Westminster Bulletin Fall 2015 by Westminster School

Westminster Bulletin Learning to Think Logically

BUILDING COMMUNITY

2015 Reunion and Commencement

FA L L 2 0 1 5

During opening days in September, Fourth Form students gathered on Keyes House porch for a refreshment break.

Westminster Bulletin

FALL 2015

FEATURES

Building Community

Commencement

Learning to Think Logically

Reunion

DEPARTMENTS

Headmaster’s Message

From the Archives

Hill Headlines

Martlets on the Move

Athletics

Class Notes

Supporting Westminster

Closing Thoughts

On the cover: Katie Kosior ’18 and Josh Cosentino ’18 in their Algebra 2 Honors class. 1

FROM THE HEADMASTER

Dear Members of the Westminster Community, This edition of the Westminster Bulletin features exciting news about plans for a new dining room, student center, and student and faculty residence, which underscore that mission and core values remain the touchstone for all of our planning. While leadership philanthropic support offers us an immediate opportunity to advance these central components of our campus master plan, considered from the loftiest institutional perspective, building a robust endowment must remain the primary priority for advancing Westminster School. Simply put, the people and programs that distinguish of campus resonates historically with respect to the rhythms Westminster rely for their sustainability on the foundation of school life on Williams Hill. Finally, building an additional provided by our endowment. We compete successfully with the residence will allow us a desirable flexibility to accommodate best independent schools in every venue, whether admissions, application trends in the balance of boarding to day students and where almost 1,100 applicants compete for about 115 openings, to enhance our community, not by increasing overall enrollment, college admissions, where more than 90 percent of Sixth Formers are admitted to colleges and universities ranked as most or highly but by returning our other residences to their designed capacities: restoring common rooms, returning student rooms to their competitive, and athletics, where we play other Founders League original configurations and diminishing schools. But, we fall significantly short the number of students assigned to live in relative to our peer schools in endowment, Simply put, the people and Cushing. some of which have endowments that Considered together, a new dining exceed $1 billion. This discrepancy puts us programs that distinguish room, student center and residence will at a distinct disadvantage in terms of our Westminster rely for their represent an enormously exciting advance operating budget, since our revenue comes in our campus master plan. After from tuition, The Westminster Fund, sustainability on the preliminary conversations from some which includes annual fund gifts, and a of Westminster’s closest and most loyal draw, usually around 5 percent, on the foundation provided by donors, commitments totaling 70 percent balance in our endowment. These three our endowment. of the cost of these projects have been revenue streams are common to secured. As these plans are shared more independent schools and give schools with widely, we hope our school community of alumni, parents and large endowments a significantly greater opportunity to make friends will respond philanthropically to support the balance a difference in the lives of their students, because tuition alone necessary to fund this transformation in our campus setting. does not support the quality of the student experience. Emphatically, these plans are directly aligned with our school’s All of our priorities emerged from an in-depth and mission and core values, immediately affecting the experience thoughtful strategic planning process which involved students, of every student on a daily basis. faculty, alumni, parents and friends of the school and concluded All of our exciting plans moving forward only highlight the with the Board of Trustees’ endorsement in early 2014 of six urgency of assuring Westminster School’s future for generations areas of focus: Academic Program, Life Outside of the of students yet to enroll. According to legend, martlets are Classroom, Reputation for Excellence, Faculty and Staff, footless birds, always in flight, which only rest in the chapel. In Facilities, and Relationships and Resources. Remarkable and that regard, you may have noticed that on the plaques at the defining with respect to the shared ethos common to our school doors to the chapel, the martlets are represented with feet. As community was the consensus across our constituencies about with martlets, we must not rest in our efforts to advance this what mattered most at Westminster School. In that respect, the great school. plans for a new dining room, student center, and student and faculty residence complement increasing efforts to advance our With Grit & Grace, endowment by affirming our ongoing commitment to those distinguishing values which make such a difference in the lives of students at Westminster School. Building a dining room that can seat our entire school community — boarding and day students along with faculty and staff — for family-style lunches will enrich our community meaningfully. Similarly, repurposing as a student center our William V.N. Philip P’06, ’09 original dining room so that Cushing remains the central hub Headmaster

Westminster Bulletin

HILL HEADLINES

WCLP Runs Summer Enrichment Programs As a part of its ongoing commitment to extend itself for students who live in Hartford, the Westminster Crossroads Learning Program (WCLP) sponsored two summer programs this year. The Summer Academy at Westminster School (SAWS) was a four-week session run in conjunction with Covenant Preparatory School (CPS), a tuitionfree, private middle school for boys located in Hartford. The academy took place primarily in classrooms in Westminster’s Armour Academic Center and ran Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., from July 6 to July 30. SAWS hosted around 30 students and 10 faculty members from CPS. Alongside CPS’ administration, WCLP Nadrina Ebrahimi ’15 and Jack Werner ’16 help students from Covenant Preparatory School Assistant Director Mary Eckerson P’09, ’11, ’17 during the Summer Academy at Westminster School. provided on-site supervision. SAWS sought to aid and supplement CPS’ faculty as they navigated their summer curriculum. SAWS enlisted Westminster’s Director of Theater A-men Rasheed, Head of the Mathematics Department Tony Griffith and history teacher Charlie Griffith P’11, ’14, ’17 as faculty. In addition, more than 15 Westminster students contributed as teaching assistants and volunteers. A typical day was divided into four hourlong blocks: enrichment, math, English language arts and SSAT preparation. During their enrichment program, students attended one of three classes: App Building, Theater or Urban Law. They also took breaks for recess and snacks, and ate lunch in the Westminster dining hall. During the closing assembly every day, the students were led in a “call and response,” which sought to reinforce the principal values of the Crossroads’ program. After a brief announcement of the day’s “red hots” — public recognition of good behavior or outstanding academic effort/achievement — the students moved through a faculty receiving line, shaking hands with every Covenant Prep teacher as well as the Westminster teaching assistants and volunteers. “I am proud of Westminster for extending itself in this way, that is to say, opening its doors and putting its resources at the service of Covenant Prep,” Travis Percy ’14 teaches percussion at WCLP’s summer said WCLP Director Todd Eckerson P’09, ’11, ’17. “It’s a partnership that I program at Hartford Public High School. hope will continue for many years to come.” The other WCLP program took place at Hartford Public High School (HPHS), where, for the second year in a row, Crossroads offered a free fourweek music course that emphasized instruction in various instruments. The goal of this aspect of WCLP’s summer initiative is to help bring back the band to HPHS. Last year’s initiative yielded a small, critical mass of young musicians, who, in turn, formed the core of a fledgling band at HPHS during the 2014-2015 school year. This past summer, WCLP reprised that original effort with the hope of further strengthening and supporting Hartford Public’s attempt to resuscitate its music program. One of the two instructors for this year’s WCLP music class was Travis Percy ’14, who taught percussion. The previous summer, in conjunction with the music course, WCLP offered various sorts of academic support including English Language Learning (ELL) instruction. This summer, the emphasis was more directed toward ELL. Jeanne Griffith P’11, ’14, ’17 and son Jack ’17 led this effort. In the recent past, WCLP has worked with individuals who relocated to Hartford from Nepal and Myanmar (via Thailand). This summer, Crossroads tutored a group of French-speaking students from Togo. Fall 2015

HILL HEADLINES

The Start of a New School Year Westminster welcomed 396 students, including 271 boarding students and 125 day students, to the start of the school’s 128th year. The students represent 23 states, 24 countries and numerous Connecticut cities and towns. Before classes and the afternoon program began Sept. 10, students participated in a variety of orientation activities where they met new friends, spent time with classmates in their form and visited with their advisor. At the first assembly of the year Sept. 11 in Armstrong Atrium, Headmaster Bill Philip welcomed

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everyone and asked them to observe a moment of silence in honor of those who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001. He also explained what happens at assemblies and the Pin Ceremony and Sign-In Ceremony, and asked Head Prefect Tim Sanford ’16 and Junior Prefect Ellen Gyasi ’16 to unfurl the Sixth Form flag that will be used to signal Hill Holidays throughout the year. Tim, a boarding student from Morristown, N.J., then introduced members of the Prefect Board and said: “I am incredibly honored and pumped up to serve as this year’s head prefect. A great big and warm welcome to all of

the new students and faculty, and it is great to see all of the returners as well. This will be the best year yet!” He also offered some advice to each form: He encouraged members of the Third Form to “get involved and not be afraid,” advised the Fourth Form that the year “means learning how to make choices and understanding that you can’t do everything,” reminded the Fifth Form that the “year is hard because you have to balance your time really well,” and encouraged the Sixth Form to “live with Grit and Grace and know that you are only a high school senior once, so you should make the most of it.”

HILL HEADLINES

Former Governor Jodi Rell Visits

Above, members of the 2015-1016 Prefect Board are, first row, Paige Brackett, Junior Prefect Ellen Gyasi, Head Prefect Tim Sanford and Eliza Mell; back row, Jacqui Richard, Ted Sirbaugh, Sam Worcester and Katie Simeon.

After the assembly, students and faculty proceeded to the Sixth Form Lawn area for the Pin Ceremony, where members of the Sixth Form assembled on the Sixth Form Lawn, and alumni faculty and honorary faculty presented them with a class pin or pendant designed by their form. Next, all new students entered Andrews Memorial Chapel for the Sign-In Ceremony where they were greeted by the Sixth Form prefects and the headmaster and signed their name in the new student book signifying their formal entrance to the school.

Former Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell gave a presentation to Westminster students and faculty Sept. 17 about her political career in Connecticut serving as state representative, lieutenant governor and governor. She was invited to Westminster by Sixth Former Maeve DeFronzo, who serves as president of the student club Girls of Today, Women of Tomorrow (GOTWOT), which aims to inspire young women in the school community to grow and to become strong women. “GOTWOT believes that the best source of inspiration for this comes from strong women who have come before us,” said Maeve. “Jodi Rell is definitely a woman of stature who skillfully led our state, while also fulfilling the roles of wife, mother and grandmother.” Guests in the audience included Connecticut State Representative John Hampton, Simsbury First Selectman Lisa Heavner and Simsbury Selectman Michael Paine. During her remarks, the former governor recalled how she was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1984 and continued to serve in that position until she was elected lieutenant governor in 1995 to serve alongside former Gov. John Rowland. When Rowland resigned as governor in 2004, she stepped into that role and became the second female to hold the office in the state’s history. She was re-elected in the 2006 Connecticut gubernatorial election, serving out the term but deciding not to seek another term. Former Gov. Rell shared how she was asked by Rowland to serve on the ticket as lieutenant governor and the challenges in assuming the governorship on 10 days notice when he resigned. “It was a ‘whirlwind,’ she said. “The people of Connecticut at that time wanted confidence in their leader.” She also talked about her breast cancer diagnosis while in office and how important it was to her to give an address to the Connecticut General Assembly days after surgery. “I needed to show people I was O.K.,” she said. Former Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell meets She spoke about the significance informally with students following her of maintaining good relationships, presentation to the school community. setting priorities and building consensus. When asked what she is most proud of during her tenure as governor, she said it was saving the Naval Submarine Base in Groton. “That was the best example of Republicans and Democrats working together,” she said. “We did our homework, and we prevailed.” Currently, the former governor enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and serving on some boards of directors. After her formal presentation, members of the audience asked her numerous questions about her career. “I very much enjoyed public service,” she emphasized. She advised students who might be considering public service to “get involved and stay informed.” She told them it is about what they can do to help get out the vote or serve the public. “Get to know the issues and what they mean to you,” she said. Before her departure, students in GOTWOT and an AP Spanish Language and Culture class met informally with her to ask additional questions.

Fall 2015

HILL HEADLINES

New Poetry Book Showcases Work of Two Faculty Members Faculty members Michael Cervas P’96, ’01, ’10, head of the English Department, and Jane Toner P’02, who teaches photography, have collaborated on a new book of poems titled “A Wilderness of Chances” that was published in September. It is an anthology of 37 poems about everyday life from childhood to old age with accompanying photographs of lotus flowers. “The poems look carefully at the world as it is in an attempt to discover how extraordinary that world really is,” said Michael. The idea for a joint book project occurred a few years ago, when Jane told Michael about a curious phenomenon that occurs with some lotus flowers that bloom in a nondescript pond in the vicinity of Route 1A in Wickford, R.I., near where she has a home. “I have been photographing various points in the life span of the flowers for the past four to five years, capturing images of how they evolve and change,” she said. “When I mentioned to him how the flowers, although most beautiful in full bloom,

are most interesting after they have died, this hit a nerve with him and provided some food for poetic thought. He then asked me to collaborate with him on the book.” As a result, she contributed 24 photographs to the book including the cover image. “They are works of art and served as an inspiration for me,” said Michael. Jeffrey Harrison, author of “Into Daylight” and who visited Westminster this year as the 15th Westminster Poet, wrote about the book: “In these thoughtful poems, Michael Cervas searches both the past and the present for glimpses of ‘the latent beauty of ordinary things’ even while ‘telling us the awful truth’ about human suffering. Words, Cervas tells us, can sometimes ‘say / exactly what they mean // and also more than words can say,’ and in these poems he manages to pull off that paradoxical feat, showing us that, through careful observation and a patient lyricism, ‘what has been lost can be found again.’” Michael published two previous books of poems: “Inside the Box” in

Faculty members Jane Toner and Michael Cervas collaborated on a book of poetry. 2007 and “Captivated” in 2011. “I write when I can, and when I get to 30 to 50 poems that I like, I spread them out on the floor and go through them to see if they will make sense in a book,” he explained. “Rennie McQuilkin, the publisher of my books at Antrim House and Connecticut’s new poet laureate, is a very good editor, and offers suggestions about the order of the poems.” Michael says the book would not have been possible without the support of the Ford-Goldfarb Westminster School English Department Enrichment Fund. Copies may be purchased from Michael or Jane and at antrimhousebooks.com.

New Trees and Benches Enhance Campus Landscape

Landscape workers plant a tree near Cushing Hall. 6

Westminster Bulletin

In honor of the 13 Westminster alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I (1914-1918), 63 mature trees were planted on campus this spring as part of the centennial observation of that conflict. The trees were a gift to Westminster from Graham Gund ’59 along with members of his Class of 1959. And so members of the Westminster community and campus visitors can better enjoy the beauty of the campus, Trustee Emeritus Joe Gitterman ’55, P’86, ’86, ’90 came up with the idea to install additional benches in various locations. He and members of his Class of 1955 funded the purchase of 15 teak benches that are now anchored on stone bases on Commencement Lawn, Baxter Lawn, adjacent to Cushing Hall and overlooking the Farmington River Valley near Pratt House. The benches were an instant success with students, faculty and staff who can be found chatting and reading on them throughout the day. Students take advantage of a new bench on Commencement Lawn.

HILL HEADLINES

Educators Explore Issues and Programs in Liberal Arts Educators from 16 different schools joined Westminster faculty on campus for the fifth annual Westminster Teaching Symposium Sept. 24 titled “Embracing the Liberal Arts.” The symposium was hosted by the Westminster Teaching Initiative (WTI), which creates opportunities for teachers to share ideas through weekly meetings and the symposium. WTI is co-chaired by Westminster faculty members Mark de Kanter ’91, P’19 and Nancy Urner-Berry ’81, P’11, ’16. “This symposium brings Westminster faculty together with colleagues from area schools to share in a morning of ideas, reflection and collegiality,” said Mark in his welcoming remarks to attendees. “By sharing what we all do and have learned about education, we hope to serve all of our students better in our common quest to prepare the next generation and society to thrive.” The keynote speaker was Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University and author of the book “Beyond the University: Why Liberal Education Matters,” which was published in spring 2014 and has received widespread media attention. “I am happy to talk to you about a broad liberal education, especially because I think you are already doing such an important job in preparing students to open themselves to learning at a higher level when they get to a college or university,” he told the audience. “It is not easy to teach 15to 18-year-old students things they do not think they need to learn.” He emphasized the importance of helping students see that learning is not only about performance on a test, which is difficult in today’s culture. “The ability of teachers to help their students understand the benefits of ongoing learning is for me the most important ability teachers have but is one that is easy to

Above, President of Wesleyan University Michael Roth gives the keynote address at this year’s Westminster Teaching Symposium; below, educators discuss a variety of topics during breakout sessions.

give up on because there is not a real metric for that.” In talking about his book “Beyond the University,” he said, “I decided to write a book about the context of the debates around liberal education in the United States because I was struck by the current controversies surrounding liberal education.” He pointed out that when talking about liberal education, he is not talking about liberal arts education, which has a longer history. “The discipline is not the important thing,” he said. He then gave an overview of important moments in the history of liberal education and how students should be taught to liberate, animate, cooperate and instigate. Following the historical mode of his book, he referred to thought leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Jane Addams. After his address concluded, participants attended additional presentations about how various schools provide traditional curricular elements and are experimenting with new models of cross-disciplinary, project-based and online learning. The presenters included Alec McCandless of Loomis Chafee School; Jennifer Weeks of Kingswood Oxford School; David Chrzanowski, Kerry Kendall and A-men Rasheed of Westminster; Kate Seyboth of Westover School; Andrew Harcourt of Deerfield Academy; and John Corrigan of Northfield Mount Herman School. The symposium concluded with lunch in the dining hall, where conversations about many of the topics discussed earlier in the day continued.

