The
magazine of
S t . P au l A c a d e m y
and
SPA WINTER 2008
Lure of the lab
Summit School
p. 16
On track for the Olympics
p. 18
Ultimate taste of reality TV
p. 20
Mission Statement In pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning, St. Paul Academy and Summit School educates a diverse and motivated group of young people for leadership and service, inspires in them an enduring love of learning, and helps them lead productive, ethical and joyful lives.
St. Paul Academy and Summit School is an independent, college preparatory day school for students in kindergarten through grade 12. The school was formed in 1969 from the merger of St. Paul Academy, founded in 1900 for boys, and Summit School, founded in 1917 for girls.
St. Paul Academy and Summit School values a diverse community and complies with all applicable laws regarding nondiscrimination.
Contents
SPA Magazine | Winter 2008
7
15th Anniversar y Community Chorale and Orchestra
14
Student leaders engage in meaningful ser vice
departments 2
L e t t e r f ro m t h e H e a d
3
T h ro u g h t h e D o o r s
8
F a c e s o f P h i l a n t h ro p y
10
Reunion-Homecoming
We e k e n d 2 0 0 7
22
Spartan Sports
23
Remember When
24
A l u m n i / a e B u l l e t i n B o a rd
24
Calendar of Events
25
Class Notes
40
In Memoriam
16
Summer laborator y internships yield positive results
18
On track for the 2008 Olympics
20
Ultimate taste of reality TV
Front cover | Rachel Ketz, grade 7, and Ellen Samuelson, grade 6, have fun together at the kids’ carnival during Homecoming. Inside front cover | First grader Will Swanson gets in the spirit of Blue and Gold Day.
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Welcome I
n Good to Great, Jim Collins emphasized that successful organizations, whether schools or businesses, must get the right people in the right positions or, as he famously suggested, the right people on the bus. In Collins’ world, the “who” or personnel questions are fundamental and driving forces in any organization. Not surprisingly, I am frequently asked how St. Paul Academy and Summit School hires teachers and administrators. It is a good question. Alumni/ae and parents care deeply about the school and they understandably want to know how we insure that SPA attracts the very best people, a necessity if we are to fulfill our obligations to our students.
At SPA we devote considerable time and energy to identifying, interviewing and selecting the very best personnel. The first step in any job search is defining the qualities and requirements of the position, after which we place advertisements in a variety of local and national publications and work with national search firms. The composition of search committees varies according to the requirements of each search, and a series of questions inevitably informs their deliberations. Which candidate has the demonstrated expertise to do the job? Who can work effectively with the staff and students? Who understands and appreciates SPA’s mission and culture? Technical competence will not be sufficient in and of itself, and committees concentrate on finding the person who will be a good cultural match for SPA. After extensive phone interviews and campus visits and a thorough vetting of references, a committee makes a formal recommendation to the appropriate supervisor on the administrative team. Though ultimate responsibility for all appointments resides with me as Head of School, I rely heavily on the thoughtful and informed counsel of those who interviewed all of the candidates, and I very much appreciate the willingness of teachers and staff members to devote additional hours to reading résumés and interviewing candidates. In the last three months we have made two very important senior appointments. Mary Albachten has been appointed Director of Finance, and she will assume her new responsibilities March 1. Although we spoke with candidates from around the country and worked with a national search firm, Mary is a Minnesota native and a resident of Bloomington, with extensive experience and a deep background in school management. Mary, who earned a B.A. from University of Minnesota, served as Director of Accounting at Cretin-Derham Hall from 1988-2006. She also served in the National Guard from 1988-2002, and impressed the search committee with her masterful understanding of all phases of educational finance, from seemingly mundane matters of day-to-day bookkeeping to the complex challenges of developing a five-year business plan with escalating costs for health care and energy. Mary blends the skills of a comptroller and a chief financial officer and is a worthy and accomplished successor to Pam Dykstra, who has been such a skillful and shrewd manager of SPA’s financial resources. The Upper School also has a new principal, Chris Hughes, who will formally join the faculty August 1. Chris, who is the Academic Dean at Chatham Hall in Virginia, earned a B.A. in History from Lafayette College and an M.A. in Education from Lehigh University. He is the consummate independent school educator. Before moving to Chatham Hall in 2001, Chris was a member of the faculty at St. James School in Maryland, where he taught history and served as the Dean of Students and Director of College Counseling. He is the author of 12 books for middle school students, received a Japan Fulbright Scholarship and developed an innovative program in service learning at Chatham Hall, which culminated in a trip to South Africa. There are other significant changes in the senior staff. As many of you know, we are currently conducting a search for a new Director of Development and we have retained Brigham Hill Consultancy of Dallas, Texas, to assist us in identifying Jennifer Halcrow’s successor. Dr. Tim Elchert, who has served so admirably as the Lower School psychologist, became interim principal of the Lower School in January. Tim, who will serve in this interim capacity through the 2008-2009 academic year, succeeds Rebecca Thompson, who has taken a leave of absence for the rest of this year. We will convene a search committee in Fall 2008 to identify a full-time principal for the Goodrich Campus, and I look forward to apprising you of the evolution and outcome of both of these searches.
Bryn Roberts Head of School 2
SPA | winter 2008
SPA The Magazine of St. Paul Academy and Summit School
Winter | 2008 Editor Tracy Madden Graphic Design Kimberlea Weeks Contributors Jennifer Halcrow Paula Kringle Bud Mackey ’57 Bryn Roberts Photography Bill Alkofer Holly Hart Greg Helgeson Andy King Tracy Madden Ann Wight SPA Magazine is published twice a year by St. Paul Academy and Summit School for its alumni/ae, parents and friends. Your turn SPA Magazine celebrates the power of thoughts and ideas. We invite you to write, email or fax us your thoughts and comments on subjects related to the SPA community. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. Please let us know your suggestions for stories, your thoughts about SPA happenings and your news and photos for “Class Notes.” Communications Office St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105 651-696-1366, phone 651-696-1380, fax alumni/ae@spa.edu
Visit us at www.spa.edu
Through the Doors
of St. Paul Academy and Summit School
SPA Annual Fund off to strong start As of January 31, 2008, the Annual Fund had raised more than $824,000 toward its $1.25 million goal, $77,000 ahead of last year at the same time. The Annual Fund theme, “Giving to match our expectations for excellence and high standards,” asks every member of the school community to actively affirm the school’s mission and excellence via greater participation and leadership support for SPA. If you have not already made a gift to the Annual Fund, you may do so online at www.spa.edu/gifts/, phone the Development Office at 651-696-1320, or mail your gift to SPA, 1712 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105. In October, St. Paul Academy and Summit School Annual Fund volunteers gathered to kick off the Annual Fund. Annual Fund volunteers represent nearly every facet of school life, including parents, alumni/ae, trustees, grandparents, faculty and staff.
2007-2008 Board of Trustees Charles A. Zelle ’73, President Page Knudsen Cowles, Vice President Charlotte Shepard Johnson ’64, Vice President Byron E. Starns, Secretary Dorothy L. Goldie ’73, Treasurer Philip W. White ’81, Assistant Treasurer Fahima Aziz William M. Beadie ’58 Roxane Harvey Gudeman Ruth Seely Huss ’57 Frederick C. Kaemmer ’88 Bruce A. Lilly ’70 Ranlet Miner Virginia H. Morris Ann Ruhr Pifer ’83 Dr. Brian C. Rosenberg Gail A. Ward Shannon McNeely Whitaker ’78 The Honorable Wilhelmina M. Wright
Annual Fund volunteers pictured, back row from left: David Herr ’68 (Class of 2008 Parents’ volunteer), Dominic Ciresi (Lower School Parents’ Co-Chair), Bob Bullard (Grandparents Co-Chair), Tim O’Brien ’77 (Class of 1977 Reunion Giving). Middle row: Head of School Bryn Roberts, Ann Ruhr Pifer ’83 (Leadership Giving Co-Chair and Trustee), Anne Larsen Hooley (Lower School Parents’ Co-Chair), Mary Ann Barrows Wark ‘65 (leadership volunteer), Cathy Middlebrook (Upper School Parents’ Co-Chair), Gail Ward (Trustee and Annual Fund Chair), Margaret Hartman (leadership volunteer), Byron Starns (Trustee and leadership volunteer). Front row: Gerry Kyle Bullard ’57 (Grandparents’ Co-Chair), Julie McGirl McGlincey ’84 (Lower School Faculty Representative), Catharina Petronio (Upper School Parents Co-Chair) and Susan Engeleiter (leadership volunteer).
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Through the Doors
of St. Paul Academy and Summit School
Wark ’65 and MacMullen ’47 honored for achievements in education The Distinguished Alumni/ae Award will be given to Edith Nye MacMullen ’47 and Mary Ann Barrows Wark ’65 at a dinner in their honor Monday, February 25, in the Randolph Campus Dining Hall. The award is the school’s highest honor, given to alumni/ae whose achievements reflect major contributions to their chosen fields or communities. The women were chosen by the Recognition Committee of the Alumni/ae Council based on their longtime dedication to education. “Our Distinguished Alumni/ae are fascinating people whose lives demonstrate creative application of their gifts and expertise,” said Interim Upper School Principal Cindy Richter ’78. “The Distinguished Alumni/ae program is a wonderful opportunity for current students to see how the academic and personal foundation that SPA, or Summit School, provided each of our alums has served them in their lives after graduation.”
Corrections In the 2006-2007 Annual Report, the following donors were mistakenly omitted from the Briggs Converse Society (Gifts of $5,000 - $7,499): E. Thomas Binger and Rebecca Rand Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation. Likewise, Steve Obaid and Camilla Madson were mistakenly omitted from the Class of 2007 Parents donor list. We appreciate all gifts to the school and apologize for the oversight. On page 14 of the Summer 2007 issue of SPA Magazine, Ariel Kagan ’07 was incorrectly listed as having received the Clotilde Emily Irvine Memorial Prize for significant achievement in creative writing. The actual recipient was Lark Turner ’07. Kagan was the recipient of the Krebs Award for excellence in journalism.
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In addition to the dinner, MacMullen and Wark will participate in classes, lectures and more with a variety of students and groups at the school Tuesday, February 26.
Distinguished Alumni/ae
Mary Ann Barrows Wark is a 1965 graduate of Summit School, and a 1969 graduate of Radcliffe College, where she earned an AB degree in government. She earned her MAT in social studies from Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1971 and her JD from Boston University in 1974. Wark is a longtime volunteer for St. Paul Academy and Summit School and an active volunteer in the Twin Cities’ arts, education and religious communities. At SPA she served as a member of the Board of Trustees (1990-2005), where she was Vice President and Chair of the Education Committee. During her tenure as chair of the Education Committee, the Board reviewed several farreaching policies, including an independent division to support middle school students and a comprehensive diversity plan for the school. The committee reviewed the use of technology in the classroom, which resulted in a laptop program for students in grades 7-10, and the addition of a non-Western language, achieved in Fall 2004 when Mandarin Chinese was added to the Middle and Upper School curriculum. A review of Upper School teaching methods made it possible for the school to implement the Harkness method of instruction in Fall 2004. The Education Committee also reviewed the faculty evaluation process, student evaluations, and the role of community service in the school curriculum. The committee discussed the philosophy which led to the creation of the health and wellness program and oversaw the creation of a K-12 school curriculum plan, which led to the appointment of a K-12 Academic Dean. The committee monitored plans for curriculum revisions and enhancements, which led to the creation of several endowed funds for curriculum development, and reviewed important issues related to the makeup of the student population, including admissions, financial aid and tuition remission policies. Wark served on the Head of School Search Committees that resulted in the appointments of Frank Magusin (1993-2000) and Pam Clarke (2000-2005). She has been a generous contributor to the school, including endowing the Wark Curriculum Development Fund to provide faculty stipends for curriculum development projects. She and her family have provided leadership support for the academic technology program and contributed generously to the Annual Fund and unrestricted capital activities of the school. Wark has a lifelong interest in education and currently teaches preschool at Jean Lyle Children’s Center in Saint Paul. She has served on the Resources for Child Caring board since 1978, serving as President from 1985-1986 and chairing its first capital campaign (2001-2007). She served on the MacPhail Center for Music board 1989-2000 and the Children’s Museum board. She served as President, co-chair of the capital campaign and co-chair for the 150th anniversary of Mount Zion Temple. She and her husband, David, are the parents of Barry Wark ’98, and David’s children, Kathleen and Jeffry.
Edie Nye MacMullen is a 1947 graduate of Summit School. After many years of teaching at various levels, in 1972 she became head of the Teacher Preparation Program as well as Lecturer in the History Department at Yale University, and remained there until her retirement in 2000. The Teacher Preparation Program offers undergraduates and graduate students an opportunity to study educational history and contemporary issues in schooling while preparing for certification as early childhood, middle school, or high school teachers. MacMullen holds two advanced degrees in history, an MA from Harvard University and a Ph.D from Columbia University. Her research work focused on school reform, particularly in progressive eras, and she is the author of In the Cause of True Education: Henry Barnard and Nineteenth Century Educational Reform. In 1995 the Yale chapter of Phi Beta Kappa awarded her the William Clyde DeVane Medal, which honors distinction in scholarship and undergraduate teaching. Participation in educational endeavors has been a constant in MacMullen’s career. She served on several State of Connecticut commissions, was co-founder of an experimental high school in the 1970s, a founding trustee of two charter schools in the 1990s, and served on her local Board for Education for nine years. For many years she was active in the Yale-China Association, a nonprofit group focusing on education in and about China, acting as chair of the Teaching Committee and vice-chair on the board; she is now an Honorary Trustee. Since retiring and moving to Amherst, Mass., she has become an interpretive guide at Historic Deerfield and at the Emily Dickinson Museum. She recently completed six years as chair of the Amherst Historical Commission. MacMullen counts as her greatest achievement the careers of her children; three are teachers, two married teachers, and the fourth is a social worker. Sandy teaches history and coaches at the Hopkins School in New Haven, Conn., where his wife is Dean of Faculty; Polly teaches French and coaches at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire; Willy, after years of teaching and coaching is now Headmaster of The Taft School in Connecticut, and his wife is a dean and teaches English; and Lukey is an executive in a health care firm after years of working with mental health clients. For additional information about the honorees, go to www.spa.edu/alumni/. If you are interested in recommending an alum for the 2008 Distinguished Alumni/ae Award, fill out a nomination form at www.spa.edu/alumni/award.
