Class Notes

What have you been up to since you last were in touch with us? Drop us a line and tell us your news! Submit class notes to clementj@frederickgunn.org or fill out the form at GoGunn.org/classnotes.

= Celebrated reunion in June 2021

Faith and Bob Hyde ’48

1948

Bob Hyde and his wife, Faith, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year!

1950

Ogden D. Miller, Jr. P’84 was moving in August, “from Washington, D.C. to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to be closer to my family: daughter, Anne ’84 and her family, eldest grandson Tyler, 31, and his fiancée, granddaughter Shelby, and great grandchildren, Scarlett 5 and Connett 2. My email address and cell phone remain the same.”

1951

Bruce Bradshaw shared some exciting news in June: “Oldest son, Tucker, and wife, Eugenia (five kids) had an exciting spring with #2 son becoming a doctor (physical therapist), #3 son about to get second tryout with the Canadian Football League (Wipeout), and #4 daughter graduated and landed a job with the New York Mets.”

1953

Jim Kenefick P’79 wrote: “I continue to work as a Judge Trial Referee — Judicial Department — State of Connecticut in the Family Court Division.”

1954

Malcolm Bird sent a real-time update after U.S. and NATO forces withdrew from Afghanistan: “Through my ESL teaching, I’ve had a phone link to a woman in the throng outside the Kabul airfield. She is with her husband and two young sons. They spend the night on the floor of a crowded mosque where she, the men and children are each segregated. At first light, they check if any of them has been taken during the night by the Taliban. Back in the heat at the airport they hope, based solely on rumors, that rescue comes soon enough.”

1955

David Bancroft shared an update about his children: “The School did a very generous interview of me in the Spring 2021 Bulletin (page 58), and I did not mention any of our three children! Jennifer graduated from U.C. Berkeley, and then, with her business executive husband, sailed down to South America, then across and around the Pacific for four years on their boat, and is now a San Francisco suburban mom of three. James rowed for and graduated from UCLA, is a veteran computer graphic artist in Hollywood, mountain climber and inveterate traveler; married to a USC professor and father of two teenagers. Jessica graduated from Northwestern after service as a teacher’s assistant in a village school in the Himalayan foothills of India, and is now married to an ER doctor in the Chicago area, and with him has three children and a soybean and corn farm nearby. (Sorry, kids, for not having mentioned you guys!)”

Ogden D. Miller, Jr.’s ’50 P’84 grandchildren (left to right): Harlan, Christopher and Berkeley Miller. “They are students at Ole Miss, Arkansas and Missouri. Their parents are my son, Christopher, who graduated from Tulane and is a real estate figure in Dallas, and his wife, Patti. Christopher was born in Saigon when I served there. The five beautiful Labradors are (left to right): Beau (who died last April), Kato, Hippie, Tucker-Monfils, and Emma.”

1956

Colin Colston shared a pandemic update from across the pond: “The last 18 months have been difficult in England as lockdown has been long and tedious. We are lucky to have a garden and live within walking distance of Salisbury Cathedral. We got both our COVID-19 jabs in the cathedral with wonderful organ music playing as we did so. We got to Worcester Cathedral on Easter Day, and so could hear the sermon by the bishop, who is married to our daughter, H-J. We have just had five days in Cornwall with glorious weather and special walks along the coast and through historic gardens. Great to be able to go away for the first time in nearly two years. Warmest greetings to members of the Class of ’56.”

Jerry LeVasseur is still competing and setting records: “This year we started to get live road races back in Maine but there had not been a USATF National Masters track meet for a year and a half until July 22-25 in Ames, Iowa. It was well run and with the virus rules we felt safe. Since our club, New England 65 Plus Runners Club, had set national 80-84 club records in the indoor 4 X 400 and 4 X 800, we put together a team for the outdoor 4 X 400 and 4 X 800 in Ames, where we set new national records. We also placed first in the 4 X 100. I placed second in the triple jump and fifth in the steeplechase. It was a fun time.”

1957

Tom Braman, great-great grandson of Frederick Gunn, shared some family history, inspired by the letter Mr. Gunn wrote to his father-in-law, Daniel Brinsmade, from Goldsboro, North Carolina, in 1843. Two of his sisters, Louisa Gunn Andrews and Sarah (Sally) Gunn Pike, had married and moved to Goldsboro, and Mr. Gunn went there to see and study slavery first-hand. “The Gunns in North and South Carolina, as far as I know, fought for the Confederacy during the war. (I have looked at all of these bits and pieces of genealogy from the 1600s to present day. Surprisingly, Gunns were all over the place in Europe, too. More than a dozen were at Waterloo and the name would turn up from time to time at British military cemeteries from WWI and II. As I recall, the national service memorial at Edinburgh Castle lists more than 40 Gunns killed in the two wars — a hell of a price to pay for such a small clan.)”

“I guess it’s a fact that it is difficult for the students to find heroes these days and maybe that’s the way it goes,” Braman continued. “I’m not so sure I was very concerned about idols when I was at The Gunnery. We always had ‘Ike’ to rely on. The election of 1960 was turning the page, so to speak. I met JFK in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at a rally, shook his hand, was hooked, and headed for Washington ASAP. By the time I got there, however, he was gone and LBJ occupied the White House. I got to personally meet him in 1966 and answer some questions on Latin America. It was all very interesting for a very young CIA officer. (No Washington heroes, however, in the Vietnam situation.)”

