ROTUNDA ROUNDUP

Special thanks to PJ Kesmodel for sharing this historic photo of Severn's Alumni House found amongst his own family archives.

Originally known as “The Boone Homestead” 116 Maple Avenue was built sometime before 1860 and Severn purchased the home in 1981. Prior to Severn's purchase of the property, it served as a rooming house for families,Severn students, and faculty.

1947

Congratulations to Buzz Hall on being honored at the annual Sherwood Forest Century tennis tournament. A longtime resident and participant, the tournament has been renamed in his honor, The Buzz Hall Century Tournament.

1950

Severn's Model U.N. was privileged to be joined by Severn School Distinguished Alumnus Robin Pirie via Zoom earlier this year for a panel discussion about careers in international relations. Robin was joined by fellow alumni Enid Williams '03 who Zoomed in from London, and they shared their experiences about their international travel and careers. Students were captivated by Pirie's career of over fifty years experience in defense-related work in the armed forces, the civil service and in industry. During his career he served as assistant secretary of defense, assistant secretary of the Navy, undersecretary of the Navy, and acting secretary of the Navy. A USNA graduate in the Class of 1955, he was also a Rhodes Scholar, and attended Oxford University from 1956 to 1959. He served 20 years as a naval officer, culminating his service with three years in command of a nuclear attack submarine. Reflecting upon his participation in the Zoom panel, Pirie remarked “I enjoyed participating in the panel, and always get a lift from interacting with students.”

1955

David Cobb swung by Severn's Alumni House in June with two of his brothers, Pete '58 and Mike '61. David and his wife Jane live in Belvedere, CA and remain tied to their California family business, Cobb Wines. The original seeds for Cobb Wines were planted in 1989, when David began cultivating pinot noir vines at his sustainably farmed Coastlands Vineyard. A marine ecologist by trade, David spent years studying soils and climatological charts in his search for the ideal place to found his vineyard. His search led him to the ridgetops of the Sonoma Coast, where he believed he would be able to grow grapes perfectly suited to a more complex and graceful style of California pinot noir. On weekends and summer breaks from college, David would be joined in the vineyard by his son Ross, who quickly grew to love the hands-on work of growing wine grapes. Ross currently oversees the business, which specializes in Sonoma Coast pinot noir. Pete '58 lives in Georgetown, Texas and still keeps up with a couple of classmates, including John Eller and Wells Jackson. Mike '61 lives in Simsbury, CT with his wife Mary Lou Cobb. “My wife and I have continued interest in the private school world and have been watching Severn develop for some time and have been impressed by all the progress [Severn has] made over the years. We moved to Connecticut some 50+ years ago and almost no one knew about the school at that time. Now almost everyone we talk to in private school management knows exactly what Severn School is about. For us, it was a real positive experience to see the total transformation of the old [school] into the beautiful school it is today.”

1959

Members of the Class of 1959 enjoyed camaraderie at their traditional lunch in June. They were glad to be back together again!

1972

Charles Peltosalo wrote in from from Ridgeland, South Carolina with an update: “Busting out of lockdown this summer with an upcoming trip to my hill, Noahvose, outside of Sturgis in the Black Hills in mid-June to 'see what condition my condition is in', sandwiching the summer with Sept 9th IRVA Conference at the Omega in Rhinebeck, NY to 'see what condition our condition is in.' In between, I'll relax locally and hang around experimenting with the three(3) different types of Chex cereal. Happy Trails!”

1977

Dave Wooldridge wrote in with an update, “I'm still hanging around with Mike Cerny. Some people never learn...seems like yesterday, racing my green big against Cerny's orange Bug or Jim's Celica. I'm down in Naples, Florida for the winter, and Bay Ridge Annapolis in the summer. Flying Airbus 330s for Delta as a Captain after being there for 30 years. I have two boys —one College of Charleston and the other at South Carolina. I also remarried this year.”

"This photo of the 1960 lacrosse team features (seated top left to right) Coach Parker Lindsay, author and Severn Distinguished Alumnus Tom Peters (#23) and George Leydic (#28)." — PJ Kesmodel

Severn School Distinguished Alumnus Steve Millard '51 sent us this treasure for the Severn School archives. He wrote this letter to Mr. Teel, shortly before Mr. Teel's death in 1978.

Dear Mr. Teel:

Severn exists as a flash in my mind, it is both everything and nothing, both material and immaterial. Friends, classes, School events, victories and losses on the playing field melt into one another. Time blurs my experiences. I behold a face but forget the name. I ponder an event but forget the people involved. Naturally, there are a few whose countenance and voice I remember clearly, as if before a lunch or a School meeting on an autumn day. When I attended Severn, I thought of the School as the sum of its sons.Time changed my early perception, something greater transcended the people — Severn itself. Severn I relive. I smell the green fields and throw a lacrosse ball on a darkening autumn night. I walk down Maple Avenue, only able to discern the dark outlines of other students moving though the increasing darkness. Spring returns with the scent of mowed fields and blooming trees on Riggs Avenue. I unconsciously recite Robert Frost's "Nothing Gold Can Stay...Nature's first green is gold," taught by Wilmer Stone, a beloved English teacher. Other teachers who shaped my life and to whom I will always be grateful were Tom Peters, Capt. Woods, Albert Hawkins, Jonah Halstead, Paul Kesmodel, Parker Lindsay and of course Mr. Teel. At 9:00 on graduation day, I walk the fields that were my home for four years a nostalgic trip, I remember the buildings, the faces and emotions that inspired this writing. I only have to think the name to realize that I love Severn. Steve Millard

Undefeated 1968 team from 1968 Navigator

L-R: George Tolson, Tom Smith, Lee Curry, Dick Webster, Dave Wright at the 2018 AHOF Luncheon Former faculty member, Richard “Dick” Webster passed away January 18, 2021. Dick was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Before her loss, he was married to Betty for 57 years and together they had four children. Dick devoted his life to the education of young people and the development of their character, in the classroom and on playing fields, courts, and mats across the country. A proud graduate of The Johns Hopkins University, where he served as captain of the varsity lacrosse team, he began his career as a teacher and coach and never stopped doing either. He worked with and for young men and women at the Severn School, Sewickley Academy, the Wroxeter School, Landon School, LaLumiere School, Montclair-Kimberly Academy, and The Boys' Latin School. In his later years he devoted himself to carefully helping students to select colleges and universities that would best match their individual abilities and unique aspirations.

