Ellis Magazine | Spring 2015

spring 2015

Excellence in Arts and Culture

Magazine

Celebrating the Artists and Performers Who Have Graced the Ellis Campus

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Inside This Issue

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From My Vantage Point A message from the Head of School.

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Buzz What's happening on the Ellis campus.

4 Q: What Did Sara Sturdevant Do on Her Summer Vacation?

A: Took a cross-country tour of art in America.

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8 Center Stage with Carol Ostrow Carol OSTROW ’73 wrote her own script, and it took her from actress to producing director.

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10 Art, Creativity, and Teaching The Abstract World of Meera AGARWAL Thompson ’69

12 Donor Profile

ON THE COVER

The Coffelt family.

Reprise (detail) by Meera AGARWAL Thompson ’69

14 2014 Reunion

Trained as a figurative painter, Meera’s paintings have become increasingly abstract, especially the landscapes and seascapes, which she characterizes as near abstractions of distant places. For her, they represent a journey into imagination—one that explores the way memories and associations color a sense of place. Read more on page 10.

18 Friendship Defined

The pictures tell the story.

Susan DICKEY Gilmore ’65 and Pam PROPST Campbell ’65.

20 Class Connections

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38 A Tribute to Susan SAYERS Crane ’55 A titanic figure in Ellis School history.

Head of School: Robin Newham Head of Institutional Advancement: Emily J. Peters, J.D. Director of Marketing & Communications: Kitty Julian Board of Trustees: Susan L. Brownlee President

Kathleen K. McKenzie Vice President Margaret MATHIESON Conver ’73 Treasurer Susan Friedberg Kalson Secretary Susan G. Berman, Ph.D. Susan Block Doreen E. Boyce, Ph.D. Judith M. Davenport, D.M.D. Elizabeth HAMMER Genter ’77 Barbara D. Granito Joan L. Gulley Charlie Humphrey

Vivian Loftness Blythe JONES Lyons ’73 M. Robert Mistick James I. Mitnick James Morris Jr. Courtney Cosgrove Muse Sandeep (Mike) Nangia Rona L. Nesbit Timothy E. Parks Margot COPELAND Pyle ’52 Amanda SWANK Sauer ’94 Colleen DAILY Simonds ’95 William Strickland Jr. Andrew R. Watson, M.D., M.Litt.

Please forward address changes to:

The Ellis School – Office of Alumnae Affairs, 6425 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-661-6796 • 412-661-3979 (fax) • 1-855-363-ALUM (2586) (toll free) alumnae@TheEllisSchool.org

Editor, Ellis Magazine: Barbara Klein Director of Alumnae Affairs: Elizabeth SUCCOP Altman ’70 Art Director: Diana C. Hurd Photographers: Diana C. Hurd, Sara Sturdevant, and Renee Rosensteel

From My

Vantage Point Celebrating the Arts When I pass through the art studios at Ellis, the sights, sounds, and smells inspire pangs of nostalgia for my teaching days. Memories of stretched canvases, jewelry saws, Conté Crayons, drawing pads, and silk screens immediately come to mind, along with the many talented Ellis artists with whom I’ve worked over the years.

Remembering my days of sharing with budding art historians the pleasures of Greek architecture, Renaissance humanism, and abstract expressionism brings sheer joy to my heart.

On our spring cover, you’ll find the gouache and watercolor work by Meera AGARWAL Thompson ’69. Called Reprise (detail), it speaks to the many Ellis women who have been inspired to pursue careers in the arts. This issue also includes profiles of other extraordinary visual and performing artists who have graced our School with their creativity and artistic vision. At times like this, I reflect on the many wonderful colleagues I have had at Ellis without whom our exceptional program would not be possible today.

I'm very proud of our arts program, not just because of my early teaching memories but also because of the enduring excellence of both Ellis teachers and students. When viewing a display of our students’ projects, one marvels at the talent and sophistication of the images. Even our youngest art students can discuss with authority the influences, compositional integrity, and visual meaning behind their work.

We hope you enjoy this tribute to the arts at Ellis. We also want to hear from you. If there was a teacher, a play, or an arts assignment that continues to influence you, email our Office of Alumnae Affairs at alumnae@TheEllisSchool.org and let us know so that we may share your story on social media or in future Ellis magazines. And by all means, keep your artistic fires blazing! •

When experiencing a performance at the School, the poise, competence, and confidence that Ellis students exude is exceptional. They are no doubt inspired by the passion and talents of their artist/teachers who are able to guide them to new heights. This is only possible when students’ minds are fully engaged in the process. It is this scholarly approach to the arts that sets Ellis apart.

Warmly,

Robin Newham Head of School

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Buzz

What’s Happening Around Ellis PAJAMAS AND MITTENS, OH MY!

Ellis artists at the 2015 Scholastic Art Awards.

This past winter, Ellis Lower School students led two clothing drives for kids and families in need. While the Pre-Ks were gathering pajamas and nightgowns, 3rd graders were collecting gloves and mittens (creating a Mitten Tree) and hats and scarves. Scholastic Books got in on the action as well by donating an age-appropriate book for every pajama/nightgown set. All items were given to the Kids in Need Foundation and Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc., for distribution.

MAKING AN ARTISTIC STATEMENT In February, when the winners of the Pittsburgh Arts Region of the 2015 Scholastic Art Awards were announced, 53 Ellis students in grades 7 to 12 were on the list. That’s no small feat, considering the fact that more than 1,900 works of art (in 15 categories including painting, mixed media, sculpture, and photography) were submitted from schools throughout the region. The jury, consisting of artists and educators, presented Ellis with an amazing 70 awards: 15 Gold Keys, 26 Silver Keys, and 29 Honorable Mentions. An exhibition featuring the award-winning work was held at La Roche College.

Pre-K students with pajama donations.

THE FUTURE IS NOW At this year’s Regional Future City Engineering Competition, 29 teams took on the challenge of “Feeding Future Cities.” Students were asked to design a futuristic urban farm where enough of one vegetable crop and one protein crop could be grown to feed their city’s population for a year. At the end of the day, The Ellis Middle School team—the only all-girls squad to compete— emerged victorious. The girls’ winning strategy involved setting their future city in southeastern Australia and selecting molokhia, a leafy green known as Egyptian spinach, and chickpeas as their two food options. The Ellis team went on to compete at the Future City National Finals held in Washington, D.C., in February.

The Ellis Future City team.

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TALKING THE TALK Last fall, more than 100 students from Pittsburgh-area high schools joined together at Ellis to talk about acceptance and self-reflection. It was all part of Culture Jam 2014: Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover. Organized by Ellis Diversity Club President Sruthi Muluk, Class of 2015, with help from a steering committee of Ellis Upper School students, Culture Jam dealt with issues of identity and self-perception, interracial relationships, and fear of the unknown. The day-long conference was highlighted by keynote speaker Acharya Vivek Gupta of the Chinmaya Mission.

High school students throughout the region participated in Culture Jam 2014.

THE COUNCIL ON INNOVATION LOOKS TO THE FUTURE Individually they are university leaders, designers, entrepreneurs, and Ellis faculty members; collectively they are known as Ellis’ Council on Innovation. Earlier this year, the Council got together to provide the School with insights regarding the skills, behaviors, and mindsets that girls will need to become globally-connected and innovative leaders. With plans to meet at least four times a year, the Council is looking to develop new partnerships and projects designed to not only bring innovations to Ellis but also bring Ellis students to the community.

Middle School Olympiad team Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs.

GAME ON AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL November 14 marked the annual Ellis Middle School Olympiad. The competition was friendly. The events, such as Pictionary, Musical Jeopardy, Best Costume, and Quiz Kids, were challenging in a fun way. And the teams—Rugrats, Wonderful Women of Oz, Annie, Super Heroes, Dr. Seuss, Cartoon Network, Movie Snacks, We are the World: Countries, Movie Villains, Hippies, Olympics, Care Bears, Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, and Stereotypes—were fired up. Taking home the gold medal was Team Olympics. The silver was awarded to Snow White and her crew while Movie Snacks claimed the bronze.

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Q: What Did Sara Sturdevant Do on Her Summer Vacation?

A: Took a Cross-Country Tour of Art in America I’ve always been interested in museums.

To me, they are a playground and a spot for contemplation, a meeting place and a refuge; but always they suggest opportunity. I find that a museum visit is a very personal experience in what is usually a very public space.

—Sara Sturdevant, Head of Visual Arts

While visiting Carnegie Museum of Art last year, Sara Sturdevant was inspired—not to create, but rather to drive. “Wouldn’t it be great to travel across the U.S. and visit art museums to explore the relationship between art and regional cultures?” the Head of Ellis’ Visual Arts Department asked herself.

The answer was a resounding, “Yes!” But it was the next question, the one about money, that almost stopped her before she could take her Honda in for a much-needed oil change.

Enter the Janet Jacobs Enrichment Program (JEP) Travel Grant.

For nearly 40 years, JEP funds have enabled Ellis faculty with 10 years or more of service to hit the road in search of fulfillment and renewal.

“In applying, you are encouraged to follow some personal idea and see where it takes you,” Sara explained. “I’ve always been interested in museums. To me, they are a playground and a spot for contemplation, a meeting place and a refuge; but always they suggest opportunity. I find that a museum visit is a very personal experience in what is usually a very public space. But why are museums so often seen as destinations and not as places to visit frequently? Is this as true in Texas as it is in Pennsylvania?”

As the 2013-2014 JEP Award recipient, Sara was going to find out. On July 21, 2014, she started her journey, a journey that would take her across the country to museums large and small, urban and rural, contemporary and classical. Along the way, she and her son, H.B. (who joined her for part of the trip), would seek out Ellis alumnae who have made art a part of their living.

Photos provided by Sara Sturdevant.

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By the Numbers Sara Sturdevant's Journey Across the Country

Lindsay "Bean" MURDOCH ’09 in Denver.

24 days 22 cities Laura PAULICK Moody ’92 in Denver.

19 hotels 1256photographs 32 art institutions

Her first destination: Detroit, MI. “The grandeur of the Detroit Institute of Arts has not faded even though the city around it is crumbling,” Sara observed. “What a jawdropping collection it is.”

From there, it was on to Wisconsin’s Milwaukee Art Museum and Chelsea KELLY ’05. As the person in charge of that museum’s digital learning programs, Chelsea shares her passion for teaching teens to connect to art on their own terms.

“Chelsea is a force for museum education and a great lunch companion,” Sara said. “We talked about the unsung merits of Gabrielle Munter as well as the effects of an Ellis education.” (See side bar on page 7.)

Another day; another city. “Hyped-up crowds flocked to The Art Institute in Chicago, IL, where Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary, 1926-1938 was the hot ticket,” she recalled.

“I found myself cheek to jowl with patrons all talking at once. It was the loudest experience of the trip, but made delightful by the guidance of Jennifer VERNON ’10, who met

Andres Cladera, former Ellis teacher, now artistic director at Emerald City Opera.

me there after work. For her, visiting that museum is always a reward.”

From Chicago, Sara’s travels took her to Dubuque, IA; Minneapolis, MN; Brookings, SD; and then to Denver, CO, where she met Laura PAULICK Moody ’92.

“As the registrar at the Denver Art Museum, Laura’s insights about how students might find meaning and rewarding work in the museum world inspired my thinking,” Sara said.

Later that same day, Sara and Lindsay “Bean” MURDOCH ’09 got together at RedLine, a Denver-based community art space. “We saw the installation of a show by abstractionist Harmony Hammond and talked about the many ways RedLine seeks to make contemporary art available and accessible to people who might feel alienated by the art world.

“These conversations with Ellis alumnae reinforced my conviction that an arts education is absolutely crucial, whether you

A Visit with Chelsea KELLY ’05 at the Milwaukee Art Museum

Leslie NIREN ’02 in Denver.

Sara with Jimmy Carter in Rapid City.

The night sky in Roswell, NM. "Sadly, no alien artists appeared," Sara reports.

work for a museum or are simply interested in living in a cultured and connected world.”

But she wasn’t finished—not yet. Her tour de museum included stops at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum (Santa Fe, NM), the Judd Foundation (Marfa, TX), The Contemporary Austin (Austin, TX), Kimbell Art Museum (Fort Worth, TX), Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville, AR), and the Cincinnati Museum of Art (Cincinnati, OH).

The most valuable contribution to her teaching wasn’t specific museums or particular works of art “but the experience of observing so many people looking at and interacting with art. Museums vary a great deal in how they manage visitors. Denver is a delight for the viewer who wants to sit and look. The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art in Roswell, NM, is so stuffed with work that every turn of your head draws in competing images. Crystal Bridges, a relatively new museum, is still finding its way in the relationship between viewer, curator, and object," Sara said.

“As an art history teacher at Ellis,” she continued, “I constantly ponder ways to get my students to consider, relate to, contend with, and love art works from a variety of times and places. The act of standing in a museum watching others look was enormously instructive. I saw joy, fear, and curiosity mix with the desire to touch and the desire to provide understanding and control. I learned to love looking all over again.”

Sara's final stop was back home—at Ellis’s Arbuthnot House where the portrait of Sara Frazer Ellis, painted by Lawrence A. Powers in 1941, remains a touchstone. •

To read more about Sara’s museum tour go to: www.ellisarthitstheroad.blogspot.com

Last summer, Chelsea KELLY ’05 was delighted to hear that Sara Sturdevant was planning a trip to the Milwaukee Art Museum. As that facility’s first-ever manager of digital learning and teen programs, Chelsea was looking forward to showing her former art teacher around.

Although Chelsea’s career has taken her to different institutions (Carnegie Museum of Art, Frick Art & Historical Center, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art) and different cities, she remembers Ellis as the place where it all started.

“Ellis helped me see how my love for art and history could be combined into a profession,” Chelsea recalls. “Taking Arts in Society with Sara Sturdevant showed me that making, experiencing, and talking about art was an actual discipline: art history. Linda Tonetti Dugan suggested volunteering at the Carnegie Museums, which ultimately led me to a career in museum education.”

