 Steeple Street Restaurant in Providence. He was also a dedicated and respected teacher of theater and En-
Island at the age of 13. He enjoyed photography and hunting and fishing with his dad. (2/9/17)
glish at Nathanael Greene Middle School, RISD, and Bryant Uni-
Peter Donohue, Class of 1994, received a bachelor’s
versity. An avid enthusiast and supporter of theater, music, and
degree in engineering from Brown University and a master’s de-
the arts, Buddy was an athlete, reader, and found joy operating
gree from the University of Florida. As a civil engineer in the U.S.
the scoreboard at Brown football games. He is remembered by
Navy, Peter went on to be a Seabee Combat War Specialist, and
his classmates as a colorful character who “seemed to look at life
proudly brought all who served in his command home safely. He
as a stage on which to perform.” Buddy lived with his wife Mau-
later served as an Assistant Public Affairs Officer in Bahrain and
reen in Providence. (2/20/17)
Virginia. Pete’s interest in cooking led him to a degree in Culinary Science from Johnson & Wales University and he was work-
Raymond LaFazia, Class of 1967, graduated from URI
ing on melding these specialties. Peter was a thoughtful, kind,
before attending Suffolk Law School, magna cum laude. He prac-
and determined leader at MB, proud to run the 300 meters for
ticed at Gunning & LaFazia until 2015 when he retired as presi-
Doc Odell and to have been a member of the N.E. Championship
dent. He was a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, the
soccer team.
Moses Brown’s memorial notes are based on published obituaries. Please forward to Office of Alumni Relations, Moses Brown School, 250 Lloyd Avenue, Providence, RI 02906; fax (401) 455-0084; email alumni@mosesbrown.org.
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in memoriam
Joanne Petro Hoffman The Moses Brown School community is saddened to share that, after a period of illness, former Head of School Joanne Hoffman passed away in Philadelphia this July in the presence of family and friends, having fought an illness for several months with char“We arrived at Moses Brown around the same time. Joanne was a lovely soul. I always felt welcomed next to her.” —Hakeem Adeniyi, Jr. ’99
acteristic strength and resolve. Please join us in holding her family in the Light. Joanne’s leadership of Moses Brown (1994 through 2009) touched many lives and brought about strong advancement in the school’s academic program, a deepening of its Quaker identity, and unprecedented capital improvements focused on excellence in teach-
“When I first visited Moses Brown at an Open House in the fall of 2005, the genuine caring and thoughtful leadership of Joanne Hoffman was part of our decision to enroll our son at MB.” —Nancy Foster P ’13, former parent
ing and learning. She spent nearly 50 years working tirelessly in education and was the first woman to lead MB in its two-century history. Joanne began her career as a high school English teacher in 1969 and served as assistant head at Concord Academy before coming to MB in 1994. Her life-long love of literature enriched her tenure at Moses Brown, whether reading stories to lower schoolers
“Joanne was so welcoming to me as a new student having moved across the country, and her vision for MB made it the place I wanted to be, as well as a place I still think of as home.” —Alexandra Wax Henkoff ’03 “Joanne Hoffman was wonderful in her leadership, caring for all her students, regardless of what year they graduated, and dedicated to the core values of a Quaker education.” —Timothy Judge ’78
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or hosting poet Lucille Clifton on campus. Joanne was an active educational leader at MB, teaching AP English classes and advising upper school students each morning. She believed that children’s growth should be kept at the center of education; it was this sentiment that guided her work as Head of School. Joanne’s tenure was marked by unprecedented fundraising and $40 million invested in the historic campus. She grew MB’s endowment and oversaw a strategic plan which upgraded virtually every building on MB’s historic campus. She is credited with expanding Moses Brown’s academic, music, and performing arts programs. Joanne also strengthened MB’s place
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“As we prepare to open our school … I am more aware than ever of the promise held within our halls — the hope and great potential that our students represent. With our founder’s vision as our guide, that in which he believed so fervently, we continue to be directed by that universal language as we realize our dreams.” —State of the School, August 2007
as a Quaker school and led a multi-year process that re-aligned and
Joanne continued her dedication to children and education af-
re-affirmed the school’s relationship with the New England Year-
ter MB, volunteering her time at Beacon Academy in Boston, which
ly Meeting of Friends. “I will always be thankful for the wisdom she
prepares under-served students for success in independent schools.
imparted to me during our shared transition,” says current Head of
She went on to serve as interim head of school at Friends’ Central
School Matt Glendinning.
School in Pennsylvania and as director of the upper school at the Ag-
While leading MB to its 225th milestone year, Joanne institut-
nes Irwin School near Philadelphia.
ed a faculty compensation model that attracted top teachers and
News of Joanne’s passing was met with sadness by alumni, col-
launched new environmental and sustainability practices. She also
leagues, former employees, and students alike. Tim Hurley ’99 says,
increased MB’s service requirements and instituted our annual ser-
“She was always friendly, enthusiastic, and supportive. I remember
vice day, in which she was an active participant. With applications
her fondly.” Others recall Joanne’s kindness, grace, and support for
reaching record highs, Joanne helped MB secure its place as a leader
students, often behind the scenes and unpublicized, for instance, pur-
in independent school education.
chasing a prom dress for a student who could not afford one. She was
“I love being here at MB,” Joanne said. “I keep the students at the center of my focus all the time. I try to think about what they need,
instrumental to the growth of many students, overseeing the graduation of 1,400+ students during her time at Moses Brown.
