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Celebrating Susan G. Graham page 2
Gunnery Bulletin SPRING 2012
BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND SCHOOL OFFICERS Susan G. Graham Head of School Stephen W. Baird ’68 Chairman Joan A. Noto P ’97 Vice Chairman David E. Kaplan ’81, P ’13 Vice-President Jay B. Sheehy ’73 Treasurer Peter B. Slone ’73 & P ’11 Secretary Patrick M. Dorton ’86 Gerrit Vreeland ’61 Member at Large David M. Albala ’73 Ian Bickley P’10 Richard C. Colton, Jr. ’60 Jonathan M. Estreich P ’06 Gretchen H. Farmer P ’05 Beth W. Glynn John M. Greenwood ’71 David N. Hoadley ’51
Kirsten Peckerman Eugene A. Pinover P ’01 Sarah Scheel Cook ’82 Pamela Clark Solley P ’96 & ’96 Christine B. Stonbely P ’99 Richard N. Tager ’56 Peter S. Twombly ’74
TRUSTEE EMERITI Leo D. Bretter ’52 & P ’88 Jonathan S. Linen ’62 Val J. Prevedini ’69 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT David N. Hoadley ’51 BOURNE COUNCIL Stephen W. Baird ’68 Stephen P. Bent ’59 Leo D. Bretter ’52 & P ’88 Edsel B. Ford 2nd ’68 Jonathan S. Linen ’62 Val J. Prevedini ’69 William S. Smilow ’82 Jonathan M. Tisch ’72 Roy S. Walzer ’65 & P ’86 GUNNERY COUNCIL PRESIDENT Brandon J. Dufour ’02 PARENTS COUNCIL CO-CHAIRS Susan and Mike D’Elia P ’12 & ’13 COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE CONTACT Todd C. Santa Maria, Director of Communications and Marketing E-mail: santat@gunnery.org ADVANCEMENT OFFICE CONTACT Laura D. Eldridge P ’12, Director of Institutional Advancement E-mail: eldridgel@gunnery.org ADMISSIONS OFFICE CONTACT Shannon Baudo, Director of Admissions E-mail: baudos@gunnery.org CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paula Gibson Krimsky, Alex Ince, Chris Baudo PHOTOGRAPHERS Richard Bergen, Wendy Carlson, Coffeepond Photography, Phil Dutton ’81, Anna Kjellson
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DESIGN & PRODUCTION CEH DESIGN Bethel, CT
C E L E B R A T I N G
Susan G. Graham The last 20 years have been a testimony to the foresight of the search committee in choosing Susan G. Graham, the first woman to head The Gunnery. Not only did she position the school for the information technology explosion and the global, scientific, social, and economic advances that came with the 21st century, but she handled the resultant demands on educational institutions with vision and grace.
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S
usie Graham, as she is better known around campus, will best be remembered for initiating a period of extraordinary growth in the educational and character standards at the school. She developed a committed cadre of talented and energetic trustees, administrators and faculty, disseminated The Gunnery’s story to a wider and more involved support community, and provided an enviable campus environment and a high-quality educational experience. Growing up in Ohio and trained as a classical dancer, after graduating from college, Susie became an English teacher. She taught at Columbia School for Girls, Lake Forest Academy, and the Masters School. After three years teaching in New York and having three children, Jamie, Sarah, and Julia, she pursued a master’s degree in counseling. She continued her career at the Masters School as the Dean of Students and Associate Head of School. In 1991, she was appointed the 10th head of The Gunnery and came to Connecticut with her husband, Jim, and
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AN INTER V IE W W IT H
Su
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G. Graham
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What are your plans for the future? Jim and I look forward to dividing our time between our homes in Martha’s Vineyard and West Hartford, CT. I hope to be able to do what I love the most: writing, counseling and consulting.
Why retire now? Many reasons. First, I believe that The Gunnery is positioned strongly and that things are in excellent shape. I’d rather turn over leadership now before I run out of energy and allow progress to slow down. Second, I’m young enough and fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do something new; to consider the wisdom of new directions.
”Susie is one of the greatest educational leaders. She has built a wonderful team and a community that fosters learning and growth. With the Board, she realized many dreams, conquered many challenges, and lifted the school into a terrific place for the future. She leaves an indelible legacy.” Stephen W. Baird ’68 Chair, The Gunnery Board of Trustees
three children to live in Conroy House. She brought frugality, modesty and graciousness, together with a steel backbone, rigorous intellectual integrity, and unwavering focus to her job. One faculty member describes her personality as possessing “a sense of curiosity and wonder which expands the scope and possibility of any project.”
Third, there’s the reality that the longer you stay in one place, the more geometric your relationships become. In the first decade, I knew the kids of that time. Now they are all adults. I continue to have meaningful relationships with many of my students after they graduate, and they have expectations of me. Every year that I stay at The Gunnery I have relationships with 80 to 100 more people. Eventually, maintaining a strong network with everyone becomes overwhelming. The greatest consolation I have is knowing that Peter Becker will follow me. He will bring fresh vision and strong leadership. He already loves this school and has made it clear that he will continue to strengthen Mr. Gunn’s mission. (Interview continued on page 7)
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Her mission as head involved a purposively small school with a rich history. First, partnering with the board, Susie undertook her three-phase “Campus Enhancement Plan” with trepidation. Several renovation projects had been postponed and a more demanding student/ parent culture had arrived. Competition for outstanding students was becoming more fierce as expensive modern facilities and college matriculation success were added to the traditional draws of solid values and excellent faculty. The Gunnery, under Susie’s leadership, pursued a rigorous 21st century curriculum while preserving the school’s traditional values and emphasizing character development. Susie credits her success to “giving committed faculty the resources and encouragement to pursue their own interests and passions in devising ground-breaking courses for the students.” A case in point is the double-credit, team-taught senior seminar, which pushes students to expand their horizons and undertake intensive independent and group work. Four new faculty chairs and awards for excellence in teaching gave the head of school the opportunity to recognize the excellence necessary to deliver that curriculum.
Like everyone else, Susie joins the school community for the annual School Walk.
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AN INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN G. GRAHAM “Mrs. Graham is undervalued by the students. I don’t think we truly grasp what she has done. She has advanced this school over the last twenty years. She is also very personable and welcoming. Whenever my parents meet her, she walks up, shakes their hand and says ‘Call me Susie.’ She is just wonderful.” Tristan Kishonis ’13
The Gunnery under Susie Graham’s aegis has taken the honoring of the individual student to a new level. The junior research paper prepares students for the college experience through cross-discipline integration and the defense of critical thinking. The addition of honors courses in every discipline and AP classes in many additional subjects testifies to a commitment to providing more pathways to excellence. The steadily improving college matriculation list confirms the success of the strategy. Susie embraced the increasingly global impact of education in various ways: sponsoring an exchange program with the Woodstock School in the Himalayas of India and adding Mandarin as a third language. Asked what she feels has had the biggest impact on The Gunnery during her tenure, Susie said: “Without doubt it is the information/ technology explosion. When I arrived, my office was outfitted with a telephone and a word processor; 48 hours was not a long time to wait for issues to be addressed.” Through the years, as she addressed the growth in demands for functionality, speed and accessibility, Susie recruited Brian “B.J.” Daniels as a willing ally in creative approaches to the ever-burgeoning costs. “Our first bid for development of a
(Interview continued from page 5)
Beyond the physical plant, are there ways the school has changed over the last 21 years? Has it stayed the same? Early on, with the support of Jon Linen ’62, chair of the board of trustees, and a few key trustees, I determined that we should proudly “fly the flag.” We’re a small, traditional school with a rich history and an engaged community, which should remain so. We believe that kids should involve themselves in a lot of different activities. They shouldn’t be allowed to specialize in just drama or athletics or outdoor activities. In a small school, students will be pushed to try all sorts of things, take many risks and force themselves beyond the comfort zone. We believe that’s good, and that a much more interesting person evolves. We also know that we are very good at caring for and genuinely knowing, every student.
