Remembering Hawley Rogers

Remembering

Hawley Rogers P’82 GP’12, ’17

by Anne Ragland Finney P'97, Director of Stewardship

A LIFE

of PURPOSE

Hawley Rogers was a man who changed countless lives for the better—not all at once with a grand gesture, but rather in a steady, intentional, and meaningful way, one student, one colleague, one friend at a time. Over the course of his life he vastly influenced all who knew him, helping young and old alike grow into the best versions of themselves. Hawley Rogers’ “garden” was independent schools, and the “plants” he nurtured were the multitude of students, faculty, and staff who had the good fortune to know him. In the words of long-time history teacher Maribeth Littlefield P’07, one of his many gifts was that “he saw things in us—talents, possibilities, potential—that we did not yet see in ourselves.” Hawley Rogers lived his life purposely, striving to see and bring out the best in everyone, and he was rewarded with their love and respect.

It all started in 1969, when a young Hawley Rogers and his wife, Wendy, along with their daughter Laura, sons Randy and Paul, and the family dog made their way to Maryland and Oldfields School, where Hawley would be teaching English. It was the first step of an extraordinary 28-year journey in which Hawley would devote most of his adult life to Oldfields, becoming a surrogate parent to hundreds of students and a mentor to the School's faculty and staff members.

It was apparent right away that this was no ordinary man. Within two years, not only did the Class of 1971 dedicate their Rarebit to him, but he was also named Assistant Head and Director of Studies. Then, at the age of 37, in 1976 Hawley was appointed Head, the sixth person to lead the School since its founding in 1867. In the mid-seventies all boarding schools, including Oldfields, were facing a changing landscape and challenging times. Former Head of School Taylor Smith said at the time of Hawley's retirement, "I suppose you can measure the worth of a man by his deeds…Many leaders would have been paralyzed by the pressures at hand, but Hawley never lost sight of his goals, and more importantly, never sacrificed the Oldfields' philosophy for the expedient solution." His warm personality, immediate trustworthiness, and strong leadership attracted exceptional teachers and administrators and motivated alumni and donors. The students soon followed. He continued to enrich and expand the student experience by adding day students to the community and establishing cherished traditions such as the Advisory Program and At-Home Night. Hawley would be the first to share that his success was not his alone, but was built on partnerships with others—none more important than the one with his wife Wendy. Her creativity and love for the School were evident in everything she did. Together, she and Hawley built a strong sense of community. Wendy was a beloved art teacher, but her reach went well beyond the classroom as she openly welcomed members of the community into her home, hosting class dinners, faculty events, and other activities that fostered the "feeling of family" which was and is such an important part of the Oldfields Experience.

"Loved, respected, hero, mentor, second dad, caring, kind, warrior, mensch, missed... Just a few words that come to mind when thinking of Hawley." - Meredith Goldstein Marx ’97 P ’25, ’25

Teacher, archivist, and librarian Karen Miller recalls, "He was a visible presence as Head, splitting his time between Old House and Rodney, leading Morning Meetings with aplomb, attending athletic competitions and arts performances, teaching an Honors English class, and making sure he ate his meals with both students and faculty in equal measure…Because he cared for us and believed in our best, we cared for him and did our best out of respect for him." During his 21-year tenure as Head, Oldfields increased its enrollment to reach capacity and became known as a school that was uniquely nurturing and sensitive to individual differences and needs. More than half a dozen buildings were added or renovated on campus, and the first multi-million dollar capital campaign was successfully completed in 1988. While Hawley's tangible accomplishments are many, without question his greatest achievement was the impact he had on the girls who called Oldfields their home. Former Dean of Students Sue Louis wrote at his retirement, "His pragmatic and sensitive approach and emphasis on the individual, his insight into the uniqueness of every situation, made Oldfields a place where girls felt cared about."

