Spring - Summer 2006

The

Thacher News

Spring Summer

2006

Commencement 2006 Chuck Warren Wrangles Retirement Good World Citizens

/ (/ ,

4(% 4 (

#

(%2 3 !#

iÜÃ Spring / Summer 2006 Volume XIX, Number 1 Editor Jane D. McCarthy Design Timothy R. Ditch and Jane D. McCarthy Contributors David V. Babbott, Amy W. Elmore, Suzie Nixon-Bohnett, Bonnie LaForge, Christopher J. Land, Richard J. Mazzola, Kurt R. Meyer, Joy Sawyer-­Mulligan, and Peggy Whyte Photography Franz Ellers, Nancy Farese, Craig P. Golding CdeP 1983, Christopher J. Land, Jane D. McCarthy, and Joy Sawyer-Mulligan Cover Photo Chuck Warren at Thacher’s Big Gymkhana just before he retired. Photo by Craig P. Golding CdeP 1983 Inside Cover Photo Lauren Chase ’06 competes at May’s Gymkhana Weekend. Photo by Craig P. Golding CdeP 1983

The Thacher News magazine is published twice a year by The Thacher School, and is sent free of charge to alumni, parents, and friends of the School. In preparing this ­report, every effort was made to ensure that it is accurate and complete. If there is an omission or an error in spelling, please accept our apologies and notify the Head of School’s Office at The Thacher School, 5025 Thacher Road, Ojai, California 93023-9001, call (805) 646-4377, or e-mail ­jmccarthy@thacher.org.

Third Class postage is paid at the Oxnard Post Office.

POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to the preceding address.

NAIS MEMBER

C Environmentally friendly waterless printing

by Ventura Printing using soy-based inks on recycled paper.

6

Graduation: Thacher’s 117th class of students joins the ranks of Alumni early in June

10

Chuck Warren Retires: Thacher’s jack-of-all-trades for the past 33 years trades Ojai life for New Hampshire “retirement”

Contents   4 From the Head of School   8 Lucas E. Black CdeP 1990 12 New Faculty 14 Spring Sports 16 Historical Society 17 New Board Members 18 Prelude: Good World Citizens

19 Paul S. Armington CdeP 1958

20 A. Lawrence Chickering CdeP 1958

21 Philip N. Angelides CdeP 1970

22 Thomas H. Crozier CdeP 1977

23 Liza Jo Siebel Lorenz CdeP 1992

24 Jennifer L. Kritz CdeP 1994

25 Rhea H. Wong CdeP 1997

26 Laurel K. Back CdeP 2003

26 Emery L. Mitchem CdeP 2003

28 Class Notes 36 Reunion 39 Chapel Talk 40 Obituaries 42 Calendar

15

Campus Embellishments: This summer, the campus became a beehive of building projects to prepare for the new school year

36

Reunion: Alumni and families from classes ending in 1 and 6 returned to share memories and hang out in new Thacher environs

Head of School

Head

2006 Senior Banquet “Who Knows What Is Good or Bad?”

I

by Michael K. Mulligan

n closing tonight, I borrow from the good work of senior Kennan Zhong and the passage he chose to read at Senior Vespers.

I thought his selection of that Taoist reading was poignant and worthy of some reflection tonight as you are in process of concluding, and in some ways, trying to understand the significance of this past year for yourselves. For example:

Success is as dangerous as failure.

Has your time at Thacher been well spent?

Hope and fear are both phantoms that arise from thinking of the self.

Have you been appreciated for who you are and what you have done?

When we don’t see the self as self, what do we have to fear?

Have you been submitted to far too much stress?

Hope is as hollow as fear.

What does it mean that success is as dangerous as failure?

Whether you go up the ladder or down it, your position is shaky.

When you stand with your two feet on the ground, then you will find your balance.

What does it mean that hope is as hollow as fear?

See the world as if it were your self.

Have faith in the way things are.

Are you feeling, in the words of one senior Love the world as if it were your self; then you with whom I spoke last night, “unloved”? will truly care for all things.

I thought that deconstructing Kennan’s reading might shine some light on these questions. I shall read it again since you may not remember it clearly from Sunday night. And while it is clearly intriguing, is not necessarily transparent at first blush.

In traditional Taoist and Zennist thought, life holds a series of contradictions for us:

When people see some things as beautiful, ugliness is created.

Something is long only in relation to what we might otherwise consider short.

Beauty forces the question of ugliness; the existence of good presupposes the question of evil.

When people see some things as good, evil is To place others on a pedestal is to unwittingly created. place ourselves below them. (Perhaps some of you had that experience tonight as you heard If you over-esteem great men, people become others commended for their work....) powerless.

Success is as dangerous as failure because, of If you over-value possessions, people begin course, it sets one up for what may well be the to steal. next plunge into the depths of failing at the next challenge.

Being and non-being create each other.

And it may be that easy success gives us a holDifficult and easy support each other. low understanding of who we are.

Long and short define each other.

High and low depend on each other.

Before and after follow each other.

The Thacher News

This Taoist passage, in short, demands that we recognize that life itself seems to be the experience of various polarities, and that these polarities are the means by which we experience the world if we live only at its surface.

And if you think about this, it seems to be true. Our successes, though fulfilling at the moment, are after all transient. We move on from one challenge to the next. The thrill of a grade, of winning a race or a game fades. And wouldn’t the Sespe be wonderful if these ticks would disappear, and the gnats go away, and that …(fill in the blank.)

As Ms. McCarren intimated in her speech this past Sunday [excerpts on page 6], the mere pursuit of material welfare alone leaves us bereft of any sense of lasting wellbeing. And this is because the material world, by its nature, can hold comfort but not fulfillment.

How comfortable is the beautiful home, for example, when there is no peace in the family?

How restful is the best Thermarest sleeping pad if one attempts to sleep knowing she is lost deep in the woods?

The author of this Taoist passage however, does not leave us in an existential void.

He suggests that the resolution to this sense that life is always a series of polar opposites and somehow, therefore, inherently unfulfilling, comes also with the notion that we had better not leave it to others out there to define who we are; indeed, it is not “out there” that matters, but rather that which is “in here,” literally inside ourselves—how we construct our reality, how we see ourselves in relation to these polarities where resolution and fulfillment are found. He asks us to redefine how we see ourselves. He says: “See the world as if it were your self. Have faith in the way things are. Love the world as if it were your self; then you will truly care for all things.”

Let’s think about this.

If you see another’s success as evidence of your failure, then you are destined to a lifetime of unhappiness. If you see what it is that blesses one, blesses all—then you are uplifted by that which is good for others.

of how it is you experience your self. This is to free the self to be its best—not mean spirited and selfish, but open and compassionate, above all free to find the best in yourself and the best in others. It is then that you experience the freedom from the polarities which otherwise bog you down and plague you like Sespe gnats.

it would allow you to continue to think that maybe the only thing in life that counts is taking care of your own needs. We want you to have to examine who you are—and sometimes only discomfort with where you are can spur you on to lasting growth. And in the Taoist spirit of paradox, I think you will find that when you start truly appreciating and looking after others in a selfless way, then, quite magiSo what of your Thacher experience: Is it cally, love and appreciation come back to you. all good? Have your disappointments over- The world is to us as we are to ourselves. whelmed you? Do you feel you are not appreciated? It comes down, I think, to how you see I received a letter from a young man who was yourself in relation to others and to the events asked to leave Thacher at the beginning of that have surrounded you. his junior year as a result of very poor judgment during his sophomore year, which came Think now of this Zen story: to light. Some of you seniors may remember the events surrounding these most infelicitous A farmer’s horse has run away. His neighbor gyrations. He, now a happy and successful commiserated only to be told, “Who knows college student, writes: what is good or bad?”

“Leaving Thacher forced me to have to figure It was true, for the next day the horse returned, out what was important to me in my life. It bringing with it a drove of wild horses it had made me recognize that honesty gives one a befriended. clear conscience; that trusting friendships with students and faculty can’t be taken for granted; The neighbor reappeared, this time with con- and that my own selfishness kept me from seegratulations for the windfall. ing the big picture of what my life really should have been about but wasn’t…”

He received the same response: “Who knows what is good or bad?”

Who knows what is good or bad? Time and experience will tell. Know that that which Again this proved true, for the next day the son seems like your biggest disappointments now tried to mount one of the wild horses and fell, can—with work and perspective—become breaking his leg. your greatest blessings. In the meantime, have patience. Take the time to sit back and gain More commiseration from the neighbor, which perspective when things are not going away. elicited the question: “Who knows what is good or bad?”

Align your good with the greater good, and happiness will come your way. If you can force And for a fourth time, the farmer’s point pre- yourself to really and truly look out for othvailed, for the following day soldiers came by ers in an unselfish way, the whole world will commandeering for the army, and the son was come around to looking after you. It is how life exempted because of his injury. seems to be constructed.

“Who knows what is good or bad?”

The Zennist author here suggests that it is only the long lens of experience that allows us to know whether that which has transpired in our For the converse is dangerous: There are al- lives is either good or bad. ways those who will be more of whatever it is you want for yourself: smart, artistic, athletic, And so it is with your Thacher experience. wealthy, beautiful, whatever—you name it. If That which you experience as your great failyour own happiness depends upon others fail- ure, shortcoming, or difficulty at Thacher may ing (schadenfreude or pleasure derived from well prove to be the greatest blessing over your the unhappiness of others) then you are setting life. It is just that you may not know for some yourself up for a series of bitter outcomes, for years to come. Your challenges, disappointothers will sense your pinched spirit and self- ments, and failures force you to examine who ishness and treat you as you treat them. you are and how you approach your life. It is why the faculty and I do not wish for you just As Buddha noted: The world is to you as you a life of ease while you are here. While we do are to yourself. not want you to have to experience failure, anger, and disappointment, we want you to If, on the other hand, you can develop the have to confront who you are and how you see compassion and refinement to see the needs of the world. We want you to grow from your exthe world as an extension of your own needs, periences here. We want you to recognize that then you are changing the spiritual mechanics easy success is as dangerous as failure—for

Don’t believe me—just try it. And let me know what you think. e

Spring/Summer 2006

Graduates Commencement

Commencement 2006 Culminating a Whirlwind Year

by Jane D. McCarthy

S

eniors presenting their year’s worth of research in the form of Senior Exhibitions heralded that the end of the school year was nigh and the pace would quicken. Scores of friends and families descended on campus to learn from the students-turned-experts.

A late spring storm delayed the launch of most Extra-Day Trips, but made for swollen rivers, lush grass for grazing, and mushy trails in the Sierras. From kayaking at Lake Sonoma to exploring the canyons of Zion National Park, from hiking San Rosa Island in search of the Island’s newest inhabitant (Golden Eagles have returned) to cross-country skiing in Inyo County, students and faculty fanned out across the western States and enjoyed a change of pace before year’s end. And, because few books and electronic gadgets were present, the campers actually returned to campus more rested and relaxed than if they had not left.

Seniors chose Spanish and Biology teacher Emily Etchells McCarren to speak at their Vespers service, which kicked off the final week of school. In a message entitled “Learning about a Sustainable Life: Happiness in Simplicity,” Emily shared her insight and experiences in realizing that “material things do not actually lead to great happiness. And that knowledge writ large and played out through lifetimes could have extraordinarily positive environmental impacts.” She spoke of finding happiness when succeeding in the “carefully calibrated challenges” that Thacher offers; and that Thacher’s supportive environment and beautiful environs bring us joy and happiness—sustain us—regardless of whether we fail or succeed. She mentioned how important it is

The Thacher News

to sustain our Earth and nature for ourselves and future generations, and that being overly materialistic not only harms the Earth and its inhabitants, but won’t lead to true happiness.

In summation, Emily suggested that we “live as simply as [we] can. Find happiness in what [we] do and the people [we] are surrounded by and [we] will have achieved greatness—and [we] just might save our world.”

dinner, Michael Mulligan introduced Lucas Black CdeP 1990 to share his thoughts and suggestions for life after Thacher. [Excerpts of Luke’s speech appear on pages 8 and 9.]

Major awards were bestowed on deserving students before the assembled guests ambled Following a day of review and submitting final to another tent projects, students endured three days of final to enjoy swing exams, mollified only by a vast array of exam d a n c i n g a n d treats each evening. The entire Community dessert. broke bread and toasted the year’s end at the traditional All-School Banquet on The Pergola. Early on June Awards for academics, Gymkhana, and spe- 3, the seniors cial achievements were announced, the new- posed for their est members of the Cum Laude Society were last group photo named [see page 9], and faculty who are off to before gathering new adventures and horizons were thanked for to process into their contributions and efforts on behalf of this Thacher’s 117th Commencement. The Gold community. [Further details appear on page 7.] Coast Pipe and Drum Band, clad in red plaid The seniors then presented Senior Nite Live, kilts and sporrans ushered the juniors, seniors, replete with spoofs on faculty and videos or and faculty into the tent and to their seats. enactments of memorable moments from their Each senior came to the stage for his “Senior final year as Toads.

Tribute,” read by one of five faculty members, to capture the essence and enduring impact The freshman and sophomore classes headed that each senior had on this Community. After home for the summer, just in time for the upper­ granting diplomas and giving numerous hugs, classes to get dolled up to share the Senior Ban- Head of School Michael Mulligan welcomed quet with their families under the Big Top tent Thacher’s newest graduates to the rank of on the Upper Field. Following a celebratory alumni. e

Awards

Matriculation

The Charles L. Tutt Silver Bowl for Integrity and Responsibility

Erica Puccetti ’06

The Thacher Cup

Alyssa Tennant ’06

School Chair Award

Kaggie Orrick ’06

Thacher Lettermen’s Club Perpetual Trophy

James Allison ’06

Elizabeth Helms Adams Perpetual Sports Award

Kaggie Orrick ’06, Erica Puccetti ’06

Newton K. Chase Community Service Award

Dackory Hill ’06, Alex Marlantes ’06, Logan Morrow ’06

The Edward R. Spaulding Tennis Cup

Ryan Smith ’06

The Charles Pratt Trapshoot Plate

Nick Hubbard ’07

Jesse Kahle Horsecamper Award

Martha Gregory ’06

Best Camper Award

Deirdre Herbert ’06, Nick Wiltsie ’06

The George Beckwith Gymkhana Trophy

Martha Gregory ’06, Alexander Krey ’07, Brooke Wharton ’07

The Bissell Gymkhana Trophy

Martha Gregory ’06

Herbert C. Moffitt Memorial Trophy Saddle

Elizabeth Knutsen ’07

Top Wrangler Buckle

Deirdre Herbert ’06

The Vaquero Cup

Lauren Chase ’06, Josh Jackson ’09

The Hollister Wheaton Trapshoot Award

Denys Purcell CdeP 1967 and his son Sam ’07

Herbert Sister’s English Riding Trophy

Lesley Sun ’07

Alpinist Award

Nick Wiltsie ’06

The Marvin H. Shagam Award

Katie Romanov ’07

The Jack Boyd English Award

Lucy Herr ’06, Jo Kingery ’06

The William Bishop Nixon Poetry Prize

Molly Katz ’07

The Nash Robbins Short Story Award

Kaja Johnson ’06

The Language Prize

Alyssa Tennant ’06, Anna Walter ’06

The Physics Prize

Ian Boneysteele ’06

The Chemistry Prize

Alex Min ’07

The Biology Prize

Sam Purcell ’07

The Environmental Science Prize

Katie Romanov ’07

The Psychology Prize

Lucy Herr ’06

The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Award

Alexander Krey ’07

The History Prize

Nick Wiltsie ’06

The Darrah Corbet, Jr., Studio Prize

Coulter Woolf ’06

Rhode Island School of Design Award

Elena Penny ’06

The Agnes M. Lord Music Award

Kaja Johnson ’06

The Marcus Hele Dall Photography Award

Nick Wiltsie ’06

The Harry Llewellyn Bixby Dramatic Cup

Nick Brownell ’06, Isabella Bueti ’06, Isabel White ’06

The Class of 2000 Dance Award

Aubrey Wynn ’06

The Eric Bechtel Dachs Prize for Technical Theatre Kaggie Orrick ’06, Peter Thom ’06 The Munro-Palmer Public Speaking and Debate Award

Ted Brown ’06

American University Boston University Bowdoin College Brown University Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Carnegie-Mellon University Colby College Colorado College Colorado State University Dartmouth College Davidson College Duke University Emory University George Washington University Kenyon College Loyola Marymount University Marymount College Massachusetts Institute of Technology Middlebury College Northwestern University Northeastern University Pitzer College Reed College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island School of Design Saint Louis University Saint Olaf College Stanford University Stephen’s College Southern Methodist University Smith College Trinity College Tufts University UC Berkeley UC Davis UC Los Angeles UC San Diego UC Santa Barbara University of Chicago University of North Carolina University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Redlands University of St. Andrews University of Santa Clara University of Southern California University of Vermont Vassar College Washington University Westmont College Whittier College Yale University

1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 3 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1

Spring/Summer 2006

Address

Commencement

Aspire to Be More Excerpts from Commencement Address

I

want to speak in a personal way about what a Thacher education has meant to me: How it has shaped my core values and how it has informed the decisions I have made.

by Lucas E. Black CdeP 1990

world. Our mutual wanderlust was one reason why I was drawn to his work but there was another more fundamental reason, what Greene called the virtue of disloyalty. He was drawn to the dangerous side of things and, by Thacher was the beginning of a journey for the very nature of their calling; he termed them me, the catalyst in a process of my not only “troublers of the world’s peace.” That’s how examining the world around me, but also I’ve tried to live my life. questioning my place in the world. I went on to the University of Chicago and to Stanford There are many challenges facing our world University and then Columbia University, but today, but I think the most pressing is the I can honestly say that none of these equaled chronic and degrading poverty that grips so Thacher’s influence on my life. The intertwined much of the world. More than half of the notion of education as freedom and transfor- world’s people live on less than $2 per day. mation is central to my Thacher experience.

More than a billion people have no access to clean water and 3 billion have no access to Two features of my Thacher education par- sanitation. ticularly stand out. One was the unbridled joy and sensory empowerment provided by the When I was 21 years old, I took a year off from natural world that surrounded me at Thacher Stanford and went to visit my great uncle, a and its extended environs. The other element Jesuit priest who has lived in India for almost was the extraordinary teachers who taught and fifty years as a community educator and busimentored me. My debt to them goes beyond ness professor. Following a trip across India the specific knowledge they imparted to me by train, bus, and even rickshaw, I arrived in from their chosen disciplines. Each embodied the capital of one of India’s poorest and most a special and even radical notion of educa- remote states. I spent six months teaching jobtion: a deep concern for individuals, bound training classes to disadvantaged youths. I later by a shared commitment that education was traveled all the way across India and then to much more than the development of an en- Cambodia and Vietnam. My parents feared terprising curiosity. It was fundamentally a that I would never return. I did return, but as mission to cultivate a sense of empathy—the a changed person. I had discovered through ability to understand and share the feelings of first-hand experience Gandhi’s dictum that the others, whether a literary character or a class- “best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in mate in need of comfort or a political prisoner the service of others.” half-way around the globe. The pursuit of knowledge should never overshadow a more After graduating from college I joined the immutable human trait.