Braman worked under six subsequent presidents, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and met Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher — twice. “The second meeting was when I was called down for an evening session at 10 Downing Street. I was notified at the last minute and had to drive across London to the PM’s residence. I pulled up to the entrance of

Peter Smith ’57 was happy to report that Oxford University Press has released his latest (and last) book, entitled “Talons of the Eagle: Latin America, the United States, and the World,” fifth edition (2021). “Written with university students in mind, but suitable to the FGS library (I think),” he said.

the street in my blue Honda Accord and asked the guard where I could park. He said, ‘Are you the Yank?’ He then pointed to a spot right in front of the residence. How I wish I had a picture of that old car in front of 10 Downing Street. I walked in to murmured greetings in the back of the room and then the PM looked up and said, ‘Is the American here?’ After my ‘Yes,’ she said ‘Let’s get on with it.’ The Iron Lady was indeed an Iron Lady.”

Peter H. Smith has continued productive work while in retirement (and without pay). His latest project is the fifth (and final) edition of his book “Talons of the Eagle,” an interpretive study of U.S. relations with Latin America from the beginnings to the present (Oxford University Press, 2021). It exposes American history as a complex tale combining big-power domination with ideological invocations of justice and democracy.

On a personal level, Peter reports that his children and grandchildren are happy and well. Son Jonathan is a banker in San Francisco, Peter Jr. is a lawyer in Denver, daughter Sasha is studying to become a physician’s assistant and Amanda is about to begin a graduate program in management. “They fill my breast with heartfelt pride,” said the doting dad. “They all work to make the world a better place.”

1958

From Thomas Archbald we heard: “I’m well, working as a marriage and family therapist in my garden office behind the garage. I’ve been married to Manuel Márquez for 25 years, more or less. A shout-out to John Schwabacher and Russell Chubb, who I gather are still around. Hope they are both doing well.”

George Moseley has been busy. “I have not submitted alumni notes for several years,

Steve Bent ’59 and Mike Renkert ’59 during a streamside break in the action

so I have some catching up to do. I live in Cambridge, Massachusetts, so that I can be near the Harvard School of Public Health, where I have taught for most of my career. For the last 10 years I also have been a Visiting Professor in Healthcare Management at Strathmore Business School in Nairobi, Kenya. More recently, I have given presentations on health care reform in Argentina and Gaza City, Palestine. I have written several textbooks on health care strategic planning and legal compliance. Three years ago, with some colleagues at MIT and Harvard, I began forming a new venture that will apply AI technologies to the automation of the strategic planning function performed by most corporations in the world: https:// ai-driven-strategy.com/. For the last decade or so, I have paddled with the Harvard University dragon boat racing team.”

1959

Steve Bent shared an update: “Now that I am a Florida resident I see Bill Plotkin a couple of times a winter. Bill is still certified as a PGA pro, is affiliated with a club in Stuart, Florida, and claims he can still shoot his age. In June, I flew out to Wyoming to spend some time fishing with Mike Renkert. The fishing was great and it was nice to be in the open spaces after months of lockdown.”

1960

Jeff Farrington shared this update: “This summer I recently traveled to Fort Bragg, California, to chaperone a summer camp for inner-city children from the Tenderloin of San Francisco. This is a very special time for these children, who rarely have the opportunity to travel from their homes in one of the most diverse and poorest areas of San Francisco. Homelessness, drugs, and poverty are rampant in the area. The summer camp provides the children with a safe place to play and to grow spiritually and socially. I am truly blessed to be associated with these youths and this ministry.”

Bob Brush ’64 and Karen Brush, and Scott McCampbell ’64 and Nina McCampbell in Maine

Andrew Littauer is enjoying life in Sarasota, “where among other things, I am completing the book I have been writing for years. (Yes, I procrastinate still.) Over oysters at lunch, I shared a catch-up afternoon with now fellow Sarasota 1960 classmate, Reginald Fawcett. Reflecting on life post-graduation, I see that I didn’t really appreciate its many chapters as I was living them, though I am happy to reflect back over 60 years now.”

1961

Tim Gaillard sent this note: “For about 10 years, I have been a team leader supporting the charity, LOVE 146, an anti-child trafficking organization whose motto is ‘End child trafficking and exploitation — now!’ As a fundraising idea I said, ‘Let’s have a tag sale on our church lawn.’ The $3,200 surprise intake went to LOVE146.com the next day via Vimeo. Love146.com — a very solid and deserving organization — just like The Frederick Gunn School!”

Marcy L. Sperry wrote in August: “Certainly sorry to have missed our class reunion, but I had a good excuse. One granddaughter had her high school graduation in New Hampshire on the Friday before our reunion, and the other granddaughter graduated from college on that Sunday in New York State. On Saturday, we drove from New Hampshire to New York. Hope all my fellow classmates had a fun time.”

1962

Sandy Van Sinderen finally retired from Montgomery Community College in Troy, North Carolina, at the end of 2019. “I was an instructor of English writing and literature, plus public speaking, since 1995. I am truly hopeful to be back to Gunn School for my 60th anniversary! (2022)”

1963

Bill Ambler was in California this summer. “Drove in June to San Diego to see son, Paul, finish as a United States Marine. Myself, I only made USAR in the ’60s, ducking my opportunity to step up to the plate. God bless.”

Bill Snydacker said: “After 41 years of living on the banks of the Mississippi in Iowa, my wife, Melissa, and I transplanted ourselves to the shores of Rantowles Creek just outside of Charleston, South Carolina. To our astonishment, we discovered we live around the corner from Gunn alum Tim Caroe ’77 P’10 ’10, and his wife, Kay P’10 ’10.”

Raymond White sent an August update: “Both of our daughters, having reached their 30s, now prefer to concede to human biology. One has already made us grandparents, on July 20, 2021: a boy.”

1964

Bob Brush and his wife, Karen, got together with Scott McCampbell and his wife, Nina, this summer at the McCampbell’s “camp” on Virginia Lake in Maine. “It was a time to reminisce about our years at the School and enjoy the solitude of the lake.”

