[ REFLECTIONS ] THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF MANLIUS PEBBLE HILL SCHOOL
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WINTER 2017
Y E S T E R D AY, T O D AY, A N D T O M O R R O W
2 0 1 8 ALUMNI WEEKEND Featuring the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2018 Induction Ceremony Celebrating the classes of The Manlius School, Pebble Hill School, and Manlius Pebble Hill School with graduating class years ending in 3 and 8.
Thursday, May 31 – Saturday, June 2, 2018 FRIDAY, JUNE 1 EVENTS
• 19th Annual Alumni Golf Outing • Campus Tours • The Manlius School Barbecue SATURDAY, JUNE 2 EVENTS
• The Alumni Memorial Service at the Verbeck Family Gravesite • Guided walking tours of The Manlius School campus • ALUMNI WEEKEND PICNIC: 12:30 – 3:30 P.M. • ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME: VIP Reception 5 P.M., Dinner & Induction 6 P.M. Individual reunion class dinners/events will be taking place throughout the weekend. For more information on any of the events or to volunteer as a class reunion chair, contact Erica Toyama in the Alumni Office at etoyama@mphschool.org or 315/446-2452, ext. 136.
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Head of School James T. Dunaway
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Editor Jennifer Neuner, Director of Communications Contributing Writers James Dunaway, Head of School Nicole Cicoria, Director of Admissions Sue Foster, Science Department Chair
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Head Lines: Notes from the Head of School
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The Mezzalingua Family’s Enduring Partnership with MPH
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The Kathleen and Daniel Mezzalingua ’56C Arts and Athletics Complex Opens
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Word from Admissions
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Gary Steele ’65C on Leadership
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MPH Employees Give Back
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Erica Toyama, Alumni Relations Associate
What Will Your Legacy Be?
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2017-2018 Board of Trustees John D. Mezzalingua ’85, President
The MPH Effect 20
Global Giving: Graham Leggat ’13 21
Kristin Loop, Annual Fund Associate Kelly Gillis-Rose, Director of Development
Shannon Magari Leggat, Vice President Evan Dreyfuss, Treasurer Suzette M. Meléndez, Secretary James T. Dunaway, Head of School
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Candace Campbell Jackson
Meet our New Trustees
Verbeck Hall Comes to Life
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Alumni Weekend
Portrait of a Graduate: Erica Rapp Wilcoxson ’97 27
Commencement 2017
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Steve Herron ’03
An MPH Senior Makes Time to Help Others
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Richard T. Mason
2017 Distinguished Alumnus
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We’ve Moved
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MPH Parent Liz August
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Athletic Hall of Fame
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Student Voices: the Pebble
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Alex Epsilanty Eric Fung
Don Saleh Erik D. Smith
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David Temes ’97 Kimberly Townsend
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OUR MISSION
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to inspire our students to think critically, act responsibly, and discover a passion for lifelong learning
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Portrait of a Graduate: Aakif Ahmad ’92 41
Then & Now: Faculty
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Why I Give
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Out of the Archives
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MPH Model United Nations
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Alumni Events
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Alumni Notes
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Final Roll Call
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[
HEADLINES
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We prepare students to become responsible contributors to the local and global community. MPH CORE VALUES
Sometime in the 1950s, when I was about seven or eight years old, my parents decided it was time to give me and my three siblings an allowance so we could learn to manage money. Every two weeks, when my father was paid, they gave each of us a dollar, but we were not free to spend it any way we wished. The rule was a quarter for spending, a quarter for savings, and the other two quarters for the church offering on each of the two Sundays. Truth be told, I sometimes cheated a little; I remember once spending a quarter earmarked for church on a ballpoint pen, an exotic item just on the market in a local store, and I suspect I didn’t always save the quarter designated for that, either. But I quickly learned that not all my money belonged to me; some of it I owed to others. During the offertory at church I had watched my parents putting a bill in the plate as it passed. My father made less than $100 a week, and the dollar bill they deposited was a stretch for a one-earner family with four children and bills to pay. But there was no question this was money we somehow “owed,” like the milk money at school or the weekly layaway payments on Christmas presents. Along with that experience, there was a story I heard in Sunday School about a poor woman who, having given a small amount to the temple treasury, was mocked by some bystanders. In this story Jesus rebukes the bystanders for their failure to understand the core notion of giving. Though I am not a particularly religious man, that simple statement—she has done
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Jim Dunaway Head of School
what she could—combined with what my parents taught me, had a lasting effect on me. Regardless of our income or fortune, there is always something we can give to help others. I was gratified when my son, after the recent devastating floods in Houston, where he grew up, posted an appeal to his Facebook “friends” to join him in giving to organizations aiding victims there. Most of his audience are, like him, college students without a lot of disposable income, but he has learned that giving back is a core tenet of a meaningful life. The wealthy are able to give more, the not-so-wealthy, less — each has to determine what that amount is—but each of us can give of our wealth, our time, our talent.
”Generosity is not measured by how
Generosity is not measured by how much one gives, but how much one gives from what one has. To give willingly and
much one gives, but how much one
happily, I have learned, is one of the great joys of life.
gives from what one has. To give
I am gratified also to see our students learning this lesson,
willingly and happily, I have learned,
ways as they “become responsible contributors to the local
is one of the great joys of life.”
demonstrating it by giving back to their communities in various and global community.” They have learned this at home and, I believe, at school. They will be the happier for it, and their communities will be enriched.
In this issue of Reflections we feature the Mezzalingua family, loyal MPH benefactors for several generations. John Mezzalingua’s most recent gift, the Kathleen and Daniel Mezzalingua ’56C Arts and Athletics Complex, was dedicated in late August. On that wonderful occasion, in introducing John, I said, I have come to see John Mezzalingua as a treasure to this community and this school, not just because he is generous with his fortune, but because he is a person of character, integrity, depth, and unflagging commitment. I have never seen the slightest hint that his generosity is anything but that. In fact, if I and others hadn’t, for the good of the School, insisted otherwise, all his gifts would be anonymous. But these new facilities for our students and teachers transcend even generosity—though, of course, they represent that, as well. They represent John’s family’s gratitude to and love for MPH, their confidence in the School, and John’s vision for what is possible for our future. These are physical buildings, yes, but they also are symbolic of what this school and its faculty and staff have meant to students for 150 years, and will mean for generations to come. I consider myself lucky to know the Mezzalingua family, and our school is fortunate to have them among the many families who cherish our Mission and Core Values. We are grateful beyond words. There are many John Mezzalinguas among you, the readers of this magazine, who have been generous to the School, who have done what they could. To you I also say, we are grateful beyond words!
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The Power of Commitment The Mezzalingua Family’s Enduring Partnership with MPH
John Mezzalingua ’85 with his wife Kim, and his parents Kathy and Dan ’56C
The Phoenix, MPH’s unofficial mascot, has always been an apt metaphor for our school. Over our long history, through mergers, transitions, struggles, and advances, we always rise again, stronger than ever before. For generations, the Mezzalingua family has carried out a similar philosophy of visionary innovation. Daniel Mezzalingua, a 1956 graduate of The Manlius School, has a legacy of starting multiple businesses in the cable TV industry. His son John Mezzalingua ’85 followed in those entrepreneurial footsteps. A current MPH parent as well as our Board President, John founded JMA Wireless, a global innovator of solutions for the wireless industry. While working at the forefront of technological change, the Mezzalinguas
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have also provided generous, long-term support to their
right education is about so much more than where
alma mater, so that our school can stay at the forefront
someone goes to college—among other things, it gives
of independent education. Dan and his wife Kathy have
you the mindset of seeing problems as opportunities.”
donated two structures, the Mezzalingua Humanities Center and the Laurie Mezzalingua ’86 Center for Early Learning. John and his wife Kim have continued this tradition by contributing $11 million over the past four years, including $7 million for the project currently underway, a multifaceted initiative called MPH Rising.
Why MPH matters to the Mezzalinguas
Rising to the challenge For the past two years, John has put those MPH-rooted ideals into practice as the School emerges from financial difficulties. When the bad news hit, John quickly took the lead in rebuilding the School inside and out. “Never for one moment did I believe our problems were insurmountable,” John says. “I believed we needed to stay
“My father and mother have always understood the
calm and dig in, understand what was truly going on, and
difference an independent school can make,” John says.
lay out the best way to deal with each of the issues.”
“They had five of their six kids here at one time, so at an early age we saw them giving their time and money, acting on their belief in the School. We grew up with the notion of being involved.”
One issue was finding the right Head of School for this challenging but potentially auspicious moment — and the Board found him in Jim Dunaway. “Jim is the reason we are not just upright but charging ahead,” says John. “He
Today, Dan and Kathy continue to donate time, talent,
has the rare qualification of understanding how the best
and treasure to numerous humanitarian organizations in
independent schools in the nation work. But what makes
Central New York; in Naples, Florida, where they reside
him truly special is his positive and genuine personality.
for part of the year; and around the world. Like his
With Jim at the helm, a committed group of trustees,
parents, John also supports many other community
and other key school leaders still in place, I felt very good
organizations. But MPH holds a special significance for
about not just fixing the problems but catapulting our
John and Kim. “We both had the early advantage of
school forward.”
attending excellent independent schools,” he says. “We know the difference a school like MPH can make in students’ lives.”
To address both immediate and long-term needs, John and Jim, along with many generous community members, created MPH Rising — for which John and Kim provided
As John explains, “Second to the home environment,
the lead gift. Now the name of our annual fund, MPH
school is probably the greatest influence on a young
Rising supports new construction as well as upgrades
person’s mindset. It shapes how they define themselves
to the physical plant, competitive teacher salaries and
and get ready for what’s next.” And MPH fosters that
professional development opportunities, a robust
mindset in an especially empowering way. “At this school,
financial aid program, and ongoing academic program
you learn to put in maximum effort, stretch, struggle, and
growth.
ultimately grow. It’s the perfect preparation for everything else you will experience in life, for dealing with adversity as well as success.”
The most prominent example of MPH Rising’s early success is the new Kathleen and Daniel ’56C Mezzalingua Arts and Athletics Complex, which John and Kim funded
Along with his family, John credits MPH for teaching him
and named to honor John’s parents. The ribbon-cutting
to commit to causes he believes in. “I learned here that
ceremony on August 31, 2017 took place less than a
nothing happens without deep commitment and a lot
year after we broke ground last September. The speed
of work. I got used to the idea that anything worthwhile
of construction represents both careful planning and
takes time, which helped me settle down, do the work,
the action-oriented mindset of the School and board
and not expect immediate gratification.” He adds, “The
leadership.
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As Head of School Jim Dunaway explains, “Our core values include commitment to educating the whole child—the intellectual, aesthetic, physical, and emotional dimensions—and continuing support of strong arts and athletics facilities were high on our list of to-do items. It was clear to all of us that aging arts and athletics facilities needed to be updated. Having listened to students, faculty, and families talk about those needs and spent time in those facilities, John and Kim made a commitment to new spaces that not only would support our programs, but inspire our student-artists and student-athletes to new levels of achievement.”
intriguing visions into beautiful and useful projects. “The whole area was designed specifically for our program, so our collaboration is better than ever now,” says Teresa Henderson, Chair of the Visual Art and Design Department. “We can move things around daily if needed to fit the project we are working on. And the new gallery space provides a place not only to display the work, but offers a place to teach the students about the process.” Meanwhile, our athletic program builds students’ resilience, teamwork, and physical courage. The new gymnasium has expanded from elementary-school size to high-school size, reflecting the importance of athletics in our program by allowing for a higher
“Arts and athletics both play a
level of play and larger audiences. The facility also
significant role in creating what we
room, because our program values wellness as
call ‘The MPH Effect’—the way our school combines academics, culture, and community to shape remarkably
includes a fitness center (Spring 2018) and trainer’s much as expertise and competition. At every level of athletic skill, we ensure our students develop healthy habits, grow stronger and more confident, and—most importantly—enjoy the game. “The new facility’s increased size allows us to do
intelligent bright, engaged,
more every day in a safer environment,” explains
conscientious, self-advocating
classes at once, or in the same class you can have a
young people.”
PE Department Chair Don Ridall. “We can run two skills station on one side and more activities on the other side. The space will also enhance the overall athletic experience for spectators during winter sports. The kids are loving it.”
Creating The MPH Effect
MPH Rising supports another new facility, our new
Arts and athletics both play a significant role in
outdoor STEAM Park, currently in the planning
creating what we call “The MPH Effect”—the
stage. This exciting space—a kind of outdoor
way our school combines academics, culture,
children’s museum and exploration classroom — will
and community to shape remarkably intelligent
allow students to explore the intersections of science,
bright, engaged, conscientious, self-advocating
technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics
young people. MPH’s approach to the visual arts
through hands-on experiments that lead to real-
combines extensive experimentation with concepts
world solutions.
and materials, while providing expert training in
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techniques and principles. The new arts space—
Even more construction projects are in the pipeline.
which includes expansive art rooms, a digital studio,
These new and upgraded facilities not only support
and gallery space that strikingly showcases student
our learning philosophy, but make that philosophy
work—empowers students to transform their most
visible to the wider world. As John points out,
however, while the new buildings have received well-
York’s only non-sectarian pre-k through 12 independent
earned attention, “the less-visible efforts we’ve made
school. More than just a recruiting tool, the presence of a
in providing better support to the faculty and staff,
competitive independent school often becomes the final
and strengthening the academic program and financial
tipping point for families who choose to move here. So
assistance will have a much more profound impact than
our growth as a community depends on a strong MPH.”
bricks and mortar. And, of course, both Jim and the Board know that it is necessary to grow our endowment. That not only will secure the School’s existence in the future, but also make possible the financial aid to increase our student population. ”
Sharing our culture, strengthening our community
To John and Kim, giving to MPH is also a form of gratitude. Kim says, “When you give to education, it pays forward for generations and gives children the confidence to make good choices. We’ve always believed the best you can do for your kids is provide unconditional love and a good education.”
In other words, MPH isn’t just an institution, but a
John and Kim have developed their philanthropy based
culture, which our entire school family shares and helps
on passion and belief, and intend to pass that philosophy
create. And our students have always embodied that
down to their own children. As John explains, “We tell
culture especially well.
our children that with the exception of governmentsponsored institutions, anything that exists in the private
As John puts it, “One thing that hasn’t changed about
sector happened because someone cared enough to put
MPH since the beginning is the seriousness and maturity
time and money behind an idea—whether that idea is a
of MPH students. I often hear that you can tell which
business or a school. We have a responsibility to think
kids go to MPH based on their interactions with adults.
hard about what deserves our time and money, and then
The engagement is quite noticeable—the politeness,
do something to make a difference.”
eye contact, clear articulation, and the skill to ask good questions.” For the Mezzalingua family, and for many other supporters, giving to MPH is a way of spreading this kind, respectful, intelligent culture throughout the local community and the world. And there’s a more tangible reason to sustain and grow MPH well into the future. “I have spoken to so many professionals across multiple industries who would never have relocated to this area without a strong independent school for their children,” John says. “We are Central New
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The Kathleen and Daniel Mezzalingua ’56C Arts and Athletics Complex Opens at Manlius Pebble Hill School
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Hundreds of supporters and
inspired, challenged, and
community leaders gathered on
prepared him and his family
August 31, 2017 to celebrate the
to serve the Central New York
dedication of a new state-of-
community. He also firmly
the-art facilities on the campus
believes in the MPH mission.
of Manlius Pebble Hill School.
