The Frederick Gunn School Bulletin Fall/Winter 2024

FROM PROUD TRADITIONS TO BOLD AMBITIONS, OUR MOMENTUM IS UNMISTAKABLE.

WE ARE 175 YEARS STRONG, AND WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED.

THE BULLETIN OF THE FREDeRICK GUNN SCHOOL

On Alumni Weekend in June, Head of School Emily Raudenbush Gum christened a new shell donated to Gunn Rowing by Michael Renkert ’59. Left to right: Cassie Ruscz, Ed.D., Director of Multicultural Recruitment and Associate Director of Admissions, and Amy Paulekas, Director of Studies, congratulated the boat’s namesakes, Peg Small, who retired in 2021 as School Registrar, and Ed Small, who retired in 2022 as the Anne S. and Ogden D. Miller Senior Master

Dear Frederick Gunn School Community,

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF education require and how does a 175-year-old boarding school fit into that future? The answer is rather simple.

The model of education at The Frederick Gunn School is one that is firmly grounded in our belief in the power of young people and, really, in how the adults on our campus partner with them. We believe in our teenagers, we are optimistic about their future, we are partners in their growth and development, and we inject a great deal of fun and competition along the way. What better model could be imagined in the remarkably human work of teaching and learning? (See page 14.) For this, we can thank the extraordinary vision of Frederick and Abigail Gunn. Much has changed since our school’s founding, but we continue to be laser focused on the greatest possible growth of our students.

This fall has been a powerful example of what is possible at a small, human-scale boarding school. Simply put, our students are thriving. Thriving may feel like an ambitious term, but by this I simply mean, not only are things going well for our students, they are doing well. They are pursuing their own good and the good of those around them. This commitment to the community, a commitment between students and their teachers, based upon trust, is the heart of this extraordinary place. Of course, in order to create this space for teenagers to grow, we need the support of our community. As we announced last spring, what started as a $75 million campaign became a $100 million goal because of the generosity of our community. In this issue of the Bulletin, we share the extraordinary news that we are getting close to a $100 million mark in The Campaign for The Frederick Gunn School, which has allowed us to invest at an unprecedented level in our people, our place, and our programs. (See page 4.) We are so proud of the investments our alumni, parents, and friends have made in our school.

This campaign has helped to transform the look and feel of our campus. I believe that our teaching and learning is greatly enhanced when our spaces mirror the dignity of our progress. This was so clearly articulated for us by Hamilton Gibson, Class of 1902, our third Head of School and the first to lead the school after it was purchased by the alumni in 1922. The dedication of our campus to Gibson, displayed on Senior Rock, says it well: “Devoted teacher, talented artist, true student of nature in her many forms, lover of beauty in all her guises, he designed this campus and planned its future in the strong and sure belief that natural beauty is an influence in the lives of boys.” One of the nine original Trustees of the Steep Rock Land Trust, which is celebrating its centennial in 2025, Gibson was inspired by Mr. Gunn, and passed forward the integrity of place and program, deeply intertwined for our students. Continuing the dignity of our campus for future generations is a great responsibility, and one that alumni such as Jon Tisch ’72 and the Tisch family and Tom Perakos ’69 have demonstrated powerfully.

Since 2020 alone, Gunn has received 32 outright gifts and 27 bequests directed towards our endowment that, in total, exceed $23 million.

The campaign has also seen so many support the long-term vitality of our school through gifts to our endowment. Gunn’s endowment has experienced considerable growth in the last five years, thanks in large part to our donor community. Since 2020 alone, Gunn has received 32 outright gifts and 27 bequests directed towards our endowment that, in total, exceed $23 million. This collaborative generosity is ensuring that our faculty are well compensated, holistically, and there is always more to do in acknowledging those who dedicate their lives to this work. Gifts to our endowment allow us to attract incredible students to Gunn who would otherwise not be able to access a Frederick Gunn School education. Alumni who benefitted from similar support at some point along the way have paid it forward as a way to ensure that other young people can experience the power and impact of a Gunn education. We will continue to talk about

our endowment in the coming years, because it most clearly demonstrates the commitment of current alumni to the future. As we look to complete the current campaign, I encourage you to consider Gunn in your estate planning. (See page 68.) It is when our community collectively pays it forward that future Highlanders are formed.

Schools, at our core, are simply intergenerational groups of people, rooted in a place and by a mission. One hundred and seventy five years is a long time for a school in this country, and we have much to celebrate. We celebrate in our past what we hope most for our future: students and teachers learning together shoulder to shoulder, traditions that help students see themselves as Highlanders, a campus with dignity and vibrancy, with generations of those who have experienced the same giving back for the possibilities yet to be realized.

Our campus is full of energy and joy, and we would love for you to come and experience it. Please consider this an invitation to our greater community to join us in Washington, Connecticut, to discover exactly why we are so excited — sign up for June’s Alumni Weekend, take a student tour of our lovely new buildings, or simply reach out and let us know when you are passing through. We would be happy to have a coffee and chat about the past, the present, and, of course, how we can move forward, hand in hand, towards a promising future.

Always learning,

Emily Raudenbush Gum Head of School

Highlanders celebrated reaching the summit of Steep Rock on School Walk in October.

For 175 years, The Frederick Gunn School has shaped generations of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. Now, we are looking ahead with bold ambition towards our most transformative campaign in the school’s history.

“The Campaign for The Frederick Gunn School is an extraordinary, $100 million campaign to support innovation in our academic programs, provide access for talented students, improve faculty compensation and professional development, reimagine our facilities, and enhance our financial sustainability as outlined in the school’s Strategic Plan,” said Jonathan Tisch ’72, Trustee Emeritus and Executive Chair of The Campaign for The Frederick Gunn School.

“To realize our school’s potential, we initially set out to raise $75 million to transform our campus and to be able to offer financial accessibility to students who would not otherwise be able to experience a Frederick Gunn School education,” Tisch said. “These strategic priorities required an ambitious, comprehensive campaign, where donors have committed to capital projects, have contributed to our endowment, allowing us to invest in our people and programs, and have given unprecedented support to our annual fund. And many have made Gunn a key part of their estate planning. This campaign was the largest we’ve ever contemplated by far. Things got off to such a strong start, with so many giving more than they ever have, that we have now raised our goal to $100 million.”

As of this fall, alumni, families, and friends of the school have generously donated more than $95 million to this goal. The total reflects 1,600 individual donations — and counting! — and 18 pledges of $1 million or more. “But we’re not there yet,” Tisch said.

PHOTO BY GENTL & HYERS

To realize our school’s potential, we initially set out to raise $75 million. Well, things got off to such a strong start, with so many giving more than they ever have, that we have now raised our goal to $100 million.” – JONATHAN TISCH ’72,

TRUSTEE

175 Years Strong. And Just Getting Started.

Guided by the goals of a strategic plan that focuses on our people, place, and programs, and by our renewed commitment to Frederick Gunn, his values and ideals, the school set out to define a unique and best-in-class boarding school education for the next generation. The strategic plan charted the course and raised our sights as an educational institution, while the bold decision to change our name to The Frederick Gunn School in 2020 was the catalyst for relaunching our school. It allowed us

to reconnect to our founder in inspiring ways, and transform our programs and facilities in ways that foster cross-disciplinary education, active citizenship, lifelong curiosity, and resilience.

Over the past four years, the campus has experienced transformational change as evidenced by the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center, opened in January 2020, which provides an inspiring home for the risk-taking and creating that happens across our visual and performing arts programs. The Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Center for

EMERITUS AND EXECUTIVE CHAIR, THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE FREDERICK GUNN SCHOOL

The design of The Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Center for Innovation & Active Citizenship draws students into incredible learning and community spaces. Since it opened in January 2024, this stunning new building has had an immediate and transformative impact on the campus.

Our campus has a profound effect on how students feel about the community and themselves, and on how prospective families view our school. I still recall exactly how I felt crossing the Quad on crisp fall mornings or making my way back to the dorm on a snowy evening. It’s up to us to renew the campus and to make the buildings themselves as exciting as what’s taking place inside.”

— JONATHAN S. LINEN ’62, TRUSTEE AND CO-CHAIR, THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE FREDERICK GUNN SCHOOL

Innovation & Active Citizenship, opened in January 2024, is an interdisciplinary hub of learning, housing innovative programs in math, science, engineering, technology, entrepreneurshihp, and citizenship. These new facilities support programs that encourage students to think fearlessly and independently, to build knowledge and deepen skills, to kindle lifelong curiosity, to express their beliefs confidently and persuasively, to stand up for themselves and others, and to be a force for good in the world.

Similarly, Gunn Outdoors offers students opportunities to develop leadership skills and gain independence through experiences from hiking at Steep Rock and navigating the low ropes course at South Street Fields, to kayaking at Lake Waramaug and backpacking in the Adirondacks. The school has already taken steps towards expanding this program to make it a cornerstone of The Frederick Gunn School experience, engaging all students through connections to the natural world that Mr. Gunn so loved.

“Frederick Gunn was so much more than a great educator,” said Board Chair Patrick Dorton ’86. “He was an entrepreneur, he was an activist on the Underground Railroad. His vision laid the foundation for an institution that is 175 years young, and in many ways, we are just getting started.”

Our Momentum is Unmistakable

Enrollment is also a strategic plan priority, where the school has excelled. Interest in Gunn has seen six consecutive years of record growth on every metric, including a 57% increase in applications, substantially outpacing trends at most boarding schools. More prospective families are visiting the school than at any time in its history, making it more competitive than ever to be a newly admitted Frederick Gunn School student. In September, the school celebrated another year of record enrollment, opening with 330 students and, for the first time in our history, gender parity. This milestone further demonstrates our momentum.

“Frederick and Abigail Gunn were pioneers, well ahead of their time. They believed that we should always be learning. If you were speaking with them today, they would inspire you

PHOTO

to make this the best world we can live in — to be bold. To be a force,” said Head of School Emily Raudenbush Gum. “By supporting our campaign, you’re not just helping to preserve our 175-year history, you’re actively shaping a vibrant future where Gunn students continue to thrive as tomorrow’s leaders and changemakers.”

Investing in our Faculty

Supported by the campaign, the school is investing in our faculty, with the goal of attracting and retaining exceptional educators by offering a competitive compensation model that supports their growth, well-being, and living needs. Some of this work has already begun, including the modernization of our faculty compensation model, the creation of new opportunities for professional development, and new roles, including the Thomas R. King ’60 Family Chair for Excellence in Teaching, established through the generosity of Tom King ’60 and his wife, Kathy (see page 26). A goal of the campaign is to fulfill a vision

of making our campus the kind of place that faculty truly want to be, with an awareness that the adults on our campus create the context that makes it possible for our students to thrive in every way.

Opening Doors for Students

At the same time, our goal is to cultivate a talented and diverse student body by expanding access to financial aid. We want to attract, recruit, and enroll the best students in the world, regardless of means. An endowed financial aid program can help make that possible.

Ensuring Student Wellness

The strategic plan outlined bold and necessary investments to reshape our campus into a modern embodiment of Mr. Gunn’s vision for an integrated educational ecosystem. Providing

Ashley Taylor (above right), who joined the faculty this fall, teaches Pathways to freshman in the Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy.

As a parent of a Gunn graduate, I know how important the faculty were to her life, not just as teachers but as adults who could weigh in with thoughtful advice or words of encouragement. School is always about people and personalities, and getting the right people is critical to our continued success.”

School

— WANJI WALCOTT P’19, VICE-CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, AND

CO-CHAIR,

THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE FREDERICK GUNN SCHOOL

centralized access to an integrated center for health and wellness is a priority. This would be achieved by moving the current Health Center from the east side of campus to bring all health services, including mental health and mindfulness offerings, together in one place. Creating a Center for Health & Wellness on the main campus would make holistic wellbeing a natural part of campus life and emphasize its critical role in student success.

Making an Impact

Gunn School makes it possible to deliver on that promise in

In the spirit of Frederick and Abigail Gunn, we are taking our place as leaders in boarding school education. We have come so far: aligning our programs with the ideals of our founders, building our reputation with six years of record enrollment across every metric, and securing more than $95 million towards our goal. For 175 years, our role has been to challenge and support students, and to help them to identify their passions and exceed their potential. The Campaign for The Frederick Gunn School makes it possible to deliver on that promise in powerful ways. To all of those who have made transformative gifts to this campaign, thank you. But, there is more to do. After this campaign, our next goal is to raise funds to redevelop the east side of campus with a new athletic center.

Please join us in this exciting journey to help us achieve our

Please join us in this exciting journey to help us achieve our ambitious $100 million goal. Your gift to The Campaign for The Frederick Gunn School will help to make the vision of our strategic plan a reality. Be part of our momentum.

To wire a gift or contribute via stock or appreciated securities email campaign@frederickgunn.org. THECAMPAIGN.FREDERICKGUNN.ORG/GIVING 860-350-0103

In November, Gunn Field Hockey earned a playoff bid and competed in the NEPSAC Class C Championship for the fourth consecutive year.

FUELING OUR MOMENTUM AND STRENGTHENING GUNN’S FUTURE

THE FOUNDERS SOCIETY

Founders Society donors are an integral part of the path forward as we strive to achieve our ambitious $100 million campaign goal. Unrestricted leadership support ensures that Gunn has: the critical resources to keep the community thriving; fl exibility in addressing pressing issues; and momentum to further restricted campaign gifts. Founders Society contributions have helped fuel the growth of The 1850 Fund by 42% since fi scal year 2018, and we are only getting started

THE GUNN CIRCLE

GIBSON

$50,000 & above

UNDERHILL SOCIETY

Join the ranks of our most philanthropically-minded donors by documenting a bequest or naming The Frederick Gunn School as a benefi ciary of your trust or insurance policy.

Ways to Give Through Your Estate

• A bequest in a will or trust

• IRA benefi ciary designation

• Life insurance benefi ciary designation

• Charitable remainder trust

• Charitable remainder annuity trust

• Charitable remainder unitrust

$10,000 - $24,999

$25,000 - $49,000 VAN

$5,000 - $9,999

$1,850 - $4,999

To learn more about The Frederick Gunn School Underhill Society, please see page 68.

Activating Our Heritage

In 1849, Abigail Brinsmade Gunn and her infant son, Daniel, were staying with her parents in Washington, while her husband, Frederick, was teaching some 200 miles away at Towanda Academy in Pennsylvania. Their time apart was

prompted by the church’s opposition to his abolitionist views, yet she was anxious for him to return to Washington, so they could start a school together.

