JOURNEYS MICA (P) 105/05/2015
SAS
Volume 15 Spring 2015
Singapore American School Alumni Magazine
CONTENTS
page 11
There is Always a Reason to Celebrate at SAS It’s an exciting time on campus as the 2014/15 school year winds down, and everyone makes plans for the summer and beyond. The class of 2015 is only a few weeks away from graduation, with many adventures ahead. As always, there are SAS families and faculty planning a move or repatriating but even as one chapter closes and another begins, what holds true for everyone is they will always be part of the SAS alumni family. There is much anticipation about the coming year and the celebration of Singapore’s 50th Anniversary and SAS’ 60th Anniversary. Alumni will return to Singapore and to SAS from far and wide to celebrate 60 years of amazing memories at the reunion celebration on April 22-24, 2016. We very much hope you are planning to come. We are delighted to announce Susan Studebaker-Rutledge (81) will be serving as the chairwoman of the 60th anniversary reunion weekend. If you would be interested in volunteering either for the reunion or for your class activities, please contact her at sstudebaker-rutledge@sas. edu.sg or alumni@sas.edu.sg. In other exciting news, Sarah Morris has been selected as the new chief advancement officer after an extensive worldwide search process. Sarah comes to SAS with more than 15 years of university advancement work, most recently at Northwestern University. With her experience and enthusiasm, we are confident she will lead the advancement team in ensuring SAS can provide an outstanding education for students for years to come. And finally, beyond the exciting magazine we have for you, we encourage you to check out the re-launched alumni website with new engagement tools including event planning tips, volunteer opportunities, and EverTrue, the mobile app that allows you to search by name, location, class year, and industry using LinkedIn integration. As always we encourage you to stay Connected, Networked, and Engaged! Follow us on instagram at #SASalumni or like us on Facebook at Singapore American School Alumni.
JOURNEYS SAS
Features 2 A Tradition of Innovation
SUPERINTENDENT DR. CHIP KIMBALL
Dr. Chip Kimball, Superintendent of Schools
CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER SARAH MORRIS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS LAURI COULTER
4
Memories of Singapore
Lois Shepard (Former Faculty) and William Shepard
7
Revolutionizing Learning Through Mentorship Network
Kristina Doss, SAS Communications Specialist 11 Engaging Kids for 40 Years
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR KLYE ALDOUS (02)
Jim Baker (66), Faculty from 1971-1974, 1982-2014
GRAPHIC DESIGNER BETH COHEN
Junia Baker, Contributing Editor and Former Parent
16
40th Anniversary of SAS SACAC Football
Susan Studebaker-Rutledge (80)
15 Podium Tradition Lives On: A King’s Road Relic Finds a New Home
Cover photo of Pilar Wollfsteller (87). See the related story on page 20. SAS Journeys is published twice a year by the advancement office of Singapore American School. It is distributed free of charge to alumni, parents, faculty and organizations served by the school. We welcome input from the community associated with Singapore American School.
20 Alumni Profiles
Boston to Asia and Back, Pilar Wollfsteller (87)
A Spirited Alum, Ee ee Chau (07)
Coming Home to Singapore, Ed Diess (77)
A Gap Year of Valuable Experience, Ryan Al-Schamma (14)
The Foundation to Fly, Gilmer McMillan (05)
Contacts
Why Give?, Astrid Salim (95)
General inquiries, comments, and submissions to SAS Journeys: alumni@sas.edu.sg.
32 SAS Annual Fund Every Gift Has Impact
page 16 page 26
Columns
Singapore American School CPE Registration Number: 196400340R Registration Period: 22 June 2011 to 21 June 2017 Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
page 20
Lauri’s Letter
51
Mr. Hoe’s Recipe
34
Alumni Reunions & Gatherings
54
Visiting Alum
44
Notes & Quotes
56
Alumni Services
56
Event Calendar
page 29
Lauri Coulter Associate Director of Alumni Relations
SPRING 2015
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
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SAS 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW
A Tradition of
Innovation Dr. Chip Kimball, Superintendent of Schools
M
ANY OF OUR ALUMNI MAY REMEMBER Singapore American School as one of only a handful of schools offering an education tailored to the needs of Singapore’s expatriate families. Today more than thirty such schools are operating in Singapore, and we expect the international school landscape to continue its dramatic growth. While many of these new schools feature sleek campuses and a wide variety of curriculum options, they do not – and will not for decades – have our rich history, our legacy of results, and generations of alumni. Further, SAS is seen as a leader and innovator in international education, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Long after leaving Singapore American School, every graduate remains an integral member of the SAS Eagle family. With the help of our alumni office, SAS graduates that range from 18 to 75 years old – regardless of where they are in the world – have the ability to ponder together what it was like growing up a third-culture kid in Singapore, celebrate the accomplishments they have achieved since then, and network with countless other alumni in our community. Since our founding in 1956, Singapore American School has embodied a tradition of innovation. From our first recruiting of foreign-hire American teachers in 1964 to the establishment of our Advanced Placement (AP) program in 1968, and from the first Interim Semester trip in 1973 to the launch of the IASAS league over 30 years ago, Singapore American School has for nearly 60 years operated with a deep commitment to providing our students with the best educational experience possible.
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That commitment has only grown through the years and continues to prepare students not only for success in college, but also for success in life. This commitment is reflected in our strategic anchors that drive everything that we do. These anchors call for a culture of excellence, extraordinary care, and possibilities. In this issue of Journeys, you will read about research and development work that we have undertaken to plan for the future. Teams of faculty and administrators from every division have visited the highest performing and most innovative schools around the world. They have spoken with more than 100 college admissions officers, consulted educational research, and engaged in discussions about the future of education with community members, business leaders, and educational experts. Last spring the high school division R&D team made exciting recommendations for future programming and this spring, the elementary and middle school teams did the same. In the high school specifically, recommendations include a new advisory/mentoring program for all students, a senior project requirement, project-based learning courses, a digital learning portfolio for all students, new advanced topics course offerings, participation in the College Board’s new AP diploma program, and increased flexibility for a student’s individual course of study. The R&D work has invigorated teachers and inspired thoughtful change throughout the school. This work continues the rich SAS tradition of continuous improvement by strengthening the delivery of our curriculum through the use of best practices in education. SPRING 2015
Culture of Excellence Student: Every student learns at high levels. Professional: Employees are committed to demonstrating current “best practice” in their work and, as a system, SAS reflects a standard of excellence that sets us apart.
Culture of Extraordinary Care
Culture of Excellence
Culture of Extraordinary Care
A world leader in education cultivating exceptional thinkers prepared for the future
Culture: High levels of trust, respect, and belonging characterize the SAS culture. Relationships: SAS community members care for each other, the community, the country and region, and the environment.
Culture of Possibilities
Culture of Possibilities Personalized Learning: Each student has the time and opportunity to explore, pursue, and demonstrate his/her interests and passions. Commitment to Innovation: SAS continually seeks to improve and/or develop new ways to more effectively impact student learning.
I am extending a special invitation to our alumni community to connect with the SAS of today. Join us and learn about how we are honoring the SAS innovations of the past as we innovate and plan for the future. As we prepare for next year ’s celebration of our 60th anniversary, we will remember Singapore American School’s tradition of innovation and seek to continue innovating for generations to come. Our alumni are a vital part of our legacy of greatness and our hope is that your involvement will help shape our future as we prepare students what is ahead. SPRING 2015
Learn More Want to learn more about the SAS program of today?
Check out our new admissions guide at http://issuu.com/sasnf/ docs/sas_admissions_guide_2014
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
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Our shared journey has been one of progress, modernization, achievement, and change. – Dr. Chip Kimball Superintendent of Schools
Memories of Singapore Lois Shepard (Former Faculty) & William Shepard
Lee Kuan Yew, 1923-2015 March 23, 2015 brought an end to an era, as with great
population, and its innovative and competitive spirit have
sadness Singapore lost its founding father, Lee Kuan Yew.
made for a dynamic place for American expatriates to live,
When Singapore American School opened its doors in 1956, the country at that time was an underdeveloped colonial outpost with no natural resources and some fear
work, and learn. We have former Prime Minister Lee’s inspiring and visionary leadership to thank in large part for the country in which we are honored to reside.
by American companies of political instability. However,
SAS was honored and privileged to welcome then-Minister
as Singapore’s first prime minister, the co-founder and
Mentor Lee to our campus to mark the occasion of its 50th
first secretary-general of the People’s Action Party, and
anniversary in 2006. It was a momentous event that faculty,
the world’s longest-serving prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew
staff, and alumni hold dear. He noted then the extraordinary
oversaw Singapore’s separation from Malaysia in 1965 and
care for which we are known, as one of his grandsons
its subsequent transformation into a first-world Asian Tiger.
attended SAS and thrived here under highly trained teachers
As Singapore grew, so did our school, and both have come
not available at that time in local schools.
a long way in the last 50 to 60 years. Our shared journey
We remember former Prime Minister Lee’s family at this
has been one of progress, modernization, achievement,
time and thank them for the service they have rendered
and change. Over the decades, our school leadership has
Singapore, and us, by supporting him through the decades
noted that Singapore’s status as one of the most progressive
of his leadership to form this great country.
countries in the world, its multi-cultural, highly diverse
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SPRING 2015
THE DEATH OF LEE KWAN YEW, THE FOUNDER OF Singapore’s modern nationhood, brought back memories of our residence in Singapore exactly 50 years ago, when the island at the tip of the Malayan Peninsula was expelled from Malaysia, and assumed nationhood. That was in August 1965, and it was our first diplomatic assignment. My husband, William Shepard, served as consul, and also taught international law at the University of Singapore Law School, where he knew many of those who achieved prominence, as the island became a separate nation. I taught at the Singapore American School, and as it happened, I was chosen by our embassy, along with four other women from different nations, to take part in Madam Chua Jim Neo’s efforts to teach foreigners Nonya (Singaporean) cooking and culture. Madam Chua was the prime minister’s mother and a renowned cook and character. During a break in one of the classes (really, tutorials), Madam Chua asked me to stay late, as she had a question for me from the prime minister. “What my son wants to know,” she said, “is, you come from a country with so many different backgrounds, races, and religions. How did you make America a nation?” I was 26 years old at the time, and the question has stayed with me for decades. My answer today would
still be the same ... a predominately common language, culture and education for all, without the suppression, and indeed with the encouragement, of minority cultures. Today, one sees all of this in Singapore. The tiny island is filled with schools and young people who take their learning and their country very seriously. At that time, and still today, Chinese were predominant in Singapore, but Indians, Malays and Europeans formed sizable minorities. In those days, annual per capita income on the island was some $500 (It is now over $55,000). When we arrived in January 1965, there were still sacred cows wandering up and down Orchard Road (the main shopping road of the city/state), and there were open sewers on the sides of the roads that overflowed with each torrential rain. The country had a long way to go. One should not forget, or learn, what Lee was faced with in those days before making judgements about how he did it. Singapore’s prosperity was based on unremitting hard work, an honest if authoritarian government and a commitment to advancement on the basis of merit. And attempts to undermine Singapore from within or without were not tolerated. The guiding spirit of the island was Lee Kwan Yew. He and his wife, Kwa Geok Choo, had
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SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
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SAS: Revolutionizing Learning Through Mentorship Network
...you come from a country with so many different backgrounds, races, and religions. How did you make America a nation?
Kristina Doss, SAS Communications Specialist
– Madam Chua, mother of Lee Kwan Yew received world class educations at Cambridge University and he wanted his people to have all advantages (During their days practicing law, it was said that the best trial lawyer on the island was Lee Kwan Yew – and his wife was the best appellate lawyer!). We have returned to Singapore for visits over the last decades, the most recent, two years ago. Each time we noted many changes. The sacred cows are long gone, the colorful night markets that strung out along Orchard Road and other main thoroughfares are now all corralled into one quite sanitary area and some of the characters, including Bill Bailey (of “Won’t You Come Home, Bill Bailey?”) were no longer there. We were pleased that the Raffles Hotel continues to thrive and you could still get a Singapore Sling at the bar where they were invented. The Satay Club, never a club, actually, but a location where chicken or beef satay could be bought directly from vendors, was no more – an opera house had taken its place by the seaside. For now, the island has skyscrapers, imaginatively crafted and clustered near the port. Orchard Road is miles of hotels and shopping malls, and the museums, showing Singapore’s development and the history and cultures of Southeast Asia, are world class. The botanical gardens, always an oasis in the middle of the city, is even more of a treasure for all. No wonder that for a small island with a fine port, Singapore now leads the world in numerous port and economic categories. The guiding spirit of Lee Kwan Yew has played a large role in the creation of modern Singapore. To our surprise, the modern Singapore was not oppressive. In the tropical heat, and in the commercial and business zone, buildings were spaced between tropical trees and flower gardens, giving a sense of beauty, as well as modern architecture. All of this reflects the hard work of Singapore’s citizens, and yes, the guiding spirit of its eminent prime minister, a guide to every American president who had the sense to listen. His monument really is the island nation and what it has become. 6
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
SPRING 2015
W
hen Mike Rogers – a Singapore American School alumnus (00) and cofounder of Persistent Productions – was hired to make a film for the school, he expressed interest in working with a student. Alex Fortmann’s name was automatically tossed into the hat. By the time Fortmann graduated from SAS in June 2014, he had directed 13 videos for the SAS community. His film Flight took top honors at the Singapore International Student Film Festival. And, he was accepted into New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts as a film and television major.