Now, Chelsea is returning the favor by helping kids in the Milwaukee area discover how their own passions for art can turn into a career.

She also combined her love of art with technology by recently launching a massive open online course Hangout with Art (mammooc.appspot.com) in partnership with the Google Art Project. •

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Center Stage

with Carol Ostrow

Carol OSTROW ’73 does not like to wait. It’s not that she’s impatient or in a particular hurry, it’s just that she wants to get on with it—whatever it may be.

After graduating from Ellis, she was more than ready to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. It was something she had wanted from a very young age. “My family fully embraced a life in the arts,” Carol says. “It was expected.”

With that very real sense of purpose, she left Pittsburgh for Vassar College and then the Yale School of Drama. And things seemed to be going according to plan, at least in the beginning. But after several years of on-again, off-again work, she realized that the life of an aspiring actress is, in large part, about waiting—for the next audition or the phone to ring.

So when one of her former drama professors from Vassar asked her to fill in for him while he was on sabbatical, she didn’t hesitate.

During that time, the school’s president challenged the drama department to create a program that would wake up the campus throughout the typically sleepy summer months. Not surprisingly, Carol answered the call.

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help.” The program’s success can also be attributed to the fact that she never lost sight of the ultimate goal: “to make incredible art.”

“Being a good producer is the most creative thing,” she says, “because I am responsible for so much more than my own performance.”

Not one to rest on past accomplishments (no matter how recent), Carol left the Vassar campus in 1985 and started a whirlwind journey. For the next decade-plus, she worked as the producing director of New York City’s Classic Stage Company; moved to London with her husband, Michael Graff, and their then 15-month-old twins, Anabel and Emily; started her own theater-focused financial consulting business and had two more children, Candace and Jesse; moved the family back to Pittsburgh where she taught drama at Chatham College (now University); moved everyone to Montreal, Quebec; and finally moved the entire family back to New York in August 2001.

For the next two years, she worked as the behind-the-scenes catalyst that would bring Vassar’s Powerhouse Theater to life. Making its debut in 1985, this professional repertory and training program remains a force to be reckoned with to this very day.

In the wake of September 11 when the entire city was trying to find its way, Carol happened to bump into a friend from her Yale drama days. Jim Simpson told her about his theater group The Flea. Located just seven blocks from Ground Zero, the small, off-offBroadway company he founded in 1996 was struggling just to keep its doors open.

“Yes, it took some chutzpah,” Carol recalls.

“But I knew what I didn’t know, and asked for

Carol immediately signed on as The Flea’s original (and to date only) producing director.

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And Carol and Jim’s first joint project spoke to the very heart of the city’s anguish. The Guys tells the story of a fire captain talking to a writer as he prepares eulogies for the men he has lost. Performed by Sigourney Weaver (Jim’s wife) and Bill Murray, the play opened December 4, 2001, and ran for more than a year.

The Flea has emerged as a place where exciting and innovative original works of art—theater, dance, and music—are performed. The Tribeca complex features two stages and its own resident company known as The Bats, hosts a number of smaller companies (like the TriBeCa New Music Festival, The New York Goofs, and LAVA), and welcomes some 17,000 theatergoers each year.

The Flea is in constant motion, and so is Carol. “There’s no such thing as a typical day,” she says. And that’s especially true now that Jim, the company’s artistic director, has announced his retirement. In addition, the theater is in the midst of a major capital campaign and preparing for next year’s move to a new $18.5 million facility on nearby Thomas Street.

“I’m busier now than I’ve ever been,” Carol says. “We’re opening one show and rehearsing for another then I put on a hard hat and go to construction meetings and talk about wiring and boring holes and then Jim and I have these mind-blowingly intense

(L to R) The Flea's producing director Carol OSTROW ’73, founder and artistic director Jim Simpson, and board member (and Simpson's wife) Sigourney Weaver.

Photo: Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times/Redux

conversations as we interview people all over the country and across the sea for the artistic director position.”

But she wouldn’t want it any other way. On second thought, maybe she would. “I’m coming up on a milestone birthday,” Carol says. “I’m old.”

It’s not that retirement is imminent; she definitely sees herself making the transition to the new space with a new artistic director; it’s just that she doesn’t like to wait. “I want to do what I can before people stop listening to me,” she says.

In that spirit, Carol offers this bit of advice to her Ellis sisters. “Pay little or no attention to anyone who doesn’t inspire you or frighten you. Being a little scared isn’t a bad thing.

Take that still, quiet voice within you and make it shout.”

Carol did, and credits Ellis for helping her pay attention to what her voice had to say. “Ellis absolutely changed my life,” she recalls. “At Ellis, thinking was required and that made me

aware of the power of having a brain.

“I have a great life,” she adds. “I’m passionate about what I’m doing and in that regard it’s exactly what I imagined when I graduated from high school.

“I can’t possibly predict what’s next.” •

Pay little or no attention to anyone who doesn’t inspire you or frighten you. Being a little scared isn’t a bad thing. Take that still, quiet voice within you and make it shout.

—Carol OSTROW ’73 Photo Courtesy of The Flea

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At Sea by Meera AGARWAL Thompson ’69

Art, Creativity,

and Teaching

The Abstract World of Meera AGARWAL Thompson ’69 As a student at Ellis, Meera learned by example that all things are possible.

“Cecelia Lieberman was so encouraging and influenced me through her example as both a professional painter and a highly creative teacher. She showed me that it was possible to combine both callings,” Meera recalls.

“English teacher Sally Nelson and history teacher Judy COHEN Callomon ’54 were also especially strong influences. They gave me confidence in my abilities as a student, and also inspired me to want to teach.”

After graduating from Vassar College and then earning her M.F.A. from Boston University, Meera went on to pursue both

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painting and teaching. Today, she is a painter whose works have been featured in many gallery showings over the past decade and a faculty member at New York University’s School of Professional Studies whose classroom extends to The Metropolitan Museum of Art where she teaches drawing.

In addition to working on her current series of paintings that deal with different weather conditions and times of day and night, she is preparing for a 2016 exhibition at New York’s Atlantic Gallery.

“Although my paintings could be characterized as abstract,” Meera says, “they always deal with nature.” •

Meera AGARWAL Thompson ’69 teaching a class at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Gathering (detail) by Meera AGARWAL Thompson ’69

Don, Connie, and Grace (Class of 2021) Coffelt.

The

Coffelt Family

Five years ago, Don and Connie Coffelt decided to move from their 30 acres in Washington County, PA, to the urban environs of Oakland. The goal was to reduce Don’s four-hour round trip to Carnegie Mellon University where he serves as the associate vice president for facilities management services.

But job one for the Coffelts was finding the right school for their then 7-year-old daughter, Grace. Although they were pretty certain they wanted a private school, they’ll admit Ellis wasn’t a frontrunner.

volunteers as a room parent and treasurer of the EPA (Ellis Parents Association), and staffs open house events; while Don serves on the facilities committee and was involved in the development of the new athletic field.

That soon changed. Connie credits the “amazing admission experience” they enjoyed; for Don, it was the beetle races (think insects, not cars). “We walked into the science room and all the girls and their parents were on the floor racing beetles,” he recalls. “I thought, if this is Lower School science, then that’s where we want to be.”

In addition to their time, the Coffelts actively support the Ellis Fund.

And so, their search began and ended at Ellis.

Fast forward to 2015, and the Coffelts have never looked back. “We really believe we are where we were meant to be,” Connie says.

Not surprisingly, the Coffelts have embraced their role as Ellis parents. Connie has organized a Girl Scout troop at the School,

“Tuition doesn’t cover all the costs,” Connie says, “it’s so important to us to invest not only in our daughter’s future, but the future of all the kids here."

“We’ve seen amazing growth in Grace (Class of 2021),” she continues. “We see her as a confident person who reaches out and thinks beyond the walls of Ellis.”

Don adds, “Ellis is doing something special and we feel a sense of ownership. We’re invested, in terms of time and treasure, in the School.” •

Ellis is doing something special and we feel a sense of ownership. We’re invested, in terms of time and treasure, in the School.

—Don Coffelt, Ellis parent

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2014

Reunion 2014

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2014 Sara Frazer Ellis Award winner Susan SCHEINMAN Leonard '64.

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Class of 1984 30th Reunion: (L to R) Mertyce MRVOS, Lisa PRIORE McQuarrie, Joan BEGGY Mortenson, and Lucy FATO.

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The new athletic field, a crisp, fall morning, and Kaffie WHITE McCullough ’63 made for the perfect 2014 Reunion field hockey game.

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Class of 1964 50th Reunion Milestone Luncheon: Front Row: (L to R) Eileen HALPERN Lane, Patty SPEAR Lemer, Dorothy COCHRANE, Terry CHAPMAN, Kerry BRAND Shelby, Nancy BELL Rockey, Punky SCHAEFER Rogér, Marty ABRAMS Broderick, and Jane HABER Goodridge. Middle Row: (L to R) Kathy BORSODY, Mimi HERWALD, Pattie RICHTER Hunt, Sandy GLOCK Harrington, Marge GARVIN Snyder, Alice MUNSON Davis, and Laurie LONGENECKER. Back Row: (L to R) Lynda GELLATLY Jamison, Susan SCHEINMAN Leonard, Susan STEVICK, Darryl FERGUSON Bloom, Sally FOWLER, and Maggie STECK Jarboe.

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A circle of friends at the Class of 1984 Reunion cocktail party: Robin Newham, Head of School, Mertyce MRVOS, Joan BEGGY Mortenson, Lisa PRIORE McQuarrie, and Lucy FATO.

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Sandy GLOCK Harrington ’64 and Rowan Cain, Class of 2023, make friends during their Pen Pals meeting.

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Muffin MARSHALL Carothers ’63 still standing tall as goalie.

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Amelia Reines, Class of 2023, and her Pen Pal Polly McCLUNG Gayer ’64 during their meeting a few weeks after Reunion.

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Class of 1994 20th Reunion: (L to R) Alex SINGER McKim, Kristina BISHOP, Margaret DRENNAN, Alyssa BURRELL Cowan, Susan HARTNER, and Melissa POLACHEK Filipovic.

Young again. (L to R) Marty ABRAHMS Broderick ’64 (sporting her Ellis uniform), Muffin MARSHALL Carothers ’63, Kaffie WHITE McCullough ’63, and Kristin BLACK Hoeveler ’63.

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Husband and wife Brett Andrews and Lorrie KIGER ’04 faceoff.

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Sandy GLOCK Harrington ’64 drives one across the field.

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Class of 1994: (L to R) Alex SINGER McKim; Susan HARTNER and her guest Wes Oliver; Kristina BISHOP; and Alyssa BURRELL Cowan and her husband, David Cowan.

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Class of 2004: (L to R) Hannah SPIEGEL, Yana CHUDNOVSKY Warshafsky, and Lorrie KIGER.

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Kristin BLACK Hoeveler ’63 takes a lickin’, but keeps on tickin’.

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Kaffie WHITE McCullough ’63 and Muffin MARSHALL Carothers ’63 on the attack.

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Former faculty Matt Ferrante and Head of Visual Arts Sara Sturdevant catch up with Anna SHABALOV ’06, Alyia SMITH-PARKER ’06, and Julia COSTA ’06 at the Reunion cocktail party.

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2014 Ellis Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees include the 1962 Varsity Field Hockey Team: Back Row: (L to R) Kristin BLACK Hoeveler ’63, Laurie RENZ ’63, Sarah FISHER ’63, Terry CHAPMAN ’64, Punky SCHAEFER Rogér ’64, Kaffie WHITE McCullough ’63, Marty ABRAMS Broderick ’64, Muffin MARSHALL Carothers ’63, Sandra GLOCK Harrington ’64, Ruth SHEARER Altun ’63, and Eileen HALPERN Lane ’64. Front Row: (L to R) Laurie LONGENECKER ’64, Coach Bobbie Dallas, Coach Joanne Harrison, and Sally FOWLER ’64.

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Class of 1999 15th Reunion: (L to R) Angeline WONG, Liz KELLER, Kate DAVIS Booker, Jordan ZAPPALA, and Sarah JORDAN Rosenson.

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Punky SCHAEFER Rogér ’64 protecting the goal.

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Class of 1989 25th Reunion: (L to R) Vicki TAYLOR Stein, Kristin KLINGENBERG, Jennifer LEHOCZKY Elliot, and Heather BOSSERT Cunningham.

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Class of 2009 5th Reunion: Front Row: (L to R) Front Row: Molly WEISS, Lexi SIGESMUND, Naomi GUNAWARDENA, and Bonnie WEST. Back Row: (L to R) Alissa MORRISON, Gillian PORTER, Katie FERGUSON, Sarah MISTICK, Jen HEINAUER, Heather ACUFF, and Sarah ROBINSON.

W Class of 2004 10th Reunion: Seated: (L to R) Lorrie

KIGER ’04, Hannah SPIEGEL ’04, Jessica BOPP Dawson ’05, and Yana CHUDNOVSKY Warshafsky ’04.

Standing: (L to R) Brett Andrews, Matthew Krohner, Joel Dawson, and Mike Warshafsky.

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Susan DICKEY Gilmore ’65 and Pam PROPST Campbell ’65.

Friendship

Defined

friend noun \`frend\ : a person whom you like and enjoy being with : one attached to another by affection or esteem : a favored companion : a person who helps or supports someone or something (such as a cause or charity)

If you happen to know Susan DICKEY Gilmore ’65 and Pam PROPST Campbell ’65, you’re probably surprised that the Merriam-Webster Dictionary did not include them in its definition of friend.

Susan and Pam took selfies the old fashioned way: in photo booths.

Susan and Pam are Class Representatives for their 50th Reunion.

Members of the Class of 1965 should mark their calendars now for Friday and Saturday, October 9 and 10, 2015!

After all, their friendship has endured time (they first met in the 1950s), distance (Pam has lived out of state as well as out of the country), and life events (marriage, childbirth, and the death of Susan's husband in 2008).