Fall 2015

HILL HEADLINES

Helping Hands Across the Community Westminster School students and faculty traveled to 16 locations in the greater Hartford region Oct. 1 to perform volunteer work as part of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual all-school Community Service Day. The approximate 450 volunteers visited 4-H Educational Center at Auerfarm in Bloomfield, University of Hartford Magnet School in West Hartford, Camp Jewell in Colebrook, Covenant Prep School in Hartford, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation in Bloomfield, House of Bread in Hartford, South Park Inn Homeless Shelter in Hartford, Reggio Magnet School of the Arts in Avon, St. Elizabeth House in Hartford, Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli

Westminster Bulletin

Gifted and Talented Academy in Hartford, Simsbury Community Farm, Simsbury Housing Authority, Foodshare Regional Market Warehouse in Hartford, Simsbury Historical Society, Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen in Hartford and the Farmington River. They performed repair work, prepared and served meals, worked with children, painted, raked leaves and brush, stocked food shelves, and cleaned and organized sites. Staff also planted 2,000 additional daffodil bulbs on campus along Perkin Memorial Drive.

HILL HEADLINES

Jeffrey Harrison Visits as 15th Westminster Poet New England poet Jeffrey Harrison visited Westminster April 13-14 as the 15th Westminster Poet. He spoke to English classes and gave a reading in the Werner Centennial Center. He is no stranger to Westminster, having been a reader at the Friday Nights in Gund series in January 2013. Jeffrey is the author of “The Singing Underneath,” which was selected by James Merrill for the National Poetry Series; “Signs of Arrival”; “Feeding the Fire”; “Incomplete Knowledge,” which was runner-up for the Poets’ Prize; “Into Daylight,” which won the Dorset Prize; and “The Names of Things: New and Selected Poems.” A recipient of Guggenheim and NEA Fellowships, as well as other honors, he has published poems in The New Republic, The New Yorker, The Nation, Poetry, The Yale Review, The Hudson Review, American Poetry Review, The Paris Review, Poets of the New Century, The Twentieth Century in Poetry, and in many other magazines and anthologies. He has taught at George Washington University, Phillips Academy, College of the Holy Cross, Framingham State University, the Stonecoast M.F.A. Program, and the Solstice M.F.A. Program. He lives in Massachusetts. “It is a treat and an honor to be here, especially with students having read my work,” he told the audience at the beginning of his Westminster reading, which included a broad selection of his poems. During meetings with English classes both days, students asked him about poems they had studied prior to his visit and his writing process. He shared that he had started writing in high school with short stories and then became interested in poetry through his English and French classes. “Most of the poems I write come out of my life,” he said. “I think a poem should be grounded in real things.” As far as places where he finds inspiration, he said, “I have gone to the Adirondacks my whole life and find inspiration there.” He added that for his writing process, he likes to use a pencil or pen, and paper. “I like the organic quality; then I type up a draft on the computer where it is easier to move things. I print it out and revise it with a pen or pencil. It is back and forth for me.” When selecting poems for his books, he said he always tries to arrange an order. “I think of the book as a whole poem itself. Sometimes the end of one poem leads into a phrase of the next poem. There is no real right answer. I give it a lot of thought.” And when asked about his advice for aspiring poets, he said they should read a lot of poetry. “You need that foundation. It is about your emotions and life, but it is an art form. You need to see how other people do it.” Head of the English Department Michael Cervas, who directs the Westminster Poet Series, picked Jeffrey because his poems work on so many different levels. “They are mostly narrative and mostly accessible, but Jeffrey’s command of

Jeffrey Harrison meets with students during an English class. figurative language, sound devices and metaphor makes the poems very rich and suggestive, too,” said Michael. “I didn’t think any visiting poet would get close to last year’s poet, Naomi Shihab Nye, who is such a good reader and so generous with her teaching, but Jeffrey turned out to be a wonderfully sensitive reader and a thoughtful and big-hearted teacher. It was a very successful visit.” “Jeffrey was a friendly, funny, smart, encouraging, inquisitive, introspective addition to the classroom, answering questions and sharing insights about his life in poetry,” said English teacher Emily Neilson. “Students were able to connect with his poems, grounded in the realities of being an adolescent, being a writer and, best of all, being a human being.” Peter Horsfall ’17, who read “Feeding Fire” in AP Language and Composition, said, “It’s a great experience to be able to talk to any poet or author about what he or she wrote, especially when you have been reading lots of the author’s work in class. What I enjoyed most was putting to rest debates we had about the meaning of poems in class.” Gabby Brown ’17, who also read “Feeding Fire,” added, “I enjoyed listening to him read poems I had already read because hearing the words out loud by the person who wrote them brought so much more meaning to the poem. Even listening to poems I had not had the chance to read was fun because I really had to pay attention to try and pick up on his clever lines or rhetorical devices.” Visits by Westminster Poets are made possible through support from the Ford-Goldfarb Fund, which was established in 2005 by former trustee Maureen Ford-Goldfarb and her daughter Kirsten Ford ’00 to support English Department enrichment activities.

Fall 2015

HILL HEADLINES

Synetic Theater Performs Wordless “Hamlet” Synetic Theater gave a dynamic performance of “Hamlet …the rest is silence” at Westminster in April as part of the Graham Gund ’59 Visiting Artist Series. Synetic, which is based in Arlington, Va., uses movement, music, technology and the visual arts to tell classic stories without words. The company emerged from the creative vision of founders Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, Georgian artists trained in dance, theatre and film. Following the performance, the artists returned to the stage to answer questions from the audience.

Students Earn National Academic Recognition Sixth Former Grace Brentano has been named a Semifinalist in the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship Program, giving her the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,400 National Merit Scholarships worth about $32 million that will be offered next spring. Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. Grace Brentano ’16 Grace, a boarding student from Leawood, Kansas, has received numerous academic honors include being named a National AP Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction, and qualifying to take the American Invitational Mathematics Examination. She serves as co-editor-in-chief of The Westminster News; participates in Model U.N., the Math Club and the Girls of Today, Women of Tomorrow club; and is a member of the Bruyette Leadership Academy Student Leadership Council, First Girls’ Basketball, First Girls’ Track and First Girls’ Cross Country, for which she serves as captain. Her community service activities include participating in Serving Our Neighbors (SON) and traveling to Yanzibian, China, numerous times where she was voted the student leader of a student-led service trip to improve the English skills of children. Two other Sixth Formers, Collin Lech, a boarding student from Lyme, Conn., and Wonjune Kang, a boarding student from Seoul, Korea, have been named Commended Students in the program. About 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2014 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Approximately 16,000 of the high performers were named Semifinalists and the other 34,000 high performers were named Commended Students.

Westminster Bulletin

Westminster Hosts 15th Annual MS Walk Hundreds of people from throughout the region participated in the MS Walk hosted by Westminster in April. They came in teams and as individuals to help raise funds for multiple sclerosis (MS) research, treatment and educational resources. More than 100 Westminster faculty, staff and students served as volunteers, helping with the day’s setup, operations and cleanup. This was the 15th year the school has hosted the event. The walk route began at the Jackson Hockey Rink and extended from the Westminster campus to Henry James Memorial School and back. There was also a shorter walk on campus. Westminster faculty, staff and students participated in the walk, and the school community raised more than $8,800.

HILL HEADLINES

Spring Festival of the Arts Members of the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Chamber Choir, Chorale and Dance Ensemble gave performances May 21 and May 22 in the Werner Centennial Center during the spring Festival of the Arts. Works of student visual artists were on display in the Chapel Gallery.

Fall 2015

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Decades of Service Saluted Director of Athletics Tim Joncas ’00 paid tribute to Scott Berry P’11, ’16 at the spring term awards ceremony in May for his many contributions to the Westminster athletics program since 1971. Scott stepped down as assistant director of athletics, having previously served as director of athletics three times. “To have watched Scott work within this role over the last three years has been inspiring,” said Tim. “Scott is tough but fair, and his love, passion and commitment to our school and for Westminster athletics at all levels can never be questioned. He holds himself to very high standards but also holds his colleagues to those same standards. He expects things to be completed well and to be done in a timely manner.” In presenting Scott with an inscribed silver tray, Tim said, “Thank you, Scott, for all of your support, care and guidance over my last three years and thank you for all that you have given to the Westminster Athletic Department over the last 44 years.”

Tim Joncas ’00 and Scott Berry P’11, ’16

SPRING SEASON OVERVIEW Sports Information Director Peter Decoteau shares some highlights from the spring season.

First Boys’ Lacrosse Jack O’Connell ’15

First Boys’ Lacrosse notched some big wins en route to a 10-4 season record, including its first victory against Deerfield in more than 15 years and a heart-stopping overtime win over top-ranked Brunswick during Reunion Weekend. This was the fifth season in the last six years that Westminster recorded 10 or more wins. Brian Smyth ’16 earned Midfielder of the Year honors for Western New England, making him an AllAmerican as well. In addition, Dylan Moser ’15, Kevin O’Leary ’16 and Jack O’Connell ’15 were selected as Western New England All-League players. A testament to the team’s dedication to “Grit and Grace,” the team was honored by the Connecticut Lacrosse Officials Association with the Sportsmanship of the Year Award.

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Eliza Christman ’15

First Girls’ Lacrosse First Girls’ Lacrosse finished its year on a 9-3 run to close the season with a 10-6 record. Captains Eliza Christman ’15 and Mary French ’15 led the girls to impressive victories late in the season, including a 14-7 win over a very good Deerfield team and a 14-13 overtime win over Hotchkiss, a team the girls hadn’t beaten in more than 10 years. Per a promise they had made to the squad, coaches Emily Neilson and Emily Kowal dyed their hair blue to celebrate the win. In addition, Sarah Migliori ’16 and Emma Stevens ’16 were recognized at the end of the season as Western New England All-Stars.

First Golf George Crawford ’15

First Golf had a sterling 2015 campaign, starting the season 9-0 and ultimately finishing with an 18-2 record. The Martlets, led by captain Philippe Morin ’15, George Crawford ’15, George Doolan ’15, MacKenzie Hawkes ’15 and Bryson Tomcik ’15, rode their momentum to a second-place finish out of 23 teams in the Kingswood Oxford Invitational Tournament.

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Katherine Eckerson ’17

First Track First Boys’ Track had a great year, finishing 9-2 in a season highlighted by a record-breaking performance from David Carter ’15. Carter broke the boys’ triple jump record with a jump of 46.7 feet at the New England Tournament, joining his father David Carter ’80 on Westminster’s record board. The boys placed third overall at the Founders League Tournament, the team’s best finish ever in that meet. Girls’ Track also had a solid year, during which Katherine Eckerson ’17 broke the girls’ triple jump record — a record that she herself set a few weeks prior — with a jump of 35.7 feet at the Founders League Tournament.

David Carter ’15

David Carter ’15 and his father, David Carter ’80, point to their achievements on Westminster’s record board.

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First Softball Despite fielding only one returning Sixth Former and a handful of Fifth Formers this spring, Westminster’s First Softball team played like an experienced group that had been together for years. The team, led by captains Jade Marlowe ’15, Catherine Crawley ’16 and Brenna Monroe ’17, recorded a 16-1 record on the way to a Founders League Co-Championship and its seventh Class A Western New England Championship in the last eight years. In the thrilling Western New England Championship game, Marlowe drove in the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to topple a tough Taft squad 4-3. Pitching phenom Monroe held the formidable Rhino bats at bay, while Crawley, Mackenzie Griffith ’17 and Ashlee White ’18 contributed big hits in the clutch. Marlowe and Monroe were selected to play in the Western New England All-Star Game, for which Monroe was named most valuable player. She and catcher Emily Samar ’18 were also named Western New England All-League Players. With only one team member having graduated in 2015, First Softball looks to continue its championship-level play next season.

Jade Marlowe ’15

New Turf Field Installed in Jackson Rink In early August, a portable indoor turf field was installed in Jackson Rink. The installation was done by Field Turf, a leader in indoor and outdoor field surfaces that also installed Hovey Field in 2012. The new field will serve as a multipurpose facility from March to September for Westminster athletics and special events. The inaugural athletic event held on the new field was a three-day training camp for the U.S. National Men’s Indoor Lacrosse Team, including two scrimmages against the Vermont Voyageurs. The team used the camp to finalize its 23-man roster before participating in the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in late September. Fall 2015

The new dining hall will overlook the Farmington River Valley, and its steeply sloped roofs and dormer windows will echo the character of Cushing Hall and other buildings on campus

Building Community 16

Westminster Bulletin

Westminster Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Trustees voted at its April and September meetings to move forward with new building projects for the school that will transform community life for students, faculty and staff. In April, they approved construction of a new dining hall and student center, and in September, they approved building a new dormitory and two carriage houses. The projects are part of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s master plan for shaping the future of its dining, residential and student-life facilities. Fall 2015

A site map shows the location of the new dining hall, dormitory and carriage houses.

Overwhelming Support

overall design concept, to development of construction documents, to managing decisions about systems and costs, to ensuring the highest quality in every detail of execution. Members of the committee also visited similar facilities at other schools as a part of their research. “Graham Gund has designed spectacular buildings for our campus,” said Tom Earl, Westminster’s chief financial officer and chair of the Construction Committee. “When our Construction Committee began planning for these new projects, we started from the baseline that we want to meet the very high standards that have been set with all of our previous buildings.”

“All of the projects fall under the umbrella of strengthening our core value of community,” said Headmaster Bill Philip. “They are an outgrowth of a collaborative planning process that involved trustees, faculty, alumni and parents.” Commitments totaling 70 percent of the cost of the projects have been secured through generous gifts from alumni, parents and friends of the school. “A proposal from an anonymous donor regarding funding for the projects and the fact that they galvanized support across our community, led the trustees to proceed with them,” said Bill. “We have made a lot of progress on the fundraising, but we have A Gathering Place for the Entire School Community a ways to go. And this in no way diminishes the school’s commitment to endowment. In fact, we are in the early stages of A new three-level 36,891-square-foot dining hall will replace planning a campaign that will focus on endowment to support the current dining hall in Cushing Hall that has changed very people and programs. There are a lot of people who have little over decades and does not meet current or future needs. brought us to this place with many people digging in hard to Located on the former site of Baxter Academic Center, the new make a real difference for the school.” The award-winning architectural firm of GUND Partnership, under the direction of its founder and president, Graham Gund ’59, designed the new buildings. He developed the school’s master plan in 1994 and has guided its multiphase implementation by designing Werner Centennial Center, Edge House, Sherwin Health and Athletic Center, Kohn Squash Pavilion, Armour Academic Center, Gund House and Squibb House. The school’s long-standing Construction Committee, which is made up of faculty, staff, trustees, representatives of GUND Partnership A meeting of the Construction Committee in September. and outside contractors, has been overseeing (Please see related story on page 84.) the projects from the development of the 18

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The main dining room will have a capacity of 480 people and will be used for family-style lunches four days a week.

dining hall will provide dramatic views of the Farmington River Valley, and its steeply sloped roofs and dormer windows will echo the character of Cushing Hall and other school buildings. A large clearstory will distinguish the facility on campus and flood the interior with natural light. A terrace that faces south overlooking the valley will seat about 50 people, and another one that faces west to Baxter Lawn will seat about 35 people. “Everything about the design of the new dining hall affirms the ethos of community which distinguishes our school,” said Bill. “We have been talking about a new dining hall for decades, and the fact that it is about to happen is extremely exciting. There has been overwhelming support for it from members of the Westminster community.” The main 7,874-square-foot dining room in the new building will have a capacity of 480 people, allowing students and faculty to eat meals together. “The large room’s scale is

A floor plan of the main level of the dining hall.

The lobby of the new dining hall will provide views into the main dining room.

“We have been talking about a new dining hall for decades, and the fact that it is about to happen is extremely exciting. There has been overwhelming support for it from members of the Westminster community.” Fall 2015

A smaller dining room will seat 120 people and be an ideal location for meetings and receptions.

