FALL – WINTER 2015
VIKING VOICE A Magazine for Lyndon Institute alumni, parents and friends.
Daren M. Houck
Letter from the Headmaster......................................... 1
ASSISTANT HEAD FOR COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION
On Campus............................................................................................. 2
Adam A. Norwood
The Column Project...............................................................10
ASSISTANT HEAD FOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE
New Vail Student Center.................................................12
Robert G. Heath, Jr. ’88
ASSISTANT HEAD FOR ADVANCEMENT
Mary Ellen “Mel” Reis
ASSISTANT HEAD FOR INTERNAL AFFAIRS ASSISTANT HEAD FOR CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
Homecoming 2015.................................................................20
Twiladawn W. Perry ’77
Alumni Weekend.......................................................................22
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Class Reunions..............................................................................26
PRESIDENT
Class Notes.........................................................................................29
Meredith R. Feltus ’87 VICE PRESIDENT
In Memoriam..................................................................................35
Dr. Gregory J. McCormick ’91
Multicultural Day.............. Inside Back Cover
SECRETARY
Nathan P. Sicard ’00
Regional Events............................................ Back Cover
TREASURER
Charles W. Bucknam MEMBER AT LARGE
David J. Beattie ’61
MEMBER AT LARGE
David R. Stahler, Sr. ’65
Dorothy J. Allard ’72 David B. Aronoff ’82 Richard D. Ashton ’61 Laura P. Ashton Joseph Benning Marlin W. Devenger ’67 Patricia B. Emery ’70 Joseph C. Flynn T. Michael Flynn James C. Gallagher ’63 Stephen A. Gray ’65 Daniel D. Heath ’68 Peter C. Hopkins ’75 Lorraine C. Matteis ’65 James A. McDonald ’66 Amy M. McGarry ’86 Emery J. Noyes ’62 Thaddeus G. Richardson Hawant S. Sethi, Sr. Sara J. Simpson Elaine A. Smith ’63
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Commencement..........................................................................16 Development .................................................................................18
Christine Fayette
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Athletics.................................................................................................14
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Melissa A. Hall, Director of Development P.O. Box 127, 168 Institute Circle Lyndon Center, VT 05850 802 535-3773 fax 802 535-3767
LyndonInstitute.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HEADMASTER
It is the policy of Lyndon Institute not to discriminate on the basis of a student’s or his/her family member’s actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, age, military/ uniformed service or veteran’s status, disability, or other legally protected classification in the provision and administration of its educational programs, activities, services, and access provided to the public, in accordance with and to the limits of applicable requirements of state and federal laws. Lyndon Institute complies with the American Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as other applicable state and federal laws with respect to accommodating individuals with disabilities. Lyndon Institute provides special education to eligible students in accordance with the School’s special education approval from the State of Vermont, state and federal legal requirements, the School’s policies and in coordination with the student’s school district. Lyndon Institute Viking Voice is published twice a year by the Development Office. We welcome submissions for publication and letters in response to articles. Please send submissions to Melissa Hall, Director of Development, Melissa.Hall@lyndoninstitute.org.
Headmaster Houck and trustee Dick Ashton greet students on the first day of school.
WELCOME TO THE 2015 FALL EDITION OF THE VIKING VOICE. As alumni of the school, you understand that Lyndon Institute holds a special place in our hearts. As we prepare to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our charter in 2017, we are working hard to ensure that LI will make the same positive impact on many more generations of students for the next 150 years. A first step in making that happen is the unveiling of this year’s theme: “Building our future together.”
“I am truly honored to be the LI headmaster at the helm of this “viking ship” to steer us into our sesquicentennial and beyond. Thank you for your intentional investment in our future.”
Our charge for the future will be two-fold: the Program and the Place. First, we will, of course, be building the future of each and every one of our students. As President Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” Together, we will work to erect an outstanding educational experience (Program) for every student at LI, helping them to reach their full academic, creative and physical potential.
Second, we will be building our campus (Place). An important part of the LI experience is our physical location—the center of our educational community where students, faculty and community collaborate to create and celebrate that future together. To keep our place intact and vibrant, our buildings and grounds need not only maintenance, but expansion as well.
Building both of these futures requires comprehensive and careful strategic planning. As such, you will hear me use the words intentional and investment regularly over the course of the next few years. As headmaster I cannot allow our future to be guided by happenstance. Rather, careful planning and collaboration between our Trustees, Corporators and entire LI community are necessary if we are to ensure that Lyndon Institute continues to provide a world-class education right here in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
Additionally, building and planning purposefully also requires an investment in the future. Just like we plan for retirement, so, too, must we plan for the next stage of LI’s life. This requires the generous support of everyone that is a part of the Lyndon Institute community. I am truly honored to be the LI headmaster at the helm of this “viking ship” to steer us into our sesquicentennial and beyond. Thank you for your intentional investment in our future. Sincerely,
Daren M. Houck, Headmaster
FALL – WINTER 2015
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On Campus
For more information about The Foundry, visit thefoundryvt.org.
LI Creates Makerspace with the Foundry
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE a new partnership between LI and The Foundry to create a “makerspace” on the LI campus. The Foundry is an area non-profit that brings together professional engineers who strive to support creative entrepreneurs and familiarize young people with technical skills in a shop setting.
The new makerspace will be located in the True Building on the campus of Lyndon Institute. The partnership allows space for members of The Foundry to collaborate and brainstorm new ideas using LI’s metal fabrication and woodworking shop. Lyndon Institute students can participate if accompanied by a Lyndon Institute employee.
Makerspaces have been described as “community centers with tools.” The combination of manufacturing tools, community and education enables community members to design, prototype and create manufactured works that wouldn’t be possible with the resources available to individuals working alone.
“I am excited to share our campus with The Foundry. I firmly believe that schools and their resources should be places for ‘creative play’ and professional development, not only for students but also for adults in the community. I love the idea of LI being open after school, on weekends and over vacations,” said Houck. “This partnership solidifies our commitment to real-world learning and application by having all who study here engage in critical thinking and problem solving through the development and creation of new products. We want LI to be an idea factory full of rigor and creativity.”
Students Compete in Automotive Skills Competition LI STUDENTS Joshua Faulkner and Tucker HubbardSizen competed against 30 other teams from ME, NH, and VT in the FORD/AAA Skills Competion. Team LI finished 8th out of 11 teams for the state of VT. Joshua and Tucker received trophies, tools and scholarships.
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LI Hosts Benefit Dance Recital to Support Catamount Arts
LI WAS PLEASED TO HOST its annual Benefit Dance Recital in May. The annual spring event brings together dancers from several schools and organizations. All proceeds raised are directed to an area organization that promotes activities involving physical exercise, movement or the arts for area youth. This year, the organization receiving support was Catamount Arts.
The dancers performing in the benefit performance were from: Lyndon Institute, Dance Express, St. Johnsbury Ballet Studio and Dina Danielson’s Modern Dance Company.
LI Welcomes Visit From Dartmouth College President
Students Selected for All New England Music Festival
THREE LYNDON INSTITUTE STUDENTS were selected to attend the 88th annual All New England Music Festival hosted by Keene High School in Keene, NH. The students from the class of 2015 are (l-r) Shaylyn Clancy (voice), Ian Yarnell (voice) and Patrick Seymour (instrument).
The New England Music Festival Association has enjoyed a long and proud history of providing quality music performance opportunities for school-age singers, string and wind players, and percussionists since 1928. Conductors of national and international stature are contracted to lead the students in rehearsal and in the two Festival performances. The result is a high level of music making and a musical experience that lasts a lifetime.
FALL – WINTER 2015
LYNDON INSTITUTE WAS PLEASED TO WELCOME Class of 2013 alumnus and Wheelock Scholar, Noah Manning (front left), who is currently studying pre-med at Dartmouth College. The President of Dartmouth College, Dr. Phil Hanlon and his wife Gail, joined Noah for a formal welcome and tour of campus. Noah led a discussion that featured alumni from Lyndon Institute who were also Wheelock Scholars. The Wheelock Scholarship allows students from the town of Wheelock, VT, who have gained admission to Dartmouth through the normal selection process, to enroll without having to pay tuition. Members of the administration, and trustee and fellow Dartmouth alumnus, David Beattie, joined the tour. David Beattie recently celebrated his 50th alumni reunion at Dartmouth College. Pictured left to right, Mary Ellen Reis, Asst. Head for Advancement; Noah Manning; Trustee, David Beattie; Gail Gentes; Headmaster Houck; Dartmouth College President, Dr. Phil Hanlon; Twila Perry, Asst. Head for Curriculum and Instruction; and Don Steen, Director of Admissions.