How do you feel about your role as Head of School for 21 years? People ask me how I’ve withstood the pressures of being a head for so long and how I’ve dealt with the same old routines year after year – another senior class that you have to get into college, another
(Interview continued on page 8)
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AN INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN G. GRAHAM (Interview continued from page 7) group of applicants that you have to decide on, another Parents Weekend to orchestrate, more comments to write, another faculty meeting, or board report, another group of kids making mistakes (remember: what starts as fun often turns into trouble.) I believe deeply that mine is the best job in the world. Every one brings fascinating variations. I’ve always been in education because I love the kids and the faculty. In this role, I try to understand what motivates students to change their attitudes, aspirations, achievements, and world views. The essential issue is understanding this diverse community of individuals who grow through the rough waters of adolescence while they’re at The Gunnery. It’s what makes this work unique. All the other parts of the job – the budget, fundraising, endless meetings, conflict resolution – you do with your left hand. (Interview continued on page 11)
computer network was $2 million for campus-wide cable trenches; our endowment was only $8 million. B.J. suggested we explore the relatively new idea of installing antennas to send the signals.” Susie took the same approach when it came to the school’s website. Faced with the potential of huge financial commitments to design and maintain a site, in 1998 Susie opted for a website designed and managed on campus by current faculty member, Anna Kjellson. “B.J. understood the complexities, and he and Anna founded a team to bring design and content forward.” “I remember when Susie started. I remember we, as the alumni, and people who cared about the school were so excited by her tenure. Here we are two decades later, and she has done a remarkable job.” Jonathan M. Tisch ’72
Susie was committed to improving the quality of the arts program and providing a more balanced experience for girls. In the second winter of her tenure, she chanced upon Peter ’58 and David ’60 Emerson, making a nostalgic visit. The resultant substantial grant and show of confidence from the Emerson Family Foundation launched a 20-year program of campus development and, more immediately, enabled the completion of the Emerson Performing Arts Center. “Having
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Susie, Stephen W. Baird ’68, Chairman of the Board of Trustees with the Tisch Family – Jon ’72, Lizzie, Joan, and Steve ’67 – at the Dedication of the Tisch Schoolhouse in November 2010
experienced my first Gunnery music concert with the chorus singing to a tape-recorded accompaniment, I was inspired to immediate action.” Jennifer Wojcik, Performing Arts Chair, expanded the independent music lesson offerings from three to 47, introduced an online college-level music study program, installed a Tri-Music Honor Society, and expanded the opportunities for a dynamic experience in the arts for countless Gunnery students. Subsequently, Susie invested the same energy and philosophy into the Visual Arts: sponsoring guest artists, creating the Woodward Arts Center in the Memorial Building, installing an arts option as part of the afterschool requirement, and introducing a week-long, celebratory exhibit of student work each spring. Creating an environment that promotes the mission was one of Susie’s most effective strategies. From picking up paper she might see on the ground, to encouraging campus pride, to
Above: Susie and Jim Graham visiting alumni and parents in Asia. Right: Susie with former trustee and long time Gunnery supporter, Dwight D. Miller ’55
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building the impressive Virginia Hamilton Solley Dining Hall, Susie was always conscious of the importance of aesthetics. The adoption of a student dress code had an immediate effect on classroom behavior, and continued to enhance the campus. The Gunnery has always followed the precepts of Frederick W. Gunn, promoting the character-building, educational qualities of sport. Loyal supporters have rewarded those sentiments with generous donations for sports facilities. While enhancing the arts, Susie was simultaneously able to enclose the Linen Rink and start a girls’ hockey program in 1994. Participating in the establishment of the Colonial Football League, and taking into account the resources of small schools, followed. The success of the sports program is reflected today in New England championships and college placements of Gunnery student-athletes. Bumps in the road never impeded the positive trajectory of Susie’s 20-year tenure. One ill-timed bump was the state mandate to design and install a campus-wide septic system. New onerous DEP legislation set extremely ambitious standards and the appropriate building materials were scarce. What the school thought would be a modest project became a multi-million dollar drain on the school’s resources in the middle of a vigorous capital campaign. Susie knew that a plaque on the soccer field commemorating the “John Doe Memorial Sewer System” would not be a big draw, and began cultivating extraordinarily generous supporters.
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The events of September 11, 2001, brought focus to the vital tasks of the independent school in an unfolding century. As The Gunnery’s student population rose from 176 in 1991 to 285 in 2011, Susie took a more compelling interest in campus life beyond academics When you are an institution like a school, you are lucky if in the course of your lifetime, you have transformational Heads that make a huge difference in taking the school from once place to another. Frederick W. Gunn was one of those people. (Former Headmaster) Oggie Miller was another one who I experienced when I was here. Susan Graham is certainly a transformational leader of this school, and we are so lucky to have had her for the last 20 years to do what she has done. Jonathan S. Linen ’62 Trustee Emeritus
and began focusing on preparing future leaders for lives of social responsibility and civic engagement. A reorganized Dean of Students’ office added a Director of Residential Life, a position that would build a dormitory-based community and a sequential classroom program called L.E.A.D.S.(Learning for Engagement, Action, and Dedicated Service). Today, this curriculum prepares freshmen to tackle the “pathways” to adulthood, leads sophomores in an examination of ethics in the social compact, teaches juniors to articulate and defend their positions on citizenship, and gives seniors the opportunity to give back to their community in a senior capstone project.
AN INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN G. GRAHAM (Interview continued from page 8)
Are there major decisions or directions that the school moved in that you regret? I don’t think so. All major decisions were thought out carefully. A large number of people had to come to consensus before we made any changes. I believe firmly in collaboration and process.
If you had to pick a part of The Gunnery that you care most about, what would it be? Overwhelmingly, I care about the students at the school. We try to reach kids on their journey through adolescence so that when they leave, they’re resilient people with sound character and minds that have been expanded.
If you had to choose a few things to remember, what would they be? Just today, I got a note from a boy I worked with 20 years ago who said he was thinking of me. I had never communicated with him since I handed him a diploma. It’s in moments like this, when the dots are reconnected, a teacher says,“Maybe it was worth leaping out of bed each morning hoping that I could do some good that day.” (Interview continued on page12)
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AN INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN G. GRAHAM (Interview continued from page 11)
How would you like to be remembered by the school community? She cared about us more than anything else in the world.
What will you miss the most about The Gunnery? I’ll miss the students, the faculty, the administration, and everyone who works on The Gunnery campus. They are the community to which I have dedicated my life of work all of these years. Our bonds of affiliation create a strong legacy.
Susie retains her belief and wonder in the power of The Gunnery’s youth. Such was the case this past year when a simple enumeration of the community service of The Gunnery community revealed a profound impact both locally and globally. It had been a crusade of hers to involve the students in causes beyond themselves and the enumeration affirmed her success. I’m very fond of Susie. She has done a phenomenal job of turning around a school with great roots and great tradition. She is strong-willed and compassionate. The role of Head of School is a 24/7 job. The school is in great shape today. Leo D. Bretter ’52 & P ’88 Trustee Emeritus
The transformation of the school under Susie Graham was beginning to become obvious during the sesquicentennial year 2000 to 2001. The capital campaign in honor of the big birthday doubled the endowment, and in 2003, the Annual Fund exceeded $1 million for the first time. With the increase in support came increased responsibility, and The Gunnery Council was born. “I wanted to create a pipeline to support talented and successful young alumni in their relationship with their school,” Susie says. “Encouraging their involvement in boosting reunion attendance was a vital addition to our outreach efforts.” In 2004, the Communication Department was formed to support school efforts.