The current dining hall in Cushing Hall has changed very little over decades. Top to bottom: students in the food serving area, a family-style dinner, Director of Food Services Jess Krul and, below, Executive Chef Marc Robling in the food preparation area in the basement of Cushing Hall.

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broken up into three distinct areas that come together under a large clearstory,” said Graham Gund. “The placement of wood trusses and dormers in the ceiling and the addition of windows contribute to scaling the space. A single speaker is seen and heard by all in the cohesive communal room.” Other features include a large masonry fireplace, customized lighting, audiovisual capabilities and round dining tables that will seat eight people, a size down from those currently in Cushing. “We will be replacing family-style dinners with family-style lunches four days a week including Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays,” said Bill. “This will allow us to bring the whole school together as a community on a regular basis and to have one lunch block per day versus three, creating muchneeded time and greater flexibility in our schedule. Dinners will be cafeteria style, allowing day student families the ability to count on their child having access to dinner, which they cannot do now if it is a family-style dinner night.” “At our current family-style dinners in Cushing there isn’t room for day students,” added Tony Griffith, director of student life. “The ability to offer cafeteria-style dinners every evening allows for scheduling flexibility before study hall for coaches, clubs and group meetings. There are so many positive things happening on campus in the evenings that we want students to be able to take advantage of them. This allows us to truly preserve 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. for study hall.” “The large dining room will have a community feel and an intimacy that will allow people to have smaller conversations even in big spaces,” said Kathleen Devaney, assistant head of school. “I also like that you will be able to think of life beyond the Hill when looking out over the Farmington Valley.” A smaller dining room with audiovisual capabilities and a fireplace will seat 120 people and be an ideal space for meetings and receptions, and allow for concurrent events. “It will be nice to be able to host special-event dinners and feed the student body at the same time,” said Jess Krul, director of food services. “We won’t have to host the students outside for a cookout whenever we utilize the dining hall for a special function.” The main lobby will have a high ceiling with chandeliers, a video monitor and views into the main dining room. Students will be able to assemble in the lobby prior to a family-style meal. “There are copious windows in the building, offering beautiful views in three directions and abundant natural light,” said John

Prokos, managing principal of GUND Partnership. The servery will be located off the lobby and adjacent to the kitchen. It will feature multiple food serving islands that will alleviate congestion and offer more food choices. “Everything will be more patron friendly,” said Jess. “The kitchen will be visible to those in the servery and offer more cook-to-order selections. There will be more emphasis on healthier, fresher options, and the gluten-free and vegetarian zone will be larger than what we have had.” The kitchen area will include dish and pot washing areas, office space, storage and food preparation areas. “One of the main benefits of the configuration is that we will be able to see what Top, a south elevation view of the new dining hall shows a terrace that faces the is going on in the dining room from the kitchen Farmington River Valley and loading docks on a lower level for truck deliveries. area,” said Marc Robling, Westminster’s executive Above, a west elevation view shows Andrews Memorial Chapel in the background chef. “Currently, our food preparation takes place and a terrace that faces Baxter Lawn. in the basement of Cushing, causing a separation of our staff. Sometimes we don’t see daylight at all during our workday.” Continuing Westminster’s commitment to incorporating The new building will step into the hillside, so it hides some environmentally sustainable design and energy efficiency in all of of the service areas on two lower levels. On the lowest level will its recent building projects, the dining hall’s sustainable design be storage rooms, a cart washing station, a soap room, a features will include a geothermal heating and cooling system dumpster, a compactor and a loading dock with four bays for using 35 wells, Energy Star equipment and high-efficiency truck deliveries. Large food trucks will no longer have to come mechanical systems. A generator will allow for full usage of the up to the main part of campus to service the building since all of building during a power outage. the service will come off an access drive. An elevator will “The dining hall will really complete the area of the campus facilitate the transport of food and supplies to the kitchen. A around the Sixth Form Lawn,” said Tom. “We may have to middle floor level will house storage areas, mechanical services make some minor modifications to the shape of the lawn, but it and a catering preparation area. “The building along with its will now be in the center of Andrews Memorial Chapel, Cushing new kitchen equipment will be state-of-the-art as food service and the new dining hall.” goes,” said John.

The servery will feature multiple food serving islands that will offer more food choices.

Fall 2015

The new student center in Cushing Hall will feature abundant natural light, a café, game tables and a large-screen television.

Returning Cushing Hall to the Center of School Life

A new entryway on the north side of Cushing Hall will provide direct access to the new student center from Armour Academic Center.

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After the new dining hall opens, the former dining hall in Cushing Hall will be converted into a new student center and administrative office suite for the form deans. The 13,173-square-foot renovation will turn what was once the back of Westminster’s original building into a new focal point for student and faculty life. The student center will feature game tables, a large-screen television and comfortable seating. A café will offer grilled food and snacks for purchase when the dining hall is not open. The center will be filled with natural light from new windows and will retain some of the room’s original architectural detail. “This space will provide a nice, large, open space for boarding and day students in the middle of campus to come together,” said Tony. “I think that will have a significant positive impact on student life.” The Timken Student Center, which is located on the perimeter of the central campus, has traditionally been more of an evening space,” added Kathleen.

“The student center location will put Cushing back into the center of school life and will dignify our first building. It will not only return to the physical center of campus but to the emotional center of campus.”

What was previously Watts Hall will become a new office suite for the form deans along with a sitting area, meeting room and workroom. “Because the Deans Office functions as a collaborative unit with four deans, it was very important to make sure that there was an open space and not four separate offices,” pointed out Kathleen. The building will continue to house other school offices including those for the Headmaster, Admissions, Advancement, Business, Marketing and College Counseling. New bathrooms and widened hallways to Keyes House and Fearn Hall will be added. The paved area on the north side of the building that currently serves as a truck delivery point and trash storage area will be eliminated and replaced with landscaping. A new entryway on the north side of Cushing Hall will provide direct access to the student center from Armour Academic Center. “Students will be able to enter this beautiful new space in Cushing from Armour Academic Center and exit out the other side of Cushing to the new dining hall,” said Bill. “The student center location will put Cushing back into the center of school life and will dignify our first building. It will not only return to the physical center of campus but to the emotional center of campus. It is a student center that is next to the headmaster’s study and the Deans Office. It is going to be at the intersection of student and faculty life. And circling the Sixth Form Lawn, we will now have great community spaces in the new dining room, the chapel and the student center.”

The floor plan of the new student center and office areas in Cushing Hall.

Fall 2015

New Student and Faculty Residence Construction of another new student and faculty residence on campus similar in design to Gund House and Squibb House, which opened in 2013, will help complete plans for the residential area of campus. The new 31,112-square-foot residence will include 49 beds for students, including both single and double rooms, large common rooms with a pantry on each floor, four faculty apartments with easy access for students, a large recreation area, sizable rooms for storage and laundry facilities. It will be located between Milliken House and Squibb House. “The new House will really help to complete the residential community of the campus around the main quad,” said John. “It will really be harmonious and continue the design vocabulary of the other residences.” Environmental design features will include geothermal heating and cooling, water conservation measures, abundant natural light and Energy Star equipment. “The idea for a new dormitory is not to increase the size of the school but to enhance community and improve the quality of life on campus for students and faculty,” said Bill. “Common spaces and study areas in some of our existing dormitories like Memorial Hall and Edge House have been converted to student rooms, so this will allow us to return those spaces to their original purpose. Gund House, Squibb House and Milliken House work so well because they have large common spaces

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where members of a corridor or the entire dorm can gather, which is critical for fostering community. Additionally, the added residential space will give the Admissions Office the flexibility to increase our boarding-to-day student ratio as needed to meet a very robust interest of boarding students in the school.”

Carriage Houses Two new 5,442-square-foot carriage houses will be built near the student and faculty residences to increase faculty housing in the core of campus and provide covered parking and storage for faculty. Their design will complement the larger student and faculty residences and will feature five indoor parking spaces on the lower level and a faculty apartment on the upper level. One will be located between the new dining hall and Squibb House, and the other will be next to the new residence hall. “Westminster is historically a combination of larger institutional buildings and smaller-scale residential buildings working in concert to reinforce a special sense of community,” said John. “With the addition of the carriage houses and the new dormitory, we are putting six more faculty living spaces in the center of the campus,” emphasized Bill. “At Westminster, students and faculty live together and interact with each other in informal ways throughout the day and evening, and this will reinforce that.”

The new dormitory and two carriage houses will be similar in design to Gund House and the carriage house shown above and on the opposite page at nighttime.

Timeline Construction on the new dining hall, the new student and faculty residence, and the carriage houses will begin around March of next year with completion planned for the opening of school in September 2017. “Significant cost savings will occur by building all of the projects together,” said Tom. “Once the new dining hall opens, then work will begin on the student center in Cushing, and will take six to nine months. Compared with other recent construction projects on campus, the amount of disruption to campus life should be minimal and be limited to the affected areas.”

Right, an aerial view of campus indicating the locations of the new dining hall, larger circle; and the new residence, smaller circle. Fall 2015

Faculty member Dan Aber Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;16, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;18 teaches students in AP Computer Science.

Westminster Bulletin

Learning to Think [Logically] Westminster School’s Mathematics Department prides itself on taking a fairly classical approach to mathematics education. Its primary goal is for students to appreciate math and to take more math courses in college. The curriculum includes Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Algebra 2 Honors, Geometry, Geometry Honors, Pre-Calculus, Pre-Calculus Honors, PreCalculus/Calculus Honors, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Linear Algebra, Statistics, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science and independent studies. While students are expected to attain proficiency in Algebra 1, Euclidean Geometry and Algebra 2 to graduate, the reality is that every student is encouraged to take four years of mathematics, advancing to the highest level possible. The department is fortunate to have experienced faculty who often rotate the courses they teach to keep things fresh and who collaborate on lesson plans to ensure that students have a common experience in each section of a course. “We make sure each student finds an appropriate class, finds support and finds encouragement,” said Tony Griffith, who serves as head of the department and has taught math for more than 25 years at independent schools, including 15 years at Westminster. “We also prepare them for the SAT, ACT, subject tests and AP tests.”

Recently, more students have elected to take advanced courses in the curriculum. “I think there is added pressure for students to take AP courses and calculus before they finish high school, and admissions offices at colleges are not doing anything to calm this anxiety,” said Tony, who grades exams for the College Board and is a frequent speaker at meetings of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Mathematical Association of America and the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Connecticut. “Some of our students take two math courses in one year. We are also getting students who are more advanced in math when they enter Westminster, so we are offering additional postcalculus options through traditional courses, online courses and independent study.”

“WE WANT STUDENTS TO HAVE SOME CONFIDENCE IN KNOWING THAT WHEN THEY ARE GIVEN ENOUGH TIME, THEY CAN FIGURE IT OUT, WHATEVER IT IS.”

Fall 2015

Building Cumulative Knowledge

Above, math teacher Peter Ulrich P’09, ’10 teaching a class and, below, Tony Griffith, head of the Mathematics Department.

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What can distinguish learning math from some other subjects is the cumulative nature of the knowledge. “We do not start from the beginning,” said faculty member Dan Aber P’16, ’18, who has taught math for 30 years. “We start with an assumption of prior knowledge and build on that. All of the students are going to have different gaps, and we try to fill those in as we go along and get everyone to the same place.” “Ultimately, math teachers want to teach students to have a consistent method when they approach a problem,” said Tony. “Students need to analyze what they are given, figure out what they

need to do, ask themselves what they know and then make some choices. We want students to have some confidence in knowing that when they are given enough time, they can figure it out, whatever it is.” And for students who might not feel that math is their strength, Tony believes math teachers need to be good sales people. “We have to find the basic level of understanding and build from that. We start where the student has a level of comfort, and then we create an atmosphere where he or she is willing to practice and make mistakes. If you want to get better at something, whether it is guitar, basketball or mathematics, you need to practice.” Seeing the real-world relevance of math can be a challenge for some students. “I think bringing that in is important,” said faculty member Jill Loveland, who has taught math at Westminster for 17 years. “In my algebra classes, I often do a section on banking, and we talk about interest rates and depreciation. We also talk about the use of math in science related to growth and decay. For programming, we talk about how formulas are used and have even come up with a formula to manufacture a flag for a fictitious place.” She also emphasizes to students how their work must be able to stand on its own without any outside explanation in a world where telecommuting and teleconferencing are prevalent. “If there is any labeling, they must be clear if it is in thousands, millions, billions, dollars or cents,” she explained. “We also talk about being exact and not rounding, because if they are multiplying by a billion, a number would be off by a lot.” One of the biggest changes in the teaching of math in the past decade was the introduction of graphing calculators. “Much of what we do is look

at graphical representations of things,” said math teacher Peter Ulrich P’09, ’10, who has been teaching math at Westminster for 20 years, including serving as head of the department for four years. “The question becomes: when to use the calculator? We have hung on to a fair amount of pencil and paper because students really need to know what they are looking at on a calculator. Also there are plenty of situations where a calculator is wrong or misleading.” “If I ask my students to do something, and they say their calculator can do it, I tell them somebody programmed your calculator, and now I want you to train to be the person who can program your calculator,” said Jill. Currently, all textbooks for the school’s math courses, except for geometry, include an online option. “Textbooks and the platforms on which they are delivered are constantly evolving,” said Tony. “We look at what is out there every year and make decisions that are in the best interests of our students and teachers, and try to be as flexible as possible.”

Math teachers Nancy Urner-Berry ’81, P’11, ’16, left, and Peter Doucette P’16, ’18, below.

“WE HAVE HUNG ON TO A FAIR AMOUNT OF PENCIL AND PAPER BECAUSE STUDENTS REALLY NEED TO KNOW WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING AT ON A CALCULATOR. ALSO THERE ARE PLENTY OF SITUATIONS WHERE A CALCULATOR IS WRONG OR MISLEADING.”

Fall 2015

“MATH IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT IS CONSTANTLY USED IN EVERYDAY LIFE NO MATTER ONE’S PROFESSION, WHETHER IT IS CALCULATING A TIP OR CALCULATING A RATE TO CHARGE SOMEONE.”

In order to help students retain and build on their math knowledge, each faculty member in the department gives his or her students a set of problems to solve on a biweekly basis in addition to their regular homework. “We recognize that you cannot cover something once and expect students to know it,” said Peter. “You have to keep putting students in situations where they will need to use it.” “It reinforces things we may have learned a month ago or back a chapter or two,” added Dan. “They can work with other students on it, and, hopefully, they will go back and look at their notes.” “I use my set of problems as both review and practice,” said Jill. “I throw in some SAT and ACT problems to help students relate what we are doing in class to the those tests, which may ask the same questions in a different way. The students are welcome to come see me to check their work before it is due, which is great since we can discuss why mistakes were made or why they are going in the wrong direction.” Under the leadership of faculty member Peter Doucette P’16, ’18, the department introduced

Top, Hayden Cathcart ’18 in his AP Calculus BC class; left, Eunice Lee ’16, Hyeonjo Jeong ’17 and Nadira Abdilahi ’16 in their AP Statistics class; below left, Grace Brentano ’16, who is taking an independent study in computer science; and, below right, Miller Guth ’16 and Wonjune Kang ’16 in AP Computer Science.

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math labs that are offered throughout the week where students in any math class can see a math teacher hosting a lab for extra help. The labs are offered throughout the day including before school, during lunch and in the evenings. Attendance is on a drop-in basis, and students are under no pressure to use them.

