Issuu

TODAY AT BRECK

BUILDING THE FUTURE

Breck Looks Forward PG.22

MEALS THAT HEAL

Connecting the Community

COMING HOME

Alumni, Faculty and Staff

SPRING SPORTS REPORT

here and now.

Breck School 2012/13 Annual Fund

When we say you are here, we mean it. Your Annual Fund participation brings you here—to Breck—every day.

And while you may not be here to see it every day, your gift makes everything possible. From the diverse and enriching array of academics, arts and sports, to professional development activities for faculty, to the work of the committed individuals who take care of the buildings and grounds, your support helps you be here now.

Make your gift today, and you’ll make a difference here and now.

18 | Breck Meals that Heal

A new Parents Association program helps community members care for each other by delivering food to those in need.

22 | Watch this Space

cover story As the Upper School transformation takes shape, students, teachers and staff find ways to focus on the fundamentals—and have a little fun at the same time. From learning in the Fieldhouse to running mustangs in the chain-link fence, read about the project and this ordinary, extraordinary year.

30 | Alumni Enrich Faculty and Staff

We caught up with nine alumni who have returned to Breck as members of the faculty and staff. See what they have to say about life at Breck now and then.

36 | Tib Tusler ’50 Builds a Distinguished Career

Architect Tib Tusler, our 2012 Distinguished Alumnus, reflects on his time at Breck and his career in health-care facilities design.egg: Developing a New Service

28 | Bobbie Tonkin, Jenny Bennett, Marie Murphy: Helping First Graders Become Confident Writers

30 | Lois Fruen: Enhancing Scholarship and Scientific Study

On the cover: Construction is everywhere you look at Breck this fall. Here, second graders work with visitors from the Minnesota Children’s Museum to learn about urban planning and building.

Photo by Sher Stoneman

Today at Breck is a publication of Breck School, 123 Ottawa Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55422 email: communications@ breckschool.org

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Edward Kim

DIRECTOR OF ADvANCEMENT

Meredith Cook VanDuyne

EDITOR AND CHIEF WRITER

Jill Field

DESIGN

ThinkDesign Group:

Linda Henneman, Claire Moyle, Corey Sevett

WRITERS

Daniel Bergerson ’13, Emily Colwell ’14, Gay Gonnerman, Carey Sirianni, Erin Strong

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Paul Blesi, Emily Colwell ’14, Chelen Johnson, Lauren Kiesel, Nina Killingstad ’12, Matthias Orfield, Byron Rice, Karyl Rice, Sara Rubinstein, Sher Stoneman, Erin Strong

PRINTING

Bolger Vision Beyond Print

MISSION

DEPARTMENTS

4 | 20 Questions

We asked, and they answered: Kwaku Bodom ’15, Kim Schafer and Jennifer Peterson

7 | 123

Activities, accomplishments, awards, announcements: here are some items from the summer and early fall at Breck.

7 | Who Knew?

Fun facts, both current and historical (no, there won’t be a quiz!)

| Ten Things You Didn’t Know About…

Homecoming, that wonderful all-school celebration

| Alumni News

A brief report on alumni events, new Alumni Council members, reunions and more.

| Class Notes

Alumni share recent news.

| Sports News

Breck athletes had a spectacular spring season, and we’ve got a complete report.

| In Their Own Words

Bishop Prior shares the wisdom of a children’s book at Baccalauteate.

Breck is an Episcopal, coeducational, college-preparatory day school enrolling students of diverse backgrounds in grades preschool through twelve.

Breck’s Mission is to:

Prepare each student for a college whose culture is compatible with the individual’s needs, interests and abilities. Help develop each student’s unique talents and potential to excel by nurturing independence and self-worth. Instill in each student a deep sense of social responsibility.

Breck School is committed to environmental stewardship. This publication is printed on paper manufactured with electricity in the form of renewable energy (wind, hydro, biogas) and a minimum of 30% postconsumer recovered fiber.

One of the things I admire most about Breck is our community’s artful blend of tradition and innovation. On a foundation of enduring values, Breck develops dynamic new academic programs. In accordance with longstanding standards of excellence, Breck creates new ways for more students to attain those standards. For more than 125 years, Breck has kept faith with its past while reinventing itself to meet the challenges of the day.

The Upper School transformation currently underway is a perfect example, and I can’t think of anything more typically and wonderfully Breck

Our building project is going well. And though it’s my first at Breck, this is the fourth major academic building project with which I’ve been involved. Along the way, I’ve learned that the best outcome – one I fully expect to experience about a year from now – is when we ask ourselves only one question: “Why didn’t we do this before?”