1965

James Freedman wrote in late August: “Kate, my partner and wife of 44 years, and I live in Asheville, North Carolina. I still have my construction consulting business in Southwest Florida with no plans on retiring anytime soon. I have worked remotely before it was ever popular. Wishing all my classmates good health.”

Stephen Knight is still living in central Maine, “gardening, teaching some college classes, and working with immigrants. The virus has, of course, changed a lot as with everyone else … no more travel or visiting family in California. Oh well, I am still alive and healthy!”

Mike Sicher was reminiscing: “George Sheets and I used to exchange 007-inspired notes. For example, I might have sent him something like: ‘This note has been saturated with a deadly contact poison. Nice knowing you.’ His response might have been, ‘I keep a supply of a universal antidote so I was unaffected and was able to place a toxic gas in the ventilation system.’ Inappropriate? Not by the paradigms of the early sixties and our teen years. What a wonderful, easy camaraderie we shared, replete with kidding, caring, sharing, and the joys and pains of growing up. The nurturing environment of The Gunnery provided the kindling. We brought the spark. Miss you all.”

1966

Rick Lazar reflected: “We’ve evolved? From the sea to the land: in mid-August Deb and I moved off Kalliope, left the South Florida Caloosahatchee River ranch country, packed up the RAV4 and two pods, and headed back north to metro New York City. Will end remote-only work and go hybrid: part time at my Westbury office/part time remote via Teams. Allyson is still busy managing/enjoying Boston; Hillary is teaching/finishing Ph.D. at University of Pittsburgh (with son Benji, partner Brandon for company/support). Deb is handling the logistics of our transformation (trading ’gators for squirrels) while I continue to enjoy the heavy construction game. Had the pleasure of intermittently learning how to help out the reunion effort. Hopefully, I will attend next year — proximity helps. Best to ’66 and those keeping the Gunn School functioning and contributing to our society.”

Bill Post was hoping to hear from more of his classmates this summer. “But no luck, so this is all you get this time. Winnie Dwyer WR’67 and I are still ‘going steady’ and sharing the same address for 54 years … (Thanks, in part, to her sense of humor.) We are currently in the Netherlands aboard our 1932 barge. We managed to dodge the spring floods on the Rhine and hope to spend the winter in Amsterdam. We have both renewed our EU pilot’s licenses and I have been studying diesel mechanics and learning Dutch. We are healthy and trying to stay that way. Wishing all you Gunn ’66 guys would communicate better!!!”

1967

From Bruce Adams we heard: “After 34 years teaching and 10 years running a town, I am finally retired. Loved both jobs but am so glad I’m not doing either during COVID. Last year I sold my large house in Kent, Connecticut, and downsized to a much smaller house (so small I had to put on an addition) in Washington,

Rick Lazar ’66 left Caloosahatchee River ranch country for metro New York.

Bill Post ’66 and Winnie Dwyer WR’67 aboard their barge in the Netherlands. He said, “FYI, I am the one with short hair.”

where I grew up and attended The Gunnery as a day hop. Great memories every time I pass the former Gunnery baseball field. The campus looks great.”

Andrew Glantz said: “I’m sure that my past year and current life is similar to most of my classmates’ experiences. My wife, Roberta Adams, M.D., and I still live in the Phoenix area. She is a Mayo Clinic physician and is the Chief of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. We celebrated our 35th anniversary this August. I am still making furniture and furnishings, as well as teaching and writing about fine furniture. My kids are now over 50 — how does this happen? Their kids range from 15 to 28. Three are out of college and working, one grandson departed for a year of study abroad

in Seoul, Korea, last month, and the other two are in high school. Our normal travel plans have been on hold. We are scheduled to return to Indonesia in June of 2023 to snorkel in Cenderawasih, our third trip to the islands, and we are hoping to get back to Europe when we can travel safely again. I’d love to hear from classmates and our home is always open for visitors — as long as you have been vaccinated! Write to me at andy@zenith-design or call 480.432.0043.”

Bill Oman and his husband, Larry Crummer, circumnavigated Iceland in July. The two of them have already booked four more cruises, including another World Cruise. They were leaving on a 23-day land and river cruise from Prague and ending in Amsterdam September 5. They write: “The pandemic is a reminder to all of us how unpredictable life is and there is still much more we want to see and do before our ‘sell by’ date comes up.”

1968

David Coburn said: “I had the privilege of visiting School this past July and got a hosted tour of the whole campus, including the new Thomas S. Perakos Arts & Community Center (TPACC). My reaction? Wow! The annual Litchfield Jazz Camp was using the center while I was there, making the experience of touring it all the more realistic, with rehearsals going on in the auditorium, students practicing their instruments in the practice rooms and even impromptu singing groups rehearsing in the stairwell. This facility is absolutely spectacular. No corners cut, TPACC seems to have been equipped with quality everything. I urge my classmates and fellow alumni to not miss any opportunity to see this magnificent new building (perhaps at the dedication). Also, I was most impressed during my walk-around (thank you host, James LeBlanc), in how beautiful the whole campus seemed. Cheers and thanks to Peter Becker and his team for preserving the magic and beauty of our School.”

Bill Oman ’67 (right) and his husband Larry, got close to a glacier on a Zodiac Boat Tour in Iceland this July.

1969

Steve Browne welcomed two grandchildren in 2020. “Couldn’t get to one as Clara was born in locked-down New Zealand. Traveled to Kauai in June with Michele — our 42nd anniversary. Good times. Still working on motion picture marketing commercials (Marvel, Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, UA). Trying to get to Australia in spring next year. Two out of three children are now here in Southern California, so we see them and their spouses often. Oldest still resides in Wellington, New Zealand. Went to one Dodgers Game, but Delta variant scared us back into the house. Hope everyone is staying safe.”