The Class of 1968 recall Dick as “a great man,” “the best teacher I ever had,” “a good basketball coach,” “so much more than a teacher, coach and friend...he was an inspiration and a positive force.”

1988

Anne Sherwood made a visit to Annapolis this spring and swung through campus for a walk down memory lane, catching the Admirals girls' lacrosse team practicing. Anne and her husband Otto and children Virginia and Everett continue to enjoy life in Southern California and Montana, and Anne has been busy wowing on the equestrian circuit with her horse Cassito.

1990

We loved this recent photo of Severn sweethearts Robin and Pete Cotgreave from their 1990 prom. The Cotgreave's are enjoying a full circle moment as current parents of new Severn student Reagan '27.

1994

Rebecca Paul married Winston Kinard '84 on October 17, 2020 in Annapolis. “We were able to have a small outdoor ceremony under COVID restrictions in our beautiful shared historic courtyard thanks to the blessing of the county health commission. We were very grateful to all that were able to attend under such circumstances, including friends from the Class of '94,

Michael Calabrese, Amy Hackman Hilliard, Dabney Boye Keith,

Bridget Berger Jakovics and Chris Grizzell. It was a beautiful day and provided a much needed bit of optimism in a very dark time.”

1998

Ebony Flowers' work “Pandemic Provocations” appeared in The New York Times earlier this year, as part of their series, “The Diary Project." Ebony is working on a new book and her work has also been featured recently in The New Yorker and The Paris Review.

1999

Whitney Faust LeRoux, her husband Wayne, and 2 year old daughter Vivienne are living in Charleston, SC, enjoying being very near her sister Lauren Hanzel's '00 and family. Whitney works remotely as a director of procurement and contract compliance for the State of Maryland and looks forward to traveling back to Annapolis for work again soon.

2000

Jane Friend married Nathan Gill in Annapolis in August 2020.

1995

Liz Cullen Whitehead was recently featured in Women's Enterprise Magazine as a top Women's Business Enterprises CEO of 2021! Congratulations to Liz, who shared as part of this honor, “I believe in being a go-giver. By mentoring and advising fellow women's business enterprises, you get tremendous satisfaction from seeing their successes. You know that their successes have exponential benefits on their businesses, employees, and the world.” Liz's business, 12pointfive.com, provides business development resources to leverage diversity and inclusion, and tools to expand your company's reach.

ALUMNI CONNECTIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD

Admiral alumni are walking proof of the value of a Severn education; a large part of that value lies in relationships. Our alumni remain connected after graduation, with the support of friendship that can last a lifetime. Admirals build professional bonds once in the working world. And increasingly, our alumni stay connected with Severn through mentorship programs with current students. Embracing the global switch to virtual connections this year, Director of Alumni Relations Dr. Carrie Grimes '91 has broadened that reach, inviting Admirals far and wide to share their time and expertise with our students.

Investment Club: Alumni finance experts Dolph Habeck '94, Roma Patel '05 and Misi Simms '95 Zoomed into investment club to participate in a lively Q&A about their careers the many possible pathways for students who are interested in finance. Discussion included professional practices related to retirement portfolio investment, corporate real estate, and fintech and global sustainability.

Supporting Women Across the Globe:

In recognition of Women's History

Month, three alumnae panelists, Dominique Thompson Mann '09, Carrie

Ponder Cousins '02 and Gusty Taler '74 Zoomed into our student clubs that are focused upon women's rights and women's empowerment to share their stories and engage with students.

Model UN: Students in our Model UN learned about pursuing a career abroad, and engaged in Q&A with Robin Pirie '50 and Enid Williams '03 around international relations, building a resume and professional network as an ex-pat, and professional pathways as a civil servant.

Honors Biology: Students in Kristin Blanck's Honors Biology course had the opportunity to take a deep dive into orthopedics with Mike Anderson '11, a former student of Blanck's, who is pursuing a specialty in orthopedics as part of his medical degree. He also provided insight for students into how to forge a path from Severn to a career in medicine.

AP Computer Science: Alumni Matt

Mason '99 and Tim Harding '11

Zoomed into Linda Reichard's AP

Computer Science classes to share their expertise about the ways in which they apply computer science knowledge to their work as a game designer and software engineer.

Short Story Seminar: Severn seniors in

Dr. Baugh's “The World's Greatest Short

Stories” seminar had the opportunity to learn from alumnae guest lecturers Kat

Coldiron '99 and Jenny Sledge '12.