Their connection started when Pam arrived at Ellis in the 7th grade. She instantly recognized Susan as a familiar face from dance class. “I remember thinking it was wonderful to see someone I knew,” Pam says.

The two socialized throughout Middle and Upper School. But once they graduated they went their separate ways: Susan to Wheaton College in Massachusetts, Pam to Manhattanville College in New York.

Then fate—in the form of first jobs—brought them back to Pittsburgh where they picked up right where they left off.

Weddings followed, then children (Susan has three, Pam, two), and soon their families were celebrating holidays and vacationing together. In fact, their kids (now adults) are continuing the tradition, remaining close friends even though they live in different parts of the country. (Whether or not the family ties will extend to a third generation has yet to be determined. To date, Susan has four grandchildren.)

But perhaps the ultimate testament to Susan and Pam's long-standing friendship is the fact that they work together (and have for 36 years) at All Directions, a travel agency in downtown Pittsburgh.

What’s their secret?

“Knowing the other person’s boundaries,” Pam suggests.

“And being flexible,” Susan adds.

Whatever the secret may be, there’s one thing Pam knows for sure. “I’m very grateful. It’s been wonderful.” •

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Sally QUINBY Gibbs ’46 and her husband, George, on a vintage Christmas card Jean McSWIGAN McCague ’46 saved.

Class Connections Margo CONDERMAN Arnold ’58 in Liverpool visiting cousins.

CLASS OF ’46 Jean McSWIGAN McCague 6 Windsor Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15215

Lots of news from my twin sister, Joan McSWIGAN Standish. She has survived new construction to her building at Westminster Canterbury in Charlottesville, VA, where they now have eight floors of new apartments, garages, a fitness center, a large pool, spa, and a glass-enclosed walking track. Their dining room has been reorganized into three areas, and since Joan is on the food committee, the meals are mighty tasty. They also have a new lounge, bar, and a café, and a smaller room for fine dining.

We were blessed with a visit from Joan in October to celebrate our two birthdays and have a family reunion. It was great fun being together again.

Billie HODGE Sarosdy wrote from Naples, FL, that they are doing well and have been 10 years in their new home on Moorings Park Drive. Her husband celebrated his 90th birthday in May and she pulled off a total surprise for him, having all his family for the celebration. Her husband has macular degeneration and cannot read or watch TV, but he never complains and exercises regularly. They now have six grandchildren from 12 to 40 years of age and seven greats from 1 to 17 years of age.

Sally QUINBY Gibbs wrote that she broke a hip and is now exercising to regain strength. We wish you a speedy recovery, Sally.

Well, that is all my news. Eddy and I are still doing well on Windsor Road in Fox Chapel and looking forward to another cold winter. Keep smiling.

CLASS OF ’52 Margot COPELAND Pyle 365 Central Ave. Apartment G402 Needham, MA 02492 moopyle@comcast.net

This past summer, Susan KYLE Heppenstall and her sister, Anne KYLE Matthews ’53, joined me and my sister, Ann COPELAND Billings ’53, for a reunion of our own. We’ve been friends for 68 years and raised a glass to celebrate that friendship on July 1—the very same day we met all those years ago.

Susan’s parents and mine thought it would be nice to introduce us since we’d be attending The Ellis School together in the fall of 1947. Our sisters (Anne and Ann) entered in 1948 and 1949 as members of the Class of 1953. Just one of the very best benefits of an Ellis education!

CLASS OF ’54 Betsey BOSHELL Potter 1120 Huffman Rd. PMB 586, Suite 24 Anchorage, AK 99515-3561 betsey.potter@att.net

Jean ARMENTROUT Foley writes, “Bill and I still live in Dunkirk, NY. We spend three or four months on Hutchinson Island off Stuart, FL. Our four children and spouses all live here along with our nine grandchildren, although three are presently in college: one here at Fredonia State, one in Rochester, and one in Syracuse. We are so lucky!

Hope this finds everyone well and happy.”

From Betsey BEESON Owens, “The news from the Owenes is very scant since we don’t travel anymore.

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Same old, same old. But we’re having fun with friends. I’m playing a lot of bridge and working at the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania.”

Mary BLAIR Simmons says, “I bumped into Judy COHEN Callomon on Walnut Street—she reminded me it's been 60 years, not to be believed! If we go to Reunion, we will see a brand new sports field—a long way from Mrs. Lezear's garage! I guess we have to keep pace.”

Barbara CHASE Mayer sends word, “I'm here in my home in Quechee, VT, for the usual five months.

I was going to put this home that Bob and I built 26½ years ago up for sale, but there are six houses for sale here as nothing is moving very well. All of Vermont is still in bad shape after Hurricane Irene hit two years ago: all the houses, businesses, and our four covered bridges went down completely and are just being finished. Even Connecticut and Massachusetts are having slow sales. My health is not good, so hope to be here next year.”

Jettie BERGMAN Johnston writes, “Tom and I are still volunteering, golfing, dining, and enjoying life— nothing worth complaining about except for all the shenanigans in Washington, D.C.!”

Judy COHEN Callomon says, “Ellis 'opened' its new regulation-size sports field. For the first time in 98 years, we have a 'real' place to play—it surely beats playing basketball in the icy cage or running into fencing on the field in the ’50s! The view is spectacular—all across East Liberty—you can see for miles! Also, the location puts us in the newest growth area of the city—it's mind boggling and exciting. This is our 60th year—hard to believe? Remember Miss Benson rehearsing us for graduation by stopping traffic on Negley Avenue?

And the near monsoon we stepped into after the ceremony? And the red roses we all carried? We were/are a special group.”

Ellisians and sisters meet in Cape May. Top Row: (L to R) Meg PROPST Bernard ’74, Pam PROPST Campbell ’65, Linda BUCHANAN Riccio ’74. Bottom Row: (L to R) Susan HUNSIKER Howard ’75, Markie HUNSIKER ’67, Sukie PROPST Honeycutt ’67, Terry PROPST MacPhail ’63, and Mary HUNSIKER Fritz ’73.

The Forhans: (L to R) Chris, Allison, Drew, Nancy CONEY Forhan ’80, Annie, and Sarah.

Abbie CROW Rich ’66 and her two grandsons in California.

I have to agree with Judy's final sentence. Love and prayers to and for each of you. Hoping, once again, for more replies next year!

CLASS OF ’56 Alice GEALY Morigi 952 Ackerman Ave. Syracuse, NY 13210-3034

As of All Hallows’een 2014, Augusta LEE Parrington and her husband, Tom, had recently returned from Colorado. “We saw Denver, Boulder, and Rocky Mountain National Park. For me, the Chihuly exhibition at the Botanical Gardens in Denver was the high point—breathtaking, his glass forms are interspersed among the plants. We had luck in our drive from one side of the park to the other, with big puffy clouds and wind, of course, but it wasn’t until the last day that we had the pleasure of hiking in a light snowfall. Later that morning the route through the park was closed due to snow!” At home, Augusta is the public policy chair of the board of AAUW (American Association of University Women), serves on the board of the historical society, “and has become something of a ‘birder’ with Tom,” who is president of the local Audubon Society. “Plus,” she adds, “we have several wonderful theatres here in Sonora, CA.” Barbara CLOSE Stromstad and her husband, Knut, had “mostly focused on our 50th wedding anniversary this year, not exceptional when I see many of our friends are beyond that. Our big trip was to California in May to partake in the wedding of dear friends, a gay couple! Very nice guys. We had beautiful July weather in Norway this summer (while the Swiss were dealing with lots of rain!).

Granddaughter, Kassandra (8), was with us and started swimming really confidently, which was

great. Daughter, Kirsten, came for two weeks in the middle of the summer, then Kassandra flew home all alone, so proud to be an ‘unaccompanied child’.

How fast they want to grow up. She now has a small dog, a Westie, adorable and her best friend. She is taking this responsibility very well. No special plans for the immediate future. Knut will continue to compete in the Masters Alpine ski races this winter, which he loves. That keeps him fit and on the go.

Greetings to all from Barby as I used to be. (Google doesn’t recognize Barby with a ‘y’—it only wants the ‘ie’ …J).”

Liz VAUX Packard was “still vertical and taking nourishment, but a knee replacement will happen in November. We are having a great time with our grandchildren. The oldest started college this year.

On Mondays, the 5-year-old granddaughter and grandsons (6 and 9) come here after school and for dinner. The 9-year-old has begun lessons on the trumpet. Yesterday I heard him play 'G,' 'A,' and 'C.' Duane and I play a lot of bridge. In February we’re off on a Caribbean cruise. Life is good.”

Marcie WATERMAN Love’s news gave pause. “The day we were to leave for London and Prague, Mike went into the hospital. He was there for 7½ weeks.

He came home in time for Thanksgiving and enjoyed having our entire family here for Christmas. He ‘fought the good fight’ after New Year’s, and our daughters came often. Mike died March 27.” On a happier note, she finishes, “Three daughters, two sons-in-law, and I are going to Zambia at the end of October.” You have your classmates’ sympathy, Marcie, and our warmest wishes for heart’s ease in your new life.

Then we welcomed in the New Year with Hydie RIAL Houston in January 2015: “My life is much the same. Sharing very good times and fun with my sons and still living in the country with snow, wild

deer, and turkey birds. Raccoons have taken the bird feeder to who knows where. Health issues are conquerable. My husband, Ed, continues in business with energy. Love to all and spouses.”

CLASS OF ’58 Sally RIAL Phelps 599 North Ave., Apt. 8-2 Wakefield, MA 01880 sallyphelps@aol.com

From Nancy McQUILLAN Bolanis, “We are all fine here and had a fun weekend with all the boys at the Shady Side Academy homecoming. I am going on an Ellis trip led by Robin Newham, Head of School, for a fall foliage tour of Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob.

I am thrilled to hear that Ellis is competitive in our new world.”

Margo CONDERMAN Arnold says, “Will keep my news short and sweet. The highlight is that I have a new personal trainer and instead of feeling 73 years of age, I feel more like 23! Stay tuned, we have goals! I sent in a photo for the magazine, which my husband, Doug, feels is the best picture he has ever taken of me—visiting cousins in Liverpool this summer. We had a B L A S T. Can’t wait to hear what everyone else has been up to.”

Ariane HOESSLIN Condellis writes, “As someone who is retired, there seems to be less time! Of course, there is also less need to be organized. I am sure there are others who have the same feelings.

As the year runs faster and faster, a review is a good way to remember what happened. In our case— living in Europe—travelling is not as exotic as for those who live on a huge continent with the same language from California to New York. Anyhow, we did something ‘exotic’ by visiting Estonia, where a

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(L to R) Evan Reineman, Olivia Gilleland, Sarah Gilleland, Elizabeth GREULICH Gilleland ’80, Mary VAN BUSKIRK ’80, Margie GREULICH Garland ’85, and Katharine REINEMAN ’11.

Maggie DAUER Marquette ’90 caught up with Wendy YODER Beach ’90 during her recent trip to Pittsburgh.

Mertyce MRVOS ’84 and Lucy FATO ’84 at Reunion 2014.

good friend is posted as a diplomat. Even if it clearly is in Europe, the history of that small and lively country is interesting and unusual enough. Tallinn, the capital, is a real jewel, medieval, beautifully kept, with very forward-looking people who seem to have invented the Internet, as they are the most advanced in its use. Of course, at this point in political developments, there is also a renewed interest in that region. Recommended! Greetings and love.”

Muffi O’BRIEN Staley says, “Tom has retired (although he is still teaching one class) so we were able to spend more time in Maine. We enjoyed a beautiful fall there. We love being up there with the family and grandchildren who enjoy the water sports and playing tennis. Our oldest grandchild, and also the only girl with five boys, has gotten her driver’s permit. They grow up so fast. I love reading about my classmates. Thank you for doing this.”

From Connie TITZEL Rusconi, “It's always a joy to see your name pop up on my computer! Just wish you would pop up in person. Any plans for a trip to Europe? My news ... hmm. There never seems to be a dull moment, but to summarize all in a few words is difficult. Our big project this year has been the restoration of a house on Lake Maggiore. We had good fun doing it, and work was completed in time for the annual visit this summer of the entire family.

Our second project, which is no fun at all, is trying to find a cure for my husband, Natale's, bad back. That is an on-going battle, I'm afraid. Our older daughter, Francesca, lives in Paris. She is a full-time mother, although she does give cooking lessons from time to time, and also has a blog regarding cuisine. Elisa is a nutritional counselor and lives in Lausanne. Pietro is in Venice, where he manages the Bauer Hotel. We have two grandchildren, Louise and Pierre, who are with us in the summer, and in the winter for their ski holiday. I am well and loved my 73rd year on this

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earth. However, I am not looking forward to turning 74. I must change my thinking about that. After all, life just gets better and better! We hope to fly to Pittsburgh sometime this winter. Perhaps our visit can coincide with an Ellis reunion? Sally FLANNERY Hardon's ’55 brother came to Venice with his wife and friends, and it was wonderful to reminisce and also to have news of the ’Burgh. I wish more Ellis friends would come our way—to Venice, the lake, or even London. I love to see old friends and to keep in touch. There, I have gone on and on. This is too long, I'm afraid. With much love, and thanks for all you do for Ellis!”

Susan HIGINBOTHAM Holcombe writes, “Thanks for the lovely email and the update on the athletic field. Sorry I am so far away and cannot attend the dedication. News? I truly did retire as of June 30.

They whisked me out the door with a lovely party and chair. The months since then have been busy with grandchildren, family, and friends and I am postponing making any long-term commitments to any activity until I have a sense of what I would like to do in the next part of my life. The one constant has been exercise to try to keep some arthritis at bay. Arthur and I are going to Beijing and Myanmar in November. In Beijing we will see some friends and former students of mine. In Myanmar we will go with a colleague of Arthur's to Chin State in the northwest, bordering on India and Bangladesh.

It is hilly and apparently quite beautiful. Arthur's colleague is from this area and has been a collector of high quality, hand-woven textiles. Then we go off to London to see our son and family, returning in time for Thanksgiving.

