Sewickley Speaking Spring 2022 by Sewickley Academy

Aidan Ragoowansi ‘21 receives his diploma from his father and Trustee Ashvin Ragoowansi.

+ O

Message from the Editor Dear Readers, As the new Communications Manager for Sewickley Academy, I’m looking forward to keeping you up to date with what’s happening on campus and with members of our community. In this, my first issue of Sewickley Speaking, I aim to fill you in on major changes since the start of the pandemic, and I look forward to providing regular updates going forward. I hope you enjoy catching up with the people and activities that make the Academy so special.

Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and I encourage you to reach out to me with your suggestions regarding what you most want to know – at any time, not just through the twice annual Sewickley Speaking. Although I’ve only been with the school a short time, the significance of our Core Values quickly resonated with me. The strength of our community is vital, and I am eager to help us be connected and informed.

January. Across the board, the passion for academic excellence, Panther pride, and overall friendliness of everyone I’ve encountered has me excited for a long career with the school. I am so impressed with all that Sewickley Academy and its people have to offer.

Thank you all for the welcome I have received since joining the Academy in

Communications Manager

Please enjoy this issue. I hope to hear from you soon!

Jennifer Donovan

SPRING 2022

Editor-in-Chief

Jennifer Donovan Communications Manager

Design

FEATURES

SA Names New Head of School.................................................................................... 4 Academy Receives Largest Gift..................................................................................... 8 Alumnus has Future in Focus......................................................................................... 11 Alumnus Named to 30 Under 30.................................................................................. 14 Parent’s Practice Commits to LGBTQ+......................................................................... 16 Recognizing Kolia O’Connor ........................................................................................ 18 Community DEI Update................................................................................................. 21 Reimagining Learning.................................................................................................... 28

Apple Box Studios

Contributors

Dr. Ashley Birtwell Head of School Derek Chimner Interim Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Jennifer Donovan Communications Manager Kait Long Alumni Relations Coordinator Paula Plaza-Ponte Global Online Academy Site Director Chair, SS English Department Brendan Schneider Director of Advancement Dr. Susan Sour Alumni Relations Associate

CONTENTS

Brittani Spencer Major Gifts Officer

2021 Recaps Faculty Awards................................................................................................. 19 ‘21 Facts and Stats .......................................................................................... 24

Cover photo by Terry Jarbe, Marketing Specialist

Reunion Weekend........................................................................................... 44 Sports Hall of Fame......................................................................................... 46 Hansen Cup...................................................................................................... 48 Holiday Party.................................................................................................... 49 Class Notes......................................................................................................................31 James Mohan ‘18............................................................................................................39 Pillars Society...................................................................................................................40 New Trustees...................................................................................................................43 In Memoriam...................................................................................................................50

Access the digital issue at

sewickley.org/ss

@sewickleyacademy @sewickley @sewickleyacademy @sewickley1838 @sewickley VISIT US AT SEWICKLEY.ORG 3

FEATURE: NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL

+ Sewickley Academy Names Dr. Ashley

“

Birtwell Next Head of School By Jennifer Donovan

The Board of Trustees, under Chair Kate (Poppenberg ‘82) Pigman and Vice Chair Brad Busatto ‘88, announced the unanimous selection of Dr. Ashley (Brown ‘00) Birtwell as the new Head of School of Sewickley Academy on February 15, 2022.

months. We look forward to putting our resources and energy behind ensuring her continued success as head of Sewickley Academy.”

A former student and Trustee, Dr. Birtwell had served as Interim Head of School since June 25, 2021. “It was clear at that time that we needed a fresh perspective,” said Mr. Busatto in reference to the decision to transition Dr. Birtwell from Trustee to Interim Head of School. “Someone who shares our love for the school and has the ability to guide Sewickley Academy into the future as one of the best private schools in the region.”

To return to the campus I love and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, families, faculty, and this community makes me truly grateful.”

“It is such a great honor to accept the position of Head of School at Sewickley Academy. I am thrilled to have earned the confidence of the Board of Trustees as well as the Sewickley Academy community. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together,” said Dr. Birtwell. “To return to the campus I love and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, families, faculty, and this community makes me truly grateful. Our school has such a rich history to build upon. I am excited to collaborate with my colleagues to enhance our solid set of core values and to continue developing pathways for children to build extraordinary lives.” During her time in the interim position, Dr. Birtwell exceeded the Board’s most optimistic expectations during a challenging period in the Academy’s history. In a letter to employees and the Academy’s community, Mrs. Pigman and Mr. Busatto stated, “Dr. Birtwell has shown through her leadership to be the ideal candidate over the last several

DR. ASHLEY (BROWN ‘00) BIRTWELL, HEAD OF SCHOOL Employees were called to an all-school meeting to hear the announcement which was greeted with warmth and enthusiastic applause. Mrs. Pigman took a few moments during the presentation to highlight Dr. Birtwell’s accomplishments to date. “Ashley came to us with a commitment to academic excellence. Already she has added an Art History program to the curriculum and developed a PreK through Grade 12 computer science academic department that will launch with the next school year. She has brought, and will continue to bring in the talented faculty necessary to support these developments and supplement the premier group of teachers we are already so lucky to work with.” Mrs. Pigman also stressed to the community that Dr. Birtwell wants to increase accessibility to Sewickley

Academy to more students. “That doesn’t mean that we are going to lose our tight-knit, family feel,” she said, “but it does mean that we can strive to return to the larger enrollment we once had.” She went on to discuss Dr. Birtwell’s fundraising efforts to allow the Academy to welcome students to campus who have the talent and ability, but may have found a Sewickley Academy education to be cost prohibitive. Under Dr. Birtwell’s leadership, the Annual Fund has reached its highest levels in over a decade and commitment to Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) is at the highest dollar amount in school history, which directly impacts student aid. Additionally, Dr. Birtwell has tripled the amount of merit scholarship funding, further making it possible for exceptional students with economic challenges to benefit from a Sewickley Academy education. During Dr. Birtwell’s interim leadership role, the Academy: o Focused course offerings in

Grades 9-12 to exceed Advanced Placement levels,

o Developed an ambitious master

plan to transform the Academy’s campus and facilities, including fields, fitness, and commitment to the arts,

o Increased admissions staff to more

strategically address enrollment,

o Expanded the availability of

athletics to younger students and increased the rigor and athletic options for older students,

o Hired a new Head of the Senior

School to start July 1, 2022.

DR. ASHLEY BIRTWELL 5

Looking to the future, Dr. Birtwell says, “As Head of School, I intend to build on the progress we have already achieved in a short period of time. We will continue to deliver on our commitment to high standards and academic excellence. Our students will develop their character from experiences both in and out of the classroom. Through open discussion and shared experiences, our students are taught to think critically and independently and encouraged to develop their own ideas, traits that will serve them well in the world beyond our campus.” In a letter shared with faculty and staff after the announcement of her appointment, Dr. Birtwell stated: We have made considerable progress in the past few months, and again, I pledge to you to build upon that momentum. Progress depends on change, and though it’s not always easy, changes will continue to roll out campus-wide as we strive toward excellence in everything we do. We are very fortunate to have the building blocks in place to redefine success for independent schools. We have the most talented and dedicated faculty and staff. We have motivated, kind students. We have donors who repeatedly share their gifts to grow our campus and offerings. Their increased giving in recent months shows confidence in where we are heading and in the Academy’s long-standing reputation. And, our foundation is built on our mission and four core values that dictate and define our actions. With these building blocks and our unified commitment to academic excellence, we can work together to achieve the points I laid out for you today: o Building enrollment to support diverse

opportunities for our students as well as for a healthy bottom line.

o Maintaining our commitment to academic

excellence and setting higher standards of achievement at all levels and in all subjects.

Dr. Birtwell is the first female Head of School in the Academy’s 184-year history. In addition to having been a Sewickley Academy student in grades seven through ten (graduating from Western Reserve Academy in Ohio), and a former Trustee, Dr. Birtwell is also a community member and parent. She brings her young family to Sewickley Academy, with 4-year old son, Sam, enrolled in Pre-Kindergarten, and 2-year old daughter, Catherine. Dr. Birtwell also enjoys the support of her husband, Ryan, as she embarks on this professional journey. “Students, parents, faculty, and administration have appreciated her steady guidance and clear vision – especially during the challenging circumstances surrounding COVID and the change in leadership,” said Mrs. Pigman. “We anticipate a smooth transition as Dr. Birtwell assumes definitive leadership of Sewickley Academy.” Dr. Birtwell is a summa cum laude graduate of Middlebury College where she majored in economics and minored in mathematics. She earned her Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from the Heinz School at Carnegie Mellon University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Birtwell’s academic experience includes teaching in the fields of power and negotiation, managerial psychology, and leadership at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Her research has been featured in major media outlets, including the New York Times and The Atlantic as well as academic journals such as Psychological Science.

o Enhancing and building upon our community

relationships including our alumni, donors, the outside population, and expanded admissions outreach.

I want to reiterate that a major component of my role as Head of School is to provide support to all of you. Professional development, opportunities for growth and advancement, and an open door to your questions, concerns, and ideas are just a few of the ways that I will demonstrate that support.

Sewickley Academy welcomes the Birtwell family (L-R) Ryan, Sam, Catherine, Ashley

Dear Sewickley Academy Community, O

The start of 2022 has held tremendous excitement and significant change. With so much time spent indoors, behind masks, and separated from our loved ones, I am confident that most of us are looking forward to the future. This issue of Sewickley Speaking is all about springing forward – letting go of the limitations of the past and moving ahead with positivity and enthusiasm. As a former student and trustee of Sewickley Academy, as well as a current parent and community member, I continue to be incredibly honored and grateful to have the opportunity to serve as Head of School. This is the career that I know I was meant to have right now. I stepped in at a challenging time in the school’s history with the determination and the support of the Board of Trustees to move us forward. Though I have not yet held the position for a full year, including the time as Interim Head of School, we have countless accomplishments of which to be proud – many of which you’ll read about in the pages of this magazine. There are also numerous plans underway for growth and improvements, albeit still in the early stages. As they develop, it will be my pleasure to share them with you through our school’s various communications and publications. Through the course of rapid growth and development, one thing that most definitely has not changed is our commitment to our core values: Character, Educational Vigor, Community, and Diversity. We are moving forward with a commitment to excellence in all that we do. High standards, academic distinction, and character development remain the focus in the classrooms. Our students learn to think critically and independently – encouraged to develop their own ideas. We continue

to celebrate the diverse backgrounds, talents, and interests of our community members, so that everyone is free to be their true selves. Our students are the future leaders who hold the highest ideals of honor, integrity, responsibility, respect, empathy, and kindness. An important aspect of my vision for SA includes expanding our reach to even more exceptional students who may benefit from our top-tier education. Increased enrollment, combined with our legacy core values and commitment to excellence, will allow the SA reputation as an academic powerhouse to reach farther and higher, ultimately reaping even greater benefits for our community. Our collaborative environment and family atmosphere have always been strengths of our community. I believe these are essential characteristics that will help us to be unified as we move forward. I am especially interested in hearing everyone’s aspirations for the future of Sewickley Academy. We are working to become a “one-stop shop” for our own families with newly expanded after-school activities, weekend events, and summer gatherings on the horizon. But, we can go even farther by also becoming a community resource for families who don’t currently have children enrolled at SA. We are in the fortunate position to open our doors and share the wonderful opportunities, learning, and events that take place on our campus every single day. Every new initiative helps us to grow as a leader in academic, athletic, and artistic development. To achieve our goals, I am bringing a fresh perspective to both recruitment and fundraising. We’re showing growth in giving which translates as a shared excitement and confidence in where

we are headed. The Annual Fund has reached a 10-year high and the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program is at its highest level to date. I couldn’t be more excited by the generosity of our donors this year. As you read through this magazine, you will learn of the game-changing single largest gift in our 184-year history that will allow us to accelerate our plans for growth. I hope that the stories in this issue of Sewickley Speaking inspire you. It has been a year of evolution at the Academy, and we have much to look forward to as we continue to build and create pathways to extraordinary lives via academics, athletics, and the arts for the region’s most talented students. Best,

Dr. Ashley (Brown ‘00) Birtwell Head of School

FEATURE: ACADEMY RECEIVES LARGEST GIFT

Progress Across Campus Accelerated Thanks to a Monumental Donation O By Jennifer Donovan

Transformative change is expected in the coming months all across Sewickley Academy. As a result of the largest single donation in the 184-year history of the school, the Academy is able to allot $20 million for program and facility enhancements, scholarship, and initiatives in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These unprecedented developments have been made possible by a gift from The Tull Family Foundation. Founded by Sewickley residents Thomas Tull, founder and CEO of Tulco LLC, coowner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and former chairman and CEO of Legendary Entertainment, and his wife, Alba Tull, the foundation is committed to transforming lives of people in underserved and underfunded communities. This investment and the shared vision and values with Sewickley Academy allows the school to more quickly and efficiently achieve established strategic goals. Spread across academics, athletics, and the arts, this funding opens endless

ABOUT THE TULL FAMILY FOUNDATION (TFF)

possibilities for students to experience an education unmatched elsewhere and enable them to achieve their fullest potential. “We could not be more thrilled by the possibilities a donation of this magnitude brings to the Academy,” said Dr. Ashley Birtwell, Head of School at Sewickley Academy. “As we continue to position the Academy for the future and prepare for the next 100 years, it is critical that we put in place now the academic programs and infrastructure necessary to ensure our place in this community for years to come. This generous donation from the Tulls enables us to do just that.” Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Chair Kate (Poppenberg ’82) Pigman added, “From dramatically revamping our STEM and computer science curriculum to recruiting the best teachers and building best-in-class facilities, this is a game-changing moment for the school and cements its position as a center for academic

excellence in both the region and the country.” Supporting student demand for additional STEM offerings, a new Computer Science program has been developed for launch with the 2022-23 academic year and will extend from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Advanced courses will be available at the Senior School level covering topics such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, and meaningful gradelevel appropriate computer sciences classes will be added to the curriculum for all younger students. In a letter to the Sewickley Academy Community, Dr. Birtwell said, “In my time as a Trustee and then Interim Head of School, I have listened to the ideas, hopes, and dreams of our faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and other key stakeholders – this gift means we can deliver and build upon more than we could have ever anticipated.

The Tull Family Foundation (TFF) was founded by Thomas and Alba Tull to support organizations that are devoted to transforming the lives of the people in underserved and underfunded communities. A private foundation, TFF funds the advancement of innovative ideas in education, medical and scientific research, and conservation. Some of the Pittsburgh-area institutions supported by TFF include: the Carnegie Science Center; Community College of Allegheny County to support their workforce development program; the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh to support pediatric research and art therapy programs; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to support NeuroImaging and Therapeutics; Robert Morris University to support the RMU Century Initiatives and Innovation Fund; the National Little League to fund access to better equipment for teams in underserved areas of Pittsburgh; the Mel Blount Youth Leadership Initiative; and the Best of the Batch to support their STEAM program.

“Over the course of these meetings, it was evident that we have three core areas to invest in to further our growth: support for our exceptional faculty and staff; access to our school for the region’s most talented students; and upgrades to our spaces and fields to ensure that our faculty, staff, and students can benefit from state-of-theart facilities.”

The donation will fund a wide range of initiatives at the Academy, with a primary focus on: o Program enhancements including

the establishment of strategic partnerships with regional universities and educational institutions, expanded and intensified course offerings such as summer electives and college counseling services, and increasing STEM class offerings and faculty;

Students have expressed demand for more STEM opportunities, and SA is responding with labs similar to those shown here featuring enhanced equipment, state-of-theart robotics and advanced computer science including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

o A new comprehensive scholarship

initiative that will enable greater access and opportunities to attend Sewickley Academy, including funding Merit Aid Scholarships and additional resources for 20 incoming Middle and Senior School students for the duration of their studies at the Academy;

COMPUTER SCIENCE

o An advanced computer

science center that will include enhanced equipment, state-ofthe-art robotics and advanced computer science labs, expanded department faculty, and increased curriculum offerings including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and advanced robotics;

An overhaul of the school’s athletic facilities will include a fully upgraded performance and wellness center complete with the SA brand. All students, faculty, and staff will be able to take advantage of the enhanced facilities and wellness programming.

PERFORMANCE CENTERO

o Improved facilities across the

Academy’s campus to ensure they are state-of-the-art and cuttingedge, from the computer science center mentioned above to overhauling the school’s athletic facilities.

Academy administration firmly believes that this impressive contribution should be attributed to the unwavering dedication, commitment, and talent of faculty and staff, the hard work and commitment of the students, and the relentless support and stellar representation of the alumni. With the rising popularity and interest in E-sports, or competitive video games, SA may soon feature an E-gaming suite in the Hansen Library. These images are possibilities based on facilities at other schools.

E-GAMING SUITE

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. With the remarkable support of the Sewickley Academy community, over $42,000 was raised from 140 gifts on November 30, 2021. These gifts support every aspect of the Sewickley Academy experience, providing opportunities for learning and discovery, as well as the ability for us to be responsive to emerging opportunities.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE NEXT GIVING TUESDAY: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2022.

Celebrating Classes ending in '2 and '7

FEATURE: ALUMNI JEFFREY MORRISON ‘75

SA Grad has the Future in Focus By Kait Long

When Jeffrey Morrison ‘75 moved to Sewickley at the age of fourteen, he was hesitant about starting his sophomore year at a new high school in a new city. His father’s job with U.S. Steel brought the Morrison family to the area, and Jeffrey and his brother enrolled at Sewickley Academy at the recommendation of his father’s colleagues. As an introverted, shy adolescent, Jeffrey wondered how he would fit in and make friends in this new environment. Little did he know that his experiences at SA would ultimately lead to his future career and the training of like-minded professionals. Jeffrey’s fears subsided shortly after joining the Sewickley Academy community. He recalls feeling very welcomed and accepted from day one, despite the fact that many of the students were “lifers” and had grown up together. Jeffrey also appreciated the small class sizes and was especially grateful to his teachers who were caring and gave him extra attention when he needed it. As a person who struggled with dyslexia, their patience and support helped Jeffrey thrive. “I was grateful for the cozy, friendly atmosphere of the Academy and felt comfortable and safe. You could explore multiple disciplines and were encouraged to do so. Students could excel in athletics and the arts, and not many schools created this type of environment.” He fondly recalls his time on the SA baseball team with coach Stan Partenheimer as an example of this type of inclusivity. Jeffrey appreciated the opportunity to be a starter on the team, despite the fact that he didn’t feel he was a superstar player. Jeffrey describes Coach Partenheimer as a kind and talented coach who made everyone feel supported and let them have fun along the way. The experiential aspects of his time at SA were particularly impactful, and Jeffrey was drawn to opportunities that allowed him to apply his knowledge to reallife situations. “One of the things that made a difference for me at Sewickley Academy was the May Program. As someone who is dyslexic and often struggled in academic classes, I found the different and experiential classes offered in the May Program more personally rewarding. From martial arts to yoga to learning theory, these classes spoke to me.” He is especially grateful for the support and guidance from Mr. Scott Carter, who served as the Assistant Head of School and taught psychology classes during Jeffrey’s time at SA. Jeffrey credits Mr. Carter for sparking his interest in the field of psychology and influenced Jeffrey’s decision to pursue a career as a mental health practitioner. “In one class we studied the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget and his research on the nature and development of human intelligence. I remember being fascinated with his ideas about whole child and experiential education. Today I practice and teach an experiential method of psychology. When education touches something deep within us it sparks a curiosity to explore and become more of who we truly are. That is a beautiful thing!” After Jeffrey graduated from SA, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Religion from Elmira College and a master’s degree in Existential and Phenomenological Therapeutic Psychology from Seattle University. He worked in agency and school settings with adolescents, parents, and teachers for fifteen years before opening up his private practice, Morrison Therapy and Training. For the last twenty-two years, Jeffrey has provided therapy and training to clients in

Morrison speaking in Chile at the Weeklong for the International Focusing Institute

Morrison participating in the Weeklong for the International Focusing Institute

Morrison with friend and former SA student, Tom Brinker, and his brother, Christopher Morrison ‘80, on their 2020 backpacking trip in Olympic National Park.

Jeff and wife, Esther

On the last day of 2018’s 6-day backpacking trip in the Seven Lakes Basin region of Olympic National Park. The SA crew included Charlie Bickelhaupt ‘80, Andy Kendrick ’80, Bobby Anderson ‘79, Tom Brinker, Christopher Morrison ‘80, and Jeffrey Morrison ‘75, plus friend John Mundy.

Jeff and family (wife, Esther; daughter, Kelsey; son, Cayce)

Olympic National Park, 2019: Jeffrey ‘75, his brother Christopher ‘80, and Andy Kendrick ‘80.

Seattle and Vashon Island, Washington, where he specializes in complex trauma and Focusing-Oriented Therapy. Focusing is a body-centered, relational, and mindfulness process developed from research studying successful outcomes in psychotherapy. It helps people pause and listen to what is felt bodily before words bring the issue into focus bypassing the dead ends of most talk therapy. Jeffrey is deeply committed to his work with patients and helping to train other mental health professionals how to work safely with complex trauma. Teaching has become a significant and meaningful part of his career over the past several years, leading Jeffrey to establish the Seattle Focusing Institute. The organization offers a Focusing Training Program for therapists and healing professionals, which blends Focusing, mythology, mindfulness, and other embodied practices for unwinding trauma and restoring wholeness. Jeffrey has worked with many practitioners, from medical doctors to therapists to yoga teachers, who have found great success incorporating Focusing techniques into their work. As Jeffrey reflects on the past two years and the COVID-19 pandemic, he recognizes the huge amount of exhaustion, isolation, and stress many people have endured. It has affected people’s mental and physical health tremendously, and he believes holistic practices are needed now more than ever. The pandemic also highlighted the incredible demand for mental health services and the importance of access to quality care. Jeffrey believes some positive changes that have occurred as the result of the pandemic are the emergence of telehealth services and an effort to normalize conversations around mental health issues. Telehealth is providing access to a much wider and diverse audience and allowing people to utilize resources previously unavailable to them. Jeffrey has seen this transformation in his own work, as well as the profession as a whole, and he hopes it will continue to open doors for more people. Although only enrolled for three years, Jeffrey feels a great deal of gratitude and affection for Sewickley Academy. His time as a Panther helped

“ I was grateful for the cozy, friendly atmosphere of the Academy and felt comfortable and safe.” JEFFREY MORRISON ‘75, SEATTLE THERAPIST

him grow as a student and person, and influenced both his professional and personal path. He also made close, lasting friendships and still gets together with classmates for a backpacking trip each year. Jeffrey currently resides on Vashon Island in Washington with his wife, Esther, who is an elementary school teacher. They enjoy time with their son, Cayce, and daughter, Kelsey, as well as gardening, walking, and spending vacations near water.

www.morrisontherapy.com jeffrey@morrisontherapy.com www.seattlefocusing.org Jeffrey@seattlefocusing.org

FEATURE: PITTSBURGH HONORS SA ALUMNUS & TRUSTEE

2010 Alumnus Picked + for 2022’s 30 Under 30 By Jennifer Donovan

Each year the Pittsburgh Business Times recognizes 30 young business and community leaders for their 30 Under 30 awards. These individuals are recognized for their outstanding professional successes and contributions to the Pittsburgh region. They can represent a variety of industries, must be from Western Pennsylvania, and be under the age of 30. Sewickley Academy is pleased to announce that 2010 graduate Peter Schramm, founder of Lattus, has been named to the 2022 30 Under 30 List.