Students read selected works from Coldiron, a published author, and engaged in discussion about her writing process and career. Dr. Baugh remarked, "[Kat's] virtual visit added a spark to our usual

Zoom instruction and gave the students a chance to have more of a real world experience. I thought she brought out the best in them and paced her answers so that each student's question was addressed — no easy feat!” Sledge, a PhD

“I've felt a recurring desire to contribute to Severn in the form of making personal connections with students. Living in NC has made that difficult. And the pandemic has made it all the more challenging. These virtual meetings have removed those hurdles. I've been able to share my experiences, insights, and wisdom that I hope will benefit current students. It's a wonderful feeling to be so connected ... the most since graduating!” — Misi Simms '95

student in the department of Theater and Dance at the University of Kansas, led the students in a discussion of Flannery O'Connor's short story “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” Following Jenny's visit, Dr. Baugh remarked, Jenny “provided a 'college level' experience for the seniors. [Her] gifts of time, professionalism, and expertise provided a sound seminar experience.”

Black Student Alliance: Student members of Severn's

Black Student Alliance had the opportunity to engage with members of Severn's Black Alumni Network, Misi

Simms '95, John Vereen '95, Sherie Cornish

Gordon '98, and Phyllis Birckhead '95 to talk about their experiences, share wisdom, and ask questions.

AP Environmental Science & Eco Club: Chris

Hopkinson '92 Zoomed into Roche Lecture Hall this spring to share a screening of a new documentary film,

“The Power of the Paddle,” which chronicled Hopkinson's physical and mental ambition as he traveled the 240-mile length of the Chesapeake Bay via paddleboard to raise funding and awareness for oyster restoration efforts along the Chesapeake. An underdog sports story, and a social impact film, students got to experience a unique view of Chesapeake Bay, and why oysters are the key to protecting it. After the film, Chris answered questions about his quest, the Bay, and future plans to bring others along for his next adventure. You can view the documentary on pbs.org. American Public Address Projects: In Dr.

Baugh's spring American Public Address course, students interviewed alumni to learn more about a career, and gain an understanding of the ways in which public speaking plays a role in the profession. The following alumni engaged with students in this collaboration: Kevin Crumrine '04 (Air Force reserves/biopharmaceuticals),

Zachary Schneider '00 (pediatrics), Matt

Mason '99 (software design/gaming), Erika

Huebner Rollins '96 (marketing), Melissa

White Morsberger '91 (nursing), James

Duncan '91 (corporate real estate), Liz Renaut

Stauffer '98 (physical therapy), Dan Grimm '01 (artificial intelligence/cybersecurity), Mike

Calabrese '94 (finance), Court Williams '73 (business management), AJ Gersh '15 (television broadcasting), Christen Morrell '17 (music recording and producing).

Learning about Careers: Alumni participated throughout the year in career curiosity conversations with students to network and share stories about how they pursued their passions to craft a career. Gabby Novello '21 and Gusty Taler '74 chatted social justice; Michaela Leikin '21 and Milford Marchant '92 chatted orthopedics; Brooks Stevens '21, Lucas Murray '21 and Will Gunhus '21 chatted fitness with Chris

Pitkin '93.

Do you remember the Severn mentor who made the biggest impact on your life? Whether it was a teacher, coach, or advisor, they helped you become who you are today. We offer an array of opportunities, many virtual, for you to become a Severn mentor and keep the tradition strong. Email Carrie MacVean Grimes '91 at c.grimes@severnschool.com to get involved.

WENDY JONES '83

All in a Day's Work

Spotlight on Distinguished Alumna Wendy Jones '83

It was early April 2020 and Wendy Jones '83 was nestled into her home office in Los Gatos, California, illuminated by the glow of the iridescent blue eBay logo of her virtual Zoom background. Her dog barked jauntily in the background as we dove into a long-distance, coast-to-coast conversation. The Severn alumni team's original plans to visit Wendy at eBay's impressive San Jose headquarters took a sharp turn in March as all of our lives changed amidst the looming spread of COVID-19. Always generous in sharing her time with Severn despite a packed corporate executive's calendar, Wendy's inherent warmth and affable nature came clearly through the screen. She's so authentic and relatable. It's easy to forget that she has had an extraordinary career as a key leader at one of the world's largest online global marketplaces.

A self-described “operator,” Wendy began her eBay career in 2003 as vice president of customer service for North America and Australia after being hired by former CEO Meg Whitman. She's held various other leadership roles at the firm in marketing, advertising, and operations, and has focused much of her career on growing eBay's global presence. Jones has worked in Europe, Canada, and the U.S., leading geographic expansion efforts, launching eBay into markets like Brazil, Russia, and Mexico, and spearheading eBay's cross-border trade efforts. During her time in Europe, she was responsible for leading marketing, operations, and advertising for eBay's European sites. A respected mentor and champion of eBay's Communities of Inclusion, Wendy is committed to furthering others' ambitions through personal mentoring and professional affiliations.

In the early days of the pandemic, Jones focused on getting eBay's 12,000 employees from 95 offices worldwide transitioned to working from home. Despite the daunting nature of such an endeavor, Jones saw this as an

opportunity to evolve. “If you're an operator, you love having big hairy problems to solve...I think the reality is that this situation is going to get people to rethink a lot of things. If you're in a global company, your immediate reaction is to jump on a plane and go see your colleagues in person. What you deem essential to be in the office for versus non-essential will change. When you're faced with these situations, you realize quickly that no matter how focused you are, and no matter how prioritized your roadmaps are, you get really clear on what you need to run a business, and what can fall to the cutting room floor. You also find out quickly where the holes are in your plans.”