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On Campus
LI Receives Grant to Start Skeet and Sporting Clays Club LI HAS RECEIVED GRANT FUNDS from the MidwayUSA Foundation, a public charity working to provide financial support through its Team Endowment Account Program to support a new skeet and sporting clays club, the NEK Clayshooters. The grant will cover team expenses such as ammunition, targets and entry fees for competitions and travel.
The club was formed with the assistance of members of the Northeast Kingdom Skeet and Sporting Clays Club (NEKSC) of Burke, Paul Brouha, one of the Directors of NEKSC, and LI trustee Dave Stahler, Sr. The club will be supervised by LI history teacher Chris Raymond and LI automotive teacher Dan Camber. In addition, Raymond, Camber, Brouha and Stahler will serve as coaches. Fred Cornell, a lieutenant with the Vermont State Police, will also serve as a volunteer range safety officer. Currently, Brouha, Stahler and Raymond are certified shotgun coaches through the National Rifle Association.
All firearms must pass a safety inspection each time they are used on the range. The club is open to all classes, freshmen through seniors. To cover insurance, all club athletes must join the Scholastic Clay Target Program and complete a medical waver and a signed sportsmanship contract. Students will be required to provide signed permission forms from their parents/guardians and all activities will take place at the NEKSC range in Burke.
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The Governor’s Service Award
THE GOVERNOR’S SERVICE AWARDS pay tribute to volunteers from across Vermont who impact their communities in a positive way, and who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and community service in Vermont. Alyssa Leonard, a junior at Lyndon Institute, received this award at the Vermont State House in Montpelier. Alyssa is an outstanding student, athlete, and three-year member of Lyndon State College Upward Bound. Some highlights of her service include the Barton Chronicle’s Warm the Children program, where in 2014, Alyssa helped give away new winter clothing to 145 children in need. Alyssa also participated in the H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Every day) Color Run, and has given over 130 additional hours at Power’s Park and Play and Learn Daycare in Lyndonville. Alyssa is the daughter of Sheila Leonard of Lyndonville, VT.
Nick Aiken Receives President’s Volunteer Service Award
NICK AIKEN, CLASS OF 2015, was honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack Obama. Lyndon Institute nominated Nick for national honors this fall in recognition of his volunteer service.
“The recipients of these awards demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities,” said John Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. “By recognizing these students and placing a spotlight on their volunteer activities, we hope to motivate others to consider how they can also contribute to their community.”
VIKING VOICE
Closing The Gap College Readiness Award LYNDON INSTITUTE WAS RECOGNIZED as a winner of the “Closing the Gap” awards, sponsored by College For Every Student, and began participating in the national college readiness program in August 2015.
“We are extremely excited to receive CFES programming,” said Lyndon Institute Headmaster Daren Houck. “With over 50 percent of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch and many being the first in their family to even attempt college, Lyndon Institute has a population of students that need additional supports for them to be college-ready.”
Freshmen began their year with a two-day orientation retreat to Siskin Ecological Adventures in Derby to participate in team-building activities. This is the first of many opportunities the class of 2019 will have to experience the world around them through inquiry/problem-based learning and service-learning opportunities.
Fifty-two schools from 21 states applied for the “Closing the Gap” awards, which provide three years of College For Every Student programming that prepares students for college and career success. Seventeen schools have been selected and Lyndon Institute is the only school in Vermont to receive the award.
New Team-Based Freshmen Program Announced
A NEW TEAM-BASED APPROACH will concentrate on transitioning Lyndon Institute’s freshmen class from elementary school to high school.
“In order to help our freshmen succeed beyond Lyndon Institute, we need to build a modern transitional experience that allows each student to successfully navigate this complex world with confidence,” said LI Headmaster, Daren Houck. “LI already prepares students for college and career readiness. I have had many alumni call me to say how prepared they were for their college classes. The same is true for career success. We have students ready to enter a skilled labor force within days of graduating from LI. Our students need to continue to develop expectations and habits of excellence while mastering how to be independent learners and positive, productive citizens.” Following its successful January Term, Lyndon Institute is extending its standards of academic excellence via a new freshmen program. Developed by a dedicated team of professionals, the freshmen program includes an integrated curriculum based on science and humanities standards; a multi-tiered system of supports for students; and a teaming approach that will emphasize 21st century and transferrable skills while fostering communication, collaboration, creativity and self-directed learning. The Freshmen Team of teachers will also serve as advisors, offering an entire school year dedicated to incorporating the critical skills necessary to prepare students for success in learning, work and life. While preparing freshmen to become independent learners, emphasis will be placed on the ethical use of technology, the ability to do research, and an understanding of the skills that lead students to sustain high levels of achievement.
Led by Freshmen Team Leaders, Magen Bias and Nikki Berry, the new Freshmen Team of teachers includes Bill Klein, Matt Andrews, Chris Manges, Jill Nichols, Janet Dunphy-Brown, Karen Kennedy and Doug D’Olimpio. FALL – WINTER 2015
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On Campus
SkillsUSA®
LYNDON INSTITUTE WAS WELL REPRESENTED at the SkillsUSA® competition held in Burlington, winning six gold medals. The LI students pictured in their SkillsUSA team jackets are (l-r): Austin Jenks (Gold Medal in Ornamental Welding), Ryan Solinsky (Gold Medal in Welding), Dominic Bassett (Silver Medal in Automotive Service Technology), Katherine Ham (Gold Medal in Prepared Speech), Derik Gagnon and CJ Lahaie (Gold Medal in Mobile Robotics Technology) and Ethan Bernier (Gold Medal in Commercial Baking). By winning gold medals, the students qualified to attend the national competition in Louisville, Kentucky. More than 300,000 students and advisors compete nationwide for the opportunity to attend the national conference. At the SkillsUSA® National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, over over 6,000 students from around the country competed in 100 different competitions. LI Senior, Ethan Bernier, who takes culinary at SJA, received the silver medal in the Commercial Baking competition. Class of 2015 members, CJ Lahaie and Derik Gagnon, finished 11th overall in Mobile Robotics Technology. Senior Ryan Solinsky finished 31st in Welding and senior Austin Jenks finished 26th in Welding Sculpture. Katie Ham, Class of 2015, competed in Prepared Speech and finished sixth out of 13 for her group.
Sophie Lamar Attends HOBY Leadership Conference
SOPHIE LAMAR, CLASS OF 2017, was accepted to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership’s (HOBY) World Leadership Conference (WLC) held in July at the Loyola University campus in Chicago.
The WLC brings together over 400 HOBY alumni for an eight-day conference exploring personal leadership, group leadership, leadership for society and global citizenship. Described as the “Superbowl of Teen Leadership,” the WLC is open to secondary school students from around the globe that have a demonstrated interest in developing their leadership skills.
Sophie was accepted based on her attendance at the HOBY State Leadership Seminar (LS) held at Vermont Technical College in May. The LS is designed to help high school sophomores to recognize their leadership talents. Over 100 high school students attended a four-day seminar and participated in leadership activities, met state leaders and explored their own personal skills while learning how to lead others. Thousands of Vermont students have attended the LS over its 30 year history. All HOBY ambassadors pledge to complete 100 hours of community service in the year following their attendance at the LS.
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VIKING VOICE
Retiring LI Faculty and Staff
CHARLES BUCKNAM Chief Financial Officer at Lyndon Institute announced his plan to retire in June 2015 after a distinguished career spanning over 45 years. He served as CFO at Lyndon Institute for three years.
PAULA (CAMERON) EDMUNDS (’66) worked at Lyndon Institute from March 1981 through June 2015. She has guided generations of headmasters, teachers, staff & students. As Headmaster’s Representative Paula impressed visitors with her infectious kindness to all and love of the school. Paula will continue her service to our School as a Corporator.
DAVID “W” WILLIAMS (’78) worked at Lyndon Institute as a teacher from November 1982 through June 2015. Dave spent his years at LI giving the greatest gift any teacher could give to his students: curiousity. His students always left his care with a wonder of the natural world around them. During his tenure, he was recognized not once but twice by his fellow teachers as Lyndon Institute’s teacher of the year. Dave also serves as a Corporator for Lyndon Institute.
LI Announces New Assistant Head For Internal Affairs
FOLLOWING THE ANNOUNCEMENT of the retirement of Chief Financial Officer, Charles Bucknam, Headmaster Daren Houck is pleased to announce that Christine Fayette has been named Assistant Head for Internal Affairs effective July 2015. She will supervise the LI business office, maintenance, information services departments and contracted vendors for janitorial and food service.
