PRI RITIES A Magazine of Woodside Priory School
DREAMS
Can Come True “Once Upon an Auction...”, page 8
Celebrating 47 Years of Benedictine Education
April 2005
Woodside Priory School Celebrating 47 Years of Benedictine Education In This Issue Headmaster Tim Molak reflects on the meaning of community and neighborhood, especially in light of the WPS proposed revised Conditional Use Permit and Master Plan, which was unanimously approved by the Portola Valley Planning Commission. Headmaster’s Letter, page 3.
Winter at a Glance, Page 4-5
Kalman Field gets a dedication plaque as well as a berm to retain excess water; a new digital- capture whiteboard is clarifying things in Computer Science classes; students visit the Andes on an adventurous as well as spiritual trip; and the Priory community wins an award for generosity. That and more in Winter at a Glance, pages 4–5. The ability to forgive is crucial for emotional well-being, stress reduction, and better physical health, according to Dr. Fred Luskin. With some practice, just about everyone can do it, he told Priory parents, students and friends. Dr. Luskin’s Stanford-based research demonstrates success in a variety of settings from the conflict in Northern Ireland to a Fortune 100 business environment. Community Forum, pages 6–7.
Community Forum, Page 6-7
Fairytales can come true…It can happen to you—at “Once Upon An Auction . . .” WPS’s annual gala, banquet, and fund-raiser for next year’s needs. The medieval castle, costumed students, live music and fantastic foods and wines will delight guests, and the array of desirable items for bidding will entice everyone to help the school’s dreams come true. Auction 2005, pages 8–10. The Woodside Priory Board of Trustees welcomes three new board members this year: Peter Campagna, Dale Pfau, and Andrea Zulberti. The Board is studying the long-range issues of diversity and Benedictine identity. Trustee Profiles, page 11.
Auction 2005, Pages 8, 9, 10
Steven Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” is the Priory Theater’s first Broadway musical production. The challenging songs and characters were a great match for talented voices and actors. Theater, page 15. The Priory is blessed with a community filled with people who willingly give their time, brainpower and resources to help the school. What motivates them? Zuzka Fedorkova, Class of 2000, asks several people who are supporting the Golden Jubilee Campaign to reflect on their reasons. Not surprisingly, some motivations are shared and others are entirely individual. Campaign Update, pages 16–17.
Alumni News & Notes, Pages 12, 13, 14
Campaign Update, Page 18-19
Students and librarians imagine the Priory’s anticipated new library and student center. These facilities, plus the auditorium and performing arts classrooms, are the “Trinity Project” that the Golden Jubilee Campaign leadership hopes (and prays) to have completed by the school’s fiftieth anniversary in 2007-2008. And—good news for existing classrooms!—the annual budget will fund improvements in all of them this summer. Campaign Update, pages 18–19. On the cover: Characters from this year’s all-school theatrical production coincide exactly with the theme of Auction 2005. They jump off the pages of Dean of Students’ John Erkman’s storybook and come alive as he dozes. You can see additional fanciful types from Mother Goose Casting in the “Once Upon An Auction . . .” story beginning on page 8, and the write-up of “Into the Woods”, on page 15. For admissions information, please contact Al Zappelli at (650) 851-8223, azappelli@woodsidepriory.com. Downloadable forms are available on the school Web site: www.woodsidepriory.com. Click on Admissions.
Board of Directors Abbott Matthew Leavy, OSB Father Mark Cooper, OSB Brother Edward Englund, OSB Father Martin Mager, OSB Father William Sullivan, OSB Board of Trustees Mr. Dave Arnold Dr. Kristen Brew Mr. Peter Campagna Mr. Al Ebneter Ms. Betsy Haehl Mrs. Anne Hannigan Mrs. Dotty Hayes Fr. Eric Hollas, OSB Mr. George Huertas Mr. Craig Johnson Mrs. Virginia Kavanaugh Mr. Steven Krausz Mr. Alfred Li* Fr. Maurus Nemeth, OSB Mrs. Janiece Bacon Oblak Mr. Dale Pfau* Mr. Bill Roberts Ms. Alicia Rodriguez Mr. Ray Rothrock Mr. Andy Schilling Mr. Bob Simon Dr. Stuart Young Ms. Andrea Zulberti * Special Representative
Priorities magazine is published in October, January, April and July by Woodside Priory School for its alumni, parents, students, neighbors and friends. Contact the Communications Office at 650-851-6193 or the school at 650-851-8221. Editor: Carolyn Dobervich Asst. Editor: Zuzka Fedorkova Design/Production: Jim Kirkland, Copperline Multimedia Photos: Carolyn Dobervich, Zuzka Fedorkova, Rebecca Rappaport, Jennifer Hammer, Amanda Davison, Father Martin Mager, Jim Kirkland Chapel Services Masses at 7:15 a.m. Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Sunday Hungarian service 8 p.m. third Friday (Taize) ecumenical service All are welcome.
From the Headmaster
W
e are looking forward to a glorious spring! The auction is ahead, a very successful admissions season has just concluded, the campus is filled with lively activity (as you will see throughout this issue), and our seniors are smiling as their college admissions roll in. In February, we passed a major milestone with the Portola Valley Planning Commission’s unanimous approval of our proposed revised Conditional Use Permit and Master Plan. We are now in a waiting period (until March 25) when citizens can file an appeal or challenge the report. After that date, the Town Council must ratify an easement and joint use agreement, and then the CUP/ Master Plan will be fully in effect. Whatever happens from this point forward, I appreciate the planning commission’s participation and final action. In effect, they support our need to modernize our educational program and improve the facilities so that they reflect our high academic expectations. The revised permit provides for 350 students (11 more than are currently enrolled), which we consider a critical mass for a broad range of courses and activities. I also appreciate the many parents and friends of the Priory who attended meetings or wrote commissioners on our behalf. The monks and I feel very fortunate to have such a supportive community. The commissioners studied the master plan carefully. They required several engineering reports and some modifications to our original proposal. In adopting the final version, they included language to guide us in preparing for the building permits. It was a good and appropriate process on their part and ours, and the end product provides for a strong school in coming decades.