30 Und O

After building robots for the Army, Pete chose to take a leap of faith and start his own business following his passion for connecting people and streamlining conversations. He began Lattus four years ago and last year became a fulltime entrepreneur. Growing up on a farm in Butler, PA, Pete’s parents instilled in him the importance of bettering the lives of others. Spending most of his primary school years in the Butler area, he didn’t learn of Sewickley Academy until high school and enrolled shortly after. Always a 4.0 student, he learned a whole new definition of academic rigor when he joined SA. Though it was a major transition, he felt welcomed by the entire SA community and benefited from the ongoing assistance of a number of faculty who made him feel

like he was their top priority, especially during after school tutoring sessions for calculus, physics, and English. He went on to college in Washington, DC, where he established relationships with mentors, worked to meet a new person every week, and took advantage of study abroad to Hong Kong, where he discovered that everyone around the world is looking for connections. While gaining phenomenal work experience in the defense industry with Lockheed Martin, he found he was regularly fielding calls from friends and colleagues looking for information and asking for insights, perspectives, and shared experiences, and he was always eager to help. When he found he couldn’t assist everyone in every

way, he realized the demand for an interface in which individuals who need connections and others who want to provide experience can connect, and so his company, Lattus, was born. Like the interlaced structure of latticework, Pete’s company puts emphasis on the power of “us.” Pete visited campus to talk about being named to this year’s 30 Under 30 Awards and to reminisce about his experiences as a Sewickley Academy student. Q If you think back to your younger,

SA-self, what did you think you’d be doing by age 30?

A If you had asked the younger Pete, I’d probably say I wanted to be the president, I wanted to be the pope, I

wanted to be in the NBA or the NFL – I was going to accomplish all of this stuff and probably before the age of 30. But I realized that things take a little bit longer than you anticipate, and I always knew that I wanted to interact with people. While at SA, I really wanted to be in the energy industry to provide energy and resources to people so they can live and function — again, bettering the lives of others. Q What were your favorite parts about being a student at Sewickley Academy, and is there anything you would have changed? A I wish it was closer — it was an hour to commute before and after school. I need to say a big time thank you to

Q Provide some background about

how you got to where you are now in your career. A I went to college in Washington, DC, and studied mechanical engineering because I thought I’ll do this and I’ll go get a job upon graduation — you can do just about anything once you have some kind of engineering degree. Upon graduation from college I was fortunate to go work at Lockheed Martin, the biggest defense contractor in the world. I was in the Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP). That’s where I learned the power of mentorship and the people that you surround yourself with really change your trajectory.

are companies that really need help with streamlining the employee onboarding process and continuing conversations throughout their careers with mentorship, career guidance, and succession planning. I’ve learned so much over these last four years and up until about a year ago I was working full-time and building the business full-time. Then, I moved home back to Butler, I left the DC area, I quit my job in corporate America, and went full-time entrepreneur. It’s the scariest thing I’ve ever done in my life; the most exhilarating endeavor that I’ve ever been part of. It goes back to Challenge and Opportunity. To grow this business with the community that helped make me into the person that I am today is special and rewarding.

der 30 my mum and dad for the sacrifices they made to send us to SA and to get us here. What I loved were the people and the access to new opportunities. The parents of my classmates and teammates were incredible, and I keep in touch with many of them to this day. I never knew what FIRST Robotics was or had someone hand me a paper back in English class and say this is unacceptable — even though I was angry at the time, I’ve gone back many times to thank that teacher for challenging me and pushing me beyond my comfort zone. There’s a standard that we have and whenever you step on campus at Sewickley Academy, you have to meet that standard and the great thing is, the people here help you get there. You have access to people who help you reach your full potential.

At the beginning of 2018, I was living in DC, working in DC, and a couple of my best friends from SA had taken large career and life shifts. It made me step back and think what is it that I love doing? And it went back to connecting people and helping people, and bettering the lives of others. I drew a line in the sand, and said I’m going to start a company today, and it’s going to be something around bringing people together. Q Describe what you’re doing now. A I am following my dreams and

building a company that betters the lives of others. Lattus is the employee connection platform that facilitates employee conversations to create a sense of belonging and establish remote culture. Today our customers

Q If you had to do things again, what

would you do differently?

A I would have gone here sooner.

I would have thanked more people sooner. SA changed my life. Pete is grateful to the many people whom he met at SA who have played a part in the trajectory of his career: Mrs. D., Mrs. B., Mrs. A., Mrs. J., Dr. C., Coach Palmer, Chimner, Suuuze, Mr. Schneider, Jay, Dr. Sour, Coach Al, Tom, David, JT, and Tyler — you all know who you are!

PARENT FEATURE: DR. STACY LANE

Doctor’s Progressive Practice Reaches LGBTQ+ Community By Brendan Schneider & Jennifer Donovan Dr. Stacy Lane can thank her Guncle for her direction in life, that’s her gay Uncle Huey. Her father had a dozen siblings and was only nine when his own father passed away, so, the oldest brother, Uncle Huey, assumed the role of the family’s patriarch. A loving and giving man without children of his own, his nieces and nephews, Stacy included, were often the focus of his attention, and the kids all knew they could count on Uncle Huey to be at every important event.

Born in the 1930s, Uncle Huey kept his personal life private. “He was a very conservative shirt and dress shoes kind of guy, not out,” Stacy described. So when he needed to be hospitalized with AIDS, he told his family he had cancer. But the family learned the truth, and for Stacy, this truth laid the path for her future. At a very young age, Stacy knew she wanted to be a doctor, but her uncle’s diagnosis in 1992, when she was 15 years old, followed by his death, confirmed her plans to specialize in infectious disease. Hugh Lane, aka Uncle Huey, died in 1995, just months before the major medical advancements, aka “cocktail,” occurred that now allow people to live long lives after receiving an HIV diagnosis. The stigma her uncle and so many others faced, and continue to face, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community, inspired Stacy’s practice, Central Outreach Wellness Center (centraloutreach.com). Stacy earned a Biology degree from Washington and Jefferson College before entering medical school at Lake Erie College of Medicine where she graduated as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her fellowship in infectious diseases at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

As part of the Sewickley Academy community, Dr. Lane provided COVID-19 vaccines to eligible faculty and staff on campus as well as guidance and counsel to the school as the virus spread.

Working and gaining experience at Allegheny General Hospital and the Allegheny County Health Department, Stacy found that other doctors didn’t share her commitment to helping those with social issues or didn’t appreciate the patient group she was most likely to draw. Therefore, she knew that to pursue her dream meant branching out on her own. Central Outreach began as a single clinic in August 2015 on the North Side of Pittsburgh, near the Andy Warhol Museum. Now, with more than 30,000 patients, mostly from underserved populations, there are five wellness centers including locations in Washington, Aliquippa, and Erie, PA, and the newest office in Cleveland Heights, OH.

Central Outreach utilizes a recreational vehicle (RV) to reach out to the homeless community in Pittsburgh and provide traveling medical services. Much of their work is funded with grants in Pennsylvania and Ohio to provide STD and HepC testing for uninsured people.

THE HUGH LANE

Rapid growth means Stacy is unable to treat all of the patients herself, so she has hired a staff that embraces her casual and welcoming style. Patients who include recovering addicts, active drug users, individuals with AIDS and HepC, and other marginalized groups at high risk for infectious disease, are treated with dignity and respect when they walk through the doors.

FOUNDATION

According to their Facebook page, Central Outreach strives to “understand and support our wide range of clients’ cultural and personal beliefs. We foster the LGBTQIA and HIV+ patient by understanding the unique needs of those clients. We support harm reduction, as well as recovery, and no one is judged by their personal behaviors. We know everyone deserves access to high quality medical care.” Some of the services offered include free STI testing, HIV testing and treatment, PrEP (medication that prevents HIV), HepC testing and cure, transgender care, mental health, holistic care, addiction and recovery resources, laser hair removal, and medical marijuana certification. “I basically do public health, but in a private model, in a private setting,” said Dr. Lane. “We go to addiction places like Suboxone clinics, methodone clinics, we go to the gay bathhouse and gay bars, and we engage people in health care by offering services like STI testing and wellness screens, to try to stamp out health disparities, which is the ultimate goal.”

The Hugh Lane Foundation was launched in 2017 as an incubator of other nonprofits that target the LGBTQ+ community and people with HIV. “The idea that we don’t have to do everything,” said Dr. Lane, “but we want to support others that want to do this work in our community to help the community the best we can.” Services of the foundation include a legal aid program for residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania including identity document support, civil expungement of criminal records, housing support, benefits counseling, and more. Hugh’s Kitchen has become a reliable resource for food, hygiene, and safer sex kits to nourish community members in need. The foundation also assists the B.E.S.T.I.E.E. Project and AFFIRM, offering support for LGBTQIA+ youth and their caregivers.

+ 17

FEATURE: KOLIA O’CONNOR TRIBUTE

Recognizing the Contributions of Kolia O’Connor By Dr. Susan Sour Kolia John O’Connor arrived in Sewickley in June 2003 with his wife, Susan, and their young twin boys, Alex and Gus, to begin an 18-year career as Head of School. This was the second longest tenure of a school head following Cliff Nichols who served 1951 – 1981.

Mr. O’Connor began by working with focus groups of students, faculty, staff, and parents to re-examine the school’s Mission and establish a system of Core Values. Their efforts resulted in the Mission and Core Values that remain today. Under his leadership, the Academy was the first in the area to hire a Director of Support Services (2003) to coordinate the academic, social/emotional, and physical health needs of students. In 2015, SA was a leader in transitioning students in Grades 6 - 12 to utilizing electronic devices in the classroom, offering financial assistance to those in need. In March 2006, the Picture This Campaign was launched, ultimately resulting in $16.3 million in support, which was partially dedicated to professional development (PD) for faculty. This added the expectation that all faculty engage in annual PD opportunities to improve their skills and introduce new ideas and curriculum. Funds also contributed to global education initiatives including a formal Global Studies program and expanding the school’s endowment.

An advocate of students as global citizens, Mr. O’Connor contributed to launching the Global Studies certificate program. This special certificate is presented, along with their diploma, to graduates who complete the Global Studies curriculum of specific classwork, travel, and service related to international experiences. Along with a steering committee in September 2012, Mr. O’Connor initiated the Oliver-Means Campaign, which raised $11.2 million for two major capital projects. The Oliver Science building, built in 1986, was redesigned to include the latest equipment for classrooms and workspaces. The gymnasium, locker rooms, and offices were replaced with the current Events Center and Means Gymnasium, a much larger LEED facility that includes an NCAA-regulation basketball court, updated and enlarged fitness center, lobby housing the Sports Hall of Fame, media rooms, and numerous team locker rooms. When reaccredited in 2019 by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, the school was praised for its Professional Development program, Atlas Curriculum Mapping accomplishments, and ongoing progress in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

“

Mr. O’Connor frequented campus events year round in support of the students. Following the death of Jamie Wardrop ’57, alumnus and photography teacher for 38 years, Mr. O’Connor assumed the iconic task of driving the 1928 classic fire engine in the annual Sewickley Memorial Day Parade and for other school events. His habit of leading school assemblies with quotes from the poem Ithaka by C. P. Cavafy became a recurring source of banter between him and the older students. And so, as Mr. O’Connor pursues his next journey, we repeat his frequent mantra:

As you set out for Ithaka hope the voyage is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery.”

RECAP 2021

Middle School Spanish Teacher Named the 19th Clark Faculty Chair Congratulations to Jennifer Brown, Middle School Spanish teacher, for earning the Clark Faculty Chair in 2021. The Clark Faculty Chair was established in 2003 by Sewickley Academy’s Board of Trustees in honor of Ham Clark’s 15year tenure as Headmaster of Sewickley Academy and his wife, Ceci Clark’s, many contributions to the life of the school. “The Clark Faculty Chair honoree is a master teacher, a trusted colleague, and a valued mentor to her peers. With more than two decades of experience in the classroom and an academic background that has taken her to exceptional colleges and universities both nationally and internationally, this year’s recipient is a model of the very best teachers at Sewickley Academy,” Vice-Chair of the Board Brad Busatto ’88 said. “Students describe her classroom as an educational playground, and they can find information and cultural artifacts from around the world as they immerse themselves in their studies,” he continued. “For example, one of her students writes: ‘This teacher helped me so much this year. It was my first year at SA, and I had never taken a language before. She always makes me laugh in class and is, in my opinion, the best teacher I have had. ‘“ Mrs. Brown is a Baccalaureate Honors graduate from Boston College with a degree in Spanish; she also studied at the Universidad de Salamanca and the Universite de Laval. A lifelong learner, she has attended countless conferences, workshops, and institutes on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as teaching and curriculum. She has also served on the Faculty and Staff Diversity Committee and as a Department Chair, Grade Dean, and sponsor of the Student Diversity Club.

During the Academy’s annual opening assembly, Jennifer Brown, Middle School Spanish teacher, was named the 19th Clark Faculty Chair. Shown here with Head of School Ashley Birtwell (left) and Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees Brad Busatto.

O AWARDS CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE.

Awards continued CLARK FACULTY CHAIR 2020

The Elizabeth Bishop Martin ’79 Faculty Award

Christy Mulhollem, Middle School History

SIMMONS FAMILY FACULTY CHAIR

Teachers must have an acknowledged command of their subject, reflect consistent best practices in their teaching, demonstrate a commitment to the growth and learning of all children, and devote significant time to their professional growth and development as well as the professional development of colleagues. Such faculty also represent the best traditions of teaching at the Academy and consistently strive to fulfill the school’s mission. 2020

Kate Lukaszewicz, Middle School History

2021

Shane Mills, Senior School Mathematics

This award was established to recognize a teacher at Sewickley Academy who has made a significant contribution to advancing the mission of the school. The award winner is added to the Selection Committee each year and receives a cash award of $1,000.00. 2020

Ben Spicer, Senior School Science

2021

Rina Heavner, Lower School – Grade 1

The Jerry Smith Award for Outstanding Service

Jerry Smith began his long career at Sewickley Academy as a French teacher in the Middle and Senior schools. He moved into the Technology Department where he provided support help to faculty and staff school-wide and implemented new technology throughout the school. 2020

Mike Elson, Maintenance

2021

Suzi Peluso, Athletic Trainer

A Fond Farewell: O Lisa Heberling Retires Before she joined the faculty full-time, Lisa Heberling subbed in Middle School beginning in 1998 when her sons, Mark ‘03 and Jim ‘00, were in the Middle and Senior schools respectively. In 2000, she began teaching Grade 6 General Science full-time, and in 2004, she moved into Grade 7 Life Science where she remained until her retirement. “I love the kids,” Mrs. Heberling said, “They make you want to be a better person.”

“I’ve had some amazing parents to interact with as well,” she continued, “and some really incredible experiences!” She referred to the many trips she has taken – to Belize, for example, with numerous student

groups through the years, and a trip to South Africa where she was thrilled to observe elephants, hyenas, and all types of wildlife up close. She was equally grateful for her Sculley Sabbatical to Tuscany, Florence, and Siena, visiting an organic farm and winery and taking cooking classes. Mrs. Heberling preferred an experiential approach to classroom learning. She often did hands-on activities first, then put notes on the board for study and reflection. She felt that students interacted freely and enjoyed the lessons more with this approach. Although she retired in June 2021, she continues to serve as a substitute teacher as needed. “I can’t quite separate myself fully,” she commented.

“ I love the kids, they make you want to be a better person.” LISA HEBERLING

FEATURE: DEI UPDATE

Faculty Alumnus Leads School in Building Community

+ +

By Derek Chimner ‘04

Black History Month display outside the Marion Hutchins Library in the Lower School

At the time of writing this article, it has been seven months that I have served as the Interim Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Sewickley Academy. I can honestly say it has gone by in a blur, and I have learned quite a bit in such a short time. My focus this year has been the theme of “Building Community” among the students as well as my peers. In order to achieve this, I have made sure to educate myself through a number of hours of professional development (PD) through the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE), and other services. I have also engaged in conversations with faculty and staff across campus to see what would make this a successful year for our students.

Conference Learning

One of the more insightful PDs I attended was the People of Color Conference (POCC) and, in turn, the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC). While the virtual conferences didn’t provide the same experience as they would have in person, hearing about practices to retain young men of

color (specifically Black boys) or addressing the experience of multicultural students in independent schools made me reflect critically about my own experience as an SA student. We still have room to improve in our equity practices, making sure all groups feel supported and included in the SA community. We had four students attend the SDLC, and what really stood out was the debrief conversation they engaged in with the faculty members who attended POCC. The group brainstormed ways to have greater LGBTQ+ representation for our Lower & Middle School students as these younger students begin to navigate their own identities. We agreed that Senior School students should be involved in DEIfocused collaborations with Lower School students and discussed ways to make that a possibility. These four students also shared that the experience of attending SDLC was especially moving as they found spaces to be their authentic selves and learned they still have a long path in their own identity journeys.

A DEI Focus in All Divisions

Senior School students have been given platforms to speak on causes or events important to them or, oftentimes, their club. The Student Diversity Leadership Club has held two workshops centered around a practice or technique called Middle Ground, brought to life by Jubliee Media, a YouTube production company. During these workshops, students and faculty can opt in and out of conversations around a central theme. Two workshops have been conducted to date: Representation in the Media and Ableism with both being well attended by their peers and faculty alike, leading to conversation and ideas for bettering our campus. In early 2022, Senior School students from the Asian Culture Club spoke on the Lunar New Year during a presentation at announcements and handed out red treat bags to students, offering good luck in the new year. In celebration of Black History Month, the African-American Culture Club kicked off a month-long workshop centered around discussing and destigmatizing Black hair and educating their peers. A presentation and panel discussion on the evolution of Black hair and hair products led to other activities such as a Jeopardy event and an opt-in on the negative stigmas and tropes of Black hair and how to cast those assertions aside to celebrate one’s hair. What I found most impressive and special about these initiatives was that they were student-driven with only minor assistance or facilitation from faculty or myself. Two major events are anticipated prior to the end of the school year: the Leadership in Equity And Diversity (LEAD) Conference and the Taste of SA, a celebration of our multicultural spirit. At the Senior School level, students are taught to advocate for their own beliefs and identities. They are encouraged to share that knowledge with their classmates which fosters peer-topeer education and communication. Developing these skills is quite meaningful for their time after SA, and I have been so proud of how the students are engaging themselves and their peers.

Lower School Door Decorating

In the Middle School this year, students have participated in a number of workshops centered around inclusion. During these workshops, they were given tools to be advocates in their everyday interactions. Exploring proper expressions with peers can be difficult during the early adolescent years and lead to name-calling and other exclusionary tactics. Middle School students learned how to address these situations on their own without adult interference, which gave them agency and autonomy. They proceeded to participate in a workshop that promoted inclusionary acts and affirming language, writing affirming notes to their advisory peers and creating good vibes amongst each other. The workshop series continued with a focus on empathy and embracing one another’s differences. As a part of the Leadership Clubs, the Middle School Student Diversity Club (SDC) celebrated different holidays and major cultural events throughout the year. For Black History Month, club members hung pictures with bios throughout the school detailing Black leaders and trailblazers. To help students advocate for issues they saw, an opt-in box was placed in the Commons for students to mention their concerns centered around areas of diversity. The SDC also did a commendable job monitoring the SDC Hotspot, a website used by club members to deliver DEI announcements. Lower School students continue to broaden their own, age-appropriate DEI understandings in their classrooms, especially with offerings from the library. In the fall, the book, The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade, was used to teach students about the differences in all of us and how to celebrate each other’s identities. Additionally, Library staff continually highlight books for all identities as a source of information for inquisitive readers. In each classroom, teachers use this resource to incorporate diversity work seamlessly into their curriculum. During Black History Month, students participated in a door decorating activity, featuring Black leaders and figures important for our youngest minds to know. Once

finishing touches were complete, each grade participated in a gallery walk to view one another’s work. Our DEI consulting firm, Mattingly Solutions, completed their initial factfinding phase on campus. This included multiple focus groups with Middle and Senior School students as well as faculty members from the DEI Task Force and Faculty Staff Diversity Committee. The next steps include presenting their initial findings to the campus community and providing a comprehensive data report during the Spring Faculty/Staff DEI personal development day. Afterward, a DEISJ Action Planning Workshop with students and faculty will be planned followed by an informal webinar for the greater community prior to the end of the school year. And, I really must commend the hard work the Faculty Staff Diversity Committee has undertaken to make sure SA celebrates and acknowledges our diverse student body. They have also been involved in some of the behind-the-scenes work with certain facets of the DEISJ Plan.

Kayley Wu, Grade 1, wore her traditional dress (qipao) for Lunar New Year to help educate her peers about her culture.

While I have enjoyed my time in this role, the search is underway for a permanent Director of DEI. The DEI Task Force along with a student representative and parent representative are reviewing resumes and conducting interviews at the time of this writing. It has been my pleasure to step into this role in the interim as it has allowed me to give back in a meaningful way to a school I have been part of almost my entire life. I look forward to working with the new director as this individual becomes part of the SA community, and I will continue to do my best to ensure that SA is a school that embraces all of the pillars of diversity while being an equitable and just space for our students.

O Lower School Door Decorating

CLASS& OF STATS 2021 FACTS O

graduates

admitted to a Top Choice college

Admitted to

172

colleges and universities

Attending

different colleges and universities

79%

continuing their education in 17 different states and two other countries

13%

recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program including 3 Finalists and 6 Commended Students

SAT scores averaged

1301,

playing a sport in college

250 points above the national average

49%

recognized as AP scholars

earned SA’s Global Studies Certificate

The Class of 2021 enjoyed a traditional, in-person, on-campus commencement ceremony on June 10, 2021, in Means Alumni Gym in the Events Center.

CLASS OF 2021 COLLEGE SIGNING

Sewickley Academy Congratulates Our Student-Athletes

The graduating class of 2021 had

ONE OF THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGES

of student-athletes continue their sport in college. Congratulations to the following 11 Panther grads!