SPRING 2015
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Did you know that the SAS Early Childhood Center, elementary school, and middle school also embarked on a R&D process? In fact, teachers representing each division – including the high school – have completed their research trips around the world and developed proposals to change curriculum and programs. Once each respective division’s proposal is vetted and approved by cabinet and the board, the divisions enter the next phase: capacity building and implementation. (Capacity
I really believe that as a result of being here, we can change the course of a student’s life and the world is going to be a better place because of what happened at the school.
involves building the support needed to implement changes to the curriculum and programs.) In total, the process takes four years, according to Dr. Tim Stuart, executive director of research and development and strategic programs at SAS.
Although Fortmann was already a budding filmmaker, the SAS annual report. The R&D team also spoke with working with Rogers on the film Singapore American more than 100 college admissions officers, consulted School: Revolutionizing Learning to Change Lives provided educational research, and engaged in discussions about Fortmann with a lesson he wouldn’t have gotten in a the future of education with community members, business leaders, and educational experts. typical classroom setting. SAS already provides students with a solid “I learned about the potential to work as a creative team internationally,” Fortmann said. While he filmed foundational learning experience. But the goal of all b-roll of campus life in Singapore and processed footage of the research and trips was to determine the skills in the United States, Rogers and Persistent Productions students need for a future that is rapidly changing due Co-Founder Meghan Shea traveled to different countries to technology and globalization, and develop a pathway to film and interview SAS alumni, as well as edit the film, for them to learn those skills. In other words, the mission among other things. “It was a very global project, and was to make an outstanding high school even better. This sentiment was reflected in the Revolutionizing that really impressed me.” The professional experience and learning opportunity Learning film when Lance Murgatroyd, a SAS high school that emerged from the partnership between Rogers and math teacher, said “just because we’re good, doesn’t Fortmann is one Singapore American School is looking mean that we can’t be better. Just because it’s worked to replicate. In fact, the school is currently developing in the past, doesn’t necessarily mean it will continue to a mentorship network to match more students with work.” SAS Superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball, who professionals in fields that students are interested in exploring. recognized a need for the whole school to eventually The idea for the mentorship network was born out of embark on the R&D expedition and innovate, said the research and development (R&D) journey featured that in the end, it’s not just about revolutionizing a student’s education, it’s also about changing their lives. in the Revolutionizing Learning film. During the 2012-13 school year, 22 high school faculty “I want a kid who comes here to say that my life was and administrators visited more than 30 innovative fundamentally changed as a result of the teachers that schools in the US, Finland, and Singapore, according to I had, the people that I met, and the experiences that I
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SPRING 2015
had,” he said. “I really believe that as a result of being here, we can change the course of a student’s life and the world is going to be a better place because of what happened at the school.” The high school – the first division at the school to go through the R&D journey – discovered two main ways
to help students be prepared for the 21st century. First, by making sure students feel known and cared for. “There is a huge amount of research that says if a kid believes somebody else besides their parents actually cares if they are successful or not, checks in on them, and engages and gets to know them, their learning is exponential,” said Dr. Tim Stuart, executive director of research and development and strategic programs at SAS. Learning is also accelerated when students have an opportunity to deeply explore an area of interest or passion, he said. Dennis Steigerwald – who was also part of the high school R&D group – agreed, explaining that the team discovered that when students connected their interests with someone in the field “there was high engagement, there was high level of learning, and there was a much more authentic product in the end in terms of what they were producing.” The culminating SAS Catalyst Project, previously called the Capstone Project, and the mentorship network are some of the new and flexible ways the high school is helping students to feel both known and capable of pursuing their interests and passions. As displayed by Rogers and Fortmann’s partnership, the possibilities of the network are endless. For example, a student interested in science can work with a research team at a local university or a student who wants to write a book can consult with a published author. “It’s bridging their academia to the real world,” said Steigerwald, who is now the coordinator for the High School Center of Innovation, which is developing the mentorship network. The SAS Alumni Relations Office will also play a role, encouraging alumni to share their talents with
Alex Fortmann’s film Flight won Best Movie Narrative and Best Overall Film at Singapore International Student Film Festival. SPRING 2015
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
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current students and graduates through the High School Center of Innovation and its mentorship and internship programs. The benefits of being a part of the network are magnified when the mentors happen to be SAS alumni. Having once been SAS students, they can better understand what current students are going through as they explore their interests and future goals. “Students – current and former – share a unique and life changing-experience attending SAS,” said Lauri Coulter, Associate Director of Alumni Relations. “Alumni who will serve as mentors for recent grads or current students in our new mentor/internship program will be able to reconnect with SAS and to give back in a tangible and personalized way.” Rogers agrees. “It’s really about helping out,” he said. “In fact, I was having this conversation with Jason Peck (00) and Josh Nobles (99) and we were discussing how important it is to stay connected to the SAS community – to give back and share the experiences we’ve had so that the students who are attending now have access to real world experiences and can use this information for their advantage in their future endeavors.” Rogers’ efforts to help SAS students didn’t stop with Fortmann. Rogers and his partner Shea worked with another SAS student to capture real stories of Singaporeans in a film for the student’s Catalyst Project. Fortmann, now an alumnus, is also interested in returning to SAS someday and working with students. “It’s a lot of fun working with people to create new things, and if I can at all impart some of my experience to benefit others, that’s an added plus,” he said.
BIOS: Mike Rogers attended SAS from second grade until the end of his junior year (1988 to 1999). He finished high school in the US and went on to attend George Washington University with a major in Electronic Media. Rogers, the founder and director of Persistent Productions, has broad international experience working as a director and cinematographer with numerous production companies including National Geographic Television, Discovery Networks, Dog Eat Dog Films, TLC, Beach House Pictures and The Smithsonian Network. Alex Fortmann graduated from SAS in 2014 and is now a student at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts as a film and television major. His films have reached festivals from the Singapore International Student Film Festival to the world’s largest and most prestigious youth festival, the National Film Festival for Talented Youth.
CONNECT WITH SAS FACULTY AND ALUMNI Dennis Steigerwald High School Center of Innovation Coordinator Center of Innovation website: http://www.sas.edu.sg/page.cfm?p=2120 Email: dsteigerwald@sas.edu.sg Lauri Coulter Associate Director of Alumni Relations SAS Alumni Website: http://alumni.sas.edu.sg/ Email: lcoulter@sas.edu.sg Mike Rogers (00) SAS Alumnus and Co-Founder of Persistent Productions Persistent Productions Website: http://persistentproductions.com/ Email: p2mrogers@gmail.com
Filming for the Revolutionizing Learning video took place around the globe, including at Singapore American School’s Woodland campus.
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Alex Fortmann (14) SAS Alumnus, NYU student, and Founder of Fortmann Films Fortmann Films website: http://www.fortmannfilms.com/ Email: fortmannfilms@gmail.com
SPRING 2015
Living overseas, risk taking and the power of ideas
Engaging Kids for 40 Years Excerpts from graduation speech to the Class of 2014 Jim Baker (66), Faculty from 1971-1974, 1982-2014
…Today you join over 6,000 other SAS graduates with whom you share a common bond. You also join graduates from schools like yours in Tokyo, New Delhi, Nairobi and Sao Paulo. You have a common bond with them as well – you all spent time as teenagers living in countries that weren’t your native lands. SPRING 2015
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
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COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES • Maximum of 10 college applications per student • All recommendations are confidential • Early Decision applicants agree it is their first choice for all universities worldwide • Disciplinary infractions resulting in an out-of-school suspension are disclosed to colleges and universities on application forms if requested
7%
4%
Required to complete 2-years in the Singapore National Service
Gap year before beginning studies
89%
of the Class 2014 began college directly after graduation
% OF STUDENTS ATTENDING COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY IN 7% CANADA
80%
USA
3% UK
1%
Other
5%
Asia
4%
Australia
They call you third culture kids, a term that sprang up in the late 1960s. Terms like culture lag and culture shock were used to describe your re-entrance into your home societies. The point being that time spent outside your home culture made readjustment difficult when you returned. I know I felt it when I returned to the US in the 1960s, and I have heard Dr Stuart talk of it when he returned in the 1980s. We were American but culturally different. We didn’t seem to fit in. A college recruiter once asked me what makes SAS different from a good suburban or private school in the States? It was an interesting question. A few things make you different. Pew Research claims that in America today, 36% of young people between the ages of 18 and 31 are living with their parents. You aren’t going to move into your parents’ basements after graduation. Most of you will leave this summer and never return to Singapore. You may return for Christmas or a summer or two, but not 12
much more. Your parents will move. Your friends will move. Home for you is not a place – it has more to do with people. I had to chuckle a few years ago when students instituted homecoming. Who was coming home? There are a handful of alums in Singapore, but that’s it. Alumni from the 60s and 70s have had reunions every two years since 1981, but these take place in Houston, DC and Vancouver. Homecoming for them and for you is not a place but people with shared memories of growing up in Singapore… Some would say that your overseas experience or TCK status makes you different. I’m increasingly convinced that the TCK phenomenon has lost some of its relevance. When I look at you I see a multitude of overseas experiences based on: where you lived overseas; how long you lived overseas; your family origins. You are not part of a third culture but rather part of a new culture bred by information technology and the rise of the Asia/Pacific region. You are poster children for what Kenichi Ohmae in his book A Borderless World calls it the Californization of Pacific culture. He says that tens of millions of teenagers around the Pacific Rim, having been raised in a multimedia, technological environment, have a lot more in common with one another than they do with members of older generations in their own culture. If you want an example, look no further than President Obama… Most of you have won what Warren Buffett calls
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
In the time you are in college, search for what’s important to you. Prepare for the risks ahead. Don’t let these years be the best of your life... the Ovarian Lottery. Your parents gave you incredibly rich lives full of great memories, but if you want richer memories going forward, there are a couple of lessons to learn. One is to take risks and the other is to recognize that ideas and the ability to communicate them matter and are worth taking those risks for. SAS is an impressive place with great facilities, great programs and great teachers. It is also a case study in SPRING 2015
UNIVERSITY MATRICULATION FOR THE CLASSES OF 2011-2014
The following is a list of the colleges and universities members of the Classes of 2011 to 2014 chose to attend. The students from these four classes received 3,500 acceptances at 675 institutions in 18 countries. Decisions for many National Servicemen and graduates from the Class of 2014 attending universities on a different academic cycle are not included.