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Spend
An Evening in Venice Celebrate community and creativity while spending “An Evening in Venice,” this year’s theme for the biennial Hats Off to the Arts fundraiser. Alumni/ae and parents are invited to the school Saturday, May 3, beginning at 7 p.m. to participate in an art crawl of student work.
Funds are raised at the event in part by attendees bidding on silent auction items. New this year will be a live auction as well.
Hats Off to the Arts is SPA’s only all-school fundraising event, held every other year to support SPA. Hats Off to the Arts is a wonderful opportunity for parents and alumni/ae to visit the school and see artwork by students in kindergarten through grade 12.
Student performers are always an important part of the Hats Off to the Arts evening.
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Tickets are $60/person until March 31 and $70/person after. For more information visit www.spa.edu/alumni/, or call 651-696-1366 to register for the event.
Parent volunteers are a key ingredient in a successful Hats Off to the Arts event, from the planning committee to staffing the event.
Join us for the
th 5 1 Anniversary
Community Chorale and orchestra
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Members of the SPA community are invited to join Anne Klus, Director of Choral Activities, and Almut Engelhardt, Director of SPA Orchestras, and students in the Upper School choirs and orchestra in performing excerpts from Carl Orff ’s Carmina Burana during the Spring Concert Saturday, April 26, at The O’Shaughnessy at College of St. Catherine in Saint Paul. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Community Chorale and Orchestra, where parents, faculty, staff and alumni/ae are invited to join music students in presenting excerpts from major choral/orchestral works. Past concerts have included collaborations on Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Haydn’s Creation and Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms. “This project has become a musical tradition in our community, with short-term commitment and long-term benefits,” said Klus. “Any interested faculty, staff, parents, alumni/ae and friends of SPA are encouraged to join forces with students in preparation and performance of globally recognized works, thereby providing an opportunity for the SPA community to learn and grow together. It is an experience like none other.” Sally Foster ’68, former Director of Admissions and parent
of Sarah ’98 and Ben ’00, and her husband, Mark, have participated in the community chorale for more than 10 years. “I love to sing, and I enjoy spending time with others in the SPA community who like to sing,” Foster said. “It’s a thrill to sing the big works with a big group.” Jean Gregg, parent of John ’99 and Paul ’02, has been singing alto in every concert since members of the SPA community were first invited to participate. “I originally joined because I was delighted to have a chance to perform with my son, John, who played percussion in the first concert,” she explained. “As children get older it seems there are fewer and fewer things that parents can actually do along with them, so this seemed like a wonderful opportunity.” George Power ’63 has also been a part of the community chorale since the beginning, “starting with the one in the old auditorium where we were packed on the stage like sardines.” Initially, he joined the chorale as an excuse to participate in an activity with his son, Richard ’99. “Richard was in seventh grade when he first sang with the chorale,” Power said. “Being a typical teen, he ignored my presence on the risers with him, standing as far away from me as being in the same tenor section would allow. By the tenth grade he had moved closer, and for the
eleventh grade we sang side by side.” As a senior his son became a bass and so moved farther down the risers, but Power has continued to sing with the chorale. “I have kept up the participation as it is fun to see each generation of kids participate in the music and see how they develop in their singing or orchestral talents,” he explained. “I also like to sing and the chorale gives me a chance to sing more ambitious music than I normally get to sing, with a group of singers who participate for the love of music.” Sally Scoggin and Don Brunnquell, parents of Mike ’04 and Will ’06, have participated in about a dozen of the concerts. “My husband and I love to sing,” said Scoggin. “Anne is a wonderful director; the music she and Almut choose is beautiful and exciting to sing. It has been fun to rehearse with other parents and staff, and to put this together with the kids is a terrific community building opportunity.” Andrew Leavitt ’00 first played violin in the orchesta as a student and continues to participate now as an alum. “The concert is a great opportunity to reconnect with the SPA community and enjoy classical music,” he said. “And, I get to relive the excitement
of participating in the orchestra without having to deal with bells and latenesses!” Lucy Rogers ’72, parent of seventh grader Lily Rogers- Grant, said she plans to join the orchestra for the first time this year.
Senior Wilder Welke plays the bassoon.
“I love making music with other people and have been inspired by the passion and professionalism of Almut Engelhardt and Anne Klus,” she shared. “The community concert provides a unique opportunity for alumni/ae and parents to play with a wonderful orchestra and to be surrounded by young people making beautiful music.” Rehearsals for the Community Chorale begin Sunday, February 24, from 4-6 p.m. on the Randolph Campus. Rehearsals for the Community Orchestra will begin in March. To join, contact Klus at 651-696-1316, aklus@spa.edu, or Engelhardt at 651-696-1401, aengelhardt@spa.edu. winter 2008
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Celebrating volunteerism and
S
Since her children are students at the Lower School, Christine Sand, parent of Samantha 2017 and Joey 2019 Bluhm, has concentrated many of her volunteer efforts on events and activities at the Goodrich Campus. She is currently a room parent, Vice President of Minor Details, co-chair of the winter coat drive, was co-chair of the 2007 Homecoming Carnival Committee and the Holiday Gift Drive Committee, and she also makes calls to encourage fellow parents to support the Annual Fund. In prior years she has served as a co-chair of the Teacher Appreciation committee, room parent, library aide, and participated in Annual Fund phonathons. She and her husband, Bill Bluhm, have also hosted an Annual Fund social and several parent socials. “Volunteering is important to me on a personal level because I enjoy being connected to my children’s school,” Sand said. “It provides opportunities to get to know the parents, children and teachers better. “It’s also a ‘pay it forward’ thing,” she said. “My mom volunteered a lot at my school, and I loved having her there. I hope my kids feel the same way. Mostly, though, I think it is important to give back to your communities.” In addition to volunteering her time, Sand gives back to the SPA community by donating to the Annual Fund. “Donating to the Annual Fund is one way for my husband and me to show our support for the school,” she said. “SPA is part of our community, and an important part of our family’s life.”
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Whether donating to the Annual Fund or giving of your time, Sand
vol·un·teer – noun. A person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking.
encourages others to get involved with the SPA community. “Even a small donation to the Annual Fund, or a small volunteer role, makes you part of the community,” she said. “Volunteering is such a great way to be a part of your child’s life outside the home, and it is a fun and easy way to meet other SPA parents, who then become friends. Plus, you get to pick what interests you the most! “Donating to where your children learn seems like a very worthwhile thing,” she added. “For me, it’s the number one place to donate time.” Sand said she tries to volunteer in different ways, including in areas that are easy for her as well as some that she finds more challenging. The variety ensures her experiences remain fun, and she said she learns new things all of the time. “I had no experience in fundraising, and I think about things differently after working with the Annual Fund,”
she said. “I have no retail experience, and purchasing items for the school store is great fun. The experience I do bring is project management and organizational skills.” Although Sand’s children are the first in her family to attend SPA, their connections to the school have expanded rapidly since Samantha began here as a kindergartner. “We chose to send our kids to SPA because of its reputation,” she explained. “Before our kids were in school, we asked friends whose children went to SPA about the school. We now have a large community of SPA parents as friends, gained either through volunteering or through our children’s connections.” Sand’s best memories of volunteering center around students, and one that stands out for her is this winter’s annual coat drive for students at Hayden Heights Elementary. “I really loved seeing the joy in kids’ faces as they donated coats; they would actually beam with joy,” she said. “Jennifer Kinkead and I would yell and cheer for them as they made their donations; it was fun to make their philanthropy enjoyable for them.” Occasionally, Sand wonders if she spends too much time at the Lower School (particularly as there is a fourth grade student who thinks she is an employee at the school). “Mostly, though, I just love that children come to me and ask for help, as though I was their neighbor, or a part of their family.”
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Mollie Ward ’83, one of six faculty representatives on the Annual Fund committee, is a social studies/English teacher in the Middle School. Although her most important role is teaching students, she is involved in the life of the school in many ways. As the parent of Harry 2010 and Isabel 2012 LaVercombe, she frequently answers the call for snacks, transportation and other requests for parent help. As a teacher she has served on several committees, including the Drug and Alcohol Task Force, search committees, and the faculty board communication committee. “Serving the school and the SPA community is an important value I want to model for my children, colleagues and students,” Ward said. “The school gives us a lot, and I want to show my gratitude by doing what I can to show my appreciation.” One way she shows her appreciation is by donating money to the Annual Fund, as well as encouraging her colleagues to do the same. Years ago, when her children were younger and attended another school, Ward had time but little money to donate to the school. Now that she has funds to donate, she chooses to do both. “Giving to the Annual Fund is the easiest way for my husband and me to express our sense of partnership with all the wonderful things the school is involved in,” she said. “We think of the Annual Fund as the vehicle through which the school is able to support all kinds of activities that enrich our children’s (and, in turn, our) lives, like the amazing music and visual arts programs (which have been cut at so many other schools) and the scholarship program that
d philanthropy at SPA allows our children to spend their grandparents, Pete ’28 and Mary days with peers from a variety ’28 Ward and Albert Rose ’27, of backgrounds. As a teacher, along with their siblings and the Annual Fund helps provide cousins, also graduated from the opportunities I have to work SPA or Summit School. with incredibly thoughtful and Ward has seen success in her reflective colleagues in a physical bid to facilitate stewardship of setting that continues to evolve to the school, noting she became address our programmatic needs.” involved with the Annual Fund Ward said she feels confident because she wanted to challenge in encouraging others to give and support her colleagues as they of their time or money to the participated in the Annual Fund school because she believes in with the same commitment and stewardship of the community. enthusiasm with which they serve “We are all part of this our students on a daily basis. institution, St. Paul Academy “Recently,” she said, “the and Summit School,” she said. Facilities and Grounds crew “We are all able to give in made a group gift and had 100 different ways. Perhaps you can percent participation. I found share a family tradition, speak to that inspiring in my efforts to students about your job, bring increase participation and widen snacks to students during exam the school’s base of support.” week, or donate money to the Annual Fund. All these, and a Other faculty representatives on myriad of other ways of giving the Annual Fund committee include back, help ensure that the school Julie McGirl McGlincey ’84, Laurie will not only continue with its Goldfarb, Jenni Dorfsman ’91, mission, but will flourish in its Tina Barsky and Bill Boulger. efforts.” Ward’s stewardship of the school began when she was a student in the 1980s, and grew even stronger when she became a teacher here five years ago. She and her husband, John’s, children attend the school, as do a niece and nephew, Emma 2010 and Kate 2012 White. Her parents are both graduates of the school, Charc ’56 and Susan Rose Ward ’57, as are their siblings. Most – noun. of Ward’s Care or responsibility for cousins, the health and future of as well as an institution. both of her sisters, are also alumni/ae. Three of her
stew·ard·ship
B
Bill Beadie ’58 joined the “Tuition revenue does not Finance Committee, which cover all of the necessary operating oversees the finances and expenses, and we can’t draw financial policies of the school, exclusively from the school’s in 1981, and became a member endowment,” Beadie said. “The of the Board of Trustees in school depends on the Annual Fund 1995. Since joining the Board to help he has continued on the Finance meet Committee, is a member of its the Executive Committee, and is Chairman of the Buildings and Grounds and the Master Planning committees. “That’s a lot of meetings over a lot of years, so I obviously feel strongly about supporting SPA!” he joked. Beadie said he – noun. chooses to volunteer Funds or property donated to needs and with the an institution, individual, or maintain the school high quality of group as a source of income. “because it’s its education. a wonderful The Annual Fund school with is a critical source a tradition of revenue and it is for excellence in as important now as it teaching and learning, but it was when I first joined the Finance needs lots of support from many Committee 27 years ago.” people to sustain that tradition. As chair of the Buildings and As a student and an alum I have Grounds and Master Planning received the benefits of that committees, Beadie said he sees how tradition, as did my kids, who necessary it is to forge a long-term also graduated from SPA. I want plan and to have the financial ability to do what I can to continue that to put that plan into place. tradition and to help make the “I want the facilities of this school an even better place to school to provide an environment learn than it was in my day.” that will most enhance the quality He stressed that it is of the students’ and teachers’ important for everyone to educational experience here,” participate in the Annual Fund, he said. and that small contributions In addition to Beadie’s sons, Guy from many donors make a big ’86 and Bill ’91, his brother, Dave difference. ’54, is also an alum of the school.
en·dow·ment
If you would like to serve on an Annual Fund committee, contact Annual Fund Director Paula Kringle at 651-696-1320 or pkringle@spa.edu. If you would like to make an online donation, go to www.spa.edu/gifts/. winter 2008
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HOMECOMING OCTOBER 12, 2007
Parent volunteers are an important part of any special event at SPA, and Homecoming was no exception. Jennifer Kinkead, Courtney Hoard, Christine Sand and Tracy Tipler were in charge of the picnic and kids’ carnival held during the football game on the Randolph Campus.
Lower School teachers Tamara Wentworth and Beth Nelson were fun targets for students to throw wet sponges at during the kids’ carnival.
Sophomore quarterback Evan McMillan scrambled on the field during the varsity football team’s hard-fought 55-70 loss against St. Croix Lutheran.
Cheering on the football team were Middle School teacher and parent Eric Salverda and parent Paul Bullard ‘80 (foreground).
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HERITAGE BRUNCH OCTOBER 13, 2007 Grant Nelson ‘57 discusses Academy days with friends at the 2007 Heritage Brunch.
Tom Patterson ‘57 applauds remarks by Head of School Bryn Roberts during Heritage Brunch.
Patty Courtney Strong ‘48, Debbie Butler Bancroft ‘48, Nancy Neimeyer Weyerhaeuser ‘49 and Pat Sweney Hart ‘51 visited the Harry M. Drake Gallery to view paintings by Patty Ray Bratnober Saunders ‘42 before joining friends and classmates for the Heritage Brunch.
Summit School Class of 1957 classmates Linda Towle, Cynthia Freidman Sutton and Susan Fisher Koll catch up on each other’s lives during Heritage Brunch.
Friends, food and fun are all important elements of Heritage Brunch.