STUDENT ATHLETES

Simran Bedi

Simon Iwanonkiw

Maxwell Belt

JJ Jardini

Hailey Drutarosky

Breanna Warner

Timothy Fitzgerald

Jack Wentz

Elsa Gordon

Ellie Zack

Carnegie Mellon University Tennis Kenyon College Basketball

Haverford College Lacrosse

Mount Aloysius College Basketball

Allegheny College Basketball

University of St Andrews, Scotland Golf Wesleyan University Lacrosse

Ellie Hughes

Allegheny College Lacrosse Swarthmore College Field Hockey, Lacrosse

Haverford College Lacrosse

Timothy Fitzgerald, Maxwell Belt, Jack Wentz, Simon Iwanonkiw

Youngstown State University Diving

Ellie Hughes, Simran Bedi, Breanna Warner, Elsa Gordon, Hailey Drutarosky, Ellie Zack, JJ Jardini

FEATURE: GLOBAL ONLINE ACADEMY

Reimagining Learning By Paula Plaza-Ponte It is spring of 2020 and the middle of a school/work day. You already have screen fatigue and can’t bring yourself to keep your video function on as the screen share of the presenter moves from text heavy slide to text heavy slide. You peer out the window and wish you were out there instead of in here. Classes or meetings have been long, your shoulders are as hard as concrete, and you can’t remember the last breakout session you had where you could at least say hi to a familiar face and feel connected. You wish there were more meaningful interactions in these synchronous meetings, then immediately feel bad for the presenter or teacher knowing they, too, are doing their best navigating this new terrain. Guilt overwhelms you as you try to take notes instead of checking your messages on your phone. You rub your eyes and close them for a minute listening to the hum of the presenter’s voice. After the year we have had amidst a global pandemic, it is not difficult to remember a moment where many of us have experienced life and learning happening this way in front of screens. Now imagine a different kind of online learning experience, one in which learning is active, meaningful, and collaborative; a virtual environment that is intentionally and flexibly designed to encourage communication and engagement in a variety of modalities, at different paces, and across time zones. Where learners from different parts of the world come together to share diverse perspectives, exercise their agency, build community, and foster empathy while challenging themselves in ways that are both independent and interdependent. Where passion and curiosity drive the choices that are made. Where making a difference, or responding to a call to action, lies at the heart of where students go with their learning. It’s experiences like these that Sewickley Academy (SA) hopes to engender

through its partnership with Global Online Academy (GOA). On October 5, 2020, Sewickley Academy joined a consortium of more than 135 high-performing schools in becoming full members of Global Online Academy (GOA). GOA is a premier online teaching and learning organization committed to reimagining learning and empowering students and educators to thrive in a globally networked society. Our membership makes it possible for students to take advantage of a broad range of courses and learning experiences not available to them on our campus. Leveraging global connections, relationships for learning, and a variety of digital tools, GOA supports students in developing the following core competencies: o Collaborate with people who don’t

share your location.

o Communicate and empathize with

people who have perspectives different from your own.

o Curate and create content relevant

to real-world issues.

o Reflect on and take responsibility

for your learning and that of others.

o Organize your time and tasks to

learn independently.

o Leverage digital tools to support

and show your learning.

During the 2020-21 school year, 18 Sewickley Academy Senior School students took a leap of faith and embarked on our school’s first journey with GOA. Taking courses as varied as Introduction to Investments, Prisons and Criminal Justice Systems, Entrepreneurship for Global Context, iOS App Design, Social Psychology, and Medical Problem Solving, to name a few, our pilot group of students connected with peers around the world, shared and listened to diverse perspectives on relevant, real world

“ O

...the highlight of my GOA experience has definitely been meeting people from all around the globe. Being able to learn about other people’s cultures and practices has been fascinating.” DANIEL TORRES ‘23, SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

topics, and gained deeper knowledge and practical skills through application and reflection. Through our Global Studies Program, service learning initiatives, and partnerships with sister schools abroad, Sewickley Academy has consistently looked for opportunities to extend learning beyond the confines of Western Pennsylvania. Our membership with GOA provides students with yet another opportunity to connect with people, cultures, and experiences beyond our borders. Our pilot group of students described this as one of the most exciting and meaningful features of their participation in GOA courses this year. We are proud to say that excitement carried over to the 2021-22 school year with 10 students participating in various GOA courses. Students also appreciated the flexible nature and pace of GOA courses citing the usefulness of the format in helping them develop soft skills like communication, time-management, and empathy. GOA intentionally creates learning experiences that are “interactive, generative, and personalized.”

In each of their courses, GOA leverages online spaces to help students develop modern learning skills such as “cross-cultural collaboration, time management, project planning, advocacy, and real world problemsolving.”

GOA Course Design and Support in SA

GOA courses are relationship-based online classes that are led by expert teachers trained and supported by GOA’s staff. A GOA course takes a similar commitment of time, effort, and engagement as an on-campus course. They are interactive and dependent upon student participation and students typically spend 5-7 hours per week on GOA courses. Classes are primarily asynchronous, meaning that students do not need to attend pre-determined meeting times. Instead, teachers design and publish coursework and calendars, and within that framework students can make decisions about how to manage their work and time while gaining important independent learning skills

“ Getting to meet and work with people from all around really exposed me to new ideas and viewpoints that I hadn’t thought about before.” ZACHARY KERRISH ‘24, INTRODUCTION TO INVESTMENTS along the way. Students can expect to connect synchronously with teachers and classmates via video on a weekly or biweekly basis and all student work is submitted and assessed in their Learning Management System. In addition, students communicate frequently with teachers and peers via email, chat, and video calls, and

the classes are small (1:20 teacher to student ratio) to ensure personalized support. All students at Sewickley Academy receive credit for their GOA courses, which are taken as a part of their regular course load. Enrolled students meet in groups or one-on-one with Sewickley Academy’s Site Director, Mrs. Plaza-Ponte, once each PANTHER cycle or whenever a need arises. Although we have necessarily begun our association with GOA with a smaller number of students, we anticipate growth over time and hope that within five years the majority of all students passing through our Senior School will have had the opportunity to take a GOA course. For more information on GOA course applications, approvals, requests, enrollment, and GOA student support please email Mrs. Paula Plaza-Ponte at pplazaponte@sewickley.org.

The SA Faculty’s GOA Journey

In March of 2020, just before spring break, the decision was made that we would not be returning to campus

“ The GOA module about reducing cognitive load prompted me to sharpen my approach to sharing instructions and resources for our projects. Whereas I had relied on numbered lists and hyperlinks before, I started incorporating graphics, and because I used the same approach over time, students knew exactly how to navigate the resources for the projects across the school year. This reduced the time and energy that students had to spend on ‘getting started’ and they were able to begin work on their assessments sooner, letting them get to the vital and enriching work of making sense of the world around them.” KATE LUKASZEWICZ, MIDDLE SCHOOL HISTORY TEACHER

and may be teaching online for the remainder of the academic year. Sewickley Academy teachers did a remarkable job that spring, quickly adapting to the new reality, learning how to use Zoom, how to screencast, and how to make the best use of online learning tools like Padlet, Flipgrid, and Seesaw. Although we made it work, we knew that if the pandemic continued, we would have to find more flexible and responsive ways of meeting the needs of our learners. For many of us, an initial strategy was to take what we did in the physical learning space and try to recreate it online. Although this approach got us through those early weeks of pandemic teaching, we knew we could do better. We asked ourselves this: Who is doing online learning better than anyone else, and how can we learn from them? Since its inception in 2011, Global Online Academy has been at the forefront of not only online teaching and learning, but best practice in general, making use of the latest research on motivation and the science of learning. Moving beyond simply “planning lessons,” GOA seeks to “design learning experiences” placing a deliberate focus on agency, equity, personalization, and mastery. When we think of online courses, relationships aren’t the first thing that come to mind. In fact, many of us shy away from online learning because we crave the connection we feel with others when learning in physical spaces. What makes GOA remarkable is how they’ve made empathy and belonging a key part of the learning environment even in online spaces. When we discovered that GOA was offering a menu of courses under the broad heading of Designing for Online Learning, we knew we had to take advantage. Over the summer, every teacher took one or more courses from GOA with different areas of focus such as designing for student agency, designing online assessments, and designing for wayfinding (online learning spaces that are clear and easy for students to navigate). During our August In-Service, teachers “jigsawed” what they had learned. In other words, teachers who took different courses gathered in groups to build shared knowledge and plan how they would implement those best practices in their

virtual and physical classrooms in the school year ahead. These courses were tremendously helpful in establishing a new vision and standard for what excellent online teaching and learning could look like at Sewickley Academy. GOA modeled, in their own online professional learning courses, how Sewickley Academy teachers could help all students succeed in the year ahead whether they were learning on campus or from home. Impressed with the quality of the courses they took over the summer, Sewickley Academy teachers continued to enroll in professional learning at GOA throughout the 2020-21 school year. Not only did GOA’s professional learning courses help our school to thrive during the most challenging year of our careers, the values that guide GOA’s work, which align so well with our own, will influence how we teach well beyond the pandemic. Our current strategic plan calls for a greater emphasis on experiential and project-based learning. We know that people learn best when they have multiple opportunities to connect with others and apply what they’ve learned in ways that are personally meaningful and relevant. Our membership with GOA expands opportunities for students to exercise their voice and choice and to act with more autonomy and ownership as learners. True projectbased learning will require both a shift in approach and an augmentation in skills for our faculty, who will need to design learning experiences that foster the critical skills and habits of mind that students will need in order to achieve success when they leave the Academy. Our GOA membership, and the faculty development that will continue to spring from it, will, we hope, elevate student voice and choice beyond GOA courses themselves and inspire Sewickley Academy teachers to further position students as co-creators of their own learning experiences as we all navigate a changing landscape.

CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES 1952

Elizabeth “Betsy” Marshall Games wrote: “I hope everyone has survived COVID and the unfortunate side effects of becoming 83. I feel lucky so far! Still living in the house I have been in since 1966, but wish I had children or grandchildren in Massachusetts. I have a granddaughter who is a 5th year senior at Tufts so she could finish up her eligibility in lacrosse and have a graduation. Hah! They had an abbreviated season (6 games) with no fans, and will have another zoom graduation. Don’t know where she will be next year.”

1953

Peter Jones brought us up to date on his life since SA: “After graduation in 1953, I went to Brooks School, where Sandy Gordon ’52 and Tom Evans ’53 went as well, and graduated in 1956, and then on to Yale for a 1960 graduation. I then took a year off and went to live in Paris, France. From there I went on to Columbia Business School, graduating in 1963. I took a job at Bankers Trust Company in Trust and Estates. It worked well for me, until I met two couples who wanted to start a magazine about Food & Wine. I set up an office for them and our first issue was in 1978. About 5 years or so later, American Express was starting a Publishing Company and wanted to buy Food & Wine Magazine. I sold it to them and worked there until my retirement age. “I now live in New York City, and have a house in Quogue, in the Hamptons. I have 6 children, all are married, and 12 grandchildren with another one on the way in June of this year. I am glad to say that I am in good health, and come to Sewickley from time to time and stay at the Allegheny Country Club.”

1957

Cap Coyle sent a photo of a Sewickley gathering in Florida at the Delray Dunes. This festive group enjoyed a delightful New Year’s Eve together in 2021. After studying painting at the University of New Mexico, and teaching kindergarten, Nancy “Clair” Gardner Hackett moved to Europe to explore her roots. She eventually stayed in Corsica for ten years, shepherding freerange goats in the thorny maquis of the mountainous Mediterranean island. Living three miles from the nearest village, person, road, or amenities, she packed her belongings on a donkey over five mountain ridges to reach the five-hundred-year-old granite hut where she lived, milking her goats, and learning to make Corsican’s special cheese. Clair soaked up as much as she could of the ancient traditions from the semi-nomadic shepherds of the iconic Niolu region. Clair’s adventures “begged for a book about those years.” Writing A Handful of Corsica, her memoir, became a way to “honor the island and the wonderful people who gave so much of their hospitality and humor.” Her book, privately printed, is now available by contacting her at nairgardner@gmail. com.

Sewickley gathering in Florida: left to right - Luke Ward, Barbara Ward, Liz (Coyle ‘69) Devens, Cap Coyle ’57, Jean Snyder, Brandon Snyder ’66, Trip Devens ’66, and Lydia Coyle.

Clair Gardner ’57 and her memoir of her life in Corsica

Clair shared that Sewickley Academy gave her “a wonderful background, from nursery school through seventh grade, by teaching and inspiring her to reach out to the unknown and fostering a sense of wonder in the universe. I remain ever thankful for that beginning.” Clair lives near Santa Fe, New Mexico, off the grid with her chickens; her daughter and grandson nearby.

Nancy Hayes Kilgore has a new book: “BITTER MAGIC”

1962

Nancy Hayes Kilgore has a new book: “BITTER MAGIC is my third novel. It’s inspired by the true story of Isobel Gowdie, a confessed witch in 17th century Scotland. I got interested in the story through looking at some family history and discovering that some of my ancestors were Covenanters, the sect that initiated the Scottish Reformation but that also had a high percentage of witch hunters! Then I discovered the famous witch trial of Isobel Gowdie. And I was hooked.” Judith Mikita ’76 joins her dancers for their premier performance in Salt Lake City.

Laura (Morrison ‘80) and John Hays ’72 enjoy a horseback ride in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Her previous books include WILD MOUNTAIN, a novel about small-town Vermont, a community in conflict over gay marriage, and a midlife love story; and SEA LEVEL, a novel about an artist coming home and a clergywoman starting at her first church in a small coastal town in 1980, when women were first breaking into ministry. Other published work includes In Search of Isobel, in The Bottle Imp, the Association for Scottish Literary Studies – a travel piece on my trip to Scotland to research BITTER MAGIC; A Thousand Half Loves, short story, winner of the Vermont Writers Prize 2016, Vermont Magazine, March - April, 2016; and Reflections on a Train, a Vermont Public Radio Commentary, February 2015: Kilgore: Commuting By Train. “I live and write in Burlington, Vermont. Formerly a parish pastor (Presbyterian and Congregational), I have been writing fiction and essays and practicing as a pastoral counselor (psychotherapist) for over twenty years. In my therapy practice I have incorporated spirituality and creativity and have trained in and used mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Most recently my work in creative writing, spirituality, meditation, and psychology has coalesced in leading classes and workshops, as well as coaching individual writers.”

1966

Tom Doyle ‘81 and daughter Meredith ’12 were a sensation on the dance floor for the father-daughter dance at her wedding. (See Meredith Doyle ’12)

Caroline “Cary” Campbell Edwards sent this update: “I am in the midst of curating an exhibit for Hill-Stead Museum at Farmington, Connecticut. Hill-Stead is noted for its world-class collection of French Impressionists.

My exhibit will be on women born in 1867 as that is the birth year of my relative, Theodate Pope Riddle, the museum’s founder. Other women included are Laura Ingalls Wilder, the Unsinkable Molly Brown, Lillian Wald, and Madame C.J. Walker. Exhibit date not yet finalized - as early as June 2022 or perhaps June 2023.”

1968

John Dallain and his wife, Susan, are enjoying their retirement in The Villages, Florida. John and Susan celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary in April 2022. At Deborah Gray’s retirement from Concord Academy in 2021, The Ms. Gray Faculty Endowment Fund was established by a CA family, “to honor and acknowledge Ms. Gray’s many contributions to the CA community over her 34 year career at the school. This fund celebrates the role that Ms. Gray has served as a beloved teacher and advisor for students who have benefited greatly from her thoughtful guidance. This endowment will provide resources for CA’s faculty to carry forward Ms. Gray’s example for generations to come.”

1969

Niland Mortimer is enjoying life in Boston as a business school professor and advisor at Northeastern and Hult International universities, and the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy. He also enjoys year-round swimming in Walden Pond.

1970

Jacquelyn Casey wrote, “Hello from Chattanooga, Tennessee (a place I don’t think I had even heard of when at the Academy!). After retiring from hospice after 18 years I have arrived at a nice balance. I maintain my psychotherapy practice, am a faculty member of the Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy at Loyola University Chicago, continue to do some bereavement counseling for hospice on a part-time basis, design and make

jewelry, and cherish the additional time I have to enjoy friends, family and our dog, Alice. I look forward to attending our 50th reunion in October where I will join my ‘soul sisters’ Debra Canter ‘70 and Julia Canter Grimes ‘75. Oh, and I give great tours of beautiful Chattanooga and environs!”

1972

John Hays and his wife Laura (Morrison ’80) Hays have moved to the Raleigh-Durham area. See Class Note 1980 for more information. Marnie (Nimick) Silbert has moved from the Pittsburgh area: “Greetings from Massachusetts. I moved in a downsize to this wonderful part of the country. Miss Pittsburgh, but am enjoying the North Shore. Can you believe it’s been 50 years! My Madeira class has great plans for April.” Dr. Martha (Wyatt) Springstead retired from 40 years teaching vocal music in the public schools of Ohio and Virginia in 2018. “I now teach at three colleges in the Hampton Roads area--voice and choir at Tidewater Community College, piano at Old Dominion University, and choir accompanist and voice at Virginia Wesleyan. I also help out as a music director for the musicals produced in a local high school, adjudicating choral festivals, and am a highly requested accompanist for local choirs. We have four grown children and 2 beautiful grandsons.”

1973

Peter Clancy “moved to Oxford, Maryland, and am enjoying my retired life on the water with my wife, Agnes.” My kids have all grown up and are busy developing their careers. I was very sad to note the death of John Bailey last year, as we were friends since Sewickley Academy kindergarten. I continue a great friendship with John Buckman ’74 and Geoff Poister. Sewickley Academy seems so long ago, but I cherish the (mostly) warm memories.” John Stoeckle sent regards to classmates: “I am just finishing

up almost 15 years of ministry in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at the First Alliance Church. While here, my wife, Lila, and I got together occasionally with Kit Liggett and her husband Terry. It was good. We are moving to South Dayton on the next step of the adventure. Still miss Jay McKain like crazy! I look forward to seeing him again in heaven. I hope you are all well. (I would have been) Voted LEAST likely to become a pastor.”

1975

Leslie (Bates) Johnson shared an update: “After a trial year of retirement, last summer, I went back to full-time employment with Antioch University in the same capacity I’d been in for the previous 20 years as Executive Secretary to the Chancellor/CEO and the Board of Governors. It was fun to hit the ground running, and I love being busy again in a vibrant and interesting environment. Not sure how long this ride will last, but I plan to enjoy it for the duration. Some of my spare time is spent with my mother who lives nearby; she and I are having fun planning a party for her 100th birthday in July.” News from Catherine “Katie” (Simmons) Sayre: “Hello to everyone at SA! Business is booming again at our B&B, Casa Paloma here in Tumacacori, Arizona. It is small but mighty and only three miles south of Tubac, a charming, historic town with art galleries, food, and lots of shopping! Come on by! Our oldest son, Colton, is getting married here at the B&B April 30th so we’re in full prep mode. Youngest son, Travis, works in Tucson. Ray has finally fully retired from Emergency Services. Still singing weekly in my band, Hardscrabble Road and in the church choir! Let’s plan a western alumni gettogether soon in Tucson!”

1976

Peter Denby said: “Hello everyone. Hoping someday we will be clear of COVID. In the meantime I have retired from the ministry but am still working with a Christian oldies internet radio station in South Carolina. Luckily, due to the internet, I don’t have to drive 18

hours to get there from my house in Maine. Stay warm and safe. See you in 2026 at our 50th reunion.”

Judith Mikita has retired after 24 years serving as faculty at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, dance department. Last September her choreography, “A Leonardo Dream,” was presented at the Capitol Theater in Salt Lake City, Utah. She traveled with a company of seven professional dancers for the gala. (Note: Judith Mikita was inducted into SA’s Arts Hall of Fame in 2014.)

1977

Scott MacLeod will be appearing in a student production of Guys and Dolls at San Marin High School, where he has taught English for 16 years. Nearly 50 years after his appearance in SA’s middle school production, he will be performing the same role as a crapshooter in the chorus. He hopes he can remember the dance steps Mario taught.

1980

Laura (Morrison) Hays and her husband John ’72 shared: “We recently moved to the Raleigh/Durham area in North Carolina to be closer to family. We have a 13-acre horse farm and used one of the pastures to build our own tennis court. John continues to teach tennis, have a private hypnotherapy practice, and be an adjunct professor of psychology. Laura continues to practice law with Nationwide Insurance Company and is licensed in both Virginia and North Carolina. We love the area and plan to get horses this spring! If anyone is in the area, please stop by to say hello and catch up!”

1981

See photos.

1982

In December John “Buzz” Moyer shared his experiences behind the

College. He, his wife, Carlee; daughter, Ellie; and son, Emmett, live in Martinez, California.

camera on the set of the widely acclaimed film West Side Story in a special presentation to a standing room only crowd at the Tull Theater in Sewickley. With slides to illustrate the intricacies of camera work and the physically demanding (and difficult) aspects of filmmaking, Buzz gave a thorough and delightful talk on his work with Stephen Spielberg and the cast. Jeff Smith ‘86

Ebony Wilson ‘95

1989

Kyri Jacobs was named CEO of Bonnie Heneson Communications (BHC), a fullservice marketing communications firm. Kyri joined BHC in 1992 and has served as president, executive vice president, and vice president during her 27year tenure. “I’m excited to lead and continue to grow BHC,” Kyrie said. “I’ve been privileged over the past 27 years to work with Bonnie and an amazing staff and want to carry on the dynamic business we have built, focused around giving extraordinary customer service and a quality product.” Kyri specializes in communications, public relations, advertising, media, and marketing. She has provided counsel and led major campaigns for many of BHC’s largest clients throughout Maryland. Among her community service activities, she serves as chair of the Howard County Police Foundation board and is a former chair of the Leadership Howard County board.

He said that he found his early years of sports (lacrosse and soccer), music (drumming), and stage experience (acting and dancing) at SA invaluable training for the timing, rhythm, and physical demands of his job through the past 32 years. He has worked on film and TV projects with such well-known directors and producers as Martin Scorcese, Ben Stiller, and George Clooney. His credits include over 100 features and television projects.

1984

Kurt Ligo is retiring this year after teaching elementary school for twentyseven years!

1993

1986

Jeff Smith sent a photo with this note: “a fun photo of myself racing my Jaguar at Sonoma’s race track. I look very serious in the photo, but I am actually hanging on for dear life. I help run the San Francisco Jag Club (jags.org). Driving and restoring these older V-12 cars is such a lovely distraction from work and a fun hobby, too.”

As shown in the photo on the left, Tillie Gilpin has enrolled at the Central Coast Grammar School in Australia, where her mother, Allison Henry ‘99 attended as part of SA’s exchange program during her sophomore year (right photo). Allison and her family now reside in Australia.