I hope our joint work might set a model for other schools and small townships faced with our dilemma— replacing a 40-year-old document of some six sheets of paper with a contemporary document that spells out rights and obligations of all parties. About three years ago, when we realized this would not be a simple process, we made a conscious choice with the town planner to try to lead the way in creating new language and new concepts. The final document on file at the town center will be well over two pounds (almost one inch) of carefully crafted language reflecting much thought and problem-solving on all sides. Most people aren’t aware that when Benedictines take vows, they take them for the monastery where they live and the community surrounding it. St. Benedict challenges us to extend hospitality and stewardship to that community. I plan to stay in close touch with our neighbors to make our building process as unobtrusive as is feasible. Many of you now graduated will remember Nancy Newman, science teacher and currently also Dean of the Faculty. Nancy will be retiring at the end of the year to enjoy time with her husband and volunteer activities that will not fit into a busy Priory schedule. The Priory looses a remarkable educator and administrator whose positive impact on many Priory alumni is beyond measure. We wish her godspeed. As always, we are this spring working to accommodate other personnel changes. We are fortunate to have a strong staff, and our wonderful on-campus housing helps us to attract and retain equally qualified candidates. I wish you God’s blessing as we move closer to the celebration of the Lord’s resurrection at Easter. I hope that this Lenten season has allowed time for some extra prayer, time for reflection, and time (in the words of St. Benedict) to “Listen…with the ear of your heart.”
We passed a major milestone with the Portola Valley Planning Commission’s unanimous approval of our proposed revised Conditional Use Permit and Master Plan.
Sincerely,
3 Tim Molak Headmaster
Winter at a Students Find Benedictine Philosophy in the Andes An amazing 11-day adventure that took a group of Priory students through Uruguay and Argentina, culminating in a three-day horseback trip to the site of a 1970s plane crash, was also an adventure in Benedictine values, said faculty sponsor Jeff Wise. The trip is organized around a study of the book, “Alive!” a survival story, and includes the opportunity to meet and talk with survivors as well as experience the cultures of South American metropolitan and rural life. The five tenets of the Benedictine tradition—spirituality, hospitality, community, individuality and integrity—permeated the experience, Mr. Wise said. Student/faculty trips to Japan and Spain are scheduled for later this spring.
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High Jinks Precede Serious Studies Freshman Ariel Zommer kicks off March Madness activities with Irish dance on St. Patrick’s Day. The March Madness tradition of crazy dress and antics on Red Square lives on, and it still is a great way to unwind before the serious business of papers, exams and SATs take over in the last quarter of the academic year.
Priory Wins the Golden Apple This is a community that shares! Students, faculty and staff collected and donated more than 75 pounds of food each for Second Harvest Food Bank in December. Students raised more than $15,000 during a week of “penny wars” for Tsunami victims. The list of causes that students support with time, brainpower and resources—by class, by club, in response to a tragic event—never ends. The food drive was a campuswide effort and it earned the Priory a Second Harvest Golden Apple Award, given to the school with the highest per-person rate of donation. Priory student body officers Quins Hobbs and Man On Li accepted the Second Harvest award on behalf of the school.
Glance Kalman Field Is Even More Appreciated Kalman Field, dedicated to the memory of former student Stephen Kalman, an outstanding scholar and athlete who died in 1970, has a new meaning for the school’s neighbors. For years, it has given sought-after play space to local youth athletic leagues when Priory teams are not using it. Soon it also may be a safety net for water runoff in severe weather. A berm would be added to retain water (much of it from the watershed area uphill from the Priory’s acreage), retain it briefly, and release it slowly into Corte Madera Creek. The plan is part of the school’s revised approved Conditional Use Permit (see the Headmaster’s letter). Stephen’s relatives joined the Priory community at a chapel meeting last fall for dedication of a plaque that is now mounted by the baseball field (see inset photo).
Missed the Lecture? Catch the Replay! Computer Science teacher Kevin Wang spends a lot of class time in front of the board demonstrating and dissecting concepts that are confusing (or absent) in the book. It’s good teaching and now can be captured for students who must miss class—like the student in the photo inset. With a smartboard that links to his computer, his notes and lecture are captured digitally and can be replayed later at another location. It’s a special boon for students who must miss several days or students who just need to hear the explanation again to get it straight. Mr. Wang demonstrated the board to colleagues recently and 10 more have placed orders for digital smartboards next fall.
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Community Forum
Give Up Your Grudge—You’ll Feel Better! Stanford’s Dr. Fred Luskin has the research to prove it. And he will show you how it’s done. By Zuzka Fedorkova Priory Class of 2000
“Remember that a life well lived is your best revenge.” – Dr. Fred Luskin
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In the past few years the media have been flooded with publications and programs that deal with stress. Research shows that stress is unhealthy both physically and emotionally. The majority of us would probably describe our lives as often stressful, but we don’t really know if we want to change or how to do it. What could forgiveness possibly have to do with it? Fred Luskin, a leading authority on forgiveness and emotional competence, who recently spoke at the Priory, addresses these issues in his Stanford-based research. Stress can come from many sources, not just from simply “having too much work.” It also can be caused by unhealthy relationships, unresolved emotional problems, or continuing grievances, he says. Recent studies show that failure to forgive may be a factor in heart disease as well as higher blood pressure and weaker immunity. And we haven’t even started on what it does to quality of life! Imagine all your unresolved grievances as planes circling on a busy screen of an air traffic controller, Dr. Luskin says. While most planes land and disappear from the radar screen, the unresolved ones continue circling, taking up precious space. In his book, Forgive for Good, Dr. Luskin argues that “the grievance planes” become sources of stress, often negatively affecting health. Forgiveness training reduces depression,
increases hopefulness, decreases anger, increases emotional self-confidence and helps heal relationships, the studies show. These positive improvements lead to fewer health problems and improved quality of life. Additionally, forgiving can help limit the degree to which anyone gets emotionally hurt in the future, he claims. Dr. Luskin is an expert on health and happiness. He was the director and co-founder of the Stanford Forgiveness Project, the largest interpersonal forgiveness training research project ever conducted. He is currently a senior fellow at the Stanford Center on Conflict and Negotiation and co-director of StanfordNorthern Ireland HOPE Project, which researches the impact of forgiveness training on victims of political violence. He is author of Forgive for Good and numerous articles. His most recent book Stress Free for Good, just came on the market. Forgive for Good urges us to land our grievance planes and provides a clear plan for how to get closer to this goal. It is crucial to understand that forgiveness is neither a weakness nor a defeat. Quite conversely, by forgiving those who have hurt us, we free ourselves from the role of a victim. We learn how to stop those people or events that have hurt us from continuing to affect our lives negatively. Moreover, forgiveness does not necessarily require reconciliation or condoning the actions that hurt you. Forgiveness is for you and not for anyone else. So, what exactly is forgiveness then? Dr. Luskin defines it as the “peace and understanding that come from blaming less that which has hurt you taking the life experience personally, and changing your grievance story.” Forgiveness training helps people to stop getting upset about unenforceable rules, to stop blaming others for feeling unhappy (and thus continuing to feel so), and to consciously look at positive things in their lives. Even though it sounds like a very difficult task, forgiveness training works and it has been successful even in situations as difficult and
It is crucial to understand that forgiveness is neither a weakness nor a defeat. Moreover, forgiveness does not necessarily require reconciliation or condoning the actions that hurt you. It is for you, nobody else, and it frees you from the role of victim.