Seeking Special Challenges in Math Westminster students have a Math Club where members meet weekly to practice challenging problems to prepare for math competitions. In the fall, they prepare for the annual Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament, which is held in November. Last year, a six-member team from the club competed against 134 teams consisting of more than 800 of the brightest and most mathematically gifted students in the world. The Westminster team finished in 13th place, its bestever showing, and Albert Gao ’18 finished an impressive 37th out of 738 students in the individual round. In the winter, club members prepare for the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC), which are held in February and are based on age. This year, Tom Dudzik ’15, the former president of the Math Club, Albert Gao and Wonjune Kang ’16 scored so well they qualified for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), a 15-question, three-hour examination. “These are not your typical textbook problems, and the competitors are the top math students in the country,” said Dan, who serves as the faculty advisor for the Math Club. Wonjune, who has been a member of the club since his Third Form year, says, “I like how the club brings together members of the Westminster community who are interested in math and enjoy challenging themselves in competitions.” At Westminster, he has taken Pre-Calculus/Calculus Honors, AP Calculus BC and AP Statistics. This year, he is taking AP Computer Science and Linear Algebra. Wonjune also takes math courses over the summer. “Next year, I hope to qualify for the AIME again and do well enough to qualify for the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO),” he said. In the longer run, he hopes to major in a STEM(science, technology, engineering, mathematics) related field when he goes to college. Grace Brentano ’16, another member of the club, has been competing in math competitions since she was in third grade. In eighth grade, she traveled to Florida for the national

MATHCOUNTS competition. At Westminster, she has taken Pre-Calculus Honors, AP Calculus BC and AP Statistics. Over the summers, she has taken numerous other courses. This year, she is taking an independent study in computer science. “My favorite area of math is algebra because I like the way the equations interact so smoothly to provide you with the answer,” she said. Hayden Cathcart ’18, who also participates in the Math Club, has taken Geometry Honors and Algebra 2 Honors at Westminster and is taking AP Calculus BC this year after taking a summer precalculus/calculus class. “My favorite areas of math are problems that pertain to real life or the problems that cause me to prove a famous formula because it gives me a sense of how a mathematician derived it,” he said. “Math is important because it is constantly used in everyday life no matter one’s profession, whether it is calculating a tip or calculating a rate to charge someone.” He has competed in the AMC competitions and says he likes the Math Club “because it is fun to be with other people who enjoy math as much as I do.” Hyeonjo Jeong ’17, who earned special recognition on the AMC this past year, took PreCalculus Honors her Third Form year and AP Calculus BC and AP Computer Science her Fourth Form year. This year, she is taking an independent study in computer science and AP Statistics. She also participates in the Math Club. “One thing I like about math is that there is a definite answer,” she said. “For other subjects, like English, there are no ‘correct answers’ and there are multiple interpretations to one’s answers. On the other

Wonjune Kang ’16, Albert Gao ’18, Grace Brentano ’16 and Hyeonjo Jeong ’17 at the Student Organization Fair where they were recruiting new members for the Math Club.

Fall 2015

“WE ALL SHOULD UNDERSTAND SUCH THINGS AS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MEAN AND A MEDIAN OR THE VARIATION BETWEEN INCREASING AT AN INCREASING RATE AND INCREASING AT A DECREASING RATE. THESE ARE ALL CONCEPTS THAT CAN BE CONFUSING IF YOU DON’T THINK ABOUT IT, AND INTUITION IS SOMETIMES WRONG.”

hand, there is one answer for all math questions, and I love how I can get a clear explanation of why some questions are right or wrong.” Her favorite area of math is geometry. “I can use trial and error to solve a problem and can find different approaches every time I look at the problem,” she explained.

Pursuing Math-Related Careers Every year, some Westminster graduates go on to study math and related subjects in college. Alli Devins ’13 is a junior studying math at Union College and trying to find a specialty. She hopes to go into accounting. Alli first became interested in math during her first algebra class in eighth grade. At Westminster, she took Geometry Honors, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus AB. “I enjoyed the one-on-one aspect with the teachers and how they didn’t allow anyone to slip through the cracks,” she said. “My AP Calculus class was the best preparation for math classes in college 32

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with the pace and material I was able to learn. The test schedule was also really helpful because it is similar to what I experience now at Union.” She advises other students to take as many math classes as they can in high school and college. “It’s all about the experiences,” she said. “Also try to meet as many people as you can because the connections you make will help you in the future no matter where you end up.”

Some of the careers that place an emphasis on math today include actuarial sciences, engineering, computer science, code writing, computer gaming, analytics, risk management, medicine, law, finance and economics. “It is important for people in general to have a good number sense,” said Tony. “We are exposed to so much statistical manipulation that it is important for everyone to have a sense of what it means when someone talks about a trillion dollars or a microgram. We all should understand such things as the difference between a mean and a median or the variation between increasing at an increasing rate and increasing at a decreasing rate. These are all concepts that can be confusing if you don’t think about it, and intuition is sometimes wrong.” Learning to solve math problems can have a wider application to general problem-solving. “We teach a problem-solving approach that is universally applicable to life problems,” said Peter Ulrich. “Learning how to ask questions of yourself carries over to many areas.” “There are different problems that need to be attacked in every field,” emphasized Jill. “It is about learning to think logically and justifying what you are doing. You need to know the basic skill and how you can build on that. You also need to think if a problem is like something else you have seen before. Taking the big picture and breaking it down into smaller steps is important in any type of analysis.”

Math teachers Alan Leathers P’11, ’17, above left, and Caitlan More, above right. Below, Alli Devins ’13 at Union College where she is studying math. Opposite page, math teachers Colin Hartwig, above, and Jill Loveland, below.

Fall 2015

Westminster Celebrates Graduation of Class of 2015 Family members, friends and faculty gathered on Commencement Lawn May 23 to celebrate the graduation of 107 students in Westminster’s Class of 2015. “We gather as a school family today to congratulate the Class of 2015, to salute those who have excelled in the different realms of school life, to thank those who have made this achievement possible and to say farewell to those who will soon depart our school community,” said Headmaster Bill Philip. He then cited accomplishments of the year in admissions, college counseling and the annual fund, and recognized recent gifts of trees and benches by alumni. “This school continues to flourish thanks to the passion of our school community, including students, faculty, parents, alumni and friends here on campus today, and those around the country and the world, who continue to cherish and seek to advance this school,” he said. He credited members of the Class of 2015 and its leaders for a terrific school year: “In so many ways, both formally and informally, this class led our school community impressively this past year. This legacy of effective student leadership pervaded all of your initiatives, ranging from Sixth Formers living with Third Formers in Milliken House and Edge House, to captaining teams to leading student organizations. You set a welcoming, responsible tone, and our school was a better place for your leadership.”

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Fall 2015

Ryan Seymour ’15

In his Salutatory Address, Head Prefect Ryan Seymour ’15 recounted memories from his class’s time on the Hill and shared how Westminster teachers prepared members of the class to move on to their next journey. “Today, we say thank you to our families,” he said. “Today, we say goodbye to Westminster, and we receive our diplomas because we can. Today, we are the greatest Class of 2015 in the world. We were born to be Martlets, every one of us. We were meant to fly together.”

Tom Dudzik ’15

In his Outstanding Scholar Address, Tom Dudzik ’15 talked about a prestigious centuries-old poetry competition in Barcelona, Spain, that presents a silver rose as its third prize, a gold rose as its second prize and a living rose as its first prize. “The rose has true intrinsic beauty, something its metal counterparts lack,” said Tom. “And maybe, just maybe, this aspect gives it more value than gold or silver. … We’ve been forging and creating our poems, our stories of our lives, our identities since we started here at Westminster. Now, it’s time to decide what we want to achieve with them: a gold metal object or a living, breathing, beautiful being while we can.” He encouraged his classmates to live in the present without taking things for granted, to set big goals, to envision their future and to “dream large, for dreamers are not the most unrealistic people in the world.”

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Scott Reeves P’03, ’05, ’05

The keynote speaker was Scott Reeves P’03, ’05, ’05, a longtime Westminster English teacher and Web manager who was retiring at the end of the academic year after 32 years on the faculty. He asked the Sixth Form to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem “Exultation is the going,” which they had studied and memorized in English 6. “I believe that one point of the poem is the divine intoxication and exultation of setting sail, which is what we are about to do, you and I,” he said. He then spoke about service and leadership, saying, “They are words that describe significant human behavior, behavior in assistance of others.” He talked about less visible forms of service and leadership, and asked the students to “think of service and leadership as inverting physics, making that pyramid lighter as more hands pile on to serve and lead at all levels and in all ways.” He concluded by reading 14 lines from Walt Whitman’s poem “Passage to India.”

Following the addresses, numerous faculty members and students were recognized for achievements in a variety of areas of school life and were presented prizes and awards. After the prizes were awarded, Headmaster Philip and Chairman of the Westminster Board of Trustees Tread Mink ’77, P’11 presented diplomas to members of the class. The graduates then participated in the Westminster tradition of passing their diplomas. They formed a circle on the Sixth Form Lawn and passed the diplomas they received randomly during the commencement ceremony until they received their own diploma. They then stepped out of the circle signifying their graduation. Fall 2015

FACULTY PRIZES

STUDENT PRIZES

Twenty-Year Service Pins

Gretchen Hupfel ’82 Art Purchase Prize

Joan Howard P’00, ’03 and Bill Sistare

Emily G. Kunsman ’15

Cowing Art Award Margaret R. Forelli ’15

Lewis J. Powers Photography Award Eliza T. Christman ’15 and Jae Won Choi ’15

Excellence in Dance Lauren T. Boures ’15

Edward Scull Jr. ’71 Award for Excellence in Architecture Bryson G. Tomcik ’15

Excellence in Physics Thomas O. Dudzik ’15

Excellence in Science Thomas O. Dudzik ’15

Joyce Wilson Prize for Excellence in Mathematics Thomas O. Dudzik ’15

Excellence in Economics Thomas O. Dudzik ’15

Class of 1941 Peter Mars Memorial History Prize Andrew S. Brazer ’15

The Swayze Award

Dramatic Award for Service and Achievement in Acting

Presented annually in honor of distinguished alumnus, trustee and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees Townsend Swayze ’55, this award is given to a member of the faculty for outstanding contributions Lee Huguley to the life of the school.

Shelby J. Gamble ’15

The O’Brien Award This award is presented annually in honor of Marianna and the late Junie O’Brien P’81, who devoted their lives in service to young people and to schools. It recognizes a member of the faculty who has, over Mark de Kanter ’91, P’19 the course of the year, been especially selfless and generous with time and care in the nurture and support of students and whose extraordinary, ongoing personal commitment to young people sets an example to the Westminster community. 38

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Design Award for Service and Achievement in Technical Support Duncan R. Kellogg ’15

J. Lawrence Gilman Award for Achievement in Music and Participation in Musical Activities Shelby J. Gamble ’15 and David L. Swenson ’15

Gordon McKinley Award for Excellence in English Andrew S. Brazer ’15

Critchell Rimington Creative Writing Award Shelby J. Gamble ’15

Burdett Prize for Excellence in the Study of French Kristina Jezkova ’16

Richard P. Hopley Excellence in Latin Prize Emma V. Filler ’15

Moncada Prize for Excellence in Spanish Thomas O. Dudzik ’15

Chinese Prize George C. Knight Jr. ’15

Sixth Form Prizes for General Scholarship First in the Sixth Form: Thomas O. Dudzik Second in the Sixth Form: Andrew S. Brazer Third in the Sixth Form: Emily K. Kandarian

Butler Bowl

Wilbraham Bowl

Paul Winship ’35 Alumni Book Prize

Karus A. Sabio ’18 The faculty presents this award to a member of the Third Form for character and leadership.

Addison P. Cilmi ’16 This award is presented annually to a member of the Fifth Form who best embodies the qualities of Geoffrey Wilbraham, who gave distinguished and loyal service to Westminster from 1958 to 1994: high personal standards, consistent respect for others, unswerving commitment to the common good, steady insistence on fair play and abiding human decency.

Jewel C. Brown ’15 This book prize is awarded to a Sixth Former who has made an unusual commitment in both breadth and depth to the school’s programs and activities.

Adams Bowl Joel T. Groves ’17 This award is presented annually to a member of the Fourth Form who best embodies the qualities of Richard and Barbara Adams, who gave devoted service to Westminster for over 40 years, showing outstanding personal qualities and concern for the community and unwavering dedication to students. Barbara served on the faculty from 1995-2011, and Dick served on the faculty from 1970-2013.

Outstanding Scholar Award

Brian T. Bruyette ’77 Senior Athletic Award David Carter ’15 Katherine M. Savage ’15 This award is given annually to the Sixth Form boy and girl who best exemplify excellence in athletics and who contributed to the character of the team. It is given in memory of Brian T. Bruyette ’77, who in his enthusiasm, sportsmanship, effort and skills, represented all that is best in this school.

Thomas O. Dudzik ’15 This award is presented to the Sixth Former who, in the opinion of the faculty, is the outstanding scholar of the class. The award is not necessarily determined by rank in class but is based, rather, on the attributes of the true scholar: curiosity, imagination, power to associate new observations with prior experience, thoroughness, appetite for ideas rather than for grades as an end in themselves and the ability to move easily in the realm of concepts.

Keyes Bowl

Richard K. LeBlond II Honor Award Hieu S. Do ’15 This award is given annually to a member of the Sixth Form who exemplifies dedication to academics and loyalty to the school.

Duncan R. Kellogg ’15 Established by the Class of 1966 and recognized as the school’s most prestigious commencement award, the Keyes Bowl is presented annually to a member of the Sixth Form and recognizes the qualities of loyalty, courage, leadership and humility.

Fall 2015

The Lawn Ceremony Following tradition, members of the Class of 2015 pulled members of the Class of 2016 onto the Sixth Form Lawn May 22 as a part of the Lawn Ceremony, which is held the night before commencement. Current members of the Prefect Board then pulled on their successors: Paige Brackett, Eliza Mell, Jacqui Richard, Katie Simeon, Ted Sirbaugh and Sam Worcester. The last two people joining everyone on the lawn were Ellen Gyasi, the new junior prefect, and Tim Sanford, the new head prefect. Faculty members Michael Cervas P’96, ’01, ’10, Joan Howard P’00, ’03 and Scott Reeves P’03, ’05, ’05 were also escorted onto the lawn as honorary members of the Class of 2015.

Westminster Bulletin

CLASS Fred McCord Baker Cornell University Susanna Read Baker Middlebury College Jaeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Quan Tyrone Barr Williams College Jake Ryan Beizer University of Colorado at Boulder Olivia Rachel Bey Boston College Alaina Marie Bisson Skidmore College Susan Gentry Black University of Richmond Lauren Taylor Boures Wake Forest University Andrew Sheldon Brazer Princeton University Katherine Gerry Breed University of Richmond

2015

Mary Kiefaber Connelly The George Washington University Julia Hutchings Cooper University of Virginia George Carroll Crawford Colgate University Brennan Richard Cross University of Vermont Alyssa Carmelina DiMaria Gettysburg College Anthony Di Placido Gap Year Hieu Sy Do New York University George Ludington Doolan Bucknell University Colin Patrick Dougherty Hobart and William Smith Colleges

COLLEGE

MATRICULATION

Gustavs Gerkens University of Bristol

Georgia King Morley University of Richmond

David Kelly Ryan Trinity College

MacKenzie Parker Hawkes Northwestern University

Dylan Bolt Moser Wesleyan University

Sally Spencer Sandoval Dartmouth College

Michael Patrick Heagerty St. Lawrence University

Aubrey Katherine Moulton The George Washington University

Katherine Mackenzie Savage Amherst College

Phebe Grier Huth Furman University Corey Jean Jacques Trinity College Peter Quinn Johnson Duke University Emily Katherine Kandarian Bucknell University Alexandra Farrell Kavle Boston University Kyle Barton Keir Tulane University Brian Francis Kelleher University of St. Andrews

Nicholas Alexander Nam Bucknell University Maria J. Naqvi Colby College

Unique Najah Shakoor The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Katherine Ann Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Occidental College

Andrew Barrett Simeon University of Vermont

Derin Deniz Ozturk Georgia Institute of Technology

Sophie Alexandra Skinner Southern Methodist University

Erin Derya Ozturk Harvard University

Hadley Clare Smith Fordham University

Jolene Alysa-Mae Patrina Colgate University

Jake Solomon Somerville College, University of Oxford

Duncan Rice Kellogg The George Washington University

Virginia Benton Durfee Washington and Lee University

Benjamin Ashton Kille Bentley University

Caldwell M. Perkins Colby College

Olivia Blair Durham Denison University

George Craig Knight Jr. New York University

Austin Ratcliff Pope Wesleyan University

Sarah Maida Burstein Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Nadrina Mary Ebrahimi Yale University

Emily Grace Kunsman University of Vermont

Aaron Alexander Poston Wake Forest University

Benjamin John Feola Trinity College

Stina Katarina Ladd Colgate University

Dalton Richard Prendergast Roger Williams University

Jack Edward Campo Bentley University

Emma Ventres Filler Southern Methodist University

Kiley Alice Loureiro Providence College

Autumn Nicole Prete Bryant University

David Carter Denison University

Jack Richard Fitzgerald Amherst College

Cristina Coudert Lynch Boston College

Jackson LaRoche Price Skidmore College

Susanna Jacobson Carter Elon University

Margaret Reis Forelli Colby College

Lucien Malle Colorado College

James DePass Cathcart University of Virginia

Elizabeth Churchill Foster Trinity College

Jade Daniella Marlowe University of Connecticut

Megan Labrie Richard Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Jae Won Choi Georgetown University

Margot Magee Faber Frank Wake Forest University

Anne Elisabeth Mayer Colgate University

Chun Heng Chou University of Southern California

Mary Eleanor French Trinity College

Alexandra Elizabeth Miller Tufts University

Eliza Tate Christman University of California, Berkeley

Shelby Jean Gamble Skidmore College

Philippe Antoine Morin Middlebury College

George Hurley Brown University of Virginia Jewel Christi-Imani Brown Brown University Tyler John Buckley Trinity College

Scott Ryan Seymour Denison University

Jack Ronan O'Connell Dickinson College

Thomas Oscar Dudzik Massachusetts Institute of Technology

William Vanderbilt Brophy Gap Year

Oliver William Senbahar Southern Methodist University

Madeleine Anne Percival University of Richmond

Nicholas Peter Rocco University of Notre Dame Chandler Matthew Rohde Union College Aaron William Rubin Bowdoin College

Jae Hyun Son New York University James Francis Sullivan II Furman University David Lathrop Swenson Dickinson College Olivia Reyna Tawney Bentley University Isabel Gwynne Tibbetts St. Lawrence University Bryson Garrett Tomcik The George Washington University Stephen Patrick Tortora University of Delaware Sawyer W.H. Tracy Southern Methodist University Aliza Greenman White Bates College Nina Stoddard Wilmerding University of Denver

Fall 2015

2015

Westminster Bulletin

Alumni from 15 Westminster classes and their family members returned to the Hill May 1-3 for Reunion 2015. They reconnected with friends and faculty, learned about what is happening on campus and shared memories.