Samantha Newton Dernbach '84 reflects on meeting Hawley during her school search, "Hawley had the gift of meeting each girl where she was on her path...no judgement, just care. He changed my life forever…Thank you, Hawley, for the potential you saw in me when I didn't see it in myself." "Hawley embodies characteristics of integrity, honesty, commitment, compassion, respect for uniqueness and differences, and respect for self and others. All of these, and the fact that students and faculty alike strive to live up to his expectations, are what make Oldfields the special place it is," said Samantha Coker '90 when he retired. "In our admission interview, we both got tears in our eyes. He saw how I needed a chance. His openness of eyes and heart changed the trajectory of my life. I am glad that at a reunion I was able to tell him that…"—a heartfelt testimonial from Elizabeth "Beth" Howser '84.

The same themes are repeated over and over as you talk to those who knew Hawley. They speak of his gentle, yet firm and sincere way of being, his openness to creative problem-solving, his intellect, his sense of humor, his determination, his kindness, his acceptance of different points of view, and his ability to remain young at heart. He built a community founded on family values tempered by fairness, firmness, and respect. When he retired, Hawley may have "graduated" with the Class of 1997, but his love for Oldfields never waned. Both his granddaughters, Ali Towne '12 and Sarah Towne '17, followed his daughter, Laura Rogers Towne '82 as students, maintaining a wonderful legacy. But Hawley wasn't finished tending his gardens yet. Just a few years after settling into retirement, he again answered the call. Hawley's sense of purpose led him to Berkshire School in Sheffield, Massachusetts, his alma mater, to serve as Interim Head for six months following the unexpected death of Berkshire's Head of School. He provided Berkshire with stable, experienced leadership and nurtured a new crop of students until a permanent replacement could be found. In addition, he found that he still had an important role to play at Oldfields, as he served two separate terms on Oldfields' Board of Trustees, helping to guide the School and serving as a mentor for subsequent heads. Former Head of School Taylor Smith shares, "The school motto, Fortezza, Umilitade, e Largo Core, fits Hawley perfectly, which is why he was so successful as its inspirational leader. He had the courage to guide the school through its tough times and the humility to do it with grace, forgetting his own ego. And who could question his largeness of heart, as he welcomed generations of Oldfields students into his Oldfields family?" Without doubt, Hawley positively influenced Oldfields in every aspect, embracing the importance of nurturing the whole child, guiding their growth in mind, body, and spirit as espoused by our founder, Anna Austen McCulloch. Oldfields became the embodiment of Hawley Rogers. He was wholly loved, and he loved wholly in return. To the man of noble purpose who gave Oldfields such a strong foundation that even today new generations of students, faculty, and staff come to Glencoe to experience the Oldfields "magic" he bequeathed them, we say thank you, Hawley Rogers, from the bottom of our hearts. We are all the better for having known you.

Head of School David Perfield, Wendy and Hawley Rogers, and Taylor Smith meet in Florida.

"I consider myself lucky to have known Hawley Rogers. He was one of the first people from Oldfields to congratulate me on being named Head-Elect in November 2017, and he continued to offer genuine support, and care each and every time we were able to connect.

"When I asked how he was doing, Hawley would routinely say, 'better than I deserve', and I believe that spoke volumes about his grace, humility, and overall view of the world. Hawley lived a remarkable life of purpose and influenced innumerable lives as an educator and school leader. Since his passing, I have heard alumni and former faculty and staff share stories about Hawley— and I often wonder if he had any idea of the extraordinary impact he had on the lives of so many who are connected to this special school.

"As the person who occupies the office in The Hawley and Wendy Rogers Wing of Old House, I will ensure Hawley's legacy continues to be felt and known by Oldfields students and faculty for many years to come." - Head of School David Perfield