painful as the conflict in Northern Ireland. In addition to counseling, Dr. Luskin’s research has also turned out to be useful in business, as proven by his recent study in a Fortune 100 company. (See box for more details on the Northern Ireland and Fortune 100 projects.) Following his lecture, Priory students created a large tapestry made of paper cards, on which each student wrote (anonymously) about a relationship in his or her life that could be improved through forgiveness. The idea was to visually illustrate what power “one forgiveness each” could have in our lives. The school community participated in a number of activities related to what they learned. In the spirit of Dr. Luskin’s educational approach that combines lectures with hands-on training, students met with their small group advisors and discussed several points of the lecture. Mr. Erkman, dean of students, prepared the faculty for this event well in advance. They watched a video about Dr. Luskin’s nine-step forgiveness program before the lectures and spent time brainstorming “thought questions” for their students. One of the outcomes of these discussions is the tapestry of paper cards. These lectures and activities are a part of Mr. Erkman’s effort to create an “ongoing and in-
depth emotional health program on the Priory campus that would sustain a long-term discussion about difficult issues,” he said Dr. Luskin also talked to Priory parents and community in an annual Community Forum sponsored by the Community Relations Committee of the Board of Trustees. Previous Forum guests have included Dr. Walter Borke, an authority on aging, Primatologist Jane Goodall, former Secretary of Defense William Perry, former Senator and, Olympic Basketball Gold Medalist William Bradley, and others.
Even Fortune 100s Can Forgive Go to the WPS website www.woodsidepriory.com for links to further information on the Northern Ireland HOPE Project, the Fortune 100 company experiment and Dr. Luskin’s own website.
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Fairytales Can Come True— And They Will!
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If you remember a story that began, “Once upon a time…long, long ago…in a faraway kingdom…” you will feel as though you have been transported to that fairytale place when you enter Auction 2005. It begins at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 at the Hotel Sofitel on Redwood Shores. Guests will feel a part of that imaginary time as they walk through the gardens of the township far outside the castle walls. The castle glimmers in the distance, but up close are thickets and flowers, some surprises that make the town square come alive, and costumed characters from the pages of a children’s book. In fact, a special children’s book will be available in the silent auction—an early edition of a beautifully illustrated storybook, priced under $100 and of collector quality. Before you get down to the business of helping to make the Priory community’s wishes come true, though, take a minute to savor the colors—bright silks and brilliant flowers—and the music by Broceliande, a professional quartet of which Priory Orchestral Director is the cellist. The costumed musicians will be playing light and cheery Renaissance and Celtic airs that sustain the mood of a lovely long-ago afternoon. You can have fun guessing the story being illustrated as you hop from room to room in the silent auction. As always, a wide range of delectable treats will tempt you to grab that pencil, bid high, and beat the competition for those special items you can’t resist. Auction chairs Cindy and Wayne Davison encourage you to go with that impulse. “Bidding at the auction is a way of giving to the school. When you bid more than you might normally spend, you are giving much-needed support to the Priory and getting a thank-you gift in return,” Wayne said.
Auction proceeds are essential in filling the gap between the income the school receives from tuition and the actual cost of a Priory education. About 2/3 of last year’s operating expenses were covered by tuition. And the cost of an auction ticket covers roughly the cost of the event. The school’s wishes come true—or not—in the bidding, Cindy explained. A good story isn’t complete without a dark side or a crisis, and Auction 2005 almost had one of those. As this magazine goes to press, the Davisons were just notified that the fire extinguishing system at the Hotel Sofitel had malfunctioned and roof sprinklers rained down into the dining room, causing extensive damage. Everything should be back to normal a week before the event, barring any wicked witches or evil spells at work. Actually, the happy ending is assured because the site of our imaginary kingdom isn’t affected, and if need be, the hotel will create a new entrance just to maintain an ambiance unmarred by any views of repairs. For the monks, who always attend, the auction is a great chance to be with friends from throughout the Priory’s four-plus decades. “I also really enjoy spending time with today’s community in a different atmosphere. The volunteers do such a superb job with this evening—it’s really impossible NOT to have a terrific time,” Father Martin Mager remarked. If previous years are any indication, he will be among the guests dancing to the live music until the clock tower strikes at midnight. Revelers wishing to prolong the ambiance can simply stay over. The Hotel Sofitel is offering a special rate for Priory guests—contact the hotel for more information. The ambiance in the dining room could be any of several countries, but the food is definitely from a superb French kitchen. From the selection of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres to the salad, side dishes and choice of entreé to the grand finale desserts, the Priory’s tasters have selected only the best. And they concentrated particularly carefully on the wines that grace each table. The Hotel Sofitel’s chefs are known for the freshness of their ingredients, their attention to detail and the excellence of their presentation, as guests at previous auctions will happily attest
New entries to the auction catalog go online daily at the auction site, accessible from www. woodsidepriory.com. Interested in a getaway? You will find them at Hearst Castle, Stinson Beach, Sea Ranch, Tahoe, Pajaro Dunes, and the Bahamas. Biddable Parties will include a coveted event with Chef Virginia Taylor, well known to current parents and faculty for her fabulous culinary treats. Or you might prefer the “Trustees Dinner” prepared and served at the home of one of the WPS Trustees and with the help of others. This was a new item last year and the trustees said they’d never had more fun! Sports buffs will find golf packages, team memorabilia, coaching opportunities, and lots of tickets—including seats in the press box at SBC Park. Guest will find rooms filled with gift certificates for services, restaurants and clubs, custom take-home items, treasures for the house or the yard, wonderful fashions, practical and delightful things for children— a potpourri of things you need and things you want.