Peace Corps. I spent more than two years living in the tiny West African nation of GuineaI learned that doubts were just as important Bissau, serving as a community development as convictions. That mettle and compassion worker in a village with no running water, no are just as important as intellect. And that em- phone or electricity. If I wanted to contact the pathy is the glue that holds learning together. capital some 400 km away, I had to ride my Truth be told I didn’t appreciate these things bike some 12 km and then take a ferry across at the time. Coming from a multi-racial public a river to another village where they had a school in LA, I thought Thacher was too in- single public phone. During my first month in sulated and privileged an environment for me this country, my local counterpart and closest to learn anything about the real world. But friend in the village, a Guinean man named looking back I see the shape of my life starting Leandro—who was only a couple years my seto emerge. I was figuring out how to question nior—died unexpectedly from what we believe the world and it could only be done at this nest was a stroke while riding his bicycle. After a called Thacher. child found him motionless on the side of a road, a few villagers carried his limp body into My favorite writer is British novelist Gra- the small office we shared. Together we placed ham Greene, whom I first discovered while his body on the table. at Thacher. Throughout his life, Greene was obsessed with traveling far from his native In a state of shock, I struggled to compose England to the wild and remote places of the myself...to acknowledge that the life was extin-

The Thacher News

guished from this exuberant young man with whom I had just been laughing over lunch a few hours earlier—on that same table where his body now rested. In the coming year I saw children from my village not make it past their fifth year because of malaria, dysentery, or other diseases. If I got a high fever or bout of dysentery I could be treated at the best clinic in the capital by a foreign doctor or even medevacked out of the country. It was a sobering paradox.

Towards the end of my Peace Corps tour, I was called by the village chief to assist in his young wife’s childbirth, even though my only qualification to give medical advice was having gone to Thacher with Noah Wyle, and that was before medical terminology became commonplace in American households from episodes of ER. Under a kerosene lamp, a baby’s head came down the hatch, I was up to my arms in bodily fluids, and I cut the baby’s umbilical cord with a sterile razor blade from my medical kit. From my colleague Leandro’s death to this baby boy’s birth, the cycle of life had come full circle before my eyes.

Several years later, I finished graduate school and became an investment banker on Wall Street. I am sure that my parents believed that I had finally settled into some normal career path, compared to my years in India and Africa, and several summers thereafter working in Brazil and The Hague. Since I was in the emerging markets group, I had the opportunity to travel across the world on assignments for various government clients and companies, and learned a tremendous amount.

After 9/11 and the evacuation of my office across the way from the World Trade Center, my colleagues and I commuted two and a half hours each day to a makeshift office in New Jersey. The daily bus ride gave me a lot of time to think about my life and the state of the world. Lessons from Thacher called me back.

Graham Greene called me back. Conversations with my great uncle in India and friends in Africa called me back. My wife, Katia, urged me in her no-nonsense way to stop dreaming and start doing.

boat, build equity in a fishing business, and enter the formal economy.”

I don’t recount this career shift to suggest that one should martyr him or herself by becoming an underpaid humanitarian worker at the expense of a lucrative career in high finance.

While I was on Wall Street colleagues joked that I was a communist in a pin-striped suit.

At CARE I was known as a rabid free-market capitalist. I was back in my element, troubling the world’s peace.

my fellow Americans remembered that FDR talked not only about Freedom from Fear but also Freedom from Want—I take heart from small victories won. I certainly don’t conform to a modern-day formula of success or security.

But I am happy to pay that price for living a life dedicated to something larger than me.

You may also choose to measure your lives

by Robert Kennedy’s challenge to a generation not so far removed: “You can use your enormous influence and opportunity to seek purely private pleasure and gain. But history will judge us, and as the years pass, you will ultimately judge yourself, in the extent to which you have used your gifts and talents to lighten and enrich the lives of your fellow men.” And I would just add that caring about the welfare of the majority of people on the planet—and working to insure that all of us can live in conditions which will enable us to fully realize our human, mental, and physical capabilities—is as much a matter of self-interest as it is a matter of personal altruism. e

As all of you head off to great colleges with a litany of choices and opportunities before you, I urge you to consider this challenge from Bayard Rustin, the civil rights leader and mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr., who said: “We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers.” Be the angelic troublemaker.

Find your own “virtue of disloyalty.” Aspire not to have more, but to be more. Don’t reminisce about Thacher’s values or the words of “The Banquet Song” with bittersweet nostalgia. That’s too easy. Take the ideals of Thacher and build mini-Thachers all around you through your actions and deeds. That’s the Luke Black’s interest in public service, civic best compliment you can pay to this generous advocacy, and international development has institution. led him to work in more than thirty developing countries on five continents. His passion I’d like to close with some words of advice for international affairs began while he was a from a commencement address given by the student at Thacher and continued after college late writer Susan Sontag, who passed away a when he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in a few years ago. Sontag said this: rural village in West Africa. He is currently an Associate Country Director at the Millennium “Despise violence. Despise national vanity and Challenge Corporation, a U.S. government self-love.” corporation that provides multimillion dollar grants to eligible developing countries commitTry to imagine at least once a day that you are ted to good governance, investments in health not an American. Try to imagine at least once and education for their people, and economic a day that you belong to the vast majority of freedom. people who don’t have passports, don’t live in dwellings equipped with both refrigerators and telephones, who have never even once flown in a plane.

Cum Laude Society

It’s hard not to be afraid. Be less afraid.

You’ll notice that I haven’t talked about happiness. I’ve talked about becoming—or remaining—the person who can be happy, a lot of the time, without thinking that being happy is So I left banking, took a huge pay cut, and what it’s all about. It’s not. It’s about becomjoined the international humanitarian organi- ing the largest, most inclusive, most responsive zation CARE. In no time at all I turned from person you can be. advising multinational clients on mergers and acquisitions to helping develop promising busi- I certainly don’t have the answers, but, armed ness opportunities with some of the poorest en- with my Thacher diploma, I have taken the trepreneurs on Earth: starting savings and loan plunge and asked the questions. I am living an schemes in rural Rwanda, helping negotiate interesting life—I’ve traveled extensively on forward market contracts for farmer associa- six different continents; met presidents, prime tions in Kenya, advising on income-generating ministers, and UN secretary generals; slept in projects with women’s groups in Zimbabwe. mud huts and five-star hotels; immersed myself My mandate was to test ways to eradicate in different cultures and languages—all while poverty through the power of enterprise. I swimming upstream in the current of history. became an investment banker to the poor and went beyond the “teach a man to fish” mantra When the world’s indifference about the issues to “help the man get a loan and buy a fishing I care about get me down—I wish more of

Class of 2006 Lucy Herr* Lauren Church* Kaja Johnson* Alyssa Tennant* James Allison Nick Brownell Anna Moncharsh Jenny Morrill Erica Puccetti Dallas Swift Ariel Wang Nick Wiltsie Class of 2007 Max Barbakow* Julia Fiske* Alexander Krey* Joseph Wyatt* *elected in their junior year

Spring/Summer 2006

Moving On Faculty

Charting New Waters

A

Chuck Warren Wrangles Retirement

by Jane D. McCarthy

grades; he shifted to molecular biology, one of the first to graduate from USC with that major.

He met Carol, his future wife, again—they had attended the same high school—at USC and soon married.

• founding the Thacher Outdoor Epicurean Philosophical Society, which is now known as the Literary Society; • offering a basic veterinary course under the guidance of Dr. John Bee; • learning equine skills from Jesse Kahle and purchasing his first horse, Molly; • establishing Thacher’s KROK radio station; • implementing cross-country, river, and sea kayaking programs • teaching every science course Thacher offers except geology; • creating the sequential course of physical science, chemistry, and biology (instead of the inverse order); • learning to play mandolin, blues harmonica, and trombone; • incorporating computer data gathering techniques for science classes on his Apple II in the early eighties; • earning the 1988 Ventura County Volleyball Coach of the Year Award; • averaging one to two camping trips monthly throughout his Thacher tenure; • spending sabbaticals studying horsemanship in Portugal; and • spawning the most peculiar stories and legends of any Thacher faculty member. For instance:

Chuck was recruited to graduate school at Yale, where he earned a Master of Science in biochemistry; he considered working on a doctorate, but the arrival of their first daughter, Michelle, made working—and specifically teaching—a priority. He taught chemistry at Kingswood School for two years and displayed the “unusual talent of being truly interested in his students and working long hours with them outside as well as inside the regular class time,” according to the Kingswood headmaster. On Chuck’s application to teach at Thacher, he wrote that his interest in working here was the “opportunity for a combination of participating in outdoor activities with young people and the opportunity for an excellent teaching experience.” Chuck’s arrival at Thacher bridged the exit of Newton Chase and the arrival of Edgar Sanford in 1969, and extended for five years until he was recruited to Fountain Valley School to head their horse department. He and Carol also felt that the coed student body of FVS would be a more comfortable environment for their two young daughters.

When Thacher became coed in the late seventies, the Warrens returned.

fter 33 years of teaching, coaching, advising, riding, climbing, camping, creating programs, making music, and setting a high watermark for participation in all facets of Thacher life, Chuck Warren retired to New Hampshire (to be near his elder daughter, ­Michelle CdeP 1985, an associate professor of comparative literature at Dartmouth), intent on instructing equestrian arts, both in Western and classical horsemanship. He also plans to develop sustainable farming methods of stock grazing, when he’s not canoeing, skiing, bicycling, playing polo, teaching gymkhana, or traveling. Similar to his years at Thacher, no moss will grow under his feet, nor will a stone be unturned due to his life-long love of learning that has spawned generations of curious students to make connections, find answers, Chuck’s diverse accomplishments while workand ask more questions through his discovery ing at Thacher include: method style of teaching.

• maintaining and intensifying the A and B Having grown up in LeRoy, Kansas, where he Camper programs when Ted Sanford wanted enjoyed a Huck Finn type of lifestyle on the to discontinue them; Neosho River, Chuck and his family moved to • doubling the number of A Campers since his Downey when his father became vice principal arrival at Thacher; of Downey High School. Enrolled in a class • teaching himself auto repair, kayaking, climblarger than his native town, Chuck tried out ing, and horsemanship; for football, but opted for volleyball, swim- • beginning the Climbing Program that now ming, and water polo, where he excelled and awards the Charles Warren Alpinist Award helped the swim team become CIF champions to that individual with whom Chuck would and he set a CIF record in backstroke. USC trust his life; recruited Chuck for water polo and swimming • having the Climbing Program certified by and awarded him the Harvey Mudd Scholar- Tom Frost (first American to ascend Anapurna) ship for Chemistry due to his stellar science and Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia);

10 The Thacher News

According to Faculty Emeritus Jack Huyler, Headmaster Emeritus Willard Wyman loved to tell how the Horse Program makes Thacher different. At an Assembly one morning, the parents of an applicant were startled to hear Chuck make an announcement in reference to his Vet Med course. “A Thacher horse had died earlier—not as a result of ministrations by that class—and for future class study, Chuck

had amputated its front legs and stored them in his refrigerator. Needing space for soft drinks, his wife, Carol, had removed and disposed of the legs. The parental bewilderment was the result of Chuck’s asking, ‘Has any one seen my horse’s legs? They were in my refrigerator.’”

tened as everybody complained that we were going too slowly. Chuck was always behind me and helping me to get my step and do the best with what I had. He never stopped saying good things and teaching me how to deal with the stress and terrain. When we arrived to set camp for the first night, Chuck Development Officer David Babbott’s favor- taught me exercises to stretch and feel ite story involves Chuck’s physics teaching: better. Michael Mulligan always tells “One of his exam questions (to be solved in a the story of that trip, referring to my group, I believe) was: ‘My car is parked out- face when I saw Chuck teaching us to side. Here is a ruler and a tire pressure gauge. wash the dishes with the sand where the Using these instruments, figure out the weight horses and burros were resting. I always of the car.’” remember that trip because Chuck was the one that held my spirit and hand to be able to do it. I swore never to do it again and I have kept my word. But I owe Chuck for having this experience.”

Another Golden Trout memory comes from math teacher and Dance Director Gallia Vickery: “In August of ’91, our first year at Thacher, our daughter Sasha was tiny—just three years old. On our way to Golden Trout for the new faculty orientation, our car broke down in Inyokern and my husband, Bill, stayed with it. I took Sasha and our other daughter, Melissa, to the trailhead with the other faculty members. I forgot the child carrier backpack in our car, so Sasha had to walk.

Bon Appetit Food Service Manager Richard She was very slow and had to look at every Maxwell recalls that “Chuck always had the little thing and pick flowers. I couldn’t carry craziest camping food orders! A typical dinner her for very long and I was very nervous about menu would be a can of Dinty Moore stew and how slow we were. Chuck said, ‘Go on ahead, a can of peaches, perhaps preceded by sardines I’ll walk with her.’ So I did. Chuck and Sasha in mustard sauce, and chased down with a Dr. arrived in camp about an hour later and she was happy as a clam. He just went along at the Pepper. He never took fresh food!” pace of a three-year-old, because it was what Although Chuck doesn’t recall this tale, Span- she needed and he had no reason to hurry.” ish teacher Cecilia Ortiz remembers that she joined Thacher when she was 39 years old and And another parenting moment was regaled had never camped. “My vacations and adven- by Assistant Head Peter Robinson: “When tures had been going to the best places and five- their daughter Marielle CdeP 1989 was three, star hotels. At my previous job I was head of she climbed to the top of the jungle gym. She Academic Programs where I had my office with looked back at her dad and said, ‘I can’t get two secretaries and a staff of several teachers down, Dad. Come help me.’ ‘No,’ replied developing and implementing new programs Chuck. ‘You got up there; you can get back at my Alma Mater. I had worked there for 15 down,’ as he walked away. Bonnie and I stared years. And then I came to Ojai and someone at each other with disbelief, but that’s the way referred me to substitute for Bob Miller. I was Chuck believed in teaching—both his students bored at home and soon I saw myself going to and his children.”

Golden Trout for the new teachers camping trip. Bill Wyman tried to teach me how to pack Math teacher Fred Coleman believes that a burro; Michael Mulligan tried to cheer me up “Chuck is one of the most quotable people I by (I imagine that when he saw my face when know, likely because he’s really thought about I heard that I had to walk to the camping site) life and is proactive, rather than reactive to telling me that it was not that bad and I could situations.” stay in the camp and not do the famous “CIRCLE.” Being adventurous, I arrived at Golden Receptionist Sara Edwards, Trout in one piece. After one day, I started the who also plays organ for a local famous big trip. By midday, I was about to church, recalls how thoughtful die, but I continued. Then came the zigzags to Chuck has always been. “Every do the most impressive climb of my life, or, I time he returned from his sumshould say, the only one in my life. Of course, mer sojourns in Portugal, he I was keeping the whole group behind; I lis- brought to me CD’s of Spanish

organ music. Then he arranged for his physics class to come to the church to hear me play the pipe organ. The class wandered around, ducking behind pews and pulpits, to test the acoustical properties that they were studying in class.”

Upon his departure from Thacher, the Community gave Chuck a canoe that should come in handy on Mascoma Lake and Connecticut River in New Hampshire. At the final faculty party of the year, Michael Mulligan and faculty members Jake Jacobsen, Kurt Meyer, David Babbott, and Aaron Snyder sang a customized version of Toby Keith’s “Should Have Been a Cowboy,” in the form of “Should Have Been a Wrangler” in honor of the Warren Wranglers, who honed their equestrian skills à la Chuck during the last three decades: Well Chuck rallied the wranglers and gave them funny names / They ran wild through the hills like Jesse James / Ending up on the brink of danger / Hauling kayaks through the desert like demented Texas Rangers / Push yourselves young men, haven’t you been told / You can drink your sweat when packing with Chuckles the bold / Tossing all night on your smelly horse blanket / With Dinty Moore in your tummies and smoke signals to your attorneys!

Well they became Wranglers / They learned to ride, pack, and climb / Eating their horse oats, hauling their old boats, beatin’ out giardia / Stealing the young girls’ hearts / Just like Gene and Roy / Plucking his mandolin songs / He made them alllllll Wrannnnglers.

Throughout his tenure, Chuck maintained his iconic sense of humor, his steadfast principles, discipline, and his commitment to helping Thacher students become active learners and responsible citizens of this world. Sure signs of his stamp on the School shall always ­endure. e

Spring/Summer 2006 11

Faculty

Faculty New Faculty

Intriguing Educators Join Thacher’s Ranks

Having taught biology and chemistry at Groton last year, Heather Grant joins Thacher’s Science Department this fall to teach chemistry and honors biology. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from Mount Holyoke College in biology with a minor in environmental sciences. She then taught science at the Louisville Collegiate School in Kentucky for four years. She enjoys the outdoors and has played and coached basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. At Thacher, she will advise sophomore girls on The Hill and coach soccer and girls’ varsity lacrosse.

by Jane D. McCarthy

and history from Harvard College; she also holds a Master of Arts degree from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College.

During her previous four years at Thacher, Marilee worked as the Associate Director of Admission, taught English, and coached girls’ lacrosse; prior to that stint, she had taught English at Phillips Academy, School Year Abroad in Rennes, and at The Pike School in Andover, MA. John and Marilee have two sons: Kai, who is 10, and Noa, who is 7.

After spending last year with her family in Taiwan, WeiYing Lin returns to Thacher this fall to teach all levels of Chinese, advise sophomore girls on After a hiatus of The Hill, and advise nine years, John Lin production of the returns to Thacher yearbook. During this fall to teach an earlier year here, Wei-Ying help expand English, advise Thacher’s global perspective and shared her freshman boys in courage of coming to a culture very different Casa, and coach from her own as a student and teacher. She tennis and baseball. came to Thacher after earning a Bachelor of John earned a BachArts degree in comparative literature at Welleselor of Arts degree ley College. She was not new to boarding in English from school life; her first experience in the United Carleton College. He also holds two masters States was when she attended the Dana Hall degrees: both in English from the Bread Loaf School for three years before she graduated School of English at Middlebury College and cum laude in 2000. In addition to English, from Worcester College at Oxford University. Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese, and conversaPrior to coming to Thacher in 1993, John had tional skills in Korean, Wei-Ying enjoys writtaught English and coached at various schools ing short stories and poetry, painting, playing including The Taft School, Phillips Academy, squash, and traveling.