“We are so unique,” John
MPH parents, students, trustees,
explains. “I believe these new
VIPs, and staff received a first
facilities will help MPH keep
glimpse of the 28,000 square
its promise to each student –
foot Arts and Athletics Complex
which is to prepare them for a
just six days before the start of
rich life of critical and creative
the 2017-18 academic year.
thinking as well as community
The multi-purpose addition
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is designed to showcase
“We can’t wait to leverage
student-athletes in action even
this expanded footprint to
as it celebrates the work of
serve our students more
student-artists. The athletic
comprehensively,” says Head
facilities feature basketball and
of School Jim Dunaway. “This
volleyball courts, locker rooms,
is a tremendous step forward
a fitness center (Spring 2018),
for Manlius Pebble Hill School
and a trainer’s room. A separate
and a truly historic moment in
wing features expansive art
our nearly 150-year presence
rooms, digital studio space,
in Syracuse. We now have a
and galleries to highlight
place where the entire school
the sculptures, sketches, and
community can gather, where
paintings of students in grades
students have the needed
Pre-K through 12.
resources and space to pursue
John Mezzalingua ’85 funded the $7 million facility which was dedicated to honor his parents, Kathleen and Daniel Mezzalingua ’56C. As a local philanthropist, John gives to
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contribution.”
MPH to express his gratitude for the many ways this school
their interests and develop their gifts more fully. These facilities will advance the School’s mission in ways that deeply impact the student experience – and they’re just the beginning of enhancements to come.”
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John Mezzalingua ’85, Kim Mezzalingua, Jim Dunaway, Kelly Gillis-Rose (Director of Development) and Kathy and Dan Mezzalingua ’56C
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One of the new art spaces overlooking the gallery
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Jim Dunaway with former MPH Board member Pat Danial ’98
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The official ribbon cutting
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Guests get ready to enter the new Complex
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A crowd gathers for the building dedication
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One of three new visual arts education spaces
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Overlooking the site of MPH’s future STEAM Park
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Guests getting a first glimpse of the new gymnasium, which is twice the size of the old structure
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Daniel ’56C and Kathleen Mezzalingua in the new Athletic Complex at a VIP reception in their honor
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A WORD FROM
Admissions… Greetings to all of our valued alumni and community members! I am so pleased to share with you a number of positive updates from the Office of Admissions. The 2016-17 school year was a busy one and, as always, the Admissions team thoroughly enjoyed meeting new families and introducing them to the MPH program and community. Our team truly believes that MPH is a place like no other and we enjoy watching families discover that “The MPH Effect” is not just a slogan, but a phenomenon.
Nicole Cicoria, Director of Admissions
For the first time in recent years, MPH experienced growth in enrollment mid-year during the 2016-2017 school year. This can likely be attributed to
Discover MPH! Events Prospective families can discover the MPH Effect for themselves during a “Discover MPH” event: • January 19 @ 8:30 am • February 9 @ 8:30 am • March 7 @ 4:00 pm • March 28 @ 8:30 am • April 18 @ 4:00 pm • May 16 @ 8:30 am
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two main factors: first, the launch of the Crane marketing materials, which prompted an increased number of families to inquire about the School; second, the incredibly powerful wordof-mouth marketing that our parent community generated within their social and professional circles prompted even more families to visit and tour the campus. Suddenly, there was a definitive “buzz” surrounding MPH, and families were intrigued enough to take time out of their busy schedules to visit campus and see for themselves what others were saying. The increased enrollment during the school year invigorated the school community and helped us to enter the spring admission season confident that MPH was recapturing the interest of the local market.
I am very happy to report that MPH opened in fall 2017 with a stable enrollment for the third consecutive year. On opening day this September, 312 bright, inquisitive, and talented students participated in the annual Handshake Ceremony to welcome in the new school year, a number that has been consistent since the fall of 2015. While that may seem small to some who recall a time when MPH had a larger student body, we should allow ourselves a moment to recognize the strength and security that come with enrollment stability. While our goal is to grow enrollment gradually over the next five years, starting from a place of consistency allows us to confidently recruit new families to a stable environment, and lays the groundwork for us to strategically deploy enrollment strategies that will start to affect enrollment school-wide. This stability in enrollment is in large part due to the exceptional retention rate of our currently enrolled families, which ultimately, can be directly attributed to the exceptional work put forth by our esteemed faculty. Specifically, 94% of students reenrolled for the 2017-2018 school year, a clear indication that parents and students are overwhelmingly happy with the program, people, and environment at MPH. In addition, we welcomed 69 new students to campus this fall, the largest number of new students since 2012. With a strong retention rate, and a continuous increase in the number of new students, MPH can expect to maintain enrollment stability
and gradual growth in the coming years. Last, but certainly not least, I want to highlight two enrollment strategies that were successfully implemented this past year, one pertaining to Lower School and the other to Upper School. Recognizing that Early Learning programs are critical to building a strong Lower School, and by extension, Middle and Upper School, a small group of faculty and administrators formed an Early Learning Task Force to conduct research and propose a restructure of the MPH Prekindergarten and Kindergarten programs. The project culminated in a restructured tuition for Prekindergarten and Kindergarten, inclusive of beforeand after-school care, daily lunch, February and April break coverage, and five weeks of Summer Programs. The “bundled” tuition repositioned MPH in the market, and greatly appealed to busy parents who were seeking to transition their child from a daycare setting to the classroom. This change was significant, resulting in a full Prekindergarten/Kindergarten class with a small waitlist for available spaces mid-year or next fall. In addition to the restructured tuition, beginning in fall 2018, we will officially change the long-standing age requirement for admission to MPH, a direct response to the fact that there is an ever-growing need for programs tailored to three-year old children. We are confident that this will further boost enrollment by creating increased opportunity to introduce parents with young children to the MPH community, and highlight the value of an independent education before they choose to commit to other programs or their local public school. We are optimistic that this resurgence in Early Learning at MPH will go a long way toward securing the future of a strong, healthy, Lower School for the next chapter in MPH’s history. The other successful initiative, and perhaps the most exciting of all, was the launch of a funded scholarship program for the Upper School made possible by the generosity of current and former members of the MPH Board of Trustees. This committed and dedicated group made significant contributions to a newly created Trustee Scholarship Fund, and through this program, we supported the enrollment of six strong, talented, ambitious students into the freshman class. These students, who rightfully earned a place in the MPH student body through hard work and commitment to extracurricular activities, would have been unable to enroll at MPH without the generosity of the Trustee Scholarship donors. The Admissions team did extensive outreach within the local community and
solicited nominations for students to be considered for this extraordinary opportunity. Once a student was nominated, we contacted them directly to invite them to apply for a scholarship to attend MPH. We generated a competitive applicant pool, selected the most qualified recipients, and invited their families to visit campus for a meeting and tour. I think it speaks volumes that all six students given the opportunity to attend MPH on a Trustee Scholarship enthusiastically accepted the offer of admission, and have already navigated the transition to MPH this fall. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who supported Admissions efforts throughout the year. First, I wish to acknowledge the MPH faculty for constantly striving for excellence in their teaching, and for delivering an exceptional academic and social experience for students. It is because of them, and their unwavering dedication to our students, that The MPH Effect exists. Next, I wish to thank our current students and their families for their school spirit and passionate advocacy of our school community. It is their positive word-ofmouth marketing and genuine loyalty to MPH that ignites the interest of prospective families and keeps the admissions pipeline flowing. I want to especially thank the former and current members of the MPH Board of Trustees, for creating an extraordinary opportunity for deserving students to attend MPH through the Trustee Scholarship fund. And finally, I wish to thank the entire alumni community for your continuous generosity to the School and its students, for your engagement with our community, and for your authentic desire to propel the School ever-forward. I look forward to an exciting (and busy!) year to come, and I hope to have the opportunity to see you in June at Alumni Weekend 2018!
Lower School French and Spanish teacher Erica Stark with her 2016/17 class
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F I V E T R A I T S O F G R E AT LEADERS AND THEIR G O L D E N K E Y TO L E A D I N G :
Gary R. Steele BY S TA N L I N H O R S T slinhorst@syracuse.com, syracuse.com
Gary R. Steele graduated from Manlius Military Academy in 1965. He went on to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, where he played tight end and was the academy’s first African-American letter winner in football. In 1993, he left the U.S. Army as a colonel and started a career in human resources. Eventually, he became a director of human resources of Pfizer, at headquarters in New York. He first served as a human resources director at Pfizer’s Animal Health Business Unit in Europe. It helped that Steele was fluent in Greek and conversational in French and Spanish. At age 70, he’s retired, living with his wife of 45 years, Mona, in Carlisle, Pa. On June 11, he was the commence ment speaker at Manlius Pebble Hill, the school created when Manlius Military Academy and Pebble Hill School merged in 1970. Steele delivered three key points to the graduates: You are standing on the shoulders of people who went before you.
How you deal with your failures defines your life. You know the right thing to do, so pick the “harder right” rather than the “easier wrong.”
What’s your advice to have a successful life and a successful career?
Gary R. Steele, a 1965 graduate of Manlius Military Academy, a forerunner of Manlius Pebble Hill school, stands in front of Knox Farmhouse on the MPH campus, before speaking June 11 at commencement. (Courtesy MPH / Chuck Wainwright)
Success may not be the job. Success may not be a position. It may not be the compensation. Success is measured in a number of ways. In my mind, success is measured internally. In 1965 as a plebe at West Point, we had so much memorization. We memorized the Cadet Prayer. There’s a part of it that I’ve held on to for all of these years. It goes like this: “Lord, make me to choose the harder right, rather than the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole truth can be won.” I’ve thought about it a lot. Think about it from the perspective of a young high school graduate. Think about it in your job. Think about it in the job of a platoon leader. “Lord, make me to choose the harder right, rather than the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole truth can be won.” In everyone’s life, there are going to be stormy seas, and there is going to be fog. Over the years, those words have
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been a beacon to keep me from crashing into the rocks. We’ve been blessed with three children. They heard that phrase from the time that they could understand it. Each of them have said to Mona and me separately: This is how we live our lives. Choose the harder right rather than the easier wrong. So, that’s my advice. The kids graduating now are going to have unbelievable challenges that you and I can’t even imagine. They’re 18 years old. Add 30 years. I’m long gone. But 30 years from now, those words in the Cadet Prayer are still true.
Tell me about leadership influences growing up. My father was in the Army. He was a Buffalo Soldier, in the 10th Cav, the all-black unit, when he joined in the early 1940s. We moved around. We all moved to Germany. My brother actually began to speak German before he began to speak English. In 1953, we came back to Fort Dix, N.J. From ‘53 to ‘55 we lived on the post. Mom (Mildred) and Dad (Frank) wanted to get a piece of the American dream so we bought a house at Levittown, Pa. Of course, in 1955, in Levittown, Pa., you couldn’t be black and live in a Levitt-built home. So, we had a Levittown address, but we were not in a Levitt home, because that was white, and we were not. From ‘57 to ‘60, the Army sent us to Japan and Okinawa. Dad was posted again to Fort Dix, and we moved back into the house that we had left in ‘57. As a child, I can’t really pick out something and say: That was a leadership role. At home, there were leadership responsibilities. Dad and Mom set those things up. You were responsible for the family. At school, I was co-captain of the football team, co-captain of the basketball team, co-captain of the track team. At West Point, you have the cornucopia of leadership styles and leadership skills. You saw upperclassmen and said: Well, when I’m an upperclassman, I think I’d like to be like him, because I like what he does and how he engages with people. There were others that you looked at, and you said the opposite: There’s no way that I will ever treat people like this and expect to be considered a good leader. Through coursework, you learned about historical, tradi tional leadership, going all the way back to the Romans.
What’s your advice for anyone moving into a leadership role or aspiring to take on leadership responsibilities? I boiled it down to five words, and we can discuss the words ad nauseam: Integrity. Standards. Discipline. Teamwork. And humanity/humility. When you see a super leader, I think he or she possesses those things. Integrity. Will they sell out? Standards. To what standard are you going to hold yourself or the people that you’re working with? Discipline. There has to be discipline in anything that you do. I’m not talking about beat-you-over-the-head discipline; we’re talking about bounding discipline. The fourth was team, teaming, teamwork. You have to decide what kind of team you want. I might ask you a question rhetorically: What’s the difference between a SWAT working together and a golf team working together? The golfer is doing his or her thing. They wrap everything up at the end, get the totals, and handicap them or whatever. The SWAT team, they are breathing each other’s breath. Everything that happens must be so interwoven into a tapestry, because that’s what success is. If it doesn’t work well, boom! And then lastly, humanity or humility. Leaders must recognize that they’re dealing with people. There must be some humility. It’s not all about you. It’s about this thing, which is greater than the leader him or herself. When you put those five things together, you’ve got something that’s hard to break apart. One of the things that I think makes a team work is unbelievable trust. They trust each other. They know each other. You get that kind of trust through effective leadership and working the team, massing the team, going through exercises to demonstrate the trustworthiness of the group.
In a civilian business sense, how can a leader instill that kind of trust within and among team members? It’s not easy, but it starts with the leader communicating. The leader must have a vision for whatever it is you’re
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You’re communicating, it’s continuous to the extent it can be, and it’s comprehensive.
doing. The leader articulates the vision, how he or she might see the roles of the people on the team. Then comes the humanity/humility perspective, saying: I’m gonna hold myself accountable for these things.
In training, my closing PowerPoint slide is a Medieval lock with a golden key going into the lock mechanism, and C cubed. Communication that is continuous and comprehensive. That is the golden key.
People see: Wow, he’s holding himself accountable here, and he said he was going to hold me accountable. Well, he’s doing it, so I might as well do it.
Any leader has to deal with change. How should a leader efectively lead their people through change?
And then you reward. If somebody’s doing what they’re supposed to be doing, you reward them. You tell them about it. You communicate. You’re talking.
One of the first things that a leader must do is embrace the change. In the corporate world, you’re on the bus or you’re not. So, if you as the leader embrace the change, that’s the first thing that has to happen.