what programs could be better for them. Then, the students come
Marking the end of her tenure, Joanne’s final graduating class,
in, and their energy and vibrancy give me great strength and keep me
the Class of 2009, dedicated Mosaic to her: “She has been a leader
engaged. I wake up every morning and think, I have the best job in the
in our community and has contributed to making Moses Brown the
world. I’ve been able to be with students my entire life, just thinking
prestigious school that it is today. She is an advisor and a familiar
about their growth and development — it is the most joyful experi-
face on campus, addressing each and every student by name. … As
ence. I have been blessed.”
committed as she is to the academic facets of Moses Brown, she also
Joanne came to school each day with the best interests of stu-
provides unfailing support to the athletic, art, and music programs,
dents foremost in her thoughts. Before she left Moses Brown, the
as she cheers on Quaker sports teams, claps loudly at plays and
Board of Trustees dedicated Hoffman House (West Middle House) in
dance performances, or spends time in the Krause Gallery. She is a
her honor and created the Hoffman Scholarship Fund in support of
symbol of the values that Moses Brown embodies, and her calm and
her work for deserving students. To date, six students have attended
wise words at All-School Quaker Meetings ring true to the commu-
MB due to the Hoffman Scholarship Fund. This scholarship program
nity. We will always cherish her encouragement, support, and lead-
continues in Joanne’s honor today.
ership, even as we continue on to the next step in life.”
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reflection : kaiden anderson ’ 19
My Burrow, Moses Brown Kaiden Anderson recently finished his first year at MB.
Rabbits are not afraid in Providence.
apologies either. She was just a dying stranger. So she passed away
That was one of the first things that I noticed when I visited the
and I remained, continuing to believe that I was broken. The girls
campus for my first time. At my house, in the small suburb of Fox-
and their mothers made their way around the aged brick building of
boro, rabbits are barely ever seen. On the rare occasion that they
Alumni Hall, disappearing from my view on their journey to a des-
are, they will dash away as far as their feet will take them upon sight.
tination that I may never know. My heart felt suddenly distant, as if
Here, though, rabbits will stay nibbling on the grass even if you walk
it also vanished from my sight. My eyes combed the grounds, des-
right up to them.
perate for something to latch onto. Only then did the tender smile
Today, I also saw a rabbit. Sitting down on a wooden bench cov-
on Lucy’s rose-painted lips ease my troubled mind. She sat herself
ered in lichen, I watched it closely. The tuft of tan and white fur sat
on the bench beside me, offering me a greeting, her voice almost as
just a few feet away from me, munching away happily on an after-
soft the burgundy sweater she so frequently sported. I watched her
noon snack. It hopped from patch to patch, its Y-shaped nose twitch-
from the corner of my eye as she settled into the seat. She radiated
ing above the blades of luscious, emerald grass as it searched for
contentment simply from sitting with a dear friend in such a beauti-
more to chew on. I looked up above me. The leaves on the trees that
ful place as this. It was an aura so powerful that it reached my heart,
shaded and surrounded me with curtains of green now had light
even from the opposite side of the bench.
shades of mustard and chestnut crowning their tips. The sunlight
Until recently, I did not know that it was possible for people to
filtered through this canopy, kissing my face and warming the damp
truly enjoy and love me for who I am. After all, I lived life for so long
soil, which had turned dark chocolate beneath my feet. Breathing in
feeling alienated and being told that it was because I was always
slowly through my nostrils, I took in the scent of the healthy earth,
messing up and ruining everything. However, in the short time that
allowing it to enter into my soul so that it could cradle and hush my
I have been on this campus, I have found friends. Friends who enjoy
thoughts into a peaceful slumber.
laughing and sharing memories with me. Friends who invite me to
I turned my gaze to see a couple of little girls in pigtails and pas-
spend time with them. Friends who are everywhere, even in the wel-
tel skirts holding their mothers’ hands while skipping down the brick
coming smiles of people I have not spoken to yet. I really love it here.
walkway. For the first time in a long while, tears welled in my eyes. I
I have a home here.
never had that kind of relationship with my mother. She thought that there was something wrong with me and, for that reason, I felt only sadness, bitterness, and frustration towards her. When my mother lost her ability to reason and recall memories, I could no longer hate her, but I could neither love her nor accept her
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I too am no longer afraid in Providence. Kaiden Anderson wrote this piece in English class for Tom Andrew’s annual “Campus Spot” essay assignment, part of the place-based writing that Tom has sophomores undertake at the start of each school year.
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To support world-class teaching with a bequest or planned gift, contact Perry Buroker at 831-7350 x289 or pburoker@mosesbrown.org.
“I want more MB students to be able to take advantage of all of the expanded opportunities available at Moses Brown today — in the classroom, on the stage, in the art and music studios, and on its playing fields.” Charles Stuart ’56 A retired engineer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Chuck established a new endowed scholarship with a multi-year gift to the MB Believes campaign and also made plans to eventually expand the impact of his scholarship via a bequest.
Moses Brown School 250 Lloyd Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 www.mosesbrown.org 401-831-7350
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For the Honor of Truth
Alumni parents: If this Cupola is addressed to a graduate no longer residing at your home, please contact alumni@mosesbrown.org or call x114 to update his or her address.
Return To MB For Homecoming & Open House: October 21, Expo 2017 Alumni are invited to the Harvest Dinner Friday, October 20 at 5 p.m. Please watch your email and mosesbrown.org for details.