Alumni Weekend 2021

or the Blair Academy community, Alumni Weekend is a cherished moment of annual celebration. It’s a time when friends and classmates return to a campus that holds many memories, reunite with old friends whom they may not have seen in years, make new connections with graduates from other classes, and most importantly, share their stories. This year, in particular, even more friends were reunited as we brought back two classes for Alumni Weekend.

“It was so nice to return to campus and see all my favorite spots and people!” shared Zoe Brown ’15. “Catching up with friends and teachers was a treat—it’s always wonderful to hear what everyone has been up to. It’s amazing what everyone has accomplished in five years, yet in some ways, visiting campus made me feel as if graduation was just yesterday.”

In what promised to be an outstanding celebration of camaraderie, former students reunited for a single-day celebration on August 14, with festivities kicking off the night before to honor the two 25th- and 50th-reunion classes.

On Friday evening, members of the graduating classes of 1970, 1971, 1995 and 1996 came together for dinner and cocktails under the stars at Sharpe House. Jerry Bamel ’70 enjoyed reuniting with his classmates for such a meaningful reunion. He shared, “Back in the late 1960s it was a challenging time for both the nation and Blair. Many friendships were formed at Blair, and we then went on to our own paths. The 50th Blair reunion is a milestone in our lives and is a chance to catch up with some of those friends who I’ve thought about over the years and to reflect upon some of the knowledge, skills and abilities I learned as a fresh-faced sophomore 15 years of age, 50 years ago...The Blair campus today is vibrant, active, stimulating and, I’m sure, challenging for students. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to visit and reflect upon my life.”

Alumni Weekend continued on Saturday as Head of School Peter G. Curran welcomed everyone to campus and honored William Y. “Bud” Bogle III ’45 as Alumnus of the Year and awarded Martin Miller and Wayne “Razz” Rasmussen, two of Blair’s longest-standing faculty members, Citations of Merit. Guests then attended the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony. As Saturday continued, families enjoyed the traditional lunch picnic followed by a variety of activities for recreation enthusiasts from coed softball game to a hike through the Siegel Property. In addition, the class of 2020 had the opportunity to gather and reconnect with a special gathering and presentation on Sharpe House lawn.

“Alumni Weekend 2021 promised to be a relaxing day on campus to enjoy time together,” said Director of Alumni Relations Shaunna Murphy. “We put together an event that brought out everyone’s Blair spirit, and we hope that attendees had a wonderful time!” ■

Bud Bogle graduated from Blair Academy 76 years ago, yet his passion for the School is as profound and strong as ever. It is evident in his 19 years of dedicated service as a class representative and in his continued, enthusiastic presence at Blair events on campus and beyond.

Bud is the eldest of the three Bogle brothers, including the late twins, David C. Bogle ’47 and Chairman Emeritus of the Blair Board of Trustees John C. Bogle ’47, who came to Blair with the help of scholarship aid to complete their high-school educations. A varsity soccer player and “one of the best-natured fellows on First East,” according to the 1945 ACTA, Bud established friendships during his year at the School that he has sustained through more than seven decades.

Bud’s love for Blair has inspired his generous philanthropic support of the School over the years, and he is an especially proud member of the John C. Sharpe Society of planned givers. We are honored that he has become involved in the Bogle Brothers Scholars Program since his brother, Jack’s, passing, and in so doing, has shared his passion for Blair with the current generation of students. The Bogle Scholars, in turn, have had the privilege of meeting a man who has modeled kindness, humility, service to the nation and to others, a strong sense of faith, and love of family and friends throughout his life—qualities to which every Blair graduate should aspire.

Bud is truly one of the School’s most loyal alumni/ae, and we are grateful for all he has shared with Blair for threequarters of a century. In naming him the 2021 Alumnus of the Year, we honor his exceptional dedication to the Blair family, past, present and future.

Since joining Blair’s history faculty in 1980, Martin Miller, PhD, Hon. ’81, has inspired generations of students. His expert tutelage of the Society of Skeptics for 35 years is, undoubtedly, the crown jewel of his many Blair achievements. Yet, he brought the same depth of intellectual generosity and curiosity that shaped Skeptics into a lecture series of national renown to his roles as a teacher, coach, mentor, advisor, Blair ambassador and friend. Always learning, caring deeply for others and ever humble, Marty represents the best of the Blair ethos.

As a former history teacher and department chair, Marty’s influence remains with his students long after they graduate. Outside of academics, Marty’s guidance in the art of international diplomacy as director of Blair’s Model UN built upon the skills students learned in his classroom, and his love of sport fueled his relentless drive as Blair’s cross country coach for 40 continuous years. In addition, he founded and deftly co-edited the Blair Review, the beloved publication that connects the Blair community through the poignant personal stories of alumni/ae, faculty and friends. His wealth of historical knowledge and nuanced perspective broadened horizons well beyond the Blair “bubble” and taught students how to be citizens of the world.

We proudly present this 2021 Citation of Merit, Blair’s highest honor, in gratitude and celebration of Marty’s extraordinary dedication and contributions to the Blair community.

Wayne Rasmussen, known by one and all as “Razz,” was the School’s longest-serving faculty member when he retired in 2020, a deeply respected member of our community for a remarkable 43 years. More impressive than the length of his service are its breadth and depth, as he was involved in nearly every aspect of Blair over the years—from academics and the arts to athletics and student life—and, in all that he did, he shared his gifts, pursued excellence and selflessly brought out the best in students and colleagues.

Razz’s impact in the classroom spans two disciplines, as he taught chemistry and math during his tenure. He also brought his talents to Blair’s athletics as a football coach and videographer, as well as the enthusiastic coordinator of Blair’s annual British golf exchange. However, it was in his role as technical director of the School’s theatre program that his dedication to Blair students was most visible. His finely honed stagecraft, sound and lighting skills made Blair Academy Players’ productions shine.

We are delighted that Razz and his wife, Linda, have remained in Blairstown and continue to be involved in the School community. The wonderful relationships Razz has forged are a testament to the depth of his caring, and his legacy of generous service will inspire Blair teachers for years to come. This 2021 Citation of Merit, Blair’s highest honor, proudly recognizes Razz’s four-plus decades of dedication to the School and all that he is to the Blair family.