1970

Roger Netzer ’71 shared a fascinating note about his pal, John Burstein. “He has had an inspiring and consequential career working with the contemporary Maya in Chiapas, Mexico, as a human rights activist, anthropologist, scholar, semiotician, writer and gallerist. John was a Gunnery star: first in his class, Harvard Prize, president of the Gunn Association, editor of the yearbook, etc. He went from The Gunnery to Harvard. At Harvard, he participated in the Anthropology Department’s Chiapas Project, a program that situated Harvard folk in Mexico to practice anthropology during the summer. Harvard’s Chiapas Project operated in San Cristobal de las Casas, an old colonial town in Chiapas. San Cristobal is ringed by hills, where the Maya still live and farm and maintain their traditional culture. John mastered the Mayan Tzotzil language, became a beloved part of the Maya community, and has lived in San Cristobal off and on ever since. He completed an honors thesis at Harvard on the ancient Mayan sacred foundational text, the Popol Vuh. After Harvard, he got his master’s from Columbia in international relations. After that he worked in Washington, D.C., holding prominent positions for organizations focused on Mexico, including The Inter-American Foundation, Washington Office on Latin America, and Save the Children. Twenty-eight years ago, John married a Mexican citizen, became one himself (he remains a U.S. citizen, too), and moved to Chiapas for good. His wife is Marieclaire Acosta, a distinguished human rights activist and scholar, who served as Ambassador for Human Rights in the government of Mexico President Vicente Fox.” Burstein has also founded multiple NGOs dedicated to securing the human rights and culture of the Maya, including Galeria MUY, a prize-winning art gallery dedicated to indigenous artist; the Chiapas Writers Cooperative; Foro para el Desarrollo Sustentable; and Voces Mesoamericanas, which works with Chiapanec migrants who have returned from the United States, Netzer said. Bill Rose and his sports agency are now

advising LHP Michael Esposito ’18. “Michael will be pitching at South Carolina this year and is expected to go high in the draft.” Bill and his firm currently represent nine major league players as well as some of the most highly touted prospects in the game.

Stu Levitan ’71 was training for a halfmarathon in November.

1971

Rick Dickson shared this note: “Being a member of the 50th Reunion Committee

(Charlie Baum, David Neale and Stu Levitan), it was fun to reconnect with

Ed Garin, Chuck Poindexter, Clifton Graves, Charlie Mead and Tom Porcher during our Zoom mini-reunions this spring. I was honored to be present when Cliff received his Arts and Letters Hall of Fame induction in June. I was saddened to hear of Ron Whittle’s P’80 ’82 passing in August after battling Parkinson’s (see page 86). He was a positive force in my life when, as a junior at Sarah Lawrence College, I interned under his steady hand teaching American and Chinese history at FGS.”

Stu Levitan sent us an update: “I was pleased to receive two first place recognitions for ‘Best Writing For Audio’ in three years in the statewide journalism competition run by the Milwaukee Press Club for my weekly feature on WORT 89.9 FM, ‘Madison in the Sixties,’ adapted from my book of the same name (Wisconsin Historical Society Press 2016). I also do a weekly author interview program on WORT, ‘Madison BookBeat,’ but will be on hiatus next year to finish my third book, ‘Madison: The Illustrated Sesquicentennial History, Vol. 2, 1932-2006’ (Univ. of Wisconsin Press, 2023). I’ve stepped down as chair of the Madison Landmarks Commission, but still serve as VP of the board of listener-sponsored

community radio WORT and on the board of the Madison Development Corporation, and on the Student Council of the University of Wisconsin student government (as a Senior Guest Auditor special student). My recovery from a mild heart attack last summer is going well enough that I’m in training for a halfmarathon in November.”

Last spring, Roger Netzer shared with the Alumni & Development Office a photo of

Hamilton Gibson, Class of 1902 and third Headmaster of what was then The Gunnery, in retirement “making a kite for local boy, Dimitri Rimsky, and teaching him to fly it, circa 1956. Incidentally, Dimitri, who posted this, is still a local boy and a remarkable historical resource. He knows it all, including the undocumented parts. He was a friend of Edward Fuller Barnes ’35, for example, The Gunnery boy killed in a local traffic accident, whom the Edward Fuller Barnes Memorial Award commemorates.”

Netzer also shared another school-related Facebook find. “It is a short documentary about the catastrophic 1955 flood that devastated Washington Depot and many other parts of Connecticut, including Naugatuck and all communities through which the Naugatuck River flowed,” he wrote. “The video features

Edward Fuller Barnes ’35, who died in the summer of 1933, just before what would have been his junior year at what was then The Gunnery Headmaster Hamilton Gibson (Class of 1902) making a kite for young Dimitri Rimsky of Washington, who gave permission for us to reprint the photos here

then-Headmaster Ogden D. Miller H’69 P’50 ’54 ’55 GP’84, starting at the fourminute point. Oggie, an extremely nice man, was still Headmaster when I got to The Gunnery in 1967.”

Netzer continued: “Gunnery (as the locals called it, omitting the definite article) played a key role during Washington’s recovery in the flood’s immediate aftermath. Because so many were without uncontaminated water, Gunnery opened the Memorial showers to townspeople. I was one of them. I was only two, but what I saw and experienced was so novel and exciting I remember it to this day.”