“Hawley embodied all that is good about American education. He was the primary reason I went to Oldfields in 1970, as a public school-educated student who was seeking a teaching position on a reservation, wondering why I had accepted an interview at a ‘posh’ girls’ boarding school. His strong commitment to the growth of the individual child is what drew me to Oldfields the first time, and his commitment to leading the school I had grown to love made going back in 1976 an easy choice. And again in 2008, only Hawley’s plea to encourage me to heed the Board’s call to return a third time could have drawn me from what I considered my ideal position in Florida. ” “Loved, respected, hero, mentor, second dad, caring, kind, warrior, mensch, missed… Just a few words that come to mind when thinking of Hawley. When you chat with people about him, no one ever has a bad word to say. He was such an important part of Oldfields. A true leader and friend, Hawley always wanted the best for ‘his girls.’ He was so excited to hear that my daughters, Casey ’25 and Parker ’25, chose Oldfields and that they would be following in my footsteps. I told him that I was very happy that the School has David Perfield, because I see a lot of Hawley in David, and I knew they’d be in great hands! Hawley’s impact is beyond measure. He was the best! ” “When talking about the ‘magic’ of Oldfields, I can’t help but remember how ‘magical’ Hawley was when interviewing a prospective student candidate. Fear and trepidation were abundantly present when the student would arrive at Hawley’s office and eye contact was minimal during the introduction, but once the interview would begin, no longer than two minutes in, the magic started to unfurl, and I could hear easy conversation and laughter from within his office! Hawley’s innate ability to bring calm and comfort to students while conversing allowed them to be in their ‘comfort zone’ and complete the interview feeling listened to and excited! It was as though a type of metamorphosis of the candidate took place during the interview, and once completed, there was often excitement for the possibility of attending Oldfields! On one occasion I recall the candidate looking back at me and saying, ‘He’s a pretty cool guy!’ If she only knew!! Oldfields was beyond fortunate to have this gentle man watching over her for so many years. We miss him beyond words.”

Ansley Smithwick, Former Interim Head of School and Former Faculty

Maribeth Littlefield P'07, History Teacher

“A little over 40 years ago, I interviewed at Oldfields School. I knew nothing about boarding schools or Maryland. Seeing all the horses and cows scattered among the fields, I wanted to cry. I was determined to be a city girl and this just wouldn’t do. My last interview finally came. I would get through it politely and run home to find my dream job somewhere else. That interview was with Hawley Rogers, and something truly extraordinary happened when I walked into that office. I suddenly felt comfortable and confident, and it was like two people who had known each other forever were just sitting around talking. Hawley had many gifts but perhaps one that I, and so many others, received from him was that he saw things in us—talents, possibilities, potential—that we did not yet see in ourselves. How absolutely blessed we all are that he touched our lives. ”

Whitney Boyd '93

“Hawley Rogers, always a light shining on us. He was a rare gem and a quiet force that will live on for generations to come. ”T “I first met Hawley when I began working at the Oldfields barn in 1979, and that position evolved into a teaching position the following year. Throughout my 43 years at Oldfields, I realize that Hawley has been greatly responsible for the longevity of my connection to this School. He became what we now call, ‘my one trusted adult,’ although I didn’t actually realize this at the time. When I needed advice about a student or help with a lesson plan in my American Literature class, Hawley would find me in his office. When he reminded the faculty not to give homework during breaks, I agreed. He believed that holidays were for celebrating family and not writing papers or completing projects. To this day, I have followed this creed. I remember how Hawley never failed to learn the name of every student at school within the first week of the year and frequently managed to get to three different sports games in an afternoon. He took note of special plays, goals, or matches and congratulated the girls individually during the following day, winning their everlasting gratitude. When my math department chair told me he was tired of the job and handed me the position, I panicked and fled to Hawley’s classroom for advice. He had more faith in me than I did and responded calmly that I would grow into it! Hawley was a friend and a mentor, and I will continue to treasure the pearls of wisdom he offered throughout the years. I feel blessed to have known him and believe strongly that Hawley was the embodiment of Courage, Humility, and Largeness of Heart.”

“Not only was Hawley an inspiration and example for Oldfields students, but he also was a mentor to me and many other young faculty members who came to Oldfields right out of college. Always modeling exactly what was expected, Hawley provided just the right amount of guidance and encouragement to inspire a willingness to work hard and confidence in his faculty. As long as they had the students’ best interest at heart, Hawley allowed his teachers to have autonomy and to make their own decisions about how best to teach their students. Teachers always felt Hawley’s trust which motivated them to take risks and to grow as professionals. ”

Howard Freedlander P'91 GP'22

“Hawley Rogers was as close to a saint as I’ve ever met. Not only was he head of a truly wonderful girls’ boarding school, he also served as my daughter Kate ’91’s advisor. My wife Liz and I benefited not only from his academic leadership but also his caring attentiveness to Kate as her advisor. Whenever Liz or I had a concern or question, he responded immediately. He epitomized an independent school educator who offered competence and compassion.”