Edith LIEM Sul says, “I am definitely retired but volunteering a lot of time in our historicallyregistered condominium association in Arlington, MA. Only four units require more collaboration and hands-on work. We also have a 25-year-old

rental unit which requires upgrading in a six-unit association in Somerville, MA. We are in the process of updating the deck and windows and installing hardwood floors. Keeping active with construction and gardening these days. Real estate investment is an education. Challenging, stressful, rewarding, and fun with breaks for golf and dog walking.”

From Terri McKEE Tumlin, “Our family has acquired two new members this year—Ivy Eliza, our first granddaughter, and Charles Bevington, our new son-in-law. Much fun visiting with the whole family at our daughter, Randi’s, wedding in October. Travel this year included a trip to Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey. At home in Sarasota, I’ve been busy as a volunteer photographer for the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota and Selby Botanical Gardens and president of the LGA 9 Hole golf league at our club. No one ever told me that retirement would be busier than the working years.”

Sally RIAL Phelps writes, “The Ellis athletic field is complete and open. Hooray! All you class athletes should feel proud. Maybe at our next reunion we could have alumnae teams compete on the new turf. Our life continues happily. We have completed the journey of seeing all 13 of the presidential libraries with our May visits to the George Bush Library in Dallas and the William Clinton Library in Little Rock. Both sets of children are happy and productive. Sarah, my oldest, has a wonderful job as a visiting nurse's aide in England. Tony and Helen have completed the new building for the Paragon School, educating children with autism. Rich and Emily celebrated their 10th anniversary with a party complete with mermaids. Dick's son, Bill, and his wife, Megan, have just celebrated the marriage of their daughter, Cammy, in a beautiful wedding in St. Helena, CA. Their son, Tyler, has the entrepreneur gene like dad and granddad, opening several Blaze Pizza franchises. Dick's daughter, Ann, has launched

Kristen BELZ Ornato ’90 enjoyed a recent trip to Seattle with her husband, Gino, the kids, Ellen and Gino Jr., and one huge troll.

Alissa MANCUSO Poole ’90, husband, Will, and kids, Ryan (10) and Kelly (7), enjoyed a beach vacation to Topsail Island, NC.

her two boys, one at Middlebury and one a freshman at Wake Forest, her alma mater. Parents are happy when their children are happy!”

CLASS OF ’60

Cynthia SCOTT Amerman 2400 North Peter Seward Dr. Tucson, AZ 85745 cynthiaamerman@gmail.com Our Aix, France, reunion turned out to be a fantasy one, but several of us have had mini reunions in France over the years and they have been wonderful thanks to Kathleen MURPHY Lambert’s presence there. As a class, we are busy with our 50th and other (mine was the 40th) anniversaries and with grandchildren. We have been leading productive retirement lives and may not be traveling as much and/or having some medical issues that prevent adventures farther afield. Some news I’ve received since our last publication: From Ellen BROWN Macfarland, “I published The Sacred Path Beyond Trauma a few years ago, after I received my Ph.D. from Pacifica Graduate Institute. If anyone is interested in getting the book please contact me. I would love to be freed of the remainders. I am living in Montana and love the mountains and wildlife. I am a cancer survivor.

Although I would prefer not to go through the experience again, I am grateful for all I learned through the ordeal. Get your colonoscopies! It's not worth the risk to skip them, I guarantee you."

I saw April EILER Pinney and Palmer last spring on my annual trip to California—they live in such beautiful surroundings in Palo Alto, where April and Palmer both enjoy writing and having such a stimulating community (Stanford) nearby. April was

Tammy YONAS Williams ’90 and her daughter, Tori, stopped outside Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center during the USGA Gymnastics Championships. Tori is a level 7 competitive gymnast.

going to go to her 50th reunion at Sarah Lawrence.

Many of us had 50th college reunions this year ….

I almost had a chance to see Suzie LAHR too, but she was having cataract surgery when I was in California.

She reports, “2013-2014 seems to be my year to have my body reworked, with open heart and hernia surgeries last year. I count my blessings they have been things that could be repaired and now my health is great, just the eyes this year then I am good to go for the rest of my life, whatever that may be. I am extremely active with exercise every day, still putting on events for artists and the community where I live and life is great!”

Wendy MYERS Heinz writes, “We did get away to Sweden in August. We took our Virginia kids with us to see Teddy and Mia and their daughter, Sofia, who live in Stockholm. While we were there, Sofia was baptized in The Sofia Church where her great grandmother, grandmother, and mother were baptized. It was a wonderful time and I assisted the female priest. We also celebrated Howdy's and my 50th anniversary with our family while there.

Stockholm, where we walked and walked, is a lovely city that is surrounded by water. It is a city of bridges, and I think we crossed every one. Our son, Ted, is a slave driver as a tour guide ... ‘Just a little further,’ he says. Sweden is great, but I wish they lived a bit closer!”

Jennifer RODMAN Dawson Purdom has three granddaughters and writes of her time with them in California, “We were in Berkeley with the children in June, July, and August, and they were here (Utah), too, in July. I just love being their gran. They've decided to keep the twins in their loving day care another year rather than changing to the French school at 3, but will do it at 4. Meanwhile, GV runs around the house with her baby buggy wishing every one ‘bonjour!’

Marielle speaks French at school and a bit with her

French grandparents. We have a mini trip coming up to Los Angeles to see old friends from the ’60s to the ’90s, including one of the experimenters on several of my little satellites, the 88-year-old wife of my mother's cousin, and one of my Vassar roommates.

What a kick! (Shades of Ellis days with Miss Joyce?)”

Sally WATERMAN Woodroofe visited friends in Rhode Island during the summer—her “annual ‘fix’ for sand and ocean.” She writes, “It has been a busy summer—our grandson's baptism (done, of course, by his grandfather), then the burial of the ashes of my brother-in-law. Labor Day weekend brings the reunion of various Woodroofes.” And Sally and Woody were going on a cruise on the Black Sea in October (with itinerary changes necessitated by Putin) and to see northern Greece. Let us know, Sally!

CLASS OF ’62 Diana DICKEY Joss 3955 Bigelow Blvd., #610 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 sunlightbasin@gmail.com

Wonderful to hear from you and happy 70th to all!!

Laurie BATCHELAR Culbertson loves her time with her grandchildren who just keep growing in spite of John’s efforts to "shrink" them.

Gez EBBERT continues to work tirelessly for many organizations in Pittsburgh.

Kathie HANNAH Walker and Rob spent their 70th and 75th birthdays in Ireland for a "magical" three weeks with their boys and their wives, playing golf, fishing, and riding.

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Danielle GOLDMAN Dorfman ’92 with her daughter, Hayley (11), on a recent visit to Pittsburgh.

Marni McCHESNEY Mohr ’92 with two of her three children, Etta (6) and Sam (9), picking blueberries this past summer.

Carolyn McELDOWNEY Morgan, through the efforts of her son and a search agency, found her "birth family!" She was adopted at two months and, although her mother died in 1999, Carolyn now has a brother, a sister, and an aunt. She feels "a great sense of identity she didn't know she needed." She continues to work and is very active in her church.

Bunny MUNTER Kerr and Tom are thoroughly enjoying their new condo in Fox Chapel.

Judy REED Scott's son, Stefan (a Lt. Colonel in the Army), is stationed in Germany with his wife and 3-year-old son, Nikolai. It is hard having them so far away, but Judy stays active with her library and the food pantry.

Patty SPEAR Lemer's new book Outsmarting Autism won several awards, including a first place for western Pennsylvania authors. Congratulations, Patty.

Margot SUTTON McConnel spent her 70th touring Nova Scotia for a month on the back of Mike's motorcycle—“what a kick!”

I will be giving a talk titled Myanmar: Two Steps Beyond Tourism to the New York group of the Society of Woman Geographers in February. If you're in town, let me know.

Marty VOGT Snyder and Skip love their six months in Vero Beach, though miss fall in the east.

We were so sorry to hear of Penne WEBER's death in August 2014. How very sad to lose a member of our dear class.

Bonnie ROBERTS Davies (or Granny B) has five grandchildren under the age of 4 and is happily on call in three states!

Thank you for all your news.

Kathy ROSEN Hurwitz and Larry are loving their new life in Florida, near their daughter and four grandchildren. They spent last summer in the Hudson Valley where their son lives.

CLASS OF ’64

Susie SCHAEFER Pettler continues as treasurer of the Shadyside Presbyterian Church nursery school.

I spent several days in the fall at their wonderful place on Lake Erie—no wonder they all love it!

Barby SCHMIDT Wickwire's daughter, Madeleine, her husband, and 1-year-old son, Clayton, have recently moved to Auburn, AL. Her son, Emerson, his wife, and 1-year-old, Emerson, live in Baltimore.

Barby was looking forward to fall in Florence with a visit from Candy McCRADY Rost and Bob.

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While on hiatus from her radio talk show, Susie SCHUMACHER Morris is writing and painting with frequent trips to Boston where Joanie, her husband, and children—Adam (5) and Emma (3) live. Rowan and her husband are in Washington, D.C., where she practices law.

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Susan SCHEINMAN Leonard 180 West End Ave., Apt. 26G New York, NY 10023-4902 susan.s.leonard@gmail.com The Class of '64 had a fabulous reunion, with 20 of our number showing up. Many thanks to Eileen HALPERN Lane, Laurie LONGENECKER, and Patty SPEAR Lemer for helping make it spectacular. As we shared so much information with each other and in our questionnaires, there is not much new to report.

Jane STERN Walmsley just finished a 16-week tour of the U.K. with April in Paris. She is celebrating her 45th wedding anniversary in Venice.

Marlene TRIAIRE Guieu and her husband, Bernard, had a wonderful trip to Armenia.

And I look forward to everyone's return to celebrate the Ellis Centennial and our own 70th birthdays in two years.

CLASS OF ’66

Susan BARTHOLOMEW Manecke 2308 Hankinson Rd. Granville, OH 43023-9705 susanmanecke@gmail.com Abbie CROW Rich sent an email: “I am retired now from my job as the webmaster at the International Myeloma Foundation. Not sure about this retirement thing. I am just now getting used to not having to be somewhere all the time. Jim, who is also retired, and I recently bought a house on the beach just north of Los Angeles, and are spending as much time as we can up there. It is a grandson magnet, which makes it worth the money and work. My son, the father of two beloved boys, is a financial analyst. He is married to a former child actress who is a great wife and mom. My daughter, a celebrity fitness instructor, is the co-owner of a gym in Los Angeles. She is also a playwright, and had her first play produced to standing room only just this month. Life is good.”

Kelly BREEN Hunt ’92 with her sons, Xander (9), Sebastian (11), and Ryland (5) at Disney World.

Jaime LEVINE ’92 at Macchu Picchu.

Front Row: (L to R) Emma GILMORE Kieran ’96; Rob Wagner holding his son, Marshall; Deede DICKEY Joss ’62; and Carrie GILMORE Wagner ’92 holding her daughter, Nora. Back Row: Dave Kieran and Susan DICKEY Gilmore ’65.

CLASS OF ’72 Marguerite POOL Phillips 4818 Old Dominion Dr. Arlington, VA 22207-2742 metaphillips@yahoo.com

I miss hearing the goings-on in the lives of classmates. Craig and I welcomed our second grandchild in October. His name is Crosley and he is lovely. In welcoming another family member, we've had fun helping out babysitting our granddaughter (who has grandpa wrapped around her little finger).

We are looking forward to seeing family in the coming months.

CLASS OF ’74 Sally CONEY Price 949 Dublin Dr. Richmond Hill, GA 31324 Sallyprice10@gmail.com

As a sign of our busy, far-flung lives, no one from the Class of 1974 was able to make it to Ellis to celebrate our 40th Reunion in October. But the occasion provided a great opportunity to connect with lots of classmates and learn what they were doing on reunion day—October 11, 2014—and beyond.

Carey SCHACH North is a sales rep for the “W” clothing line and has recently taken on a menswear line as well. She was hosting a trunk show at her house in Pittsburgh and recovering from a house flood that left lots of things “literally and figuratively falling through the cracks!” Carey’s youngest is heading to college next fall so she’s starting to prepare for the empty nest syndrome that many of us know well.

October has become a very hectic month for Lisa BOWDEN Carter now that she is principal of the Salisbury Central School, a pre-K through 8th grade school in Lakeville, CT. Lisa wrote, “I am as happy as I have ever been professionally. Robert, the older of my two sons, will be 21 in December and is a junior at Lynchburg College. Michael is a senior in high school and is looking at colleges now. He seems bound for the Pacific Northwest.”

Tinky FRANCOMBE lives in Brussels, so an evening in Pittsburgh would have been no small feat. As for news, she wrote, “My daughter, Eva (22), is studying biomedical engineering for a semester in Peru; son, Nicholas (18), was accepted to a graphic arts school in Brussels for a three-year master's program; husband, Peter, is working at the Brussels office of the World Bank; and my mother is still hale and hearty at 91 and living not far from us. I continue writing prose and piano music. My first novel was published in German by Random House in May 2014.

A second work of fiction—The Sage of Waterloo, a combination of whimsical memoir, general musings, and history—will be published by W.W. Norton (in English!) to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. The battlefield is just up the road from where I live.”

Ronnie ROCHER Schmerling and her husband had just returned from a trip to Barcelona and Bordeaux when we connected. As for October 11, she was committed to supporting Plein Air Mt. Lebanon, an arts fair that brings together plein air painters, juried artists, and the local community for a week dedicated to the arts. (Karen KRIEGER '75 was also involved, selling her paper-inspired jewelry at the event.) Ronnie reported that her handcrafted card business is doing well—satisfying and profitable!

“We are lucky to have our family here in the city.

Our grandson, Isaac, will be 2 in October and is just a ball full of energy. It is funny to be called grammy, though. Time has a way of flying by.”

Nancy GRAY Vlcek was also busy with a community event in Pittsburgh on October 11, helping out with pony rides and a petting zoo at the park across from Allegheny Hospital.