USA American University Arizona State (2) Art Center Col of Design Auburn University Azusa Pacific Univ (2) Babson College (5) Barnard College Bates College (3) Baylor University (3) Bentley University (3) Berkeley City College Binghamton University Boston Architectural Col Boston College (6) Boston University (14) Bowdoin College Brandeis University Brigham Young Univ (11) Brooks Inst of Photography Brown University (3) Bryn Mawr College (2) Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (2) Cal State, Fullerton California College of Arts California Lutheran Univ Calvin College (2) Carleton College (2) Carnegie Mellon (12) Case Western Reserve Catholic Univ of America Champlain College Chapman University (5) Claremont McKenna (9) Clark University Clemson University (2) Colby College (2) Colgate University (3) Col of William & Mary (3) Colorado College Colorado School of Mines Colorado State (10) Columbia Col, Chicago (2) Columbia University (10) Connecticut College Cornell University (16) Dartmouth College (2) De Anza College Delta State University Denison University (2) DePaul University (8) Dickinson College DigiPen Institute of Tech Drake University Drew University Drexel University Duke University (11) Eastern Kentucky Univ Eckerd College El Camino College Elon University (11) Embry-Riddle (4) Emerson College (2) Emmanuel College (2) Emory University (6) Eugene Lang College Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Fashion Institute of Tech Florida State University Fordham University (3) Franklin and Marshall Col (2) Furman University (2) George Mason University George Washington Univ (12) Georgetown University (6) Georgia Tech (11)
SPRING 2015
Grinnell College Grove City College Guilford College Hamilton College Harvard University (4) Harvey Mudd College (4) Hofstra University (2) Illinois Institute of Tech Indiana University (6) Ithaca College Johns Hopkins University (5) Kalamazoo College Kenyon College (2) Knox College (3) Lake Forest College Lawrence University Lewis & Clark College Linfield College Los Angeles College of Music Louisiana State University (2) Loyola Marymount Univ (11) Loyola Univ, Chicago (2) Luther College Macalester College Manhattan College (2) Manhattan Comm College Manhattan School of Music Manhattanville College Marist College (2) Marquette University (2) Maryland Institute Col of Art Marymount California Univ McDaniel College (3) Menlo College Miami University Michigan State University (4) Middlebury College (2) Milligan College Montana State University Mount Holyoke College (3) National Hispanic University New England College New Jersey Institute of Tech New York Cons Dramatic Arts New York University (34) Northeastern University (24) Northern Arizona University Northwestern University (17) Oberlin College Occidental College (5) Ohio State University (2) Ohio University (2) Oklahoma State University Olympic College Pace University Pacific Lutheran University Pacific University Parsons Sch for Design (2) Penn State (14) Pepperdine University (3) Pitzer College Polytechnic Institute of NYU Portland State University (2) Pratt Institute (6) Princeton University (4) Purdue University (12) Quinnipiac University Reed College (2) Rensselaer Polytechnic (2) Rhode Island Sch of Design (3) Rice University (5) Ringling College of Art (2) Rochester Institute of Tech Rutgers, New Jersey (2) Saint Joseph’s University Saint Leo University Saint Mary’s Col, California Saint Mary’s Col, Indiana
Sam Houston State San Diego Mesa College (2) San Francisco State San Jacito College San Jose State University Santa Barbara City College Santa Clara University (5) Santa Monica College (3) Savannah College of Art School of Art Inst Chicago (4) School/Museum of Fine Arts Scripps College (3) Seattle Central College Seminole State College Simmons College Skidmore College Smith College Southern Methodist (2) St. Catherine University St. Edward’s University (3) Stanford University (3) Stony Brook University Suffolk University (4) SUNY at Albany Swarthmore College Syracuse University Texas A&M University (14) Texas Christian University Texas State University (2) Tidewater Comm College Trinity University Tufts University (3) Union College Univ at Buffalo, SUNY Univ of Alabama (2) Univ of Arizona (3) Univ of Cal, Berkeley (6) Univ of Cal, Davis (2) Univ of Cal, Los Angeles (20) Univ of Cal, San Diego (6) Univ of Cal, Santa Barbara (2) Univ of Central Florida Univ of Chicago (8) Univ of Cincinnati (2) Univ of Colorado (5) Univ of Connecticut (3) Univ of Dayton Univ of Delaware (2) Univ of Denver (2) Univ of Evansville Univ of Florida (2) Univ of Georgia Univ of Hartford Univ of Hawaii (2) Univ of Idaho Univ of Illinois (27) Univ of Iowa (2) Univ of La Verne Univ of Mary Washington Univ of Maryland Univ of Massachusetts (2) Univ of Miami (8) Univ of Michigan (7) Univ of Missouri (2) Univ of Montana (2) Univ of N Colorado (2) Univ of Nevada, Las Vegas Univ of New Orleans Univ of North Carolina (3) Univ of North Dakota Univ of Notre Dame (3) Univ of Oklahoma Univ of Oregon (10) Univ of Pacific Univ of Pennsylvania (8) Univ of Pittsburgh (3) Univ of Portland Univ of Richmond
Univ of Rochester (2) Univ of Saint Joseph Univ of San Diego (4) Univ of San Francisco (4) Univ of South Alabama Univ of South Florida Univ of Southern Cal (7) Univ of St. Thomas Univ of Tampa Univ of Tennessee Univ of Texas (9) Univ of Tulsa (2) Univ of Utah Univ of Vermont Univ of Virginia (7) Univ of Washington (11) Univ of West Florida Univ of Wisconsin (2) Univ of Wyoming Upper Iowa University US Coast Guard Academy Utah State University Valencia College Vassar College (2) Virginia Tech (3) Wagner College Wake Forest University Washington State Univ (4) Washington U, St. Louis (11) Wellesley College (3) Wentworth Institute of Tech Wesleyan University Western Washington Univ Wharton County Jr College Wheaton College, Illinois Wheelock College Willamette University (3) Williams College Yale University
Singapore
Australia
Asia
Australian National (2) Blue Mountains Hotel Bond University Curtin University Deakin University Griffith University Murdoch University (2) Royal Melbourne Tech (3) Swinburne Univ of Tech University of Melbourne University of NS Wales (6) University of Queensland (2) University of Sydney (3) University of Technology (2) University of W Sydney (2)
Ateneo de Manila (Philippines) De La Salle Univ (Philippines-2) Doshisha University (Japan) Hanyang University (Korea) Hong Kong U Sci/Tech (2) International Christian (Japan) Intl Aca of Film/TV (Philippines) Korea Sci/Tech (KAIST) Korea University (2) Nagoya University (Japan-2) National Taiwan Univ Osaka University (Japan) Peking University (China) Sogang University (Korea) Sophia University (Japan-3) Temple University (Japan) Univ of Hong Kong (3) Waseda University (Japan-3) Yonsei University (Korea-7)
Canada Acadia Univ Bishop’s University Brock University (2) Concordia University Dalhousie University HEC Montreal McGill University (18) McMaster University (3) Mount Allison Univ (2) Queen’s University (2) Univ of British Columbia (26) University of Alberta University of Ottawa University of Toronto (6) University of Waterloo (2)
Culinary Inst of America Curtin Singapore (2) Lasalle College of Arts (5) Mgmt Dev Institute Nanyang Tech Univ-NTU (2) National U of Singapore-NUS (3) Singapore Inst of Mgmt-SIM (2) Singapore Mgmt Univ-SMU (3) Singapore U Tech/Design-SUTD Yale-NUS College
UK Architectural Asso Sch Cardiff University (2) Durham University Imperial College, London (2) King’s College London (2) Newcastle University (2) Queen Mary, U of London Richmond, London Roehampton University SOAS, Univ of London University College London (2) University College, Dublin University of Bath University of Birmingham University of Buckingham University of Cambridge (2) University of Edinburgh (4) University of Manchester University of Northumbria (2) University of Nottingham University of Southampton University of St. Andrews University of West of England University of York
Other Academy of Hospitality (UAE) American Univ, Paris (France) American Univ, Sharjah (UAE) Erasmus Univ (Netherlands) Katholieke (Netherlands) Les Roches (Switzerland-2) New York U, Abu Dhabi (UAE) SKEMA Business Sch (France) Univ Iberoamericana (Mexico) Univ Javeriana (Columbia) Univ of Auckland (New Zealand)
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ACADEMICS
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
STUDENT POPULATION
• 30 AP courses - largest overseas AP school • 595 students completed 1,423 exams in 2014 • 310 received an AP Scholar award from the College Board • 184 high school course options • 60 different Week without Walls Interim courses • One to World laptop/mobile technology
• 100+ clubs/organizations including 45 student service groups • 11 interscholastic sports teams and 14 recreational sports clubs • 7 honor societies • 70% voluntarily participate in community service activities
• 50+ nationalities school-wide • 3,950 students pre-school through grade 12 • 1,200 high school students • 110 high school faculty • Class of 2015 - 303 students in the senior class - 29 nationalities - 57% US citizens - 31% non-US citizens - 12% dual citizens of the US and another country
some serious risk taking. In the 1950s about 30 parents got together to create the school. At that time Singapore was a society torn by political violence and agitation and class conflict. When they began, there was literally no legal entity known as the Singapore American School. A committee of parents put their own names on leases and employment contracts. If it failed, they failed. And failure was a distinct possibility because while kids in the States had snow days, we had riot days. It is an amazing story of people who weighed what was important to them – American education for their kids – with their reputations and incomes and took the risks. You are the heirs of those risk takers. Interim Semester is, according to our alumni, one of the best memories of their high school years. It is also a case study in risk taking. It wouldn’t happen if your teachers were not willing to take risks. Being responsible for someone else’s kids 24/7 in some pretty strange places says a lot about those teachers who believe that it is important to expand student horizons beyond Planet Singapore. For many of you, your most vivid memories are of extracurricular activities and the things you did outside of class. • When you tried out for a play or exhibited your art, you risked ridicule and failure • As you asked for dates to the prom in public, you took the risk of looking like an idiot • When you tried out for a sports team and then competed, you risked failure In the time you are in college, search for what’s 14
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THAT OLD
PODIUM
KING’S ROAD RELIC FINDS A NEW HOME
important to you. Prepare for the risks ahead. Don’t let these years be the best years of your life… Ideas are worth taking risks. You are fortunate to have an opportunity in the next four years to define what ideas are important and what they mean to you. Remember though, sometimes you will have to fight for your ideas, to act on them. When this happens, always fight up. There is no honor in vanquishing the weak. But to take on the powerful in the cause of an idea? There’s a fight worth having! In a world increasingly connected (I would argue too connected.) with cell phones, Internet, social media that constantly pitch collaborative skills, you need some solitude, some time with yourself. Walk down a country lane – without your iphone. Sit on the beach at night and reflect on the moon over the water. The house at 1 am when everyone is asleep. These are the times when you will be closest to your dreams and your God. I woke every morning with the opportunity to engage kids in the things I love – history, economics, sports, debate. It was never a job as long as it was between me and the kids. I wish the same for you – that you find something you really enjoy doing. And if you’re lucky, someone will pay you to do it. Jim Baker was one of the first 100 students at SAS when it opened in 1956. He graduated in 1966, and returned to SAS to teach in 1971. Between 1974 and 1982, Jim taught in Iran, Cairo and Malaysia. He returned to SAS in 1982 and retired in 2014. Jim taught history and economics and was the track and field coach for 32 years. SPRING 2015
L
Junia Baker, Contributing Editor and Former Parent
ONG AGO, DON CHAMBERS (70), PRESIDENT of the eighth grade class of 1966, gave a wood podium to Singapore American School on behalf of his class. Over the years, many leaders and speakers stood behind that podium – student council nominees, graduation speakers, principals, superintendents, and counselors. Ambassadors and celebrities spoke from it. Students practiced debates. Muhammad Ali held students spellbound with a rap in 1974. Former President Gerald Ford greeted students in 1981. In the beginning, the podium was unadorned except for the plaque from the eighth grade class of 1966, but soon the SAS crest was placed on the front, Its red, white, and blue coat of arms represented the school from its inception in 1956 until it was declared “old fashioned” and replaced 40 years later. Sometime in 1984, the heavy old podium was replaced with a modern pine one. Its crest was removed and placed on the new podium. The old podium languished in the gymnasium, was occasionally used for sports awards, but mostly gathered dust in a storeroom. Teacher Jim Baker rescued it. He had been a senior at SAS when the podium was given to the school and well-remembered both the occasion and how special the gift had been to the school community. He happily taught behind it for the next 12 years, creating alumni memories of him and “that old podium.” In 1996, Baker took a year’s leave to write a book, and fearful that the podium would be tossed in the chaos of the school’s move to Woodlands, he moved it to his apartment. In 1997, the podium returned to his new classroom in Woodlands. Another teacher, Paula Silverman
(‘87-present), had salvaged the old coat of arms, which Baker put on the podium. Many more alumni memories of debates and discussions were born in that high school classroom with the funky, old podium. At the end of the 2014 school year, as Baker was wrapping up his final year teaching at SAS, he found a new home for the podium in the classroom of Vicki Rameker Rogers (95), who has been teaching at SAS since the early 2000s. She is honored and touched to be able to continue the tradition. Baker also gave her the original entrance sign that welcomed students to the King’s Road campus, which is proudly displayed in her classroom.
40th Anniversary of SACAC Singapore American Football Susan Studebaker-Rutledge (80)
Teamwork, Commitment, Leadership, Tradition... ...these are the foundations of the Singapore American Football League (SAFL).
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THE LIVES OF YOUNG AMERICANS IN SINGAPORE in the 1970s were enriched by a number of activities generated from within its well-established American community. The nature of the community at this time had taken on a “Southern” accent that dictated which new activities would be popular. A significant portion of the community was made up of “oil patch” parents, an informal term referring to a region in the United States that produces a significant amount of oil. The oil patch states include Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Louisiana, which many in the community called “home.” In those states, the game of football traditionally was a lifestyle along with a deep passion. So the idea that football could be played in Singapore met with great enthusiasm. The Singapore American Football League was formed by parent volunteers, but SACAC (Singapore American Community Action Council) took over its administration in 1974. It began when members of the community saw a need to provide young people with sports options that resonated with them. There was also recognition that a high number of young people were involved in detrimental activities, so the need for football and the life lessons that come with the sport became a community priority. Along with a group of mainly oilfield-related businessmen, a commission was formed, equipment purchased and two leagues formed: the American (ages 9-11) and the National (ages 12-14) Leagues. The World League (ages 14-18) was added the following year. The open grass field on Dover Road was used for the first few years. It wasn’t even a full-size field. During extreme torrential rains the field even had to be flipped a different direction so that the players could avoid muddy, sunken holes. An alternative location was badly needed. Football is an expensive sport, but parents in the
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community negotiated with SAS for permission to build a field on the Ulu Pandan campus with stands and lights, an announcer’s booth and concession stands. An enthusiastic group of “oil patch” parents along with the oil service companies bankrolled the program. McDermott Engineering, Bethlehem Steel, TRW/Reda Pump, Halliburton and countless others contributed over $100,000 to provide a magnificent field, uniforms and gear for the kids. The stadium was packed every Saturday, all day long! Parents, family friends and colleagues came out for the games, atmosphere, concessions and the best hot dogs in Asia. In those days our league was supplemented by players from UWC, ISS and the local schools. The young men came from a multitude of nations,
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backgrounds and sports. Some of the kids who excelled in SAFL were from Australia, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France, Japan, Korea, Mexico, India, Canada and Singapore. For a decade (1975-1985), football was the largest program in the American community. The number of people involved in the program was nothing short of phenomenal. There were 12 teams, each with coaches and staff, 12 cheerleading squads, water girls and Sports Medicine trainers. In 1978, it was estimated that 500 students were involved, close to a third of the school. SACAC football set such an example for the region that in 1977, the international schools in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur formed teams and joined the league. The KL-Singapore leagues played intermittently in the 1970s
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SACAC FOOTBALL
40 YEARS
SAFL has held fast to the ideals of good sportsmanship, staunch ethical behavior and integrity of culture and community for all participants on and off the football field.
and early 1980s and for a while the competition was called the Durian Bowl. Games with the Jakarta league lasted only three years because Indonesia did not have good medical facilities for injured athletes. At the peak of participation and support, the four Singapore World Leagues played home and away games in both KL and Jakarta. Crowds of 1,200 to 1,500 attended the games. They ate barbecue provided by the Cajun Chefs, a group of oil patch men. Drill teams, cheerleaders and play-by-play commentators completed the picture. In the 1990s, a SAFL all-star team, the Falcons began a football series with Department of Defense schools in Korea, Japan, Okinawa and Guam, which is ongoing. The traditions of the SAFL League
continue today, though the league is much smaller. SAFL always has an opening ceremony to “kick off” the season and a closing ceremony where special awards are presented. For example, the first award was established in 1979 for a player who passed away that season. The David Nobles Award has been given out for 35 years. When the award is announced yearly at the closing ceremony, all previous recipients are recognized so as to celebrate each player who has received it. Another tradition is the playing of both the Singaporean and American national anthems. SAFL has long proved to be an invaluable program offering each player, coach, volunteer and family
1974 SAFL began with two leagues
1975 High school league founded
1977 Football field built at SAS
Student Sports Medicine Club organized
an opportunity to develop, belong and excel. SAFL has held fast to the ideals of good sportsmanship, staunch ethical behavior and integrity of culture and community for all participants on and off the football field. Susan is married to fellow alum Greg Rutledge (78), and mother to current SAS student Asia (20). She is a former SACAC SAFL cheerleader (1975-80), has served as the SAFL cheerleading coach since 2006 and is chair for the SAS 60th Reunion. She is pictured opposite with Jeff Woodard, Current SAFL Commissioner, and Rod Jahner, past SAFL Commissioner, at the 40th celebration.
