T H E
L A M P
A NEWSLETTER FROM OLDFIELDS SCHOOL
VOLUME 7, NUMBER 2 SPRING 2016
Garden House a Home Once Again!
New Garden House faculty apartments are named in honor of: • Nancy O'Connor Abendshein '75, a stalwart supporter and distinguished alumna • Crawford Hubbell, a trustee from 1973-1987 and parent of Chris Hubbell McCambridge '69, Carol Hubbell Engebretson '72, and Cathy Hubbell Wilson '74 • William "Bill" Rockefeller, revered trustee, pivotal board chair, and father of Mary Rockefeller Burchell '66 and Sally Rockefeller Bogdanovitch '71 • Helen "Miss Herky" Travers, beloved and iconic faculty member from 1942-1982
New Faculty Housing Complete Oldfields is delighted to introduce the new and greatly improved Garden House. The first new construction on the Oldfields campus since Jane House was built in the 1990s has now been officially dedicated! As the venue for the kick-off event of Alumnae Weekend 2016, Garden House was filled with guests enjoying refreshments as they toured the four lovely faculty apartments, took in the view of the Commons Quad from the balcony, and reconnected with friends on the back terrace. The festivities included a ribbon cutting ceremony on the front porch. Head of School Dr. Parnell Hagerman was joined by Chris Hubbell McCambridge '69, Carol Hubbell Engebretson '72, and Cathy Hubbell Wilson '74, for whose father, Crawford Hubbell, one of the apartments is named. We were
delighted to have the Hubbell sisters here for the ceremony especially because of the long distances (from Minnesota and Oregon!) they had to travel. As part of the Spirit Campaign, the construction of the new Garden House was funded by donations from three incredibly generous friends of Oldfields' an anonymous past parent, alumna Emily Ford Embrey '76, and her mother, Clare Glassell. The anonymous donor requested that each apartment be named for an individual who had made a significant contribution to the success of Oldfields and represented the spirit of the School. The Oldfields community is thrilled that Garden House, with its rich history spanning almost 140 years, will now remain part of our campus for decades to come.
From Humble Garden Workshop to "Taj Mahal" of Faculty Housing! Built as a work shed for Mr. Ned, Anna Austen McCulloch's son.*
Greenhouse was added for Duncan McCulloch Jr.'s orchids on the 25th anniversary of his becoming Headmaster.*
1878
1957
1924
1943-1961 1943
1960's 1960s
Converted to a dormitory. As the School grew, room was scarce. *
Converted to Headmaster's home since the O.S.S. (wartime intelligence service that was predecessor to the CIA) had rented his previous home. Hillside, Filston, and the Glencoe Inn were used to run a "spy school." *
Garden House made available for faculty. Justo Anguita and Hilary Bates moved in with their daughter, Nuria, and lived there as dorm parents for 19 years!
Sweet Memories by Hilary Bates, World Language Chair
Back in my days of living on campus, Garden House and Commons were considered one dorm, and I was probably the only dorm parent who enjoyed the nightly strolls from one dorm to the other. I loved to stop at the top of the steps that led to Commons to enjoy the evening air and take in the scene. One night, there was a perfect light snow; it reminded me of the snow that must have fallen in A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas. Hawley Rogers, the Head of School at that time, did not like snow but loved literature. Instead of heading to Commons, I went to see Hawley. I dragged him out and asked him, "Can't you see that this is lovely?" "Yes" was his answer, "but I still don't like snow!" and he went back inside. So much for my ability to change people's minds. Since Garden House had such a large lounge, we celebrated the Winter Holiday dinner there with the family. The meal was homemade; Justo and I were in charge of the turkey and other goodies, while we were treated to Wendy Roger's chess pie topped with whipped cream and M&Ms. Secret Santa was also
part of the celebration. Nuria picked Hawley's name one year. We went to a special store that specialized in international ornaments, and Nuria took her time to choose the "perfect" one. Even now, she remembers that ornament, as does Hawley. But most importantly, we all remember the lovely warm thank you as well as everyone's wonderful laughter, the warmth of the fire, and the delicious feast. In many ways, it fits my image of A Child's Christmas in Wales. I look forward to the inhabitants of new Garden House making their own sweet memories there in the decades to come.
Head of Residential Life, Miss Libby Pace, is the last to live in Garden House before it closed.
New Garden House opens its doors! Alumnae Weekend 2016 kicks off with a cocktail party and ribbon cutting ceremony showcasing the beautiful new apartments.
2008
2016
2015 Construction begins on four new two-bedroom faculty apartments. Miss Libby circa 2008 * McPherson, 1989, Feeling of Family; pp. 11, 72, 96, 112, 129.
ANNA AUSTEN MCCULLOCH SAYS...