Nan HOTCHISS Campbell was busy with preparations for her sons’ weddings—both of which happened this fall. Nan was in Pittsburgh on a combined business and nostalgia trip in May. She and her mother visited Ellis where they had a lovely tour that included a view of the new athletic field, still a work in progress. She wrote, “It brought back memories of sitting in Upper School study hall, which overlooked the field, and smelling the cookies being baked at the Nabisco factory on the other side of the fence. It was pure torture at 10 in the morning!”

Another Pittsburgher, Linda APTER Mates, was in Chicago with her husband, Jeff, on October 11 to cheer on their daughter, Stacey, as she ran the Chicago Marathon. (There’s a photo taken of Stacey during the marathon on Facebook that looks just like Linda. Uncanny resemblance!)

Ann SCULLY Nelson was all set to come east from her home in Wyoming for the Ellis Reunion and a visit with her mother when she learned her daughter needed emergency surgery. The procedure went well but meant quite a change in Ann’s fall plans.

(Once healed, Ann’s daughter will return to Florence, Italy for the second year of her M.F.A.) I don’t recall what Fleur FAIRMAN Wallach was doing on October 11 but did learn that she is still living in New York City and that her son, Theo, is in his freshman year at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, studying mechanical engineering. Fleur also wrote that her dad, now 91, still lives in the house on Amberson Avenue in Pittsburgh and is doing well.

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Christa BERANEK ’94 with her husband, David Matheu, and son, Damien, at his baptism in August 2014.

Emily HOWSON Broadbent ’94 with daughter, Cora; son, Carter; and husband, Jay, at Hilton Head Island.

(L to R) Jaime LEVINE ’92 and bride Patricia ELLIS DiNatale ’92 with Katherine Bennett and her mother, Melissa ELLIS Bennett ’89.

Midge GOLDSMITH Palley was expecting a visit from her mother the week of October 11 but, otherwise, would have hopped a plane from London for the reunion. Over the summer, she caught up with Carey SCHACH North while in Pittsburgh and with Devon GAFFNEY Cross and her family while in New York City. Midge continues a busy life in the arts world. “I curated my first exhibition at the Contemporary Art Society on the subject of CONFLICT: Art and War, exploring artists’ responses to war and conflict in the 20th and 21st centuries.

We are in our third year of the art education project at National Portrait Gallery which works with 14- to 16-year-old art students in an underrepresented school in London.” Her three sons are all now in the U.S. William works for J. Walter Thompson as a trend strategist, Oliver is in marketing with American Express, and Malcolm is now a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania.

As for me, I am settling into my new life in Savannah, GA, and still busy doing public policy work as a consultant to PepsiCo. Savannah is a glorious place to visit and I have many empty bedrooms now that everyone is out of the nest. So, please plan a trip and we’ll have a mini reunion. The welcome mat is out.

CLASS OF ’80 Mary VAN BUSKIRK P.O. Box 812 Ligonier, PA 15658-0812 mcvb1@comcast.net

We did not get a lot of people responding for news requests this year, but we know everyone is busy and certainly appreciate the news we did get from Kim, Lisa, and Nancy!

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Nancy, don't be so sure that some of us don't wear ball caps instead of bandanas on certain days!

Hopefully, some of us can get to the 35th reunion October 9-10, 2015—that would be fun! Have a great year!

Kim LANDAY Kader writes, “Lots of celebrating in the Landay Kader Family. Just celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary this summer with my husband, Abe, in Buenos Aires; saw my oldest son off to medical school at NYU; and just got back from Pittsburgh celebrating my 52nd and my dad's 80th birthdays on October 24.

“Here is my news,” writes Lisa URAM Dickter.

“My oldest son, Adam, is a sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University studying neuroscience and loves the campus. My youngest son, Noah, is a senior in high school and is applying to colleges … and trying to enjoy his senior year, of course. I am starting my 17th year at the Career & Professional Development Center at CMU and still love working as a career consultant with the engineering students. Art still loves teaching 5th graders and high school science at Yeshiva School. I am just not sure where time has flown, that I have been married 23 years, and my kids are almost out of the house?! Hope everyone else is doing well!”

Nancy CONEY Forhan says, “I haven't written much of anything since my first child was born so perhaps it's time for an update as now I find myself with four grown children and one year until I'm an empty nester! My older two children graduated from University of Richmond and Villanova and both live in the D.C. area. Chris works for Sherwin-Williams and Annie for Deloitte. Having two children in one city makes our visits extra special. Allison is a junior at Elon, but she's studying in Seville, Spain, this semester. We're looking forward to a family trip to

Portugal and Spain for Thanksgiving! Any time we are all together is precious, so a week in Europe will be a treat. Sarah is a senior at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, OH, where we have lived for 26 years. It's hard to believe we are nearing the end of our fourth and final college search and application process. We could write a book! As for me, I continue to teach group fitness classes and juggle some volunteering on school and local boards. My newest hobbies are bridge and floral design! I sure sound old! My husband, Drew, of 27 years, has become a pilot (a much more difficult hobby than mine!).

As our nest is nearing empty I look forward to the freedom of spontaneous travel with Drew at the wheel. Perhaps we will find ourselves in your neck of the woods and can plan a visit.

“I had a funny Ellis memory as I was writing,” Nancy continues. “Do you remember that we used to wear bandanas on our heads when we didn't have time to wash our hair? No one would even think of that now!

My best to you all with hopes of catching up at our 35th reunion. I'll go, if you go!”

CLASS OF ’82 Sarah PETTENGILL Hart 155 Fifty Acre Way Carlisle, MA 01741-1534 sarahphart@earthlink.net

Greetings Class of '82, I hope everyone is doing well.

I am very grateful to Lisa OSACHY who responded to my plea for news. She writes, "My daughter, Sarah Touster, had her bat-mitzvah this year—we are so proud of her! She is in 8th grade, plays the tuba, is in the robotics club, and wants to be an economist! I learn a lot about current music from her and we both love Green Day.

Bride Alex ROBINSON Archer ’96 and Jamie McALLISTER ’96.

Alison BLOCK Bonn ’96 and Windy WEDLAKE Neff ’96 in Los Angeles.

“I love my private psychology practice in Shadyside and specialize in treating people with chronic pain, ADHD, and sexuality and trauma issues. It's fascinating and meaningful work and I feel grateful to do it. I bring my little Maltese Tiki, who is my animal assistant, and helps reduce anxiety. I just moved to Point Breeze and am enjoying my new neighborhood, especially Frick Park Market. Hope everyone is doing well!"

Thank you, Lisa!

CLASS OF ’84 Lucy FATO 45 West 67th St., #6C New York, NY 10023-6261 lucy.fato@mhfo.com

The Class of 1984 enjoyed a milestone year in 2014—we celebrated our 30th reunion! While only four of us made it to the reunion itself, it was so much fun to reminisce about our years at Ellis and to catch up on all the things we've been doing since graduation. It was wonderful to see Mertyce MRVOS, Lisa PRIORE McQuarrie, and Joan BEGGY Mortenson, and it felt like no time had passed at all. There is something to be said for reconnecting with people who have known you most of your life.

Many of us have also re-connected on Facebook and that too has been a great way to stay in touch. I wasn't able to reach out to as many people this year for the class notes. I started a new job in August as the general counsel of McGraw Hill Financial and it's been an incredibly busy time! It's been an amazing experience so far and hopefully by next year I will be more settled into the role and will be able to get back to my other job as our class correspondent! I hope all of you are well—let's try to stay connected throughout the year. All the best, Lucy.

CLASS OF ’88 Kristen Siefers 70 Appleton St., #40 Boston, MA 02116-6214 kasiefers@gmail.com

I hope that everyone from our class is doing well and having a great year. It was so fun to see people at last year’s reunion. Hopefully we can have another great showing for our 30th. I have some very exciting news to report! Who doesn’t love a wedding? Well, our dear friend Natalie Oakman CRAMER married Rebecca Jennie Dreke on December 11, 2013. Congratulations, Nat! It was great to hear from Alicia BROWN Angemeer.

Since Alicia completed her Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh in social and comparative analysis of education, she has continued working for the Institute for Complex Engineered Systems at Carnegie Mellon University. She was recently promoted to the position of broader impacts manager and is working to help the college of engineering faculty develop outreach programming, particularly for K-12. Alicia and her husband, Charley, are also "enjoying" working on many home projects in their North Side house. She gets together with Terry WEINBERGER Lamperski about once a month or so for lunch; Terry is working at the Carnegie Library in Oakland and is doing well.

of Fame in 2002 reflects not just her varsity sports at Ellis, but the life she devoted to healthy living and fitness. We are raising money to install a water fountain and plaque in Ashley’s memory at the new Ellis sports field. Please donate to this effort at: www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/3l65/ ashley-miller-gravelle-memorial-fund.

“Finally, I want to share a poem I wrote with this fountain in mind:” This water is a symbol of life and rejuvenation Of renewal, movement, and transformation Of health and healthy living And most of all, this fountain is always giving — In loving memory of Ashley MILLER Gravelle, who embodied vivacious life and exuberant giving.

Ann Lee GRIMSTAD writes, “Many of us are still struggling with the loss of Ashley MILLER Gravelle to breast cancer. Ashley died March 9, 2014, at age 43 after a long and hard-fought battle, which she kept mostly to herself. But she never stopped moving, the way I hear it, until her last breath. Ashley was one of the most fun, giving, loyal friends I have ever had, and my life was so much richer for having known her. Her induction into the Ellis Athletic Hall

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Windy WEDLAKE Neff ’96, husband, Chris, and sons, Colin (6) and Conner (3).

Emily ASKIN ’98 in front of her Squirrel Hill salon Tula Organic.

Alex ROBINSON Archer ’96 and her new husband, John, in Greece.

CLASS OF ’90 Alissa MANCUSO Poole 3612 Buchanan Ct. Richmond, VA 23233 alissampoole@verizon.net

Kristen BELZ Ornato is in Pittsburgh working as an attorney at KidsVoice in the education and medical unit. She works with kids with special education and medical needs and represents children in foster care who require assistance with legal issues. “It is a great position and a nice way to combine my M.S.W. and J.D.” Kristen’s daughter is in kindergarten and her son is 20 months.

Also in the ’Burgh, Leslie BYERS-Tarlo is busy with her nursing career, her stepdaughter, and rescuing beagles with her husband, Rich. She tries to get to Las Vegas twice a year and would love to meet up with any classmates there.

Tammy YONAS Williams is a transplant ICU nurse at Montefiore Hospital (UPMC) and is studying for her B.S.N. She enjoyed working as the camp nurse at Falcon Camp with her kids, David (15), Danny (14), and Tori (12), last summer. Happy 19th wedding anniversary to Tammy and Mike!

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Case of the Watson Intelligence, which was a Pulitzer Prize finalist this year.”

Wendy YODER Beach lives in Takoma Park, MD, and works as director of brand marketing for Choice Hotels. She and Brian celebrated their 12th anniversary in June, and their daughters are 8 and 4. “My sister, Shari YODER Doherty ’88, and her family moved to London this summer so we’re planning a fun trip to visit them soon.”

In Chicago, Jo LANG Kim continues to work as a clinical psychologist and as director of the mood disorders program for an area hospital system.

She and George recently celebrated their 20th anniversary and are busy with Jordan (10), Jonah (8), and Jude (4), and their many athletic, musical, and other activities. “I am training for my black belt with Jordan and ironically am probably in better shape now than I was in high school!”

Allison COBB Hussey lives in Hilton Head Island where she sells real estate. She and her husband recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with a trip to Paris. “If anyone is vacationing on Hilton Head, stop in and say hello. Would love to share some Island advice.”

Amy HAMMERSCHMIDT Oliver is at home with Matthew (4) and Emma (2). She’s also singing with Belle Voci, a community-based women’s choir that performs in various locations around Pittsburgh and with other local ensembles. “I’d love to see any local classmates at a performance!”

Courtney RATNER Grote is in Seattle with husband, Hobey, and children, Willow (10), and Sam (7), and works at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Health Initiative with bio pharmaceutical companies to develop new vaccines. “I am hoping we can all make it back for our 25th next year, and my hope is that Ellis will coordinate with Shady Side Academy!”

Corinna BURNS writes, “I'm currently playing Banquo in a production of Macbeth here in Philadelphia. I get covered in fake blood every night, which is super fun, but very sticky. In November, I'll be in a production of a new play called The Curious

From Alissa, “After 14 years, we moved from our first house to our second—only a mile up the street—and welcomed our first pet, a Beagle mix

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named Jake. My kids (5th and 2nd grades) are loving the dog and the new house, and I’m staying busy with freelance writing work and preparing to take on the role of PTA president (proving that senior superlatives do come true). Have a great year!”

CLASS OF ’92 Marni McCHESNEY Mohr 81 East Park Lane NE Atlanta, GA 30309-2725 marnimohr@gmail.com

As always, it’s great to hear from my fellow Ellisians.

Here’s the latest from our class: It was fun to hear from Carrie LERBERG Work who told me that she is constantly experiencing a “small Ellis/Pittsburgh world” because so many other alumnae have kids in the same school and/ or activities as her kids. Neat! Her son, Zachary, is 10, in 5th grade, and is almost taller than she is (she just ordered shoes for him that are the same size as hers!). Dylan is in 3rd grade and keeps busy with soccer and hockey. He was able to play a pick-up game at Consol Energy Center, though the parents were way more excited than the kids to sit on "Sidney Crosby's bench". Tyler is 4 and in his last year of preschool. The kids have enjoyed running "marathons" (one-mile fun runs) around the city, though their times would be greatly improved if they didn't stop to high five all the spectators. Dave and Carrie enjoyed a mini vacation in the nation’s capital with the boys in April, though she said that the highlight for the kids was the hotel with the indoor pool!

Sara SUTTON Fell reports that “a gift from the universe appeared this year, in the form of an invitation to be a part of the World Economic

Nicole TAKAHASHI Dolan ’98 on vacation in Ocean City, MD, with husband, Dave, and twins, Joyce and Lucas.