1978
JES (Jakarta) joins league for 3 years
1979 KL Cobras join the league for 10 years
1992 Falcon travel team formed to play DODD schools
2005 Rob McCrae Coaches Award established – Jamie Matisin is first recipient
1980s
Pro football players help strengthen the program, which becomes biggest American football league in SEA
1998 Falcons first victory against Korea All-Stars
2006 Flag football league added
2007 Rod Jahner Service Award established – Gayle Yap is first recipient
2014
2012 Falcons rated in Top 10 High Schools in the Pacific for the first time
Nils Berggren Memorial Award established
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From Boston to Asia and Back Pilar Wolfsteller (87)
Boston Common in the middle of January can be paper, folded and sealed and sent on uncertain threebleak. Snow crunches under my feet, my down-feather week journeys. coat insulating some body heat as the tips of my ears burn After college, I decided this was the way I wanted from the cold. The sun has set, and wind lashes the open to live my life as an adult, so I kept on going. I chose a space in the middle of the city. liberal arts education (rather than studying something On a similarly bleak January afternoon in 1985, a “sensible”), became a journalist and witnessed many stone’s throw from the very place I am making my tracks monumental events of our time. I interviewed heads in the freshly fallen snow, my big sister sat down at the of state and refugees, covered negotiations and their desk in her tiny apartment to write me a letter. She was a consequences and documented heartbreak and young woman in her 20s, scratching out an existence as a redemption. I experienced a young democracy throw off cashier in a natural foods market, waiting for her dream to the chains of its oppressor and heard young soldiers in a happen. I was a kid, twelve time zones away in Singapore, distant desert question what it was that they were actually getting set to return to the United States after my father’s fighting for. I observed injustices, conflict, diplomacy and employer ordered him back to the homeland. celebration. All of it engaged me, made me think and made me who I am today. And what about you? What preparations are you My path was paved with sizeable opportunities, making for the move back to this sad and wonderful immeasurable luck and unbridled enthusiasm. I knew country called America? I’m telling you, lately I’ve that I was living my dream. From Buenos Aires to had a great love for this land. One day I want to put Bangkok and Baghdad to Berlin, I had figured out how everything into storage and just go. See this country, to travel, exist, absorb, survive and thrive in this great listen to the street music, hear everybody’s stories, have world of unlimited possibility. I learned to fly – both deep philosophical conversations with strangers in bus metaphorically and literally – and for this I am deeply stations, see the unknown actors. I love these people. grateful. In 2006 I returned to Singapore for the first – and only It seems my entire life has been a series of comings and – time since we had left as a family 21 years earlier. The goings, of curious hellos and bittersweet goodbyes. It’s in my blood. It’s the way I grew up, attending ten different bright colors, sensuous smells and lush tropics held me schools in five countries on three continents. My father’s tight, as I reconciled the Singapore of my past with the career took our family to the far reaches of the planet to wonderland of the present. From my hotel I could see uncharted territory and unknown lands. When we first the apartment building in which I celebrated my tenth arrived in Asia in 1976, our only link to those we’d left birthday. I remembered which public bus would get me behind were handwritten aerograms, on thin sky-blue to the house where I grew from a girl into a teenager, and
Two big questions plagued my freewheeling, spontaneous, just-let-me-go-where-the-story-is lifestyle: Where is home? And how do I get there?
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In 2003 Pilar covered the conflicts in the Persian Gulf for Reuters. She was embedded on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and spent several months on the ground in Iraq.
Spirited Alum Ee Chien Chua (07) Interview with Lauri Coulter
My entire life has been a series of comings and goings, of curious hellos and bittersweet goodbyes.
Ee Chien Chua attended SAS 2003-2007. He graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) and currently works as an analyst at Goldman Sachs. He has his own sourcing business, Straits Traders, where he has worked with the school to source various products. He can be reached at ee@straitstraders.com. During the 2013/14 school year alumnus Ee Chien Chua began working with SAS to source and produce some of the spirit items distributed by the PTA and alumni programs. We asked Ee to share with us a little about his work with the school.
Why did you set up your own sourcing business, Straits Traders? where our family began to splinter. Mr. Dodge, the SAS teacher who inspired me to major in history, met me for lunch, then wrote up my story for Journeys magazine (June 2007). Through all of this, though, two big questions plagued my freewheeling, spontaneous, just-let-me-go-where-thestory-is lifestyle: Where is home? And how do I get there? I arrived in Boston by chance last summer. A job offer was my ticket back to the United States, after all those years of wandering and wondering. Now I am 22
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reacquainting myself with my country, listening to the street musicians and the strangers in bus stations and seeing the unknown actors. I now walk in my sister’s shoes, but I make my own tracks across a snow-covered Boston Common on a cold afternoon in January. Pilar Wolfsteller moved to Asia and attended JIS in Jakarta (1976-1979), UWC in Singapore (1979-1980) and SAS at Ulu Pandan and King’s Road (1982-1985). She lives and writes in Boston. SPRING 2015
What made you decide to get involved with sourcing and providing products for SAS? I thought it would be fun to work with the school and thought that I might be able to help, so I started by reaching out to the PTA and found that they needed help sourcing a particular gift item for staff. I obtained the product they needed at 60 percent less than what they had been quoted. After that, I provided a range of gift and affinity items for the Alumni Relations Office. Although I’m working full time now, and much more busy, I’m continuing to work with the PTA/Booster Booth and the Alumni Office. I'll always be willing to help the Eagles when I can!
I've always had a desire to be an entrepreneur and was always trying to think of different businesses that I could start. I wanted something that was not capital intensive. I started out with a bunch of app and product ideas that didn't work out. After spending some time at the entrepreneurship center on campus at my university (BYU), I realized that a lot of students had great ideas (especially with products) but didn't necessarily have the connections to help them with manufacturing, especially outside the US. I already had connections (with family and friends) and started helping students with their sourcing needs.
What's next?
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I'd love to go into the food business someday. That's where my true passion lies. Right now, I'm working with a friend, who is getting his PhD at Wharton, on a company that will help international students with job and graduate school preparation.
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Thank you, Singapore. We will always be connected, and as TCKs, we know our puzzle pieces may be out of synch, but they still fit perfectly. We “get” one another.
Till We Meet Again, Singapura Ed Diess (77)
“So Dad, happy to be home?” Those were my daughter’s first words after we landed in Singapore just past midnight on June 12, 2014. It had been eight years since I had been back, and just as before the closer we got, the warmer my heart became. Journeys through life certainly define who we are, and I am no exception. Being raised by a single dad and being a single dad myself, I wanted to share a piece of my heart with each of my children. That way, when I answer the question “Where are you from?” they will have seen it with their own eyes and understand. Seeing their Dad’s “hometown” and how he grew up as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) would encourage them to understand different cultures, experiences and perspectives. After all, that is what life is about, understanding and relating to one another. Also they would see firsthand that relationships are to be treasured and that an appetite for adventure, taking risks and exploring is one worth satisfying.
“MAN CANNOT DISCOVER NEW OCEANS UNLESS HE HAS THE COURAGE TO LOSE SIGHT OF THE SHORE.” – ANDRE GIDE Journeys through life certainly define who we are, and I am no exception. I started out in Toledo, Ohio 24
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where my dad, mom, brother and I were going on about our lives growing up together. Suddenly my parents divorced. I was 7 and my brother was 5; we both have vague memories of them together. Dad had custody of me and Mom had custody of my brother, Will. Shortly thereafter Dad (businessman and operations manager) and I moved to Singapore where I was raised. My brother stayed in Toledo with Mom who was a public school teacher. Though my brother and I did not grow up together, we both know that blood is thicker than distance and are close. When Dad and I arrived in Singapore in 1975, we were both scared, but we set out to make the best of our adventure, as father and son apart from mom and brother. As I reflect back on growing up in Singapore and Asia, I realize the experience helped Dad and me heal our scars, so much so that they became a source of strength. The hope of a new tomorrow became a reality as the months and years passed. Singapore, you and I are about two weeks apart in terms of age; good thing you are the older one! We have known each other since we were nine, and I would not be who I am had we not crossed paths. You are in my heart and run through my veins. I became a blend of your SPRING 2015
Asian culture and Dad’s. You have certainly changed in the time we have known each other, and your journey from third world country to first happened right before my eyes. My son, Will, remarked that you are several cultures and countries in one. I shared with him that as I thought about my schoolmates and friends, he could name any country and/or background and would likely be right. Growing up on your shores I was able to experience relationships and gain perspectives that I never would have otherwise. For all my school classmates and friends who were there with me, this trip back certainly brought back memories of our times together, as many of them were following this journey with my kids on my Facebook posts each day. Thank you, Singapore. We will always be connected, and as TCKs, we know our puzzle pieces may be out of synch, but they still fit perfectly. We “get” one another. I rubbed my eyes each day I was in Singapore and Malaysia with Will, Rachel and Zoe. It was a dream come true. Being with the three of them is always home to me, and I feel blessed to have been able to give them my heart and go to the place that was home to me when I was their age. I realized it opened their eyes, as it did mine when it became my home. Truly understanding and relating to friends from other cultures, backgrounds and countries will help them walk in others’ shoes. It is an honor and blessing to be their dad.
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As we left Singapore after our two-week journey, my final post was: Goodbyes are hard, I prefer “see you laters.” The same held true when I left America when I was nine years old. I did not want to take my eyes off Singapore when the plane took off. This journey actually began not in 2014, but rather in 1975, and this time “later” was eight years ago, which was when I was here in 2006. On that trip with Dad, I knew it would be good for my kids to see this place I called home when I was growing up. They now love (hawker) fast food here too! As we departed I was reminded of two things: the first to always “Treasure your relationships, not your possessions” (Anthony D’Angelo); the second is to encourage a spirit of adventure and exploration, because as Mark Twain famously said “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
JUMPA LAGI, SINGAPURA [TILL WE MEET AGAIN]
Opposite Page: Ed at SAS in 2014 with Rachel, Zoe and Will. Below Left: Ed and his father on a 1976 dive trip near Rawa island, Malaysia. Below Right: Ed with long-time friends, Susan Studebaker-Rutledge ’80, Greg Rutledge ’78 and Asia Rutledge ’20.
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GAP YEAR
Volunteering in Batam
I
GRADUATED LAST YEAR AND WAS ACCEPTED to the University of Oregon but deferred my acceptance so I could gain some valuable experience during a gap year. So far I’ve made several volunteer trips to Batam, Indonesia to teach English, been given the opportunity to take professional photographs for a couple of architecture firms and just completed my second architecture internship in Singapore. I never imagined that my senior play space project in engineering science class would come in so handy. Who knew?! It taught me to work with materials that I’m given and to work along certain themes and guidelines. At my landscape architecture firm, my boss told my team to come up with an original, multipurpose play space for almost all ages, for the firm’s hotel project in Thailand, called Circle. The requirements were that the play space be the same theme as the rest of the resort (lots of nets, funky art sculptures, ropes, trees, very tropical-ish). They generally don’t let interns determine too much about the design of their projects, but I’m guessing they put me on that assignment because I’m still young enough to know what young people would want. I am happy to report that the play space I designed is going to be built at the resort! I am beyond grateful to my teachers Mr. Bright and Mr. Martin for their support. In addition to the amazing internships, I have also made a couple of weekend trips to Batam volunteering with the Christian community there. I go with Hazel Tan, a past SACAC Athletics Director and fellow alum Raymond Bryars (14). Thanks to Hazel’s contact with Pastor Kang (a Korean Christian on a mission in Batam), we were able to work alongside him and the staff of the the Eben Haezer School to teach the students English and to beautify the school.
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Interning in Architecture Ryan Al-Schamma (14)
On our first trip Hazel brought along a donation of used sports balls and equipment from SACAC as props so that we could teach English both in the classroom and out on the sports field. Each of us, with the help of one or two teachers from the school, took on about 120 students. The crowd control and language barrier presented challenges, but by the end of the morning our students had their introductions down to a tee! We spent the rest of the day practicing basic English commands and instructions through playing team sports. The following day we taught English to members of the adult congregation at Pastor Kang’s Sunday School. Our second trip took place during a local national holiday so there was hardly anyone in school. We took the opportunity to spruce up the entire back wall of the building with murals. The wall had been old bare cement, which made it a dreary and uninspiring sight from the classrooms. We had raised S$400 to cover the cost of paint and utensils. We were grateful to the handful of artistic students who came back to school during their holidays to help us paint! Had it not been for them, we may not have finished the project. The next morning we attended Pastor Kang’s service and presented the church band with an electric guitar set that had been donated to these gracious and kind people. Before I head to college this fall, Raymond and I are hoping to plan more trips to the Eben Haezer school and to working alongside many more wonderful people in this special community! Readers can find photos of our time in Batam on my blog ralschammaportfolio. wordpress.com.
Adrian Bautista (09)
This Page: Ryan’s aircraft simulator at SAS. Right Page: Ryan and students next to the wall they decorated at Eben Haezer school.
