Fall 2012 • The PLANT Issue
www.portsmouthabbey.org/campaign
Growing in Knowledge & Grace the campaign for portsmouth abbey school
WELCOME MESSAGE
On Even Turf
The Proposed Turf Field Athletics Complex
It is our pleasure to welcome you to our second edition of ILLUMINATION, the official newsletter of Growing in Knowledge & Grace: The Campaign for Portsmouth Abbey School. Our inaugural issue in June inspired many of you to contact the School to speak more about scholarships and faculty support. We hope this issue, focused on past and present improvements to our physical plant, will spark similar conversations. Portsmouth is your School — please keep your responses coming! As you may have read in the Summer Bulletin, the Board of Regents decided in June that 2012-2013 would mark the culmination of Growing in Knowledge & Grace. Since 2004 the Campaign, guided by the Strategic Plan, has done so much for the people, plant and programs of Portsmouth. We have garnered a remarkable $42 million in support from alumni, parents and friends. Our goal of $50 million is now clearly in sight. We have eight months to turn the goal into merit- and need-based continued on page 2
Since 2004, Growing in Knowledge & Grace has taken a comprehensive approach to campus improvements for Portsmouth’s people, plant and programs. In our final push toward the finish, we are pleased to include athletics among the impressive list of capital projects that have transformed our physical landscape. Proposed construction of a turf field athletics complex will complete the Campaign’s building achievements and will once again place Portsmouth’s studentathletes on even turf with our peers and rivals.
developing students’ potential as both athletes and young men and women of character. Brown describes, “At Portsmouth we focus on learning — learning about yourself, about your sport, and about working together.”
THE SPIRIT OF PORTSMOUTH ATHLETICS At Portsmouth, athletics are co-curricular. “There’s nothing ‘extra’ about it,” explains Director of Athletics, Al Brown. “Students are expected to apply themselves on the playing field just as they do in the classroom.” The athletics program provides a unique learning experience that complements cognitive, spiritual, social and emotional growth. Through sports, student-athletes develop critical life skills in leadership, discipline, teamwork and perseverance.
ATHLETICS AND THE BENEDICTINE TRADITION Balance and community are two hallmarks of Portsmouth’s 1,500 year-old Benedictine tradition. Both ideals define our athletics program. Participation in athletics plays an integral role in creating the foundation for a balanced life, while developing teamwork skills strengthens our community. Austin Kreintz ’13 explains, “Portsmouth Abbey has provided me with the opportunity to better my athletic skills on the football and lacrosse fields, as well as in the hockey rink, while learning in an academically rigorous community. I try to give back to the community by being a tri-varsity captain, which has taught me leadership skills and has helped me create even closer bonds with my coaches and teammates.”
Currently Portsmouth offers 24 varsity sports and 16 junior varsity sports, allowing for the maximum potential for growth within a safe environment of equitable competition. Although wins and losses are important, Portsmouth emphasizes the educational aspects of sports, and utmost value is placed on
Involvement in sports promotes physical health and positive self-image. On and off the playing field students are encouraged to accept challenges and strive for their personal best. Portsmouth provides a positive environment where students can pursue their own individual balance of academic and athletic continued on back cover
Campus Conversation
Welcome Message continued scholarships ($2M), faculty chairs ($2M),
Talking Turf with Al Brown
Annual Fund support ($1.3M), and capital improvements ($2.7M).
In this final year of the Campaign, our attention turns in part to athletics and its natural cocurricular place in life at Portsmouth. Funding for a turf field athletics complex will support Portsmouth’s rich offerings in competitive sports, and will literally level the playing field with our peer schools. We caught up with Director of Athletics, Al Brown, to learn more about how the new fields will impact the future of sports at Portsmouth.
