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Calling all Classes ending in 0 or 5 This is your REUNION year! September 25 – 27, 2020 Please mark your calendar for a weekend of fun and nostalgia with your family, friends and classmates. For more information on the schedule of events, accommodations, golf outings, class dinners and more contact Carla Kenahan at 401-643-1186 or ckenahan@ portsmouthabbey.org
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SAVE THE DATE! SEPT. 25 - 27, 2020
PORTSMOUTH ABBE Y SCHOOL
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MISSION STATEMENT The aim of Portsmouth Abbey School is to help young men and women grow in knowledge and grace. Grounded in the Catholic faith and 1,500-year-old Benedictine intellectual tradition, the School fosters: Reverence for God and the human person Respect for learning and order Responsibility for the shared experience of community life
Portsmouth Abbey School’s 19th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament!
BOARD OF REGENTS Very Reverend Michael G. Brunner, O.S.B. Prior Administrator Portsmouth, RI Mr. W. Christopher Behnke ’81 P ’12 ’15 ’19 Chairman Chicago, IL Mr. Christopher Abbate ’88 P ’20 ’23 New York, NY Ms. Abby Benson ’92 Boulder, CO Mr. John Bohan P’20 ‘22 Newport, RI Dom Joseph Byron, O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI Mr. Creighton O. Condon ’74 P ’07 ’10 Jamestown, RI Mrs. Kathleen Cunningham P ’08 ‘09 ‘11 ‘14 Dedham, MA Mr. Gang (Jason) Ding P ’18 Qingdao, China Mr. Christopher and Dr. Debra Falvey P ’18 ’20 Co-chairs, Parents’ Association Plaistow, NH Mr. Peter Ferry ’75 P ’16 ’17 Philadelphia, PA Mrs. Frances Fisher P ’15 San Francisco, CA
Dr. Timothy P. Flanigan ’75 P ’06 ’09 ’11 ’19 ‘21 Tiverton, RI Mr. Patrick Gallagher ’81 P ’15 Providence, RI Mrs. Margaret S. Healey P ’91 GP ’19 ‘21 New Vernon, NJ Mr. Denis Hector ’70 Miami, FL Father Francis Hein, O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI Dr. Gregory Hornig ’68 P ’01 West Palm Beach, FL Mrs. Cara Gontarz Hume ’99 Hingham, MA Mr. Peter M. Kennedy III ’64 P ’07 ’08 ’15 Big Horn, WY Mr. William M. Keogh ’78 P ’13 Jamestown, RI Dr. Mary Beth Klee P ’04 Hanover, NH Father Edward Mazuski, O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI Ms. Devin McShane P ’09 ’11 Providence, RI
Mr. Philip V. Moyles, Jr. ’82 Annual Fund Chair Rye, NY Mr. Emmett O’Connell P ’16 ’17 Stowe, VT Mr. Shane O’Neil ‘65 Bedford, MA Mr. Peter J. Romatowski ’68 McLean, VA Mr. William Winterer ’87 Boston, MA EMERITUS Mr. Peter M. Flanigan R ’41 P ’75 ’83 GP ’06 ’09 ’09 ’11 ’11 ’19 ’19 ’21 Purchase, NY Mr. Thomas Healey ’60 P ’91 GP ’19 ‘21 New Vernon, NJ Mr. William Howenstein R ’52 P ’87 GP ’10 ’17 ’21 ’22 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI Mr. Barnet Phillips, IV ’66 Greenwich, CT R
deceased
Abbott Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B. St. Louis, MO
Cover: Chidozie Onyiuke ’10, a first-year medical student at Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Loyola University Maryland and a master’s in microbiology from Seton Hall University; he is concurrently pursuing a master’s in bioethics while earning his M.D. Read Chidozie’s profile on page 28.
SAVE THE DATE! Friday, June 5, 2020 The Aquidneck Club (formerly Carnegie Abbey Club) Portsmouth, Rhode Island 10:00 a.m. – Registration, Brunch and Practice Noon – Shotgun Start Dinner Reception, Silent Auction and Awards Ceremony at Tournament Finish Please contact Carla Kenahan to discuss sponsorship and donation opportunities at ckenahan@portsmouthabbey.org or 401.643.1186.
Homily for the Centennial Mass September 21, 2019 5 PM Very Reverend Michael G. Brunner O.S.B. Prior Administrator Portsmouth Abbey
On Wednesday, June 25, 1919, a Communist revolt broke out in Hamburg, Germany, and elsewhere in there the 1st monoplane airliner took flight. But here in Portsmouth Rhode Island, on Cory’s Lane, this monastery, founded by Leonard Sargent, was officially inaugurated and dedicated to St. Gregory the Great. A lot has happened in the world since then. So reaching 100 years is a significant milestone for us, but 100 years in the life of a Benedictine Monastery, in a federation over 1500 years old, a member of a congregation almost 1400 years old, is just a running start. But every great enterprise has to have a start, and of the 3 EBC monasteries in the US, Portsmouth Abbey is the oldest. The beginnings of Portsmouth Abbey were not easy, and the history of this Abbey is not a story of easy and smooth growth always on an upward trajectory. It is a story of real monastic life with its ups and downs. The early monks struggled to make this foundation stick. They were real monks living their lives according to the rule of St. Benedict, living by the work of their hands and minds, serving the people of God. This was and is a school of many things, but first and foremost a school of the Lord’s service, the fortuitous arrival here of Hugh Diman and the founding of the Abbey school made it stick. For 100 years the monks have been stewards of this monastery and the school, supported by loyal and generous friends.
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The Gospel today is about stewards. It is an unusual Gospel, and perhaps its message for us hard to understand. In our day that word “steward” is usually applied to a servant of some kind. But in Jesus’ time a steward was an executive, like a general manager, someone who runs things, in a business he doesn’t own himself. Why, we may ask, is Jesus giving compliments to a dishonest steward who acted so shrewdly? When the steward was calling in those debtors and reducing their promissory notes, he wasn’t cheating his master... he was removing his share, his commission from the amount of the notes. That’s how stewards got paid back then, not by a salary from the master. Under the circumstances, it was the smart thing to do; to give up his own profit for the moment, to make friends for his uncertain future. So Jesus is telling us to do the same: to give up some of what we could have now, so we may have a secure and happy eternal
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future. That in fact is exactly what St. Benedict says monks do. It is certainly what Hugh Diman did, and many others who came to join here. All of us are like that steward in many ways God trusts us with our lives and lots of blessings. But we sin, like the steward did; we don’t always act or live like we should, And we know that there will be an accounting someday. God will judge who we are. What should we do so that we don’t get judged harshly? Jesus is showing us what to do in the Gospel today (Lk 16: 1-13), because God does not want to punish us. It says in the Gospel of John: For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. No servant can serve two masters. Our second master could be our ego, our good looks, our intelligence, some talent or ability we have, our property. All these good things are entrusted to us by God, our true Master. Why? In order to serve Him, to help others and to make our way through this world to the next. So Jesus asks: “If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your very own?” Here Jesus is speaking about not just our gifts but our life as a whole. Our life is a loan from God. God gives it to us. And He looks to see how we will use it, how we repay it. Life is a test of sorts. Will we use our lives just to enrich our own selves, or will we use it to enrich God’s creation: -
By raising a family and living to help our children and grandchildren?
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By helping those who are in need or trouble?
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By being of service to others and to our community?
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By founding a monastery, by supporting the church?
If we do a good job with this life that God has loaned us, then he will entrust us with our very own share of his own eternal life in what we call heaven. The steward in the Gospel is an example for us not because of his dishonesty but because he was smart,
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THE ABBEY OF ST. GREGORY THE GREAT
smart enough to change what he was doing and how he was living. He knew how to adjust to reality, this is what we call conversion, and it is not a one-time event. It’s the goal of that vow of conversatio morum that monks take. It is a process all through life of becoming more and more like the person God intended us to be. The steward knew he could only really serve His true master, and not his self-interest. We should do good as it is given to each of us to do in the unique circumstances of our own lives, to give God a better return on his investment in our lives. It is significant that over the last one hundred years this monastery has invested so much in the life of the Church. It has produced scholars, educators, writers, generations of students who have made the world and many lives better for having been here. Monks have gone out from here to become: the Bishop of Stockholm, Sweden; to invigorate the new Mt. Savior Monastery in NY State; to found the monastery of Christ in the Desert in NM; and from there to found Nuestra Senora de la Soledad, San Miguel, Mexico, inspiring others to found other monasteries from there. It hurt. It cost this monastery to lose these men, but service…love of God costs in this world. But this world is not the one which lasts. It is ironic that I speak here today, I who have been here just one year. Yet there is someone who has been here at Portsmouth Abbey for more than half of these one hundred years. Someone who has stayed the course through the ups and downs. Someone who was elected the first Abbot. Someone who has had to return at least twice to lead this community. Someone who in his spare time set on the straight path the great women’s abbey of Regina Laudis. Someone who still teaches us, inspires us with his
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dedication to prayer, monastic life, to the people of this community; someone who still inspires us with his faithfulness and unflinching good humor. I think It’s safe to say that Portsmouth Abbey would not have made it to one hundred years without Abbot Matthew Stark. So thank you, Abbot Matthew. We do not know what the future holds. None of us do. But the future of Portsmouth Abbey is now for the foreseeable future tied in some way to the future of Saint Louis Abbey; we know two are stronger than one. Both Jesus and St. Benedict sent out their disciples in pairs. We do not know what the future holds, But in the words of the great Thanksgiving hymn sung by monks for centuries Lord, show us your love and mercy; for we put our trust in you. In you, Lord, is our hope: and we shall never hope in vain.
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Let me close with a prayer in the words of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, born in a troubled time and place the year before the foundation of this monastery, in the year this property was acquired, and just two weeks after the first Mass was said here. I think he speaks for us. How easy, Lord, it is for me to live with you. How easy it is for me to believe in you. When my understanding is perplexed by doubts or on the point of giving up, when the most intelligent men see no further than the coming evening, and know not what they shall do tomorrow you send me a clear assurance that you are there and that you will ensure that not all the roads of goodness are barred. From the heights of earthly fame I look back in wonder at the road that led through hopelessness to this place from where I can send mankind a reflection of your radiance. And whatever I in this life may yet reflect, that you will give me; And whatever I shall not attain, that, plainly, you have purposed for others. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Please visit our website to view more photos of the Monastic Centennial Mass: https://portsmouthabbeymonastery.org
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WELCOME TO THE PORTSMOUTH ABBEY SCHOOL BOARD OF REGENTS John Bohan P ’20 ’22
technology company serving some of the world’s leading asset managers, asset allocators, and banks. Prior to AltX, John was a managing director at BNP Paribas, one of the largest global banks. He led both equities and commodities markets businesses serving institutional investor and corporate clients. John was a member of the deal team involved in BNP Paribas’ successful acquisition and integration of Bank of America’s Prime Services business, and he served on the Board of Directors of BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. He also served on the North America Talent Board and several executive and management committees. Earlier, John worked at Deutsche Bank in global markets. He held senior positions including head of International and Emerging Markets Equity Trading and co-head of U.S. Electronic Execution. John Bohan is a business executive with more than twenty years of experience in banking, global markets, and technology. His career spans work in New York, Boston, London, and Tokyo. John has held client-facing, operating, and leadership roles within global banks and an emerging growth technology company in the asset management industry. He currently serves as an advisor to firms in the financial services and investment management industry. Previously, John was head of Corporate Development at AltX, a private financial
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John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and management from Boston College. In addition, he completed a senior executive finance program at Oxford University. John and his wife, Anne, have four daughters including Cecilia ’20 and Caroline ’22. He serves as chair of the Board of Trustees at St. Philomena School in Rhode Island. John also is co-founder and chair of Friends of Boston College Sailing.
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Homily for the Monastic Centennial Mass, September 21, 2019 by Very Reverend Michael G. Brunner O.S.B., Prior Administrator
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Welcome to the Board of Regents, John Bohan P ’20 ’22
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about Portsmouth Abbey School, we encourage you to bookmark the www.portsmouthabbey. org website. Check our listing of upcoming alumni events here on campus and around the
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New Season, New Synergy and Renewed Sacredness: Perspective of a Junior Monk in the Abbey by Brother Benedict Maria, O.S.B.; edited by Brother Sixtus Roslevich
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Alumni Profiles: Chidozie Onyiuke ’10 by Lori Ferguson Kristin’09 and Kelsi’13 Harper by Lori Ferguson Kurt Edenbach ’91 Ford Curran ’95
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3 Days 2 Nights: The screening of the documentary about Mark ’80 and Andy’84 Godfrey by Michael St. Thomas
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The APUSH Standard by Annie Sherman ’95
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From the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs Dedication of the New Science Building Visits to Central and Sount America
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Abbot’s Reception 2019
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From the Office of Admission
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Parents’ Association: Winter Family Day 2020 and Upcoming Events
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Portsmouth Institute for Faith and Culture: The Catholic John Henry Newman by Dom Damian Kearney’45, reprinted from Portsmouth Review 2010
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Fall 2019 Athletics
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Milestones: Births, Weddings, Necrology
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In Memoriam Margaret Florence Burden Childs William D. Ruckelshaus ’51 Peter Palms Thurber ’46
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Class Notes
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friends by Portsmouth Abbey School, a Catholic Benedictine preparatory school for young men and women in Forms III-VI (grades 9-12) in Portsmouth, RI. If you have opinions or comments on the articles contained in our Bulletin, please email: communications @ portsmouthabbey.org or write to the Office of Communications, Portsmouth Abbey School, 285 Cory’s Lane, Portsmouth, RI 02871 Please include your name and phone number. The editors reserve the right to edit articles for content, length, grammar, magazine style, and suitabilty to the mission of Portsmouth Abbey School. Headmaster: Daniel McDonough Director of Development: Matthew Walter Editor/Art Director: Kathy Heydt Photography: Jez Coulson, Louis Walker, Marianne Lee, Andrea Hansen, David Hansen, Kathy Heydt Individual photos seen in alumni profiles have been supplied courtesy of the respective alumni.
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New Season, New Synergy and Renewed Sacredness Perspective of a Junior Monk in the Abbey by Brother Benedict Maria, O.S.B. Edited by Brother Sixtus Roslevich, O.S.B.
Monks with Manquehue Missionaries Catalina, Alvaro and baby Clara of Chile
Portsmouth Abbey is located in one of the best regions of the world which experiences all four seasons and that, too, with the view of Narragansett Bay which supplies a good amount of rain. The seasons enhance the beauty of our abbey and make our daily life bind around these variations. The beauty of experiencing all of them rests in the attitude of appreciation. An appreciation of the season of spring comes forth from those few days of harsh winter. An appreciation of the season of fall comes forth from above-90s humid summer days. The gift of appreciation will be lost without those few days that are really hard on us. Another aspect which the seasons at Portsmouth Abbey directly bind us is the attitude of “balance”, the same balance which sits at the heart of the Benedictine spirituality of Ora et Labora. It is the “balance” which someone pursuing a Benedictine vocation genuinely seeks in life.
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New Season in the Abbey Seasons also expand their nature as an allegorical explanation of lives of people and places, especially in the unity of monks, community, school and church; the whole edifice comes to life as one living being, thus fulfilling its vocation from God by being one entity named Portsmouth Abbey. The seasons which come and go to this entity are tangible to us in the way we experience life within it, but the duration of each season is determined by God alone. In the recent past, especially in the monastic family, there was this experience of harsh winter days or harsh summer days. This was related to various things the monastic community was going through, but by God’s grace it was all for a good reason and for a greater purpose. This experience also forms the men, those who persevere through it laying a solid foundation and a great example of monastic life.
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Now the question in our minds will arise, how do we determine that this allegorical season is changing? How can be we sure that the next season will be like a fresh breeze of spring or an even harsher winter? Is this really a new season or are we just delusional? Well, the Founder: Fr Leonard Sargent, First Prior: Abbot W. Knowles, School’s Founder: Fr Hugh Diman answer remains in our response to God in prayer sign is to see the people who live their faith. There are and seeing the signs in the people around us. The great many witnesses of this sign who are living on the campus difference between a magic work versus a miracle of Jesus now. But also, there are more who have come to the moChrist is that Christ performed miracles as a sign of the nastic community. This is a sure sign for everyone who reflection of future events. People who wanted a work of knows a little bit about the history of Portsmouth Abbey. magic were disappointed. People who were called to see 100 years ago Father Leonard Sargent came to Portsthe sign rejoiced by the visitation of the resurrected Christ. mouth with a dream of building a contemplative commuAn abbey is conceptually constituted by its abbot, monks nity of monks like Downside Abbey in England emphasizand community. This is very easy to perceive by seeing a ing learning, liturgy, monastic observance, and hospitality. superior, monks and lay associates with whom they work. He was helped by Downside Abbey to accomplish it, but But when we see the background, purpose and witness Portsmouth Abbey experienced its first harsh season and of the people in the community, then we see the sign and it was handed over to the help and guidance of Fort Auunderstand the seasons. For us in the abbey, to see the gustus Abbey in Scotland. Father Leonard did not join the renewed community but retained his ties to Downside and returned there after a period of time, but the traces of his vision and spirituality are still embedded in this abbey. A new spring of life came into the abbey (Portsmouth Priory at that time) when it founded the Portsmouth Priory School in 1926. Under the headmastership of Father Hugh Diman, the abbey entered its golden season of teaching, preaching and helping students excel. Father Wulstan Knowles, who later became Abbot of Fort Augustus, was the first prior of Portsmouth. During the 1950’s, when Portsmouth Abbey entered another phase of change, we received Father Aelred Graham as a designated Monastic Community 1946
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The Abbey throughout the Seasons
superior from Ampelforth Abbey, also in England. Another spring started when we were elevated to Abbey status and elected our beloved Father Mathew Stark as the first abbot in 1969. Thus we can see that the change in life of the abbey’s allegorical seasons has been a very natural phenomenon. We do experience it, but we cannot predict it the same as the seasons of nature, only God can. The people who have some insight into the past of the abbey and have experienced a little bit of life on campus after the arrival of monks from St Louis Abbey, Missouri, especially after Father Michael Brunner was designated as our new superior, can without doubt say that – Yes, we have entered a new season of spring in the life of Portsmouth Abbey. This experience becomes more evident by the joyful faith being shared by the flow of missionaries in and out of the abbey and through visits of movements in the Catholic Church. It’s not a dramatic change but these are definitely little sprouts in the ground before an abundant harvest. The liturgical season of Advent, a time of waiting and expectation for the birth of Christ
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Original Abbey Chapel
New Synergy in the Abbey Jesus’s miracle of multiplication of loaves of bread and fish is a perfect example to understand synergy. Jesus did not simply multiply the bread to double its amount to 50 times or 100 times. He multiplied it to the satisfaction of the people and even more (there were 12 basketsful of leftovers). A synergy does not follow a mathematical equation or algorithm of two plus two equals four. The Oxford Dictionary defines the term synergy as the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effect.