During the arc of her career at eBay, Jones recalls a handful of times when eBay has had to significantly rethink its operating model. In 2008, when Wendy was living and working in Zurich as eBay's COO of international business, she was responsible for leading major organizational changes to stabilize the firm during the great recession. In five months, eBay globalized numerous operational elements of the business, moving hundreds of people out of their smaller local markets into regional centers of excellence, pivoting structures to create more overall efficiencies for the business. In retrospect, she recalls that “we pivoted, but we focused. We realized we needed to support big businesses, but in a different way.” Another transformational moment was when eBay's board decided to separate eBay and PayPal, and Wendy was responsible for putting forth the “new eBay.” PayPal and eBay had been together for twelve years. They had to be separated in a mere six months. Jones reflected upon how high-pressure moments such as these force introspection: “How do you get creative, how do you use this as a moment in time to rethink structures that might need changing when you are under time constraints?” Another example of ingenuity in practice was Jones's redesign of eBay's customer service organization. Over 18-24 months, under her leadership, eBay changed their entire servicing model, taking 50% of the burden off of people, supplanting it into product and technology, and increasing customer satisfaction by 90%.

So, where does Wendy draw inspiration in tackling such large-scale challenges? Her reliance upon her teams at eBay has been essential throughout her career. “I've always led big crossfunctional teams. Being able to galvanize a group of people to accomplish something that they never thought was possible is a pretty fun thing to do.” From these transformational corporate moments, Wendy has identified five key steps to motivating teams to achieve success: 1. Everybody on the team has to get aligned very quickly around what success looks like. 2. You have to liberate your teams to do the work once you've agreed upon the goal. 3. Ensure that you have the right quantitative and qualitative control metrics around the process to gauge performance. 4. On the journey, communicate as often as possible about what everyone is seeing, about what you like and don't like about what you're seeing, and about where you might need to course-correct. 5. Share and celebrate good results.

The crisis management of COVID-19 positioned Jones in ways she and her fellow leaders at eBay never anticipated. From supporting eBay's team in Italy to shipping masks to offices in Shanghai, leadership conversations quickly changed from “How can our employees work?” to “How can our employees and their families stay safe?” Jones emphasized the importance of coalescing around community. “This once-in-a-generation time that we found ourselves in highlighted how we show up for our community ... so that our community members are able to focus on what they can do and not worry about what they can't do. Taking care of our community, especially small business owners, and looking out for buyers who may be critically dependent upon orders they are placing has been so important. Asking 'How can we help?' is key. We found ourselves creating jobs in the communities we operate in, while other firms were laying people off.”

During her time at Severn, Wendy recalls a foundational community that nurtured her identity and imprinted lasting values. “At Severn, I was a pretty good athlete, but I wasn't as great of a student. At the end of my senior year, my AP calculus teacher Ms. Hruska wrote in my yearbook, 'Quadratic equations do work out. Apply yourself to solving them just like you apply yourself to athletics and you're going to be incredibly successful.' That message is something that I constantly come back to in my professional career. I know it's necessary to prepare and build skills and capabilities that I wouldn't have otherwise.” Talking to longtime friends from the Severn community has been a great source of comfort for Wendy amidst the challenges of COVID-19. Being able to step outside of the pressures of her professional identity and connect with alumni friends who have known her since she was twelve years old is something she describes as “powerful.” That feeling of community has been especially palpable for Wendy in 2021 when she decided to retire from eBay after seventeen years and return to her roots, relocating back to Maryland. “The vast and lasting nature of Severn's community is ever-present, even when you might not even realize it's there.”

“The vast and lasting nature of Severn's community is ever-present, even when you might not even realize it's there.” — Wendy Jones '83

2000

Scott MacMullan and Meredith Braden '98 welcomed son Warner 'Mac' MacMullan in May 2020. Mac joined big sister Eve.

Nichole Marks McGlinchy and her husband James welcomed a son, Graydon James McGlinchy, in April, 2020 in New York City. Big brother Ames, Nichole and James are smitten!

2001

Remy Rose Roahen was born in September 2020 to Jamie and David Roahen.

2002

Billy DeLancey, wife Callie, and daughter Ella welcomed Olivia Caldwell DeLancey to the family in April 2020.

Sarah Jane Dunaway welcomed baby Cary Philip Silverman, in late February. Sarah Jane and her family are currently living in Amman, Jordan, where they plan to be for the next couple of years.

2003

After living in New York City for 10 years and Switzerland for 3 years, Schuyler Sutton Gavula is enjoying being back to Annapolis with her husband, Danny, Oliver (4) Lola (3), and baby Richie! “We are so happy to be back in town near family and friends and look forward to raising our children in Annapolis. We hope to be back on campus soon!”

2003

Kirby Douglas McAdoo and family welcomed a new baby girl, Scotland Marguerite on December 17, 2020. Big brother Garrett is enjoying life with little sister Scottie.

2004

Hayes Merkert welcomed their second child Margot Aline in April 2021. "Big sister Peyton is enjoying her new best friend!"

2006

Anastacia Adam and husband Jeff Begin welcomed a daughter, Elizabeth James Begin in June 2021.

Becky Price Gilmor and Mack Gilmor welcomed a second daughter, Miller, this spring. Miller joins big sister Cahill at the family's home in Eastport.

Abby Larkin and her husband Eric welcomed a baby girl, Callie Ann Mickey in February 2021.

Maggie Pierce Andargie and husband Henock Andargie welcomed twins Zola and Ezana in September 2020.

Elizabeth Henry Fisher welcomed a baby girl, Eliana Marie. Elizabeth, her husband Brian, and Eliana live in West Hartford, CT where Elizabeth is the Food and Nutrition Director for Vernon Public Schools.

Carter Loetz and wife Esther are loving life with their first child, Olivia Eve, “Livy”, who recently turned 1. The Loetz family plans to spend some time on the Jersey shore and in Annapolis this summer.