As we approach the home stretch, it is fitting that we reflect upon the amazing transformation our campus has undergone in the last nine years. From the restoration of our beloved Church of St. Gregory the Great, to improving residential life for students and faculty through the addition of St. Brigid’s House, St. Martin’s House, and the eco-friendly Blu Homes, over $19 million
Q: Al, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. For those who might not know, what is your Portsmouth background? A: This is my 12th year at the School, and my 37th year in education. Along with serving as athletic director, I coach varsity football and boys’ varsity lacrosse. In addition, this year I am either going to assist with boys’ wrestling or girls’ JV basketball — or maybe both! Before Portsmouth I was the head lacrosse coach and the assistant football coach at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.
has been raised to take Portsmouth’s campus to the next level of excellence. The map in this issue beautifully captures how we have strengthened our spaces and created new places, all to the benefit of our community. Photo: Nat Rea Photography
With just months before the completion of the Campaign and impending change in School leadership, the Board of Regents has amended the remaining capital goals. While a new Science Center is absolutely a
Q: What is your philosophy on athletics at Portsmouth? A: At Portsmouth, education and athletics go hand-in-hand. We call the athletics program co-curricular because it has complementary educational components. It’s not just a competitive experience; we focus on leadership, cooperation and teamwork. We work hard to develop a sense of
School priority, the Board acknowledged that attempting to complete the entire building project in one year would prove difficult.
community, and our inclusive policies at the JV and varsity levels illustrate our community ideal. Q: Are students expected to participate in athletics every season? A: We give every student the opportunity to be a part of a team — to be an athlete — even if he or she has not been a truly competitive athlete in the past. We get a diverse cross-section of student-athletes, from novice to very accomplished. The athletics program provides unique opportunities for student-athletes to discover untapped talents. Q: Let’s talk about the anticipated turf field complex. Please describe what the School envisions constructing. A: The plan is to install two synthetic fields on our Father Bede Fields located closest to Narragansett Bay. The turf fields will be adjacent to each other and will provide two competition fields with space to accommodate multiple team practices at once. At present, the vision is to have field hockey and boys’ and girls’ soccer use the fields in the fall, with the possible addition of football practice. In the spring the fields will primarily serve girls’ and boys’ lacrosse. Q: Does turf provide particular benefits for field hockey, soccer and lacrosse? A: Field hockey needs a level playing surface. It is one of the sports that drives a turf mentality. The same can be said for soccer and lacrosse. Turf takes the game to a completely new level. It’s faster. It’s
smoother. It’s playable in all weather. It changes the nature of your program. Q: Have turf fields become a common campus athletics feature at independent schools? A: We surveyed and found over 45 synthetic playing surfaces at independent schools. That’s not counting the turf fields at the public schools on Aquidneck Island or the public, parochial and independent day schools in Providence. Compared to our neighbors and rivals we are significantly behind.
ments and camps that welcome studentathletes to campus to experience our facility, meet our coaches, and ideally think, “I could be a student-athlete here.” Q: What is the anticipated timeline for construction of the fields? A: We hope to secure the funding in this final wave of the Campaign and to break ground at the conclusion of spring 2013 sports. The goal is to have the new turf fields playable for the fall 2013 season.
Q: What are the biggest benefits of turf over natural surface fields? A: The competitive and recreational benefits are many and extend across multiple seasons, sports and genders. Beyond the generally improved surface, turf’s all-weather durability means rain will no longer stop our student-athletes. Plus, on soggy Sundays when students want to relax and play pick-up soccer or ultimate frisbee, their fun will no longer risk the integrity of our fields.
Q: In the first issue of ILLUMINATION, Director of Admissions Meghan Fonts commented that, “Our client base expects growth.” Do you see this project as one element of the type of growth that Portsmouth constituents and prospective families expect? A: Absolutely. As a coach, my philosophy is if you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse. Likewise, if we at Portsmouth are not moving forward, we are moving backward, because the schools around us are improving. The proposed turf fields are not a luxury — they are needed.