LARGO CORE SOCIETY
How do
you
wish to be remembered? CREATE YOUR LEGACY Remember Oldfields in your will or trust
TO SEND YOUR CLASS NOTES Please let us know what you've been up to:
Promotions, Engagements, Marriages, Graduations, Baby Announcements
Please contact the Alumnae Office at Alumnae@OldfieldsSchool.org
Taking care of the campus you love!
SPIRIT CAMPAIGN The
By Anne Ragland Finney P'97, Director of Development
Parking at Old House
The next time you come up the front drive, you will be amazed to see the beautiful new parking area and garden where the old (leaking!) swimming pool used to be. Anyone who has ever parked in the front circle can attest to the need for a larger parking area at Old House. When the pool had to be removed, we were thrilled to realize it would be the perfect place for additional parking for our guests and for those working and living in Old House. Instead of the stark black fence that previously surrounded the pool, we now have a lovely garden in front of the parking area, providing a more welcoming and aesthetic introduction to the campus. In addition, the road from the front driveway to the Head's House has been repaved and a new parking area for Garden House residents has been created just north of Carroll House. These improvements are are all part of taking good care of the campus you remember and love!
New Scoreboard The new scoreboard has been installed in the gymnasium! For the first time in years, we have a modern scoreboard for our court sports, a working shot clock, and a sound system for announcements before, during, and after the games. The old scoreboard was installed in 1979 and was in desperate need of replacement. The shot clock no longer worked, the horn sounded without being prompted, and at times games were played without a scoreboard at all because it simply would not turn on. We are thrilled with the new scoreboard, which was a generous donation from the Ensign C. Markland Kelly, Jr. Memorial Foundation, Inc. The Spirit Campaign has reached more than $9.8 million of our $12 million goal. The enhancements described above are all the result of gifts from alumnae and parents like you. You, too, can help us care for the campus that sheltered you during the formative years of your youth. Please help by making your gift to the Spirit Campaign! To learn more about the Spirit Campaign, please contact Director of Development Anne Ragland Finney P'97 at 443-662-1016 or FinneyA@OldfieldsSchool.org.
Parents: You won't want to miss Graduation photos. Login to your account on Vidigami, Oldfields' photo sharing site If you need assistance, please contact Communications@OldfieldsSchool.org
www.vidigami.com
G R A N D P A R E N T S ' D AY OLDFIELDS WELCOMES 70 SPECIAL GUESTS
The girls' excitement was palpable as they waited for their grandparents' arrival. Several
granddaughters peered out the windows of Miss Nan's Library, where they waited for their special guests. One girl was concerned that "Nana" wouldn't find a parking space in time to make Morning Meeting; another fretted that she may not have a chance to introduce her grandfather to her advisor. Smiles and hugs ensued as the grandparents made their entrance. The pride of ownership was heart-warming as the students showed their grandparents around "their" school, took them to classes, and treated them to a wonderful Performing and Visual Arts Showcase. It was endearing to witness how even the most sophisticated and mature upper classman took on the excitement of a little girl once again in the presence of her grandparents. This year, 70 special guests shared in the "magic" of Oldfields! Thank you to all who joined their granddaughters on campus. You made the day so special for all of us!
National Honor Society
THREE CHEERS FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT! Oldfields is now an official member of the National Honor Society. On April 22, Oldfields' first 14 members were inducted into the society. These students were chosen for their excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Thank you to this year's faculty advisors Karen Miller, Ansley Smithwick, and Helen Fitz. Congratulations to the following inductees:
MIKAELA HENSEN '16 MARGARET "ALI" HICKMAN '16 SAVANNAH NEY '16 HANYUN "HANNAH" TANG '16 CELIA BOWERS '17 ANNEMIEK CUPPEN '17 ELIZABETH O'BRIEN '17
MEGAN RIVERA '17 TESS SELBY '17 LANXUE "MILEY" XIA '17 JOY BROWN-BRYANT '18 HEE RA JUNG '18 YUHAN "NANCY" QIAN '18 YIFAN "IRIS" WEI '18
Riding On and Off Campus The Oldfields Riding Program had one of its best seasons in recent history. Our Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team finished 5th at Zone 3 finals out of 12 teams. At the same time, our beginner riders flourished at the scrimmage horse show with St. Timothy's School on April 12. There is room for everyone to grow at OS! A highlight of the spring was our Riding Program road trips. The first successful trip was to Wellington, FL, for three lucky OS riders. The girls were thrilled to be able to ride and train with Joe Fargis. Next, our Oldfields eventers spent three weeks in Aiken, SC, training with Sally Cousins and competing in the early season competition. Dressage rider, Charlotte Beaule '19 pictured at the right, earned two blue ribbons aboard Oldfields School's, Roddy, at a recent dressage show. The program remains busy every weekend with numerous events.