If they’re not doing what they’re supposed to be doing, you don’t let it fester like a sore. At the end of, say, an evaluation period, you don’t surprise the individual with the evaluation. That should never happen. The good leader has been communicating and mentoring and coaching that person all along. In one of the leadership laboratories or clinics at the Academy, you would be put into a situation as the platoon leader, the squad leader. Then, you get two and half hours into a six-hour exercise, and somebody says: OK, Linhorst is now wounded. Steele, you’re in charge. We can get into some minutia: Am I ready? How might I have become ready with Stan as the leader? Stan said: Well here’s what we’re doing, blah, blah. But did Stan communicate it effectively and in enough detail for me to take the baton and move forward? Or, was Stan not a good leader and didn’t pass enough information along? Then, when the baton is passed, I’m standing there going I have no idea where to go or what to do or who to move with. That’s an example of leadership - passing on enough information so that people can pick up the baton and go. That was a learning for me, and I remember that happening. I needed to make sure that the people with me and around me understood enough so that if I got hit, they could carry forward and do the job.
So, effective leadership requires a lot of communication. Listening and asking questions as well as talking. Absolutely. In the Army, there are a lot of acronyms. I don’t know if I stole this one from someone, but over the last seven, eight years, I’ve done training and consulting. And I coined a term, something from math. What I coined is C cubed. C stands for communication that is continuous and comprehensive. C3.
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Once you embrace the change, you have to look out across the organization and see: Who do you have? You have to recognize that there are going to be some people in that organization who say: Oh yeah, let’s do that. And they’ll jump on board fast. Fast acceptors. Then, they’re going to some people who go: (Snorts) No way, I’m out of here. Then, you’ve got the fence riders. They want to see how things go before they decide whether they want to stay. The leader has to recognize that everybody who’s in the race with him is running at a different pace. OK? You want to try to get to the finish line. You may not all get to the finish line at the same time. You have to know your people. The book answer to change has a curve - when change happens, there’s denial. No, No! My god. It can’t be. We’re going to fail. Performance may drop off a little bit. People are going: Oh my gosh, what does this mean for me? What’s going to happen to me? So, what does a leader do? Embrace the change. Recognize that everybody’s not moving at the same speed. Some people are never going to catch up, and you have to recognize that. Maybe that’s a discussion you have. And then you have to champion the change. Embrace it, and then champion it. And you have to communicate it. You have to be able to have them see the vision of what can be. Leading through change is not easy. People are scared. But if you embrace it, you communicate it, you champion it and you recognize the humanity of your people, I think you can help them get there.
www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2017/06/gary_steele_leadership.html
Manlius was vital to my development both as a young man and as a football player. My experience playing for the school led directly to my playing career at Princeton and my long coaching career, as well as a 14-year stint running the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. I chose to write 1ST AND FOREVER: Making a Case for the Future of Football because I strongly believed a narrative was needed to counter all the negative reporting out there about the game, imperiling its very existence. I seek to make a case for the future of football by both showcasing the character of a representative sample of those who have played Bob was featured in an article entitled “Defending Football” in Images Arizona Magazine. Photo credit: Bryan Black
the game, along with football’s place within the fabric of the American Dream itself. No institution better exemplifies both of those than the Manlius School, and one of my favorite portions of the
Bob Casciola ’54A includes Gary Steele and the 1953 Manlius Football team in his new book
book is a listing of all my teammates on Manlius’ undefeated 1953 team in a season highlighted by our season ending upset over the Plebes of Army. My experience playing for Tom Cahill remains one of the greatest of my life. Gary Steele later played for him when Tom took over the storied Army program and I included Colonel Steele in the book because his character perfectly represents exactly what I’m trying to capture in 1ST AND FOREVER. He was the first great African-American to play for Army and the pages on him, contained within one of the book’s opening chapters on Coach Cahill, are also among my favorite in the book.
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MPH Employees Give Back BY S U E F O S T E R , M P H S C I E N C E D E PA RT M E N T C H A I R
Voting. Being safe. Owning a home. Opening a checking account. Enjoying quality health insurance. Hearing our native language spoken.
Donated items take up the corner of Sue Foster’s classroom
MPH employees work to transform a new home for refugees
UPDATE! As of late October, a new family is settled into their Syracuse apartment with the help of MPH employees!
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These aspects of daily life might be considered unremarkable. Supporting people for whom these aspects remain goals, challenges to overcome, and gateways to better lives developed into a MPH employee effort. Two years ago I completed Family Sponsor training with InterFaith Works - Center for New Americans. This organization provides resettlement services to help refugee families in Syracuse reestablish their lives and integrate into their new communities. One avenue of sponsorship includes transforming an apartment rented by InterFaith Works into a welcoming home, a place of comfort and safety, for a family. The families enter the United States through the International Office of Migration and settle in Syracuse with the support of InterFaith Works. After sponsoring two different families with the contributions of my close friends, I considered the possibility of engaging MPH employees. The MPH employee response to my presentation of potential sponsorship would make everyone affiliated with MPH proud. Based on a checklist of needed goods, a corner of my classroom overflowed with supplies in a short time. During the three days of apartment transformation my colleagues washed windows, made beds, cleaned a refrigerator, repaired damaged sheet rock, masked garbage-filled alleys by hanging curtains, and planed stuck doors for a family most of us would never meet. This particular family’s journey to the United States started in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The family of seven arrived in the United States with what they could carry. Working with people for whom the unremarkable aspects of daily life are the contents of dreams and hopes has evolved into an MPH employee initiative. My question of should we repeat this effort was quickly erased when during our week of August meetings, several people asked me ‘when’ would we start collecting supplies for another family, not ‘if.’ We are now collecting items for a second family and I look forward to building this tradition with my MPH family.
WHAT WILL YOUR
legacy
BE?
The Tree of Life society at Manlius Pebble Hill School includes those alumni, parents and friends who have chosen to provide a gift to MPH through their estate plans. The motivation to join The Tree of Life society is deeply personal and unique to each person. Below, John “Doc” Joiner ’57 shares his story and the reasons he is choosing to leave a legacy at MPH. John “Doc” Joiner’s relationship with Manlius Pebble Hill began when he stepped onto the campus of Pebble Hill School during the fall of 1946 to join the 1st grade class. John’s mother, Peg Joiner, had accepted a staff position with Pebble Hill School. “My mother working at Pebble Hill allowed me to attend, and I have always felt grateful for the opportunity,” says John. John’s mother worked as a member of the faculty, teaching Latin in the Upper School, and assisted the admissions department in completing entrance exams for applicants to the School. Since graduating from Pebble Hill in 1957, John’s relationship with his classmates, Pebble Hill, and, subsequently, Manlius Pebble Hill, have remained strong. He’s been a guest at many Alumni Weekend events, including the Athletic Hall of Fame, and is a member of the Pebble Hill “lunch bunch,” getting together frequently with former classmates.
John “Doc” Joiner ’57PH and John Beilein, University of Michigan Basketball Coach
As John reflected on his life, several organizations and people came to mind as those that were extremely important to him, each for a different reason. It was John’s fond memories of his time spent at Pebble Hill and his appreciation for the opportunities that experience provided him personally and professionally that came to mind when he began considering his estate plans. Over the course of the last five years, with help from his attorney, a fellow Pebble Hill School alumnus, John was asked to solidify his estate plans.
Choosing to make a gift to Manlius Pebble Hill School through your estate is a powerful step you can make today that will make a difference well beyond tomorrow.
Now, as a Tree of Life member, John is able to pay tribute to his Pebble Hill years and help play a role in securing the future for MPH students.
For more information about including MPH in your will or estate, please contact Kelly Gillis-Rose, director of development at 315-446-2452, ext. 112 or krose@mphschool.org.
played an important role in my life, and this is my opportunity
”Pebble Hill, and now MPH is one of those organizations that to acknowledge that through my estate. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had throughout my life, and this is my way to say thank you.”
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MEET OUR
NEW TRUSTEES
Candace Campbell Jackson Candace Campbell Jackson joined the Office of the Chancellor of Syracuse University in 2015. In her role as Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff, Campbell Jackson is responsible for the effective integration of the executive leadership team to advance and implement University wide strategic initiatives, including the academic strategic plan, the campus facilities master plan, and the fundraising campaign. Before coming to Syracuse, she served as Vice President for Student Success and Vice Provost for Academic Success at the University of Akron (Ohio), where she had supervisory responsibility for the Office of International Programs and programs supporting first-generation and low-income students and their families. Prior to her career in higher education, Campbell Jackson was an attorney in the public law and corporate departments of the law firm of Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP. She has served on numerous non-profit boards, including the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio, Akron Community Health, American Heart Association Go Red for Women, and others. Campbell Jackson holds a BA in Journalism from Howard University and JD from the University of Akron. She was selected to participate in the Harvard Institute for Educational Management program and received a certificate for higher education administrators.
Steve Herron ‘03 Steve Herron, a 2003 Manlius Pebble Hill graduate, moved back to Central New York in the summer of 2016 to join JMA Wireless, a telecom R&D and manufacturing company in Liverpool NY. Prior to returning to the Syracuse area Steve worked in strategy consulting at The Boston Consulting Group’s office in Washington, DC, where he advised clients in manufacturing, aerospace & defense, energy, and financial services. He has also spent time as a campaign manager and legislative aide in Boston, MA. Steve holds a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, as well as a J.D. and M.B.A., both from the University of Texas – Austin. As an MPH alumnus, Steve has served as a class officer for the 5 and 10 year reunions, sat on the Alumni Board, and volunteered with various Board committees.
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Erik D. Smith Erik D. Smith is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Saab Defense and Security USA LLC (SDAS). SDAS delivers advanced sensors, training and simulation, and signature management solutions and services to the United States armed forces and other government agencies. The company has over 350 employees with business unit operations in four states. SDAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Saab North America. Mr. Smith has over 16 years of Aerospace and Defense industry experience across a broad cross section of the marketplace. He has developed and executed major US and International business arrangements with a broad range of Industry and Government customers serving the Intelligence, Surveillance, C4I, and State, Local and Commercial Healthcare Technologies markets. Since joining Saab (formerly Sensis Corp.) in 2007, Mr. Smith has held multiple positions of increasing responsibility within the company’s Marketing and Sales, Contract, and Program Management organizations. He led the legacy defense business through its acquisition by Saab and has consistently demonstrated a strong track record of business growth, successful negotiations and profitable program execution. Prior to joining Saab, Mr. Smith held key Program Management and Contract Management positions at Raytheon Company, and was chosen to participate in Raytheon’s premier Contracts Leadership Development Program. He holds a BA in Political Science from Roger Williams University and an MBA from Syracuse University’s Walter J. Whitman School of Management. Mr. Smith is an Eagle Boy Scout and remains active in his local community through the Boy Scouts of America. Besides Manlius Pebble Hill School, he holds a seat on several other boards throughout the local community including the Salvation Army of Greater Syracuse, and CenterState CEO. Mr. Smith is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Kimberly Townsend Kimberly Townsend, EdD, JD, MPA, MBA, CPA, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Loretto, a continuing care system located in New York, with assets in skilled nursing, housing, managed care, short term rehabilitation and medical adult day services. Prior to joining Loretto, Ms. Townsend was the Associate General Counsel and Senior Director of Government Affairs for Welch Allyn, Inc. She has been an adjunct professor in the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, as well as the Syracuse University College of Law. Ms. Townsend is currently a Governor’s Appointee to the New York State Workforce Investment Board. She also serves as a board member and in board leadership positions for a number of non-profit organizations. Ms. Townsend received her BS and MBA from the Whitman School of Management, her JD from Syracuse University College of Law, her MPA from the Maxwell School of Public Administration and her Doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College. She is admitted to practice by the New York, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. bars. Ms. Townsend has a ninth grade son who attends Manlius Pebble Hill School.
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THE Discovering The MPH Effect: A Look at Our New Marketing Program
EFFECT In the fall of 2015, Manlius Pebble Hill School partnered with CRANE MetaMarketing, a strategic positioning firm based in Atlanta specializing in independent schools. The two years that have followed has proven transformative for the entire School community. Almost three years ago, MPH faced a financial crisis that, quite frankly, jeopardized our future. The news of our misfortune spread quickly in the local media. However, thanks to the generosity of parents, alumni, and many friends of the School, we made rapid strides in resolving our challenges—but this turnaround remained mostly unreported. As we approached the 2015-2016 school year, many people in the Syracuse area thought we had closed our doors, or were still in financial turmoil. Head of School Jim Dunaway and the Board of Trustees saw an immediate need for a strong marketing campaign to tell the true story of MPH. After seeking counsel from industry experts and other independent schools, and interviewing several reputable marketing firms, the School’s leaders selected CRANE for their extensive experience in independent school marketing, their flair for language, and the close personal attention they offer their clients. The CRANE team hit the ground running in January 2016, conducting 17 focus groups that included students, alumni, parents, faculty and staff, board members, local community members, and former parents. They also visited classrooms, met with teachers, examined years’ worth of written and online materials, and made several follow-up campus visits. The result of our collaboration is a portrait of the MPH we’ve
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always known, but had never articulated fully and convincingly. Our story now focuses on the transformative intellectual relationships between students and teachers, and the way these relationships drive exciting discoveries and deeper thinking. We sum it all up as “The MPH Effect.” The MPH Effect, simply put, is the unmistakable result of attending our School. MPH creates a one-of-a-kind combination of academics, culture, and community, which shapes the exceptionally intelligent, conscientious, and self-directed young people we all recognize and love. And we’re not the only ones who notice. Wherever our students go, in the community and around the world, their confidence, thoughtfulness, and kindness make a lasting impression. We’ve always known that our students are our best ambassadors, and The MPH Effect makes that clear. Complementing and enhancing the MetaConcept (to use CRANE’s term) is a bright and modern new color palette that reflects our community’s fresh, creative outlook. (Rest assured, though, that red and white remain our official school and athletic colors. The new colors apply solely to our marketing materials.) Taken together, our new marketing program doesn’t recreate who we are, but clearly articulates who we always have been, and intend to be for many years to come. To see more aspects of the new marketing program, please visit our website at mphschool.org, where you can also page through the viewbook. We hope you’ll agree that The MPH Effect speaks powerfully to Central New York families who seek a more intensive, comprehensive, and joyful education for their children.
Graham Leggat ’13 Joins the Peace Corps Graham recently joined the Peace Corps in Namibia, where he is teaching English to secondary school children. What made you want to give back by volunteering with the Peace Corps? I initially wanted to join the Peace Corps because I saw it as a way to travel after college. The Denmark trip my senior year at MPH is definitely what sparked my love of traveling. However, after researching the Peace Corps a bit more I realized that just wanting to join in order to travel was a selfish (and frankly, dumb) idea. My junior year at Hobart I took a class on Tibetan Buddhism offered by a Buddhist monk. Taking that class instilled in me a sense of altruism and perspective that as someone with significantly more privilege and opportunity than most people, I have a responsibility to help others. I quickly thought back to that class and what I learned and realized that it would be an excellent opportunity to help fulfill that sense of altruism.