So, is there a new synergy at Portsmouth Abbey? The answer should be – Yes; and we are all in the middle of it. Like the few loaves of bread and fish, we have a few monks of Portsmouth who persevered, and then we have a few monks from St. Louis Abbey who are inspired to help Portsmouth Abbey. Also, like the crowd on the mountain, we have the greater abbey community. Every day we, here in Portsmouth, come together in the abbey church for Eucharist (to give thanks) and to give ourselves to Christ: through Him, in Him and with Him we become one offering. This Eucharist is a tangible sign for us that we are handed over to the source of synergy (i.e. Jesus Christ). Even though we may not know how it will end or when, to see the overall result day after day, we are in the middle of synergy. And we believe that this is done by Jesus Christ for us.
The agents of synergy in the aforesaid biblical event are faith of the people, the offering of the little boy (bread & fish), and Jesus Christ himself. Jesus fed them Few effects of this miracle because they believed in can be compared to the exhim, who is giving them perience of the people on the Word of life and healmountain. Scripture mening. They completely tions that they ate and they trusted Him and came were satisfied. We may not to Him without even have been fully satisfied yet, thinking about their babut we are nourished day sic needs. They wanted after day to an ongoing sateternal life wholeheartisfaction. All the little areas “Through Him, and with Him, and in Him...” edly and to listen to Him. of our life are filled with joy The little boy who gave and the abbey as a whole is becoming happier. The joy of the bread and fish offered all he had. And what did Jesus this genuine faith experience comes to be the first fruit of do with these offerings? He took them in hand and gave this new synergy, and there is more to follow. thanks and then distributed it. His disciples distributed it until 5,000 men and countless women and children were If any of us are shocked by the happenings in the world fed until they were satisfied. This work of Jesus was a today, and feel that the forces of darkness are pushing us sign, because he showed people what the real action of away from participating as agents in this new synergy with giving thanks (Eucharist) means and what it can provide Jesus Christ, our encouragement should be in the words of through Him.
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Abbot Matthew Stark (center) with the community in 1975, including current monks Father Christopher Davis (fourth from right) and Father Julian Stead (seventh from right, in back)
the Eucharistic prayer before Communion: “look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church.” Christ our Lord says this prayer with us. He had said it in the past, and He is saying it now, and He will continue to say this to the Father for us. His love is manifested in our response in faith.
Renewed Sacredness of the Abbey We can never say that abbey has obtained a new sacredness, no matter what allegorical season we are in or which type of notion in this new synergy we are getting into. Any new sacredness will be downgrading the sacredness of the abbey as a whole. The abbey has been always a sacred space, both physically and spiritually from the day of its foundation. Jesus Christ is its foundation Himself. This also doesn’t mean that there can be no renewal of its sacredness. Renewal is the work of God, the Holy Ghost. Only He renews everything. So He is actively working to renew the sacredness of Portsmouth Abbey.
ings of Fr. Benedict Lang. All of it are the very spirit and breath of the Abbey. This will never be taken away. The renewed Sacredness will move in harmony with its foundation, not only of this abbey alone but also with the foundation of the Benedictine Order. It has to flow from the Rule of St Benedict. Further it will also be in harmony with the great monastic patriarchs and the early Christians and the Holy Apostles. All play a vital role in our journey towards renewed sacredness. When Abba Antony (St. Antony of the Desert) was asked about his great wisdom, by pointing out that he does not have books nor does he read, his answer was profound; he showed the inquirers nature and said that the very Word
Renewal also does not mean old is gone and new is here. The real renewal is in preserving the old spirit and being transformed into something which has both old and new together. The old spirit of the abbey will always be present in a renewed form. The vision of Fr. Leonard Sargent for a contemplative life on this ground; the dedication of Fr. Hugh Diman towards the students and their welfare; also from the recent past, the music of Fr. Ambrose Wolverton, the innocence of Fr. Damian Kearney, the numerous bless“The Current” Newsletter
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of God is present all around us. According to Abba Antony, God has created it, He has written it, and left His impression in every leaf, bird, and animal, in the dirt, sand and the woods as well as the people around. Does this mean Abba Antony, the father of monks, did not know Scripture? Does this also mean we do not need Scripture? And, does it mean we can read from nature about God? Does that mean we can follow our passions and interpret nature as we like? No, the lesson here is to see how Abba Antony got to this state where he can read nature and see God and His Word everywhere. The ancient monks and Abba Antony took the Sermon on the Mount very close to their heart. Being doers of the Word, as they heard “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,” they bear its fruit. Abba Antony was definitely taught scripture fully as the first thing when he became a monk. The ascetical practices and the exercise of love in everything, day after day, caused them to become pure of heart. And that’s what the story is about, Abba Antony acquired purity of heart. And what was the result of that? He saw God and His works; he read His book of nature. He gained wisdom because he saw God through purity of his heart. So, does Portsmouth Abbey provide opportunities to obtain purity of heart? Yes it does. This is the goal of
monastic life and it is ultimately to see God (to have a beatific vision). This opportunity does not remain enclosed to the monks alone; it’s openly available to the faithful who surround the monastery. Day after day when the monks participate in Holy Qurbana (the Mass), chant the hymns, sing the Psalms, recite the prayers, teach, preach, do manual labor, lectio divina, spiritual readings and then also encourage, honor and try to love the brethren even in difficult conditions; then purity of heart slowly takes its shape and the hearts are raised in contemplation in the silence of the cloister. The same opportunity is available by keeping the abbey church open for the faithful to visit and pray and interact with the monks in times of need and guidance. The monks are sincerely working on various areas to spread the Word of God by their actions and teaching. Many of their ways are unique and different but they flow from the Benedictine tradition, and when their new way harmonizes with the existing ones, a new symphony is heard in the hearts and minds of the community, a renewed sacredness.
Prayer Shape us O Lord in your hands, as we present ourselves as clay. Teach us to be responsive to your Word, make us pure that we may see you, day after day. Amen.
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Alumni from across the country and around the world arrived on Cory’s Lane in mid-September to enjoy the warmest Reunion Weekend in recent memory. However, the extraordinary schedule, highlighted by two historic events, outshined the weather.
Procession to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of The Abbey of St. Gregory the Great.
Alumni joined the School community on the Holy Lawn at noon on Saturday for the first historic event, the dedication of the School’s new Science Building. The first academic building built around the main quad since the 1980s, the state-of-the-art facility adds seven laboratories, seven classrooms, faculty offices, a multi-purpose seminar room, a student project lab, and common space to our already impressive campus. Later in the day, alumni once again joined the broader Abbey community on the Holy Lawn to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of The Abbey of St. Gregory the Great. The Centennial Mass served as a moving reminder of our estimable history and the strong foundation on which our community is built, while the dedication confirmed our shared commitment to a promising future for both the School and the Monastery. Our graduating classes ending in ’4s and ’9s also enjoyed attending traditional favorites including individual class gatherings on Friday evening at locations throughout Aquidneck Island, a New England lobster and clambake, athletics contests, and classroom visits during the day on Saturday, and cocktails and dinner under the reunion tent Saturday evening, highlighted by individual recognition and class photos of each major reunion class. Thank you to all of our alumni who foster a lifelong relationship with the School and fellow classmates by attending Reunion Weekend. Mark your calendar for Reunion Weekend 2020, September 25-27. We look forward to celebrating with all classes, but especially those ending in ’0s and ’5s and members of the Diman Club (those who have already celebrated their 50th reunion).
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Alumni and students fill the tent to witness the dedication of the new science building.
Members of the class of ’69, celebrating their 50th reunion, gather at the Church.
Peter Mogayzel ’79 takes a break from mingling to enjoy his lobster served at the New England Clambake.
25th reunion attendees from the Class of 1994, Nick Lombardi, Brendan Kearney, Matthew Mead, and Donny Marcogliese, pick up their swag before heading to the athletic contests.
Conversation with Headmaster Dan McDonough and Board Chair Chris Behnke ‘81 P ’12 ’15 ’19, held in the Student Project Lab of the new Science Building, attracts a large crowd.
Smiles all around for the Class of ’99 as they share dinner together.
Tom Kelley ’74 and Don Makson ’74 enjoy the festive atmosphere of dinner held under the reunion tent.
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Diman Club Front Row, from left: Raul de Brigard ’59, Charles Donahue ’59, John Congdon ’59, Peter Regan ’59, Christopher Shannon ’59, Robert Leonard ’57 Back Row: Dominic Corrigan ’59, David Walsh ’59, Tony Elson ’59, Lucas Wegmann ’59, Stephen Ham ’59, Regan Kerney ’64, Peter Kennedy ’64, John Poreba ‘64
Class of 1959 Front Row, from left: Raul de Brigard, Charles Donahue, John Congdon, Peter Regan, Christopher Shannon Back Row: Dominic Corrigan, David Walsh, Tony Elson, Lucas Wegmann, Stephen Ham
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Class of 1964 From left: Peter Kennedy, Regan Kerney, John Poreba
Class of 1969 Front Row, from left: Peter Hanlon, Tiki Shewan, Peter Forker, Peter Moran, E.J. Dionne Back Row: T. L. Kerney, Herbert Moloney, Roman Paska, John Oliver, John Brady, Pierre Whalon, Christopher Coy, Mark Sawtelle, Joseph Spears, Edward Patten
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Class of 1974 Front Row, from left: Gregg Dietrich, Thomas Keeley, Timothy Cunningham, Kevin McNally, Anthony Susen, Creighton Condon, Kenneth Steir Back Row: Donald Makson, Charles Grace, Mike Dasovich, William Buonanno, Robert Andre, Chris Gorman, Anthony Caputi, Joseph Robinson, Donald McGuire, Joseph Sullivan, Jan Schwarzenberg, Paul Swann, Paul Speer, Alan Bouknight, Robert Ryan
Class of 1979 Front Row, from left: Chris Sullivan, Stephen Jaegle, Peter Vendituoli, Vincent Scanlan, Peter Garvy, Timothy Walsh Back Row: Peter Connolly, Jim Coyle, John Marchand, Peter Mogayzel, Felipe Vicini, Joseph Tucker, Michael McGinn
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Class of 1984 From left: Thomas Sexton, Charles Matthews, Patrick Neligan, Marc de Saint Phalle, Brian Hetherington, David FitzSimons, Andrew Godfrey Below: Members of the Class of 1984 join Tracy Rappaport to dedicate the Radio Station in honor and memory of Michael Rappaport ’84.
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Class of 1989 From left: Anthony Del Vicario, Bradley Zinser, Matthew Sousa, Sean Wilson
Class of 1994 Front Row, from left: Jeremy Kane, Donald Marcogliese, Nicolas Lombardi, Seth Van Beever, Robert O’Reilly Back Row: Eero Pikat, Patrick Kelly, Julie Jones, Brendan Kearney, Adam Conway, John Relihan, Matthew Mead, Peter Lucas
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Class of 1999 Front Row, from left: Bart Fromouth, Dana DiGiando Jennings, Jillian Hawes, Justine Reeber Button, Ronald Lagman Back Row: Tim Conrad, Gregory Mataronas, Rebecca Taylor LaBrode, Jonathan Marks, Sean O’Higgins
Class of 2004 From left: Rebekah Wigton, Jason Bazarsky, Paul Petronello, Genevieve Block Apaza, Whitney Connell, John Connelly, Nicholas Micheletti
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Class of 2009 Front Row, from left: Ben Theriault, Alex Gallo, Felipe Vicini, Bobby Skolsky, Matt Franklin Back Row: Stephen Cunningham, Kara O’Hearn, Shane McComiskey, David Garvey, Mary-Frances Stockwell, Michael Holden, Devin Laviano
Class of 2014 Front Row, from left: Ifunanya Onyiuke, Susana Marino-Johnson, Julia Boog, Nicole Kerno, Danielle Banky, Rachel Sousa, Brigid Shea, Lauren Rosenthal, Kilian White Back Row: Christopher Sullivan, Matthew Fonts, Jeff Okoro, Malik Bernadeau, Anne Magauran, Brian Fredericks, Connor Rodericks, Peter Vergara, Jason Mercier, Michael Galuska, Chris Baughan
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PLANNED
GIVING
It’s Amazing What You Can Do! Everyone who has attended the Portsmouth Abbey School has benefitted from the generosity of those who came before. We all have the ability to make a significant impact on the lives of current and future generations of Ravens by strategically planning our gifts. For example, gifts can be made through an estate as an outright bequest or beneficiary designation; gifts of Required Minimum Distributions from Qualified Retirement Plans can reduce current income tax burdens; gifts through a Charitable Gift Annuity can provide lifetime income. There are many more strategies that you can employ to make a gift bigger and more impactful than you ever thought possible. To learn more about these and other creative ways to support the Abbey, please contact the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs at 401-643-1269 or alumni@portsmouthabbey.org.
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ALUMNUS PROFILE
CHIDOZIE ONYIUKE ’10 Chidozie Onyiuke is not one to seek education purely for its own sake, though he has certainly not shied away from the classroom. Currently a first-year medical student at Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, he earned a bachelor’s in biology from Loyola University Maryland and a master’s in microbiology from Seton Hall University and is concurrently pursuing a master’s in bioethics while earning his M.D. “I believe that knowledge is not simply power—its true power lies in its application,” he asserts. “That’s why I enjoy learning and applying what I’ve learned to make the world a better place.” And Onyiuke isn’t done. After completing medical school, he confides, he may obtain his M.B.A. as well. “With the way healthcare is now, I believe physicians need to be business savvy, too,” he explains. Onyiuke knows a bit about being savvy. The son of Nigerian immigrants, the New Jersey native was the first person in his family to attend boarding school in the U.S. He made his way in his new environment by being a quick study. “I came to Portsmouth at 14—I was away from home and family and I had to grow up fast. Academically, the school was tough, being a minority was challenging, and it was difficult being away from home and trying to grow into the person I was supposed to be,” he concedes. Nevertheless, Onyiuke says his time at the Abbey was one of great happiness and personal growth. “I have so many wonderful memories from my time there; you can’t live in a place from age 14 through 18 and not build some wonderful friendships.” Onyiuke says he became friendly with many classmates as a Third- and Fourth-form boarder living in St. Leonard’s House and connected with many more while mentoring Third- and Fourth-Form students as a prefect at St. Aelred’s House. He harbors fond memories of his time as a member of the Ravens basketball team, too. “Those long bus rides back from games offered lots of opportunities for bonding with teammates,” he recalls with
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a chuckle. And when he sustained a serious injury on the court his senior year, says Onyiuke, the support from the Abbey community was unstinting. “I was in the hospital for a while and everyone was super helpful. To this day I cherish the love they showed me.” His time at the Abbey opened his mind, asserts Onyiuke, and offered him a wider view of the world. “The student body is very diverse, and I learned a lot from interacting with people from different backgrounds and cultures,” he observes. “I made friends that I continue to stay in touch with today.” Onyiuke is also grateful to the School for prepping him for success in college and medical school. “After so many years of attending classes at the Abbey six days a week, I felt like I had a leg up when I got to college,” he says. “The Abbey’s faculty is terrific. I’m so grateful to teachers like Mr. Zelden, Mr. O’Connor and Mr. McCarthy and my basketball coach, Mr. Chenoweth. They helped me establish a strong academic foundation and taught me
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solid time-management skills. To be honest, after the full schedule of coursework and sports I juggled at the Abbey, I felt like I had more free time in college than in high school.” Onyiuke is also appreciative of the commitment to finding the truth that his time at the Abbey instilled, which also informs his love of medicine. “Physicians seek to find the truth with respect to their patients’ mental and physical wellbeing, so if you want to be a great physician, you need to treat body and soul,” he observes. Onyiuke says this was made clear to him while on an Abbeysponsored mission trip to Lourdes, France. “I spent a week in Lourdes, providing care for pilgrims and assisting them in visiting the holy sites.” The experience was profound for the young student and in retrospect, a pivotal moment for him. “As a physician, you’re primarily focused on your patient’s physical concerns, but when I witnessed the expressions on the faces of pilgrims who travelled to Lourdes seeking healing from the waters, I realized that there’s also a large spiritual component to consider. Attending to a patient’s emotions is as important to the healing process as treating his physical ailments.” Asked what advice he would give to current Abbey students considering a life in medicine, Onyiuke doesn’t hesitate. “Pay attention in biology class,” he suggests with a chuckle. On a more serious note, he says anyone considering medicine must be prepared to work hard and take a clear-eyed look at the journey ahead. “Start figuring out who you are as a person and be honest with yourself,” Onyiuke counsels. “After I graduated from college in 2014, I took a year off and travelled to Nigeria to visit with my grandmother before she passed. It was a wonderful trip and the experience gave me a deeper understanding of my background.” After returning to the States, Onyiuke completed his master’s degree in microbiology and then worked in research labs at Colgate-Palmolive and Pfizer before en-
tering medical school at age 27. That time spent outside the classroom provided much-needed perspective. “I entered med school as a more seasoned student,” he asserts. “I know why I’m here and I’ve learned how to manage my time and my stress level, which is so important.”