While the building takes shape, we have been thinking about the curricular transformations also under construction. One particularly exhilarating example is the Melrose Family Center for Servant Leadership, a program that will help make service a more deeply meaningful element of the Upper School curriculum. Drawing upon a concept that has transformed the culture of many large U.S. corporations, servant leadership at Breck will provide a structure for us to give students a foundation in leadership skills that will serve them and their communities well long after their Breck graduation.

Though our campus looks different during this year of construction, it’s important for me to underscore what many of you have already observed. Nothing is fundamentally different. It may take longer to get from “Breck East” to “Breck West,” and we have to go outside to do so, but we are firmly focused on realizing our mission.

Our approach has modeled the kind of mental flexibility we expect of our students, as it encompasses looking at what’s possible, gathering information and considering different perspectives before we act.

And the process has been accessible even to our youngest students. Every time I pass through the science hallway and see a Lower School class incorporating the construction into their academic work and imagining their future selves, I know that we are building more than just a new facility for the Upper School.

I’m delighted that this issue of the magazine celebrates Homecoming and some very special elements of our community, including our photo of “legacy” families (alumni whose children are now Breck students) and profiles of alumni members of our faculty and staff.

They’re all a constant reminder of how we can look forward and back at the same time, and how Breck is so much stronger as a result.

EDWARD KIM HEAD OF SCHOOL

KWAKU BODOM ‘15: BRECK SOPHOMORE

1 What’s on your iPod?

Maroon 5 – “one more night,” old school songs like “Candy rain” by Soul

4 Real and “Cameras” by Drake

2 What’s one of the last books you read?

Gifted Hands by Ben Carson, an autobiography of an African American surgeon who grew in in a rough neighborhood and was able to rise above to save many lives with his work

3 What’s your favorite time of year?

Springtime because people tend to be more relaxed, and that’s always a good thing.

4 What’s your favorite Breck lunch? Italian dunkers by far!

5 Who is your personal hero (and why)?

My dad. He came to America from Ghana when he was 13 and has always worked hard: on the farm with his adoptive parents, in school and playing sports.

6 Dream job?

Working at Under Armour. I like their gear, and I’d like to give free stuff to kids who can’t play sports because they can’t afford equipment.

7 What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?

KIM SCHAFER: LOWER

SCHOOL INSTRUCTOR

1 What’s on your iPod?

David Bowie, Black Eyed Peas, White Cherry, Flo Rida, Colbie Caillat, Earth, Wind and Fire, Dan Fogelberg, Aaron Copland, and Jackson 5 (just to name a few)

2 What’s one of the last books you read?

Wonder, by R.J. Palacio, a wonderful children’s book about the power of kindness

3 What’s your favorite time of year? Autumn

What’s the most thrilling/adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Climbing a 50' ladder to get to cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park…and climbing back down again

5 What’s your favorite Breck lunch?

Baked Potato Bar ... or any lunch when there are cookies for dessert

6 Who is your personal hero (and why)?

My mother-in-law! She is the kindest, most open-minded, fun-loving, humble, hard-working person I’ve ever known.

7 Dream job?

George Clooney’s personal assistant, an anchor job on Good Morning America, or starring in a Broadway musical. Teaching third grade at Breck is in the top five!

8 Best decision?

Marrying my husband

9 What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?

Relax—it’ll all work out.

10 What is the most important room in your home?

The kitchen. We have a lot of fun cooking, baking, eating, playing, and talking there.

11 What’s your favorite place on the Breck campus?

Lower School Library

12 Favorite comfort food?

Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies

13 If you had a theme song, what would it be?

It would have to be a medley. One just wouldn’t cover it .

14 Favorite line from a movie?

“What did you learn, Dorothy?”

15 Favorite website?

Twitter, Pinterest, Allrecipes

16 Three people, living or dead, you’d have over to dinner?

Barbara Walters, Lev Vygotsky, Tom Izzo

17 If you could read anyone’s mind, whose would it be?

My dog’s. We’re absolutely sure she thinks some pretty amusing things.

18 If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Tahiti, Israel, or the Galapagos Islands

19 Pet peeve?

Drivers who don’t yield and/or don’t know how to merge

20 What keeps you up at night? Curiosity, a good book, and my husband’s snoring

JENNIFER PETERSON:

1 What’s one of the last books you read?

Ines of My Soul by Isabel Allende

2 What’s your favorite time of year? Fall, hands down. Weather is great and September will always mean new beginnings to me, even more so than January.

3 What’s the most thrilling/ adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

After college, I “backpacked” in Europe with an old roommate. That was well before cell phones and internet so it was a big adventure.