From 1994 to 2015, Fayette and her husband Michael, who are trained chefs, served as the owners/ operators of the Doveberry Inn, an award-winning, 11-room inn with a 32-seat dining room located in West Dover, VT. “After building a successful business from the ground up 20 years ago in southern Vermont, Christine entered the independent school world five years ago as the Business Manager of The Mountain School of Whitehall (MSW),” said LI Headmaster, Daren Houck. “Having worked closely with her for four years at MSW, I was able to see firsthand what an asset she was and is to an independent school. Her financial ingenuity, integrity and work ethic are second to none. Fayette earned an AA in culinary arts from Newbury College and a BS in business management from the University of New Haven. She is pursuing a master’s degree in finance.
Daniel Cliche Nominated as Green and Gold Scholar
E. THOMAS SULLIVAN, President of the University of Vermont has announced the nomination of Lyndon Institute senior, Daniel Cliche, for the University of Vermont’s Green and Gold Scholarship, an honor awarded to Vermont’s very best students. Cliche was selected based on recommendations from the administration, faculty and staff of Lyndon Institute and the Upward Bound program at Lyndon State College who praised his dedication to academic excellence and his commitment to community through volunteer work. As a Green and Gold Scholar at UVM, Cliche qualifies for a full-tuition scholarship based on the rate set for residents of Vermont. The scholarship value is estimated at approximately $56,000 over four years.
At Lyndon Institute, Daniel was named an Advanced Placement® Scholar in his junior year, having earned a score of three or higher on three AP tests. He has taken nine honors courses, six AP courses, and has been a member of the National Honor Society since his junior year. He studied Spanish all four years and completed three years of engineering courses. As a four-year member of the Lyndon State College Upward Bound program, Daniel spent the last three summers living on the LSC campus, taking college preparatory classes, and volunteering for his community. He gave over 200 hours of service through Upward Bound and even more regionally. FALL – WINTER 2015
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On Campus
Student Attends Leadership Conferences MORGAN HALL, A LYNDON INSTITUTE SENIOR, was selected to attend two distinguished conferences on leadership.
Students Take Awards for Proficiency In Russian Language
A GROUP OF LYNDON INSTITUTE STUDENTS studying the Russian language took part in the Vermont International Russian Language Olympiada at Lyndon State College. Vermont students representing 10 countries presented or performed 55 examples of Russian essays, speeches or singing. Kira Cogger (far right) and Yan Zhen (middle) competed in the song portion of the event. Kira finished in first place and Yan Zhen finished in second place.
In the declamation portion of the testing, Yan Zhen received top honors in the Basic Level, High School division. In the Advanced, High School division, Sonia Pilato (second from right) earned top honors. Blaine Grieves (second from left) received special recognition from the jury for his essay. Blaine wrote and recorded a thank you note to Russian veterans of WW II and delivered it in Russian. The students were taught by LI’s award-winning Russian teacher, Elena Strokanova (far left).
Conducted across the nation and sponsored by the Military Order of World Wars (MOWW), the Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) was held at Norwich University. The YLC is led by skilled instructors and supervised by well-qualified team leaders and counselors. The New England Chapter of YLC is conducted at Norwich University, the nation’s first senior military college. During the weekend, participants are grouped into teams and involved in both classes and physical challenges, including intelligent leadership, effective communications, water survival skills, climbing wall, leadership reaction course, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the Citizen Soldier, cyber security and honors and ethics.
In addition, Morgan was selected as one of 1,000 students from an application pool of over 6,000 to attend the Summer Leader Experience (SLE) at West Point. This highly competitive conference for high school juniors gives students the experience of life as a West Point cadet. The SLE is a fast-paced program of academic classes, military training, physical fitness training and intramural athletics conducted during the month of June each year.
New Faculty and Staff
LYNDON INSTITUTE HEADMASTER, Daren M. Houck is pleased to welcome new faculty and staff to Lyndon Institute.
From left to right: Jill Nichols, Christine Fayette, Roy Starling, Denise Tomaselli, Casey Graham, Robert Sattelberger, Gillian Sewake, Elaine Maney, Katie Palmer, Lauren Ruffner, David Irwin, Casey Tanner, Travis Bugbee. Missing: Sara O’Connor, Kasey Potter, Paul Scavitto, Abigail Montgomery
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VIKING VOICE
Lyndon Learning Collaborative Underway
“The program has been very beneficial for the purpose of preparing us for the rigors that await us for the rest of our college careers. We have gained more independence and therefore have been able to develop better time-management skills. What a great opportunity!” Trisha Potter, Class of 2016
TWO LYNDON SCHOOLS with a long-standing history of educational excellence have joined forces to present a unique opportunity to students in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. The Lyndon Learning Collaborative between Lyndon Institute and Lyndon State College (LSC) provides the opportunity for eligible Lyndon Institute seniors to obtain a full year of college academic credit through college-level courses offered by LSC. Except for one college history class taught on the college campus, all college courses are taught at Lyndon Institute, with LSC and Lyndon Institute faculty sharing classrooms.
The new Collaborative is a head start for higher learning for LI seniors who qualify for the program. Students who complete the college course requirements will graduate as seniors from Lyndon Institute with a high school diploma, but will also have earned a full year of college academic credits, enabling them to enter LSC as a sophomore.
The financial savings include not only the approximately $10,000 in college tuition, but can mean skipping an entire year of room, board and other college expenses.
Any student who participates in the Collaborative and decides not to attend LSC following high school graduation, or who transfers to another college or university prior to completing a full freshman year at LSC, has the opportunity to purchase some of the college credits earned while attending the Collaborative. The student may then be able to gain credit for those courses at the college or university of their choice. “The program has been very beneficial for the purpose of preparing us for the rigors that await us for the rest of our college careers,” said LI senior Trisha Potter. “We have gained more independence and therefore have been able to develop better time-management skills. What a great opportunity!”
FALL – WINTER 2015
Adam Norwood, Assistant Head for Collaboration and Innovation at Lyndon Institute, describes the new Learning Collaborative as “the first of many” innovative new collaborations undertaken by the two institutions. Norwood says LSC President Joe Bertolino and the faculty and administration at Lyndon State are excited to explore new opportunities to partner with Lyndon Institute and create opportunities that benefit students enrolled in both schools.
One obvious benefit to the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) is the increased ability to provide opportunities for students to remain in the NEK, acquire a solid college education, and simultaneously participate in apprentice and workstudy programs that will provide local students with opportunities to explore local careers and gain training and experience. Local businesses and institutions gain an extra opportunity to attract and retain college-educated students with the skills and experience that will help them obtain a sustainable, rewarding and skilled career without moving out of the area. LSC President Bertolino says, “The partnership makes sense on so many levels and I’m excited about it. Our proximity is an advantage, our shared faculty, resources and facilities allow us to be more productive and fiscally responsible. Our similar missions have a focus on student preparedness for future success. And the program is a terrific way to make college affordable.”
Lyndon Institute Headmaster Daren Houck added, “We are committed to creating new pathways for our students so they may secure a successful future if they decide to settle here in the NEK. I hope this partnership is the first of many as we continue to target new business and economic development initiatives that provide sustainable and cutting-edge opportunities for our students.” The Collaborative is selective, and both the LI and LSC faculty members who teach in the program evaluated the students who applied to make sure they were a good “fit” and have the ability to successfully participate in the Collaborative. This year, 17 Lyndon Institute students were accepted. “The students who qualify for the Collaborative accept an academic load that is well ahead of what students would ordinarily face their senior year of high school,” says Thom Anderson, Associate Dean for Academic Progress at LSC. “The courses taught are not high school courses and every LI teacher in the Collaborative has an LSC counterpart.”
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The Column Project
“The front entrance of the Main Building is an iconic symbol of Lyndon Institute and we appreciate the patience of everyone while we worked through this during the start of school.” Headmaster Houck
By James Jardine, Class of 1964
L
asting nearly one hundred years since it was erected in 1922, the iconic entrance of the Main Building has been restored to last another hundred years. With the assistance of conscientious builders, stone masons, a metal sculptor, and the LI Independence Fund, the extensive twelve-week project to restore the porch, columns, bases, lighting and railings was completed in time to celebrate the 111th rivalry football game in October. The Column Project began with the assistance of a structural engineer who determined the existing porch was shifting away from the building and elements of the columns and bases were significantly compromised due to age. The engineers recommended the replacement of the porch, four large columns, capitals and their bases, and restoration of three sets of stairs leading to the main entrance. The grand and historic front entrance to the Main Building, with its bell tower, clock, granite steps and decorative Victorian-style lamps, has welcomed thousands of students to Lyndon Institute. Before construction could begin, massive bracing had to be installed to support the pediment of the building. It was a dramatic day when the braces were put in place and the columns were removed. To communicate the progress of the project to the community, a picture history of the project was started on the LI website.