Middlesex School, School Year Abroad in Rennes, and Tsinghua University in Beijing.

John is an avid photographer, fly fisherman, violinist, and guitarist.

William J. Omansiek joins Thacher this fall as an advisor of freshman boys at John’s wife, Marilee Casa and will help Lin, will teach Eng- coach football and lish, and serve as basketball. Bill has an advisor to fresh- been involved with man girls in Middle independent schools S c h o o l . M a r i l e e for nine years, first holds a Bachelor of at Cranbrook in Arts degree, magna Michigan, then at Louisville Collegiate School c u m l a u d e , i n for seven years, and finally at Groton for a American literature year. He has taught all areas of history and

12 The Thacher News

is fluent in German. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in German studies/history from Connecticut College.

Marie-Helene Samson is serving as a sabbatical replacement for Katherine Halsey this year. A French Canadian and native speaker, Marie-Helene holds a degree in physical engineering from Université Laval, Quebec. She and her husband, Shane Rilling, live in the house just south of Carpenter Orchard. She will teach four sections of French, work with the junior girls in The Courts temporary dorms, and assist in the Outdoor Program for two seasons.

Replacing Elizabeth Bowman as Librarian is Jennifer Finley, who most recently worked as the librarian at the Crossroads School. Prior to that, she worked as head librarian at Crespi High School in LA, two years consulting at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and two years as a library assistant at the J. Paul Getty Museum in LA. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in art history from the University of Oklahoma and her Master of Library Science degree is from San Jose State University. Jennifer lives in the Middle School and advises freshman girls.

R . K e i t h N o rman, Jr., comes to Thacher this year as the School’s first E.E. Ford Fellow. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, in music (with a concentration in popular music) from Florida Memorial University. He spent last year working with elementary and junior high school-aged students in planning and organizing events in El Cerrito, CA. Keith will help in Thacher’s music program and will be an intern in the English Department. He lives in the Los Padres dorm and will help coach sports.

As of mid-May, Thacher’s new Director of Alumni Relations is Suzie Nixon Bohnett. In this role, she works towards helping alumni make meaningful connections with each other and with the School throughout the year. Prior to Thacher, Suzie worked as both development and program directors with community-based nonprofits in the area, including Girls Incorporated in Carpinteria and the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation.

She also consulted with various regional and international organizations to support strategic planning, as well as program and fund development. Suzie and her husband, Anthony, have two children: Brianna, who is very excited to join Thacher’s freshman class this year, and Noah, who is 10.

As of July 1, David B. Oxley CdeP 1979 has worked in Thacher’s Horse Camping Director and Barn Manager.

His focus this summer was on renovating stalls and the local trails. David attended Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, where he majored in agricultural engineering and mechanized agriculture. He and his wife, Marganne Winter Oxley CdeP 1978, own and run Quarter Circle X Ranch in Klamath Falls, OR. They have two children: Will CdeP 2005 and Sondra ’09.

At Thacher, David helps students and faculty learn to horse-pack and camp, along with riding horses.

Claire Kendrick CdeP 1999 came back to Thacher last winter to help with the production of Peter Pan in the new Performing Arts Center. She was supremely suited to this job as she had earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in technical theatre at Williams College. This year, Claire will serve as the Assistant Technical Director and advise freshman girls in Middle School. e

Spring/Summer 2006 13

Sports Girls’ JV Lacrosse

Boys’ Varsity Tennis

Coaches: Kara Hooper and Phoebe Larson Captains: Molly Katz ’07 and Kensey Pease ’07 Season Record: 4-4-1 League Record: 2-4-1 Most Valuable Player: Molly Katz Most Improved Player: Adriana Meza ’08 Most Inspirational Player: Kensey Pease

Coaches: Stacy Margolin Potter and Christina Mazzola Captain: Ryan Smith ’06 Season Record: 10-3 League Record: 6-2 Most Valuable Player: Ryan Smith Most Improved Player: Jack Pearce ’07 Playoffs: Quarterfinals of the CIF Tournament, losing to eventual champion Viewpoint

Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse

Boys’ JV Tennis

Coaches: Cam Spaulding CdeP 1992 and Toby Elmore Captains: Billy Irwin ’06 and Jordan Reiff ’06 Season Record: 6-5 League Record: 5-3 Most Valuable Players: PJ Benner ’06 and Sam Purcell ’07 Most Improved Player: Chris Thomas ’08 Most Inspirational Players: PJ Benner and Sam Purcell

Coach: David Johnston Captains: Season Record: 0-4 League Record: 0-4

Spring Sports Boys’ Baseball Coach: Rich Mazzola Captains: Jeff Harthorn ’06 and Cal Jensen ’06 Season Record: 12-7 League Record: 9-3 Most Valuable Player: Cal Jensen Most Improved Player: Max Barbakow ’07, Drew Cole ’07, and Holden Miller ’08 Most Inspirational Player: James Burton ’07 Playoffs: Quarterfinals of the CIF Tournament

Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Coaches: Emily McCarren and Peter Robinson Captains: Belle Bueti ’06 and Rachel Munzig ’06 Season Record: 15-3 League Record: 7-0 Most Valuable Player: Kaggie Orrick ’06 Most Improved Players: Sarah Brown-Campello ’08 and Amber Lakin ’08 Most Inspirational Player: Belle Bueti Playoffs: Condor League Champions; Western States Tournament Champions

Track and Field Coaches: Derick Perry CdeP 1983, Theana Hancock, Dan Henry, and Kurt Meyer Captains: Danielle Vega ’06 and Joseph Wyatt ’07 Most Valuable Player: Joseph Wyatt Most Improved Player: Mary Connolly ’07 Most Inspirational Players: Danielle Vega and Joseph Wyatt Highlights: Girls tied for second in the Condor League Championships

Boys’ JV Lacrosse Coach: Bo Manson Captains: Drew Smith ’06 Season Record: 1-7 League Record: 1-5

Rock Climbing Instructor: Brian Pidduck CdeP 1992

Dance Ensemble Choreographer and Instructor: Gallia Vickery

Boys’ Freshman Lacrosse Coach: Michael Mulligan Captains: Matt Larsen ’09 and Chris Rowe ’09 Season Record: 4-1

14 The Thacher News

Short Takes

Campus News

Summer Upgrades at CdeP Campus Embellishments

by Christopher J. Land

S

ummer at CdeP may seem calm compared to the regular school year, but an academic recess does not bring campus to a standstill. In addition to the camps and summer programs that make good use of various School facilities, workers and heavy equipment have plied the campus in the Ojai heat, furthering a handful of improvement and maintenance projects.

Most notably, perhaps, has been the project to install “The Courts,” the name for the temporary dorms to get the School through the construction of a new Lower School dorm.

Other projects include a new stairway to the Upper Field, a new garage and fence for the Head of School’s Residence, new walkways and stonework here and there, and siding and a fresh coat of paint for the Gymnasium. Other yet-to-be-completed projects moved ahead as well, including significant improvements to the Physics Lab and the Photography Studio. e

As a reminder, last magazine’s puzzler was: Trapezoid Puzzle This puzzle is not meant to be a trap, although it may appear so....

a x

The winner is Kip (Dean) Witter, who supplied answers proven correct by meticulous use of impeccable geometric reasoning and algebraic logic! Honorable mention goes to Michael Newkirk CdeP 1978, who also got the answers completely correct.

b

In the quadrilateral ABCD the bases of length a and b are parallel and the non-parallel sides are congruent. In terms of a and b, find the value of x, the length of a segment parallel to the bases as shown, if (in separate cases): 1. x contains the midpoints of the non­parallel sides 2. x divides the quadrilateral into two similar trapezoids 3. x divides the quadrilateral into trapezoids of equal areas 4. x contains the intersection of the diagonals of the quadrilateral.

Arrange these four values of x in ascending order of magnitude.

The New Puzzle This puzzle is adapted from one initially posed by R. Smullyan, 1982.

Alice in PuzzleLand was met by the brothers, Tweedledee and Tweedledum. One brother pulled a red card out of his pocket; it was the Queen of Diamonds. “As you see, this is a red card. Now, a red card signifies that the one carrying it is telling the truth, whereas a black card signifies that the speaker is telling a lie. My brother there is also carrying either a red card or a black card in his pocket. He is about to make a statement, and your job is to figure out who he is: Tweedledee or Tweedledum.”

“Oh, that sounds like fun!” said Alice. “I’d like to play.”

At this point, the other brother said, “I am Tweedledum, and I am carrying a black card.” Who was he?

The brothers then disappeared behind a giant mushroom and there was great shuffling. One of them emerged holding a card, perhaps a card other than the one he started with. “If I am Tweedledum, then I am not carrying a red card,” he said. Who was he?

Send your solution to Kurt Meyer in the Thacher Math Department via e-mail at kmeyer@thacher.org, or via U.S. mail at the School address. Good luck!

Spring/Summer 2006 15

History

History Historical Society Test Your Thacher Community Knowledge

1. Fortune magazine 4. Which long-tenured Thacher teacher was knighted by the Italian government in 1955? editor Russell Davenport CdeP 1917 introduced this fellow to the Thacher Community in 1940. He was the “Dark Horse” for the Republican nomination to the Presidency (against FDR) and gave a speech on national affairs, replete with thought and humor.

Who is he?

A. Marvin Shagam

B. JB Close

C. Fred Lamb

5. The Thacher School and Clan were intimately involved in which components of Ojai life: A. Ojai Valley News B. The Ojai Tennis Tournament C. Ojai’s Library D. Ojai Athletic Club (née Ojai Club)

2. What percentage of students participate in Community Service during their tenure at Thacher?

E. Ojai Brass Band

6. Famous Thacher alumni include all but one of the following. Who doesn’t belong?

A. Thornton Wilder

B. Howard Hughes

C. Oscar Wilde

D. Noah Wyle

3. This photo captures boys partaking of what Thacheresque activity?

A. Penalizing an unruly Smut

C. Hunting for gophers

16 The Thacher News

Answers 1. Wendell Willkie; 2. 75%; 3. B; 4. C; 5. All; 6. C

B. Posthole digging

Board

Trustees

New Trustees

Talented, Dedicated Additions to the Board

Thacher welcomes Bradley N. Hanson CdeP 1978 to the Board of Trustees this year, following in the footsteps of his sister, Belinda CdeP 1982, who served on the Board from 1994 to 2003.

After graduating from Thacher, Brad studied at UC Berkeley, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983. He then earned an MBA from UCLA in 1989. He works as a senior vice president and director of national sales for Franklin Templeton Portfolio Advisors in San Mateo, CA. This year, Brad will serve on the Development, Finance, and Trustee Committees. Brad has served as vice chair and secretary of the board of the Hillsides School in Pasadena, CA. Brad is a golfer, a backpacker, and an avid gardener.

Sang Yong Kim joins Thacher’s Board of Trustees this year; he is serving on Finance and Buildings and Grounds Committees. Sang Yong is married to Wan Soon Park. They have two children: Tae Yon “Ted,” who is a junior at Thacher, and Seo Yon “Sara,” who is 9. Sang Yong is CEO of Youngbo Engineering, Inc., based in Seoul Korea. It makes battery packs and mobile phone accessories, which are key components of wireless communication. Along with Samsung, Youngbo is developing and selling accessories of wireless communications within and beyond Korea in worldwide markets.

by Jane D. McCarthy

Mary and Brad Krey are this year’s Parents’ Association Co-Presidents and will represent that group to the Board of Trustees. They are principals in Gorter Krey Family Wealth Advisors, an investment advisory firm in Lake Bluff, IL. Mary earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business from Duke University in 1981, and her MBA from the University of Chicago in 1983. She was a vice president in fixed income at Goldman Sachs for seven years before leaving to start their family. Brad earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Illinois in 1980, and an MBA from Northwestern University in 1982.

Brad was a vice president with Goldman Sachs, focusing on derivatives for 20 years before leaving to start Gorter Krey with Mary four years ago. Mary is actively involved in their children’s schools, their church, and a soccer association. Brad serves on the board of the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Foundation (which funnels underprivileged students of color to boarding schools, including Thacher), Lake Forest Open Lands Association, and a variety of golf clubs and golf associations. They live in Lake Forest, IL, and have three children: Alexander, a Senior Prefect and School Chair at Thacher this year; son Morgan, a freshman at Thacher; and daughter Katherine, a seventh grader. Mary and Brad serve on the Program and Development Committees. e

Spring/Summer 2006 17

Good World Citizens “…to do the best work in the world that we can…”

F

by Jane D. McCarthy

rom the inception of The Thacher School, helping others and thereby bettering the world have been integral parts of a Thacher education. When Sherman Day Thacher replied to a request from his good friend and Yale Professor Henry Farnum to tutor his young nephew and namesake, SDT wrote that in addition to preparing the lad for Yale, he would “help young Henry learn to dent and offers the additional benefits of satwork for his own greatest good, and the great- isfaction and happiness that come from giving est good of this world around him.” of oneself. Thus, it should come as no surprise that numerous Thacher graduates have gone Once upon a time, Thacher students gave of on to careers in public and community service. themselves by caring for the ranch horses, You’ll meet some of them in the following tending to the orange and avocado groves, or pages. From founding global organizations to serving as ballboys for The Ojai Valley Tennis serving in state government (and running for Tournament. More recently, that work has California’s governorship), from improving involved tutoring at local schools, walking educational opportunities for those living in dogs at the Humane Society, or helping fami- poor communities to meandering through the lies from Ojai to New Orleans dig out after a bureaucratic morass of immigration, Thacher flood. Working to help build a better and safer alumni are intimately involved in bettering the world for ourselves and those around us is a lives of those in their communities, states, nasignificant component of being a Thacher stu- tion, and the world in general. e

Good World Citizens

Paul F. Armington CdeP 1958 Creating an African Renaissance

ing mountains, virtually and metaphorically.

In the 1930s, the brothers started the Euclid Road Machinery Company, which, over the next quarter century, built the world’s largest trucks for moving the Earth’s crust from one place to another.

B

orn in Ohio in 1940, I was the youngest of four. My sisters both died as children of cystic fibrosis. Mom reacted by becoming a stoic disciplinarian, overly protective of her youngest. With my much-older brother out of the house, I became the main vehicle of her dreams to make a difference for good in the world. That has been my challenge, and has increased over the years due to my teachers and family.

Post-World War II America was a culture of belief in progress and in U.S. responsibility for leadership in the world. The motto of Hawken School, which I attended in Cleveland before coming to Thacher, was, “That each generation introduce the next to a higher plane of life.” By accident of birth, it was my responsibility to make it happen. There was never any question of feasibility.

At age 10, I was sent to a Christian leadership camp (Camp Minnewanca), where I was indoctrinated in “the fourfold way” of personal development: mental, social, physical, and religious achievement, properly balanced.

Dad was a lifelong builder, trained as a civil engineer, Mason, Rotarian, elder in the church, outdoorsman, and gentleman farmer. Consequently, he was usually away from me. He and his four brothers, all engineers, were into mov-

Dad and Mom took another chunk of their GM stock and established a family charitable trust, which they called the Evenor Armington Fund (Evenor being a combination of their names, Everett and Eleanor). The Fund helped established institutions of education, health, and religion that had served the family well.

Euclid was built on shared values and trust I guess for this reason, I served as a Thacher among the brothers, helped by their inven- Trustee for a few years. tions, Roosevelt’s policies, and the War. Victorian values and trust expanded to embrace Dad anticipated the time when his sons might an extended family of production workers and want to use this Fund to start nonprofit organiEuclid dealers worldwide, who passionately zations as agents of their own dreams. Neither believed in the destiny of the firm and in the my brother David nor I had much interest in leadership of the Armington brothers. building things, since the previous generation had “been there, done that.” We were both My father, though not gregarious by nature, more interested in building institutions—involunteered to be sales manager. During my vesting in people, processes, and organizations childhood, Mom, entertaining in our home that could lead social change. with old-fashioned hospitality, served as hostess to an endless As it turned out, the first four decades of my parade of cosmopolitan visi- career as an economist were spent pursuing tors—high-rolling Euclid deal- stale agendas of big, bureaucratic organizaers from various states and tions (IMF, OECD, World Bank). It wasn’t countries. I became an interna- until a few years ago, approaching 60, that I tionalist. In later life, I did not realized that I had been spending my time helpsee much of Ohio. ing famous but arthritic organizations to stave off their inevitable declines. For a would-be In 1955, following 10 years of leader in the maturity of his ambition, I was post-war boom in the earth- not succeeding in implementing my increasmoving business, the Arming- ingly critical ideas about the need for new ton brothers sold Euclid to the direction in my chosen field of finance and General Motors Corporation. development.

They lost their jobs, but gained GM stock.

Partly for health reasons Dad went west, to So in 1999 I used a deplorable turn of events Ventura County, California, and turned some in the World Bank (which sabotaged creative of that GM stock into a verdant lemon ranch but revolutionary work for Africa) to abandon on barren hillsides that had never been farmed. the safe embrace of bureaucracy and invent Dad and Mom built her “dream house” at the WILMA—the World Institute for Leadertop of the hill, overlooking the Pacific. ship and Management in Africa. Our website (www.wilma.us) explains what WILMA has I was sent to Thacher, which Carl Holmes, become in these seven years. She started with Headmaster of Hawken School, recommended capital only of the “intellectual” kind: the exto Dad as the “Best in the West.” Thacher perience and networks of its board and staff, had a good record of getting its graduates together with a base of support in Africa for into Yale. Mainly through its teachers (now our goal to build indigenous capacity in Africa revered in memory through terms of endear- for “developmental leadership” (a term that we ment such as Newt, Jesse, Black Jack, Mr. L, coined). The usual suspects in the development Coach Bob, Scratch, and others), Thacher community would not help WILMA financially did its best to reinforce my sense of obliga- in her early years. Her support consisted only tion to lead the world to a “higher plane of of the Evenor Armington Fund and personal life.” I later went to Swarthmore College funds, which covered WILMA’s overhead as (though “Wild Bill” McCasky got me ad- well as small grants of seed money to a number mitted to Yale, as well), which turned out to of African initiatives that WILMA encouraged be the apex of my hothouse upbringing as a with ideas and technical help. would-be “leader.” After Swarthmore, doing economics at Berkeley (PhD in 1966) was just continued on page 27 a technical gambit.