4 What’s your favorite Breck lunch? I love the wrap sandwiches and salad with cranberries/nuts.

5 Who is your personal hero (and why)?

My father, Dick Mugler, a man of integrity who ran a successful construction business in New York City, with a reputation for dealing with everyone honestly (sadly, not the norm). My brother runs the company now.

6 Dream job? Being a mom

7 Best decision?

BRECK PARENT, CO-CHAIR, 2012-13 ANNUAL FUND

Leaving New York to attend business school at Duke, where I met my husband, John.

8 What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?

Everything will work out in the end

What do you remember from kindergarten?

Mrs. Runge would keep us busy playing instruments and singing until it was time to go.

10 What is the most important room in your home?

The kitchen, where we cook together, eat, do homework and entertain

11 What’s your favorite place on the Breck campus?

I’ve always liked the Salas Commons. It’s a great space any time of year where I can regroup before or after a meeting and fit right in with the students.

12 Favorite comfort food?

I love a nice bowl of pasta. Any kind.

13 If you had a theme song, what would it be?

“Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow” by Fleetwood Mac

14 Favorite line from a movie?

“ ‘Tis but a scratch!” from Monty Python and the Holy Grail

15 Three people, living or dead, you’d have over to dinner?

Thomas Jefferson, Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela

16 Best trophy/award you ever won?

Volunteer of the Year, Junior League of Morristown, 2003-04

17 If you could read anyone’s mind, whose would it be?

I would love to read the (small) mind of our beagle/jack russell mix, Belle.

18 If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I would love to go to South America and visit Peru, Argentina and Chile.

19 Pet peeve?

Tailgaters (not the kind before football games)

20 What keeps you up at night?

I was wondering last night if it was time to change the smoke detector batteries.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW FACULTy AND STAFF

Erin Fifield, Lower School teacher assistant

Veronica Guevara, Upper School Spanish

Nellile Jans, Receptionist

Jill Kulick, Lower School media center

John Lofquist, Ice Center Facility Technician

Matthew Mills, Lower School teacher assistant

Emily Carr Moore, Lower School teacher assistant

Bobak Razavi, Middle School English/History

Sebastien Saunoi-Sandgren, Middle and Upper School French

Kraig Windschitl, Chapel Musician

There were also new roles for some familiar faces, including Merrill Harris (PE/Health department head), Jon Martin (assistant athletic director) and Peter Saunders (Upper School English).

We welcomed back Tobie Dicker and Tom Hegg from their sabbaticals—and wished Dallas Crow and Mary Jane Curran a fulfilling year on theirs.

Number of faculty/staff donors to the Annual Fund (up from 150 the year before)

Number of communities our students come from:

Third grader Emily Johnson, whose art graces the cover of the 2012-13 Breck calendar

left to right: Sebastien Saunoi-Sandgren, Erin Fifield, Matthew Mills, Bobak Razavi, Veronica Guevara, Emily Carr Moore

Inset: Kraig Windschitl

MIDDLE SCHOOL TRIO TAKES FIRST PLACE AT NATIONAL HISTORy DAy

Their seventh-grade year finished with quite a flourish, as Melanie Blazar, Halcyon Brown and Cassidy Yueh collaborated on a project that won top honors at National History Day.

Inspired by physicians among their families and friends, the girls chose to complete their group display on the topic of the anesthetic revolution. “We’ve been raised in a world where good anesthetics were always there,” says Cassidy. Adds Melanie, “It was incredible to see the progress—the situation was really terrible 100 years ago.”

“Ms. Lennox was really great,” they all agree. “And the Minnesota Historical Society was very helpful, too.”

Melanie’s sister Brittany Blazar and her partner Elena Berman also had a group project reach the national finals.

As for their trip to national competition at the University of Maryland, the girls enjoyed meeting other students, having a collegiate experience of staying in a dormitory and sightseeing in Washington, DC, including a reception at the White House.

All three say they were surprised to discover that the process of doing the research and completing the display board was just the beginning. They revised and improved their board after both the regional and state competitions and appreciated all the help and encouragement along the way.

They describe the feeling of being at the final award ceremony as one they won’t soon forget. “We barely even heard our names being called,” Cassidy recalls. “I felt like I was about to faint!”

Fortunately, none of them needed anesthetic on the trip.

COMMUNITy MEMBERS INvITED TO PERFORM HANDEL’S Messiah AT BRECK

Performing Arts department faculty Lisa Doering and Claudette Laureano are putting together a 100-voice massed choir to perform approximately 40 minutes of selections from Handel’s Messiah.

students, teachers, parents and alumni will join together for performances at the December 4 All-school chapel and on Monday evening, December 10, in the chapel of the Holy spirit.