Fall 2015

Following the Headmaster’s Coffee Saturday morning, a “Meet the Martlets” panel discussion moderated by Director of Theater A-men Rasheed was held in Gund Reading Room and featured Sixth Formers George Brown, Hieu Do, Nadrina Ebrahimi, Annie Mayer, Austin Pope, Ryan Seymour, Unique Shakoor and Sophie Skinner. After talking about their Westminster activities and college selection, the students responded to questions about how they first learned about Westminster, what they will miss most about life on the Hill, the role of the head prefect, community service projects, the senior prank and the Math Club. The discussion was followed by a reception in Baxter Gallery hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs for alumni of color and the Multicultural Student Union. In order to update everyone about Westminster’s New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Decennial Evaluation, Head of the English Department Michael Cervas P’96, ’01, ’10, who is chairing the process, and Director of Academic Technology Mark de Kanter ’91, P’19, who is assisting him, gave a presentation about the self-study. Michael talked about the work of committees related to 16 standards, including one added by the school related to civic engagement, and the generation of a report for review by a visiting team of educators in the fall. In his headmaster’s welcome, Bill talked about numerous areas of school life. “Students are the home base for a school,” he said, describing student activities in a number of areas. “They give me energy every day.” He said Westminster has a real commitment to expanding what community service means and cited the MS Walk and the work of the Westminster Crossroads Learning Program in Hartford (WCLP). He also gave an update on admissions, the annual fund, financial aid and new facilities on campus. “The campus looks different with some new buildings, but what is even more important is that the ethos of the school still feels familiar,” he said. “When Westminster does planning, it goes back to core values including community. How the campus looks is critical, but what makes it are the people.” After

responding to questions, he concluded by saying, “It is great to see all of you here and the passion you share with the school.” At the Sixth Form induction into the Alumni Association held in Andrews Memorial Chapel, Doug Kerridge ’85, who serves as president of the association, congratulated the Class of 2015 on its many achievements, thanked them for their leadership and welcomed them to the Alumni Association. “By staying involved as alumni, you will develop new relationships that will be invaluable as you move forward through the various phases of your life,” he said. “Moreover, with your continued commitment and involvement as alumni, you will help shape the future of the school while preserving the traditions and culture that make Westminster such an exceptional institution.” At the memorial service for alumni, Alan Brooks ’55, P’89, ’91, ’96 read the names of 18 alumni who died in the past year, and Art Turton ’65, P’91 sang a solo.

Alumni Art Exhibit The weekend began Friday evening with an opening reception for the third annual Alumni Art Exhibit in Baxter Gallery titled “Inside Out,” which showcased the work of the late Bryan Nash Gill ’80. The show featured some of Bryan’s rarely seen pieces and was presented in honor of his 35th reunion. Bryan was a prolific artist and created a large body of work, though he is best known for his sculpture and largescale wood cross-section relief prints. He was one of the artists who participated in the school’s 125th anniversary art exhibit in 2013. Bryan’s wife, Gina, and their son, Forest, attended the 44

Westminster Bulletin

Following the service, classes participated in the Grand March to the reunion tent on Commencement Lawn where they ate lunch and paused for class photos. In the afternoon, alumni and their family members toured Armour Academic Center and the new dormitories, attended a presentation about college counseling and class meetings, and viewed athletic contests. Jim Slimmon ’45, P’76 who lives in Bloomfield, Conn., and was back for his 70th reunion with his wife, Julie, reflected about how “Grit and Grace” is always on his mind. “Over the years, it has been helpful to me,” he said. “Life is not perfect.” He also reminisced about arriving at Westminster when he was about 11 years old as one of the first day students and later living in Junior House.

“How the campus looks is critical, but what makes it are the people.”

reception. “It was nice putting the show together with Jenny Philip and deciding what to showcase, including bringing pieces never previously seen,” said Gina. “It is particularly meaningful to have Bryan’s work featured for his classmates on the occasion of his class’s 35th reunion,” said Headmaster Bill Philip. “Bryan’s work is spectacular, and it is especially significant to have Gina and Forest back at school.” Following the reception, classes met for dinner on campus, at area restaurants and at alumni and faculty homes.

Gina Gill, Forest Gill and Jenny Philip P’06, ’09 Fall 2015

Tom Hunt ’50, who lives in Sherborn, Mass., and was celebrating his 65th reunion, said he has been able to attend most of his reunions over the years and found “the physical appearance of the campus stunning.” As a student, he lived in a number of dormitories and called Westminster his second home during those years. “Westminster’s graciousness is not new, and that continues and is nice,” he remarked. Julia Rubicam ’05 who lives in Washington, D.C., was back for her 10th reunion and said she enjoyed the morning’s presentations and had walked around campus to see various places including where she had lived as a student. Carly Tersavich O’Connor ’05, who lives in East Windsor, Conn., and was back for her 10th reunion, said, “It has been crazy to see how things change, beginning with Armour Academic Center and then the residence halls. It is awesome to see things progress.” The evening’s events kicked off with the Class of 2010 opening a time capsule and a cocktail reception in the Armstrong Atrium of Armour Academic Center. The Black and Gold Dinner and dancing followed under the reunion tent.

50th Reunion Eleven members of the Class of 1965 celebrated their 50th reunion at a dinner in Hinman Reading Room hosted by Jenny and Bill Philip. Guests included former Headmaster Don Werner P’79, ’82, Morgan Shipway ’61, P’12, and Larry and Ann Gilman P’78, ’80. Bill gave an update on the school, and Don Werner reflected on the school’s early days of coeducation. The reunion committee included Bob Barnes, John Beinecke, John Devereux, Charlie Fineman and Art Turton.

Westminster Bulletin

25th Reunion The Class of 1990 celebrated its 25th reunion at Sanger House, the home of faculty members Amy and Scott Stevens P’07, ’09, ’12. The reunion committee included Aileen Daversa, Chris DiPentima, Cooley Fales, Sarah Davis Johnson, Mary Peck, Maura Polci Provencher, Bob Stockton and Mike Tauber.

Fall 2015

Alumni Golf The first Annual Alumni Golf outing held at the beginning of reunion May 1 took place at Hop Meadow Country Club in Simsbury. It brought together five groups of spirited golfers. Winning the best ball low gross (67) was the team of Stan Keating ’81, Tim Gerges ’98, Tim Joncas ’00 and Mike Kennedy ’00, while the low net score (55) went to Chris DiPentima, Ryan McGuigan, Bob Stockton and Tim MacGuire, all from the Class of 1990.

Class of 1950 — Front row, Ted Newbold and Hi Upson; back row, Tom Hunt, Jim Gaston, Stoddard Reynolds and Pem Hutchinson

Front row, Chris DiPentima ’90, Tim Joncas ’00, Tim French ’80, P’13, ’15, John Hamblett ’80, P’11 and Dave Werner ’80, P’10, ’11, ’16 Back row, Stan Keating ’81, Ted Probert ’80, P’16, Tim Gerges ’98, Ryan McGuigan ’90, Tim MacGuire ’90, Bob Stockton ’90, Mike Kennedy ’00, Charles Santry ’80, P’12, Jeff Lynch ’85, P’15, ’17 and John Beinecke ’65. Not pictured but in attendance: Jeff Coffin ’10, Nik Schultz ’10, Tyler Moseley ’10 and Newell Grant ’99.

Class of 1955 — Front row, Karen and Hal Anthony, John Reboul, and Trump and Carol Bradley; middle row, Felicity Swayze, Gretchen and Peter Haight, Adair Hibbard, Josee Reboul, Kearney Hibbard and David Allen; back row, Marie-Pier and Alan Brooks, and T Swayze

Also in attendance: Joe Gitterman, Bob Long and David Werblow

Class of 1965 — Front row, Charlie Fineman, Barry Lemkau, John Devereux and Bob Barnes; back row, Jonathan Clapp, Walter Villecco, Art Turton, Rett Sturman, Jim McBrier and John Beinecke Class of 1960 — Bill Johnston and Bill Carey 48

Westminster Bulletin

Class of 1970 — Front row, Gary Mah, Greg Wolff, Evan Stewart, Peter Hitt, O.P. Jackson and Ben Steele; back row, Piper Stevens, Bim Oakley, Doug Yorke, Chris Rice, Matt Pook, Kevin Wittman, Will Luckey and Tim Goodman

Also in attendance: Bill Caldwell, Chip Cappelletti, David Grant, Chuck Gifford, Bill Stetson, George Waterman, Peter Wears and Ben Parsons

Class of 1975 — Front row, John Ripley, Scott Berry (faculty) and Charles Wattles; back row, Shelby Wasiele, Larry Wasiele, Peter Mott, Stephen Lehmann and John Ford

Class of 1980 — Front row, Dave Werner, Dave Crandall, Angel Cartegena, Tim French, Hutch McLendon and Becky Armour Stevens; back row, Randell Jesup, Amanda Clarke Shipley, Lars Noble, Ted Probert and Doug Baker

Class of 1985 — Front row, Marissa Sollitto McDonnell, Doug Gilbert, Jeff Lynch, Stewart Walker, Mark Bluestein and Doug Kerridge; back row, Stephanie Houghton Sinclair, Kato Gorman Gilbert, Mason Flinn, Jennifer Powers, Bob Ireland, Tim Robinson and Peter Olney

Fall 2015

Class of 1990 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Front row, Erik Brown, Ryan McGuigan, Paul Spagnoletti, Peter Mihan and Tim Milhan; middle row, Jennifer Bihldorff Vanech, Sarah Davis Johnson, Courtney Suhler, Mike Tauber, Sakinah Carter Suttiratana, Aileen T. Daversa, Suzanne Jarrett Melan, Marile Haylon Borden, Coco Hatch Harris, Melissa Pranzo and Mary Peck; back row, Chris Barrett, Bob Wittig, Betsy Cameron, Jenn Wendell, Cooley Fales, Attlia Koperecz and Brian Tumolo

Also in attendance: Cody Potter

Class of 1995 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Front row, David Bruce, Jamie Ross, Brendan Moran, Will Egan, James Ryan and Rufus Judson; middle row, Rebecca Thorton Leach, Ali Dwyer Edwards and Seton Clark Spagnuolo; back row, Nate de Kanter, Tyler Gamble, Jeff Kaye, Lydia Heenan Marshall, Mimi Bartow, Boo Kenan Morton, Mary Beth Gonzalez and Whitney Scarlett Saunders

Westminster Bulletin

Class of 2000 — Front row, Emily Rotando LaFemina, Blair Gallagher Sheehan, Tim Joncas, Erinn Sullivan Davis and Tim Egan; back row, Molly McInerney Babcock, Kathryn Dehne, James Bishop, Jennifer Barrett Crocker, Ben Roberts, Geoffrey Brethen, Mike Kennedy and Jakub Mleczko

Class of 2005 — Front row, Peter Christman, Graham Fadden, Michelle Hatchette, David Martinez, Peter Hunter, Brody Inglis and Jonathan Leathers; back row, Maggi Warner, Ned Reeves, Todd Henkel, Jourdan Gray, Kevan Quinn, Don Reeves, Lindsay O’Brien Bababekov, Kevin Briggs, Bailey Harris, C.C. Webster and Ben Tyler

Class of 2010 — First row, Stephen Seymour, Matt Mahany, Mark Swank, Peter Michailidis, Daniel Hnatko, Jeffrey Coffin, Kevin Boyle, Jack Kreitler, Winchester Hotchkiss and Ryan Hallisey; second row, Sara Ugalde, Isabelle Hill, Madeleine King, Margaret Miller, Charlotte O'Herron, Emily Snoddon, Bronwyn Shortly, Miller Robinson, Mack Lauzon and Benjamin Mandell; third row, Alex Pascal, Ryan Tyson, Alex Martin, Megan Pooley, Maddie Garnett, Sara Nolan, Cris Gomez, Jennie Gavrich, Riana Mackenzie, Victoria Parmenter, Maddie McPhee, Kingsley Schroeder, Laura Gineo, Sean Kelley, Liam Flaherty and Benjamin Sharaf; back row, Nik Schultz, Tyler Moseley, Rafi Rojas, William Sargent, Malcolm Lloyd, Corinne Werner, Oliver Brown, Colby O'Neil, Kip Denoyer, Edward McCormick and Ryan Viola

Also in attendance: Meg Barnes, Kathryn Brady and Rob Santangelo Fall 2015

Unexpected Lessons BY JAKE SOLOMON ’15

For the last half of the 2014-2015 academic year at Westminster, I was referred to as “Jake the tall British guy.” To be perfectly frank, I had no problem with this at all. It’s a pithy synopsis of my character that draws on my two most distinguishable features, but there’s no getting away from the fact that it’s a little vague. I hope to shed a little more light on the quirks and nuances of “Jake the tall British guy.”

I suppose we should start with the formalities of basic information. My full name is Jake Arthur Alexander Solomon, although for the first two weeks of my life, I went by the name of Jack, and I wish my parents had not changed their mind. There’s nothing I can do about it now. I was born in southwest London on June 14, 1996, and, up until coming over to Connecticut to attend Westminster, had lived in the same place my whole life. I attended a small state primary school before starting at Ibstock Place Secondary School in 2007, both of which are located 10 minutes away from my front door. In my pre-adult life, that was the biggest transition I ever had to make. The picture I am painting here, hopefully, is sending the message that I had never really done anything to threaten the familiar and secure life that I had in England — until my teacher informed me about the English Speaking Union exchange. The English Speaking Union is a wellestablished transatlantic organization, which since 1928 has been organizing indirect exchange scholarships between British and American schools. I was lucky enough to attain a position in the

Westminster Bulletin

program, and I was then, even more luckily, assigned to Westminster School beginning in January 2015. I had always wanted to spend time in America and this provided the perfect opportunity. In addition to this, I would have a chance to spend my gap year constructively while furthering my studies. I never thought that I would uncover a love for philosophy but that may be the greatest prize for my efforts that I took home with me. I did not intend to learn a great deal about myself as, being an arrogant teenager, I was pretty sure that I knew everything about myself already. However, the longer I spent in America, the more I came to realize things about what I want to do and what kind of a person I want to be. For example, I learned that, contrary to my earlier beliefs, I might have to develop social skills at some point. This is definitely a weak spot for me as I used to take pride in saying precisely what I think, and because my friends in England are used to it, no one ever stops me. While at Westminster, I learned the value of putting amiability before speaking harshly, despite relapsing into my old ways more than I would have liked. People were very tolerant and perfectly lovely during my stay, going to all lengths to make me feel welcome. Overall, my American experience was as introspective as extrospective as I learned more about myself and my areas of interest. My immediate future lies in England at Somerville College of Oxford University where in October I began my bachelor’s degree in English Literature. After this, I plan to continue to study and, hopefully, eventually attain a Ph.D. so that I can open up possibilities in a career of academia. I know that I want to come back to the United States — the only thing left to decide is whether that will be to learn or teach. People have asked me if I wouldn’t like to spend some time out of education, but as reading is my favorite pastime, this is really just a way to get paid to do what I love. In a more fantastical part of my brain, I entertain the possibility of becoming a novelist, and I will continue to pursue this dream for many years to come although, regardless of whether I am successful, I still wish to find work as a college professor. Ultimately, I intend to dedicate my life to literature, and I am happy to have had the opportunity of expanding my knowledge at Westminster.