Jeff was featured in a lengthy article about his history with old cars that goes back to admiring his dad’s white XJS coupe in 1985, which he was “occasionally allowed to use for SA proms and the like.” That interest led to his taking courses in design for high school students at Carnegie Mellon University and to a degree in Industrial Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology. Jeff eventually opened his own successful design firm. After selling that business, he earned a doctorate degree in Education and today is the Industrial Design program lead and a tenured professor at Diablo Valley

Lydia K. Valentine has been named the 2021-2023 Poet Laureate for Tacoma, Washington, where she is a faculty member of Northwest Indian College and Seattle Girls’ School. The press release cited many of her accomplishments: “She is a playwright and poet, director and dramaturg, editor and educator. Her proudest accomplishment, though, is being a mom to two creative, intelligent, and caring individuals and activists. In her own writing and the projects to which she contributes through Lyderary Ink, Lydia seeks to amplify the voices of those who are often stifled, ignored, and marginalized in what has been the accepted narrative of the United States. She has been the recipient of various awards and recognitions, including the 2017 poetry fellow serving Nuestras Pequeñas Rosas in San Pedro Sula, Honduras; the 2017 Goddard College Engaged Artist Award; and the 2021 Unsettling Dramaturgy Award.

Lydia is the resident dramaturg for empathos company and Toy Boat Theatre, and she maintains ongoing partnerships with The Mahogany Project, Pork Filled Productions, and We Out Here. She has been invited by various organizations to speak and run workshops on topics such as equity and classroom management, social justice in the classroom, intersectionality and identity, poetry, and playwriting.

1995

Dalene (Varney) LaPointe shared: “I am an environmental health scientist at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and served as a COVID vaccine case manager for community health centers during the pandemic.” Ebony Wilson reported before COVID: “On December 14th, 2019, I graduated from the University of South Florida with my PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the College of Education. I have also been promoted to the Chair of Undergraduate Social Work at Saint Leo University this past fall term. Furthermore, I am engaged in research involving the experiences of underrepresented populations in social work and STEM education. This is a very exciting and challenging time in my life; however, the foundation provided to me at SA has prepared me to be an active and engaged part of my academic community. So thank you to all the faculty, administrators, and staff who encouraged me and supported me along the way. Special thanks to Mr. Larry Hall, Dr. Joan Cucinotta, Mrs. Vicki Polinko, and Dr. Joyce Ferris.

1999

See photos.

2002

Pallavi Golla was featured in a story called From Wall Street to Onesies: Pallavi Golla’s Entrepreneurial Journey. After a successful career in hedge funds, she and her husband Mukul Patil returned to Pittsburgh and started their family. She enjoyed taking son Vyan on walks in a stroller but noticed

that while she stayed dry in her active-wear leggings and T-shirts, he would get hot and sweaty in cotton baby clothes. Their time was cut short because he would get heat rash. At night, traditional sleepwear would make him sweaty and fussy. Pallavi started to wonder whether the same fabric used in adult active-wear could be used to make better baby clothing. She quickly realized that technical synthetic fabrics for adults were laced with harmful chemicals that would not be safe for small children. “There were adult companies pushing the limits on fabric technology,” she said. “But for children, there wasn’t anything new or innovative.” Today, she is the founder of Lark Adventurewear, a premium e-commerce brand that makes clothes for children, and also now for adults, from a proprietary and sustainable Softek bamboo knit. Since its founding in 2017, her company has been featured in Vogue India, INC Magazine and Forbes.

Laura (Schmeider ‘04) Burton shares, “This is my 16-month old son Benjamin hanging out with the Flat Panther in Maplewood, New Jersey. He loves him and carries him all around the house!”

The feedback she loves hearing most is that this fabric has improved the lives of both mothers and children.

2004 See photos.

2006

Meredith Gottschalk married Levi Wolfe at The Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh on New Year’s Eve December 31, 2019. Her brother Evan ‘01 was in the bridal party, as well as classmates Chelsea Perkins and Brittany Urick. Meredith and Levi live in Pittsburgh where Meredith owns the Photo Depot and Levi is a software engineer for Dick’s Sporting Goods. “We love to travel, cook, and hang out with our sheepdog, Olaf.”

Meredith Gottschalk ’06 and Levi Wolfe were married on New Year’s Eve in 2019.

2012

Meredith Doyle married Alex Siladi on May 15, 2021. She had all four of her siblings by her side: Shannon ‘13, Todd ‘16, Brennan ‘17, and Eiley ‘20,

Meredith Doyle ‘12 married Alex Siladi on May 15, 2021.

O and choreographed a dance to “Get Me to the Church” from My Fair Lady with her father Dr. Thomas Doyle ‘81 for the father-daughter dance!

2013

Austin Braksick and his family now live in North Carolina. He shared an update about his exciting work: “In early 2020, I helped launch ProjectYou for college students and early career professionals facing questions around the career path they wanted to pursue and the skills necessary not just to help them get there, but to succeed in whatever career path they choose.

Austin Braksick ’13, his wife Anna, and daughters Sydney and Peyton live in North Carolina.

“We work with them in personalized 1:1 coaching sessions to answer questions questions like, ‘How do I know what major is right for me?’, ‘How do I get an internship?’, ‘How do I choose a career path that accesses my skills and interests?’, and ‘How do I excel once I’m actually in the job?’” These sessions, led by former senior Fortune 500 executives, include teaching vital core skills such as: interviewing, telling your story, giving and receiving feedback, using LinkedIn, resume writing, and more…check out the details at www. myprojectyou.com.

2015

Katarzyna Goebel and Thomas Mulholland became engaged in December 2021. Kat graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in the spring of 2021, and Tom will graduate from the University of Michigan Law School in May 2022. Kat currently works in downtown Pittsburgh at the law firm, Reed Smith LLP. During his final year of law school Tom worked as the Real Estate Manager for the real estate startup, Pacaso. A winter wedding is planned for December 3, 2022. Katarzyna Goebel ‘15 and Thomas Mulholland ‘15

2016

Jackson O’Neill is working in real estate in Brooklyn, New York, as an investment sales associate for TerraCRG, helping landlords market and sell their commercial properties

(warehouses, offices, and retail buildings). He also continues to pursue his art with success, and now has two paintings hanging in the Middle School Commons at SA. “The first piece is my take on Mondrian and Pollock. The second piece plays with depth as the overlaid red squares appear on top of the painting. I started painting my senior year of college in the spring of 2020 for a final project for Photography 101. I came up with the idea to recreate photos of Jackson Pollock (as I was named after him). So I had to recreate a few of his paintings in the process to include in the photos. In the beginning I was painting on a couple bedsheets so that I could easily alter the size in the background for the photos. After the project I had friends and family who wanted paintings for their homes/apartments so I have been painting ever since!”

2018

Emmy Francek had the great honor of being awarded Outstanding Senior in the Gallogly College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. The selection committee highlighted her contributions to both the fields of nanomedicine and immunology, as well as to the greater community through her service to BE4NANO (Bionanotechnology Engagement for Native Americans in Oklahoma). Ben Miller sent an update: “Since August 2018, I have been a member of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps. This program gives college students the opportunity to become officers in the US Armed Forces. We train in the mornings three times a week, take military science classes, and we attend Field Training Exercises once a semester at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Between our junior and senior year of college, cadets travel to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where we are tested on everything we have learned over the past 3 years. This is known as Cadet Summer Training or Advance Camp. Such tests include tactics, basic rifle marksmanship, fitness tests, and ruck marches ranging from 6 miles to 12 miles. Passing this camp is a requirement for commissioning as

an officer. In May 2022, I will take an oath and be officially sworn in as an officer in the United States Army. Upon commissioning, I plan to be placed on Active Duty so that I may serve my country.

In addition to ROTC, I am an Elementary Education major at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. In the spring semester of my senior year, I was placed in a local elementary school in a 3rd-grade classroom. As the weeks progress, my role moves from an observer to the role of the teacher. I teach and plan all lessons, manage the classroom, and submit weekly lesson plans in order to become a fully licensed K-6 Elementary School teacher. When I graduate with my license in May, I plan on teaching 4th, 5th, or 6th grade.”

Two paintings by Jackson O’Neill ‘16 now hang in SA’s Middle School Commons.

2019

Indigo Hinojos wrote that she is a co-founder and current president of the Gender, Race, and Identity Club on UNR’s (University of Nevada, Reno) campus, and treasurer of the Queer Student Union. She also participated in a fellowship program that helped to write legislation to combat sexual violence on college campuses. As a State Director for Nevada, she helped promote a student/survivor bill that was passed by the state legislature in May 2021. As a McNair Scholar she has been conducting research on the closure and failed reinstatements of the UNR Women’s Resource Center. Her research has now been presented at several conferences and was showcased to the community in April 2022.

Jackson O’Neil side by side with photographs of the artist Jackson Pollock, for whom he was named.

Calling all alumni artists! We hope to bring back a special favorite to this fall’s Reunion Weekend, October 7 – 8, 2022: the Alumni Art Show. It’s been decades since we’ve held this event and it’s time to once again showcase the artistic talents of our alumni. If you are interested in including your work, please send photographs of three or four pieces that you might like us to feature. In the event that we receive more submissions than we can accommodate in our limited space, we will defer later entries to our next show. Please send photos and information about your life and work to Clay Deutsch ’99, Curator of the Campbell Gallery, cdeutsch@sewickley.org and to Susan (Ratcliffe ’55) Sour, Alumni Relations Associate, ssour@sewickley.org at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!

Rougemont #1 pencil drawing 7”x10” by Larry Garber, Ph.D., Class of 1966, Associate Professor of Marketing at Elon University. Larry “Chip” Garber had his work featured in the last alumni art show in 1976.

Seeking Nominations for the Sewickley Academy Arts Hall of Fame The Arts Hall of Fame is a society reserved for Sewickley Academy alumni and former faculty who have distinguished themselves in the visual or performing arts at Sewickley Academy and have gone on to further distinction in higher education and beyond.

CRITERIA For consideration, individuals must display a passion and talent for either the visual or performing arts and have pursued either visual or performing arts in higher education and into the professional realm. Special consideration will be given to individuals who have demonstrated major support in sustaining the performing arts through arts education or philanthropy.

2009

INAUGURAL CLASS

Jim Caruso ’76, entertainer Caitlin Clarke ’70, actress Greg Nicotero ’81, special effects Anna Singer ’76, opera singer Garner Tullis ’55, print-maker

2014 Madeleine Lord ’66, sculptor Mario Melodia, teacher, choreographer Judith Mikita ’76, dancer, teacher, choreographer John Moyer ’82, film steadicam operator

Eligible former faculty members are those who served the Academy for a minimum of ten years and who were outstanding in their commitment to the development of artists at Sewickley Academy. In addition, these individuals must have maintained an active commitment to the arts beyond Sewickley Academy as well as engaged in ongoing professional development.

2018

All candidates must exemplify the highest qualities of character and community in accordance with the enduring principles of Sewickley Academy.

Henry Chalfant ’55, documentarian (street art) David Hollander ’86, TV and film writer, director, producer

Send nominations to Susan (Ratcliffe’55) Sour, Alumni Relations Associate at ssour@sewickley.org or call 412 741-2230 ext. 3047.

CLASS NOTE: ALUMNUS JAMES MOHAN

Alumnus Commits to Volunteer and Serve By Kait Long When James Mohan ‘18 was sixteenyears-old, he saw an ad in the Sewickley Herald for the Junior Firefighter Program at the Cochran Hose Company, and his life has never been the same. James immediately knew he wanted to be a volunteer firefighter and signed up the very next day. He saw it as a way to give back to his community and an opportunity to learn more about how the fire department operates. As a junior firefighter, James and the other volunteers were not put into dangerous situations, but were still very involved and participated in emergency calls. James quickly realized how passionate he was about this work and was drawn to the camaraderie and bond the firefighters all share. For two years, James served in the junior program and, at the same time, was going through the rigorous process of becoming a volunteer firefighter. He attended the Fire Academy during his summer breaks, working toward his certifications and completing a demanding physical training program. Although it was challenging, James felt completely prepared for the Fire Academy based on the incredible experience he had gained in the junior program. By eighteen, James completed his training and certifications, and he has served as a firefighter for the Cochran Hose Company since 2017. In his role, James responds to fire and emergency calls, and says you must be prepared for anything, at any time. Volunteer firefighters are always on call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a very physically and mentally demanding job, but James thrives in this type of environment. He is calm in the midst of chaos and drawn to helping people. In his own words, “You’re only called on someone’s worst day. Knowing you’ve helped in some

“ Knowing you’ve helped in some way is a really good feeling.” JAMES MOHAN ‘18

way is a really good feeling.” When asked about his favorite part of being a firefighter, James responded without hesitation, “We’re a family. You become very close with the other firefighters and spend a lot of time together. When you look around you during a fire and see them next to you, you know you can trust them completely.” James is currently a senior at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina, where he will graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice this spring. After graduation, James plans to enlist in the Navy, where his training and expertise will provide him with an excellent foundation as he serves his country.

Although James misses his Cochran family during the school year, he has taken every opportunity he can to spend time with them and respond to calls during school breaks and the summer. He is also very passionate about getting more people involved and encourages anyone fourteen and older to participate in the junior program. James emphasized how important the junior program is for the future of the fire department and genuinely believes it is one of the best decisions he has ever made. James has found a second family with the Cochran Hose Company and plans to always be a part of it.

SEWICKLEY ACADEMY PILLARS SOCIETY

WHAT IS YOUR

LEGACY? +

The Pillars Society invites you to make a planned gift to Sewickley Academy. Your gift helps to ensure that Sewickley Academy remains a place where students are inspired and educated to engage their hearts, minds, and hands in the service of a greater good. Planned gifts can include:

1. 2. 3.

Gifts that provide you income, such as charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts. Gifts you can make today, such as bequests, memorial gifts, charitable lead trusts, or gifts from donor-advised funds. Gifts that benefit the Academy after your lifetime, such as beneficiary designations of retirement, real estate, stock, bonds, or life insurance.

To learn more about planned gift options, visit www.sewickley.org/giftplanning. Questions may be directed to Susan Sour in the Alumni Office at 412.741.2230 ext. 3047 or ssour@sewickley.org. Your financial advisor can also provide advice on which option is best for you.

+O The Pillars Society recognizes benefactors who have provided for Sewickley Academy’s future through a charitable gift such as a bequest, trust, or other estate plan.

James J. Angel ’77

Dan & Joan Hilson

Maureen and Jack McKnight

Josephine Gilmore Bell ’54

Albert F. and L. Gail Knight

Robert W. Riordan

Claire (Lang ’90) Ballantyne R. Britton Colbert ’62 Winifred Farin

John K.’51* and Doris Foster Yale* and Louise Frame

Ronald E.* & C.A. Gebhardt Deborah Gray ’68 Larry E. Hall

John O. Heard ’60

Nancy Crowley Inman ’84 Jeffrey A. Lenchner ’77

Dr. John S. Liggett, Jr. ’66

George J. & Jaimie Magovern John & Dolores Mahoney Jennifer L. Markus ’89

David and Ellen Martin

Robert A. McKean III ’52

William S. McKeever ’73

Wm. John ’70 and Kathryn Powell Elizabeth Standish Sackson ’83 Henry Z. Shenk ’74

Susan Ratcliffe Sour ’55 Billie Spencer ’67

Lee Jackson Warner ’78

Richard and Audrey Weinzierl

Missy Ratcliffe Zimmerman ’60

We are grateful to these past benefactors: Edward B. Blue ’10

B.F. III and Katharine H. Jones

Constance Irwin Bray ’53

E. Thorne McKallip ’29

William Boyd, Jr. ’29

Nicholas C. Chubb ’37 Robert B. Egan

Gerta Engstrom family Katherine C. Galbraith

Josephine “Bobbie” Gilmore Rev. William R. Harper, Jr. Mary Clause Heard

John P. Levis, Jr.

“

Otto and Maude Meinhardt

Anne McKnight Murdock ’37 Martha Anderson Nash ’37 Constance H. O’Neil ’30 George P. O’Neil ’30

Laura Liggett Oliver ’33 Henry Oliver

*deceased

Missy (Ratcliffe ‘60) Zimmerman and Susan (Ratcliffe ‘55) Sour

John C. Oliver, Jr. ’26 Virginia Rose Rea

Henriette E. Rougraff ’45 Lucy K. Schoonmaker

Frank C. Schroeder ’28 Alden H.J. Sector

Harton S. Semple ’36 G. Whitney Snyder

Judge William L. Standish ’44

Each of us must reﬂect on the inﬂuences that have shaped our lives. In our financial planning, we will, of course, provide for our families first. And yet we have always been taught that we should ‘give back’ for the many advantages that have been provided for us. An academy education was certainly the best foundation we could have had to move forward in our lives. We want to be sure that others who may not be able to afford such an education will get a small hand up from us. That is a really important part of the legacy we choose to leave.” 41

NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS

A Warm Welcome to Two New Board Members O

By Dr. Susan Sour

PETE SCHRAMM ‘10

DENNIS L. ZEITLER

As a student, Pete was a key player on the championship basketball team and was active in the visual arts, graduating in 2010. He went on to study mechanical engineering earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Catholic University in Washington, DC, where he was on both the basketball and track teams.

Growing up in Western Pennsylvania, Dennis began working in finance by creating a computerized accounting system for Pittsburgh’s infamous Isaly Company. He then joined the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Pittsburgh before moving to MSA Safety as Manager of Financial Services where he climbed over 37 years to eventually retire as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. While with MSA, Dennis performed a variety of responsibilities with a particular focus on the company’s global business development, investor relations, and corporate strategy.

Pete was accepted into Lockheed Martin’s two-year Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP) providing him with engineering and management experience in solar energy, shipbuilding, and other areas. He then entered the robotics field, managing a team of engineers and scientists building robots for the Army before turning to the nonprofit sector in support of a defense contractor. An entrepreneur, motivator, and leader by nature, Pete launched his startup company, Lattus, in the fall of 2020 designed to encourage professional mentorship, engagement, and conversation through membership in private, secure groups based on selected interests. While his business is his passion, Pete stays balanced and active playing basketball, hiking, cycling, and traveling.

Though his career led him to travel extensively and globally, Dennis has always been active in the local community, having served as director of the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, treasurer of the Pittsburgh Pension Fund Group and Economics Club of Pittsburgh, and chairman of the Regional Learning Alliance as well as the Butler County Community Development. He was also treasurer of the National Kidney Foundation. He attended St. Vincent College for his undergraduate in Economics and earned an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. He now resides in Butler County with his wife, Jennifer. The couple has four children and two granddaughters.

RECAP 2021

Reunion Weekend Was Double the Fun

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Alumni from across the country came together to celebrate Reunion Weekend 2021 on October 8 and 9. This was our first ever Double Reunion due to the cancellation of last year’s event, and we celebrated classes ending in ‘0, ‘1, ‘5, and ‘6. The festivities began on October 8 with the induction of Jason Linkes ‘94 and George Raftis ‘05 into the Sewickley Academy Sports Hall of Fame. (See more about both gentlemen on p. 40.) Katarina Lackner ‘05 was also nominated for her outstanding career in women’s basketball at Sewickley Academy and at the University of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, Katarina was unable to be present for this year’s ceremony, so her induction will take place in four years at the next Sports Hall of Fame ceremony. It was a wonderful afternoon celebrating these impressive athletes.

Later that evening, an all-class alumni reception was held at Allegheny Country Club. Over 120 alumni gathered to celebrate and reminisce! On October 9, the entire community honored Mr. James E. Cavalier, Founding Head of Senior School, at a funeral mass at Divine Redeemer Church in Sewickley, followed by a program in Rea Auditorium where speakers Teresa (Cavalier ‘76) Plotkin, family friend Jim Darby, Dr. Susan (Ratcliffe ‘55) Sour of the Alumni Office, and former student Whitney Snyder ’79 shared memories. The Cavalier family hosted a luncheon after the program for more than 200 friends and alumni in the Hansen Library. It was wonderful to see so many alumni come together to reconnect with friends, make new memories, and honor Mr. Cavalier.

#1: Connie (Wood ‘74) Spencer, Cricket (Gordon ‘76) Pylman, Holly Seifert ‘01, Howison Schroeder ‘74, Linda Hedin ‘76; #2: Mr. James E. Cavalier; #3: George Raftis ‘05 with his wife, Caitlin, and children, Teddy (baby), Charlotte, Maddie, & Georgie; #4: S. Brent Elliott, Virginia (Nimick ‘00) Elliott, Dan Solter ‘00; #5: Jason Linkes ‘94 surrounded by family; #6: Cassie Grier ’81 and Kate (Poppenberg ‘82) Pigman; #7: Anna Singer ‘76 and Liza Thornton ‘76; #8: Tom Forrest ‘71, Kevon Copeland ’71, Virginia (Booth ‘71) Morrow, and Peter Bicklehaupt ‘71.

REUNION

WEEKEND 7

2021

RECAP 2021

SA Inducts Two into Sports Hall of Fame By Dr. Susan (Ratcliffe ‘55) Sour At a full school assembly on Friday, October 8, 2021, alumni Jason Linkes ’94 and George Raftis ’05 were inducted into the Sewickley Academy Sports Hall of Fame. Unable to attend the induction, alumna basketball star Katarina Lackner ‘05 will be deferred until the next ceremony in 2025. Baseball teammate and friend Eric Goldstein ’94 introduced Jason Linkes ’94 with praise and affection. Jason was a terrific all-around baseball player during his years at SA, recognized in the 1994 WPIAL All-Section Team (third base), and as one of the Top 20 in Batting Averages (.542) and RBI’s (26). He went on to play for St. Leo’s College (DII) where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame, ranking in the Top 5 for Career Home Runs and Top 10 Career Batting Averages in university history.

Basketball teammate and friend Derek Chimner ’04 introduced George Raftis ’05 with anecdotes and praise for George’s performance on the court. George was named Sewickley Academy’s Best Male Athlete in 2005, and he was named to the 2005 All-State team. In 2004, he was a major factor in the team’s WPIAL Championship and 2004 State Runner-up accomplishments on the court. George went on to play at Allegheny College (DIII) where his record made him 2nd All-Time in Career Rebounds (747), 3rd All Time Career Field Goal Percentage (53.6%) and 5th All-Time Career Points (1,294). In 2008, 2009, and 2010 he served as team captain and was named MVP.

such a solid foundation in skills and leadership. Four former Sports Hall of Fame inductees in attendance were recognized for their achievements as well: Tim Appleton ’73 (basketball), Christi Hays ’70 (tennis, paddle tennis), Whitney Snyder ’79 (tennis, golf), and Carol (Semple ’66) Thompson (golf).

Both inductees gave inspirational acceptance speeches and thanked their SA coaches for providing them with

SPORTS HALL + CONGRATULATIONS

JASON LINKES ‘94

& GEORGE RAFTIS ‘05

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George Raftis ‘05 with his wife, Caitlin Raftis, and children Georgie, Teddy, Charlotte, & Maddie

Jason Linkes ‘94 with his wife, Christie, and parents, Rebecca and Gerald

RECAP 2021

Recap: Hansen Golf 2021 Fore! The 16th Annual Hansen Cup Memorial Golf Tournament, held on Monday, September 13, 2021, at Allegheny Country Club, was a tremendous success! Over 70 golfers attended the event. It was an exciting day full of friendly competition and camaraderie in memory of W. Gregg Hansen, Class of ’77. Our fundraising goal for this year was $36,000. We are thrilled to announce that we surpassed this goal, raising $62,038! The net proceeds will support the W. Gregg Hansen Memorial Scholarship Fund. The winners of the Best Ball division were Jill Lenchner, Lisa Ross, Jennifer (Otto ’83) Giotto, and Linda Klemash, and the winners of the Scramble division were David Lendt, Bill Kiefer, Greg Needler, and Chris Aspey. The winners of our on-course challenges were: Low Individual Gross: Gail Hackett Low Individual Net: Warren Hackett Longest Putt: Derrick Miller Longest Drive (Men): Ed Powell Longest Drive (Women): Natalie (Hansen ’78) Weinsz Closest to the Hole: Mike O’Reilly The success of this event is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, advertisers, and participants. Thank you for your support!