Q: Will the new fields aid in attracting promising student-athletes to Portsmouth? A: Without a doubt. Accomplished athletes want the turf experience. They want to practice every day regardless of weather. Given that so many other schools have turf facilities, it’s important that we stay “in the game” with our peer schools. The new fields will also increase our exposure. We will be able to host tourna-
Q: Thanks for sharing your perspective, Al. Are there any closing thoughts you would like to add? A: I have not said we need turf to win championships. We need turf so that we can provide our students with the best possible experience. The turf field complex will give our outstanding coaches an opportunity to develop our studentathletes to their fullest. And that, in the end, is what we are all about.
Instead, early-stage funding in the amount of $250,000 has been committed to guide
Center project through architect selection and schematic design. Measured deliberation will allow the School to present a comprehensive plan for science to the next Head of School. This critical decision has allowed Portsmouth to address an additional capital need in an area yet untouched by this Campaign — athletics. A truly co-curricular endeavor, athletics at Portsmouth complement our academic and spiritual programming, allowing our students to grow in knowledge and grace. Creation of a turf field athletic complex has been proposed as a fitting conclusion to the Campaign’s affect on academic, residential, religious and athletic life on campus. The feature articles in this issue illustrate the many benefits of adding turf fields to the accomplishments of the Campaign. Read on and we are sure you will
Making History
The Cliff Hobbins Chair For nearly four decades, Senior Master Teacher Cliff Hobbins has challenged students like Michael Mauboussin ’82 to explore history and their own capabilities through research and critical thinking. “Praise derived from hard work is the true path to confidence,” explains Mauboussin, “and Mr. Hobbins gave me that boost.” His indelible impact, often made during his signature Sixth Form courses in Political Science and Economics, makes him a natural honoree for the first-ever faculty chair in history.
St. Martin’s House Opened September 2012
Mr. Hobbins had a deep, positive influence on me for two reasons. First, as a teacher he was demanding but fair. He did not instruct me until I was in the Sixth Form, and didn't give a hoot about my accomplishments on the lacrosse field. I did well on the first test in his class, and when he returned it to me he said, ‘Mr. Mauboussin, I knew that you were good at chasing little balls around, but didn't know you were a student.’ That meant the world to me, and motivated me to work hard and succeed in his class. Second, he demonstrated an infectious enthusiasm for the material he covered. I recall the joy of exploring ideas in his class — ideas that were important, useful and relevant. I believe that Mr. Hobbins, as much as any teacher I’ve ever had, sparked my love of learning. That is a gift for a lifetime, and one for which I will be eternally grateful.
Solar House & Turbine Turbine erected March 2006 Solar House opened October 2008
- Michael Mauboussin ’82
The announcement of Portsmouth’s intent to honor Cliff Hobbins’ legacy of inspired teaching in this manner has elicited numerous reflections of admiration. Fundraising efforts for the J. Clifford Hobbins Chair in History are underway, with $100,000 of the necessary $1 million secured to date. We hope to announce permanent establishment of the Chair and the first Hobbins Chair recipient by Commencement 2013. If you are moved to honor Cliff Hobbins in this special way, please contact Patrick J. Burke, Assistant Headmaster for Development. THE CASE FOR FACULTY CHAIRS:
Portsmouth Abbey School’s lay and monastic faculty give their time and talent every day — at all hours of the day — to help the young men and women in their care to grow in knowledge and grace. The Campaign for Portsmouth Abbey School has aimed to support Portsmouth’s faculty by endowing five faculty chairs. As permanent components of the School’s endowment, annual income from the chairs will provide for the distinguished chairholders’ salaries and benefits packages, professional development activities, and curricular innovations. Chairs have already been endowed in the subjects of mathematics and English. The cost to endow each chair is $1 million.