Spring/Summer 2006 19

Good World Citizens

A. Lawrence Chickering CdeP 1958 Empowering Citizens to Reform Twenty-first Century Society

In 1970, while working in Sacramento for Governor Ronald Reagan, I co-founded the first of several public policy groups, the Institute for Contemporary Studies. This brought me into close association with Ed Meese, Caspar Weinberger, and later Donald Rumsfeld while editing more than 20 major studies of domestic and international policy. ICS was right-of-center politically when it was founded but by 1978 the political spectrum had shifted, and it became centrist politically. This was important for me because I was determined to integrate the best of left and right, especially in programs aimed at helping the poor.

T

hacher was very small when I was a student. There were no girls, no gymnasium, no swimming pool, and almost no lawns. Dust swept the landscape!

The Rough House was the most important recreational facility. It was like the last American prepschool frontier. This atmosphere and spirit played an important role in encouraging the combination of individualism and service as the guiding principles that have inspired my professional career.

I was the fourth generation in my family to attend law school (Yale, ’66), but I left law soon after graduation to work as assistant to the conservative icon, William F. Buckley, Jr. This was a crazy time politically as the country was reeling after three summers of race riots, assassinations (Martin Luther King, Jr., and Bobby Kennedy), and rising opposition to the Vietnam War. One other Thacher influence was also important for me during this time.

While living in New York, I met the widow of Russell Davenport CdeP 1917, who helped me meet Franz Winkler, a leading disciple of the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, a great intellectual and spiritual influence. [Davenport, who wrote a book on Steiner, was friends with Jack Huyler and Wendell Willkie. He was with Willkie at Thacher in 1940, when Willkie announced he was going to run for President against Franklin D. Roosevelt.]

20 The Thacher News

ing with the government of Rajasthan and the World Economic Forum to build a model for 50,000 schools serving 10 million children in that very poor state in India.

After 9/11, partly from my own experiences, I became interested in how citizen organizations and diplomacy might strategically support U.S. foreign policy objectives. We were facing a world in which the main threats to security shifted from a small number of powerful states to a multitude of unknown, invisible non-state actors seeking refuge in weak states. I have become a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution, which has just published my new book In the early 1980s I started working on the (written with three co-authors)—Strategic Forproblems of developing countries, and in 1985, eign Assistance: Civil Society in International the year Gorbachev came to power in the So- Security—which argues that we need to partviet Union, I founded the International Center ner with citizens, especially in other countries, for Economic Growth (ICEG) to promote development and to reduce the to encourage developing coun- causes of terrorism. Again, the book has drawn tries to learn from each other praise from both conservatives and liberals, through a network of affiliated and my hope is that it may help promote major institutes. I recruited former reforms of U.S. foreign aid programs. president of Panama Nicolas Ardito-Barletta to direct ICEG I am currently forming a new partnership from his office in Panama City, with a well-known citizen diplomat (Stephen and I ran the operational office P. Cohen, of the Middle East Center for Peace in San Francisco. We built the and Development) to develop new citizen-based network of affiliates to more strategies for promoting peace and democracy than 300 in 117 countries, and in the Middle East, while also promoting a during the next 10 years, we view of foreign policy that emphasizes the played a major role in promot- role of citizens and citizen organizations. We ing major reforms in more than 50 countries. have plans to begin work in Egypt while also working in Palestine. I am also co-authoring a In the early 1990s I finished a book I had been book on U.S. public school reform inspired by working on for more than a decade, Beyond the work in India; co-authoring a paper and Left and Right, which drew wide praise from book promoting a new “transpartisan” politics both left and right (a jacket blurb from my in America; and working with a new initiafriend Bill Buckley appears alongside one by tive devoted to that objective (the book will a sixties’ radical, Tom Hayden). Its central emphasize empowering citizens to take more theme integrated the rights and responsibilities responsibility for solving problems ranging (individualism and service from my Thacher from public school reform to race and povdays), which, I argued, is the central concern erty). I also have plans to write a new book on and unfinished project of both sides. the role of the feminine gender in political and social life, emphasizing girls’ education and In the late 1990s I became interested in girls’ women’s empowerment. education as the great rocket booster of development, and I founded Educate Girls Globally As one looks around, it is easy to conclude that (EGG), which now works with two govern- the world is spinning out of control. I grew ments in India to reform schools specifically up in a world that believed governments were to meet the needs of girls. Educating girls is the seats of idealism and progress. Today it is the most important issue for promoting health obvious that citizens are becoming increas(studies show that many people place more ingly important, reaching out to each other importance on educating mothers than on in common purpose and solving problems providing medicine), education, population, that ­governments are powerless to solve. The and also peace. We have found a strategy for reforming government schools and are work- continued on page 27

Good World Citizens

Philip N. Angelides CdeP 1970 Championing Education for Californians

that would best prepare me for college, career, and life. He picked Thacher. It was a great financial sacrifice for them, but they made it.

That was their dream––that we’d do better than they had done, that they’d keep the faith with the next generation.

Thacher was everything they and I had hoped for. I had an exceptional experience: small classes, brilliant and committed teachers, and a challenging and intense environment. Thacher was a school that cared deeply about every student, a community centered on helping each kid fulfill his potential.

but an economic necessity for California. Now more than ever, our economy runs on ideas, on our precious human capital. The entire store of human knowledge now doubles every five years. Our children’s children will be working in jobs and industries we can’t even imagine today. We need more education, not less of it.

That’s why I have an unstinting commitment to improve our public schools––to be sure the funding for our schools and kids is there; to raise student achievement; to reduce the dropout rate; to raise up the teaching profession; and to expand the number of Californians earning college degrees, so we have a fighting My time at Thacher stoked my curiosity and chance in the fast-moving global economy of widened my world. I not only learned in the the 21st century. classroom, but also got involved in the community and discovered the great outdoors. I was Just as my parents kept faith with the next genable to do everything from tennis eration by sacrificing to send me to Thacher, to hiking and camping in the Los I hope to keep faith with the next generaPadres National Forest. tion by doing all I can to give every child the same chances my parents and Thacher gave Thacher also introduced me me. e he question comes up from to the world of democracy time to time as I go around and public service. One of my the state campaigning for govearliest political memories is ernor: How can someone who being invited to a faculty home went to Thacher know about to watch the debate between what California’s parents and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and children want and need in their Eugene McCarthy during the public schools?

California primary election in the tumultuous spring of 1968.

The answer is easy. My parents sent me to In my junior year, Newton Chase, who had run Thacher because they wanted to give me the for the state Senate and served as education best possible education. It’s what all of Cal- adviser to Governor Edmund G. (Pat) Brown, ifornia’s parents want for their children. It’s returned to Thacher to serve as interim headwhat, as governor, I will challenge California master. During that year he sparked my interto provide to all our children. est in public service and electoral politics.

T

I come from middle-class California. My grandparents came to this country from Greece. My mother came to this country as a young woman to pursue her dreams.

My grandmother worked as a seamstress–– long hours, into the night––so my dad could go to college. He didn’t go to the University of California at Berkeley, one of the great universities in the world, to glorify himself; my parents didn’t work hard all their lives, like their parents before them, to drive fancy cars or take expensive vacations.

I know that some parts of my Thacher experience can’t be duplicated. The sunsets painting the mountains across the Ojai Valley. The extraordinary light and cool of morning as I went to take care of my horse.

But the rest can be part of every child’s education. All kids deserve math teachers like Mr. Whitehead and Mr. Twichell, who stretched me into places I didn’t know I could go, or a U.S. history teacher like Fred Lamb, who knew every detail of our past and brought it alive for his students. And all our children deserve schools that care about them personally, that They wanted to give their kids even more nurture and guide them, that spark their intelchances than they’d had. And that’s exactly lect and their imagination. what they did. When it came time for me to go to high school, my dad set out to find the place Providing public schools like that isn’t a luxury, Spring/Summer 2006 21

Good World Citizens

Thomas H. Crozier CdeP 1977 Great Teachers’ Influence

ditioning. We were confronted with what, at the time, I called “undignified poverty”—houses made of cardboard boxes, no running water, garbage everywhere, pregnant 13-year-old girls begging in the streets— ­everything I had seen 25 years before and then some. I felt embarrassed for having so much more than everyone I saw, yet the old pangs of wanting to wall myself off in a five-star hotel surfaced. But Jack taught me something, again.

Instead of shying away from these situations, he charged right in, poked his hile I studied at Thacher, my head in peoples’ doors, gave family lived in Lima, Peru; small gifts to kids (he always before that, we lived on carried something for them in Trinidad and Tobago. Although his fishing vest pockets), and I had witnessed third-world povextended his hand in frienderty firsthand for half my life, I ship. I thought of the old was ashamed that I had not only Thacher principles of honor, done nothing to help with the fairness, kindness, and truth. poverty I saw during my formaThey sound corny in this day tive years, but that at times I intentionally did and age, but their power endures. or said things that made people’s lives worse.

Kids can be mean.

The more I observed Jack, the more I reflected on my teachers at Thacher: Peter and Bonnie In the winter of 2000, I decided it was time to Robinson, Marvin Shagam, Bob Miller. Each atone. I signed up for a Rotary International instilled in me an interest in lifelong learning trip to Nicaragua to help establish several eco- as a core value. As Jack made more friends, I nomic relief projects. A few days before depar- thought “How can he do this? He doesn’t even ture, I learned that Jack Huyler (a Rotarian speak the language.” Although I speak Spanish in the Jackson Hole Club) was going on the (not as well as Bob Miller would have liked), same trip; I called him and we agreed to room I was doing nothing. That moment changed together in Managua. As I entered the airport me. I charged after Jack, translated for him, with my wife, Janet, I heard Jack’s distinctive sat down with families of 10 living in cardvoice calling across the lobby, “Over the years, board boxes, and got to know them. And guess it’s more difficult to put names with the faces what I learned? People living in boxes are no of former students, but not some. I’d recognize different than the rest of us. They want their Tom Crozier’s hide in a tannery!” As Janet left children to live better lives with more opporme to the privilege of becoming re-acquainted tunities than they had. They want to improve with Jack’s unique brand of enthusiasm, wit, their communities. They want to grow old and humor, and wisdom, he shouted to her, “I ap- watch their grandchildren play… preciate you volunteering Tom to room with an old goat!”

Wealth and prosperity are relative terms. We are likely living in “undignified poverty” that We spent a week traveling in an old Hyun- will be considered barbaric in comparison with dai van with bald tires and broken air con- the living standards of a.d. 3000. What makes

W

22 The Thacher News

people feel wealthy rather than impoverished is not how much they have at any given moment, but whether they feel they will face a more secure life in the future. In short, it’s whether they feel their hopes and dreams can be realized. The solitary thing that helps a person to achieve those quests is a lifelong interest in learning, which is what Thacher gave me.

When we left Nicaragua, Jack told me that he would not be going back, that he would have his hands full caring for his wife, Margaret, during her final years. I said I would return and, in fact, I have, more than 50 times, with the same primary goal: to help kids develop a lifelong interest in learning.

With the assistance of Rotary International and friends, and the investment of substantial resources of our own, Janet and I built and now operate a preschool for 31 wee scholars. We purchased and restored a house in the colonial city of Granada that serves as a tutoring center for kids who want to improve their knowledge of English, Spanish literature, mathematics, history, and computer skills. Our own kids are as comfortable in the homes of their “impoverished” Nicaraguan friends as they are in our homes in Granada and Ventura. We drilled 54 water wells that offer over 1 million gallons of fresh, potable water daily.

This project, combined with my curiosity to learn, compelled me to buy and read Fletcher G. Driscoll’s definitive text, Groundwater and Wells, for a mere $385, the current cost of a single college textbook.

Our most difficult undertaking is becoming directly involved in an individual’s life: pulling a child off the street, promising to put that child through school if she gives up prostitution, and enforcing an agreement with her parents to support schooling instead of selling her body.

We have a long-term commitment and daily supervision for only one so far: Carolina who was illiterate at 12 and now, at age 16, has completed the Nicaraguan equivalent of ninth grade. The saddest part is that millions of similar scenarios exist around the world. We plan to adopt other children in the future and would welcome anyone who wishes to be involved. I can assure you it will be some of the best work in the world you can do, and that the best we can do is still far from being done.

I close with two final sentiments: My thanks to Jack Huyler and all the great Thacher teachers.

And to Tío Bob: I’ll bet I can speak Spanish as well as you now. e

Good World Citizens

Liza Jo Siebel Lorenz CdeP 1992 Breaking the Cycle of Violence

that he wears cowboy boots with his tuxedo), were forms of physical abuse, nor did she unand escorted Bella Abzug to the airport in her derstand that when her boyfriend forced her to limousine. have sex, it was rape. I helped Maria recognize the abuse in the relationship and understand With this taste of DC, I was hooked. Following that she deserved better. I helped her get a college, I took a job in the legal department of restraining order and convinced her school to a pro-choice nonprofit. Although I knew it was transfer her boyfriend. Nothing about Maria’s the right place for me, many people questioned case really stood out—I had helped others with the impact this first job would have on my similar stories—but something about Maria future. Then, the “future” seemed so abstract. made me realize that I wanted to do more than The everyday experiences of working for a pro- work with individual victims. I needed to work choice organization illustrated their concerns: to make sure that all girls, like Maria, from walking past protesters while going to work; across the country understand that they have demonstrating on the steps of the Supreme the right to a safe and healthy relationship and Court on the twenty-fifth anniversary of Roe know where to turn for help. v. Wade; having the office swarming with police due to a bomb threat; having a man I was Break the Cycle was growing and expanding, flirting with at a bar walk away from me when and my position began to evolve with it. It is he heard where I worked; not telling strang- not an easy road to expand a small nonprofit ers where I worked for fear of organization, and there are many people in my their response, but when I did life who believe I am crazy to still be doing it. answer, learning to respond to But I love my job. I believe in the amazing pothe inevitable question, “Have tential of the organization to bring education you had an abortion?” and information about dating violence and s a Thacher student, I had the law to youth—and those who care about no idea what I wanted to do These experiences never made young people—nationwide. My choice to still with my life. Today, I’m not me regret my choice. They only be at Break the Cycle may not make sense to sure I could tell you what my next made my conviction stronger. others, but it is the right choice for me. career step will be, but I am okay It was there I decided to be a with that. I am at peace with unlawyer, inspired by the idea I never could have envisioned where my choices certainty. I now know that when I of using the law to improve would lead me. When I first pictured my career, make a decision, if I am comfortpeople’s lives. I went to law I never imagined that I would be a lawyer, let able with my decision and it feels school to fight for the rights alone a lawyer who chose nonprofit manageright to me, then it will work out for the best of other people, make the laws better, and, ment over practicing law. I never foresaw that in the end. in turn, the world better. When I graduated, advancing women’s rights would lead me to I had two job offers. One was with Break the helping youth build healthy relationships. I am Although I did not know where my career Cycle, a nonprofit organization whose mission no longer upset by not being able to predict the would lead when I left, my time at Thacher is to engage, educate, and empower youth to next step in my life. I see the uncertainty as an had taught me to believe in myself and stand build lives and communities free from dating opportunity. When the time comes, I will make up for my decisions. The first test for me came and domestic violence. The other with a large, the right choice. when I was choosing a college. Articulating corporate law firm where I would be making to my mom, dad, and older sister (who all are four times as much money. For me, the choice alumni of the same school) why I was not even was obvious. applying to their alma mater was very difficult for me. But it was a critical first step in shap- As a staff attorney at Break the Cycle, I taught ing my own life. By following my heart—and law-based domestic violence prevention prosometimes making decisions that made sense grams in to youth and helped teen victims of only to me—I have had some great and unex- dating violence get restraining orders against pected experiences. abusive boyfriends. I started an initiative to educate people that most state domestic violence While attending Scripps College, I spent a se- laws do not protect young victims of abuse. mester working in Washington, D.C. for the During my second year, I helped a girl named National Women’s Political Caucus. There I Maria, who was being physically and sexually indulged my interest in women’s history and hurt by her 16-year-old classmate/boyfriend. women’s political activism and learned about She was scared of her boyfriend and wanted how women get elected into office. More im- to get out of the relationship, but she did not portantly, I shook President Bill Clinton’s hand understand that her boyfriend pinning her to twice, met Vice President Al Gore (and learned the ground or throwing her against the lockers

A

Spring/Summer 2006 23

Good World Citizens

Jennifer L. Kritz CdeP 1994 Returning to the Saddle to Benefit Others

I had majored in English at Columbia but spent my summers during college in Washington, interning on Capitol Hill and in the White House. I could not get enough of politics. I loved the intensity. I loved the pressure. I loved knowing that my work was making a difference in people’s lives.

O

nly two weeks after arriving at Thacher, I dislocated my kneecap at the top of a mountain pass in Yosemite. The dramatic conclusion of my first Extra-Day Trip was being carried down the mountain by four very dedicated mountain rangers during a hail storm.

The rest of my freshman year was not much different. Despite my enthusiasm, I fell off my horse eight times over the course of that first year. Accident after accident, Mr. and Mrs. Oxley would share baffled but slightly amused looks as they led my ever patient horse, Holiday, out to pasture.

A concussion or broken bone kept me out of the barn every month or two. In true Thacher fashion, everyone expected me to keep at it, no matter how many times I fell off. After every setback, I got “back in the saddle again,” as they say—literally. Despite eight dramatic tumbles from my horse that first year, I even signed up to ride again in the fall of my sophomore year (and did not fall off once that entire trimester).

Fast forward ten years. It was 2001, and I was living in New York City. Instead of riding my horse every afternoon, I commuted to work on a crowded subway train. But the tenacity Thacher helped develop in me was still there.

24 The Thacher News

by about five seconds of silence. And then, “That just can’t happen in the next five days” or “In all my years at the Embassy, I’ve never seen that done.”

