HILL HEADLINES
New Dean of Faculty Westminster faculty member Jessica Keough will assume the position of dean of faculty July 1. She will succeed the current dean of faculty, Mark de Kanter ’91, P’19, ’22, who will become associate head of school on the same date. Appointed to the Westminster faculty in 2008, Jess has filled many roles during her tenure, including history teacher, dean of students, dormitory head, associate admissions director, head coach of First Girls’ Ice Hockey and student advisor. In 2017, she won the Swayze Award, presented to a member of the faculty for outstanding contributions to the life of the school. In addition, Jess has served on the faculty at Pomfret School and Hebron Academy. “Jess’ passionate energy and commitment to excellence across all of her endeavors inspires students and colleagues alike,” said Head of School Bill Philip in making the announcement. “Underscoring her highly respected stature in our school community, Jess’ colleagues rely on her guidance, both informally and formally, for example, by frequently inviting her to participate in their professional growth reviews.” Jess earned a B.A. at Trinity College and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies at Wesleyan University. While at Trinity, she completed a legislative internship program at the Connecticut state capitol and was named a Long Walk Society Scholar. She also captained the field hockey and ice hockey teams. Jess is a graduate of Tabor Academy, where she captained the field hockey, ice hockey and lacrosse teams. As a corridor supervisor, Jess lives in Kelter House with her
Jessica Keough
husband, Jay, who serves as associate director of admissions, and with their sons, Francis and Patrick. “Jess deserves our appreciation for her already remarkable legacy of accomplishment and our enthusiastic congratulations for the leadership role she will now assume,” said Head of School Philip. “I am grateful for the various opportunities for growth I’ve had at Westminster over the years,” said Jess. “I am humbled by this appointment, yet at the same time, eager to put my mark on the position. My vision of the role embraces a holistic approach. I will draw on my experiences as a teacher, advisor, coach and dean of students to be a visible, supportive leader and a resource for our faculty. I look forward to the good work ahead.”
Large Delegation Participates in Yale Model U.N. Students in Westminster’s Model U.N. headed to New Haven Jan. 23 to participate in the 46th Yale Model U.N. conference. The 23 Martlets had spent weeks preparing. Their committees represented a broad range of issues, from the past to the present. The group lucked out with a number of assignments to smaller, specialized committees that permitted the experienced crew ample opportunities to participate. In addition to the committee sessions, highlights of the weekend included Yale Day events, which allowed students to sample Yale academic and cultural life, and a group dinner at Prime 16 in New Haven. Many delegates put forth a great deal of effort in their committees and took leadership roles in dealing with their assigned topics. Two students distinguished themselves this year: Qifei Min ’22 in the Arab League earned outstanding delegate honors, and Daniel Pinckney ’20 in the CDC crisis committee earned best delegate honors. “Once again, it was a rewarding and enriching experience for the Martlet MUNers,” said Betsy Heckman, the group’s advisor and head of the History Department.
Right, Westminster students who attended the Yale Model U.N. Conference, and above right, Daniel Pinckney ’20 and Qifei Min ’22 display award certificates from the conference. Spring 2020
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