“The reporter in the video,” Netzer noted, “is local celebrity John K. M. McCaffery, then the anchor of the ‘11th Hour News’ on WNBC in New York. McCaffery lived for decades just beyond The Gunnery wall at Kirby Corners, the pillared house built by Ehrick Rossiter (Class of 1870) for U.S. Senator Orville H. Platt (Class of 1847), author of the Platt Amendment. Kirby Corners is the intersection of Kirby Road and Ferry Bridge Road, I think. I knew John McCaffery very well because I was close friends with his four sons.” Watch the video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=l5Ty5NNt8vc

1973

David Albala, M.D., was featured on Spectrum News 1 in Syracuse after being ranked among the top 2% of scientists in the world by a Stanford University Study. “Not only is Dr. David Albala, who is a urological surgeon at Associated Medical Professionals in Syracuse a ‘top doc,’ but he also writes, teaches medicine and once worked for the White House,” reporter Lacey Leonardi wrote. In the

Watch the interview with top-ranked surgeon David M. Albala ’73 at https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2021/06/03/ central-new-york-surgeon-ranked-globally#

Wykeham Rise was featured on the cover of this Episcopal newspaper in 1927.

interview, Albala talked about developing a laparoscopic surgical technique that is now the standard of care, building the robotic surgery program at Duke, and working with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Frederico Pena at the White House in the 1990s to reduce the risk of accidental deaths among children due to airbag deployment.

“Albala has written more than 218 medical articles and six medical textbooks. He says despite being ranked top in the world, the books and the White House fellowships, the appreciation and lives of patients are what matters most,” Leonardi said.

Scott Fursmidt has been making the rounds. “Visited with Jorge Albala ’74, and spoke to Winthrop Carty. Sad to hear about my friend, Stephen Sachs ’74 (who passed away in October 2016). Would love to hear from Duke Webb ’74; tried to contact him, no luck. I just returned from Cape Cod, visiting with my sisters and family. My youngest son is on his second year of med school. My wife and I are fine, enjoying another Michigan summer.”

Susan Eanes H’91 P’90 GP’20 ’23 ’25 noticed that Larry Marshall shared something interesting with the Wykeham Rise Alumnae Facebook group this summer. “I’ve started to work on condensing some of the

articles Cheryl Kinney WR’84 has been collecting,” Marshall posted, explaining that in doing some research, he came across “The Witness,” a National Paper of the Episcopal Church, published in Chicago. The issue dated August 4, 1927 included a cover story on the 25th anniversary of the founding of Wykeham Rise, “Famous School for Girls.” As author Fanny E. Davies recounted, “The School under its present name began in October, 1902, in a house on Washington Green, and in addition to the boarding department took over a small private day school for younger children.”

“In less than five years the School had outgrown the available accommodation and for a time it seemed as though it might be necessary to leave Washington and settle in some place which would afford sufficient space. While various plans were under consideration a public-spirited resident came forward and offered to put up a suitable. building and rent it to the School in order ‘to keep Wykeham Rise for Washington.’ His offer was gratefully accepted, and in 1907 the new building was ready for occupation. The large white Colonial building standing on the hillside with beautiful old maples and ash trees around it became a well known landmark on the Litchfield Road. The new building was at once filled to capacity and with the larger numbers the school soon made its mark in scholarship and sports, holding its own even through the difficult years of the war,” Davies wrote.

1975

Craig Cooper loves living in Sarasota: “Wonderful culture, great restaurants and spectacular beaches. Met up with Barry Lerman. Had not seen him in 45 years!”

1976

Breck Perkins P’22 is shifting gears. “After 20 years of working in Manhattan, I am now working on the Los Angeles County Art Museum for Directional Logic, based in San Francisco, from my desk in Stonington, Connecticut. This welcome change has removed hours of commuting and days away from home. Miles Draycott and I are working on Resilient Energy Partners, financing sustainability in the new green markets of real estate in New York and New England.

Natalie ’22 is at the Frederick Gunn School, and Jack is at Stonington High School. We are looking at colleges near and far. Jack had an excellent adventure on a NOLS trip to Wyoming, hiking and rock climbing for three weeks this summer. Jack steered the Stonington High School crew team’s first boat to an undefeated season as a coxswain. We are looking forward to a school year not so adversely affected by COVID this year.”

In July, Chris Healy and Allen Steiger made a golf bet: “First one to lose their school golf ball has to make a donation to the school. It didn’t take long, as the second hole did Chris in,” Steiger said.

1978

Scott Milas sent this update: “As summer winds down we have enjoyed our summer vacation in Cape Cod with family and friends. We welcomed a new grandchild, Tatum, two more by the end of September, all adding up to six!! The summer also included lots of golf and tennis. My career transition consulting continues to grow. Visit my website: scottmilasfranchisecoach.com.”

1980

John Frenaye sent an update in August: “I made it through the pandemic unscathed and can’t wait to get back to some sense of normalcy. Still loving life in Annapolis, Maryland, and occasionally run across

fellow alumni Jeremy Parks ’90. Poppy Baldwin sent me her yearbook for me to copy, as I lost mine in a flooded-out storage locker. My three kids are grown and flown and all doing wonderfully: Oldest doing cyber for the University of Maryland system; middle has the worst job ever as an investigator for Child Protective Services for North Carolina; and youngest just moved up to Manhattan to live in a closet and work in a fantastic PR/ Communications firm. I have found a fantastic partner in crime and am having the time of my life here in Maryland!”

Andrew Gazitua shared: “I just read about the passing of Ron Whittle P’80 ’82. I wish to send my condolences to Jonathan, my fellow classmate, and Sarah ’82. Although I spend most of my time living in Europe, I have a house in Belfast, Maine, where Ron lived for many years and I often saw him in the past. He was my history teacher during my Gunnery days and he introduced me to many aspects of American history, which, coming from living in Latin America, became a cornerstone of my own understanding of my country’s roots. I was awarded the History Prize in my senior year and Ron was someone who certainly influenced my interest and knowledge. Good memories.”