In one of the many letters the couple exchanged during this period, Mrs. Gunn explained that her brother, Frank Brinsmade, had come up with a solution — one that required financial assistance from their father, Daniel B. Brinsmade, who had served as a Brigadier General in the Connecticut Militia before becoming the Washington Town Clerk as well as a probate judge and representative in the General Assembly.

“Frank and I had a long talk over our prospects the other day,” Mrs. Gunn wrote to her husband. “He has a plan all made up and I presume he can make it work as he does all his plans. He says Lew Canfield

wants to buy Pa’s place on the hill, and he can persuade Pa to sell it and take Canfield’s place in part payment; then you and I can live there and you can teach a boys school. He says he can get you plenty of boys from out of town ... The plan strikes me very favorably, does it not you?”

At the time, General Brinsmade and his wife, Mary, lived in a large, old house on the Green, between Frank Brinsmade’s house, which we know today as Conroy, and The PO. They also owned the estate of General Brinsmade’s father, Judge Daniel N. Brinsmade, on Canfield Hill, and Frank’s plan was to swap it for the Canfield house, a modest, two-story

PHOTO (LEFT) FROM THE PAULA AND GEORGE KRIMSKY ARCHIVES

farmhouse that stood where Gunn House is today. It was owned by Lewis Canfield, a local carpenter and abolitionist, and his wife, Amaryllis, who was Mr. Gunn’s sister. Mr. Gunn had previously lived there, when he taught in New Preston and opened his first school, Washington Academy, on the Green. Mr. Gunn’s dispute with a local minister over the issue of abolition forced him to leave Washington in 1847. But by 1849, family and friends were eager for him to return, so Mrs. Gunn pressed him for an answer.

“My dear husband, I am so anxious to learn how you decide for the future,” she wrote. “Oh, we will be happy together

yet my dearest with each other and our friends. Don’t give way to gloomy forebodings any longer. Let us thank God, and take courage.”

As we know, Mr. Gunn did return to Washington. In October 1850 he and Mrs. Gunn opened their school in the Canfield house. U.S. Senator Orville H. Platt, who had been a student of Mr. Gunn’s at Washington Academy, and accompanied him to Towanda as an assistant teacher, wrote in The Master of The Gunnery, “through the generous provision of General Brinsmade, Mr. and Mrs. Gunn became its owners and keepers, and started the family school

which for so many years has been famous.”

Looking to the future in powerful and impactful ways

This year, the 175th anniversary of our founding provides an opportunity for us to think about our history in new ways, so that we are not just celebrating this moment in time, but activating new traditions and new reasons to want to know the story of Frederick and Abigail Gunn and our school, and why it is relevant today.

“The more we’ve looked back into our heritage, and we’ve understood the

Students wore t-shirts designed by Skyler Toffolo ’25, commemorating Gunn’s 175th Anniversary on this year’s School Walk.

The more we’ve looked back into our heritage, and we’ve understood the founding vision and energy that started this school, the more we’ve seen the relevance of that, and been inspired to look to the future in more impactful and powerful ways.” — Emily Raudenbush Gum, Head of School

founding vision and energy that started this school, the more we’ve seen the relevance of that, and been inspired to look to the future in more impactful and powerful ways,” said Head of School Emily Raudenbush Gum.

All were welcomed at the school from the beginning. In his 1877 speech at the Hartford Teachers Convention, Mr. Gunn stressed that “an ideal school should be composed about equally of boys and girls.” While it was unusual and progressive for Mr. and Mrs. Gunn to think that girls deserved a complete education at that time, it was a continuation of Mr. Gunn’s practice at Washington Academy as well as in Towanda, according to Director of Library and Archives Moira Conlan P’26, who pointed to evidence of this in a reflection by Edward Welles, one of Mr. Gunn’s former students there.

“Co-education [sic] was the rule in Towanda Academy; and the sexes were pretty well balanced in numbers,” Welles said in his remarks at Mr. Gunn’s memorial service in 1882. He went on to quote from a letter in which Mr. Gunn described teaching alongside Mrs. Gunn in Towanda, “he taking the boys under his care, while Mrs. Gunn taught the girls in a separate room. He says, ‘I have about 50 boys when they are all here, little and great, and Mrs. Gunn has about 25 girls.’”

Amazing on Her Own

While we are still learning about the role and influence of Mrs. Gunn, Conlan noted that Gunn Scholar Holli Hay ’23 was able to uncover new details and last year put together the first comprehensive history of her life, including a focus on her widowhood. “Mr. Gunn passed away in 1881 and Abigail lived until 1908, so she has a whole second act. As much as

she and Fred were a great team, she was equally amazing on her own,” Conlan said during the webinar, “Abigail Gunn: The Mother of The Gunnery,” presented October 1 with Raudenbush Gum and Hay, who is now a sophomore at Tulane University.

The virtual event was part of Gunn’s 175th anniversary celebration, which began with the opening of school in September and will continue through December, 2025. In January, the school will honor Mrs. Gunn as our cofounder by dedicating The Abigail Gunn Reading Room in Bourne Hall. This space is where Admissions welcomes prospective students and families, and where our community gathers in the evenings for club meetings and events. Renaming the Reading Room will allow current students and future visitors to learn more about Mrs. Gunn through a new exhibit that will include four new portraits highlighting her contributions and her legacy.

“What I’ve come to be impressed by is how direct she was, how strong of a woman she was in her time,” Raudenbush Gum said, noting that Mrs. Gunn raised

two children, Daniel and Mary, born in 1853, at The Gunnery, while mothering and teaching her students. She was firmly integrated into the life of the school and the social fabric of the community. She had a voice, a perspective, a strength, and a presence as an equal partner to Mr. Gunn. This is why Raudenbush Gum credits Mrs. Gunn with inspiring the community of equality that existed between boys and girls who were educated at the school, and between the students and their teachers.

“She was tutoring them in Latin, which of course she could do because her father believed in educating her and her sister, Mary, who herself founded a school. That energy in the Brinsmade household allowed Abigail to be a true partner for the founding of this school as a coeducational institution in 1850, which of course it was for the first 70 years of its existence,” Raudenbush Gum said.

A Nod to Our Scottish Heritage

William Hamilton Gibson, Class of 1866, wrote about Mr. Gunn’s Scottish heritage in the introduction to The Master

Mairin Hoffman ’25 with Jim Archer and his Scottish Highland cow, Charlie, who was on campus to film an exciting admissions project that will be released this winter.

of The Gunnery, recalling that following Mr. Gunn’s death in 1881, a Scottish relative claimed him and “forwarded the ancestral crest of the proud ‘Clan Gunn.’” It features a hand clutching a sword along with the motto, Aut Pax, Aut Bellum, which translates as “Either Peace or War.” The motto suited Mr. Gunn’s personality well, Gibson asserted, asking rhetorically, “did he not always disdain cowardly compromise? With him was it not always either Peace or War?”

As part of Gunn 175, the school will continue to celebrate our traditions as well as our Scottish heritage, which is represented today in our formal dress, inspired by the Clan Gunn tartan, and our athletic teams, the Highlanders. In early 2025, the school will be unveiling a new Gunn School tartan inspired by our Scottish roots. Look for an exciting reveal in September 2025 that will get Highlanders excited about our athletic teams. Rest assured, we will still be the Highlanders, but we are seeking to establish a visual identity for our teams that will inspire new traditions as we celebrate our 175th year.

Courage and Conviction

Another aspect of the history that will be highlighted during our 175th year is Mr. Gunn’s role as an abolitionist. “Many were the meetings held in Mr. Gunn’s room and elsewhere, attended only by a few of the more daring abolitionists, in which plans were discussed and matured by which the fleeing bondsman was shielded from pursuit and aided in his flight toward Canada and liberty,” Platt wrote in The Master of The Gunnery “Incredible as it now seems, such conduct was really considered criminal, — as criminal and sinful as any infraction of the moral law.”

Abolitionists risked being “shunned, mobbed, and treated as social outcasts,” Platt wrote. The small circle of abolitionists surrounding Mr. Gunn included his brother, John

Gunn, whose outspoken views led to his excommunication from the church; General Brinsmade, who was a member of the Anti-slavery Society of Litchfield; William Leavitt, whose family owned three houses around the Green; Canfield; and Daniel G. Platt, Orville’s father.

“Daniel Platt’s home was a station on the underground railway. Many a black refugee came there by night to be forwarded by him on the road to Canada,” Louis A. Coolidge wrote in his 1910 biography, An Old-Fashioned Senator: Orville H. Platt of Connecticut. “Orville, a boy in his teens, used to accompany his father frequently on these trips. The slaves stayed, as a rule, but a short time at the Platt farm, though some remained for several weeks until it was learned, through the channels of communications among Abolitionists that their whereabouts was suspected; then they were sent on.”

Mr. Gunn was a conductor on the Underground Railroad in Washington. Although these activities were necessarily clandestine, Platt described how those who supported slavery sought to prove his involvement: “A system of espionage was organized … for the purpose of ascertaining whether Mr. Gunn and others were in fact concealing and aiding fugitive slaves, of finding out to whom they belonged, and of furnishing information

to their masters which should result in their capture and the criminal prosecution of those who had harbored them,” Platt wrote. “When the pursuit became too warm, the fugitive was driven in the night to the next ‘station’ in Torringford, and the men-hunters were compelled to abandon the chase.”

While we continue to explore our history and Mr. Gunn’s role in these activities, we know abolitionists Henry Ward Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe enrolled their children in his school. As Platt pointed out: “Mr. Gunn never denied his violation of the Fugitive Slave Law. He asserted his obligation to obey ‘the higher law’ of a common brotherhood.”

Teaching students to model Mr. Gunn’s courage and conviction is another example of how we are activating our heritage. “Through our Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy and the Civic Changemakers Project, students bring their values to ground and move their causes forward, not just with their words but with their actions,” Conlan said. “Connecting words and actions is what Mr. Gunn did, and what we are teaching our students to do.”

To watch a recording of the Abigail Gunn webinar, scan the QR code.

Orville Platt, from a daguerreotype taken in 1845, featured in Louis A. Coolidge’s biography, An Old-Fashioned Senator; and Platt’s boyhood home, which was a stop on the Underground Railroad

Clockwise from top left: Jaime Avancena, a student at Kent School, said it was fantastic to see all of the students talking about the issues and brainstorming solutions; Adia Sayers of Westover School participated in a fishbowl exercise with Bart McMann; each participant received a Youth Voices in Democracy t-shirt.

HIS FALL, THE CENTER FOR CITIZENSHIP and Just Democracy took a proactive approach to the 2024 election, developing a curriculum based on the theme, “Civic Respect.” Students engaged in workshops, debates, and discussions organized by the Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy in collaboration with two student groups: the Gray Party, a bipartisan organization established by Anthony Cochrane ’18, a Republican, and Mark Choi ’18, a Democrat, with the goal of increasing civic engagement; and Youth Commons, founded by Hyunjun “Ryan” Ryu ’25 to promote political depolarization by empowering the younger generation.

Students presented at School Meetings on topics such as the electoral college and how to register to vote. On Wednesday evenings, they led cross-partisan dialogue workshops, which provided opportunities to listen and to engage with opposing viewpoints, while developing skills for respectful disagreement. These skills were further developed across all grade levels in advisor meetings, supported by a political typology quiz created by Youth Commons to help teenagers better understand where they stand on the political spectrum, and how they can avoid conflict based on bias.

On October 17 and 24, students and members of the community participated in parliamentary debates at the Gunn Memorial Library, where they shared and explored their views on the future of domestic and foreign policy. The debates were co-sponsored by the Washington Eagle, a community newspaper produced by students in Civic Journalism and Media Making class, and Braver Angels, a national, bipartisan citizens movement working to reduce political polarization and foster respectful discourse.

“The idea is for a group of people to think together, listen, and allow themselves to be changed by each other’s ideas,” said Bart McMann, Director of the Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy and Dean of Programmatic Innovation, who served as moderator. “When done well, everyone walks out a little closer to the truth, more aware of the validity in opposing views, and with tighter community relationships.”

TO INSPIRE STUDENTS to enact change in their own communities, the Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy and Youth Commons co-hosted the Youth Voices in Democracy Summit at Gunn on October 20. Over 30 students from Gunn, Kent School, Westover School, Hopkins School, and Washington Montessori School participated in the full-day program, which included interactive workshops and presentations by guest speakers. Cole Cochrane, a sophomore at Harvard University and environmental advocate from Maine, offered students practical advice about how to turn their passions into action. Students were invited to reflect on issues that had impacted their lives or communities, and where they could see opportunities for change.

In another workshop, McMann introduced the concept of “relational meetings,” and demonstrated how students can employ it

to build meaningful relationships and foster collaboration in their communities through active listening, shared values, and trustbuilding. Students then paired up to practice the skill on their own.

“We do this relational meeting in sophomore year, as part of the Citizen Gunn class,” McMann said. “It’s not an interview. You’re not trying to sell something. It’s not a chit-chat. Focus on the other person, who they are, what they do, why they do it. Get to their core.”

By focusing on civic respect, we aim to cultivate a generation of citizens who can engage in constructive political dialogue, appreciate pluralism, and contribute to a more unified democratic society.” – Bart McMann, Director of the Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy and Dean of Programmatic Innovation

Additional workshops addressed media literacy and how to analyze campaign strategies. “We designed this summit to introduce great tools and then move into group discussions to find out what students are passionate about, and how they are going to sustain that, bring it to their schools, and involve their peers in civic engagement,” said Ryu (above, left), who started Youth Commons at Gunn in 2023 and has since expanded it to other schools in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and California. One of the organization’s objectives is to transform activists into proactive “activators,” who are equipped to drive positive change.

“Activators are one step beyond activists. We are activating those we agree with, and don’t, and activating our community to care about pressing issues,” he said. “We can listen to both sides, and moderate both sides, and lead.”

COMMENCEMENT 2024

THE FREDERICK GUNN SCHOOL celebrated the Class of 2024 at its 174th Commencement Exercises on May 26, graduating 93 students from 17 states and seven countries. Trustee Damien Marshall P’24 (left, with his son, Declan ’24) delivered the Commencement Address,

encouraging the graduates to think boldly, to continue to be people who are always learning, and to be a force for good. “The Core Values of the school are exactly the skills and values that are going to serve you throughout your life,” Marshall said.

Head of School Emily Raudenbush Gum spoke to the graduates about what they had accomplished in their time at Gunn, individually and in partnership with the faculty. “You are phenomenally more complex than when you started with us,” she said. “My charge to you: don’t lose that complexity. Stay people who are always learning. Look at the growth of the last four years and believe it is possible in every stage to come. What you take away from this place is not a set of accomplishments — courses taken, games won, and so on — it’s a sense of self and a sense of purpose.”