As a physician, you’re primarily focused on your patient’s physical concerns, but when I witnessed the expressions on the faces of pilgrims who travelled to Lourdes seeking healing from the waters, I realized that there’s also a large spiritual component to consider. Queried as to where he’ll ultimately end up, Onyiuke admits he isn’t certain. He’s leaning towards a life as a practicing physician but says he can also see himself returning to clinical research in biopharmaceuticals. Regardless, he knows he will be pursuing a path that allows him to give back. “The Abbey definitely molded me into the person I am today,” he concludes. “Learning to think at a higher level and look for the deeper meaning behind things influenced me deeply. My education is a gift I want to share.” “There are so many faculty members that I want to mention too like Mr. Hobbins, Mrs. Gorman, Mr. Perreira, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Guerenabarrena, Father Gregory, Mr. Pietraszek, Mr. Moffie, Mr. McDonough, Mrs. McDermott-Fazzino, and Mr. Micheletti. I know there isn’t enough space but each one definitely played a part in my time at the Abbey.” – Lori Ferguson
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Kristin ’09 and Kelsi ’13 Harper In many ways the Harper sisters, Kristin and Kelsi, are remarkably similar. Both are warm and bubbly, and both are quick to identify the humanities as their favorite area of study at Portsmouth Abbey. English, poetry and history spoke to Kristin. “I remember walking to Narragansett Bay to read poetry – I was really into the Romantic poets at the time,” she recalls with a laugh. Greek and Latin captured Kelsi’s attention. “Studying them was like solving a puzzle,” she observes. The siblings also identify their Abbey trips to Rome as a foundational experience. “Traveling, eating new foods, seeing the sites we had studied…it was amazing,” Kelsi enthuses. Kristin agrees. “Studying the art and learning about Italian culture really inspired me.”
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ALUMNAE PROFILE Kelsi’13 (left) celebrates her graduation from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with her sister, Kristin ’09
After departing the Abbey, however, the sisters followed their passions in markedly different directions. Kristin earned her doctorate in Classics from the University of Missouri-Columbia and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Language and Literature department at Moberly Area Community College in Columbia, MO. Kelsi, conversely, completed her bachelor’s degree in Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and now works as a product developer for Canton, MA-based tortilla manufacturer Harbar, LLC. The Classics are Timeless
Although now pursuing a life in academia, Kristin readily admits that her years at the Abbey weren’t easy. “I was a diligent student and worked really hard.” Math was particularly challenging, she says. “I frequently sought extra help in calculus. You could normally find me in the library; I would sit there for hours,” she recalls with a laugh. In retrospect, she admits to wishing she had been a bit more relaxed about her studies, but she is quick to add that the Abbey’s rigorous academic program has paid great dividends in her subsequent endeavors. “For example, the recitations we had to do in English classes made me very nervous, but the public speaking experience has been incredibly helpful to me in graduate school and now as a teacher.” She’s grate-
Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. “I knew I wanted to teach in the humanities, and I loved studying social history, literature, archaeology and the like, so classics seemed like the perfect solution.” Turns out, Kristin was right. The classics have
ful for the rigorous writing assignments she received at the
repeatedly offered her opportunities to engage in the types
Abbey. “I frequently see weakness in the writing abilities of
of interdisciplinary studies that inspire her. As an under-
my college students, and it makes me so thankful for the
graduate, she spent three summers as an assistant trench
education I received.” She also reflects fondly on her years
supervisor at the Coriglia excavation at Castel Viscardo
of language study at the Abbey. “While Latin did not come
in Umbria, Italy, a site populated with 8th century BC to
naturally to me, my struggles as a student have made me a
16th century AD Roman and Etruscan ruins. “I’m mainly
better teacher.”
a classicist, but I dabble in archaeology,” she explains with
Drawn to the humanities, Kristin knew she wanted to continue in the field. “When I was applying to colleges, I
a smile in her voice. The dig is a field school, says Kristin, so students
talked to the O’Connors and the Zeldens a lot,” she recalls.
are heavily involved. As the assistant trench supervisor,
She also wanted to continue in a liberal arts institution, so
she served as a liaison between the student excavators and
chose to pursue a double major in classics and great books at
the site supervisor, teaching students the use of tools and
Left: The Harper sisters, Kelsi’13 (left) Kristin ’09
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ALUMNAE PROFILE
techniques. “My role was to keep the students upbeat and focused. Archaeology can be tedious – it’s not all Indiana Jones,” she observes wryly. She also kept a field journal of her own maps, observations and interpretations. “By its very nature, archaeology is a destructive science, so you only get to excavate a section of earth once.” Working on an excavation, you don’t find artifacts every day and the thrill of unearthing pottery shards can wear thin after a time, Kristin concedes, but when you do stumble across something bigger, the delight is undeniable. “I remember working with a small crew – just me, the site director and three students – on a medieval church from the 1100s that had been found in a farmer’s vineyard,” she recalls. “I was leveling out a pass when suddenly my pickaxe hit something. As I pulled it out of the ground, it produced a white power. I had hit bone.” Kristin had uncovered a skull. “It was a powerful find for me – I felt like I came face to face with my own mortality.” The team spent two seasons excavating the grave and during that time, they found a second burial site as well. “That excavation taught me a lot about osteology and early Christian burial practices,” Kristin observes. “It also earned me a nickname; from then on, everyone on the dig called me ‘skull crusher,’” she recalls with a laugh.
ing at the inscriptions, you can see how they were venerated after death,” she observes. “The poems’ authors talk about grief and loss, emotions that are relatable across time.” Kristin carries such lessons into the classical mythology courses she teaches today. “Students can learn a great deal from the classics, not only in terms of life lessons but also soft skills. I love teaching – it’s the job I’ve always wanted. “It is upsetting that some institutions are trying to diminish the humanities,” she continues. “My Benedictine education taught me to think about unity in the human experience and to look for what draws us together rather than what divides us.” Food Makes People Happy
For sister Kelsi, tensions revolve around tortillas. As a research and development technologist for the Massachusetts tortilla company, Harbar, the younger Harper spends her days thinking about the thin flatbread. “You might say, ‘Tortillas are made of corn and flour and that’s it…how much can there be to think about?’” she concedes with a chuckle. “But there are actually many iterations: gluten-free, grain-free, grain-free and vegetable, high-fiber, high-end, basic…you get the idea.”
Kristin enjoyed working the archaeological dig so much that Saint Anselm Classics Professor David George encouraged her to take ancient Greek and consider graduate school. Persuaded, she pursued her Ph.D., writing a dissertation on a selection of late antique funerary poetry that commemorates young women. “I researched pieces of poetry written on stone, so I was looking at the objects as both artifacts and literary pieces…it was fascinating.”
Sales and marketing staff present Kelsi and other members of the R&D team with various challenges: create a tortilla with five grams of protein and three grams of fiber, improve this brand staple to make it a better seller, or alter this particular formulation so that it doesn’t stick to the machine rollers. The work is both challenging and rewarding. “I really like working in food science, because everyone eats and thus everyone is impacted by the work you’re doing,” she observes.
Traditional disciplines such as archaeology, art and the classics continue to provide us with answers to important questions, Kristin asserts. For example, she is currently studying poetry that describes how women were treated in early Christian times. “Women of that time didn’t have many of the rights and privileges we enjoy today, but look-
Kelsi admits to being a foodie since childhood but says she didn’t always know she was destined for a career in food science. “Growing up, I cooked a lot with my grandmother, and because I enjoyed it so much, I eventually became the family cook.” She was also an avid fan of Alton Brown’s show ‘Good Eats,’ which delved into
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the history and science behind cooking. Ultimately, these interests converged in a food science major. “I considered culinary school at Johnson & Wales, but then a family friend told me about her degree in food science from UMass Amherst, and when I checked into the program, I loved it,” she explains. Like Kristin, Kelsi credits her time at the Abbey for allowing her to realize professional success. “I learned a strong work ethic and good time management skills, and the rigorous coursework taught me how to think and problem solve,” she notes. “It’s a perfect complement to the work I do now, conducting research and trying to find solutions to food-related issues.” It’s an exciting time to be in food science, Kelsi continues. “People are becoming more attuned to what they’re eating and where they’re sourcing their food. More and more people are seeking food that’s better for them and better for the planet.” For example, she cites the ‘impossible burger,’ a plant-based burger that tastes like ground beef. “This product is interesting for a couple of reasons. When people see the words ‘plant-based,’ they assume the product is healthier, yet it actually contains more saturated fat than a real burger,” she explains. “But it is important for its potential environmental impact, because large-scale livestock farming has a number of serious negative consequences for the environment.” Queried as to the likelihood of other alternative proteins gaining in popularity with the public, Kelsi chuckles. “Some people are touting crickets as the next big protein, talking about products like cricket flour. I don’t see crickets becoming a trendy protein in the United States, but I do have high hopes for them in other parts of the world.” That said, Kelsi would like to see people become a bit more openminded about the foods they eat. “Lots of people think organic is healthier than conventionally grown
produce, or that artificial ingredients are automatically unhealthier than natural ingredients, but that isn’t the case,” she asserts. “Consumers don’t always seek out the information they need to make informed decisions about their food. It can be tempting to believe blog articles that sensationalize and sometimes jump to incorrect conclusions rather than finding scientific research articles and evaluating the information from the source.” People also associate unprocessed foods with healthier eating, but she argues that wisdom doesn’t always hold either. “For example, big food companies are trying to make it easier for people to eat healthy without having to prepare meals from scratch.” Kelsi plans to continue working in product development for the time being. “It’s where I can be most creative, and I love seeing stuff I’ve worked on in the store.” Eventually, however, she would like to work as a consultant for food start-ups. “And I’d like to move someplace warm,” she confesses with a laugh. Regardless of where she ends up, Kelsi is certain she’ll continue to pursue work that feeds her soul. “All my teachers at the Abbey were passionate about their fields of study and about helping their students grow in knowledge and curiosity,” she notes. “I still remember the long, philosophical conversations about life I used to have with Mr. Micheletti. I’ve always been inspired by their attitudes – it moves me to pursue my professional passions as well as make informed decisions about how I want to live my life.” Kristin is equally grateful. “The Benedictine emphasis on work and prayer I experienced at the Abbey, together with the emphasis on finding a work/life balance, influenced me a great deal – it’s something I continue to seek.” The Benedictine emphasis on connection that was cultivated at the Abbey was also formative. “The focus on community is definitely something I’ve carried into both my personal and professional life,” Kristin concludes. “My time at the Abbey shaped me into the person I am today.” – Lori Ferguson
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The Moving Wall, a large-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, in Touro Park, Newport (Photo by Peter Silvia). Inset: Kurt is presented with the Newport Daily News 2019 Citizen of the Year Award.
Kurt Edenbach, Class of 1991, was named 2019 Citizen of the Year by the Newport Daily News. Kurt, owner and funeral director of Memorial Funeral Homes in Newport, was the lead organizer in bringing The Moving Wall, a large-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, to Newport in September of 2019. Editor Will Richmond of the Newport Daily News posted on Nov 6, 2019: About four years ago, Kurt Edenbach received an education on what it was like for many of those who served in the Vietnam War to return home. As he learned about the negative receptions they received, Edenbach said he started working with others to try to find a way to honor Vietnam veterans locally. He considered honoring people individually, but ultimately thought that didn’t feel right. As he began exploring other ideas, he came across the Moving Wall, a smaller replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. “After meeting with some other people, it felt like that’s the way to go,” Edenbach said. “So about a year ago, we committed to doing it.” It was that effort that led Joe Goff to nominate Edenbach for The Daily News Community Service Award for Citizen of the Year.
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“Kurt took the lead organizing The Moving Wall Newport event, and his team put in a tremendous amount of work to bring it to the city of Newport. It was a great success and massively impactful to our community, especially those who have served,” Goff wrote. The wall brought hundreds of people to Touro Park to view the list of names of soldiers who died during the war or to pay their respects. Edenbach said he also got a lot out of being there that weekend. “From the perspective of working at the funeral home, I’ve had the opportunity to meet veterans or their families. But to be able to have this opportunity to see people experience this, or watch them stand silently, it was quite the opportunity,” Edenbach said. Edenbach made a point to note it couldn’t have been done without the help of more than 300 volunteers to make the event happen – not to mention the support of the city, the Newport City Council and local businesses. “That really blew my mind,” Edenbach said. “There was nobody who questioned wanting to help. It was really a great opportunity to show what it meant for a lot of people.” Edenbach said that’s exactly the idea behind community service. “Community service by definition is working with other people to try and make a difference,” Edenbach said. “I really got the most reward seeing those 300 volunteers come out. There were so many people that put in effort. That was really the part I took the most satisfaction.”
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FORD CURRAN ’95
“Upon learning of the death of Father Damian, I wrote to Mr. McDonough: ‘Each conversation with him was like reading a good book.’
is celebrating 16 years as a graphic designer and archivist at Boston University’s department of Special Collections, most famous for being the home of the archive of Martin Luther King, Jr., who earned his Ph.D. in theology at BU in 1955. Now named to honor its founder, who was Ford’s first boss at BU, the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center is a major repository for archives of individuals in the fields of literature, journalism, drama, music, film, politics and religion, and more than 140,000 rare books.
Father Damian was my high school English teacher: a man who insisted on attention to detail, a man with whom I argued passionately about writing, religion, and issues of every kind. Years later, while living in Boston, I began to accept invitations to Abbey receptions, many of them attended by Father Damian, and we reconnected. As historians and archivists, Father and I enjoyed talking about the olden days of Portsmouth: the town, the campus, and its buildings. We saw each other at Homecomings and Reunions. He told me stories of famous alumni he had known. He met my children. I met one of his brothers. He became my favorite person to converse with at any Abbey function that he and I attended. We became actual friends. Over the years, I learned that Father Damian had been raised in a thenrural Long Island in the 1930s, had attended and graduated Portsmouth Priory in the 1940s, had entered the priesthood shortly after Yale, and had essentially been at Portsmouth for most of his life. When speaking with novelist Christopher Buckley ’70, whose archive we house at BU, he told me that Damian had been one of his favorite teachers. Father Damian and I had been talking for years about organizing the Portsmouth Abbey archives together, but never began the task. The last time I saw him was on campus around my 20th reunion, where he gave a thorough presentation on the Abbey’s art and artifact collection. My daughter and I attended the lecture with only one other person. This collection of monumentally historic pieces has enhanced our Abbey experience throughout the years, but students often take things for granted. Next time you are on campus, find a moment to revisit these works; Father Damian would be proud of you.” – Ford Curran, Class of 1995
Not long ago, Ford identified an anonymous painting that had been hanging in the lobby of his office at BU for as long as anyone there could remember. One day, Ford noticed a newspaper photo of a British Lord Mayor wearing a necklace nearly identical to the one worn by the subject of the painting. He then searched hundreds of portraits of Lord Mayors past, and eventually located the full version of the painting at the Guildhall Art Gallery in London: Portrait Of Sir John Barnard (1685-1764) by Joseph Highmore. Ford guesses that BU’s painting is a study for the official portrait, and that the University has owned it since its beginning in 1839. A grandson of the artist was Anthony Highmore Junior, who was part of the Abolitionist Movement with BU’s Methodist founders. Curran completed his BA at Boston College and his MFA at Boston University. He has painted commissioned portraits of his last two directors at BU, and his artwork has been published in literary magazines, used commercially by universities and schools, and exhibited twice at Harvard’s Fogg Art Museum Staff Exhibition. Ford has also used skills acquired at his WJHD radio show to DJ hundreds of concerts, weddings and vintage Vespa rallies. Ford and his wife, Kamiko, live in Weston, MA, with their two children, Concord (13) and Caleb (12). They spend most of their free time driving to hockey rinks and lacrosse fields throughout the Northeast.