As always, the piéce de resistance will be Father Martin’s twenty-first tall clock—an elegant heirloom piece for the lucky bidder. Each is special and unique, and it’s creator, the Priory’s own Renaissance man, isn’t revealing the details yet. You will see it in the town square, right next to the lane leading up to the castle. A sneak preview of irresistible temptations includes these: ANOTHER Enchanted Evening. A foursome will revel the night away at the San Francisco Symphony Benefit Black and White Ball, featuring rock, swing, Latin, disco, country, punk, funk, big, small and SF Symphonic music. After the ball, these guests will be treated like royalty at the Fairmont Hotel overnight, including a sumptuous breakfast buffet. And (the best for last) Mercedes buffs will be dazzled by
Spend a week in an enchanting 16th century Italian farmhouse, the Villa Mariella, in the Umbrian countryside. This family home was handed down through the centuries and lovingly restored and modernized by a family member. It has a charming garden, countryside views, a pool, and is an easy walk to the local village of Torre San Severo, pictured above.
The auction couldn’t run without students such as Dan Wenger and Cynthia Sleight, who were among last year’s volunteers and are shown here in their costumes for their leading roles in “Into the Woods.” Student volunteers help set up the rooms, greet guests as costumed characters, rush those silent auction items into marked bags in the checkout room, deliver invoices to the guests’ tables, and help distribute bags as guests leave. Students also help with party signups and sell raffle tickets.
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the chauffered custom Maybach that takes your party from your humble castle to the hotel and back the next day. Hungarian Duck Dinner. Tired of grilled dragon? Chef Father Maurus' famous Hungarian duck dinner for 24 guests is a Priory Auction favorite! Your evening will begin with a fine reception followed by the "Canard de Maurus” in the Priory Refectory, served by the creator and his monastic colleagues.
Alumni in colleges from the East to the West have sent in sweatshirts from their new schools—each will be a separate bidding item. What a great way to encourage a student’s dreams!
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Tour of San Francisco – by AIR. With a little fairy dust and a turbo Skyline plane, you and two others can experience an aerial tour of San Francisco, Alcatraz, Angel Island, Sausaulito, Half Moon Bay and the Golden Gate. What a great gift to share with your best friends! A nice case of Windsor to enjoy with dinner or an ultra-extravagant bottle (vintage 1949) valued at $2,500—auction-goers will find these wines and dozens of bottles in-between. There’s a rumor of that special Pinot from “Sideways” making an appearance. You definitely will find a triplet of wines from Ridge Vineyards-Monte Bello (1998, 1999 and 2000), bottles of Chateau Latour/ Pauillac Bordeaux and other fine French Bordeaux for the investors, and some delicious, affordable bottles to pour right away with friends.
Help Two Scholarship Funds. The winning bidders for a hand-crafted surfboard owned and loved by Mandy Paige Hafleigh, Class of 2004, who died last November, and a hand-crafted wood bench created by friends of Eugene Koenig, who died in November 2003, will be helping to build these students’ memorial funds at the Priory. Priory Fund-A-Wish. While the “wishes” supported by the auction might properly be termed “needs,” the Headmaster each year brings a new project forward that truly is a “heart’s desire” kind of wish. Last year, it was funds to continue the Priory Bridge outreach program. What will this year’s be? Stay tuned—the Headmaster might not reveal it until the end of the evening. Priory Faculty and Staff’s Ingenious Offers. Priory faculty and staff have come up with a bumper crop of truly generous ideas to tempt you and to support their school. You will find tutoring from Newman and Trudelles, an evening of live music with Broceliande, 10 “first choice” locker locations next year, bowling and surfing and dinner and shopping for students with favorite faculty, bartending by a favorite headmaster and dean of students and—here is a real find—once-a month deliveries of hand-made and hard-to-find Philippine specialty foods from Mary and Josie Castaneda. This is only the beginning. All the details are at the auction Web site. Ride in a musher’s sled for the first 20 miles of the 2006 Iditarod Sled Dog Race. You will be a passenger behind a team of 12 of the world’s best canine athletes as they set out on the “Last Great Race” from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska on March 4, 2006. Your dogs and musher will do the work, you’ll sit in the sled and wave to the crowd for the first 20 miles of the race. This dream package includes air fare and four days of lodging and events.
Priory students created a gorgeous sushi service, a set of 8 beautiful kiln-formed plates, eight sauce dishes, and a service platter. The plates are 8”x8” square black with gold borders and a different flower on each plate. You must see them to appreciate the craftsmanship.