“This project was extensive, visible and complex. We preserved the definitive architectural elements of the building while securing it for the safety of our community,” said Headmaster Houck. “The front entrance of the Main Building is an iconic symbol of Lyndon Institute and we appreciate the patience of everyone while we worked through this during the start of school. I would like to thank the members of our maintenance department for their dedication to this significant restoration. The beauty of the Main Building is now preserved for generations.” Two contractors were hired to complete the project. Kingdom Construction, Inc. of Concord, VT was responsible for the replacement of the porch, columns, bases and granite stairways. Metal sculptor, Joe Hallowell, of Danville, VT, was retained to refit the lamps, replicate two new iron lamp posts, and design and create new iron railings for the porch and three sets of granite stairs.
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When it came time to make the structural repairs to the front entrance of the building, Chris Fournier of Kingdom Construction used huge temporary wooden beams that were lowered into place to secure the pediment and bell tower while the porch and columns were repaired and replaced. As work progressed on the granite stairs and granite floor of the porch, Kingdom Construction was able to reuse much of the original granite. They were assisted by local brick masons who repaired or replaced much of the collapsed brick. The new columns are made of redwood containing an epoxy resin rod. The threaded rod adds strength to the columns. The bases of the columns are fiberglass. The capitals are very close to the look of the original, according to Fournier.
Joe Hallowell, an experienced metal sculptor and owner of Imaginations In Metal, restored the two original decorative lamp posts that rested on the stairs leading to the front entrance. He created two new duplicate lamp posts to reside on the opposite side of the street, illuminating the lower set of stairs. In addition, he created the design for the iron railings that incorporated elements of the lamp post designs and design modifications necessary to meet the requirements of the ADA (The Americans with Disabilities Act).
The existing Main Building was not the original academic building at Lyndon Institute. The present building was erected after the first academic building, Thompson Hall, was destroyed by fire during a cold January night in 1922. Almost as soon as the last embers were extinguished, townspeople and organizations began raising money to replace Thompson Hall with a new building. By December 1922, the insurance carrier had paid its full policy, the schools’ trustees pledged $30,000 and townspeople and organizations rallied around to help raise the additional funds needed to rebuild. The new $200,000 building was dedicated on December 21, 1922; eleven months after the original had been totally destroyed. For 93 years the front entrance of the Main Building has greeted visitors and prospective students and their families. Every June, the graduating class of Lyndon Institute forms in the hallway and marches in procession through the main entrance door and down the granite stairs, before dividing and marching down the path to the football field leading to Commencement exercises. Now members of the LI community can take pride in the scenic backdrop provided by the restored front entrance of the Main Building.
A large portion of the finances required to complete this project were raised through donations to the Lyndon Institute Independence Fund. The Lyndon Institute Alumni Association also contributed $4,000 towards the restoration of the lamp posts. FALL – WINTER 2015
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The Vail barn was built in 1912 as part of the T.N. Vail Agricultural School and Farms. Vail, the founder of AT&T, was a generous benefactor of Lyndon Institute and a former President of the Board of Trustees.
LI Opens School with
New Vail Student Center Made Possible by the Class of 1965
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES and Headmaster Daren M. Houck are pleased to announce Lyndon Institute’s 148th year of operation, serving 580 students (485 day and 95 boarding) from dozens of area towns and villages, several U.S. states and countries including: the Bahamas, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Jamaica, Korea, Mexico, Rwanda, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and Vietnam.
“I am extremely excited and proud to be returning to LI for my second year as headmaster. Our administration, faculty and staff have been working tirelessly to refine our current academic program and create new programs and opportunities to better serve our students—the new Vail Student Center is a great addition to our beautiful campus,” said Houck. “With the generous support of the Class of 1965, LI was able to introduce a new student center for all LI students. It is a safe, supervised space that will be open after school and on the weekends to provide many opportunities for students—to develop new friendships, enjoy a game of pool or foosball, receive support in the academic study room or—perhaps most importantly of all—make new memories of their time at Lyndon Institute.” The new Vail Student Center, located on the lower campus at LI, was formerly the location of the Thaddeus Stevens
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School. Earlier this spring, the Thaddeus Stevens School acquired a new lease from Lyndon Institute and moved to another location on the LI campus. This provided an opportunity to convert the Vail barn into a new student center.
With a generous donation from the LI Class of 1965, renovations were completed over the summer to include the John Sackett Fitness Center, multiple TV and game rooms, a makerspace, vending machines and a café, computer work spaces, and the LI Resident Life central offices. The Center will be open Monday-Thursday after school until 9:45 p.m.; Fridays after school until 10:45 p.m.; Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 10:45 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 9:45 p.m. Headmaster Houck shares in the excitement that opening day brings to campus. “One of the reasons that I am so passionate about education is because it is a process. Our team works hard to support every student in order for them to reach their fullest potential academically, athletically and artistically. This year’s theme —‘Building Our Future Together’— is aptly named. Building is a strategic process that engages a number of qualified individuals on many levels. Lyndon Institute is intentionally planning to not only better build each student’s passion for learning to help ensure they find success, but it is also strategically building its own future…with the help of the entire LI community.” VIKING VOICE
Linda Wheeler McGregor ’65, Linda Ruggles Wells ’65, Daren Houck, Steven Douglas ’65, Stephen Gray ’65, David Stahler ’65, Lorraine Charron Matteis ’65, Marion Drew Gray ’65
THE OFFICIAL DEDICATION of the Vail Student Center was during The Game on October 17. Members of the class of 1965 presented a check representing their donation of over $27,000 towards the renovations for the Center.
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Coaches and players on the varsity boys soccer team volunteered at the Lyndon Town School during a Saturday morning practice of the Lyndon Youth Soccer league. The team assisted with drills for the players who are in grades pre-k to second.
Athletics
An Update from Athletic Director, Paul Wheeler
LYNDON INSTITUTE’S ATHLETIC RESULTS in 2014-15 were impressive! Two team championships (boys golf and girls ultimate), and six individual state champions. The individual champs were: Jack Brown (indoor pole vault*, outdoor pole vault*; Jack Brown (outdoor 400 meters); Caleb Genereaux (alpine giant slalom); Travvis Ferguson (outdoor javelin and outdoor triple jump). *LI and Div. II State Record
Field Hockey played their way into the state semi-finals (2014), as did both boys and girls basketball—the first time in LI history that both basketball teams played in the semi-finals in the same year. The boys track team was runner-up in the Div. II State Meet. A core of returning veterans in all of these sports bodes well for the 2015-16 season. Currently, LI has a record number of nearly 250 student athletes participating in fall sports. This year 71 students are playing football, 42 girls are playing soccer (our varsity and JV rosters are full) and our cheerleading squad has so many participating that we’ve had to split the group into varsity and JV teams. Come back to the LI campus and enjoy a game or two. Our student athletes always appreciate the support!
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VIKING VOICE
Correction: In the Spring issue of the Viking Voice we incorrectly reported that Jay Cobb ’15, was the lone LI athlete to score 1,000 points and win a basketball championship. Jay’s teammate on that title team, Mason Lantz ’14 (photo, above right), matched that feat with a 1,000 point career of his own leading up to the title at the end of the 2013-2014 season. We apologize for the error.
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Commencement
THE LI CLASS OF 2015, representing 136 students, celebrated Commencement with faculty, friends and family. The ceremony began with an invocation by the Reverend Joel T. Stoddert of the Lyndon Center Baptist Church. Greetings were shared by Headmaster Houck followed by the Commencement Address from Dr. Carol R. Moore, former President of Lyndon State College and Interim President of Burlington College. Co-valedictorians Shaylyn Clancy and Elizabeth Vinton presented the class addresses with reflections of their LI experience, and Richard D. Ashton, President of Lyndon Institute, proceeded to present diplomas.
The prelude and recessional music featured members of the Lyndon Institute Concert Band and LI Voices joined in song to perform “Circle of Life” with soloists Patrick S. Seymour and Tereza Prokopova.
“Today we honor and recognize the seeds of knowledge that have been planted by our graduates. And as they leave these grounds, I hope they will water those seeds with continuous learning throughout their lives,” said Headmaster Houck.
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VIKING VOICE
Co-valedictorians Elizabeth Vinton and Shaylyn Clancy
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BEAUTIFY LI Lyndon Institute holds a biannual “Beautify LI Day”. Tasks such as gardening, weeding, painting, pressure washing, cleaning and clearing of the nature trail are completed by the many wonderful volunteers from the LI community – trustees, administration, faculty, staff and students. Additionally, several Thaddeus Stevens School trustees, faculty and staff volunteered to assist. LI greatly appreciates the generosity of those that volunteer their time to make our campus a cleaner, neater and better place to serve our students. Thank you for “Building Our Future Together”!
