the bulletin - Fall 2019

FALL

2019

the bulletin

Stoneleigh-Burnham School

Spirit 150

Celebrating Years of Girls’ Education

the bulletin F A L L 2019 Head of School Stephanie Luebbers Development and Alumnae Relations Office Susan Mattei, Director Kathleen Tuck Fontaine ’83, Assistant Director Charlene Antonio Currie ’78 Contributors Mark Luebbers, English teacher Stephanie Luebbers, Head of School Grace Powers ’15 Design Peter Chilton, peterchilton.com Photography Contributors Matthew Cavanaugh Jennifer Eremeeva P ’15 Paul Franz William Therrien

Connect with SBS sbschool.org

Facebook facebook.com/sbschool facebook.com/stoneleighburnhamalumnae And friend “Athena Stoneleigh-Burnham” Instagram instagram.com/sbschool instagram.com/stoneleighburnhamalumnae Anniversary Hashtags #SBSchool150Years #SBS1869 #SBSOwlsForLife Twitter @sbschoolorg

Change of address?

Email kfontaine@sbschool.org or sbschool.org/alumnae/update-contact-info/

in this issue: 3

5

2019

Letter from the Head of School Energy, Optimism, and the Joy of Community

by Stephanie Luebbers

Laura Richards ’60 SPH Reflects on Becoming First Recipient of The Emerson Medal

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What’s Inside…

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Students Curate Historical Exhibits for the 150th

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Annual Report to Donors

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by Mark Luebbers

10 Student Profile - Ira Hysi ‘20

by Mark Luebbers

11 Reunion 2019 12 Owls Around the World 13 Class Notes 16 In Memoriam 16 Coda: This School Celebrates Women

by Grace Powers ’15

We’d like to know what you think! Do you have story ideas?

Send comments on the Bulletin and story ideas to communications@sbschool.org

Stoneleigh-Burnham School

574 Bernardston Road, Greenfield, MA 01301 413.774.2711 sbschool.org

ABOVE: Senior Class Commencement Speaker Julia “Jewels“ Hatchard ’19. Photo by Paul Franz OPPOSITE: Head of School Stephanie Luebbers presents 50th Celebrating 150 Years of Girls’ Education Reunion Lily Pins to alumnae from the Class of 1969 on June 7 during Reunion 2019. Photo by Paul Franz ON THE COVER: Laura Richards ’60 SPH, recipient of The Emerson Medal. Photo by Matthew Cavanaugh

the bulletin is printed with vegetable based inks on 10% post-consumer recycled FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper.

Celebrating

150 Years of Girls’ Education

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Scenes of School Life

Life-Changing Education for Girls Since 1869 Your 150th Anniversary gift today can keep Stoneleigh-Burnham strong for the next 150 years. support.sbschool.org/GiveNow

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the bulletin F A L L

Letter from the Head of School

2019

Energy, Optimism, and the Joy of Community Dear Stoneleigh-Burnham Community,

the podium, I watched an inspiring moment taking shape. Women who had been sitting Welcome to the second half of our 150th with their classmates and friends at dinner year! were getting up and investigating the cakes As I begin my second year as Head of at other tables. Soon, many were moving School, I could not be more excited about from table to table, having conversations our future, and it is the spirit of SBS that and selecting which cake they most wanted inspires me. to sample. Some had pieces of cake from their own table, others sampled from several In early June, we hosted an amazing tables, and still others sat down and joined 150th Reunion here on campus, and there other groups so they could savor a piece of were many highlights. I met remarkable another’s cake. New women who are conversations started anchored by their and laughter rang out experiences with the as we moved around School, enjoyed the “I could not be more excited under the big tent. It events put on by our about our future, and it is the was such fun to watch Alumnae Relations and Alumnae Board spirit of SBS that inspires me.” the individuals and the groups change and teams, and was transform over fifteen awestruck by the or twenty minutes. fireworks display!

While the cakes were delicious, it was clear Throughout the summer, I’ve been thinking that they had really become another simple often about some of the special moments means for all of us to share and connect. from that weekend and would like to share a story that clearly embodies the spirit of Stoneleigh-Burnham School.

As our reunion dinner came to a close on Saturday evening, I invited everyone to light the candles on the beautiful cakes, one of which had been placed at the center of each table, and we all sang happy birthday to Stoneleigh-Burnham School. The cakes were from a wonderful local bakery, owned by a female entrepreneur, and there was a wide variety of these very special confections. Lemon curd, very berry, triple chocolate, and peanut butter ganache around the room, and the sum total of the candles on all of the cakes was 150! When the singing was done, and I walked from

When I speak to people about the community and spirit of Stoneleigh-Burnham School, I always talk about the diversity of thinking and outlook and experience. I always speak to the growth of the individual student in the context of a complex community. I see these strengths every day in the way students push themselves and each other and, yet, bind together as a warm and connected student fellowship. Dessert (always my favorite part of dinner), at our reunion celebration gave me goosebumps.