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#1 (Best Ball division): Jill Lenchner, Lisa Ross, Jennifer (Otto ‘84) Giotto, and Linda Klemash #2 (Scramble division): David Lendt, Bill Kiefer, Greg Needler, and Chris Aspey #3: Dave DeNardo, Tim Olack, Brad Busatto ‘88, and Dan Grealish #4: Ryan Thompson ‘98, Jayme Thompson, Dawn Rooth Schultz, and Matthew Schultz

RECAP 2021

Alumni Holiday Party 2021 The annual Alumni Holiday Party was held on December 23, 2021, at the Edgeworth Club in Sewickley. Alumni of all ages gathered to celebrate the holidays and reconnect, along with parents of alumni, faculty, and other guests. It was an evening full of fun, reminiscing, and holiday cheer!

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#1: Lindsey Duffield ‘16, Calder Fowkes ‘16, Alexis Walker (guest), Logan Cole ‘16 #2: Anthony Saveikis ‘85, Kelly Gary, Derek Chimner ‘04, Pete Schramm ‘10 #3: Alexandra Jones and Zabriawn Smith ‘10 #4: Bill Sullivan ‘14 and Susan (Ratcliffe ‘55) Sour

AS OF MARCH 31, 2022

IN MEMORIAM Alumni

KATE (CURRY ’35) CAMPBELL

Kate Curry Campbell, 97, widow of Colin Campbell of Oak Grove Plantation, Sheldon, South Carolina, died Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at home, surrounded by her five children. Kate was born April 20, 1920, in Pittsburgh. She graduated from the Holmquist School for Girls, New Hope, Pennsylvania, and received a B.A. in Costume Design from Carnegie Institute of Technology. She was employed by Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation. Kate co-founded Pixie Products, in Sheldon, South Carolina, which manufactured unique products for the home. A wonderful mother and avid horsewoman, she started the Low Country Pony Club in 1960. Throughout her life she was active in volunteer work, including local Meals on Wheels and the Episcopal Church outreach programs. Kate is survived by her brothers - David M. Curry, Crossan H. Curry; three daughters: Kate Campbell McCullough, Helen Campbell Rushton, Laura Campbell Kinsey; two sons: Colin Campbell, Jr., Arthur Hays Campbell; eight grandchildren, and seven greatgrandchildren.

JAMES FULTON LEONARD, JR. ’35

James F. Leonard Jr. passed away peacefully at home at age 100 on August 29, 2020, surrounded by family who adored him. He was born May 30, 1920, in Sewickley to Margaret Trimble Leonard and James Leonard, Sr. Graduating from Andover in 1938, he received a scholarship to Princeton University, where he studied engineering (B.S. 1942). He served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, with posts in the United States, France, and Okinawa, Japan (1942-46). Later he attended Harvard University (1952-53) and Columbia University (1963-64). He met Eleanor Martha Hanson while they were both studying for the foreign

service exam, and they married in 1948. Together, they raised five daughters, as well as a son from Eleanor’s previous marriage. The family lived together in various posts for the U.S. Foreign Service. Ambassador Leonard was the Chief U.S. negotiator for the Biological Weapons Convention under President Richard Nixon, and he was Assistant Director of the US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA) from 1969 to 1973. After a brief retirement from government service from 1973 to 1977, during which he served as President of the United Nations Association (UNA), Ambassador Leonard returned to serve as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations during the Carter Administration from 1977 to 1979. From 1979 to 1981, he was Deputy Special Representative to the Middle East Peace Negotiations (the “Palestinian Autonomy Talks”) between the United States, Israel, and Egypt, which resulted from the Camp David Peace Accords. Ambassador Leonard was proud to be a career Foreign Service Officer, and was a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy. He spoke six languages. His first diplomatic posting was to Damascus, Syria (1949-51). His second posting was to Moscow at the height of the Cold War (1953-55). He then served at NATO in Paris, France (1955-57). From 1958 to 1963, he was stationed in Taiwan. He returned to Washington where he worked on Far Eastern Affairs (1965-66) and as a Director of the Office of Strategic Research (1966-68). Mr. Leonard was Country Director for Korea in the State Department’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs from 1968 to 1969. While serving in that position, he and his wife were credited with devising the terms that would ultimately secure the release of the hostages on the USS Pueblo, which had been seized by North Korea. In 1969 his career turned to arms

control, the UN, and Middle East Peace efforts. After his retirement from government service in 1981, Mr. Leonard was a consultant or board member for a number of non-governmental organizations: Aspen Institute, Palme Commission, Committee on National Security, Washington Council on NonProliferation, British American Security Information Council, and the Canberra Commission. With an encyclopedic knowledge of history from ancient times to the present, his commitment to public service, his belief in equity and justice, and his delightful wit, James Leonard was a real force for good in the world. A true intellectual, he dedicated his life to furthering the prospects for world peace. Ambassador Leonard is survived by daughters, Cindy, Val, Carolyn (Jeff), and Pam (John); son Arthur “Lee” (Diane); grandchildren, Christine (Gabe), Lynn (Justin), Diana (Alec), Zoe, and James “Jack”; and greatgrandchildren, Annelise, Lily, Jonas, Tyler, and Owen. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor; sister, Margarite (Ugo); and daughter, Diana.

ANNE (BLAIR ’37) BAUER

A fine and gracious lady, Anne Blair Bauer, of Sewickley, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2021. Born April 9, 1922, in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, Anne moved to Sewickley when she was five years old and remained there for the rest of her life. She attended Sewickley Academy and St. Catherine’s in Richmond, Virginia, where she was a member of the state field hockey team. She was preceded in death by her father, George Blair; her mother, Elizabeth R. Rodgers; and sister, Agnes (Rodgers ’47) Tuden (Arthur). Anne was devoted to her family, friends, and dogs. After raising four children, Anne was able to realize her

passion for collecting fine things. She co-owned Sewickley Traditions for 33 years with her son, Blair. She loved the thrill of the hunt and loved sharing her treasures with her customers and friends, all the while polishing her silver. Her kindness was legendary. She was the ultimate people person and never had an unkind word for anyone. She is survived by four loving children, G. Blair and Carl F. Bauer, Betsy (Dave) Quigley and Paige D. (Catherine) Bauer; adored grandchildren, Amy (Matthew) Dwyer, Harper (Joseph) McGroarty, Meagan (Bradley) Soroka, Hayley (John) Burgh, and Blair (Duncan) Montanti; cherished great-grandchildren, Aiden, Connor, Hannah, Alex, Aiden, Emily, and Tyler. Anne was the last of the Academy’s “three Annes” – a wonderful trio of classmates who were devoted friends and Academy alumnae: Anne (Smith ’37) Vanderwolk and Anne (McKnight ’37) Murdock.

Lifelong friends – the three Annes from the Class of 1937

MARJORIE (MANNING ’38) COLE

Margery Manning Cole, born on November 15, 1922, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2017. She grew up in Perrysburg, Ohio, a suburb of Toledo, as the only child of Rufus B. Manning and Rachel W. Blodgett. She graduated from the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, in 1941 and from Smith College in 1945, where she majored in English. She was married for 51 years to the late Charles J. Cole, Esq., a longtime partner at the law firm Robinson and Cole and a former member of the Board of Directors of Travelers. Together, they had five children: Charles J. Cole, III; Rufus M. Cole; Sara B. Cole; Elizabeth C. Horton; and Samuel H. Cole. An avid bridge player and golfer, she was a member of the Hartford Golf Club, the Kittansett Club in Marion,

Massachusetts, and the Connecticut Valley Garden Club. She is a past member of the Board of Trustees of the Renbrook School and the Board of Directors of the Sarah Seneca Residential Services, Inc., a nonprofit agency that provides residential services for people with disabilities. She was also a member of the Colonial Dames of America. She devoted her life to her family, and was a deeply kind, caring person to everyone she met. She is survived by her five children; six grandchildren, Charles J. Cole, IV, Henry K. Cole, William S. Cole, Anna F. Horton, Kerry M. Horton, and Mark J. Scurrah; and her great grandchild, James R. Cole.

WILLIAM ARROTT ’40

William “Bill” Arrott was born in Sewickley on December 6, 1925, to Charles R. Arrott and June Scheffler Arrott. He passed away Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Boca Raton, Florida. A good student, he became the third generation of his family to attend Princeton University. His studies there were interrupted by World War II, when he, along with most of his classmates who put schooling aside in the service of our country, enlisted in the Marines. He later returned to Princeton and received a B.S. in electrical engineering, completing the link of a trained scientific mind with a background strong in liberal arts. After establishing himself as the youngest editor for McGraw Hill (Power Magazine), he moved from New York to Chicago and into public relations. Subsequently, as senior vice president of Hill & Knowlton, then the largest public relations firm in the world, he created a special niche for himself where he combined his keen scientific understanding with the industrial and promotional knowhow necessary to introduce new and unusual products to both industry and the general public. He introduced the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging e.g., three dimensional anatomical images) and, later, the hyperbaric oxygen chamber. In the automotive industry, he introduced the retractable seat belt, which made it feasible to have this lifesaving addition installed on all future automotive products.

Bill started his own PR firm in the late 1960s, and in 1975 he was awarded the coveted Silver Anvil, a major national award of the Public Relations Society of America. Bill guided a public relations program which swept the country in the form of automobile cash rebates after it was initiated by his client, the Warner Brake and Clutch Company of Beloit, Wisconsin, a supplier to the automotive industry. This program was regarded by many as having saved the automotive industry from collapse. Bill was a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), and was a founding trustee and past-president of the Board of the Midwest College of Engineering. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Karkanen Arrott; son, William Arrott Jr. (Sue); brother, Anthony ‘42 (Patsy, d); sister, Lyde ’47 (Jon, d); granddaughters, Christiana (David) and Hailey; grandson, William Arrott III; great-grandson, A. J. (Katie), and great-great-grandson, Noah, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and by his grandson, William Scott Arrott.

ANN (WYCKOFF ’42) COOK

Ann Wyckoff Cook died on February 3, 2022, in Vero Beach, Florida. She was born in Buffalo, New York, on August 13, 1926, the daughter of Marjorie Annable and George Magee Wyckoff. Ann spent 14 years in Buffalo then moved to Sewickley in 1942, and graduated from Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut. In 1947, she married John Scott Wendt Jr. and had three children, J. Scott Wendt ’67 (Sewickley), Peyton W. Berry ’69 (Vero Beach, Florida) and Peter Magee Wendt ’72 (Beaufort, North Carolina). After a divorce, Ann met and married Frederic L. Cook. In 1991, they moved to Vero Beach. While in Sewickley, Ann had many interests. She was active on the Women’s Committee of Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. She loved to play golf as a member of the Allegheny Country Club, and was a member of the U.S. Senior Women’s Golf Association. Ann also spent many hours doing needlepoint.

She was a part of a small group that needlepointed a kneeler for Queen Elizabeth’s chapel at Windsor Castle. Ann loved art! She, like her mother, was a painter. She painted scenes from her travels including landscapes, flowers, the ocean, and birds. Ann was a member of Riomar Golf Club and very much enjoyed her friends at Bent Pine in Vero Beach, and evenings with her sister Florence Wyckoff Hastings ’50, also of Vero Beach. Ann is survived by her children and grandchildren: Cmdr. Mason Berry (Jessica), Marcie Lenaghan (Tim), Emily Berry, Thomas Wendt, and Virginia Wendt.

MARY ELIZABETH (STEPHENS ’42) WINFREE

Bobbie Winfree, 92, of Mountain Brook, Alabama, and Lake Placid, New York, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. She was the daughter of the late John Allen Stephens and Mary Lathrop Stephens of Sewickley. She grew up in Chicago and then Pittsburgh, where her father was a vice president of U.S. Steel and a special advisor to President Dwight Eisenhower on labor relations. Bobbie was born on Feb. 2, 1927, in Newton, Massachusetts, the second of three sisters, Marcia and Nancy (Stephens ’45). She was educated at Stuart Hall School in Staunton, Virginia, Smith College, and the Garland School in Boston. She was married to William “Bill” Wilbur Winfree for 42 years, until his death in 1993. She is predeceased by her parents, sister Marcia, her husband Bill, and her grandson William Peyton Thompson. She is survived by her four daughters: Robin (Mark Andrew), Betsy, Meg (John Ripley), and Mary Raine; ten grandchildren and eleven greatgrandchildren. She loved her big family and was always up for a celebration, dancing at her grandchildren’s weddings and excited to welcome each new great-grandchild, as well as traveling all over the country to spend time with each one. Bobbie was a civic leader and staunch supporter of the arts in Birmingham, Alabama, serving on the Metropolitan Opera Committee, at the Birmingham

Museum of Art, the Junior League, PTA in schools and as a Girl Scout leader, and active in the Travelers’ Aid Society for many years. She was a founding member of St. Luke’s Church in Mountain Brook, a member of the 59 Forever tennis group, the Music and Art Club, Canterbury Club, the Gaieties, and the Progressive Study Club. In Lake Placid, she was a big supporter of the Lake Placid Sinfonietta from back in the days when it was performed at the Lake Placid Club while she was growing up. Her “can do” attitude served her well in her various capacities. She is legendary for her many adventures: hitchhiking through Sweden in her 20s, taking her grandchildren on trips (even when her luggage never caught up with her!), singing and dancing onstage for charity, her avid year-round tennis game (played into her 90s), her beloved dogs, and many hiking and camping trips in her beloved Adirondack Mountains.

WILLIAM RICHARD “DICK” JACKSON ’48

William Richard “Dick” Jackson, Jr. died on Sunday, August 2, 2020, at his home in Yarmouth, Maine, surrounded by his family and trusted lab, Simba. He was survived by his wife, Anne (see Friends of the School) and four children: (Susan) Lee Warner ’78 (Hans), daughters Chase and Morgan; William R. Jackson III ’82 (Jacqueline Holen), children Claire and Arlena; Carol Jackson Miller ’84, children Seth Jr., Annie, and Will; and David O. Jackson (Kathrin), children Isabel and Oliver, and sisters Polly J. Townsend ’50 (see Obituary), and Mary Melissa Jackson ’56 (see Obituary). Born in Pittsburgh, the first son of William R. and Lucilla S. Jackson, Dick grew up in Coraopolis Heights, Pennsylvania, where he launched a lifelong love of tinkering by rebuilding a Ford Model T before he’d reached legal driving age. Following high school at Phillips Exeter Academy, Dick headed west for an engineering degree at Iowa State University, where he made forever friends among his Phi Delta Theta fraternity brothers and earned a reputation as a “fountain of energy and good humor.” Dick’s sister, Polly, was the high school friend of his future wife,

Anne Oliver, whom he married in 1957. He often said that when he married Anne, he married her whole family and their deep commitment to family, which served as a lifelong model for him. In 1955, Dick was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy, where he flew anti-submarine aircraft. Following his Navy service, Dick launched a 30year career with PDM, Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel, a Pittsburgh-based steel fabrication company founded by his grandfather, where he would eventually serve as president. Retirement took Dick and his family to Maine, where he pursued new interests including STEM education and coaching small business owners. He co-founded and remained deeply involved in the leadership of the Maine Heritage Policy Center (now Maine Policy Institute) to advance free-market policies and limited, constitutional government. He never lost his passion for aviation, for many years flying his own experimental aircraft out of Wiscasset airport. Dick loved making new friends. He was quick to go deep into topics like core values, career strategy, and spirituality. He was never shy about sharing his passion for preserving the values espoused by the founding fathers. Family and friends fondly remember his humor and love of debate, even if he was not a man prone to see shades of gray. Dick’s family was his foremost concern and his biggest source of pride. They remember him as an avid hobbyist who “invited” his children to share in his original passion - ham radio (W3EZ), and eagerly threw himself into many other activities that fostered family togetherness, including sailing, flying, paddle tennis, skiing, and traveling. The family bonded through many hours spent together putting in fence posts and picking up leaves on the property in Sewickley.

BARBARA IRWIN CHAPLIN BUFFINGTON ’49

Barbara Irwin Chaplin Buffington, 87, passed away July 14, 2021, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock near Asheville, North Carolina. Born February 22, 1934, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late David

Campbell Chaplin and Barbara Irwin Chaplin. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Buffington, III; a daughter, Judith Polk Buffington ’76; and a sister, Judith Chaplin ’52. Barbara was a member of All Saints Anglican Church in Mills River. She volunteered her time to many organizations throughout her life, including the Child Health Association of Sewickley, and was an avid gardener. She and her cousin, Tinker Chaplin, did make-up for years for the 8:40 Theater group actors at the Edgeworth Club. She adored Pembroke Corgis, playing Backgammon with friends and family, and was an expert at needlepoint. She is survived by her son, David Buffington of Asheville, and her beloved dog, Rose.

GORDON GORDON ’49

Gordon Gordon, 86, of Longwood at Oakmont (previously Shadyside), passed away September 19, 2021. Born in Pittsburgh to the late Madelaine Alexander and William A. Gordon of Sewickley, he was married to the late Donna Gordon for 53 years. He is survived by his children, Tracey (Tom) Reading, Courtney Wissinger, and Paige Gordon; grandchildren, Blake and Spencer Reading and Gordon and Andrew Wissinger; and brother, Maitland Alexander Gordon ’51. He was predeceased by four brothers, William (Sandy) ’52, Laughlin ’55, Charles ’58, and Jonathan ’60. Gordon attended Sewickley Academy, St. Paul’s School, Harvard University, and the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Law. His career began as a Trust Officer at Mellon Bank. He will be most remembered for his many years of service to Carnegie Mellon University where he made major contributions in Development and Planned Giving. He was passionate about his three daughters, four grandsons, and family pets. Maine was a special place to him where he spent happy times in Seal Harbor and Isleboro. He thoroughly enjoyed his last five years at Longwood where he became involved in several committees and made wonderful new friends. He was a member of the Pittsburgh Golf Club and the Harbor Club in Seal Harbor.

JOAN STEVENS BINGHAM ’50

Joan Williamson Stevens Bingham was born on March 5, 1935, in Steubenville, Ohio, and died of pneumonia at age 86. Her father, Edward, was chief executive of United Oil Company in Pittsburgh, and her mother, Helen Williamson Stevens, was a homemaker. Joan grew up in Sewickley and graduated from Miss Porter’s School in Connecticut in 1953. Four years later, she graduated from Connecticut College with a degree in art history. She was studying at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco when, during a summer session at Harvard University, she met Robert Worth Bingham III and they married in 1960. He was killed in an accident in 1966. Ms. Bingham remained a director of the Bingham family company whose media holdings included the Kentucky newspapers, The Louisville Times and The Courier-Journal, but settled in Manhattan and Washington. In 1984, she was the founding publisher of The Washington Weekly, a spunky but short-lived publication that covered politics and culture in the nation’s capital. Later she edited a newsletter on economics in Paris. In 1991 she played a key role in a merger that created the Grove Atlantic publishing house, then served almost three decades as its executive director. Once she entered the book-publishing field, her homes in both cities, with their walls of bookcases, became frequent stops for authors, booksellers, and international publishers. Over the years, she acquired and edited more than 100 titles in fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Ms. Bingham’s brief marriage to George Packard in the late 1970s ended in divorce. She was predeceased by her father and mother, Edward and Helen Williamson Stevens, and her son Robert Worth Bingham IV. She is survived by her daughter, Clara Bingham, three grandchildren, and her sister Emily Stevens Willets ’51.

WILLIAM CORDES SNYDER, III ’50

William Cordes “Cord” Snyder, III, 85, passed away on April 7, 2021, at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest. He was the husband of Kimberly L. (Kramer) Snyder. Born in Sewickley, he was the son of the late William Cordes Snyder,

Jr. and Virginia (Harper) Snyder. Cord earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia. He was the president of the former Spirax Sarco company in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Following his retirement in 1990, Cord worked in commercial real estate. He was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Macungie. A good athlete and popular at school, friends at Sewickley Academy remember him as a “terrific guy; he played tenor sax in the Joy Boys Band along with Charlie Cummings ‘50 (drums), Joe Turner ‘52 (trombone), Scotty Thornton ‘50 (trumpet), and Phil Waterman (alto sax).” They played on the Wilkin’s Amateur Hour radio program and came in second to a polka band. He is survived by her wife Kimberly L. (Kramer) Snyder; his son, William Cordes Snyder, IV (Mary Ann); his daughters, Ashley Snyder McCulloch, Cameron Snyder Castillo (Ed), and Amanda Snyder Napoliello (Craig); eight grandchildren; and his sister, Virginia (Snyder ’48) Citron.

POLLY (JACKSON ’50) TOWNSEND

Polly Jackson Townsend died peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 29, 2022, at the age of 86. She was the beloved wife of Gerard “Jerry” B. Townsend; and loving mother to her four children. Born in Sewickley on September 2, 1935, to the late William R. and Lucilla (Scribner) Jackson, she lived for 60 years in Manchester-by-theSea, Massachusetts. Polly graduated from Abbot Academy and Smith College. She met Jerry in Boston and they married in 1958. She was active in her community throughout her life. She was a Manchester Selectman from 1994 to 1998, and was a Director for 30 years on the board of Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel, a steel fabrication company founded by her grandfather, and eventually served as its Secretary. She also served on the board of Brookwood School. Polly was active with the Manchester Republican Party and a state delegate. She was a founding member of the Manchester Garden Club and of the Friends of Manchester Trees. She was a member of the Essex

County Club, the Manchester Yacht Club, the Chilton Club, the Colonial Dames, and the North Shore Garden Club. Polly was a philanthropist and supported many non-profits. She was a devoted member of both St. John’s Episcopal Church in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts, and of Emmanuel Church in Manchester, Massachusetts. Polly treasured her family and friendships. She stayed close throughout her life with dear friends from childhood, college, and her years in Manchester. She loved gardening, playing golf, tennis, sailing and skiing. She and Jerry enjoyed museums, Symphony Hall concerts and theater shows. They traveled extensively and kept wonderful “logs” and photobooks of their summer cruises on the Maine coast and other adventures. Her grandchildren will always remember the fun playing “murder in the dark” during summer visits. Polly and Jerry loved to play bridge, and she continued to play weekly with friends until the COVID shutdown. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Gerard B. Townsend, Jr. (Jay) of Portland, Oregon; Sayre (John) Gerhart of Corrales, New Mexico; Peter (Christina) Townsend of Hamilton, Massachusetts; William Townsend (Virginia) of Magnolia, Massachusetts; and by five grandchildren, two step grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her husband, brother W. Richard “Dick” Jackson ’48, and sister Mary Melissa Jackson ’56 predeceased her.