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3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS On September 19, 2019, Andy Godfrey ’84 returned to campus for the screening of 3 Days, 2 Nights. The documentary film, which observes brothers Andy and Mark ’80 coming to grips with the defining moment of their lives, was shown to the Portsmouth Abbey community, followed by a discussion period. Here, English Department Head Mike St. Thomas reviews the film and considers its impact on the School community. Three Days, Two Nights begins with Mark Godfrey ’80 waking up in his Denver, CO home. He sits up and swings the lower half of his body over the edge of the bed. Leaning over, he gently unwinds the gauze that wraps the stumps of his legs, his right gone above the knee, his left below. The scene follows Mark as he laces up his prosthetics, dresses, and prepares for a trip, slowly descending the stairs with a wooden crutch under his left arm while carrying his suitcase with his right. This, or something like it, has been Mark’s morning routine for the last 45 years, since March 2, 1974, when the private plane carrying his family from Houston to Aspen crashed in the Colorado wilder-
Andy Godfrey ’84 takes questions from the Portsmouth Abbey faculty and students following the screening of the documentary.
ness in the middle of a blizzard. Mark’s father, mother, older sister, and older brother all died in the crash. Eleven-year-old Mark and eight-year-old Andy ’84, P’12 were the only two survivors. Andy, who ended up losing several toes to frostbite, was in better shape than his older brother, and he recalls his mother begging him, before she succumbed to her injuries to “take care of Mark, save the food, don’t leave the airplane.” Repeating her instructions to himself as a mantra, the eight-year-old did all he could to help keep his older brother warm. For the next three days and two nights the boys survived in the wreckage of the plane, before the storm let up and rescuers finally reached them. The orphaned boys were raised by their maternal uncle, John Schumacher ’55, who lived in Aspen, and he sent Mark and Andy to the Abbey, along with his own two sons, Jack ’80 and Michael ’82. Though Mark and Andy both settled and raised families in Colorado, they rarely, if ever, talked about the crash together. It was just too painful. Mark says that shortly after the accident, everyone urged him to put the experience “in a box.”By all accounts
Mark and Andy with their dad and sister at the airfield
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From left, Mark, childhood friend and documentary producer John Breen, and Andy
he succeeded. “My family likes to say that I walk around with my arms folded, completely closed up,” he says in the film. And so for four decades, the trauma of the crash, like the wounds sustained in it, remained wrapped up, hidden from the sight of others, perhaps at times even hidden from Mark and Andy themselves. That all changed in 2012 when Andy wrote about the crash for the Aspen Times. His cover story went viral. Now there was no more hiding. Three Days and Two Nights continues the work that the article started. More than just a movie about an unspeakable tragedy, the film chronicles, with a compassionate yet unflinching gaze, the process by which Mark and Andy have started to come to terms with the trauma that shaped their lives. The film was directed and produced by Mark and Andy’s childhood friend John Breen, who enlisted the artistic talents of Jojo Pennebaker, son of the legendary music documentarian D.A. Pennebaker and an accomplished filmmaker in his own right. Pennebaker’s cinematography is achingly beautiful, creating a final product that closely examines the nature of grief without succumbing to the easy consolations of sentimentality. We accompany Mark and Andy as they dredge painful memories, and, as the opening scene suggests, The documentary poster unwind the gauze that has kept their wounds hidden for so long. More than anything else, the film bears witness to the slow, painful work of healing.
The film excels in its attempts to reanimate the past. It reproduces the crash by overlaying striking shots of the Rockies’ snowcovered pines with actors reading the official F.A.A. transcripts of the accident. Home movies of the Godfrey family are spliced into the film throughout, with the effect of resuscitating lives that were cut off in the bloom of youth and health. As we move from footage of Marc and Andy as children laughing and playing on the beach to shots of their own kids, decades later, playing tag overlooking the ocean, we get an eerie, but wholly welcome, sensation that the passage of time is an illusion. We follow the brothers as they track down and visit Danny Schaefer, who, as a nineyear-old boy, witnessed the crash from the top of a nearby ski hill, and led the rescuers to the site. When the three meet for the first time at a restaurant near Danny’s Arizona
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Mark practicing lacrosse while at the Abbey (from the 1980 Gregorian)
The Godfreys’ Catholic faith acts as a subtle but strong undercurrent in their story. Faith and family and tragedy are inseparable, and often indistinguishable. When Mark goes to Mass, he says, he finds himself having “ongoing conversations with [his] family members.” He and Andy visit their old neighborhood in Houston, and get a chance to walk through their childhood home, recalling the spot where their father stood when he brought them the news that their little sister had been born, and how he sung them John Denver songs in anticipation of their Rocky Mountain vacation (in an astonishing connection, Denver, an Aspen resident, visited the boys during their recovery from the crash, and in the film Mark and Andy listen to recordings of themselves accompanying Denver while singing his songs in the hospital room). While in Houston Mark walks into his boyhood parish, kneels in a back pew, and prays for the strength to live up to the example that his family has left him. In the film Mark credits his time in Portsmouth, far from his familiar environs, with enabling him to “be as normal as [he] could.” Several still photos of Mark’s days at the Abbey appear before us. We see a longhome, they marvel at the serendipitous sequence of events that led to their survival. One of the most striking scenes in the film occurs when Mark and Andy revisit the crash site to mark the 40th anniversary of the event. They are joined by the helicopter pilot who rescued them, along with their younger sister Paula, who, an infant at the time of the crash, was not on the plane. They trek into the woods, crunching over spring snow that covers last fall’s leaves. Mark moves slowly and deliberately on wooden crutches. When they reach the site they find pieces of the orange-and-white fuselage still remain, barely hidden beneath a thin layer of snow and leaves. The group takes it all in, reverentially silent, four decades collapsed by a simple walk in the woods. “It feels like you’re with them when you’re here,” Andy says, his voice almost a whisper. Paula carves a cross and the date of the crash into an aspen tree that has grown in the midst of the wreckage. Before they go, Mark leads his siblings in an Our Father, heads bowed and voices broken.
PAGE38 38 PAGE
Brother Joseph shows Andy an old Portsmouth Abbey School photo.
ORRTTSSM MO OUUTTH H AABBBBEEYY SSCCH HO OO OLL PPO
Andy greets his favorite Abbey teacher, Cliff Hobbins.
haired, bespectacled student on crutches smiling in front of the chapel, standing on the football practice field, and even taking some shots in the hockey rink (Mark served as manager for the football and hockey teams). Mark says that his involvement with sports at the Abbey rekindled his own desire to compete, and he went on to ski for the U.S. Disabled Team, winning a gold medal at the 1986 World Championships for the Disabled. Three Days, Two Nights has been shown at various festivals around the country, and on a Thursday evening this past September, the Abbey itself hosted a showing of the film. The entire student body, along with several alumni, assembled in the auditorium to watch. Many students were visibly moved by the film, and they clearly appreciated hearing the Godfreys’ story. As Luke O’Reilly ’20 put it, “Watching the film felt like having a conversation with them. It was very personal.” Afterwards, Director of Development Matt Walter hosted a question-and-answer session with Andy, who urged the audience to rid itself of the notion that we are strongest
when we keep everything inside. The opposite is true, he insisted, if we want to be healed. As I’m sure was the case for many viewers, the Godfreys’ film wouldn’t let me go, and it stayed with me for weeks after I saw it. As I turned it over in my mind, I couldn’t help but also think of the scene in John’s Gospel when Christ orders Lazarus, four days dead, to come forth from the tomb. Lazarus’s sister protests—though she desperately wants her brother to be alive, she is worried about the stench. Jesus pays her no heed, and when the dead man emerges, wrapped in burial clothes, Jesus’s words are simple and direct: “Untie him and let him go.” Three Days, Two Nights powerfully witnesses to the spirit of this mandate. Thanks to its superb cinematography and storytelling, the film invites all of us to do as Mark and Andy have done in facing their trauma. We, too, must unwrap our wounds, no matter the stench, if we wish to have new life.
WIIN NTTEERR AAlluum mn nii BBUULLLLEETTIIN N 22002200 W
– Mike St. Thomas
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The APUSH Standard
Advanced Placement US History teacher and History Department Head Derek Gittus discusses the Civil War with his class The most challenging course on Portsmouth Abbey’s
the vivid examples he uses to define the Boston Massa-
campus is the one everyone wants to take. It cov-
cre, the Cuban Missile Crisis or 9/11, for example, help
ers the most academic ground, has the fastest pace
students understand the importance of these solitary
through the school year and is one of the most rel-
events in American history.
evant topics for students to carry into their adult lives. It holds significant weight for college acceptance. And
“The skill needed for this class is critical thinking. This
there is a wait list to get in.
is more important in today’s climate than it ever has been,”says Gittus in his classroom, where walls are
The pressure here, for students and the teacher of the
lined with posters of Gettysburg, the 1638 charter of
Advanced Placement US History course (APUSH), is
Portsmouth, RI, propaganda from World War I and
not just high. It’s astronomical. The campus’s and the
other historic American sites he has visited. “It’s re-
greater academic community’s attention is laser fo-
ally important for our young people to discriminate
cused on these rising stars, so their peak performance
between what’s real, what’s thoroughly researched or
is a prerequisite.
what’s propaganda.”
APUSH teacher and History Department Head Derek
Using primary sources as starting points for students to
Gittus doesn’t think of that. Through anecdotes and
form their own opinions, Gittus speeds the class from
engaging debate, he strives to connect his students
the 15th century to Y2K. That’s 500 years of our coun-
with the American history that he fell in love with as
try’s most significant historic achievements in just nine
a student himself. He discusses current events and asks
months. From Native Americans and Christopher Co-
students to evaluate how these events have shaped our
lumbus, to the Civil and Vietnam Wars, plus national
country’s history, to think analytically about these con-
issues like the abolition of slavery and the women’s
nections and translate in their own way. As a result,
liberation movement, students learn the chronology
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P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
and relevance of these events as well as their impact
could learn on our own time and in our own words,
on American life.
without sacrificing quality for speed and vice versa,”
The rapid pace and vast extent of content they cover makes it an exhausting year for the roughly 33 FifthForm students, one third of the entire Form, who take the course. Most of them are studying other AP topics to ramp up the college application process, so Gittus warns them at the beginning that it is a grind. But they never complain about it, says Latin teacher and Director of Studies Nick Micheletti, a former APUSH student (Class of 2004). “APUSH comes up as a baseline for which to compare other courses. If
she says. Her final project discussed female musicians during the Civil Rights Movement, how they united the community and galvanized the black voices, which she says helped her prepare for college application essays and interviews. “When colleges asked me about my interesting intellectual work, I talked about this paper. I want to study medicine, and since this paper wasn’t medical-related, I could connect the topics and tie in my interest in music and history. This was one of the only classes where I was given this freedom to write about what I wanted in my own way.”
a course is especially heavy with workload, students
Making it personal, and allowing students to trans-
would say, ‘It’s like APUSH,’ ” Micheletti says. “But
late and debate, is working, too. Of the approximately
there is an implicit suggestion that the way Derek
500,000 students nationwide who take the AP exam
teaches it is worth it. They appreciate the systematic
each May, 11 percent earn the highest score of 5, while
approach to covering US history and they universally
39 percent of Abbey APUSH students are at the top.
acknowledge how much they are learning. It’s a chal-
Since 2014, 15-18 students each year in Gittus’s class
lenging course, with a heavy workload, and they plan their calendar around it.”
earned a 5 on the exam, which is high praise for the teacher who commits everything he has to showcasing
Weekly textbook chapter overviews, Jeopardy-style team presentations and an end-of-year research project on a topic they choose are opportunities for students to work together to personally connect to the demanding curriculum. Class of 2019 alumna Ginny Hagerty, now in her first year at Duke University, distinctly recalls late nights with her roommate discussing these overviews, and the community it created. “There were a lot of reading and overviews, so it was on our own time to do it. He didn’t hold your hand. That is like college courses,” Hagerty says. “APUSH was rewarding because it was incredibly challenging. A lot was demanded of me, but at the end of the day, I learned so much more
historic lessons. “Out of the total population, only one out of every 10 kids gets a 5, but more than one out of every 3 of Derek’s students earn a 5,” says Micheletti. “Likewise, 34 percent of Derek’s students get 4s, which is still a really tough score to obtain considering that only 19 percent of the total population manages to do so. Finally, 3 and above is considered a passing grade, and the College Board has only given 3s and higher to 53 percent of all students taking the test during the last 10 years. Derek’s students earn a 3 or higher 90 percent of the time.”
than history – like time management skills – and I grew
“I try to balance the needs of preparing for the exam
so much. It was easily one of my top three favorite
with the needs of having a college level survey course
classes because I found the material so engaging, and
that covers a big chunk of time. I try to get as much
I was making connections between various periods in
discussion as possible, which isn’t hard with these kids,
history.”
because they are an engaged group,” Gittus explains. “I
“At first, retyping a 30-page chapter into a 10-page overview seemed like redundant busy work,” remembers former APUSH student KemKem Ogbuefi, cur-
have the smartest, most extraordinary students in the School, who are enthusiastic about the material and speak their minds. And that is so important.”
rently in the Sixth Form. “But it became natural. We
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– Annie Sherman ’95
PAGE 41
From the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs Dedication of the New Science Building The mission of Portsmouth Abbey School was on full display Saturday, September 21, 2019, when the monks, alumni, members of the Board of Regents, students, faculty and staff of Portsmouth Abbey School gathered under a four-peak tent on the Holy Lawn for a special ceremony to dedicate the School’s new Science Building. Following a prelude sung by Schola, the School’s sacred music choir, Headmaster Dan McDonough welcomed everyone and offered remarks on the importance of the new addition to campus. His comments were added to by Board Chair Chris Behnke ’81, Science Steering Committee Chair Peter Kennedy ’64, and Science Department Chair Dr. Stephen Zins. Head boy Patrick Conlan ’20 and Head Girl Camille Holley ’20 represented the student body on the dias, and Prior Administrator Michael Brunner offered a special blessing of the new structure. The project’s architect Architerra, general contractor A/Z Corporation, owner’s representative Ray Keough, and the project manager, Paul Jestings received special recognition for their efforts on the School’s behalf. And the ceremony concluded fittingly with all in attendance singing the Pater Noster. The first brand new academic building to be added on the main quad since the early 1980s, the $20 million building not only secures our academic future by meeting current and future needs in the sciences, but it also
PAGE 42
allows the School to repurpose the old science building into regular classrooms and creates a new courtyard on the north side of the Burden Classroom building that includes a beautiful stone terrace and plaza. Designed to complement the Belluschi architectural idiom that defines the heart of campus, the new science building is already exceeding all expectations. It is hard to overstate the excitement among our students, faculty and staff for this new building which includes seven classrooms, seven labs, a Student Project Lab for makerspace and independent work, a seminar room, and a two-story commons that has become a new focal point during the academic day. The six combination labs and classrooms are working beautifully as our biology, chemistry, physics, and marine biology classes are all engaging in expanded curriculums, including new “hands-on” experiments that were not possible in the old science building. The Student Project Lab has proven to be incredibly popular with our students, who have already initiated independent work in hydroponics, robotics, and GPS and autonomous glider technology. The Science Commons, together with the First- and Second-Floor Informal Learning Spaces, are providing gathering spaces for students and faculty before, during, and after the school day for group study and the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences. The new Seminar Room has already hosted a myriad of
P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
events ranging from alumni guest speakers for the Mind and Market Investment Club to admissions panels during Closer Look to the Board of Regents’ spring and fall meetings. The beautiful new courtyard created on the west side of the building is framed by the Burden Classroom Building and St. Thomas More Library and overlooks the football field and track. A combination of soft and hardscapes, it incorporates 29 new trees, 341 new shrubs and hedges, and
Left: Prior Administrator Very Rev. Michael G. Brunner, O.S.B., officially blesses the new Science Building and offers a prayer for all those who will teach and learn in the new edifice, and those who will benefit from its addition to the campus. Above: Science Steering Committee Chair, Peter M. Kennedy III ’64 P’07 ’08 ’15 shares a humorous anecdote while offering thanks to the many supporters of this campaign. Right: Board of Regents Chair W. Christopher Behnke ’81 P’12 ’15 ’19 addresses the large crowd with a bit of history on the genesis and execution of this project.
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Aerial view of the new Science Building from the northwest, featuring the new courtyard.
340 new perennials, along with numerous vines, bulbs, and other groundcover. The hardscape sections include a new ninety foot stone terrace overlooking a stone plaza, both of which are ideal for outdoor classes, social gatherings, and alumni events. An oval meditation garden dedicated to the memory of Dom Damian Kearney ’45 is nestled handsomely in the middle of the lower plaza.
For more information or to learn how you can participate in this transformational project, please visit www.portsmouthabbeyscience.org, or contact Director of Development & Alumni Affairs Matt Walter P’18 ’20 at 401-643-1291 or mwalter@portsmouthabbey.org.
As of December 2019, alumni, parents and friends of the School have committed a record-setting total of $16.7 million toward our $20 million goal. While most naming opportunities have been secured, a few remain, including the exclusive opportunity to name the entire building with a $2.5 million gift. Schola sings the prelude to start the formal dedication ceremony for our new Science Building.
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P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
Visits to Central and South America In November, Director of Development & Alumni Affairs Matt Walter P’18 ’20, Director of Admissions Steve Pietraszek, and Fr. Edward Mazuski, O.S.B., a monk of St. Louis Abbey in residence at Portsmouth Abbey, traveled to Central and South America on a goodwill tour for the School. Together with current and past parents, alumni, and friends in El Salvador, Colombia and Guatemala, they celebrated relationships that date back more than 70 years and include 3 generations of families who have sent their sons and daughters to the Abbey. The trio also spoke with prospective families about the unique and life-long benefits of an Abbey education. In El Salvador, the three joined members of the Kriete, Cristiani, Llach, Hill, de Sola, Sagrera, Alfaro, Altamirano, Regalado, and Salaverria families, including Maria Marta, the widow of the first Salvadoran to graduate from the School, Tomas Regalado ’53. The reception was held in the beautiful home of Maria Elena Samayoa, grandmother of Isabel Altamirano ’22. In Colombia, members of the Urrutia, Boggio and Leal families gathered at the Country Club of Bogota where they toasted the first Colombian to graduate from the Abbey, Jorge Urrutia ’52. The reception in Guatemala City at El Techo Jungla included members of the Minondo, Aguirre, Rasch, Castillo, and Riojas families. The School expresses special gratitude to our hosts for making each reception such a special occasion: Julian & Maria Elena Altamirano P’22 in El Salvador; Carlos Boggio ’90 & Ana Maria Matallana P’20 ’23, Camila Urrutia P’21 and Andres Garcia P’21 in Colombia; and Javier Castillo & Claudia Saravia P’20 and Antonio & Elaine Minondo P’13 ’14 ’19 in Guatemala.