“We performed this program four years ago,” says Doering, “and many found the experience absolutely transformational. It’s such an exciting opportunity to sing great music with the extended Breck community. It doesn’t get much better than this!”

Participants are required to attend three rehearsals, beginning on November 12. Interested singers who have experience and can read music can get in touch with her via email: lisa.doering@breckschool.org.

CORRECTION

Due to an editing error, the cover story on Breck and China in the summer issue said Breck started teaching Mandarin in Lower School in 1998. The correct year is 1991.

The most popular area code for Breck families (306), followed by 952 (271), 763 (192) and 651 (27)

$900,000

Original cost to build the River Road campus

left to right: Cassidy, Melanie, Brittany, Sen. Al Franken, Elena and Halcyon

BRECK HOSTS

13 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN 2012-13

This year we are delighted to welcome 13 international students to Breck—and are very appreciative of the host families who make the program possible.

Jeungwon (Sara) Eum, South Korea, grade 9 (Dr. Jinhwa Eum and Mrs. Hyangmee Oh, parents)

Yue (Leah) Hao, China, grade 10 (Troy and Stephanie Olsen, hosts)

Veronika Holobova, Czech Republic, grade 11 (Dr. Michael Maddaus and Dr. Lea Fairbanks, hosts)

BRECK STUDENTS AMONG ELITE HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARS

Papers from six Breck students out of 25 winning submissions were selected for publication by the 2012 National Society of High School Scholars Paper Awards.

Prentice Basten for her paper titled “Rondo: A Vanished Community in the Present Day”

Samarth Damania for his paper titled “A Data-Mining Approach to Identify Factors that Contribute to High Pharmaceutical Drug Costs”

Caleb Kumar for his paper titled “Designing and Validating a Java Program to Diagnose Bladder Cancer”

Taylor McCanna for her paper titled “Engineering an Inexpensive Mobile Electric Field Mill to Track Changes in the Global Electric Circuit”

Claire Simpson and Jessica Ryvlin for their paper titled “Mercaptopyruvate-TEA: A Possible Antidote Against Threats of Chlorine-Induced Lung Injury”

Xinruo (Sarah) Hu, China, grade 11 (Randy deBruyn and Sarah Dodge and Dr. Eric Ernst and Rena Kang, hosts)

Sung Rim Huh, South Korea, grade 10 (Dr. Gina Bardon, host)

Sung Wan Huh, South Korea, grade 8 (Dr. Gina Bardon, host)

Rustam Kosehrbay, Republic of Kazakhstan, grade 10 (Dr. Gumaroga Lyazzat, mother)

Guohao (Ruskin) Li, China, grade 11 (Randon and Kathy Roland, hosts)

Yunong (Charles) Wang, China, grade 10 (Jianmin He and Jenny Liu, hosts)

Jinhui (James) Yang, China, grade 10 (Ron and Dr. Teresa Sit, hosts)

Yu (Amy) Yin, China, grade 12 (Charlene Jundt and Peter Maritz, hosts)

Youngmin (Jennifer) Youn, South Korea, grade 10 (Hyun Sook Park, aunt)

Hongrong (Demi) Zhang, China, grade 10 (Jianmin He and Jenny Liu, hosts)

KOOP, THyR NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS; SIx SENIORS ARE RECOGNIzED

Two members of the Class of 2013 – Sarah Koop and Nicholas Thyr – have been named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition,

Each year, less than one percent of high school seniors nationwide are awarded semifinalist recognition. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation grants semifinalist status based on junior-year PSAT scores.

Five seniors were named Commended Scholars in the program: Daniel Bergerson, Greer Bingham, Stephanie Carlson, Joseph Kuhns and Emma Quirk-Durben, and Samantha Thomas was named an Outstanding Participant in the 2013 National Achievement Scholarship Program,

Bulbs planted in the Lower School secret garden each year. The flowers are made into bouquets delivered to nursing homes.

OFF CAMPUS: MADISON LOMMEN ‘15

Sophomore Madi Lommen didn’t set out to become a baking entrepreneur. But her “Madibanani” loaves, now available at Kowalski’s Market in Eden Prairie, is changing both her life and the lives of others.

“I’ve always loved baking, and I developed a great banana bread recipe when I was ten,” she explains. “So when I needed to find a way to raise money so I could go on last year’s spring break service trip to Thailand, selling the bread seemed like a natural choice.”

And after the trip, where she fell in love with the Burmese refugee children at the orphanage they visited, Madi realized that she could keep selling banana bread to raise funds for them.