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In 2010, The Gunnery dedicated the Tisch Schoolhouse, affirming Susie’s commitment to academic excellence and reflecting her success in carrying the school’s story to its supporters. The state-of-the-art Tisch Schoolhouse is the result of a $7 million gift from the Tisch family, the largest gift in the school’s history. “A school always needs a certain emphasis at the top,” said Susie. “As you move from one era to another, you have a chance to shift emphasis as the institution’s priorities change. During the first decade, the emphases were on financial stability and establishing the school’s identity in the community and throughout the New England boarding school world. We got the alumni, the faculty and the student body on board and succeeded. We were able to increase the enrollment and the endowment considerably. Early on, we faced some complex financial problems. If we wanted to be a bigger and better school, we needed a bigger program, a larger faculty, and better facilities. That translated into the need to raise a lot of money. But always, at the heart of everything we did, was creating an excellent experience for every student and knowing and caring for him/her well.”
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Legions of students, parents and alumni who have been drawn back into The Gunnery’s circle, and independent school cognoscenti, attest to the success Susie Graham has had in implementing her vision and moving The Gunnery into an enviable position for the coming century. Weathering the buffeting of external forces and taking full advantage of all educational opportunities, her leadership for the last 20 years has left the school stronger and more selfconfident; able to continue delivering a rigorous academic curriculum combined with a caring, individually tailored program to those students who come afterward.
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THE SENIOR SEMINAR
Students of the Documentary Senior Seminar
T
he Senior Seminar, a long-time staple in The
usage, and interviewing. They also study the core principles
Gunnery curriculum, is described by Academic Dean
and methods of oral history and writing for the documentary.
Chapin “Chip” Miller P’12 as a “hybrid class.” Both
Student documentaries will cover the gamut from phobia
students and faculty members can benefit and learn from this
research to the Facebook phenomenon to the “Evolution and
educational experience. Two faculty members from different
Tradition of Gunnery Rowing.”
backgrounds create a unique course aimed at ambitious
Each student is also responsible for his/her own research and
upperclassmen. In the past, music has met humanities and
writing to accompany their visual work. “This is grass roots
history has met science. “We are creating a third discipline,”
from the ground up,” said Nick.
said Chip. “This is trans-disciplinary; not interdisciplinary.”
“This is a double-credit course in English and Art,” said Brian.
Currently, Brian Lillie and Nick Benson, visual arts
“It is a chance for us to bring something into the fold that
and English teachers respectively, are offering
isn’t normally part of the curriculum. This has evolved into
“The Documentary.” This hands-on course surveys the documentary in film, photography and writing. Throughout this class, students research the history of the documentary and produce their own, individually and in collaboration. While producing their films, students learn techniques in cinematography, camera
something amazing.” “The Documentary” is Nick and Brian’s second joint effort. Previously, they offered a seminar in Italian Cultural Studies. Also, Chip and Performing Arts Department Chair Jennifer Wojcik offered a Humanities seminar which later evolved into a stand-alone class.
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Kirsten Peckerman Treasured by The Gunnery and Beyond
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alking through the Bourne Courtyard one spring morning, you might meet a pretty, petite lady with a Danish accent planting annuals in the Judith Jones Garden. Who is this lovely workerbee? It’s none other than beloved Gunnery Trustee Kirsten Peckerman. Overseeing this garden is one of the myriad philanthropic contributions Mrs. Peckerman makes to The Gunnery in her role as trustee (2003-present), serving on both the Advancement and Buildings and Grounds Committees. “I was so pleased to be asked because of how strongly I felt about the school,” said Kirsten. And it’s not just us. Beyond The Gunnery, Mrs. Peckerman is known as one of the most generous people in the Washington, CT, community. Putting her muscle behind her values, she serves on the Boards of Trustees for the Gunn
Memorial Library and Museum, the Steep Rock Association, the Washington Garden Club, and the Weantinogue Heritage Land Trust. To celebrate Mrs. Peckerman’s contributions on behalf of The Gunnery and the town at large, The Gunnery proudly bestowed upon her its 2011 Friend of the Green Award at the annual town party. Mrs. Peckerman’s relationship with The Gunnery and the town of Washington began in 1971 when she and her husband, Edward, bought the home of faculty member, Paula Gibson Krimsky’s parents and began weekending here. Soon thereafter, she recalled her husband announcing that they would begin attending the Congregational Church on the Green. When she asked why, seeing as how they were of no particular religious affiliation, Mr. Peckerman declared that by going to the Congregational Church, they would
Head of School Susan G. Graham and Steep Rock President Edmund White P ’03 & ’06 honor Kirsten with the Friend of the Green Award at the 2011 Town Party.
Kirsten Peckerman
learn the needs of the community and understand the people of Washington. Then, they could become involved and help people and the town. Mrs. Peckerman says she quickly recognized the significant role The Gunnery played in the town’s identity. She explained “the traditions which The Gunnery represents and sustains are vital to the character and distinctiveness of Washington, CT; therefore it is important for Washingtonians to support the school.” With this belief firmly in mind, Mrs. Peckerman helped in planning The Gunnery’s sesquicentennial celebration in 1998. She recalled happily attending the many planning meetings which took place in the Bourne Reading Room. The committee’s work culminated in a fantastic event. Through her leadership and generosity, she has made many contributions to the school as a trustee, a donor, and a member of the Bequest Society. Director of Advancement, Laura Eldridge P’12, described Mrs. Peckerman as a positive force who is thoughtful, constructive and genuine. “Kirsten is unconditionally supportive of our faculty and students. Simply put, she is dear to us all. Kirsten is family.”
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• $2,750 •
raised in on-campus
fundraisers T
he Gunnery community came out in droves to support the fundraising initiatives of two fellow students. Kori Rimany ’14 and Olivia Judd ’14 spearheaded school-wide bake sales to raise money for local patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and the Paley Foundation, respectively. Both students argued for their causes at a school meeting, a regular forum for students to voice their thoughts and concerns. “I wanted to do something to help other kids who have been diagnosed,” said Kori, who lives with CRPS. “I had such a great support system both with my family and at The Gunnery.” Olivia, in response to her friend and roommate, Lily Hedley ’14, who was in for a long hospital stay, asked, “What can I do to help?” Lily replied, “I lack for nothing, I’d most like to help raise money for the Paley Foundation.” At school meeting, Olivia delivered a speech where her appeal touched the hearts of many members of the community. Lily filmed her story from her hospital room in Florida, telling the stories of children whose lives had been transformed with the help of the Paley Foundation. Olivia told her schoolmates of the good news of Lily’s treatment so far and her anticipation of her friend’s return. Kori and Olivia were successful in their efforts. Kori entered this initiative with a goal of $300. She almost quadrupled that by raising $1,150, and Olivia raised more than $1,600 for the Paley Foundation. With the monies raised, Kori put together care packages for other patients diagnosed with CRPS. “I am working with my pain doctor who has a list of patients,” she said. “He has a lot of connections to people who could benefit from these packages. As patients come up, I will personalize a basket. I am going to focus on teenage girls.” This passion and enthusiasm was contagious as other students initiated fund raising efforts to help Kori’s cause. The Gunnery prefects, inspired by Kori’s work, sold pizzas in
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the dorms at night. They presented her a check with $260. “It feels good to know that people understand (my situation) and want to help. I’m not used to talking about the disease. (In the past), people showed pity, and that is not what I like.” “Everyone was incredibly generous,” said Olivia. “I knew my community was helpful, but they exceeded even my expectations.” Community Service organized a dress-down day and baked for the bake sale. The prefects sold snacks and T-shirts at games and had a raffle at a hockey game. Not only did the Gunn Show sell snacks, but they raised money through the voting process for each contestant. Faculty, clubs and students all contributed to the bake sale. Rachel Kaplan ’13 brought in a whole tray of cookies. Both students made a true difference in their school community. Armed with a vision and hard work, they realized that anything is possible. “The Gunnery is a place where you don’t fall through the cracks,” said Kori. “You know everyone on campus, and everyone is willing to support you in any way possible. I have never felt so widely accepted anywhere else. It is a community that helps you.”