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Abbot’s Reception 2019 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 welcomed over 250 friends and members of the Portsmouth Abbey community at the historic New York Yacht Club to celebrate the annual Abbot’s Reception. Guests celebrated the Christmas season with fine food and warm spirits in the stunning Model Room of the 44th Street Clubhouse. A hearty welcome was given to all by co-host Gregg Dietrich ’74 and a Christmas blessing was offered from Prior Administrator The Very Reverend Michael Brunner, O.S.B. Fr. Michael updated our guests on the successful collaboration with St. Louis Abbey that continues to support Portsmouth Abbey’s mission to provide an outstanding Catholic education in the Benedictine tradition for the students at Portsmouth Abbey and which invigorate and revitalize our monastery. Friends and classmates reconnected throughout the evening while all enjoyed viewing the slideshow featuring so many familiar campus traditions. Later
Save the Date! Abbot’s Reception 2020 Thursday, December 3 We hope to see you there!
in the evening, attendees were treated to a special video presentation of a walkthrough tour of the completed science building and an update on the $1M Challenge for the Science Campaign. A very special thank you to each of our hosts,
patrons and attendees who helped make this event our most successful yet! We hope you can join us this year on Thursday, December 3, 2020. Mark your calendar and we will see you in New York!
Abbot Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B., and Piers Murray ’83
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Andrew Coombs ’05 and Amanda Stout ’03
P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
Sebastian Clarkin’08 and Courtney Mitchell’06
Prior Administrator Very Rev. Michael G. Brunner, O.S.B., addresses the guests
Left: Peter Kennedy ’64 with his wife, Carroll, Liz Childs ’08, and his son Matt ’07
Jamal Titus ’88 (l-r) joins members of the Class of 1987 Jim Knight, Paul Baisley, John Burke, Mike Riordan, Bill Winterer and Tim Muccia in Christmas cheer.
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From the Office of Admission Whether you are an alumnus, current or past parent, or a
called upon to be active members of this school. Living with
benefactor of the School, we hope that the community fos-
a roommate, three seasons of co-curricular’s and sit down
tered here at Portsmouth Abbey School stands out to you.
lunch aren’t optional because they are some of the countless
It is a community that begins before a student enrolls and
ways we foster community. Many times unplanned and spon-
extends long after they graduate. Whether our students are
taneous moments are when our students truly get to know
from Aquidneck Island, the Dominican Republic, or Anchor-
one another. Our students from Trinidad teach their friends
age, Alaska, they bring their own individual talents, family
how to “lime”, our Irish students do their best to decipher
traditions and cultural heritage to our community. The Of-
which sport is being referred to as football and our Newport
fice of Admission promotes this environment to prospective students and parents, while simultaneously working to recruit students who will enhance this community.
students explain how the word “cabinet” has two meanings in Rhode Island. Living in community, with a roommate, in a house full of 25 peers, is nothing if not memorable. Your roommate may end up being your best friend who you get caught whispering to during study hall or they might be your hockey teammate who shares your line. Even if they are just your roommate, you will learn from them and beside them for a whole year, making you better because of it. Learning about one another’s culture is not just a part of the Portsmouth Abbey experience, but the human experience and that is the bigger picture of an education from Portsmouth Abbey School. Every October for the past 24 years, Portsmouth Abbey School hosts a special dinner for our international students, dual citizens, American guests, and faculty. Inside the dining hall, students fill up their plates with signature dishes: Italian braised beef with polenta, spanakopita, spicy Korean barbequed pork, Chinese pork dumplings, black forest cake, and tiramisu. This year, Brother Benedict came from the monastery to help Chef Gaetano prepare shrimp curry and jasmine rice. For some, it was a piece of home. For others, it was a cultural journey. Students shared a slide show of their favorite places, friends, and family from around the world. Some
Clarence Chenoweth, Dean of Students, at the International Student Dinner
dressed in traditional clothing from their home country, while
No matter if it takes students two hours of driving time, six
of different cultures. We feel opportunities like this are impor-
hours on a plane or a 14-hour intercontinental flight to safely
tant because if you want to become a well-rounded person,
turn onto Cory’s Lane, all Portsmouth Abbey students are just
you have to be exposed to culture, language and celebration
as much a part of this community as the next and they are all
– it is part of becoming a global community.
others shared in a Karaoke performance. This is a celebration
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P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
Ines Minondo ’19 celebrating graduation weekend with her family, including brothers Antonio ’13 and Julian ’14
Of course, a big part of the student experience at Portsmouth Abbey School consists of the classroom. The backgrounds of new students are not only geographically diverse but also educationally diverse. Students apply to Portsmouth Abbey from parochial, public, private, charter, and junior boarding schools, as well as a few each year who are homeschooled. Portsmouth Abbey teachers find a way to challenge all of these students while supporting their individual needs. Nothing seems more intimidating to a Form III student than their first poetry recitation and nothing seems to take longer for a Form V student than their first AP U.S. History overview. It is these memories, the ones that form when you are quizzing each other on Latin declensions, or proof reading each other’s Form VI thesis, that all Abbey students share and reminisce about as they graduate, attend college, and eventually come back to Portsmouth Abbey for decades of reunions.
of Residential Life, Paula Walter, has an encouraging conversation with an inquiring mother about the many activities for her daughter to choose from during our weekends here on campus. These initial interactions are the fabric of the shared experience of community life at Portsmouth but they are only just the beginning. Before the students, or the faculty, know it, four years have passed and commencement is on the horizon. All of the college application deadlines have been met, the acceptance letters have come in and many, many schools have said “You’re Accepted” to the graduating class. But there is still one thing left to do, walk
The Portsmouth Abbey School community believes in a “responsibility for the shared experience of community life,” as stated in our School’s mission statement. The “shared experience” begins on move in day when a Red Key Society student tour guide introduces himself to a new Form III boy from Colombia and then assists his parents by carrying the new student’s oversized bag – with the JFK baggage sticker still wrapped around the handle – or when our Dean
across the Holy Lawn. The young men and women who graduate each Memorial Day weekend make all the alumni who came before them proud and give all the current students something to aspire to. It is this community, the one that you enter on commencement weekend, the one that extends far beyond the reaches of Cory’s Lane that makes a Portsmouth Abbey education truly priceless. – Associate Director of Admission Amelia Tracy ’10
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PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION PORTSMOUTH ABBEY SCHOOL
W I N T E R FA M I LY DAY 2 0 2 0 “They loved that it was casual and fun! It was a great way to bring everyone together and think of someone special, with a traditional and local craft.”
Now in its third year, the Parents’ Association hosted Winter Family Day and invited our Abbey families to spend the day with each other and the community. Intended to not only offer families a day to be with their child, Winter Family Day presents a venue whereby parents and our faculty explore a discipline of the day. This year, Kevin Calisto, head of the art department, wrote to parents inviting them to “join us for an afternoon recreating a centuries old keepsake, The Sailor’s Valentine.” What is a Sailor’s Valentine? These beautiful, one of a kind, sentimental gifts were once made by sailors to give to a loved one upon their return from their sea voyages. And, just in time for Valentine’s Day or a simple memento, guests were invited to come with an open-mind, relax, and create some art! Our talented art department faculty opened the studio and gallery to our parents, siblings, and grandparents and guided them in creating a work of art of their own. Families began the afternoon with introductions over lunch in the McEvoy Gallery where faculty and staff artwork was on display. Through the guidance of our skillful and passionate teachers, over twenty artists embarked on making their valentine among lively conversation and fellowship. Calisto, along with faculty members Joney Swift and Allie Micheletti ’05, embraced the chance to work with and teach our families how art can be created in an afternoon and then be offered as a piece of work that keeps on giving. Calisto remarked that “they loved that it was casual and fun! It was a great way to bring everyone together and think of someone special, with a traditional and local craft.“
“My valentine is for my teacher Mrs. Seveney because she is kind and helps me with my work, and she likes the beach and loves sea animals!’ –Niamh, sister of Sean ’21 and Lisie ’22
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Likewise, artists who had participated in the morning college counseling enjoyed this workshop to “de-stress after hearing about what can be considered an intense process!” Current Fourth-form student Claire Fink commented, “It was a nice break from the chaos of school work and a tranquil and fun time to share with my mom!” At the end of the day there was a beautiful display of distinctive pieces of art which represented everyone’s individuality. The Parents’ Association is grateful to the faculty who presented and the family members who attended, and we are looking forward to future events which will offer this enjoyable engagement experience.
P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
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SPRING TERM EVENTS: March 31 Giving Day April 25
Spring Family Day
May 2
Parent Prom Dinner
Favorite Events for Parents, Faculty and Families Parents’ Weekend – Faculty / Parent Reception – Kale Zelden, Dean of Faculty “Meeting all the parents on Parents’ Weekend gives me the opportunity to put my students in context. Giving them a window into their children’s worlds is so satisfying, and reminds me of how deeply invested our parents are and creates a genuine feeling of deep collaboration. I’m reminded that they are now ‘our’ kids.” Winter Family Day – Book discussion - Cathleen Whelan P’21 “I really enjoyed the whole event from book choice to nice lunch (a treat during my usual chore-filled Saturdays) and loved the discussion format - I would rather be an active participant in a discussion than go to a cocktail party – great way to get to know other Abbey parents and faculty.” Giving Day – Alix and Erik Holling P’22 “Participating in the Annual Fund, especially on Giving Day, is very rewarding for us both as parents of a Fourth Form student and also as members of the Abbey community. Seeing each parent do his or her small part to contribute time and/or money to the School helps strengthen our community for our own students now and for future generations. We look forward to continuing our involvement in the Annual Fund in the coming year; we hope you will consider joining us in support of the Annual Fund on Giving Day on March 31!” Spring Family Day – Allie Micheletti ’05, Faculty in Visual Arts “Spring Family Day is such a great opportunity for teachers and parents to chat in an informal setting. We get to enjoy good weather, competitive games, and palpable Abbey camaraderie. Some of my best conversations with parents have taken place on the sidelines of the softball field or in line for Del’s Lemonade. It is a way for us to celebrate all the wonderful relationships we have fostered over the course of the school year. “ Parent Prom Dinner – Trixie Wadson P’20 “The Parent Prom event is always lovely, an open yet intimate atmosphere with an assortment of room for conversation, laughs, and an excellent dinner with fellow parents.” Lectio Divina for Parents – Deb Falvey P ’18 ’20 “Parent Lectio Divina is a wonderful way to spend time with other Abbey parents and learn about reading scripture in a meaningful way. We meet for breakfast in the dining hall after Mass and then share our thoughts at the Lectio session. It has been a great way to get to know one another and to make new friends.”
JOIN US FOR SPRING FAMILY DAY 2020 Saturday, April 25 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. • Athletic competitions • Performing Art previews • Parents’ Association/All School Cookout ENGAGE IN OUR COMMUNITY . . . ENHANCE YOUR ABBEY EXPERIENCE!
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P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
The Catholic John Henry Newman John Henry Newman by Sir John Everett Millais
Following is a short essay written by the beloved Dom Damian Kearney, O.S.B. ’45 (†2016) and published in the 2010 Portsmouth Review on “Newman and the Intellectual Tradition.” The essay has been republished in the Portsmouth Institute’s Conversatio, a triannual digest of Catholic thought. Conversatio is celebrating the canonization of St. John Henry Newman in October 2019 by republishing three essays produced for or by the
Portsmouth Abbey community on Newman’s legacy. These include essays by legendary Newman biographer and Oxford professor Fr. Ian Ker, Portsmouth Abbey School founder Dom Hugh Diman, O.S.B., and the essay below by Fr. Damian. All essays are available online and are mailed free-of-charge to subscribers. Read and subscribe online at portsmouthinstitute.org/conversatio.
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experienced at the age of 15, when he felt a call from God to live a celibate life. The decision to become a clergyman was solidified during his undergraduate studies at Trinity College in Oxford, and became a reality after his election to a fellowship at Oriel College. Upon his ordination, he soon became Vicar of the University Church of Saint Mary’s, where his Sunday evening sermons attracted ever larger congregations. It was at this period, in a sermon entitled “National Apostasy” preached in St. Mary’s by John Keble, that the “Oxford Movement” was inaugurated, and led to the series of articles on the state of the Church of England called, “The Tracts for the Times”, written chiefly by Newman and his friends, E.B. Pusey and Keble. The final and most controversial “Tract Number 90” by Newman, asserted that the “39 Articles of the Established Church,” could be given a Catholic interpretation, and In the Portsmouth archives, there are two memorabilia of Newman: one, a signed photograph of the aged Cardinal, and the other, an autographed letter written by Newman from Littlemore on May 11, 1845, to a Mr. Parry, expressing his thanks for the kind words contained in his letter, his pleasure that Mr. Parry “has attained the object you sought”, and that ”a Divine Blessing will accompany your labours.” It was at this time that Newman was writing his Essay
became a turning point in the Anglo-Catholic movement, accelerating Newman’s exit from the Oxford that he loved, and the Church into which he had been ordained. Pusey and Keble were to remain in the Anglican fold, but Newman retired to the nearby village of Littlemore, and established a a small college where he was joined by a group of like-minded disciples, among whom was Ambrose Saint John, his closest friend.
on the Development of Christian Doctrine, the book
Newman had resigned from his position as Vicar
that was to settle his doubts about the validity of
of St. Mary’s and his fellowship at Oriel, and after
the Anglican Church and lead to his decision to
completing his treatise on Christian Doctrine, he
become a Catholic. Accordingly, a few days after its
made his submission to Rome, preceded a few days
completion, on October 9, 1845, in the small chapel
earlier by Ambrose Saint John. Shortly after this, he
at Littlemore, an Italian Passionist priest, Dominic
and Ambrose left for Rome where they were ordained
Barberi, beatified by Pope Paul VI, received Newman
a year later, and joined the Oratorian Fathers, an
into the Church. This was the end of a tortuous path
Order which had been founded in the 16th century
that had begun with an “inner conversion” he had
by St. Philip Neri. Newman found many common
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The Catholic John Henry Newman
interests in this saint, both in his intellectual bent and
courses of study should be pursued for their own sake
in his ministry to the needy. On his return to England,
rather than for practical or vocational considerations.
Newman established an oratory in Birmingham,
Recently, this book was referred to extensively in the
where his friend and a former monk of Downside
baccalaureate address of President Levin of Yale and in
Priory, Msgr. Ullathorne, was bishop. Here he and
his Annual Report by the former president of Harvard,
those who joined him ministered to the poor, the sick
Dr. Rudenstine.
and especially to the many Irish immigrants, victims of the Potato Famine then at its peak in their homeland. Concurrently, Newman started a school in response to the urgent need to provide a place to prepare boys for entrance into the universities. After an unfortunate choice of headmaster, he appointed Father Ambrose to take charge, while at the same time keeping a close eye on the administration, in which he showed himself surprisingly practical and efficient. The school would embody many of the same principles enunciated in his later lectures on a liberal education. On the faculty of the Oratory School were Thomas Arnold, a recent convert and son of the celebrated Headmaster of Rugby, Doctor Arnold. Although not too successful a teacher, he gave the school the desirable publicity attached to his name. For a brief period, Gerard Manley Hopkins taught classics, and among the most prominent students in later life was Hilaire Belloc, who in many ways epitomized what Newman was attempting to produce in his students, excelling as he did in his studies at Oxford, later becoming involved in politics, and achieving a reputation as an historian and Catholic apologist.
Even though Newman was considered a prize convert by the Church, he was still looked upon with distrust by many as one who remained sympathetic to Anglicanism in many ways. By his former co-religionists, he was regarded as a turncoat and renegade, one who had been a crypto-Catholic while still a member of the Established Church. To allay these suspicions and vindicate his integrity, Newman found an ideal opportunity when the popular writer (and clergyman), Charles Kingsley, wrote an ill-advised pamphlet questioning Newman’s honesty, “What then does Dr. Newman Mean?” (A decade earlier Kingsley had written a novel called Hypatia, celebrating marriage, love and the family in early Christian times. Newman responded to this by finishing a novel that he had begun ten years earlier, set in the proconsular province of Africa during the 3rd century, which upheld chaste love as the Christian ideal.) Now, in 1863, Newman began writing his most celebrated work, his Apologia Pro Vita Sua, in response to Kingsley’s public statement that, “Truth, for its own sake, had never been a virtue with the Roman clergy. Father Newman informs us that it need not, and on the whole
Shortly after founding the Oratory, Newman had
ought not, to be….” Newman’s lengthy rebuttal was a
been approached by Archbishop Cullen of Dublin,
closely reasoned, step-by-step analysis of the long, gradual
representing the Irish hierarchy, to become rector of a
process which led him into the Catholic Church, leaving
new university in Ireland. This venture proved abortive,
no doubt as to the sincerity of his convictions. Its
but it led to the writing of a book on education
publication the following year in book form was greeted
which remains a relevant and valuable contribution
with acclaim from both Catholics and Anglicans, and
to educational philosophy: The Idea of a University, in
did much to dispel the suspicions and disfavor of his
which a liberal education is defended and insists that
adversaries.
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The Catholic John Henry Newman
But again Newman aroused misgivings in Rome
timely recognition of the profound effect he had
by declining Pope Pius IX’s invitation to attend
had on the Christian faith in England for half a
the session of the Vatican Council dealing with the
century. Earlier, friendly overtures had come from
question of infallibility, a doctrine which Newman held
Oxford, the place he had loved best and the place where
but did not see the need to define, considering this
he had spent his happiest years, and which had inspired
to be “inopportune.” The publication of his study of
much of the educational philosophy contained in The
the relationship of faith and reason in The Grammar
Idea of the University. Trinity College made him its first
of Assent only increased Roman distrust. But, once
honorary fellow, and Oriel College placed his portrait
again, an opportunity presented itself when an issue of
in the Common Room, both tokens of amity which he
national concern arose and demanded a response for
deeply appreciated.
which Newman was deemed to be the most qualified to deliver. The issue was an inflammatory accusation made by the Prime Minister, William Gladstone, that Catholics were divided in their allegiance, placing the Pope above their country and their monarch and consequently were potentially disloyal subjects. Newman’s reply was in the form of a “Letter Addressed to the Duke of Norfolk,” as the most prominent English Catholic layman, in which he explained with overwhelming arguments the Catholic position. This Letter had the effect of permanently eliminating the cloud which had hovered over Newman ever since his conversion, both among Catholics and Anglicans. Cardinal Manning, a fellow convert and former friend but an Ultramontane and a bitter foe on many issues dear to Newman’s heart, was reconciled to Newman and their friendship restored.