In those moments, I do not remember thinking about my first year at Thacher: a dislocated kneecap, my horse Holiday, bumps, scrapes, In 2001, I was part of history in New York— and—more than anything—a bruised ego. I working for the only First Lady ever to seek think that my time at Thacher and the lessons elective office. I found Senator Hillary Rodham I learned there were so ingrained in me that it Clinton inspiring and inspired. She may arouse had become second nature. controversy, but my experience with her was that she chose politics and public service for all Every frustrating phone call I made became a the right reasons. I was about to see why. challenge. I just could not let Erith’s birthday pass without having done everything I could to Heading up Senator Clinton’s Immigration get him here to be with his mother. I just could Department, I was on the front lines of con- not bear to take the easy way out and promise stituent relations. Even in those days before Dinora that I would do everything I could but September 11, the American go to lunch instead. immigration process could be a nightmare, and people from In five days, I accomplished what normally around the world—from Cam- takes five months. Erith’s plane from San Salbodia to Kosovo—turned to vador landed in Miami three hours before Senator Clinton for help. midnight on his 21st birthday. A few days later, I got a card from his mother. She wrote, “Dear Dinora Salinas had come to Jennifer, You gave back meaning to the words New York from El Salvador ‘Corps of Public Service.’ We can’t thank you ten years earlier, leaving behind enough.” three kids—ages three, nine, and 11—and sending money The chance to help people like Dinora and home every week. She finally Erith fuels my commitment to public service. got her Green Card, and her For them, American law offered an opportukids were finally eligible for “follow-to-join” nity for a reunion. My challenge was to work visas. Although a reunion seemed inevitable, a within this established system to make it haptense countdown began. pen. But my greatest motivation comes from the people for whom American law has no Under American immigration law, the benefi- explicit solution. In fact, as I think about all of ciary of a “follow-to-join” visa must obtain the work I have done, what I value most is not and use it to immigrate to the U.S. before his the knowledge of how we can benefit from our or her 21st birthday. Only five days before country’s existing laws but, rather, the insight her oldest child’s birthday, Dinora wrote to it provides into their weaknesses and what we Senator Clinton with a mother’s urgent plea can do to improve them. for assistance.

It has been five years since I got that card from A birthday celebration for Erith in El Salvador Dinora. I moved on from Senator Clinton’s ofwould require that mother and son begin the fice to get my master’s degree in public policy at immigration process anew, and his new status the Kennedy School of Government. Between as an adult would guarantee a wait of more my first and second years, I stepped way out of than six years for a reunion. my comfort zone and embarked on a professional adventure Thacher would be proud of. I I spent the next few days navigating a maze spent the summer in Rwanda, where I designed of complex immigration policies. More im- and ran a leadership workshop for women in portantly, I dedicated myself to convincing preparation for the country’s first democratic immigration officials and American Embassy parliamentary election since the genocide. personnel in El Salvador that the impossible was possible. My every explanation of Dinora and Erith’s dire situation was followed continued on page 27

Good World Citizens

Rhea H. Wong CdeP 1997 Offering Students a Brass Ring

this sort of experience?” It was a striking and stark contrast between my life at Thacher and my life at public school in San Francisco. Instead of playing on a concrete, fence-enclosed schoolyard surrounded by traffic on all sides, I got the Gymkhana Field, the luscious green of the soccer field, and miles of mountains.

Instead of doodling in the back of a cramped classroom of 35 students, I got a small class of 15. Instead of reading the battered textbooks proscribed by SFUSD, my mind was expanded by the texts of Homer, Salinger, Fitzgerald, and Hemingway.

I

t is an act of courage and defiance to effect positive change in a world beset by terror, despair, and injustice. I am nothing if not defiant. I am brave to the point of foolhardy. So, naturally, I found myself accepting a leadership position at an educational non-profit.

This fire in my belly, this driving need to change what is wrong in this world, did not ignite at The Thacher School. I do, however, credit Thacher for giving my idealism a shape and a direction.

When I first arrived at Thacher from my large public school in San Francisco, I was floored by Thacher’s resources, its teachers, and its high expectations of its students. Though I had been a top performer in my public school, I found myself surrounded by equally talented and ambitious peers at Thacher. I was energized

by Thacher’s rigorous academic life; it was so different than my public school in which mediocrity was the norm.

Apart from embracing the challenges of the classroom, I delighted in the unique extracurricular life offered by the Horse Program. For the first time in my life, I felt challenged by school. But, of course, the guilt of having left so many people behind nagged at me.

I often asked myself: “Why can’t all kids have

a rigorous academic summer program that includes educational enrichment classes, museum trips, mentoring, and high school placement guidance throughout the year. Students are connected with talented high school and college-aged peers as mentors and to create an environment where love of learning, academic achievement, and community leadership are emphasized.

Throughout our eight-year history, we accomplished much and have so much more to do.

This fall, we’re proud to send 100% of our graduating seniors on to four-year colleges. In How did I get to be so lucky and why was my New York, only 70% of high school students education the exception and not the rule? will graduate and that number falls dramatically among African-American and Latino When I went home for visits, the achievement students (51% and 53%, respectively). As an gap became ever more evident between me organization, we are bucking the trend and and my peers. While I struggled creating a generation of learners and leaders with pre-calculus, my old pub- who can and will change the world. lic school friends were learning geometry. While I raced While numbers can be compelling, stories can through multi-page essays, be soul-shaking. One of our most brilliant my old friends were stumped success stories comes to mind. Bledar Zenuni by simple thesis statements. came to Breakthrough as a sixth grader. Bledar When it came time to apply to is an Albanian refugee who moved to New colleges, I had a variety of op- York with his mother and sister and did not tions at my feet. Most of my speak any English. Through a series of interold friends stayed in the Bay views, Bledar shared what his experience at Area or went to local commu- Breakthrough meant to him. nity colleges.

“In many ways, my development in BreakAfter graduating from McGill University in through permeates every aspect of my life, Montreal, I engaged in extensive navel-gazing because it was my Breakthrough experience and soul-searching of what to do with my life. that allowed me to shed my exterior and reveal The answer surfaced pretty quickly: I want to my true self by stepping out of my comfort help people. After a bit more probing, I real- zone…Before Breakthrough, I was a shy boy, ized that I wanted others to have the same op- not in any way distinguished. Breakthrough portunities and life-changing experiences that chiseled me into a work of art, uniquely strucwere afforded to me. tured with special developed talents. Through the extensive support of my peers and teachers, Another Thacher lesson kicked in: do whatever in addition to the enriching activities and learnit takes to get things done. ing experiences, I developed social refinement, and a focused perspective on the importance So, with a sense of purpose and zeal, I em- of learning.” barked on a career in educational non-profit.

Through serendipity, I became the executive Today, Bledar is a rising junior at Choate Rosedirector of Breakthrough New York at The mary Hall, and spent the summer studying preTown School. This program focuses on increas- calculus at Harvard Summer School. ing educational opportunities for motivated public middle-school students and encourages We have hundreds of stories like Bledar’s and talented high school and college students to it is with the sense of commitment and passion pursue careers in education. This tuition-free, for doing what is right in this world that I have year-round enrichment program seeks to pre- found a place within it. It is thanks to Thacher pare students for challenging, college-prepara- that I have found the inspiration to do what tory high schools. Once accepted, the students make a two-year commitment to partake of continued on page 27 Spring/Summer 2006 25

Good World Citizens

Laurel K. Back CdeP 2003 Far-Reaching Enrichment Creates Satisfaction

M

y community service work began the year before entering Thacher, initially with little projects around Ventura County with my mother: working with Down’s syndrome children or at food pantries. Thacher gave me the opportunity to con-

tinue and expand upon these one-spot assignments, where I was able to tutor elementary school children, visit the elderly, work at Special Olympics, and initiate new projects such as Birthday Bags, Instant Breakfasts for the homeless, Snack Packs for after-school programs, and the Christmas Project. With Thacher Community involvement, we provided 90 needy children with Birthday Bags for an instant party; cake mix, candles, party favors, gift for the birthday kid, plates, utensils, balloons, etc. With the help of the class of 2003, we supplied Project Understanding, a local organization that helps the needy, with 100 breakfast meals designed for the homeless as well as 100 snack bags for the children who attend their facility for after-school tutoring. The whole Thacher Community rallied around the Christmas Project each December to sup-

port recently homeless and struggling families.

Throughout my four years at Thacher we provided Christmas for approximately 20 families, including presents on their wish lists, needed clothing, and food.

Since graduating from Thacher I have enjoyed the opportunity to continue working in the community. While studying in Santiago, Chile, last semester I volunteered at an orphanage two days a week, two hours daily, for two months. I spent my time with the “medianos,” children between the ages of about eight months and two years old who had either been abandoned by their parents or taken away for protection purposes. That involved a lot of wiping noses and fending off the biters. For the past six years my mom, my sister Heather, and I have been organizing and conducting a summer-enrichment program at Project Understanding for children ages five to 13. These camps focus on reading, writing, and math, continued on page 27

Emery L. Mitchem CdeP 2003 Preserving Forests for Pandas and Pals

A

midst my search for colleges, I came across the Environment, Economics, and Politics (EEP) major at Claremont McKenna College (CMC). It compelled me to attend CMC, which remains a great decision. This major works in close conjunction with the Roberts Environmental Center (REC), whose motto is “Help Commerce, Help Nature,” and publishes annual scores for the Sustainability, Social, and Environmental reports produced by Fortune 500 companies (www.roberts.cmc.edu).

The REC hires EEP majors to score reports and help maintain and upkeep of their database and website. Through my REC work, I heard of an internship with the U.S.-China Environmental Fund (USCEF) that planned to develop a massive tourist enclave and panda habitat remediation program. With a grant from the REC, I traveled to China and lived in Wolong, the largest giant panda preserve in China.

Pandas sell. Jiowa, the government tourist corporation, wants to use their marketability to 26 The Thacher News

help improve the lives of the villagers living in the rural Wolong Preserve with an ultimate goal of attracting 25,000 visitors daily. I conducted a transportation study on the plausibility of bringing so many people into a small area while not degrading the massively beautiful and bio-diverse temperate forest where pandas reside. Beyond degrading the surrounding forest, the development area is the only corridor that connects the pandas in the north of the preserve to those in the south, which would greatly diminish the genetic diversity of an already greatly endangered species. As well, the development would displace two or three hundred farmers. I could speak out against this development, but as a 60-year-old bamboo basket weaver told me, “There’s no way it can be worse than now”; he believes the development will bring more food. In all likelihood, the development will occur; USCEF wants to be

involved to help mitigate the negative ­effect. As the USCEF president explains: “I’m no longer trying to stop the bulldozer; [I’m just hoping] to direct it a little to [result in] less damage.” continued on page 27

Paul F. Armington

Every now and then along the way, when I Emery L. Mitchem have had a rough day or am wondering what continued from page 26 So, with this family support, the hopes of my I am doing with my life, I have thought of Di- On a positive note, I created a business plan parents and teachers are being realized through nora and Erith. I still have the card Dinora sent for a bamboo nursery that could become a Heifer- or Oxfam-type of agency: people could WILMA’s work in Africa. I deeply believe that me, which sums it up pretty well. e purchase reforested bamboo habitat plots and leadership for social change, in Africa as in receive a certificate for their good will. On America, is best built through the kind of land leased by USCEF, I planted bamboo so trust-based collaboration of like-minded, misthat giant pandas—each of whom requires a sion-driven people that made the Euclid Road rather large home range (four to six-and-aMachinery Company a success. The spirit of Rhea H. Wong half square kilometers) of bamboo—won’t be “community” that moved that organization continued from page 25 is very powerful in Africa, and it has been I love, to try to act with integrity and honor, threatened by habitat fragmentation and dedominant in African culture since the dawn of and to approach all challenges with zeal, en- struction. Their large home range makes them humanity. It will also be a gift to the world’s ergy, and generosity of spirit. As I learned in a flagship species as representative of a whole future, if the African Renaissance succeeds, as Mr. Jacobsen’s ninth-grade English class while ecosystem: if pandas are protected, then so is I believe it will. reading Catcher in the Rye, you can’t catch all the rest of the biodiversity. Although still in its the kids falling through the rye, but I believe infancy, this project has the potential for great WILMA is investing in building leadership for that I can get many of them to believe that they success in the future. social enterprise through self-organizing com- can grab the brass ring.

While I don’t know if I actually helped solve munities, which we call Community Development Associations (CDAs). I am convinced that To find out more about Breakthrough New any problems, this experience in China was the “double-bottom-line” company (having York, visit www.breakthroughnewyork.org or rewarding, educational, and offered me the opportunity to live in a beautiful forest. Although both social mission and profit as objectives), call 917-432-3081. a small nonprofit such as USCEF may achieve whose ownership and protection is vested in some minimal changes, a large multinational its CDA, will be a basic social tool for the corporation can achieve massive change by elimination of poverty as a mass phenomenon simply changing one policy. My time in China in Africa. strengthened my belief in the importance of Laurel K. Back corporate sustainability, responsible consumpThe Euclid Road Machinery Company did continued from page 26 make profits, but profit was never its focus. but also enrich these children’s lives through tion, and the need for corporations to take a Learning, comradeship, competition, trust, and trips to Ventura Harbor, guest speakers, artists, stronger lead in environmental issues to help to fair dealing were its values, and profits came and lots of creative activities. This summer’s rectify problems before they start. e out in the wash. A Thacher education in the week-long enrichment camp focused on a difmid-fifties reinforced these ideals. e ferent country and culture each day. Because of my recent studies in Chile and travels to Perú and Argentina, I organized and taught one day about South America. We learned about native culture, geography, climate, home construcA. Lawrence Chickering tion, food, and language. The children in the continued from page 20 enrichment program are, for the most part, Thacher experience provides ideal prepara- Hispanic and speak Spanish. They seemed Help Us Improve tion to take leadership in promoting a new, quite surprised that I could communicate in The Thacher News strong sense of citizenship that will—in my Spanish and seemed to enjoy learning different view—be the great political and social story of South American idioms.

This fall, we are re-evaluating the mission and the twenty-first century. e Last summer, through my school, Claremont design of the School’s alumni magazine, and we McKenna College, I received a three-month need your input. community service internship with the VenParticipate in Our Survey tura County Human Services Agency (HSA).

Keep your eyes open for an online readership I learned a lot about the administration of Jennifer L. Kritz HSA and had contact with children under the survey. If we have your e-mail address, you will continued from page 24 care of protective services, people applying for soon receive information about how to participate.

After graduation, I quickly reentered the po- welfare, and those already on it. I have also If we don’t have your e-mail address, please litical arena and moved to Denver for the last continued to be involved with the Christmas contact Peggy Whyte at pwhyte@thacher.org or few months of the 2004 presidential election Project and Birthday Bags with my family.

(805) 640-3201 ext. 223. to work as Colorado Research Director for the Share Your Ideas and Expertise Kerry-Edwards campaign. (We all know how I am very grateful to have had all these opporthat turned out. But I am ready to get back in tunities and have truly enjoyed all of them. This If you have ideas for the magazine or if you have the saddle again and hit the campaign trail in line of work is very satisfying for me. If I can a background in communications—periodicals, 2008.) bring a smile to someone else’s face or some sort in particular—we are especially interested in of joy to another’s life, it makes me so happy. hearing from you.

Since then, I have kept myself busy and ful- Seeing kids’ faces light up when they get their Please contact: filled. I spent a year at the Initiative for Inclu- Birthday Bags, or how grateful and touched Christopher J. Land, Director of Communications sive Security, a not-for-profit that advocates the parents are when their family receives a for women’s full inclusion in peace processes bag of presents and food makes me want to The Thacher School • (805) 640-3201 ext. 264 around the world, and am now communica- keep finding ways to help other people. I’d say cland@thacher.org tions director for a woman’s campaign for making people happy and, as a result, feeling lieutenant governor of Massachusetts. good yourself, is a pretty sweet cycle. e continued from page 19

Calling All Readers!

Spring/Summer 2006 27

Alumni News

Thank you to the Classes of 1934, 1937 (with Class Representative Paul B. Fay, Jr.), 1938 (with Class Representative John T. Piggott), and 1945 (with Class Representative Joseph N. Borroughs) for 100% participation in the 2005-06 Annual Fund.

1940 John Alford and his wife, Diane, still play tennis and golf, whether they’re in Tucson (winters) or Prescott (summers).

1943 Jackie and Roy Holland parked their home at New Tribes Mission’s aviation headquarters near McNeal, AZ this winter and kept busy with maintenance work on the facility. While there, they visited classmates Jake Kittle and Bill Woodin. Jake has a house on a desert hillside outside of Patagonia, where he is free to keep his chickens, dog, and a horse. Bill still lives in the home he built some 50 years ago at the mouth of Sabino Canyon in northeast Tucson. He continues to be active with Woodin Laboratory, a foundation which was created for the study of military and police ammunition, a field in which Bill is recognized as an authority internationally.

In August, Jake wrote, “It was very nice to see the Hollands, but the visit was too short.”

1946 This August was devoted to celebrating the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Ruth and Tony Arnold. Their four offspring (all Thacherites themselves: George CdeP 1974, Bill CdeP 1977, Kent CdeP 1978, and Liz CdeP 1981) and grandson Peter CdeP 2005 rented a Stinson Beach house (still owned by the family of the late Peter Morrison CdeP 1944) for a week, and threw a big party that involved all but one of the ushers at their 1956 wedding, including Leigh Cross CdeP 1947 and Joe Glasgow. “It was camping out yet with all modern conveniences, with the sea right at our back door. In addition to normal surfing and swimming, we almost had the unusual sport of seal retrieving (attempted, fortunately without success, by our yellow lab Suisun, who mistook her intended targets for ducks), as well as the more common driftwood construction of imaginary fortresses by the younger generation.” Also on hand were Mary and Tom Kelley.

28 The Thacher News

Class Notes

1952

According to Clarence C. (Keni) Kent, “Retirement is tiring, not retiring!” He’s busy growing grapes, making olive oil, remodeling a house, and teaching one history class a week at Napa Valley College.

1956

GRIGGS*

by Jane D. McCarthy

1963 John Coleman proudly announces that his grandson Jack is three years old and granddaughter Corky is six months.

The Class of 1956, led by Class Representative John G. Haverly, MD, is awarded the Griggs Memorial Bowl for 100% par- 1965 ticipation in the 2005-06 Annual Fund. ­Congratulations!

Now that Richard Paige, Jr., has retired as director of the Mendocino Emergency Services Along with sister-in-law Sarah and brother Authority, he is studying to become a pastor.

George CdeP 1951, Jane and John Wheaton ventured to Antarctica over New Year’s.

Gerry DeSantillana spent 34 rewarding years with the Foreign Service, about half of it overseas, in U.S.’s embassies in Colombia, Peru, Haiti, Madagascar, and Spain. The other half of his time was spent manning the “ramparts of the bureaucracy in Washington.” Now that he’s “retired,” he’s working part time with the State Department, reviewing documents that are 2530 years old and determining which ones can be declassified and released. When he has any spare time, Gerry and his wife of nearly 40 years, Eileen, work on their retirement home in Santa Barbara, which they hope will be complete in a year or two.

1962

GRIGGS*

The Class of 1962, led by Class Representative Steven H. Sorrick, is awarded the Griggs Memorial Bowl for 100% participation in the 2005-06 Annual Fund. ­Congratulations!