HIGHLIGHTS
Badminton Makes a "Racket" The members of the badminton team were fierce on the court this season under the coaching direction of Dian "Jude" Zhu. The varsity team finished 2nd in regular season, with Zi Yi "Jennifer" Zhang '17 and Lingqiao "Ling" Wang winning the Consolation Doubles Championship in the tournament. Congratulations, girls!
Track School Records Crushed! • Hannah Kulla '18 had a spectacular
season breaking the School record in the mile (by 20 seconds), 3200m (by almost a minute!), and 5,000m events. Hannah qualified for championships in three different individual events – more than any other any OS athlete.
• Kate Carroll '18 broke the School record
in the 200m.
• Our 4 x 200m team, Kate Carroll '18, D’Naisha Bellamy-Greene '19, Morgan Gause '19, and Jincan “ Iris” Xing '18,
won the B Conference (5th in the entire IAAM), and broke the School record by 6 seconds. • The 4 x 400m team, D’Naisha Bellamy-
Greene '19, Morgan Gause '19, Austin McCarthy '16, and Kate Carroll '18,
beat the OS record by 4 seconds.
• Austin McCarthy '16 went for broke in the
800m and came in 2 seconds faster than any other Oldfields girl past or present.
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Everybody Dance Now Director of Performing Arts Carrie Hammond – Roemer outdid herself this year. Not only did she direct and produce a show that involved 50 – yes, 50 – talented performers (that is almost one third of the School, by the way), but she also filled in for a dancer who, at the last hour, was unable to perform. She's still got it! A highlight of the show was the solos choreographed and performed by our seniors. They evoked the full range of emotion – one moment giving us chills as they leapt in the air, the next making us clap along as they hiphopped their way into our hearts.
Admission Revisit Day They came. They saw. They decided to stay! A record breaking Revisit Day included 23 girls living the OS life for 24 hours. It was a blast, with sleepovers, games, skits, and an ice cream social at the Head's house. They must have felt the Oldfields magic because 96% committed to becoming Oldfields girls in the fall of 2016!
STEM Festival Fieldtrip
Softball Shows Largeness of Heart
Lucky us! The 4th USA Science and Engineering Festival, was in our own back yard! Students traveled to Washington, D.C., on April 16 thanks to STEM Club coordinators Michele Harrison and Jude Zhu. More than 350,000 attendees engaged in a myriad of activities with some of the biggest names in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The students heard stories of inspiration and courage, were entertained by laser shows and on-stage experiments, and rocked out to the greatest "science band" of all time, They Might be Giants!
This year's softball team, led by Coach Stephanie Hill and Assistant Coach Alex Huber-Weiss, displayed exceptional heart and sportsmanship in every game! Captains Alexis Eichelberger '16 and Azaria Ford '19 never failed to compliment and encourage the girls at Morning Meeting with their announcements. We love you, OS softball!
2016 Senior Parents Make Largest Class Gift in School History By Ryan W. Kirk, Associate Director of Development
We're pleased to announce that the 2016 Senior Parent Gift initiative has been the largest in Oldfields School history! Through the combined efforts of the co-chairs of the gift committee, Ingrid and Don Obrecht P'16 (parents of Lissie), the parents of the Class of 2016 raised $76,970! The members of the Class of 2016 contributed as well and were generously matched by Dr. Parnell Hagerman in a $2 for $1 challenge that spurred on the donations of the girls. It's never to late to make your gift. To learn more contact Ryan Kirk at 443-662-1017 or at KirkR@oldfieldsschool.org.
As part of the Alumnae Induction Ceremony during Alumnae Weekend, the senior class presented Dr. Hagerman with a check in the amount of $81,369.20! Not only are the seniors off to bright futures at the colleges of their choice, but they are also well on their way to a lifetime of giving back. Special thanks go to Ingrid and Don. This class gift would not have been nearly as successful without their tireless efforts, devotion, and enthusiasm. Their contagious spirit inspired great generosity. Thank you to all who participated: parents, students, and Dr. Hagerman! Oldfields could not continue our mission without you!