Trustee Profiles Board Chair Introduces New Topics and New Trustees In addition to its ongoing responsibilities,
the Priory Board of Trustees this year is taking a long view of two special issues—preserving the Benedictine character and the diversity of the school as times change in years ahead, said Ray Rothrock, Board Chair. “The school has changed a lot in the last six years in practically every dimension or measure. While there are no immediate concerns, we are looking for steps we can take over many years to ensure that the mission continues to be fulfilled and that the school continues to address the diversity question which is front and center in our society today, “ he explained. The Priory community has known for several years that no new monks will be assigned to the Priory as the current residents in the monastery retire. Benedictine schools around the world have similar concerns, and one source of ideas is an international consortium of Benedictine educators. WPS’s strategic plan includes several steps to institutionalize Benedictine values. They include such measures as annual faculty retreats, frequent chapel talks, student retreat themes, references in school publications, and education of new faculty members. Additionally, the board has established a Mission Committee to institutionalize awareness of this possible issue in the decades to come. “A diverse campus community of adults and students allows Benedictine values to regenerate with each new class. Students can’t learn to balance different needs and perspectives, or understand conflicting points of view, if they hardly ever encounter them first-hand. We are looking at whether, going forward, we have the policies and resources in place to maintain diversity successfully,” Mr. Rothrock added.
New Member of the Board Peter Campagna is
an alumnus of Santa Clara University (Peter’s BS is in Economics), UC Berkeley (MBS in Finance) and Golden Gate University (MS in Taxation). Currently he is vice president and treasurer at Intuit, makers of software such as TurboTax and Quicken. Peter, his wife Pam ( also a SCU graduate) and their two
children, Clint (Class of 2006) and Wes (accepted for the class of 2012) reside in Los Altos Hills. In his free time, Peter is active in a number of professional organizations, and he also enjoys golf, windsurfing and flying planes. Peter is a member of the Trustees Committee and the Policy, Planning and Student Life Committee, and is chair of the Finance, Buildings and Grounds Committee. The head of the Parent Association holds an honorary position on the Board. This year, this position is filled by Dale Pfau. Dale and his wife Cathryn Gawne live in Portola Valley. Their children Gregory and Katie are students at Woodside Priory, and their daughter Krysten, a student at Corte Madera School, was just accepted for the Priory class of 2012. Dale is an alumnus of Stanford (BS in Physics) and Cornell University (MS in Physics). He is a general partner with enVia Partners, a venture capital firm, and he volunteers for Boy Scouts as Assistant Scoutmaster. Among his other interests are symphonic music, historical preservation, and wine. Dale is a member of the Investment Committee, the Community Relations Committee and the Policy, Planning and Student Life Committee. Andrea Zulberti is mother of Darren Alan Zulberti, who was student body president during his senior year at the Priory in 1999. Andrea and her husband Alan have been neighbors of the Priory for many years. Ms. Zulberti is an alumna of California State University in Hayward and is also a certified public accountant. She retired from her position as a corporate executive at Barclays Global Investors in March 2004. She continues to be involved in business through corporate boards. In her spare time, she enjoys snow skiing, reading, traveling and boating. She serves on the Development Committee, Campaign Leadership Team, and Policy, Planning and Student Life Committee.
Three new trustees join the Board. The Board is taking a long-range look at preserving the campus’s diversity and Benedictine heritage.
Peter Campagna
Dale Pfau
Andrea Zulberti
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Alumni News & Notes
What’s New at the Online Community? Read the full text of Alejandro’s chapel talk. See the photo of Priory alums crowding a booth at the Dutch Goose. Read the full text and the latest entries of class notes. Go to www. woodsidepriory.com, click on Alumni, click on Online Community!
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Emerson “Chip” Swan, class of 1977 – writes that the big news at the Swan house is the arrival of Casey the Dog. Casey is now 4 months old and weighs 45 pounds. He will probably be around 150 when he is full-grown. Chip writes that Casey’s job is keeping bad stuff away from the family, as well as tail wagging, bone chewing, and general dog happiness. He adds that with his great family and thanks to his years at WPS, he is wise enough to realize he has a very good life. Peter Connolly, class of 1979 – has joined Korn Ferry International as a partner. He works out of the Century City, CA office and lives in Brentwood, CA. Christopher Bulkeley, class of 1981 – has returned safely from a year of service in Mosul, Iraq. John Peterson, class of 1983 – has been married to Aishling for 7 ½ years. They have three children, Charlotte Fitzgerald (5), August Bradley (3), and Oliver James (1). John is currently president and owner of The Atlantic Pet Group and lives in Newport, RI. David Reinhardt, class of 1987 – graduated from UC Davis and is currently working for URS Corp. in San Francisco as a graphics director. He competes in triathlons and hunts butterflies in his leisure time. Philip Chu, class of 1996 – graduated from Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo in 2001 with a major in City and Regional Planning and a minor in Economics; now finishing up a masters degree in Architecture and Science, also at Cal Poly. Phil is an associate planner with the San Luis Obispo County of Governments, a regional planning agency, and he just completed a term as 2004 Chair for the California Service Authority. Chester Congdon, class of 1996 – married Natasza O’Lague on August 7, 2004. Jerry Liu, class of 1996—graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara, with a double major in business economics and Chinese literature. Jerry turned a part-time job with CutCo Cutlery during his college years into a career position. He is working on an MBA at Pepperdine University, which offers a program for individuals who are also employed full-time. He still enjoys Saturday volleyball, Tai-chi and motorcycles, and he is looking forward to the next class reunion, he says. Bo Felix, class of 1998 – last August, Bo and Sarah Williams were married in a ceremony conducted by Father Martin. She is a Cal Poly student, and they are living in San Luis Obispo. Bo writes that he has continued his interest in rodeo and horses. He took a sabbatical from Cal Poly for a year and earned a certificate in Equine Dentistry, yes, that’s right…he’s a horse dentist. Now he is back in class studying pre-med courses in preparation for vetinary school. Gloria Lando, class of 1998 – graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Administration of Justice. She now works as a Fair Housing specialist. Luigi Quisumbing, class of 1998 – won a position last June as a Provincial Board Member in the Sixth Legislative District of the Province of Cebu, Philippines—the fourth youngest elective member in the country. He is in his second year of law school at a local university in the Philippines. Luigi writes that he credits the training he received at WPS for his victory and subsequent performance as a legislator. He writes that even though he left the Priory after his junior year, he is thankful for his years spent here, and “not a day goes by that he doesn’t look back fondly at my time at the Priory.“ William Reinhardt, Middle School class of 1998 – is currently a Junior at Princeton, interested in geology. William swims the free style events on the swim team. Joan Lando, class of 1999 – is working on a masters degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology at San Jose State University.