The Class of 2024

Treyor Jonathan Addonizio

Samuel McCarthy Askin

Anastasiia “Charlie” Baibik

Andrew Sander Baron

John Bartels

Bridie Mae Bolger

Mary-Elizabeth Borzilleri

Dean Brown

Taylor Stephen Brown

Luke Wilson Calabria

Jingfeng Chen

Luke John Christos

Layla Michele Copen

Milo Benjamin Corner

Henry Caldwell Cruise

Jingtai “Justin” Cui

Junxiang “Jonathan” Dai

Anna Júlia Dámosy

Adrian A. Daou

Julian Daou

Caroline Daub

Juliet Evans Denman

Antonio Thomas Donohue

Emma Elizabeth Eschweiler

Connor Robert Ferguson

Mercer Dee Fernandes

Beatrice Mae Flynn

Emily Elizabeth Fonte

Charles Henry Frascella

Ryleigh Katherine Gagnon

Daniel James Galasso

Marko Ziva Goich

Liam Murphy Gray

Jack Ryan Guevara

Colin Hall

Catherine Ambler Hecht

Jordan Hope Higgins

Hopping

Wesley John Hunt

Paige Faulkner Jackson

Tianzi Jin

Zhanran Jin

Jake Johner

Tyler Robert Johnson

Ryan James Katz

Polina Krushelnytska

Nina Sofia Lamb

Eungjay Lee

Oliver Alexander Levick

Xinyi Li

Haralambos Liberatos

Giovana Liu

Alexander Gregory LoGuercio

Zining “Catherine” Lu

Angus MacArthur

Caroline Carr Marich

Declan Marshall

Diego Martella

Natalie Marie May

Mitchell Dean McCusker

Dylan Blue McDean

Thomas Michael McGrath

Matis Molina-Ricard

Peter Seymour Murphy

Jack Thomas Nettleton

Matthew James Neu

Richard St. Paul Neysmith, Jr.

Dominic Richard Nicholas

Tyler Jordan Novenstein

Sophia Françoise Nower

Kanghyun Park

Logan Donald Pasquariello

Spencer V. Pasquariello

Chauncey Hamilton Payne

Mark Pizzo

Andrew Jay Rainville

Sofiia Romanenko

Ryan Rutkowski

Andrew David Sawyer

Isabella Nicolette Schifano

Joseph Shaker

Santana Sinvilcin

Charlotte Elizabeth Smith

Egor Torba

Oskar Chikwelu Umeh

Ava Marie Zoe Veronneau

Caroline Isabel West

Erin Grace Whitney

Samuel Henry Williams

Joanne Frances Wimler

Alejandro Zafra Gutiérrez

Chengyue “Yoyo” Zhang

Jiayi “Sarah” Zhang

Averi Zhong

“This community is an ideal training ground for you to be learning the skills and intellectual and social and moral values to meet the challenges of life, and has prepared you to invent an amazing future for yourselves.”

– Commencement Speaker and Trustee Damien Marshall P’24

PRIZE NIGHT 2024

Congratulations to the many students who were recognized with academic and other honors during the school’s annual Prize Night ceremony on May 25, 2024. Just a few of this year’s honorees appear on these pages.

The Vreeland-Rogers Athletic Awards, established in 1998 by Gerrit Vreeland ’61 and the late Andrew Y. Rogers, Jr. ’61, were presented to Luke Calabria ’24 and Bella Schifano ’24.

Patrick M. Dorton ’86 Prize for Quiet Leadership, established by Board Chair Patrick M. Dorton ’86, was awarded to Martha Ewing ’26.

The Teddy Award, given in loving memory of Edward “Teddy” Bright Ebersol, beloved member of the Class of 2008, who died tragically on November 28, 2004, was presented to Caden Gehrke ’27 and Poppy Mand ’27, (above left, holding their awards).

The Katharine Kyes Leab History Prize for Moral Leadership was awarded to Ezekiel Hatcher ’26.

The

The Jerome F. MacCarthy Arts Award was presented to Colin Hall ’24.

The Michael Post Award for Excellence in English was presented to Erin Whitney ’24.

The Freshman of the Year Award was presented to Ella Jumps ’27.

The Excellence in Art Award was presented to Polina Krushelnytska ’24.

The Robert J. Benham Award for Effective Public Speaking was presented to Kate Richards ’25.

The Russell Sturgis Bartlett Memorial Prize for Excellence in Science was awarded to Eungjay Lee ’24.

HIGHEST HONORS

The Brinsmade Prize is “awarded to that student who best combines unselfish and sympathetic interest in people with a purpose for citizenship and social responsibility.” This year it was presented to Anna Dámosy ’24.

At Commencement, the school’s three highest awards were presented to students who were chosen by the faculty. The final diploma of the day was awarded to the Top Scholar in the Class of 2024.

The Head of School’s Prize is “awarded to a member of the graduating class who, by constant excellence and dependability in studies and in extracurricular activities, has contributed outstandingly to the success of the school year.” The prize was awarded to Emma Eschweiler ’24.

The Anthony Golembeske Award for Excellence in Mathematics was presented to Oskar Umeh ’24.

Matthew Neu ’24 was the first student at Gunn to graduate with Honors in Outdoor Leadership.

The Gunn Cup is “awarded to that student who, through character and achievement, shall have contributed most largely to the success of the school year.” The cup was awarded to Bea Flynn ’24.

The McClellan Citizenship Prize was awarded to Layla Copen ’24.

Nine students earned one of the highest academic honors at the school, induction into the Cum Laude Society (holding certificates, left to right): Gigi Boucher ’25, Avery Clement ’25, TJ Addonizio ’24, Juliet Denman ’24, Eungjay Lee ’24, Oskar Umeh ’24, Erin Whitney ’24, Alejandro Zafra Gutiérrez ’24, and Chengyue “Yoyo” Zhang ’24.

The Michael Neal Eanes Award for Greatest Scholastic Improvement, established in 1991 to honor Michael Eanes H’90 P’90 GP’20 ’23 ’25 for his 26 years at The Gunnery, was presented to Santana Sinvilcin ’24.

To view more Prize Night photos, scan this QR code with your mobile device:

Alejandro Zafra Gutiérrez ’24 cum laude was named Top Scholar of the Class of 2024.

The Dedication

IN DECEMBER , the Gunn community received the sad news that Jeff Trundy, our dear friend, colleague, beloved teacher and coach, had passed away. Coach Trundy served for 27 years as a member of the Science Department faculty and the David N. Hoadley ’51 Baseball Coach. We are grateful that our community had an opportunity to honor Coach Trundy at Prize Night, when Izzie West ’24, Editor of the Red and Gray, shared that the 2024 yearbook was dedicated to him, and he received a standing ovation. The dedication reads in part: “As a coach, his prowess extends far beyond the confines of wins and losses. He instills in his players the values of perseverance, teamwork, and respect for the game. Under his guidance, countless studentathletes have not only honed their skills but have also grown into individuals of character, poised to make meaningful contributions to society.”

Outside of Gunn, Coach Trundy was lauded as one of the longesttenured managers in the history of the Cape Cod Baseball League. The legendary Head Coach of the Falmouth Commodores for 26 years, he was named the Mike Curran Manager of the Year in 2004, 2016, 2019, and 2024, and on November 17 was inducted into the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame. For additional information, please go to FrederickGunn.org/ RememberingTrundy. To share a remembrance, please email alumni@frederickgunn.org.

Community and Connection

MEMBERS OF THE Class of 2024 were officially inducted into the Alumni Association at a dinner and pinning ceremony held May 22 in the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center. Former Head Prefect Andrew Byrne King ’20, who graduated this summer from the University of St Andrews in Scotland with a degree in international relations, was the guest speaker.

“Although I have not been an alumnus for very long myself, I feel confident enough to speak on our behalf in extending the warmest of welcomes to you all as you enter this grand community of former students, a community that can offer you support, connection, and shared experience,” he told the seniors. “Your journey here doesn’t end with your graduation but becomes something new and exciting. I encourage you to utilize the alumni network to stay in contact with your class, to meet new and interesting people, and to never lose your connection with Gunn.”

While the campus has changed in the four years since he had been away, Byrne-King said the feeling he got when he returned was the same, and he is very much looking forward to returning again in June 2025 to celebrate his five-year reunion with the Class of 2020.

In addition to receiving their senior letters, class mugs, and Red and Gray yearbooks, the seniors were invited to receive their alumni pins. Joining Byrne-King in this year’s pinning ceremony were: Laura Eanes Martin ’90 P’20 ’23 ’25, Ray Whitney ’87 P’24, John Fonte ’93 P’24 ’25, Kate McMann ’05, Will Marich ’23, Phil Dutton ’81 P’23, Kori Rimany ’14, Marlon Fisher ’01, Shane Gorman ’10, and Ashley Judson ’16.

from top left: Head of School Emily Raudenbush Gum and former Head Prefect Andrew Byrne King ’20 are both St Andrews alumni, and Erin Whitney ’24 enrolled at the university this fall; Head Prefect Bea Flynn was pinned by former Head Prefect Andrew Byrne King ’20; Erin Whitney ’24 was pinned by her dad, Ray Whitney ’87 P’24; and Emily Fonte ’24 was pinned by her father, John Fonte ’93 P’24 ’25.

Clockwise

AN INTENTIONAL PATH FORWARD

As Gunn began its 175th year, the school continued to generate momentum across all enrollment measures, including continued growth in applications for the fi fth consecutive year. Equally noteworthy: the school opened this year with nearly even numbers of boys and girls for the fi rst time since we went coed in 1977. Over the last fi ve years, Gunn has taken meaningful steps to attract more girls into our student body and landing at gender parity is great for our school in many ways.

BY

Highlanders enjoyed spending time together on their annual class trips in September. Sophomores hiked at Macricostas Preserve to Waramaug's Rock.

PHOTO

ELLISSA POPOFF

TRANSFORMATIVE SPACES

The Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Center for Innovation & Active Citizenship has reimagined the center of campus and transformed the ways visiting families see the student experience. With the opening of “The Lizzie” in January 2024, 50% of our classes are now held in spaces built within the last fi ve years. Many students now have three classes per day here, studying math, sciences, citizenship, engineering, coding, and entrepreneurship in this vibrant new building.

CULTIVATING CITIZENSHIP AND LEADERSHIP

IN OUR ANNUAL ADMISSIONS SURVEY , “fostering independent thinking” was among the top three reasons that families considered when choosing a boarding school for the fi rst time. “I truly believe Gunn has one of the best stories of any boarding school to tell when it comes to helping a student develop the ability to foster independent thinking,” said Chief Enrollment Offi cer Suzanne Day. “Through our four-year Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy Program, our students undertake an intentional journey to help them understand who they are and what they stand for. Our students learn to make arguments, to persuade others, to listen, to be willing to change their minds, and in the end, contribute to their communities in respectful ways. No matter where a student’s life journey takes them, such skills are essential. This resonates deeply with families considering Gunn.”

ABIGAIL IN FOCUS

It is impressive that any institution can sustain itself for 175 years. Not many schools can make this claim and it puts Gunn in an elite group. Our approach to celebrating this important milestone is to activate our heritage in new ways, such as renaming the Bourne Reading Room as The Abigail Gunn Reading Room in honor of our cofounder. The Reading Room is where we welcome families when they come to campus for the first time. Fittingly, it now celebrates Abigail, and brings her contributions as our cofounder into sharper focus in this, our 175th year.

NEW FACES

This

fall, the Gunn community was pleased to welcome new faculty and staff, including Matthew Goetting, Chief Advancement Officer, Jason Koza, Dean of Academics, and Benjamin Kang, Dean of Belonging and Inclusion.

Matthew Goetting Chief Advancement Officer

AS CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER, Matthew Goetting brings to Gunn extensive experience in philanthropy, strategic planning, and board and community relations. Goetting provides leadership and management across all areas of development, alumni relations, strategic and operational fundraising. A member of the Senior Team, he works closely with the Head of School, a talented and dedicated Alumni and Development team, and other key partners, including the Board of Trustees, to guide the school’s philanthropic success in alignment with its ambitious plans for the future.

Previously, Goetting served for over four years as Associate Head of School at St. Anne’s Episcopal School in Middletown, Delaware, where he oversaw all external relations along with the educational program. Notably, he led a recent strategic planning effort and St. Anne’s experienced a 30% enrollment increase during his tenure. Prior to this, Goetting served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the Maine College of Art, where he energized the advancement and marketing communications departments and helped to secure the largest gift in the college’s history. He brings extensive leadership and development experience from both the independent school and higher education worlds after starting his

Education

> BS, sociology and anthropology, Colgate University

> MEd, educational leadership, University of Pennsylvania

Graduate School of Education

> Certificate, Tuck Leadership and Strategic Impact Program, Dartmouth College

Additional Responsibilities

> Member of the Senior Team

career in management consulting.

Goetting graduated from Colgate University, where he majored in sociology and anthropology and played baseball. He holds a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, and completed the Tuck Leadership and Strategic Impact Program at Dartmouth College.

Gunn’s mission and focus are more relevant and necessary today than they’ve ever been. I want our alumni, parents, past parents, and the larger community to feel a great sense of pride in their connection to and affiliation with The Frederick Gunn School, and to feel proud of their investment in the school. – Matt Goetting, Chief Advancement Officer

Jason Koza Dean of Academics

AN EXPERIENCED ADMINISTRATOR

and teacher, Jason Koza joined Gunn this summer as Dean of Academics. In this role, he leads and coordinates the school’s academic program and supports the continued professional growth of the teaching faculty. He leads the Academic Office and Curriculum Committee, works closely with Gunn’s Department Chairs, and oversees the library. He also partners with the Dean of Students and the Athletic Director to integrate and coordinate the three major spheres of school life.

Prior to joining Gunn, Koza served for nearly a decade as Math Department Chair and as a Math Preceptor at

Education

> BA, child development/education, Tufts University

> MA, educational leadership and administration, Regis University

> Universitat de Barcelona, History of Spain, Spanish Culture, and Arts

Roles & Responsibilities

> Chair, Curriculum Committee

> Member of Leadership Team

> Teacher, Geometry

> Coach, Boys Third Baseball

> Advisor

> House Parent

I am excited to lead an academic program where conscientiousness, curiosity, and intentionality are celebrated, and where the community has an excitement for growth.” – Jason Koza, Dean of Academics

Colorado Academy. For five years, he was the academy’s Dean of Students for 7th grade, and for two years, he was Head of Special Administrative Projects. He received the Frances Newton Outstanding Faculty Award and was a member of the Strategic Planning Board and Diversity Team. He coached cross

country, swimming, and Math Club, and served as an interim leader for outdoor trips, backcountry skiing trips, and a 10-day community service and cultural immersion program in Costa Rica. Koza previously taught math and coached cross country and baseball at the Latin School of Chicago, and taught math and coached cross country and soccer at Covenant Preparatory School in Hartford, Connecticut, where he was also department chair.