1967

Joan and John Barkan plan to visit their daughter Phoebe CdeP 2003 in New Zealand.

Harv Kaslow reports that taking his kids to Golden Trout Camp when they were little has paid off: now they humor him with deeper excursions into the Sierra. He also reports that a brief clip from a tape he made during his college years was released on a CD: Dick’s Pick #35.

Images chronicling all this can be perused at www-hsc.usc.edu/~hrkaslow/ripples/.

1968 Stephen Clausen still flies for American out of Chicago, but now he pilots Boeing 777s to London, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Delhi.

* The John Van B. Griggs Memorial Bowl, a gift to the School by the Class of 1944, is awarded annually to the class or classes, among the most recent 50, with the greatest participation in the Alumni fund.

1970

1976

In March, Diane and Alexander McNab heard Bill Logan speak about trees at the New York Botanical Garden. According to Alexander, Bill is a renowned expert on the subject and most recently authored Oak: The Frame of Civilization “which is full of great information and fine writing.”

To round out his graduate school Admissions Advising Company, Don Osborne recently added a publishing division to the mix of medicine, law, and MBA.

Since Ames Anderson’s daughter, Shenandoah Hatfield, is giving birth in November, he wonders if that event will make him “the first 1970 alum to attain grandfatherhood?”

Kendric Foultz and Fred Burrows ventured to Christmas Island at the end of May for a week of saltwater fly fishing, where they had a great time renewing their old Thacher friendship. On their way, they took to the waves in Hawaii.

1971 John Aaron wrote that the September 14 edition of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, an international publication out of Washington, learned about CHALK4PEACE and featured it in a twopage spread entitled “The Face of Philanthropy,” recognizing the efforts of CHALK4PEACE and its volunteers to bring this project to the world.

This is part of a growing movement that John’s been involved with for 18 months to engage youth in concepts about peace as a way of life.

“We artists are truly blessed. We have hundreds of sites worldwide, including one in Ojai. If all you do on Saturday is draw a dove or a peace symbol, then you are a part of CHALK4PEACE.” Andrew King lives near Denver, has two children (ages 10 and 13), and is working to fund capital projects in different parts of the world.

Steve Scott was on campus in June to celebrate 35 years as an alum and “loved the new buildings.”

1975

1977

 Carol

and Jim Lewis happily report that threey e a r- o l d Joshua has a new baby brother and sister. Ethan William and Rachel Claire were born on April 18, 2006.

“Everyone is doing well except the sleep-deprived parents!” With any luck, they’ll be sleeping through the night and be raring to go for Reunion 2007.

Lauren and Peter Austin are the proud parents of twins, Spencer and Darby, who arrived in December of 2004 in Manhattan. Peter is now a professor of history at St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX.

1978 Tallia Bahar Zafari joined Melea and Reza Zafari and sister Emma on March 14.

1980 Nathaniel Bisson is back in NYC full time and once again working in the world of publishing.

He and his partner Keith bought a house in East Hampton, where they plan to enjoy weekends.

1982

 When Hillary Clinton recently worked the

room, she stopped to mug with Noah Rifkin’s family: wife Roberta, daughter Shawna, Hillary, son Israel, and Noah.

1983

 Jane Carroll Richardson believes that son

Jack “is a future Toad at heart!” after watching him ride at the Intermountain Junior Rodeo in McArthur, CA, last Labor Day. Photo: Setting up for pole bending.

1984 After spending 13 years teaching, Jayne Henn traded in her chalk to work for the State Education and Environment Roundtable (SEER), which “works to enhance student achievement, improve K-12 instructional practices, and help schools achieve their improvement goals by implementing the EIC Model TM” (The Environment as an Integrating Context interconnects “best practices” in education into an instructional tapestry that improves student achievement by using local, natural, and community surroundings as a context for learning.)

Congrats, Jayne. Your mother (who works in Thacher’s Health Center) is proud of you.

1985 Sarah Konrad sends her thanks to Thacher and all of her classmates for the tremendous support she received when named to the US 2006 Olympic team: “It was great to know so many Toads were rooting for me.”

Tony Thatcher continues to enjoy life in Bozeman.

Steve Winegar has enjoyed living in Hong Kong for the past year, and hopes you’ll let him know if you are passing through the area.

After a blissful, idyllic wedding at Thacher’s Outdoor Chapel on May 22, 2005, Peter Karlsberg and their family of six is prospering. With four children—Benjamin (14), Agustina (12), Aaron (11), and Tommy (4)—there’s rarely a dull moment at their new home in Camarillo.

They’ll all be here for their 25th Reunion in June, and hope classmates bring their kids too.

Spring/Summer 2006 29

1987 Late in June, Theodore Labbe resigned his long-time position working as a habitat biologist for the Port Gamble Sklallam Tribe on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. In September he’ll embark on nine months of travel, adventure, language study, and volunteer work in South America, but hopes to make it back for the big 20th Reunion in June. He still sees and hangs out regularly with Driscoll Robbins.

If you wish to reach Ted, try: tedlabbe963@ hotmail.com.

1990

1992

After Sadie Harrison-Fincher finished her judicial clerkship with the Second District Court of Appeals in Texas, she accepted a job with a civil law firm, and is practicing law in Fort Worth, TX (www.whitakerchalk.com). As if that weren’t enough news, she and her husband, Allyn, are expecting their first child in November.

Tom Cole moved his family to Uganda when he took a post as Africa region food security/­ livelihoods specialist for Save the Children in Kampala. They’ll likely be there for a few years.

Andrea Van Dyke McCann and her family will be here for Reunion in June. She and her family have lived in Corvallis, OR, for five years and love it. Their oldest son Brooks is in fifth grade and plays football; Allie is 6 and just started first grade; and Mateo is 3.5 and attends preschool.

1988 “It’s time for a life change!” exclaimed Kether Johnson. She moved to Spain at the end of June and spent July going to school. She will be teaching English as a foreign language in Madrid and would love to see you if you’re in the area. She can be reached at ketherjoy@yahoo.com. On another note, she reports that Larry and Elizabeth Graham Tanji had an addition to their family: “Alexander Kent Tanji was born May 28 and weighed in at 7 lbs. 3 oz. What a cutie!”

Cindy Castañeda was promoted this summer to a new position at Richland College: Dean of Ethnic Studies and Community Outreach!

She continues to enjoy life in Dallas and invites visiting Toads to contact her.

“Bonjour” from Jaime Araujo who is loving life in Paris. She and her husband, Stephane, are expecting the arrival of their first child in November.

 Henrique Guerra hosted the English De-

partment in Rio de Janeiro along with Marvin Shagam, who graciously used his frequent-flier miles to provide the airfare. Pictured are Jake Jacobsen, Julie and Bo Manson, Derick Perry CdeP 1983, Henrique, Mr. Shagam, Joy ­SawyerMulligan, and Aaron Snyder.

In December, Rebecca Hall Crane graduated from a combined internal medicine/pediatrics residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA. She is working in the Family Practice Department at Kaiser-Permanente on Sunset Boulevard and enjoys parenting Lucy (3) and Hollis (1).  Alec Weston John is

the latest addition to Christian and Kina Gibbs Greer’s family. Born on June 8, at 8 lbs., 6 oz., and 21.5 in. long, it won’t be long until brother Jonas has a playmate.

Joshua Shepherd and Shayne Lauren Spaulding exchanged wedding vows on Saturday, September 23 in New York City, close to their stomping grounds in Brooklyn.

1991 1989 In June, Valerie Thresher received an LLM in Taxation Law from the University of Washington, Seattle; she then returned to Helena, MT to join T. C. Morrison Law Firm.

30 The Thacher News

As of July 1, Ben Freeman is the new dean of students at the Putney School in Putnam, VT. Drop by if you’re in the area!

Ian Norton Redfield arrived on the scene April 23, 2006, weighing in at 7 lbs., 15 oz., and 20.25 in. long. Parents Elsbeth and Will Redfield are thrilled to serve as Ian’s parents.

 Liza Jo Siebel re-

cently married Kevin Lorenz.

Nicholas Geale sends “greetings from Washington, DC. Just in case any of you ever doubted, I have been formally inducted into the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy via my recent appointment as special assistant to the solicitor of the U.S. Department of Labor. Anyway, I am enjoying my government service but also looking forward to dragging my wife, Melissa, out to reconvene with the Class of 1992 next year at our 15th Reunion (gosh we’re getting old). I also look forward to seeing how many of us have lost our hair and/or svelte physiques.”

Brendan Gately is training for an Ironman competition this year. He and his wife, Heather, welcome any classmates who might find themselves in the Chicago area. The Gatelys also have a cozy getaway near Lake Michigan.

1993 Former Thacher Science Department Chair Rae Ann Sines ran into Meghan Jeans and Todd McCloskey at an Edie Carey concert in the San Francisco Mission. Meghan is working in environmental law; Todd is redefining his music with his brother David CdeP 1996, as they branch out into rock; and Laura Wentworth McCloskey is busy working at Stanford in graduate studies in education. She and Todd live in Noe Valley.

Jose and Rosa Barkus Klein finished their Peace Corps service in Suriname and moved to Cambridge, MA, where Jose is attending Harvard Law School and Rosa is earning a Master of Public Policy at Kennedy School of Government.

1994  Dr. James Schip-

per and Catie Peirsol celebrated this year’s April Fool’s Day by getting married. Then they moved to New Orleans so that James could begin his cardiology fellowship at Ochsner Clinic. Catie just started working on a Master’s in the nursing/family nurse practitioner program at Loyola, and she’ll also be working at Tulane as a critical care nurse.

“We are green with envy at the gorgeous Performing Arts Center,” reports Abby Ramsden from a recent visit to campus, along with Devon Tarasevic CdeP 2000 and Skye Rohde. “The campus looks wonderful.” They were in Ojai to spend time with Rob and Jovi Young Geraci and their two kids: daughter Liel and son Zion.

Abby says, “Lawyer life is interesting, but far too indoorsy for my taste.”

“Greetings from Baghdad,” wrote Brian Bennett in April. He gave a rundown of what he found upon his return to Iraq and, despite the terror and uncertainty, he still has hope for the country. Keep safe, Brian.  Dermond Thomas

loves being Olivia’s father.

“Things are still wonderful in Napa Valley,” reports Justin Stephens. “Seana has started an advertising firm advertising for 24 Hour Fitness and Cytomax Sports (sports drinks). I am launching a new wine brand that will fall under our D. R. Stephens Estate umbrella and have added a Sauvignon Blanc to the Hunnicutt Wines brand.

Ironman AZ went off without a hitch. We all bettered our times by at least 1.5 hours. Gearing up for harvest 2006! No kids yet, no rush!”

Joanna Farrer graduated with a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from UCLA. She and her fiancé, Kevin Mackie, are moving to Orlando, FL, where he accepted a position as an assistant professor of civil engineering. Wedding bells will ring next spring.

Another double-Toad marriage is planned for October: Quinn Kanaly and Max Stepanian CdeP 1995 will marry in Ojai.

1997 According to his proud father, Michael Klausler was awarded double-major Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara in June. He graduated cum laude in philosophy and in law and society. Six days later, Michael and Chelsea Anne Shelledy of Santa Barbara, CA, were married at the Rincon Beach Club in Carpinteria, with Michael’s father officiating. They moved to Ithaca, NY, where Chelsea was awarded a fellowship to attend Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration; Michael received a merit fellowship to the Syracuse University Whitman School of Management.

1998

1995 Omar Abou-Samra is starting a new job in the fall at the American Red Cross National Headquarters, planning for domestic “Mass Care,” the feeding and sheltering of people in response to natural or man-made disasters in the U.S. While he will be based in Washington, DC, a city that he loves, there will be some traveling involved. When he is in town, he hopes for lots of visitors to his new home in a “destination city.”

Christian Janss happily announces the arrival on July 26 of a very happy, healthy Lila Pauline Janss. When not playing mom, Christian’s wife, Elizabeth, is studying for her doctorate in neuroscience; meanwhile, Christian is pursuing a new career in cinematography.

1996  Michele Weber Hunt’s

daughter is Rachel Sarah Hunt, born July 7, 2005 at 6 lb., 6 oz, 19 in.

 Helen “Nellie” Catherine Fleisher became

Mrs. Ted Craver on August 6, 2005, at the Messina Hof Winery in Bryan, TX. Nellie, a doctoral candidate in analytical chemistry at Texas A&M, and Ted graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Business. They live in College Station, TX. After spending time in Venice, Italy, Caroline White is back at Harvard with just one year to go.

Having just graduated drama school, Alexis MacDonald was lucky enough to land a role at her first audition. She also started a theater company—Strings Attached Theater Company—based in New York City.

 At the reception following Eric Morrill’s

wedding in San Francisco in March: Jon Le Plastrier CdeP 2000, Sara Thacher CdeP 2000, Tim Moore, Margot Lloyd CdeP 2000, Thacher faculty members Kurt and Alice Meyer, Ryan Meyer, Casey Muller, Eric Morrill-Rabanes, Rafael ­Morrill-Rabanes, Andrew Barkan, Eliza Gregory CdeP 1999, Martha Gregory CdeP 2006, John Barkan CdeP 1967, Jenny Morrill CdeP 2006, Apollonia Morrill CdeP 1991, Rob Morrill CdeP 1989, Bob Morrill, Mia Morrill.

1999 Jeremy and Sarah Bruss Gabrielson welcomed Neil Allyn into their family just in time for Christmas last December.

Mollie Gardner made a guest appearance in the AP environmental science classes at San Francisco’s University High School that are being taught by former Thacher Science Department Chair Rae Ann Sines. Mollie discussed alternative energy, including the work of her company, Verdant Energy, which installed in-stream turbines in the East River in New York City. “It always does my soul good to know that one of my students actually went on to follow [her] passion and is involved with helping better our environment,” Rae Ann wrote.

Having not looked at Thacher’s website in a while, Brendan Bechtel “can’t believe how much it has improved in terms of content and design… the new myThacher functions and ToadBlogs are particularly cool.”

Michaela Andrews has been a teacher and performer for the Providence Circus School since winter 2002 and continues to teach Circus Arts (juggling, plate spinning, flag twirling, Chinese yo-yo, acrobatics, stilt walking, etc.) at the Lincoln School and at various events organized through the PCS. Mary Craver is in her third year of law school at Tulane University.

After spending 2.5 years in China, Julian Quasha returned to the Bay Area to begin work as a financial advisor/trainee at Morgan Stanley.

Spring/Summer 2006 31

Mel Larkins and her family moved to Snellville, GA, where she works as a chiropractic assistant. Her future plans include working for a nonprofit group specializing in land acquisition, and returning to school either for a graduate or nursing degree so that she can begin working as a midwife.

When Michael Hammer graduated from Bowdoin College in May, he was awarded the Kent Island Summer Fellowship at Bowdoin Scientific Station in New Brunswick, Canada.

2002

2000 Mariposa Widdoes is currently at Le Cordon Bleu’s Cooking and Hospitality Insititute of Chicago earning her Associate’s Degree in the Culinary Arts. She is married to Chicago firefighter Peter William Brant, and they are happily expecting their first little rascal.

2001 Blake Caldwell graduated from Johns Hopkins University late in May, having majored in neurology and computer science. Next, he’ll work on his Master’s at Johns Hopkins in the computer science graduate program.

Lily Mitchem graduated cum laude from Scripps last spring with a dual major in art history and political theory. She applied for, and received, a full fellowship to get her MA at the Courtauld Institute, the art history institute of the University of London. Her thesis is on the U.S. arts pavilion of the 1938 International Exposition in Paris. She also conducted some research in Washington, DC, at the Library of Congress.

Way to go, Lily!

 Hugh Gor-

 The Orrick-Peterson-Livermore clan at

Gymkhana 2005: Kaggie Orrick ’06, Norie Livermore CdeP 1966, Missy Peterson, Laurel Peterson, Alan Peterson, Mo Livermore, and William Peterson ’08.

 These happy campers summitted Mt. Kila-

Max Greene works for the UCSF Veterans Administration on MRI research.

After graduating from Vanderbilt last May, TJ Langer moved to San Francisco to work at a biotech start-up company, Pria Diagnostics, in Menlo Park.

Aunt Joy Sawyer-Mulligan was on hand when Charlotte Lord graduated from Dartmouth in June. Charlotte moved to San Francisco in September to start a job at Gap, Inc.

At the Outdoor Chapel on June 24, another double-Toad wedding occurred: Brian Kelly and Heather Ferguson. He works as an account coordinator for Google AdWords (the part of Google that handles online advertising). Heather works as a paralegal for the office of the public defender in San Francisco; this involves providing legal counsel in criminal cases for defendants who cannot afford private representation.

Hilary White graduated from UC Santa Cruz, and was named an Irwin Scholar.

Allison Prentiss Lyon became Mrs. Peter Wilson Frykman on July 29 at his family’s home in Rolling Hills, CA.

32 The Thacher News

don, Arielle Flam, Charlie Munzig, Julia Erdman, Katie Telischak, Max Anderson CdeP 2005, and Sarah Shaikh celebrate Julia’s 21st birthday.

Katie Kuhl spent the summer at home in Ojai, trying to recoup some money she spent while abroad in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic, for her four-month spring semester. Now she’s back at George Washington, starting her senior year as a Spanish and Latin American studies majors, with plans to graduate in May. She also just started working with the jumpstart program, and an after-school literacy program for preschool-age students.

manjaro in July 2005. They are Nathaniel Faggioli CdeP 2000, Chelsea Bauch, Claire Faggioli, Maggie Tillman, and Justin Faggioli CdeP 1969.

Another double-Toad marriage is planned for October: Nikki Silverman and Eric Butts will marry at Spanish Hills Country Club.

Christopher Cahill writes: “Last fall, I went on the Dartmouth earth sciences study abroad. I’m an earth science minor. Called ‘the stretch,’ we flew into Montana, then drove through Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, and then Nevada again and back through Arizona.

An amazing trip, in which I saw seven national parks in two weeks.” Recently, Christopher interned in a Dartmouth lab studying small-cell lung cancer and studied for the MCATs. Now he is helping to organize freshman trips for Dartmouth.

2003 According to former art history teacher Holly Mitchem, the Claremont Cougars Lacrosse team (WCLL-Division B) qualified for the National Championships in Dallas in mid-May. Cougar defenseman #14 Emery Mitchem helped his team beat St. Thomas (#3 seed in the USLIA national tournament), 12-6, and earned the team National Ranking of #4. To top it off, Emery was named to the First Team All Stars in Division B, an amazing feat especially given the fact that he had ACL surgery on Christmas Eve. Way to go, Emery!