Scott Milas ’78 with his wife, Ewa O’Malley, on Cape Cod this summer

Jennifer L. Zito ’80 was in Milwaukee for Game 6 of the NBA Finals

Jennifer L. Zito reflected on the class missing its 40th reunion last year due to COVID! “Hard to believe it’s been that long! I’m still practicing law in Connecticut, doing primarily criminal defense and university misconduct/ Title IX defense for college kids all across the country. COVID gave rise to unprecedented academic misconduct cases due to online learning. My twins are now 21 and studying at Boston University and George Washington; one is an artist/filmmaker and the other intends to attend law school. My oldest is with Teach for America in Hawaii for two years, loving it all. The whole family celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in Hawaii in June for two phenomenal weeks; it was an amazing trip we will all long remember. I also attended a conference in Milwaukee right in time for Game 6 of the NBA finals! So exciting to see the Bucks win and be there for the festivities. I still keep in touch with Melanie Klein-

Robbenhaar P’15, Poppy Baldwin and John Robards, and Andrea Terni Bullard. Facebook is a great tool to keep up-to-date on each other’s lives, connecting me to so many other Gunnery alumni. I love

seeing Susan Eanes’ H’91 P’90 GP’20 ’23 ’25 grandchildren, and Penny White’s ’82 posts, Sarah Scheel Cook’s ’82, Ludo Chapman’s ’79, Tom Meek’s ’81, Melissa (Varley) O’Neil’s … It’s heartening to know you’re well or to be able to share your sorrows. I look forward to seeing you all once again on campus or on Facebook. Until then, I wish you all peace in your lives.”

1981

Julia Babson Alling P’19 sent this update in early August: “The Alling Graneys have enjoyed two COVID summers with all of our children at home. William ’19 is headed to Prague for a semester abroad from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. A caddy during the summers, he is taking extra ‘loops’ to prepare his wallet for the semester in Czechoslovakia. Josephine is a sophomore in environmental engineering at UVM and spent her second summer at home working in a bakery from 4‒10 a.m. and then waitressing in Woods Hole in the afternoons. Wells is a rising 8th grader at St. Thomas Choir School in New York City. He is beginning to think about high school and considering all the possibilities. Paul and I continue to enjoy living on Cape Cod. Paul’s work as an energy consultant was non-stop through the pandemic months. I switched jobs right before the pandemic and I am working for The Episcopal Church in the Office of Development, running the national Annual Appeal. It was a good and

Phil Dutton ’81 P’23 on the slopes with his daughter, Juliette ’23

timely switch for multiple reasons. This past winter I had a blast co-chairing the Class of 1981’s reunion committee with Tom Meek. We were joined on our Zoom calls by Al Lussier

P’10 ’13, Martin Johnson, David Kaplan P’13 ’15 ’20, and Dave Means. Though light on planning, the calls were amusing for the roles that everyone easily dropped back into after 30 years. Should you be coming Cape-side, let me know; would love to meet up!”

In April, Phil Dutton P’23 completed the training requirements to become a National Ski Patrol member. He is looking forward to providing service and safety on the slopes this winter!

1982

Chip Allard sent a note in June: “I am alive and living in Hong Kong. If anyone from Class of ’82 wants to contact me, please do: Cjajr@yahoo.com.”

Doug Francis said, “We finally took a vacation in July at the beach in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Personally, I really needed to relax on the beach and learn how to laugh again. One night, we had a really fun sunset

dinner with Charley Kellogg ’84 P’25 in swanky Watch Hill. He’s doing great and is into surfing year round! I’m super excited to see everyone at our 40th Reunion in the spring. Email me and let me know where to mail a new ‘82’ button to you!” His email is doug@DougFrancis.com.

1984

Arnd Wehner wrote: “After moving from Athens, Greece, to Salzburg, Austria, in early 2019, my current BMW Group assignment made me move to Warsaw, Poland, in January 2021. Due to winter, coronavirus and language barriers, the first three months were quite tough, but now I am enjoying summer life in Warsaw and at the Polish coastline (family vacation).”

1985

Suzi (Black) Beck said in August: “I recently completed my recreational scuba diving certification and am ready to track down Jeff Donnelly in St. John. First real dive will be Cozumel in December.”

1986

Sarah Berkey Fahey says her “globetrotting lifestyle continues … We are still in Hong Kong at the U.S. Consulate, where we have been posted for two years. It has been a fascinating, if not challenging, assignment as

Doug Francis ’82 and Charley Kellogg ’84 P’25 caught up in Watch Hill this summer. the political dynamics continue to change. We will be empty nesters for our next assignment, so we will see where we end up. It has been a great run thus far as we have bounced between Asia and Europe for the last 20 years. COVID has scuttled our travel plans for the time being but we hope to get back home for a visit soon.”

Russ Osterman sent greetings from Folsom, California! “Out of our five kids, we’re down to one left in the nest. She goes off to college in two years. My oldest lives in Marin County and works at Restoration Hardware corporate; we have one at Cal Poly, one at University of California, Santa Cruz, and one at University of San Francisco. Our lives are slowly returning to a new normal after the last year and we recently road tripped to the Four Corners area and to Las Vegas. Work-wise, I rejoined Accenture in June as Managing Director in their Salesforce Business Group. My wife, Christine, is a retired public high school English teacher who now teaches creative writing workshops.”

1987

Tiffany (Kurtz) Hillkurtz wrote: “Hello All! Bonjour from Paris! I have been living in

Tiffany (Kurtz) Hillkurtz ’87 and her husband, Alex, in Italy

Emily Greenberg ’89 is embarking on several entrepreneurial ventures.