Benjamin Kang

Dean of Belonging and Inclusion

AS THE NEW DEAN OF BELONGING and Inclusion, Ben Kang plays a pivotal role in fostering a supportive, diverse, and inclusive environment within the Gunn community. Kang directs all efforts aimed at promoting a culture of belonging and inclusion. He serves as a mentor, advocate, and resource for students, fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Kang’s career has been marked by a deep commitment to fostering diverse communities, enhancing teaching retention initiatives at various independent boarding schools, and helping to create and lead affinity student-led groups. Most recently, Kang taught math at his alma mater, St. Andrew’s School in Delaware, where he also served as Asian Student Union Affinity Faculty Leader, East Asian Affinity Faculty Leader, an advisor, Varsity Lacrosse Coach, Assistant Coach for Varsity Football, a dorm head, International House Faculty

At the core of my work is a commitment to promoting a sense of belonging among all students and employees, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities.” – Ben Kang, Dean of Belonging and Inclusion

Education

> BA, psychology, Haverford College

> MEd, Teacher Leadership, Mount Holyoke College

> BA, journalism, psychology, history, Charles University

Roles & Responsibilities

> Member of Leadership Team

> Teacher, Geometry

> Coach, Football and Lacrosse

> Advisor

> House Parent

Leader, and 10th Grade Co-Academic Dean. Prior to this, Kang taught math at Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, where he served as a dorm head, student advisor, and coach, and he taught math at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, where he was a member of the DEI Committee, a Korean language instructor, and an AAPI Affinity Group leader.

TEACHING & LEARNING

The Frederick Gunn School welcomed the following new faculty to campus for the 2024-25 school year.

Ashley Taylor, Humanities and Learning Support Teacher, is teaching history and the freshman and sophomore courses in the Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy. She is also providing learning support in the Center for Academic Excellence and works with students in CAE Study Hall in the evening. She is assisting Gunn Theatre with the winter musical, coaching the cocurricular, Highlander X, and is a group leader for the Black and Latinx Union (BALU), one of Gunn’s affinity groups. Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware, where she majored in political science with a minor in Africana studies, and was deeply involved in student theatre. She earned a master’s in teaching from the Fordham Graduate School of Education. Prior to joining Gunn, Ashley taught African American history at a charter school in Harlem.

Adam Farquharson, Theatre Tech, is responsible for all video, audio, and lighting needs in the Tisch Family Auditorium, from concerts and theatre production to presentations and meetings. He holds a bachelor’s degree in entertainment technology from New York City College of Technology, and is a graduate of the Design Technology Program at SUNY Purchase College. An audio

technician, system technician, front of house engineer, and more for Fire House Productions since 2016, he has worked on events including the Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, and NHL Stadium Series. His experience also extends to venues such as New York City Center, The Shed, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, and the David H. Koch Theater, home of New York City Ballet.

Catherine Lang, Science Department Faculty, is teaching biology and human anatomy and physiology and is an assistant coach for Girls Varsity Lacrosse. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University, where she double majored in biology and environmental studies, and played DI lacrosse. She was also a sustainability liaison for the Women’s Lacrosse Team and a member of two of Colgate’s affinity groups: the Athlete Ally Chapter for student-athletes who are passionate about creating and sustaining LGBTQI+ inclusive athletic communities, and Wellness Advocates, which promotes the overall health and wellness of student-athletes. Lang has traveled to London, Costa Rica, Italy, and Grenada and was living in Montana prior to joining Gunn. Fun fact: She completed research with earthworms and knows a lot about jumping worms!

King Chair Announced

BETTY HAGYMASI P’28 of the Science Department Faculty was named the holder of the Thomas R. King ’60 Family Chair for Excellence in Teaching at Convocation on September 4. Established by Trustee Tom King ’60 and his wife, Kathy, this endowed chair honors an exemplary member of the school’s faculty in the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, and entrepreneurship.

Betty Hagymasi P’28, holder of the King Chair, with Kori Rimany ’14, holder of the Wallace H. Rowe III Chair in Critical Expression

Diving Into School History

At Prize Night, Director of Library and Archives Moira Conlan P’26 introduced the 2024-25 Gunn Scholars. The Gunn Scholar Program, endowed by the Class of 1957, offers selected students opportunities to pursue research topics of their own choosing in the Paula and George Krimsky ’60 Archives and Special Collections. Students began their research this fall and will present their findings at the annual Highlander Summit in the spring.

SKYLER TOFFOLO ’25 is researching former art teacher Elizabeth Kempton H’52 and her impact within the community, specifically regarding her “art shed,” which is now named for her and serves as the home of Gunn Outdoors.

MABEL RUDE ’25 is researching the history and development of drama and theatrics at Gunn with the goal of bringing to light Gunn’s artistic departments and the impact Frederick Gunn had in many different areas of study beyond the outdoors and athletics.

BRYNN CUNNINGHAM’S ’25 Gunn Scholar project is on Wykeham Rise, and its partnership with The Gunnery in the 1970s, which began the second era of coeducation at Gunn.

MAIRIN HOFFMAN ’25 is diving into the Stray Shot literary collection and the creation of The Highlander Newspaper to recognize and explore student work and answer the question, “Why do students create?”

AVERY CLEMENT ’25 is researching Fred and Abigail’s daughter, Mary Brinsmade, and her impact on The Gunnery, focusing on the period during which her husband, John Brinsmade, was headmaster and how she improved the school as much as he did

GIGI BOUCHER ’25 is examining the lasting impact Frederick Gunn had on the Washington Library Association, which began as a book club, and the broader community outside of Gunn.

A generous gift from the Class of 1957 has assured the annual publication of Gunn Scholar research. Scan the QR code to view presentations by the 2023-24 Gunn Scholars at the Highlander Summit in April. PHOTO

TAKING THE LEAD

Our student leaders for the 2024-25 school year were introduced at Investiture in May. These are just some of the many ways Highlanders can become involved and lead. At Gunn, leadership is a privilege and a responsibility to represent the voices and aspirations of fellow students, to foster inclusivity and unity, and to inspire positive change within our community.

2024-25 Prefects

As part of the oath administered at Investiture, Prefects pledge to maintain and advance the community cause and the timetested foundations of The Frederick Gunn School to the best of their ability.

PHOTO BY PHIL DUTTON ’81 P’23

Clockwise from left: Head Prefect Gordon Bennett ’25 and Prefects Sofia Panzer ’25, Kate Richards ’25, Avery Clement ’25, James Timmins ’25, Mairin Hoffman ’25, Aryel Sealey ’25, and Mark Gong ’25

Gunn Society Leaders

Gunn Society members serve as ambassadors of the school, connecting alumni with current students and the larger Gunn community, while raising awareness about the importance of The 1850 Fund.

Front row, left to right: Co-Vice President David Low ’26, Co-Vice President Grace Harlow ’25, Co-President Poppy Kellogg ’25, and Co-President Ryan Ryu ’25; back row, left to right: Junior Class Agent Michal Schroeder ’26, Secretary Jade Vu ’25, Sophomore Class Agent Cassy Cotton ’27, Sophomore Class Agent Poppy Mand ’27, Freshman Liaison Blake Baumgartner ’26, and Senior Class Agent Zane Leonard ’25. Missing from photo: Senior Class Agent Madden Albert ’25 and Junior Class Agent Meadow Drakeley ’26.

Class Representatives

Elected by their peers, Class Reps work closely with their respective Class Deans and the Dean of Students to strengthen the sense of community and class identity.

to right:

Head Tour Guides

Head Tour Guides generously share their time, knowledge, and enthusiasm, giving us a glimpse in the vibrant life of our school community. Their insights provide invaluable perspectives to our guests, offering them a true sense of what it means to be a Highlander.

Left to right: Dylan Kur ’25, Trey LaMay ’25, Stella Zhu ’25, Beau Fairbanks ’25, Mia Merrill ’25, Amelia Martin ’25, Tucker Mears ’26, Savanna Cicarelli ’25, Will Jackson ’25, and Drew McKessey ’26

Left

Junior Class Reps Martha Ewing ’26, Isla Beckstrom ’26, and Michael Copen ’26, and Sophomore Class Reps Charlotte Friedman ’27, Riker Napoleone ’27, and Siena Castonguay ’27

The Resurgence of Volleyball

Gunn’s volleyball program experienced a resurgence this fall, with 35 studentathletes competing for 14 spots on the new varsity team, and great enthusiasm from the Highlander fan base at home. The team competed in Class C of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) against some of the best competition New England volleyball had to offer.

“On Day One, the gym was jam-packed. It’s an exciting sport and I think a lot of girls on our campus were really excited for it,” said Head Coach Cassie Ruscz, Ed.D., who is also Director of Multicultural Recruitment and Associate Director of Admissions at Gunn.

The decision to reintroduce volleyball came in response to growing interest in the sport among current and prospective students. Volleyball also compliments the recent expansion of girls’ athletic offerings in lacrosse, soccer, and hockey.

“There’s a lot of excitement around women’s sports right now,” Ruscz said, noting that in August 2023, Nebraska volleyball set the world record for the most highly attended women’s sporting event, drawing more than 92,000 fans.

Nationally, volleyball has been surging in popularity at all levels in recent years. What makes the sport so great? For starters, games are loud by nature, and the fans are close to the action. “When something good happens, the place erupts. That is great

for school spirit,” Ruscz said. “It becomes really addicting to be around that high energy and that level of enthusiasm. It’s fastpaced, it’s high energy, and all of that in a small setting makes it super fun for the people playing, and the people watching.”

As Head Coach, Ruscz has an opportunity to draw on her own success as a three-sport varsity athlete in high school and three-time All-American in college. In boarding school, she played volleyball, basketball, and softball, and she was a starting setter in volleyball for three of her four years in that sport. At Tufts University, she was a four-year member and senior captain of the softball team, which won two consecutive Division III National Championships. Earlier this year, her 2015 undefeated team was inducted into the Tufts Athletic Hall of Fame.

“I’m very competitive by nature and I’m trying to install that in my athletes,” she said. “Every single time you walk out on the court, you’re there to compete. I don’t talk about wins and losses. I talk about competing, and as long as we compete well, then we have accomplished something.”

This year’s team comprises new and returning students. “We also have some students who are new to volleyball. They are highly athletic students who are picking it up quickly and working really hard at their skills. They’ve done a great job putting in the extra work,” Ruscz said in September. “They come to practice 45 minutes early and stay 45 minutes late. I have to kick them out of the gym. They’re having a lot of fun. They want to work hard and they want to learn.”

One of her goals for the program is to help students develop skills that will enable them to thrive on and off the court. “We need to be good community members and good people. The values and the lessons we will remember 10 years from now are the fun moments, like how we pick ourselves up after a loss by listening to music on the bus on the way home. Those are the things I want them to take from this sport. I want us to be the best versions of ourselves every single day, for ourselves and for our teammates.”

Head Coach Cassie Ruscz gives advice and guidance to team members on and off the court. She said: "I want us to be the best versions of ourselves every single day."

Gunn

the

on

on September 25.

took

St. Luke's in

team's first home game

This page, setter Olympia James ̕26 in action.

SPRING 2024 Highlanders Earn All-League Honors

Outstanding performances in athletics during the 2023-24 school year were highlighted at the annual Athletic Banquet in May. In addition to recognizing team captains, three-sport varsity athletes, and the recipients of our annual coach’s awards, the event celebrated these 22 Highlanders for earning all-league honors.

ALL-NEPSAC

Owen Laatch ’25: Boys Lacrosse

Andrew Rainville ’24: Boys Lacrosse

Layla Copen ’24: Girls Tennis

Michael Copen ’26: Boys Tennis

Spring ALL-NEPSAC

Honorable Mention

Tucker Mears ’26: Boys Lacrosse

James Timmins ’25: Boys Lacrosse

Brynn Cunningham ’25: Girls Lacrosse

Sofia Cuozzo ’25: Softball

Western New England Prep Baseball League (WNEPBL)

Will Bartoli ’25: First Team All-League

TJ Addonizio ’24: Second Team

All-League

Cam Willis ’25: Second Team All-League

Trey LaMay ’24: Second Team

All-League

Miles Perez ’25: Second Team

All-League

Western New England Secondary School Lacrosse Association (WNESSLA)

Dom Nicholas ’24: First Team All-League

Tyler Johnson ’24: First Team All-League

Luke Calabria ’24: First Team All-League

Mercer Fernandes ’24: First Team All-League

Drew Delouchry ’25: First Team All-League

Beau Fairbanks ’25: First Team All-League

Chauncey Payne ’24: All-League

Honorable Mention

Jake Pellicane ’25: All-League

Honorable Mention

Ace Watson ’26: All-League

Honorable Mention

Western New England Prep School Girls Softball Association (WNEPSGSA)

Sofia Cuozzo ’25: All-Star

Miles Perez ’25

Michael Copen ’26

Will Bartoli ’25

PHOTOS BY PHIL DUTTON ‘81 P’23

Owen Laatch ’25

Layla Copen ’24

Tyler Johnson ’24

Sofia Cuozzo ’25

GIRLS VARSITY TENNIS EARNS TOP RANKINGS

GIRLS VARSITY TENNIS was ranked first in the Suffield Invitational Final on May 18, 2024, accumulating a total of 17 points in matches against Ethel Walker, Marianapolis, Suffield Academy, Wilbraham & Monson Academy, and Williston Northampton. The #1 Singles was won by Layla Copen ’24 and the #1 Doubles was won by Tamaki Nakane ’27 and Emma Golden ’26.

Brynn Cunningham ’25

Cam Willis ’25

Ace Watson ’26

Chauncey Payne ’24

Dom Nicholas ’24

Drew Delouchry ’25

Mercer Fernandes ’24

Jake Pellicane ’25

TJ Addonizio ’24

James Timmins ’25

Trey LaMay ’24

Tucker Mears ’26

Luke Calabria ’24

Andrew Rainville ’24

Beau Fairbanks ’25

JEN HART

SPRING 2024 Highlanders Win Gunn-Canterbury Cup and Colonial Tournament

BOYS VARSITY LACROSSE won the Colonial Cup Tournament on May 18, beating Canterbury 12-4 and Pomfret 13-4 in the final. Both games were played at home, and the victory over the Saints allowed Gunn to secure the final point of the year to win the Gunn-Canterbury Cup.