2009

Stephanie Graves Mistretta and her husband Bill welcomed their first child, Bruce Allan Mistretta, in March 2020.

Kate Shoemaker and her wife Heather welcomed a son in February 2020, James Patrick Shoemaker. “We are all healthy and so happy!” The Shoemaker family lives in Potomac, MD where Kate is an attorney at Foley & Lardner and Heather works at Bethesda Game Studios.

2004

Jen Presswood moderated a panel of local leaders at the Baltimore magazine's The Future is Female: The Many Faces of Perseverance virtual event. Panelists included Dr. Tammira Lucas, a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and professor, Heather Darney, vice president of community relations at Baltimore Ravens, and Christina Block, product manager at T. Rowe Price. Jen is a senior communications consultant at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.

2008

Brett Brawerman did two years of service in the Peace Corps and is now the head of People, Culture and Talent at a technology start-up in Los Angeles. We're looking forward to taking him up on his offer to be an alumni mentor.

Creatives everywhere seemed to emerge during quarantine. Alumni artist Zachary Lank was busy in his studio. Lank started this painting in the beginning of the US COVID-19 outbreak. At the time he reflected, "I packed the board and took it away with me as we fled south. It's complicated to try and create things these days- it can feel indulgent, unworthy, impractical- all while family and friends risk everything simply by showing up to work. But it is what I know how to do- and in all this uncertainty I wanted to create something I could rely on to tether myself to reality." Marvin Smith and family are all doing well and recently moved back to Annapolis from northeast Pennsylvania. His wife Kortnee is in her second year of teaching, and Marvin is a manager at the new Dick's Sporting Goods in Annapolis. Children Maddox and Mia are 5 and 2.

The Clinic, Oil on panel, 36” x 48"

2009

Ariel Mitchell's new play, created during COVID quarantine,"The Shower Principle: A New Parenting Podcast Party," is a fictional podcast play about the isolation of new parents, "inspired by people who quarantined before it was cool." The play explores the idea about how new parents navigate through life with their newborn. Liz, hungry for her own thoughts and career, struggles to step out of her “mom” responsibilities and allow herself space to step into her life again, for a few minutes. Mike, confronted with his tendency toward absence and the pesky little requirements of having a job, struggles to redefine deeply rooted habits and roles when his family needs him in the one place he can't always be: home. The Shower Principle: it's when you're simply living, going through the everyday process, like taking a shower, and then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, an idea sparks — and life becomes a little more clear. You can find it on Audible, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Fellow Severn alumna Tahni Pierzga '09 did the thumbnail design on the play's logo.

Katharine Riddle '09 recently launched a music theory blog, Riddle Me This katherineriddle.blogspot.com earlier this year, and also was teaching music theory for actors online. Katherine's blog focuses on everything music theory— how to make it accessible, simple, and useful to actors and musicians. In 2019, Katherine won the Marc Blitzstein Award in the prestigious Lotte Lenya Competition and was named a quarterfinalist in the American Traditions Competition. She is also a first place winner of the NSAL Musical Theatre Competition (DC), and a second-place winner of the Hal Leonard Musical Theatre Competition. You can also find her musical theater vocal performances on her YouTube channel. This summer, Riddle performed two concerts at Live Arts Maryland.

2010

Michelle Ponder finished her residency in Internal Medicine at University of Maryland Medicine Center in June 2020, and moved to Durham, NC to start her fellowship for specialization in Endocrinology at Duke University Hospital.

Russell Buhrer has been flying high lately, as an aviation instructor! He is a certified flight instructor (CFI), instrument instructor (CFII), and multiengine instructor (MEI). Russell served as an alumni mentor for a student interested in a career in aviation.

Katie Carroll is living in San Diego, CA, and is engaged to her sweetheart Phil. An April 2022 wedding in Maryland is planned. Katie '11, Mackenzie '10 and Elizabeth '14 recently enjoyed family time in southern California together with mom Holly Carroll, Severn School associate director of development.

Wow! We caught sight of a photograph of this past spring's “super pink moon rise” over the Annapolis Harbor, by L.J. Urie '11 on the Visit Annapolis social media feed . You can find more of LJ's amazing photography @jluriephotography.

2012

Grace Rudder married Danny Marland at St. Mary's Parish in Annapolis on September 12, 2020, followed by a reception at the Annapolis Yacht Club. Many Admiral Alumni were in attendance including Erin Littlep-

age '12, Maggie Johnson '12, Kendall Parrott '12. Miles Norris '12, Katherine Wilber Brothers '12. Jena Maseritz Aliff '12, John Aliff '12, Chloe Snow '12, Jai Lakhanpal '12, Julian Adams '12, Katie Rudder '12, Sander Beck '08, and David Littlepage '72.

2012

Maggie Sajak was recently appointed as the online media correspondent for the longest-running syndicated game show in American television,“Wheel of Fortune”. About her new role as Wheel's online media correspondent, Maggie says, “I'm excited about the opportunity to bring an insider's look at the show with new behind-the-scenes features, interviews, videos and insights. The Wheel of Fortune staff and crew have always been like an extended family, and I'm thrilled to be working with them.”

The Class of 2014 just launched several lawyers out into the world including Cole Smith and David Jaklitsch (both University of Maryland School of Law), Kasia Jarosz (Campbell University School of Law) and Anthony Roccograndi (Charleston School of Law). Congrats, Juris Doctorates!

2015

This year's Admiral Auction “Home Edition” was hosted by television broadcaster and Severn alumnus AJ Gersh '15 live from his television studio in Texas, where he has been working as a morning news anchor. This year's Home Edition was a one-day, online fundraising event which included a showcase the evening of the auction hosted by AJ. Thank you, AJ!

