2016-17
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Virginia Episcopal School, founded in 1916 in Lynchburg, Va., is an independent, coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12.
SPENCER W. MORTEN III ’72
JOHN E. BAUKNIGHT IV ’85
MICHAEL K. ALFORD ’82
Georgetown, SC
CHAIR, BOARD Bassett, VA
VICE CHAIR, BOARD Jacksonville, NC
STANLEY C. ARCHIBALD III ’73
ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR ADVANCEMENT Garth Q. Ainslie ’83 DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Catherine Hunter Varner DESIGNER Esther Elmore Underwood PHOTOGRAPHERS Jenna Pearce Adam Underwood Esther Underwood Catherine Varner
WILLIAM L. BOWLES ’72 MATTHEW L. BRANDON ’88 Lynchburg, VA
CHAIR, ADVANCEMENT Charlotte, NC
KATHY K. CRAFT P ’13, ’19
LAURA M. BEASLEY P ’07, ’09
SARAH P. DU BOSE P ’13, ’18
VICE CHAIR, ADVANCEMENT Colerain, NC
HEADMASTER G. Thomas Battle, Jr. ’83
Spartanburg, SC
THE RIGHT REVEREND MARK A. BOURLAKAS
Greensboro, NC
Charlottesville, VA
ELIZABETH M. ELLISON ’96 Los Angeles, CA
EX-OFFICIO Roanoke, VA
W. DOUGLAS HARTOG
C. LYNCH CHRISTIAN III ’69
BARBARA N. HOWARD P ’12
CHAIR, FINANCE & INVESTMENTS Lynchburg, VA
MARY HODGES GEORGE ’89
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT/EX-OFFICIO Mt. Pleasant, SC
JESSICA S. GRANEY P ’09 VICE CHAIR, FINANCE Charleston, WV
ALAN E. HARER ’63
CHAIR, BUILDINGS & GROUNDS Raleigh, NC
LEE C. HERBERT ’74
HONORARY TRUSTEE/EX-OFFICIO Lynchburg, VA
Charlottesville, VA
Pittsburgh, PA
GEORGE WILSON MARTIN, JR. ’73 Winston-Salem, NC
WILLIAM F. MORRISETTE, JR. P ’09 Greensboro, NC
WILLIAM L. PANNILL ’73 Martinsville, VA
LESSLIE HAMILTON RAY ’00
West Palm Beach, FL
P = PARENT
R. CHAMBLISS LIGHT, JR ’71 P ’06, ’07 VICE CHAIR, COMMITTEE ON TRUSTEES Lynchburg, VA
MISSION STATEMENT Virginia Episcopal School is an engaging community that guides students to strive toward full stature in their academic, ethical, spiritual and personal growth.
Virginia Episcopal School 400 VES Road, Lynchburg, VA VES.ORG
WILLIAM E. SANFORD II ’77
CHAIR, COMMITTEE ON TRUSTEES Philadelphia, PA
JOEL T.C. WILLIAMS ’85 P ’17
VICE CHAIR, BUILDINGS & GROUNDS Raleigh, NC
Front Cover: Local artist and alumnus Paul Clements ’92 handcrafted the spectacular VES chandelier and signage for our Centennial Celebration.
1
Celebrating 100 Years Honoring the Past & Setting a Vision for the Future Catherine Hunter Varner Director of Marketing & Communications
W
hen I first arrived
About celebrating the Centennial you may be
at VES in July 2015,
thinking, “Of course you must throw an event on
I stepped right
a grand scale, but how challenging is that to plan,
into the throes of Centennial
really? A black tie dinner, a handful of key people
planning. A talented and broad
delivering well-crafted remarks, a champagne toast
team—including voices of
and dancing. Event planners do it all the time.” But
alumni, board members, faculty
that’s where VES decided to be distinctly different.
and staff, students and parents—was bringing to fruition two-plus years of planning for this major
A Full Year of Celebration
milestone in the history of our school.
The school approached this milestone with a desire to widely tell our story and share the school’s
I joined VES with the charge to further define and
mission. The Centennial year provided a rally cry
build a distinctive VES brand, to grow the pride
to alumni to reconnect with their alma mater and
and prestige people feel for the school, to deliver
feel pride in VES and its promising future. We also
marketing messages and experiences that create
wanted to leave an unforgettable impression of
buzz and interest. My first thought...How lucky am
today’s VES, showcasing our faculty, students and
I to step into this role at such an incredibly exciting
dynamic campus—an outward manifestation of the
time! My second....Holy cow. We’re going to pull all
energy, enthusiasm and momentum on campus.
of this off!?