I saw the spirit of SBS played out! Energy, optimism, the joy of finding something you love and the curiosity to try new things, all in the community of generations of Owl

sisters. This was just one of the best of many moments of SBS spirit in my first year leading Stoneleigh-Burnham. As we begin the new school year, I know I’ll happily witness and participate in many more.

Stephanie Luebbers Head of School

Celebrating

150 Years of Girls’ Education

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STONELEIGH-BURNHAM SCHOOL

Faces

O U R M IS S I O N 150

Celebrating Years of Girls’ Education Stoneleigh-Burnham

School is an

academic community that fosters

Celebrating

150 Years of Girls’ Education of

150

Celebrating Years of Girls’ Education

an international perspective. We inspire girls to pursue meaningful

ACHIEVEMENT 2019

lives based on honor, respect and intellectual curiosity. Each student is challenged to discover her best

Jacqueline “Jax” Morgan

self and graduate with confidence to think independently and act

CLASS OF 2019

ethically, secure in the knowledge

World Championship Debater

that her voice will be heard. Happy

Third place winner at world’s and 5th consecutive SBS qualifier

150th Anniversary StoneleighBurnham School.

150

Celebrating Years of Girls’ Education

Years 150 OlamiposiCelebrating “Olly”150 Ajao

Celebrating Years of Girls’ Education

of Girls’ Education

CLASS OF 2021

SUMMER

AT STONELEIGH-BURNHAM

Technology Wiz

One of 10 girls to win a spot in the Women in Tech Code-a-thon

Jessica “Jess” Romano CLASS OF 2024

Dedicated Equestrian

IEA Zone 3rd place and Regional 1st place over fences

Overnight & day camps for girls ages 8-18 focused on riding, dance, and animation.

For more information or to register, please visit sbschool.org/summer or contact Liz Vollinger, Admissions & Summer Program Coordinator at lvollinger@sbschool.org 4

Idah Mwongeli CLASS OF 2022

Kenyan Scholar

Traveled to Los Angeles to help accept the Hilton Humanitarian Prize

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2019

Laura Richards ’60 SPH Reflects on Becoming First Recipient of The Emerson Medal

By Mark Luebbers

Laura Richards ’60 SPH was awarded the first Emerson Medal during the celebration of the SBS sesquicentennial during Reunion Weekend. Current Board Chair Lynn Kehoe ’77, in her address, remarked that, “When one uses the expression, ‘She bleeds blue,’ it is Laura of whom I think. Her quiet leadership, unwavering support, service, and stewardship set an example for the entire school community. Throughout her time at and in service to our school, she has earned the love and respect of thousands of Stoneleigh-Burnham sisters.”

The medal recognizes Susan Mabel Hood Emerson, who rescued her alma mater, the Mary A. Burnham School, in 1938 and brought it back to its former glory. Mrs. Emerson and her family served the Mary A. Burnham, Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill, and Stoneleigh-Burnham schools for many years, and the recipient of The Emerson Medal demonstrates the grace, tenacity, and humility with which Mrs. Emerson lived her lifetime of service.

As a young girl in New York, she remembers often being “a little underfoot” around the house, and on those occasions her mother would send her down the hall to “help” her father in his study. There she would find him doing paperwork, and “paying bills”. As she grew older, she came to understand that the “bills” that he was signing and sealing in envelopes were often charitable gifts, including regular donations to schools with which he had a special connection. Laura came to learn early and deeply the importance of philanthropy and reinvesting in the institutions which have mattered in her life, so that others can receive the same gifts.

As she looks back on her Laura Richards ’60 SPH (center), recipient of The Emerson own decades of service to Medal, celebrates with Head of School Stephanie the School, Laura thinks Luebbers (left) and Board of Trustees Chair Lynn Schultz three values are important: “giving back, dedication, Kehoe ’77 during June’s Reunion Weekend. and having a mission,” she says. When asked about the origins of these principles, and the influence that key people have had on her, she’s quietly While she was a student at Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill School thoughtful, but names three in particular, and uses simple in the late 50’s, Laura especially remembers the lessons stories as examples of what each one taught her. she learned from Principal Edward Emerson (Mr. E.), and

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150 Years of Girls’ Education

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Laura Richards ’60 SPH Reflects on Becoming First Recipient of The Emerson Medal CONTINUED

The Emerson Medal Created for the School's 150th Anniversary, The Emerson Medal recognizes an individual who embodies the spirit of the Emerson family. Susan Mabel Hood Emerson rescued her alma mater, the Mary A. Burnham School, in 1938 and brought it back to its former glory. Mrs. Emerson and her family served the Mary A. Burnham, Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill, and Stoneleigh-Burnham schools for many years. The recipient of The Emerson Medal demonstrates the grace, tenacity, and humility with which Mrs. Emerson accomplished her greatest dreams.

that the Emersons became “a second set of parents” to her. As a senior she was chosen

by Mr. E., the son of Susan Mabel Hood Emerson, to raise and lower the flag each day outside the main building. Laura says she knew other people were depending on her and that having this daily responsibility taught her the importance of dedication: devotion to an important and valuable job over time.