Kate POLACHEK Ciarimboli ’98 with her husband, Nick, and girls, Juliette (dressed as Pippi Longstocking) and Annabel (a bobbysoxer).

Forum's Young Global Leader Class of ’14.” She just returned from the Annual Summit in China.

The mission of WEF is to “improve the state of the world,” and she wrote that “truly, everyone there is working to make the world a better place. It gives me a lot of hope and inspiration, and I'm eager to do what I can to contribute.” When she wrote, she was on her way to California where she was going to see fellow alumna Rachel BELL Robards.

Danielle GOLDMAN Dorfman is still loving life in sunny Southern California. Hayley (11) is in 5th grade and Jake (8) is enjoying 3rd grade at the same elementary school, which is in walking distance from their house. The Dorfman family is pretty busy with the kids’ baseball and softball schedules, year-round, along with various other activities like tennis, band practice, and Hebrew school. Hayley and Danielle spent some time in Pittsburgh this summer before Hayley ventured off for a month of sleepover camp. Josh and Danielle also managed to get away a few times this summer and fall including trips to Philadelphia and Atlanta where she and I got to spend some time together.

She also went to Arizona with her family where they spent time with her sister, Allison GOLDMAN Irwin ’01, and took a 15th wedding anniversary trip to Europe. Danielle and Josh spent a little more than a week exploring Paris and Amsterdam, and had “the most incredible time.”

Sarah MIDDLETON Gaffney writes,“Things in Richmond are great! My threshold of what ‘busy’ is changes almost monthly. Gretchen started 2nd grade, which I am still trying to wrap my brain around, and Spencer has tackled kindergarten with much gusto! We keep adding animals into the mix, a hazard of being married to a veterinarian, I guess. We had some fantastic family vacations this summer, one of which was whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River in Pennsylvania. I highly recommend it!”

Jennifer CARTER states that for someone who does not like change, a lot of it is on the horizon for her. She sold her house and the entire family is moving into a new house in December 2014. They will remain in the same area, but now have a yard for Skylar, their 2 1/2-year-old daughter, and the dogs to "run and frolic." Skylar started preschool in October and is very proud to have a "pack ack" (backpack) now. Jenn still works in private practice in Frederick, MD, and does contract work for the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health, performing court-ordered evaluations for children/adults in the abuse and neglect system there. Recently she underwent training to begin to perform competency-to-stand-trial evaluations for juveniles in the District of Columbia.

Kelly BREEN Hunt reports, “My boys keep me on my toes! Sebastian and Xander are in 6th and 3rd grades, while Ryland is in his final year of preschool.

It's been a big year ... turning 40 and sending my firstborn to middle school. And, I can hardly believe that kindergarten registration is just around the corner for my youngest. The whole growing up thing is bittersweet! But someone please slap me if I exhibit signs of baby lust, and tell me to buy a puppy instead. I can even pick out a girl!”

Carrie GILMORE Wagner writes to say that Nora is a little over 1 and she's running around like crazy and starting to say a lot of words (her current favorite is “wow”). Marshall is almost 3 and he loves his new day care, which has a huge bucket of dinosaurs and plenty of friends. They had a great family vacation in Wyoming this summer, and they are looking forward to a Pittsburgh visit over Christmas. She says that she has had a good start to the year at Cristo Rey Boston High School where she’s now vice principal and teaches AP U.S. government.

I have had a busy, exciting, and fun-filled year.

Thomas Boehm Mohr, or Trey, as we are calling him, was born July 31. We are loving having a baby in the house and big brother, Sam (9), and big sister, Etta (6), have been fantastic about adjusting to all the joy and noise a baby brings. It’s wild having the age spread that we do, but it’s been great so far.

It was wonderful getting to spend some time with Danielle GOLDMAN Dorfman in Philadelphia in July and equally as amazing to have her visit me in the hospital just after I had Trey—she was a tremendous help! Great to hear from those of you who wrote and I hope everyone is enjoying being 40 as much as I am.

CLASS OF ’94

Melissa POLACHEK Filipovic 324 Highland Ave. Donora, PA 15033 mpolachek@gmail.com Emily HOWSON Broadbent writes, “In 2011, I married my best friend, Jay. We welcomed Cora Palmer Broadbent on March 2, 2014. Carter is a senior in high school so life has been very interesting with my two kids.”

Christa BERANEK sent in a photo with her husband, David Matheu, and son, Damien, at Damien's baptism in August 2014.

Alyssa BURRELL Cowan reports, “I am currently working for PA's Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network as a legal trainer, and I train western Pennsylvania child welfare agencies on legal issues that affect them. I started this position in January and am greatly enjoying it. Annie just turned 7 and is in 1st grade and Liam is 4 and in Pre-K. Both kids are at St. Edmund's. We took the

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Monica ORTENZIO ’98 and her husband, Ross, on their honeymoon in Ireland.

Erinn EVANS Andrews ’00 with her children, Izzy (3) and Ashton (18 months).

kids to Disney World for the first time this year and, of course, they loved it! I had a great time seeing everyone at our 20th Reunion!”

And I, Melissa POLACHEK Filipovic, also had a wonderful time seeing everyone at our 20th Reunion! Thank you to Allison FROMM for hosting us Friday evening. It was great catching up with Colleen BRUECKEN Hudson, Kristina BISHOP, Alex SINGER McKim, Susan HARTNER, Margaret DRENNAN (and meeting her beautiful baby girl), and Alyssa BURRELL Cowan. Can’t believe it’s been 20 years already! My son, Will, turned 1 in July.

I’m still working four days a week. We’re just busy enjoying each precious day of Will’s life.

Windy WEDLAKE Neff continues to teach interior design at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division, which allows her to work from home while raising her two sons, Colin (6) and Connor (3). Windy also serves as the president for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) PA West Chapter. She traveled to Los Angeles over the past summer and had the opportunity to catch up with Alison BLOCK Bonn.

CLASS OF ’96

I am nearing completion of my master’s degree in therapeutic recreation at Temple University while working part time with older adults in a long-term care facility. To my surprise, I really love the population. I am glad to hear that others from my class are doing so well and I hope to hear from more of you next time around!

Kate GRIFFIN Borgstrom 514 W. Sedgwick St. Philadelphia, PA 19119 katie.arrott@gmail.com

I have some happy updates from the Class of ’96!

In wedding news, Alex ROBINSON married John Archer this past June in Greece. The newlyweds honeymooned in Tanzania and are now settled back in Geneva, Switzerland, where Alex continues to manage the Gagosian Gallery. Ellis alums in attendance were Jamie McAllister, Liz McCAGUE ’03, and Stancey McGRAW ’05.

After 10 years residing on the Upper West Side, Leslie ROBINSON has made the move to Brooklyn with her husband, Mike Chant. Leslie writes, “We’re enjoying exploring the new neighborhood!”

Emma GILMORE Kieran has also moved, recently relocating to Saratoga Springs, NY. Her husband, Dave, has taken a position at Skidmore College in its history department. Emma has started her own

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business venture as an independent fundraising consultant and loves it. She continues to be an avid runner and is planning to complete her third Ironman in 2015.

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CLASS OF ’98

Kathryn POLACHEK Ciarimboli 100 Denniston St., #18 Pittsburgh, PA 15206-4029 kpolachek@gmail.com Dara HALL Mendez wrote in with exciting news of their new family addition: “Leilani Danai Mendez was born May 14, 2014. I had her naturally less than one hour after arriving at the hospital! She is an amazing child with a very calm and pleasant disposition.

Our oldest, our son, Cairen, and our LEGO master builder, had a wonderful T-ball season this year and started kindergarten this fall. Our middle child, Adrah, turned 3 in May. She is our performer and enjoys dancing, singing, and gymnastics. As for

me, I transitioned back to work after maternity leave as assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh. My husband, Jason, is also at Pitt teaching research courses in the School of Education.”

Nicole TAKAHASHI Dolan has also had a busy year full of babies and travel. Nicole shares, “Our little ones, Joyce and Lucas, are turning 1 in November. I think I know what we'll be giving thanks for! We've been traveling with them a lot more than I ever thought we would this early on. Three trips to New England to see family (and run around the bases at Fenway), two to Pittsburgh, and a little vacation in Ocean City, MD.” Allison CAREY updated us saying, “Julia SALZMAN and I had the chance to hang out here in Boston, where I'm living now, when she was on the east coast for a conference. A good time was had by all!”

I get to see Monica ORTENZIO when she visits Pittsburgh. She has had a big year of change. Monica recently celebrated her one-year anniversary with her husband, Ross. They have enjoyed their first year of marriage with their blended family, Monica's two male felines and Ross's one female cat. She is still living and working in San Antonio, TX, and has recently moved into IT management at USAA. Monica is working in the operations and information security side of IT after spending the entirety of her career in the application development space. The change has been invigorating and she looks forward to expanding her leadership skills and IT knowledge base in her new role.

Emily ASKIN is excited to be rounding out her third year as co-owner of Tula Organic Salon and Spa in Squirrel Hill, which was named the Best Salon in Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Magazine. During one of Emily's improv shows this past spring, I

Julie TROMPETER Taub ’00 with her husband, Daniel, and twins, Ben and Eli.

Katy SWARTZ Kurd ’00 with her girls, Elsie and Kiley, in Cape May this past summer.

Melissa RAIMONDO Morris ’00 and her daughter, Hadley (7 months).

helped orchestrate her surprise engagement to Robert Fuchs, a mechanical engineer in the field of robotics. The proposal was magical and will go down in the history books as one of the greatest improvised musicals/engagements ever. Everyone can check it out themselves at www.youtube.com/watch?v=14P5AbLn1W4.

My girls have a blast with haircuts and tea parties at Tula. Emily and I ran into Lauren DROZ Lieberman, who is working at Ellis as the director of College Counseling.

children. Our daughter, Izzy, turned 3 in November 2014 and our son, Ashton, is 1½ years old now.

Since having Ashton, I've been working part time and just recently decided to stop working for a bit while the kids are so young. We're about to start a major house remodel/expansion, so between that, the kids, and a private consulting practice I have, I'll be staying quite busy. If anyone comes out to the Bay Area, let us know—we'd love to see you!” Best of luck with the remodel—can’t wait to see pictures when it’s done!

As for myself, I officially left my art teaching position to be with my girls, Juliette and Annabel, full time. We are enjoying our family rhythm of home schooling; lots of outdoor play; kitchen adventures; enjoying all the museums, parks, and sights of Pittsburgh; and whatever mayhem we can come up with. We have adventures with my sister, Melissa POLACHEK Filipovic ’94, and her sweet son, Will. We visit Ellis whenever we get a chance.

Juliette really enjoyed attending camp at Ellis Lower School run by Whitney OKONAK Sunday ’98.

We’ve tested out the new glorious field cheering on a neighbor who plays on the Middle School field hockey team. Go Tigers!

A new responder this year, Melissa RAIMONDO Morris, writes that she and her husband of five years, Hunter, live in Fox Chapel with their darling little girl, Hadley. She’s in her fourth year of teaching kindergarten at Fox Chapel Country Day, and has been teaching now for 10 years. Glad to hear from you, Missy, and we hope to again soon!

CLASS OF ’00

Courtney SYSKOWSKI 3600 N. Lake Shore Dr., #2110 Chicago, IL 60613 courtneysyskowski@gmail.com Hello all! It seems that this year has been great for our classmates, lots of new babies, new jobs, and new adventures! Keep it up!

Erinn EVANS Andrews writes, “We're doing well and staying especially busy with our two small

Julie TROMPETER Taub writes that she lives in New York City with her husband, Daniel, new twin boys, Ben and Eli, and the family dog. She works part time as a psychologist in both a private practice and in a hospital setting. She keeps in touch with Angela LIBERTO and Rachel GORDON and visited with Karla VICTUM at Julie’s baby shower last year. A busy household for sure—enjoy it!

It was great to hear from Katy SWARTZ Kurd as well! She writes, “Glad to be back in the Ellis loop!

Kiley Virginia Kurd was born on March 11, 2014, joining her big sister, Elsie. My husband, Michael, and I couldn't believe that the girls were born on the same day two years apart! Everyone is doing great.”

What are the odds that both girls would share the same birthday! How fun! Katy also writes that she spent a week in Cape May, NJ, this summer with her family, and had the chance to visit with Erin MEADE and Gretchen STICKLE Simon while there.

I’m still in Chicago, bracing for another long winter!

My position at Northwestern has changed; I’m now the department administrator in political science, which will be an exciting challenge. My department is celebrating our 100th anniversary this year, and I’ve been tapped to lead a planning committee— reminds me of the Ellis 90th celebration! I’ve done a ton of traveling this year visiting old friends and creating new memories. Next year will be our 15th Reunion, isn’t that right? Let’s plan to get together!

CLASS OF ’02

Kiely LEWANDOWSKI ‘02 4504 Butler St., Apt. #2 Pittsburgh, PA 15201 kiely.lewandowski@gmail.com I am happy to report that I moved back to Pittsburgh in August 2014 and am working at a great law firm downtown. I enjoyed my (almost) four years in Washington, D.C., but I know that this is the city where I want to make a difference and develop as a lawyer, just like my fellow attorney alums here in Pittsburgh: Alison BRAGLE, Tere MILLERSPORRER, and Mary THIBADEAU. One thing that has been crystal clear since I returned home is how fortunate we all are to be Ellis ladies. At our cores, we all really were our true selves during our years at Ellis and it is so inspiring and impressive to see how those young women have become such fascinating professionals and leaders in their chosen fields.

Lily BONGA graduated from Temple University in May 2014 with her Ph.D. in art history. She has spent the last three years living abroad in Greece, on the island of Crete. Currently she is working as an archaeological illustrator for the Institute of Aegean Prehistory, Study Center for East Crete. While she has enjoyed her last three years abroad, Lily is on

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Lily BONGA ’02 working in Crete.

Nell COX Yates ’02 and her daughter, Ada.

(L to R) Maddy SAXON ’09, Bridget BYRNE ’09, Lauren BYRNE ’02, and Kiely LEWANDOWSKI ’02 .

the job market at home so she can be closer to her family and friends!