2
It was clear this could not be accomplished through a single celebratory evening event or even a full weekend of activities. Our recognition of 100 years would be a year-long effort to elevate and live into our brand. We laid out a series of touches designed to remind all of our alums and friends that VES is and will always be their home. These events would convey that the school is committed to continuing its position as a leader in education—one that will always “dare to be different.” For VES, a Centennial Celebration looks like this: • One year and 15,000 miles in a branded RV—our Centennial Tour—traveling to 37 cities across the country, bringing VES to more than 1,500 Bishops. • Welcoming 245 students at the opening of our 100th school session and graduating our 100th class of seniors. • Resolutions presented in honor of VES’ 100 years by the the U.S. Congress, Virginia General Assembly, Lynchburg City Council and the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. • Our Centennial History book—overflowing with inspiring, funny and poignant stories and images that capture the essence of VES. • A record-breaking year in annual giving and early completion of the Vision 2016 $36 million campaign. • And a celebration weekend this fall that brought 900 alumni, parents and guests to the Old 160 and staged memorable events for our 248 students.
Centennial Weekend Finally Arrives For those unable to attend or for those who simply want to reminisce, here are few excerpts from our Centennial journal.
Thursday, October 1, 2015 10:28 am | “Joaquin Is Coming”...and he’s not a welcome guest! Looking out for the safety of our students and guests in the face of a hurricane, we announce that VES will have to wait one more year to celebrate our 100th. The Board of Trustees decides that 600 registered guests was nice, but with an extra year to plan, why not shoot for 800 guests!
Wednesday September 14, 2016 4:35 pm | Our 800th Guest Registers. It’s none other than Dr. John Risher ’28, our oldest living alumnus at 106. And from there, the numbers just kept rising.
Thursday September 29, 2016 7:41 pm | Final Voyage for the RV. BK Mundy ’67 and Ron Hood ’74 position the Centennial RV in the middle of campus—the last official tour stop on the odyssey. With only a little rain in the forecast, we finalize the campus for the nearly 1,200 students, faculty, parents, alumni and guests soon to arrive. competent and generous and honorable, to sustain
Friday September 30, 2016
and protect their families and communities, to serve
4:05 pm | NY Times and NPR Are in the House!
and to lead their employers, to know what it is to
New York Times Magazine writer Mosi Secret and Miki Meek of NPR’s This American Life arrive to follow Marvin Barnard ‘71 and Bill Alexander ‘71 as they tell their stories about VES—the leader in boarding school integration 50 years ago with
love and to work, and to build their future lives on what they have learned here. That has been VES’ accomplishment during this first century. Surely, that is also its highest and best future.”
support from the Stouffer Foundation.
6:45 pm | Cutting the Cake. In the Thomas Family
5:32 pm | VES’ Highest Honor Awarded. Board
served VES’ 100th birthday cake, a scale model
Chair Spencer Morten ’72, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, awards Paul Fulton, Jr. ’53—who former Headmaster Sandy Ainslie calls the “Patron Saint of
Lobby of the brand new William King Center, we replica of Jett Hall. 7:30 pm | Dancing a Jig for VES. The Trustees host
VES”—the inaugural Robert Carter Jett Award.
a dinner for members of the Bishop Jett Society,
6:05 pm | John Casteen III, President Emeritus
’03 delivers a memorable thank you to those in
of the University of Virginia, Delivers Keynote. Pointing to the rapidly evolving workplace and changes required in education to keep pace, he said, “These developments have everything to do with VES going forward. Its curriculum, its engagement with students and families, its buildings and fields, its faculty, its financial assets, its commitments to human diversity defined broadly—the qualities that saw it successfully through this first century—are not what anyone might have imagined in 1916.
VES’ most generous benefactors. Henry Clarke attendance. Read his remarks on p. 12. 8:45 pm | Bark Like a Dog. While alumni and parents are gathering for get-togethers at favorite watering holes around town, students are mesmerized by hypnotist Tom DeLuca, who has Brent Jenkins ’18 of Elizabeth City, NC, walking and barking like a dog on stage to the amusement of his classmates.
Everyone knows that learning to learn, life-long
Saturday, October 1, 2016
learning, matters more now than at any time in our
12:01 am | SRO at Jimmy’s on the James. “Decade
history. VES’ ingenuity, commitment, durability,
Drop Ins” are a huge success. The 1970s lead the
capacities for change, and stamina define it as
charge at their appointed spot, Jimmy’s on the
surely as Dr. Jett did.