The annual Heritage Brunch honors alumni/ae who graduated 50 or more years ago with a complimentary brunch given by the Head of School. Pictured, from left, Susan Cammack Hodgson ‘48, Susan Spain Leonard ‘47, Dee Holmes Gladish ‘48 and Debbie Butler Bancroft ‘48. winter 2008 | SPA
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reunion OCTOBER 11-13, 2007
Having the opportunity to visit with current and former faculty and staff members is always a fun addition to the All-School Reunion Dinner. Above, Tyler Olson ‘04, math teacher Bill Boulger, Matt Hancher ‘97, and former math teacher Bob Drechsel chat during dinner.
Patricia Ray Bratnober Saunders ‘42 was the featured artist in the Harry M. Drake Gallery during Reunion-Homecoming Weekend 2007. Here, she welcomes Nelly Hewett to the exhibit. Diane Wachtler Koob ‘57 and Nancy Fulton ‘67 visit during the All-School Reunion Dinner.
Cindy Freidman Sutton ‘57 traveled from New York to attend her 50th class reunion.
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Jason Carone, Craig Smith ‘87, Merritt Clapp-Smith ‘87 and Julianne Rosen-Carone ‘87 met up at the All-School Reunion Dinner Party on the Randolph Campus Friday, October 12. Susan Rose Ward ‘57 and Bill Burg ‘67 talk during the All-School Reunion Dinner.
Save the date! Harry Neimeyer ‘57 and Dutton Foster ‘57 stroll down memory lane as they look at photographs and yearbooks from days gone by.
Reunion - Homecoming Weekend 2008 September 26-28
To join your class reunion planning committee, contact Alumni/ae Relations Director Daymond Dean ‘85 at 651-696-1308 or ddean@spa.edu.
Josie Holman, Sally Cammack Miesen, Marko Nikituk, Lydia Gregoret and Karen Schultz Paige sat together at the All-School Reunion Dinner the Friday of Reunion-Homecoming Weekend 2007. On Saturday they attended the 1982 class party at the home of David and Betsy Weyerhaeuser.
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Sophomore Katie Engelking
Senior Maren Frisell
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Learning to Lead:
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Student group engages in meaningful service
While the twin pillars of leadership and service are expected In November, thirteen students and two faculty members of all St. Paul Academy and Summit School students, those in the raked leaves for senior citizens living in North Minneapolis via Service Learning group have embraced the concept wholeheartedly. the Neighborhood Improvement Program. The group also Since the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, more than organized a holiday ‘Adopt a Family’ program under the auspices two dozen Upper Schoolers involved in the student club have of Volunteers of America of Minnesota, with 31 Upper School raised money for charity, tutored elementary students at a local advisory groups participating. Students in advisories donated charter school, and conducted research to learn more about the money for gifts for a family or a senior citizen (or both!) and organizations they have volunteered to help. wrapped the gifts as a community in the Dining Hall during Service Learning sponsors at least one project a month, their December 11 advisory period. which requires a great deal of organization and strong leadership “The Service Learning group has been particularly active skills. Co-leaders of this year’s group are seniors Anja Crowder this year, and I am genuinely impressed by the energetic and and Ritika Mathur. sincere community service work of students throughout the “At the beginning of each year the presidents and the advisor Upper School,” said Interim Upper School Principal Cindy come up with a tentative calendar for the year with scheduled Richter. In addition to the one-time monthly projects, the group activities,” explained Crowder. “Our first meeting is a time is engaged in a weekly tutoring schedule with for members to bring ideas about activities or students at Partnership Academy, a charter organizations they would like to volunteer for school in Richfield. Sixteen students and we, as the presidents, do our best to volunteer their time Tuesday afternoons include these into our itinerary. We try Never doubt to work one-on-one with elementary to take each idea that members come students, and are committed to up with and incorporate it into a that a small group of volunteering at least six afternoons at fundraiser or volunteer committed citizens can a time. Students are responsible for opportunity for the group.” organizing their own transportation, Although lending service to change the world. arriving on time each week and their community is important, Indeed, it is the only thing arranging for a substitute tutor if the “learning” portion of the they cannot keep their commitment. group’s name is equally vital. that ever has. “There is definitely a lot of planning “For us, Service Learning not only involved!” said Crowder. “Ritika and means volunteering, but having a — Margaret Mead I speak frequently during school about discussion after the fact about how it Service Learning activities and are often on was meaningful and how it helped people the phone organizing things. We also meet with in our community,” Crowder said. “It also our advisor, Ms. Seibel-Hunt, every Tuesday before means researching the individual charities that we our Thursday group meeting to go over the schedule. are helping. For instance, one member wanted to help Outside of meeting time and volunteer time, I probably spend children with autism, so we researched it, learned a lot about another four hours per week on Service Learning activities.” this issue and sold concessions at the fall play to help.” Co-leaders Crowder and Mathur and senior April Stewart had In September, 20-some volunteers washed cars during the opportunity this year to participate in the Twin Cities Rise! Soccerfest, earning upwards of $600, which was then donated to Annual Luncheon held in November. While there they learned the newly opened St. Paul campus of the Jeremiah Project. about volunteering for Twin Cities Rise!, an organization that In October, 15 students and three faculty members packaged trains under-employed and unemployed adults for skilled jobs meals for the Feed My Starving Children program. In one that pay a living wage. The luncheon showed the girls ways in evening they packaged enough food to feed 18 children for a which non-profit organizations celebrate their successes and how year. Also that month the group conducted Halloween for corporate sponsorships are solicited. Hunger, a non-perishable goods food drive that collected more “This highly active student group will continue its efforts than 1,100 items of food for Second Harvest Heartland. during second semester by sponsoring Hearts-4-Hearts in support “As co-presidents we work with faculty and administration of the American Heart Association and a Scrabble tournament in passing projects and activities,” said Crowder. “We plan an fundraiser for charities,” said group advisor Beth Seibel-Hunt. assembly and weekly itineraries for the group meetings. We “If you are interested in helping chaperone, contribute to or schedule all of the activities and events and coordinate all financial plan any of these events, contact me to see how you, too, matters. But, we really believe in leadership as a whole, so we can be involved!” often delegate specific projects and tasks to other members. In a Seibel-Hunt may be reached at bseibelhunt@spa.edu or given project there are usually eight people taking on specific and by leaving her a message at 651-696-1392. individual leadership positions.”
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internships Summer laboratory
yield positive results
F
For many students, summer means a chance to hang out with friends, work at a fast food joint or spend time outside. For Maddie Graber ’06 and Jennifer Fischer ’08, this past summer offered the opportunity to explore their passion for science by working in research
laboratories at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Graber worked with Tom Hays, SPA parent and U of M professor and researcher in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development. Hays’ research focuses on microtubulebased transport within cells by
studying cytoplasmic motor proteins in fruit flies. “In his research, Dr. Hays uses flies as a model for learning more about the genetics of all species,” explained Graber. “Generally, his work is based around learning how genetics affect different parts of cellular function; specifically, how changes in genes are connected to diseases and illness.” Fischer spent her summer working in the laboratory of Mark Masino, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience. Masino’s research studies motor behaviors produced by spinal circuits in zebrafish, and more recently in mice. “Mark’s technical mission is to investigate the neural pathways that stimulate repetitive motion in zebrafish and mice,” explained Fischer. “This basically means that he is trying to figure out what makes zebrafish swim and mice walk.” Gaining access to research laboratories which sponsor graduate students is no simple task for a college freshman and rising high school senior. As a student at Stanford University,
Graber had contact with some of the country’s leading scientists. However, she didn’t call on her university professors when she was looking for a research job. Instead, she sent an e-mail to her high school chemistry teacher, Janice Gepner. Similarly, as Fischer contemplated the summer leading to her senior year, she thought a lab experience might be a good way to combine her interests in math and science. Like several of her SPA colleagues, Gepner came to teaching from a research background and spent part of her 2003-2004 sabbatical working in Hays’ laboratory. Her husband, Eric Newman, U of M Professor of Neuroscience, works with Masino. So when Gepner learned of her students’ interest in gaining laboratory experience, she knew exactly whom to call to set up interviews. “We have a large number of undergraduates at the University looking for lab positions, so we don’t typically advertise positions at the high
Senior Jennifer Fischer gained laboratory research experience at University of Minnesota this past summer. 16
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Maddie Graber ‘06 contacted Upper School chemistry teacher Janice Gepner for help in finding a summer internship.
school level,” Hays said. “But, over several summers Janice has delivered wonderfully talented and eager students to the lab. When I spoke to Janice, it was clear she knew Maddie well and could vouch for both her talent and commitment. “Commitment is important,” he observed. “A lot of this work can be tedious — recording information daily, making sure the flies are fed. Discovery in the lab is not all glamorous. It takes someone who can stay attentive to the details in the face of often tedious data collection.” For Masino, having a student in his lab was a wonderful chance for him to combine his interest in research and teaching. “It’s our responsibility as educators to give students this opportunity — this first taste of laboratory experience,” he said. “I hope, as students, they can appreciate the scientific method and will be motivated to continue in the field through these experiences.” The lure of the lab has been a longtime interest of Graber’s, starting with her SPA Senior Project, which tested various surgical techniques at the Spine Institute of Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
“I am really interested in biology, and I wanted to see what it’s like to work in a lab, so this experience was a great way for me to learn more about genetics and about professions in the field,” said Graber. “I definitely give this experience a ‘10,’ because I learned so much!” Graber’s six weeks in the lab included maintaining a stock of fruit flies, giving them food, labeling them clearly, and setting up specific crosses between male fruit flies of one type and females of another. The remainder of the day consisted of various organizational projects around the lab, running tests for lab researchers, and participating in one-on-one tutorials with researcher Mingang Li. “I had worked in a lab the summer before, but I had never done work in genetics or for an academic institution,” Graber said. “Mingang taught me everything that I needed to know in order to do the lab work. My only background in biology was at the high school level.” Fischer worked in Masino’s lab from mid-June to mid-August. She started out by reading some articles on zebrafish and Masino’s research, as well as on research by other scientists in the field.
She and Masino met to discuss the articles and other new information applicable to the laboratory, and then she was paired with another lab member on a project to determine the most effective concentration of antagonists for stimulating fictive swimming in zebrafish. Although part of the research involved making solutions for the experiments, much of the work involved obtaining extracellular recordings from the fish during fictive swimming. “Originally, I simply hoped to observe laboratory procedures and help with the grudge work,” admitted Fischer. “I was surprised when Mark taught me the lab skills and then let me work on my own. By the end of the summer I was working with another lab member on our own project. “My hopes for the summer were exceeded as I obtained not only great scientific experience but also met some amazing people,” she added. “The environment of the lab was very supportive and engaging. The entire neuroscience department was receptive to my inquiries and interest in their research, as well as asking me questions about my own project.”
While Fischer admits she knew almost nothing about zebrafish or neuroscience before embarking on her laboratory experience, she found the skills she had already learned in her Upper School biology and chemistry classes at SPA were extremely helpful in the work she was asked to perform. “While making solutions is not a glorious job, it is necessary during experiments,” said Fischer. “By the end of the summer I was using the stiociometry Dr. Gepner taught me on a regular basis. Additionally, a lot of the units we covered in chemistry class last year provided a basis from which to learn new material. Mark was incredibly supportive in teaching me and was always ready to answer any questions I encountered.” As for Gepner, she said it’s satisfying to see students pursue an interest in science with colleagues at other institutions. “Linking SPA students with research scientists is a win-win situation,” she said. “The students gain valuable experience and the scientists love SPA students. It’s gratifying to see my students succeed in real lab situations, but a side benefit is that we are able to spread the word about how great our students are.” winter 2008
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On B
By the time Cack Ferrell ’02 earned her A.B. in History from Princeton University in June 2006, she had redefined the term “scholar-athlete,” garnering six Division 1 All-American titles in track and cross country, as well as eight All-Ivy League and three Academic All-Ivy League selections. She holds the Princeton record in five events and received the University’s 2006 C. Otto Von Kienbusch Senior Athlete of the Year award. Just months after graduation she became a professional athlete with the Nike Oregon Track Club Elite, competing in races around the world and preparing for the 2008 Olympic Trials. Ferrell is one of 20 athletes running with the Oregon Track Club, which includes just four women. The
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team is coached by the legendary Frank Gagliano, who spent 16 years as head men’s and women’s track coach at Georgetown University and more than four decades as a high school and college coach. A typical day for Ferrell consists of a three-hour practice, which includes running, working on core strength, plyometrics, hurdles and more. Beyond the formal training she often runs twice a day, crosstrains with her road bike and practices yoga. “In college, I was a student first and an athlete second,” Ferrell said. “Here, it’s easy to be an athlete first and foremost, to the exclusion of other things.” As a professional she is compensated for training and competing in road races, which
allows her to focus on competing without the time constraints of another full-time job. “However, it’s unlike a job in that we don’t feel we have to go,” she explained. “We have all made running a top priority in our lives, and we are here because we have a passion for what we are doing.” In March 2007, Ferrell was a member of the USA Cross Country Team competing in the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, Kenya. She was named to the U.S. team after qualifying at the USA Trials in Boulder, Colo., the previous month. She placed 30th overall, and was the first American to cross the finish line. “It was a surreal experience to be in Kenya, the Mecca of running, and to race
track
for the 2008 Olympics along the Indian Ocean with 40,000-plus Kenyan fans,” Ferrell said. “It was my first time wearing a USA jersey and, though I am rarely satisfied with my own performances, I exceeded even my own expectations.” In July 2007 she competed again as part of Team USA at the XV Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ferrell took a silver medal in the 5,000 meter race, coming in second to a runner from Canada. “Rio was a very different atmosphere than Kenya in that all Olympic sports were represented, with athletes from 42 countries competing in more than 30 sports,” she said, “whereas Mombasa was the best in the world competing in just one event, distance running.” Looking ahead, the 2008 Olympic Trials will be held June 27-July 4 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. Ferrell said there is already a tangible energy as runners prepare to compete. “At this point everything is geared toward the Olympic Trials,” she explained. “I will compete in the 2008 USA Cross Country Championships February 16 in San Diego (the qualifying meet for the 2009 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland), but my coach will likely discourage me from taking part in the World Cross Country Championships in order to focus on the Olympic Trials.” Although her sights are now set on the Olympics, that wasn’t always the case. “The idea of being able to compete in the Olympics came up gradually as I’ve progressed in my running career,” she said. “Looking back, it’s so far out of the realm of what I thought I could achieve with running. As a freshman at SPA I had zero plan or intention to ever compete in the Olympics. “Even as a freshman at Princeton it never occurred to me that I would consider
running beyond college,” she said. “Running professionally, going to Kenya… It’s all far more than what I could have ever imagined.” Ferrell said she thinks not having such a narrow focus on running during her formative years was a good thing, allowing her to participate in a number of activities both in high school and in college. “Princeton, like SPA, allowed for a good academic and athletic balance,” she said. “Athletics was a perfect outlet for me, and I could focus on sports as much or as little as I wanted.” Without her SPA background, Ferrell said, she doubts she would have been the successful, balanced student-athlete she was in college. “I appreciate the solid education I got at SPA, both what we learned and what we learned about how to learn,” she said. “SPA definitely set me up for success at Princeton.” She admits that high school can seem tough, and that often it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you’re in the middle of it. “Just take it day by day,” she advised. “So many people have done so many great things, and probably few could have projected that success. I’m sure most didn’t realize the education they were getting was preparation for the lives they were going to lead.” As a high school student Ferrell went to State competition in track all four years, and has remained in close contact with SPA cross country coach and mentor Pete Kilibarda, who she says remains an invaluable resource for her. “Pete has been the only constant in my 10 years of running. It’s no exaggeration to say that I have spoken with Pete every week leading up to a meet or race throughout college and into my professional career today,” she said. “He has an ability to
inspire me, and is always there to boost my confidence or scope out my competition. Rivaled only by my parents, he’s been there every step of the way.” Kilibarda holds Ferrell in equal esteem, noting, “One of Cack’s many great traits is that she is passionate about sports but not obsessive. In high school, college and professional running she has had a realistic approach in how athletics define her. When it’s time to run she runs to her fullest potential, and when it’s time for family and friends she gives that same energy. She loves athletics but doesn’t let them rule her world.” At age 23 Ferrell is considered young to be training for the Olympics, as most runners peak closer to age 27 or 28. At the moment, however, her plan is to stop running professionally within the next year or two. “I have no doubt that I could continue to improve into my later twenties,” she said, “but I have a life to lead, other things that I want to do.”