Gunnery Community Buys Gifts for Local Children Gunnery faculty, staff, and students made a local child’s holiday all the more special by contributing to the annual Angel Tree project. Initially started by Gunnery students a few years back, the winter community service group joined forces with the Torrington, CT Chapter of FISH to buy gifts and necessities for children in need. “FISH sends us a list of names, genders, and ages of children from newborn to age fifteen,” said Karen Lincoln, faculty member/advisor for the community service group. “They also send a list of items on the child’s wish list. Some of the items are extremely practical, like a pair of pants, a warm sweat shirt, or new shoes. Sometimes, fun things are included on the list. This year, we had a lot of requests for sheet sets, blankets, and comforters.” Students will make ornaments containing the child’s name, age, and their wish list items. Each ornament is hung on the school Christmas tree in the Student Center. Members of the school community will then pick an ornament off the tree and buy the listed item.“It was great to see people take the ornaments and get involved so quickly,” said John George ‘12, a community service member…Any one gesture of good will speaks a lot. Every little thing counts. It doesn’t always have to be one big thing.”
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GUNNERYathletics Frederick Marks ’12 Wins NE Wrestling Championship and Connor Dintino ’14 Makes Semi-Finals
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ongratulations to wrestlers Frederick Marks ’12, who won the New England Prep Championship in the 220-lb. weight class, and to Connor Dintino ’14, who made it to the semi-finals and came in fourth in the 285-lb. weight class. These two awards made them eligible to compete at the national level. “Fred won a dramatic match in the last two seconds of the third period,” said wrestling coach Bart McMann, “He reversed his opponent from Exeter to win 4-2. Connor came in fourth place and wrestled valiantly all weekend. Rod Theobald P’09 & ’14 (head wrestling coach) carried both wrestlers to the podium on his shoulders.” Fred arrived at The Gunnery last fall as a post-graduate student. He wrestled for six years previously, mostly at Athol Hall High School in Athol, Mass. His coaches describe him as quick and agile. Fred recounts his New England Championship win with shock. “It was unreal and hard for me to believe,” he said. “I was out there for six minutes, the longest match I’ve ever done. My opponent was strong and bigger than I. It took a long time for me to pin him down.” “I would have been happy just making New Englands,” said an equally surprised Connor. “These wins give the entire team more motivation to do better.” “I knew Fred was a medalist in Massachusetts,” said Rod Theobald. “He came to The Gunnery with experience, horse power, and leadership. Connor came to us with great instincts, balance, and awareness.”
Fred Marks ’12 (center), New England Prep Championship winner.
Freddie and Connor (center) with coaches, Bart McMann and Rod Theobald.
Connor (220.1 to 285 weight group) would wrestle against Fred (195.1 to 220 weight group) in athletic practices. This gave Fred the training he needed to wrestle against players bigger and stronger. “Freddie and Connor formed a bond,” said Bart. “Rod and I feel lucky that, as coaches, we are able to help one wrestler with a lot of experience and a sophomore student with a great future ahead of him.” “This is like winning the Triple Crown,” said Rod. “I watch these kids work hard every day. To see results like this is rewarding. They are great role models for the other kids.”
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GUNNERY
Fall Term MVPs: Charlotte Reilly ’12, Madeleine Boudreau ’12, Rebekah Capece ’12, Darby MacKay ’12, Jibrail Coy ’12, Chester Hojnicki ’12, Kellen Croce ’13, Katlyn Paiva ’13 and Samuel Aguirre-Kelly ’12. Missing from photo Tristan C. Kishonis ’13
The Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team had a wonderful season, winning games against a number of schools including Ethel Walker and Canterbury. “I want our players to leave feeling they had a sense of belonging to the team, a sense of personal achievement, and the realization that they made progress,” said Head Coach Alisa Croft. “We have a lot of skilled players who are also very fun people,” said Taylor Dube ’12. “I have learned a lot from Coach Croft and Coach Trundy. You can tell they care about you. I want to give to other kids what they gave me.”
Excitement was in the air as the Gunnery Girls’ Ice Hockey team defeated Kingswood Oxford (3-0) on March 1, 2012, to advance to the semifinals. After Katie Quinlan ’13 won the face off, the game went off into high gear. Sarah Hughson ’14, Katlyn Paiva ’13, and a combination of Isabela”Izzy” Bagi ’13 and Katie Quilan ’13 scored goals that brought the team to victory. During the game, great saves were made by Samantha Walther ’14 and great defense was provided by Izzy, Erin Sullivan ’13, Jackie Hagopian ’13, and Jocelyn Mongillo ’14. The girls later played against Middlesex at the Berkshire School. Congratulations also to the Boys’ Ice Hockey Team who earned the 6th seed in the Stuart/Corkery New England Ice Hockey Tournament (The Open Tournament).
Log on to www.gunnery.org to read more news and updates on our athletic program, including coverage on the Annual Athletic Banquet.
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ONcampus Grammy Winner Roberta Flack Lectures at The Gunnery
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n February, Grammy Award winner Roberta Flack spoke and performed as part of The Gunnery’s Speaker Series. The Meeting House on the Green was packed with students, faculty and guests from around the state to hear the legendary singer and record producer.
Lindsay’s parents, Dennis Collins and Sharon Jerry-Collins, are jazz musicians and close friends of Ms. Flack. “Roberta Flack is a well-known figure to many people,” said Lindsay. “To most, she can be seen as a musical influence, a teacher or a mentor, among other things. To me, she is much more than that. She’s also my godmother. She has been a part of my life since the day I was born, always by my side encouraging me to do great things in life.” When Ms. Flack contacted her goddaughter on her birthday to ask what she wanted as a gift, Lindsay requested if she would speak at The Gunnery. This generous birthday wish gave The Gunnery community an unforgettable gift. “I’m everyone’s godmother,” said Ms. Flack after she was greeted by thunderous applause. The Howard University graduate shared stories of her relationship with her goddaughter, her music career, and her beginnings as a
Photo: Sharon Jerry-Collin P’12
The Gunnery owes Ms. Flack’s visit to student Lindsay JerryCollins ’12, who suggested that the school bring this musical legend to campus to celebrate Black History Month.
Roberta Flack
teacher in Farmville, N.C., and Washington, D.C. “As someone who has spent many years in schools, both as a student and as a teacher, being in the company of young growing people like yourselves is very meaningful to me,” she said. “Roberta’s enthusiasm was infectious,” said Head of School Susan G. Graham. “Her lecture struck a chord with the audience, particularly with the students. Everyone was enthralled by the stories that made up her rich career and life.” Halfway through the presentation, Ms. Flack asked who among the student body sang or played a musical instrument. She then stressed the importance of confidence and challenged a student to perform in front of the entire audience. Thom Hart ’12 answered the call by singing a rendition of The House of the Rising Sun by The Animals. Tom Heubusch ’12 accompanied him on the piano. Ms. Flack continued with her message of confidence and empowerment. “If you know what you are doing, you have to do it with so much impunity,” she said. “When you are confident, no matter what you do, you can make it work.”