James, established by Jim Dudley ’76, where it is standing room only inside with a long line out the
“I was asked to speculate about VES’ future.
door as the 1980s ambled over, turning the night
This future aims to qualify students to flourish in
into a progressive party.
unknowable, perhaps unimaginable venues, to be
4
1:31 am | Another Century Mark Achieved. Joel
seen before. And how our friends and partners
Williams ’85 becomes the 100 alum to purchase a
came through for us. Vivian Howard ’96 guided
Cheesy Western at the T-Room this weekend.
the rustic dinner menu, Bill Rice ’86 brought the
th
oysters and John Bauknight ’85 supplied the beer. 10:30 am | VES 2.0. Headmaster Tommy Battle ’83
Meriwether Godsey—under Rie Godsey’s attentive
delivers his state of the school remarks to a packed
supervision—created a sumptuous meal. Hats off to
house in Garmey Theater. He speaks of the enduring
Natalie Langley and Anne Ainslie of The Stylistic,
legacy of Jett and his admonition: “Dare to imagine a
whose vision transformed Van Every into a beautiful
better world”—a vision that manifested itself among
space beyond recognition. And kudos to Margaret
Headmaster Austin Montgomery’s historic decision
Lyle Jones ’95 for overseeing the entire Centennial
for VES to be a leader in integration in Southern
Celebration Weekend!
boarding schools and Headmaster Charlie Zimmer’s decision for VES to again be a Southern leader in
6:26 pm | The First 1916 Mule Is Served...as guests
co-education. And Tommy looked ahead, sharing a
begin to pour in to enjoy great camaraderie, an
thought-provoking vision for VES’ future—already
amazing feast and adrenaline-pumping music.
upon us as we plan the programs and curriculum that will best equip students with the knowledge,
11:16 pm | “VES! VES! VES!” The VES copper mug
skills and character to succeed in our dynamic world.
commemorative gifts go quickly as the final shuttle bus is loaded. Cheers of “VES! VES! VES!” can be
11:17 am | Tony-Award Winning Band Tunes Up.
heard echoing from VES Road to downtown.
The Red Clay Ramblers complete their sound check, ready to entertain the lunch crowd on Box Plaza.
11:56 pm | The Final Toast. Back at the Holiday Inn
The weather is gorgeous, and there is no shortage
and Craddock Terry, final toasts are made to our
of great food and great friends for the picnic.
alma mater. The T-room is still going strong.
3:05 pm | 100 Years of Football. At halftime of the
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Homecoming game, we honor former players as they
10:30 am | A Moment of Reflection. Chill Langhorne
march onto the field by decade.
’59 and family find their seats in Langhorne Memorial Chapel as we gather in prayer to close out this
5:15 pm | Centennial Sock Hop. The students gather
incredible weekend.
off campus on the top floor of the Bank of the James for a fun 50s-inspired dance.
6:31 pm | And in the End, We Took a Day of Rest. Headmaster Battle thanks the VES community
6:25 pm | Our Guests Arrive for the Grand Event!
for all of their hard work by declaring Monday a
We were greeted by a Van Every as we have never
Headmaster Holiday. Well deserved!
5
6
LEFT PAGE CLOCKWISE | TOP: The beautiful decor adorning Van Every Gym was breathtaking. | MIDDLE RIGHT: Scott Close ’00, Will Bullock ’00 and Boo Moore ’00 | BOTTOM RIGHT: The 1916 Mule—our signature cocktail for the evening | BOTTOM LEFT: Arthur Zablotski ’12, Maggie Moomaw ’12 and Alex Rapadas ’13 THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE | TOP LEFT: Class of 2000: Lesslie Hamilton Ray, Phillip Ray, Boo Moore, Candice Cline Keenan, Anne Bolling Gaines Rainer, Dhaval Shah and Will Bullock | TOP RIGHT: William White ’08 with Rebecca Hill | MIDDLE RIGHT: Dr. Bill Alexander ’71 and wife, The Honorable Avarita Hanson BOTTOM RIGHT: Earle Betts ’68 and Board Chair Spencer Morten ’72 | BOTTOM LEFT: Class of 2010 | MIDDLE LEFT: The oyster bar was a main attraction.
7
Paul Fulton, Jr. ’53 Recognized with Inaugural
Robert Carter Jett Award
O
n September 30, 2016 during the Founders Day program, Paul Fulton, Jr. ’53 was recognized by the VES Board of Trustees with its highest honor, the Robert Carter Jett Award for lifetime achievement.
This award was established by the board to be bestowed selectively in honor of a VES graduate for his or her distinguished career, significant contributions in community service and/or educational organizations, and exemplary personal life.