LOUISE (WATERMAN ’51) BAILEY

Louise Waterman Bailey passed away on September 1, 2019, at the age of 82, in Eagle River, Wisconsin. She was loved and cherished by many people including her three brothers and a sister, her two children, plus grand children and great-grandchildren. She loved the woods, belonged to St. Mary of the Snows Church, and supported the Walter E. Olson Memorial Library.

GARNER HANDY TULLIS ’55

Garner Handy Tullis, born December 12, 1939, son of Chaille Handy and Richard B. Tullis, died December 5, 2019. Garner has been described

as fearless, charismatic, innovative, unfiltered, generous, a child at heart, compulsive, organized, and creative. He was educated at Principia College and the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his BFA degree and studied with the architect Louis Kahn, the sculptor Jacques Lipchitz, and such legendary figures of the New York school as Emilio Vedova, Robert Motherwell, Barnett Newman, David Smith, and Mark Rothko. Winning a Fulbright Scholarship to Florence, Italy, he obtained a Fulbright Extension and Travel Grant for travel throughout Europe, and later earned his MA degree studying at Stanford University with Arnaldo Pomodoro and Nathan Oliveira. After serving with Air America during the Vietnam War, he founded the International Institute of Experimental Printmaking in 1972 with studios sequentially in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and New York City. He collaborated there with such famous artists as Richard Diebenkorn, Sam Francis, Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Mangold, Kenneth Noland, Dorothea Rockburne, Robert Ryman, Sean Scully, and William Tucker, as well as hundreds of other painters and sculptors. The first recipient of the Ralph T. King Award for outstanding contributions to printmaking for the Print Club of Cleveland, Cleveland Museum of Art. He taught at Bennington College; California State College, Stanislaus; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Davis; Harvard University; and the University of Urbino, Italy. He worked extensively as a visiting artist in Australia, Europe, and South America. He had solo exhibitions at the Cleveland Institute of Art, the National Museum of Art in Belgrade, the Martha Jackson Gallery in New York, and numerous other galleries and museums. His art is in the Cleveland Museum of Art; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the San Francisco Museum of Art; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and numerous other well-known public and private collections. He was inducted into the Sewickley Academy Arts Hall of Fame in 2009.

After 9/11/2001, Garner closed his NYC studio which was within 1200 meters of the Twin Towers. Thereafter, he lived and worked in his Italian home, a 1569 Renaissance convent that he owned for 45 years, located in the town of Pietrarubbia in the Province of le Marche (PU). He served over 50 years in various branches of US security agencies and the military. He is survived by his sister Sallie (Tullis ’52) De Barcza, twin brother, Barclay ’55, four children, and five grandchildren.

MARY MELISSA JACKSON ’56

Mary Melissa Jackson was born January 7, 1940, daughter of William R. and Lucilla Scribner Jackson, and died August 29, 2021, with her daughter Melissa at her side. She was a lover of nature and all living creatures. She was an excellent horsewoman, riding horses her whole life, and always had cats and dogs that she loved and cared for. She was an adventurer, and especially loved scuba diving, sailing, and riding a motorcycle. She traveled all over the world, including to Europe, East Africa, Egypt, South America, and visited all the states except Alaska, to see family, friends, and explore the sights. She studied history and religion, though never settling on any one spiritual path for herself. In her later years, spending time in the garden pulling weeds became her happy place. Mary Melissa was devoted to her daughter Melissa and moved around the country to follow Melissa’s journey through midwifery school and beyond. She loved taking care of her granddaughter Gabby whenever possible. Melissa shared, “She was a good listener, which was really important to me. Some of the most magical moments in my life snorkeling and exploring cays of the Caribbean, sailing on a full moon night crossing from the Florida Keys to the Bahamas with a phosphorescent wake, sitting with the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda, sleeping in a tent on the Serengeti, witnessing a Perseid meteor shower deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and spending Y2K in Cusco, Peru.” She was predeceased by her brother W. R. “Dick” Jackson ’48 and recently her sister, Polly (Jackson ‘50) Townsend.

BUCKLEY MORRIS “BIM” BYERS, JR. ’57

Buckley Morris “Bim” Byers, Jr. died after a brief illness on January 31, 2020. He was born in 1942, the first son of Rosemond Farrell Byers (nee Murray) and Buckley M. Byers, a longtime fundraiser for Dr. Jonas Salk and Deputy Chairman of Finance for the Republican National Committee. Bim was one of the first children to be vaccinated for polio by Dr. Salk. Bim was the great grandson of Alexander M. Byers of AM Byers Co, Pittsburgh, and James Augustine Farrell, first CEO of US Steel and owner of Farrell Lines, an international shipping company. He was educated at Sewickley Academy, Canterbury School, and Georgetown University. When he was 12 years old, he was sent to work over the summers on Bone’s Brothers Ranch in Birney, Montana, where he became a professional bareback rider and bull rider, competing in several rodeos including the Calgary Stampede. His parents only found out about his rodeo days when Wide World of Sports televised a rodeo in which he was a competitor. He worked in international transportation for Farrell Lines in South Africa, U.S. Lines, and Sea-Land. It was while working for U.S. Lines that he met his future wife, Nancy Faye Schultz, a Transportation Administrator for Cummins Engine Co. Bim enthusiastically embraced several hobbies including skeet and trap shooting, fishing, sailing, traveling, and collecting antiques. In 1995, he started American Eagle Antiques where he developed several long term friendships with his customers and dealers. When not selling antiques, he loved spending the winter months on Saint Simons Island, Georgia. Bim was a member of India House, New York City; Grosse Pointe Hunt Club, Michigan; and Allegheny Country Club, Sewickley. He was preceded in death by Babe, Marlo, Brutus, Moxie, and Bea, his labradors and dachshunds. He is survived by Nancy, his beloved wife of 39 years, and dachshunds, Maisy and Molly. Due to COVID-19, “Bim’s Last Rodeo” Celebration of Life was held on September 12, 2020. Nancy and close friends, Bill and Terrie Crook,

accompanied his ashes for inurnment in the Byers Mausoleum, Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh, on October 6, 2021. A bagpiper played the lament “Flooers o’ the Forest” while he was laid to rest.

RICHARD DRUMMOND HULL ’57

Richard “Dick” Drummond Hull, Sr. died in the early hours of November 14, 2021, at New Hanover Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina, the culmination of a three-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis and a related lung transplant. His family was by his side, holding his hand in the final hours. Born on January 3, 1943, in Buffalo, New York, Dick was the son of Harry S. Hull, Jr. a successful insurance salesman, and Elspeth Drummond Hull, an elegant, compassionate soul, whose gentle spirit was a counterweight for Harry. Elspeth’s quiet strength served to be Dick’s blueprint as he grew into adulthood. Dick was an alumnus of Sewickley Academy, Choate Rosemary Hall, Old Dominion University, and Boston University. He served in the United States Navy from 1964-68. Dick’s only sibling, his sister, Sibby Hull ‘55, died in a California car accident in 1970. The sudden, tragic nature of the trauma forever changed Dick, and deepened his already sympathetic nature. The Hull Room at Sewickley Academy was given by the family in her memory. In 1972, he married Patty Morgan and they had two children, Richard and Sarah. Raising a family in the Boston suburb of Wellesley, Massachusetts, Dick was a devoted Cub Scout leader, soccer coach, and Sunday school teacher. He was renowned for his tireless dedication in his roles as father and community leader. In 1990, Patty passed away from lung cancer. Dick wrote of the experience: “She died at home under hospice care in the spring of 1990, leaving me with two kids, a house, and a million memories.” Steadiness and optimism carried him through. In 1992, he married Karen Wessell, forming a blended family of six. Dick had a multi-decade career in public relations and newspapers. He

was an accomplished writer, known as “Scriberino” to his Choate ‘61 schoolmates, for whom he served as class agent. In the early 2000s, he founded an online limerick-writing business, penning wedding toasts for enthusiastic customers nationwide. His Scrabble and crossword puzzle skills were legendary. Dick also had a seemingly supernatural ability to remember dates, especially birthdays. He never forgot to call a friend or family member on their birthday – a testament to his warmth and unwavering commitment to maintaining lasting friendships. He loved being a volunteer for the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and served for 4 years. His calm demeanor and his sense of humor helped people in difficult circumstances. He was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church and especially enjoyed being a member of the Nurture Committee, making coffee on Sunday mornings and volunteering at the Welcome Center desk, answering phones and greeting people. Dick is survived by his wife, Karen Wessell Hull of Leland; son, Richard Hull; daughter, Sarah Hull (Brian); stepdaughter Sally DelGreco (Peter); stepson Rodger Reis (fiancée Karen); and two grandchildren, Henry and Veronika.

WILLIAM S. McCHESNEY, JR. ’58

William “Bill” S. McChesney, Jr. died after a long battle with cancer on November 17, 2021, the son of William S. and Ruth McChesney. He grew up in Sewickley, attended Choate, Princeton University, and Columbia Business School before starting a long career with Chemical Bank. He left Chemical Bank to pursue his passion for environmental causes and headed the New Jersey office of the Trust for Public Land, as well as serving with The Regional Plan Association. During this time, he was a founding member and president of the Harding Land Trust in Harding Township, NJ. After he retired to Quogue, Long Island, he was chairman of the Board of the Group for the East End, an Environmental Advocacy and

Educational group in Suffolk County. He served as a governor of the Ardsley Country Club, Morris County Golf Club, and The Quogue Field Club, where he was Golf Chairman for six years. He was a brilliant golfer and an unabashed Anglophile. He loved great English choral music, opera, British football, and Dover sole. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Deni (Lord ’60), his two sons, Jacques and Tom, three grandchildren, Dexter, Cecelia, and Beau, his brother, Tom ’60, and his beloved West Highland terrier, Birdie. Note: The miniature rooms highlighted outside the Rea Auditorium were created and donated by his mother, Ruth McChesney.

ANNE (FROTHINGHAM ’59) CROSS Anne Frothingham Cross of New York City and Nantucket, died peacefully at home Sunday, December 20, 2020, surrounded by family. In all that she did, Anne combined the Southern graciousness of her mother with the tenacity and curiosity of her Yankee father. Her values were built on a foundation of honesty in all things, which is what she practiced. She had a zest for life and a courageous spirit, many called it “grit”, always challenging herself to succeed in new endeavors. She was endowed with endless energy, living each day to its fullest and on her terms. She will be remembered for her consummate generosity toward others less fortunate, a quality which quietly shined through all that she did.

Whether in New York or Nantucket, Anne and her husband, Dennis, welcomed their friends to their home where Anne encouraged lively conversation. She never quenched her insatiable desire to learn more about her friends, science, astronomy, or the planet. Everything, it seems, but politics. Endowed with an active sense of humor, and always wearing a smile, she was inclined to play practical jokes. A good friend described her as “having eyes crinkling with mischief.” Anne’s life was defined by two compelling interests: commitment to family and a lifelong love of classical music. She was a pianist of professional

quality who immersed herself in New York City’s world of amateur music. An active performer and an avid listener, Anne would attend a piano concert, hear a new piece of music that captivated her, and resolve to learn it. She would then spend most of the days that followed to bring the piece to performance standard. There was never a time when she was not working on music to add to her repertoire. She knew the world of amateur music from every perspective, that of parent, student, performer, teacher, and advisor. She worked with the School for Strings, one of the pioneer Suzuki music schools in New York. In addition to teaching at Diller Quail School of Music, she served on the boards of Turtle Bay Music School and the French American School of Music, later as its president. In addition to solo work, Anne was an active participant in chamber-music groups in New York and attended and organized musicales among other amateurs. On Nantucket she organized and performed in several Rose Sunday concerts. Anne worked hard to be good at the sports she enjoyed, including skiing and tennis, and in particular sailboat racing. Anne and Dennis raced their boat, Oyster Cracker, with its signature green sail, every Saturday in the onedesign races in Nantucket Harbor. She also delighted in serving as active crew on Echo in the International One Design syndicate. Anne never sought personal recognition in her many activities. Anne almost singlehandedly resurrected the now-iconic Rainbow Parade on Nantucket. Hoping to encourage the many owners of Rainbows who were not active sailboat racers, she conceived of the parade as a way to get them out sailing and enlarge the active fleet. It was her passion and execution that made the Rainbow Parade such a memorable annual event. Anne leaves behind her husband of 53 years, Dennis; her sisters, Caesara (Frothingham ’60) Wendin and Laetitia Frothingham Mead; her brother John Langdon Frothingham Jr.; her daughters, Louisa Cross Walsh and Eliza Cross Miller; four grandchildren, Amelia Walsh, Peyton Walsh, Charlotte Miller, and Emerson Miller; and two dogs, Reggie and Ollie.

FRANCES (ROBERTS ’59) DAVIES

Frances “Bonnie” Roberts Davies, 75, of Philadelphia, died on February 6, 2020. Bonnie grew up in Sewickley, and graduated from Wellesley College in 1966. Her career was in publishing, although her favorite and full-time job for most of her life was homemaker and mother. Bonnie volunteered at Friends Select School for many years, and she was an early adopter of Center City of Philadelphia, living in the Rittenhouse Square area for more than 50 years. Bonnie was a loving mother to three children: Step, Francie, and Alex; and a doting grandmother to six grandchildren: Annie, Leena, Charlie, James, Margaret, and Holland.

BOLAN HERBERT BOATNER, JR. ’61 Bolan Herbert “Herb” Boatner, Jr., passed away peacefully December 22, 2020. Herb was 74 years old and a resident of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Terry; daughter, Melissa; son, Bryan (Andrea); and grandchildren, Emily, Anna, and Jack, of Andover, Massachusetts; and sister, Elizabeth Kraus, of Hamlet, North Carolina. Herb was predeceased by his parents, Bolan Herbert Boatner, Sr. and Mary Horn Boatner. Herb was born November 15, 1946, in Evanston, Illinois. His family relocated to Sewickley, where Herb attended Sewickley Academy, followed by the Hill School, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell Law School. He served in the Army, and was honorably discharged as a Captain. Herb was a brilliant attorney, a gifted raconteur, and a loyal friend who established many lifelong friendships. He specialized in representation of parties involved in public finance transactions, and was associated and partnered with preeminent law firms in Pittsburgh, Miami, and Tampa, including Bryant Miller Olive, where he remained until his passing. Herb could always be counted on for a good joke or a funny story. A kind man, he was ever willing to help those who needed his sage advice or counsel. He was also a modest man, and lived a full, joy-filled life. He studied astrophysics at Cambridge University, took his wife to Paris, and cut several record albums

as the pianist and vocalist for the Nocturnes. Herb loved The Rolling Stones and saw them in concert as recently as last year in Boston. He loved to play craps, always said he was ahead, and his wife believed him. He loved his life at the beach, and time with his daughter, with whom he would spend hours listening to their favorite music. Herb adored his family, and his dog, Cody. Herb is best described as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was fun and funny, caring and generous, thoughtful and tender-hearted. He fought a yearslong battle with a health problem that would have defeated a less determined man much sooner. And he did so with bravery, grace, and humor, never giving in to self-pity, but always looking for the next lily pad to land on, and keeping his illness at bay. Herb will be remembered as an honorable man who shared his gifts and left this world a better place. He leaves a legacy of hope, love, and kindness. He is survived by his son, Bryan Boatner ‘93.

STEPHEN PAYN NASH ’62

Stephen Payn Nash died peacefully in his home on August 19, 2020, surrounded by his family. Steve was born on May 15, 1947, in New York City, the son of Stephen Edward Nash and Martha (Anderson ’37) Nash. He spent the majority of his childhood running around the hills of Sewickley, where he would eventually raise his children. He attended Sewickley Academy and graduated from St. Mark’s School in Southboro, Massachusetts. After a brief stint at Hobart and William Smith College, Steve was issued an unlucky draft number and opted to sign up for the Army on his own accord, where he served as a Green Beret assigned to 10th Special Forces Group, deploying across the world. After leaving the service, Steve pursued a degree in medicine, but made the choice to switch to law school instead. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a J.D. and M.B.A., he went on to have a career for over 40 years representing hospitals and international clients as a healthcare attorney in Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, and Denver. He was particularly proud of

his work at Nash & Company, a highly successful firm he founded and ran for over a decade. He also took deep pride in leading the formation of CORHIO (Colorado State Health Information Exchange). Steve excelled in almost every physical endeavor he pursued, often winning triathlons in which he participated, although he mostly loved jogging with a best friend and simply catching up. Steve and Marina married in 1987 and spent wonderful times on the beaches of Mykonos, Greece, and other world travels. Steve loved his family fiercely and taught them all to love life with a similar passion. One could often find him lost in thought, consuming a book or just making sense of the world. His community will remember him as a dear and loving friend, a wise teacher, a tough competitor, and a relentless jokester. Steve is survived by his widow, Marina, his siblings, Oliver Anderson Nash ’66, Timothy Nash ’70, and Jane (Nash ’75) Kirst, his children Erin Nash Pennington, Athena Eleni Nash, and Stephen Edward Nash, and his two grandchildren Caitrin and Jameson Pennington.

HELEN (NASH ’66) MORIYAMA ’66

Helen Nash Moriyama passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2021. She bravely fought lung cancer for nearly five years, during which time she was always positive and upbeat. Helen was born on May 4, 1948, and grew up in Sewickley. She attended Middlebury College before moving to Boston where she worked in the mutual fund industry and met her husband, Halley. They had been married 47 years. In 1978, they moved to Wellesley, Massachusetts, and continued to live in the first house they bought. She and Halley also have a winter home in Vero Beach, Florida. Helen was an avid bridge player, voracious reader, a devotee of the New York Times crossword puzzles, needlepointing, and a lover of dogs, birds, and other animals. Bridge was her sport as she always said. She was a gracious player to both her partners and her opponents. She willingly helped others to either learn or improve their bridge game. In addition, she played golf at one time, though

she only counted her good shots. She also enjoyed food and wine as well as traveling, particularly in Europe. She had a strong affinity for England as she and her family lived there in 1989 and again in 2007. Helen also enjoyed the Outer Banks of North Carolina where she went nearly every summer of her life since childhood. There, she relished long walks along the beach, sitting under the tent with family, and partaking in sunset cocktails. Most of all, she cherished her family, which included her daughter Caroline Chevalier (Alec) of Winchester, Massachusetts; son, Scott Moriyama (Sarah) of Concord, Massachusetts; and four grandchildren, Maddie, Jack and Eliza Chevalier, and Henry Moriyama. She was a fabulous mother and granny, who led by example and imparted enduring life lessons to her family. Before her passing, Helen was able to attend Scott’s wedding and to hold her newest grandchild, Henry. Both events were on her bucket list. She was a member of the Wellesley Country Club and the Grand Harbor Golf and Tennis Club in Vero Beach. Helen was the consummate hostess, loving dinner parties and other social gatherings. She was exuberant, compassionate, always positive, and a great friend to many. She was “wicked smart,” which she largely kept hidden except when it came to Trivial Pursuit. She is also survived by her siblings, Julia (Halcomb ’60) Woodward of Dallas, Texas; Charles Halcomb ’62 of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania; Samuel Halcomb ‘77 and Monroe (Rody) Nash ’79 of Sewickley, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

CONSTANCE (WARDROP ’67) COMBES

Constance “Connie” Wardrop Combes, 71, daughter of the late Ann Power and Robert B. Wardrop II, died December 11, 2020, at home in Bedford Hills, New York. She graduated from Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut, and Vassar College in 1971 with a degree in the classics, inspired to pursue studies in Latin and Greek and their cultures by her Sewickley Academy teacher Edwin Leaf. Shortly thereafter she moved to Washington, D.C. to work on Capitol

Hill for Senator H. John Heinz III of Pennsylvania. She married journalist Abbott Carson Combes IV with whom she had two daughters, deRaismes and Ada B. After moving to Bedford Hills, she became a devoted parishioner of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, working in various roles as bookkeeper, member of the Altar Guild’s Flower Committee, and longtime choir member. At the church, she instituted the Combes Family Easter Egg Hunt, a source of personal joy, which became a tradition for the past 36 years. Connie had a passion for music, and sang with the Vassar a cappella group, the Night Owls, ultimately serving as pitch pipe, then with Bedford’s Random Choristers, and served as bookkeeper for the Good Music Group. She was a member of St. Matthew’s Music Committee, which organized the Chamber Concert series and the annual college jamboree, and sang in the choir until the pandemic began. She also loved gardening and could typically be found knee-deep in dirt planting something or 10-feet up in the air on a high ladder shaping a tree. Her artistic talents were evident in her cake creations at the church’s Super Bowl bake sale, along with her homemade cards, flower arrangements, and other festive decorations that she made for numerous community events. She devoted a significant amount of time and energy to charity programs through the church, including Community Center of Northern Westchester (CCNW), the Crop Walk, Habitat for Humanity, and the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women. The Executive Director of CCNW recalled her incredible reliability, even in foul weather, “Nothing ever stood in her way as the needs of others always came first. Connie considered her work for the benefit of those in need a pleasure, and worked tirelessly to make other people’s lives better.” Connie was predeceased by her daughter Ada B. in 2010 and is survived by her daughter deRaismes, and her two sisters, Alison Wardrop and Stacy (Wardrop ’69) Roe.

MICHAEL WORTH SEYMOUR ’69

Michael W. Seymour, 70, of Duncansville, Pennsylvania, passed away Friday, September 10, 2021, at Johnstown Select Specialty Hospital after an extended illness. He was born in San Francisco, California, the son of the late Worth and Jean (Hagberg) Seymour. Michael was a graduate of Skidmore College in Biblical Studies and Counseling. Michael married Constance W. Wyant November 10, 1979. He worked for Altoona Hospital Behavioral Health, and retired from Blair Senior Services as a caseworker. He was a member of Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Michael enjoyed playing guitar and was a big Pittsburgh Pirates fan. He volunteered to ride his bike to State College to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis. Michael particularly loved spending time with his grandchildren. Michael is survived by his loving wife of 41 years; three sons, Aaron (Celeste), Abram (Paige) and Adam Seymour, all of Bellevue; three daughters, Alicia LoBello and Shannon (Rob) Block, both of Duncansville, and Abigail (Jared) Ault, of Pittsburgh; six grandchildren, Colin, Hanna, Jacob, Julian, Lucy and Alexander; a brother, Henry Seymour ’76, of Fair Oaks, Pennsylvania; and two nephews, Henry and Andrew Seymour. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sally.

SCOTT D. FERGUSON ’70

Scott died Sunday, February 19, 2022. His wife, Emiko, posted on Facebook: “Scott was an incredibly talented musician, a passionate advocate in many areas, and one of the smartest people I have ever met. He never gave up studying and researching during his life.” He was a devoted husband, and father to their children. He is survived by his wife and children, and his sister, Jeanne (Ferguson ’72) Fansler.