Paris, France for the last eight years, with my husband, Alex, and our two darling cats, and we are all loving it. Continuing my work in the film industry (34 years now), I am currently working as a film editor on Animated Feature Films. While still keeping his toe in the film business as well, Alex has been focusing on his fine art as a watercolor painter in Paris. :-) I worked from home for 15 months during the severe pandemic lockdowns, and actually liked it a lot. We are fortunate to have space, and wonderful views; we’ve had fun cooking more, and the cats thoroughly enjoy the humans being at home. Now slowly transitioning back to the office, I am enjoying seeing my much-missed co-workers in person. We just got back from a 12-day trip to Tuscany, Italy, where Alex was teaching a painting workshop, and we stayed at a villa with a gourmet chef. Dreamy! No plans on moving away from Paris any time soon, so, if you come to this part of the world, please look us up! I’ve been back every five years for Gunnery reunions, so hoping to see everyone there next year for our 35th!”

Meredith (Walsh) Smith said: “I am excited and grateful to be celebrating the one year anniversary of Kismet Life Coaching LLC. I decided to make a life pivot and go back to school in the fall of 2020 when our two, middle school-aged children were home due to the pandemic, and I got certified in Life Coaching a year later. After over 20 years of working corporate in the luxury retail industry, it was a nice and needed change and it truly aligns with my purpose. Kismet Life Coaching has their clients look at their life through different lenses, question their own self truths, promote further self-discovery, and have them make goals to become accountable to become the most successful, healthiest, happiest versions of themselves.”

1989

In late May, Emily Greenberg wrote: “Hello from Maine! Relocated to Midcoast Maine in January 2021. Revived and inspired to live in an extraordinary place with equally extraordinary folks. Will be embarking on several entrepreneurial ventures including producing/hosting a podcast, curating and selling children’s books in a unique format and writing poetry. Informing it all is the beauty of the natural world that pulses through every ounce of being in this most unique state. Being here has reignited deep feelings of endearment for the four years spent at The Frederick Gunn School (when we called it The Gunnery). Many meaningful memories and an overall sense of place flow regularly through my soul. Deep gratitude. Hugs to all!” Steve Lindquist shared an update: “I worked in the corporate world for about 10 years in Columbus, Ohio, and then moved back to the East Coast and made the switch to working in boarding school for almost 15. Living in Maine with my wife and two children and enjoying the simpler life now.”

Van Wilshire and Rachel Wynne Wilshire ’88 live in Mill Valley, California, with their two daughters, Ella,17, and Ava,13. They spend their summers at their house on the Cape in Truro, Massachusetts. “Starting the high school and college process this year keeping us busy…”

1997

Travis Otto is working in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, as a clinical psychologist. “Married, two kids, Hunter, 11, and Emerson, 8. Go Gunn!!!”

Travis Otto’s ’97 wife, Meaghan, and their children, Hunter and Emerson

At the book launch, left to right: Michael Walker of the Philadelphia Eagles, DuJuan Daniels of the Las Vegas Raiders, Obi Melifonwu of the Eagles, Sean Stellato ’97, his daughter, Gianna, Nick Thurman of the New England Patriots, Ifeatu Melifonwu of the Detroit Lions, Boston Bruins alumnus Bob Sweeney, and Brandon King of the Patriots.

Sean Stellato shared this news: “My daughter, Gianna, and I were excited to release the sequel of our children’s book, ‘Football Magic: A Pirates Tale’ at the iconic House of the Seven Gables in Salem this past July. We received great support from Patriots Coach Bill Belichick and Saints Coach Sean Payton. We are using the book as a platform to educate people on autoimmune diseases in children. Gianna suffers from juvenile arthritis.”

1999

Mark Zambero and his wife, Jamie, met up with Bryan Nemecek ’97 and his son, Terrance, in his native hometown, Oranjestad, Aruba, this summer.

2000

Jen Jolliffe started a master’s program in renewable energy at the Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavik University in July.

2001

James Free, Jr. and his wife, Tess, welcomed their first child, Cora Free, into the world July 10, 2021. “Mother and daughter are doing great. We are truly blessed.”

Jamie and Mark Zambero ’99 with Bryan Nemecek ’97 and his son, Terrance, in Aruba Cora Free is the daughter of Tess and James Free ’01.

2004

Joseph Solosky and his wife, Erica, welcomed their first child this summer. Calvin Stephen Solosky was born on July 7, 2021. Joseph and Erica recently relocated to Charlotte for a new job he took as an executive at NASCAR.

Erica and Joseph Solosky ’04, with their son, Calvin

At the Boston birthday celebration: Sarah Macary ’07 and Hilary Benjamin ’08 (back row) and Kara Grogan ’07 and Liz Calderoni ’07

2008

Hilary Benjamin celebrated her birthday in May in Boston with Sarah Macary ’07, Kara Grogan ’07 and Liz Calderoni ’07.

2010

Penn Portman married Gianpatrick Dennies in Harbour Island, Bahamas, on May 1, 2021! “There were lots of fellow Gunnery alumnae in

Top Scholars and cousins Yolanda Wang ’21 and Chao Liu ’11 at Cornell

attendance, and even in the bridal party! It was a colorful, lively and beautiful celebration.”

2011

Chao Liu safely delivered her cousin, Yolanda Wang ’21, to Cornell University in late August, where Wang started her freshman year. Both were named Top Scholar in their respective senior years at The Frederick Gunn School and “astute academicians,” according to Steve Bailey P’09, who also taught both AP Physics.

2013

Michael Spencer Cohen has been working in real estate in New York City for Greystar! “They’re a rental housing management company with properties throughout the country — I’ve been doing administrative work out of their New Jersey corporate office!”