What impact do you hope you can make during your assignment in Namibia? As cliché as it sounds, I just hope that I can have a positive impact on people’s lives. I hope that I can teach my students a new way of looking at the world, the same way my physics classes at Hobart taught me to look at the world in a more analytical and critical way. However, I would also like to learn just as much as I teach. I don’t want to just regurgitate the information I learned at MPH and Hobart for two years and then come back to the States; I want to learn about Namibian culture and create strong, meaningful bonds with people in my community.
Why do you feel it’s important to think globally with regard to education? The world is becoming increasingly globalized, so in that regard, global education is absolutely critical for anyone wishing to be a global citizen. In addition, learning about different peoples and cultures offers new lenses with which to view the world.
Why is it important to experience culture outside of the U.S.? I think as a whole, Americans are very ignorant of the history, culture, and even existence of countries around the world. I don’t mean that to be an accusation, it’s merely a statement of observation and opinion. However, I believe there is a tremendous wealth of knowledge available to learn in other cultures that could help us with our own problems and increase acceptance and understanding of people who look, talk, and think differently than we do. Additionally, since America has such a huge influence on many other parts of the world, it just seems logical that we would also be aware of foreign cultures.
How do you feel MPH prepared you for higher education, and for the journey that you are on now? I feel that the education I received at MPH prepared me for undergrad exceptionally well in terms of academics, especially in my first semester. Learning to write at the college level was not a huge challenge, given the strong emphasis on writing at MPH.
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Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
What advice would you give to the class of 2018?
I honestly have no idea. After these two years, I know I will be a different person with different values and different views on the world. However, at the current moment I see two possible trajectories for myself after Peace Corps: The first is to go to graduate school and pursue a job at NASA or as an engineer. The second is to work as a strength coach. Over the past few years I have developed a very strong passion for strength training, and even if I don’t pursue a coaching career, I would like to become a certified Starting Strength Coach.
I am not much older than the members of the class of 2018, so whatever I say might want to be taken with a grain of salt, but something that has guided me and that I like to remind myself of is that you get out exactly what you put in. At school, my education was entirely dependent on the effort I put in to learning specific materials. With strength training, the strength I developed was entirely dependent on my commitment to proper diet, sleep, and training. During my two years in the Peace Corps I know that the effort I put in will define how successful I am in fulfilling my assignments and the goals of the Peace Corps.
[ Verbeck Hall Comes to Life ]
When the Bradley McNeil ’93 Learning Commons was
course of the following year. A historical timeline of the
built in 2014, Verbeck Hall was named for the area
School was installed, dating back to the formation of St.
directly outside of the library. The area, while widely
John’s School in 1869 and continuing through present
used in traffic flow, remained relatively empty.
day. The timeline is enhanced by the addition of the
Then, during Clambake Weekend 2016, Mrs. Abdo’s 5th
Verbeck Family Tree, highlighting the significant impact
grade class gave a campus tour to General Howell Estes
on St. John’s, Manlius, and MPH made by many of its
’60HQ and Honorary Old Boy, Guido Verbeck. Together,
members. Finally, pieces of school and family
the group looked at the sparse area and began to think of
memorabilia were generously donated by the family and
the possibilities. Howell and Guido sought input from
are displayed throughout the space. The completed
the students. They asked, “What could we do with this
Verbeck Hall was unveiled during Alumni Weekend 2017.
space? What would be interesting to you?” The ideas
The project was funded by the generosity of many
started flowing and a concept emerged.
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members of the Verbeck Family, most notably, Howell
After discussions with Head of School Jim Dunaway, the
Estes ’60HQ Micheal Estes ’61C and Honorary Old Boy,
project was approved and progressed steadily over the
Guido Verbeck.
W I N TE R 2017
Verbeck Hall Dedication
History Department Chair Matt Spear accepts the Order of the Phoenix
Alumni Weekend
Head of School Jim Dunaway gives remarks at the dedication of Verbeck Hallway Mary Verbeck Pomery standing with the bust of General William Verbeck
Gen. Howell Estes ‘60HQ points to the Verbeck Family Tree, now installed on the wall of Verbeck Hall
Alumni Memorial Service
Guests gather at the Verbeck Family Gravesite at the annual Alumni Memorial Service
Rev. Suzi Harriff, Rev. Guido Verbeck, and Gen. Howell Estes ‘60A
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The Clambake
Carina Hodgins ’10
Former Alumni Director Maureen Anderson at The Clambake
The Old Boys!
Sally (Torrillo) Fisher ’97 and Carla Torrillo ‘03 at The Clambake
Members of the Class of 1967
Guests enjoy the Clambake
L to R: Morgan Gelfand ‘12, Kaitlin Mahar ‘12, Steve Dixon ‘12, Carlee Coutu ‘12, Joey Binder ‘14
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Dick Perry ‘69HQ and Carl Gibbs ‘69C
Paul Silverstein ‘67B and Kent Schneider ’68A
Dave Temes ’97 with his son Jake ‘25 talks with Nick Crounse ’97
Annual Golf Outing
Brad Roy ‘72 and Paul Shanahan ‘76
Steve Burchesky ‘66C and Had Fuller ‘66A
Manlius BBQ
Rolly Anderson ‘66B and Dave Corcoran ‘67B
Steve Herron ‘03 with Golf Outing Coordinator Claire MyersUsiatynksi ’72
Class of ‘97 Gathering Members of the Class of 1997 gather at the home of Mac ’97 and Rochelle Cummings in Skaneateles
Donaldo Hart ’61HQ with Director of Development Kelly Gillis-Rose
Wayne Mizerak ‘69HQ continues his tradition of entertaining guests at the Manlius School BBQ
Class of ‘07 Gathering
Left: Chris Ellis ‘68HQ, John Ellis ‘67HQ, Steve Burchesky ‘66C, Paul Silverstein ‘67B and Curtis Lingenfelter ‘67HQ
Members of the Class of 2007 gather for a reunion party in the Coville Theater: Alexandra Watson, Gavin Byrnes, Ariel Sealing, Jennifer Jordan, Nida Nizam, Allison DeVoe, Felicia (Lawrence) Tees
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Class of ‘67 Dinner
Head of School Jim Dunaway gives opening remarks at the Class of 1967 50th Reunion Dinner at the Onondaga County Club
Guests say the Manlius School Grace before dinner
After Alumni Weekend 2017, beloved Manlius School faculty member Colonel Gerry Morse wrote this letter to the Class of 1967, expressing his gratitude after learning that the class had named a classroom in his honor at Manlius Pebble Hill School:
The color guard opens the evening at the 50th Reunion Dinner
Col. Gerry Morse gives a speech after receiving a dedication from the Class of 1967
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Erica Rapp Wilcoxson ’97 Making a living
by promoting giving BY KELLY GILLIS-ROSE
Whether you have received a letter in the mail from your alma mater requesting support, threw your spare change into the Salvation Army kettle during the holiday season, or have been approached personally to discuss the impact your philanthropy could make on a specific not-for-profit, you have played a role in the fundraising industry. While each of us have had some level of exposure to philanthropy, what many of us never think about are the hundreds of thousands of people who have dedicated their professional lives to securing support for these worthy causes.
Erica and her son after running a 5K to support Brigham
MPH alumna Erica Rapp Wilcoxson ’97 shared with me the details of her personal and professional journey to her current role as Director of Development in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Erica joined the MPH community and the Class of 1997 at the start of her junior year in the fall of 1995. When asked what motivated her move to MPH, she stated that she was impressed by the community at MPH and thought she could benefit from the smaller environment and personalized attention. Erica knew several students who attended MPH at that time, including Kay Anderson ’97 and Heather Klien ’97, and decided it was time for a change. Her parents agreed, and she began as an MPH student the following year. Her first few months at MPH only reinforced her decision. “I came from
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Fayetteville-Manlius High School with 400 students - MPH was so different. The faculty actually knew every student, so there was not room to slack off. The environment forced me to be more accountable for my work, which at that time I needed.” She recalled one common misconception during her time at MPH. “It was so much more diverse than my public school. The uniqueness of the student body at MPH added so much value to my educational experience, even for just two years.” When she was deciding what to do upon graduation, her experience at MPH had a significant impact. She focused her college search process on smaller schools, as she felt that environment fit her better academically.
“The uniqueness of the student body at MPH added so much value to my educational experience.”
She began at St. Lawrence University in the fall of 1997, majoring in psychology. At that time, Erica had no idea that she would find her way to a career in the development profession. But she wasn’t alone. The majority of development professionals discover this work by happy coincidence rather than a planned path. During her time at St. Lawrence, her tentative career plans included law school so after graduation from St. Lawrence, Erica accepted a position as a paralegal. While she enjoyed the work she was doing, the financial and time commitment of law school appeared daunting, and she decided to explore other ways that she could make an impact. When asked about her first experience with philanthropy, Erica recalls an assembly during her senior year at MPH where Headmaster Baxter Ball spoke to the class about the importance of giving back. However, Erica admittedly recalls that conversation being lost on her. At that time, she really viewed philanthropy only in the context of traditional charities. “I didn’t realize the role fundraising played in
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education or healthcare. I recall seeing my mother heavily involved with non-profits in a volunteer capacity as well as my family’s business giving back to the community through various local charities.” After Erica’s stint as a paralegal, a friend encouraged her to get involved with a local gala committee in Boston. Her involvement on that committee opened her eyes and exposed her to the possibility of development work as a profession. “It was my work on that committee that planted the seed that I could have a career path that truly makes an impact on the community through fundraising. I am a big believer in the importance of networking, and I was able to secure a position in the Harvard College Fund office.” Erica continued working in education for just over ten years, at Harvard, Tufts, and even for a time at an independent school. She also continued her own education and received a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration. As life moved on, she welcomed a son and was ready to embrace new challenges professionally. It was then that she started to explore the field of academic medicine. She realized if I am going to leave my son each day, I need to be energized by my work.” Erica accepted a Leadership Annual Giving position at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA in 2013. In describing her work at the Brigham, Erica said, “There are always new things to learn and advocate for. The work feels more dynamic and allows me to recharge and reconnect with the mission of the organization.” After several years, Erica moved into a major gift role for the Department of Medicine, soliciting support for gifts greater than $50,000. Professionally and personally, Erica says she loves connecting with people and being social. “Being able to work with donors and connect them with the programs here at the Brigham that could lead to new discoveries and have a transformative impact on patient care is inspiring.” She goes on to say, “I feel fortunate to live in an area with some of the best hospitals in the country, performing groundbreaking research. I find it exciting to be connected to Brigham and see the impact of even the small part I play on our ability to be a world-renowned hospital.”
COMMENCEMENT CLASS OF 2017
Faculty and staff process in through the seniors Senior class president Jasmine Collins addresses her classmates and guests
Lydia Kelly and Joe Spoelstra
Sophia Han poses with faculty members Ted Curtis and Fred Montas
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Ret. Col. Gary Steele ’65C gives the Commencement address
Junior Maggie SextonDwyer serves as the flag bearer, leading the processional
The traditional throwing of the caps to mark the closing of Commencement exercises Mary Morocco ’15 presents her sister Lisa with an appointment to the United States Naval Academy
Seth Bingham was chosen by the Senior class to give remarks at Commencement
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Lisa Morocco and Meg Curtis
Board President John Mezzalingua ’85 presents Trilok Reddy with his diploma
students. In Student Council, she’s enjoyed the ability to collaborate with other students to plan activities and feels that this type of work allows her to get to know her peers on a different level. And she sees that the students really benefit from the work that Student Council does, which makes it all worth it. The same can be said for her work with National Honor Society. There, the focus is on community service and outreach. This year, expanding the tutoring service will be just one of the many items on the docket.
MPH senior Nicole Onciulescu ’18
An MPH Senior Makes Time to Help Others She’s in her third year of tutoring fifth and sixth grade students, helped create a summer camp for first through fourth graders, volunteers in the Emergency Department at a local hospital, plays piano at her church, and helps to feed the hungry. And she’s only 16 years old. Nicole Onciulescu is a senior at MPH taking on a full course load including AP classes and serves as Vice President of Student Council. Giving back to the community, both here at MPH and within Central New York, is a way of life for Nicole, and she learned the importance of giving back at home. As active members in their church, Nicole watched her parents Iuliana and Mircea selflessly invite those in need into their home for a hot meal. Years later, Nicole would find herself doing the same, volunteering with In My Father’s Kitchen passing out food. In the eighth grade, she even ran a half marathon with classmates to raise money for the organization – quite a daunting task! At MPH, Nicole sees giving back as a way to share her talents and give back to the community as a whole. In her role as a math, Spanish, and chemistry tutor, she really enjoys sharing her knowledge and working with younger
When asking Nicole about her history in volunteering, the list was almost too long for her to remember. She has visited nursing homes with her elementary class, raised money to remodel a home, provided assistance to a family with a child suffering from cancer, and served breakfast at The Rescue Mission. But when I asked her about her most memorable experience, she was quick to reply. In eighth grade, her principal had an idea to start a summer camp for 5-13 year olds. They had no real funding and a short time frame to get it up and running. Nicole volunteered to be a counselor for the summer and describes her experience as “monumental.” “Spending the summer with those kids and seeing how just a few people can make such a difference was exciting. I know I made summer better for those kids,” said Nicole. This past summer, Nicole had an exciting new opportunity at Crouse Hospital. As a volunteer in the Emergency Department and the Health Information Management Office, Nicole talked with patients and visited every room to make sure they had their needs met. She got an inside look into the day-to-day operations of a hospital – which will come in handy since she wants to pursue a career in pediatric oncology. Now that the school year is underway, she’s focused on the college search process and her grades, but still makes time to volunteer at the Adventurer’s Program at her church, a scouts-type program with a focus on nature for young children. She’ll also be active this year with the Zonta Club, Spanish Club, Science Club, Chorus, and Dance, as well as the newly formed Refugee Outreach Club. Nicole feels that she has been blessed with a great life and not all can be so lucky. Doing things that brings a smile to others’ faces motivates her. At MPH she wants to learn as much as she can so she is armed with the skills she needs to do more and help more people in the future.
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2017 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS:
Alan Marcum ’74 he finds these experiences just as inspiring as the students do.
Exploring the boundaries of creativity
Marcum visiting a computer science class at MPH
Though he’s lived and worked in Silicon Valley for decades, this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Alan Marcum ’74, is a familiar face at MPH. A computer scientist who has helped drive the astonishing growth of the computing industry over the past 40 years, Alan now leads a team at Cisco Systems focused on security. He’s also an avid backpacker, champion target shooter, airplane pilot, and energetic volunteer in his local community. But he still makes time for his high school alma mater. In addition to his longtime financial support, Alan visits campus at least once or twice every year to give talks and mentor students—and
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Alan fondly remembers one particular visit to Ryan Zlomek’s computer science class. While mulling the topic he wanted to speak about, he realized that most high school students (not to mention a great many of the rest of us) know little about how computers actually work. We know what they do, but not how they function at a lower level. He began preparing a lecture on operating systems, when Ryan asked him if he could make the talk more hands-on—leading Alan to create a rousingly successful game that simulated how computers manage memory. “With his question, Ryan challenged me to think in a different way about what I was doing,” Alan says. “MPH teachers do that for their students every day. The School wants teachers and students to explore the boundaries of creativity together.” Alan sees MPH’s emphasis on the arts as critical to shaping that inquisitive mindset—which is why he’s excited about our School’s soon-to-be-built new STEAM park. “The A in STEAM is very important,” he says. “The arts are about looking at the world in a different way. You can’t ask good analytical questions without that kind of creativity.” He adds that powerful
theater performances have changed his worldview profoundly. Such performances include MPH’s recent production of Cabaret—which so moved Alan’s family that his mother, Helen Marcum, decided to endow our performing arts space.