Ainslie, Jr., “There could not be a more deserving or a more obvious choice for the first presentation of this award than Paul Fulton. I have often referred to Paul as the patron saint of VES. My dictionary says that a patron is a customer or a client. Paul was just that some 60-plus years ago as a student here, and his love of and loyalty to this great school began at that time. A patron also is a person who supports with money, gifts and efforts an institution or other similar endeavor. Paul’s record in this regard is simply unmatched:
8
•C hairman of the Board of Trustees from 1975 to 1978 • Co-chair of the Vision 2016 capital campaign, which has raised $36 million. “Paul’s support of VES has also been found in his personal giving to help fund an array of school needs, such as: •E stablishing and endowing the Fulton Master Teacher Award and Fulton Summer Grants for faculty to pursue less traditional growth and professional development opportunities. •F inancial support for various building improvements and additions, including a
According to former Headmaster Lee S. (Sandy)
1906
•A VES trustee from 1972 to 1978
new dormitory and most recently a $1 million commitment to undergird the preservation of historic Jett and Pendleton Halls. “Perhaps most importantly is that over the past 45 years, he has been an able and willing advisor to faculty members, headmasters and trustees—never interfering, but always eager and willing to help. And through the good times and the challenging times, he has been that proverbial ‘friend in need.’ One of the nicest aspects of working with Paul— aside from his energy, imagination and incredible determination—is his friendship.
1913
1913
1913-14
A Great Idea Is Born
A Pivotal Gift
The School Is Named
Land Is Secured
Jett proposes providing an affordable education to deserving students from all walks of life.
Lady Nancy Langhorne Astor promised $10,000 on the condition that Jett would raise $100,000.
Committee member and railroad executive Wilton Mingea proposes the name “Virginia Episcopal School.”
Jett persuades leaders to purchase a 106-acre site near the emerging suburb of Lynchburg.
Board Chair Spencer Morten III ’72 (right) recognizes Paul Fulton, Jr. ’53 with Robert Carter Jett Award.
Left to right: Paul Fulton Jr. ’53, Headmaster Tommy Battle, Jr. ’83 and Dr. John Casteen III
“His service to Virginia Episcopal School is
“I want to talk about VES; where it sits today and
unparalleled. As Paul wrote to Headmaster Barton
its future potential. VES is on the cusp of being
in the summer of 1952, ‘I shall always try to keep in
a superior school and taking its place among the
mind the highest interests of the school as a whole.’
most desirable prep schools in the Southeast.
He has done so in every way.”
Let me point out a few areas where there has been dramatic change and progress:
Upon receiving the award, Paul delivered remarks paraphrased here:
• Enrollment — From 175 in 2010 to 248 enrolled this fall.
“What an honor! There are so many VES alumni who would be at least as deserving as I—some of them here today. Maybe seniority or old age played a bit into the decision of the board. In any event, I am very grateful and humbled by it all. It is a particularly special pleasure to be here today to celebrate our school’s 100th anniversary.
• Faculty and Administration — The team at VES has always been an integral part of the experience here. Their ability to connect individually with all of us has been what this school is all about. How many of us remember a special one like Mr. Banks or Mr. Gannaway or Rock Lee or Bruce McCormick or Mr. Wyatt?
“I have said before that I am not sure where I would have ended up without VES. This school gave me:
Well there are many others like them at the school now. They are a new wave—today’s generation who are just as important and just
• An academic boost
as impactful. They are providing that individual
• A confidence boost
touch that continues to make this school special.
• A long-term base of friends, many of whom are
So I thank them on behalf of all of us.
here today
• Development — The school has raised more
• Social and interpersonal skills • And just plain old maturity, helping me to
than $36 million since 2010, the annual fund is
grow up.
1913-14
1915
1916
Jett’s Dream Takes Form
Our First Building
WIth an architectural rendering in hand, Jett can share his vision with prospective donors.
This multi-purpose structure was added to the existing farmhouse, barn and outbuildings.
Inaugural Student Body Arrives On Monday, Sept. 25, the first 25 boys arrived, forming VES’ first student body.
1916 Touchdown VES! The boys suffered many injuries as they won one of the four games in the inaugural football season.
Paul Fulton, Jr. ’53, the Robert Carter Jett Award honoree, surrrounded by his family.
consistently over $1 million and the endowment has increased from $10 million to $18 million.
About Paul Fulton, Jr. ’53 Paul Fulton is Chairman of the Board of Bassett
• Culture — You’ve built a strong culture with
Furniture Industries and former president of Sara
an emphasis on guiding each individual to
Lee Corporation. From 1993 to 1997, Fulton served
reach his or her full potential. We’re getting
as dean of the Kenan-Flagler Business School
great kids here, and the engagement that
at UNC-Chapel Hill. A long-time advocate of
current and past parents, present and
education, Fulton co-chairs Higher Education Works,
prospective students, and alumni have with
a bipartisan organization that supports public
the school is exciting to see.
higher education in North Carolina, advocating for investment in North Carolina’s public universities
“VES is a school you can really be proud of and,
and community colleges by building support among
most importantly, you can be proud to send your
citizens and engaging leaders. He holds his B.S in
children and grandchildren here. And you can
Business Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill. In
be confident to support the school financially, as
May 2016, UNC-Chapel Hill awarded him the degree
many of you have already done.
of Doctor of Laws in honor of his "outstanding accomplishments in the field of business, and in
“I look forward to celebrating the bright future for
recognition of his generous service to the state of
this special place!”