John B. Santos, class of 1994 – is currently working in his dad’s shipping company, Southwest Maritime Corp. They have car carriers from Hyundai, bulk carriers from Hong Kong, and cargo ships from the UK and France, as well as gas tankers with routes throughout Asia. John’s work currently is in the department that supplies the crews for the ships. Grant Rosenquist, class of 1996 – and his father have started a new business in Lodi, CA. They will be importing granite slabs and distributing them. It is an offshoot of his father’s company, a fabricating manufacturer. Grant traveled recently to Xaimen, China to meet people from the company they will be working with. Kristin Hepper, class of 1997 – is currently working on a PhD degree in Ancient COLD Seeps (having to do with marine ecology) at UC Riverside, which has a program that she describes as the best match for her interests. Young Bae Lee, class of 1997 — completed his (Korean) military service last July and in August began working for the Hyundai Corporation oil and minerals team, where he analyzes and manages investments in natural resources. His biggest news is that he will be getting married on June 10, 2005. His fiancée is in her second year of law school at Tulane, located in New Orleans. Young Bae writes that he “fell in love with the city” while visiting recently, and he thanks Grant Rosenquist (1996) for the good advice regarding the best restaurants in the area. Peter Newman, class of 1999 – received his degree in History at UCSB in June 2004. He is currently attending UC Davis to obtain a teaching credential with an MA in History. Robert Reinhardt, Middle School class of 2000 – is currently a Freshman at Brown, interested in graphic design. He also swims the free style events on the Brown swim team and hopes to beat his brother (at a Princeton/Brown dual meet) before he graduates. Alena Harajdova, class of 2001 – is now in architecture school in Bratislava and played tour guide for her Priory hosts, Dotty, Terry and Carolyn Hayes, when they visited her in the Slovak Republic recently. Mike Bohley, class of 2001 – is is a roomate of Jon Del Secco (class of 2001) and is set to graduate from Loyola Marymount this spring. He writes that Jon and he will marry twin sisters, Claire and Sarah Albright, this summer. After the wedding they plan to move back to the Bay Area and look for a duplex they all can share. David Lando, class of 2001 – is a senior at Santa Clara University majoring in Environmental Studies and Anthropology. Kit Newman, class of 2001 – is a Human Biology Major, graduating June 2005 from Stanford University. She will attend University of California San Francisco Medical School this fall. Liesl Yost, class of 2001—is in her final semester at Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana. She is a Theater major and will be graduating with honors in May, after which she plans to look for work in her field of study. Liesl’s mom, Camille Yost, who works in the Development and Admissions offices at the Priory, flew to the campus in late March to see her daughter’s senior project. The required project begins with selecting a play and making a proposal to the department, then working for several months as producer-director responsible for all the aspects of the performance. Despite the heavy stress and workload, she reports that she is enjoying herself.
Alumnus Alejandro Chavez, pictured here with Father Martin Mager and Dave Arnold, Chair of the Alumni Association, gave a chapel talk to the Priory community about the legend left by his grandfather, the great labor leader Caesar Chavez. At least two alumni speak to the student body every year, and they are among the most popular guests, says Gail Kimball, Associate Director of Development.
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Kylie Hepper, class of 2002 – is about to finish her Junior year at Mills College in Oakland and is working on her MBA concurrently with a BA in Economics. Taylor Eigsti, class of 2002—has signed with Mary Ann Topper/Jazz Tree Management and is pursuing his career as a jazz pianist with national (and possibly international) bookings. He has a recording with Concord Records tentatively scheduled for early May in New York. While performing at Birdland in New York City, he ran into former Dean of Students Russell Shaw at Columbia University, and he saw former English faculty member Sue Barry while playing at Jazz Alley in Seattle. Engagements are coming thick and fast, but friends on the mid-Peninsula can see Taylor and trio for sure this summer at Dinkelspeil Auditorium during the Stanford Jazz Workshop Festival. Check www.tayjazz.com for performance and recording information Aimee Epstein, class of 2003 – is a Sophomore at Stanford University. She is a member of Stanford’s Equestrian Team and is spending the spring quarter at Stanford’s Study Abroad program in Paris. She will be taking a one year leave from Stanford, 2005-2006, to attend college in Australia. Carolyn Hayes, class of 2003 – is attending Oberlin College and writes that she has made great friends there. She has learned to cook (in large quantities) has joined the Kosher co-op and now requests whole grain bread and organic vegetables at home, she says. She has learned how annoying it is to live with a messy roommate; learned a lot about music and oboists; and has kept in touch with her good high school friends, she said. Michael Yost, class of 2003 – Is in his second year at Davis, Naval Reserve Officers Training Course. He participated in a summer ROTC cruise. TRANSITIONS Nick Dilbert, class of 1966 – passed away November 28, 2004 after an eleven month fight with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Aliza; son, Phillip and daughter, Michaela. FACULTY Sue Barry, a member of the English faculty for many years, is living in Washington and has started a new business in personal coaching and organization. Her Web site is www.pivotpointe.net. Tom Carter, Performing Arts department chair for many years, just published a book, Choral Charisma: Singing with Expression, published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing Co. Information is at the publisher’s Website (www.sbmp.com). Tom’s Web site is at www.choralcharisma.com
David Jim, class of 1974, and his family visited the campus and chastted with Gail Kimball, associate director of development, Headmaster, Tim Molak and Al Zappelli, director of admissions.
News Flash: Brother Against Brother!
Swimmers Robert and William Reinhardt knew they eventually would face each other in competition and this spring it happened. Older brother William, swimming for Princeton, defended his Ivy title of last year (in the 50 and 100 free) by winning them both again this year. Robert the Younger, a freshman at Brown, came in seventh in the final heat of the 50—his personal best so far. Meet the three Reinhardt brothers in class notes of 1987, 1998, and 2000.