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Georgieff gets taste of While many seniors at St. Paul Academy and Summit School use the four weeks allotted them during Senior Project as a time to explore possible career choices, community service projects and other interests or hobbies, probably few make their choices with the idea that it might someday land them on television. For Paul Georgieff ’01, however, choosing to study judo as part of his Senior Project was the first step toward starring on Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter 6 this past fall. The Ultimate Fighter is a reality television series based on mixed martial arts competition. In Season 6, Georgieff joined 15 other up-and-coming welterweight (156-170 pounds) competitors to vie for the title of “The Ultimate Fighter,” with a six-figure multifight Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC) contract going to the winner. The show aired weekly beginning September 19, 2007, and culminated in a live finale between the top two fighters December 8 at The Palms Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. Paul’s road to reality TV stardom began in February 2007 when he submitted an application and video to producers at Spike TV. “I did a number of phone interviews with the producers before they flew me out to Vegas for personal interviews,” Georgieff explained. “Most of the questions focused on who I am as a person. My record (7-1) and competition videos spoke to my ability as a fighter.” The show taped the men 24 hours a day, seven days a week for six weeks in Las Vegas between June 6-July 16, depicting their training and interactions with 18 20
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each other. In the first episode the men were divided into two teams coached by UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra and former welterweight champion Matt Hughes. Georgieff was selected to Hughes’ team, which trained from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. daily. Between practices the contestants ate lunch and rested up for the second practice. In the evenings they shot pool, played chess and card games (and oftentimes got on each others’ nerves). No books, music, television, Internet, cell phones, etcetera, were allowed in the house/on the set. “It was really weird at first to have your every move caught on film,” Georgieff said. “But, after a while, you get used to it and the cameras just sort of disappear. At the same time, it’s strange to think that you’re under constant audio/ visual surveillance by a crew of producers. You would be having an intimate conversation with someone in the house, seemingly just the two of you, but the microphones around your necks and the cameras in the corners of the rooms tell you that you’re not alone.” Although Georgieff said he feels the editors did a good job of depicting scenes in the show as they actually happened, “they tended to distill conversations into a concentrated version that seems way more intense than they actually were.” The hardest part of living with 15 guys with little outside entertainment for six weeks? According to Georgieff: sharing one refrigerator. “Other than that, it was kind of weird to be sharing a living space with someone you might have to
fight,” he said. “For the first week or so, we all spent time sizing each other up and trying to think of what strategy we would use to beat the other guys in the house, should we have to fight them.” Each week on the show, one fighter from each team was selected to compete against each other in two five-minute rounds. The winners of the first round of fights then advanced to quarterfinal competition, while the losers of the first round of fights didn’t compete again until the live finale.
In Episode Five, Georgieff received a phone call from his family telling him that his cousin, Sam, had passed away. The episode focused on whether Paul, who had not yet had his first fight, would be allowed to return to compete if he went home for the funeral. UFC President Dana White agreed to fly Georgieff home for the funeral, but said he had to fight before leaving if he wanted to return to the show.
Reality
“It was nice that Dana flew me home for Sam’s funeral,” Georgieff said. “The show had never had someone leave and come back before, so they were quite hesitant. However, it would have been a lot better if it had worked out so that I could have fought after the funeral, without all of the emotional stress.” Although he lobbied his coach to fight against cast member John Koppenhaver, he was paired with Troy Mandaloniz, who, after nearly submitting to Georgieff early in the first round, knocked him out at 2:37 of round one. “I took that fight way too nonchalantly because I thought it would be an easy one for me,” Georgieff admitted. “But the truth is, at this level you can’t underestimate anyone. All it takes is one punch and it’s over.” Getting knocked out in round one was definitely not part of his plan, and Georgieff said he regrets his performance. “My fight with Troy was disappointing, because I never really got a chance to show people what kind of fighter I am,” he said. “I was just getting started, playing around, feeling him out, and all of a sudden the match was just cut short. I knew that all I had to do was put his back on the mat and play my Jiu Jitsu game and I’d come out of the fight with my hand raised high. Yet, I insisted on standing and banging with him because it’s fun and I’d never been caught before. I guess there’s a first time for everything, and now I know better. “It’s kind of funny that I was considered the ‘smart guy’ in the house, yet I lost my fight because
Photos courtesy of The Ultimate Fighting Championship
TV
Prior to appearing on The Ultimate Fighter 6, Georgieff competed in fights held at First Avenue in Minneapolis, Myth in Maplewood and at venues in Rochester.
“The mental aspects of the sport play a huge role,” he explained. “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an extremely cerebral game, complete with baiting, counter moves and the use of often complex strategies and game plans. That being said, there is an important physical aspect to the sport as well. And, if you lack the physical attributes, you limit the strategic options that are so important to the mental game.” Although he didn’t compete on-screen again after that first fight, Georgieff continued to train with Team Hughes throughout the remainder of the show. He also kept a weekly blog reflecting his experiences and perception of the show’s events for www.insidefighting.com. “The show definitely made me step up my training a lot,” Georgieff said. “I’m much more focused than I was before the show. I won’t say I trained with a new purpose, but I trained with
another purpose. Before the show started, I trained because I love Jiu Jitsu. During the show I trained because I love it and because I had the December 8 finale looming over my head.” In-between the end of taping in July and the airing of the show’s finale, Georgieff returned to school where he completed his master’s degree in structural engineering. The month of December was a busy one, with his UFC fight taking place December 8, defense of his master’s thesis December 12, and graduation from U-W December 16. For the finale he fought Jonathan Goulet of Canada, who was not a cast member on the show. However, due to an injury there was an uneven number of cast members available to fight on the finale, so up-and-comer Jason Tan was selected to match up with Georgieff. Unfortunately, Tan hurt his knee a month before the finale so Goulet was brought in to fight.
“Goulet was sort of on a different level than anyone from the show, having 30 fights total, several of which were in the UFC,” Georgieff said. Despite being dealt an uneven match-up, Georgieff trained steadily for the fight. He lost by submission with 18 seconds left in the first round. “Although I didn’t end up winning the fight, I feel that I made the most of it,” he said. “It was a war and, in the end, I made a mistake and got caught in a choke. The funny thing is, if you looked at the two of us afterwards, he was the only one who looked like he had been in a fight.” While his 15 minutes of reality TV fame has faded for the moment, Georgieff continues to train daily, back to focusing on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu rather than mixed martial arts as a whole. He currently lives in Aspen and plans to apply for jobs in the engineering field this summer.
Courtesy of The Ultimate Fighting Championship.
of a mental error. I knew how bad my standup fighting was back then,” Georgieff continued. “It kills me that I didn’t perform well on the show. However, I take comfort in knowing that anyone I’ve ever rolled with, or who saw me dismantle my first seven opponents, knows I’m a legit fighter. “My friends thought the KO was kind of funny because they knew that I was not a boxer and that I should have kept it on the mat,” he said. “Although my boxing has improved immensely, I will always be stronger as a grappler because I’ve been doing it for so much longer.” Georgieff ’s “smart guy” reputation on the show was because, unlike many full-time fighters, he already had a four-year college degree and was studying at University of Wisconsin-Madison to become an engineer. The same kind of thinking that makes him a good engineering student also makes him a good fighter, Georgieff said.
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Spartan Sports FALL in the State meet in the 100-meter backstroke.
Football
The girls’ cross country team qualified for State competition this fall.
Cross Country The girls’ cross country team placed third of nine teams in the Tri-Metro Conference, and the boys’ team placed fifth of nine teams. The girls’ team qualified for State competition, placing 11th of 16 teams. It placed fifth at the Swain Invitational, third in the Tri-Metro Conference meet and second in the Section 4A meet, which qualified them for the State meet. Tenth grader Anne Hart won the individual championship at the College of St. Catherine’s Private Schools meet, was champion at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Roy Griak Invitational, and was a Swain Invitational and Section 4A runner-up. She was a champion of the Tri-Metro Conference and placed eighth as an individual at the State meet. Named All-Conference were Charlie Collins, 12, Ben Greenwald, 10, Hart and Kathleen Cann, 12. Earning All-Conference Honorable Mention was Alex Whitman, 11.
Boys’ Soccer The varsity boys’ soccer team had a winning season, marking a 12-7 overall record and taking 22
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third place in the Tri-Metro Conference. Named AllConference were seniors Peter Morice, Evan Wright, Aaron Olson and Matt Wolff. Earning All-Conference Honorable Mention were Austin Lilly, 12, Colin Wymore, 11, and Max Zimmerman, 12. Olson was also named to the All-State First Team.
The varsity boys’ football team, in conjunction with athletes from Mounds Park Academy, ended the season with a 1-8 overall record and a 1-6 record in the Tri-Metro Conference. Two games went into overtime, with SPA surpassing Blake 27-21 and succumbing to Brooklyn Center 28-31. Named All-Conference were Peter Schwartz, 12, and Terry Schwartz, 12. Earning AllConference Honorable Mention were Evan McMillan, 10, Mike Falvey, 11, Adam Frudden (MPA) and Justin Frey (MPA).
and reached the quarterfinals in the Class A State doubles tournament. Named AllConference were Whitaker and Gina Nguyen, 7. Earning All-Conference Honorable Mention were Wight and Elise Butler, 11.
Volleyball The girls’ volleyball team had a 2-13-4 overall record and a 1-12 record in the Tri-Metro Conference. It lost its first round of Section 4AA play to Concordia Academy in a 3-1 match. Named All-Conference was Rachel Rongstad, 12. Earning All-Conference Honorable Mention were Kelly Smith, 12, and Mondraya Howard, 12.
Girls’ Soccer The varsity girls’ soccer team had a winning season, marking a 13-7-1 overall record. Named Tri-Metro All-Conference were tenth graders Megan Leslie, Bri Rick, Jackie Norton and Anne Walli, as well as junior Kristin O’Brien. Earning All-Conference Honorable Mention were Jenna O’Brien, 8, Niambi Mitchell, 11, and Jessi Rick, 12. Kristin O’Brien was named to the All-State First Team and Rick was named All-State Honorable Mention.
Girls’ Swimming and Diving The girls’ swimming and diving team competes in conjunction with athletes from Highland Park High School. Ninth grader Sammi Fox qualified to compete
The girls’ tennis team placed second in Section 1A, and sent two of its players to State competition.
Girls’ Tennis The girls’ varsity tennis team clinched a 4-3 win over Cannon Falls to reach the Section 1A finals, where it placed second. The team’s overall record was 11-5 with a 5-3 record in the Tri-Metro Conference. Doubles team Carrie Wight, 10, and Sarah Whitaker, 10, won the Section 1A doubles tournament
All information on this page was obtained from the Athletics Department at St. Paul Academy and Summit School. For photos or more information, go to www.spa.edu/athletics.
Remember When Sudden Death by Edmonds P. “Bud” Mackey ’57
B
Before the advent of indoor hockey, sports at St. Paul Academy entered a hiatus following the last football game. While the first snows had fallen, the weather was not sufficiently cold to produce outdoor ice. Such was the case in late November 1953. This was the season of “Sudden Death.” The rules for the game were relatively simple, as there were none. It was played on a snowbound football field, with boundaries indistinct and the goal lines approximate. The team size was a function of the willing participants. The game commenced with a kickoff during which opposing sides rushed one another like two warring clans. There were no plays or formations. The object was to advance the ball by any means toward the opponent’s goal. On a cold afternoon in that fateful fall, the noble Class of 1957 was challenged to a contest by the Class of 1958 while the Master in Charge, Mr. Chapman, observed. Mr. Chapman was rumored to have played college football in the state of Texas under the nickname “Cactus Jack.”
He also presided over my Third Form English class. Shortly into the game it became clear that the Class of ’57 was having its way with the Class of ’58. Being a man of mercy, Mr. Chapman decided to enter the fray on behalf of the younger class. When the lines were drawn for the kickoff, it became apparent that Mr. Chapman would receive the ball. It also became apparent that I was aligned as his opposite number. The ball arced and the lines surged toward one another. The sequence of events is still framed in my mind as in slow motion. I can see Mr. Chapman receive the ball, pause to secure it and start forward. With my classmates on either side I plunged ahead knowing that, as surely as snow falls down, this humble Third Former was going to tackle his English Master. We met at mid-field. I lowered my shoulder toward his mid-section, knowing I was going to die. Do not doubt divine intervention. I felt my shoulder in his stomach and drove forward. Then I was lying on top of the Master, having driven him backward.