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WHY GIVE? INTERVIEW WITH
ASTRID SALIM (95), PARENT OF REIKA (26)
A Passionate Student, Parent, Volunteer and Supporter
Fly
SAS Provided the Foundation to Gil McMillan (05)
I ATTENDED SAS FROM 1999-2003 (MIDDLE OF 7TH grade to sophomore year). To this day, those years remain the most formative years of my adolescence. My closest friends were made at SAS, and many of us remain in close contact today. It is the great environment that SAS provides that fosters such endearing friendships. I will continue to be thankful for them and for everything SAS gave me. Those friendships are a huge part of why I have chosen the career path I have. I have been in the Marine Corps since graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 2009. To become a Marine Corps pilot, I completed flight school and received my wings and designation as a Naval Aviator in 2012. During that time, I also married my college sweetheart, a fellow Naval Academy alum who is also in the Marine Corps. Now, as a Captain in the Marines, I fly the UH-1Y “Venom� Super Huey. It is a Close Air Support Attack 28
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Utility helicopter. My primary mission is to provide ground troops with immediate air support with precision guided rockets and machine gun fire. I recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan, executing that very mission and helping close out the U.S. campaign in that region. Although the realities of combat are harsh, it goes without saying that it was an absolute blessing and honor to serve in that combat theater one last time with dedicated servicemen and women. But even through the trials that combat brings, it was my friendships forged at SAS that remained a constant pillar of support and motivation. So again, thank you SAS for providing an environment that shapes and molds young boys and girls into great men and women who can always be counted on to give their dedication and support whenever and wherever needed.
Semper Fidelis.
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When did you start at SAS?
I joined SAS as a sophomore in 1993. I was in a local school in Singapore before that, but I wanted to attend college in the US so my family decided SAS would be a better fit. I fell in love with the school and with the teachers SAS teachers were demanding and expected a lot, but they treated us with respect and valued us as individuals. They cared and still do! In school, I was a math nerd with a 4.0 GPA who loved to dance. I was always either in the accounting room with Mrs. Clark or with Mrs. Silverman dancing. They were my two favorite teachers. They let me explore my passions, but they kept me in line as well, so I knew I was on the right track. They taught me to be disciplined and to work hard. Mrs. Silverman was my mentor. She was a perfectionist and demanding but very supportive. I had been interested in dance since I was a little girl, but it was because of her that that I developed my passion and love for dance.
Where did you go to college, and what have you done since you graduated?
I was accepted to MIT but went to University of Kansas with my boyfriend. We had known each other since we were kids and had been dating since I was a sophomore. He came to my performances and was my date for every SAS dance/prom. He is Japanese but has lived in Indonesia, Singapore, and the US. I transferred to and graduated from University of Colorado, Boulder, majoring in finance and marketing. Kenji and I married and moved to Tokyo after graduation. I worked in investment banking with Credit Suisse and also started my ballroom career there. At first it was a social activity to relieve stress, but I soon discovered I could compete. I moved back to Singapore to train under a professional coach, and for the next 15 years I competed in international competitions representing Spain and Singapore. In 2008 I took time off to have my daughter Reika, who I am delighted is now at SAS. I went back to dancing, but decided not to compete professionally and do shows instead. In 2005 I set up and am still running the PT Pasos de Baile Events Dance Company in Jakarta, which is targeted at ballroom and Latin dance and employs high quality teachers to coach and mentor talented, aspiring local dancers at low or zero cost. In 2010 we produced and ran the Indonesian version of the BBC TV program “Dancing with the Stars.” The challenging but exciting show ran for two years through my company. In addition to producing and managing the show, we provided full dance coaching/training and choreography, as well as costume and set designs.
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What brought you and your family back to Singapore and to SAS?
My family is here, so it made sense to move back. I work in my dad's conglomerate family business, Salim Group, serving as director in five of its companies. Kenji is the executive director at Salim Group's automobile company, Indomobil. He is also working with a Japanese firm to set up a company that designs remote control race cars.
What excites you about the education at SAS?
I flourished when I was a student at SAS. SAS gives students freedom to explore individual directions with discipline and structure. Kenji and I put Reika on the waiting list when she was one year old to make sure she got a spot. I really wanted to start her education here, not only because of the school’s excellent reputation but also because I wanted her to have the same experience I did. SAS has the highest quality teachers and facilities. It provides students with exposure to so many things – including different cultures. I want my daughter to find herself here with very good guidance.
Tell us what you do and why you volunteer at SAS?
Once my daughter started at SAS it was a no-brainer to come back and volunteer with Mrs. Silverman. Dance was and still is my go-to place. I help Mrs. Silverman do workshops for the high school dance club; I do County Fair and Early Childhood Center dance performances;
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and I help her get kids set up for shows. She has always been a huge supporter, keeping in touch and encouraging me when I was performing.
Tell us why the SAS Foundation Board interests you?
Basically, I can’t bake, so that was not my thing. All kidding aside, I really wanted to get involved. My major and professional background made me think that the SAS Foundation Board was the right the place to volunteer. I want to share my story and get other people involved and supporting the school and its programs. I love SAS. I want to be a walking endorsement.
What would you say to parents and alumni about why they should consider supporting SAS?
Clockwise: Astrid Salim working with SAS dancers; with mentor and colleague Paula Silverman; with husband Kenji and daughter Reika.
As a parent, I think it is about our children’s future. We have to support SAS. Our 60th SAS Anniversary theme is “a tradition of innovation,” and that is what it is all about – innovation. Continually working to be the best. I support Dr. Kimball’s programs and the work he is doing for the school. You can already see many amazing improvements and incredible programs being launched that continue to keep us cutting edge as a school. But we need resources to put many of these programs in place, and philanthropic support from the community is essential to make that happen. As an alum I think it’s also about the same thing. When we were students here, the Singapore community, SAS parents and alumni supported us and the future
of the school. Many people have donated time and financial support to meet the needs of the time, which have included moves to different campuses and an ever expanding student body. It is why we have the campus and facilities that we do today. Our job is to pay it forward for the students today and in the future to ensure that SAS remains the best school in the world.
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Please make your gift today! TO MAKE A GIFT ONLINE GO TO WWW.SAS.EDU.SG/GIVING
People
DONATE NOW
Or fill out the enclosed envelope and mail to: SAS Foundation c/o Advancement Office Singapore American School 40 Woodlands 41 Singapore, 738547
All donations made to the SAS Foundation Ltd, a Singapore Institute of Public Character (IPC) UEN: 200813073R/ IPC:000664 or to the Singapore American School Foundation, a United States 501©3 charitable organization, Federal IS No. 13-6266797, qualify for tax benefits in accordance with the applicable laws of the respective country. Each Foundation is a separate, independently governed not-for-profit organization, and each retains sole discretion to determine the most beneficial use of charitable funds, consistent with the respective foundation’s stated missions.
Programs
People Matter
Programs Matter
Places Matter
Our goal is to raise $700,000 for these programs this year.
Our goal is to raise $400,000 this year in support of the programs at SAS
Our goal is to raise $900,000 this year in support of these places.
Singapore american school
Places
ANNUAL FUND2015
support the sas annual fund: donate today People | Programs | Places Each year alumni, current and former parents, students, teachers, staff, and friends of our community come together to support the SAS Annual Fund. The SAS Annual Fund serves as a powerful source of support that has an immediate and meaningful impact on the people, programs, and places at SAS. Please consider supporting the 2014-2015 SAS Annual Fund. With your gift, you demonstrate your pride and passion for Singapore American School. You can show your support with an undesignated gift that will be put to use where it’s needed most, or you can choose from one of the projects noted below. Your gift will be: • Your Vote of Confidence in the Mission and Vision of SAS. Financial support is important in SAS’s efforts to keep its curriculum, technology, facilities, and equipment up to date to provide the highest quality of education, and to recruit and retain the best and brightest faculty and staff to prepare the next generation of leaders.
Give to support professional development for all faculty and a first of its kind new teacher academy which will orient incoming teachers with a clear vision of SAS’ strategic, educational, and leadership goals. Additionally, these gifts will aid our learning support services and nurture the talent, passion, and innovation of our students and faulty.
Today @ SAS
Today @ SAS
Lyn (Reed) Pesek Former SAS board member & parent
Every gift has impact! Thank you for your support!
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
Give to support the continued development of our 1.5 acre rain forest on campus, the remodeling of the performing arts center, and a new wellness center that will serve our entire community.
“SAS is a remarkable school and has been the backbone of success for many in life. I know of no more important work than supporting the excellent education offered at the school. I am proud of my contribution and of those who have carried on our work in the years since I’ve left.”
• A Way to Remember and Say “Thanks” SAS alumni speak often about the impact that SAS had on positively contributing to and shaping their lives. A donation is a way you can show appreciation for the life-changing experience you had at SAS. Pay it forward and your gift will continue to help strengthen and transform the SAS experience for the students of today and tomorrow.
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Give to support programs that distinguish SAS and foster critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration among our students. Funding initiatives include clubs and athletics, service learning, and our speaker series.
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ALUMNI Gatherings Lauri Coulter, Associate Director of Alumni Relations
In January and February 2015 SAS hosted the annual series of alumni gatherings in Houston, Dallas, New York, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco. These events serve as opportunities to network and reconnect with fellow alumni and to hear from the alumni staff about ways to engage and reconnect with one another and with the school through the alumni program. In Boston and San Francisco, Dr. Tim Stuart, who is currently serving as executive director of Research and Development/Strategic Programs, shared with the attendees details about the schoolwide R&D work, the Cataylist Project and the mentorship network program being developed for the High School. Check out who was in attendance at the various events. A great time was had by all.
HOUSTON February, 2015
HOUSTON February, 2015
Log onto our website www.sas.edu.sg/alumnievents or visit Facebook for a list of upcoming alumni events!
Alumni Gatherings
Alumni Gatherings
In Attendance: Astrid Bez (79), Karen Brown (77), Buddy Byington (81), Margaret Chambliss Carnett (78), Craig Cook (78), Bess Terhune (78), John DeMarco (83), Gail Donner (76), PJ Donner (76), Lyndsy Duet (02), Scot Ellebracht (02), Michael Farley (76), Paul Fischbuch (02), Jeffrey Foxhoven (93), Bailey Hampton (00), Katrina Hassett (03), John Hoopingarner (93), Pamela Kahn (78), Leslie King (75), Gilbert Landras (02), Deanna McDonald (86), Suzan Meaux (81), Jackson Moydell (79), Linda Perkins (82), William Reid (83), Terry Renfrow (05), Susan Ridley (77), Christina Rodgers (02), Julianne Rogers (86), Marcus Shriner (80), Martha Silak (78), Steven Studebaker (82), Ronald Tarantino (79), Peter Cunningham (78), Deanna Waggoner (87)
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NEW YORK CITY February, 2015
BOSTON February, 2015
In Attendance: Jelita Adams (09), Renuka Agarwal (08), Adrian Bautista (09), Matthew Bloem (02), Natalie Bowlus (04), Christine Byrne (06), Lena Byrne (08), Kenneth Chen (07), Douglas Fagan (05), Jhila Farzaneh (09), Ian Gillis (09), Adam Hacker (00), Meredith Hayward (09), Denise Hotta-Moung (07), Jane Hurh (08), Karen Lin (08), Alexander Lloyd (06), Sarah McGrath (04), Erin Morris (09), Alissa Poloumieva (09), Kelly Procida (08), Mallika Rao (07), Christina Starkey (07), Bradley Stoughton (21), Ciera Walker (09)
Alumni Gatherings
Alumni Gatherings
In Attendance: Jonathan Amaya-Hodges (00), Liz Bowers (06), Kenneth Chen (07), Meng Chen (09), Paul Griffin (Fac), Kelsey Heiner (07), Denise Hotta-Moung (07), Charles Joseph (03), So Yeon Kim (11), Caroline Lancaster (06), Nicole Liew (09), Jamie Lim (10), Likai Liu (00), Emily Reiff (00), Bill Rives (Fac), Yuvika Tolani (10), Jason Tsai (07), Georgea Tsakiris (09), Katherine V Wilhoit (14), Pilar Wolfsteller (87), Ken Yeoh (08), Stephanie Yiu (04), Samson Yuwono (09)
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DALLAS February, 2015
DALLAS February, 2015
Alumni Gatherings
Alumni Gatherings
In Attendance: Dee Ann Anigian (79), Elizabeth Applewhite (76), Samantha Barnes (96), Emily Calasanz (06), Nicholas Chang (09), Aaron Couch (98), Sandy Flippin Reed (81), Lindsay Grider (98), Kristen Hansen (03), Jacquelyn Jones (68), Matthew Kay (98), Sue Kerrigan-Kempton (76), Mark A Kidder (67), Donna King (81) , Cindy Koch (76), Julie G Kupp (81), April Lesiuk (09), Alexandra Lesiuk (09), Jane Lyon (77), Jerrold Martin (78), Nina Miller (10), Bruce Morris (78), Kristin Munson (89), Aaron Pavone (07), Seema Qureshi (82), Laura Remson (06), Anna Rutledge (84), Carlos Schippel (83), Christian Schnitger (86), Derek Smith (04), Karen Watkins (83), Allison Williams (98)
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SAN FRANCISCO February, 2015
LOS ANGELES February, 2015
In Attendance: Monish Bandodkar (92), Natalie Cole (01), Nicholas Dale (99), Cheherazad Deboo (98), Devonne Edora (06), Mojgahn Emamjomeh (06), Katherine Hollenbach (03), John Koncki (Fac), Vicki Liao (01), Kimberly Lo (01), Fielden Lundy (65), Kaitlyn Newlin (08), Min Hee Oh (01), Denise Pan (04), Daphnie Pan (09), Peter Quain (Fac), Neha Singh (97), Namita Singh (00), Deepti Singh (02), Tate Sonnack (03), Karyn Suwito (06), Tiffany Too (06)
Alumni Gatherings
Alumni Gatherings
In Attendance: Vrinda Manglik (04), Ava Mehta (11), Kathleen Nolan (02), Emma Paton (03), Michael Poimboeuf (76), Andrew Bergstrom (00), Nina Rosche (05), Jesse Scarborough (10), Ray Xu (11)
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Front Row (L-R): Katie Gunter, Vrinda Manglik, Alison Kolla (Rahn), Jessica Widel, Sarah Goddard, Hanna Stagg, Pod Yallapragada, Heather Wigmore, Auggie Bautista, Marcus Murphree, Sasha Salek. Middle Row (L-R): Manish Melwani, Durjay Majlish, Silvia Bernadini, Kelly Santoro (Malina), Marisa Robertson, Goldie Chow, Courtney Young, Jill Smallman, Bianca Santini, Erin Quassa, Jessica Mertlich (Felt), Kristen Spatz, Corey Jahner, Brian Seery, Vincent Vainius, Bob Benbow, Kate LeSueur. Top Row (L-R): Sean Wiley, Kenny Rosche, Sid Rao, Chris Wong, Nicole DeFord, Jake Emerson, Matt MacNelly, Ryan Flavell, Scott Duncombe
Class of 2004
Celebrates 10 Years
Bird’s eye view of the Vegas Strip
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(L-R) Goldie Chow, Marisa Robertson, Silvia Bernadini, Kelly Santoro (Malina)
(L-R) Sid Rao, Vincent Vainius, Bob Benbow, Chris Wong, Auggie Bautista, Sal Sciandra III
(L-R) Chris Wong, Nicole DeFord, Goldie Chow, Sid Rao, Scott Greene
(L-R) Matt MacNelly, Jake Emerson, Bob Benbow, Nicole DeFord, Hanna Stagg, Auggie Bautista, Heather Wigmore, Vincent Vainius, Scott Greene, Marcus Murphree
(L-R) Goldie Chow, Denise Pan, Pod Yallapragada, Sarah Goddard, Bianca Santini, Jessica Mertlich (Felt), Erin Quassa, Alison Kolla (Rahn), Kristen Spatz, Courtney Young, Katie Gunter, Silvia Bernadini, Vrinda Manglik
(L-R) Ryan Flavell, Marcus Murphree, Corey Jahner
(L-R) Kate LeSueur, Courtney Young, Jill Smallman, Jessica Widel, Bianca Santini
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Alumni Gatherings
Alumni Gatherings
Chris Wong ‘04
LAST SUMMER THE CLASS OF 2004 CELEBRATED its 10-year reunion in Las Vegas. Over 50 eagles descended from all over the world for an incredible weekend of fun, laughter and old friendships. The reception was held at the Foundation Room in the Mandalay Bay, where dinner and drinks were served overlooking the twinkling lights of the strip. We then gathered in the media room for a special video presentation of our teachers sharing their fondest memories. We also enjoyed a surprise SAS Eagle cake for dessert! Afterward, shuttle buses took us to XS at the Encore where we had a late night celebration that will last us for another 10 years. No matter how much time had passed, we picked up right where we left off in Singapore. If you didn't get a chance to make it this year, please don't miss out on the next one! Special thanks to the reunion committee: Chris Wong, Nicole Deford, Sid Rao, Scott Greene and Goldie Chow. Go Eagles!