2017

LinkedIn has been abuzz with all of the employment announcements for the Class of 2017 as they launch from their undergrad experiences! Connor Olson will be starting a new position as an associate sales representative at Zimmer Biomet, Kam Dey will be joining NBCUniversal Media as part of their ad sales associate program in New York, Rachel Sindler will be an investment banking analyst at Merrill lynch, and Julia Granitto will be a corps member at Teach for America. In addition, Kris Kahan graduated from Boston University with an economics degree this May, and is starting a new job as a global market operations analyst with Goldman Sachs in their Salt Lake City, Utah office.

USNA Tradition Continues

This May, Connor Bayless '17, Tyler Perreten '16, and Jacob Mandish '16

all graduated as part of the United States Naval Academy Class of 2021.

Mandish's service assignment is Navy Pilot; Perreten's service assignment is Navy Pilot; Bayless' service assignment is Nuclear Submarine Officer.

Alumni News Spotlight: Severn Alumnus Honors the Memory of Doc Heslin with Prestigious Award

Jack Elstner '16 was selected this spring as Cornell University's prestigious Merrill Presidential Scholar. The prestigious award honors the most outstanding graduating seniors, who are in the top 1% of their class, and interestingly was founded by the family of Severn Distinguished Alumna and fellow Cornell alum, Cathy Merrill '87. Recipients have the opportunity to honor a high school teacher of their choice who has inspired them, and contributed to their academic development, for which Elstner chose Doc Heslin. "This award is particularly meaningful to me because it allows recipients to honor a high school teacher who has made an especially big impact on the student's life. At the award ceremony this spring, I honored Doc Heslin. During my time at Severn, Doc had such a profound influence on me and I was crushed when he passed. Yet Doc's guidance and advice has continued to stick with me, and I see this as an opportunity for not just me, but the entire Severn community to continue to honor his legacy." After transferring to Cornell University as a sophomore, Elstner decided to follow his passion for the ways in which the human and environmental systems interact by majoring in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences with a minor in both marine biology and climate change. During his junior year, Elstner was named an Ernest F. Hollings Scholar by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which gave him the opportunity to complete a summer research internship with NOAA's Earth System's Research Laboratories in Boulder, Colorado. At the Earth System's Research Laboratories, Elstner's research focused on assessing the impact of COVID-19 on urban fossil fuel emissions in New York City during the spring 2020 lockdown. At the end of his internship, Elstner presented his findings focused on communicating information about COVID-19 and climate change to broader audiences. The experience was impactful and led Elstner to realize that he eventually would like to work for an organization like NOAA.

In March 2021, Elstner was selected to receive the SUNY Chancellor's Award, which acknowledges outstanding student achievements that demonstrate excellence in areas including academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, or the arts, according to SUNY. He was also selected to receive the CALS Academic Excellence Award, which honors outstanding student achievements in academics, chosen by Benjamin Z. Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of CALS.

Jack restored a Chesapeake Bay Deadrise workboat "Odyssey" as part of his Severn Fellows project, and dedicated the boat to Doc.

2019

Owura Berko completed his sophomore year at University of Maryland, where he is studying general biology and on the pre-medicine track. Owura plays football for the Terps as well, and is a defensive back. We were excited to welcome back Owura and classmates Annie Bennett, Danielle Drury, and Tate Taczak for a Q&A session with our seniors in the Class of 2021 about adjusting to college life and academics. They each had a different perspective to share on choosing a school, managing time, planning your schedule, and getting involved.

Noah Lastner is headed to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, having been nominated by Senator Paul Sarbanes for the third year in a row. Upon his graduation from Severn, after being nominated by two members of Congress and a Senator for a spot at USMMA, USMMA offered him a spot at New Mexico Military Institute (a preparatory school) for the 20192020 academic year. He excelled there, but at spring break, he headed home and was not able to return due to the pandemic. In the Spring of 2020, he was nominated again for a spot at USMMA and received his acceptance letter to attend. However, in June of 2020-just weeks before he should have reported to USMMA, he suffered a broken ankle in a vehicle accident that would once again sideline his spot at USMMA. Noah attended Anne Arundel Community College and actively engaged in physical therapy to recover from his injury, while proceeding with his third application for USMMA. On March 30, 2021, Noah received his acceptance to USMMA for the 2021-2022 academic year.

2020

We're so impressed with the ways in which our Admiral alumni mentor and support one another, and celebrate our rich history in military service. Severn and Naval Academy alumnae Mia Hencinski Stender '06 and Maggie Morton Jackson '06 Zoomed in from Florida and Tokyo with Julia Christie '20 who recently completed her first year at the Academy, share their experiences and insights.

RECENTLY PUBLISHED

Missy Dunaway '06's first book was released this May by G Editions. The Traveling Artist: A Visual Journal is an illustrated travelogue that documents her five-year international journey as a Fulbright Fellow, artist-in-residence, and solo traveler through eighty colorful paintings. In 2019, Missy was named the inaugural Four Seasons Envoy, which she traveled to Hoi An, Vietnam. Later that year, she was awarded a New Student Scholarship to the Academy of Realist Art in Boston, where she is currently studying classical realism. She will be traveling to Kenya this summer for her next art residency at Olepangi Farm, and this fall will be a research fellow at the Folger Shakespeare Library in D.C. She lives in Cape Elizabeth, Maine with her husband, Joe Henrikson, and exhibits her artwork year-round at Portland Art Gallery. You can read more about Missy in the Alumnae Artists spotlight.