Jack Chapman
The result was utter silence. Not a word was spoken by either side. I rolled off of Mr. Chapman. He got up, deliberately brushed himself off and exited stage right. The game was over. But perhaps not. I still had to face Mr. Chapman first hour. I survived the next first hour English class and many thereafter. Sudden Death was not mentioned in that class nor in any other. Mr. Chapman and I became great friends and he proved a valued mentor.
As a member of the Class of 1957 I attended SPA during my Second and Third Form years before moving to the Chicago area. There I attended New Trier High School, where I am also marking my 50th. I was sorry to be unable to celebrate with SPA ’57, but you will always remain a cherished memory. You proved a warm and supportive group of friends who willingly tutored a new classmate. It was a time when friends were true and the world retained a marvelous naiveté.
If you would like to submit an essay for Remember When, please contact Tracy Madden at 651-696-1323 or tmadden@spa.edu.
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Bulletin Board Class Notes To submit a class note, write: Tracy Madden, SPA, 1712 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105, email tmadden@spa.edu, or go to www.spa.edu/alumni. Please include your class year, and maiden name if applicable. Photos are welcome and will be returned. If you choose to send photos electronically, they should be 300 d.p.i. jpegs.
Drop In Next time you are in Saint Paul or in the neighborhood, please stop by the school for a visit and quick tour! Or, stop for lunch and maybe visit a classroom or two. Call Alumni/ae Relations Director Daymond Dean at 651-696-1308 to set up an appointment, or simply drop by any time. Say hello to former teachers, walk the halls and see the many changes that have taken place since you left!
www.spa.edu
Class Agent
New Address
If you would like to become a Class Agent, even if there is one already listed for your class, contact Tracy Madden at 651-6961323, or tmadden@spa.edu. Class Agents keep in touch with their classmates several times throughout the year, updating them on the school, their friends and upcoming events. They also help with special events and reunion planning.
Need to update us with a name change, address, telephone number or other information? Fill out the online alumni/ae update form at www.spa.edu/alumni, write: Tracy Madden, St. Paul Academy and Summit School, 1712 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105, or email tmadden@spa.edu.
Would you like to receive periodic email updates from the school? If so, log on to www.spa.edu/alumni and update your email address in the alumni/ae directory.
Importan tN
umbers Main line: 651-698-2 451 Main fax: 6 51-698-67 87 Admissions: 651-696-1 339 Alumni/ae Relations: 6 51-696-13 Annual Fu 08 nd: 651-69 6-1320 Events line: 651-696-1 449
Calendar of Events February
Get Involved
All events are subject to change. For the most current information, go to www.spa.edu.
25 | Distinguished Alumni/ae Award dinner honoring Edie Nye MacMullen ’47 and Mary Ann Burrows Wark ’65, 6 p.m. social; 7 p.m. dinner, Randolph Campus 26 | Classroom visits by Distinguished Alumni/ae Award recipients, Goodrich and Randolph campuses
1 | Admissions Testing for grades 6-12, 8:30-11:30 a.m., Randolph Campus; Admissions Testing for grades 3-5, 9-11 a.m., Goodrich Campus 2 | Reunion planning committee retreat for classes who graduated in a year ending in “3” or “8”, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Dining Hall, Randolph Campus 17-28 | Spring Break
March
April
1 | Alumni/ae and Parent Annual Fund Phonathon, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Development Office, Randolph Campus. To get involved, contact Annual Fund Director Paula Kringle at 651-696-1320 or pkringle@spa.edu.
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Would you like to volunteer to help with Reunion-Homecoming Weekend 2008, be interviewed by a student, speak to a class or student organization, host a senior for their senior project? Find out about these and other volunteer opportunities by calling Alumni/ae Relations Director Daymond Dean at 651-696-1308, email ddean@spa.edu, or write: Daymond Dean, St. Paul Academy and Summit School, 1712 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105.
2 | Alumni/ae Council meeting, 12-1:30 p.m., Ames Room, Randolph Campus 17 | Middle/Upper School Book Festival Family Night, 5-8 p.m., Bigelow Commons/ Lower Library, Randolph Campus 21 | Luncheon for Former Faculty and Staff, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Ames Room, Randolph Campus
24 | Friends Reception, 6 p.m., Dining Hall, Randolph Campus 26 | Spring Vocal and Instrumental Concert (and Community Chorale and Orchestra), 7-9 p.m., The O’Shaughnessy, College of St. Catherine, Saint Paul
May 3 | Hats Off to the Arts “Evening in Venice” alumni/ae and parent fundraising event, 7 p.m., Randolph Campus 16-17 | Spring Musical: Anything Goes, 7 p.m., Sarah Converse Auditorium, Goodrich Campus 18 | Spring Musical: Anything Goes, 4 p.m., Sarah Converse Auditorium, Goodrich Campus 22 | Middle School Spring Concert, 7-9 p.m., Sarah Converse Auditorium, Goodrich Campus
June 4 | Alumni/ae Council meeting, 4:30-6 p.m., Ames Room, Randolph Campus 8 | Class of 2008 Commencement, 4 p.m., Front lawn, Randolph Campus
September 26-28 | Mark your calendar now for Reunion-Homecoming Weekend 2008, honoring the Classes of 1958, with individual parties for classes who graduated in a year ending in a “3” or “8”, Randolph Campus * For exhibits in the Harry M. Drake Gallery, Randolph Campus, please see the back cover.
Class Notes 1931
1943
1934
Max Sporer writes, “I live in Pensacola, Florida, and was elected to the Pine City Hall of Fame this past year. I taught and coached there for many years. Lost my right leg from diabetes and circulation problems and am waiting for a prosthesis. Wife Mary died in ’02. Have 11 grandchildren and four great-grandkids. Love the beach but not the hurricanes.”
Kelly Earl Davis
Mary-Hill Kueffner French writes, “A variety of travel this year — Illinois, Arizona, New Jersey — for a great family gathering of children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren (23 all told); geology meetings and field trips, a visit to Bevau’s hometown, where he was honored for ‘outstanding service and accomplishment on a national and international level,’ and, of course, visits with old friends at each stop.”
Bob Knox
Members of the Summit School Class of 1941 gathered during Reunion-Homecoming Weekend 2007 to visit with friends and tour the school. Back row from left, Laura Dean Platt, Sally Baker Ross, Perrin Brown Lilly, Marney Brown Brooks, Phyllis Brown France, Mary Ames Wolff. Front, Betty Clark Blank, Betty Herrmann Cowie.
1935
Duncan Baird dbaird4413@aol.com
1944 1945
1941
Marney Brown Brooks marneybb@aol.com Betty Herrmann Cowie
Ed Bronstien elb@rybovich.com Ginny Kinkead Stockwell
1942
Leila Jackson Poullada Harry McNeely Jr. hmcneely@meritex.com Joe Elsinger
Betty Bremer Johnson writes, “Peggy Simons Schilling and I have many happy times together with our husbands, Hugh and Bob, as we are snowbirds together in Fountain Hills, Arizona. We’d welcome visitors, too.”
Visiting the school in August were Phil Margolis ‘42 and his family. Pictured sitting are Phil and wife Nancy, with Isaac and Levi on Phil’s lap. To Nancy’s right are David, Cynthia and Susan. To Phil’s left are Jack, Liz, Marc, Taylor and Nick.
Jean West writes, “I am writing to congratulate all of us on celebrating our 80th birthdays in ’07. And, the best news is this: we have so many friends from
In October, the Classes of 1942 held their class reunion party at The Lexington in Saint Paul.
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Class Notes
| 1945 continued
earlier Summit School classes who are showing us how great our 80s and 90s will be. Happy Birthday to all of us, and may all of us have many more.”
Thanksgiving weekend. We had planned to see the Broadway play, Is He Dead? (written by Mark Twain), co-starring John McMartin, my daughters’ father. No show, however, because of the strike by stagehands. But the girls did have a chance to spend some time with their dad. I’m back in L.A. and happy to still be working at what I love to do most of all — directing and rehearsing.”
1946
George Mairs
1947
Stan Shepard stanlucyshepard@worldnet.att.net Sallie Stoltze O’Brien
s Tim Blodgett reminisces over photos during his 60-year reunion in October.
1948
Anne Hartley
s For the past year, members of the Academy Class of 1948 (including, from left, Dick Slade, Carl Weschcke, George Millard, Jim Prest and Don Buehler) have been meeting on a monthly basis at the home of Weschcke. “We talk — as elder statesmen should — about the affairs of the world, the troubles with the people running things, the health of our friends, potential investments, what to do about Iraq, and sometimes we even acknowledge the fine education we had at SPA,” Weschcke said. Other regulars not pictured are John Elsinger, Tom Dosdall and Fred Waterous.
Members of the Classes of 1947 celebrated their 60-year reunion at the Saint Paul home of Stan and Lucy Shepard. Pictured, from left, Mark Orton, Betty Bancroft Cammack, Stan Shepard, Barbie Baer Bentson, Sallie Stoltze O’Brien, Susan Spain Leonard, W. John Driscoll, Sally Seabury Cole, Jim Brown, Tim Blodgett. 26
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1949
Peggy Hamm Lemmon peglem49@aol.com Bill Clapp gusclapp@qwest.net
Cynthia Baer writes, “I returned to Minnesota for the annual Brule junket, when several of the Summit ’49ers get together for a few days (and lots of conversation) at Nancy and Ted Weyerhaeuser’s home in the woods. I also stayed in St. Paul for a few days and spent a wonderful evening with my cousin, Barbie Baer ’47, and her delightful new husband, Larry Bentson. Came home to L.A. and rehearsals for a show I’m directing, An Evening with Irving Berlin. Then I was off to New York with my two daughters and their families for the long
Julie Griggs Marty writes, “Our big news is the birth of our first great-grandchild, Benjamin Isaac Bowers (love the name — very Griggsy). My father would be so thrilled! All children and nine grandchildren are doing well. Several are in graduate school, one in pre-med, and others are in the teaching and psychology fields. And, we have an opera singer!”
1950
Brad Smith jbradner575@comcast.net
1951
Bruce Monick monick4215@aol.com
t Class Agent Bruce Monick writes, “The locals in the Class of SPA ’51 gathered July 5 for our fifth annual mini-reunion
Attending the annual luncheon at the home of Leo Hauser were, row one from left, Ed Emerson, Hugh Klein, Jim Rupert. Row two, Stan Hubbard, Tomy O’Brien, Bruce Monick, Herb Buscher. Row three, Frank Hilton, Dick Strand, Leo Hauser.
Class Notes lunch. As usual, the get-together was held at Leo Hauser’s home in Wayzata. With five events in five years, this is beginning to take on the look of a tradition. The conversation was lively and we all got a chance to catch up on what is happening with family, travel, retirement and other ‘major issues’ of the day. Leo delighted the group with his culinary expertise, complete with cake for dessert. We’re looking forward to the next one — Keep ’em coming, Leo! And, thanks very much. On a very sad note I report the deaths of the O’Brien twins. Terry passed away October 20, 2007, after a long battle with cancer and Tomy passed away December 12, 2007, following an extended struggle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. They were very special members of our class. Great friends during SPA days and thereafter; longtime leaders and significant contributors to many civic, cultural, educational and health-related institutions. They definitely made their mark and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Alvina, Nancy and the families.”
1952
Helen McGovern Frye Dean Alexander deano472@aol.com
Visiting Carol Davis Trapp in her Chicago home are members of the Class of 1955 including, from left, Minty Klein Piper, Felicity Vaughan Swayze, Carol Davis Trapp, Joan Wooldridge Maynard, Nancy Monick Budd, Vicki Galloway Holmen, Nancy Earl Hoy, Georgia Sommers Wright, Diane Kenyon Schunk, Mary Putnam Luthy, Barbara Welch Bliss, Anne Duvall Harris.
Jean Elmquist Hart writes, “Our spirits were willing, but our flesh was weak. We planned, but couldn’t carry out, our 55th class reunion in 2007. We now have our sights set on our 60th in 2012!”
on an icebreaker to Svalbard, where we saw polar bear on an ice floe and were 20 feet from a pile of walruses on a sand spit.”
1953
Polly Cross Olmstead dpolmstead@mindspring.com Norb Winter Walter Mayo
John Holman copas2@msn.com
Cynthia Brackett Driscoll writes, “Two wonderful trips in 2007: Bequia, a sailing center in the Grenadines; and from Edinburgh, Orkneys and Shetland up the Norwegian coast
1954
Roger Bacon writes, “I plan on attending the all-school reunion every year for at least the next 50 years because there will probably come a time when I won’t be able to make it back. And, I’d like to see as many of my former classmates try to do the same. This way we can all show the other alumni/ae how well we’re maturing.”
1955
Kate “Minty” Klein Piper mintypiper@aol.com
1956
Gerry Kyle Bullard
rlbullard@comcast.net
Ginny Low Campbell ginnybell@aol.com
t Members of the Summit School Class of 1956 gathered at the St. Paul Grill in downtown Saint Paul, Minn., this summer, including, from left, Vicki Churchill Ford, Ginny Low Campbell, Gerry Kyle Bullard, Clover Fobes Earl, Julie Seabury and, in front, Charlotte Seymour Johnson. Ford was recently re-elected as a member of her city council
Meeting for a mini reunion at Somerset Country Club in October were, from left, Ed Stringer ’53, Roger Bacon ’54, Norb Winter ’54, Ned Bixby, Jim Dickinson ’58, Bill Langford ’53, Mac Seymour ’53 and Charley Hauser ’53. winter 2008
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Class Notes
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Members of the Classes of 1957 celebrated their 50-year reunion at the Saint Paul home of John and Ruth Seely Huss. Pictured, back row from left, Tom Patterson, Tom Mears, Linda Towle, Susan Fisher Koll, Dutton Foster, Marna Schrader Page, John Ratigan, Sandra Mundy Irvine, Tuck Langland, Grant Nelson, Harry Neimeyer, Blair Klein. Front, Barbara Roy Hanssen, Ruth Seely Huss, Sally Davis Patterson, Susan Rose Ward, Cindy Freidman Sutton, Patricia Davidson Spadavecchia, Tim Slade.
in Eastchester, New York, as was Daphne Roberts Bell in Hamilton, New Zealand. Mark your calendars now for the last weekend of June 2008 for a “Super 70th Slumber Party� at the home of Vicki Churchill Ford. Details to follow.
as well as his experiences as a student at SPA. He is pictured here at Heritage Brunch during reunion weekend, which honors alumni/ae who graduated 50 or more years ago.