(L-R) Kristen Spatz, Matt MacNelly, Vrinda Manglik, Corey Jahner, Jessica Mertlich (Felt), Erin Quassa
Notes & Quotes
the HonDL degree, International Biographical Centre, Cambridge England, in June 2014. Sue Kerrigan-Kempton (76) has become a grandmother. She and husband Russ started their own business in spirits education, doing distilled spirits tastings nationally for conferences, private and corporate events and festivals. It is lots of fun and interesting.
1950s Stuart Lippe (59) continues to enjoy retirement on Florida’s Atlantic coast. He plans to carry on his good-natured jousting with SAS to merit an asterix.
Michael Poimboeuf (76) is the director of audio and electronic engineering at Aether Things in San Francisco, and CEO of Preumbra, a consulting firm in San Mateo.
1960s Ginny Bordwell Daws (63) just completed another amazing hike 350 miles from Jomsom to Lo Mantang and back in Nepal. Best trek she has ever been on. Back at work, she added a responsibility to her job description as principal when she helped to deliver her head counselor’s baby.
Karen Sewell Brown (77) is working as a piping designer at a Texas City Refinery. She has two beautiful grandchildren, Branson 3, and Tinsley 1. Jane North Lyon (77) is almost an empty-nester, with the last of 4 kids heading to college in fall 2015. She runs her own business, providing music education to pre-schools and childcare centers in North Texas.
Kristin Lundberg Searle (64) has two grandchildren: Abigail and Danny. She had a wonderful time at the Lundberg family reunion at the Bitter End Yacht Club in BVI a few summers ago. Jim Crouch (65) retired recently and is doing some traveling, including visiting his son in Korea and stopping in Singapore on the way to Myanmar. Fielden Lundy (65) is working at American Honda as an instructional designer working on graphics for training and service bulletins. Esther Whitfield Kofod (65) wrote a book called The Libyan, a well-read memoir. She mentions SAS in Chapter 2. Barbara Bready (67) visited London and Paris a few years ago to visit her daughter, Amy, who was at the Royal Vet College in London, England.
Kenneth Stoehrmann (68) retired at the end of 2012 and moved to Reno, NV. A proud father, Ken attended his daughter, Amy’s wedding in June 2013, at the Keystone Resort in Colorado.
Suzanne O’Rourke (75) is traveling full time in her RV, as she runs her International Education Consultancy.
1970s
Danny Flores (76) was noted in Marguis Who’s Who under life sciences professionals for his work as a biotechnologist and a writer and for his contributions to animal, food, and health research. In addition, he was conferred
Stephen Hurst (74) unexpectedly ran into Ernie Wong (68) on Friday afternoon, October 10, 2013, at a local golf course in Ottawa.
Ellen Brown Gaffney (68) and her husband, Dennis, are retired and enjoying traveling. She and Barbara Bready (67) visited London and Paris together. Jacquelyn Harshaney Jones (68) is an assistant professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce in the Department of Educational Leadership, where she works with the principal certification program. Her daughter Jennifer is getting married in October 2015.
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PJ Donner (76) can’t wait for the 60th Reunion in Singapore!
Elizabeth Barill Constantini (75) reminds us of her mother, Yolanda Barilli, a 7th-8th grade English teacher at SAS Kings Road and Ulu Pandan campuses 1970-81. Yolanda was a cheerful, kind and enthusiastic teacher who really cared for and inspired her students. She resides in Bologna, Italy.
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Oteka Stevens McClain (77) shares her recent activities of running her own business, “hoping the economy will pick up”, and refers to herself as a non GMO crusader. “EAT REAL FOOD!” she says. Susan King Ridley (77) can’t wait till April 2016 to go to Singapore Reunion with both of her sisters!
Claude Leon Hitts (78) moved back to Louisiana after high school and began playing guitar with several local bands. He hosts his own open mic night at Pontchartrain Landing, a Lakefront RV park in New Orleans, with three other musicians. His CDs are filled with self-written songs about his observations of the world and issues in the community. He hopes to continue to share his talents with the public for as long as possible. PICTURE
Sheryl Torrans Sutton (77) continues serving on the board of San Diego Symphony. Craig Cook (78) is glad to be back in Houston, settled down and back with old friends. Margaret Chambliss Carnett (78) retired in 2013 from teaching in Houston, TX. She has 3 daughters and 1 grandson. She has traveled with her family to Europe and around many states. She has been married for 29 years. She is currently building a new house and loving it. Kevin Kreiling (78) returned to Austin after living in Taipei for 6 years. Bruce Morris (78) has been working for 10 years at the Dallas VA Hospital as a medical photographer. He is still learning and enjoying the work. Keen Umbehr (77) I have always been interested in politics and this year I ran for governor of Kansas. Although I was unsuccessful, Lord willing, I hope to run again in 2018. It was a difficult journey but a great experience! (My wife Eileen Van Kirk Umbehr also attended SAS. She was my first girlfriend and we’ve been married 36 years now. We have 4 sons and 8 grandchildren.) SPRING 2015
Cindy Friess Curtis (79) moved to Austin in July 2013 from Indiana, where she is happy to be finding some old SASers in the neighborhood.
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Notes & Quotes
Notes & Quotes
Kay-Lynn Andrews Garcia (66) has been happily married for 45 years. She works for the Ignite Restaurants (Joe’s Crab Shack) and has 2 beautiful granddaughters.
Nancy Chng (68) has co-written a book with husband Richard Borsuk on the history of an Indonesian business based on a businessman whose grandchildren attended SAS. It is titled: Liem Sioe Lion’s Salim Group: The Business Pillar of Suharto’s Indonesia. His great-grandchild is currently in SAS Primary School.
Lulu Rivers Monks (77) proudly revealed the completion of her 19th marathon!
Anna Rutledge (83) works from home as both tech support and a legal assistant. Bill Reid (83) continues to work with Texas DSHS and recently had his 15th year anniversary. He and his wife celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. Lisa Cochran Sawyer (83) is a senior technical writer at Kimbia, in Austin TX. Karen Rosenthal Watkins’ (83) eldest daughter is going to be graduating from North Texas soon. Peter Freeborn (84) works as an independent software consultant for ExxonMobil.
Christian Schnitger (86) got together with former SAS students in a small reunion at Fort Worth, TX, October 2013. Pictured from left to right are Chris, Greg Waldron (88), Bill Anderson (86), and Bill Bass (87). In 2014, he went to Vietnam to see Greg Waldron (88) get married.
Katy Hayes Jordan’s (79) youngest daughter got married in November 2014. Mary McGill (79) took certification classes at UC Berkeley, and is also surfing, sailing, and enjoying the Californian lifestyle! Lou Reguero (79) and wife Chris stopped by SAS during their 25th anniversary trip in Singapore and Bali. He played in the first SACAC football season on the Boilermakers and attended the opening ceremonies for SACAC football’s 40th anniversary. He plans to donate his 1975 SACAC football yearbook and flyer to the SACAC archives.
Evelyn Humphrey Christian (80) recently started fresh with a new house and a new job. Leslie Babinec-Trout (81), husband Tim and children settled back in Texas after spending 4 years in Nevada and 2 years in Arizona. They have been enjoying life in Katy and reconnecting with their SAS family. Rebecca Stateham Darrah (81) proudly announced a change from 22 years of living in Southern California. She took a 46
Marcia Ekas Hampton (81) has returned to the DC area after 21 years abroad and is enjoying herself in Arlington, VA. Mike Morton (81) has now been at Dell for a fulfilling 10+ years, working in the experience design group most recently to help integrate recent storage acquisitions into consistent Dell user and brand experience.
Pilar Wolfsteller (87) returned to the US in July 2013 after spending over 21 years overseas. In Boston she works as a senior writer and editor for Management Consultant Oliver Wyman. Mark Steve Holtebeck (88) is working at HP in Palo Alto, a short drive away from his home in Hayward, CA. Warren Webster (88), a guidance counselor at Kings Road campus and Mary Webster (88), a kindergarten teacher at the Ulu Pandan campus happily announce their lifestyle after retirement, which includes golf, tennis, kayaking and the many wonderful cultural programs offered in WinstonSalem, NC. Their twin sons, Colin and Kyle, who attended grades 3-6 at Ulu Pandan, keep Warren and Mary busy with three lovely grandchildren.
1990s
Anne Kirby Reilly (81) donated a kidney to her youngest son. “Consider giving the gift of life!”
Seema Qureshi (82) lives in Plano, TX and just celebrated her 22nd work anniversary at Mary Kay Inc. Kathi Kreiling Whitley (82) works as a communications and content manager at Abila. She and her husband Allen are empty nesters!
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Monish Bandodkar (92) just bought a house across from Richard Nixon’s home. Vallerie Jain Govind (92) is currently on her fourth year of medical school. Tony Phillips (92) is married with two boys and working as a physical security consultant in DC. Jeff Foxhoven (93) is living in Houston and has 3 children. Kelly Grady (93) has been a flight attendant for an impressive 17 years. She has 2 boys, aged 3 and 5. John Hoopingarner (93) works at BP, was married in the summer of 2013, and welcomed his first child, John Rice Hoopingarner in fall 2014. John Paul Botcheller (95) married his Elizabeth on June 29, 2013. Carrie Pais (95) is currently working in event planning in NYC. Connor Ambrose (97) had his second child, Ellison. Emily Bones (97) is an education resource specialist and chemistry solutions editor for the American Chemical Society in Washington, DC.
Allison Franz Williams (98) got married to Mark Williams October 11, 2011 at the Iguaza Falls in Argentina. She had a baby girl, Estella Marie, on Nov 21, 2012. They live in Las Colinas, a suburb of Dallas. Mike Ajamiseba (99) is an engineer for Schlumberger in Houston, Texas. He runs the Hess Corporation Deepwater cementing at the Gulf of Mexico.
Neha Jain (99) moved back to Dallas from New York City. She was married in 2014. Brittani Sonnenberg (99) announced the publication of her debut novel, Home Leave. It was chosen as a “book to watch out for” in June 2014 by the New Yorker online.