Lindsay Jerry-Collins ’12 (far right) with mother, Sharon Jerry-Collins P’12 and godmother, Roberta Flack
She then played two selections from her latest CD, Let It Be Roberta: Roberta Flack Sings the Beatles, and closed the evening with a stirring performance of her famous hit, Killing Me Softly With His Song.
Four long-time faculty members were honored with faculty chairs, recognizing excellence in teaching and dedicated service: (From left to right) Andrew Richards (Class of ’55 Distinguished Teaching Award), Karen Lincoln (Noto Family Chair for Dedicated Service), and Ed Small (Zarrow Chair for Math and Science). Missing: Rod Theobald (Wallace H. Rowe Chair in Critical Expression).
Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Gunnery Drama Society’s fall production featured Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso meeting at a local bar called the Lapin Agile. Both are on the verge of producing vital pieces of work: Einstein’s theory of relativity and Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. Through the play, they have lengthy debates on talent, art and scholarly genius.“Staging this play stays with our tradition of exposing our students to a wide variety of theater,” said Jennifer Wojcik, Director of The Gunnery’s Performing Arts Department. “Over the years, our productions have spanned the gamut from the classics to the contemporary.” The Drama Society followed this up with a rollicking production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
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The annual freshman class trip to Lake Placid was a great success. The Class of 2015 and faculty chaperones drove up from campus with an overnight stop in Lake George for three days of winter fun. Activities, organized by Class Deans Caitie Cotton and Elliot Fisher, included skating, skiing, swimming in the hotel pool, a pizza party, bowling, and broomball at the Olympic rink.
Caitie Cotton’s History II class blends intellectual texts with practical handson exercises. Students examine numerous cultures and their respective religions. To date, she and her class have had lengthy discussions on Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, and Taoism. For the latter, she led her class through Tai Chi. “All the kids had to research one of the Tai Chi moves,” said Caitie. “Everyone demonstrated their move. The rest of the class got to practice it. They were split up into groups and fused the moves together. They also had a chance to make up their own moves.” The students were also exposed to meditation and yoga.
Log on to www.gunnery.org to read more news and updates on dorm challenges, Diversity Week, and other on campus events.
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OFFcampus
New York
Chicago
Classmates Ali (Noto) Carlin ’97 and Omar Slowe ’97 reunite
Caitlin Bridges ’05 with guest, Tina Novakovich
Chelsea Stuart, Associate Director of the Annual Fund poses with Gunnery Council Members Brian Saltzman ’84 and Peter Bergen ’84
Tim Chilleri ’04 poses with Randy McGregor ’09
Log on to www.gunnery.org to view more photos from our alumni/parent receptions.
Josh Feil ’98 (middle) with Ed P ’03 & ’06 and Nulty ’03 White
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New Orleans
Emily Sandefer ’08 reunites with Seth Low, Director of College Counseling and Susan Graham
New Jersey
New Orleans reception host (and Gunnery Trustee) Richard C. Colton ’60 and guest
Boston
Sheila Boyd ’92 with Jim Graham, Associate Director, Major Gifts
Susan Graham catches up with former students, Mike Lane ’08, Willie Charleton ’08, Jesse Greenstein ’07, and Andrew Bagley ’07
Susan Graham with former Trustee, James Ward ’48
Dr & Mrs. Richard Kemp GP ’12 connect with Jack Reynolds ’68
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College Counseling Office Update:
Nearly $200,000 has been raised! $200,000 to go!
F
inal architectural renderings are complete and the entire community is eager for the first shovel to go in the ground for an expanded College Counseling Office. Several alumni and parents have stepped up to the plate to get us half way to our goal of $400,000. Special thanks to Mr. Ronald Lipetz ’58 (pictured below) for his leadership gift of $100,000. Once funds are raised, the project should take roughly six months to complete. Seth Low, Director of College Guidance, comments: “I am extremely excited about expanding The Gunnery’s College Counseling Office. As the role of the College Counseling has grown over recent years, the demands on our current space have exceeded our square footage. Not only does our office host more than 100 individual visits from college and university representatives during the fall term, year-round it is bustling with students and parents who need our guidance
and support during the search and application process. In addition, the counseling aspect of our jobs necessitates a degree of confidentiality – something we have achieved by juggling office space with our neighbors in the Admissions Office. We have served students and families very well despite our physical constraints. I look forward to moving to a space that will allow us to continue to grow our services to families and aid in the process of finding great college homes for our graduates. Thank you to everyone who is involved in this project.” If you have questions or want to learn about how to help, please call Laura Eldridge, Director of Advancement at 860-868-7334, or email eldridgel@gunnery.org
Ron Lipetz ’58 Gives to College Counseling Office Project Ron Lipetz ’58, a long-time Gunnery supporter, recently made a generous gift of $100,000 to the College Counseling Office Project. When asked why he gave to his alma mater, Ron’s response was short and simple: “Because the school needed it.” “I’ve had a deep-seated affection for The Gunnery since my first interview with (former Gunnery headmaster) Mr. Ogden D. Miller in the spring of 1954,” said Ron. “Mr. Miller was an extremely impressive man. My father and I liked the school. The school has been extremely influential in my success in college, my profession, and retirement. Barely a day goes by that I don’t think of something Mr. Miller, Mr. (Edward) Buxton, or Mr. (Wally) Rowe said or advised.” A Bequest Society member and recipient of The Gunnery’s Alumni Award in 2003, Ron serves as a class agent and donates regularly to the school’s Annual Fund. Laura Eldridge, Director of Advancement, remarks, “Ron is so loyal. He comes to our events with this unconditional affection for the school and sense of camaraderie with guests and alumni regardless of when they graduated.”
Ron Lipetz ‘ 58 with Susan Graham receiving the Alumni of the Year Award in 2003
One memory vividly stands out in Ron’s mind. He recalls, at fourteen-years-old, he heard Walter Gordon Merritt, class of 1896; speak at the 1955 Commencement ceremony. Mr. Merritt said, “If you have ambition, and I hope you have, let it be a gnawing ambition to be useful somehow, somewhere, and at some level; a gnawing ambition that the world be a better place for you having lived in it.” Ron lives by this statement and uses it as his primary motivator to give back. “If you have the same love for the school that I have, you will give to the school.”
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Cynthia and Edsel Ford II Establish The Susan G. Graham Fund for Educational Excellence with a $500,000 Gift
Susan Graham with Edsel ’68 and Cynthia Ford
E
dsel ’68 and Cynthia Ford announce the endowment of The Susan G. Graham Fund for Educational Excellence with their leadership gift of $500,000. The endowment recognizes Susie for her extraordinary achievements at the school, including 46 completed capital projects, an endowment that has increased twenty-fold, a world-class curriculum that boasts honors courses in every subject, sixteen AP courses, and increasingly successful college placement in the last quarter century.
to educational excellence, and ensures that Susie’s legacy will be remembered in perpetuity.
The list of accomplishments is impressive but what was important for the Fords to recognize was Susie’s ability to galvanize the entire school community’s focus on the essential values of Frederick W. Gunn’s educational mission. “The Gunnery fills a niche for kids who want to be part of a tight and close-knit community,” said Edsel.
“Cynthia and Edsel Ford have followed Susie’s career for a long time and have been great admirers of her leadership,” said Stephen W. Baird ’68, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “Their endowed gift in honor of Susie is the perfect recognition that will live on year after year. The Gunnery is thankful to the Fords for their generosity that will benefit the school community in the years to come.”