Sarah Manvel '95's novel You Ruin It When You Talk was published late last year and was reviewed on Goodreads. com as “a series of anecdotes, passages, micro fictions that weave the tale of a bisexual American migrant in London, and the painfully funny, and far too often just painful experiences with would-be romantic partners. This brutal account of modern manners skewers the chicken fillets of romantic literature with stilettosharp heels.” Sarah currently lives in London where she is a film and book critic, and was a recent guest on BBC Radio London's Robert Elms show “Birds Eye London” where she talked about her novel. Sharita Manickam '97 took her book, Rad Girl Revolution, on the road to the US Capitol, where members of the House of Representatives received signed copies of her book. Featuring empowering images of girls in various careers, photos taken for the book four years ago seem prescient in their depictions of the Oval Office! You can find Sharita's book, described as an empowering children's book for little girls with big dreams, at online children's book retailer oakiebees.com.

SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES: We miss our alumni and want to hear all about your life after Severn. Recent trips, internships, research projects, stories with classmates, new job or address, babies, weddings, graduations — we want to know! Email Carrie at c.grimes@severnschool.com or drop us a note on Facebook.

IN MEMORIAM

Hugo Schmidt '37 passed away March 10, 2019. Hugo was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Tampa when he was eight years old. In December 1941, he graduated from the US Naval Academy and immediately began his World War II service in the Pacific Theater. He served for four years in the Pacific and for one year in China after the war. In 1947 Hugo retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander and immediately returned to Tampa. In 1949 he married Louise Lake and they were married for over 70 years and had 4 children. In 1953, Hugo started a building material supply business and owned it for 35 years until it was sold in 1988. Hugo served on the School Board from 1967-1976 and in 2003, the School Board honored Hugo's community service by naming an elementary school for him. Hugo was involved in numerous community, civic organizations and his church and loved to read.

Daniel Lawrence Finch '45 passed away June 16, 2020 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Dan was born in Flushing, Long Island, New York. After graduating Severn he entered the Navy where he served aboard the USS Enterprise for two years. He attended The University of Arizona, where he met his wife of 67 years, Janet. He was a member Of Phi Delta Theta, Alpha Zeta Honorary and she is a Kappa Alpha Theta and there are more than a few funny stories about their times at the U of A and the great lifelong friends they made there. Upon Graduation, they married, moved to Phoenix, and had two daughters. He worked at the family lumber yard on Central before becoming a Custom home builder and commercial builder. Dan enjoyed flying, sailing, horses and volunteering for numerous community, civic organizations and his church.

Commander (ret.) Richard "Dick"

Whittingham Dean '46, United States Navy passed away November 19, 2020. Dick was born on January 6, 1929 in Washington, DC. As a Navy brat, Dick was raised on east and west coast ports of the United States and graduated from the USNA, Class of 1951, with a bachelor of science in naval engineering. He attended Gunnery School and then was assigned to the destroyer, USS Porter (DD-800) as a gunnery officer and to the staff of the Seventh Fleet during the Korean War. After serving over five years on active duty, Dick transferred to the US Naval Reserves and continued serving for another 22 years, retiring from the Naval Air Wing at Andrews Air Force Base in 1979. He was awarded the China Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal. Dick enjoyed serving as a Red Cross and Boy Scouts volunteer, traveling around the world, and repair and home improvement projects.

Casimiro Benigno "Casey" Hernandez

'47 passed away Monday, June 1, 2020. Born in Tampa, Florida, Casey was the grandson of Casimiro Hernandez Sr., the founder of the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, founded in 1905. Casey's high school and college years were marked by his athletic prowess and accolades as a lacrosse player for both Severn and the University of Maryland. While at Severn, Casey lettered in wrestling,

All Class Notes included in this issue of the Bridge can also be read online at www.severnschool.com/rotundaroundup

lacrosse, and football, and was awarded the McCormack Unsung Hero of the Week award and played in the national All Star Game. Casey was a proud member of the ATO fraternity and it was during an ATO-Tri Delta mixer that he met his wife Ruth Kimball. Casey was drafted and served in the United States Army at Ft. Jackson, SC and Ft. Benning, GA. After selling his ownership in the restaurant to his uncle, Casey was involved in numerous business ventures, Rotary Club, Centro Asturiano, the Krewe of Venus, and the Krewe of San't Yago.

Frederick “Fred” William Lewis

Jr. '49 passed away on August 7, 2020 in Wilmington, NC. Fred attended and graduated from the Severn School where he excelled at sports, including football, baseball, and lacrosse. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Marines Corps and later attended the University of Maryland on the GI Bill of Rights. At Maryland, Fred majored in business and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. After graduating from Maryland, Fred began a long and successful career as an astute and independent businessman. He first went to work for the Minute Maid Company in Philadelphia and then, in 1960, he married and moved to Raleigh, NC. In the years that followed, Fred created and sold several successful businesses such as Manpower, Inc. and Champion Map Corp. He was also civic-minded, active in the community, and willing to help others.

John H. Giddings '50 passed away on January 18, 2021. Raised on the Chesapeake Bay, John spent his childhood crabbing and boating, when not working in his family's grocery store. John was a graduate of the USMA at West Point and served in the Special Forces as a Green Beret. John enjoyed his career in real estate as owner of Giddings & Associates, working alongside his wife and life partner, Sherry. He was known for his steady presence, quiet sense of humor, depth of integrity and kindness to all.