North Carolina and to the university.”
1917-18 VES Becomes Accredited 10
VES is accredited by the University of Virginia.
1919
1920
1930
Chapel Is Completed
Hands of Hard Work
Langhorne Memorial Chapel opens its doors for services and assemblies.
Rev. Pendleton becomes the second headmaster and led boys in building athletic facilities.
A Modern Bridge Welcomes All A two-way concrete bridge opens to traffic, bringing people safely to campus.
Look Who Was Here! 1150+
FARTHEST TRAVEL US: 2,493 MILES INTERNATIONAL: 4,776 MILES
BISHOPS STUDENTS, PARENTS, FACULTY/STAFF & FRIENDS
GUESTS REPRESENTED
AND TRAVELED FROM AFAR
19 STATES...
BRAZIL, CANADA & ENGLAND
1949
1967
1974
1977
Field House Is Built
VES Leads Way in Integration
VES Stays the Course
First VES Computer Arrives
Ground was broken for the William King Field House, named for a founding board member and benefactor.
VES becomes the first Southern prep school to enroll African American students.
Headmaster Sandy Ainslie brings back VES traditions: daily chapel, seated meals, coats and ties, and haircuts.
By the fall of 1981, VES had five Apple computers for students’ use.
11
“We’ll Dance a Jig in Your Honor” During the Centennial Celebration, the VES Board of Trustees hosted a dinner at Boonsboro Country Club with Dr. John T. Casteen III, president emeritus of the University of Virginia, and Paul Fulton, Jr., ’53, inaugural recipient of the Robert Carter Jett Award. Joining these guests was the Bishop Jett Society— the school’s most generous alumni and friends, whose individual cumulative giving to all funds exceeds $100,000. Remarks delivered by Henry Clarke ’03, Director of Major Gifts
I
t is my privilege to speak
John was referencing this same group assembled
to you as an employee of
here tonight, who have looked after and sustained
my alma mater, for which
our alma mater through all these years. There is no
I feel immeasurable pride
doubt that without the extraordinary generosity of
and gratitude.
the Bishop Jett Society—which totals more than $56 million in lifetime giving—VES would not exist.
Many of us are grateful for the faculty who are present tonight: Jim Hopkins, who
Perhaps John was also talking about our founder
taught us how to write; Phil Garmey, who brought
Robert Carter Jett and the benefactors who
foreign languages to life; Doug Smith, who sparked
supported his vision to build a classically
an interest in history; and Mary Feagans, who was
proportioned, red-brick boarding school for boys
our confidante and friend. Thank you, Mary, for your
of limited means...in a hayfield of a state that already
gift of the perfectly beautiful flowers. Your hard work
had several very fine red-brick boarding schools.
and love of the alma mater of your father—Stirling Williamson ’24—have made this evening special.
Central to Jett’s success was Lady Nancy Langhorne Astor, the first female member of British parliament
In 2001 when I was a sophomore, John Ellison ’65,
and world symbol of women’s rights. We are honored
gave a speech that I will always remember about
that Lady Astor’s granddaughter, The Honorable
being grateful for what we have been given. He said,
Emily Astor, and cousins James Langhorne and Chill
“We drink from wells we did not dig. We walk down
Langhorne ’59, are with us tonight.
paths we did not clear. We’re warmed by fires we did not build.”
12
1977
1981
1981
1982
Record Highs
“Quantum Leap” in School Endowment
Ushering in a New Era
VES Wins Prep League Championship
School reaches highest enrollment at 253 students, with 146 boarders and 107 day students.
VES earns $1MM challenge grant from William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust.
Duke undergrad and UNC law grad “Charley” Zimmer began his record 16-year run as headmaster.
In a televised game, VES won its first football championship in 12 years.
Lady Astor supported Bishop Jett and VES in
Seventy years after Lady Astor befriended Bishop
three main ways:
Jett, and most significantly over these past five
• She gave the school financial backing;
years, one person in particular stepped up to continue her legacy of support: Paul Fulton.