Laura went on to graduate from Lake Forest College outside of Chicago. Returning to New York, she embarked on a long career in publishing, but over the decades Laura has given back to the school, now StoneleighBurnham, generously and consistently, in many ways that go beyond just “paying

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bills.” She has enabled the school to purchase essential assets, including Laura’s House, served as Class Agent, President of the Alumnae Board, a Trustee, and as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Laura was awarded the Elinore Johnstone Ferdon ’54 Alumnae Leadership Award in 1997.

Her sense of the importance of “having a mission” was brought into clearer focus when Ellie Ferdon, then a Board member called her to ask if she would join them. She remembers being pleased that she had been asked, but unsure of the job, or if she could meet its responsibilities. Once she attended a Trustees meeting, however, and saw that she could contribute, she felt called to join in their important efforts, and felt she could fulfill the role.

Laura is pleased with the ways SBS lives its mission today, particularly its focus on a global perspective through the International Baccalaureate Program, and helping each student find their own voice through offerings such as the Debate and Public Speaking Society.

Laura has never been one to seek recognition for herself, but hopes The Emerson Medal will serve as a symbol to inspire others, in their own ways, to give back to StoneleighBurnham, to dedicate themselves to its benefit, and to help it fulfill its mission.

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2019

What’s Inside...

Stoneleigh-Burnham will mark the 150th Anniversary with a time capsule to be opened in the year 2069. The time capsule will be officially sealed during Family Weekend, October 18-19, 2019. Here’s a look at some of the items suggested by students, faculty, and staff.

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1. Local newspaper story about Commencement, May 30, 2019

9. Photo of the Music Program mascots Sheep and Frog

2. Annual Fund “Thank You” postcard

10. Stephanie Luebbers’ necklace of the school’s location on a geological map

3. CD of the Top 100 Songs of 2019 4. Athena doll from the SBS Bookstore 5. Great Women Rulers of Science 6. 150th Anniversary Issue of The Bulletin 7. Horseshoe for Good Luck 8. Varsity Letters

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14. “Images 2019” The Year Book 15. Invitation to the Dance Performance “We are All Bettys”

11. Popular SBS knit cap

16. Plastic Athena made on the SBS 3-D printer

12. Dunkin cup -- a student favorite

17. Minerva, the School’s Literary Magazine

13. Class of 2019 prank: one of 500 cards they hid around the school -- flip side reads, “You’ll never be able to get rid of us!” and lists their names.

18. Admissions Viewbook

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Admissions

Students Curate Exhibits for the 150th Anniversary As a year-end project in the senior International Baccalaureate (IB) history class this spring, students applied their knowledge and skills to curate four 150th Anniversary exhibits that were displayed in the Macalaster Library during Reunion 2019. The students dedicated the exhibition as a celebration of the last 150 years of Stoneleigh-Burnham. They assembled a linear timeline composed of historical pieces from the Stoneleigh-Burnham archives and used the artifacts to demonstrate the changes since the School’s founding.

DO YOU KNOW A

STONELEIGH-BURNHAM

GIRL?

You know the value of our equestrian, arts, debate and International Baccalaureate Diploma programs better than anyone. We’d love to hear if there are girls in your area looking for an unforgettable Stoneleigh-Burnham experience.

Visit Days: Monday, October 14 Monday, November 11 Monday, December 9 Monday, January 20 To refer a prospective family please contact Kristen Mariotti, director of admissions & enrollment management. at 413.774.2711 x255 or kmariotti@sbschool.org

sbschool.org 8

Our School' s History The history of Stoneleigh-Burnham began in 1869 when Reverend John F. Moors founded the Prospect Hill School in downtown Greenfield, Massachusetts. The Prospect Hill School was an all girls’ school, which worked to give women the same college preparation as boys.

Eight years later in 1877, the Classical School for Girls was founded by Bessie Talbot Capen and Mary A. Burnham in Northampton, Massachusetts with a similar aim.

In 1885, the Classical School for Girls was renamed the Mary A. Burnham School in honor of one of its founders. In 1909, Isabel Cressler and Caroline Sumner founded the Elmhurst School in Connersville, Indiana, which

was relocated to Rye, New Hampshire and renamed the Stoneleigh School for Girls in 1926. In 1930, the Stoneleigh School for Girls combined with Prospect Hill to form the StoneleighProspect Hill School. In 1968, Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill combined with the Mary A. Burnham School to create the Stoneleigh-Burnham School.