S UPPORTING W ESTMINSTER The Westminster Fund Ensures Margin of Excellence Westminster’s annual fund has taken on the new name of The Westminster Fund, and its importance to sustaining the school’s excellence in teaching and learning remains as steadfast as ever. “The Westminster Fund is the big, broad umbrella supporting and enhancing the very special nature of the Westminster community,” said Ted Probert ’80, P’16, assistant headmaster for advancement. “Rather than having an alumni fund, a reunion giving fund and a parents fund, we now have The Westminster Fund, and it is our hope every member of the Westminster community — alumni, parents and friends of the school — will participate and support this fund annually and generously. All levels of gifts truly have an impact.” Most independent schools have three main sources of revenue: tuition, earnings from endowment and gifts. “Since tuition has never covered the full cost of a Westminster education, philanthropy in the form of annual giving and a draw on endowment are essential revenue sources for the school,” said Ted. “And because Westminster doesn’t have a billion dollar endowment from which to draw, such as some other schools, The Westminster Fund, particularly because of its unrestricted and current-use nature, provides the margin of excellence for our students, our faculty and the school community.” He emphasized how a strong annual giving program can help substitute for a lesser endowment. “Receiving annual gifts of $3 million is the equivalent to having $60 million worth of endowment from which to draw,” he explained. “The Westminster Fund allows us to maintain current offerings and do extraordinary things related to our core values over and above what a balanced budget would accomplish. It helps build for the school’s future by allowing the headmaster and the trustees the flexibility to apply these funds to the areas of greatest need and/or opportunity.” Last year, Westminster received $3.3 million in annual gifts, and the goal for The Westminster Fund this year, ending June 30, 2016, is $3.5 million. The fund provides about 10 percent of the school’s operating budget, so its impact is significant. “The Westminster experience would be vastly different without securing that support,” said Ted. “We would not be able to offer as many academic and arts enrichment programs, have as large a collection in the library, field as many athletic teams, or offer as much student financial aid — to name a few critical programs it makes possible.” Along with its new name, The Westminster Fund has new leadership: Hilary Burrall is the director, Peter White is the associate director and Rebecca Shubert is the assistant director. They each will be working with a complement of reunion classes and off-year classes and traveling frequently to visit with members of the extended Westminster community. In addition, Erika Brewer P’17 has joined the Advancement Office as director of parent giving, and Evan Crosby has been appointed associate director of leadership gifts. Shannon O’Shaughnessy, who previously served as director of annual giving, has a new position as director of donor relations.

Assistant Headmaster for Advancement Ted Probert ’80, P’16

“The Westminster Fund allows us to maintain current offerings and do extraordinary things related to our core values over and above what a balanced budget would accomplish. It helps build for the school’s future by allowing the headmaster and the trustees the flexibility to apply these funds to the areas of greatest need and/or opportunity.”

Fall 2015

S UPPORTING W ESTMINSTER

Williams Hill Society Dinner The Williams Hill Society Dinner was held Sept. 25 at Westminster to honor and thank the school’s most loyal and generous donors. Following refreshments at Pratt House, a festive dinner took place in the dining hall with members of Chorale singing some songs and Joyce Cheng ’16 playing the violin. Chairman of the Board of Trustees Tread Mink ’77, P’11 thanked guests for the numerous school programs and opportunities made possible through their generosity. And Headmaster Bill Philip spoke about the importance of family-style meals at Westminster and how that tradition will be at the center of the student experience in the new dining hall, which is planned to start construction in the spring. He also thanked donors for attending the dinner and all they do for Westminster School.

Westminster Bulletin

S UPPORTING W ESTMINSTER

Mary Minns Peck ’90 Receives Distinguished Alumni Award At the Williams Hill Dinner Sept. 25, Mary Minns Peck ’90 was presented the Alan F. Brooks ’55 Distinguished Alumni Award. The Class of 1966 established the award in 2011 to annually honor an individual who exemplifies in thought, word and deed Westminster’s mission and core values of community, character, balance and involvement. In presenting the award that is named after him, Alan Brooks ’55, P’89, ’91, ’96 said of Mary, “Coming to us from Denver, Colo., in 1987 as a Fourth Former having chosen Westminster over Hotchkiss, Milton and Pomfret because it seemed ‘everything is important’ at Westminster, our award recipient went on to have a career here that, in fact, treated everything at Westminster as important.” Mary Minns Peck ’90 and Alan Brooks ’55, P’89, ’91, ’96 As a Martlet, Mary sang in Chamber Choir and Chorale, and served as co-president of Chorale her effect, Mary has always been there Sixth Form year. She was also an active “A long time ago, I for Westminster,” emphasized Alan. art student and received the Gretchen And as a volunteer for Yale, Mary Hupfel ’82 Art Purchase Prize. In developed a policy of ‘yes’ received the Yale Alumni Fund Award athletics, she participated in field hockey, for Westminster. I have in 2006 and was chair of the Young track, girls’ hockey and a running group. Members Committee and a member of Following Westminster, Mary earned always said yes when they the Board of Directors of the Yale Club a B.A. in history of art at Yale and began her art career at Christie’s in New York called because every task or of New York City for many years. Currently, she serves as an alumni City two days later. She remained at opportunity sounds so fun, interviewer for Yale applicants. Christie’s for 14 years, where she was a Mary has also run the New York specialist in impressionist, modern, and rewarding and educational.” City Marathon twice. She and her postwar and contemporary art. She then husband, Greg Kasper, have one founded her own art advisory and daughter, Gracie, age 8. appraisal firm, where she worked with Alan concluded his remarks by saying: “When asked some private collectors, foundations, corporate collections, institutions years ago why she was so dedicated to Westminster, Mary and art investment funds. After she moved to Denver in 2010, responded, ‘There’s just something there.’ We might have some she served two years as manager of annual giving for the Denver difficulty defining precisely what that ‘something’ is, but all of Art Museum and then returned to art advising full time. us in this room know exactly what Mary is talking about. Mary As an advisor, Mary guides clients, whether they are has helped keep that ‘something’ alive and well at Westminster.” beginning to collect or have experience in the market, through In accepting the award, Mary said, “A long time ago, I a full range of art collecting activities: from buying and selling developed a policy of ‘yes’ for Westminster. I have always said works of art to collection management. She also assists in the yes when they called because every task or opportunity sounds disposition of estate property. so fun, rewarding and educational.” Alan described Mary as “the consummate volunteer” for She also shared memories about her experiences as a student Westminster. “She has championed Westminster and its annual and as a volunteer. “I think the secret to alumni involvement that fund not only by her faithful financial support but also by her Alan and so many of us have discovered is that serving the many other activities,” he said. As an alumna, Mary served as a school extends the original experience,” she said. “I have more class agent for nine years and has been involved in planning all than just three years of great memories here. I have 28 years of of her reunions, beginning with her fifth and including her 25th memories, and they have all changed my life for the better. And this year. She has also participated in Westminster Today and for that, I am grateful.” served on the Executive Committee of the Westminster Alumni Association as vice president and then president. As an ex officio trustee, she was a member of the Development Committee. “In

Fall 2015

S UPPORTING W ESTMINSTER

New Trustees Elected to Board Four new trustees were elected to the Westminster Board of Trustees at its September meeting. Following his graduation from Westminster where he served as head prefect, Stephen W. Bailey ’89 earned an A.B. in economics at Harvard University and an MBA at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. He is a managing director with The Carlyle Group, which is based in Washington, D.C. He and his wife, Suzie Lowry ’89, live in Austin, Texas, with their four children, Izzy, Teddy, Augie and Annie. Both Steve and Suzie served as class agents for 17 years and co-chaired their Westminster 20th reunion committee.

Stephen W. Bailey ’89

Ellen Gerry Breed P’11, ’15 is a graduate of The Ethel Walker School and earned her B.A. in psychology at Denison University. She lives in Greenwich, Conn., with her husband, Alan, and their four children, Caroline, Billy, Eliza ’11 and Kate ’15. She has served on the board of directors of the Round Hill Club and The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Curtis F. Brockelman Jr. ’86, P’19 earned an A.B. in economics at Duke University and an MBA in finance marketing at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He is a managing partner and co-founder of Harvest Volatility Management LLC in New York City. He lives in Greenwich, Conn., with his wife, Alisa, and their three children, Curtis ’19, Nina and Bridget. Curt co-chaired his Westminster 10th and 25th reunion committees, served on the committees for his fifth, 15th and 20th reunions, and was a member of the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association. As a Westminster student, he served as a Sixth Form prefect and was a three-sport captain. Benjamin D. Williams IV ’81 serves as headmaster of Cate School in Carpinteria, Calif., where he lives with his wife, Ginger, and their three children, Ben, Grace and Carson. Ben received a B.A. in American studies from Williams College and a master’s degree in American civilization from Brown University. While a Westminster student, he served as head prefect, was president of the John Hay Society and received a Squibb Bowl Award. He has been a class agent and was a member of his Westminster 20th reunion committee. He also serves as vice chair of the Board of Trustees of The Association of Boarding Schools.

Ellen Gerry Breed P’11, ’15

Curtis F. Brockelman Jr. ’86, P’19

Benjamin D. Williams IV ’81 56

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1888: Dorset, VT Tad Ebling ’66 hosted a golf outing for Westminster alumni, parents, faculty and friends at the Dorset Field Club in Dorset, Vt., July 21.

Manhasset, NY Westminster alumni, parents, faculty and friends enjoyed a golf outing at the Deepdale Golf Club in Manhasset, N.Y., July 28 hosted by Trustee Jeff Kelter P’12, ’14, ’19.

Fall 2015

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One Year Out Cookout Fourteen members of the Class of 2014 returned to Westminster for the annual One Year Out Cookout held May 22 on the lawn of Pratt House. Celebrating their first reunion, the classmates engaged in great conversation with one another and members of the faculty, and then attended the Lawn Ceremony. Front row, Kelcie Finn, Brittany Swanson, Ellie Deveaux, Jackie Mendia, Yamilex Munoz, Beckett Mullen, Chanice Gooden and Yvonne Pruitt Back row, Kristi Wertz, Stephen McCormick, Alexa Armour, Chandler Nemetz, Annie Lacey and Ben Shively

Alumni Lacrosse Game The David H. Hovey Alumni Lacrosse Game took place May 16 with plenty of competition in the 12-11 win for the current Martlets. Danny O’Connell ’13 went 3 and 4 while Sam Dardani ’14 went 4 and 2, but it was not quite enough to edge the young Martlets in a spirited game on a beautiful afternoon at Hovey Field. Jack O’Connell ’15 split squads to play with brother Danny ’13, who assisted on one and scored twice for the alumni then once again for the Martlets. Ryan Seymour ’15 led First

Westminster Bulletin

Boys’ Lacrosse going 4 and 1 while Jeffrey Guiliano ’17 went 2 and 2 in a good game. For the alumni, Kyle Eckerson, Colin Hartwig and Scott Duddy ably rounded out the roster while Evan Doodian ’14, David Pringle ’05, Matt Knight ’14 and John Pappas ’14 were ground ball machines between the lines. Mac McCormick ’16, Brian Smyth ’16 and Tim Sanford ’16 also scored for the Martlets as Dylan Moser ’15, Trent Lefler ’16 and Max Powers ’17 combined for 21 saves at both ends.

S UPPORTING W ESTMINSTER

Sixth Form Dinner As the featured speaker at the Sixth Form Dinner held May 15 in the Westminster dining hall for members of the Class of 2015, Caitlin Romaniello ’07 spoke about the relationships she formed at Westminster and her experiences as a class agent for the Class of 2007. Guests included Nancy Urner-Berry ’81, P’11, ’16; Amy and Scott Stevens P’07, ’09, ’12; Peter ’71 and Tally Briggs P’01,’05, ’07; Erica Briggs ’07; Sky Miers ’07; and Olivia Robinson ’07. The Advancement Office presented each member of the Sixth Form with a Westminster blanket, and members of the class placed items in a time capsule they will open at their fifth reunion. Before the night concluded, the class agents for the class were announced and congratulated.

Class agents for the Class of 2015 and guest alumni at the Sixth Form Dinner include, front row, Emily Kunsman, Phebe Huth, Georgia Morley and MacKenzie Hawkes; and back row, CC Lynch, Duncan Kellogg, Will Brophy, Fred Baker, Caitlin Romaniello ’07, Olivia Robinson ’07, George Crawford, Sky Miers ’07, Erica Briggs ’07, Margot Frank, Austin Pope and Ryan Seymour.

Fall 2015

A L U M N I A N D PA R E N T R E C E P T I O N S

Asia Receptions Headmaster Bill Philip and Assistant Headmaster for Advancement Ted Probert ’80, P’16 visited Seoul, South Korea, and Hong Kong in June to visit with alumni, parents and students.

Seoul The Korean Parents Association of Westminster School held its annual dinner June 21 at the Millennium Seoul Hilton hosted by Hyun Joo and Dr. Sang Duck Lee P’12, ’14, ’17.

Sang Duck and Hyun Joo Lee P’12, ’14, ’17 and Eun Hee Kwon and Hae Young Lee P’18

Front row, Jae Hee Cho ’11, Jennifer Rhee ’08, Kyuwon Kang ’02, Ted Probert ’80, P’16, Bill Philip P’06, ’09, Jin-Pyung Kim ’94, Kevin Sohn ’01 and Isaac Son ’04 Back row, Jason Chung ’17, Julia Lee ’12, Eugene Kim ’19, Ryan Lee ’18, SK Lee ’18, Wonjune Kang ’16, Yuna Lee ’19 and Eunice Lee ’16

Front row, Jae Jung Chung P’08, Jungmin Kim P’09, ’11, Ted Probert, Bill Philip, Dong Chun Cho P’10 and Hyun Joo Lee P’12, ’14, ’17 Back row, Chung Sub and Joo Yun Lee Kim P’12, Hye Jung Won and Chi Yeop Son P’15, Sang Duck Lee P’12, ’14, ’17, Dong Man Park P’10 and Ho-Sung Park P’06, ‘09

Front row, Eun Hee Kwon P’18, Seungnam Cho P’16, Eun Jung Choi P’17, Ted Probert, Bill Philip, Hyun Joo Lee P’12, ’14, ’17, Haewook Jeong P’17 and Seoyoung Chey P’18 Back row, Jiyoung and Jungwook Kim P’19, HyungRok Lee P’19, Hae Young Lee P’18, Hong Goo Kang P’16, Sang Duck Lee P’12, ’14, ’17, Sang Hee Yun P’18, Ji-Young Kim P’16, Nyeonwoo Jeong P’17 and Byung Jin Lee P’18

Westminster Bulletin

A L U M N I A N D PA R E N T R E C E P T I O N S

Hong Kong Eva Fang and David Lie P’17 hosted a reception June 19 at the Dynasty Club in Hong Kong.

Front row, A.J. Harper ’88, Bill Philip and Ted Probert Back row, Hannah Kaye ’19, Nadia Lee ’18, Michelle Yoon ’08, Elena Lie-A-Cheong ’17, Gaby SchultzeRhonhof ’89, Julian Chow ’03, Sean Navin ’03, Justin Kooi ’18, Edward Lie-A-Cheong ’19, Rachel Chan ’14 and Ronald Young ’13

Bermuda Reception More than 30 alumni and parents attended a reception May 6 hosted by Linda and Will Cox ’81, P’14 at the Wellesley House in Hamilton, Bermuda. Will opened the evening with a warm and heartfelt welcome, citing what Westminster did for both him and his son, Stephen ’14. Headmaster Bill Philip followed and shared with the guests many of the changes that have taken place to the Westminster campus in recent years but assured them that the core values remain intact.

Arthur and Grainne Cronin P’16, Will Cox ’81, P’14 and Maria Haydon P’16

Francois Morin P’13, ’15, ’18, Will Cooper ’05, Peter Cooper ’54, GP’15 and Dede Cooper P’15

Linda Cox P’14, Peter Durhager P’18, and Mark and Helen Orchard P’13

Peter and Kathy Watson P’97, ’99, ’01

Robin ’88 and Timothy Miller

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Simsbury Denise and Chad Alfeld P’16 hosted a reception for parents Sept. 21 at Rosedale Farms and Vineyards in Simsbury.