Lauren BYRNE continues to work as the executive director of Lawrenceville United (LU). In this role, Lauren facilitates myriad community events including tree plantings, advocacy campaigns, and neighborhood zoning/planning initiatives. This year, LU launched a new program entitled PEP Rally, which focuses on increasing parental engagement in local schools and the identification of communitysupported initiatives to most benefit local students and their families. Lauren also serves on multiple boards of non-profit organizations around the city that focus on community engagement and programming. Lauren writes that it has also been quite a year for her personally: she and her family travelled to Boston for her brother, Patrick’s, wedding in August 2014 shortly after celebrating her own engagement to Patrick Connelly! Lauren will be marrying Pat in summer 2015 and is currently enjoying planning her Irish-Pittsburgh-themed wedding in Lawrenceville.

Nell COX Yates and Adam welcomed Adair Lee Yates into the world on December 18, 2013. She has brought more joy into their lives than they ever thought possible. Still based in Los Angeles, CA, Nell is teaching middle school art at The Brentwood School. When Nell and Adam aren’t gallivanting around the country to introduce Ada to family and friends, you can most likely find them hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains or growing veggies in their backyard with their dog and two chickens.

Sara LEWANDROSKI Nelson and her husband, Andy, live in Washington, D.C. Sara works for the U.S. Patent Office, which is based in Alexandria, VA. She and Andy enjoy living in our nation’s capital and encourage everyone to come and visit!

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Leslie NIREN is currently living in Dallas, TX, but has still not incorporated “ya’ll” into her daily vocabulary. After being ordained from Hebrew Union College in spring of 2013, she moved to the Lone Star State to work as a cantor at Temple Emanu-El. Her dear friend Bayh SULLIVAN has already visited twice! Leslie also had a lovely time visiting with Sara Sturdevant, Head of Visual Arts at Ellis, as she passed through Dallas on her summer 2014 art tour.

Carly REED is happy to report that she is back home in Pittsburgh after living in Italy and Colombia in connection with her Ph.D. program in human rights.

Carly is currently writing her dissertation on the reintegration of female child soldiers and working as the assistant director of Global Engagement at La Roche College. Carly is excited to be back in Pittsburgh near her family, friends, and Ellis ladies!!

Julia TOAL graduated from Drexel University in June 2014 with an M.A. in creative arts therapy. Julia was honored to receive the departmental award for Excellence in Clinical Practice. Julia’s thesis focused on how children, families, and communities are affected after being exposed to violence and how art therapy can be a preventive measure and beneficial intervention for those already exposed to violence. In connection with her thesis work, Julia funded a part-time art therapy program at the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia. After graduation Julia moved to New York City with her fiancé, Gabe. Although in 2002 she originally had planned to marry Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys, she looks forward to marrying her very own heartthrob in the Hudson Valley in October 2015.

Anita VIN-Parikh is a clinical associate in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Duke University School of Medicine Eye Center. She works as a glaucoma specialist and research fellow.

Anita misses Pittsburgh, but the south has been a wonderful place to raise her adorable daughter, Anjali, who was born on December 22, 2013, and to be with her husband, Kishan.

At the time of publication, Cynthia WU is (one hopes) still surviving Ebola in the hallowed halls of Bellevue/NYU, where she remains a resident in radiology. She plans to head to San Francisco, CA, in July 2015 to continue her education in neuroradiology at the University of California–San Francisco and she looks forward to connecting with Ellisians on the West Coast!

CLASS OF ’04 Lorrie KIGER Lorraine.kiger@gmail.com

I graduated from medical school in May and moved back to Pittsburgh with my husband, Brett, to start my pediatrics residency at Children's Hospital in June. Since I moved back, I've had a chance to hang out with Kate ROBB, who is living in Pittsburgh and working as an attorney, but I just missed Meagan KRUMAN. Meagan KRUMAN writes, "I graduated with a master's in international affairs from the GSPIA program at University of Pittsburgh in April. After that, I moved to wonderful San Francisco and have been working in Silicon Valley. This summer, I was lucky enough to visit Croatia to attend the wedding of Gorana SMAILAGIC with Jean YANG, Andrea ZIN, and Katie KRUMAN ’06, and then traveled north to visit Addie BYRUM in Germany. I saw my sister Katie KRUMAN ’06 again when she came out to San Francisco to visit in August."

Sara LEWANDROSKI Nelson ’02 and her husband, Andy.

Leslie NIREN ’02 and Bayh SULLIVAN ’02 in Dallas.

Gorana SMAILAGIC writes, "Mladen and I got married this past summer in Croatia. We were fortunate that many friends from the U.S. (including some Ellisian girls!) were able to make it. We traveled a bit along the coast of Croatia after the wedding, which was a much-needed break after all the wedding planning and finishing my M.B.A. We moved to Chicago in August where I'm looking for a new job."

I went to our 10-year reunion in early October and had a chance to play in the alumnae field hockey game with some lovely ladies from the Class of ’63 and ’64 and catch up with Corey McGINLEY Smith ’01, Bayh SULLIVAN ’02, Mrs. Kozusko, and Mrs. Newham. Yana CHUDNOVSKY Warshafsky, Hannah SPIEGEL, Jessica BOPP Dawson ’05, and I had a great time at the cocktail party later that evening. Yana writes, "Mike and I got married in July 2013. We live in Regent Square with our two dogs Gus and Charlie. I work at the attorney general's office and Mike works for PNC Bank.”

I played against Katie GRUNST at a field hockey tournament in Houston a few weeks ago. She is currently teaching 6th grade religion and 7th grade history and coaching varsity field hockey at The Episcopal School of Dallas. She is getting married this coming May in Fort Worth, TX, to Jason Vining. She is almost halfway through the master’s of education program at Southern Methodist University and is enjoying life as a student again.

Katherine LINZER writes, "I'm living in Chicago a mile from Lake Michigan. I've spent most of the year traveling around quite a lot, including visiting Joanna LINZER '07 in Japan. I'm an engagement manager with McKinsey's healthcare practice and spent six months this year doing an exciting research effort on the future of healthcare in the United States. I was excited to see everyone in Pittsburgh for the holidays."

Ilana VALINSKY is in her second and final year at the University of Pennsylvania, where she is earning her master’s of social work from the School of Social Policy and Practice. She has an internship at the Outpatient Psychiatry Department at Penn Behavioral Health. She works with adult clients and performs one-on-one psychotherapy sessions. She writes, "I really enjoy my work. I have a small side job as a club coordinator at Flywheel Sports and took up boxing at Penn this semester. I was a bridesmaid in Sara HANEY's wedding this summer in Pittsburgh and got to spend quality time with some wonderful Ellis girls: Susan STALEY, Farial AWAN, and Brittnee WALKER. A couple of weekends ago, I headed to New York City to spend time with Brittnee at her place in the West Village."

CLASS OF ’06 Molly Onufer mollyonufer@gmail.com

Sarah APT writes, “I'm in my fourth year teaching high school ESL in Philadelphia. I love my co-workers a LOT and I'm crazy about my students. That's about all I can think of as a life update! I rabble rouse on the side.”

Julia COSTA writes, “This May, I married Joseph Edelsack in Pittsburgh. My sisters, Simone COSTA ’08 and Emily Costa, Class of 2018, were my beautiful maids of honor, and Anna SHABALOV and Fonda CHEN officiated an amazing ceremony.

I recently started a new job at American Eagle and Joe and I are having fun settling into married life in Pittsburgh. I hope everyone is doing well!”

Ashley MALLON is happy and healthy and recently moved up to Boston from Philly. She is taking some pre-reqs to be able to start an accelerated nursing

Anita VIN-Parikh ’02, her husband, Kishan, and their daughter, Anjali.

program in fall 2015. She wants you all to know she is just as awkward, quirky, and goofy as at Ellis, just a little older.

Kate MASON and Alex MILLER went to Columbia for a month during the summer of 2014 and found the people there to be kind and generous. It was awesome. They jumped off waterfalls, slept, climbed mountains, slept, and saw coffee farms.

Anna SHABALOV writes, “In January, I officially moved back to Pittsburgh and started as a lawyer with K&L Gates, where I focus my practice on intellectual property litigation and commercial litigation. In June, I married Avery White in Pittsburgh. I was lucky enough to have a fantastic contingent of Ellis girls to celebrate with: Kathy SHABALOV ’10, Fonda CHEN, Julia COSTA, Ashley MALLON, Celeste MORRISON, Katie RULLO, Chrissy LEFFARD Sechrist, Alyia SMITH-PARKER, and Mara TSUDIS.” Mara TSUDIS writes, “I left Chicago in January to take an on-site position at an oil refinery in Southern California. I live in beautiful Hermosa Beach right down the street from Jane SCHMIDLAPP. Funny to move across the country and run into an Ellis girl.”

Carolina VELEZ writes, “Graduated in May with my juris doctor from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, and am currently working as an associate in Manhattan at a litigation firm. This summer I was lucky to have a few Ellisian visitors in the Empire City including my sister, Nicole VELEZ '00, who recently moved back to Pittsburgh with her husband, Alec Templeton, and is a dermatologist with Westmoreland Dermatology Associates, and Jane SCHMIDLAPP, who recently graduated from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona as an architect and is living in L.A. working for Clark Construction.”

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(L to R) Katy KRUMAN '06, Meagan KRUMAN ’04, Andrea ZIN ’04, and Jean YANG ’04 in Croatia.

(L to R) Meagan KRUMAN ’04, Emily SCHMIDLAPP ’04, Katy KRUMAN ’06, and Andrea ZIN ’04 celebrating bride Gorana SMAILAGIC’s ’04 wedding.

As for me, I’m still living in Ireland after finishing my master’s in race, ethnicity, and conflict at Trinity College, Dublin. Most recently, I’ve been working as a research assistant for an NGO (non-governmental operation) that synthesizes research with on-theground experiences of justice coordinators around the globe to set the agenda for the organization’s special representative to the U.N. Also, I recently got to catch up with Katie O’MALLEY ’02 when she visited Dublin for the One Young World Summit.

CLASS OF ’08

Sandra HARTKOPF 6055 Bunker Hill St. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 sandra.hartkopf@gmail.com Sandra HARTKOPF moved to London in September to pursue a master’s of anthropology of media at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)—which, as well as being a mouthful, has already proven to be an incredible learning experience.

Simone COSTA is in her second year of her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Duke University. With her high school sweetheart, Matt, she rescued a German Shepherd mix named Gracie. Matt and Simone are planning their May 2015 wedding. This past summer, she experienced one of the happiest days of her life as the maid of honor at her sister, Julia COSTA’s ’06, wedding. Simone enjoys visits with Kristin GENSZLER, who lives in Raleigh!

Kristin GENSZLER is an assistant producer for Trailblazer Studios and just embarked on an exciting trip to Branson, MO, to film two episodes of the studio’s show Salvage Dogs. She is planning a trip that will take the team to Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama, states she’ll be visiting for the first time.

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Ellis Sisters: (L to R) maid of honor Simone COSTA ’08, bride Julia COSTA ’06, and bridesmaid Emily Costa, Class of 2018.

Eva GILLIS-BUCK is excited to be a first-year medical student at the University of California–San Francisco. Outside of school, she enjoys running and biking in the beautiful hills of San Francisco.

Nicky JOHNSON lives in Austin, TX, with her new fiancé, Jason. Jason proposed on Earth Day, greeting her after work with a fancy European snack.

Hannah KALSON recently moved from New York City to Boston, where she’s working on her dual master’s in Jewish Education and Jewish Studies at Hebrew College.

Sarah KUNKA received her M.S. in mechanical engineering while simultaneously continuing her work at Chrysler. She spent the summer working in Canada on the launch of the 2015 Dodge Challenger.

Sarah is currently working in the Chrysler Design Studio as a studio engineer.

Margaret LUBIMIR is currently working on her master's in accounting at Duquesne University and will be working in the assurance department at the professional services firm BDO in Pittsburgh next fall. In addition to being a graduate student, Margaret is the reigning International Junior Miss Pennsylvania for 2014–2015. She says, “Thanks to Ellis, both of these achievements are possible.”

Sarah RUTHERFORD works for Georgetown University as a communications manager for the Department of Global Engagement. She returns to Pittsburgh every year for the Turkey Trot and is currently designing her family's 2014 trotting costumes.

After 24 years of free heat and food, Molly SCHNEIDER has purchased a house in Mt. Washington. She is pleased to live so close to the city and her job at Duquesne University.

Kate WALSH is still in D.C. where she works as a government contractor while pursuing her M.A. in security studies at Georgetown University. She is very busy, but very happy—especially as Sarah RUTHERFORD lives nearby!

Ali WETZEL has been living in New York City for the past two years where she works as an actor.

She works for a radio agency for which she does commercials and editorials for more than 900 stations across the country. In the past year, Ali has done two Off-Broadway shows including The Miss Longview Texas Drag Pageant, for which she received a notable review in The New York Times and the Village Voice. In January, Ali will play her dream role as Hamlet in the Off-Broadway performance of Hamlet: Prince of Denmark.

CLASS OF ’10

Maura LEWANDOWSKI Maura.lewandowski@gmail.com Kristen HAUSER escaped from Carnegie Mellon in May of 2014 with a B.S. and M.S. in mechanical engineering. Since then, she has enjoyed her first year as a powertrain engineer at Ford Motor Company in Detroit, MI. She spends her free time breaking speed limits, defending the Penguins to her coworkers, and cuddling with her new kitten, Nugget.

Jane CAVALIER is currently living in Berlin, Germany, as a Fulbright Scholar, conducting independent art history research. In the coming year, she intends to study for a master’s in the history of art at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, after which she will return to the United States to accept a job offer at a management consulting firm.

(L to R) Ashley MALLON ’06, Alyia SMITH-PARKER ’06, Katie RULLO ’06, bride Julia COSTA ’06, Anna SHABALOV ’06, and Fonda CHEN ’06.