One hundred and fifty years later and with the combined strength of all five merged schools, today’s StoneleighBurnham continues to serve young women.

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2019

IMPACT 2018-2019

ANNUAL REPORT TO DONORS JULY 1, 2018 - JUNE 30, 2019

A RECORD YEAR $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 14% GIFTS RECEIVED July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019

FUND DESIGNATIONS OF GIFTS RECEIVED 2018-2019

OPERATING SUPPORT

46%

Annual Fund...................................................... $562,376 RESTRICTED FOR PROGRAM

RESTRICTED FOR PROGRAMS

$1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000

ENDOWMENT

36%

FACILITIES AND CAPITAL PROJECTS

Non-Budget Relieving....................................$44,231 PLANNED GIVING Bequests .............................................................. $410,000

ANNUAL FUND

4%

$900,000 $900,000 $900,000 $900,000 $900,000 $900,000

ENDOWMENT – RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED

$1,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 Endowed Funds................................................. $40,827 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 FACILITIES AND CAPITAL PROJECTS $1,200,000 $1,200,000

YOUR IMPACT IS GROWING TOTAL GIFTS RECEIVED BY YEAR

$600,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000

$900,000 Equestrian Campaign................................... $44,040 $900,000 $900,000 $900,000 $900,000 Fitness Center & Geissler Gallery....... $127,498 $900,000

$300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $600,000

$600,000 $600,000

TOTAL REVENUE RECEIVED.......................... $1,228,972

$600,000 $600,000 $600,000

$300,000 $300,000

0 0 0 0 0

2 20 0 220012 12 20112- -2 22012-20 0 2-2 1 200112-220020113 3 22012--201133 2001133-200113322013-20132 13-22 130 200133--200021144 14 2201 -220014 2001144- 0111444 22014-20 44-2 2 2001144--22001115501 2201 -200215 5 2001155-2001155 22015-20155 015-22 1 -2 20155--22000116601 220016-2021166 6 20116- 0016 22016-20 16 016-2201620166--2200117720 2201 -20177 1 2001177- 02117 7 22017-200 7 7-2 1 2001177--2200111788-2 2201 -200180 2001188-202188 18 22018-20018 01188--2220011189 8--20199-2 2001190 199 19

000000

0

202020 2020 12 12 12 1212 -2 -2 -2 -2-2 0 0 0 00 2020201230213013 1313 13 13 13 1313 -2 -2 -2 -2-2 01 01 01 0101 202020 240240 4 4 4 14 14 14 1414 -2 -2 -2 -2-2 0 0 0 00 2020201250215015 1515 15 15 15 1515 -2 -2 -2 -2-2 01 01 01 0101 202020 260260 6 6 6 16 16 16 1616 -2 -2 -2 -2-2 01 01 01 0101 202020 270270 7 7 7 17 17 17 1717 -2 -2 -2 -2-2 0 0 0 00 2020201280218018 1818 18 18 18 1818 -2 -2 -2 -2-2 01 01 01 0101 9 9 9 99

REVOCABLE PLANNED GIFTS......................... $625,000

$300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000

ANNIVERSARY GIVING HIGHLIGHTS Successful Completion of the $1M Endowment Campaign

Abbé the Science Angel

Since July 1, 2016, SBS has received $1,558,435 in outright donations and revocable

In memory of their beloved classmate Abbé Janov Litvack, the Class of 1974 has

planned gifts. The campaign included the creation of an endowed scholarship in

underwritten the science department and provided new science equipment through

honor of Former Head of School Sally Mixsell ‘69, who retired in 2018.

their reunion year donation of over $45,600.

The Annual Fund Hits a New Record

Emerson Stage Cyclorama

The School received a record $562,376 for the Annual Fund. The anniversary inspired

Through the generosity of Lisa Russell ’81, who has underwritten the dance program

a $150,000 match in the fall from the Board of Trustees, a $50,000 match in the

for the next five years, the stage has a new back curtain -- called a cyclorama.

spring from anonymous donors, and a June donor challenge funded by Trustee Laura Richards ‘60 SPH. Alumnae Directory for the 150th SBS will publish a 150th Anniversary Alumnae Directory in December 2019.

Great News for Visual Arts Sisters Sharon Lewis Gaffey ’68 (Trustee) and Charlotte Lewis-Hankus ’72 have underwritten the visual arts department for five years.