Neha Singh (97) says living in Los Angeles is a dream. She is practicing dentistry and happily married with 2 wonderful kids. Diya is 6 and Dev is 3. Andrew Berg (98) and brother Blair Berg (02) came face to face in the championship game of the International Schools Activities Council (ISAC) Boys Volleyball Tournament held in November 2013 at the American International School of Kuwait. Andy coaches the volleyball team from the American Community School in Amman, Jordan, and his brother coaches at the American School of Kuwait. Sherry Deboo (98) works for JP Morgan Chase in commercial banking.
Colin Russell (81) moved out of town to a home with a beautiful 20-mile hill county view of Austin. Linda Coon (82) married Bennett Lee Perkins on May 3, 2014. They live with her 10-year-old daughter Jenna Wise in northwest Houston.
Leia Stough (98) met Javier, a comfort advisor at Tri Country Air Conditioning, in Venice, FL, at the State Farm office where she sells insurance. On February 21, 2014, they exchanged their vows in front of family and friends on board the Norwegian Sky Cruise Ship. They sailed out of Miami for a three day trip to the Bahamas a short while after, joined by former SAS students: Paige Stough (00), and their best friends, Holly Jordano (98) and Jason Maloch (97).
Tareq Kay (98) has 3 kids. Youngest is 2, oldest is 6.
Notes & Quotes
Notes & Quotes
1980s
2-year assignment with Boeing at NAS Patuxent River, MD. Only 1 of her 3 kids came along for the ride; “family travel just got less expensive.”
Julia Slee (85) is a Senior Director of Human Resources for Cartera Commerce in Lexington, MA.
engineer at Content Analyst Company. She celebrated her 40th birthday by jumping out of an airplane.
Winta Mehtsun (98) is a surgical resident at MGH, Massachusetts General Hospital. Nathalie Vo-Ta Antus (90) was appointed as planning commissioner for the city of Clearlake, CA. She continues to write and film, as well as raise her young daughter.
Hubert Pan (98) finished up medical school at UCSD, and is working on his residency in radiation oncology.
Nicholas Dale (99) married to Amanda on Feb 14, 2015. Tons of SAS alums were in attendance.
Leigh Lawhon Boone (91) although yet to marry, has decided to change her last name to Boone. She works as a Senior UI SPRING 2015
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2000s Andrew Bergstrom (00) bought a house in Pleasure Point, CA. Adam Hacker (00) produced an event in Atlanta called the “Taste of Speed” featuring aircraft, exotic cars, luxury brands and high fashion, all for the benefit of charity.
Kate Hollenbach (03) continues to enjoy living and working in Los Angeles. She last visited Singapore in September 2013 for Lauryn Ishak’s (03) wedding.
son. She is also enjoying living in the same city as her two sisters (both SAS alums). Rebecca Schmidt (00) still teaches in DC, now 4th and 5th grade at Inspired Teaching Demonstration Public Charter School. During a recent big trip through Middle East and Asia she stopped in Singapore. She got the chance to meet up
Katie Hassett (03) purchased her first house in Houston, TX! Charles Joseph (03) moved to Boston in May 2014 from California. He survived his first winter and the endless blizzards.
Alex Antilla (02) works as director, Strategy and Alliances for Latin America & Caribbean with Delta Air Lines. He resides in Atlanta, GA, with fiancée Whitney Porretta. Paul Fischbuch (02) graduated from Baylor College of Medicine and is now in his first year of pediatrics residency at Texas Children’s Hospital. Tracy Wedan Jacquez (02) is a management consultant for Accentured Federal Services. She lives this wonderful life alongside her husband, Michael, whom she met in Japan. Kathleen Nolah (02) lives in the SF Bay area and is a lawyer.
Megan Malina Gillespie (00) and husband Neil welcomed their first son, Nolan Henry Gillespie on December 17, 2013. He weighed 8lb 4oz and measured 19.75 inches. Megan and Neil currently reside in the Los Angeles suburb of West Hills, CA. In January 2015, they celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary. Bailey Hampton (00) started working for Spring Branch Independent School District in Houston, TX in Oct 2014. She is helping to develop the leadership capacity of their teachers, administrators and district staff. Chester Lee (00) is a portfolio manager at the Harvard Management Company that manages the university’s endowment. He married Edna Choi in June 2013.
Emily Reiff (00) is doing her OB/GYN residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She lives with her husband Matt in Boston. Kevin Scott (00) celebrated the 3rd birthday of his son, Wyatt. Namita Singh (00) is a practicing gastroenterologist in Los Angeles, married with an adorable 15 month old
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Chul Ho Ghang (01) visited Singapore after attending pal Daniel Kumala’s wedding in Jakarta. It was his first time back since he left school. Sham Manglik (01) enjoys living in Washington DC, where she is a senior legislative assistant in the US house of representatives. She also invests her time on the Board of the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project, a DC-based nonprofit organization that provides language and culturally specific services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Peter Quain (01) and wife Brianna stopped by SAS a few years ago to say hello. Since then they have moved from NYC to LA where Peter is a production coordinator for various reality television shows and Brianna is working at a yoga studio.
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
Howard Patty (02) is a manager for digital delivery, eCommerce at Pizza hut, and spiced up his life by learning how to skydive! Christina Martin Rodgers (02) got her Associates in Computer Graphics in 2002. She currently works at Hobby Lobby. She gave birth to her second child in 2013. Daughter Aishan Ann will be 2 in April.
Victor Mahillon (03) is the director of recruiting at Ampush in the SF bay area. In 2010 he opened up a waffle and fries shop with ISKL alums in Boston, called Saus. It was voted “Best Fries in Boston.” Emma Paton (03) lives in the SF Bay area and is a nurse. Natalie Bowlus (04) is working for Moody’s in New York City after finishing a master’s degree at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. She was excited to attend the NYC alumni event and is happy to be reconnecting with the SAS Alumni Community! Vrinda Malik (04) received a master’s in environmental management from the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies in 2013, and is working at the Sierra Club on international clean energy away from coal. Denise Pan (04) just received a master’s in Interior architecture, working in hospitality design and is getting married soon.
Deepti Singh (02) recently moved to Los Angeles and is working as a dentist. She is looking forward to visiting Singapore soon. Reid Wilson (02) completed Ironman Florida in 11.5 hours on November 2, 2013. He visited Singapore with his wife in May 2013, which was his first return trip since graduation. Tyber Cheever (03) is married to Iris; he works at Bio-Rad in Research & Development, after being in military for 10 years.
Michelle Simpson (04) married Brian Coble in Marco Island, FL in fall 2014. It was very special, small & intimate as well as a relaxing vacation and family reunion.
Kristen DeBerry Hansen (03) is expecting baby number 3 in April 2015. She recently went back to school to study enology at Texas Tech University.
SPRING 2015
Notes & Quotes
Notes & Quotes
Slin Lee (00) continues his lovely lifestyle, living in SF as a product designer at DeepDyve.
with Gah Wing Tsui (00) and still keeps in close contact with Kelsey Hamory (00) from Chicago.
Eric Pan (02) moved from Rio de Janeiro back to San Francisco.
Gautam Mehta (03) lives in the San Francisco bay area for a genetic testing company Invitae. In March 2013 they moved him to Santiago, Chile to set up a lab. Still with Invitae he is in international business development.
Sandra Pang (05) married middle school sweetheart Sin Fui Ng on October 13, 2013, in Bali, Indonesia. This intimate civil ceremony and dinner reception took place at AYANA Resort & Spa. Among the 35 guests at her wedding were Raissa Japaris (05) and Beatrice Gozali (06). Sandra currently lives in Melbourne, Australia.
Hannah (Thoman) Anonson (06) married Chester Anonson in Dec 2014. She is pictured above with Matron of Honor Sara (Sinnard) Brown (06).
SPRING 2015
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Denise Hotta-Moung (07) just moved to New York City. 2nd best city in the world!
Derek Smith (04) is married and expected baby #1! Hannah Madson (05) lives in Chicago, after finishing a MS in Ecology at Kent State.
Kelsey Heiner (07) just visited Singapore & SAS as part of a Southeast Asian vacation in June 2014.
Nina Rosche (05) is in graduate school at UCSF to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.
Julia Knight (07) is attending Yale’s School of Management for a joint JD/ MBA degree. Meanwhile sister Helen Knight (09) is in medical school at Johns Hopkins.
Daniel Szeto (05) is working for a commercial photographer. Christine Byrne (06) is the associate food editor at Buzzfeed, where she manages the test kitchen, creating original food features and hosting guest chefs.
Kathryn Bordwell (07) who studied art history at James Madison University, works as the personal assistant to the founder of a DC art museum.
Emily Blakemore (06) finished graduate school in May 2013, and started working at the White House Office in September 2013. She is currently working as Assistant Director of Cabinet Affairs Operations at the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs.
Kelly Fan (07) is working as a layout artist at Industrial Light & Magic Singapore. Patrick McNulty (07) received a master’s from Elliott School, GWU, in May 2013. He currently works at George Washington University managing the language center operations.
Liz Bowers (06) is living in Boston and working at Citizens Disability.
Jennifer Nockels (07) stopped by SAS during her visit to Singapore last year, and made sure to eat her favorite roti prata and char kway teow.
Samantha Barnes (06) just joined the alumni group. She can’t believe she didn’t join sooner. It is wonderful to relive life in Singapore. Emily Calasanz (06) graduated medical school in May 2014, from Texas Tech University Health Sciences School of Medicine. Living in Dallas, TX, she is now an OB/GYN resident at UT Southwestern. Sara Calvert (06) graduated from Elon University in 2013, and has been working and living in DC since then. Chilean Diaz (06) works as a Regional Operations and Supply Chain Project Engineer with Avery Dennison. He has the opportunity to visit SAS twice a year and excitedly eat Mr. Hoe’s classic szechuan chicken.
Mojgahn Emamjomeh (06) came back to Los Angeles from teaching middle school dance at SAS in June 2014. She started a master’s in education and single subject credential program at Pepperdine University to continue to teach dance and expects to graduate in 2015. Alex Lloyd (06) is a medical student at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC. He’s taking a year off to work on the web team for Dr. Oz. He recently asked his girlfriend of 7 years to marry him, and they’ll be getting married in June 2015.
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Jason Tsai (07) just moved to Boston for his MBA! Emi Kamemoto (08) graduated from George Washington University in May 2013. She now works as an executive assistant at the U.S.-Japan Council. Chi-Chi Lin (08) is working on a new exhibition at the National Building Museum, described by the Washington Post as obligatory for anyone who cares about architecture and museums. Patricia Mar (08) is living in Houston working as a Strategy Consultant at Deloitte Consulting. Pauline Mar (08) finished her 4th marathon, Houston Cheveron, on January 19, 2014. She works as a teacher in Houston. Kaitlyn Newlin (08) and sister Amelia (07) live together in Claremont, CA. Both graduated from Cal Poly Pomona. Kaitlyn works in contract management at Esri and is getting her MBA at University of Caverne. Amelia is getting a dual MBA/MPH from Claremont
Graduate University and currently has a fellowship with the county of San Bernadino Public Health Department. Andres Pazos (08) who graduated from Boston University in 2013, started a company in Singapore, called the ASP Media Group. He currently works as head of marketing for StreetSine Singapore. Kelly Procida (08) graduated from NYU with a master’s in global affairs and is now working with the US Fund for UNICEF. Maya Ranganath (08) is attending the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts in Boston. Prior to starting the graduate program, Maya completed a year as a research associate with MIT’s Poverty Action Lab in India, and for 6 months in Gujarat, worked on a project for farmers to receive better prices. Her previous job in Montreal had her working on a project to increase safety in cities and inclusion toward adolescent girls. Ken Yeoh (08) graduated Brandies in 2012. He works as a developer at HubSpot.
Back by Popular Demand
Christopher Hussey (08) graduated in May 14 with Highest Honors and Highest Distinction in General Scholarship from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Development.
Caroline Joseph Lancaster (06) loves her job mentoring university students through a Christian non-profit. She and husband Mason (married almost 4 years hooray!) are slowly adjusting to life in Boston after moving from San Diego. Life is Good. Chelsea Roach (06) finished a second year at Michael Howard Studios Two Year Conservatory. Christina Romero (06) lives in San Francisco. She got married on April 26, 2014. Laura Remson (06) just got a new job as a social and digital analytics manager at Golin. Karyn Suwito (06) will be graduating in May 2015 with a master’s in social entrepreneurship. Joanna Tu (06) is a medical student at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
Rohan Thatte (06) is working as an analyst for Pan Pacific Singapore. Tiffany Too (06) recently became a growth manager at Door Dash as an on-demand food delivery start-up. Denise Borsuk (07) spent a year as a third grade teaching assistant at SAS, and is now working at the Saylor Foundation, an organization developing online classes. Ee Chien Chua (07) attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and took a two-year break to serve a mission for his Church. He recently graduated and started his career at Goldman Sachs in July 2014. Kenneth Chen (07) recently moved to Boston and started a new job. Keri Dixon (07) lives in Boston and works as an associate in private equity at Audax Group.
SPRING 2015
Mr. Hoe’s Chicken Rice Directions Heat the oil. Saute garlic, shallots and ginger until fragrant. Add them to hot water, chicken stock, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. When the water boils, add chicken and pandan leaves and simmer for 45 minutes. Debone and take skin off the chicken. Cut into small pieces and glaze with soya sauce and sesame oil. Cook the rice in the chicken stock with 4 slices fresh ginger, 2 fresh pandan leaves, salt and pepper to taste. Serve the chicken over rice. Garnish with cucumber and tomatoes. Serves 10.