Chad and Denise Alfeld P’16

Rick Ryan P’18, Maurice and Janice Gabbidon P’17, and Greg Stedman P’17

John and Kathleen Schuster P’19, and Courtney Feingold P’18

Dan Aber P’16, ’18, and Jeffrey and Shannon Cournoyer P’19

John Cosentino P’00, ’18, ’18 and Mark Wigmore P’07, ’08, ’16 62

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Kathleen Devaney P’19, Randy and Kelly Rome P’16 ’19, Susan Norman P’16, Sandra Gollenberg P’16 and Kristen Horrigan P’16, ’16, ’18

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New York City Erika and Bill Brewer P’17 hosted a gathering of Westminster parents at the Yale Club Sept. 29.

David and Joanna Sealy P’19 look on as Headmaster Bill Philip updates the group about the new dining hall, student center and residential projects.

Kristin Londal P’17, ’19 and Bill Brewer P’17

Ellen and Wayne Bellet P’17, and Erika Brewer P’17

Amy Meltzer P’17 and Tori Brown P’17

Cristina von Bargen P’19 and Alisa Brockelman P’19

Thomas Bradley P’19, Bill Philip and John Devlin P’19

Fall 2015

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Chris Campbell ’91 — Planning for the Future From Afar

As The Westminster Fund drew to a close April 30, Chris Campbell ’91 found himself surfing Westminster’s new website after he made his yearly gift to The Westminster Fund. After clicking through various pages about the curriculum and news about guest speakers on campus, he came across a few pages dedicated to the Thring Society, which recognizes those members of the Westminster community who have made planned or deferred gifts to Westminster. While reading up on the Thring Society, Chris realized he had never shared some important news with Westminster. A few years earlier, in the regular process of financial planning and revising his estate plans, Chris designated Westminster a residual beneficiary of his estate. This decision was a very smart and thoughtful financial move for Chris and his family because he has arranged for Westminster to receive the “residue,” after all the other gifts in his estate have been distributed. If he did not have this designation in place, then various tax implications might pertain to the settling of his estate. Now in his early 40s, Chris and his wife, Christina, are raising their children, Alexander and India, in London, where he works for a private equity firm. His brother, Brian Campbell ’93 is also an alumnus, and his parents were recently sighted driving through campus during Opening Day back in September. Chris has made the trip across the Atlantic Ocean for reunions and plans to be on campus next spring for his 25th reunion. He is now serving on the Executive Committee of the Westminster Alumni Association and volunteering time for his 25th reunion committee. Consider joining Chris Campbell in the Thring Society. Ask Newell Grant ’99 about naming Westminster in your estate plans or other opportunities.

For additional information, contact: Newell M. Grant Jr. ’99 Director of Gift Planning (860) 408-3058 ngrant@westminster-school.org

Westminster Bulletin

S UPPORTING W ESTMINSTER

nd a ar d n ale c r ou y ! y k a d ar o t s M m a ke p l a n

The Hill

with

your

Grit & Old Grace! Friends MA A Y 13-15, 20 16 PLANS FO OR R THE TH WEEKEND INCLUD DE: E FRIDAY Tennis and Golf Alumni Art Exhibit & Reception Class Dinners

SUNDAY Brunch Alumni Art Exhibit

SA ATURDAY Alumni Art Exhibit Meet the Martlets Sixth Form Induction Alumni Memorial Service Grand March of Alumni Reunion Luncheon Tours on Campus Home Games 5th Ye Year Reunion Time Capsule Black and Gold Dinner & Dancing

Visit www.W Westminster-School.org/Reunion estmi for more information

Fall 2015

From the Archives As Westminster looks forward to the construction of a new dining hall, some historical photographs of the dining room in Cushing Hall from the Westminster School Archives show how sharing meals has always been an important part of the Westminster experience. Mealtime conversations have served as a way for everyone on the Hill to get to know one another and to strengthen the cohesiveness of the school community.

Clockwise from top, the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original dining room circa 1925 adopted a hunting lodge dĂŠcor; a family-style meal with then-Assistant Headmaster Don Werner and his, wife, Mimi, in 1968; students gather meal trays circa 1975; faculty members John Gow and Floyd Lounsbury preside at their dining tables in 1932; and a Westminster engraved spoon used between the 1920s and 1980s.

Westminster Bulletin

Clockwise from top, a lunchtime meal circa 1960; a family-style meal circa 1999; and a special event meal circa 1959. Below, an early serving dish that features founding Headmaster William Lee Cushingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family crest. Dishes bearing the crest were used beginning in the early 1900s.

Making Headlines with Data-Driven News The cameras turned on journalist David Yanofsky ’05 following the publication of his investigative story “The pilots of Instagram: beautiful views from the cockpit, violating rules of the air” in December 2014. The story exposed commercial airline pilots who violated FAA rules by using personal electronic devices in the cockpit during flight, and David and his report became national news.

David Yanofsky ’05 at work at Quartz. Photo: Mia Mabanta

Westminster Bulletin

David says that after the months of work put into the story, it was exciting being in front of the camera. “I stumbled upon photos on Instagram with a hashtag used by pilots, and saw ones taken while putting airplanes on the ground,” he said. “It seemed off to me. Pilots are never allowed to use cellphones in the cockpit. The FAA was not aware of the issue, and they were made aware. It changed the behavior of pilots and, hopefully, made airline travel even safer.” “The pilots of Instagram” was published on Quartz, a digitally native news outlet owned by Atlantic Media Co. The story was named to the Judges List of The Deadline Club, the largest chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, recognizing reporting by independent digital media. David joined Quartz in August 2012 as one of the organization’s founding members and creates data-driven and visual stories for the site. “There is more demand than supply at news organizations for people who can report through graphics, data analysis and interactive features,” he explained. “Online publications want to create content native to the Web, not constrained by ink and paper. What I convey through words, I also convey with charts and graphics.”

David’s first reporting job was with Bloomberg, where he initially created information graphics. “I worked with reporters and other experts to get their ideas in graphic form,” he said. “It was very collaborative. From there, I transitioned into more independent reporting.” While at Bloomberg, he was part of a team of journalists who investigated secret loans given to corporations and foreign governments by the Federal Reserve Bank. The resulting series, “The Fed’s Trillion Dollar Secret,” received numerous journalism awards. David started working with data as part of a communication design project at the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2009. His interest in design began while he was a student at Westminster. While he was known for his painting and printmaking, he says people were starting to get into the Internet visually and graphically. “It spurred me to be more aware of making visual things on the Internet,” he said. At Westminster, David was a corridor proctor, worked on the yearbook and Westminster News, and won the Lewis J. Powers Photography Award. He also participated in squash, cross country and golf. While the interactive graphics David designs are data driven, his formal math education ended at Westminster. “I didn't take one math class in college,” he said. “The most complex thing I do is graphing on a sphere. It is less about complex math and more about how math relates to real-world things.” He recently wrote two stories about the scope of the April 2015 earthquakes in Nepal. “I used graphics to help readers better understand the difference between a 7.3 magnitude earthquake and a 7.8 magnitude,” he said. “Once you know the equation, you can measure on a modified logarithmic scale.” At Quartz, David is free to pursue stories that interest him. “We don’t have beats; we have ‘obsessions,’ he said. “No one is covering specific companies or topics. I obsess over trade flows and what they can reveal about relationships with countries.” David reports from a home office in Los Angeles, where he relocated in 2014 after reporting for Quartz from New York City. Though he says he saw more of his Westminster classmates while living in New York, social media allows him to stay in touch. “I see notifications when someone likes my stories.” In his free time, David travels frequently and still finds time for printmaking and photography. He was unable to attend his 10th class reunion, but is already contemplating his 15th. “I was there for the fifth and have five years to figure out the next one,” he emphasized.

A Fashion Focus on What Is Happening Now Dorian Grace Thompson ’93, best known for her DLux women’s contemporary boutiques, has been featured in Essence Magazine, Smooth and Young Mogul. This year, she’s brought her fashion and business savvy to international retailer Orla Kiely as its U.S. operations manager. Orla Kiely has two stores in London, one in New York City and another soon to open in Tokyo, and its products are available both online and at brick-and-mortar retailers. “Operationally, I can learn the inner workings of a bigger retail environment,” said Dorian, who oversees e-commerce, retail and wholesale operations for the luxury fashion and homeware company. Dorian did not take a traditional route to fashion. As a young student at the University of Virginia, she had intended to study medicine, but instead earned a B.A. in psychology in 1997. “I worked retail during summers,” she explained. “Part of UVA’s career planning gave me exposure to companies like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.” After graduation from UVA, she accepted a position as associate buyer for Saks, where she stayed for four years. “I needed to figure out what to do,” she said. “I had learned it was more about numbers than fashion.” She left Saks to join Sean John, the fashion lifestyle company created by musician Sean Combs, as a senior account manager, and subsequently became director of sales for Beyoncé’s House of Deréon. A stroke of bad luck and an angel investor helped make her dream of owning her own boutique come true. Shortly after her position with a New York retailer was eliminated, a family friend contacted her, recalling her desire to start her own business. “He asked if I was ready to open my own store,” she said. “I questioned it since it was during a recession.” It took her about half a year to develop her DLux brand. “I came up with the concept and worked with a Los Angeles branding firm,” she said. In February 2009, she opened the doors to DLux in New Jersey, where she sold trendsetting apparel, accessories, shoes and handbags. While she recently closed her New Jersey location, DLux has expanded to Chicago, where Dorian has sold her first franchise.

“I created a store built around what is happening now,” she said. “It’s no secret that at larger retailers, fashion offices and trend reporters tell buyers what is going to be hot. You lose sight of fashion, and it becomes a numbers game.” At DLux, Dorian picks all of the merchandise. “Customers love the store,” she said. “It is motivating to hear. I’ve made so many friends and clients. We’re a little family.” Dorian’s father, George Thompson ’72 was commanding officer and leader of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., and is a former Westminster trustee. “As a military family, we moved every three years like clockwork,” said Dorian. “I was exposed to many different cultures. We lived in Italy and Japan, and traveled to Germany and France. I had to make new friends every time we moved. The chances of seeing people again were slim.” Her family was stationed in Seattle when she made the decision to attend Westminster. Though she said it was difficult to relocate, she sought a break from the constant moving involved in military life. “I cried the first year,” she said. “I had never even been to camp.” Dorian’s transition to life at Westminster was eased by her participation in the Multicultural Student Union. “It helped me build a community to go through things together,” she said. “Everyone was very welcoming.” She also played field hockey, volleyball and lacrosse, and was a member of Black and Gold, the John Hay Society, SON (Serving Our Neighbors), Chamber Choir and Chorale. Dorian is making plans to bring DLux back to the East Coast with a store in New York City, where she makes her home. She likes to take advantage of the theater, film and dining opportunities in the city. “I love a good restaurant,” she said. “You can eat your whole life away in New York and never eat at the same place twice!”

Dorian Grace Thompson ’93, below, and the DLux store, above.

Fall 2015

Expanding Market Interest During a Museum’s Transition

Above, Jill Mara Olich Hamilton ’95 and, below right, the Whitney Museum of American Art. Photo: Ed Lederman

Westminster Bulletin

If you make your home in New York City, it may have been hard to miss the news of the Whitney Museum of American Art’s recent move from Uptown to its new home in the Meatpacking District — in no small part due to the efforts of Jill Mara Olich Hamilton ’95. As the Whitney’s senior manager of marketing and social media, Jill oversaw a nearly yearlong campaign to keep the public engaged as the museum “went dark.” The new building, designed by architect Renzo Piano, vastly increases the museum’s exhibition and programming space. The Whitney presents a full range of 20th-century and contemporary art with a special focus on works by living artists. Jill has brought a present-day approach to the museum’s marketing with new digital, mobile and social media campaigns to complement traditional print, broadcast and outdoor advertising efforts. “During the transition period, there was no physical museum to market,” said Jill. “We had only an online presence. We were not open for nine months, and our offices were scattered throughout the city.” In preparation for the Whitney’s re-opening in May, she directed the “Now at Home” campaign, which sought to expand the museum’s market to neighboring boroughs and New Jersey, create new international interest and engage the Whitney’s existing visitors — including children and teens. The Whitney has extensive children’s programming. Just prior to the museum’s temporary closure, she was honored as a finalist by the Effie Awards for her work promoting the exhibit “Jeff Koons: A Retrospective.” “We changed the visitor photography policy and launched the #ArtSelfie campaign,” said Jill. “Visitors literally blew up the social media sphere with Koons!” Prior to joining the Whitney in 2013, Jill was senior manager of marketing and special projects for creative concepts and digital at Macy’s. “Social media was not yet fully developed, and I launched Macy’s Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram accounts,” she said. “It was an amazing opportunity,” Jill earned a B.A. in literature and performance art from Bryn Mawr College in 1999 and an M.A. in digital journalism from New York University in 2005. “I always loved to write,” she said. “My first job out of college was with an ad agency, working with copywriters and designers.” At Westminster, Jill was known for her passion for the arts. “The Werner Centennial Center was constructed right before I got there, and I felt like it was built for me,” she recalled. “I was into performing

arts and dancing before it was popular. I hope I opened up channels for students who came after me.” Jill danced in the Dance Ensemble, where she did choreography and served as its president, was an actress in plays and musicals in Dramat, and directed a one-act play. She also volunteered at a soup kitchen in Hartford, served as a corridor prefect and won a WALKS Constitutional Essay Contest award. She remembers feeling uncomfortable about having to take public speaking as an elective in the spring of her Sixth Form year because her teachers thought it would boost her self-confidence. “At the time, I thought it was unfair that I didn’t get to choose, but I’m fairly outgoing now, and I owe a lot of that to Westminster,” she emphasized. Jill was unable to attend her 20th reunion this spring, but stays in touch with Christa Rozantes Allen ’96, Julie Zlotnick Belcher ’95 and Allison Bailey Blais ’96. Christa and Julie attended Jill’s wedding to Matthew Hamilton in North Carolina in 2011. Jill and Matthew met in the Hamptons in 2008. “I was at the soft opening of a restaurant called the Surf Lodge,” she said. “It had not yet even opened to the public at that time. As soon as I walked in, I noticed this guy who was so tall and handsome, and I walked right up and said hello. I guess the confidence from my public speaking class paid off in more ways than one!”

Bringing Etiquette Back From Obscurity How does someone become Canada’s “Etiquette Guy”? If you ask Jay Remer ’69, a weekly etiquette columnist for the Telegraph-Journal newspaper published in New Brunswick, Canada, and president of the Professional Writers Association of Canada, he’ll tell you that his starting point as an etiquette expert was at Westminster School. “When I write about where I started, I refer back to my days as a Third Former,” Jay explained. He credits Mrs. Dietrich, then a young faculty wife, for sparking his interest in matters of etiquette by asking him to prepare a dinner party for her. “I had to shop, cook and set the table. I had no problem. I think she knew I made an outstanding hollandaise sauce. It was fun.” Recalling Mrs. Dietrich’s kindness to him, he added, “I started to thrive.” While at Westminster, Jay played soccer, tennis and squash, worked on the school newspaper, and avoided singing in the choir by being the page-turner for Mrs. Gilman, the organist. He also volunteered at a local nursing home and helped resurrect the ski hill and greenhouse. His interests in art continued as a student at Colorado College. He earned a B.A. in art history in 1973 and spent most of his career in the art world, which began as an auctioneer and appraiser for Sotheby’s in New York City. He subsequently established his own firm, providing appraisals for fine arts and antiques, and consulting with collectors. After a very successful stint in the world of dog shows, Jay relocated to Canada and began the historic restoration of an 18th-century building that would become The Windsor House of Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, which Jay and his partner operated as an inn and restaurant from 1999 to 2007. Having to frequently host and attend dinner parties and events, Jay saw the need for etiquette education and training in his community. “People didn’t know how to properly arrange a dining table,” he said. “Two generations of people have been brought up not knowing how to properly dress, set a table or make an introduction. If you want people to take you seriously, you must at least know how to proffer a proper handshake. Having the right skills of etiquette creates within you a sense of security when you enter a work environment. You aren’t held up by being awkward and simply uncomfortable in a variety of social situations.” Jay, who lives in Saint Andrews, N.B., is certified by the Protocol School of Washington as a consultant for corporate etiquette and international protocol. He has written more than 375 columns for the Telegraph-Journal, hosts a weekly etiquette television program and answers thousands of questions online from readers. He also

conducts seminars and courses on personal and business etiquette. He defines etiquette as “essentially how we do what we do.” “To find the courage to ask a question is a big step,” Jay added. “I answer respectfully and handle questions with great compassion. Some questions involve dysfunctional families and communication issues. I am aware of where etiquette ends and safety begins.” In addition to working, Jay enjoys entertaining and traveling. He also makes sure to schedule quiet personal time. “I went through a huge transition over the last five or six years,” he stated. “I was married to my former wife for 20 years, and enjoyed 17 wonderful years with my male partner. I now live alone. Living alone has resulted in the release of a heavy burden which has allowed me to become aware of who I really am, and understand and enjoy my worth as a human being.” Jay has already begun to write on matters of more substance. In his forthcoming book, “The Six Pillars of Civility,” he outlines how to conduct oneself in a way that is good for you, others around you and the planet. He is also collaborating with Andrew Faas, author of “The Bully’s Trap,” on a book titled “Terms of Engagement.” It will address creating a psychologically healthy workplace, where success is not measured just by financial growth alone, but emphasizes the importance of employee engagement and retention. We are hoping it will serve as a kind of manual of what appropriate behavior is in any workplace situation.” Not all of Jay’s work is so serious. He maintains a small shop specializing in antique plates, and he produces YouTube videos on how to eat tricky foods. “My spaghetti clip has more than 50,000 views,” he exclaimed.