This gift will permanently endow The Susan G. Graham Endowed Fund for Educational Excellence. It honors Susie’s distinguished leadership, recognizes the Fords’ commitment
“In the early 90s, Edsel came home with rave reviews about the new Head of The Gunnery,” said Cynthia. “What I love about Susie and respect more than anything is that she is a woman who is common-sense oriented. Susie means what she says and she gets the job done. My conversations with Susie over the years have been learning experiences for me, filled with wonderful, dynamic, and interesting ideas.”
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CLASSnotes The Bourne Administration Building What does the Bourne administration building have to do with the development of the sewing machine? Alfred Bourne bought the first summer house in Washington and converted it to a 40-room Tudor mansion with the help of his wife’s brother Richard Barnes, an architect. He was the son of Frederick Bourne who was the person who made Isaac Singer’s invention, the sewing machine, a commercial success.
1947
1
65th Reunion
Frank Gavel writes, “My wife, Carol, drove
me 360 miles (one way) to Colby College on June 4, 2011, for my 60th college reunion on the condition that we stop at L.L. Bean on the way home.”
1948
2
Joe Hyde and Bruce Bradshaw ’51 had a
mini-reunion on Block Island with Len Lombardi in October 2011.
1950
3
Richard Carey was elected selectman of the Town of Washington in November 2011. He already serves on the Planning Commission, the Board of Tax Assessment Review, and the Republican Town Committee.
1952
60th Reunion
1955 1 Joe Hyde ’68, Len Lombardi ’48 and Bruce Bradshaw ’51 2 The craftsmanship of Philip Houck ’55 3 A mini-reunion for the class of 1957
Congratulations to Philip Houck for being featured in Fine Woodworking magazine. You can view it online at www.finewoodworking.com.
1957
55th Reunion
Forwarded by Charlie Smith: “Graduates from the Gunnery class of 1957 who live in the San Francisco area have been meeting on a regular basis for the past several years. Core members include Fred Fields, Sev Marsted, Dave Oberweiser, Bruce Owen, and Peter Smith. (A good representation for such a small class) The initial idea was to help with planning for our 50th reunion, back in 2007, just as we are now looking forward to our 55th. Calling ourselves the Bay Boys of ’’57, we have in the meantime been gathering just to catch up with each other, trade tall tales, and exchange memories from our long-ago youth. We debate politics, economics, and the state of modern society; since we are so boisterous, we have to meet in an outdoor cafe. Underneath it all, we are struck by the strength of The Gunnery bond. It has bequeathed us with a precious and lively tradition.”
1962
50th Reunion
Stoney Bird came from Washington state with his daughter Elizabeth to a family reunion memorial for his mother, Betty, in Hartford last fall. Afterward, he, his sister Tippy and his brother Norman visited
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the archives for research on their Barnes relatives. They are descendants of Richard S. Barnes, class of 1866, a student of Frederick Gunn’s and many other relatives attended The Gunnery.
1963
1977
35th Reunion
1982
30th Reunion
4
Bonnie Carlson-Phillips has moved from
From an article in the Madison County (VA) News, we learned of Lon Holmberg’s enduring interest in photography. Having pursued his boyhood interest while at The Gunnery for the newspaper, he continued as a staff photographer in Vietnam during the war. That stint included serving as staff photographer for General Creighton Abrams. While there, he also developed an interest in documentary filming, which he has pursued with two PBS spcials. Having gotten his B.A. in English from the University of Virginia and his Ph.D. in English from the University of New Mexico, Lon has developed courses integrating the visual and the written word, as well as teaching commercial photography on the college level. Tom Hambury retired in July from Cornell University as Director of Executive Programs at the Johnson School. He teaches part time with the Cornell Master’s Program in Real Estate and at the Simon Graduate School of Business at the University of Rochester.
1964 Despite a year of courageously battling a virulent lung cancer, John Soper remembered his contribution to the Annual Fund. Friends marveled at his humor and persistant good spirits as he documented his fight in regular emails. Sadly, he lost his fight last June.
1967
45th Reunion
1972
40th Reunion
1976 Elected to the Athletic Hall of Fame for his long-distance running, Patrick O’Neil brought his daughter Georgia to see the campus. Following in her father’s footsteps, she was the 2010 Class S state champion on the 4X800 meter team for Valley Regional High School. As you can see, she sports Gunnery gear at her meets.
Moscow to Switzerland, where she is a Public Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. “My portfolio covers the Geneva public relations for disarmament, biological weapons and cluster munitions ... and other stuff. A slight move away from teaching English and sex ed to middle-schoolers.”
5
Sally Houldin Cornell joined Klemm Real
Estate in April 2011.
1985 G. Alexander Karman lives in the south
of France, where he is married and has three children. He works as a freelance conference interpreter and translator.
1987
25th Reunion
1992
20th Reunion
Sheila Boyd announced the arrival of her daughter, Alyssa Mackenzie (born Nov. 20, 2011), weighing 4 pounds, 2 ounces. “She is a night-owl, and wants to party every morning around 12:30 a.m. She’s also an avid football and N.Y. Giants fan.”
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1993 Lamar Villere and wife, Michelle, are the
proud parents of Mathilde Bernard Villere, born last Sept. 20. She joins a brother, George, and sisters, Cora and Molly. Andrew Corsasro is the Director of Security and Emergency Management for a hospital system in Georgia. He is also a partner in a pharmecutical security consulting firm. Utilizing his experience as a major crimes investigator, Andrew, along with his father, Frank, wrote the novel, The Hunting Hour.
1997
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As reported by Chris Picirillo, Assistant Sports Editor at The Courier, Chris Barry, who played football, basketball, and baseball for North Haven, has the chance
4 Stoney Bird ’62 and family 5 Alyssa Mackenzie, daughter of Sheila Boyd ’92 6 Lamar Villere’s ’93 children from l. to r. George, Cora, Molly and new sister Mathilde 7 Georgia O’Neil
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1998 Christopher Essex married Margaret Hasbrouck on Oct. 22, 2011, in South Windsor, Connecticut.
On October 20, 2011, Clifford Yang ’98 married Yoon Hee Maeng at the Ritz Carlton in Seoul, South Korea.
1999
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From an article in the Republican American we learned: “Having graduated from Amherst in 2003 and the University of Washington in 2007, Dr. Amanda Mae Fretts received her doctorate in epidemiology from the University of Washington in June 2011.” Amanda’s mother, Jane Cammilletti, added to our notes, saying that Amanda is continuing her research as a senior research fellow at the University of Washington Department of medicine. Nicholas George married Megan Lynn
Schemenauer in Watertown on Aug. 20, 2011. He received his B.A. in finance from Villanova University and is employed in sales and trading at Jeffries and Co. The couple lives in Norwalk. Cheryl Messina married Bryan Tafel on
Oct. 22, 2011.
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The November issue of The Glass Hammer by Melissa Anderson had advice for senior professional women from Simone Koo who lives in London and is the deputy chief operating officer for European Equities with Morgan Stanley.
2002
1 The Hunting Hour by father-son team, Frank and Andrew ’93 Corsaro 2 Doug Baker ’96 found reason to wear his Marine dress uniform when he visited his parents with his wife, Kate, over the holidays 3 Michael Messina ’97 and wife, Lauren Zingali 4 Clifford Yang ’98 and Yoon Hee Maeng 5 Bryan and Cheryl (Messina) Tafel ’99 6 Dr. Amanda Mae Fretts ’99 received her doctorate in epidemiology at the University of Washington in June 2011 7 Adam Criscuolo’s ’03 latest furniture design.