Young Alumnae Challenge

Anniversary Fireworks and Generous Support

Trustee Darcy McCormick Tarbell ’70 has made a generous pledge to fund a Young

For their 50th Reunion, the Class of 1969 donated $208,000 to their alma mater and

Alumnae Giving Program for the next five years. Darcy will match all gifts from

funded the 150th Anniversary fireworks display.

members of the senior class through their fifth reunion.

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Student Profile

Ira Hysi ’20

By Mark Luebbers

Ira Hysi is a senior at SBS, and the winner of the 2018-2019 SBS Spirit Award.

Spending even a little time with this positive and powerfully talented young woman makes it clear that the Spirit Award not only fits her perfectly, but is liable to be just one of many awards in her promising future.

Ira hails from Clifton, New Jersey.

Her parents immigrated to America from Albania, and Ira is proud of the values they’ve taught her. “My parents always taught me that education was the most valuable resource I could have; it was the bedrock upon which my future would be built, and what therefore would guarantee my later happiness in life.” Receiving an outstanding education became the foundation of Ira’s dreams for her future.

However, her home community didn’t have the resources to provide Ira with a top education, so her dream didn’t seem to be a realistic possibility until, in the summer of 2015, she was accepted into a non-profit scholarship program called NJSEEDS. This program helps underrepresented minorities find acceptance into top-tier private schools.

Ira learned about SBS through NJSEEDS, and says she chose our school because of the program offerings, but also remembers thinking, “I couldn’t think of a better school to go to. The community was friendly and welcoming, and truly seemed to value the education that was being provided, making it an easy decision.”

Arriving on campus as a 9th grader, Ira jumped into activities and offerings with 10

the curiosity and enthusiasm of a budding polymath: Advanced Dance, Math Club, and the Debate and Public Speaking Society, to name a few. She eventually came to be an assistant Community D a n c e teacher, Math Club president,

“I genuinely know that in whatever endeavors I lead in the future, I will lead with the qualities SBS has taught me to hold dear: pride, passion, and perseverance.”– Ira Hysi ’20 and Debate co-captain. Ira says her passion for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) has developed significantly over her SBS career, and she has a particular interest in efforts to combat climate change. She has been a vocal advocate for the installation of solar panels at SBS, and has been doing some of her own research into the effects of climate change on agriculture.

Ira carries energy and enthusiasm into everything she tries, but ask anyone who has worked with her and they’ll say that her ability to lead others is another

defining quality. Kathleen Tuck Fontaine ’83, Assistant Director of Development and Alumnae Relations, works with Ira in the Student Alumnae Association (SAA) and says, “Ira represents leadership, even when not in a leadership position.

With determination and focus, she has the ability to drive a situation without overstepping.

I’ve seen her take a room of students, all slightly unfocused, and draw their attention to the task at hand by simply setting an example for them to follow.”

The faculty advisor to the Math Club, Andrew Bergdahl, notes that she t e a c h e s as she leads; “Ira attracted a wide range of students to the Math Club, then mentored them all each week. She is also the voice of her math class when they have a concern or question.”

Ira has set her sights on an International Baccalaureate diploma because, she says, “I’ve always been the type of person to challenge myself academically, to grow under discomfort and stress.”

Ira says she owes her successes and bright future to the confidence she’s gained at SBS; “Stoneleigh-Burnham has given me a voice, a sense of independence in pursuing the things that I love. Now that I am beginning to venture out of high school and into college, I genuinely know that in whatever endeavors I lead in the future, I will lead with the qualities SBS has taught me to hold dear: pride, passion, and perseverance.”

Photos by Matthew Cavanaugh

Reunion 2019

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Celebrating

2019

150 Years of Girls’ Education

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Owls Around the World On January 3, as everyone on campus was settling back into the rhythm of school after the Winter Break, SBS officially entered its sesquicentennial year. Students gathered to celebrate with birthday cake and create a unique way to bring alumnae together in the spirit of this important milestone in the history

of the school. Students penned the name and address of a different alumna on 150 envelopes and mailed “Athena the Owl” cards around the world. The cards were the idea of Head of School Stephanie Luebbers, who remembered the elementary school activity “Flat Stanley” from the younger days of her own sons. But, she

says, Athena’s flight also carried an important message. She says, “Sending Athena around the world to connect with our alumnae family was not just a great way to celebrate the 150th anniversary, but to also emphasize the reach of our global mission.”

Thanks to everyone in the SBS family who participated. Here are just a few of the many posts we received: Left to right, top to bottom

1. Outside the State Capitol in Montpelier, Vermont, Athena joined Kate Strousse ’13 to welcome the legislature back into session.

2. Carrie Mitchum ’83, took Athena along for a visit to the Louvre in Paris where she loved seeing the Mona Lisa.

3. Vivian Lee ’71 introduced Athena to the God of Prosperity in Hong Kong.

4. Charlotte Ellis Wylie ’69 in Keller, Texas knows that Athena loves visiting a barn and spending a little time with the horses.