It is fitting to end with a brief word about Newman as a poet and literary influence. His poem, “Lead Kindly Light,” has become a favorite ever since its composition in 1833, written at sea during a period of doubt and uncertainty, while en route from Italy to England. Hardy used this poem effectively in his novel, Far From The Madding Crowd, shortly after it had been set to music. Somerset Maugham admired his prose for its stylistic perfection and James Joyce maintained that Newman had deeply influenced his Ulysses. The Catholic Edward Elgar, later knighted, composed an oratorio for “The Dream of Gerontius” (1865), Newman’s most ambitious poem and one which is reminiscent of the medieval play, “Everyman,” describing as it does the final hours in a man’s life, beginning in fear and doubt, but ending in peaceful acceptance and trust in God’s saving mercy. It
At this time, the long reign of Pope Pius IX finally
creates a fitting reflection on the vicissitudes that
came to an end, and a new, more open era in the
beset Newman for most of his life, but concludes on
Church began with the accession of Pope Leo
a similar note of hope and tranquility found in his final
XIII. Through the powerful influence of the Duke
years, appreciated at last and admired by all.
of Norfolk, who was an Old Boy of the Oratory School, and with Manning’s support, the highest honor to be conferred by the Church was bestowed on Newman: the Cardinal’s hat, a belated but
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WONDER STABILITTY OBEDIENCE NCE SACREd MUSIC liberality y incline the ear of thy heart: hospitality mystery chant han an rediscovering the virtues and practices of conversatio the Christian life morum fasting oru momento mori courage justice silence agape | mercy friendsh humility OBEDIENCE hospitalit mystery A center for Catholic thought and Benedictine contemplation at Portsmouth Abbey and Saint Louis Abbey
2020 SUMMER CONFERENCE
June 19-21, 2020 | Portsmouth Abbey Monastery and School, Rhode Island Tickets available at www.portsmouthinstitute.org/summer2020
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FALL 2019 ATHLETICS Matt Liuzza ’20
athletics awards Boys’ Cross-Country Coaches Award: Matthew Liuzza ‘21 MIP: Michael Loftus ‘22 Captain Elect: Xingyu Carl Ji ‘21 Overall Record: 5-8 EIL: 3-4 Girls’ Cross-Country Coaches Award: Lucia McLaughlin ‘21 MIP: Yingle Selena Liu ‘23 Captains Elect: Margot Appleton ‘21, Meghan Farnham ‘21, Avery Korzeniowski ‘21, Lucia McLaughlin ‘21 Overall Record: 6-9 EIL: 4-5 Field Hockey Girls’ Field Hockey Trophy: Izzy Zangari ‘20 MIP: Danielle Longuemare ‘23
Football
Captains Elect: Brynna Courneen ‘22, Laura Fink ‘21, Ella
John M. Hogan Football Trophy: Steven Crabtree ‘20
Stookey ‘21
MIP: Evan Ventura ‘21
Overall Record: 8-9-1 EIL: 6-3-1, 4th Place
Captains Elect: Andrew Busch ‘21, Noah Kreinz ‘21, Toby Oliviera ‘22, Diego Sanabria ‘21 Evergreen Record: 2-6
Mac Macomber ‘20
Boys’ Soccer Williams Franklin Sands Memorial Soccer Trophy: Aidan Brown ‘20 MIP: Ryan Jo ‘21 Captain Elect: Sean O’Hara ‘21, Mason Holling ‘22 Overall Record:3-14-2 EIL: 3-10-1 Girls’ Soccer Girls Soccer Trophy: Mac Macomber ‘20 MIP: Crystal Chojnowski ‘21 Captains Elect : Kylie Almeida ‘21, Hannah Best ‘22, Ali Walsh ‘21 Overall Record: 6-8-3 EIL: 3-6-2 Boys’ Golf Coach’s Award: Dean Simeone ‘20 MIP: Joe Parella ‘21 Captain Elect: Joe Parella ‘21 EIL Record: 7-4-1 Volleyball Coach’s Award: Nicole Huyer ‘20 MIP: Sarah Edwards ‘23 Captains Elect: Leah Eid ‘21, Julia Sisk ‘21, Tibi Zabasajja ‘21
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOUIS WALKER III (www.louiswalkerphotography.com/Sports)
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Overall Record: 6-10 EIL Record:3-6 NEPSGVA Class C Team Sportsmanship Award
P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
Izzy Zangari ‘20
Lucia McLaughlin ‘21
junior varsity awards
Nicole Huyer ’20
The Portsmouth Abbey Junior Varsity Award is given to the athlete who best demonstrates the spirit of Abbey Athletics. The award recognizes hard work, individual improvement, sportsmanship, and a willingness to do what is best for the team. Boys JV Cross Country: Yulin Morty Jiang ‘23 Girls JV Cross Country: Marron Gibbons ‘22 Field Hockey: Sofia Aragones ‘23 Football: Michael Abbate ‘23 Boys JV Soccer: Matt Farah ‘21 Boys JV B Soccer: Eric Zhao ‘22 Girls JV Soccer: Maggie Abbruzzi ‘22 Volleyball: Sarah Dugal ‘21 Rodolfo Castillo ’20
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POST-SEASON HONORS Boys’ Cross-Country - EIL David Appleton ‘20, 2nd Place New England Division 3 Championship, 3rd Place EIL, All-League
David Appleton ’20
Matt Liuzza ‘21, All-League Harrison Connelly ‘20, Honorable Mention Girls’ Cross-Country - EIL Margot Appleton ‘21, Named 2019-20 Gatorade Rhode Island girls cross country Runner of the Year, the first athlete from Portsmouth Abbey to earn Gatorade Player of the Year honors in any sport. New England Division 3 Champion, EIL MVP, All-League, Boston Herald All-Scholastic Meghan Farnham ‘21, Honorable Mention Boys’ Golf - EIL Rodolfo Castillo ‘20, Tied for 2nd in the EIL Tournament, All-League Dean Simeone ‘20, All-League Field Hockey - EIL Izzy Zangari ‘20, Honorable Mention All NEPSAC, All-League Sara DeSousa ‘23, All-League Lulu Lepage ‘21, All-League Delaney Shaw ‘21, Honorable Mention Jacque Martin ‘22, Honorable Mention Football - Evergreen
Aidan Brown ‘20
Danny McKenna ‘20, All-New England, All-League Victor Otero ‘20, All-League Steven Crabtree ‘20, Honorable Mention Josh Plumb ‘20, Honorable Mention Chris Zaiser ‘20, Honorable mention Boys’ Soccer - EIL Aidan Brown ‘20, NEPSSA All-Star Game, All-League Peter Dwyer ‘20, Honorable Mention Girls’ Soccer - EIL Cam Holley ‘20, All-League Mac Macomber ‘20, All-League, Honorable Mention All NEPSAC Alyssa Civiello ‘20, Honorable Mention All-League Kylie Almeida ‘21, NEPSAC (Junior) All-Star Game Ali Walsh ‘21, NEPSAC (Junior) Honorable Mention Volleyball - EIL Nicole Huyer ‘20, All-League, New England Prep School All-Star Game, All NEPSAC Honorable Mention Alex Bordelon ‘22, Honorable Mention New England Prep School Class C - Team Sportsmanship Award PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOUIS WALKER III (www.louiswalkerphotography.com/Sports) and Bill Rakip
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P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
athletics milestones
Margot Appleton ’21
Boys Cross Country: Davy Appleton ‘20 placed 2nd in the NE Division 3 Championship and 3rd in the EIL. He was All-New England and All-League. Girls Cross Country: Margot Appleton ‘21 was named the 2019-20 Gatorade Rhode Island girls cross country Runner of the Year, the first athlete from Portsmouth Abbey to earn Gatorade Player of the Year honors in any sport. Margot won her 2nd Division 3 XC Championship and 3rd EIL Championship and earned All-New England and All-League Awards. She placed 6th in the Footlocker Northeast Regional qualifier and finished 22nd out of 40 runners from four regions across the US to compete in the Footlocker National Championship on Dec. 14th in San Diego. Girls Varsity Field Hockey: The Girls finished 4th in the EIL with a 6-3-1 record and qualified for the EIL Tournament. They lost to top seed Pingree who also won the NE Championship Izzy Zangari ‘20 was an Honorable Mention All-New England and All-League. Football: The Team finished 2-6 playing a difficult schedule (3 opponents qualified for New England Bowl Games) and they had an outstanding upset win against Hampden Hall. Danny McKenna ‘20 was selected All-New England. Boys Golf: Rodolfo Castillo ‘20 tied for 2nd in the EIL Tournament and was selected All-League. Boys Varsity Soccer: Aidan Brown ‘20 was selected to play in the Senior Prep School All Star Game and was selected All League. Girls Varsity Soccer: The girls rallied at the end closing out the season with wins in 6 of their last 7 games. Mac Macomber ‘20 was selected Honorable Mention All-New England and All-League. Kylie Almeida ‘21 was selected to play in the Junior Prep School All-Star Game and Ali Walsh ‘21 was selected Honorable Mention All-New England. Volleyball: In their 2nd year of varsity competition the girls finished with a 6-10 record and 9th out of 18 teams in Class C missing the NEW England Tournament by one place. The team was awarded the New England Class C Sportsmanship Award. Nicole Huyer ‘20 was selected to play in the NE Prep School All-Star Game and selected Honorable Mention All-New England and All-League.
Congratulations to Joey Parella ‘21 and Josh Ferreira ‘21 who represented Portsmouth Abbey in the WWBA World Baseball Championship held on October 3-7 in Fort Myers, Florida. Both players earned All-Tournament honors. Joey, pitching for Team Boston, threw 6 innings and only gave up one run while striking out six against the New Jersey Marlins. Josh, playing for the New England Nor’easters, threw three and 2/3 scoreless innings while earning a .600 on-base percentage as their leadoff hitter.
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MILESTONES
BIRTHS 1983 A girl, Freya Gabriella Garman, to Michelle and James Garman October 17, 2019
Nellie Rainwater ’98 cradles the head of her new daughter, Autumn Uhr
1996 A boy, Emerson Matthew Mead Dec, to Gretchen and Jaymes Dec November 22, 2019 1997 A boy, Mason Chonan Hand, to Peter Hand and Marika Kamimura-Hand October 30, 2019 1998 A boy, Henri Mouligné, to Kaitlyn and Tristan Mouligné November 1, 2019
A girl, Autumn Samantha Uhr, to Justin Uhr and Nellie Rainwater September 5, 2019 A girl, Hollis Grey Weida, to Kyley and Jason Weida November 1, 2019 1999 A girl, Maren Margaret Mataronas, to Sandra and Gregory Mataronas November 24, 2019 A boy, Cole Hayes von Richenbach, to Patrik and Elizabeth Hayes von Rickenbach October 5, 2019
Mason Chonan Hand, son of Peter Hand and Marika Kamimura-Hand ’97 Hollis Grey Weida, daughter of Kyley and Jason Weida ’98
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P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
MILESTONES
2000 A girl, Frances Angelo Casey, to Amy and Conor Casey August 14, 2019
2005 A girl, Hannah O’Neill Hess, to Britteny and Stephen Hess September 5, 2019
2003 A girl, Molly Sofia Coner, to Chris and Suzanne Paquet Coner October 27, 2019
A boy, Wyatt Dean Jones, to Wes Jones and Caitlin Fraser Jones July 31, 2019
A boy, Declan Alexander Seamus Hewett, to Elizabeth Farfan and Brendan Hewett December 6, 2019 A boy, Patrick Mouded, to Megan and Mark Mouded October 26, 2019 2004 A girl, Elizabeth JoAnne Berg, to Eric and Katherine Scott Berg June 29, 2019 A boy, Bennett Reece Trimboli, to Melissa and Nicholas Trimboli October 19, 2019 A boy, Elijah Leonardo Zins, to Stephen and Katie Guida Zins October 26, 2019
Frances Angelo Casey, daughter of Amy and Conor Casey ’00
A girl, Fiona Simone Breeze, to Fred Breeze and Farrell Ougheltree June 21, 2019 2006 A boy, Emmett Rhys Sheppard, to Gary Sheppard and Margaret Mahan Sheppard September 11, 2019 2010 A boy, Westley Hubble Wilder Caplin, to Cat Malkemus Caplin and Daniel Caplin November 20, 2019 A girl, Brigid Marie Kennedy, to Brendan Kennedy and Tessa Condon Kennedy July 10, 2019
Stephen and Katie Zins ’04 celebrating Christmas with their son, Issac, and new baby, Elijah.
Cat and Danny Caplin ’10 welcome baby Westley to the Portsmouth Abbey community.
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Adaobi Ibida ‘07 after her wedding to Dr. Edmund Umebuani at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Newark, NJ
WEDDINGS 1998 Matt Kavanagh to Alexandra Goldberg August 23, 2019 2001 William Hogg to Lisa Fuller September 28, 2019 2005 Kacie Harrington to Tyler Coquelin October 5, 2019 2006 Amanda Roderick to Timothy Rolando May 11, 2019 2007 Jesse Estok to Alyssa Bertucci September 27, 2019 Adaobi Ibida to Edmund Umebuani November 2, 2019 2009 Kasey Geremia to Jordan Feijo November 16, 2019 2011 Drake Bonin to Kori Lennon May 25, 2019
William Hogg ’01 was joined by Abbey alumni (l-r) Kyle Woodford ‘01, Margaret Hogg Herr ’97, Daniel Murray ’01, Eliza Greenman Burlingame ’04, Lisa Hogg, William, John Jay Mouligne ’01, Alexandra Hart Mouligne ’00, and Robert Hogg ’00 at his wedding in September 2019. Matt Kavanagh ’98’s wedding included Abbey alumni: Front row (l-r): John Jay Mouligne ‘01, Alexandra Hart Mouligne ’00, Alexandra Kavanagh, and Matt Kavanagh ‘98. Back row (l-r): Ashley Hart ‘98, Justin Hart ‘02, Chris Shonting ‘98, Tristan Mouligne ‘98, Mike McCarthy ‘98, Kate Rooney Sams ‘98, Tara Tavares Winston ‘98, and Janine Graebe ‘98.