St. Brigid’s House Opened September 2007
Master Plan Discussion with Sam White ’64 Science Center Proposed completion TBD
agree it is time to level the playing field for our student-athletes. Warm regards, James DeVecchi Headmaster
Charles E. Kenahan ’77 P’12, ’12, ’12 Campaign Chair
Turf Athletic Fields Proposed completion fall 2013
Photos: Louis Walker; Bill Rakip
the careful development of the Science
The Campaign section of Portsmouth’s website is a wonderful resource to find comprehensive descriptions of Growing in Knowledge & Grace’s numerous and diverse initiatives. This month the Campaign site features a timely conversation on Master Planning with Board of Regents’ Vice Chairman and resident architect Sam White ’64. Sam has worked tirelessly on Portsmouth’s Master Plan and most recently has devised a plan to guide
the development of the Science Center project through this year of initial exploration. The School has secured $250,000 in early-stage funding to subsidize architect selection and schematic design, enabling the presentation of a clear vision for science to our next Head of School. For the full Q&A with Sam White ’64, click your way to www.portsmouthabbey.org/campaign
Abbey Church of St. Gregory the Great Restoration completed April 2009
Faculty Housing Opened September 2011
Campus Improvement Projects Since Campaign Inception
continued from front page
excellence, allowing them to grow in knowledge and grace. “I cannot think back on my Abbey career without thinking about athletics,” Kreinz adds. “I've been able to grow close to my coaches not only through sports, but also by interacting with them in the classroom and in the dorm, and I thank them for everything they have done to make me a better person.” TAKING PLAY TO THE NEXT LEVEL: THE TURF FIELD ATHLETICS COMPLEX Portsmouth’s 500-acre campus along Narragansett Bay provides an idyllic backdrop for athletic competition. Our current facility includes: 10 playing fields, two basketball courts, a 30,000-square-foot squash and fitness center, six tennis courts, an all-weather six-lane track, and a newly renovated ice rink. In addition, the golf teams use the worldclass Carnegie Abbey golf course and the sailing team uses the Bristol Yacht Club. While our facilities have greatly improved over the years, to remain competitive we must address the need to improve some of the surfaces on which we play. In response, the Board of Regents has agreed to move forward with installation of a turf field complex. The new complex will consist of two adjacent artificial surfaces to be installed on our Father Bede Fields closest to the Bay. Designs and site planning are already in progress, with hopes for groundbreaking at the conclusion of the spring athletics season. The intent is for the fields to be ready for fall 2013. Boys’ and girls’ soccer, girls’ field hockey, and boys’ and girls’ lacrosse will be the primary users of the new and improved surfaces, with the possible addition of football practice. “It’s not a one-sport, one-gender facility,” explains Brown. “Logistically it will open doors that our students will really relish.” From enhancing the level of play for multiple sports to allowing practice and games to occur in all weather, the benefits of turf are many, and the possibility of improved fields has coaches and competitors buzzing. “Our field hockey program will benefit greatly from the turf fields, as the surface we play on significantly impacts our sport’s quality of play,” field hockey coach Kate Cusick explains. “We emphasize speed and skill development — especially at the varsity level — both of which will be even further elevated on turf. There is no doubt that this facility is a step in the right direction for our student athletes.” Cusick’s team agrees. Center back Taylor Lough ’15 has played on turf before, and knows its benefits firsthand. “This is an exciting addition to the School,” she shares, “and it will improve our skills as a whole.” The anticipated cost of the project is $3.5 million, to be raised by the close of the Campaign on June 30, 2013. Fundraising has just begun for this exciting new initiative; if supporting the turf field complex resonates with you and you would like to learn more, please contact Patrick Burke in the Development Office.