Neal Davidson Marks '53 passed away January 28, 2021, in Charlottesville, VA. Neal attended Catonsville High School, then transferred to Severn School where he played lacrosse and football. He was named to the Baltimore Sun All-Maryland Lacrosse Prep School Team in 1952. Following his graduation from the University of Virginia, Neal lived in San Juan, Puerto Rico for a short period with his older brother and sister-in-law, assisting them with a small printing press. He worked for American Airlines, Servomation Mathias (later known as Service America), opened and managed the Four Seasons Sports and Racquet Club in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Pape & Company, Inc. Neal was an actively involved father to his children of whom he was so proud; attending every sports and school event, play and recital.

Michael Paul Morgan Coxe '55 passed away May 25, 2021. He was born in Washington, DC and was the son of Rear Admiral Lewis C. Coxe and Nancy Lesh Coxe. Mr. Coxe, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, was a civil engineer with the Navy and later an executive director with Bell Atlantic when he retired.

IN MEMORIAM

Lee Martin Curry '57 passed away February 1, 2021. Lee was an all-American lacrosse defenseman; he served as a teacher-coach at Severn in the 1960's and coached Severn's undefeated 1968 boys lacrosse team. Lee was born in Severna Park in 1938, and he lived in Maryland until his retirement from Key School in 2004, where he taught for over three decades. He loved being on the water, gliding on glass in his canoe, wife or dog or both in tow, binoculars around his neck to see the shape of the bird's bill or feet or wingtips. He loved camping, or a sun brewed ice tea, often on the porch with former students who would drop by to catch up with him. Curry coached Severn's undefeated '68 men's lacrosse team. The Class of 1968 alumni remember Lee as ”a coach and teacher...I learned a lot both on the field and in the classroom from Lee. He will be missed and remembered for his great achievements at both schools.”

James “Jay” Tuttle Lewald '58 passed away July 26, 2020. Born in Baltimore, his family moved several times before his family claimed Sherwood Forest, MD as its home. Jay attended Severn School before his father's work took them to Ridgewood, NJ where he met his wife of 58 years, Marion Hornaday. Jay attended Paul Smith's College and SUNY Farmingdale before joining the U.S. Army and serving in Korea. Upon returning from Korea, Jay embarked on long a career in aviation before transitioning to commuter aircraft sales with Shorts Brothers, and finally store manager at West Marine. Jay will be remembered for his love of sailing, dancing, creativity, boating and football.

Matthew Strohm Evans Jr. '60 passed away January 6, 2021. Strohm, as he was known to everyone, served as class president and was on the varsity lacrosse, football, and swimming teams at Severn. He was inducted into the Severn School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. In 1960, he entered the United States Naval Academy (USNA), where he lettered in lacrosse and was a member of the USNA swim team. Immediately after graduation and commissioning he attended flight school in Pensacola, Fla. He flew two tours of duty in Vietnam off of the USS Intrepid and served for Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Storm. After completing his Naval service, he joined the Maryland Air National Guard and attended law school at the University of Baltimore. He retired in 1991 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Vietnam Air Gallantry Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. From 1974 to 1987 he ran a general practice of law and in 1987, Strohm became the owner of United Title in Severna Park.

John Goody '60 passed away September 15, 2020. After Severn, John attended Duke University where he met his wife Cheryl Swaringen. John served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years, including a tour in Vietnam and 17 household moves, retiring in Hawaii in 1986 as a Lt. Col. He earned a masters degree in urban and regional planning and joined Belt Collins & Assoc., where he started a successful environmental planning dept. John was passionate about lacrosse, rugby, ocean kayak and canoe paddling, fishing, diving, hiking, and bicycling. John was a beloved husband and father, a waterman, a conservationist, a philanthropist and a patriot.

John “Jack” Slawson passed away on May 11, 2020. Jack loved being out in nature, riding the waves at the beach, savoring a good meal, and time spent with his family and friends in his beloved hometown of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He had a kind, gentle nature, and was an old soul of the 60's. Jack told great stories of his free spirited travel throughout Europe in his youth, of selling motorcycles in Barcelona, and of proudly serving his country in the naval family tradition. He was also expert in his knowledge of world history, particularly World War II. Above all, Jack was a devoted father to his daughters Emily and Jessica, who loved him dearly.

Charles Alan Pastrana '64 passed away on April 8, 2021. After graduating from Annapolis high school as an accomplished athlete, he attended Severn School for a prep year where he could again be found on the gridiron throwing touchdowns. In 1964, he received a football scholarship to the University of Maryland. Upon graduation, Alan was drafted by the Denver Broncos. After two years in the NFL, he accepted a job at Anne Arundel Community College where he taught health and physical fitness and coached football and lacrosse. He received his masters degree from George Washington University. Alan was an outstanding athlete, teacher and coach. He worked with Dr. Robert Graw Jr. and Headfirst/Righttime as a community advisor to educate students, parents and trainers on concussion awareness and safety on the field.

Terry Saxon Green IV '73 passed away June 22, 2020. After graduating from Severn he attended Towson University and later obtained his masters degree from the University of Maryland. He married Janlyn Lint in 1980 and was employed as a culinary arts teacher at Western Technical High School in Baltimore County, where he also coached lacrosse. He later became one of the founders of the HCAT Program at Anne Arundel Community College and continued to teach culinary arts courses until his retirement in 2011. Terry enjoyed traveling with his family to their cabin in West Virginia, trailing riding, teaching, entertaining, cooking, and being around people. He was also an avid fan of the Baltimore Ravens.

Former Severn Trustee, Priscilla “Pril” Alden Scud-

der passed away September 19, 2020 in Lewes, Dela. She was a proud graduate of Skidmore College and had been active in the Alumni Association. She was an unwavering volunteer for the American Red Cross, where she donated countless times to their blood bank over the years. Pril was an avid tennis player and could always be found reading a good book. During the time of raising her family in Annapolis, she was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church where she taught children's church. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

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