5. Helping a blue ribbon contestant get ready for the ring at a dog show with Rachel Hobbie ’82.

6. Athena attended an alumnae event in LA as the guest of Travis Stewart ’88 to celebrate International Women’s Day. 7. Enjoying the beauty of a Rocky Mountain snowstorm in Telluride, Colorado with Kristin Frost ’69.

8. A day at the beach along the wonderful Cape Hatteras National Seashore with Virginia resident Tyese Whalen Bohan ’93.

9. In Pensacola, Florida, LeeLee Harrison ’91 completed her final day of Scuba certification, with Athena in attendance.

More Owls Around the World with online Class Notes at sbschool.org/alumnae.

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the bulletin F A L L

Class Notes

2019

1957 SPH

Sherrie Stephens Cutler ’57 SPH and Karen Asselta Beard ’57 SPH in Aspen for winter parties.

Celebrating their 50th Reunion, the Stoneleigh-Burnham Class of 1969 — Recipients of the 2019 Distinguished Alumnae Award.

Submit class notes and photos to alumnae@sbschool.org or at sbschool.org/alumnae/classnote.

We want to hear the latest, as well as update your contact information. If you would like to request contact information for another alumna, please call the Alumnae Relations Office at 413-774-2711 x317, or email alumnae@sbschool.org.

1963 SPH

Susan Smith We are enjoying retirement in Maine! Love the midcoast where we live, and the North Maine Woods for camping, trout fishing and moose watching!

What a joy.

1969

More Class Notes and photos are online at sbschool.org/alumnae.

1890’s - 1900’s MAB

Costco Photo Lab in San Francisco, CA found this inadvertently left behind and want to track down its owner. A Google search led them to our Alumnae Office. We’d love to be able to help — might this photo be yours? Contact us at alumnae@sbschool.org.

here in the summer to swim at the beach club with my six grandchildren. This is a very recent photo — I cannot believe I am 86. Time marches on!

Natalie Cole Lynn sported her SBS ball cap at the Red Sox season home opener at Fenway Park.

Natalie travelled from her home in California with her husband, baseball great and Red Sox Hall of Famer Fred Lynn. She returned in June for Reunion Weekend!

1957 MAB 1951 MAB

Luisa Kreis Whiting I now live at Essex Meadows, 30 Bokum Road, Apartment 242, Essex, CT 06426. While living in Virginia, I received my B.F.A. from the School of Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. I recently had a show of my oil paintings at the Essex Meadows Art Gallery. My daughters love coming

Bob and Bev Lockwood Hechler with Head of School Stephanie Luebbers following dinner at the beautiful Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, AZ.

1970

Kathy Seyffer Opdycke Reunion 2019 was fabulous! The Class of ’69 returned in droves! It was great to have classmates Celebrating of Girls’ Anne EducationQuantrell Darcy McCormick Years Tarbell, Dennen, Anne Sears, Denise Bruner, Gretchen Bates, and myself on campus for the 150th celebration. We're gearing up for our 50th Reunion in June. I'm looking forward to seeing many of my classmates on campus. Our School has made so many wonderful and positive changes, but traditions and setting are the same. Come see for yourself!

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Celebrating

150 Years of Girls’ Education

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Class Notes

1971

1974

In March, Sutzie Anger Canzonetti, Gigi Abbo, Dotti Shannon Carter, and I met up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL for a night of music.

Admiring the plaque honoring Abbé Litvack ’74 on the Jesser Science Building

Lynda Gallagher Decker

Charlotte Prescott Newton and Stephanie Luebbers enjoyed touring Sedona, AZ.

1972

During Reunion, Alumnae Board President Kate Strousse ’13 (below right) presented Charlotte Lewis-Hankus with the Elinor Johnstone Ferdon Mary A. Burnham Class of 1954 Alumnae Leadership Award for her “fierce loyalty to SBS, which fuels a drive and purpose for which others strive.”

Annette Cazanave The Class of ’74 was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Katherine "Kitty" MacMillan Tanner on May 7, 2019. Our 45th reunion was small in numbers but big in spirit! Mimi Gridley, Nancy Corsiglia, Sarah Turner, Jon Monnig Miller, and I had a great time with each other, other alumnae, and the SBS community in general.

The class raised $45,600 to sponsor the Science Department in memory of Abbé Janov Litvack.

We were delighted to see the memorial plaque prominently placed at the entrance of the science building. Hoping for a big showing for our 50th: June 2024!