Development
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA AWARD 2015
H
aving been captain of her cheerleading squad while at LI, Michele “Shelly” (Mitchell) Shufelt ’84, has continued cheering on our teams with great energy. Shelly gives back to our community in a variety of ways; coaching her granddaughter’s softball team in the spring, serving as a board member and former president of Lyndon Youth Baseball & Softball, as well as serving as the treasurer of the LI Booster Club.
Shelly coordinates the weekly dinners for LI’s athletic teams at the Lyndon Center Baptist Church and is responsible for many additional efforts that take place behind the scenes in support of athletes, parents, coaches and team supporters including keeping the books, running the clock and making athlete badges. The Distinguished Alumna Award was established to honor those individuals who have rendered meritorious service to the community, the nation, the school or who have achieved outstanding distinction in a profession or business. Thank you Shelly for your continued support and congratulations!
TRIVIA QUESTION LI’s Main Building, with its distinctive fluted columns, was originally constructed in 1922 after a fire destroyed the school’s first building on that site. What was the name of the original building? The answer is hidden within the pages of this issue of the Viking Voice. Have fun!
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LYNDON INSTITUTE TO CELEBRATE ITS SESQUINCENTENNIAL – 150 YEARS!
O
n January 1, 2017, Lyndon Institute will begin its 150th year and in honor of this anniversary, we are introducing a new two-year theme aptly named, “Building Our Future Together”. The theme speaks to the new programs, services, and capital improvements occurring at LI over the next two years in anticipation of our 150th anniversary.
As we continue to finalize plans for the 150th anniversary, please feel free to share your favorite recollection from your Lyndon Institute experience or tell us, in your own words, what you feel makes LI special. Submit your memories and/or photos to Melissa Hall, Director of Development, Lyndon Institute, PO Box 127, Lyndon Center, VT 05850 or melissa.hall@lyndoninstitute.org.
So please stay connected, and get ready to celebrate! Lyndon Institute’s sesquicentennial...we could not have reached this significant milestone without you and together, we are building our future. Thank you.
THE ANNUAL GIVING REPORT
L
yndon Institute’s Annual Giving Report is published in the fall for the preceding fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30. In previous years, it has been distributed to over 8,000 alumni, parents and friends of the school, through print in the Viking Voice. Effective immediately the Annual Giving Report will now be available online. If you desire a hard copy, they are made available at the area town meetings in March. If you do not have internet access and need a copy, please call Melissa Hall, Director of Development at 802-535-3773 or write to the Development Office at PO Box 127, Lyndon Center, VT 05850. Students, faculty and staff, families and alumni benefit from the generosity of the donors recognized and honored in this publication. Gifts large and small celebrate aspirations or memories, honor effort and successes, and demonstrate confidence in Lyndon Institute and its educational mission and vision. Through these individual, family, foundation and corporate gifts, Lyndon Institute emerges stronger, and its students are better prepared to pursue the possibilities of the future.
The Annual Giving Report will be available beginning on December 1, 2015 at lyndoninstitute.org/annualreport
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LET THE BIDDING BEGIN! Lyndon Institute launched a new holiday online auction fundraiser on October 1, 2015. The auction will run from October 1, 2015 to December 1, 2015, with proceeds going to the Lyndon Institute Independence Fund (annual fund) which supports every student and program at LI. Auction items range from vacation getaways to donated items guaranteed to delight and surprise. So, tell your friends, family and community. Let the bidding begin!
MAKE YOUR BID TO SUPPORT LYNDON INSTITUTE STUDENTS!
Now is your chance to not only get all the great items you want, but to do so knowing you are helping support our school and mission.
biddingforgood.com/ lyndoninstitute
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Homecoming 2015
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VIKING VOICE
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LYNDON INSTITUTE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT
Michel Sanderson Richards ’71 (16) VICE PRESIDENT
Paula Graves Gaskin ’71 (17) TREASURER
Jeffrey T. O’Meara ’04 (18)
CLERK OF THE CORPORATION
Heather Root Wheeler ’90 (16)
Kathy Jackson Smith ’93 (18) Paul E. Wheeler ’74 (17) Timothy L. Kirchoff ’96 (18) Candace E. Dane ’74 (17) Michael D. Matteis ’89 (16) Kathy Bassett Newland ’67 (17) Cheryl “Sherry” Ronan Noyes ’63 (18) MEMBER AT LARGE
Lindsay Jones Carpenter ’02 LIFETIME MEMBERS
Norman A. Legge ’56 Shirley Beane Pierce ’53 Dwight A. Davis ’50 Gertrude Angell Grant ’49 Robert G. Heath ’58
LYNDON INSTITUTE ALUMNI NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS
Melissa Boulay Hall ’92 Daren Houck James Jardine ’64 Steve Legge Mary Ellen “Mel” Reis Michel Sanderson Richards ’71 Heather Root Wheeler ’90 Paul Wheeler ’74 LYNDON INSTITUTE ALUMNI NEWSLETTER PHOTOGRAPHY
Candace E. Dane ’74 Mark Deluca Timothy L. Kirchoff ’96 Steve Legge Mary Ellen “Mel” Reis Paul Wheeler ’74
From the LIAA President Michel S. Richards
Greetings!
Remember the excitement and anxiety of our freshmen year? We were stepping off into a new “grown up” world (or so we thought!!) with unknown achievements, disappointments and relationships ahead of us. As we enter fall, I will be entering another freshmen experience after how many years! The difference is, this time around there is no anxiety, but more of an excited expectation. In September I will be leaving the secular professional world. I will have finished my studies at Trinity Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and I will be starting my six month Clinical Chaplaincy Certification process at Dartmouth Hitchcock Memorial Hospital. This is a dream come true for me and I feel very blessed to have this opportunity because of the support I am receiving from my husband, family and friends. My point in sharing this personal story is to remind you that giving our support really does make a difference – especially to our freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors who are striving to make their individual dreams come true.
I encourage all alumni to give of your time and talents whenever volunteer opportunities at LI arise, and please also consider contributing to the Independence Fund, which also benefits the Alumni Association. How important is alumni support to LI’s students? An amazing space you really need to go see for yourself is the new Vail Student Center. It provides a safe, supervised and entertaining environment for students with game tables, a TV room, a quiet computer lab/study space, etc. However, the Student Center would not have happened without the donation received from the Class of 1965! Wow – just think about that.
Everyone is invited to stop by Thompson Cottage during home football games to tour the museum and check out the LI Store. If the weather is cool or wet, view the game from our window seats. We would love to see you.