1958
Albert (Jim) Dickinson
1959
Ethel Welch Griggs c.griggs@comcast.net Jim Gardner Tom Hauser George May
1957
Dutton Foster duttonfosters@comcast.net Susan Rose Ward cswsrw@earthlink.net
s Professional sculptor Tuck Langland visited an art seminar class during ReunionHomecoming Weekend 2007, discussing his large-scale figurative bronze sculptures 28
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Members of the Summit School Class of 1967 attending their 40th reunion party in October at the home of Lucy Gehan Harrison were, back row from left, Jan Smaby, Lucy Harrison Gehan, Jan Kusske, Dana Lindsay, Nancy Fulton, Chrissy Ljungkull. Row two, Claudia Cardozo, Caroline Lindeke, Peggy Schuneman Wangensteen, Diane Wachtler Koob, Christina Floan Hart, Elizabeth Peet Runge, Mari Hill, Suzanne Badenhoop. Row one, Amy Bremicker Swenson, Cookie Knutson Jandric, Nancy Platt Jones, Mary Clark, Patty Blackwell, Rohini Shah Dhruv, Kathy Ginkel, Christy Shepard, Helen Owens.
Class Notes
Members of the Classes of 1967 gathered for their 40-year reunion at the Saint Paul home of Cam and Bonnie Blodgett. Pictured, back row from left, Bonnie and Cam Blodgett, Bill Burg, Andy Freeman, Marty and Kathy Brown, Jim Greenman, Phil Bratnober, Frank Fuller, David Druker. Middle row, Norm DeWitt, Michael Cohen, Sarah Works Freeman ‘72, Ilene Cohen, Billy and Sheila Marver, Rob and Donna Bement, Kristin Druker, John Seesel. Front row, Colleen and Tom Siqveland, Judy and Sandy O’Brien, Tom Binger and spouse, Dick Goodman, Bob Altman, Sally and Scott Sieberlich, Joan Seesel.
Molly Power Balzer writes, “While traveling to Maine, Cape Cod and Boston, I stopped by to spend three days with Lee Fobes Murphy and her husband in Nantucket. What a wonderful spot. Lee and I are having fun reminiscing, dining royally and seeing the island.”
34 years (the altitude of 7,000 feet finally caught up with us), and are happily retired to Wickenburg, Arizona. Learning to play golf at age 63 is a new kind of adventure. Love to all.”
1960
Nancy Leavitt Mulvey
Class Agent needed Please contact Tracy Madden if you would like to volunteer at 651-696-1323, or tmadden@spa.edu.
1961
Crosby Sommers
1962
Bill Peet drpeet@drpeet.com
Mandy Moles Boggs writes, “We have sold our beloved Wildwater Ranch, home for
1963
Warren Olson writes, “We tired of the Florida lifestyle — heat, hurricanes and old folks — and have moved to Beaufort, South Carolina. It is a pretty, older town with good restaurants and golf courses. Am enjoying retired life and we are off to New Zealand and Australia to escape winter in South Carolina.”
1964
Cindy Schuneman Piper repip2@aol.com John Maher
1965
Robert Erickson Bob Works
Class Agent Bob Works, owner of Peaked Mountain Farm and Sheep Dairy in Vermont, had his farm featured in Fortune Magazine (“The Gentleman Farmer,” August 6), was featured on CNN’s “Life After Work” segment in September and on the front page of the Boston Globe in November, “Carving Out a Life in Cheese.” “Never have so few done so little to so much fanfare,” Works laughed. “Here’s to iconoclasm!”
1966
Mike Brown mbrown@spa.edu
1967
Nancy Platt Jones nandbjones@yahoo.com Phil Bratnober pbratnober@mn.rr.com
1968
Anne Cowie
Dan Starjash writes, “Suzanne and I expatriated to the Republic of Panama last November. We are building a house at about 2,000-foot elevation overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the pueblo of Sora. Living in the tropics where the temperature is between 70 and 85 degrees most of the year and only two seasons, a four month dry season and an eight month season with intermittent rain, is very different than California, but we are enjoying it. Panama is a peaceful democracy; Noriega has been gone for 18 years, and it has the fastest growing economy in the region. We have a diverse international community in the area and new friends that we enjoy. There certainly are challenges adapting to a new culture and language, but it has been a great deal of fun interspersed with moments of enormous frustration.”
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Class Notes
| 1968 continued
The Class of 1972 held its 35th Reunion party October 13, 2007, at the home of John Edgerton and Heidi Gesell. Pictured, front from left, Jim McCartney, Roger Rudolph, Rosemary Dozier Donovan, Ginnie Weed Murphy, Carol Adler Zsolnay, Sue Sinclair Zmuda, Laura Little, Bridget O’Brien Nelson, Dave Jackson. Back row, Tom Swain, Len Herk, Jack Garrett, Roger Winship, Kathy Garretson Weed, John Edgerton, Laura Cummins Swain, Gus Ljungkull, Paul Quast, Dick Seesel, Mystie Brackett, Jeff Greenman.
Gardner Bemis writes, “After 22 years of trying to deny my Northern states heritage by living in the tropics, the remaining family has moved to the mountains of Colorado. I am counting on the fact that having learned to survive 20-below at one point will provide some basis for surviving our first winter since 1985. There is a standing invitation to any Class of ’68ers who might be in these parts to come stay a spell. Hope to see some of you all.”
1969
Ruth Schilling Harwood
1970
Betty Cudworth Perna
Paul Kroeger is an associate professor at the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics in Dallas, Texas. He is currently in Borneo on a grant from the National Foundation for the Sciences. The language he is researching is rapidly becoming extinct and he is expected
to publish a grammar of the language. Cambridge University Press has published two of his books, one on universal grammar and one on syntax.
1971
Tom Wood tom.wood@gs.com
1972
Class Agent needed Please contact Tracy Madden if you would like to volunteer at 651-696-1323, or tmadden@spa.edu.
Bonnie Blodgett ’68 has spent her entire professional life in publishing, from city magazines to freelance writing, and she currently writes and designs an illustrated quarterly publication, The Garden Letter, “Green Thoughts for the Northern Gardener,” which she launched in 1995 (www.gardenletter.com). She has won national awards for this publication, including the coveted Art of Communication Award by the Garden Writers Association for outstanding artistic and literary merit. “I’ve always loved gardening, and it became more important to me as the publishing world became more turbulent,” Blodgett explained. Having the opportunity to write and design and still have the autonomy that comes with running her own publication suits her just fine, she said. Blodgett writes for several national gardening and other magazines, won a writing award in 2006 for an essay in Fine Gardening, and for Best Column in Midwest Gardener entitled, “Fearless Gardener.” She is currently researching and writing a memoir revolving around her loss of ability to smell, which Houghton Mifflin will publish in Spring 2009. The book will include information on the science of smell, as well as its history and psychology.
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In September, the Academic Health Center at University of Minnesota inducted Karen Hsiao Ashe into its Academy for Excellence in Health Research. The Academy, established in 2003, serves as the highest recognition of excellence in AHC faculty research. Ashe is Director of the N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care at the University, holder of the Edmund Wallace and Anne Marie Tulloch Chairs in Neurology and Neuroscience, and is an internationally recognized leader in the field of Alzheimer’s research. Her findings have broad implications for the early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease around the world. Phil Thwaits writes, “I live in Atlanta with my wife, Lori, and our three youngest children — Jim, 15, Stephanie, 14, and Kevin, 11. Our oldest daughter, Kelly, 18, is in her freshman year at UCLA. I just completed my 25th year with Rehrig Pacific Co., a plastic injection molder. I still play basketball, golf, tennis, and do a lot of running. Hope to make the 40th
Class Notes Sarah Ames Wright writes, “I’m a grandmother! My daughter, Clara, gave birth to Mirabelle June 2, 2006. This also made my mother, Jo Wright ’42, a greatgrandmother. Life is good!”
1975
Lit Field lfieldjr@tcfield.com
Women from the Class of 1972 celebrated Friday night of ReunionHomecoming Weekend 2007 at the home of Jeanne Goodman Herzog. Pictured, back row from left, Ginny Nones Hamilton, Ginnie Weed Murphy, Mystie Brackett, Susan Sinclair Zmuda, Lucy Rogers, Bridget O’Brien, Laura Cummins Swain. Middle row, Diane Bradley Lewis, Rosemary Dozier Donovan, Kathy Garretson Weed, Jeanne Goodman Herzog, Laura Little, Sarah Works Freeman. Front row, Heather Landin, Betty Baird Newburgh, Carol Adler Zsolnay.
reunion! I would love to hear from classmates. My email is thwaitskjs@aol.com.”
Rob Kroeger is a professor of physics at “Ole Miss” (The University of Mississippi).
1973
1974
Charlie Zelle czelle@jeffersonlines.com
Roddie Hauser Turner roddie.turner@comcast.net
Susan Sell writes, “I have been appointed Director of the Institute of Global and International Studies at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. My 2003 Cambridge University Press book, Private Power, Public Law: the Globalization of Intellectual Property Rights, came out in a Chinese edition this summer, and a Korean edition is coming out this spring.” Vikki GriggsDemmin writes, “We’re still out
here in Sonoma, raising our five kids who range in age from 12 to 3. Life is pretty crazy with our brood — as they get older, many things get easier, but the kids themselves have more outside interests that they need to be transported to! Jeff is still working at Tessera in San Jose and I’m holding the fort at home.” t Martin Traaseth writes, “It’s too long since I have got the chance to visit Minnesota. I certainly have fantastic memories from my year in 1974-1975 with the great family Nicholson. It was a great year and it has had such an
Martin Traaseth Family
The Class of 1977 held its 30-year reunion at the Saint Paul home of Tim and Francine O’Brien. Pictured, from left, Dennis Ryan, Dale Martin, Pam McInnis, Tim O’Brien, Connie Collanti-Sanborn, Sally Baker Hussian, Sarah Ross Caruso, Rosemary Geist, Melissa Flynn Hager, Susan Langford Franchere, Jack Driscoll, Tara Butler, Head of School Bryn Roberts and Hank Brandtjen. Not pictured but also in attendance were Fred Neher, Elizabeth Stuck and Charlotte Wright Lewis. winter 2008
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Class Notes impact on my later life, both privately and in business. The picture is from my wife Karin-Marie’s 50th birthday this summer. You see my daughter Katinka Narlean and my sons Martin Valentin and Per Sebastian. Our two oldest children are both attending schools outside London. I am still very active in the commercial real estate business. We have gotten some snow already up in the mountains so we are all ready for some fantastic days of skiing during Christmas. Please give my very best to all in my class attending SPA.”
1976
Doug Whitaker dwhitaker@pjc.com
1977
Hank Brandtjen hbrandtjen@kluge.biz
Tim Hartnett writes, “I’m living my dream on the far left edge of the west coast
| 1975 continued
Attending the October 13, 2007, wedding of Clover Earl ‘78 to Tom Zell at High Valley Ranch in Clearlake Oaks, Calif., were, from left, Lisa Tesar Capretta, Steve Whitaker, Clover Earl, Shannon McNeely Whitaker, Vicki Mateo Lincoln, Phil Allen and John Mateo ’74. Clover and Tom live in Eugene, Ore.
(Santa Cruz). Check me out at www.timhartnett.com and drop me an email. Sorry if I ever hurt your feelings. I forgive you if you hurt mine. Vote for Al!” Amy Unger writes, “I’m wrapping up a grad program in teaching and literacy in San Diego. My son just started Middle School and plays the saxophone in a symphonic orchestra at school. We like to bike on Coronado Island and
walk the cliffs and beaches at Torrey Pines.” Kakie Brooks writes, “I’m still living happily in Charlottesville, Virginia, where I am the mother of two daughters ages 10 and 13. I am deeply involved in our community, helping with the burgeoning arts scene and active social services in Charlottesville. Do come visit if your children are looking at U.Va.!”
1978
John Butler Shannon McNeely Whitaker swhitaker@meritexenterprises.com
1979
Julia Doermann juliadoermann@hotmail.com
1980
Kris Flom kflom@spa.edu
Charlie Vaughn writes, “I’m in Waseca milking cows and find it to be loads of fun and work. Who would have thunk — Charlie Vaughn on a farm!”
1981
Walt Lehmann walt@lehmannstrobel.com
1982
David Weyerhaeuser dweyerhaeuser@gradstaff.com Sally Cammack Miesen Members of the Class of 1982 celebrated their 25-year reunion at the Wayzata home of David and Betsy Weyerhaeuser. Pictured, back row from left, Stephen Mohring, Amy Andersen, Libby Driscoll Hlavka, Lydia Gregoret. Row two, Steve Gardner, Mike Gretsch, David Weyerhaeuser, Marko Nikituk, Rich Westgard. Front, Karen Schultz Paige, Katie Clapp, Gena Shapiro Janetka, Betsy Hay Culp, Sally Cammack Miesen, Denisea Elsola, Josie Holman. 32
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Looking to connect with your 1982 SPA classmates? Join them at groups.yahoo.com/group/ SPA82/.
Class Notes Andrew Slade writes, “True, I left after ninth grade, but I spent more school years with you all than anyone else. Living in Duluth since 1992, working in environmental education and restoration. Married to Sally Rauschenfels. Two sons, Hans (11) and Noah (9).”