Janov

Rona Schuster von Mering Congratulations for the 150th Anniversary. As a proud alumna, it’s a true blessing and a real joy to my heart to witness this wonderful milestone. I am forever humbled and thankful for my dear parents who made a tremendous sacrifice sending me to SBS. A priceless education paved a solid foundation for my life; valuable tools that helped me to navigate among the hearing world. Now legally blind, I am proud of my recent achievement, having earned a Perkins Level 3 Certification from Perkins Solutions as a Repair Specialist for their Perkins Braillewriters.

I am now a self-employed entrepreneur of RvM Braillewriter Repair Service alongside my dear and supportive husband, Richard. We have been happily married for 37 years. Praying you all have a very blessed life, with good health, happiness, and love.

1981

Janet DeLucia Cimmino Greetings Class of 1981! Hi my friends! I hope this finds you and those you love well. Just wanted to quickly check in with all of you! First of all, a few of us attended Reunion this year and celebrated the 150th Anniversary of our School. We had the BEST time. I would strongly suggest coming to the next reunion. There is nothing like it. I swear as we are

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driving up the driveway I feel like I am coming home.

It’s wonderful to reconnect with friends, create new memories and even meet new sisters. That’s a shout out to you Annette Cazenave ’74. I so enjoyed meeting you! A few Reunion highlights included a late walk through the halls and pilfering some gorgeous flowers from the courtyard (Who am I kidding?

You all know I am a rule follower and the Head of School let us borrow her scissors to cut the flowers!)

Jodi Sojka Villani ’83 is excellent at arranging flowers! Tamara Monahan Donovan ’81 started a new tradition of bidding on SBS aprons! It was so much fun! Yay Tammy! I also stole a moment in the Dance Studio. I swear I could hear Jane Perkins and John Beattie in my heart. Seriously! You need to come back to visit! I would also encourage you to connect on Facebook. I love keeping in touch with you. It’s a connection to our day to day that cements the foundation of what we began at SBS. I would also say to give what you can. What I can donate is minimal to what the school gave me but I assure that you every little bit counts. Our School needs us. Our family needs us. We need to do what we can. Ok, no more preaching! Just a few more shout outs! I am in awe of Missy Ilg Alaimo ’81 who rediscovered her passion for riding. How cool is that? And please keep our friend Sue Peckar Weirdon ’81 in your thoughts. She suffered a cycling accident early this summer, continuing to amaze us with her recovery.

Go Sue! P.S. Come to reunion, we can legally drink in our rooms. Not that any of us ever did that!

Rachel Hobbie ’82, Bridget O’Brien ’82, P ’24, Claire Drahzal ’24, Janet DeLucia Cimmino ’81, Jodi Sojka Villani ’83, Jennifer Jones McIntyre ’81, Tamara Monahan Donovan ’81 enjoying Tarbell Terrace.

1983

June Coolidge Scott It is so wonderful to make old and new connections upon returning to SBS. This has been a busy year; with growing my business and the addition of new advisory board and team members. We seek to make sure disability is a part of all diversity and inclusion conversations in all settings. I was pleased to be a featured alumna in the Simmons University

the bulletin F A L L

2019

this award to Jessica Meese in honor of her accomplishments while at SBS, as well as in her field of engineering.

newsletter, and was drawn back to my roots of all female education, which started at SBS that always provided a strong foundation in respectful conversations and being heard. In December I will have my Master of Arts in Disability Studies!

Travis Stewart and Stephanie Luebbers showing off Athena.

Distinguished Young Alumnae Award recipient Jessica K. Meese ’04 with Portia Ra ’11

Past Head of School Sally Leach Mixsell ’69 came to Boston to visit June Coolidge Scott’s class.

2013

Leah Garland ’87 and Travis Stewart

1994 June Coolidge Scott ’83 teaching at Simmons University.

Kate Strousse This summer I received a visit from Aileen LoganTyson and Kathleen Tuck Fontaine ’83! We basked in the sun at Simon Pearce in Quechee, VT for lunch to celebrate the completion of my degree in mathematics. When I graduated from the University of Vermont two years ago I did so with a degree in Political Science, needing one more class to complete my major in math. This past spring seemed as good a time as any and the coursework encouraged me to continue taking classes this fall to begin a Masters in Business Administration. I'm still working and loving my job in the Vermont Department of Taxes.

I continue to stay connected to the School through Alumnae Board and Board of Trustee activities and am excited for the next two years of my term as President of the Alumnae Board!

Amie Tessler Butman (right) with Susan Mattei, Director of Development and Alumnae Relations

2001

1988

Travis Stewart and alumnae welcomed Head of School Stephanie Luebbers and Susan Mattei, Director of Development and Alumnae Relations at Aroma Coffee & Tea Company in LA.

Katelyn Morgan I recently bought a house in Hartford, CT and am working as the Marketing & Communications Lead for Wellfleet Insurance in Springfield, MA. I became engaged in May of 2018 and we are planning an October 2020 wedding!