• She gave the school prestige and cache by her association; and
Paul, too, has given VES prestige and cache. He has
• She made introductions for Bishop Jett with notable philanthropists.
been exceedingly generous with his time, advice and money. And he has opened doors for VES through his relationships and willingness to ask others to support the school. Some of you here
For example: •L ady Astor’s father, Chiswell Dabney Langhorne, gave the Langhorne Memorial Chapel in memory of her mother. • F.W. Woolworth and Company founder, F.M.
tonight undoubtedly feel—as Jimmy Barber ’63 and Chris Smith ’82, like to say—that Paul is your “most expensive friend.” It will never be possible to fully convey our
Kirby, made major contributions for the
appreciation to you, Paul, for your generosity, nor
construction of Jett Hall and began the
can I adequately tell you how much your mentoring,
VES Endowment.
friendship and confidence have meant to me
• Coca-Cola bottler and the first woman to sit on the board of a major American corporation— Coca-Cola—Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans, made contributions for the construction of Main and West—now Pendleton Hall—and bailed out VES during the Depression. Her foundation has become the school’s most significant supporter of its modern annual fund.
personally and professionally. I admire you, and I am so very grateful that you have been Tommy Battle’s Lady Astor. It would be hard to reflect on the paths cleared, wells dug, and fires built for VES without acknowledging our appreciation for the board service of so many University of Virginia administrators—the late John Blackburn, Gordon Burris, Parke Muth, Sean Jenkins,
• Members of the duPont family, including
and now Doug Hartog, among others—that all began
Hamilton M. Barksdale, funded the Barksdale
with Dr. John Casteen’s joining our board nearly 40
Memorial Gymnasium, paid the business
years ago. We are humbled by the extraordinary,
manager’s salary for nearly 30 years and made
decades-long relationship you established.
an investment in the VES Endowment. • And Lady Astor’s old friend F. Donaldson Brown, director of General Motors Corporation, provided friendship and wise counsel as well as support of the school’s early endowment.
1986 VES Embraces Coeducation Girls are admitted to VES, a first among all-male boarding schools in the South.
Finally, I’d like to suggest that John Ellison’s remarks about gratitude honor the school’s leaders, including Frank Craighill ’57, Mary Morris Gamble Booth, VES’ first female trustee, and the late Annie Adams
1986
1992
A Pioneer Arrives
VES Recognized for Historical Significance
Virginia Gordon “Ginny” Haslam ’90, becomes VES’ first four-year female boarder.
VES is named to the National Register of Historic Places.
1996 A Building Boom VES acquires 40 wooded acres. Box Plaza and the Van Every Athletic Center are built.
13
Robertson Massie, for their courage and foresight in bringing about coeducation in 1986. Much like Annie’s watercolors that grace Jett Hall’s parlor, VES’ young women and alumnae elevate our school. How fitting that 30 years after coeducation, Mary Hodges George ’89, Emmy Ellison ’96, Lesslie Hamilton Ray ’00, and Candice Cline Kenan ’00, have claimed their rightful places among our alma mater’s leadership. During the Vision 2016 Campaign, which concluded in June, new leaders have emerged to look after the school. The Class of 1973 raised more than $1 million from nearly 40 classmates; the classes of the 1980s dominated the Campaign Executive Committee; and a mid-1990s alumna made the single largest gift of a living donor in school history. To those in the room who have helped write the philanthropic legacy of VES’ first century, I tell you that our school is deeply grateful for your generosity. The baton has been passed to the next generation, inspired by the sterling example you have set. We will take care of our alma mater as you have. Long-time VES English teacher and librarian Jay Hight, whose family left VES more than $2 million, shared the story of Bishop Jett writing to his friend Thomas Nelson in April 1916, “I received tonight another contribution of $1,000…. I feel like throwing up my hat, with money and boys pouring in. Someday you and I will get together and dance a jig.” We will dance a jig tonight in your honor.
TOP: The Honourable Emily Astor, granddaughter of Lady Nancy Langhorne Astor, visiting from London; Chill Langhorne ’59; Headmaster Tommy Battle ’83 and wife, Mary Stuart. | MIDDLE: The Bishop Jett Society dinner at Boonsboro Country Club | BOTTOM: Former Senior Master Jim Hopkins, Alex Floyd ’66, and Betsy and Dr. John Casteen
14
1998
2000
2006
2010
To the White House
A New Millennium
“Our Decade” Begins
VES Alumnus Named
White House Chief of Staff VES teaches computer VES launches its Vision Headmaster Erskine Bowles ’63 receives literacy, technology, and 2016 campaign, a 10-year G. Thomas “Tommy” Battle, the VES Distinguished T O W A geographic, social and $35MM capital campaign. R D F U L L S T A T U R E M A G A Z I N E | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6Jr. ’83 joins VES to guide the Alumni award. ethnic diversity. school into “the next century.”
Class of 1973 Gives $1 Million Names Upper Lobby in William King Center During the Vision 2016 Campaign, these members of the Class of 1973 made gifts totaling more than $1,001,973, to the VES endowment, annual operations and capital projects. For their generosity to all areas of the Virginia Episcopal School and loyalty to their alma mater, the Class of 1973 Upper Lobby in the William King Center is named in their honor.