“We were a very competitive team all year long. I was extremely proud of the way the team came together, playing for each other and really acting as a cohesive unit. They were unselfish, looked out for each other, and held each other accountable. It was a tremendously fun group to work with and they represented our school extremely well,” said Head Coach and Athletic Director Mike Marich P’23 ’24, who has led the Highlanders to two Colonial Cup Tournament wins during his tenure.

“It’s always great to beat your rival, especially when the Gunn-Canterbury Cup is on the line,” Marich said. “We were thrilled to clinch it, but so many of our other teams did, too, to be able to get us to that point.”

In July, Gunn lacrosse was also well represented at the New Balance All-America Lacrosse Tournament. Owen Laatch ’25 and Beau Fairbanks ’25 played for the Southwest Boys Highlight Team, James Timmins ’25 played for the Washington, D.C., Boys Highlight Team, and Marich coached the CONNY (Connecticut-New York) Highlight Team. Marich also coached the 2Way 2028 Black AA team that won the Naptown National Challenge in Annapolis, Maryland. The competition was held in June at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and broadcast on ESPNU.

PHOTO BY PHIL DUTTON ’81 P’23

GUNN ROWING Girls V1 Earns Consecutive Return Bid to Head of the Charles

THE GIRLS FIRST BOAT raced in near perfect conditions at the 2024 Head of the Charles, placing in the top 50 percent in the Women’s Youth Fours event on October 20. Coxed by Zane Leonard ’25 (inset photo, above) with Olivia Kurtz ’25 in stroke seat, Catherine Kleiner ’25 in three, Grace Harlow ’25 in two, and Isla Beckstrom ’26 in bow, Gunn finished 34th out of 90 boats, earning the Highlanders guaranteed entry to the 2025 regatta.

This was the ninth year that Gunn Girls Rowing finished in the top 50 percent at the Head of the Charles in the history of the program, and only the second time since 1977 that they’ve done so in consecutive years, Head Coach Tim Poole noted immediately following the event. “It’s not an easy thing to qualify at the Charles, and to do it back to back is huge,” Poole said.

“For some perspective, every crew aims to finish in the top half of their respective field in order to ensure they earn a spot in the regatta the following year — this in itself is no easy task, as competition is always very strong. Nevertheless, our girls more than succeeded in that regard,” said Chris Visentin, Interim Director of Rowing and Head Coach, Boys Rowing. “The Girls First Boat put in a lot of time and hard work this fall to achieve what they did, and we should all be very proud of them.”

Three of this year’s team members — Leonard, Kurtz, and Beckstrom — raced in the regatta in 2023. In addition to their experience, they brought to this year’s Head of the Charles a new shell, donated to Gunn Rowing by Michael Renkert ’59 and christened the Ed & Peg Small at Alumni Weekend in June.

SPRING CONCERT 2024 Spy Movie Themes in the Spotlight

GUNN MUSIC WAS OFF TO THE MOVIES at the annual spring concert, “Mission: Impossible! A Night of Intrigue, Icons, and Inspiration,” which featured outstanding performances by Gunn’s String Ensemble, Vocal Ensemble, Jazz Band, and special guests under the direction of Ron Castonguay P’27, Director of the Arts and Music Director. The program included theme songs from the “Mission: Impossible” and James Bond film series, Walt Disney’s “The Incredibles” and “Enchanted,” popular hits by The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bublé, and the Backstreet Boys, and classical pieces by Haydn and Shostakovich. The ensembles combined with special guests to perform a rousing finale, “Come Away” from “The Greatest Showman,” which had audience members clapping their hands and tapping their feet!

PHOTOS BY PHIL DUTTON ’81 P’23

Members of Vocal Ensemble, String Ensemble, and Jazz Band performing "Come Alive" from the movie, "The Greatest Showman."

Three students were recognized for their outstanding achievements in music at the Spring Concert. Juliet Denman ’24, who plays violin and viola and was a member of the String and Vocal ensembles, received both the National Orchestra Award and the Noah Ram ’23 Award for Excellence in Instrumental Music. The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award was presented to saxophonist Oliver Levick ’24, president of Jazz Band. The National Choral Award was presented to Colin Hall ’24, bass voice and president of Vocal Ensemble.

We received nominations for individual acting, design, and production on the whole. That is a testament to our theatre program, our students, and our dedication to creating a strong ensemble in everything we do.”

—

Kent Burnham, Director of Theatre Arts

ON STAGE 16 Halo Award Nominations

THE CAST AND DESIGNERS of the 2023 fall play, Silent Sky, and the 2024 winter musical, Urinetown, garnered a total of 16 Halo Awards nominations, a new record for The Frederick Gunn School Theatre Program. The students received eight individual best performance nominations and a nomination for Best Contemporary Play.

The Halo Awards, which celebrate the best in Connecticut high school theatre, were presented May 28-30 at the Palace Theatre in Waterbury. Katherine Aguirre-Felipe ’26 (pictured at right), received the award for Best Sound Design and/or Execution for SilentSky, and Taylor Sall ’25 and Poppy Mand ’27 (pictured above), reprised their duet, “Follow Your Heart,” from Urinetown

NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S AUSTEN

Gunn Theatre presented Kate Hamill’s effervescent adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, based on the novel by Jane Austen, November 20-22 in the Tisch Family Auditorium. “This isn’t your grandmother’s Austin!” said Dramatists play service, noting that Hamill brings all of Austen’s beloved characters to life in “a delightful, energetic take on the classic tale.”

The cast of 14 worked behind the scenes with actor Samantha Steinmetz, who was in the Syracuse Stage production of Pride & Prejudice, and in the off-Broadway premiere of Sense & Sensibility, and actor and director Tracy Liz Miller, who worked with students on embodying the

language, period style, and movement of the play.

“This adaptation is very feminist-forward. It adheres to the book but there’s also some artistic theatrical license with it,” said Kent Burnham, Director of Theatre Arts. “It’s funny and it’s a great way of looking at a novel that we think of as a little stuffy or dated in a way that is very contemporary and modern.”

Taylor Sall ’25 and Poppy Mand ‘27 reprised their duet, “Follow Your Heart,” from Urinetown.

Milestone Anniversaries and Celebrations

In our 175th year, we thought it was fitting to look into the Paula and George Krimsky Archives and Special Collections with Moira Conlan P’26, Director of Library and Archives, to find out how our community celebrated previous milestone anniversaries. Newspaper clippings, Stray Shot articles, and photographs revealed that, for nearly the first century of our school, notable anniversaries were not celebrated with any kind of regularity –that is, every five, 10, or 25 years. What is clear, however, is that alumni from the earliest days loved to have fun and return to the place they considered home, to reconnect with teachers and friends, to see what was the same as they remembered, and what had changed, just as they do today.

The First Alumni Reunion

The first major celebration appears to have taken place in July 1869, just shy of the school’s 20th year, when about 40 alumni returned to Washington for the first reunion. The festivities continued for two weeks and included picnics, a charade party, “literary exercises,” with speeches and compositions by alumni,

and a business meeting, led by Frederick Gunn, during which the Alumni Association was formally established. Baseball games were a prominent feature of early alumni gatherings. The first alumni baseball game, captured in the well known photograph by S.C. Landon and featured in Ken Burns’ documentary and book, “Baseball,” was taken this weekend.

A DANCE CARD from the Promenade Concert, held during the first alumni reunion on July 29, 1869, in Farmers Hall on Green Hill Road was found in our archives. According to a newspaper article, the event featured music by H. H. Blish’s Quadrille Band of Bridgeport. Tickets were $1 for a gentleman and lady, 50 cents for ladies.

“The Promenade Concert on Thursday evening was a grand success. Washington never saw such scenes before,” the Litchfield Enquirer said. “The room was tastefully decorated with flags and pictures…. Dancing began at an early hour, and was kept up till far into the morning

… The dignified Mr. Gunn with his lady led the grand Promenade, and looked on happy in the enjoyment of the young people.”

PHOTOS

Other Early Reunions

The first reunion was such a success, alumni returned again in 1870 and 1872, arriving by stagecoach from New Milford, according to newspaper articles. “Though the Reunion proper ended with its first week, the festivities of returned graduates have been kept up pretty steadily for three weeks, and the places of those who left have been filled by fresh arrivals. Saturday’s stage carried away quite a number of Alumni, but brought over more, so that the next week was quite as lively as its predecessor,” the paper reported in August 1870.

The next major reunion was held 20 years later, from May 2730, 1892 and reportedly drew 150 alumni. According to an alumni

IN 1875, THE GUNNERY’S 25TH YEAR , Mr. and Mrs. Gunn were still running the school.A second hexagonal tower had been added to the old Gunnery building, to serve as a girls dormitory.

circular, it was the first reunion held since 1872, and was arranged “in response to repeated requests from those who participated in the earlier re-unions, as well as younger Alumni.” The festivities included a theatre performance and recitations in the Hall on the Green, followed by a huge bonfire in the Grove. The next day, alumni visited Mrs. Gunn at The Abbey and played baseball against the Litchfield Nines. A reception and alumni dinner was held in the evening, with speeches by William Hamilton Gibson and Clarence Deming, Class of 1866, Senator Orville Platt, Class of 1868, George Hickox, Class of 1855, Ehrick Rossiter, Class of 1870, A.S. Gregg Clarke, Class of 1889, and many others. “It was a full dress affair and everything was conducted in first class style,” the newspaper said.

THE PROGRAM for the reunion in 1872 featured a drawing of the old Gunnery.

AT THE 1892 REUNION in the second row, seated next to the two young girls at far left, is Mrs. Gunn, and next to her is her daughter, Mary Gunn Brinsmade. John Brinsmade, second Head of School, is fourth from the left.

Gunn at 75

On October 2, 1925, the 75th anniversary of the school was celebrated. “The week-end served a triple purpose, that of celebrating the anniversary of the school, of celebrating the birthday of Mr. Gunn, and of celebrating the erection of ‘Brinsmade,’ the school’s new dining hall,” the Stray Shot reported, noting 150 alumni attended the festivities, which began with “an evening of reminiscence” with Head of School John Brinsmade and his wife Mary, in the living room of the old Gunnery.

The following day, Brinsmade was dedicated and lunch was served in the new dining hall, followed by a football game against Salisbury School. In the evening, there was an Alumni Banquet, with a live orchestra, dancing, and speeches by the Brinsmades and third Head of School Hamilton Gibson, Class of 1902.

“The seventy-fifth anniversary of Gunnery was certainly one to look back upon with pride,” wrote Philip M. Chancellor, Class of 1928, Assistant Editor of the Stray Shot.

Our Centennial Year

In 1950, the school published a special Anniversary Issue of The Gunnery Bulletin, which recorded “some of the 100-year history of the School and the events of the Centennial Celebration held September 8, 9, 10.” More than 180 alumni and their wives returned to Washington for the three-day celebration. Among them was John Hollister, Class of 1872, the school’s oldest living alumnus at the time. He was a student of Mr. Gunn’s, as was Irving H. Chase, Class of 1874, who served as Honorary Chairman of The Gunnery Centennial Fund and celebrated his 92nd birthday that spring.

COMMEMORATIVE PLATES LIKE THIS ONE (above), were sold for $5, or $18 for a set of six along with Centennial glassware

Faculty welcomed guests at the registration center in Washington Club Hall, and a Reservations Committee arranged for alumni to stay with residents of the town. Events included

an alumni golf tournament, luncheon, and parade to the Green, followed by a symposium on “Education in Retrospect and in Prospect,” attended by the heads of Choate, Hotchkiss, Loomis, Kingswood, Hackley, Indian Mountain, and The Hill School, and a Dean of Harvard University. It was also a time of remembrance. Flowers were placed at Mr. Gunn’s memorial and the gravesite of U.S. Senator Orville Platt, and at the memorial marker for Alexander Taylor Compton, Class of 1891, who died in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.

A PHOTO OF BRINSMADE DINING HALL from the 1925 Stray Shot. The building was dedicated to Mary and John Brinsmade, who led the school from 1881 to 1922.

ELEANOR AND CHARLOTTE BRINSMADE (left), admire the wedding dress worn by their grandmother, Abigail Gunn, at an exhibit at the Gunn Museum. Centennial exhibits also were presented in the Parish House and Washington Club Hall.

A Sesquicentennial

In 2000, the school began its Sesquicentennial Celebration, a yearlong series of programs and events that brought 700 alumni and their families to campus. Archivist Paula Gibson Krimsky, granddaughter of third Head of School Hamilton Gibson and wife of George Krimsky ’60, led a group of volunteers who began cataloging and organizing the school archives. Their discoveries included a rare poem by Harriet Beecher Stowe, who sent her children to Gunn. Together Krimsky and her volunteers created a list to memorialize 2,335 Gunn alumni, from 1850 to the 1990s, who had passed away, their names gleaned from letters, documents and ledger books.

Celebrating 125 Years

On May 15, 1975, alumni celebrated the 125th anniversary of the school with a Birthday Jamboree. Activities included a carnival (above), a baseball game between the alumni, coached by former Trustee Bruce Bradshaw ’51, and the varsity team, and a first-ever Alumni-Varsity Soccer Game, which the alumni, led by Stuart Quillman ’74 won, according to the Bulletin. Alumni attended a reception at the Head of School’s house (then the 1773 house next to the Cottage) and dinner at Browne Dining Hall, as well as an exhibit of the paintings of John Follinsbee, Class of 1911, curated by R. Dana Gibson, Class of 1932.

The school celebrated 150 years of community by hosting a party for the town that included a picnic and a concert by The Paul Winter Consort on the Quad. Students filled time capsules that were buried in 2001 and are scheduled to be unearthed in 2051, and Beebe Boathouse was dedicated.

The 150th anniversary celebration continued at Alumni Weekend in 2001 with the dedication of both Buxton Alumni Center and the James Haddick Field House. The school also collaborated on two exhibits, “It Started With Mr. Gunn” at Gunn Museum, and “Art of The Gunnery Alumni: A Sesquicentennial Exhibit,” featuring work by 40 current and former faculty and students, from 1886 to 2001, at Washington Art Association.

AT OUR 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS: Head of School Susan Graham with Jim Haddick and Barbara and Sherm Hotchkiss '63, Trustee; Paula Krimsky (center) at the exhibit at Washington Art Association; and then-State Senator Andrew Roraback with Virginia Hamilton Solley de Sieyes Risley deCourcy, for whom our dining hall is named.