JEFFERSON DAVIS BEALES ’71

Jefferson “Jeff” Davis Beales, 67, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 9, 2020. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, on December 19, 1952, he was the son of the late James A.G. Beales III and Margaret (Haskins) Beales. Prior to his retirement, Jeff worked as a financial advisor.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Lehigh Country Club, and was an avid paddle tennis player. Jeff loved sports, especially soccer and baseball, throughout his life. He also enjoyed mountain climbing as a younger man. After graduation from St. Andrews College in North Carolina, he joined a local softball league and was thrilled when his niece joined a travel softball team. A natural athlete, he also excelled in paddle tennis, his game of choice in later life. Jeff had a varied taste in music, but the Allman Brothers were his personal favorite. He attended many concerts and was a longtime fan. His brother and sister remembered how grateful they were when other musical choices “finally took away from Mountain’s “Mississippi Queen” which was a constant drone in our house. Jeff was a beagle lover, the only breed our mother would allow in the house when we were growing up, and owned several rescues over the years. BREW rescue was an organization he wholeheartedly endorsed. He cherished his friends and especially his friendship with Mr. Cavalier, who, with his wife Pat, were also good friends of our parents. Jeff had a loud, boisterous laugh, loved Manhattans before dinner, a fun striped Brooks Brothers shirt, a Dark and Stormy, and especially his wife, Sharon, and their boys.” He is survived by his wife, Sharon (Schrack) Beales; and two sons: Donald Way Beales of Ithaca, New York, and Michael Ballato of Carneys Point, New Jersey; his sister, Diane (Beales ’66) Lobaugh of Baroda, Michigan; and his twin brother, Jonathan Towle Beales ’71 of Atlanta, Georgia.

JOHN LACKNER ’72

John Lackner, age 66, of Sheraden, Pennsylvania, passed away on June 8, 2020. He was the beloved son of the late Vincent F. and Margaret “Judy” Skeehan Lackner, former Sewickley Academy librarian. He attended Holy Innocents Grade School and Sewickley Academy, and graduated from Portsmouth Abbey School in Rhode Island in 1972. John enjoyed meeting people and made friends easily. He was multi-talented and became an expert in many fields on his own.

A gifted athlete, John pitched a Little League no-hitter and had a triple play at the age of eight. In high school, he starred in basketball and soccer. As a junior, he was named to the All-New England basketball team. In July 1971, he traveled with the Rhode Island High School Select team that played teams in England and Scotland. His team won the International Club Tournament in Edinburgh, Scotland, and he was the leading scorer in several of the games. With a raconteur’s tendency to enhance his stories, John came back from the trip to the UK talking about one player he had to guard and claimed that he was 7’6” and weighed 350 pounds. It turns out that John “understated” his opponent’s size: he was actually 7’6-1/4” and all of 350 pounds, and had been the UK’s tallest man for the previous 41 years. John’s credibility within the family shot up from that day forward. For the rest of the 70s, John played lead guitar in the Walnut Band, a Grateful-Dead-inspired group popular in Boston and at colleges and nightclubs up and down the East coast. After the band broke up, he worked in construction on homes and highways and managed explosives in building tunnels in Pittsburgh. In yet another switch, he opened perfume shops in Shadyside, East Hampton (New York), and Denver, Colorado, where he was adept at mixing natural oils to create custom scents for his clients. Ahead of the times, John then cofounded AMPS Wireless Data in Phoenix, Arizona, a company that developed one of the first wireless credit card processing devices ever used, with particular focus on stadiums, taxicabs, golf courses, and airplanes. Some seven years later, he moved on to sell luxury cars in Phoenix and Los Angeles. Always quick to respond to people’s needs, John returned to Pittsburgh in 2010 to help care for his aging parents. He managed home repairs, built a wheelchair ramp off the front porch, installed a first-floor bathroom, expanded the vegetable garden, and became an inventive cook. During his last three years, he made

some 50 Skeehan Custom Guitars, named after his grandfather. Each guitar was a work of art that impressed not only his friends and family but also big-band stars. See www. skeehancustomguitars.com where you can read John’s story in his own words. John was grateful for the opportunity to receive immunotherapy treatment that allowed him to extend his life for several years. He lost his long battle with lung cancer and died at home in his sleep. He is survived by his mother; his sister Margaret Anne (Marggie) Lackner; brothers, Vincent F. Lackner Jr. (Anne) and Dr. David F. Lackner ‘75 (Lynn); five nieces and nephews: Kyle ‘00 (Leyla Axmedzade), Abby (Maany Peyvan), Jordan, Christiana (Nicolas Perez), and Katarina ‘05, as well as his dear friend Tammy Hetrick, her daughter Ashley, whom he helped raise from the age of 2, and her granddaughter, Chloe.

THOMAS STUART GORDON ‘74

Thomas Stuart Gordon, 63, longtime resident of Millburn, Short Hills, and Florham Park, New Jersey, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, June 19, 2020. Tom was the son of the late Robert M. Gordon Jr. and Shirley Dewis Gordon. Tommy was born in Pittsburgh and grew up in Rosslyn Farms and Sewickley, where he attended Sewickley Academy. Tommy earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Roanoke College, where he served (briefly) as student body president and as president of his beloved Sigma Chi Fraternity. Tom then began his 40-year career at Gordon Terminal Service, serving in many roles, most recently as vice president and managing partner of the McKees Rocks and Bayonne, New Jersey-based company. Tom was a longtime member of the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA) and a member and past president of the Petroleum Packaging Council (PPC). A true friend, Tommy loved people with every ounce of his being. He was a brother in Christ, a true American patriot, and a person who found his best friend in his wife, Joanne. Together, with their involvement in

the Christ Church of Short Hills’ choir, vestry, and its many subcommittees, Tom became a huge presence within the church community. An avid philanthropist, Tom was a devoted supporter of The Heritage Foundation, St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia, Sigma Chi Foundation, Intercollegiate Studies Institute, Network of Enlightened Women, National Brain Tumor Society, and Heritage Valley Health System. Tom was a well-traveled wine enthusiast, a devout fanatic of the Steelers, Penguins, and yes, even the Pirates. He loved attending the opera and theater. Tommy was always the life of any party, was quick with a song and even quicker to make new friends. He made a lasting impression on anyone who met him. Tom will be dearly missed for his quick wit, loving spirit, and fierce devotion to his family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne Ng Gordon; sons, Travis M. Gordon (Martina), Cameron S. Gordon ’08, and Mclean A. “Teddy” Gordon; grandchildren, Daniel James Gordon and Sawyer Finley Gordon; stepchildren, Stacie Khandros and Brandon Cheung; his brothers and sisters, Katharine Gordon Hilliard, John D. Gordon ‘72 (Andree), Sara (Gordon ’76) Pylman (Rick), Patricia (Gordon ’83) Cooklin, and Robert A. Gordon ’86 (Shadley); thirteen nieces and nephews; dozens of adoring cousins; and thousands of dear friends.

ROBERT H. KIRST ’76

Robert H. “Bob” Kirst, age 61, of Somerset, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2019, at UPMC East, Monroeville. He was born February 14, 1958, in Sewickley. He is the son of the late Joseph D. and Jean “Sis” (Kurtz) Kirst II of Sewickley and Somerset, Pennsylvania. Bob attended Sewickley Academy to ninth grade and moved to the family farm in Turkeyfoot Twp., Somerset County, prior to graduation. There he learned to muck barns, drive a tractor, hunt, and fish. Always searching for new experiences, Bob would enroll at various colleges around the country, only to become bored with formal academics and would eventually move on to become a “roadie” cowboy, day worker, and music lover.

In 1983, Bob, mother, Sis, and father, Joe, resurrected a small manufacturing company in Somerset, Pennsylvania, Global/SFC Valve, which eventually grew from the three originating founders to over 50 skilled manufacturers of US Navy valves and fittings for use in submarines and aircraft carriers. In 2008, Bob purchased a small company in the Seattle, Washington-area that manufactured similar products for similar customers. This exciting work opened a new world which led to great friendships, technology integration, and the ability to pass strong work ethics to future generations of shipbuilders. Bob operated Global with such dedication and skill that Global/SFC received many awards and commendations, including Defense Logistics Agency Quality System Qualification awards, the Marine Machinery Association “Jack Barney Award”, U.S. Small Business Administration Award for Excellence, and many appreciation letters from Northrop Grumman. Bob loved the Somerset community and was a great supporter of its economic development and of its youth.

took on several years of employment at Penn Brewery.

He is survived by his daughter, Nichole M. Sheets of Plum, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Julia and Jeremy of Pittsburgh; the love of his life, Ruth E. Brown, and her children, Jennifer and Jessica, and their families; his brother Dan Kirst ‘75 (Jane Nash) and sister, Anne (Kirst ‘80) Lavelle, and their children.

Chris was an outstanding athlete. He and his father were regulars in the winner’s circle at the annual Thornburg Memorial Day Tennis Tournament. He enjoyed playing tennis with his wife, Tracey, and son, Xander, and friends at the Sarasota Surf and Racquet Club. Chris was a sports enthusiast for all seasons, and proudly served as the administrator of the Gordon Family Fantasy Football League. Chris loved spending time outdoors with his family at Canandaigua Lake, especially hiking up Bopple Hill. He had a passion for music and loved vinyls from the 70s and 80s. He enjoyed sharing that love with his son. He was a wonderful writer who regularly entertained with unique and funny insights into everyday life.

DWIGHT EDWARD LENZNER ’77

Dwight Edward Lenzner, 62, of Pittsburgh, passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021. Dwight was born on April 11, 1959, in Pittsburgh, the son of the late William Lenzner, Jr. and Marion (McVay) Lenzner. In addition to his parents, his sister, Diana Lee, and brother, William Lenzner III, preceded Dwight in death. Dwight graduated from Sewickley Academy, and attended Washington and Jefferson College. He dedicated over 30 years at Lenzner Coach Lines working in his family business and seven years at Mellon Arena as the Director of Sales and Marketing. In addition to his full time job, he proudly held a real estate license selling homes in the North Side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Even after retirement, he

Dwight was very passionate about history, especially in Pittsburgh. He was an avid antique collector and loved picking up something unique. Aside from collecting historic and vintage antiques, he loved bicycling and traveling through Europe. He is survived by two brothers, Charles (Lori) Lenzner, John (Geraldine) Lenzner, and several loving nieces and nephews.

CHRISTOPHER MARSHALL GORDON ’78

Christopher Marshall Gordon, 60, of Oakdale, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, April 30, 2020, in Sarasota, Florida. Chris was the son of the late Thomas “Tucker” P. Gordon (Kathryn) and the late Nancy H. (Hannon) Gordon. Chris received a B.S. degree in political science from Clarion University in 1983 and completed additional business administration studies at the University of New Orleans. He spent his career as a day trader on the American Stock Exchange.

Chris will be dearly missed for his keen intellect, loving nature, and unbridled devotion to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Tracey Smith; and adored 11-year-old son, Alexander “Xander” Tucker Gordon. He is the brother of Dr. Amy H. Gordon ’80 (James), Timothy H. Gordon ’84 (Wendy), Sara (Gordon ’89) McCargo (Thomas); stepbrother of James P.

Edson ’70 (Linda), Kristin F. Edson ’72 (Helen), Sarah (Edson ’75) Gauthier (Jay), Michael H. Edson ’80, Anne (Edson ’82) Lassiter (Nolan), and Kathryn (Edson ’84) Koppanyi (Andras). Chris is also survived by his 29 nieces and nephews.

ANNE MARSHALL KELLEY ’78

Anne Marshall Kelley, 61, passed away May 23, 2021. She was born November 14, 1959, in Pittsburgh, to the late Laura Love and C. Taylor Marshall, and was a lifelong resident of the Sewickley area. She attended Sewickley Academy and graduated from Quaker Valley High School. A three time cancer survivor, she was a proud mother and devoted wife, always “Beli-eving” in putting the needs and well being of others before her own. She is survived by her husband, J. Anthony “Jay” Kelley II; two children J. Anthony “Jack” Kelley III (Rachelle) and Megan L. Kelley Bizon (Steven); and her brother, Dr. John Ashby Marshall ’69, and sister, Margaret Mather Marshall ’73. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Roberta Marshall ‘71.

WILLIAM HARTON SINGER ’79

William “Bill” Singer died of cancer on January 7, 2022, with his sister, Anna Singer ’76, by his side. Born September 30, 1961, he was the son of the late G. Harton “Red” Singer and Patricia “Patty” Lyon Singer. A quiet, rather reclusive person, Bill spent his life surrounded by the natural world that he loved, walking, taking photographs, chopping wood, and working on his property, savoring the wonders around him. He was devoted to animals – domestic and wild – and frequently supported organizations, such as Animal Friends, Inc., who care for them. Bill loved audio equipment and created an ad campaign and radio personality, similar to the current “Pittsburgh Dad” seen on social media, for Tasso Spanos, longtime president of Opus One, a pioneering audio enterprise in the 1970s and 1980s. Bill also loved racing motorcycles, and competed in endurance contests that could require riding for as long as twenty-four hours at a time. He was

the ultimate outdoorsman, following in Patty and Red’s footsteps as an excellent fisherman and hunter. He made guns with friends who shared his interest in target shooting. Bill had a small circle of close friends, some going back to childhood, who were devoted to him and he to them. His sister, Annie, mourns the loss of her little brother who taught her “how to be a proper big sister. We will miss his encyclopedic knowledge, sense of humor, and profound kindness to people and animals.” He is survived by his sister and her husband Don Kortlandt, and his aunt Martha Lyon Albertsons (Spencer Meider). Donations can be made to Animal Friends www. thinkingoutsidethecage.org.

MARK PATRICK FLAHERTY ’80

closely followed all of Pittsburgh’s professional sports teams. In addition to his wife, daughter, and mother, he is survived by his brother, Michael (Laurel), and sisters, Mary Rita Flaherty (Andy Schroer) of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, Maureen Menton (Bernie Menton) of Braintree, Massachusetts, and Molly Flaherty of Avondale, Pennsylvania.

WILLIAM B. METCALF ’80

William B. Metcalf, 58, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away on July 8, 2020, after a prolonged illness. He was born in Pittsburgh, son of Anne (Binney ’45) Metcalf and the late William Metcalf III. He attended Sewickley Academy, the Tilton School, and the University of Arizona. He worked for many years in Tucson as a sales consultant at the Volvo, and later BMW, dealerships.

Former Allegheny County Controller Mark Patrick Flaherty, 59, of Mt. Lebanon, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, January 3, 2022, at St. Margaret Hospital from complications related to COVID-19. Mark leaves behind his wife, Anne (Keegan), and daughter Deirdre, 16. Mark is the son of Katy Flaherty and the late former Allegheny Commission Chairman and Commonwealth Court Judge Jim Flaherty.

In addition to cars, his family, friends and Phil Collins, he loved the outdoors, and was happiest hiking for miles in the Tucson foothills and nearby mountains. All who knew Bill will miss his lively, outgoing personality and his infectious sense of humor. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Alyssa; his mother; and his five sisters, Edith ’72, Kathleen ’73, Christine ’74, Mary ’76, and Brooks ’86; and many nieces and nephews.

After he left public service, Mr. Flaherty continued to practice law, representing individuals and governmental agencies, and working in SEC regulatory compliance as an investment advisor representative.

MARK STEVEN DUGAN ’81

Mark was a three-sport varsity athlete at Mt. Lebanon High School, including being named to a United States High School All American soccer team and was a WPIAL player of the year in 1979. Mark was a top high school wrestler at Mt. Lebanon and Sewickley Academy, where he became a section champion as an eighth-grader. He played NCAA Division I varsity Baseball at Duke University, from which he graduated in 1984 with a degree in Economics. Mark was actively involved in coaching girls’ sports in Mt. Lebanon, including soccer and softball. Mark was an avid sportsman and athlete. He participated in adult soccer and ice hockey leagues, was an excellent skier and golfer, and

Mark Steven Dugan, 57, of League City, Texas, passed away Friday, June 5, 2021. He leaves behind his two sons, Steven and Cole, his stepsons, Peter and Zachary, his mother, Susie, and his father, Albert, his brother, Michael ‘84, and so many devoted friends. Originally from Sewickley, Pennsylvania, Mark graduated from Sewickley Academy, Washington and Jefferson College, and served his country in the United States Army in tank and signal commands. A decorated officer, he rose to the rank of Captain and spent years in Germany, where he met Karen, the daughter of decorated Army officer, and she became the love of his life. She passed away within nine months of Cole being born, but she never left Mark’s heart. Mark served as president of HiTempco and traveled the world on business. He most recently worked as a consultant in marketing and business development. Mark was a

renowned master of the culinary arts and the consummate host. His ability to be creative and his attention to detail made his kitchen the place to be. He recently won first place in “Men who Cook” – a fundraiser held at Lakewood Yacht Club. A staunch conservative and patriot, Mark loved political debate and would engage with anyone who loved their country as much as he did. A graveside memorial was held in League City. His ashes were interred beside Karen, and his friends gathered afterward to share fond memories, good food, and of course, some politics.

ROBERTA C. HENSLEY ’82

Roberta “Robin” Hensley passed away on September 4, 2021, at the age of 56 in St. Ann, Missouri. Born November 13, 1964, in Saint Louis, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Carroll Hensley and the late Robert Thornton Hensley, Jr. She attended The Chapin School in New York City, followed by Sewickley Academy and graduated from Mary Institute in 1982 in Ladue, Missouri. She was a Special Maid of Honor at the VP Ball during her presentation year. She earned a BA in Psychology in 1987 from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. Robin never married, but was longtime friends with Dan Mordis of St. Ann, Missouri. She loved animals, and was especially fond of cats and dogs. She worked at several local kennels and also worked in several retail sales/ production positions. She is survived by her brother, Robert T. Hensley III ’81 (Jennifer).

CHARLES EDWIN CHRISTIAN ALLEN ’90

Charles Edwin Christian Allen, 49, of Ambridge, passed away on August 12. Son of the late Thomas R. and Carol (Cam) Allen, Jr., brother to Susan (Michael) Van Voorhis ‘88, uncle to Samantha Van Voorhis, and nephew to Trudi Lithgow, he is also survived by many cousins, friends, and a girlfriend. Charlie requested to not have a viewing or funeral, but to celebrate his life with a get together in the summer of 2022.

MATTHEW MCKNIGHT STEVENS ’92

Matthew McKnight Stevens died February 9, 2022, at 48 years of age.

Born on October 26, 1973, to Carolyn (Dotson) and Luther Crawford Stevens, Matt grew up in Pittsburgh. As a child Matt excelled at everything he tried, from skiing to baseball to skateboarding. Matt graduated from Sewickley Academy as a standout soccer goalie and lacrosse attackman. The Sewickley Academy group has remained close over the years with get togethers and the retelling of stories even though they have moved all over the country. Matt attended Michigan State University to play lacrosse and graduated with a degree in advertising in 1996. Many of his Delta Tau Delta brothers remained close in Chicago or Michigan and remained in touch with outings, weddings, parties, steak dinners, golf trips, Cubs games, and more. After Michigan State, Matt moved to Chicago and worked in advertising for many years. There he settled down and became a stay at home dad. Matt adored his daughters Liza and Brooke and loved every minute of raising them. They had fun together going to zoos and parks, watching movies, playing games, and putting on an Elvis costume and dancing around. He loved teaching them to bait a hook, take a fish off the line, and to ride a bike. Matt especially loved cooking the girls special meals from scratch. Matt’s favorite place on Earth was a little island on the Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada. He belonged to the Yankanuck Club since 1982. He loved nothing more than fishing in Lunge for smallmouth bass, trolling around Walk on Rock while captaining his boat, singing songs both sacred and unsacred on the cocktail porch, performing ridiculous jumps off the Sanctuary cliffs, and enjoying the laughter and camaraderie of his lifelong Yankanuck family. Matt is survived by his daughters, Liza and Brooke, his parents, Carolyn and Luke, his sister, Terri ’89, his brotherin-law, John, his nieces, Tess, Mallory, and Josie, his nephew, Drew, and his beloved Kamila.

Faculty and Staff

ISBELL “BAM” AGER BEHRER

Isbell “Bam” Behrer died peacefully Monday, November 23, 2020, in North Carolina, after a spirited and joyful life of 98 years. Friends and family will remember her love of people, abundant energy, and commitment to protecting nature. The Behrers lived in Sewickley from 1969 to the mid-1980s, during which Bam helped lead the Little Sewickley Creek Watershed Association, cofounded a volunteer recycling program in the 1970s, and was an active member of Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP). She was a member of Sewickley Presbyterian Church, worked in communications and outdoor education for Sewickley Academy, raised honeybees, and was known to play a wicked game of tennis and paddle tennis. In 1979, she was honored as Sewickley’s Woman of the Year for her extensive community work. Bam lost her husband, Rem, in 2002. Survivors include three sons, Arnold Behrer ’73 (Ann), of Ingomar, Remsen Behrer, and John Behrer ’71 (Carole); a daughter, Sarah Schmidt ’77 (Chris); and nine grandchildren, including Patrick Behrer (Katie), Christopher Behrer ’07, and Devon Behrer ’09, all from Ingomar, as well as Tawnee Benner (Mike), Schyler Behrer (Katy), Severin Behrer (Brittany), Liza Schmidt, Henry Schmidt, and Peter Schmidt; and three great-grandchildren.

REZA D. I. BEIGI

Reza Beigi, 57, of Bay Village, Ohio, passed away December 27, 2021, peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a three-year battle with ALS. Born July 29, 1964, he was the beloved husband of Michelle (nee Kaczmarek); loving father of Marina and Ryan; and cherished son of Judith Ismail–Beigi and Farhad (Cindy) Ismail– Beigi. Reza was employed at Progressive Insurance as an Analyst for the past 14 years. He was a highly respected science teacher at Sewickley Academy and teacher/department chair at the Laurel School in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He received his undergraduate degree in Physics at Oberlin College, his master’s degree from the University of

California-Berkley, and his PhD from Case Western University. Throughout his life, he was an avid lover of classical music. He enjoyed playing the violin and viola. He loved spending time in his garden. He also enjoyed reading, cooking, hiking, and discussing politics.

DONNA POAG CHANDLER

Donna Poag Chandler passed away on August 19, 2020. She was a wonderful wife of over sixty years to Julian whom she met in high school at Glee Club, and they built a life of love together. She was a devoted mother to her three sons and a wonderful Grammy to five grandchildren, whom she loved to spoil. She enjoyed sharing her condo at the beach with everyone, especially the grandkids. She would fill their visits with big breakfasts, parasailing, banana boating, crafts, fireworks, and the occasional wrestling match. When they got older, she even gave them the keys to drive her convertible. She enjoyed traveling with Julian and spending time with her brother, Richard, and sisters, Ebbie and Linda. Donna spent fifteen years as the administrative assistant in the Sewickley Academy Senior School. As a testament to her popularity, a yearbook was dedicated in her honor. Donna is survived by her husband Julian of Pawley’s Island, South Carolina; sons, Julian Chandler III (Valerie) of Leesburg, Virginia; Jon Chandler ’87 (Jennie) of Kennesaw, Georgia; and Joel Chandler ’94 (Jessica) of Sewickley; sisters, Elizabeth Mitchell of Litchfield, South Carolina; Linda Ross of Rock Hill, South Carolina; and brother Richard Poag of Rock Hill, South Carolina.