Practicing "Largeness of Heart" remains a cornerstone of the Oldfields experience. As you read through Class Notes, catch up with alumni at Gatherings, or follow classmates on social media, you can't help but notice a common thread—many share a passion and commitment to serving others. For some, it is a profound calling or a career, for others, a commitment in their spare time, but there is no denying that giving back ��has always been part of the Oldfields Experience from the very beginning. Largeness of Heart

IT GROWS HERE

by Rebecca Bloom, Director of Community Service

While navigating high school, an adolescent's number one job is to be a student. However, what exactly does being a student mean? Is it all just academic classes? Students at Oldfields would say definitely not! They find purpose in the holistic experience of an independent boarding school education. From sharing thoughts with the dining hall staff on the menu to touring prospective families around campus, to volunteering at a local nonprofit, students learn how to engage with a multitude of different people while building a new, deeper understanding each day of our motto—Courage, Humility, and Largeness of Heart. While the pandemic made it difficult to perform off-campus community service at times, the students' creativity and flexibility made my job as Director of Community Service a rewarding experience. Together, we found ways to continue the opportunities that instill in our students a deep commitment to giving back and allow them to experience the personal fulfillment it brings. Two students, in particular, ignited their spark for making a purposeful move in their high school experience. They recognized the opportunities that were accessible to them and understood that, as individuals and as a community, we hold the power to improve the lives of others with our actions. From this, the Community Service Council (CSC) was born with Ashling O'Callaghan '24 and Parker Dowling '25 leading this group with excitement and passion. One of their first initiatives was to add community service opportunities during club time instead of just on weekends. This not only makes it easier for day students to participate but also provides an opportunity to make the most of each minute in the academic day for all students! During this academic year, the CSC has played a role in many of the wonderful on- and off-campus projects shown here. RONALD McDONALD HOUSE

This event was extra special because several alumni joined our students to pack lunch and toiletry kits for The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maryland. Alicia Capollupo '96, Trustee Christine Edwards '95, Amelia Nason '21, and Stancey Smith '21 made the trip back to campus to assist with this effort alongside eleven students. They enjoyed sharing and comparing Oldfields experiences throughout the decades.

MARYLAND BOOK BANK

Multiple trips were made to the Maryland Book Bank, an organization that supports literacy in Baltimore. Students perform a variety of jobs including sorting and shelving books which are in turn provided free to the community. While working, they had a great time reminiscing about their favorite childhood reads. When off-campus trips weren't possible, the students got crafty, creating bookmarks that are included in the Story Kits for children. From clever to festive, the bookmarks are sure to find good homes as they help foster another generation of readers.

PROJECT LINUS

Our largest campus project has come via our CSC's Winter Warmth Project to benefit Project Linus, a nonprofit that provides new blankets to kids in need. Learning the ins and outs of finger knitting, students are also building up a good donation of scarves to help keep people warm in Maryland's winter weather. McKIM CENTER

The team at the barn was thrilled to partner with the McKim Center via the Inclusive Youth Animal Cross-Cultural Empathy Project which introduced Baltimore youth to the joy of horses. The smiles on the faces of the young visitors were priceless as they learned about horses and took a ride around the paddock.

Prior to the winter holidays, gifts and food for ten local families were bought, wrapped, and delivered. Whether on or off campus, students are participating in service projects that aim at making a difference to others. It may be a simple smile, a small gift, or a helping hand at a horse show, but every action counts. Many students contribute beyond the required 20 service hours per year by discovering opportunities on their own. It's exciting to see students develop the courage to try something new, understand with humility that they could be the person needing a helping hand someday, and, of course, grow their empathy and compassion. Oldfields students are connecting and serving across the places they call home to bring Largeness of Heart to people near and far.