Feel free to contact me or any board member with your thoughts and ideas as, we care about your input. Also, you are welcome to attend any of our board meetings. Just check with the Alumni Office to find out when we will meet. Wishing all of you health and happiness. Take care. Blessings, Michel “Mickey” Sanderson Richards ’71 LIAA President
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VIKING VOICE
Alumni Weekend 2015
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Alumni Weekend 2015
PENTATHALON
SOFTBALL GAME
TIM SIMPSON MEMORIAL 5K
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VIKING VOICE
GOLF
COOKOUT FALL – WINTER 2015
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CLASS OF 1945
CLASS OF 1950
CLASS OF 1955
65th Reunion
60th Reunion
SITTING: Ruth (Mason) Allard, Virginia (Baird) Laferriere, Betty (Simpson) Blake, Pearl (Ward) Baird STANDING: Edward Young, Elmer Brown
SITTING: Maureen (Thompson) Williams, Leone (Hopkins) Gale, Ruth (Cassady) Allard, Marilyn (Charron) Weigel, Harriet (Doane) Gray STANDING: Dwight Davis, Lois (Field) White ’49, Gwen (Eastman) Maynard, Richard Dufour, Allyn Edmunds
SITTING: Beverly (Morse) Mayo, Virginia (Lawrence) Ray, Shirley (Day)
70th Reunion
Class Reunions CLASS OF ’70
45th Reunion FRONT ROW: Audrey (Switser) Hearne, Janet (Taylor) Hebert, Dottie (Hall) Stevens, Loretta (Laplant) Nelson, Bonnie (Sargent) Curran, Roxanne (Davis) Gorham
CLASS OF ’65
50th Reunion FRONT ROW: Edward Jewell, Lorraine (Charron) Matteis, Sandra (Spencer) Pearson, Betsy (Ronan) DeLaBruere, Sylvia (Degreenia) Lacourse, Linda (McClure) Leach, Regina Campbell, Gail (Austin) Ruggles 2ND ROW: Vernon “Mickey” Levine, Jane (Fowler) McKinley, Linda (Ruggles) Wells, Janice (Leonard) Brooks, Carol (Jarrosak) Fisher, Linda (Murray) Langmaid 3RD ROW: Richard Davis, Norma (Mace) Dion, David Stahler, Ethel (Elliott) Emery, Linda (McGregor) Wheeler, Diane (Lawson) Rocheforte 4TH ROW: Dave Wallace, Phil Hartwell, Kathy (Smith) Coons, Linda (Hazard) Ronan, Kathy (Rodger) Gray 5TH ROW: Norman Paquette, Donald Dodds, Diane (Batchelder) Beck 6TH ROW: Stewart Randall, Reginald Hamel, Melody (Martin) Scholes, Donna (Peak) Rowell, Esther (Gorham) Mazzini, Barbara (Cassidy) Prentice 7TH ROW: Gilbert Simpson, Edward Jarrosak, John Emery, Ken Baker, Richard Rice 8TH ROW: Stillman Parker, Steve Gray, Sherry (Donaldson) Barber, BACK ROW: Gilbert Grant, Bart Wilder, Marion (Drew) Gray, Wesley Emerson, Steve Douglas, Ken Stringer, Rufus Winsor MISSING FROM PICTURE: John Hall, Patty (Webb) Goodemote, Sandra (Von Sitas) Lacroix
CLASS OF ’80
35th Reunion SITTING: Jim Simpson, Gary Dwyer FRONT ROW: Dyan (Beattie) Gulovsen, Amy (Patoine) Gale, Catherine (Pottier) Toran, Michael Masure, Robin (Simpson) Young, Mark Franko, Tracy Charron MIDDLE ROW: Laurie (Stover) Gilikson, Barbara
CLASS OF 1960 Urie, Deanna (Blake) Wheeler, Janet (Simpson) D’Orazio, Etta Bishop, Marge (Greenwood) Legge STANDING: Bob Cain, George Wagner, Carroll Gorham, Carl Harris
55th Reunion FRONT ROW: Dick Lawrence, Dotty Baker, Shirley (Flood) Stevens, Monie (Gray) Hudson, Judy (Vantine) Ayers, Carolyn (Babcock) Wright, Kenny Stevens BACK ROW: Mike Hemond, Wilder Simpson, Hubie Wagner, Steve Mitchell, Buddy Howland, Bob Doyon, Duane Gilman, Jimmy Douglas, Dick Schoonover, Al Charron MISSING FROM PHOTO: Sandi (Elliott) Ebbett
CLASS OF ’75 BACK ROW: Russ Davis, Doug Aubin, Dennis Wood, Bud Stevens, Gary Hatcher, Dan Stoddard, Brian Daniels, Jim Norris
Ledoux, Kathy (Parker) McQuade, Beverly (Rexford) Pavlikowski, Lara (Fors) Charlebois, Julie (Young) Murphy BACK ROW: Linda (Hackett) Corey, June Kelly, John Berry, Carol (Gordan) Ruggles, Gerard Gingue, Julie (Nelson) Riegel, Barbara (Switser) Silbernagel, Larry Lyford
40th Reunion SITTING: Julie Nelson, Earl Reed FIRST ROW: Clara Johnson, Nancy (Hardie) Simons, Erik Kwiecienski, Debbie (Reynolds) Harris, Jane (Garfield) Alexander, Brenda (Hudson) Davis, Laurene (Paris) Daniels, Richard Labrecque, Betty-Vi (Langmaid) Walker, Brian Towle Zeugschmidt, Bob Vinton, Bob Gilman, Rick Newland, Clifton Guy BACK ROW: Jennifer Griswold, Barbara Patoine, Brenda (Coe) Ebode, Marina (Lavrov) Bartlom, Richard Lussier, Scott Bollman, Mike Scarpa, Keith Day, Bill Humphrey, Bob Heywood
KNEELING: Richard Labrecque, Brian Towle Zeugschmidt FRONT ROW: Betty-Vi (Langmaid) Walker, Patty (Mitchell) Cross, Nancy (Williams) Stevens, Laurene (Paris) Daniels, Debbie (Reynolds) Harris, Julie Nelson, Jane (Garfield) Alexander, Brenda (Hudson) Davis BACK ROW: Clifton Guy, Eric Kwiecienski, Cindy (LaCourse) Walker, Mike Scarpa, Marina (Lavrov) Bartlom, Jennifer Griswold, Brenda (Coe) Ebode, Nancy (Hardie) Simons
CLASS OF 1995
20th Reunion Holly (Bean) Taylor, Netdahe Stoddard, Amy (Bona) Briggs
CLASS OF 1985
30th Reunion FRONT ROW: Lisa Lessard, Debanne Stone, Shelly (Proud) White, Lydia Hagman, Brian Ronan, Sheila (Hubbard) Ronan, Joan Welch, Sharon (Guest) Fong, Matt Wheeler BACK ROW: Robert Rahm, Eric Berry, Alex Graham, Howard Otty, Troy Charron, Lance Simpson, Steve Stowell, Dennis Steele, Chris Carr
Class Reunions
CLASS OF 2000
15th Reunion Nate Sicard, Ryan McDonald, Dan Corrow, Jessie Morgan
CLASS OF 1990
Carmon Conn, Tim Tanner
FRONT ROW: Adam Gordon, Donna Lemay, Diane Austin, Allison (Bean) Corrette, Connie Sanville, Lisa (Corbin) Fuller and daughter, Kim (Noel) Noyes, Rodney McCoy, Michaell (LaCroix) McCoy, Heidi (Webber) Jenkins, Christine (Rice) Emmons, Jack Bassett, Tracy Turner BACK ROW: Cheryl Jauch, Rob Sylvester, Shalo Buck, Christine (Bartlett) Fournier, Shirl Sizen, Kristie (Freeto) Kelly, Tanya Noyes, Shawn McCaffrey, David Stahler, Rob Croft, Kevin Wong, Heather (Root) Wheeler, Sarah (Elliott) Sherratt
Sheryl Brown, Jen (Cole) Abbott, Jay Davis
SITTING: Allison (Young) Jurentkuff, Kim (Noel) Noyes STANDING: Mary Bishop, Kristie (Freeto) Kelly, Heather (Root) Wheeler, Jeff Corrow, Heidi (Webber) Jenkins, Christine (Rice) Emmons, Elisabeth “Lisa” (Corbin) Fuller
SAVE THE DATE!
25th Reunion
Alumni Weekend
2016
For alumni who graduated in years ending in 1’s & 6’s
JUNE 3 – 5
1946
Stan Amadon was honored on WCAX Channel 3 as a Super Senior. You can see the entire segment on the following link: wcax.com/story/29844709/ super-senior-stan-amadon
Althea (Blodgett) and Ed Meilleur were honored at Northeastern VT Regional Hospital. A wrought iron bench, made by LI’s welding class, was dedicated in memory of Althea and her husband, Ed on June 12, 2015. They were both longtime auxiliary and volunteer members at the hospital for 35 years. Since one of the Meilleur’s favorite pastimes was to people watch, the bench was placed on the perimeter of the Valma Sherrer garden in front of the hospital with the plaque reading: In Loving Memory of Ed and Althea Meilleur, longtime NVRH Auxiliary Members and Supporters.
1956
Paul Dubey wrote: “Hi, to all my classmates. I recently had an aortic heart valve replaced and I am feeling fine. Hope you are all doing well. Even now I am terribly appreciative of my LI education”. FALL – WINTER 2015
1957
Ed Buschmann of Lewiston, ME, was named the 2014 Volunteer of the Year by the Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity. He not only donates but also assisted with the food booth at the Great Falls Balloon Festival, and has put in many hours at the Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity store. Ed was in charge of all donation pickups for the store and, if it were not for his time and generous donation of a truck from E.A. Buschmann, the community resale of donations would not have been possible. He has gone above and beyond to serve the public and has made a true difference in the lives of others.
1960
The Class of 1960 celebrated their 55th reunion at the cookout on the LI campus. 30 people were present - 18 were classmates. The group continued to mingle and socialize at Bob & Polly Doyon’s home in West Burke.
1962
Jean (Ward) Fournier recently published a book titled, Coffee and Friends – The Perfect Blend. It is about the Lyndon community’s attachment
Annie O’Neil Photography
Class Notes
Christopher Cipollone ’09 (page 34)
to The Bagel Depot as its social center. Jean generously donated all proceeds from the sale of the book to the Lyndon Food Shelf.