SPRING 2015
Ingredients 2 kg (4-5 pounds) bone-in chicken 60 g (2 oz) spring onion cut into 1-inch pieces 60 g (2 oz) peeled fresh ginger 150 g (5 oz) sliced shallots 60 g (2 oz) pandan leaves 3 cloves garlic 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1.5 chicken cube 1 tsp salt 2 tsp soya sauce 2 tsp sesame oil 3,000 ml water (12 cups) rice
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
Notes & Quotes
Notes & Quotes
Devonne Edora (06) recently joined Society 6 working with customer operations management. She is living in Venice, CA.
Lauren Newton (07) works as a Well Planner at Gyrodata in Houston,Texas.
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Stephanie Anderson (10) graduated from George Washington in May 2014, with a major in political science. James Fan (10) graduated in 2014 with a Stevenson Leadership Initiative Award from New York University. Nishant Hardikar (10) graduated in 2014 from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance.
Kathyrn Jackson Linton (09) and high school sweetheart James Linton (09) celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary on July 27, 2014. The couple were married in 2013 surrounded by family, friends and several SAS alums, from classes between 2003 to 2013. Jelita Adams (09) just moved to NYC. Adrian Bautista (09) has been at the General Assembly in NYC since 2012. He says to check out their new Singapore campus opening. Caitlin Cunningham (09) works in an exciting job as a geologist at an environmental firm. Marco Castano (09) is currently working in the management consulting area with Accenture. Sean Cabrera (09) graduated from George Mason University in 2013 with a major in public relations. While at GMU he continued his interest in playing baseball as a pitcher. Victoria Chen (09) is moving to San Francisco Bay area in April 2015. She is leaving finance to join the start-up scene. Beatrice Ding (09) graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in communications and returned to Singapore where she started a new company – Cru Cycle – with her brother.
April Lesiuk (09) graduated from Texas Christian University in 2013 and had the opportunity to go back to Singapore for six months and work at Weber Shandwich. She is now back in Dallas and happy to see a strong SAS community there. Nicole Liew (09) moved to Boston in August 2014 to start law school at Northeastern University School of Law. Erin Morris (09) graduated from New Jersey Institute of Technology in 2013. She played division 1 soccer for them. She currently works at L’oreal in operations as a launch coordinator. Alissa Poloumieva (09) has moved from Singapore to England to France and now to NYC in the USA. Daphnie Pan (09) graduated from UCLA last year and started a new job in social media and design at Seedling USA.
Jhila Farzaneh (09) moved to NYC in 2014 and is working on brand identity for an advertising agency.
Ian Gillis (09) shared that the class of 2009 represents itself well in NYC, with regular get-togethers! Meredith Hayward (09), Erin Morris (09) and Erica Padgett (09) are all roommates. They are part of the 2009 NYC alumni group that gets together often.
F Luis Miguel (Luigi) Puno (10) lives in Manila, Philippines. Kartika Marshall (10) attends the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Natalie Muller (10) graduated from Georgetown in 2014 and is working in NYC. Nina Miller (10) graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2014. She is now getting her master’s in elementary education from SMU while student teaching. As luck would have it, she met her soon to be husband Nick Lesiuk (09) at SMU. They are getting married in June 2015. Sarah Mountjoy (10) graduated from MIT and is now working as a materials engineer at a small chemistry & materials focused R&D company in Lexington, MA. Loving “real-person” life and living in Cambridge. Aditya Subramaniam (10) started college at Boston University in 2013 after finishing Singapore national service. He lives with James McAdam (10).
John Dankowski, Virginia Condit and Dianne Peterson, former teachers at SAS during its Ulu Pandan days, met in Singapore in April 2014, to continue their “conversations across continents” in person at the American Club. Both ladies are inveterate travelers, readers and cat lovers, so there was a lot for them to discuss and share. Since 1983, Virginia has been living in Taipei, Taiwan, where she is an English language tutor for Chinese students who attend Taipei American School. Dianne delights in being a grandmother.
Mohineesh Singh (10) just finished law school! Kathryn Tinker (10) graduated in May 2014 from American University with a degree in international studies. Yuvika Tolani (10) just moved to Boston after graduating. She now works in development at the American Repertory Theater. Ava Mehta (11) spent the last seven months in Washington, DC, where she conducted research as a fellow of the US Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy. Additionally during this time, she interned with the Office of the Solicitor General at the Department of Justice and worked with the law firm from Cuneo, Gilbert and LaDuca, LLP. She plans to graduate summer 2015 from UC Berkeley with a major in political science and a minor in English. Devansh Pasumarty (11) interned with the consulting firm, Booz & Ko during the 2014 summer. He is attending Columbia University and plans to graduate in June 2015. Saachi Subramani (11) completed her first co-op/internship at the John Winthrop School for Young Children. She worked in a classroom of twelve toddlers, an exciting and heart warming experience. She loved helping them learn and grow. Ray Xu (11) just graduated from University of California, Berkeley and is living in San Francisco. Hannah Hallenbeck (12) is an attractions attendant at Universal Studios Orlando in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Maya Kale (12) is enrolled in Claremont McKenna College and is an active member of the swim team. Emma O’Connell (12) just finished her first 6th month co-op at an investment software company and is excited to be back in class at Northeastern. She plans to study in China in the fall! Anbita Siregar (12) is a junior at Boston University studying computer science.
Rosemary Farmer (faculty 81-96) is currently a children’s choir conductor in Johnson City, TN, and recently welcomed her 15th grandchild! Four years ago, she picked up the French horn again and was able to play in Milligan College’s Christmas concert. Pictured are her family members, two of them being alumni: Marcia Farmer Rodgers (88) and Shelley (Michelle) Farmer Rees (82). (Back row: Rachel Farmer with great-grandson Jack, Craig Farmer, Meg Farmer, David Rees, Shelley Rees, Jesse Rodgers, Hayden Rodgers, Damian Rodgers, Jose Contreras, Mel Farmer. Front row: Claire Jing Lin Farmer, Roxanna Mae Contreras, Marcia Farmer Rodgers Contreras, Rosemary Farmer.)
Sharmishta Mishti Sivaramakrishnan (12) attends George Washington University, double majoring in international affairs and economics and minoring in sustainability. She is currently a researcher on a project for Prosperity and Development at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Kathleen Kelly (13) is a part of UMD – Government and Politics and Communications. She has lived in Switzerland and North Carolina, and works as a tour guide of national monuments. Samuel Kim (13) an international relations major, completed his internship for the DC Mayor’s office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, and currently works at Georgetown Radio. Saki Mihori (13) had an internship at A*Star at Biopolis. She is lucky enough to meet various Eagles across the states whenever she travels to swim meets!
Andrew Hallam treasures his published 250 page book, From Millionaire Teacher to Millionaire Expatriate: The Global Expat’s Guide to Investing, which came out in November 2014. Bruce Cantrell had his two sons, Jeff and Brad, attend SAS; Jeff from his Junior to Senior years, and Brad from grade 7 to grade 11 mid-year, where he transferred to ISKL. Doesn’t say anything Jean Caskey is using a permanent mailing address in Santon, NE, but is currently living in Tokyo. John Koncki (former faculty) loves living in Los Angeles after 13 years overseas. Alex and Ellie are getting ready for college. Emily is looking forward to public high school next year. John is working in public schools and imposing his will and SAS pedigree on all! Mary Webster taught at SAS 1984-88. She is now retired after further teaching jobs in schools all around Asia.
Katie Wilhoit (14) is studying at Northeastern University. She is also involved in teaching social business in Boston through citizen schools.
Allen Koh (09) graduated from Olin College in May 2013, and is working for GE Energy as part of the Edison Engineering Development Program.
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SPRING 2015
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Notes & Quotes
Notes & Quotes
Michael Fries (09) moved to New York City to pursue a career in digital media advertising.
Karen Kelly (10) is attending graduate school for international economics at American University, and works at International Student Scholar Services.
Jesse Scarborough (10) just moved to the San Francisco Bay area with his sister Laura Ann. He is starting a fantastic job in corporate AV, while she is working as a dance instructor. San Francisco is a fantastic city and they are so happy to be there.
VISITING ALUMNI
Marleen Ahlqvist (90) and Leo Campbell (90)
Jennifer Owens (95), Vicki Rogers (95) and Michele Waite (parent)
Gal Benron (05) and friend
Jim Crouch (65)
Ryan Chan (10)
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SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
Lou Reguero (79) and Susan Studebaker (80)
Wei Chi Wong (02) and wife Lauren
Lars Kierkegaard (89)
Former teacher Mary Babler (71) and husband Tom Caitlen Monnone (12) and mom Janie Morris
Lou Reguero (79) and Chris Reguerobabler (71) husband Tom
SPRING 2015
Linda Nicholas (03) Stephen Jon (01)
SPRING 2015
Lars Roolvink (14)
Notes & Quotes
Notes & Quotes
Geoffrey Tofield (78) Greg Rutledge (78)
Beatrice Ding (09) and Ms Azizah
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
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Alumni Services
REUNIONS & GET-TOGETHERS The 60th Reunion will be held next April 22 - 24, 2016 in Singapore, and is open to all alumni community members. Additional class reunions and alumni gatherings will be held in various locations throughout the year, planned by both SAS and our alumni. Watch the alumni website and the Alumni FB page for updates and details. Check out the website for event planning tips, and let us advertise your events!
Volunteer Opportunities for Alumni Check out the ‘Get Involved’ page of the website for ways to engage with other alumni and/or with the school. These include participating as class representatives, mini reunion organizers, classroom or panel speakers at school or at an alumni event, or joining the alumni mentor program.
Class Rep & Event Planning Tools Are you the class rep and need to keep in touch with your class?
Social Networking, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn Leverage your network and connect with your SAS classmates and friends through a suite of social media offerings. Follow us on Instagram at SASalumni (Tag pictures with the hashtag #sasalumni), Like us on Facebook at Singapore American School Alumni, and join the Singapore American School Alumni Group on LinkedIn. Alumni E-Newsletter The alumni e-newsletter, emailed quarterly, contains news and information about the school, the alumni community, and upcoming events.
Mentor opportunities The Alumni Mentor Program is a newly launched platform where interested alumni can volunteer to be listed in the mentor section of the website. Mentors will be contacted by the information seeker on an as-needed basis. Mentors can be contacted for help in getting settled in college or a new city, to find out more about a career field, or get help with a resume in a particular career field.
SAS Journeys SAS Journeys is the SAS Alumni Magazine. Features include alumni supplied profiles of career and life experiences, and updates about what is going on at SAS. Please send contributions, photos, class note updates, and/or suggestions to alumni@sas.edu.sg.
Old Islander Yearbooks All Islanders are scanned and available on the website. For privacy reasons, yearbooks can only be accessed when logged in using your username and password.
O HO L S
1956
AN S C
The SAS Alumni Mobile App The Singapore American School Alumni Mobile app powered by Evertrue (available for Apple or Android devices) provides our alumni another way to stay connected with each other and with the school. Evertrue allows you to search for alumni profiles by name, location and class year. The "nearby" function lets you see who is located near to wherever you are. Evertrue is also integrated with LinkedIn, includes a link to the SAS Alumni page on Facebook, and has the SAS alumni event calendar. The Alumni Mobile App is a private community only for alumni of SAS. Users can only access the app if they have an authenticated email from SAS. All members agree to Evertrue's privacy policy by logging into the app.
If you are in Singapore and would like a tour of the campus or to visit with faculty and staff, contact us at alumni@sas.edu.sg. You can also request an alumni tour through our great new link on the website. We look forward to seeing you!
Or are you and some classmates looking to put together an event and need help? Check out the website for helpful class rep tools and guidelines, or go to the event planning tips for help with planning a big or small event. For all events, contact us at alumni@sas.edu.sg to post the event on the website as well as on FB and Instagram.
GAPO
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The Alumni Website Newly Re-launched The SAS alumni site has been re-launched with many great features at alumni.sas.edu.sg. The site is designed to offer you news and events, event planning tips, volunteer and mentoring information, class rep tools and directory information where you can find old classmates and friends, as well as access to old Islander yearbooks to relive fun memories.
CAMPUS VISITS & TOURS
IN
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Take a fresh look at what many new and exciting features to help you stay networked and connected! Can Lah!
ALUMNI PROGRAM AND SERVICES AT A GLANCE
RE
SAS Upgrades Technology To Help Alumni Stay Connected
2016
You’re Invited to the Singapore American School 60th Anniversary Alumni Weekend 22-24 April 2016 Singapore Friday: 60th Weekend Reception Dinner Saturday: Hawker-style Hoe-down lunch, reception and tours of Woodlands Campus Sunday: Class group and sightseeing activities
REGISTRATION COMING SUMMER 2015 For more information and details on the event, please go to www.sas.edu.sg/60anniversary.
Come Join Us
Upcoming SAS Alumni Events SAN DIEGO REUNION Paradise Point Resort & Spa San Diego, California June 5 - 7, 2015 CLASS OF 1995 20TH REUNION Luxor Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada June 26 - 28, 2015
CLASS OF 1990 25TH REUNION Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada July 17 - 18, 2015 SAS 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Singapore American School Singapore April 22 - 24, 2016
The 60th Anniversary has given us a reason to celebrate 60 Stories for 60 Years! Please share with us what you love about SAS by submitting: Favorite memories and stories about SAS Stories about what you have been up to since graduating Photographs of Singapore and SAS people, places and memorabilia Please send to: Lauri Coulter at alumni@sas.edu.sg
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SPRING 2015
+65 6360 6302
SAS Journeys is published by the Singapore American School Advancement Office 40 Woodlands Street 41 | Singapore 738457 | www.sas.edu.sg | alumnisas.edu.sg | alumni@sas.edu.sg