AT THE 1975 ALUMNI BASEBALL GAME (left to right): Head of School Burgess Ayers, Hugh McCandless '50 P’74 ’75, and Trustee Emeritus David N. Hoadley '51.

Dear Highlanders, A

S A PROUD ALUMNUS OF THE GUNNERY , and a parent of two Frederick Gunn School graduates, it has been nothing short of inspirational watching Gunn’s growth over the last several years. I hope you can agree that it is an exciting time to be a Highlander as we kick off our celebration of 175 years of Gunn.

In June, more than 250 alumni, Wykeham Rise alumnae, former faculty, and friends returned to campus for Alumni Weekend 2024. We had alumni travel from across the country — from California, Washington, Texas, and along the East Coast from Maine to Florida. Alumni came from as far away as Germany and the United Kingdom and as near as just down the street in Washington, Connecticut.

life and academics, beginning with two, state-of-the-art facilities, and more. But, most importantly, these substantial investments have allowed the learning ecosystem of the school to flourish as Frederick and Abigail Gunn intended by integrating our Gunn Pillars into the curriculum — Public Character and Active Citizenship, Risk-taking and Innovation, Learning Yourself and How to Learn, and A Sense of Rootedness and Place.

“With your support, our collective unrestricted giving will fuel the momentum of the campaign and allow Gunn to thrive for another 175 years.”

We ended the 2024 fiscal year on June 30 with another record-breaking 1850 Fund dollar amount of $1,8701,045 from 1,258 donors. That is 42% growth in the overall dollar amount and a 77% increase in unrestricted alumni giving alone since the 2018 fiscal year. The school continues to see an increase in online giving, with 71% of gifts coming via our online giving forms and Venmo. A heartfelt thank you to all of our donors, especially the 291 firsttime donors and the 585 individuals who have given three or more consecutive years.

In September, we announced the public phase of The Campaign for The Frederick Gunn School, which has made historic strides to invest in the people, place, and programs at the heart of this vibrant community. We have much to celebrate thanks to the impassioned and generous donors who have already contributed $95 million to the campaign: increasing financial aid, compensating faculty meaningfully, reshaping the west side of campus to focus on residential

All annual fund gifts count toward the campaign, and this year, we hope to achieve $2 million in unrestricted support. Gifts to The 1850 Fund are a yearly investment in our people, place, and program, enhancing every aspect of The Frederick Gunn School experience. With your support, our collective unrestricted giving will fuel the momentum of the campaign and allow Gunn to thrive for another 175 years. The 2025 gift year ends on June 30, so there is still time to make your campaign gift to The 1850 Fund.

As I stated at the start of this letter, it is an exciting time to be a Highlander. As we commemorate our history and heritage in a meaningful way and strive to reach an ambitious goal of $100 million by the campaign’s close, I encourage you to get involved. Attend a regional event, make your 1850 Fund gift, share your excitement about Gunn with your classmates and friends, and consider coming back to campus for Alumni Weekend, June 6-8, 2025. I hope to see you or hear from you this year!

Go Gunn,

Paul McManus ’87 P’21 ’23 Chair, Alumni & Development Committee Board of Trustees

Paul, his wife, Adrienne, and their daughters, Ellie ’21 and Grace ’23, celebrated 175 years of Gunn and School Walk at the University of Michigan in October.

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2024

More than 250 alumni and friends were warmly welcomed back to campus at Alumni Weekend in June. It was a time to reconnect with the school and each other, to share laughter and memories, explore what’s new, and enjoy being in a place that still feels like home.

Our alumni feel like they’re at home here. There is something about this campus in Washington, Connecticut, that has a sense of place and a sense of grounding for you. That matters a great deal.”—

EMILY RAUDENBUSH GUM

On June 7, alumni gathered on the dining hall terrace and Koven-Jones Glade for the Red and Gray Soirée, which featured a cocktail reception, live music performed by The Dilemma Band, and dinner provided by the Big Green Pizza Truck and Fiesta Taco Truck.

Following a brief rain shower, guests delighted in a rainbow that appeared above The Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Center for Innovation & Active Citizenship.

Arnd Wehner ’84, far right, traveled the farthest – from his home in Germany. He caught up with classmates Charles Thomas ’84 and Peter Bergen ’84.

The Class of 1974 celebrated their 50th reunion at a special dinner in The Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Center for Innovation & Active Citizenship.

AMY PAULEKAS

On June 8, alumni toured campus and caught up with classmates and friends on the Quad, before lining up for the annual Parade of Alumni. They processed by class from Gunn House to TPACC for the Annual Alumni Association Meeting and Pinning Ceremony, Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and In Memoriam reading.

The oldest returning alumnus, Bruce Bradshaw ’51, received his alumni pin from Ashley Judson ’16 while Trustee Emeritus Leo

The 1850 Fund Awards

At the annual meeting, the classes who were leading the board for the annual 1850 Fund Awards were announced. From experiential learning opportunities and student life activities, to faculty development, financial aid, athletics and the arts, annual gifts enhance every aspect of The Frederick Gunn School experience. The awards were finalized at the end of the fiscal year.

• The Kenneth J Browne Class of 1911 Award for the Largest Class Gift: Class of 1959

• The Margaret P Addicks H’02 Award for the Highest Participation, with a minimum of 20 members of the class: Class of 1959

• The Susan G. Graham H’12 Award for the Young Alumni Class, up to 10 years out, with the Highest Class Participation: Class of 2023

• The W. Russ Elgin Award for the Young Alumni Class, up to 10 years out, with the Largest Class Gift: Class of 2014

New Reunion Records

Among the many highlights this year were celebrations for special reunion classes ending in 4 and 9. The following classes were recognized for going above and beyond for Gunn this year by breaking reunion records.

• The Class of 1954, represented by Malcolm Bird ’54, John Fisher ’54, and Ed Samek ’54, set a new reunion record for donors and attendees in celebration of their 70th reunion.

• The Class of 1959 set a 65th Reunion Record for dollars, donors, and attendees (tied with Class of 1954 and the Class of 1957 for donors).

• The Class of 1964 set a 60th Reunion record for dollars raised.

• The Class of 1969 tied the 55th Reunion Record for Attendees, set by the Class of 1968 last year.

• The 20th Reunion Record for Attendees was tied by the Class of 1989 and the Class of 2004.

• The 10th Reunion Record for Attendees was set by the Class of 2014.

Bretter ’52 P’88 looked on.

PHOTOS BY MARK LIFLANDER

2024 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

This year’s honorees were selected from a long list of highly accomplished alumni in the arts, athletics, entertainment, literature, and the academic world. We are proud to call them alumni and even more thrilled to recognize them as members of our Hall of Fame!

KEVIN GARRITY ’99 was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. This award was presented posthumously, as Kevin passed away on November 3, 2022.

A well-rounded member of the community, Kevin was elected Prefect and received many accolades at school, including The Edward Fuller Barnes Memorial Award, the Robert J. Benham Award for Effective Public Speaking, and The Gunnery Cup. He was admired by students and adults alike. His advisor, Ed Small, said of him: “We have given him back only a small portion of what he has given us.”

In athletics, he excelled at soccer and basketball, was named captain of the basketball team his senior year, and received the James R. Haddick Basketball Award. However, it was on the water that Kevin flourished. He secured a seat in the boys first boat his freshman year, a remarkable feat, and in the fall of sophomore year, was ranked 25th in the country for the Junior National Crew Camp. He won The Alumni Award for The Most Valuable Team Member of Boys Crew during his junior and senior years and became captain of the crew team. He was selected for the U.S. Rowing Development team and earned a spot on the National Team in 1999, which led to training and international competition

He really, really loved this place and all corners of it. I think one of his happiest places in the world, and the best genuine version of him, was probably sitting on a launch on Waramaug. He spent countless hours thinking about that program and making it everything it became, and just in case he never told you rowers this, he loved it and was so so proud of everything you did. ” —

KATE GARRITY

in Canada and Bulgaria. Following his graduation, he majored in business economics and modern American history at Brown University, where he was a fouryear student-athlete.

In 2003, he returned to Gunn as a faculty member, teaching science, coaching basketball and rowing, and serving as an advisor. He received the Class of 1955 Distinguished Teaching Award for the 2011-2012 school year. He served as a dorm parent, prefect advisor, and head of the crew program. Known for the beat-up, raggedy, black Nike hat that he wore almost everywhere, Kevin hosted a dinner for the senior oarsmen at graduation, gifting them their own hats, and delivering his infamous “Black Hat” speech. In his final season as crew coach, he led the boys first boat to a fourth-place finish in the New England Interscholastic Rowing Association Championships, earning them a spot — and bringing home the first-place trophy — at the National Schools Championship Regatta in Saratoga, New York, marking the best

season for Highlander rowing in more than a decade.

In 2014, Kevin and his wife, Kate, whom he met and married while working at The Gunnery, accepted faculty roles at The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Massachusetts. There, he taught physics and chemistry, served as an advisor and dorm parent, and coached rowing, basketball, soccer, and golf until his sudden passing.

KRISTEN POEHNER LOPARCO ’89 was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Kristin graduated from Roanoke College, where she competed in Division III soccer and tennis. She was the number one singles and doubles tennis player, and became the first female in Roanoke tennis history to make the Division III National Tennis Championship as a singles player. As a freshman, she was also part of the first women’s doubles team in school history to qualify for Nationals. Kristen currently serves as the Vice President of the Booster Club

(ABOVE, SECOND FROM LEFT)

at her children’s high school, and has coached 5th and 6th grade field hockey, leading her team to undefeated seasons in two consecutive years. Kristen's ongoing commitment to sports and her remarkable personal achievements, such as completing the New York City Marathon in under four hours, exemplify her enduring dedication to athletic excellence and sportsmanship.

KARI BENSON ’84 was inducted into the Arts & Letters Hall of Fame. Kari received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Muhlenberg College in 1988, a master’s in biology from the University of Mississippi in 1992, and a Ph.D. in biology from the University of NebraskaLincoln in 1998. Her research has taken her to freshwater habitats from Virginia and Arkansas to Colorado, Connecticut,

and Mexico. Her master's work focused on larval fish ecology in southeastern floodplains, while her recent research has delved into the behavioral ecology of decision-making in relation to foraging and mating decisions of a diverse range of subjects, including crickets, birds, fish, and spiders. Kari has made significant contributions to her field through numerous publications and her affiliation with the American Arachnological Society, the Animal Behavior Society, the International Society for Behavioral Ecology, and the Association of Biology Laboratory Educators.

Alumnus of the Year

TheDavid N. Hoadley ’51 Alumnus of the Year Award was presented to Bob Brush ’54. This award was renamed in 2021 to honor Trustee Emeritus David Hoadley ’51 as the first recipient in 1989. The award is given annually to the person who, in the opinion of the Alumni & Development Office, has contributed most significantly to the school through his or her volunteer efforts and who, in those efforts, has represented The Frederick Gunn School to the highest standards.

Bob has served as a Class Agent for more than 20 years and has often led the charge on all things reunion, especially when it comes to fundraising. He helped his class raise nearly $40,000 for an endowment for faculty development in honor of their 50th reunion. He has donated to the annual fund as far back as 1991 and always steps up to encourage his classmates to support the school. He has visited fellow alumni from San Francisco to Nantucket and Vermont, presenting them with their alumni pins along the way. Bob has truly lived up to the school’s mission and has helped to keep Gunn thriving through his outreach, philanthropy, and overall support.

The 2024 Gunn Trailblazer Award

This new award will be given annually to an alumnus or alumna who has graduated within the last 15 years, and who embodies Mr. Gunn’s mission to be a force for good in the world. The recipient will have demonstrated early success in a chosen profession, commitment to service to the school and the greater community, and exceptional promise for the future. At Alumni Weekend, Kori Rimany ’14 was honored as the inaugural recipient of this award.

Since graduating 10 years ago, Kori has steadily worked behind the scenes to help keep her class connected to the school and with one another. She has served as a Class Agent for years and has often led the charge when it comes to all things related to class fundraising and reunion outreach. Kori joined the faculty at Gunn in 2018 and completed her master’s in teaching with a concentration in teacher leadership while serving as a house parent, coach, advisor and English teacher. She has been recognized by the National Association of Independent Schools for her peer-to-peer work through articles titled, “A New Twist on Social Emotional Learning: Prioritizing Educator Well-being in the Age of Covid-19,” and “Teacher Retention: A Teacher’s Perspective on Keeping Colleagues.” While working full-time as an educator, she has also built a thriving small business, the English Teacher Candle Company.

Dear Alumni,

IWAS HEADED INTO STEEP ROCK the other day when a member of our maintenance staff stopped to ask me, very out of the blue, if I remembered the “old” School Walk route. Unfortunately, I was hard pressed to remember it exactly and I made a mental note to ask my dad, Michael Eanes H’90 P’90 GP’20 ’23 ’25, what he recalls. I remember walking on roads and through back yards and that it was very, very long! And I have a few particularly vivid memories about specific portions of that walk and the people I walked with.

For those of you who don’t know, School Walk now avoids private property and heads directly into Steep Rock. The eightmile hike covers all the highlights of the preserve: the Holiday House ruins, the Shepaug, the old train tunnel, the Clamshell, the footbridge, the corral, and, of course, the pinnacle. Students get t-shirts at the start and, as has always been the case, the community pays homage to Frederick Gunn and his love for camping before setting off. It ends in what is now called The Glade, just off the dining hall terrace.

My youngest child, Amelia ’25, will graduate from Gunn next spring and, like her siblings, Isabel ’20 and Luke ’23, many of her best Gunn moments begin with a space on campus. Last year,

she spent hours each night studying with friends in The Lizzie. When she comes home after a long day, she’ll start a sentence with something like, “You’ll never guess what happened on the turf after dinner!” The memories of downloading with friends on a Saturday morning over coffee and a bagel at The PO, or sitting in the dining hall well after dinner, pushing off homework, will stay with her forever.

My space-related memories may be different from hers and from yours, but they are more similar than we might imagine given the evolution of the campus (and the world)! Sitting on the Van Sinderen steps, hanging out around Gunn Rock, relaxing in Bourne common room, or taking copious notes in the Schoolhouse classroom where Mr. Small taught me Algebra I, all bring back memories of community, friendship, and learning. I rarely remember what exactly we were chatting about or doing or studying, but I vividly remember the importance of these places.