by Anne Ragland Finney P'97, Director of Stewardship

The last few years have been exceptionally tough on athletes, with very few sports able to hold "normal" seasons. However, a bright spot we can all celebrate is the Oldfields Riding Program, which is flourishing! With 30% of the student body riding this year, enthusiasm is rampant. The program is bigger than it's been in several years thanks to the excellent leadership of Director of Riding Amy Phillips, Associate Director of Riding for Student Development Ann Thal, and Associate Director of Staff Development and Barn Irene Reed. This "dream team" is quick to point out that the credit also goes to our stable of high-quality school horses which is stronger than it's ever been, and of course, an exceptionally dedicated and talented group of student riders. The IEA team performed well all season. All of their hard work paid off on February 20, when the Oldfields Team became The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Region 1 Champions! A highlight was Peyton Snider '22, earning Region 1 High Point Rider in both Open Over Fences and Open on the Flat. Congratulations to all! For those unfamiliar with the process, teams take turns hosting horse shows throughout the season, and students ride horses furnished by the host barn and chosen by random draw. The use of personal tack is not allowed and limited schooling is permitted. This equalizes competition variables and tests the riding of the competitors. Points are tracked for individual rider accomplishments as well as for overall team accomplishments. Individuals and teams earn points to qualify for regional, zone, and national finals. The Oldfields IEA team advanced to compete at IEA Zones (Zone 3) on March 18-20. Four Oldfields riders individually qualified: Peyton Snider '22 qualified in Open Over Fences, Emily Stollof '23 qualified in Intermediate on the flat, Isabella Griffith '24 qualified in Novice on the Flat, and Cate Dayan '23 qualified in Beginner Walk/Trot/Canter on the Flat. The team riders finished seventh in our Zone. We are all excited to cheer Cate Dyan '23 on at Nationals next month. Cate earned second and qualification in JV Walk/Trot/Canter for IEA Nationals. What a wonderful season for this team. We are already looking forward to next year. While competition is an important part of the Riding Program, supporting growth into well-rounded riders is a major focus as well, with opportunities available across a wide range of disciplines. From foxhunting with the Potomac Hunt and the Elkridge-Harford Hounds (whose horses and hounds actually came through the campus) to winning ribbons and trophies at Maryland Combined Training Association events, from teaching the love of horses and riding to Baltimore's youth to winning multiple very competitive awards at the Baltimore County Horse Show Association (BCHSA) Banquet of Champions (both riders and school horses), Oldfields Riding is having an incredible year. Oldfields' name is well-known in Maryland's horse country, as Amy and her team offer many opportunities on campus for riders in the local community. A regular visitor to Oldfields, Virginia show jumper Olympic gold medalist, Joe Fargis, gave another clinic on campus in December, with both student and local riders participating. Oldfields hosted popular Blue Ribbon Horse shows over the past year, offering simple courses for all levels at multiple heights. Oldfields also held a Baltimore County Horse Show Association show in September. You could feel the school spirit as non-riding students gathered to cheer on their classmates, hold a horse, or grab a snack or bottle of water for one of the riders from the parent-run concession stand. We were thrilled to welcome Annie Garnett '97 back to campus as a judge, who many will remember as a talented rider in the program when she was at Oldfields. All of these events brought many people to campus and help spread the word about our wonderful school. Check out and share our wonderful Riding Program video made by alumni Keslie Tomlinson '97. Oldfields riders have fun, too—like visits with local steeplechasers, including Casey Pinkard Savin '07, or the ever popular Halloween Costume Parade, a 20-year-plus tradition that our riders love (and the horses seem to tolerate!). The opportunity for non-riders to hang out at the barn and even get in the saddle if they like continues with the popular "Welcome to the Neigh-borhood" events, one of which will be taking place during Alumni Weekend. A tremendous draw for admission, the Riding Program at Oldfields is very attractive to prospective students because the schedule allows them the opportunity to ride every day. If you are horseobsessed, or have ever known such a teenager, you'll know how much that means to them. Oldfields has some of the top facilities and best school horses in the region. Tell everyone you know! Come to Oldfields and ride!

Congratulations to each of our riders and the entire team that supports them.