2000
to build a new set of relationships – while also building a program – as he was recently named head coach of the North Haven Indians’ girls’ basketball squad. “I am ecstatic to coach North Haven girls’ basketball, and already see a lot of positive energy and potential in this program,” says Chris, 33, who teaches physical education at North Haven Middle School. Stephen and Ali Noto Carlin welcomed Brooks Christopher on June 21, 2011. He weighed in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces. Michael Messina married Lauren Zingali on
Nov. 19, 2011, in Naples, Florida.
10th Reunion
Christopher Farrell married Marisa Christine Svalsteedt in the art gallery of St. Clement’s Castle in Portland, Connecticut, on Oct. 31, 2010.
The wedding of Merice McKennzie Zeale and William Joseph Ostruzka on Apr. 30, 2011 was featured in Greenwich Magazine. They were married at the Sanctuary Hotel in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Merice is an assistant audience coordinator for the Jerry Springer Show. W. Jed Stuart married Chelsea King on July 29, 2011, in Lake George, NY. They are a team on The Gunnery campus. He’s Associate Director of Admissions and
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she’s Associate Director, Annual Fund, in Advancement. Camilla Pittman wrote to say that she is living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, “an amazing town just south of Cancun right on the Caribbean ocean. I’m working as an ESL teacher.” She also enjoys scuba diving.
2003 Adam Criscuolo sent Tom Hollinger a
photo of his latest work to be included in his thesis with the following description: “I only document works that fit into the discussion body of my proposed thesis topic. The proposed topic is, “Design through aesthetic experience: Aisthesis and the significance of domestic objects.” Here’s the first piece that I’m proud to say “fits within the framework of my proposed thesis.” The piece is titled: “Wave Stand.” It is an end table; the design is derived from the movement of an ocean wave-inspired by surfing with my brother. Materials: pink oak and extruded acrylic. Dimensions 21”H by 18”deep by 15.5” wide. Daren Daniels has been admitted to
Patrick DePeters placed first among the Bank of Tokyo runners at the JPMorgan Chase & Co. Corporate Challenge in Central Park last June. This is a world-wide series of 3.5-mile running events open to groups of employees from organizations within the business and public sectors. The JPMorgan Corporate Challenge strives to make a difference through a donation to a nonprofit organization in each host city, to be announced in July.
2006 Pat Capella finished his Masters in
Accounting at the University of Buffalo. He works for Freed Maxick & Battaglia as a Tax Staff Accountant. “I have passed three of the four parts to the CPA exam. I’m living out in Orchard Park right now, but will probably make the move to the Northtowns next summer if I am still in Buffalo.”
2007
Heather Bell graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies from St. Lawrence University in May 2011. She lives in Southbury and works for Brandon Dufour’s ’02 driver’s education company. Heather’s plan is to go on to graduate school in environmental studies.
Alan Bain ’55 sent along a congratulatory letter sent by Andrew Hobart’s
Paul Henne has graduated from Lake Forest
2004 Bart Conant married Carolyn B. McFee on
July 30, 2011, in Brookfield, Connecticut. A strong Gunnery contingent attended the wedding: l. to r. Nelly Simmons ’11, Cole Claiborne ’04, Justin Sherman ’04, Stephanie Conant ’06, Chas Hollinger ’04 and Phillip Hollinger ’01. The couple is living in Newtown. Having graduated from Gettysburg College with a degree in business management, Bart is a representative at Echo Bay Marina in Brookfield.
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5th Reunion
the Massachusetts Bar and is awaiting admission to the District of Columbia Bar. He is an environmental law L.L.M. student at The George Washington University Law School. This spring he will participate in the Honors Law Internship Program at the U.S. EPA in Washington, D.C.
commanding officer, Lt. Col. Scoville Currin, in the Middle East to Andrew’s parents. Among other honors, Andrew was promoted to Senior Airman “Below-theZone” which is one of the Air Force’s most competitive acchievements. He won the Wing’s Flightline Safety Award on a base of 10,000 people and was the squadron’s Airman of the month. The Gunnery is proud of its alums.
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College with a B.A. degree in Philosophy and English Literature. Benjamin Metcalf graduated from Colby
College with a degree in English and Government in May 2011. Mike O’ Brien graduated from Hobart in the spring of 2011 and played varsity lacrosse. In the season-ending Block H Awards Dinner, Mike was honored with the William C Stiles ’’43 Memorial Award for leadership, determination and character. A two-year starter on defense, Mike switched to short-stick defensive midfielder this season. He played in every game. In his 51 career games, Mike collected 75 ground balls and caused 22 (third all-time off the field), he was a Dean’s List student and a member of Chimera, the junior class honor society, as well as being active in the Geneva, N.Y., community. Mike moved last fall to Hampton, Virginia, and accepted a job as an upper school biology teacher/ middle school geography teacher and head coach of the varsity lacrosse team at Hampton Roads Academy in Newport
8 W. Jed ’02 and Chelsea (King) Stuart 9 Bart Conant’s ’04 wedding – Pictured Nellie Simmons ’11, Cole Claiborne ’04, Justin Sherman ’04, Stephanie Conant ’06, Chas Hollinger ’04, and Philip Hollinger ’01 10 Kelley Davies ’07 in the Austrian newspaper
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News. He will assist with varsity football in the fall.
1
Max Matschke, a German exchange student, wrote Tom Hollinger in January: “Just this week I have arrived in NYC. I’ll spend the next five months here as a visiting scholar at Columbia Business School.” He hoped to visit campus during his stay. Kelley Davies’ parents wrote to say she is
playing women’s hockey (professional) in Austria. “She loves it in Austria.” She also wrote an article for the Austrian local newspaper, which appears on page 29 with her photo and the American flag. She is going to write Inside Articles after each game, and they will be published in the newspaper.
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Jim Graham has heard from Matt Helderman that he has created a film. He loves filmmaking which he learned at Lake Forest College. Jim says it has been packaged and is actually selling at WalMart and Target. For more information see www.thealumnichapter.com.
2008
4
1 Members of the 2012 young alumni college panel: Emily Bell ’08, Sarah Macary ’07, Kirsten Spellman ’06, Kara Grogan ’07, and Kevin Shaughnessy ’09. These former students returned to give current students tips for the college preparation process and college adjustment, among other topics. 2 It’s never too late to start preparing a future Highlander: Evan, brother of Jack Gregg ’12 and Douglas Gregg ’14 received Gunnery gear for Christmas. 3 James Ashton Graham IV 4 Brennan Michael Sisk 5 Mark Conklin and his bride, Allison Croft
5
Faculty member Richard Martin picked up some news about Chance Logan on the Georgetown website. Chance was selected for the Academic All-Patriot League Football Team, when the honors were announced in December. The Academic All-Patriot League Team is in its second season to honor additional student-athletes, who excel both on and off the field. The Football Academic All-Patriot League Team recognized fourteen student-athletes, including Kayal and Logan, who must have at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average and be a starter or key player on his team. Kristina Roberts graduated in December from Stetson University with a B.A. in Humanities. She applied to six law schools, and by December had been accepted to three, still waiting to hear back from the others.”The semester before I start law school I will be working and living at Disney. I’m just really excited about where my life is and where it is going.” Emily Bell plans to graduate from Colgate University in May with a degree in Physics. She’s playing varsity lacrosse and applying to graduate school programs in architecture.
2009
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Pat Loglisci has received the Pappy Parker Players Award from the State University of New York at Binghamton. The award is given to a student pursuing a career in improvisation or comedy.
From an article The Danbury News Times, Private Jeffrey McKee has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma. He is with the Army National Guard. Kevin Shaughnessy brought us up-to-date
when he attended the College Alumni Day on campus in January. He’s attending Bates College doing a double major in math and physics. He’s also playing varsity football and club lacrosse.