The terminal was the beginning Why does he continue to give his time, treasure, and talent to MPH? Alan’s answer is straightforward: “MPH gave me my career.” But the underlying story is somewhat serendipitous. While deciding whether to enroll at MPH for high school, Alan stopped at a local bookstore and picked up a book on computer programming. He was enthralled. When he learned that MPH had a computer terminal connected to Syracuse University’s mainframe, he made his decision. And it was on that terminal, with his MPH teachers’ guidance, encouragement, and inspiration, that he learned to write code. Computers have changed enormously since that time. But, in important ways, MPH hasn’t. Like MPH teachers today, Alan’s teachers considered each student as an individual, and did everything they could to nurture his talents and interests. “MPH teachers have always been creative and flexible,” Alan says. “They educate the whole student. They teach young people how to learn.”
Marcum Family Endowment for the Arts Upper School Play
TIME FLIES and short plays by David Ives.
Upper School Musical and Alumni Reception Upper School Musical, Little Shop of Horrors Performances March 16th, 17th, 18th (Matinee), 23rd and 24th
“I really don’t have any profound reason for donating the money other than I wanted to do something at MPH in appreciation of the educational opportunity my son Alan had when going there. I enjoyed the performance of Cabaret and decided that an Endowment for the Arts, enhancing the performing arts program, rather than a scholarship, would be a way of helping to ensure that performing arts at MPH would continue to be a strong program here in Central New York.” – Helen Marcum “The Marcum Endowment for the Arts facilitated our ability to upgrade our 16 year old lighting control console and subsequently enabled us to upgrade our backdrop light units to state of the art LED color control fixtures. Mrs. Marcum’s generosity has provided our students the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the most up to date technology in the theatre, not to mention further enhances our audience experience at each and every show.”
– Michele Koziara Performing Arts Department Chair
More details on reception to come.
We’ve Moved! The Advancement Office, including Alumni Relations, Special Events, and Communications, has moved to the Knox Farmhouse! The move, made possible because of the new administrative floor in the Kathleen and Daniel ’56C Mezzalingua Arts and Athletics Complex, was becoming increasingly necessary as we continue to inherit more and more valuable memorabilia. The Knox Farmhouse will provide more space for us to display our treasures and offer visiting alumni a larger gathering space. This move is just part of the ever-changing landscape at MPH. Take a look
The Kathleen and Daniel Mezzalingua ’56C Arts and Athletics Complex • Head’s Office
• Visual Arts & Design Center
• Admissions Offices
• Gymnasium
• Business Offices
• Athletics Office
The Knox Farmhouse • Advancement Office
• Alumni Office
• Annual Fund Office
• Major Gifts Office
• Communications/ Events Office
• Database Management Office
The Kreitzberg Family Alumni Lodge • Community Programs Plus, next time you’re on campus, you’ll notice that The Phoenix Student Center now serves as our main entrance to school!
at who has moved where:
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MPH PARENT LIZ AUGUST
Designing
Your Own Future MPH parent and tireless supporter Liz August grew up in a philanthropic family. Her father, who was a partner in a thriving business in Rochester, NY always told his children, “We would be nowhere without our community.” Giving back was the natural and right thing to do. A law professor at Syracuse University, Liz also expresses gratitude for her own independent school education through her involvement with our School. “That education was vital to my success as an adult,” she says. “I was so thankful that we were able to offer our children an even better experience at MPH.” To Liz, MPH’s independent education is so valuable because it offers a challenging yet supportive environment to take risks and make choices. “At MPH, there’s room to make mistakes and learn from them—and that leads to success well beyond academics. Many schools are too regulated to allow that flexibility. Here, if you’ve never acted on stage or sung in a chorus, you can give it a shot.”
Arts at MPH: A confidence boost like no other L to R, Lizzie, Tom, Liz, Natalie, and Maddie on a recent trip to Morocco
The freedom and inspiration to experiment are hallmarks of an MPH education. And for Liz’s family, the visual arts program exemplified our school culture in a particularly striking manner. That’s why they’ve offered MPH a naming gift for our new gallery space, the Mafrici Family Gallery. “My husband and I are not artistic,” Liz laughs. “It just wasn’t our world. But at MPH, students are required
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A dress made of peacock feathers created by Natalie Mafrici ’15
Liz August (right) co-chaired the Blue Jeans & Bow Ties Benefit in March with MPH parent Lisa Bruno (left)
to take art classes, and our daughter Natalie found the teachers incredibly inspiring.” What especially thrilled Natalie—and impressed Liz— was the art program’s emphasis on design. “The teachers’ approach is much larger than an individual painting or sculpture,” Liz explains. “It’s a conceptual approach that transfers to other areas.” Liz believes this training in “big picture” thinking gives students a sense of control. “Thinking about design helps students realize they can design not just artwork, but their own future. They can make their lives what they want them to be.” MPH’s art teachers also give students the free time and space to experiment with different media—along with expert guidance to explore new techniques and perspectives. In this way, the art program is a microcosm of MPH generally—a place where creative play and intellectual rigor fuel each other, resulting in unforgettable discoveries. Natalie, for instance, made a series of dresses out of surprising materials like trash bags, tissue paper, and plastic eyes, creating new ways to think about fashion.
We invite you to see the many astonishing examples of our art program’s intentional process in our new gallery—including the dress Natalie made out of peacock feathers! Liz’s daughters inherited her philanthropic nature. All three girls have given back to MPH in their own way. Natalie ’15 worked in the Advancement office as part of her Senior Thesis Project and continues to donate handmade items to the School’s annual benefit. Lizzie ’17 was an active member in many service-based extracurriculars, including being the president of the Zonta Club and working for several political-based organizations. She was also accepted into University of Maryland’s CIVICUS program, an invitation-only program focused on citizenship and community building in a diverse society. Her youngest daughter, Maddie, a current junior at MPH, is volunteering in the Communications Office on a social media campaign and teaches young children how to ice skate in her free time.
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ANNOUNCING THE MPH
Athletic Hall of Fame 2018
The TRADITION Since 1869
Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2018
MPH is extremely proud of our athletic tradition and continues to recognize the importance of athletics as part of the student experience. We are pleased to announce the athletes who will be inducted into our Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 2, 2018.
The John Lenore Legend and Legacy Awards The John Lenore Legend Award – Honoring the School’s greatest athletic and life achievers. The award is named in honor of John Lenore ’47A, a 2010 inductee. This lifetime achievement award is the pinnacle of the Hall of Fame ceremony.
The John Lenore Legend Award
Chuck Richards ’59A and ’60HQ THE MANLIUS SCHOOL • BASKETBALL
• Red Knights Co-Captain, Leading Scorer/Rebounder 1959 and 1960 • Co-Captain (with Dave Bing), Syracuse University Basketball, 1964-1965 • Syracuse University Letter Winner of Distinction, 2000 • 18.4 points per game, and 58% shooting average at Syracuse University • Top 50 (#37) player in SU Basketball history, Bleacher Report, 2011
The John Lenore Legacy Award Lenore Legacy Award Winners are inducted posthumously
Joe Scibelli ’57A
THE MANLIUS SCHOOL • FOOTBALL
• Red Knights Football, 1957 • Offensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams, 1961-75 • Co-Captain, LA Rams, 1965-75 • NFL, Pro-Bowl, 1968 • NFL All-Pro Selection, 1973
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Lee Shaffer ’56A
THE MANLIUS SCHOOL • BASKETBALL
• Red Knights Basketball, 1956 • ACC Basketball Player of the Year, North Carolina, 1960 • College All-American, North Carolina, 1960 • 1st Round, 5th Selection, NBA Draft, Syracuse Nationals, 1960 • NBA All-Star Team, 1963
Elizabeth Craig Wells ’93
MANLIUS PEBBLE HILL SCHOOL • SOCCER
• First female MPH graduate to compete in Division I Athletics • NCAA Soccer, Northwestern University • MPH three-season Varsity athlete (Soccer, Volleyball, Track) • New York Women’s Metropolitan Soccer League (10 years)
Brian Scruton ’03
MANLIUS PEBBLE HILL SCHOOL • SOCCER
• High School All-American, 2001 • New York State Championship Team MPH Boys Varsity Soccer 2000 and 2001 • Midfielder, Cornell University 2003-2007 • MVP, Boys Varsity Soccer 2003 • Whitey Anderson Scholar, 2003
Kent Schneider ’68A
THE MANLIUS SCHOOL • MULTI-SPORT ATHLETE
• • • • • •
Manlius School Best All-Around Athlete, 1968 (Football, Wrestling, and Lacrosse) Manlius record 33-3 wrestling, 2 years All-County champion Wrestling individual champion, 1968 Collegiate Letterman Football, SUNY Oswego, 1969 New York State 3rd place finish, Javelin Professional Box Lacrosse player, 1970
1966 Red Squires Track & Field Mile Medley Relay Team THE MANLIUS SCHOOL • TRACK & FIELD
• Undefeated season 1966 (7 – 0) • Only undefeated Red Squires Mile Medley Relay Team (Independent Schedule) Members: (left to right) Jack Draper ’66B, Jerry Marturano ’66HQ, Erick Sweet ’66HQ, Steve Burchesky ’66C
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2018 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME SPECIAL GUEST Dave Bing is often referred to as the greatest player in Syracuse University Basketball history. It was the legendary Ernie Davis convinced him to come to Syracuse and there, he made a remarkable impact. He led the Orangemen in scoring for three years, and was the all-time leading scorer until Sherman Douglas came along two decades later. With Bing as the catalyst, SU went from an 8-13 struggling program to a 22-6 NCAA contender, and a team that led the nation in scoring. As a senior Bing was named All-American, and was 5th in the nation in scoring with 28.4 ppg, an SU record. His college roommate was current SU Head Coach, Jim Boeheim ’66 who says “Dave Bing is the best basketball player I’ve ever seen play. Ever.” He was the first player to have his uniform retired at Syracuse, #22.
Dave
Bing
Bing would be the 2nd player taken in the NBA draft that spring and received Rookie of the Year honors. In his sophomore year, Bing led the NBA in scoring, becoming the first guard to do so in 20 years, beating out legendary scorers such as Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor. Bing played 12 seasons in the NBA primarily with the Detroit Pistons, but also with the Washington Bullets and Boston Celtics. During his career, he averaged over 20 points and six assists per game and made seven NBA All-Star appearances, winning the game’s Most Valuable Player award in 1976. The Pistons celebrated his career accomplishments with the retirement of his #21 jersey. In 1990, he was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players of all-time in 1996. He was also named to Syracuse University’s All-Century team. Dave Bing’s success did not end after basketball. During the offseasons from basketball he worked for local banks in Detroit, Chrysler Corporation, and small steel companies. In 1980 he founded Bing Steel in Detroit, and by the end of the decade the company had grown to annual sales of $61 million and became the 10th-largest AfricanAmerican-owned industrial company in the nation, according to Black Enterprise magazine’s rankings. In 2009 Bing won a special election to become the mayor of Detroit, Michigan and remained in office through 2013. Sources: Cuse.com, Orangehoops.org
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The 2016 Class:
Athletic Hall of Fame Committee
Richard Nowak ’60B
Eric Spevak ’77, Chair
Gary Steele ’65C
Barry Spevak ’78
Jack Songster ’80
Dave Temes ’97
Dimitrios Telonis ’07 Lora Songster Hall ’83 1977 Boys Varsity Tennis Team Maureen Anderson, MPH Tennis Coach John Lenore Legend Award Tom Denton ’65PH John Lenore Legacy Award Robert S. Weekes ’22B, ’23B PG & ’24B PG
MPH
Athletic Hall of Fame 2018
The TRADITION Since 1869
Save the date and plan to join us for MPH’s Class of 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction
Maureen Anderson ’67HON
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Don Ridall, Coach
5:00 p.m. – VIP Reception featuring our honored guests and presenters
Pat Bentley Hoke, Coach Jim Ryan, Athletic Director Rachel Lewis, Athletic Booster Club President Erica Toyama, Alumni Relations Associate Jenn Neuner, Director of Events & Communications Kelly Gillis-Rose, Director of Development If you wish to share any photographs or stories of the individuals or teams being inducted, please email them to etoyama@ mphschool.org or mail them to Erica Toyama, Alumni Relations Associate, Manlius Pebble Hill School, 5300 Jamesville Rd., Syracuse, NY 13214. Photographs will be returned.
6:00 p.m. – Induction Ceremony and Dinner The Manlius Pebble Hill Athletic Hall of Fame is pleased to welcome Syracuse University Basketball Legend, NBA Hall of Fame Member, and former Mayor of Detroit, as our special guest speaker Dave Bing to the 2018 induction. We expect another sell-out crowd at this iconic event!
Coach Don Ridall to be inducted into Soccer Hall of Fame
Don Ridall with former MPH soccer goalie Dimitrios Telonis ’07, NSCAA High School All-American, at the 2016 MPH Athletic Hall of Fame
Manlius Pebble Hill varsity soccer coach Don Ridall has been selected for induction into the New York State Soccer Hall of Fame. Ridall has 564 victories in his 42-year MPH career. He has been named Private School Coach of the Year in Section III eight times and in the state three times. In 2001, he was named National Private School Coach of the Year and Coach of the Year in the East Region. He was one of the coaches for the inaugural McDonald’s High School All America game. Four years in a row he led MPH soccer teams to the State Class D Final Four tournament. In three of those years his team made it to the final game, twice winning state championships. He is the winningest active coach in Section III. Don also is a member of the SUNY Cortland Athletics Hall of Fame. Ridall will be one of five inductees into a Hall of Fame that has only 67 members. Congratulations on a well-deserved honor, Coach!