1965
Setting records for attendance and class giving, the Class of 1965 held its reunion at the LI Dining Hall at noon on Saturday. There were lots of memorabilia on display, and Hawaiian candy shipped in by Dave Wallace, maroon shirts with Class of ’65 printed on them and the very successful 50th yearbook were handed out to all in attendance. On Friday evening, a gathering was held at the home of Carol and Kermit Fisher on Lily Pond Road. Everyone enjoyed guessing who everyone else was before enjoying a pot luck buffet and LOTS of socializing and catching up. Classmates from far and wide came to this very special reunion: Hawaii, Texas, Washington, North Carolina, Florida, Utah, Maryland, and New York and from all over New England. Saturday after the luncheon, the class returned to the Fishers’ for more socializing and “telling tales out of school”! All hated to see it end, and left with promises to stay in touch and see everyone in five years.
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1970
Mike Guyer and sons, Adrian ’01, Nick ’03, and Josh ’15, have all worn the #45 football jersey in the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl. Josh being the latest was featured on WCAX channel 3 along with his father and brothers. You can see the segment at: wcax.com/ story/29699386/maple-sugar-bowl45-fraternity-gains-new-member
1973
Deb (Hill) Pulley retired from the Air Force Civilian after 25 years. She recently moved to Osage Beach, MO. Her husband, Jim is currently the Commander of the Shriner’s Organization International Association Legions of Honor.
Michael now works for Raytheon Company and they plan to settle in St. George, Utah.
1980
Diana Di Gioia and her band, Out Late, performed a concert at Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury in April. Diana is based out of Cape Cod where she writes songs that are “Finely honed narratives with telling details sung with confidence and determination”. Together with family members Maura (Di Gioia) ’83, and Keith Leon, and wife, Masi, Diana displays styles from acoustic rock, to blues to folk. Out Late currently has released two CD’s, This Way Out and Either/Or World. Anders Hagman ’85
Hot Shade, a romantic suspense, is her first book. Tamara is an award-winning journalist with The Associated Press. She first started writing in grade school, penning elaborate stories inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark. After completing her undergraduate degree at Emerson College in Boston, she began her reporting career at a small, weekly newspaper in Massachusetts. Her work has appeared in The Village Voice, People Magazine, The St. Petersburg Times, The Boston Globe and USA Today. When Tamara isn’t writing or reading, she’s doing yoga, cooking for her Italian husband or chasing her dogs on a beach. She loves connecting with people on social media. Tamara lives on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
1990
The Class of 1990 celebrated 25 years throughout alumni weekend. Friday night some stayed up until sunrise and most ended the weekend at Mike’s Tiki Bar and the Publick House in East Burke. Thanks for all that could attend and hope to see more in five years!
1985
John Leavitt ’74
1974
John Leavitt of California and his family stopped by LI for a visit as they were headed to his son’s graduation from Southern New Hampshire in May of 2015.
1977
Carrie (Bingham) and Michael Boera have traveled around the country extensively after Michael’s retirement from the Air Force. Visits with their kids and now their grandkids highlighted their travels.
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Anders Hagman and wife, Ikumi of Murakami City Niigata ken Japan, welcomed a son, Haru Mark MiyajiHagman on August 1st Japan time, so July 31, 2015 in America. This is the same birthday as Anders’ mother, Marcia Hagman.
1988
Arne Hagman was honored with “Teacher of the Year” in his school system (Orleans North). He teaches eighth grade Science at Hazen Union in Hardwick, VT. Tamara Lush is thrilled to report that she signed a contract with Boroughs Publishing Group for her debut romance novel. This is a new and exciting creative journey for her.
Heather (Keithan) ’90 and Michael Boivin ’88
Heather (Keithan) ’90, married Mike Boivin ’88, in a lakeside ceremony at Willoughby Lake on June 26, 2015. The couple resides in Lyndonville, VT.
VIKING VOICE
Angela (Randall) ’98 and Dan Wheeler ’01
J. Harper Photography
Kevin Wong ’90
1998
Kevin Wong has been in the Middle East for the past few years and sent in a picture of himself and his son while they were in Petra, Jordan.
Angela (Randall) and Dan Wheeler ’01, were united in marriage on September 6, 2015. Angela is the Loan Officer at North Country Federal Credit Union in Lyndonville and Dan works as a Physical Therapist with Dan Wyand, PT and Associates in St. Johnsbury. They reside in Lyndonville, VT with daughter, Mikaela and their son Oakley.
Jessica (Waldron) Shover ’99
Jessica (Waldron) and Luke Shover announce the birth of their daughter, Mabel Maryann Shover on June 6, 2015.
2001
Kendall Bailey has authored two novels: The Bad, a horror story set in the White Mountains, and The Dead Don’t Speak, a crime thriller set in Las Vegas. Kendall also pens a weekly blog series about writing and publishing for theprose.com. You can learn more at his website: kendallbailey.net
Heather (Barnes) Madison ’99 Amber (Bevilacqua) Gregory ’93
1993
Amber (Bevilacqua) and Andrew Gregory, welcomed a son, Brennan Oliver Gregory on April 6, 2015. He joins sister, Scarlet.
1999
Heather (Barnes) and Ben Madison welcomed daughter, Nevaeh Kai Madison on August 19, 2015.
1994
Chad Bean ’01
Ceilidh Greenwood and Brent Wilson ’96, announce their engagement. Brent wrote, “My first girlfriend at LI now engaged April 11th… living in Marco Island Florida selling Real Estate.”
Chad Bean and wife Desiree welcomed a daughter on February 24, 2015. Raegan Emery Bean joins siblings, Taylor, Carter and Ava. Ceilidh Greenwood ’94 and Brent Wilson ’96
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Trivia Answer: Thompson Hall, named after Sumner S. Thompson, LI’s first president and generous early benefactor.
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J. Harper Photography
Adrian Guyer ’01
Adrian Guyer and Candice (Kopec) were united in marriage on June 27, 2015 in Peacham, VT at The Kempton Farms. Candice is a Preschool Teacher at the Barnet Elementary School and Adrian is the owner of XIP Training Systems. The couple resides in Lyndonville.
Aimee (Hopkins) Stanton ’01
Aimee (Hopkins) and Jason Stanton were united in marriage on April 18, 2015.
Laura (Bailey) Companion ’03
2003 Amanda (Drew) Emmons ’02
2002
Jason Mancillas ’01
Jason Mancillas and fiancée, Rebecca Nydam, announce the birth of their son, Jack Parker Mancillas, on May 31, 2015. He joins brothers Kaden Mancillas and Devon Stenstrom. Jason graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in 2012 and resides with his family in East Wareham, MA. Corey Richardson and Lisa Schmidt of Helena, Montana, announce the birth of their daughter, Zoey Alice Richardson on May 9, 2015.
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2015. He joins sisters, Lilla Jane and Virginia Ann. Kevin and Jennifer are both teachers at York Middle School in York, Maine.
Amanda (Drew) Emmons ’02, and husband, Scott, joyously share that Chase Michael Emmons blessed their family with his arrival on December 21, 2014. His grandparents Kimberly (Hill) and Michael Drew ’78, are overjoyed, as well as, his aunt Julie Drew ’00, and great-grandmother Marilyn (Baird) Drew ’56, and greatgrandfather A. Spencer Hill ’53.
Laura (Bailey) an Edward Companion welcomed a son, Chase Edward Companion, on June 25, 2015. Abbie Montgomery was recently hired as Lyndon Institute’s School Nurse.
Mandy Mitchell ’04
2004 Kevin Etter ’02
Kevin Etter and wife, Jennifer announces the birth of their son, Colin Patrick Etter born on August 5th,
Mandy Mitchell and Travis Chapman announce the birth of their son, Cullen Nicholas Chapman on March 19, 2015. He joins brother, Quinn.
VIKING VOICE
Lovely Valentine Photography
Jeff Depot ’06
2006 Sam Ninh ’05 married Simin (Lu) on May 24, 2015. Kali Stoddard-Imari ’05, was the officiant and David Ninh ’07, served as best man. Justin Tang ’03, Chris Depina ’05, Tom Fong ’05 and Tony Fong ’06, were groomsmen. Francis Ninh ’06, was one of the bridesmaids. Sam is working for a digital marketing agency in Boston that specializes in retargeting advertising. The couple resides in Quincy, MA.
Melissa (Mancillas) Kershner and husband Greg, announce the birth of their daughter, Gabrielle Elise Kershner on August 15, 2015. Melissa and her family reside outside of Fort Lewis, Washington, where Greg is stationed with the U.S. Army. Melissa separated from the military in the spring of 2014 after eight years of service and has since been working to complete her master’s degree in Negotiation and Conflict Management.
claw, crawling toward the sky. After it sold for a whopping $17,000, Tyler registered himself as a business. You can read the entire article at: sevendaysvt.com/vermont/talkingart-with-sculptor-tyler-vendituoli/ Content?oid=2868871
Jeff Depot and Kaitlin Quaranta of Montpelier, VT announce their engagement on July 12, 2015. Jeff currently works at St J Auto as Assistant Sales Manager and lives in Lyndonville, VT.