Stan Archibald Mason Blandford John Breckeridge Tad Bromfield Mike Buhler Rob Christian Preston Craighill Steve Feinman
Bob Galloway Ed Gerhardt Bob Gorrell Neil Hammerstrom Walter Hogan Brent Holmes Garland Homes Vernon Jeter†
Jamie Johnson Don Johnston Bill Ed Kidd Reed Leverton Charles Little Kinsey Marable Will Martin
Will Pannill Greg Prioleau Tom Purdie Doug Quarles Dan Rock Terry Sherrill Ricky Scruggs
Jay Stone Steve Singleton Bo Thomas Don Thomson Larry Tilley Charles Wallace Woody Warren †
2015
2015-16
2016
Enrollment Up 39% Over Five Years
First Child of an Alumna Enters VES
VES Wins Three State Championships
A school on the rise, the student body grew from 176 to 245.
Joseph Sterne ’19, son of Sarah Elizabeth Perrow Sterne ’89, enrolls as a freshman.
Boys lacrosse, basketball and the VES’ robotics team all win state.
deceased
2016 A New Century 1150+ students, alumni, families and friends celebrate VES in its Centennial year.
VES History Comes to Life
J
ames A. Hight, Sr. was exactly the kind of boy
Jay realized he needed to focus his time and attention
Robert Carter Jett had in mind when he founded
on other matters. Jay and his father began to make
Virginia Episcopal School. Born in 1918 in Nelson
provisions in their estate plans for VES.
County near Roseland, Va., Hight attended local public schools during the Depression, and his parents were
When James Hight, Sr. was designating bequests in his
far too poor even to consider sending their son—one
last will and testament, he asked his son if any of the
of five children—to boarding school in Lynchburg.
gifts should go to VES. He agreed with Jay’s request
A good churchman starting at an early age, Hight was
to commission and install a cupola—a replica in
confirmed by Bishop Jett at Grace Episcopal Church
keeping with the original architect’s intent—to sit atop
at Massie’s Mill on August 20, 1933. Hight later taught
Langhorne Memorial Chapel. The men also agreed the
Sunday school there and vividly recalled the day
remainder of the bequest should be used to preserve
when Bishop Jett visited one of his classes to observe,
the school’s archives and to write and publish the
sitting quietly through the entire lesson and afterward
history of VES.
congratulating the young teacher. When the school received the more than $2 million Hight’s son, James A. “Jay”
gift from two generations of the Hights—a family
Hight, Jr., came to VES to
who had worked hard and lived frugally—a Book
fulfill his passion for teaching.
Committee was formed to work with Jay to bring his
In addition, Jay served as the
dream to life. Jay selected Mary Abrams, editor of
school’s librarian and faculty
Lynch’s Ferry magazine, to author the book. Much of
advisor to the school newspaper
Mary’s inspiration for the book’s contents came from
in the 1980s. In 1991, Jay
Jay’s diary. Local Lynchburg, Va., publisher Nancy
published a 75th anniversary history of the school
Marion of Blackwell Press followed up on many leads
in collaboration with VES alumnus Robert “Bobby”
and researched the school’s history, drawing from
Seager II ’42. Also during his tenure, Jay undertook an
the images, letters, notes and publications in the VES
extensive oral history of VES headmasters and early
archives the Hights helped to protect.
alumni, and built up the school archives. It is thanks to these two men that we are able to bring Jay Hight always planned to write the history of our
the centennial history to life.
school. But in 2011, after being diagnosed with cancer,
16
Order today at www.ves.org/historybook
TOP LEFT: Dr. John Casteen III, President Emeritus, UVA, delivers remarks during Founders Day. | TOP RIGHT: At halftime of the Homecoming game, we honored 100 years of Bishops football as former players marched onto the field by decade. | MIDDLE RIGHT: A hand-crafted cake replica of Jett Hall | BOTTOM RIGHT: The VES Vocal Ensemble performs under the leadership of Debbie Burton, Director of Fine and Performing Arts. | BOTTOM LEFT: VES students Jenny Pham ’18, Sophie Julich ’18 and Meg Walsh ’17 gear up for the game. | MIDDLE LEFT: Current parents Bryan Adams and Joel Williams ’85 enjoying the picnic lunch on Box Plaza
17
NY
VES Centennial Tour Driving Stewardship Across the U.S.