While the people remain the most critical part of what we all remember and hold dear, in many cases our memories are more solid because of the place that grounds them. The Gunn campus has grown more and more beautiful each year that I’ve been back (22 years now), and it has evolved in important ways. While the state-of-the-art chem lab and gorgeous theater are certainly critical to their learning and education, I love thinking about all the memories that students are creating in those spaces.

I could not be more pleased with the focus on place that our School has — it seems that every new building, bench, or tree is added with intention and concern for people, and their need to gather, to connect, and to create lifelong memories.

With fond affection,

Laura Eanes Martin ’90 P’20 ’23 ’25

President, Alumni Association Executive Committee

Alumni Homecoming

ALUMNI AND PARENTS are a vital part of the Gunn community and carry school spirit with them wherever they go. We were excited to welcome Highlanders back to campus for Alumni Homecoming on October 12. They enjoyed brunch and campus tours and joined students, faculty, staff, and families for an action-packed day of cheering on our Highlanders on their home turf!

LOOKING FOR SOME GUNNSPIRATION?

THE CLASS OF 1990, which had the highest number of donors in our 2024 I ❤ Fred Challenge, was rewarded by having their class banner carried to the summit at School Walk in October. The class was represented well by Class Agent Laura Eanes Martin ’90 P’20 ’23 ’25, who completed the walk on a gorgeous fall day with her daughter, Amelia ’25, pup, Delilah, and Flat Fred to keep her company. “I’m feeling so much gratitude for this school,” she said.

We hope her experience gives alumni, families, and friends #Gunnspiration to participate in our 2025 I ❤ Fred Challenge, which begins in January. Be on the lookout for details and the chance for your class to carry the banner to the summit at School Walk 2025.

To view information about our upcoming Highlander events, scan the QR code.

SCHOOL WALK AROUND THE WORLD

ON OCTOBER 1, the Gunn community continued a proud tradition begun in 1861, when Frederick and Abigail Gunn led 30 boys and a dozen girls on a 42mile walk from Washington to Milford, Connecticut. We commemorate this historic event each year on a date close to Mr. Gunn’s birthday (October 4), with School Walk. In honor of our 175th anniversary, Highlanders everywhere were encouraged to walk or hike, or simply take time to appreciate the outdoors. Many carried Gunn 175 banners and “Flat Fred” along the way! Here are just a few of the alumni, parents, and friends who celebrated School Walk around the world.

1 Elisabeth and Nick Laatsch P’25 celebrated School Walk by taking an evening walk in Missoula, Montana, after their son, Owen Laatsch ’25, finished his walk with friends — and caught a rainbow trout in true Frederick Gunn fashion!

2 Austen Bass P’28 celebrated School Walk from Mount Kilimanjaro, where he donated his Gunn fleece to his guide, Shabani. It now has a new home in Arusha, Tanzania, Africa!

3 Tram Pham P’27 took Flat Fred to Ben Thanh Market, a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

4 Miguel Padro ’94 organized a School Walk in Philadelphia, where he was joined by Roy Simpson ’68, his partner Tracey, and their three dogs for a rainy, three-mile hike.

5 Adam and Amanda Szakmary P’28 shared a walk with Flat Fred in Bermuda with their family.

6 Allison and Andrew Sipes P’28 enjoyed a School Walk-inspired family trek on the beach in Santa Monica, California.

7 Stephen Davol ’61, Jill Davol, Juan Padro ’92, Sonia Bacon ’92, Will Mullaney ’00, Tara Friedman ’03, Maura Petroni, and Victor Petroni ’79 held a School Walk gathering in Denver.

8 Heather and Mike Hall P’22 ’24 and their sons, Sean ’22 and Colin ’24, hosted Gunn parents in New York City for drinks and nibbles before walking the Muscota Marsh Boardwalk in Inwood Hill Park.

As you can see from these photos, “Flat Fred” traveled from Washington, Connecticut, to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam to Denver, Colorado, and even Mount Kilimanjaro! Want to take him on your own adventure? Email engagement@frederickgunn.org to request your own “Flat Fred.”

A LEADING ROLE

Holly Fuchs Soroca ’93 talks about her career at the intersection of business and fashion

HOLLY FUCHS SOROCA ’93 has spent nearly three decades in the fashion industry, helping to drive the growth of brands including Theory, Frame, and Joie. Since 2021, she has been the President of Dôen, a women-owned clothing company based in Los Angeles. Known for its timeless and unapologetically feminine designs, Dôen was dubbed “the hottest brand of the summer” by Women’s Wear Daily in July, after actors Brie Larson and Alexandra Daddario turned up at a press conference in Italy wearing the same Dôen polka-dot dress.

At the time, WWD’s West Coast Executive Editor, Booth Moore, noted several other celebrities had recently “stepped out” in Dôen, including Dakota Johnson, Kaia Gerber, and Michelle Monaghan, and wrote: “Welcome to the summer of Dôen — well, actually, the second summer of Dôen, following the run the L.A. brand had last year with Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner and others wearing and driving sales of its dreamy dresses and tops, most of which are priced under $500.”

The buzz surrounding the brand extended to a wildly successful Gap x Dôen collaboration last May. As Dôen fans attested across social media, many of the pieces in the collection quickly sold out. While Soroca’s role in all of this has been largely behind the scenes — she compared it to that of a chief revenue officer — it is still exciting and requires her to bridge the gap between the creative and the business side of operations.

“The most exciting thing for me is that I continue to learn,” Soroca said during an interview this fall from her home office in New York City. “Having e-commerce, and digital marketing, and the way that social media impacts consumer behavior is so new. I mean, the internet didn’t exist when I was starting out, so it’s really exciting that I don’t come to work and say, ‘I’ve done this all.’ I’m seriously learning new things every single day. I’m working with people who work for me who are teaching me things. I love where I am because I love being at companies that are in high-growth mode. It’s chaotic, and stressful, and fun, but it’s different and exciting every single day. I really thrive on that.”

A big fish in a small pond

When she was growing up, first on Long Island, and then in Westport, Connecticut, Soroca’s parents owned clothing stores, but she didn’t “catch the fashion bug” until after she graduated from college. At Gunn, where she enrolled as a sophomore day student, after her family had moved to New Preston, her primary interest was theatre.

“I sang. We did musical theatre. I participated in every theatrical event that existed at the time. That was my passion. I wish I had been able to go to the school when there was an actual theatre space,” she said, recalling that plays were produced on a small stage in the Student Center, which was in Brinsmade. “We did Once Upon a Mattress, which was my junior year. I’m going to see it on Broadway in a few months. Of course, I know every word, I was the lead. Actually, my fondest memories at The Gunnery were around theatre, and I had no idea that I was going to be interested in fashion.”

The decision for her to enroll at Gunn from a larger, public high school provided an environment in which she thrived.

“Being able to be a lead in a show that, at a bigger school I probably would never have had that opportunity. It gave me that confidence, in terms of getting up and performing in front of people. And being in very small classes, and being able to excel in that way, led me to go to a small liberal arts college,” said Soroca, who majored in economics and minored in theatre at Hamilton College.

Julie Dansingburg, who taught economics at Gunn and was, coincidentally, a Hamilton alumna, was also a formative

BY

PHOTO

BRAD SOROCA

influence. The economics class, Soroca said, “really made an impact on me. I was like, ‘Oh, I really love this. I think this is something that I want to study.’”

Starting at Saks

Her path from Hamilton to a career in fashion in New York was inspired by a family friend, who had started The Fifth Avenue Club, a private shopping club at Saks, and told her about the company’s training program. Soroca secured an interview with Saks and was ultimately placed in the program, which taught her everything she needed to know about buying, planning, and merchandising.

“It was absolutely the best mix of the business side of fashion, while having a slight creative outlet,” she said. “And because I had the economics side, I knew how to think and be analytical. It was an amazing opportunity.”

New York has been her home ever since. After finishing the training program, Soroca took a job as a buyer at Saks, where she worked for three years. “Theory had just launched and it really did sort of bridge that gap for women who were dressing up at the time for work and didn’t necessarily want something from the junior market or Ann Taylor, but also didn’t want to spend on really high-end, luxury brands,” she said.

Soroca said she became close with the founder of Theory, Andrew Rosen, and joined the brand as vice president of sales for three years. “It was at a pinnacle time in the growth of that company, and super exciting. I feel like I learned more in those three years than I did anywhere else in my career,” she said.

From Theory, Soroca returned to Saks for a few more years before leaving again to join the contemporary fashion brand Joie, where she worked for 11 years, and served as president. “I have three sons and I say it was like my fourth child. I went through a lot of life milestones while I was there and the company grew at a pretty tremendous rate. I oversaw all of the revenue. When we first started, we only sold wholesale, and then we launched retail stores,” she said. “I oversaw their e-commerce, and their merchandising, buying, and planning.”

Working with entrepreneurs

During her tenure, Joie launched two additional labels, Equipment and Current/Elliott. Soroca oversaw all three brands before leaving to become president of the high-end fashion brand Frame for four years. Three years ago, Soroca joined Dôen, having previously worked with the brand’s founders, sisters Katherine and Margaret Kleveland, at Joie.

“They started Dôen just about eight years ago and I watched as

a huge fan and loyal supporter but was able to join them in 2021. It’s been really exciting. They’re incredible women and I’m so excited to be reunited with them,” Soroca said.

She noted the Klevelands founded Dôen with a group of women, which was unique in the industry. “They both really wanted to make sure that, even down to the factories that we work with, that there were opportunities for women, and not just for women, but women who could balance career, and family, and workplace,” Soroca said. “At the end of the day, they wanted to create a brand that made women feel good when they’re wearing our clothes. They wanted you to be able to drop off your child at school and then go to work and feel comfortable.”

While Soroca does not consider herself an entrepreneur, she learned from her parents, who were serial entrepreneurs, what it takes to succeed. “I’m not a risk-taker. I probably couldn’t be an entrepreneur myself. But I admire it so much and I appreciate it. I know how to balance it. I think that’s been one of the reasons I’ve been able to be so successful in my career of working with entrepreneurs. I generally let them push me where I’m uncomfortable, and then I push them where I think the risk is too great. It becomes a very good blend and partnership, particularly where I am today.”

The demands of being a corporate president are so great, and it is hard to find balance, but Soroca said the workplace has evolved over the past 20 years, giving women in particular the flexibility to manage work-life balance. When she first started out, working from home one day a week was “the dream,” she said. Post-pandemic, it is the norm, yet it still comes down to finding the right place and the right people. That’s why she chooses to pay it forward. Some of the women on her team have been with her since she was at Theory, and she has seen them get married and start their own families.

“I think I was able to thrive because I found people who trusted me, and empowered me, and knew that I was going to work 24/7 no matter where I was physically sitting,” said Soroca, who has three sporty sons with her husband, Brad, who works in marketing strategy and business development “I also love being at a place in my career where there are students who have graduated from Hamilton and The Frederick Gunn School who have reached out to me. I love talking to people, and giving them advice, and making introductions. I had some really important mentors, and I’m excited that I’m at a point where I can do the same for other people.”

Soroca with her husband, Brad, and children (left to right), Aden, Tyler, and Ethan

Making a Difference

TRUSTEE EMERITUS LEO BRETTER ’52

P’88 remembers when Head of School Ogden D. Miller H’69 P’50 ’54 ’55 GP’84 invited him to become a member of the Board of Trustees. “I was 20-something years old,” said Leo, who became a Trustee in 1971 and has consistently and generously supported the school ever since.

“Gunnery was a life changing experience for me, and it was for my son, Ted Bretter ’88, as well, who graduated, obviously, years later,” Leo said, adding, “So many times I’ve heard from people over the years that among the transformational events in their lives was going to The Frederick Gunn School. I have great affection and love for the school and what it does for real people, and the life-changing experiences they acquire as a result of it.”

"At The Frederick Gunn School, I can make a difference, and the school makes a difference. That’s why I give.”

Leo served as Vice President of the Board, as a member of the Development Committee, The Campaign Leadership Committee, the Finance Committee, and as Chair of the Committee on Trustees before retiring from the Board in 2001.

ABOUT THE UNDERHILL SOCIETY

He was a Class Agent, and he and his wife, Frances P’88 have provided financial support for campus improvements, including a music room in the former Emerson Performing Arts Center, and the Frances M. & Leo D. Bretter ’52 P ‘88 Student Center, a focal point of the student experience. As a member of the Underhill Society, Leo has chosen to support the school’s endowment by including Gunn in his estate plans.

“At The Frederick Gunn School, I can make a difference, and the school makes a difference. That’s why I give,” Leo said. “The school had 122 students when I graduated. It was a very personal experience. That aspect of it really hasn’t changed, despite the fact that the school has grown in size. The one-to-one care, and the philosophy of Frederick Gunn, and the headmasters I’ve known over the years, who have continued that caring experience, that is why I continue to have Gunn high on my list, if not at the top of my list.”

The Underhill Society pays homage to our most philanthropically-minded alumni, parents, and friends who have included The Frederick Gunn School in their estate plans. Their generosity will provide critical future resources, ensuring that Mr. Gunn’s School thrives for generations to come. The society is named in honor of H. Willets Underhill ’31, a longtime Trustee and benefactor of The Frederick Gunn School, and in memory of his brother, Samuel Jackson Underhill ’35, who was lost in combat during World War II. Together, and with the help of Samuel’s wife, Margaret, they bequeathed gifts totaling $2 million to the school.

THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE FREDERICK GUNN SCHOOL

Underhill Society members who are 65 by the end of 2025 and fully document their bequest, insurance policy, trust, or other estate gift with the school will count toward our ambitious $100 million campaign goal.

For more information, please contact Bill Curren, Associate Director of The 1850 Fund & Planned Giving, by calling 860-350-0189 or emailing currenb@frederickgunn.org.

PHOTO BY KRISTIN MOORE

Trustee Emeritus Leo Bretter '52 P'88 with Board Secretary Beth Glynn

Steve Bent ’59

TRUSTEE EMERITUS STEVE BENT ’59 who served on the Board of Trustees for nearly 20 years, passed away on July 11 following a tragic accident. A loyal friend and supporter of the school, Steve served as Board Treasurer and was one of the original members of the Campaign Steering Committee. He was Chair of the Finance Committee and an active member of the Investment and Building and Grounds committees.

Steve arrived at Gunn in the fall of 1954 from Lake Forest, Illinois. He was captain of the Varsity Hockey Team and played JV Tennis and Varsity Soccer, receiving the Hoadley Cup his senior year. He was a member of The Red and Gray, The Gunnery News, Community Chest, and Library Committee, served as secretary of the Athletic Council, and played the lead in “Teahouse of the August Moon.”