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MILESTONES NECROLOGY Daniel F. Appleton, Jr. Grandfather of Johanna Appleton ’17, David Appleton ’20 and Margot Appleton ’21 September 30, 2019
Maurice Ferre Father of Jose Ferre ’77 and the late Francisco Ferre ’80 September 19, 2019
Pier C. Boggio Father of Carlos Boggio ’90, grandfather of Alberto Boggio ’20 and Pier Carlo Boggio ’23 December 30, 2018
Peter Flynn ’67 Brother of Matthew Flynn ‘65 October 13, 2019
Rev. John J. Casey, M.M. Uncle of John C. Power ’80 and great uncle of Paulina Power ’16 Margaret Florence Burden “Muff” Childs Mother of Frederick Childs ’75 and Hilary Childs ’86, sister of the late S. Carter Burden ’59, grandmother of Alexandra Macdonald ’02, Margaret R. Macdonald ’06, Elizabeth B. Childs ’08, and Ian D. Macdonald ’08, sister-in-law of the late Luke Childs ’57 and the late Jeffrey S. Childs ’65, mother-in-law of Donald Macdonald ’73, and ex-wife of the late Daniel R. Childs ’53 November 18, 2019 Francis R. Collins ’47 October 12, 2019
Joseph F. Gigliotti ’88 November 21, 2019 Zay Hyde Mother of Reverend Robert P. Hyde ’78 October 6, 2019 Arja Karppinen Mother-in-law of Alexandra Karppinen (Portsmouth Abbey School Staff) October 25, 2019 Cornelius W. Keane ’62 July 12, 2019 George D.F. Lamborn ’54 July 17, 2019 Francis B. Lane ’55 Brother of James W. Lane ’53 and father of Matthew B. Lane ’82 July 20, 2019
Margaret Kennedy Curry Wife of Robert E. Curry ’63 August 24, 2019 Anthony V. D’Amario Father of Peter B. D’Amario ’77 and grandfather of Caroline M. D’Amario ’10 November 5, 2019 Lucy Donovan Wife of Henry L. Donovan ’56 September 7, 2019 Josephine “Josie” Elliot Daughter of the late Henry Elliot ’41, sister of Henry M. Elliot ’67, Douglas D. Elliot ’72, Daniel H. Elliot ’75, and Joseph M. Elliot ’78, niece of the late John A. Elliot ’49, cousin of William Elliot ’72, Charles E. Carter ’82 and George Carter ’85, Peter M. Elliot ’97 and A. Katherine E. Sedgwick ’98, and Jared J. Elliot ’05 November 14, 2019
Marshall B. Lundberg Father of Gregory H. Lundberg ’86 November 24, 2019 Rodrigo C. Maegli ’77 Brother of Juan E. Maegli ’75 and uncle of Isabella M. Maegli ’08 June 15, 2019 Elizabeth Maloney Wife of Antoine Maloney ’64 December 1, 2019 Phyllis Martin Grandmother of Anastasia C. Dwyer ’17 and Peter V. Dwyer ’20 August 11, 2019
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MILESTONES
NECROLOGY cont’d. Martin McKee Father of Martin McKee ’87 October 28, 2019
Peter A. Senise Husband of Shannon Reilly Senise ’98 June 30, 2019
Dr. Paul Joseph McKenna, D.M.D Father of Paul J. McKenna Jr. ’71, Timothy G. McKenna ’76, Stephen W. McKenna ’79, Robert D. McKenna ’82, and grandfather of Paul J. McKenna ’01 November 8, 2019
Michael Sheehan ’55 Brother of Peter C. Sheehan ’57 and Barry C. Sheehan ’59, stepbrother of the late John A. Healey ’54, Joseph G. Healey ’56, and Thomas J. Healey ’60, uncle of T. Jeremy Healey ’91 and Jonathan Oglesby ’94, and great-uncle of John M. Healey ’21 December 23, 2019
Charles Robert McLoud Grandfather of Alexander G. Cusack ’07 September 8, 2019 Andrew J. Motta ’67 July 6, 2019 Carrol A. Muccia, Jr. Father of Timothy C. Muccia, Jr. ’87 March 19, 2019
Donald N. Sorterup Father of Donald B. Sorterup ’86 October 9, 2019
Melba Ortiz Grandmother of Joseph D. Ortiz ’00 October 22, 2019
Christopher Stenberg Father of Emma Stenberg (Former Faculty Member) September 14, 2019
John Pappalardo Father of John W. Pappalardo ’90 and Mark A. Pappalardo ’93 December 9, 2019
James P. Sullivan Father of James P. Sullivan ’83 August 15, 2019
Valentin R. Pikat Father of Eero A. Pikat ’94 June 13, 2019
Peter P. Thurber ’46 Brother of the late Cleveland Thurber ’43 and cousin of the late Charlies W. Casgrain ’42 and the late Wilfred Casgrain ’45 October 17, 2019
William D. Ruckelshaus ’51 Brother of the late John C. Ruckelshaus ’49 November 27, 2019 Dorothy Parris Rudasill Stepmother of W. Kent Rudasill ’86 (Portsmouth Abbey School Faculty) September 2, 2019
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Brenda Sheppard Mother of Christopher A. Galloway ’90 August 17, 2019
Anna Tillinghast Mother of Guy W. Tillinghast ’76 and John H. Tillinghast ’78 July 30, 2019 Lila Latham Touhey Mother of Charles Touhey ’64 October 27, 2019
P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
IN MEMORIAM
MARGARET FLORENCE BURDEN CHILDS Margaret Florence Burden Childs of New York City died on Monday, Nov. 18. She was 83. Muff, as she was affectionately known, was born in Los Angeles on Nov. 9, 1936, to the late Flobelle Fairbanks Burden, an actress, and Shirley Carter Burden, a photographer. She attended Marymount High School in Los Angeles, before she completed her secondary education at the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, CT. She briefly attended Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York, before marrying Daniel R. Childs in 1955. Homemaker extraordinaire, she was a director at William A. M. Burden & Co., a family investment partnership, as well as at the Florence V. Burden Foundation, a family charitable foundation. An honorary board member of the Carter Burden Network, an organization established by her late brother, she was also a former trustee of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Muff was a lifelong friend of Portsmouth Abbey and enjoyed a particularly close friendship with Abbot Matthew Stark. Upon the news of her passing, Abbot Matthew remarked, “Muff was a generous benefactor to and staunch supporter of both the Abbey and the School; I shall miss her very much.” He concelebrated her funeral Mass on behalf of the family.
Muff was the mother of Frederick “Rick” Childs ’75 and Hilary Childs ’86, sister of the late S. Carter Burden ’59, grandmother of Alexandra Macdonald ’02, Margaret R. Macdonald ’06, Elizabeth B. Childs ’08, and Ian D. Macdonald ’08, sister-in-law of the late Dom Luke Childs ’57 O.S.B., a monk of Portsmouth Abbey, and the late Jeffrey S. Childs ’65, mother-in-law of Donald Macdonald ’73, and exwife of the late Daniel R. Childs ’53. She is also survived by her children Nicholas Childs, Florence Macdonald, Constance Rosengarten, Shirley Childs Kelly, and Alexandra Childs McKee, as well as 22 grandchildren, two great grandchildren and extended family. Besides her parents, Muff was predeceased by her ex-husband Daniel, brother Carter, and her granddaughter Niamh McKee. Muff was a woman of generous spirit and engaging humor who considered her family her finest achievement. A lover of books, magazines, needlepoint, fine dining with good company, and the spontaneous articulation of bon mots to thrilling effect, she also reveled in the restorative powers of a good nap. The Portsmouth Abbey School and Monastery extends its prayers and deepest condolences to the Childs and Burden families.
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IN MEMORIAM
WILLIAM RUCKELSHAUS William D. Ruckelshaus ’51 died on November 27, 2019, at age 87. Ruckelshaus once wrote, “Truth can seldom be framed in generalizations.” This was certainly the case with a life as varied and distinguished as his. Nevertheless, a concept that was central to all of Ruckelshaus’s endeavors, both in the public and private sector, was that of responsible citizenship.
After a storied athletic and academic career at Portsmouth, Ruckelshaus attended Princeton University, graduating cum laude in 1957. In 1960, he graduated from Harvard Law School and the same year began practicing law in the Indianapolis firm of Ruckelshaus, Bobbitt & O’Connor. Soon after came the call to public service. From 1960-1965 Ruckelshaus served as deputy attorney general for the state of Indiana, and from 1967-1969 as majority leader of the Indiana House of Representatives. In 1969 President Nixon appointed Ruckelshaus assistant attorney general in charge of the civil division for the U.S. Department of Justice. Later in the same year, Ruckelshaus was promoted to U.S. deputy attorney general, second in command of the U.S. Department of Justice. In 1970 Ruckelshaus became the first chief administrator of the newly formed United States Environmental Protection Agency. Ruckelshaus laid the foundation for the EPA by hiring its leaders, defining its mission, deciding on priorities, and selecting an organizational structure. He also oversaw the implementation of the Clean Air Act of 1970. He served in this capacity until April 1973 when he was appointed acting director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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AP PHOTO/TED S. WARREN
Such citizenship requires, among other things, the ability to listen and learn. Ruckelshaus did both throughout his career, especially in his service to the public. For Ruckelshaus, the political process itself must be founded upon what he termed a “spirit of concern and conviction,” in which those who have been appointed or elected must “constantly question the motivation for what they do, as well as evaluate the consequences of what they do.” On October 20, 1973, in the event known as the “Saturday Night Massacre,” U.S. attorney general Elliot Richardson and then Ruckelshaus resigned their positions rather than obey orders from President Nixon to fire the Watergate special prosecutor, Archibald Cox, who was investigating official misconduct on the part of the president and his aides. Immediately following the resignations, U.S. solicitor general Robert Bork, third in command at the Justice Department, implemented the firing and the abolition of the special prosecutor’s office, completing the “Massacre.” However, the next ten months saw 300,000 telegrams, the release of the Whitewater tapes, the reinstatement of a special prosecutor, and the resignation of President Nixon. After leaving the Justice Department, Ruckelshaus returned to the private sector, spending 1973-75 as an attorney at the Washington, D.C., law firm of Ruckelshaus, Beveridge, Fairbanks, and Diamond. He then moved to Seattle, Washington, where he accepted a position as senior vice-president for law and corporate affairs of the Tacoma-based Weyerhaeuser timber company.
P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
IN MEMORIAM
Ruckelshaus remained in that position until 1983 when President Regan appointed him chief administrator of the EPA, a position he held until 1985. In addition, he served from 1983 to 1986 on the World Commission on Environment and Development set up by the United Nations. Of his two tenures at EPA, Ruckelshaus reflected, “I’ve had an awful lot of jobs in my lifetime, and in moving from one to another, have had the opportunity to think about what makes them worthwhile. I’ve concluded there are four important criteria: interest, excitement, challenge, and fulfillment. I’ve never worked anywhere where I could find all four to quite the same extent as at EPA. I can find interest, challenge, and excitement as [board chair of a company]. I do have an interesting job. But it is tough to find the same degree of fulfillment I found in the government. At EPA, you work for a cause that is beyond self-interest and larger than the goals people normally pursue. You’re not there for the money, you’re there for something beyond yourself.” From 1988 to 1999, he served as chief executive officer of Browning-Ferris Industries of Houston, Texas, a major and expanding waste-removal firm. During his tenure, Browning Ferris shifted from a focus on hazardous wastes to recycling. As the company expanded its operations into New York City, Ruckelshaus “helped investigators infiltrate a Mafia-dominated carting conspiracy, leading prosecutors to obtain indictments.” After leaving Browning-Ferris, Ruckelshaus became a partner in the private investment firm, Madrona Venture Group, a Seattle investment firm he helped establish in 1996. He sat on the boards of numerous corporations and non-profit organizations. He also chaired the University of Wyoming Institute for Environment and Natural Resources of Washington, D.C President Bill Clinton appointed Ruckelshaus as a member of the President’s Council for Sustainable Development from 1993 to 1997, and as U.S. special envoy in the implementation of the Pacific Salmon Treaty from 1997 to 1998.
He was also appointed Chairman of the Salmon Recovery Funding Board for the state of Washington. Ruckelshaus was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve on the United States Commission on Ocean Policy, which submitted its Final Report to the President and Congress, An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century, in 2004, and in June 2010, he was named co-chair of the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative. In November 2015, President Obama awarded Ruckelshaus the Medal of Freedom, the highest U.S. civilian honor. Portsmouth Priory schoolmate John Tepper Marlin ’58 wrote of his friend, “He is someone I have looked up to all my life. In 1955 I entered Portsmouth Abbey (then Priory) School, in Rhode Island, four years after he graduated. “He was at Princeton, class of 1957, when I was at Portsmouth. He was enrolled at Harvard’s Law School for two of the four years I was a Harvard undergraduate. “As a young lawyer in the 1960s, Ruckelshaus became a savior of Portsmouth Abbey School. With a Federal lawsuit, he fended off the siting of an oil refinery on Prudence Island in Narragansett Bay, opposite the school. He eventually slayed, or at least kept at bay, that oil company dragon. “It was not surprising that President Richard Nixon would appoint him, as a 38-year-old lawyer, to lead the new Environmental Protection Agency in 1970-73 – or that he would return under President Ronald Reagan to run the EPA again in 1983-85. Ruckelshaus was a Republican and a conservationist by family tradition. His grandfather was chairman of the Indiana Republican Party in 1900.” The Portsmouth Abbey community prays for the repose of the soul of William Ruckelshaus and offers it deepest sympathy to the Ruckelshaus family.
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IN MEMORIAM
PETER PALMS THURBER ’46
Peter Palms Thurber died Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, at Westminster Place Presbyterian Home in Evanston, Ill. He was 91. The second of four children, Peter was born March 23, 1928, to Cleveland Thurber and Marie Louise Palms Thurber of Grosse Pointe Farms. He attended St. Paul on the Lake Catholic School, University of Detroit Jesuit High School before graduating from Portsmouth Abbey School. He graduated in 1950 from Williams College, where he majored in American civilization, joined the Kappa Alpha fraternity and played on the tennis team. He earned his law degree in 1953 at Harvard Law School. Peter spent many happy summers of his youth at the Ojibway Club in Georgian Bay and attended Camp Temagami in Northern Ontario, where he was promoted to the role of counselor when he was 16 because all the counselors who were 18 were drafted to fight in World War II. He served two years in the U.S. Army after law school and was stationed at Fort Knox, Ky. Peter married Ellen Bodley Stites in April 16, 1955, and moved to Grosse Pointe. Peter joined the law firm of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone and became involved in philanthropic and civic organizations that addressed his lifelong commitment to helping others. Some of these included the Merrill Palmer Institute, McGregor Fund, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and University Liggett School. Peter also joined clubs that allowed him to participate in what he considered his community in Detroit and Grosse Pointe. These included Country Club of Detroit, The Detroit Club and University Club. He was a lifelong parishioner at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church. After retiring, Peter and Ellen spent part of each year at The St. Andrews Club in Delray Beach, Fla., always welcoming their children and grandchildren.
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“Pete” will be remembered for his kindness, dignity, sense of humor and care and concern for others, including his strong commitment to give back to his community. He loved literature, writing poetry to celebrate friends and family, and he loved music, playing guitar and singing with his children and grandchildren around a fire. He and Ellen traveled, studying art and culture, biking and walking in countries around the world. Pete was an athlete excelling in racket sports; he played ice hockey well into his 40s and golf in Grosse Pointe and Delray into his last year. Pete’s beloved wife of 64 years predeceased him in January 2019. He is survived by his children, Edith Thurber, Jane Thurber, Henry Thomas Thurber and Sarah Thurber, grandchildren, Charlie and Peter O’Rourke, Kate Schreiber, Kaela, Rosemary and Paul Thurber and Cole, Isabel and Rebecca Miller; and sister, Mitzi Thurber Carlton. He also was predeceased by his brother, Cleveland Thurber Jr. The Portsmouth Abbey School community extends its prayers and condolences to the Thurber family.
P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
CLASS NOTES
John Belt ’57 and his wife, Mary Jane, who is holding their newest grandchild, Jack Ponomarev, surrounded by their other grandchildren.
50 I Michael Putnam was one of the honorees
on November 6 at a New York City gala celebrating the 125th anniversary of the American Academy in Rome for advancing the arts and humanities
51 I Dan Donahoe has been living in Scott-
sdale, AZ for the past 45 years and has observed with excitement its dramatic growth from 1 million to 4.6 million people. His children, Abby, Daniel and Brooke, are all married and living in San Francisco so it is easy to visit them. Dan recently saw Jack Siragusa in Chicago and had touched base with Bill Ruckelshaus in Seattle (still the old ‘Slag’) before his death in November. He visited the ‘Priory’ several years ago, which Dan says “has morphed into the fabulous Portsmouth Abbey School!”
57 I John Belt is a grandparent again. You can
see the side picture for John and his wife Mary Jane holding their newly baptized grandson, Jack Ponomarev, while surrounded by their grandchildren.
63 I Michael Ray has been traveling the world
since retiring as a lawyer. He has checked off 108 countries and counting!... Jan and Jim Roy biked the Portuguese Camino pilgrimage in May, completing 300 KM from Oporto to Santiago de Compostela in six days. “The people we hired the bikes from said the route was ‘easy to moderate,’ but I found it moderate to impossible,” says Jim. 1,500 pilgrims arrive Jan and Jim Roy ’63 take a brief rest during their 300 KM Portuguese Camino pilgrimage bike trek.
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CLASS NOTES
in the medieval cathedral square every day by one of the five official trails, mostly on foot. “An incredible experience. A lot of love and joy to behold, in sad contrast to the realities we read about in the daily papers.”... John “Moe” Cadley refuses to put down his guitar at 73 years of age – in defiance of his Spanish teacher, Dr. Pelletier, who confiscated it from him in the Fourth Form until his grades improved. The final straw was on a vocabulary test where Moe said the Spanish word for “belt” was “el belto.” It’s rumored that Dr. Pelletier cried when he read it. Moe’s been recording and performing for 60 years and – here comes the plug – you can pick up his latest CD, a collection of ballads and duets with his wife, Cathy, at cdbaby.com, along with several albums of his original songs. Help yourself. He needs the money.
65 I Peter von Meister recently visited Didi & John Fisher at their new home in McCall,
64 I
ID, for their first visit since Reunion 2015. John shares, “As we were between skiing and boating seasons, we hiked, visited the new pistol range and enjoyed catching several classmates like Greg Knox by phone. Classmates are welcome to visit.”
Regan Kerney writes from New Jersey, “I
66 I
55TH REUNION SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2020
very much enjoyed returning for my 55th Reunion, although I missed seeing many of you who could not make it. The new science building is a real wonder, but what struck me most as I drove around the campus was the incredible beauty of the landscape. The school has one of the most astonishing park-like settings I have seen at an educational institution. For my money, it is the most beautiful campus among the boarding schools in the East. I work on a campus designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and it does not come close to the beauty of the Portsmouth campus. I wish my legs were a little more willing to hike around the place, but I am no spring chicken. I am still teaching at Lawrenceville School. Most of my students are seniors, and I teach courses in economics and in history – senior electives that range from Ancient Greece to the Vietnam War.
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I would retire, but you can’t really retire from something that does not seem like work. Researching for my classes keeps my mind active. I can’t believe I get paid to read books. See you all at the 60th, I trust.”... John Sullivan is living the retired life in Hobe Sound, FL. He is “riding horses still – golfing and sailing.” John has five grandchildren “who visit me in Ireland and Maine in summer where we breed and race thoroughbreds and compete in IODs at NEH Fleet (Northeast Harbor Fleet).”
Juan Kellogg is planning his retirement
around Columbus Day 2020.
68 I Paul Florian taught an advanced design studio as the Robert AM Stern Visiting Professor of Architecture at Yale University in the spring of 2019. He was also appointed to the University of Illinois Design Oversight Committee for New Buildings.
69 I Peter Forker shares his memories from this past September’s reunion weekend, “Members of the class of 1969 gathered at The Aquidneck Club (formerly Carnegie Abbey Club) Friday night of Reunion Weekend for the class dinner. The turn-
P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
CLASS NOTES
The Class of 1969 kicked off their 50th Reunion with a dinner at The Aquidneck Club.
out was quite gratifying. We urge other members of the class to hopefully make a generous donation to the Annual Fund this very special year. With the 100th year of the monastery, the renewal of the monastery, and the dedication of the New Science Building, the School is in excellent shape.”
rently under review at the President’s Malaria Initiative and his Peacekeeper sheet patent with Mike Lindell of MyPillow.com. God willing, they will spend the next twelve months in New York City.