2010 We read in the Watertown Town Times that Dan Zoldy, a freshman at Connecticut College, was awarded the John S. King Travel Scholarship to support intensive summer language study in Germany. Dan taught himself German as part of an ISP and particpated in the Translation Club while a student at The Gunnery.
2011 Steve Bailey reported that Chao Liu is really enjoying the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She says she works hours in collaborative groups on Physics and Multivariable Calculus, saying that the only way she can finish the “problem sets” (pset) is by working together. Even then, it takes about six hours a pset. She is also trying out for the school pistol team.
Faculty Susie and Jim Graham welcomed their second grandchild, James Ashton “Ash” Graham IV, born Dec. 11, 2011, to their son James and his wife, Kelly.
Michelle and Jarrod Sisk welcomed a brother, Brennan Michael, for their daughter, Emma. Brennan was born Dec. 16, 2011, weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces. Mark Conklin married Alison Croft on July
9, 2011, in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. After a cocktail reception on the dining hall terrace, they had their wedding reception in the Virginia Hamilton Solley Dining Hall and an informal after-party on the terrace behind Bourne. They spent their honeymoon in St. Lucia.
The Eanes family gathered in Cincinnati to celebrate the marriage of Laura Eanes Martin’s ’90 brother Christopher to KellyAnn Nelson on December 30, 2011. Former headmaster Michael and his wife, Susan, Christopher and KellyAnn, Laura and her husband, Richard Martin, and their children, Isabel, Luke and Amelia, all participated in the festivities. David Shaffer, Advanced Placement Calculus teacher, was elected to the New Milford Board of Education last November.
Former Faculty Susan Eanes recently updated us on the
Eanes family. “After a wonderful school year in Menlo Park, California, where (Former Gunnery Head of School) Michael Eanes P’90 was Interim Head at Phillips Brooks School, we returned home to Litchfield, Connecticut, in July 2011. Almost immediately, Michael began another interim headship, this time at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, South Carolina, a pre-K through 12 school of about 850 students. Meanwhile, I am catching up with family and friends, spending time both in Connecticut and South Carolina. On Dec. 30, our son Christopher married KellyAnn Nelson in Cincinnati Ohio, with our three grandchildren as attendants. Christopher is the Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Boys Choir. KellyAnn is the Director of Education and Outreach for the choir. They will be touring in the Los Angeles area in the spring (http://cincinnatiboychoir. org/about-the-cincinnati-boychoir) and Gunnery alums are welcome at their concerts. Michael may do another interim headship next year – which would bring the total to nine. We thoroughly enjoy the variety of schools, the different challenges, and the various locations we’ve gotten to explore during these years. As always, we appreciate keeping up with The Gunnery
community past and present. (Sfeanes@ gmail.com; Michaelneanes@aol.com)
IN MEMORIAm The Gunnery community is saddened by the loss of many cherished sons this past year and sends its condolences to their friends and families: James M. Anson ’70 Joseph K. Babcock ’45 7/18/2011 Baxter Ball ’65 2/13/2011 Chuck Deedman ’65 4/6/2011 Donald L. Hills ’39 8/4/2011 Andrew Masterbone ’55 1/1/2012 James Nemec ’72 7/7/2011 Leo Pickett ’38 7/7/2011 Colin E. Smith ’55 12/5/2011 John C. Soper ’64 6/18/2011 Ranulf Ueland ’50 9/26/2011
Why do you give to the Annual Fund? “ I participate so we can get as close to 100% of the senior class as possible. It’s important to show we recognize the awesome experience we had and give back so other kids can have the same.” – Andrew DePaulis ’12
“ I give to the Annual Fund because The Gunnery taught me some of the most valuable lessons I have learned. You can’t put a monetary value on that, but you can help to ensure that The Gunnery will continue to grow and thrive for generations to come.” – Alyse Dufrour ’07
“ As I became aware that many people gave so I could be a student at The Gunnery, I realized I, too, needed to do my share.”
“ I want to stay part of The Gunnery community and continue to see it thrive. Giving to the Annual Fund is one way I can help.”
–F rank Macary ’77,
– Andrea Marron ’04
Parent ’03, ’05, ’07, ’15
“ We decided to increase our gift this year because we appreciate what the school has done for us during our 35 years at The Gunnery.” –E d & Peg Small, Faculty Family
Donors give for a variety of reasons. What’s yours? Join others and give today by visiting the Support Us page @ www.gunnery.org Or send back the enclosed reply envelope.
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• Call to Gunnery •
Artists
Collectors
The Gunnery seeks artists and collectors to donate artwork to help establish The Endowed Fund for the Visual and Performing Arts. You can help in two ways:
1
Calling all Gunnery Alumni Artists! Donate your original artwork for our Silent Art Auction to be held on Alumni Weekend, June 8-9, 2012.
Submissions are due April 6, 2012 to be considered by our distinguished jury.
2
Calling all Gunnery Alumni Collectors!
Donate premier artwork or another collectible for auction at Sotheby’s.
Sotheby’s will facilitate auctions on behalf of The Gunnery with proceeds benefitting The Endowed Fund for the Visual and Performing Arts. Art, wines, antiques and jewelry are all being sought.
The Endowed Fund for the Visual and Performing Arts will provide valuable resources to: • e stablish gallery space in existing campus facilities; • c onsolidate the visual and performing arts libraries; • f und modest facility upgrades; •p rovide stipends for visiting artists and lecturers; • e nable the departments to hire part-time adjunct instructors to increase art and music instruction • o ffer financial aid for music lessons to students in need.
“
During Susie Graham’s tenure, she demonstrated a true commitment to both the Visual and Performing Arts programs. As a hands-on Head of School, Susie is always seen at concerts, drama productions and recitals, and thanks and congratulates each student personally for their growth and achievement. Her attention and commitment to the arts have been contagious. Both students and faculty have become more excited about our programs.” – Jennifer Wojcik, Performing Arts Chair
For details, contact Alex Ince at incea@gunnery.org or (860) 868-7334 x253, or go to www.gunnery.org
he
Gunnery Bulletin |
SPRING 2012
T
features 2
Celebrating Susan G. Graham
14
The Senior Seminar
15
Kirsten Peckerman Treasured
16
On Campus Fundraisers
24
College Counseling Office Update
25
The Susan G. Graham Fund
departments 18 AT H LETIC S 20
O N CA M P U S
22
O F F CA M P U S
26 C l a ss No t e s 31 I n M e mo r i a m
A production number from The Gunnery Drama Society’s winter musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
To minimize impact on the environment, this magazine was printed on paper made with 30 percent post-consumer waste fiber processed with environmental chlorine-free sources and certified by SmartWood for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards. The inks used throughout this piece contain a high proportion of renewable vegetable-based ingredients, low Volatile Organic Compounds content and extremely low heavy metal content.
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Alumni Weekend 2012 J
une
8th-10th
Reunions are a time to celebrate remembrances and lifelong friendships forged at The Gunnery with administrators, faculty, staff, and classmates. This year will be particularly meaningful as you and your classmates return to help write an important chapter in the school’s history as Susan Graham, Gunnery’s tenth Head of School, retires after twenty-one years of devoted service to your school. We invite you and your classmates to come to Alumni Weekend, to experience The Gunnery today, and to toast how far it has come under Susie’s leadership and how very bright its promise for the future is. For more information, please call Joan Hayes Davis at 860-868-7334 Ext. 203 or visit www.gunnery.org to register, view detailed schedule and receive updates.
Reconnect to your Gunnery