MD WV
TX
VA
Charleston Lewisburg Beckley
TN
MS
Dallas
New York City
PA
DC
NJ DE
Brookes Bank
Lexington Richmond VA Beach/ Charlottesville Norfolk/Newport News Farmville Elizabeth City KY Chapel Hill Rocky Mount Greensboro Raleigh Nags Head Winston-Salem NC Nashville Morganton Asheville Pinehurst Spartanburg Charlotte Wilmington Greenville Columbia Myrtle Beach Atlanta SC Charleston
AL
GA
LA Austin Houston
New Orleans
FL
Ron Hood ’74 Director of Alumni Relations
F
rom a lighthearted comment about traveling in a motorhome visiting with alumni, parents and friends during our Centennial year grew one of the most successful stewardship programs in the history of the school. In just over one year, we have traveled some 15,000 miles through 11 states, welcomed 1,500 guests on board, and hosted nearly 50 events as we close this unique chapter of the school’s Centennial Celebration.
Here, we look back, consider the undertaking and express our sincere appreciation to all who joined us along the way. Our 31-foot rolling brand ambassador began life in a whirlwind of preparation, receiving its VES wrap in time to debut in July 2015 at the annual Pinehurst Alumni Golf Tournament. From there, we were off and running to Bishops at the Beach—perched high atop the Outer Banks dunes at the home of Peggy Anne and Roland Vaughan ’61—to tailgates at Hampden-Sydney and UNC-Chapel Hill. A host of admissions events across the Carolinas followed and then on to the mountains with a swing through West Virginia. Thanks to the Pattersons and Smiths for their gracious hospitality in Charleston.
18
Following the holiday break, we headed for
Spring brought a number of regional stops and
warmer climes in Wilmington, NC, where we met a
tailgates: Brookes Bank, the beautifully restored
curious Woodberry Forest alum riding through the
plantation home of Walker Box ’69 that sits on a
neighborhood, who remarked “What a great idea!
bank of the Rappahannock River, and a road trip to
We should have one of these!” Then on to Myrtle
Richmond where we enjoyed our Bishop friends at
Beach, Atlanta, and Greenville to start the new year.
the home of Nick Costas ’79. Following on-campus appearances at Commencement, Reunion and
Our most aggressive adventure totaled 3,000 miles,
Orientation for the 2016-17 school session, we closed
beginning in New Orleans with host Bill “Willie”
out our official tour in September 2016 with trips to
Nelson ’84 and his wife, Megan. As she opened
Newport News, Spartanburg and Asheville, and then
the front door to their brand new, not-quite-
took our last bow during the Centennial Celebration.
finished home for the first time and saw the RV in the driveway, she remarked that her husband had
Many individuals made this unique opportunity an
somehow failed to mention that we were bringing this
alumni outreach success: the Centennial Committee,
monster RV along! Following a terrific evening, we
the Board of Trustees; BK Mundy ’64, who piloted the
were off to Houston, Austin and Dallas before heading
RV with his faithful companion, Belle; Margaret Lyle
back to the Commonwealth.
Jones ’95 for her tireless efforts and endless miles in support of the program; as well as many others who buoyed this project throughout its journey.
TOP LEFT: Bishops in Greensboro, NC TOP RIGHT: Belle and the RV in New Orleans | BOTTOM RIGHT: Gearing up for the event in Wilmington, NC BOTTOM MIDDLE: With our friends in Spartanburg, SC BOTTOM RIGHT: Young alumni tailgate in Chapel Hill, NC.
LEFT PAGE CLOCKWISE | TOP LEFT: Jay Adams ’62 and Landon Lane ’68 | TOP RIGHT: Kara Renner Gammon ’97, Chelsea Adams ’98, Monica Varandani ’97, Sarah Ream Staunton ’95 and Leigh Spencer McCarthy ’95 | MIDDLE RIGHT: Donuts and divinity on Sunday morning | BOTTOM RIGHT: Journalist Miki Meek of NPR’s This American Life shadows Marvin Bernard ’71 as part of a story in development with the New York Times Magazine on the historical signifance of integration in Southern boarding schools. | BOTTOM MIDDLE: Senior Master Doug Smith and Cham Light ’71 | BOTTOM LEFT: Ben Parrott ’81 and Bo Gray ’82 | MIDDLE LEFT: Lynchburg families turned out in big numbers. RIGHT PAGE CLOCKWISE: | TOP: Students show their school spirit before the football game. | MIDDLE RIGHT: Men of the 1990s | BOTTOM RIGHT: Dontay Riley ’99 hugs Associate Head of School Sarah Cuccio | BOTTOM LEFT: Courtney Sorrells ’07 and Medford Sorrells ’07, Mary Brawley ’07, Kimberly Hobgood, Adrian Vergara ’09 and Will Brawley ’05 | MIDDLE LEFT: John Ellison ’65 and Nan Crawford
20
T H A N K YO U F O R A G R E AT
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Here’s to the next 100 years!