OTHER RIDING HIGHLIGHTS Congratulations to equestrian Sophie Hyre '24 on the accomplishment of a lifelong dream as she ranked nationally at the Hippology Contest Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup held in Louisville, Kentucky. She earned 8th place individually and 10th place with her team for problem-solving. Sophie was the only contestant from Maryland to place individually in this rigorous test of knowledge. Way to go, Sophie! Junior Bryce McNichol '23 was honored at the Baltimore County Horse Show Association (BCHSA) Banquet of Champions with the James McGhee Memorial Trophy for Junior Sportsmanship. She was awarded this prize for her support of her peers, her love of horses, and her constant smile at all the shows. We are so proud of you, Bryce! Nadya Firor '22 on her own horse, Risk It, earned second place Junior Novice Rider and fourth place Novice Horse for 2021 in the Maryland Combined Training Association. Nadya and Risk were also awarded the "Welcome Doctor Memorial Trophy" at Jenny Camp for Junior Novice Rider.

INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

Everyone was excited when the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM) announced that competitive sports seasons were actually going to be a reality in the 2021-2022 school year. And while the seasons were not quite back to normal, the athletes experienced the hallmarks of Oldfields athletics; sportsmanship, teamwork, and goal attainment. Highlights included numerous Character Coins and exceptional leadership by team captains. Thank you to all the coaches and athletes for representing Oldfields in so many exceptional ways.

VOLLEYBALL BACK ROW: Brooklyn Levy '25, Diymon "Dosh" Warfield '25,

Abigail "Abbie" Fletcher '23, Jadisha Proano '22, Haoran "Lucy" Zhang '22, Michaela Athey '22, Ashling O’Callaghan '24, Casey Dowling '25, Chloe Chase '24

FRONT ROW: Shelby Kirk '26, Phoenix Eley '24, Merritt Conner '23,

Chana Goldstein '22, Lynne Usanase '22, Naomi Mason '26

COACHES: Mary McQuinn-Vinyard, Molly Marotta

BASKETBALL BACK ROW: Brooke Due '23, Phoenix Eley '24, Kameron "Kami"

Borden '23, Giovanna "Gio" Rivero '23, Parker Dowling '25, Madison Bellamy Hicks '25, August-Anthoni "August" Forsythe '25 Stephanie Ryland '24, Landyn Gary '24

FRONT ROW: Michaela Athey '22, Sabrina Tauboyev '22, Maizah

"Maizi" Johnson '22, Mya KezarMalzahn '22, Brianna Ginyard '22, Madilyn "Madi" Geidel '22

NOT PICTURED: Casey Bateman '25, Jadisha Proano '22 COACH: Gaby Davis SOCCER BACK ROW: Stephanie Ryland '24, Mikayla Alvarez '24,

August-Anthoni "August" Forsythe '25, Brooke McGhee '24, Cynthia Cardona '23, Giovanna "Gio" Rivero '23, Madison Bellamy Hicks '25, Landyn Gary '24

FRONT ROW: Cate Dayan '23, Margaret "Reagan" Lynch '23,

Mya Kezar-Malzahn '22, Madilyn "Madi" Geidel '22, Brianna Ginyard '22, Kameron "Kami" Borden '23, Autumn Husband '23

COACHES: Gaby Davis, Mary Kate Thompson

TENNIS BACK ROW: COACH: Fred Bielaszka-Duvernay, Cameron Marshall

'24, Katherine "Kit" Fisher '22, Parker Dowling '25, Nina Weaver '24, Lillian "Lillie" Burbulis '22, Kikiloluwa "Kiki" Bejide '23, Malini Tolat '23, Anise Forsythe '24, Casey Bateman '25,

COACH: Jamie Criser FRONT ROW: Jooyeon "Juniper" Moon '22, Sabrina Tauboyev '22,

Louise Stein '22, Maizah "Maizi" Johnson '22, Elizabeth "Casey" Movius '26

NOT PICTURED: Amelia Deupree '25

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I t 's as s imp le as having a conversation with a friend. YOU know someone who could benefit from the Oldfields Experience? DO PERSONALIZED LEARNING ARTS CONCENTRATION

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LIFE -LONG FRIENDSHIPS MAY PROGRAM C O N F I D EN CE TRADITION EMPOWERED VOICE ENVIRONMENT SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE RIDING COURAGE HUMILITY GLOBAL COMMUNITY LARGENESS OF HEART L E A D E R S H I P

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