After Gunn, Steve graduated from Hamilton College in 1963 and earned his MBA at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He served in the U.S. Navy as a communications officer and was assigned to a Naval destroyer, according to his obituary. An entrepreneur, he ran American Process Systems, which was established in 1970 and made industrial mixers and processors for pharmaceutical and food industries. The company was later sold to Eirich Machines, his obituary said.

“STEVE WAS A GREAT GUY. He was modest, kind, and a very pleasant person to be around,” recalled former Trustee Nick Munson ’59, noting their friendship spanned six decades, from their Gunnery years to time spent in later years at Steve’s hunting lodge in Northern Wisconsin, where they hunted grouse. They also served on the Board together in the late 1980s and early 1990s. “His great sense of judgment on the Board acted as a good leveling influence. When you hear of the person with the best ideas being the quiet one in the back of the room, that was Steve.“

Nick also reflected on his friend’s great love of the outdoors.

“It was a shock to hear of Steve’s passing, but it gave some comfort to know that he was doing exactly what he loved to do when his time came. It is a great sadness to lose Steve and I will always have very fond memories of our great friend, Steve Bent.”

In 2017, Steve shared a story in the Gunn Bulletin about his lifelong passion for building wooden boats, which was nurtured in part by his experience as a Highlander. “When I was at Gunnery, there was a course in Mechanical Drawing

(drafting) taught by a fellow named Richard Haag. The course gave me the knowledge of how to draw scale renditions of different kinds of structures. That knowledge has been very useful in laying out frameworks for a variety of hobby projects,” he wrote at the time.

He restored his first boat, a 1928 Old Town sailing canoe, in 1970. Around 2007, he began spending winters in Florida and set up a workshop where he built Cocktail Racers, which he described as “a class of pre-World War II miniature plywood boats.” More “serious” boats followed, including a 16-foot Matinicus Island peapod and a replica of a circa 1937 Chris Craft. “The ability to create something from scratch is really gratifying and is a great outlet, especially when you can actually use what you have created,” he wrote.

In April, Steve was among the leading donors honored at the opening celebration of The Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Center for Innovation & Active Citizenship, and he returned to campus in June to celebrate his 65th reunion with his classmates and the christening of a new shell donated by Mike Renkert ’59.

Steve is survived by his wife, Anne, his four children, Winslow, Seth, Ethan, and Marion, and ten grandchildren. A celebration of life service was held July 18 in Lake Forest. The family requested that donations in memory of Steve Bent be sent to: The Frederick Gunn School, Alumni & Development Office, 99 Green Hill Road. Washington, CT 06793, and The Everglades Foundation, c/o April Dominguez, 18001 Old Cutler Road, Suite 625, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157.

William Russ Elgin

ADEDICATED FACULTY MEMBER and Senior Master in his 39 years at Gunn, Russ Elgin passed away on July 2, 2024, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, according to his sister, Lynn Brown-Quick. Known to his students as “Señor Elgin,” he had a deep passion for the Spanish language and culture, and he dedicated himself to inspiring others to become lifelong learners.

Born on November 8, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri, Elgin earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Westminster College in Missouri and a master’s degree in Spanish from Middlebury College in Vermont. During the Cold War era, he was drafted into the U. S. Army and was enrolled in its Defense Language Institute in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Certificate of Outstanding Scholastic Achievement in Chinese. Posted to Okinawa for nearly three years, he used his linguistic skills in service to the Army, his obituary said.

In 1975, Elgin was hired by then-Headmaster Burgess Ayres to teach Spanish and coach cross-country. His tenure spanned the leadership of five Heads of School: Burgess Ayres, David Kern, Michael Eanes H’90 P’90 GP’20 ’23 ’25, Susie Graham H’12, and Peter Becker. In 1985, despite his relative youth, Elgin was appointed Senior Master, a position he held until his retirement in 2014. For nearly 30 years, he planned and served as Master of Ceremonies for major school functions from Convocation to Baccalaureate and Commencement each year, and he took on additional responsibilities as a house parent and coach for baseball, hockey, golf, and soccer. Elgin was named the holder of both The Tisch Family Chair for Excellence in Teaching (1993-1996) and The Noto Family Chair for Dedicated Service (2008-2011). Each year at Prize Night, he is remembered as the school presents an award in his name, the W. Russ Elgin Award for Excellence in Spanish.

“HE WAS THE CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONAL who executed his roles at the school with a deep sense of purpose,” said Associate Head of School Seth Low P’26 ’28, who is grateful to have called Russ a colleague for 10 years. “Even more impressive than his long run as Senior Master is his steadfast dedication to life as a triple-threat faculty member. For 39 years, he taught, and coached, and did dorm duty, and ran graduation ceremonies, etc. He was a model of consistency and a consummate educator of whom Frederick Gunn would have been proud.”

"Russ was the classic, old school, prep school teacher, Mr. Chips indeed!" reflected John Herrick ’63, P’89, ’91. "I think that he immediately fell in love with the school and the way of life. He was a dedicated teacher, coach, and dorm master. He could drive that damn Zamboni like Stirling Moss at Lime Rock! Every old New England prep school needs teachers like Russ Elgin."

Following his retirement from Gunn, Elgin moved to Las Cruces, and kept in contact with friends and former Gunn colleagues, including Ed Small, who succeeded him as Senior Master.

“Russ epitomized the quintessential boarding school master. His measured responses to difficult tasks at hand always reflected common sense solutions. He was rational and creative in this endeavor, and this skill earned him the respect from the faculty and student body that he so deserved. Russ was a teacher, coach, advisor, dorm parent, and much more. He was an athlete, musician, and lover of nearly all things Spanish,” Small said, recalling in particular Russ’ passion for La Vuelta a España, which was inspired by the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. “This is when Russ’s true colors (orange and yellow) were quite evident. In discussing each stage result, he would embellish the host cities’ attractions from his personal experiences in those same cities. His semi-annual visits to Spain provided him with a wealth of knowledge that he willingly shared with others, including me.”

“I will miss my conversations with Russ,” Small said. “He was a good friend and a good man who lived a good life.”

A funeral ceremony of remembrance was held September 15, 2024, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Wallace H. Rowe III

WALLY ROWE H’57 P’77 ’79, a beloved member of the faculty from 1956 to 1979, passed away on September 21, 2024, in New Hampshire. Rowe taught English, served as English Department Chair, coached wrestling, football, and JV tennis, and served as a house parent and advisor. Through his passion, warmth, and characteristic good humor, he had an enormous influence on many of his students, whether he helped them to learn how to write, to become a better athlete, or simply to laugh.

According to his obituary, Rowe was born in Pittsburgh on August 27, 1931, moving with his family to Pasadena, California, and later graduated from the Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton, and a master’s from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he met his future wife, Carol Hawkins P’77 ’79. He served in the U.S. Army prior to arriving at The Gunnery in 1956.

The Class of 1961 dedicated The Red and Gray to Rowe, writing: “Ever since he has come to The Gunnery, he has been respected and liked by all, not because he has sought status from the students, but because he has been himself at all times … In the classroom he taught us to be aware of our potentialities and to be prepared for later life as well as college, rather than just teaching us a senior English course to fulfill our credits. His frankness in all his actions, his fairness, his abundant good humor, and his sincere interest in our work — all add to our high opinion of him.”

“HE WAS ONE OF THOSE RARE TEACHERS that made learning seem easy because you knew he loved what he was doing and you wanted to share in that excitement of discovery,” John Howell ’60 wrote in an article published in the Warwick Beacon and reprinted in the Bulletin in 2002. “No matter the play or novel, weather Macbeth or Catcher in the Rye, Mr. Rowe fired up the class, provoking such hot debate that you hated for the class to end and you couldn’t wait to read the next act or chapter. Fortunately, many of us had one or more teachers like Mr. Rowe, teachers that you know made a difference.”

The Rowes raised three children on campus, Waddy ’77, Heidi ’79, and Marshall, before departing Washington in 1979, when Rowe took a job teaching at Governor Dummer Academy, near Newburyport, Massachusetts. The 1979 Red and Gray featured a dual dedication to him and History Department Chair Ron Whittle P’80 ’82, one of his closest friends, who left at the same

time to become department chair at Choate Rosemary Hall. “It was very hard leaving Gunnery behind,” Rowe wrote in 2013.

Decades later, Gunn continues to honor him through The Wallace H. Rowe III Chair in Critical Expression established in 2001 by former Trustee and Board President Roy Walzer ’65 P’86 and his wife, Carol. The chair is presented every three years at Convocation.

Also in 2001, to mark the occasion of Rowe’s 70th birthday, his daughter, Heidi sent out an appeal to former students, asking them to contribute anecdotes and reminiscences that were compiled in a book and presented to him at Alumni Weekend.

“The more than 100 letters she received in response were amazing in their variety, brightened Wally’s final days as I re-read them aloud to him, and delighted me as well,” Carol Rowe said.

In 2019, Thomas Perakos ’69 and the Class of 1969 dedicated the Perakos Family Cares Art Gallery in the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center in honor of Rowe in celebration of their 50th reunion. “I loved my experience here, particularly the combination of the education I got through people like Wally Rowe,” Perakos said at the opening celebration of TPACC in 2022, which Rowe and his family attended.

A memorial service was held November 9 in Petersborough, New Hampshire. Gifts in memory of Wally Rowe may be sent to The Frederick Gunn School, Fountain Valley School, or The Governor's Academy.

To read more tributes, make a gift, or contribute a remembrance of Rowe, please scan the QR code.

Ten Minutes With Leah Peluchiwski

LEAH PELUCHIWSKI has always enjoyed spending time outdoors. A Chicago native, she taught sailing in the summer near her family’s lake house in Michigan, and has been nurturing her love of backpacking since college. PADI scuba certified, she was one of four faculty who led 19 students on an 11-day scuba and sailing trip around the Caribbean islands last December, while living aboard a pair of 44-foot catamarans. She ran a 50K for the first time in June.

Perhaps destined to be an English teacher, she has kept a book journal — recording every book she has ever read (with reviews) — since third grade, and carries a book everywhere she goes. Since joining the faculty in 2022, she has taught English to all grade levels, and coached skiing and softball as well as Highlander X, which combines yoga and outdoor activities with community service. Her newest role as Outdoor Coordinator involves helping to plan and lead activities for Gunn Outdoors, including camping trips that are part of the Freshman Experience.

What advice do you have for new students? The biggest piece of advice that I would give is just to try something new. I find I usually regret not trying something more than having it go wrong. My high school had a program similar to our Highlander Term called Project Week. I was always too nervous to try one of the adventurous outdoors backpacking trips because I thought I wasn’t going to be able to do it. I ended up not backpacking until college, and I loved it.

“We’re really excited about taking all of the freshmen camping to give them experience in the outdoors, but also to work on their leadership skills, and give them a unified experience as a class,” she said.

What is your favorite Gunn tradition? My favorite Gunn tradition is the School Walk. It’s impactful because it’s actually doing what we say we believe in and continuing Frederick Gunn’s legacy and traditions. It also takes advantage of where we are in the world and the access we have to Steep Rock, and it exposes students who might never have been on a hike before to those kinds of opportunities.

Education

> BA University of Notre Dame, Program of Liberal Studies, Department of Film, Television, and Theater; Business Economics (minor)

Current Responsibilities

> Teacher, English I and English II Honors

> Assistant Coach, Highlander X

> Outdoor Coordinator, Gunn Outdoors

> House Parent, Van Sinderen

Who has been your greatest influence? My thesis advisor was the head of the Film, Television, and Theater department at Notre Dame and his class was International Art Cinema and Global Quality Television. I took the class not knowing if I would like it, but a good professor can make a huge difference in your interests and, honestly, your path. As a teacher, he was so good at listening to us and making the material approachable. He always had a connection to another text, or another theory, or another author. I hope that I can do some of that in my own classroom, making the material approachable for students, making them feel heard so they feel comfortable participating and expressing their ideas.

What have you recently enjoyed reading?

I did a professional development workshop at Bard College about academic writing in the age of AI, and we read a poem by Ada Limón. I went to the bookstore and picked up one of her collections, “Bright Dead Things.” I really enjoyed it. Sometimes we think of poetry as old and stuffy. She’s a contemporary author who is talking about issues I think people can relate to.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OFFICERS 2024-25

Patrick M. Dorton ’86

Board Chair

Wanji Walcott P’19

Vice Chair

Beth W. Glynn

Secretary

Ashleigh Fernandez

Treasurer

TRUSTEES 2024-25

Stephen W. Baird ’68

William G. Bardel

Robert Bellinger ’73

Kevin Bogardus ’89

Sarah Scheel Cook ’82

Jon C. Deveaux

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Leo D. Bretter ’52 P’88

Jonathan Estreich P’06

Edsel B. Ford II ’68

Joan Noto P’97

Jonathan Tisch ’72

Gerrit Vreeland ’61

Natalie H. Elsberg P’25

Josh Feil '98

Adam C. Gerry P’21

Emily Raudenbush Gum Head of School

Sherm Hotchkiss ’63

Timothy Jackson P’24

Thomas R. King ’60

Jonathan S. Linen ’62

Damien Marshall P’24

Paul M. McManus, Jr. ’87 P’21 ’23

Bonnie A. Pennell ’86

Missy Cuello Remley ’87

Krystalynn Schlegel ’96

Omar Slowe ’97

Richard N. Tager ’56

Robert M. Tirschwell ’86

Rebecca Weisberg ’90

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Laura Eanes Martin ’90 P’20 ’23 ’25 President

Omar Slowe ’97 Vice President

Scott A. Schwind ’89

Krystalynn M. Schlegel ’96

BULLETIN Fall/Winter 2024

The Frederick Gunn School Bulletin is produced biannually (spring and fall) by the Marketing & Communications Department. Send alumni news to: classnotes@frederickgunn.org.

Editor

Jennifer Clement P’22 ’25

Associate Director,

Strategic Communication & Marketing clementj@frederickgunn.org

Chief Strategy Officer Doug Day dayd@frederickgunn.org

Chief Advancement Officer Alumni & Development

Matthew Goetting goettingm@frederickgunn.org

Chief Enrollment Officer

Suzanne Day days@frederickgunn.org

Design

Alison Wilkes / alisonwilkes.com

Printing

David Emery ’73, GHP / ghpmedia.com

West Haven, Connecticut

Send address corrections to: alumni@frederickgunn.org or visit gogunn.org/alumni or write Alumni & Development

The Frederick Gunn School 99 Green Hill Road, Washington, CT 06793