Jay Remer ’69

Fall 2015

In Memoriam

1945

1947

Robert “Bob” Thomson of Wayne, Pa.,

George A. Elliott III of Bethesda, Md., passed away Jan. 28, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Shirley H. Elliott.

passed away July 13, 2015. He was the husband of Marjorie Thomson; father of Robin Crawford, Christopher Elliott and Cary Wade; stepfather of Eric, Kristin, Stephen and Alan Gibson; grandfather of 13; and great-grandfather of two. Bob is survived by his brother Bill Thomson ’49.

1946 Robert “Bob” Sanderson passed away March 19, 2015. He grew up in Connecticut, graduated from Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y., and served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His lifelong love of golf led him to a career as a golf course superintendent. Bob moved to Port Charlotte, Fla., in 1962 to work for General Development Corporation and supervise the building of the Port Charlotte Golf Course. He remained as the superintendent of the course for more than 24 years. Bob was then superintendent at Del Vera Golf Course in North Fort Myers, Fla., and when he retired, was superintendent at Heron’s Glen Golf Course, also in North Fort Myers. He was a co-founder and past president of the Everglades Golf Course Superintendents Association, a co-founder of the Calusa Golf Course Superintendents Association, and a past president and director of the Florida Turf Grass Association. He was also a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and vacationing at his cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela; his sister, Shirlee; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mary Ann Sanderson.

Westminster Bulletin

1948 Albert S. Redway Jr. passed away June 24, 2015. Raised in New Haven and Hamden, Conn., he served as a volunteer in the mailroom and pharmacy of YaleNew Haven Hospital during World War II. At Princeton University, he served as assistant business manager of the Daily Princetonian. Graduating in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in history and a commission as a second lieutenant, artillery, in the Army, Al was ordered into active duty. He attended the artillery school in Fort Sill, Okla., and served with the 37th Infantry Division in Louisiana and the 45th Infantry Division in Korea. Following his service, Al entered the training program at the Scovill Manufacturing Co. in Waterbury, Conn. During his 16 years with the company, he served in various manufacturing positions in the General Products Division and became production control manager of the Relay Division. In 1972, Al received his MBA from the University of Connecticut and switched careers to banking with the Colonial Bank and Trust Company. He served 25 years in the Trust Division. As a vice president, he was at one time manager of trust administration and ended his career as the senior fiduciary officer. Al served as a deacon and superintendent of the Sunday school of Middlebury Congregational Church, president of the Tribury Rotary Club, chairman of the Woodbury Planning Commission, member of the Woodbury Retirement and Pension Board, a director of Pomperaug Woods, and a coordinator for FISH, the volunteer organization providing transportation to medical appointments for Woodbury residents unable to drive. He maintained an abiding

interest in American history, especially the American Revolutionary War where one of his direct descendants, Preserved Redway, served in the Continental Army. Al was a lifelong fly fisherman and a member of the Walton Fishing Club in Cornwall Bridge, serving as treasurer for 20 years. In his later years, he hiked the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and climbed in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains. Al and his wife, Nonnie, frequently traveled west for horseback riding in Colorado, Montana and Wyoming. They participated in the Russell Ride, following the trail of the noted artist Charles Russell through the Little Belt Mountains of Montana. Al developed a lifelong interest in the Grand Canyon, visiting it four times. During his college years, he hiked with his college roommate 30 miles roundtrip from the North Rim to the Colorado River in 120-degree heat. He returned with Nonnie in 1996, at age 67, descending from the South Rim to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon on the famous Grand Canyon mules. Al is survived by his wife, Eleanore (Nonnie) D. Redway; his sister, Nancy Redway Pugsley; his two sons, Albert (Tad) S. Redway III and James D. Redway ’75; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Bean Redway; two grandsons; and a granddaughter.

1949 Mansfield “Pro” Lyon died Sept. 4, 2015. He was a resident of Newport, R.I., where he was an active and passionate member of the local educational, volunteer, social and religious communities for more than five decades. He also served as a Westminster Fellow since 2002. Pro graduated from Yale University in 1954. He married Mary Alicia Breck in 1956, and they began their careers as teachers at St. Michael’s School in Newport. He eventually relocated the family to Wallingford, Conn., where he

spent many years helping to build the family business, Bunting and Lyon, which published an independent secondary school guide. Pro and his family moved back to Newport in 1971 to help rebuild and lead St. Michael’s School, where he served as headmaster. Pro and Mary served the school in many roles and eventually helped shepherd it to its present day independence. Pro ultimately retired from a second career as a real estate agent in 2004, when he committed himself to volunteer service for many local organizations. In 2006, Pro and Mary were honored as Newport Daily News Volunteers of the Year because of their tireless efforts on behalf of the community. Pro enjoyed spending time sailing, boating, fishing and swimming. He was also an accomplished singer, guitarist and storyteller. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary, and daughter Reverend Susan Elizabeth Lyon. He is survived by his son, Tim Lyon ’77, and daughters Julie Borden ’79 and Meg Garruto and their spouses, as well as his grandchildren. Classmate Bob Kitchel writes, “In my four years at Westminster and many reunions, I never saw Pro without that wonderful sly smile. We will miss him.” And classmate Curt Cowan writes, “I remember Pro best as a good friend, second tenor of our quartet, The Sharp Flats, capable and accomplished both in school and in life, despite his physical setbacks that occurred during his early years at Westminster. He lived his life with grit and grace, indeed, as the epitome of Virtute et Numine.”

1955

avidly, starting very young on Narragansett Bay. He went to India on a Fulbright Scholarship in 1961, where he built a decameter radio telescope to observe Jupiter. Observations from this telescope, combined with those from radio telescopes he had built with Jim Douglas at Yale University, allowed for 24-hour monitoring of the planet. This made it possible to determine the internal rotation rate of Jupiter; the measurement still stands today. In 1966, Arakel took a position as a research scientist at the University of Texas in the Astronomy Department when the University of Texas Radio Astronomy Observatory was formed. He served as the assistant director until its closing in 1990. While living in Austin, he was very active in the Austin Yacht Club where he raced competitively for years. He was a member of the U.S. Yacht Racing Union and was designated a senior race officer. He also served as a faculty advisor to the U.T. sailing team. After the radio observatory closed, Arakel and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to Middletown, R.I., where they built a house looking out on the Sakonnet River on land bequeathed by his father. They sailed on the Narragansett Bay. Arakel taught undergraduate courses over the next 22 years at the University of Rhode Island, Providence College, Rhode Island College and Bristol Community College. In 2013, they returned to Texas to spend more time with their children and grandchildren. Arakel is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Ellen; son, Frank, and his wife, Farah; and his grandchildren.

Frank Arakel Bozyan died July 28, 2015,

1966

in Lakeway, Texas. He graduated from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in astronomy. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958. Arakel had a lifelong love of sailing and astronomy. He ground his own telescope mirror as a teen and sailed

Jackson Eno of Simsbury, Conn., and Tisbury, Mass., passed away April 15, 2015, in Simsbury. Born in Hartford, Jackson was a longtime resident and supporter of Simsbury. He received his B.S. in economics from the University of New Haven and M.D.P. from the Hartford Graduate Center and began a

lifelong career in finance. He also received an honorary diploma from Westminster School in 2014. Jackson held leadership positions with Connecticut National Bank, Bank of Boston and had been the lead organizer, chairman and CEO of Simsbury Bank & Trust Co. He also served as an independent services consultant and was vice president of Prudential Securities and Morgan Stanley. Most recently, he served as a vice president of Merrill Lynch, E&M Group. Jackson’s financial acumen and advice helped many nonprofit groups and organizations become and remain financially strong. He spent a career using his gifts and talents helping others and raising money for charity, many times quietly or anonymously. His love for Simsbury led him to an active civic life that included service as a Simsbury selectman, president of Simsbury Cemetery Association, founder and former director of Simsbury Land Trust as well as the Connecticut Land Trust Service Bureau, past chairman of Simsbury Bicentennial Committee, past chair of Simsbury House Steering Committee, past vice president of Simsbury Historical Society, director of the Simsbury Main Street Partnership and past trustee of the Horace Belden Fund. Jackson was also a prominent figure with several state and national civic organizations including the Pinchot Institute for Conservation, the Antiquarian & Landmark Society of Connecticut, the New Haven Parking Authority and the General Society of the Society of the Cincinnati. He was a longtime member of both Hop Meadow Country Club and Vineyard Haven Yacht Club. Jackson is survived by his wife, Carol; five sons, William Stevens, Christopher Stevens, Sean Eno, Gregory Stevens and Jackson Eno Jr. ’96, and their wives; three daughters, Sonya Stevens ’84, Elizabeth Eno and Carolyn Eno, and their husbands; his brother Ralph Eno Jr. ’63; and 15 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father, Ralph Eno Jr. ’32.

Fall 2015

Closing Thoughts

A Process That Sets Westminster Apart By Joseph L. Gitterman III ’55, P’86, ’86, ’90 Trustee Emeritus

It has been a privilege to serve on Westminster’s Construction Committee for the past 20 years. The committee oversees building projects on campus from concept, to design, to construction, to completion. I have had the opportunity to help plan Edge House, Kohn Squash Pavilion, Sherwin Health and Athletic Center, Armour Academic Center, Gund House, Squibb House and, more recently, a new dining hall, student center, student and faculty residence, and two carriage houses. What has made this opportunity so special is working with the other members of the committee’s core group who have included Graham Gund ’59 and John Prokos from GUND Partnership, Westminster Chief Financial Officer Tom Earl, Steve Andrea and Gerry Holland from Bartlett Brainard Eacott (BBE), Westminster Plant Manager Duane Stagg and before him Peter Anderson, Ed Macri of Macri Associates and Assistant Business Manager Carol Kirsch. Joining us frequently are Headmaster Bill Philip, Associate Head of School Nancy Spencer, Assistant Head of School Kathleen Devaney, Dean of Faculty Greg Marco and Director of Student Life Tony Griffith, as well as many others. We always receive tremendous support and very important input from the campus community as a whole and many Westminster constituencies. The work of the Construction Committee is truly unique and sets Westminster far apart from other schools. This is because the people serving on the committee bring diverse areas of expertise to the conversation and debates and have been serving together consistently for decades. We work extremely well as a team. Every detail is questioned along the way, and we don’t just accept what consultants tell us. We want to know why, is there another way, what is the longevity, what are the maintenance costs, etc. While we often share different viewpoints, we are all interested in doing what is best for Westminster School. Our underlying common goal is to have all projects adhere to the school’s high standards. We use a great deal of value engineering to achieve extra value for every dollar spent. We always work with a very tight and limited budget, thus we constantly have to make priority decisions. The end result is that Westminster gets better value for the money it spends. We are told that this process of in-depth involvement from vision to occupancy is unique to Westminster among schools and universities I have always been fascinated by design and detail, and try to bring that perspective to the committee’s work. Maybe this is why I am a sculptor today, a hobby that continued during a 45-year career in finance. I try to bring that fondness for detail to our committee’s deliberations about everything that goes into a project. I may have developed a reputation for seeing too much, but these are buildings that are going to be here for a long while (50 years), and we want to ensure the highest level of execution in all aspects. We realize that the results of our deliberations affect the entire school community, not just the bricks and mortar. We are constantly reminded that dollars spent on these projects are dollars not spent on other school needs and thus must be spent diligently. We constantly keep 84

Westminster Bulletin

in mind that the school’s purpose is to teach. And because so much learning takes place outside of the classroom, all of the buildings must reinforce community in multiple ways. They also must provide plentiful light, which is proven to benefit student achievement and interpersonal relations. Graham Gund is the master at creating the atmosphere for this, and his foresight with the master plan factors in a thorough understanding of the school’s site and its needs. It is the guiding light. I feel deeply that his guiding force and inspiration have transformed every aspect of life on the Hill. On a personal level, participating in this committee has been very important to me. I love the school and feel extremely fortunate to have an opportunity to give back a little bit for what the school has done for my family and me. Not many people get this opportunity, and I cherish it. As a student, I lived in Cushing Hall, Memorial Hall and Andrews House, and have fond memories of all of those experiences and am grateful for the wonderful education I received. My children, Tom ’86, Paul ’86 and Vicky ’90, were also Westminster students and greatly benefited from the experience of caring faculty who knew them well and celebrated their accomplishments. I have learned a lot through this experience. All of the projects have had fascinating challenges in different ways. The learning experience about the athletic center was completely different from the learning experience for the dormitories and so on. And most recently, the research and deliberations about the new dining hall, student center, dormitory and carriage houses have been equally fascinating. Having a role in the planning and execution of transformational projects for Westminster’s future is a wonderful experience. I continually look forward to every aspect of my involvement with this committee. How could you not be excited by it?

TRUSTEES

2015-2016 S. Bradley Mell P’14, ’16 Far Hills, N.J.

John S. Armour ’76 Emeritus Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.

John H. Davis P’05 Emeritus Longmeadow, Mass.

Timothy D. Armour ’78 Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.

Lori P. Durham P’13, ’15 Denver, Colo.

Charles B. Milliken P’77 Emeritus Bloomﬁeld, Conn.

Elisabeth M. Armstrong P’04, ’06, ’07 Dallas, Texas

William C. Egan III ’64, P’92, ’95, ’00, ’02 Emeritus Skillman, N.J.

T. Treadway Mink Jr. ’77, P’11 Chairman of the Board New Canaan, Conn.

Colin S. Flinn ’82 Sanibel, Fla.

Franklin Montross IV P’16 Bedford Hills, N.Y.

Heather Frahm ’86 Weston, Mass.

J. Pierce O’Neil ’76, P’10, ’12 Rowayton, Conn.

Joseph L. Gitterman III ’55, P’86, ’86, ’90 Emeritus Washington Depot, Conn.

William V.N. Philip P’06, ’09 Headmaster Ex officio Simsbury, Conn.

Stephen W. Bailey ’89 Austin, Texas Beth Cuda Baker P’09, ’12, ’15 New Canaan, Conn. Susan Werner Berenson ’82 Fairﬁeld, Conn. Ellen G. Breed P’11, ’15 Greenwich, Conn.

Robert T. Horsford ’89 New York, N.Y.

William D. Brewer P’17 Ex officio New York, N.Y.

David H. Hovey Jr. ’78, P’09, ’11, ’14 Simsbury, Conn.

C. Andrew Brickman ’82 Hinsdale, Ill. Curtis F. Brockelman Jr. ’86, P’19 Greenwich, Conn. Zooey Brown P’15 Batesville, Va.

Moyahoena Ogilvie Johnson ’86 Bloomﬁeld, Conn. Jeffrey E. Kelter P’12, ’14, ’19 Locust Valley, N.Y. Douglas C. Kerridge ’85 Ex officio New Canaan, Conn.

Abram Claude Jr. ’46, P’71, ’80, ’84, GP’02 Emeritus North Salem, N.Y.

Bernhard L. Kohn Jr. ’66, P’92 Bloomﬁeld, Conn.

John A. Cosentino Jr. P’00, ’18, ’18 Simsbury, Conn.

Jane Kessler Lennox ’88, P’16, ’18 New Albany, Ohio

Edward V. Dardani Jr. P’14, ’18 Waccabuc, N.Y.

Andrew D. McCullough Jr. ’87 Houston, Texas

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C. Bradford Raymond ’85, P’19 New York, N.Y. Thomas D. Sargent II ’77, P’10 West Hartford, Conn. John Sherwin Jr. ’57, P’83, ’89 Emeritus Mayﬁeld Village, Ohio Samuel Thorne ’46, P’74, ’76 Emeritus Bedford, Mass. Gregory F. Ugalde P’05, ’07, ’10, ’12 Burlington, Conn. Sara L. Whiteley ’91 West Chatham, Mass. Benjamin D. Williams IV ’81 Carpinteria, Calif.

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