  USC aerospace engineer-

ing student Ian Whittinghill hopes to lead a team of fellow students—including Luke Myers—to become the first University to successfully launch into the internationally recognized area called “space” (62 miles straight into the air) before he graduates in 2008. He’s almost there: on May 20, at the Koehn Dry Lake launch site in the Mojave desert. His team launched a 12ʹ × 6ʺ composite rocket to 7000 feet. Pictured here are Hugh Gordon, Ian, Michael Dachs, and Luke. See more details on Thacher’s website at News from CdeP.

Doing Her Part to Battle HIV For her sabbatical year away from Thacher, Katherine V. Halsey chose to work in The Mothers’ Programmes (TMP), a community-based organization that strives to reduce the number of HIV+ babies born to HIV+ women. The program model seeks to empower pregnant women and young mothers living with HIV to improve and protect their own health (and therefore likelihood of their survival) as well as the health of their babies through peer-based education and psycho-social support delivered in conjunction with medical care. Katherine works in the home-office in Cape Town which oversees 65 sites throughout South Africa, but ambitious plans to take the model to other countries in Africa and beyond through partnership initiatives with other NGO’s are moving forward fast. Katherine has been invited to work on these projects in Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, and Haiti, where she will travel in the coming months (and maybe even speak a little French, so as not to forget completely what she really does!).

TMP was founded by Dr. Mitch Besser, whose vision includes a desire to see “a paradigm shift that re-crafts comprehensive medical care as fundamentally humanistic.” Katherine reports that this notion, coupled with the writing of Dr. Paul Farmer (Harvard Medical School professor and anthropologist, and founder of Partners in Health) who believes that healthcare is a human right and that “making social and economic rights a reality is the key goal for health and human rights in the twenty-first century” (The Pathologies of Power, p. 219) is the most fascinating aspect for her of the work she’s doing this year. Once she synthesizes her readings with the social and psychological demands of her work, Katherine hopes to write about this incredible adventure on which she has embarked. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, check out the program’s website: www.m2mafrica.org.

This last year, Jacey Roche participated in a paid internship with the Colorado State University Warner College of Natural Resources, studying the changes of values towards wildlife in the western U.S. “We studied the variables of affluence, education, urban versus rural, and outdoor activities to see how people valued wildlife and if the western United States has changed in its values towards wildlife in recent years.”

2004 Towards the beginning of May, Alissa Wallace started training for the National AIDS Marathon, which raises funds for AIDS clinics throughout the country. In particular, funds that Alissa raises will benefit the Whitman-Walker Clinic in DC, near her home-away-from-home, George Washington University. By early in July, she was running 14 miles, an exciting milestone because she was halfway to the required distance. She sent up a trial balloon by competing in the San Francisco Bay-to-Breakers Marathon late in July and was still able to walk on Monday following the event. Check out this fall’s event at www.aidsmarathon.com, and in particular, runner #0639.

Maxwell Kuhl writes: “I am currently a junior at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, NM. I work here as the assistant to the library director, but most of the time I am working very hard studying math, French, literature, philosophy, physics, and music in our very strict but eclectic Great Books Program. I worked last summer as a private contractor and as a waiter to make enough money for school and living before I was fortunate enough to teach for Breakthrough Collaborative in San Francisco. I write a political column in our school newspaper, The Moon, the last of which was about the effects of Mexico’s disputed election and just came out in the most recent edition. I co-head a foreign affairs discussion group every week and I try to stay in as good shape as possible. I’d like to work abroad next summer, either teaching or at an internship.”

Bianca Kissel is spending the semester studying and doing research at the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, MA. The program is an intensive environmental science program that encompasses a great deal of field work, lab time, and an independently designed research project for the last eight weeks.

Elizabeth Craver is focusing on physical therapy at George Washington University.

Peter Oberndorf is studying in London and working for a political consulting firm after spending his summer with an investment bank called Seven Hills.

Chris Eaton and Ward Sorrick drove across the country together, visiting Ella Carney in Jackson Hole along the way. Chris recently sold half of his independent record label, KMD Music, to an outside producer. “Still maintaining the CEO position in the company, we have begun to branch out. We are in the works of putting together a longboard skate company. I am also involved in a small clothing company, Amalgam Clothing, that is specializing in jeans and shirts.

I am fortunate enough to design my own line of jeans.” Chris is a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity. As treasurer, he led his fraternity towards earning the Estes Cup for Financial Management Excellence. He was also voted to be the “houseboy” of a local sorority, Kappa Delta Sigma, where he is involved in the everyday running of the house—including washing the dishes!  Calvin Lieu is “still climbing” and invites anyone from Thacher’s Climbing Team to join him for a trip to the beautiful Krabi in Thailand.

This summer, he traveled to Taiwan, Guilin (China), and Thailand. Along the journey, he found an amazing location for rock climbing called Tung Lung Island, with a rock cliff directly above the ocean.

Graham Douds enjoyed his third consecutive summer working at Echo Lake (near Lake Tahoe) as a taxi-boat driver with Ward Sorrick.

Next summer both plan to get internships in San Francisco, New York, or Washington, DC. Now, Graham is in Haerbin, China, for four months speaking only Chinese under a language pledge. He lives with a native Harbin student who is a senior “automatics” major, the Chinese equivalent to an engineer. As an economics and East Asian studies double major at Wesleyan, Graham has elected to learn about the recent changes and direction of the Chinese economy, “Zhong Guo Jing Ji.” Next semester, he will return to Wesleyan to play baseball with Charlie Munzig CdeP 2003.

Elizabeth Jackson is studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, through her home college—Wake Forest University. She lives in the middle of the city next to La Sagrada Familia (an extraordinary Roman Catholic church designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí) and is taking five classes and teaching English to elementary students in their schools.

Spring/Summer 2006 33

This summer, Cara Bonewitz went to Ghana to volunteer with a non-governmental organization called Village Exchange Ghana (VEG), organized to give micro-credit loans to groups of women starting small businesses. VEG recently started a reproductive and sexual health education program for which Cara helped plan and carry-out a teenage pregnancy awareness project in a small village called Takla. Following this remarkable experience, Cara traveled to Paris to study and live with a host family for the fall semester.

2005 Kay Bradford and her sister Betsy CdeP 2002 traveled throughout Greece, Turkey, Italy, and Austria this summer, followed by a road trip across the U.S. Josephine Chow completed an internship with a lifestyle magazine in Hong Kong this summer, learning about free-styling photoshoots and hanging out with lots of gorgeous people at the publication production department. Currently, she’s back at Tufts, fully unpacked and very happy.

Juliana Ma went to China this past summer to study at the Qingdao University for nine weeks through a Vassar/Bard program. She says, “The classes were intense because we managed to fit a year’s worth of Chinese into the allotted amount of time. From dining off campus, our tutor sessions, and participating in homestay, we really got to experience the Chinese culture and we were constantly challenged to speak the language.” She also visited historical sights in Beijing and Shanghai. After the program, she and her family traveled to Hong Kong, Cambodia, and Yunnan, and she says, as a result, “My summer was easily one of the best summers I have ever experienced!” Juliana is now back at Vassar and is a double major in art and Chinese.

Over the summer, a couple of her paintings were accepted by two Northern California exhibitions, to be displayed in September.

This past summer, Zack Grossman spent six weeks on the Spanish island of Menorca working on an archaeological dig and studying field method. He helped to excavate a prehistoric megalithic (large stone structure) house, the creation of which is dated around 1000 b.c. Zack is currently double majoring in archaeology and comparative religion, with a specific concentration in ancient Christian “heresies.”

34 The Thacher News

Sarah Chamberlain was inspired by her Shakespeare class with Mr. Robinson to join 30 UC students in London for the month of July to study Shakespeare and attend play performances at The Globe and in Stratford-upon-Avon. In her spare time, she went to many museums and visited UC Berkeley friends at their homes in the Isle of Man and in Glasgow, Scotland. Sarah says to run, not walk, to the Tom Stoppard play, Rock’n’Roll, the best she has ever seen! This fall, she will work as an undergraduate research apprentice with political science professor Mark Bevir, to look at issues in British politics post1997 with the rise of New Labour, with a focus on judicial and police reform. Sarah hopes this will lead to spending her junior year studying in the UK. Starting his second year at the University of Chicago, Calvin Kim is deciding between a political science or history major. During the school year, in addition to being a member of an a cappella singing group, he is part of the Roosevelt Institution University Chicago Chapter, a progressive student-run policy think tank with chapters at various universities and colleges across the nation. As the copyeditor for the Center on International Peace and Security (one of the eight centers that make up the Roosevelt Institution at the University of Chicago), he contributed to writing and editing a 25-page policy paper titled “The Best Way Forward for The United States and the People’s Republic of China With Regards to Economic Development, Central Asia, and Cross-Strait Relations.” This summer, Calvin took micro- and macro-economics classes and learned how to play golf in Seoul, South Korea.

Lindsay Hunt experienced Fez, Morocco, through a study-abroad program covering a year’s worth of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) embellished with the Moroccan dialect of Arabic. She also completed a seminar course on culture in Morocco, including travel throughout the country (sometimes on camel back!), noting the striking geography and the vast differences in Moroccan culture. Lindsay was lucky enough to live with two families in both the Medina, the ancient quarter of the city, and the Ville Nouvelle. Last year at Dartmouth, Lindsay worked as a music director for the AM radio station, hosting a weekly radio show, reviewing new CDs, and submitting the weekly charts to the College Music Journal (CMJ).

Save the Date!

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Alumni Day at Thacher Join students, faculty, and your alumni friends for a day of interactive activities on campus: Sports • Horseback riding Music • Food • Friends • Fun

For more details, or if you’d like to help coordinate this fun, annual event, contact Suzie Nixon Bohnett at (805) 640-3201 ext. 224 or snixonbohnett@thacher.org

2006 In June, Amanda Nonomura headed up to a summer camp she’s been attending for 13 years to participate in her last year of the Counselorsin-Leadership Training program. Expecting to stay for three weeks, she was soon asked to stay the entire summer to teach English and Western riding, lead trail rides in the Sequoia National Park, and perform other horse-related activities.

Currently, she spends her time at the University of Redlands.

By traveling around the States this summer, Alexander Marlantes saw a lot of classmates. He also spent two months in Argentina, where he had a law internship in Buenos Aires. He analyzed the English translation of legal documents for logic and other issues, and learned Spanish.

Most of the time, he lived in Belgrano (a barrio in the city), but he also traveled around the Pampas, as far west as the Andes in Mendoza, and made a quick jaunt to Monte Video in Uruguay. Now Alex is settling into life at UCSB.

Faculty A baby boom hit Thacher this spring: Theresa and Chris Vyhnal—along with Kate, Nolan, and Meg—welcomed Jack Joseph Morey on April 11 at 4:28 pm (9 lbs, 7 oz., 21 in.).

Hiram Travis joined Kara and Jeff Hooper and older brother Hayden on June 13 (7 lbs., 10 oz.).

Toby and Amy Elmore welcomed Charles Howard on June 18 (8 lbs., 2 oz.).  And finally, on June

23, Elizabeth and Bert Mahoney welcomed their third son, Darragh Hamilton Noble (7 lbs., 5 oz.).

Former Science Department Chair Rae Ann Sines continues to serve as Science Department Chair at San Francisco University High School. She calls her stomping grounds “another Thacher world…It has been a very rewarding experience running into many Thacher grads here in San Francisco to see how they have all grown up into such wonderfully successful adults!”

Dear Friends: I received roughly 400 messages of condolence last fall. I hoped to write individual thank-you notes, but that would take the rest of my life. So, please accept my thanks collectively and let me get on with the book I am writing.

Gratefully, Jack Huyler

 Elissa Thorne mar-

ried Gary Eastvedt on her family’s ranch near Walla Walla, WA, on August 12.

Former Faculty Even though we don’t get to see her very often, Elizabeth McDougall is still enjoying her life in Victoria, British Columbia.

We understand from Elizabeth Reynolds Mahoney CdeP 1988 that classmate Joanna Evans will soon become Mrs. David Harris. David taught science at Thacher from 1989 to 2003.

Former art history teacher Holly Mitchem continues to do fine art appraisal work and enjoys teaching at UC Irvine. She is currently developing a course called What is Modern? that will survey modern architecture, fine art, and design; she taught for the second time California Art and Design. She continues to commute to Phoenix to see husband Dennis, but spends some time at their Ojai home when it’s not rented to Thacher parents.  Former history teacher

Sarah Hill-Nelson works for the Bowersock Mills and Power Company in Lawrence, KS. Her family includes husband Eric, son Henry, and daughter Oona.

Faculty Farewells Yan Gongming, who came to us from the School Year Abroad program in Beijing, China, returned to China for the summer and will head to Phillips Academy at Andover to teach Chinese in the fall. He was a most enthusiastic and energetic contributor to school life this year, in the classroom, as an advisor, dormitory member, indoor soccer player, and an enthusiastic master of the ping pong table.

After three years of working at Thacher, Megan and Dan Henry moved to New York City this summer to be closer to their families. He will teach mathematics at the Collegiate School (a boys’ K-12 school) and she will be the Science Chair at the Hewitt School (a girls’ K-12 school). We thank the Henrys for bringing their thoughtful perspectives to the classroom, and their strong sense of academic excellence to our community.

After 14 years as Thacher’s librarian, Elizabeth Bowman became the Santa Barbara City College librarian in charge of faculty outreach and collection development. Elizabeth has been an enthusiastic and able teacher and co-learner with all of us on the faculty and student body as she helped us navigate our way through the new technologies of the Library, and she helped us solve innumerable problems and answer questions of every description. She has been a most professional and committed faculty member, even extending her expertise to the outdoors, where she’s become an able trip leader as well.

Chuck Warren, who has been at Thacher since 1969, moved with his wife, Carole, to Endfield, NH, to their ranch of 60 acres of pastures and woodlands, where he plans to continue instructing equestrian arts, both in Western and classical horsemanship. He also plans to develop sustainable farming methods of stock grazing, when he’s not canoeing, skiing, bicycling, playing polo, teaching gymkhana, or traveling. Thacher’s Outdoor Program would not be what it is today without the leadership and commitment of Chuck, who also founded the Thacher Outdoor Epicurean Philosophical Society, now the Literary Society. Chuck has been our best example of a life-long learner; he taught himself auto-mechanic repair, kayaking, climbing, horsemanship. At Thacher, he taught physics, chemistry, mathematics; he also advised, counseled, and helped generations of Thacher students in their academic, social, and extra-curricular programs at Thacher. Through it all, he maintained his ironic sense of humor, steadfast principles, discipline, and commitment to helping Thacher students become active learners and responsible citizens of this world. e

Emily and Eric McCarren began an adventure on the island of Oahu, where she will teach high school Spanish at the Punahou School. We thank Emily for her outstanding contributions as a classroom teacher of Spanish and biology, as an energetic instructor in the Horse Program, as an outdoor trip leader and extremely insightful advisor, and finally as a championship Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse coach. Eric has been a great trainer, coach, role model who “McCarrenized” four years of football players.

Fred Wright, who taught at Thacher from 1961 to 1966, retired from Lakeside a year ago last June and spent the fall in Spain with his wife, Florence. They sold their home and now look forward to moving to Santa Fe, NM. Spring/Summer 2006 35

2006

Reunion Weekend T

hacher dormitories and classrooms opened their doors the weekend of June 9-11 to welcome back to campus 220 alumni (representing 11 classes dating back to 1946) for Reunion Weekend. From Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, alumni and their families were treated to traditional weekend activities—riding, trapshooting, swimming, class barbecues, live music and dancing, and the Saturday night banquet and class toasts—and spontaneous events of music-making on the Sespe patio, evenings surrounding the firepit in the Los Padres courtyard, hiking up Horn Canyon, a game of horse tag on the Gymkhana Field, and late night swimming and raids on the dining hall. The new Thacher Commons offered a welcome indoor place for all ages to relax and play—day and night.

The second “Quint-Annual Class of ’76 Pines Trip” (as termed by Joshua Rosenblatt CdeP 1976) took place Thursday night where they met a huge adult bear in the wee hours of Friday morning.

For the class of 1991, the weekend was a great opportunity to spend some relaxed time with the brides- and grooms-to-be (Leith Connell CdeP 1991 and Jason O’Leary, and Amelia Ranney CdeP 1991 and Wynne Huang CdeP 1991) as a prelude to their summer and autumn wedding celebrations.

Scarce local lodging (due to the concurrent Ojai Music Festival) meant that more than 400 people stayed on campus, testing dormitory capacity and jump-starting the reconnection process. The weekend succeeded in part thanks to accommodating alumni who were willing to share rooms with classmates or set up tents on campus near friends, demonstrating yet again the lifelong benefits of Thacher’s camping program.

1946

1956

Half of the class of 1956 showed up to celebrate their 50th reunion with a special lunch at the Head of School’s home on Friday prior to the weekend’s festivities, with a number of them enjoying a horseback ride together later in the day. More recent classes also had strong showings, with more than half of the class of 1996 in attendance and more than 60 percent on hand from the class of 2001. Many traveled across the country to connect with old friends and see the latest developments at Casa de Piedra, but Tara Desjardins CdeP 2001 wins the “Greatest Distance” award for flying from her home in Paris, at the request of her good friend, Erica Reynolds CdeP 2001. All found that Thacher is still a place of the heart, a space for friends and family to return to and be received gladly. Keep coming back!

1961 36 The Thacher News

1966

1986

1971

1991

1976

1996

1981

2001 Spring/Summer 2006 37

Reunion

Alumni News

35th Reunion Thoughts A Mystical and Magical Place

by Paul Gavin CdeP 1971

computer and how far ahead we were of other places. Change can be good.

I loved the library as a student, as a teacher, and every time I have visited the School. It is a place of treasure and transport, a place of dreams.

Anything seems possible while walking through or sitting in that building. The whole reunion experience motivated me to read Jack Huyler’s entire book, and his effort and words taught me so much about the School both before and after my years.

The book also made the time, my self, and my thoughts during those Thacher years come alive again. I thank you, Jack, for your work of art.

F

or the weekend, my wife Kimberleigh and I were billeted in the Upper School. Arriving at Thacher as a Lower Upper, my first dorm room was in Upper School. I loved it all: drafty walls, chipped concrete floors and the warm showers that went to cold when a toilet flushed. During Reunion, every time I passed the front door I would, without thinking about it, look out to see the Ojai Valley, just as I had during my student days.

Looking across the Upper School lawn, the valley view is now partially blocked by the new Performing Arts Center. At first I thought “My God, look at this! These kids are spoiled.