2005
Tanika (Sylvain) and Fred Allard of St. Johnsbury, VT, announce the birth of their daughter, Kaytee Jean Allard on March 6, 2015. She joins brother, Hunter and sister, Aurora. Tyler Vendituoli’s sculptures, some 18-feet tall, have become fixtures of the South End Art Hop in Burlington, VT. In September the South End Art Hop in Burlington drew a record crowd over its two-day run. It’s now considered to be the largest art show in Vermont, and one of the state’s largest events. Tyler studied Fine Art and Geology at UVM. Last year he erected an 18-foot totem pole called Waheguru that featured seven creatures stacked head on FALL – WINTER 2015
Amanda (Vance) ’06 and Jeff O’Meara ’04
Tyler Vendituoli ’05
Amanda (Vance) and Jeff O’Meara ’04, announce the birth of their son, Winn Chase O’Meara on June 26, 2015. Amanda is currently in her fourth year of Medical school at the University Of Vermont College Of Medicine, she will graduate in May of 2016. Jeff works in the Finance Department at Heritage Toyota in South Burlington where he has worked for seven years. The O’Meara’s reside in Colchester.
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Jackie (Guyer) married Jay Iannoni on August 29, 2015. Jackie recently graduated from Northeastern’s Master’s of Sports Leadership program and is working as a personal trainer at the University Club of Boston while working on advancing her career in the sports & fitness industry. Jay is a math teacher and baseball coach at Xaverian Brother’s High School in Westwood.
Devan (Bingham) and William Snyder ’07
Devan (Bingham) and William Snyder welcomed a daughter, Alba Jennifer Snyder on June 21, 2015.
2008
Jessica Shufelt and Corey Weikel welcomed a son, Roman Chandler Weikel on July 3, 2015. He joins sister, Layla.
Stephanie Simpson earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a focus on Equine Studies. After coming across an ad online for a groom in 2013, she is now working as a horse groomer for Eventers, Dom and Jimmie Schramm. Although her career is short in the grand scheme of things, Simpson reached a big goal already this spring when she groomed
Bellamy for Jimmie at the Rolex Kentucky CCI. Stephanie says, “Being a rookie and not having the experience that most other people that are there have—you see William Fox-Pitt’s groom walking around, or Phillip Dutton’s groom, Emma Ford—I’m just this kid from Vermont. It’s kind of an ‘I-have-no-business-being-there-butI-am!’ kind of deal! I put pressure on myself because I’m a perfectionist and have a slight sense of OCD about the turnout of the horses at the shows. I think being somewhere where you’re around the world’s best adds pressure. You want your horse to look good and you want everything to be presented well.” Stephanie also stars in some of the Schramms’ popular Evention TV videos eventiontv.com/ although she admits she was a little apprehensive at first. “I think the Evention thing is so different than anything anybody else is doing,” she said. “It’s fun to be filming one day, and then going to a horse show the next day. Everything is always changing day to day.” For the entire article: chronofhorse.com/ article/groom-spotlight-hard-workhumor-stephanie-simpson
Stephanie Simpson ’08
Marilee (Norcross) ’08 and Gerald Tanner ’06
Marilee (Norcross) and Gerald Tanner ’06, were united in marriage on August 29, 2015.
2009
Christopher Cipollone married Denise Cipollone on August 22, 2015.
2010
Greer Lemnah has been appointed as the Head Coach of the Lyndon State College Softball program. She was a standout student athlete at Saint Michaels College. Prior to this season, Greer was the assistant coach and brings a depth of knowledge to the game.
SAVE THE DATE!
2007
Alumni Weekend
2016
For alumni who graduated in years ending in 1’s & 6’s
JUNE 3 – 5
We take pride in the accomplishments of our alumni and look forward to hearing from you. Please share your recent activities (career advancement, honors, publications, appointments, etc.) with us. We welcome newspaper clippings, press releases, and pictures. If you would like to share your news with us, please email melissa.hall@lyndoninstitute. org or mail to: Melissa Hall, Lyndon Institute, PO Box 127, Lyndon Center, VT 05850 Be sure to include your e-mail address, if applicable, so we can contact you.
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VIKING VOICE
In Memoriam It is with sorrow that the Alumni Association records the deaths of the following alumni. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of these individuals.
Persis (Gilbert) Stillson ’34, of Brattleboro, VT on June 18, 2015.
Her time at LI was very special to her and she greatly enjoyed traveling to her 75th reunion in 2009.
George “Tex” Macdonald ’48, of Grand Prairie, TX on October 8, 2014.
Olivine (Hebert) Perrault ’35, of Lyndonville, VT on April 7, 2015.
Christine (Aldrich) Gale ’43, of St. Johnsbury, VT on January 15, 2015.
Dale A. McDowell ’48, of West Burke, VT on July 29, 2015.
Maralyn (Grant) Wentzell Tumelty ’39, of St. Petersburgh, FL on August 7, 2015.
Catherine (Powers) Switser ’43, of West Burke, VT on May 3, 2015.
Arlene (Hubbard) Phipps ’48, of Nepean, Ontario on May 29, 2015.
Maurice Laplant ’40, of Lyndonville, VT on August 1, 2015.
Pauline (McFarland) Beede ’44, of Mesa, AZ on August 4, 2015.
Frieda (Boardman) Powell ’41, of Matthews, NC on June 14, 2015.
Florence (Grant) Wheeler ’46, of Lyndonville, VT on April 21, 2015.
Ella (Williams) Rexford ’49, of St. Johnsbury, VT on April 17, 2015.
Laura (Batchelder) Drown ’43, of West Burke, VT on February 16, 2015. FALL – WINTER 2015
Richard C. Phelps ’50, of Harmony, FL on April 19, 2015.
Marian (Flanders) Amadon ’48, of Orleans, VT on February 20, 2015.
Marian planned and managed most of the five-year reunions; she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
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James R. Lowell ’51, of Ballston Spa, NY on September 28, 2014.
Mary Louise (Goulding) Gallardo ’61, of Derby Line, VT on August 6, 2015.
Arthur W. Peake ’68, of West Burke, VT on May 10, 2015.
Carleton E. Pearce ’53, of St. Cloud, FL on February 20, 2014.
David E. Hamel ’63, of Lunenburg, VT on June 6, 2015.
Stephen (Kirby) Dwyer ’70, of Lyndon Center, VT on July 31, 2015.
Marilyn (Fox) Legendre ’54, of Lyndon, VT on April 17, 2015.
Gary F. Tourville ’65, of South Hero, VT on May 17, 2015.
Michael F. Brooks ’79, of Albuquerque, NM on July 24, 2015.
Kenneth F. Hartwell ’58, of Allen Park, MI on May 31, 2015.
Kenneth E. Nutting ’66, of Lyndonville, VT on March 18, 2013.
Janet A. Brown ’80, of Putney, VT on February 18, 2015.
Corabelle (Lovejoy) Russo Eddy ’59, of Royalton, VT on April 2, 2015.
Russell G. Norway ’66, of West Burke, VT on June 7, 2012.
Krista HasslerSchoonover ’00, of Dover on April 28, 2015.
Alan J. MacQueen ’60, of Wiscasset, ME on June 10, 2015.
Kenneth J. Ruggles ’66, of Monkton, VT on August 4, 2015.
Scott R. Dwyer ’07, of Lyndonville, VT on August 2, 2015.
Alumni and friends desiring more complete information or a copy of an obituary can contact the alumni office at 802 535-3772.
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VIKING VOICE
Multicultural Day SEPTEMBER 27, 2015
Our international students welcomed members of the community to learn more about their individual countries. The event included activity tables from 20 different countries!
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
Burlington, VT Permit No. 399
P.O. Box 127 168 Institute Circle Lyndon Center, VT 05850 Change Service Requested
2015-2016 REGIONAL REUNIONS/ALUMNI EVENTS
7th annual Golf Tournament
Visit the alumni section on our website for details!
tucson arizona
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2015 Burlington, VT Social at The Comedy Club
burlington
SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 Alumni Hockey Game at Fenton Chester Ice Arena followed by Hockey Night Social at The Pizza Man
SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016 Radisson Resort Orlando - Celebration, Florida SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2016 Westin LaPaloma - Tucson, Arizona
MAY 2016 Boston Red Sox Game – Fenway Park
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016 7th Annual Independence Fund Golf Tournament JUNE 3 – JUNE 5, 2016 Alumni Weekend
LyndonInstitute.org
Alumni Hockey
Alumni weekend
FEBRUARY 2016 Burke Mountain Ski & Ride ($25 lift tickets!)
red sox