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Priory’s First-Ever Broadway Musical Created Fairytale Magic Cinderella’s evil stepsisters, the Wolf that ate Granny, and Rapunzel of the lengthy tresses — all of the familiar fairytale characters appear in Steven Sondheim’s “Into The Woods.” But what starts as a simple journey into the woods changes as the fairytale stories go awry and the journey wanders far away from “happily ever after.” WPS’s Theater Arts and Music departments presented this Tony award-winning musical on March 3-5 in the campus Assembly Hall, with sets and props made by the Visual Arts department. Alumna Amanda Davison, Class of 2000, returned to the campus to help out as assistant director/producer. This production was at least two years in the making—more than five years if one counts the increase in number and quality of classes and performance opportunities. This department may not have a “real stage” or the audience “real seats” but they are experiencing “real theater.” —C. Dobervich
Photos by Jennifer Hammer, Amanda Davison, and Father Martin Mager
A Passion for Quality Education Is The Driving Force For These Donors By Zuzka Fedorkova, Class of 2000
I couldn’t have come across a more interesting project than this one— talking to people about their reasons for believing in and supporting the Golden Jubilee Campaign.
I am a newly-minted college grad whose life was on several occasions impacted by the generosity of people I did not even know. Now, I am navigating my way through the job market and wondering how I can pay rent and also have a positive impact on the lives of others. I couldn’t have come across a more interesting project than this one—talking to people about their reasons for believing in and supporting the Golden Jubilee Campaign. Hearing the variety of their reasons, or their philosophies of giving and helping, has been an inspiring experience for me. Our school is lucky to have such a tremendous community and I am lucky to be a part of it. I interviewed a wide range of people who had interesting things to say about investing their time and their resources in this cause. Some of them are quoted in this magazine, others will appear in later issues and on the Campaign Website. Rick and Amy Magnuson: Current and Alumni Parents We’ve had three kids at the Priory. We like the emphasis on values and strong academics. The Benedictine emphasis on how people treat others around them is very important to us. The Priory needs to keep investing in itself and its facilities because it is in a very competitive area; other schools are upgrading their facilities. We supported the housing initiative because on-campus housing can give the school a real competitive advantage by being better able to attract and retain key faculty and staff.
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Lorry Lokey: Friend of the Priory Education is the most important philanthropic goal for me. What we amount to as individuals is determined by our upbringing and education. Of course, there are many great donor causes, such as the various health organizations or environmental issues, but I decided to lock in on education because I think it is the most important—it is a basic building block. The appeal of the Priory is that it provides quality education. I support local schools, mostly private ones, although I have also supported three public schools. I’m not motivated by the schools’ milestone anniversaries—what I care about is quality education and that is what Woodside Priory provides. Dotty and Terry Hayes: Alumni Parents Dotty speaking: I am particularly excited about the Performing Arts Center. The campus deserves a flagship building that will complete the picture and give a physical counterpart to the human component of the Priory. It is crucial that the facilities match the school’s great human potential and its values. Aside from updating the physical plant for the next 50 years, it is also important to build a good endowment in order to make the school sustainable and to be able to continue supporting students who need financial aid. For me, Priory is a very special place. It would be great for the physical grounds to reflect that.
John Kriewall and Betsy Haehl, Current Parents, Betsy speaking: The Performing Arts Center is in keeping with what we love about the Priory – the Benedictine philosophy of educating the whole person. When John spoke at the launch of the PAC campaign, he mentioned that our daughter, as a middle schooler, became involved in both choir and theater. Through those experiences, she gained confidence and poise and was able to “try on” new identities. She had to polish her time management and organizational skills because of demanding play practice commitments, and she learned more about working as a member of a team. Her drama experiences gave her the chance to interact with high school students who were wonderful role models. To stay competitive, WPS needs all the improvements in this campaign. We need to update the facilities, which are inadequate for both students and faculty. In the beginning of this campaign, we made a promise to the WPS community to complete this dream, and we can’t let them down. Carol and Andrew Duncan, Current Parents Woodside Priory School has provided a stable, well-rounded, nurturing foundation for our children’s academic and spiritual growth. The faculty is awesome, dedicated and selfless; they provide not only an excellent education for our children but a true sense of family that is unique to our school environment. The Golden Jubilee Campaign is critical to the future of the Priory. Improving our facilities, building a performing arts center, and expanding campus housing for faculty and staff are essential to maintaining the quality that we want for our children.
Kathie and Bob Maxfield: Friends of the Priory Kathie speaking: Even though I never had children at the Priory, I was very impressed with the quality of the education. Each student’s talent and individuality has the opportunity to bloom and flourish. In other environments, student individuality can get squashed. Also, America urgently needs future leaders who possess solid ethics as well as the ability to think through difficult problems. The Woodside Priory has the potential to create these leaders. I have given to the Priory in the past and will continue giving in the future. Editor’s Note: Zuzka attended the Priory for her senior year and Stanford for her bachelor’s degree in International Relations, both on scholarships. She just finished a master’s degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology. She has a special interest in the needs of marginalized populations.
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Trinity Project Is the Focus This Spring This summer, classrooms will get upgrades that can’t wait.
Update Maas Family Commons Completed and occupied in 2003 Two Apartments Constructed, One Home Renovated Projects completed in 2001. Chapel Renovation Completed by Friends of the Chapel and dedicated in 2004. Additional seating, new Blessed Sacrament Chapel, entryway and
The Golden Jubilee Campaign’s calendar has us set to crack open bottles of champagne in 2007-2008 in celebration of a major milestone—the completion of Phase One by the school’s Golden Anniversary. Of the six Phase One projects, on-campus housing and a chapel renovation are complete, and the endowment is well under way. With the Town of Portola Valley’s approval of WPS’s master plan, the design and funding of the Performing Arts Center (PAC) can hopefully move forward to a near-term groundbreaking. Now, the library and student center come into focus. The Planning Commission studied the proposed Performing Arts Center in detail. In their unanimous approval of the proposed master plan, they specified concerns about the PAC that can be addressed in the future. But, more importantly, they endorsed the concept and the essential elements—such as seating for the entire campus community and the need for a facility that compares favorably with similar schools’ facilities. The Campaign Leadership Team is reviewing what was termed the “Trinity Package” when the Golden Jubilee Campaign was launched. It includes the PAC, an improved library, and a new student center.
bell tower Trinity Project Performing Arts Center, Library and Student Center $6.1 million pledged Endowment Nearly $2.2 million is pledged towards $5 million gaol. Current effort is the drive to fund scholarships named for Priory Benedictine fathers (the “Father Funds”).