Why, I remember the Outdoor Theatre and how cool and rustic it was.”

I also thought about the loss of all the dirt fields between our junior and senior year and that playing on grass would be like a “country club” school. Where was Thacher headed?

Then I remembered that, as a student in 1969, how cool I thought it was that my school had a

38 The Thacher News

Thacher was—and frankly still is—a “mystical and magical place.”

Last thought: I have often wondered how I got into that school with all those very intelligent individuals. When teaching at Thacher in the eighties, how those students handled the workload was beyond me.

During the banquet, one of my classmates leaned While walking with Kimberleigh around cam- over and said, pus early Saturday morning I showed her the “I sure was different trails I would take out to the barns, lucky to get into this school. I’m sure I wouldn’t be admitted in these times.” “I was thinking the same thing,” said the classmate across from me.

Then two dinner speakers expressed their same good fortune, including, I think, the young Class of 1996 representative who is 25 years smarter than we were!

Some may be smarter than others, but we all share the same luck. For some reason, we all happen to have been blessed with the Thacher experience and are connected with the Ojai Valley bond of horses, sunsets, and the Pink remarking how much I just loved the “place”; Moment. We were all fortunate to have travthe campus textures and smells of the soil, eled through this school and all share one comrocks, plants, and even the structures. I now mon ground: We agree that we were—and still understand that those experiences were actu- are—equally lucky to have been there. e ally but subtly overwhelming me, and I believe those impressions made on me during that time laid much of the groundwork for my artistic career and are now being expressed through my paintings. Whether it is a gloriously sunny day, or the valley is shrouded in misty fog,

Reunion Alumni News

Chapel Service Address The Outdoor Chapel, My Sacred Place

G

ood morning.

Thank you for joining me in the Outdoor Chapel this morning. I can’t think of another place in the world where I would rather be at this moment. I want to talk about sacred places. I hope that we all have at least one. The other day, I was asked where I attend church. I don’t regularly, but this Outdoor Chapel immediately came to mind. This Outdoor Chapel is my most sacred place.

Except for the dressing and showering bit, the rest of these skills are not used too often in my daily life right now. The processes and the experiences learned along the way determined who I am today in all circumstances, as I believe happened to many Toads. Toads are compassionate, resourceful, strong, willing to try new things, and we are humble enough to learn from and listen to others.

by Carolyn Reed Kirkpatrick CdeP 1986

trail crew is unpleasant work, especially on Saturdays!

The bond to the Thacher Community is permanent. My best friends are still my Thacher friends. We share the highs and lows of our lives with each other first. Sometimes we lose touch, sometimes for years. In April, we went to hear Raul Pacheco, Jr. CdeP 1986 play with his band Ozomatli in Breckenridge, Colorado.

One of my strongest influences was Chuck We invited Raul to our house for dinner with Warren. Chuck served hot Jell-O with a side some non-Thacher friends. During dinner of canned tuna as a meal after a long day of Doug, Raul, and I tried to explain the sense skiing and digging snow pits in the Sierras. of connection forged by our time shared at Karen Mooney CdeP 1986 and I drank our Thacher. Everyone here knows what I am talkportion of Jell-O, praying that real food would ing about. We have only seen Raul a handful materialize on the cave floor. Another night of times since our Thacher days, but we have in our snow cave, Chuck explained to Karen an ease with one another that transcends the and me that an empty bladder helps you keep 20-year separation!

I believe all of us can name special Thacher warm at night. He reasoned that your body places—sunset on the soccer field or the same wasted energy heating a full bladder. I shared Before I was a student, formal dinners seemed view gathering together for dinner on the per- this “Chuckism” with fellow biologists in to last forever. As a student formal dinner begola, a favorite trail, Golden Trout, the rough- college and sparked an animated discussion came a needed break to the hectic day, a segue house, riding along the ridge road towards on theories of mammalian heat conservation from day activities to the evening. Even if there the Topa Topa bluffs, the Pines, a dorm room, and thermodynamics. I am still not sure what was a paper to write or a test looming we music box, fishbowls in the Sespe, or sleeping knowledge I learned from Chuck was based fortunately had to sit still and talk and eat for on the beach in Baja with Mr. Shagam. Some on sound science or what facts were made up 45 minutes. I hope the formal dinner tradition places were intimate, meant only for us. When on the spot by Chuck to see my reaction. I do always continues. I enjoyed sitting with faculty I couldn’t find my senior roommate, Jessica know he always made me think for myself and children trying to keep gooey little Meyers’ Sanders CdeP 1986, I would go to her sacred try things I would not have attempted if he fingers off my plate and clothes. Sharing meals with families felt right and more complete. space. I would find Jessica curled inside her hadn’t given me the opportunity. horse’s food tire talking quietly to her horse.

My memories of Bonnie Robinson are jumbled One of Dad’s formal dinner discussions has If the Outdoor Chapel is my sacred place, then from different times. I remember when I was always stuck with me. When students sugthe Thacher community is my congregation. about four, laughing and holding her hands gested to my dad that Thacher is not like the My most recent visit to this chapel was the in the surf with Michelle Warren. Then I re- real world, my dad would respond “exactly.” memorial service for Director of the Horse member sitting in class and listening to her Thacher is not the real world and doesn’t strive Program Emeritus Jesse Kahle. In the chapel thoughtful “ahhh…ummm...” as she seriously to be. My dad would explain, at Thacher we I saw the collection of people who shaped my considered our ideas. Bonnie truly believed we try to model what we want the rest of the world to be—“a place of honor, and fairness, vision of the world. I listened to the passion had important thoughts and things to say. and kindness, and truth.” We might not always of Marvin Shagam, once again drawn in by his storytelling. I listened to Jack Huyler and When I entered Thacher as a freshman, I was reach these lofty goals, but Thacher is a place recalled his booming voice on the Gymkhana convinced I knew everything about horses. Of to strive for and practice these ideals.

Field and leading Domine at formal dinner. course, I was a faculty brat. But Steve Jones And, of course, all through the service I ached taught me otherwise. He was new to Thacher So Thacher may not be the real world, but for Jesse, a wise guide and a moral compass and I couldn’t fathom what he could know Thacher is a unique place and that is why this since childhood. I keep Jesse’s picture on my about the Horse Department that I didn’t Chapel is sacred to me. When I enter this Chabedroom closet shelf so that each day I look up already know. I learned to listen to Steve. I pel, I am reminded that I am part of a unique learned there is always more to learn. I learned congregation. I know that my life would not at him and remember to be true to myself. to take care of myself and to take care of be as full and rich without the common exLike a lot of Toads, I learned more outside others. I believe learning to care for a horse periences and memories that I share with its the classroom than I did inside it. Sometimes helped me learn to think of others and not members. e I joke that I have the most amazing set of un- just myself, especially on rainy cold Sunday marketable skills in the modern world. I can mornings when sleeping sounded much more shoe a horse, rappel a mountain, pack a burro, fun than tromping to the stables! I learned get dressed up in about five minutes—shower to be accountable for my own actions and included, start a fire, and build a snow cave. sometimes the actions of my friends. I learned

Spring/Summer 2006 39

Obituaries

Alumni News

Losses to the Community Alumni and Friends Who Will Be Sorely Missed

Laurin Hall Healy CdeP 1931 died in June 2006. Although he was at Thacher for only one year, he actively participated on the Boards of “The Notes,” El Archivero, played soccer and baseball, served on the Committee of Ten and the Bit and Spur Committee, and was an Honor Man. He matriculated to Williams, where he earned an AB in 1935 and later earned an MBA from the University of Chicago. He taught at Thacher in the 1935-36 school year and worked for Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, Inc., in Wilmette, IL. Laurin and his wife, Pat, had three children: L. Hall, J. Duncan, and Deidre.

George Harmon Scott CdeP 1931 died in 2000, but we just received notice of his passing. During his senior year at Thacher, he served as the manager of the Second Baseball Team and as the camp supply manager.

He also ran track and attained the Walking Mileage Record. After spending a year in Paris with his family, George matriculated to Stanford, where he received his bachelor’s in 1936.

George and his wife, Johanna, lived in Arcadia, CA. George is also survived by his nephew, C. Curtis Scott CdeP 1972, and his grandniece, E. Brooke Toeller CdeP 2002.

by Jane D. McCarthy

during World War II; he became a bombardier and was awarded three Air Medals, two Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the POW Medal. After the war, Don graduated from Stanford in 1946 and began his career in journalism, first with the Redwood City Tribune and then the San Francisco News. He later worked in Europe for United Press International, before returning to the U.S. when he landed a job with the New York Times. He returned to Europe in the early 1950s to work for Newsweek in Rome and later in various editorial positions with the North American Newspaper Alliance, Reporter Magazine, and the Saturday Evening Post.

In 1971, Don left journalism and began working as an information specialist with UNICEF in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East; he retired in 1983. The following year he met his fifth wife, Dominicka von Zahn, when he was named director of information for the World Wildlife Fund for Nature International, the global branch of the WWF. They married in 1998.

Don’s survivors include Dominika; his children: Eve Baldwin of Half Moon Bay; Catherine Allan Grady of St. Paul, MN; Scovill V. Allan of Bastrop, TX’; David M. Allan and Peter C. Allan of New York City; and Diana Allan Brown of Cambridge, MA; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A memorial service was held on August 26 in Portola Valley.

William Harold Hufstader CdeP 1940 died in 2004, but we only recently learned of his passDonald Aspinworth Allan ing. Bill came to Thacher for his sophomore CdeP 1940 died of cancer year. He attained his bachelor’s from Darton August 2, 2006 at his mouth, and worked in the environmental field. home in Woodside, CA. He lived in Santee, CA and had two children: While at Thacher, Don, Stephen and Ann-Lloyd. aka “Were”, was known for his vitality and vivacious humor, his indisputable ability for impromptu dramatics, and his Wilbur Kenneth Cox, Jr. cynical yet personal wit. He was a connoisseur CdeP 1951 succumbed to of swing and boogie-woogie, had an amazinjuries on April 2, 2006 ing knowledge on the history of jive and the from a drowning accident men who made it famous, and participated in nine days earlier. Born nearly every committee and extra-curricular and raised in Peoria, IL, activity that CdeP offered.

Bill came to Thacher for the last three years of high Don matriculated to Stanford, but took a leave school. “With the help of his strident voice,” of absence to enlist in the Army Air Forces according to the 1951 El Archivero, he was

40 The Thacher News

“one of the liveliest members of the class,” likely due to his bout with polio that nearly killed him at age 12. He thrived at Thacher, participating in Glee Club, basketball, drama, baseball, Committee of Ten, as intramural soccer captain, and as a B Camper. Bill migrated to the East Coast, where he went to Wesleyan College in Middletown, CT. He was a member of Psi Upsilon Fraternity, where he served with distinction as president among other offices.

Bill went to McCormick Seminary in Chicago to become a minister. While there, he met and married Miriam Maureen Fay; they were married for 17 years. Following seminary, Bill was pastor at churches in Detroit, San Francisco, Chicago, and Telluride. One of his special gifts was working in the communities he served to remove prejudice and encourage tolerance on all levels. While in Chicago, he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He eventually served on the Board of National Missions as the associate director in the division of church and race. In the mid-seventies, Bill met Nancy “Nan” Clare Finch and they married in Indianapolis. During 22 years of marriage, they lived in New York, Santa Barbara, and Telluride. They built their dream home on Last Dollar Road overlooking the Wilsons and named it Windfall. While in Santa Barbara, Bill was one of the founders and served as the executive director of Transition House that focuses on assisting the local homeless. After Nan passed away from cancer in June of 2000, Bill met and married Sandy Danaher while among the vines of the Gainey Vineyard on August 5, 2001.

Bill had been recovering well from a stroke suffered in September of 2004. He traveled frequently to visit family and friends across the county. He is survived by his wife Sandy, five children, and 12 grandchildren.

Russell C. Ryan CdeP 1953 grew up in Marin County and came to Thacher for his first two years of high school; he was active in baseball and track. According to Joe DiGiorgio CdeP 1953, their class enjoyed his wild humor and excellent athletic abilities. He attended UCSF. He and his wife, Joan, lived in Santa Rosa.

Clayton P. Carr CdeP 1972 died suddenly on May 17, 2006 at his home in Irvine, CA. Born November 17, 1953 in Los Angeles, Clayton attended Thacher for four years, excelled in math and science, and was elected Senior Prefect for the sophomore boys.

He as served as President of both the Outing Club, and Pack and Spur Club, taught rock climbing, led the trail-working crew, and was the stage manager. He graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, summa cum laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

He graduated from the Medical School of the University of Southern California, and was an intern and resident at the Harvard Medical School’s program at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. He practiced medicine in southern California. Clayton is survived by his son Daniel Zeller Ryder Carr, his parents, Margaret and Willard Carr; his brother, Jeffrey Westcott Carr; his former wife, Deborah von Rosenvinge; his partner, Vinh Pham, and all his family. A person of high intellect and joyous wit, he had boundless kindness and compassion, which he gave to his patients as well as to his family and friends. Memorial donations may be made in Clayton’s name to the Marvin Shagam Endowment Fund at Thacher.

Friends of Thacher

Andrew Farrand CdeP 1958 informed us that his son Andrew (35) died May 7, 2006, of a particularly virulent Group A streptococcal infection that killed him in less than 48 hours. As his father wrote: “Andrew was such a sweet young man who had so many friends and so much to give to the world that it makes his passing all the more unbearable…there is profound, biting grief now, the lonely pain of not having Andrew with us any longer. Yet, in the words of St. John Chrysostorn, a bishop who lived in the 4th Century: ‘He whom we love and lose is no longer where he was before.

He is now wherever we are.’ The thought contained in these simple yet elegant words has done much to lessen the weight of grief we all feel at Andrew’s passing… He was a wonderJoseph Howard Dignan ful young man even though never a Thacher CdeP 1975 died of an ap- boy.” He is survived by his parents Andrew parent heart attack while and Eleanor of Woodland, CA, and his older exercising at a gym on June brother Matthew.

29, 2006. Born and raised in San Francisco, Joe attended the Town School in San Francisco before comHelen Dingham Sanford, ing to Thacher. Outside the classroom, Joe librarian at Thacher 1968played lead trombone and was a guiding spirit 1975, died on August 22, of the stage band, by making copies of new ar2006 at the age of 96. She rangements or organizing the next practice sesheld bachelor’s degrees in sion or performance. He also sang in the Glee education, home economClub, was a skillful photographer and presiics, and library science, and dent of the Camera Club, played a large role in pursued graduate work at the production of the 1975 El Archivero, and Columbia University School of Library Sciserved as Prefect of junior dormitory, where he ence in New York. Helen moved to Ojai from was known for his “concerned, intense, and Temple City, CA, with her second husband, principles…that elicit respect from other stu- Richard Dingham. After her retirement from dents.” He matriculated to UC Berkeley, where Thacher, she joined the Ojai Book Club and he earned a bachelor’s degree in theater light- became an original member of the Florence ing and design. He worked in local theater be- Martin Book Club; she even attended a meetfore switching careers to fulfill a lifetime dram ing of the latter the month before she died. She of becoming a journalist. He wrote stories for is survived by her son Robert and daughter-inThe Bay Guardian, the Bay Area Reporter, law Millie Dingham of Ojai. and the Washington Post. He also worked tirelessly on the Committee to Save St. Brigid, the church of his youth that had been closed by the San Francisco Archdiocese in 1994. Joe Pooneh Tafti, mother of is survived by his 13-year-old daughter, Mary, Alissa CdeP 1998 and who recalled her father as being “really fun, Parisa, died suddenly in really crazy, just like a big friend.”

May, 2006. She is also survived by her husband, Roohi, of Westlake Village, CA.

Spring/Summer 2006 41

Calendar Fall 2006 – Winter 2007 Thacher Gatherings and Events Tuesday, September 19 Santa Barbara/Ventura Gathering Wednesday September 20 Los Angeles Gathering Friday, October 6 – Saturday, October 7 Autumn Board of Trustees Meeting Tuesday, October 17 New York City Gathering Wednesday, October 18 Washington DC Gathering Friday, October 27 – Sunday, October 29 Family Weekend Thursday, November 2 Portland Gathering Wednesday, November 15 San Francisco Gathering Saturday, November 18 – Sunday, November 26 Thanksgiving Break Saturday, December 16 – Sunday, January 7 Winter Break Saturday, January 13 Alumni Day Friday, January 26 – Saturday, January 27 Winter Board of Trustees Meeting Friday, February 16 – Sunday, February18 Departmental Weekend Saturday, March 10 – Sunday, March 25 Spring Break Tuesday, April 10 – Wednesday, April 11 Grandparents’ Days Thursday, April 26 – Saturday, April 28 Senior Exhibitions

New Law Provides New Avenues for Giving W

ith the recent passage of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA), Congress has given certain donors the ability to use their retirement accounts to make charitable gifts during their lifetimes. One important provision allows individuals at least 70½ years old to directly transfer up to $100,000 from their IRAs to qualified charities such as Thacher. This provision may be helpful to individuals who are required to take unneeded but taxable retirement account withdrawals, and those who have experienced limitations of the tax benefits of their charitable giving. This option is only available for 2006 and 2007.

Sue and John Carver CdeP 1953, were intrigued by this new opportunity. John consulted his financial advisors and intends to make gifts from his IRA to Thacher during each of the next two years. Part of each gift will be for the Annual Fund, and part will fulfill a pledge to The Campaign for Thacher. He can also make gifts to other qualified charities. According to John, “This new legislation allows me to give some of my IRA to Thacher without having to die first!”

Regardless of your age, naming Thacher and other charities as the ultimate beneficiaries of your IRA, 401(k), or 403(b) may be a wise strategy. These accounts can be used to support your retirement and that of your spouse, domestic partner, or other beneficiary. However, when these accounts terminate to an individual, they are subject to both estate taxes and income taxes. There is no tax when they terminate to a charity.

Who might benefit from PPA? • People over age 70½ who have adequate assets and other sources of income and do not need all of their IRA distributions and the accompanying increased tax liability.

• People over age 70½ with IRAs who would like to make charitable gifts in excess of 50% of their adjusted gross income.

• People over age 70½ who don’t want their IRA distributions to increase the tax they pay on their Social Security benefits.

Check with your tax advisors about how this new law can benefit you. For more information about planned giving opportunities at Thacher, please contact David V. Babbott, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, at (805) 640-3201, ext. 242.

John Carver CdeP 1953

The Thacher School 5025 Thacher Road Ojai, CA 93023 Address Service Requested

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Oxnard, CA Permit No. 110