2004

During our anniversary year, the Alumnae Office presented its first Distinguished Young Alumnae Award. The School was delighted to present

SBS Math Teacher Aileen Logan-Tyson and Kate Strousse ’13 in Quechee, VT.

Celebrating

150 Years of Girls’ Education

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In Memoriam

Coda

This School Celebrates Women

By Grace Powers ’15

S

toneleigh-Burnham School is a place where girls are encouraged to explore every inch of their passions. I just graduated from Drexel University with a degree in Music Industry, a major that I decided to pursue after participating in IB Music and Big Band at SBS. My last college class was titled "Moguls and Madmen," and explored the great business people of the industry and their strategies. For 10 weeks, we did not discuss a single woman.

Listed Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Lea Guyer Gordon 1946 MAB DECEASED 9/19/18 Barbara Cox Sileo 1946 MAB DECEASED 4/7/19 Dagmar Birch Gorman 1957 MAB DECEASED 1/22/10 Elizabeth Naylor Holden 1960 MAB DECEASED 1/22/19 Caroline Astor Phillips 1963 MAB DECEASED 10/30/18 Katherine "Kitty" MacMillan Tanner 1974 SBS DECEASED 5/7/19

Not Pictured Cristine Jacobs Jones 1969 SBS DECEASED 8/24/10

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Each week was increasingly disheartening and frustrating. How could the class have overlooked so many strong women?

However, coming back to SBS for reunion in June I found myself thankful for the education I received there. StoneleighBurnham is a place that has been celebrating women and girls for 150 years, and teaches girls that they can do whatever they set their mind to, regardless of the existing narrative.

Because of Stoneleigh-Burnham I’ve been told to challenge what I see and hear, all while knowing that I have a web of unwavering support from the SBS community standing behind me.

Stoneleigh-Burnham’s mission of empowering girls has stayed true for 150 years, and I can’t wait to see the impact that SBS has on each new girl that drives up the long driveway for the first time.

Grace Powers ’15 is a recent graduate of Drexel University. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Industry and plans to become a booking agent. While a student at SBS, Grace was an accomplished equestrian, was the student Commencement speaker, and received the school’s Academic Cup. She was a featured speaker at the150th Anniversary Dinner during Reunion 2019 and created a special playlist for SBS featuring women artists.

Find the link to Grace’s Spotify playlist of great women of music at sbschool.org/Reunion.

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FINDING AN EASY WAY TO GIVE BACK Dr. Denise Bruner ’70 speaks about StoneleighBurnham with an intense love and gratitude that is hard for her to contain. She credits the School with opening her eyes to the potential in her own life, and with giving her the confidence and “voice” to achieve her aspirations. “I had no idea what I could or would become until I came here. No idea that possibilities for me even existed,” she says. Even more importantly, she says, were the bonds she formed with other young women, bonds that continue today. “As an only child, Stoneleigh-Burnham gave me an idea of what it means to belong to a sisterhood.”

“I had no idea what I could or would become until I came here. No idea that possibilities for me even existed.”

– Dr. Denise Bruner ’70 Denise’s gratitude to the School has had her thinking about leaving a legacy to Stoneleigh-Burnham School for a long time. To be sure, she has been giving back throughout her career as a noted physician in the Washington D.C. area, and national authority on bariatric medicine. Denise and her husband Paul Schipper (pictured with her, right), serve on the School’s Leadership Council and she is a member of the Board of Trustees.

During a discussion with her financial planner, Denise discovered that she could name SBS as the beneficiary of her life insurance policy. Being able to make her bequest in this simple way was surprising, but it was an easy choice for her. “I found out anybody can do this,” she said enthusiastically, “they can give either all or part of the policy to the school. Whatever they decide.” Even though Denise plans to be around for a long, long time, having made her bequest in this way has satisfied her desire to keep giving to the School which has meant so much to her.

Celebrating

150 Years of Girls’ Education

Celebrating

150 Years of Girls’ Education

How does it work?

It’s pretty simple. A legacy gift is a fabulous way to give back.

Call Susan Mattei at 413.774.2711 ext. 247 or visit plannedgiving.sbschool.org

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Upcoming Campus Events

October 18, 2019..............150th Anniversary Time Capsule Ceremony November 1, 2019............Leadership Council Meeting & 1869 Society

Recognition Dinner November 2 & 3, 2019.....Board of Trustees Meeting December 7, 2019............Reunion Work Day

Alumnae Board Meeting March 27, 2020................Alumnae Career Night April 4 & 5, 2020.............Board of Trustees Meeting April 18, 2020.................Alumnae Board Meeting May 29, 2020..................151st Commencement June 5-7, 2020.................Reunion 2020

(celebrating the classes ending in 0 & 5) For more event information and Reunion Registration, visit sbschool.org/alumnae.

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