Turf Benefits At-A-Glance
Proposed Turf Fields
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Advantageous in the development of present and future student-athletes
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Improves boarding life by providing “rain or shine” recreational space for all students
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Increases the number of games played and usable practice time due to all weather durability
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Allows Portsmouth to host tournaments & camps that provide visibility to prospective families
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Withstands game after game of competitive play
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Provides a level surface for faster, safer play for field hockey, soccer, football & lacrosse
Impacts enrollment decisions for future student-athletes; most of our peers already have turf, and serious student-athletes desire the turf experience
Ready... Set... GROW! The 2012-2013 Annual Fund is off to a running start. July 1 marked the beginning of a new Fund year focused on growing the School’s unrestricted operating support. Long-term, the Annual Fund aims to reduce reliance on tuition increases and endowment income while providing the margin of excellence expected of a Portsmouth education. Many donors still might not realize that gifts to the Annual Fund are also counted as part of Growing in Knowledge & Grace, making the Annual Fund the single most popular component of the Campaign. It’s a true win-win for donors and the School!
This year the Annual Fund is highlighting two simple ways to increase the impact of your gift to Portsmouth. The Monthly Recurring Giving Program offers donors a convenient way to make regular monthly Annual Fund contributions to the School. This “green” option saves paper and postage costs and allows donors to make meaningful contributions divided into manageable monthly increments. Payments are posted once a month to credit cards and checking accounts. During this final year of Growing in Knowledge & Grace, the School is also accepting multi-year pledges to the Annual Fund. The full amount of the pledge will be
From People to Plant The Howe Family Story
F
or Ben Howe ’79 and his brothers, the connection to Portsmouth Abbey School began as students in the seventies and eighties. “Long ago, my parents sent all four boys to the Abbey,” recalled Ben. “One tried summer school and three went on to graduate.” Mark ’73, Ben ’79 and Peter ’89 — all by their own accounts dramatically different individuals — resoundingly agree upon the importance Portsmouth had in their upbringing. “We gained so much from the experience, and will forever appreciate the unique environment that Portsmouth offered. The School fostered our personal and academic development at such a critical time in our lives.” Ben explained. “There weren’t many places that our parents felt comfortable with teaching us both academically, and right from wrong,” he continued. “Portsmouth was one of those few, and our mother’s favorite.” Over the years the Howe family legacy has endured through the brothers’ and sisters’ active support of the School. “Every one of the eight kids in our family knew the importance of Portsmouth Abbey School, and as such, we have long been contributors to a memorial scholarship fund dedicated to my mother, Gerry,” said Ben. “In fact, the biggest contributor has been John, the Middlesex graduate, whose son also spent a summer at Portsmouth. That son got more out of the experience than he had ever hoped.” For the Howes, brothers and sisters alike, giving to Portsmouth has truly been a family experience designed to create opportunities for today’s students. Giving to Growing In Knowledge & Grace was a natural next step. They chose to support Portsmouth’s plant — specifically the renovation of the Church of St. Gregory the Great and the construction of St. Martin’s House — for reasons deeply rooted in their collective Portsmouth experience. “The monastic community is what makes the School so different from any other New England boarding school and was so important to us,” Ben reflected on their gift to the Church renovation. When the new boys’ dormitory needed an extra push to reach its goal, they stepped in again. “We helped where we could.” For the Howe family’s many acts of generosity, and for all of our donors who give what they can, when they can, to preserve the Portsmouth experience, we are eternally grateful.
To discuss any aspect of the campaignspecific items in this issue, please contact: Patrick J. Burke ’86, P’15 Assistant Headmaster for Development 401.643.1291 pburke@portsmouthabbey.org
counted toward Campaign totals, thereby allowing families to significantly increase their total giving to Growing In Knowledge & Grace. The amount of their 2012-2013 payment will count toward this year’s Annual Fund. In the face of a challenging economy, Portsmouth’s Annual Fund has grown yearly since 2004 from $904,977 to $1,195,473. The 2012-2013 goal is $1,275,000. The Annual Fund will close hand-in-hand with Growing in Knowledge & Grace on June 30, 2013. To initiate monthly giving, to make a multi-year commitment, or to give by check or credit card, please contact the Development Office today. Your gift will help us grow!