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Student Voices…
The Pebble of today and The Rolling Stone of yesterday
TODAY… current MPH student Josh Clardy is featured in the Pebble in the Spring 2017 edition
YESTERDAY… “Ma Beeler” was featured in the 25th Anniversary issue of the Rolling Stone at Pebble Hill
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Portrait OF A Graduate A 1992 MPH graduate, Aakif Ahmad reflects upon his seven years at MPH with gratitude. As a student, he was provided many opportunities to try new things, while being supported by the entire MPH community. He credits the small school environ ment and close relationships with teachers and fellow classmates for allowing him to find his voice and develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. His well-rounded educational experience led him to
MPH Alumnus Aakif Ahmad ‘92 Finds Career Success in Conflict Resolution
apply and gain admittance to Yale University. “I had so much support from faculty and staff, that if it wasn’t for them, I may not have even applied to Yale, much less been admitted.” says Aakif. After graduating from Yale, Aakif’s career plans were uncertain. Like many other recent college grads, he simply wanted to get a job, support his parents and siblings, and pay off his student loans. He took a
Aakif with Rob Fersh, the President and Co-Founder of The Convergence Center
job as an analyst for a fast-growing business research company based in Washington, D.C. After a short time with the firm he was offered a sales job. Though he had no formal sales experience, he accepted the position. He credits MPH for teaching him a valuable lesson, one he used during his transition to sales - “Stick with it until you’re good at it.” And stick with it he did. He spent several very successful years in sales, was promoted to leading his own team and, ultimately, was recognized as one of the top leaders in the organization. In 2008, Aakif decided to pursue his Executive M.B.A. at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. While pursuing this degree, Aakif met Robert Fersh, the U.S.A. Country Director for Search for Common Ground, an international conflict resolution organization. After spending time with Rob, Aakif realized his interests and skills aligned with the type of work Mr. Fersh was doing. He decided that the time was right for a career change and focused on helping co-
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found and build The Convergence Center for Policy Resolution (www.convergencepolicy.org).
that will focus on policy challenges
Convergence was founded to offer an alternative solution for addressing urgent social and policy issues facing the United States that are bogged down in disagreement and discord. The Center brings conflicting stakeholders together and uses a process of dialogue leading to action to generate breakthrough solutions on important, yet intractable, problems. “Organizations did not have a safe space to discuss their differences without being attacked. Convergence gave them that space,” said Aakif. “We’ve worked with very influential groups who never thought they could come to agreement, let alone work together. Real division has been healed because of the work we’ve done.”
give current MPH students, Aakif
Convergence has received praise and support from many across the country. “It is all about the stakeholders; we don’t do what we do for the accolades. The work being done here has national consequences for the country, and it’s a tremendous feeling when we can help find a solution. That’s why our staff love coming to work every day.” Though Aakif has now moved on to launch a new business, he remains a consultant with Convergence. Most recently he provided coaching and consultative support to senior staff in an effort to launch a new division of Convergence in San Francisco
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facing the State of California. When asked what advice he would offered the following: “My advice to students is to take full advantage of their time at MPH. It’s an amazing opportunity to try different things and see what you like, what inspires and motivates you, and what challenges you to get
“My advice to students is to take full advantage of their time at MPH. It’s an amazing opportunity to try different things and see what you like, what inspires and motivates you, and what challenges you to get better.”
better. Take as many classes as you can in different subjects. Play a sport you haven’t tried before. Try theater. Try music. Take an art class. Be a delegate on the Model UN team. Try the chess club, outdoor club, robotics, 3D modeling, dance, or photography. Make a new club that interests you and invite others to be part of it. Volunteer. While you can’t do everything, it’s surprising how much you can do. Later in life, the world will want you to specialize and focus, but at MPH you can explore a lot of things and see what clicks. You may find you love something that you never tried before, and your time at MPH gives you the space, freedom, support, and opportunity to give it a shot. Having spent time in a for-profit business, the non-profit sector, working internationally, and now in entrepreneurship, one thing stands out for me – the things that I have accomplished have been as part of a team, working with others, as well as being supported and mentored by individuals who took an interest in my success. Learning how to work with very different people, understanding how to respect each other’s point of view, communicating with each other in a way that builds trust, support and good working relationships, learning how to build on each other’s creativity and intelligence, and figuring your way through difficulties, challenges and mistakes, that is what MPH taught me, and I will forever be thankful to all who helped make that possible.”
Then & Now Who taught your favorite class? And who teaches it now? See the changing faces of MPH…
HISTORY
MATH
ART
THEN
Hugh Jones
Chuck Oelsner
Jeanne Holstein
Sarah Chhablani
Dalyana Guerra
Lilly Thomann
NOW
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ADVANCEMENT
PHYSICS
THEN
Nancy Craig
Bob Slentz
Kelly Gillis-Rose
Kazage Utuje
NOW
THEN
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LOWER SCHOOL
Gelene Lewis
Maria Ricciardiello
NOW
Sondra Jones
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Shelbi Pisciarino P’21, P’24 I give to say thank you. Thank you to the faculty and staff, thank you to the students, thank you to the parents and the entire MPH community. Thank you for what you provide to my children. They have gained a type of confidence that I don’t believe they would have obtained elsewhere. MPH is providing the academic tools and resources they need to succeed, but more importantly, the tools to forever be strong independent learners. I’m thankful that my children have access to the special MPH community and that is why I am proud to serve as the President of the Parents’ Association and why I give back financially. I hope that MPH will continue to provide the educational experience for all children for many years to come.
Kyle Bell ’03
Brian Sichol ’63A
MPH meant a lot to the course of my education and development as an individual. My skills as a writer and fluency in Spanish are two things that come from my experience at MPH, which I use on a daily basis. I have MPH and its teachers and educational and extracurricular opportunities to thank. I was a scholarship recipient and would not have been able to attend without some kind of financial support. When I heard the news about MPH’s financial difficulties the year before last, I gave as much as I felt I was able at the time. This was a decision to pay it forward and give back to the School with the hope that my contributions will help new students in the same way I was helped.
I donate to MPH in honor of those teachers who were instrumental in my development as a young man especially Ron Osborn and Jack Lewis. It is evident from the School’s great success in college placement that it continues to prepare - and prepare very well young adults for their future academic endeavors. I believe my gift is of greater importance and more meaningful to MPH than to any school my children, or I, have attended.
Ariel Sealing ’07 Small or large, I know I’m making a difference by donating. I have always had a strong sense of school pride towards Manlius Pebble Hill because I feel like it’s a learning environment unlike any other. I want to help in any way to preserve my school so that others can have the incredible experience I had.
Elizabeth Gates Jobes ’70PH My reason for giving is simple...I wish to give back to the school for the amazing education I received beginning in kindergarten thru my graduation from high school. College was a wonderful experience because I knew how to plan, prepare, and execute studying, writing papers and taking exams. Those Pebble Hill days prepared me for life in the world of work as well. The school is a much different place than when I began learning in the farm house classrooms but the end goal is the same... preparing young minds for the world they will face as adults. Every donation contributes to keeping the school alive and moving forward.
John Ellis ’67HQ I recently celebrated the fiftieth reunion of my Class of 1967 of The Manlius School. For thirty-five or so of those fifty years I have been active in preserving the history of Manlius. I talk to current MPH students. I help to identify and catalog the artifacts of my Alma Mater. I work on outreach to my former classmates. Why? Because it is an inevitability of history that, eventually, there is no one left to tell the tale. I want to make sure that future students will be able to know what that Manlius School thing was all about, and how it fits into their lives as MPH students. Manlius was a great school. I believe its values help make MPH a greater school. It’s all about giving the MPH students of today and the future the best possible foundation for their future.
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Out of the Archives NEW MEMORABILIA! Our alumni relations associate’s mother found this Manlius School 1970 Commencement Program while sorting through family documents.
This year we were fortunate to receive several donations of new and interesting items from the School’s history. Here are a few of the new items you’ll see on display when you come by to visit with us in the alumni reception area in the Farmhouse.
Our director of special events and communications spotted this fun postcard featuring Farmer Hall at the Manlius School on Ebay and snapped it up for our collection.
This copy of the 1932 Haversack, was donated by Vernon Weiss ’69C, whose father, Henry, graduated from the Manlius School in 1935.
During Alumni Weekend 2017, Laura Lavine ’73 gave to us her graduation announcement from Manlius Pebble Hill School.1973 was the last year that the commencement exercises were held on the Manlius campus.
Discovered between the pages of the Haversack was a menu card from Thanksgiving dinner at the Manlius School in 1931!
Vernon also provided us with a great little book called The Crow’s Nest: A Collection of Stories from Saint John’s, which is a very interesting read – be sure to check it out the next time you visit campus!
Tim Burback ’68B paid us a nice visit this spring, and he brought with him this Navy peacoat that was issued to him during his time at Manlius. It is the first time we’ve had this particular type of coat in our collection.
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MPH Model United Nations Receives
International Recognition The MPH Model United Nations Team had a remarkable season, capped off by a Best International Delegation Award in the prestigious Harvard Model United Nations China 2017 Conference, in Beijing, China in March. Over 1,000 students were in attendance for this debate conference with over 60 high schools represented, coming from 12 different nations.
The MPHMUN Team after winning the Best International Delegation Award at the Harvard Model United Nations China 2017
“This is the most accomplished MUN team that I have directed in my 15 years as the MUN director,” says Jeff Mangram. From top to bottom, freshman to senior, we are consistently excellent! To have 17 of 18 delegates earn public recognition at the closing ceremonies is unprecedented!” Mangram feels strongly that with both their recent success and historical accomplishments, the MPHMUN team is one of the best high school Model United Nations programs in the world. This year, Dr. Mangram has turned the reins over to MPH history teacher Sarah Chhablani, who worked side by side with Jeff with the 2016-17 team. Here’s what they have to say about MPHMUN.
What are the key components to a successful team? MPHMUN has been a success because all of the students learn about and adhere to five core values: Character, Caring, Chemistry, Commitment and Competence. Because these values are interlocking, students must master all five of them as they move through the experience. MPHMUN students are charged with exhibiting the ten pillars of character in everything they do: Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Humility, WorkEthic, Perseverance, Trustworthiness, Loyalty, Empathy, and Discipline. Because of adherence to these values, a
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world. In short, MUN opens up the world to students. Moreover, the students learn about themselves and learn to cultivate their strengths while also acknowledging and overcoming their weaknesses. MPHMUN does not test character, it reveals it.
Does participating in MUN provide skills needed for college and life beyond? Strong research and writing skills are among the top two things colleges look for. These are also a current area of weakness amongst applicants nationwide. MPHMUN helps develop those skills to a very high level. Additionally, conference work necessitates students to develop negotiation skills, empathy for world issues, public speaking skills, and a sense of professionalism. These are indeed needed for college and life beyond.
How is the MUN curriculum different from that of other classes? MPHMUN team exploring China
culture of caring and nurturing each other, as well as the greater MPH community, has evolved throughout the years. MPHMUN is a TEAM, not a class. Seniors are expected to be role models of the 5C’s and the 10 pillars of character in all that they do and there is an expectation that competing means hard work, team work, and a striving for excellence both inside and outside of MUN. No one is bigger than the TEAM, the whole. There is no undermining of each other nor arrogance when we achieve success. This, combined with excellent research and writing skills that are developed throughout the year, results in success at conferences.
How does being a part of MUN benefit a particular student? Being a part of MPHMUN leads students to learn valuable life skills such as public speaking, the ability to explore solutions to key issues around the world, and working with peers from around the nation and
The MUN curriculum at MPH focusses a great deal on developing the skills listed above through peer mentoring as well as through direct instruction. Additionally, the MUN curriculum focuses on building a collaborative team spirit and developing a strong character. When students think about and try to live by the team’s core values, they are better able to successfully meet challenges in conferences and in life. Lastly, the students learn to care – about themselves, about others, about the community, and about the world in demonstrable ways.
Expectations are high, but Sarah is expecting big things from this year’s team. She says, “I am honored to be coaching the MUN team this year. In today’s world, there is an urgency to address world issues through a thoughtful and committed process. It is a privilege to work with students who are committed to that process and to being empathic and principled people. I am looking forward to a great season.”
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Holiday Gathering at Aster Pantry & Parlor
Alumni Events
Syracuse, NY – December 26, 2016
Cristina Danial ’01, Megan Nesloney, and former MPH faculty member Michael Salter.
Young alumni celebrating
Alan Marcum ’74, and his mother Helen Marcum
Sweet Charity Alumni Performance and Reunion MPH Campus – March 25, 2017
Peter Day ’08, Helen Day ’05, Performing Arts Department Chair Michele Koziara, Pamela (Usiatynski) Pollack ’05, Stefania Ianno ’05, Allison DeVoe ’07, Mo Seraji ’08, Lizzie McGuire ’07
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Helen Day ’05, Vocal Music Teacher Annmarie Gregory, Peter Day ’08, former MPH faculty member Hanni Schwarzlander, Mo Seraji ’08, Allison DeVoe ’07
Boston Reunion
Cambridge, MA – April 27, 2017 Stephanie Wheeler ’11, Suzanne Englot ’09, Miriam Haxton ’11, Head of School Jim Dunaway, Conna Walsh ’11, Lillie Haxton ’11, Alumni Relations Associate Erica Toyama
Thank You to Goodyear Girl Marilyn Alberding and her husband Richard for
Goodyear-Burlingame Reunion
hosting the 2017 Tea.
Cazenovia, NY – May 9, 2017
Joan (Carpenter) Scott (in middle), Jackie Sampsell (right) enjoying the tea party at the home of Richard and Marilyn Alberding
Patty Burke, JoAnn (Lowman) Bock, Judy Oplinger
Senior Snack 2016-17 Julia Walsh ’17, Maggie Carmen ’17, Meg Curtis ’17, Maja Cannavo ’17
Final Senior Snack of the 2016-17 year
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ALUMNI NOTES
The Manlius School REGINALD M. BALLANTYNE ’41HQ writes, “I lost my beautiful wife Connie, to whom I was married for over 74 years. She passed away on June 8, 2016. I miss her so very much. I met Connie when I was 14 years old and she was 13 years old. She will remain in our hearts forever.” PETER AULT ’48B writes, “I finally retired from various municipal boards and committees here in Wayne. I took a trip to Ohio and Indiana at the end of April with my son William to check out the part of the country where my father and his forebears came from. The only relatives we found were in cemeteries, but it was a very interesting two day visit to an area my Dad left in 1910 to come to the state of Maine.” ROB SMITH ’57HQ writes, “I sold my tobacco store after 33 years in Utica in 2007! I remarried in 2010 to Mary, who is 23 years younger than me and manages a Vision Center in Walmart in Utica. I own a house in Green Valley, AZ and decided to move in September to see if I might spend the rest of my life there. I have met many folks like me in AZ, so I think I’ll stay here.” WILLIAM RANKIN II ’59HQ shares, “I just had a book published entitled A Life of Service: Jones Laviwa, Refugees, Relief, and AIDS in rural Malawi. The book describes Mr. Laviwa, a Malawian social worker, growing up in Southern Rhodesia
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(present-day Zimbabwe), helping some of the one million refugees from a vicious Mozambican civil war, rehabilitating land for Malawian subsistence farmers, and finally being our Malawi Country Director for GAIA during the peak of a staggering AIDS epidemic in rural Malawian villages. Anyone who might be interested in the book could visit the Amazon site, click on books, and enter ‘Laviwa.’” BILL KOSS ’61C shared with us that early in August the six starters from the 1961 Manlius School basketball team had another reunion, this time in North Carolina. “Foehl, Cohane, McGuire, Allen, Rockelein and Koss were all together again. The first five men were in Syracuse to celebrate the Whitey Anderson scholarship and we have been together on other occasions. Golf was the primary competition this time. The only hiccup was that Whitey Rockelein was receiving some medical attention and we could not all get to see him.