Kate MASON ’06 and Alex MILLER ’06 exploring in Columbia, South America.

(L to R) Fonda CHEN ’06, Katie RULLO ’06, Chrissy LEFFARD Sechrist ’06, bride Anna SHABALOV ’06, Alyia SMITH-PARKER ’06, Julia COSTA ’06, Ashley MALLON ’06, and Kathy SHABALOV ’10.

Molly SOFFIETTI is a first-year master’s student at Cornell University studying historic preservation planning. She is exploring upstate New York as weather permits, but hopes to intern in Pittsburgh this summer.

After graduating from the University of South Carolina in the spring of 2014, Libby CAMPANELLA headed to Atlanta, GA, to complete her master’s in sports medicine and her teaching certificate in physical education at Georgia State University. She loves being a graduate assistant athletic trainer for a local private high school. She has been enjoying the big city and has had time to hang out with Rasha EL-JAROUDI. Natalie SHRIBMAN graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, ME, with a major in religious studies.

She now works at Temple Sinai in Pittsburgh as a rabbinic intern. She aspires to attend Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion beginning next fall. Her days consist of assisting others and learning how to be a rabbi. Apart from that, she continues to be an avid runner and is training for the Pittsburgh Marathon this May. After graduating from DePaul, Jen VERNON enjoyed a relaxing summer in Chicago and decided to stay for the long term. She has worked for PNC Bank since August, and is loving her job. She is an avid rock climber and looks forward to filling more of her free time engaging in the sport once the temperature warms up again.

After spending the summer at the University of New Hampshire's Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping as a research fellow, Rasha EL-JAROUDI returned to Georgia Tech for her fifth, and hopefully final, year of her undergraduate degree, and of wearing dresses to football games. She enjoyed Gabi WHITMER's visits both in New Hampshire and

in Atlanta, but misses cheering her on during the basketball season (first time in eight years!).

Maura LEWANDOWSKI has returned to Pittsburgh after completing her degree at Emory University and has loved rediscovering Pittsburgh as an adult. She loves returning to Ellis to watch her cousin, Olivia Rautio, Class of 2016, compete on the beautiful new field. Maura hopes to enter the Peace Corps in 2015 and encourages any and all Ellis alumnae to visit her, wherever she may end up!

CLASS OF ’12

Eleanora KALOYEROPOULOU emk67@Pitt.edu Keri GEISER is a junior geoscience major at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. This past summer she enjoyed doing research with a professor on mercury levels in sediment cores from the bottom of Cayuga Lake. She most recently returned from a semester abroad in Brisbane, Australia. The program focused on biology and environmental studies and was supplemented with fieldwork trips.

Valiha JONES attended Maryland Institute College of Art for one year and is now working for Allegheny County Emergency Services. She is a 911 telecommunications officer and fire and EMS dispatcher for the north zone. After additional training in dispatching, she hopes to be offered full-time work. Looking ahead, Valiha would like to become part of the county’s tactical dispatch team, which dispatches for SWAT details and special assignments. If you have a scanner (or download the app), you may hear Valiha on the radio sometime!

Eleanora KALOYEROPOULOU studies Africana studies and history at the University of Pittsburgh.

This year she is the president of the Pitt Campus Women’s Organization where she is leading a campus-wide campaign against sexual assault.

Eleanora is in her first year as a resident assistant and is trying to impart to her floor the same level of confidence that Ellis gave her. She hopes to attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Law following her undergraduate career.

Marina LORENZINI spent the fall in Iceland on an academic travel program with Franklin College of Switzerland focusing on sustainable tourism and environmental science. Her real passion lies in modern and contemporary art, which she plans to work in after graduation. She found this passion while working at the art fair, Art Southampton, last summer. Marina will be doing a semester at the University of Pittsburgh to intensively study languages, her other passion. Long term, Marina would like to be a contemporary art consultant for private collections.

Abby MAXWELL is loving her junior year and continues to stay busy at Penn State. She's a chair for the Public Relations Student Society of America and has been fundraising heavily for the Penn State Dance Marathon through canning trips and other events on campus. She was also a member of the PR street team for Penn State Homecoming. She plans to study abroad in Prague in the upcoming spring semester.

As a junior at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR, Tessa McARDLE has really started to settle into her studies. She loves the local natural environment, like Mt. Hood and the Colombia River Gorge. Tessa is majoring in psychology and is looking into clinical psychology. Currently she is working in a behavioral health and social psychology lab

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Courtney LESOON ’08 and Sunaina RUSTAGI ’08.

Nicole VELEZ ’00 and Carolina VELEZ ’06.

Kristen HAUSER ’10 and her sister, Lauren HAUSER ’03, at Kristen's Carnegie Mellon University graduation.

which allows her to work closely with experienced professors and students.

Next semester, Tessa will be studying psychology in Dublin, Ireland. Overall she’s having a great time at school and hopes the same for all of her Ellis classmates!

Kelsey PEART is an English literature major at Bryn Mawr College, and began her junior year abroad in London at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Between trips to Paris, Amsterdam, Bruges, and all throughout the U.K., she studied British literature and drank too much tea. Kelsey attended a lot of feminist conferences in London and was very active in the feminist society at Goldsmiths, immensely missing her women's college and safe space at Bryn Mawr. For spring semester, she will pursue an anthropology minor and continue reading plenty of British literature to prepare for her senior thesis.

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Kelsey PEART ’12 in Paris.

SPRING 2015

Submit Class Notes Online The Office of Alumnae Affairs wants to hear from you, and share your news with your fellow Ellisians! Have you recently gotten a promotion? Won an award? Started a business? Gotten married or had a child? The Ellis magazine's online Class Notes form makes it easy for you to share your news and keep in touch with your classmates.

Online Class Notes must come directly from the graduate who has news to report. Notes are edited to fit available space. Log on at www.theellisschool.org/classnotes today.

Gorana SMAILAGIC ’04 and her husband, Mladen Kolar, on their wedding day.

Milestones

Julia COSTA ’06 and her bridal party.

MARRIAGES

NEW ARRIVALS

IN MEMORIAM

Natalie CRAMER ’88 to Rebecca Dreke on December 11, 2013

Marni McCHESNEY Mohr ’92, a son, Thomas Boehm Mohr, on July 31, 2014

Agnes DODDS Kinard ’32 on May 22, 2014

Alexandra ROBINSON ’96 to John Archer in June 2013

Emily HOWSON Broadbent ’94, a daughter, Cora Palmer Broadbent, on March 2, 2014

Sara HANEY ’04 to Kelvin P. Stroud on August 23, 2014

Sara IMBRIGLIA Leone ’94, twin daughters, Harper and Cameron Leone, on October 14, 2014

Gorana SMAILAGIC ’04 to Mladen Kolar on June 28, 2014

Christina BUHOT de la Garza ’98, a daughter, Maia Luna Elizabeth de la Garza, on September 13, 2014

Yana CHUDNOVSKY ’04 to Mike Warshafsky on July 28, 2013

Nicole TAKAHASHI Dolan ’98, twins, Joyce and Lucas Dolan, in November 2013

Julia COSTA ’06 to Joseph Edelsack on May 24, 2014

Dana HALL Mendez ’98, a daughter, Leilani Danai Mendez, on May 16, 2014

Anna SHABALOV ’06 to Avery White on June 28, 2014

Katy SWARTZ Kurd ’00, a daughter, Kiley Virginia Kurd, on March 11, 2014

A Few Words About Photos We greatly appreciate all the photos we receive for the magazine’s Class Connections section. However, to ensure that the images look their best, we need your help. Unlike the small thumbnails or snapshots you might find online or send to a friend, print publications require high-resolution (300 dpi) images. That’s why some photos do not appear in the magazine or why some are smaller than others.

As always, our goal is to include as many images from our alumnae as possible.

When submitting, please find the original images on your smart phone or camera, and keep those hi-res photos coming!

If you have any questions contact The Office of Alumnae Affairs at 412.661.6796 or alumnae@theellisschool.org.

Eleanor POWER Leighton ’36 on January 21, 2015 Barbara SMITH Allen ’40 on July 1, 2014 Natalie MERCER (Kelly) Latimer '40 on January 13, 2015 Elizabeth EVANS Morton '41 on January 27, 2015 Dorothy SHEPARD Clements ’43 on August 22, 2014 Caroline HARTWELL Stewart ’44 on November 1, 2014 Joanne WENTZ Stephenson ’46 on October 21, 2014 Susan SAYERS Crane ’55 on January 20, 2015 Susan SMEATON Werness '69 on January 5, 2015

A Tribute to

Susan SAYERS Crane ’55

A titanic figure in Ellis School history, Susan SAYERS Crane, former 3rd grade teacher and Lower School Director, passed away on January 20, 2015, surrounded by her family. Her daughters, Peggy CRANE Vaughan ’79 and Cathy CRANE Frankel ’82, informed us of their mother's passing; they have honored Ellis by requesting to have her memorial service at the School in June. This seems particularly fitting because Ellis was Susie’s second home and Ellis colleagues her second family.

Robin Newham, now Head of The Ellis School, remembers that in 1998, when she was a newly appointed Upper School Division Director, she had the pleasure of joining Susie and Sue Kirkpatrick, then long-time Lower and Middle School Directors respectively.

Hired as a teacher at Ellis in 1981, Robin had known and respected Susie as both a teacher and administrator.

“Susie remained in her role as Lower School Division Director for only a year,” Newham recalls. “I was so grateful for the one year we worked together as division directors and wished for more. Susie Crane was a grand lady, magnetic and charming, sensible and hilarious. Her quick wit and great storytelling ability endeared her to her colleagues and to her adoring students.”

Susie taught 3rd grade at Ellis from 1974 to 1987, a linchpin grade in the division. Third grade is the year that students begin to read for content and to study abstraction in math.

This, as well as “upperclassman” status, makes it a seminal Lower School grade. In Susie's hands, 3rd grade was both stimulating and manageable; and generations of Ellis

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women remember Mrs. Crane as THE third grade teacher at Ellis.

If there was a hat to be worn at Ellis, Susie wore it. As the parent of two Ellis students, a teacher, an administrator, a Trustee, and a graduate of the School, Susie knew, perhaps better than anyone, how the School worked.

She was a beloved friend and trusted mentor to so many colleagues and parents who sought her counsel. Terri Wilson, who has taught in the Ellis Lower School since the late 1970s, considers Susie a mentor and friend.

“We could talk about anything,” Terri says. “I quickly learned that she had a real passion for local and Pennsylvania history, which she shared as part of curriculum, and a deep love of literature. She was warm, easy going, and had a great sense of humor. She told the funniest stories that we would ask her to tell over and over again. She was a storyteller for her students, too. The girls just loved her.”

Judy COHEN Callomon ’54, who graduated a year ahead of Susie, remembers her as a leader, even as a student; noting that she won the Augustus K. Oliver Cup for excellence in

Susie Crane was a grand lady, magnetic and charming, sensible and hilarious. Her quick wit and great storytelling ability endeared her to her colleagues and to her adoring students.

—Robin Newham, Head of School

Talk

Ellis Social Media #tbt to Miss Greco in 1988.

We now know her as Dr. Greco.

"I love Dr Greco... I not only had her as a teacher at Ellis, but also as a professor at Pitt when getting my Masters!!!!!"

– Tammy YONAS Williams ’90

Teaching the History of Race Through 100 Objects.

"I love this! Thank you Ellis for continuing to encourage progressive thinking and not shying away from or watering down more difficult topics."

– Kelsi CARTER ’07 Susan SAYERS Crane ’55 in her senior portrait.

academics, citizenship, and sportsmanship. Even today, Judy marvels at all that Susie was able to accomplish. “She was a single mother raising two daughters while running the Lower School. Anything she put her hand to was incredible,” Judy recalls.

As if all that was not enough, Susie was a creative whirlwind and an athlete. Her talents included painting, tennis, cooking, and sewing. She crafted elaborate costumes for class plays as well as dresses for her girls.

Legions of Ellis women recall her decadent pies, Chinese chicken salad, and elaborate desserts.

So many wonderful students and families passed through Ellis during Susie's tenure. She is survived by her daughters and grandchildren, James, Ian, Henry, and Lillie. She will be missed, but the legacy she has left in the minds and hearts of thousands of Ellis women will endure. •

Donations may be made in her honor to The Susan Sayers Crane Lower School Fund at The Ellis School. A celebration of her life will be held in the auditorium of The Ellis School on Sunday, June 7, 2015, at 11:30 a.m. with a reception to follow.

There are hundreds of reasons to love Ellis. Tell us why you love our School.

"I'll always love Ellis for a million reasons but chiefly because of our amazing teachers."

– Jennie NIELAND Niedelman ’90

#tbt to 2009. This one needs no introduction, we are positive you will be able to identify her.

"Mrs. Newham is The BEST!" – Tia WASHINGTON ’86

Ellis advanced clay students make two clay pieces to fire in the raku kiln.

"I still have my pieces and actually use the tea bowl."

– Felicia SNYDER ’05

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Reunion Reconnect with Friends

REUNI N 2015

Relive History

Celebrating Classes:

Save the Date { October 9-10, 2015 }

celebrating classes ending in

0

and

5

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1965

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1975

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1995

2000

2005

2010 If you would like to volunteer for Reunion, please call or email the Office of Alumnae Affairs at 412-661-6796 or alumnae@theellisschool.org. Look for your invitation (with all the details of the weekend's activities) in the mail and online this summer.

Connect Stay in Touch

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As an alumna of The Ellis School you are a part of a select network.

Ellis women excel at everything from the arts to science, athletics to math, and can be found everywhere from Asia to Europe and in just about all 50 states. By updating your contact information you will be able to stay up to date on all things Ellis.

Log on to https://ellis.myschoolapp.com today.

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A Timeless Tradition This photo was found in a box labeled "pictures for magazine, dateless/sorted by subject." If you recognize the people or know the year this photo was taken, please contact the Office of Alumnae Affairs at 412-661-6796 or alumnae@TheEllisSchool.org with details.