2014

Washington College Athletics published an alumni profile of Skyler Clark in June. A four-year varsity soccer player and twoyear varsity lacrosse player, Clark double majored in biology and chemistry with a minor in theatre. According to the college, he graduated in 2018 and works at Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania, with Washington College alumnus and former assistant men’s lacrosse coach Tim Kerr. Asked why he chose Washington College, Clark said: “My dad [Terry Clark P’91 ’98 ’03 ’05 ’14] taught and coached at The Gunnery (now The Frederick Gunn School), a small independent boarding school in Connecticut. I grew up on campus before eventually enrolling as a student there. My high school experience consisted of small classes where my teachers really got to know me and were able to hold me accountable whenever I was not reaching my full potential. I learned to appreciate the benefits of small class sizes and I knew I wanted more of the same when it came to college.” Read more at washingtoncollegesports.com/general/2020-21/ releases/20210618f217fa

2016

Chad Varney was named to the Dean’s List at Hamilton College for the spring 2021 semester. Varney is a senior this fall, majoring in art. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student at Hamilton must have carried throughout the semester a course load of four or more graded credits with an average of 3.5 or above.

2017

From proud Gunn Parent Ralph Keleher P’17 we heard: “Sean Keleher graduated Springfield College, magna cum laude, 2021, and is now entering his second year of law school at Western New England University.”

2018

Christian Kummer wrote to us in midSeptember to let us know he has been elected to Middlebury College’s Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Society after six semesters of study. “This honor is reserved for the top 2% of students in the Senior Class. I have additionally accepted a full-time offer, beginning in July of 2022, to be a Human Capital Management Analyst at Goldman Sachs after completing two summer internships. Please reach out to me if you are interested in learning about opportunities at the firm!”

2019

University of New Hampshire Head Men’s Hockey Coach Mike Souza announced in July that Robert Cronin was selected as one of five members of the freshman class for the 202122 season. Cronin played the 2019-20 and 202021 seasons for the Dubuque Fighting Saints (U.S. Hockey League). He led the team in scoring in 2020-21, with 28 goals and 25 assists for 53 points over 48 games as the team won the Dupaco Cowbell Cup, the Portsmouth Herald reported.

From proud Gunn Parent Reisha Moffat P’19 we heard: “Paige moved to Princeton, New Jersey, for the summer, where she taught Chinese lessons to and nannied the elementaryaged children of the head of Princeton’s International Relations Department. In her free time, she also studied under other Princeton faculty, specifically international finance.”

Reed Dolph ’20 at West Point; and with his brother, Cael ’23, on Acceptance Day

2020

Power forward Mark D’Agostino committed to play his final season of junior hockey with the BCHL’s Powell River Kings, prior to joining the University of Connecticut, the Powell River Peak reported in June. “This will be an awesome opportunity,” D’Agostino said, according to the Peak. “The coaches at UCONN could not say enough about the staff and development with the Kings and helped me get in contact with the team. I am excited to get out to Powell River for the season.”

Paige Moffat ’19 with her mom, Reisha, on the campus of Princeton University this summer From proud Gunn Parent Bret Dolph P’20 ’23 we heard in late August: “Reed Dolph was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point. He has now made it through BEAST, which is their basic training, and has been Accepted! Classes have begun and he is loving the experience.” Reed was also visited by his brother, Cael Dolph ’23, on Acceptance Day at West Point.

Wykeham Rise alumnae celebrated a reunion on campus in June. They organized a “Wykeham Table” at the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center. The Wykeham Rise Alumnae Association is also excited to welcome a new Executive Board for 2021-

22, including Cheryl Kinney WR’84, President, Carol Dorn WR’80, Vice President, Jean Burke WR’74, Secretary, and Daphne Ward

Cheatham WR’69, Treasurer.

Above, left to right: Carol Dorn WR’80, Amanda Worrall Maruyama WR’68, and Susan Sheldon Crysler WR’69 in the Tisch Family Auditorium at the Wykeham Rise reunion in June

Faculty News

Congratulations to Sarah Archer, World Languages faculty and Assistant to The Frederick Gunn School Theatre Program, and her husband, Rodney, on the birth of their son, Nathaniel, on June 28.

Two members of the Alumni & Development Office welcomed new additions to their families this summer! Jess Baker, Director of Engagement & Operations, and her husband, Chris, welcomed a son, Jack Richard, on July 11. He joins big sister, Norah. Hope Thorn, Director of the 1850 Fund & Special Gifts, and her husband, Lyndon, welcomed a son, Clark Ericson, on September 10.

And Collin Grimes, who is teaching history and economics and coaching Varsity Football and JV Boys Ice Hockey, and his wife, Allyson, welcomed a son, Dorian Beau Grimes, on September 9.

Nathaniel Archer

Norah and Jack Richard Baker

IN MEMORIAM

The Frederick Gunn School Community is saddened by the loss of many cherished sons and daughters and sends its condolences to their friends and families:

Mr. Charles E. Arntsen ’43 7/12/2021 Mr. Lloyd W. Elston ’44 P’68 ’70 GP’05 ’06 ’10 8/1/2018 Mr. Douglas H. Kolb ’46 8/8/2021 Frank J. Gavel, Sr. ’47 8/12/21 Mr. Richard D. Holahan ’56 8/1/2021 Professor Rod R. Keating ’58 4/11/2020 Mr. G. Timothy Severin ’58 12/18/2021 Mr. Robert B. Stewart, Sr. ’62 6/16/2021 Mr. Robert G. Richter ’63 1/2019 Mr. William A. Larned ’66 1/10/2019 Mr. Jorge Trevino, Sr. ’00 6/24/2021 Mr. Seyed N. Ahmadzadeh ’09 8/13/2021

Former Faculty

Mrs. Sandrine Baker P’96 7/2/2021 Ms. Nancy Walker-Main 6/29/2021 Mr. Ronald G. Whittle P’80 8/17/2021

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