DUNCAN DENNY

Duncan Denny passed away at his home on June 19, 2018. He was born June 20, 1927, in New Rochelle, New York, to Dorothy Duncan and Cary Freeman Denny. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ayreslea Rowland Denny; children, Bea Tirrell (Charlie), Deirdre Denny, and Rowland Denny (Robin); and grandchildren Carrere, Andrea, Henry (Robin E.), Amelia, and Reg. Duncan grew up in Pelham Manor, New York, and Norfolk, Virginia. He

graduated from South Kent School in 1945 and served in the Army Air Corps as a radar technician, stationed in the Azores. He was a graduate of Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, and Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts. He coached soccer and taught mathematics at Worcester Academy, St. Andrew’s School, Sewickley Academy, and Housatonic Valley Regional High School. He was a key member of the original faculty of Sewickley Academy’s new Senior School in 1963, where he is fondly remembered by his students and former colleagues. Duncan was raised to a Master Mason at Western Star Lodge, Norfolk, in 1970. He was a district deputy twice and recipient of the Edward Pierpoint Award. In Connecticut, he belonged to Housatonic Lodge, Canaan, followed by St. Andrew’s Lodge, Winsted. He was a devoted brother. He served his community as an assistant Scoutmaster, a board member of the Norfolk Historical Society, and participated in the annual Teens Against Polio talent show. He enjoyed performing in musical theater at HVRHS and the Warner Theatre. Duncan sang in Episcopal church choirs wherever he lived, and also became a licensed lay reader.

CAROL ANNE (BJORKLUND) DUFFUS

Carol Anne Duffus, 75, of Cumberland, Maryland, passed away Thursday, May 20, 2021, at home. Born June 21, 1945, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Paul V. Bjorklund and Beatrice Bjorklund. Carol was a graduate of North Park University, Chicago, Illinois, with a bachelor’s degree in organ performance. She obtained her master’s degree in organ performance at the American Conservatory of Music, Chicago. Carol was the music director at Sewickley Academy and organist and choir director at St. John’s Lutheran Church (Cumberland) and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Cumberland). Carol also taught music at Allegany College of Maryland and Bishop Walsh High School. Surviving are her husband, the Rev. John J. Duffus, Cumberland; son,

Matthew M. Duffus and wife, Cheryl, Shelby, North Carolina; daughter, Anne E. Stark and husband, Frank, Frostburg , Maryland; and three grandchildren.

SUZANNE FLEMING DUGAN

Suzy F. Dugan, 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden, Pennsylvania. Born in Butler, Pennsylvania, on May 22, 1943, she was the daughter of the late William E. and Dorothy H. (Zarnick) Fleming. She lived in Sewickley for the past 58 years where she dedicated her life to her family as a homemaker. A much-loved nursery school teacher at Sewickley Academy for many years, she is fondly remembered for her joyful smile, playful nature, and kind and caring way with her young charges. In her spare time, she worked as a realtor in the Sewickley area, played tennis, tended to her yard, and enjoyed gardening. She loved to build dollhouses and miniature furniture. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Mark S. Dugan ’81. She is survived by her husband, former Head of Lower School and teacher, Albert D. Dugan; her son and his wife, Michael ’84 and Jennifer Dugan; her grandchildren, Patrick Dugan, Brennan Dugan, Cole Dugan, and Steve Dugan; her brother, David (Sandy) Fleming, and nephews Zach and Drew Fleming.

KATHRYN FREYVOGEL EDSON GORDON

Kathryn Freyvogel Edson Gordon, affectionately known as “Katie,” died Sunday, January 16, 2022, at the age of 88, surrounded by her children. Katie was born on August 23, 1933, to Frank and Mary Freyvogel. She grew up in Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill) with sisters, Mary F. McDonnell (d. 2000) and Nancy Freyvogel (d. 2014). Upon her graduation from Mount Mercy Academy in June 1951, Katie married her first love, James Porter Edson (Mort) ‘43, whom she met at Seven Springs. They lived in Sewickley where they had six children, Jim ’70, Kris ’72, Sarah Gauthier ’75, Mike ’80, Annie Lassiter ’82, and Katy Koppanyi ’84. The family enjoyed ski weekends at Seven Springs with their extended family (Edson and Scott

cousins). Following Mort’s untimely death in 1977, Katie married Thomas (Tucker) Pascoe Gordon of Thornburg in 1980 and lovingly welcomed his four children, Sara “Cricket” ‘76, Chris ‘78 (deceased), Amy ‘80, and Tim ‘84. The Gordon-Edson family (GE gang) was a source of great pride, happiness and love. Katie and Tucker enjoyed a romance that lasted over 41 years. Katie worked for many years with Cliff Nichols at Sewickley Academy as his administrative assistant. She then moved on with her sister and best friend, Nancy Freyvogel, to provide fine children’s clothing at their shop, Monday’s Child. Katie embraced Tucker’s love of fly-fishing and became an accomplished fly-fisher in her own right. Tucker was often proud that she made the best catch of the day. Together they enjoyed traveling and building lasting friendships across the globe especially in New Zealand, Australia, the Bahamas, and the American West. A treasured time of year for Katie was the annual week-long gathering in Avalon, New Jersey, when she was surrounded by her family which included, at last count, her 10 children and their spouses, 30 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Katie and Tucker loved hosting parties for family and friends; a particular favorite was their Easter Egg Hunt. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Mort Edson ’43 (d. 1977); her second husband, Tucker Gordon (d. 2021); and stepson, Christopher (Tracey) Marshall Gordon ’78 (d. 2020). Remembrances may be made to the James Porter Edson Memorial Scholarship, Sewickley Academy or to the American Cancer Society.

EILEEN BOYD HUTCHINSON

Eileen Boyd Hutchinson, 98, died peacefully in her sleep on March 10, 2021, at Concordia Villa St. Joseph. A Pittsburgh native, she was born January 1, 1923, the youngest of four daughters of the late Frances Leech Boyd and Charles Newell Boyd, a respected classical musician, teacher, and author. From her parents she inherited a lifelong appreciation of music and the arts, and a love of learning.

She graduated from Schenley High School, and then from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Latin. She received her master’s degree in classical studies at Duquesne University. She attended Western (now Pittsburgh) Theological Seminary, where she met the Rev. Harry T. Hutchinson whom she married in 1949. Mrs. Hutchinson taught Latin at Sewickley Academy 1968 - 1988 and continued to tutor young students until she was age 95. Twice she translated Virgil’s Aeneid into English purely for the pleasure of the exercise. Not all of her students graduated with a love of Latin but they do remember fondly her classes, enlivened by a Roman garden, complete with columns constructed from Friendly’s ice cream tubs, and putting on togas and garlands to enjoy the Latin Banquets. She was often in the woods before dawn on spring mornings, adding birds to her list of sightings, and was a prolific gardener. When she lived on Neville Island, she was a founder of Neville Green, the community’s renowned beautification project. Neville Green awards an annual scholarship in her name. Like her husband, she believed strongly in civil rights, justice, and world peace, and was a determined fighter for all her beliefs. She is survived by her son Peter (Neva Marie), grandson Andrew Boyd Hurchinson, three nieces and a nephew.

SIRA B. METZINGER

Sira Metzinger, 71, of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, died on April 15, 2021, the beloved wife of Robert Metzinger for 48 years. She was the sister of Sergio Buccilli (Andreina) and Marilena Ventresca (Ivano), and an aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews. Sira was widely traveled, and loved art, literature, and music. She was a teacher at Sewickley Academy for 41 years where she was a great example for her students. Former Department Head Dr. Karen Coleman recalled, “She was soon team-teaching the Advanced Placement French courses with me, and I learned so much by chatting with her and observing her classes. Our students seemed to enjoy having the opportunity to spend one semester with one of us and the second semester with the other. We enjoyed it as well, since it gave us the chance to teach to our strengths. “Sira was also a mentor. She marched bravely into the new technologies that were being developed over the years and created imaginative and lively classes that engaged her students in many new ways. She was particularly good at introducing them to French music and doing grammar through the song lyrics. She also taught grammar and writing by having students listen to French news recordings over the internet, and then write out answers to questions in French. Students practiced writing and speaking by working in groups to write and act out (in French) skits taken from stories they read for class. She also taught her students her native language when she introduced Italian into the curriculum, teaching the culture by celebrating Carnival during the appropriate season in class. The whole Senior School loved the annual Italian Feast in the Commons during the lunch hour which she (and a relative) hosted in spring in her later years at the Academy. Her knowledge was vast, and she even taught an occasional class in Spanish. She was a model for all of us in the department. “She was a terrific traveling companion and chaperone on the exchange trips. I have great memories of our gathering the students in the train stations, our visits to monuments, and especially when we would have the opportunity for afternoon teas in Paris!

“Sira was a very caring and dedicated teacher and a great woman. Her students always knew that she wanted each of them to learn and succeed, and she did her best to see that that would happen, even if it meant staying after school hours.” Mrs. Marina LeDonne, who taught with her in her last years, echoes those sentiments and described what a fantastic mentor Sira was to her as a new teacher at the Academy, “It has been an honor and a privilege to have known and worked with her.”

RICHARD “DICK” WEBSTER

Dick Webster was born on March 23, 1941, to the late James McCormick Webster, Sr. and the late Gertrude Lee Webster, and died at age 79 on January 18, 2021. Troubled in recent years by several health complications, the cause of his death more than any other reason was his broken heart after the loss of his beloved wife, Betty, in 2019. Dick was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to Betty for 57 years and together they demonstrated the meaning of lifelong devotion to their sons Richard E. Webster Jr., Michael H. Webster, David W. Webster, and daughter Elizabeth Webster Twomey. He loved, worried about, and will be deeply missed by each of their grandchildren: Patrick, Grace, Jack, Luke, Harrison, Maisy, Christian, Michael, Maeve, and Lily. In addition, he is survived by his baby sister, Mary Webster Wiglesworth. 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. Among his last thoughts, he dreamed he was helping his beloved “BL kids” to choose schools that would help them, as he taught, to “Bag the excuses” and to “Be the best they could be.” The number of lives he helped shape by the example he set and the guidance he gave cannot be counted. Above all, he showed everyone he cared about that a life worth living was one in which the word “Love” was spoken out loud and often. Dick was a devout Catholic, and a funeral mass in his memory was said for his immediate family on Friday, January 22, 2022, at the Catholic Community of St. Francis Xavier in Cockeysville, Maryland.

ROBERT M. GORDON, JR.,

Family of Alumni

DORIS J. HARRIS,

SIAMAK ADIBI, M.D.,

husband of Joan (Foedisch ’55) Adibi

DAVID BAKER, SR.,

father of Lisa (Baker ’77) Seymour

NANCY MCDOWELL BALDWIN,

mother of Jay Baldwin ’81 and Sarah (Baldwin ’83) Beneich

HAROLD D. “HAL” BONNETT,

father of David ’83 (Harold D. Bonnett, Jr.), Eric Bonnett ’85; stepsons Andrew ’84, William, and Brad Hastings

CHARLES EDWARD CLARKE, M.D., father of Caitlin “Katie‘’ ‘70 (deceased), Anne (Clarke ’71) Ronce, Constance ’72, Cecilia ’75, and Torie ’77 Clarke

JODIE MONTGOMERY FERGUSON, mother of Scott ’70 (deceased), Jeanne (Ferguson ’72) Fansler, Alan ’74, and Robert Ferguson

ELEANOR HOLCOMBE FRIEDMAN,

mother of Jennifer ’81, Dana ’83, and Sara ’85 Friedman

EDWARD ALBERT GAYDOS, D.D.S., father of Tim ’76, Dan ’77 (deceased), Maria ’84, and Valerie ’85 Gaydos

father of Kathy Hilliard, John Gordon ’72, Tommy ’74 (deceased), Cricket (Gordon ’76) Pylman, Petie (Gordon ’83) Cooklin, and Bobby Gordon ’86, fourteen grandchildren including Cameron ’08, Alex ’19, Elsa ’21, and Mary Grace ’23

THOMAS PASCOE GORDON,

father of Chris ’78 (deceased), Amy ’80, Tim ’84, and Sara (Gordon ’89) McCargo, stepfather of Jim ’70, Kris ’72 Edson, Sarah (Edson ’75) Gauthier, Mike Edson ’80, Annie (Edson ’82) Lassiter, and Katy (Edson ’84) Koppanyi; grandfather of 30 and great-grandfather of 9 mother of Taryn ’77, Lauren Dungy, Amanda, Kevin, Averell, Loren, Devon Harris; grandmother of Shayne ’09 and Kylie ’12 Harris

MARION HAYES,

CATHY DALLAIN MORRIS,

mother of Steve ’90 and Melissa (Morris ’93) Gurecka

RALPH AMERICO MUCCI,

father of Sam ’80, Tina (Mucci ’81) Robakiewicz, Lisa (Mucci ’83) Ellis, and Patti (Mucci ’86) Lanava

HELEN REESE BUTLER PRINE,

mother of Peggy (Prine ’70) Joy, Diane (Prine ’73) Stewart, and Martha Prine ’75

JULIAN W. PROCTOR, M.D.,

father of Jackie ’72, Judy (Shoener ’73) Semple, Jim ’75, and Jeff ’78 Shoener

DIANE LOUISE JENSEN SNOW,

mother of Debra (Snow ’77) Trau and Judith (Snow ’81) Keim

JANE SPENCER,

mother of Billie Spencer ’67

mother of Janet Hayes ’70 and Peter Hayes ’74, grandmother of Jordan Hayes

JOAN McSWIGAN STANDISH,

LOIS HEAGY,

VICTORIA LARKE STINSON,

widow of former Head of Middle School John W. Heagy (d), mother of Linda (Heagy ’62) Hanke, Dorothy Anne (Heagy ‘69) Jensen, Kathryn (Heagy ‘88) Glass (Bryan), and her son John Heagy

WILLIAM I. JACK,

mother of Elizabeth (Standish ’84) Sackson wife of Peter Stinson ‘74

EARL R. TAYLOR,

father of Eric Taylor ’78 and Rebecca (Taylor ’84) Stinson

HERBERT EDWIN THOMAS, M.D.,

father of Amelia (Jack ’79) Bond and Laura Jack ’82

father of Joanne Asbil, Herb Thomas ’75, Heather (Thomas ’75) Steven, and Ruth (Thomas ’83) Suh

CHARLES E. JACOBS,

RICHARD VAUGHN THOMPSON,

father of Brian Jacobs ’87

SUSAN R. KOPF,

husband of Carol (Semple ’66) Thompson

mother of Rob ’84 and Tom ’88 Kopf, grandmother of R.Y. ’12, Jarrod, Max ’27, and Silas

ELIZABETH HOYT ZABRISKIE VAN SAND,

BISHOP LORAN E. MANN,

JOHN G. ZIMMERMAN, SR.,

father of Tiana ’01 and Loran Mann II ‘11

JON E. MCCARTHY,

father of J.B. ’88 and Tom ’90 McCarthy

mother of Henry Shenk ’74

husband of Missy (Ratcliffe ’60) Zimmerman, father of John G. Zimmerman, Jr. ’85, and Fraser (Zimmerman ’88) Traverse

Friends of the School ANN WALSH CAHOUET,

of Sewickley Heights, passed away Monday, June 7, 2021, at the age of 90. She was the daughter of the late Ann Guest Walsh and Charles H. Walsh, of Annapolis, Maryland, and beloved wife of the late Frank V. Cahouet, of Mellon Bank (now, BNY Mellon). She was preceded in death by her brother, Semmes Walsh. She is survived by her children, Ann P. Cahouet, Mary Cahouet-Rotondi (Armando Rotondi), Frank V. Cahouet, Jr. (Pamela), and David R. Cahouet ’91 (Katherine); six grandchildren; and eleven nieces and nephews. Family members, friends, and caregivers knew Ann as pure light. Despite longtime physical challenges, she remained the same warm, kind, wise, funny, and appreciative person they had always known. In her gentle way, she taught everyone in the family the grace of resilience. Among her many gifts was a musical ear that she revealed at the age of four, when she climbed onto her family’s piano bench and offered a perfect rendition of the piece that her older brother had been practicing for his lesson. From there, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in music from Sweet Briar College in Virginia. Later, as her husband Frank’s career led the family to relocate to various cities, Ann founded volunteer singing groups in each new community. She would direct and accompany the groups on piano, often by ear, and they would sing at nursing homes and prisons. Another passion was tutoring children in foster and group home settings. She bonded with each child and helped them develop skills in reading and math so they could thrive. Most important of all, she gave the children she tutored love and the knowledge that they mattered. Her ability to give and receive love, and to be fully present to everyone who needed her, make her family, friends, and caregivers immensely proud of her life. Sewickley Academy remains deeply grateful to Ann and her husband Frank for the gift of the Cahouet Fine Arts Center on campus.

ANNE OLIVER JACKSON

Anne Oliver Jackson died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, in Portland, Maine, surrounded by family. She is survived by her four children, Lee Warner ’78 (Hans Warner, children Chase and Morgan) of Portland, Bill Jackson ’82 (Jackie Holen, children Claire and Arlena) of San Francisco, Carol Miller ’84 (children Seth, Annie, and Will) of Portland, and David Jackson (Kathrin Jackson, children Isabel and Oliver) of Seattle; as well as sister, Peggy Hedeman, and brothers, David Oliver (Christina Oliver) and Tom Oliver (Ann Oliver); and Simba, the last of a long line of yellow labs. Anne was married for 63 years to William “Dick” R. Jackson, who passed away last year, and to whom she was dedicated through thick and thin. Anne and Dick cultivated a high-energy, adventurous, and tight family culture. In Sewickley, the family bonded while playing paddle tennis, mending split-rail fences, raking leaves, and celebrating birthdays over fondue. Through these experiences, the kids came to appreciate the importance of hard work and the value of sticking together as a family. The children also fondly remember the annual Memorial Day picnics and the epic tennis match with the “male chauvinists.” Each summer, the family gathered with the extended Oliver clan in Small Point, where the schedule was full: beforebreakfast swim, tennis, noon swim, cookout, sailing on the family boat, Minicoy, and a song-fest after dinner. In recent years, Anne made it a point to slow things down, drawing her children and grandchildren into meandering beach walks and quiet conversation. Anne’s children remember her lifelong commitment to their growth and success in every dimension. Through her actions and words, Anne taught them that listening is more important than speaking; all people deserve dignity and respect; and good fortune is to be liberally shared. Anne was an accomplished civic leader who worked to strengthen the governance of educational and philanthropic institutions. In the late 1970s, she became the first female

board chair of Sewickley Academy, serving 1979 – 1989, and was made a Trustee Emeritus for her energy and talents for this ten-year period that spanned the terms of four headmasters. She oversaw two long-range plans and brought national recognition to the school as President of the Independent School Chairmen Association (ISCA) and as a trustee for the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), SA’s accreditation association. She also served as vice-chair of the board of governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. After moving to Maine, she launched her own consulting business advising nonprofit leaders on strategic planning and board governance. She cofounded The Board Network, which recruited and trained nonprofit board members, and served as board chair of the Maine Community Foundation and president of the Portland Museum of Art, as well as a board member at Phillips Andover Academy, Phillips Exeter Academy, Waynflete, Kieve Wavus, and Hurricane Island Outward Bound School. Colleagues and friends remember her gentle, focused way of engaging with others; her insight into complicated interpersonal dynamics; her ability to get a lot done while also having a good time; and for her “artful way of guiding while apparently just conversing.” As a civic leader, Anne focused on the process of decisionmaking as much as on the result. She helped nonprofit boards diversify their membership and develop into more than the sum of their parts. Born in 1935 in Montclair, New Jersey, the first daughter of Rowland Grant and Ruth Morgan Oliver, Anne grew up in New Canaan, Connecticut. She graduated from Abbot Academy and earned a B.A. in Government at Smith College in 1957. Brothers, Tom and David, recall Anne as the quintessential older sister who excelled at sports and steadied the crew as their father skippered a chartered schooner through the terrifying ordeal of Hurricane Carol in 1954. She has been a steadying influence in the extended Oliver family ever since. In recent years, Anne increasingly embraced her identities as caregiver,

friend, parishioner, sister, and neighbor, as she cared for husband, Dick, through years of illness; connected with old and new friends; participated in the Justice and Outreach Ministry at Foreside Community Church; deepened her relationships with siblings on sailing trips; and delighted in the humor and mutual care shared among Burbank Lane neighbors. Anne was a “forever learner” who fused her mother’s commitment to self-improvement with her father’s positive energy and good humor. Over the course of five decades, she learned how to balance unwavering commitment to family with an extraordinary range of civic commitments; how to liberate the maximum possible collective wisdom and energy in nonprofit boardrooms often dominated by male egos; and, especially in her later years, how to evolve her natural instinct for judging into deep understanding and acceptance of others. Throughout her life, Anne forged highly personal connections while also inviting a diverse range of people into her many circles – in service of lifelong learning, philanthropy, and friendship.

Quaker Valley High School. He served as a member of the Army from 1963 to 1968. Upon completing his military obligation, he furthered his education at Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University) in design and got his first commission at Kaufmann’s Department Store in Downtown Pittsburgh. In 1967, he opened his own design studio in Sewickley, Richard C. Smith Corp., where he had commissions in Europe and America. His designs can be seen at Allegheny Country Club, Sewickley Heights History Center, Watson Institute, and Sewickley Academy, and in many homes in the surrounding area. After studying Louis XV in France, he did miniature portraits and needlepoint for museum-quality miniature rooms for Ruth McChesney, three of which remain in the gallery outside Rea Auditorium. He was a member of the Little Sewickley Creek Watershed Project, and was a historic preservationist for Woodville and Old Economy Village. Some of his more outstanding accomplishments include A Lifetime of Excellence and Achievement in Interior Design and Decoration, Allied Board of Trade, longtime member of the Sewickley Hunt, and Sewickley Man of the Year, May 5, 2005. Richard was predeceased by his mother, Margaret Burger Smith, and father, Wilber Smith; brother, Robert Smith; nephew, Robert Smith II, and his loving wife, Elisabeth Patterson Smith ’41.

Artist Richard Smith painting the mural in the Nichols-Snyder School Center illustrating the history of the school from 1838 founders William Champ and John Nevin to Headmaster Hamilton “Ham” Clark.

RICHARD CONRAD SMITH

82, of Sewickley, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2021. He was born February 28, 1939, in Sewickley. He was educated in the Sewickley Public School District and was a member of the first graduating class at

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