1983
Tracy Cosgrove Lakatua tlakatua@bigsky.net
1984
Tom Guyer tomg@winsorcorp.net
1985
Dave Kansas davekansas22@yahoo.com
Class Agent Dave Kansas writes, “The Class of ’85ers continue to ring the 40-year bell and many of our classmates are busy adding kids, getting hitched, working all over the world and otherwise having fun. Hard to believe, but the 25-year reunion looms in the not-sodistant future. I got to dine on the beach in Easthampton, N.Y., late this past summer with several fellow ’85ers in an event generously hosted by Katy Cochrane Carey. Also in attendance were Annie Tschida Longenecker, Buffy Becker Smith, Julie Silverman Burton, Julia Jordan Unis and Daisy Fang/Campbell Pellant. The women spent the weekend with Katy at her place out in the Hamptonians, catching up with one another and enjoying excellent weather. Prior to resting on the beach, Daisy welcomed home her husband, RM, after his deployment in Iraq. He returned in June after two years of service. ‘His brigade was extended four months, making them the longest-serving group’ in a
military conflict since World War II. Two weeks after RM initially left for Iraq, their fourth child, Lucy, was born, joining Ruby-Kate, Max and Annika. Daisy adds: ‘Many SPA friends assisted during the deployment and everyone made it through safe and sound.’ We all thank RM for his service and give Daisy big kudos for supporting him while handling the big tasks of a growing family and teaching. After her well deserved Hamptonians sojourn, Daisy and RM have gotten down to the usual fun of a family of six. Lucy, 2, is in preschool with her sister Annika. Ruby and Max returned to the Lower School and Daisy returned to teach Wellness at the Upper School. She has now spent more time teaching at SPA than attending as a student! Rick Sutherland, the best stadium vendor in history, writes that he and his wife, Wendy, welcomed their first child this past summer. Ethan Harley Sutherland was born August 13, 2007. ‘We are experiencing all of the joys and challenges of parenting an infant.’ Phil Everson, whom we haven’t heard from in some time, has been busy these past several years. He writes in from Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, which is about 10 miles west of Philadelphia, that he and his wife, Andrea Stout, have two birds and a new Shepherd puppy named Otis. Andrea is a St. Paulite, though she eventually crossed the St. Croix to live in Wisconsin and graduated from Lawrence University before getting a Ph.D in biophysics at Michigan. The two met after she joined the physics department at Swarthmore College, where Phil teaches in the math and statistics department. They got married in 2001 and, a few years later, Andrea became the director of an imaging facility at the University of Pennsylvania medical school.
Phil writes, ‘I really love teaching at Swarthmore. Twelve years now! I got my Ph.D in statistics from Harvard in 1995, spent one year teaching in the stat department at Yale, then started at Swarthmore in Fall 1996. We only have two statisticians in our department. The first was Gudmund Iversen, who hired me (and who pronounces his last name the same way I do, leading to some confusion), and after he retired we hired someone who does research in estimating extinction times. So now I have a publication in Paleobiology to go with some statistics journals. I’ve also collaborated recently with a political scientist on exploring methods of characterizing members of Congress based on their voting records (and, in particular, looking at how the patterns of polarization have changed since the civil war).’ Many will remember Phil as a successful lineman at SPA and his love of sports has not diminished. He ‘toyed’ with taking a consultant position with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, but ultimately demurred. He has, however, done a lot more with sports statistics. He has become Sports Editor of CHANCE magazine, which is an American Statistics Association publication with primary circulation in college and university libraries. He writes a column, ‘A Statistician Reads the Sports Pages.’ Daymond Dean writes in that the youngest of his three kids, Derek, started kindergarten at SPA and his homeroom is the same as the first homeroom Daymond had (which, incidentally, was the first homeroom I had). Derek (like his Dad, natch) loves SPA and no longer likes weekends. Why? ‘Because I don’t get to go to school on weekends.’ Why aren’t all kids like that? Daymond’s middle child, Courtney, is in
fifth grade with Tom (Mr.) Lundholm, Daymond’s teacher in fifth grade. Danielle, Daymond’s oldest child, became a teenager in November. He writes, ‘I didn’t feel old when I turned 40 last March; however, having my little girl turn 13 has aged me quickly. Last month, Sam Arnold and I stood in the new dining hall during a Middle School parent social while our kids were on the other side of campus dancing the Soldier Boy and other crazy dances; it feels like just last year I was in the Shepard Center trying to perfect my Running Man and Robot.’ Having kids at SPA gives Daymond an extra chance to see other alums. ‘I feel fortunate to see classmates daily at school drop off, pick up or events. Seeing them interacting with their children brings back wonderful memories of good times for me as a student at SPA. And, I can tell you without a doubt that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. If you were to observe our kids in a room full of students, you could easily see a young Daisy, Susan, Nikki, Sam or Daymond experiencing one of the best educations in the country. Life is grand at SPA. If you’re in the area, drop in for a visit. I welcome the opportunity to chat with you and reminisce.’ I’ve also run across other classmates recently, primarily electronically. Pat Farrell continues his good work as a pastor with Calvary Chapel Old Bridge in New Jersey and recently made a work-related trip to India that he found exhilarating. Mike Ristau (who has also made work trips to India) is working in Brussels for 3M, where he and his family are wondering if the Belgians will ever form a government. His son David recently completed his first season of (American) football at the nearby NATO base and his wife, Laura, and daughter Claire are doing well.
winter 2008
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Class Notes
| 1985 continued
Members of the Class of 1987 celebrated their 20-year Reunion at the home of Craig Smith and Merritt Clapp-Smith. Pictured, back row from left, Dan Dougan, Scott Kinkead, RB Kiernat, Tom Brenk, Christopher Larson, Molly Tschida Brennan. Row three, Brad Brunell, John Larsen, Dave Horner, Sophie Munholland, Pamela Ross Weinstein, Annelise Swigert, Brian Green, Julianne Rosen-Carone, Dean Wolfson, Howard Paster. Row two, Jay Ettinger, Jamie Roux, Didi Cass, Beth Rice Dutcher, Jenny Miller, Carol Bagnoli, Ruth Wedes, Daniel Gelb, Simone Ahuja. Front, Joel Aslanian, Mark Thomas, Mark “Spidey” Peterson, Kristen Hoeschler O’Brien, Merritt Clapp-Smith, Aric Aune, Craig Smith.
Todd Bomberg has moved back into the investment banking world and he and his family remain ensconced in a (thankfully) burn-free portion of Los Angeles. Cathy Paper, one of our energetic entrepreneurial classmates, writes, ‘I am listening to my client, Harvey Mackay, on the radio with Denny Hecker, big local car guy, right now. They met golfing, and that’s how it happens when you’re over 60 and golf a lot.’ Cathy is busy running her business and raising three kids, which means connecting with lots of folks at Girl Scouts, swim meets and Sunday School. She’s also run into a lot of SPAers recently, including Jill Magnuson Romans and John and Julie McGlincey, Beth Jordan, and 18 other SPA parents at a fundraiser called The Butterball. The event raised nearly $100,000
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for Open Arms, a 21-year-old organization for people with AIDS or other chronic illness. She also ran into some SPAers while out skating on a lake with black ice, among them Jeannie Cochran ’84, Tim Miner ’83 and Todd Johnson ’83. ‘It was like an SPA and Widji reunion!’ For those who recall visiting the Paper home on Summit Avenue, another new SPA family, Annie Liebowitz and Bill Gamble, now live there. ‘They were shocked to learn that Mr. and Mrs. Prunty, both still teaching at SPA, were my teachers and dated and married while teaching at SPA. Obviously they now know that their daughter’s teachers were once single as we all were. Fun stuff, this getting old thing.’ Mark Pitzele continues to run and run and run around the streets of the Twin Cities, and a little birdie informs me that John Wolf was recently married in the Twin Cities. Steve Levitt
recently moved his Freakonomics blog to the New York Times website, where it is among the most popular blogs on that site. He also continues his teaching work at University of Chicago, where they seem to mint Nobel Prize winners. During one of my several trips to the Twin Cities in the past year, I got to spend time with Dave Montgomery, our former football coach. He has a nifty motorcycle that he finds a bit easier to pedal than his more familiar bicycle. He loves to take long group rides around the Twin Cities area with fellow ‘bike’ enthusiasts. As for myself, I became President of Dow Jones/IAC Online Ventures LLC earlier this year. I work in a fancy Frank Gehry building that is a 10minute walk from my Chelsea apartment. Our business, www.filife.com, is a personal finance website aimed at folks
from 20-40 years old. Keeping my Minnesota connections fresh, I spoke at the Minnesota State Society’s 86th annual Walleye Dinner in Washington, D.C. Among the D.C. folks I get to see from time to time is Pete Hegseth, son of former SPA basketball coach Brian Hegseth. A veteran of service in Iraq, he is working for a non-profit group called Vets for Freedom. Also, I recently got engaged to Monica Schulz, a graduate of the University of Iowa and a native of Downers Grove, Illinois. We’re looking forward to getting married next summer outside of Chicago. In anticipation, we’re spending New Year’s weekend in Paris to celebrate our engagement! If you’ve got any future notes, please feel free to send them to me at davekansas22@ yahoo.com. Best to everyone in the New Year!”
Class Notes Liz Cochrane Reid writes, “Sorry I couldn’t make it to Reunion. Under normal circumstances I would have loved to have crossed the pond for the festivities. However, we are in the process of being relocated to Dubai, UAE. We have had a great time living in London these past four years and are looking forward to our new adventure.”
s Rick Sutherland writes, “He’s finally arrived! Ethan Harley Sutherland was born Monday, August 13, 2007, weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches. Of course, we’re biased, but we think he’s adorable, and we’re enjoying this precious time getting acquainted and welcoming him into our family. Ethan is healthy, and we’re all doing well.”
1986
John Patterson sonier-patterson@mindspring.com Renee Hilmanowski Ochaya theochayas@comcast.net
1987
Carol Bagnoli cbagnoli@yahoo.com Rob Mairs robert.mairs@gpmlaw.com Jay Ettinger jayettinger@comcast.net
Olav Ormseth writes, “I couldn’t make it to Reunion as I was up in Fairbanks defending my dissertation. I’m now working for the National Marine Fisheries Service in Seattle after 12 years in Alaska.”
Dan Deuel
s
s Daisy Fang/Campbell Pellant writes, “Elizabeth Becker Smith, Julie Silverman Burton, Julia Jordan Unis, Katy Cochrane Carey, Anne Tschida Longenecker, and I enjoyed a weekend together at the Hampton home of Katy Cochrane Carey in mid-July. On this evening, Dave Kansas (not pictured) joined us for a lobster bake on the beach. A relaxing weekend was spent pouring over yearbooks and wonderful Lower School photos provided by Tom Lundholm (Thanks, Lundy!). After more than 25 years, SPA friendships remain strong.”
1988
Dana Nelson was ordained as a Lutheran Pastor (ELCA) June 10, 2007, at Arlington Hills Lutheran Church in Saint Paul, Minn. (Also pictured is Bishop Peter Rogness of the St. Paul Area Synod.) Present at the ordination from SPA were Dana’s sisters Becky ’85 and Connie Nelson, Julie Stevenson ’74, Dawn White ’88, Jennifer O’Brien ’88, SPA kindergarten teacher Molly Kleven, and Kiki Gore, former SPA
Spanish teacher. Nelson and her husband, Tom, and kids Tana and Anthony live and work in Lima, Peru.
1989
Class Agent needed Please contact Tracy Madden if you would like to volunteer at 651-696-1323, or tmadden@spa.edu.
1990
Debbie Lipschultz Goldenberg goldenlips275@aol.com Darren Strafelda
Members of the Class of 1992 celebrated their 15-year reunion at Dixie’s on Grand in Saint Paul. From left, Leigh Murray Currie, Ellie Ulrich Zuehlke, Anne Rosenberg, Lynn Cornell, Brooke Stephens Nemo, Melissa Sieloff Spaulding, Dawn Sullivan Hudock. winter 2008
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Class Notes
| 1990 continued
1996
Rick Magnuson writes, “My wife, Martha, and I live in Harpswell, Maine, with our two daughters, Erin (4) and Greta (2). I am teaching fourth and fifth grade math and science at Waynflete School in Portland.”
Matt Gollinger mgollinger@hotmail.com Minette Loula mloula@courts.state.nh.us
1997
1991
Dena Citron Larson dena.larson@genmills.com Jeff Jarosch jefforama@aol.com
Josh Kriesel krieselj@hotmail.com
1992
Andy Droel droe0007@tc.umn.edu Chris Murphy cmurphy2004@kellogg. northwestern.edu
Brooke Stephens Nemo writes, “Kindergarten has started! Our son, Joey, is enjoying this new beginning, and Sophie is wishing she could tag along to ‘my school’ as well.” Erin Callahan writes, “Bummed I couldn’t make it to Reunion. I am a fourth year medical student, going into psychiatry. Got engaged in June to André Soto, a wonderful man from Alabama and Peru. We live together on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. XO to all.”
s Miriam Dickler and Jennifer Schumi participated in the Washington, D.C., AIDS Walk October 6, 2007.
1994
Erica Nelson ericanelson@students.wisc.edu
Libby Pottle Lill writes, “I was married in 2005 and we just had our first baby in April 2007, Abigail Elizabeth.”
1995
Kris Weum kris.weum@gmail.com Katie Kirschbaum Frisch katiekirschbaum@hotmail.com
Jonathan Brenner writes, “Irina Elterman and I were enjoying our honeymoon during our class reunion and, regrettably, missed the big reunion weekend. Cheers to the Class of 1992!”
1993
Ben Beach beach_benjamin@hotmail.com John Cosgriff jcosgrif@gsb.uchicago.edu Mary Dickinson mgdickinson@yahoo.com Jim Delaney james.delaney@usbank.com
s Class Agent Dena Citron Larson writes, “Matt and I just had our first baby! Our son, Elliott (named after my mom, Ellie), was born September 12, 2007. He’s anxious for his first party in the outside world — the Class of ’97 Reunion — which is happening at a perfect time to mark his turning one month old!”
s Brynne Sierstad Plant writes, “My husband, David, accepted a new job with the PGA tour and we are in the process of moving to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Since our good times at SPA I received my undergraduate degree in Human and Organizational Development and graduate degree in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University. After graduating, David and I married and then moved to Atlanta, where I have worked for the Department of Family and Children Services for the past four years, terminating parental rights to children in the state welfare system. I just started a new job with Children’s Home Society in Jacksonville as a Dependency Case Manager Supervisor and am really enjoying the new challenges of managing people. No kids for us
s Nicole Rosen writes, “I am recently engaged to Craig Peterson and planning a July 26, 2008, wedding. I am a civil engineer with the Minnesota Department of Transportation.” The Los Angeles Regional Alumni/ae Club hosted a happy hour at Life Bar in September. Pictured, from left, Lukas Bergstrom ’96, Ben Beach ’93, Johanna Schmitz ’01, Alexander Pekker ’97.