The Trinity
Why consider them a trinity? Because each depends on the other, Headmaster Tim Molak explains. Performing arts and most school assemblies currently are housed in the Assembly Hall and adjacent music room. The library cannot be improved until the PAC is complete and the Assembly Hall and music room are vacant. Those rooms, plus adjacent space, will be the library’s new home. The campus’s first-ever Student Center will be housed in the current library space. It’s a simple 1-2-3. Vacate the Assembly Hall, move the library, create the student center. With 2007 looming, the campaign leadership team will look at changes in costs since its initial estimates in 2000. Then it will look at options to bring the projects
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in on time. That may involve delaying some of the amenities until later, but hopefully not, said Wayne Davison, campaign chair. “Would we like a family or group of families to take this on with us, and have their names identified with the project at the end? You bet! I’d love to see a John Doe Family plaque in the new Benedictine Square and on the buildings. Most big projects like this come to conclusion because leaders are inspired to make it happen—rather like Louise Davies rose to the occasion and brought the symphony hall in San Francisco to groundbreaking,” he added. The Trinity Project isn’t just for people who can write big checks, though. The Campaign Leadership Team is hoping for a wide base of support, and there are plenty of ways people can participate in the upcoming year. We hope everyone will have a personal investment in the outcome, so the completion will be an amazing achievement for the whole community at the end, added Kerry Gormley, Associate Campaign Director. “Later this spring and into early fall, everyone affiliated with the Priory will receive a mailing with drawings and details of the Trinity Project. We hope that everyone will find something he or she especially cares about, and that they will help us fund it,” Ms. Gormley said. Meanwhile, the build calendar is also under scrutiny. “We are working with the PAC architects now to determine when we need to start building. The PAC is by far the biggest challenge because it involves a new structure, whereas the library and student center will be internal renovation of existing space. We will need the plans and funds in place, but the actual renovation hopefully can take place simultaneously in the last several months,”said Tim Molak, Headmaster.
Librarians Describe The Need
Peter Reinhardt and Susan Falaschi, the Priory’s librarians, say that more space and separation of space are critical to contemporary needs.
“Our current library is designed for everything to take place within four walls. The reality is that we have conflicting uses. Classes meet in the library to learn research methods or work on a technology-based assignment. At the same time, we have individuals who need a quiet space for study and small groups who need space to discuss their project. We need space for tutors to meet with students. We need better protection for our rare books and shelf space for new books,” they explain. The library’s strength is its contemporary and ever-expanding collection. Teachers’ requests for library materials are nearly always filled, and students can nearly always find what they need on the shelf or through an interlibrary loan. The range of online databases and full-text articles is admirable. “By making use of adjacent facilities—the Assembly Hall, the music room and some additional space, we can meet all of our needs, “ Peter said. Students will enter from the patio outside the music room, one of the most beautiful places on the campus. The facilities, and especially the new lobby, could reflect that ambiance, with exhibits that tempt visitors to linger and an enclosed garden patio that encourages relaxed reading. “It can be a facility that really reflects the value we place on the full range of “reading,” from pleasure reading in a comfy chair, to respecting and using the information collected in books, to accessing the best in online research,” Susan said.
Students Describe The Ideal Center
Middle and High School students met with Headmaster Tim Molak to brainstorm their vision of the ideal student center. While the headmaster mentioned such needs as being protected from the weather (currently, students meet outdoors or in the library), students’ thoughts ranged to these possibilities: • Adults that students want to reach frequently, such as the college counselor and Dean of Students, might have offices in or near the student center. • Student publications and student government could work side by side and share resources.
The new library and technology center could be an academic jewel, with the new entryway facing one of the most beautiful plazas and views on the campus and with the amenities that contemporary education demands. This sketch illustrates just one possible design.
Classrooms Will Have New Technology This Summer “Classroom renovation can’t wait,” said Mr. Molak. Using the school’s annual capital improvement budget rather than campaign funds, every classroom this summer will get a ceiling-mounted projector to facilitate computer-based presentations. Rooms 1-15 will get a “makeover” involving new carpets, paint, ceiling fans, lighting, and whiteboards or “smartboards” that facilitate computer-based learning (See pages 4-5). “Phase Two of the Campaign includes a goal of completely rebuilding the interiors of all classrooms, and that goal is still important,” Mr. Molak said.
• The bookstore and snack service ought to be there • Relaxed and comfortable areas to talk, read, or brainstorm—including an outdoor patio to use when weather is good—made students’ eyes light up. Architects are just beginning the process of defining and detailing a potential student center. It’s still in the dream phase and anything is possible.
Belated Thanks to Betsy and John In the Annual Report printed last fall, Betsy Haehl and John Kriewall should have been listed under the Golden Jubilee giving level of $250,000 to $499,999. We appreciate the many ways in which John and Betsy support the school and regret this error. –Development Office
The Golden Jubilee Committee has been formed, and plans are in the works for a terrific celebration. “I would love to toast our success with Dom Perignon— that classic champagne named for the Benedictine monk who created it,” the Headmaster said. —C. Dobervich
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WPS Directors Enjoy the Ambiance! The monks who compose the Priory Board of Directors relax by a cheery fire in the Father Christopher Room following a late-winter meeting. Pictured here (from left) are Father Mark Cooper, Board Chair Ray Rothrock, Father William Sullivan, Headmaster Tim Molak, Abbot Matthew Leavy, Brother Edward Englund and Father Martin Mager. Alumni and families from the Priory’s earlier years may remember Abbot Matthew and Father Mark, who were members of the campus community at that time, and Father William, who was Prior at WPS from 1985 to 1997. All three keep in close touch with the campus via phone and email, and travel frequently from St. Anselm Abbey to visit the school.
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Celebrating Our 47th Year