Phil and Sherrie Allen were able to have a brief visit and report that Whitey got good news from his medical people and is in high spirits. Whitey was one of the best defenders that any of us ever played basketball with and a key guy to our great success in 1961.
From left to right in front row: Melinda Maguire, Bob Maguire ’61C, Mary Koss, Sherrie Allen. Back row: Ed Foehl ’61C, Bill Koss ’61C, Phil Allen ’62A, Tim Cohane ’61B, Lisa Cohane.
We have been told our season that year was the best ever in the School’s basketball history. We certainly look back on that season and that year as a pivotal year in all of our lives.
Members of the Manlius School 1961 Basketball Team
This week we shared four days together in High Meadows country club in Roaring Gap North Carolina. The mountains are beautiful and with our wives we shared golf, meals and quality time together each day.
spending more than 1,000 hours in the recording booth behind the microphone.
The group enjoyed a dinner out at the High Falls Country Club
Ed Foehl’s wife couldn’t make trip from Oregon BUT in that picture is 257 years of marriage all to the same spouse!!!!” ANDREW (ANDY) MCTIGUE ’64B writes, “After graduation from Manlius, I tried college and failed. So I joined the NAVY. My military experience at Manlius was valuable through boot camp. Then, while on duty in the Philippines, I applied for and entered into BUD/S, Basic underwater demolition SEAL training. Graduated class 50, 1969. I went to Vietnam and returned with little or no injuries. I started a SEAL reserve unit in 1973 and retired from SEALs. I am now training service dogs for veterans twice a week, and I have my own service dog Katie, a seven year old golden retriever. I’m living in Southern California, married for thirty years with two girls and two grandchildren.” KARL STEWART ’66C writes, “I was hoping to get there for my 50th reunion in 2016 but, unfortunately, my oldest daughter Amy was fight ing stage 4 metastasized breast cancer that spread to her brain. She successfully fought off one breast tumor and four surgeries removed four brain tumors but early this year it
spread to her spine and she passed away on April 19 at the age of 47. I currently am retired and working part time for a small company in the morning. I dabble at a few small home businesses from time to time. I live a short walk from the beach and spend every day walking there in the afternoon. I’m absolutely enjoying my retirement, living my dream as my best friend David tells me. I plan to start volunteering some time with the local cancer center and the cancer group called Pretty in Pink, who all were a huge help for my daughter; some of the most caring people I have ever known. I am trying to keep my life simple, and letting my other three children know every day that I love them is my top priority. I hope that I can make it for the next reunion.” BOB PRATT ’67HQ is in his 15th year volunteering for Learning Ally, which is headquartered in Princeton. Bob volunteers in the Washington chapter where he lends his voice recording books for learning and visually disabled students. Students who read and hear material simultaneously absorb and retain material better. Bob was recently cited for
TOM POTTER ’67B AND TIM BURBACK ’68B recently connected through the efforts of Tom’s wife Mary Margaret O’Dowd. They discovered that they both are residing in the same small village of Waterville, NY. Tom is retired as Vice President for Administration and Finance at the University of Maine at Machias. Tim is retired as President and CEO of Madison Mutual Insurance Company, Chittenango, NY. They enjoy going out for breakfast weekly and reminiscing about their cadet years at Manlius.
Tom Potter ’67B and Tim Burback ’68B
Pebble Hill School MARGOT (HUNTER) ROWLAND ’66 writes, “The belated 50th Reunion for the Pebble Hill Class of 1966 included Sue (Bishop) Heitzman ’66, Gillette Hansen ’66, Ed Share ’66, Bob Wayne ’66, Jeremy (Case) Hale ’66, John Bertrand ’66, Margot (Hunter) Rowland ’66, and Lewis Campfield ’66. It took place in June in Cazenovia at the Brewster Inn and included two dinners, a guest visit by Nat Reidel ’65, a pontoon boat cruise of the lake, waterskiing, lunch at the Empire Brewing Co. and a tour of the MPH campus. The weather was perfect and everyone had a blast!
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simulations—using DUPLOs, 6- and 8-sided dice, and a deck of playing cards. Based on Ryan’s and the students’ reports, the game was a big hit, and pedagogically successful. We plan to use it again when I next visit Ryan’s classroom, in the fall.
Members of the Pebble Hill Class of 1966
Dorothy Maffei ’70, Elizabeth Gates Jobes ’70 and a friend.
ELIZABETH GATES JOBES ’70 writes, “Pebble Hill 1970 Reunion, the last class to graduate from Pebble Hill School and the last time Dorothy Maffei ’70 and I saw each other...and we haven’t changed one bit!”
Manlius Pebble Hill GENE MANGUS II ’71 writes, “I am happy to say that I am alive at 65!” CLAIRE MYERS-USIATYNSKI ’72 writes, “Hello class of 1972! Having just passed our 45th reunion, I want everyone to mark their calendars and start making travel plans for our 50th Class Reunion!! Ask for your vacation time now for the first weekend in June 2022! There will
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be golf on Friday (for golfers AND non-golfers, everyone is welcome), a gathering Friday night, Clambake as the highlight on Saturday but lots going on during the day, the Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday evening and a send-off brunch on Sunday. Lots of time to gather, reconnect and have a great time in general. Who would have ever thought that Brad Wheler or Pat Kennedy would write books, Jerry Dellas would be selling hotdogs, Doug McLean would be creating works in iron, Dick Woods would be a school principal or that Tom Randolph would live in Zimbabwe? Come and see what your classmates have been up to. Who has changed the most, the least, or done the unexpected? Have some fun! Hope to see you in 5 years!” LAURA LAVINE ’73 announced her run for Mayor of the City of Syracuse, earlier this year. She is running on the Republican ticket. ALAN MARCUM ’74 shared with us, “In early April, I worked with MPH Technology teacher Ryan Zlomek to teach some basic concepts relating to computer operating systems, with special focus on processor management and memory management. Inspired by Ryan’s creativity, I wrote a game that allows students to understand these basics through a series of simple
While in Syracuse in April, my mother and I thoroughly enjoyed the Upper School production of Sweet Charity. The cast, tech crew, and orchestra performed wonderfully. We are looking forward to future productions.” “During late May and early June, we took a family vacation to Ecuador, celebrating our younger son’s graduation from college and our elder son’s acceptance to medical school. We had a fabulous time visiting a family friend, cruising Galápagos for eight days aboard a 16-passenger, 98-foot catamaran, and hiking to and staying at an Econolodge atop a mountain in the Ecuadorian cloud forest about three hours west of Quito. The variety of animals and plants we saw, ranging from tiny orchids to enormous trees, from thrushes to blue footed and red footed boobies, from small geckos to six-foot long Galápagos iguanas, from giant tortoises to penguins and hammerhead sharks, was truly remarkable. It’s easy to understand how the specialization of the various animals could have led as keen an observer as Charles Darwin to reach new conclusions about the origin of species.” PHILIP ROTHSCHILD ’79 writes, “I am presently entering my thirty-first year as an attorney, 27 at Hiscock Legal Aid, where I supervise the Appeals Program. My wife Nancy and I will be celebrating 30 years of marriage this September. Both sons, Seth ’08 and Ethan ’11, are proud MPH grads, with Seth just recently receiving
his mathematics doctorate from Tufts and Ethan in the management training program at Unilever.” ERICH GROAT ’82 tells us, “I’m now back in CNY after a BA in Physics from Williams, a PhD in linguistics at Harvard/MIT, academic linguistics and lexicography jobs in New York and Boston, a furious catchy eccentric rock band that came and went with four glorious records, a sudden move to Fez Morocco for four and a half years teaching English and sundry, then three years in Germany on another linguistics research project; at last I’m studying systematic theology part-time at the University of Nottingham in the UK, insanely pursuing another PhD. If anybody’s out there, I’d love to hear from my old schoolmates, one and all; it’s been a long time!”
State United Teachers) where I serve as Copy Desk Chief for NYSUT United and the Communications Department. In June, I became a member of the Albany District Chapter of The Links, Inc., an international, not-for-profit volunteer service organization.”
CHRISTINE WOODCOCK DETTOR ’88 was elected to the Board of Managers for Bousquet Holstein PLLC in Syracuse, NY. AMBER ESTABROOK ’93 is the Associate Publisher of Luxury at Vanity Fair Magazine. CLARISSE BUTLER BANKS ’95 writes, “I am still living in Albany with my husband and our two daughters. We are enjoying spending time together and even the occasional road trip. I recently celebrated my 17th anniversary at my job (New York
BRITT ELDRIDGE WILLIAMS ’97 welcomed a baby girl on May 13th. RACHEL FRIEDMAN ’99 , author of the The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost, recently penned her second yet-to-be-named book, which will be published by Penguin.
Tristan Amond ’12 works as a Reputation Analyst at Terakeet
Terakeet, the company co-founded by CEO MAC CUMMINGS ’97 and CTO PAT DANIAL ’98 was recently named one of the top 25 small and medium size workplaces in New York by Great Place to Work and Fortune. Several other MPH alumni are also part of the Terakeet team, including COO RALPH TORRILLO ’98, and Reputa tion Analyst TRISTAN AMOND ’12. Christine Woodcock Dettor ’88
JEN WEATHERBEE STEINBERG ’97 finished a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of North Dakota. She is currently managing perioperative care for Urology and Gynecology patients at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
In June, Mac and his wife Rochelle hosted the MPH Class of 1997’s 20th Reunion at their new home on Skaneateles Lake. The group was joined by both current and former MPH faculty and staff, and a terrific time was had by all! MICHAEL POIESZ ’97 and his father Bernie Poiesz were featured on the Spring 2017 cover of Upstate Health Magazine. Both men are doctors at Upstate University Hospital, where they specialize in cancer care. Michael joined the Upstate faculty last fall after completing a fellowship in cancer and blood disorders at New York University Medical Center.
Jack’s work The Ramshead Algorithm and Other Stories will be available next year.
It’s been a hectic but exciting year for JACK KABZA ’99, whose debut print fiction collection, The Ramshead Algorithm and Other Stories will be released on January 16, 2018 from Boston-based small publisher Pink Narcissus Press. HEATHER FULEIHAN ’00 and VANESSA FULEIHAN ’09 opened an OrangeTheory Fitness franchise in Syracuse. SWATI MURTHY ’01 writes, “After finishing our medical training, my husband and I moved from Philadelphia to the Syracuse area in July 2017. We are living in Jamesville with our daughter Saanvi, who is a year-and-a-half old. I am working at Crouse Hospital as a Neonatologist and am excited to be back in Central NY and near family.”
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MARK HAYES ’02 was recently named Vice-President of Revenue Development for the Syracuse Crunch. MARSHALL HAYNER ’02 is engaged to Madisyn Li.
BETSY (STONER) BOSSERT ’04 had an eventful year, both achieving her Ph.D. and having a baby girl. STEWART URIST ’04 and his wife welcomed a baby boy, Asher James Urist.
JESS JAKUS ’02 writes, “I got married to my partner of thirteen years, Michael Titcomb, in Ithaca, NY on June 18th. Mike is a tutor and I am (still!) a freelance illustrator. We live in Oakland, CA.”
Lizzie (Klemperer) Walker ’05 with her new husband Evan (and their dog, Biggie!)
ELIZABETH (KLEMPERER) WALKER ’05 was married on September 1 to Evan Walker in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
DANIEL KLEMPERER ’02 and his wife Lindsay welcomed a baby boy, James.
Lisa ’06 and David Sonneborn ’06
ALIX VERLEY-PIETRAFESA’S ’03 original design, ‘Prince coat’ was featured in the March 2017 issue of Vogue magazine. After graduating from MPH, MICHAEL MARTIN ’03 earned Bachelors and Masters degrees from NYU. He played for and then coached the school’s hockey team, which captured national championships in 2015 and 2017 at the ACHA Division II level. He is a seasoned professional in the real estate development industry leading complex, multiphased residential, educational and historic preservation projects in New York City. Michael has recently relocated to Detroit, MI to join The Platform, a development firm anchored in the New Center area committed to ’broadening the city’s resurgence beyond the downtown core. Among his early assignments is the Pistons Performance Center, a state of the art training facility and headquarters for the NBA franchise, and the adjacent Center for Athletic Medicine, a new research and treatment center launched by Henry Ford Health System.
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Mackenzie Bell ’15 backstage at Sunset Boulevard
MACKENZIE BELL ’05 writes, “I just finished up a successful run in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway, starring Glenn Close. This summer, I played Val in A Chorus Line at The MUNY in St. Louis. I’m currently playing Giorgio Moroder in SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical, a Broadway- bound musical currently at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego. I was the Maid of Honor at Lizzie Klemperer’s ’05 wedding in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, on September 1st, along with bridesmaid and alumna, Amanda Fuleihan ’05. SARAH LUND ‘05 and JERZY HAUSKNECHT ‘05 were married on December 2, 2016 on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Attendants included Kent Sutherland ’05, Noah Hausknecht ’08 and David Lund (attended MPH 1996-2005). The couple originally met at MPH in 7th grade.
LISA (EADE) SONNEBORN ’06 married classmate DAVID SONNEBORN ’06 in August, 2016. Living in Syracuse, Lisa is the owner/ director of a neuro-degenerative research facility while David works as a mechanical design engineer at Thermo-Fisher Scientific in Liverpool. They just had their first child, a girl, in October. DEVIN SULLIVAN ’06 shares, “I live and work in Stockholm Sweden on the Cell Atlas, part of the Human Protein Atlas project (proteinatlas. org). We are mapping the locations of proteins in the human body to better understand their functions. In the Cell Atlas, we are interested in understanding the subcellular localizations of proteins which we study using high resolution fluorescence microscopy. The localizations and initial analysis for over 12,000 proteins was recently published in the journal Science and is a freely available resource used by over 15,000 researchers around the globe every month.
and self-acceptance for young people.