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Class Notes
In October, the Class of 1997 held its 10-year Reunion at Nye’s Bar in Northeast Minneapolis. Pictured, front from left, Todd Greenwood, Morgan Montgomery, Adam Mills, Mike Martin, Charles Leavitt. Row two, Zameer Baber, Jenny Swanson, Maggie Moss, Kate DeCourcy, Matt Felt, Rhys Conlon, Jay Gordon, Hilary Gebauer, Kate Starns, Laura Coates, Nick Cole. Row three, Jason Krause, Joel Tashjian, Tim Piehler, Natalie Ruotsinoja, Alison Crossley, Dena Citron Larson, Matt Larson, Jeff Jarosch, Eric Vegoe, Sarah Nelson Nymo, Peter Melloy, Charlie Knutson, Mike Kremenak, Dan Johnson. Back row, Matt Hancher, Eugene Glozman, Bryan Flynn, Kyle Kosmider.
yet; we know we want them one day, but right now are having too much fun with our new ‘retirement’ life living in a golf course community at the beach. Hope all is well with everyone!” Katherine Glover writes, “After a year in Nicaragua, a year and a half in grad school at the Medill School of Journalism in Chicago, and an internship with The Associated Press in Buenos Aires, I am back in the Twin Cities and would love to get in touch with old Spartan friends.”
t Dan Weiner writes, “On September 8, 2007, I married Carl Alexander Roller, my partner of four years, in South Egremont, Massachusetts. From my SPA class, Eugene Glozman and Alex Pekker attended, along with Eugene’s wife, Katya. Shortly after our wedding, Carl and I relocated from Boston to Washington, D.C., where I will be practicing with the firm Jenner & Block starting October 8. I would enjoy hearing from other SPAers in D.C. (particularly since I am not sure
we can make the reunion) — my email is still dweiner329@ gmail.com. Best wishes to everyone.”
1998
Michael Lorberbaum lorberbaum@hotmail.com Mara Schanfield Dean Maragos deanm88@yahoo.com
1999
Mark Heinert Lisa Stein lstein@bu.edu
Tong Vudhikosit writes, “Dear All, I am Tong, an exchange student from Thailand. How is everyone doing? I have been working at Deloitte
(Thailand) for almost three years and next year I plan for my MBA in the States. Do you have any recommendations about applying to U.S. colleges? I actually aim for the MBA schools on the East Coast. Any alumni from MBA schools there? Hope to hear from you and you can submit e-mail directly to me at tongka1981@hotmail.com.” Andrea Halverson writes, “I am living in Boston now. I have ‘retired’ from my job as an English teacher and am beginning a master’s program in occupational therapy at BU. I’d love to catch up with any alumni living in or passing through the Boston area.”
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Class Notes 2000
Jesse Markman jesse.markman@yale.edu Ann Marie Miller amiller2@gac.edu Uju Obi obi@fas.harvard.edu Megan (Maggie) Sullivan mys@lclark.edu Noah Mehlan mehlan@stolaf.edu
John Paul Gatto writes, “I graduated from law school in May 2007 and sat for the Minnesota bar exam in July. I received the good news the first weekend in October that I passed the exam and on October 26, 2007, I was officially sworn in. I am now practicing with the firm Murnane Brandt in downtown Saint Paul in the areas of Products Liability, Insurance Defense, and General Civil Litigation. In the time between taking the bar exam and being sworn in, on August 18 I was married to Susan Prange. We spent a week in Bermuda on our honeymoon, relaxing and enjoying the beach. We currently live in Saint Paul, where we expect to remain for the near future.”
2002
Sara Cornell scornell@gwu.edu Lauren Nuffort lenuff02@stlawu.edu Chike Obi obix0004@tc.umn.edu Carly Thomforde cthomforde@northpark.edu
s Sarah Newman, her dad, Eric, and Alumni/ae Relations Director Daymond Dean ’85 attended the Minnesota Vikings’ 42-10 blowout of the Detroit Lions at the Metrodome December 2 in Minneapolis.
Emily Kraack will graduate from the University of Minnesota Law School in May 2008. Beginning in August, she will spend a year in Washington, D.C., clerking for a judge on the U.S. Tax Court. Andras Hegedus writes, “Hey guys! I didn’t forget about you; I hope you haven’t forgotten about me, either. I’m in Maribor, Slovenia, doing my sixth year surgery practice.”
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Brenden Goetz bgoetz@ups.edu Aleks Sims aks010@drake.edu Jillian Degerness jillian.degerness@trinity.edu Emily Shor ershor@wisc.edu Kendra Ackland Tom Christ
Debbie Chasman writes, “I graduated from Carleton College this past spring. Now I’m in Madison, Wisconsin, working on graduate school in computer science. As I understand it, Madison is something of a haven for alums of both Carleton and SPA; maybe I’ll see some of you around.”
2004
Sarah Anderson smanderson1@wisc.edu Andria Cornell acornell@gwu.edu Ashley Malecha maritaluv@hotmail.com Tyler Olson tylerolson@aol.com
2001
Tiffany Clark Aram Desteian desteian@stolaf.edu
2003
s Nearly two dozen alumni/ae and students attended a St. Paul Saints game in August as part of a series of summer events organized by the Young Alumni/ae Task Force. Pictured clockwise from top left: Lower School teacher Tim Rongstad, Rachel Rongstad ’08, Matt Rongstad ’07, Maggie Moss ’97, Jeff Paller ’02, Becky Alper ’02. Alan Davidson graduated from Harvey Mudd College in 2006 and works for Google.
t SPA’s Upper School Business Club invited Tyler Olson to a meeting in October to discuss his computer support and website business, as well as how he manages to run a
business while attending college full-time. He talked about the importance of networking and said his time at SPA taught him to manage his time effectively. For more information, go to helpmety.com.
2005
Jack Adams Lindsay Giese Hannah Lamb hel1@cec.wustl.edu Kate Meyer meyerk@carleton.edu Nikki Stennes nikkis2100@aol.com Sarah Wald skwald@gmail.com
2006
Lien Bui lbui@gac.edu Rory Collins collinsr@carleton.edu Alex Gast a-gast@northwestern.edu Marjahn Golban mgolban@wellesley.edu Henry Parker hsparker@gwu.edu
Marc Davidson writes, “On November 30, 2007, I presented my research from the last six months at the California Tissue Engineering Meeting at nearby UCLA. I worked with collagen, a structural protein, to recreate the three-dimensional scaffold
Class Notes that holds cells in the cornea. Feel free to send me an email and I’d love to tell you more about my research!”
and his sixth grade teacher and football coach, Eric Salverda, played together for the Eastside Banshees Rugby Football Club. Sal recruited Scottie for the Banshees Rugby Team in May when Scottie came home for the summer from his freshman year at Hope College in Holland, Mich. Sal continues to teach, this time the game of rugby, and cement a relationship forged in grade school.
2007
Etonde Awaah Nicholas Rosenbaum Derek Schaible
In September, Louise Buckler shot a hole in one using a 9-iron with a 132-yard shot from the no. 7 tee at National Youth Golf Center in Blaine.
Elizabeth Berg performed the role of April, the bubbly, vapid flight attendant in the Minnesota Children’s Theater Company’s Theatre Arts Training Program’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company July 27 - August 4.
s Sunday, August 12, 2007, at Irish Fest on Harriet Island in Saint Paul, Minn., Scottie Scott
Past Faculty and Staff Jane Frazee, former music teacher, will speak at the 81st Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter InService Clinic February 14-16 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. She will discuss utilizing Orff-Schulwerk methods in general music.
t Patricia Ray Bratnober Saunders ’42 and Anne Stringer DeCoster ’51 took part in a studio immersion class conducted by former art teacher Hazel Belvo at Grand Marais Art Colony in northern Minnesota.
Joel Barker, former Upper School science teacher, is a renowned world expert on change, vision and paradigm shifts. He has authored four books and 11 films. Donna Miller, former Upper School history teacher, was featured in the Hudson (WI) Star-Observer in November for her work tutoring high school students. Donna Anderson, former Summit School music teacher, is a Professor Emerita of Music at State University of New York College at Cortland. In May 2007 she received an honorary doctorate from the University J.E. Purkyne in the Czech Republic for her many contributions to that institution. Anderson retired from SUNYCourtland in 1997 after 20 years on the Department of Performing Arts faculty. As department chair, she oversaw
the merger of the Music and Theatre Departments into the Performing Arts Department. Upon her retirement she donated her personal professional library — 27 boxes of music texts and musical scores — to the Czech university. In 2001, she established a scholarship at UJEP for music students there to conduct research, perform and travel. Former Faculty and Staff news welcomed! Contact Tracy Madden at 651-696-1323, or e-mail your news to tmadden@spa.edu.
winter 2008
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In Memoriam Alice Nelson Bollenbacher ’48, September 7, 2006, Denver, Colo. Survived by a daughter, Paula Bollenbacher; former husband John Bollenbacher; six nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Arthur and Alice Nelson. Terence O’Brien ’51, October 20, 2007, Palm Springs, Calif. Survived by wife Nancy WaiteO’Brien; children Siobhan Olson ’82 and husband David, Terence Jr. ’85 and wife Kristin ’87, Gwendolyn Donaldson and husband Thomas, Jennifer ’88 and husband Paul Bastyr; grandchildren Harper and John; brother Thomond ’51 and wife Alvina. Preceded in death by parents William and Katherine; sister Julia Wilcox ’49; brother William Jr. ’47.
Thomond “Tomy” O’Brien Sr. ’51, December 12, 2007, Saint Paul, Minn. Survived by wife Alvina; children Thomond Jr. ’76 and wife Elizabeth, Timothy ’77 and wife Francine, Michael ’78 and wife Amy ’83, Caragh ’80 and husband Joseph, Alvina and husband Richard ’79, Laura and husband Bradner ’86, Nancy and husband David; grandchildren Lauren, Thomond III, Brooke, Katherine 2008, Maura 2010, Claire 2013, Alice, Lucy, William, Emily, Rebecca, Thomas, Julia, Harrison, Nolan, Francine; sisters-in-law Rosemary Geist, Nancy Walsh, Sharon Walsh, Nancy Waite-O’Brien and Sandra Beck; brothers-in-law Harry Walsh and Robert Geist; 30 nieces and nephews, five godchildren, grand-nieces andnephews, and many friends.
Preceded in death by parents William and Katherine; sister Julia Wilcox ’49; sisters-in-law Eleanor O’Brien and Angela Wozniak; brothers William Jr. ’47 and Terence ’51; brothersin-law Richard Wilcox, Richard Walsh II and Donald Wozniak. Nancy Monick Budd ’55, December 2, 2007, Winchester, Mass. Survived by children Mary Logan and husband Mark, William Budd Jr. and wife Nancy, David Budd and wife Elizabeth, Emily Baillos and husband Peter; brothers Eugene and Bruce Monick ’51; nine grandchildren, six nephews and seven nieces. Preceded in death by spouse William Budd ’54.
Past Faculty and Staff Robert “Bob” Kittel, former maintenance staff, November 1, 2007, Mission, Texas. Survived by wife Janice; children Tom Szalapski, Linda Murphy and husband Jim, Mark and wife Patty, Karen Ohl and husband Bill, Kathy Strohaug and husband Claude, David and wife Lisa; sister Erna Vadnais; sister-in-law Audrey Kittel; 11 grandchildren, five greatgrandchildren and four nephews. Preceded in death by parents Erich and Elsa Kittel; brother Erick Kittel; sister Delores Kittel; and first wife Beverly.
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Burke Rodgers, former math teacher, November 26, 2007. Survived by wife Patricia, mother Jeanne, children Sherrie Conti and husband Douglas, Mark and wife Kristine; stepchildren Curt Youngren, and Julie Gould and husband Fred; brother Joel and wife Johanna; grandchildren Eric and wife Tammy, John and wife Jessica, Tim, Catlyn, Marielle and Evan; and four greatgranchildren. Preceded in death by father Robert.
Rory Tiemann, a teacher in the Extended Day program, December 19, 2007, Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Survived by many relatives and friends.
Judith Oehler ’64, January 16, 2008, Saint Paul, Minn. Faculty and Staff Survived by brothers Cole Jr. ’60 and wife Judy, Benjamin ’66 and wife Lynn, Peter and wife Jackie; sister Susan Oehler Seltzer ’68 and husband Jonathan; loyal Seeing Eye dog Carl; 11 nieces and nephews, a great-niece and two greatnephews. Preceded in death by parents Cole ’32 and Betty Scandrett ’32 Oehler; sister Deborah Oehler Lynden ’58; nephew Samuel Oehler; and six Seeing Eye dogs. Anne LaFave ’86, January 27, 2008, Saint Paul, Minn. Survived by a son, Charlie Mitchell; parents James and Gail LaFave; brothers James ’75 and wife Mary, John ’79 and wife Madelyn; Michael ’89 and wife Laura; and other family and friends.
September 29, 2007
Parents Chris and Linda Coetzee are honored along with their son, senior boys’ soccer player Charl Coetzee.
Senior Mackenzie O’Keefe scrambles down the field in a game against Northfield.
Despite the rain and cold, fans stuck it out to root on the SPA teams.
Upper School physical education teacher Carol King (holding flowers) was honored for 30 years of coaching at a tennis tournament held during Soccerfest.
Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PA I D
St. Paul, MN Permit No. 3400
1712 Randolph Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105-2194 Address Service Requested
Extra postage is needed for forwarding. To parents of alumni/ae: Please let us know if this is no longer the current mailing address for your son or daughter. Call 651-696-1366 to update us.
Works by glass artists Dick Huss, Fred Kaemmer ‘88, Don Rendal and Peter Zelle ‘83
Works by Catherine Kennedy Thursday, April 3, through Friday, April 25 Artist reception Thursday, April 10, 5-7 p.m.
through Friday, March 14
Artwork by Peter Zelle ‘83
The Harry M. Drake Gallery
Senior Art Seminar Show
Located on the Randolph Campus, the Harry M. Drake Gallery hosts eight exhibits throughout the academic year.
Friday, May 2, through Sunday, June 9 Artist reception Friday, May 2, 5-6:30 p.m.
Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, with some night and weekend hours.
Hats Off to the Arts event showcasing student work is Saturday, May 3 Artwork by Fred Kaemmer ‘88