Tammis Day '69 1950–2016 Oldfields Mourns Loss of Alumna and Benefactress By Anne Ragland Finney P'97, Director of Development
The entire Oldfields community was saddened by the death on January 12, 2016, of Tammis Day '69, a dedicated alumna whose generosity changed the face of Oldfields School. Tammis died as a result of an accident at her Montana home. Tammis is an inspirational symbol of loyalty, devotion, and generosity to Oldfields. She made possible the addition to Rodney Hall, which became the Tammis Day Academic Center, the cornerstone of our academic program. Tammis was not only extraordinarily generous with her "treasure," but also gave of her talent. She served as a Board member for a time, and while her interests later turned to poetry and reining horses, she never lost her love for Oldfields. She is a shining example of someone who wanted to give back to the School that gave so much to her, and there will not be a day we won't think of her with gratitude. In her adulthood, Tammis attended Smith College in Northampton, MA, and studied poetry. A true proponent of life-long learning, she was working on her master's
degree at Tampa University at the time of her death. Tammis was an actress, published poet, playwright, Montana horse woman, and a muscle car enthusiast. She was a member of the Screen Actors Guild, a life-time member of the National Reining Horse Association, a member and director of the Keck Foundation, and Vice President and Trustee for the Willametta K. Day Foundation. As Oldfields does for all of her sisters who have passed, Tammis was remembered at the Alumnae Memorial Service during Alumnae Weekend. Her friend, Gail Southard Canzano '70, lit a candle in her memory at the altar of Immanuel Episcopal Church. Because of Tammis' exceptional generosity to Oldfields and the tangible impact she had here, she will remain central to our mission to focus on each girl's success and the education of young women in a family-like atmosphere. The Oldfields community will miss her, but her legacy will live on in our hearts and in the classrooms of Oldfields.
Tammis is remembered with great affection by faculty and classmates alike. Her roommate, Susalee Sassler '69 shared, "Tammis showed me the ropes. I arrived for sophomore year, and she had been at Oldfields as a freshman. She was a brilliant, artistic, and creative person. We worked on the yearbook together our senior year. It was very out of the box and fun! She was a talented photographer. Many of her photographs are in the 1969 yearbook. We will all miss her. I am thankful to God to have had the opportunity to know Tammis."
Elizabeth Brook '69 who was a classmate in college as well as at Oldfields, wrote, "I remember she had a lovely cottage by a stream where she spent many hours quietly writing. Tammis loved creative projects and was a published playwright. Tammis reinvented herself many times both geographically and personally. Although we fell out of touch in later years, I always loved her. She was a good friend."
SHOUT OUTS!
Once again, the Oldfields community exceeded all expectations when it came to giving back! The list of generous hearts is too long to list here, but please know that Oldfields appreciates all that each of you do to support our girls.
Parent Association
Alumnae Gatherings
• The Parent Association presented all the students with beautiful Oldfields towel wraps when they returned from Spring Break. It was a thoughtful gift and made the return back to school that much more exciting!
• On December 1, 2015, Hilary Shaw P '17 hosted our Washington, D.C. Gathering. This lovely event kicked off a season of celebration and drew a wonderful crowd of alumnae from the area. • In January, Director of Alumnae Affairs Joan Carter Jermakian '81 P'15 held a festive dinner gathering with young alumnae in New York City. Stay tuned, your town could be next!
Linda Farwell '82; Megan Mardiney '82; Alumnae Affairs Coordinator Lindsey Tonks; Director of Development, Ascension Episcopal School, Broussard, Louisiana, Joshua McClymont ; Associate Director of Development Ryan Kirk; Annabelle Gould '10; Emile Acle '09; Catie Cunningham '08, Hae Keum Chun '09, Joan Carter Jermakian '81 P'15, Warwick Carter, Jr.
• It was wonderful to see some of our Atlanta alumnae at the Capital City Country Club on February 26, 2016. A special thanks to Joe and Raena Evans GP'16 for hosting our gathering.
Joe Evans GP '16, Raena Evans GP'16, Dr. Parnell Hagerman, and Seashols Starks '71
The Parent Association worked hard this term to make sure that the girls never had a dull moment. Thanks to officers President Jennifer Singer P'18, Vice President Trish Redding P'17, Secretary Julie Selby P'17, and Treasurer Janice Mahaffey P'19 for supporting our girls all year!
• On Friday, April 8, 2016, The Parent Association hosted Bingo Night. The girls loved it! Thank you to all who donated prizes and gave your time to make this event a success.
• The extra-special treats that were provided in the faculty lounge each and every morning of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6) were very much appreciated. The Parent Association outdid themselves this year! Senior Parent Gift Wow! We cannot thank Ingrid and Don Obrecht P'16 (parents of Lissie) enough! As co-chairs of the gift committee, they led the parents of the Class of 2016 in raising $76,970! Thank you both for your tireless effort, devotion, and enthusiasm.
YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS ALUMNAE WEEKEND APRIL 28-30, 2017!
COMING JULY 2016 – JUNE 2017
ANNIVERSARY
th
A GLORIOUS CELEBRATION OF OLDFIELDS'
Oldfields School
1500 Glencoe Road Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152
www.OldfieldsSchool.org