Recently, in “Project Discovery” we collaborated with citizen scientists within the massive multiplayer online game EVE Online (CCP Games) and MMOS (mmos.ch) to analyze our microscopy images. This project represented the first ever integration of science with AAA games and has become one of the largest ever citizen science efforts to date.” CONOR BRANAGAN ’07 is engaged to Jessica Gross. ALLISON DEVOE ’07 received her Masters of Science Degree in Communication from Syracuse University. Nida Nizam ’07
KATIA KOZIARA ’08 2017 has been quite a year for Katia Koziara ’08! She released a short film The Bracket Theory, which she wrote, directed, and produced. The film has been accepted to: • Manhattan Film Festival (Best short romantic drama)
Impakt was created by NIDA NIZAM ’07 and is in its final week of fundraising on Kickstarter. It’s an ethical shopping companion that hopes to finally show corporations how far conscious customers are willing to go for goods and services that cause less harm to people and the environment. ARIEL SEALING ’07 has taken on a new role with a start-up meeting and event management company called Convene. She will work as their service manager for their Park Avenue, NYC location. SAM ESCOBAR ’08 is the beauty editor at Good Housekeeping, and was recently interviewed for an article with Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls where they spoke about the importance of body positivity, gender inclusivity,
• IndieFEST Film Awards (Award of Excellence) • Global Shorts Awards (Award of Merit) • Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival • Movies4movies Film Festival (Best Female Director) • Big Apple Film Festival (upcoming November 1st) Katia also served as the Associate Director for the world premiere of a new play, Big Night by Paul Rudnick at Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles; the Associate Director for the Bright Star National Tour; and became a member of the National Board of Review. Plus, the short film she directed in 2016, Out To Lunch, is set to be released any day now!
NOAH KELLMAN ’09 writes, “When I recently found out that I would be part of the 2017 ASCAP/Columbia Film Scoring Workshop, I was very honored and excited just to have my work seen by a group of talented directors. Then, Federico Spiazzi contacted me to write the music for the 2017 Columbia University Film Festival trailer. It turned into one of the most fulfilling collaborations I’ve ever been a part of, creating and erasing, shaping and molding the music until we finally landed on a piece we’re both incredibly happy with. THEN, on top of that, we found out we would have the opportunity to record it with a full big band live in the studio with some of the very best musicians in NYC.” MICHAEL KOMROWSKI ’09 was accepted into NY Medical College. ANNELIESE (TRUST) CASSALIA ’10 married Matthew Cassalia on August 6, 2016. The couple were wed at Sky Armory in Syracuse. CAMILLE FRANCIS ’11 shares with us, “Since graduating from college I’ve worked on social media strategy for the clients of DKC, a PR firm in New York City. I love working on new business pitches, as well as day-to-day content creation, live event coverage, and ad strategy. I’ve assisted with Facebook Lives for FOX’s GOTHAM as well as for Rashad Jennings when he hosted a red carpet screening on behalf of The USO. I went to Thailand this past spring and will be going to Hawaii this fall.” JILLIAN HAMEL ’11 was recently promoted to Director of Financial Services at Zealandia Capital, Inc. in Asheville, NC and was married on September 30, 2017.
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MPH Alumna makes MIT News!
Victoria Gregory ’13 and her classmate at MIT, Gabe Alba
In her senior year at MIT, VICTORIA GREGORY ’13 and her classmate at MIT, Gabe Alba, developed a prototype of a device called “Coffee Cookie”— a lightweight, circular object that attaches to the bottom of disposable coffee cups. It looks like a sea-blue casino chip but in fact is a battery-operated drink warmer that heats up to 90 degrees Celsius. “We realized there isn’t a need to keep the drink indefinitely hot,” says Gregory. Making a device that can match the temperature of the coffee and keep it level for just 15 minutes longer, not hours at a time, she says, was a much more achievable task. And thus was born a take-out coffee accessory, which is rechargeable for daily use. With conviction, Gregory adds: “If the Coffee Cookie fails, we’ll come up with other ideas and keep going.” Reprinted with permission of MIT News
CONNA WALSH ’11 attended Cornell University and graduated in 2015, after which she moved to Boston to work in the field of international education. In 2016, Conna started a new position at Best Delegate, a Model United Nations education firm. Conna credits Dr. Mangram and Wei Gao for so many of her successes so far, and for helping her achieve her dream of working in the global education sphere.
TERRY NETUSIL ’13 shares, “What an honor to graduate and receive my commission in the world’s greatest Coast Guard by our Commander-inChief himself! Thank you to my family, friends, classmates for getting me through these past four years. Go books, Go bears, Go 2017!”
Terry Netusil ’13 and President Donald Trump
John (Frenchi) French-Lawyer ’12 and Bill McMillen ’67A
JOHN (FRENCHI) FRENCH LAWYER ’12 shares with us, “While moving into my new place in Portland, OR I needed some things from the hardware store. I went to the nearest one and the gentleman who helped me turned out to be Bill McMillan ’67A! Crazy to think that even so far from home, at the mention of upstate NY he mentioned that he went to the Manlius School and I
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was utterly taken aback. Bill is a very kind guy, and I promised him that I would share our chance meeting with you. Hope all is well!” EMMA KOZIARA ’13 graduated from Syracuse University and secured a position in Los Angeles working for Publicist Media. GRAHAM LEGGAT ’13 received an invitation from the Peace Corps to serve as a science teacher in Guinea. JESSE SGAMBATI ’14 writes, “Hi
guys!! I just wanted to share some exciting news with you! In 2017 I released my first song in over a year and it got reposted and liked by Fetty Wap and has almost 15k plays on it!! I’m super excited about it feels like the work and time put into the music is paying off!! Miss you guys!” CIERRA JENEA BUTLER ’15 was cast in a commercial for DOVE while residing in NYC. TRISTAN SPEARING ’15 was named to the fall 2016 dean’s list at SUNY Potsdam.
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FINAL ROLL CALL
The Manlius School CHARLES C. RIPLEY ’43C of Richland, WA died February 6, 2017. CHARLES L. “CHUCK” HOYT ’44A of Lake Winnipesaukee, NH died August 1, 2016. JOHN D. CHIESA ’44B of Lexington, MA died March 14, 2017. RICHARD A. BOURNE ’45A of Sandwich, MA died December 25, 2016. DONALD R. MOSHER ’45B of Romeo, MI died November 1, 2016. HARRY S. STATHE ’46C of Pittsford, NY died September 1, 2016.
]
JOHN G. COPLEY, JR, ’49A of Dataw Island, SC died January 10, 2017.
NORMAN FREEDMAN ’55A of Naples, FL died July 2, 2017.
JAMES K. WILSON ’50A of Springfield, VA died February 28, 2017.
CHARLES G. HUMPLEBY ’55A of Fayetteville, NY died May 14, 2017.
GARY SHRINER ’51C of West Greenwich, RI died November 22, 2016.
GARY L. RICH ’55B of Hamburg, NY died December 1, 2016.
JOHN L. HECKER ’52C of Strongsville, OH died February 2, 2017. JAMES CARNCROSS ’54A of Cazenovia, NY died March 21, 2017. Mr. Carncross also attended Pebble Hill School. CHARLES DRAKE ’54B of Brantingham, NY died March 30, 2017.
DONALD Q. MURRAY ’47A of Jupiter FL died April 10, 2017.
EDWARD (TED) W. RYAN ’54B of Whitesboro, NY died December 29, 2016.
NORMAN O. CASE ’48C of Loudonville, NY died October 17, 2016.
ROBERT W. TALLGREN ’54B of Mount Dora, FL died May 30, 2017.
JOHN J. PIAZZA ’56A of Clearwater, FL died October 23, 2017. EDWARD C. SMITH ’56 of Cooperstown, NY died January 21, 2017. JOHN E. DOYLE ’58A of Rochester, NY died October 1, 2017. WALLACE D. CRAIG, JR. ’58C of Bridgeport, WV died December 24, 2016. JOHN F. NICELY ’59A of Clearwater, FL died January 31, 2017. WILLIAM D. REZAK ’59A of Tavares, FL died January 14, 2017. JOHN SCARLETT ’60C of Hammond, NY died September 13, 2017.
SYD SILVERMAN ’5OC Syd was a devoted Manlius School alumnus, and a former Trustee at Manlius Pebble Hill School. Syd Silverman ’50C of Rye, NY died September 13, 2017. Syd was publisher-owner of Variety and Daily Variety entertainment trade papers, died Sunday, August 27 in Boca Raton, Florida.
JON STEPHEN CARNAHAN ’62B of Greenwich and Bridgeton, NJ, died April 4, 2017. DAVID A. HAYES ’62HQ of Syracuse, NY died November 28, 2016. DOUGLAS P. WACHHOLZ ’63HQ of Reno, NV died January 23, 2017. THEODORE (TED) FORBIDUSSI ’65C of Endwell, NY died November 11, 2016.
[ R E F L E C T I O N S ] | 59
RICHARD G. FOWLER ’67B of Liverpool, NY died December 31, 2016.
Manlius Pebble Hill School
BURNELL E. BARNES ’68C of Lowville, NY died December 9,, 2016. THOMAS L. SHANNON ’69 of Dublin, OH died March 16, 2017.
CARL FRAWLEY ’71 of Old Lyme, CT died February 4, 2017. KATIE LYNN ESTES ’00 of Oneida, NY died November 13, 2016. ANNA BARNARD, of Goshen, IN died December 18, 2016.
Pebble Hill School FRANK B. CLARK ’37 of Syracuse, NY died October 19, 2016. MARCUS W. PLUMPTON ’38 of Watertown, NY died March 12, 2017. DANIEL F. GATES ’43 of Manlius, NY died November 22, 2016. LOUIS A. WOISARD, JR. ESQ. ’44 of Woodstock, CT died January 27, 2017. NATHAN M. ADAMS ’54 of Ennis, MT died July 2016.
Goodyear-Burlingame School KATHERINE A. FLATTERY ’32 of Jamesville, NY died April 24, 2017. JANE (WHITTEMORE) BRACE ’40 of Skaneateles, NY died December 29, 2016. SUSAN (ALBRIGHT) HAWLEY ’41 of Camillus, NY died August, 27, 2017. DOROTHY MONNOYER JORDAN ’43 of Ithaca, NY died November 18, 2016.
THOMAS “TOD” NEE ’69 of Syracuse, NY died May 13, 2017.
Former Employees J. ALLAN PRYOR, of Greenwich, CT died March 4, 2017.
SHREYAS ROY ‘96 Shreyas Roy ’96 of Montreal, Canada died July 30, 2017. Shreyas was set to begin a position as an attending surgeon in pediatric hepatobiliary surgery and liver transplants after completing a fellowship in pediatric surgery at Hopital SainteJustine Université de Montréal. Shreyas loved and was loved by all who knew him at Manlius Pebble Hill School, and many of his classmates and former teachers were present at his calling hours and at the ceremony celebrating his life.
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W I N TE R 2017
FORMER FACULTY MEMBER JIM LAWRENCE James (Jim) C. Lawrence, former Manlius School and Manlius Pebble Hill School faculty member, of Syracuse, NY died August 18, 2017. Jim began teaching at The Manlius School in the fall of 1968, upon the recommen dation of retiring Language Department Chair, Torrence Rugh. His career continued at MPH after the merger of The Manlius School and the Pebble Hill School in 1970. Ever the optimist, Lawrence approached the merger with grace and excitement. Those who knew him well recalled his pleasure in seeing MPH students continue to change and evolve each year. His appreciation of people is what seemed to motivate him each day both personally and professionally. “You’ll never meet a nicer group of students and faculty than at MPH.” Lawrence stated when interviewed for Reflections in 2006.
Manlius Pebble Hill School Julia Alfiere
Meghan Arnold
Smith College
Mount Holyoke College
Jasmine Collins
Josephine Collins
Christopher J Hunter
Nicholas Jerge
Dartmouth College
Hofstra University Herbert School of Communication
Wells College
Rice University
Lwam Asfaw
Cornell University
Marguerite Curtis
Fares Awa
University of Connecticut Neag School of Education
Kyle Davis
University of Rochester
Clarkson University
Zhihao Jin
Jujuan Johnson
University of Miami
Nathaniel Barton
Brown University
Qizhen Ding
Rutgers University School of Engineering
Lydia Kelly
Gettysburg College
Ithaca College
Seth Bingham
Adriana Buniak
Colgate University
Le Moyne College St. Joseph’s College of Nursing
Manal El-Hindi
Samuel Goldman
Syracuse University Whitman School of Management
Amina Kilpatrick
Cornell University, College of Architecture Art and Planning
Ithaca College
Caroline King
University of California Los Angeles
Maja Cannavo
Middlebury College
Sophia Han
Margaret Carmen Hamilton College
Henry Hanlin
Williams College
Syracuse University, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Spencer Krywy
Jacob Lawless
Kai Peter Sven Maier
Lillian Maresco
School of the Art Institute State University of New York, of Chicago Purchase College Conservatory of Music
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2017, Sarah Linquest
Elizabeth Mafrici
Boston University College of Fine Art
University of Maryland College Park
Liam Mason
Liam Meisner
St. John Fisher College
Hengsheng Rao
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Maximillian Ward Becker College
McGill University
Trilok Reddy
University of California Berkeley
Annie Weiss
Cornell University
offered over $9.1 million in merit scholarships.
Julia Mettler-Grove
Sarah P Miller
Frederic-Louis Montas Yale University
United States Naval Academy
New York University Tisch School of the Arts
Carmen Rinaldi
Rosmery Sicilia
Alyssa Smith
Joseph Spoelstra
Jayson Staiger
Quiyi Wu
Zezheng Xu
Smith College
Syracuse University, Falk School of Sport and Human Dynamics
Skidmore College
Suffolk University
Lisa Morocco
Alexa Murray
Syracuse University, Falk School Syracuse University, Falk School Ithaca College Park School of Communications of Sport and Human Dynamics of Sport and Human Dynamics
University of Washington University of Rochester, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences
Yitian Xue
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Yixin Zhang
University of Rochester
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Sophie Novak Vassar College
Guanghao Sun
University of California Davis
Union College
Hwan Park
New York University Stern School of Business
Julia Walsh
Dickinson College
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
Syracuse, NY Permit No. 1032 5300 Jamesville Road Syracuse, New York 13214-2490
[
ALUMNI EVENTS
]
more details will be available at mphschool.org/alumni/alumni-events/ Alumni Holiday Gathering December 23, Aster Pantry & Parlor, Syracuse, NY Southern California Alumni Reunion January 24, Los Angeles, CA NYC Alumni Reunion February, Manhattan, NY Annual Spring Benefit March 3, MPH Gymnasium
2 0 1 8 ALUMNI WEEKEND Celebrating the classes of The Manlius School, Pebble Hill School, and Manlius Pebble Hill School ending in 3 and 8
May 31 – June 2 Mark Your Calendars and Save the Date FEATURING: 19th Annual Alumni Golf Outing Campus Tours
Upper School Musical and Alumni Reception March, MPH Campus
BBQs Alumni Memorial Service
Boston Alumni Reunion April, Boston, MA Goodyear-Burlingame Reunion May, Cazenovia, NY Alumni Weekend May 31 – June 2, MPH Campus Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony June 2 , MPH gymnasium Commencement & Alumni-Student Commencement Orchestra June 10, under the tent at MPH
Reunion Gatherings
MPH
Athletic Hall of Fame 2018
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The TRADITION Since 1869
For more information or to volunteer as a reunion chair, contact Erica Toyama in the Alumni Office at 315/446-2452, ext. 136 or email etoyama@mphschool.org.