70 I
73 I
50TH REUNION SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2020 Jamie MacGuire continues his prolific liter-
ary work with his latest editorial role for International Religious Freedom: The Rise of Global Intolerance. This book discusses the history of religious persecution and intolerance around the world and how we can work together to preserve ancient civilization’s works, artifacts, heritage, and people.... Mallory and Thomas Danaher celebrated 40 years of marriage in March. Mallory was the keynote speaker honoring President Donald J. Trump for his prolife support. The topic, on which she has written extensively, was “Marxist Feminism’s Ruined Lives.” Thomas is pursuing his anti-mosquito bed net patent, cur-
Tony Klemmer is serving as acting executive director of the College of Our Lady of the Elms’ Center for Equity in Urban Education... After a brief period of semi-retirement, Tom Anderson was appointed CEO and Director of SwanBio Therapeutics Inc., a gene therapy company developing treatments for rare neurological diseases based in the Philadelphia area. Tom shares, “My wife, Evelyn, and I are enjoying our three children, their spouses and four grandchildren who live in Northern NJ and Colorado. We also like to vacation at our home on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the Town of St. Michaels.”
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Jamie MacGuire’70 and Don Macdonald ‘73 on the courts, renewing the Seabright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club and Rockaway Hunt rivalry, the country’s oldest inter-club match, now in its 103rd year.
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CLASS NOTES
Jim Tietje ’74, Joe Sullivan ’74, Tom Keeley ’74 and Joe Robinson ’74 celebrate Tom’s daughter’s wedding in Greece.
74 I Tom Keeley was joined by classmates
Jim Tietje, Joe Sullivan, and Joe Robinson for the celebration of Tom’s daughter Gabrielle’s wedding to Beau Breton on the Greek Island of Sifnos.... Bob Risko writes from Montana, “I’ve been promoted from accounting associate (Human Resources) to senior budget analyst (Division of Biological Sciences) at the University of Montana, responsible largely for grant budgeting. Life in Montana continues to please, although you know you’re in the actual wilderness when people go huckleberry-picking armed to the teeth against grizzlies and mountain lions. The Wild West.”... Joseph Robinson just started a new job as a physician in a 130 bed nursing home treating loneliness and end of life comfort.... After a tour in Australia, Jan Schwarzenberg has been re-assigned to the INDOPACIFIC military headquarters next to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
Dr. Timothy Flanigan ‘75, founder of the Star Kids Scholarship Program, shares his 2019 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award at Gillette Stadium with Star Kid Duwuan Edwards, of Newport.
Jan’s focus continues to be Countering Threat Networks, now across the entire Pacific arena. Any Portsmouth Abbey alumni are invited for an islandtour and dinner!... Gregg Dietrich shares that, on the occasion of her 90th birthday in April of 2019, his mother, Suzanne, was recognized by the Honorable Diana DeGette, a good friend of the family, on the floor of the United State House of Representatives. A full transcript of Ms. DeGette’s remarks can be found on page E474 of the Congressional Record - Extensions of Remarks dated April 18, 2019.
ognizes those who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving their communities through volunteerism. As a Myra Kraft Community MVP, Dr. Flanigan was honored with a $10,000 grant for the Star Kids
75 I Tim Flanigan was awarded a presti-
gious 2019 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award at Gillette Stadium along with 25 other dedicated volunteers, from more than 350 nominations received from throughout New England for this year’s awards. The award rec-
John Power ’80 with his daughter Paulina Power ’16 in Darby, MT, in September 2019 for the wedding of his eldest daughter Aubrey Power.
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P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
CLASS NOTES
The Kenahan family moves in the youngest, Luke ’23. (l-r): Kian ’12, Luke , Sean ’12, mom Carla, grandma Bento, and father Chuck ’77
Scholarship Program, which helps atrisk children envision a brighter, more successful future by providing them scholarships and related funding to be able to receive a quality education and graduate from high school.
77 I
76 I
80 I
Robert Rodgers reports that both of his
daughters were married in 2018.
Andy Godfrey’84 speaks with an Abbey student following the screening of “3 Days 2 Nights.”
Chuck Kenahan’s youngest child, Luke,
began his Third-form year at the Abbey last fall. See above for a photo of move-in day.
Mark Godfrey and his wife, Amy, have
lived in Denver for the last twenty years and have four children. Two are out
of college (one working in NYC and one working in Boston) and their twin daughters are juniors at Dickinson and Denison, both playing field hockey and lacrosse. Amy is a ski instructor in Vail during the winter and Mark works on the investment team of a Chicagobased asset management firm. Sports have been a big part of their family activities, from sailing and skiing to women’s lacrosse and more recently
Chris Sullivan’14, Jim Coyle ’79 and Nick Moran ’81 visited Dom Julian Stead ’43 at the St. Clare Home in Newport over Reunion weekend, followed by a short musical performance for the residents by Jim and Nick. Photos by Chris Sullivan ’79.
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Members of the Class of 1988 gathered to attend the funeral of friend and classmate Joe Gigliotti in Stamford, CT: (l-r) Chris Daley, Robert Sheppard, Cameron Taylor, Matt Arneborg, Charles De Casteja, Stephen Hetherington, Patrick Sartor, Greg Carroll, Paul Moore, & Karl Ziegler.
Leo Villareal ’86’s “Here Comes the Sun,” 2004. LEDs, custom software, and electrical hardware
golf. Mark and Amy are thoroughly enjoying this stage of life with their children. Mark writes, “Andy Godfrey ’84 and I were honored to show our documentary, “3 Days 2 Nights” recently to the Abbey community.” The documentary was produced/directed by John Breen, Mark’s best friend growing up in Houston, and revisits the plane accident that Andy and he survived in 1974. “I tell people the documentary is about the resilience of the human spirit. We were humbled by the reception the film received at Portsmouth. Scary to think my 40th reunion will be next year. I look forward to seeing former classmates back on campus.” Read about Andy’s visit and a review of the documentary by Michael St. Thomas on page 34.
83 I
Ernie Salas ’87 and Bill Winterer ’87 ran in to each other at Penn Station in September.
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84 I Colonel Dave Bardorf completed a 2
year tour in Okinawa, Japan with III Marine Expeditionary Force and has recently been assigned as the Director, Ground Combat Element, Combat Development and Integration Command in Quantico, VA. He is very happy to be back in the U.S. with Heidi and his children, Hayden and Anna.
86 I Leo Villareal has his first museum exhibition in his hometown’s El Paso Museum of Art. “Leo Villareal: Early Light” features two large scale sculptures through which he has gained international acclaim for activating spaces with LED light. His exhibition runs through April 12, 2020.
Marc L. Varri is a partner in InterVentis
88 I
Global for the management of risk, conflict, crisis, and negotiations. He worked for the FBI for 25 years in roles that included Special Agent in the Counterterrorism Branch of the Miami Field Division and Legal Attaché in the International Operations Division at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid.
Members of the Class of 1988 gathered to attend the memorial service for their friend and classmate, Joe Gigliotti, in Stamford, CT.... Patrick Sartor hopes to see classmates at the next milestone reunion. Over the course of 2019, he caught up with Robert Sheppard, Mike Goss,
P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
CLASS NOTES Kate Wallace ’96 with her daughter, Ruby Luke Fallon, Stephen Hetherington,
and Joe Gigliotti before his death in November. Patrick writes, “It was great to connect with my former classmates. My wife, Carter, and I are raising two boys, Roberts (11) and Lunsford (9), and I am enjoying my work in the institutional investment management business except that I travel constantly!”
Seth Van Beever ’94 and Charlene Mulcahy McKeating ’94 pose with Charlene’s daughter Marina ’23 under the reunion tent last fall.
91 I Kurt Edenbach was awarded “Citizen
of the Year” from the Newport Daily News Community Service Awards. The award is given to an individual who is willing to take the extra step to make a positive impact on Newport (RI) County. Read more on page 34.
95 I
25TH REUNION SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2020 Ford Curran is celebrating 16 years as
a graphic designer and archivist at Boston University’s Department of Special Collections. See page 35 for Ford’s profile and his recollection of working with Father Damian.
96 I Kate Wallace is happily living back
in her hometown of Austin, TX with her 4-year old daughter Ruby and their two dogs, pit bull Po and French Bulldog Bunnicula. She manages the Austin office of Lake|Flato Architects, recently recognized as the #1 firm in the US in the 2019 Architect 50 List.
00 I Andre DeRussy’s band, The Meaty
Ogres, just released their most recent single “Stop Messing.” Check out Andre’s guitar and vocal skills in full display in their official YouTube video release of “Wish I’d Known.”
01 I Jessica Fox is loving life in Brooklyn
with her daughter Izabella (1), son Owen (3), labrador Wilson, and husband, Nate.... John Heins and his family have been living near Washington, DC for the last 18 months while he works for Headquarters U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon. They recently received word that they’ll be moving to San Antonio in the summer of 2020 where John will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and assume command of the 91st Cyberspace Operations Squadron, a historic unit that can trace its (pre-cyber) lineage to World War I. John’s wife, Kate, and kids, Clara and Henry, have greatly enjoyed DC, but are excited for the move to Texas.
07 I Adaobi Ibida got married to the love of her life Dr. Edmund Umebuani on November 2, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newark, NJ. See photo in Milestones.
08 I Naseemah Mohamed will be completing her Ph.D. (DPhil) on education and conflict at Oxford’s Department of Education. She lives in VA with
Naseemah Mohamed ’08 shares a family selfie with her husband Oludamini and their son Jibril.
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CLASS NOTES
Pierce MacGuire ’10 visits with his father, Jamie’s, former Abbey roommate Nion McAvoy ’70 and Nion’s partner Leslie Berriman.
her husband, Oludamini Ogunnaike, who is a Professor of Religion at UVA Charlottesville, and her 3-year-old son Jibril. Upon successfully defending her dissertation, she will begin a post-doc at the University of Virginia - Charlottesville in the Frank Batten School of Public Policy.
09 I Alaina Andreozzi started a new job
LTJG Michael Madigan ’13 earned his Naval Aviation “Wings of Gold.”
as senior account director at Circus Maximus, a branding and advertising agency in NYC, where she will oversee the entire Circus Maximus client portfolio. “We’re doing a lot of really interesting work for startups right now if any alumni are looking for a creative agency!”
10 I
10TH REUNION SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2020 James Baylor is living in St. Thomas,
USVI and sailing around the Virgin
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Islands... While traveling for work in San Francisco, Pierce MacGuire met up with his father, Jamie MacGuire ‘70’s former Abbey roommate Nion McAvoy ’70 for an enjoyable dinner with Nion and his partner Leslie Berriman.... Frank Pagliaro continues to audition for numerous theatre, film, and television projects across New York City. This past summer, he played Orestes in the American Thymele Theatre’s production of Iphigenia in Tauris. Of his performance, The National Herald wrote “One of the most enjoyable elements of the show is the chemistry between actors Frank Pagliaro, as Orestes, and Gerome Olona, as Pylades. Their passionate friendship and comedic gaffes enable the audience to not only empathize with them, but to feel invested in their fate and hope for their salvation.” Frank also portrayed Tuzenbach in Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters at Columbia University in December. To see his TV debut, check out the seventh episode of The Deuce’s third season!
11 I Meghan Harrington enrolled in the
law faculty at University of Edinburgh in Scotland in September 2019. She hopes to become a solicitor in Scotland or Canada upon graduation.... Teresa Lonergan has taken a position as Assistant Admissions Director at the Marymount School in New York City. She asks that all her classmates return for their tenth reunion in 2021.
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CLASS NOTES
12 I Ceara Bowman recently got engaged to her fiancé Cameron Souza and will be running her second Boston Marathon for the American Liver Foundation. If anyone would like to donate the link is bit.ly/BowmanRunsBoston2.
Bobby Cloghen ’15 surprises 2ndLt Frank Loughran ’15 at Frank’s USMC Officer Candidate School graduation and commissioning into the United States Marine Corps.
13 I Michael Madigan misses the Abbey and cannot wait to see classmates at their next reunion. “Since my graduation from the US Naval Academy in 2017, I have been to flight school starting in Pensacola, FL then moved on to Corpus Christi, TX for Primary flight training in the T-6B Texan and selected to be a helicopter pilot and moved to Milton, FL to train in the TH-57 B/C. I got my wings of gold in late June 2019 and reported to HSM-41 to fly the MH-60R Seahawk in San Diego, CA.” ... Stacey Joyce PoonTip graduated from University of Toronto with a Master’s degree in Education. She is currently teaching at the Catholic School Board in Guelph Ontario, Canada.
15 I
5TH REUNION SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2020 Frank Loughran graduated from The
United States Marine Corps Officer Candidates School and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Frank writes that it “was without a doubt one of the proudest moments of my life along with graduating from the Abbey. But what made it even better was that Bobby Cloughen surprised me and came for the graduation and the commissioning ceremony. It was a phenomenal surprise and spoke
Stacey Joyce Poon-Tip ’13 and her mom celebrate Stacey’s graduation from University of Toronto.
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volumes about the quality of the friendships that are formed at the Abbey.”... Derek James Poon-Tip graduated from The George Washington University with a B.B.A., Bachelor of Business Administration. He competed on the sailing team for four years. He is currently working for a software company in Washington, DC.
16 I Kiahna Almeida has recently graduated from
Derek Poon-Tip ’15 with his parents upon his graduation from The George Washington University. Derek competed on the GWU sailing team for four years.
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Johnson & Wales University with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting. She accepted a full-time position as a staff accountant at GrowthLab Financial Services in Providence, RI.... David Brower will be entering the Peace Corps as a middle school science teacher in Cameroon, Africa. He will leave in May, immediately after graduation from Bowdoin College, with a BioChem degree.
P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL
MISSION STATEMENT The aim of Portsmouth Abbey School is to help young men and women grow in knowledge and grace. Grounded in the Catholic faith and 1,500-year-old Benedictine intellectual tradition, the School fosters: Reverence for God and the human person Respect for learning and order Responsibility for the shared experience of community life
Portsmouth Abbey School’s 19th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament!
BOARD OF REGENTS Very Reverend Michael G. Brunner, O.S.B. Prior Administrator Portsmouth, RI Mr. W. Christopher Behnke ’81 P ’12 ’15 ’19 Chairman Chicago, IL Mr. Christopher Abbate ’88 P ’20 ’23 New York, NY Ms. Abby Benson ’92 Boulder, CO Mr. John Bohan P’20 ‘22 Newport, RI Dom Joseph Byron, O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI Mr. Creighton O. Condon ’74 P ’07 ’10 Jamestown, RI Mrs. Kathleen Cunningham P ’08 ‘09 ‘11 ‘14 Dedham, MA Mr. Gang (Jason) Ding P ’18 Qingdao, China Mr. Christopher and Dr. Debra Falvey P ’18 ’20 Co-chairs, Parents’ Association Plaistow, NH Mr. Peter Ferry ’75 P ’16 ’17 Philadelphia, PA Mrs. Frances Fisher P ’15 San Francisco, CA
Dr. Timothy P. Flanigan ’75 P ’06 ’09 ’11 ’19 ‘21 Tiverton, RI Mr. Patrick Gallagher ’81 P ’15 Providence, RI Mrs. Margaret S. Healey P ’91 GP ’19 ‘21 New Vernon, NJ Mr. Denis Hector ’70 Miami, FL Father Francis Hein, O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI Dr. Gregory Hornig ’68 P ’01 West Palm Beach, FL Mrs. Cara Gontarz Hume ’99 Hingham, MA Mr. Peter M. Kennedy III ’64 P ’07 ’08 ’15 Big Horn, WY Mr. William M. Keogh ’78 P ’13 Jamestown, RI Dr. Mary Beth Klee P ’04 Hanover, NH Father Edward Mazuski, O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI Ms. Devin McShane P ’09 ’11 Providence, RI
Mr. Philip V. Moyles, Jr. ’82 Annual Fund Chair Rye, NY Mr. Emmett O’Connell P ’16 ’17 Stowe, VT Mr. Shane O’Neil ‘65 Bedford, MA Mr. Peter J. Romatowski ’68 McLean, VA Mr. William Winterer ’87 Boston, MA EMERITUS Mr. Peter M. Flanigan R ’41 P ’75 ’83 GP ’06 ’09 ’09 ’11 ’11 ’19 ’19 ’21 Purchase, NY Mr. Thomas Healey ’60 P ’91 GP ’19 ‘21 New Vernon, NJ Mr. William Howenstein R ’52 P ’87 GP ’10 ’17 ’21 ’22 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI Mr. Barnet Phillips, IV ’66 Greenwich, CT R
deceased
Abbott Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B. St. Louis, MO
Cover: Chidozie Onyiuke ’10, a first-year medical student at Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Loyola University Maryland and a master’s in microbiology from Seton Hall University; he is concurrently pursuing a master’s in bioethics while earning his M.D. Read Chidozie’s profile on page 28.
SAVE THE DATE! Friday, June 5, 2020 The Aquidneck Club (formerly Carnegie Abbey Club) Portsmouth, Rhode Island 10:00 a.m. – Registration, Brunch and Practice Noon – Shotgun Start Dinner Reception, Silent Auction and Awards Ceremony at Tournament Finish Please contact Carla Kenahan to discuss sponsorship and donation opportunities at ckenahan@portsmouthabbey.org or 401.643.1186.
285 Cory’s Lane Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871 www.portsmouthabbey.org
P ORT S M O U T H
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID
Address Service Requested
Calling all Classes ending in 0 or 5 This is your REUNION year! September 25 – 27, 2020 Please mark your calendar for a weekend of fun and nostalgia with your family, friends and classmates. For more information on the schedule of events, accommodations, golf outings, class dinners and more contact Carla Kenahan at 401-643-1186 or ckenahan@ portsmouthabbey.org
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SAVE THE DATE! SEPT. 25 - 27, 2020
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WINTER ALUMNI BULLETIN 2020