The group of ten students who made the trip with Mme. Schmidt was able to donate $10,000 toward the construction of a new building for the orphans, and Madi was hooked. “I started thinking about how many other children I could help,” she says.

So over the summer, she got to work. With guidance from her mother, she spent time with people in the local food industry, including Caribou and General Mills, wrote a business plan, found commercial kitchen space she could rent on an hourly basis and started her website: madibanani.com.

She researched sources for her ingredients and even got her food manager certification. “Now that I’m back in school, it’s a little more difficult to find the time,” she says.

“It’s hands-on work. But I’m learning so much every day.”

Madi hopes that her future includes travel and study abroad, and while she doesn’t have a particular career in mind she does know that she wants to make sure that whatever she does allows her time for service.

And she’s hoping that she can keep baking and keep changing lives…one loaf at a time.

BATO BATO! ROCKS THE “GREAT MINNESOTA GET-TOGETHER”

By Emily Colwell ’14

Breck’s marimba band, BATO BATO!, played six power-packed shows at the State Fair this September, surprising over 3,000 Minnesota fairgoers with their trademark infectious energy. This was the band’s first appearance at the fair, and to quote Mr. Brad Kohl, “It’s harder to get a gig at the Minnesota State Fair than it is to get into college!”

Due to the massive and receptive crowds–roughly 500 audience members per show–BATO BATO! sold more CDs than the past two years combined. However, a little shameless advertising never hurts, so emcee Treva Kleber didn’t hesitate to point out that “our album is cheaper than two Snickers on a stick, a truckload of cookies or a tankard of milk!”

Height of the construction crane on campus. Its arm is 230' long.

TIM CLARK ELECTED PRESIDENT OF BRECK’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees has elected Tim Clark to serve a two-year term.

Clark, CEO of the Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization Urban Ventures, and his wife Tara are parents of Natalie ’10, Melissa ’13 and Brennan ’16.

He says the board will be focused on strategic excellence. “Thanks to our extraordinary faculty, staff and administration, Breck continually strives for operational excellence,” he explains. “But it’s the role of the board to spend significant time asking, ‘What’s next?’ and make sure we have the resources to get there.”

With full credit to Head of School Edward Kim and his immediate predecessors as board president, Tim says “Both Bob [Sheehy] and O.P. [Portu] have very successfully assisted Ed in leading us to this amazing time for the school. I couldn’t be more appreciative of their efforts—or more excited about Breck’s future.”

As always, he says, “the Board is focused on Breck’s strategic priorities and supporting the administration’s efforts to achieve them. In the next two years, the school will place particular emphasis on continued curricular innovation—in the new Upper School building and beyond—as well as meeting our commitments to affordability, to great teaching, and to making sure that everything we do enhances the Breck brand locally, regionally and nationally.”

A Legacy of Leadership

Recent Board of Trustees

2000-2002

2002-2004

2004-2006

2006-2008

2008-2010

2010-2012

BATO BATO! is technically a club in Breck’s Upper School, but it is really much more than that. The students practice before school and on the weekends, working hard to expand the repertoire, which is now closing in on 30 songs from a

variety of styles and regions. Over the past few years, BATO BATO! has given dozens of performances at venues including Orchestra Hall, the Cedar Cultural Center and the Walker Art Center.

Also very socially aware, BATO BATO! has played countless

Presidents

Bert Colianni

Sharon Ryan

Mike Seeland

Rolf Engh

Bob Sheehy

O.P. Portu

2012- Tim Clark

benefits for nonprofits, most recently with the Advocates for Community through Musical Excellence, a local organization that provides free classical music education to children in North Minneapolis, acting upon the belief that music is a right, not a privilege.

Last spring, BATO BATO! traveled to Cuba to study percussion and dance. This February, the band will hit the road again, performing in Chicago and Madison to promote their second album. To view BATO BATO!’s photos, videos and upcoming gigs visit www.facebook.com/BatoBatoMusic.

Times the closing prayer after senior speeches is the Irish Blessing: about 90%

IN MEMORIAM

The Breck community notes with sorrow the passing of bus driver Fred Fortier and receptionist Claryce Boehler.

Fortier died suddenly at the age of 71 on July 18. He is survived by three children, three grandchildren, a sister and a brother. He had been a member of our transportation department since 2007.

Boehler died of cancer at the age of 63 on July 25. If you ever called Breck’s main switchboard, it was most likely her friendly, professional and welcoming voice you heard. She is survived by her husband Gary, two children, two stepchildren, her mother, two sisters, five brothers and five grandchildren. She had been our receptionist since 2003.

2012-13 Breck Parents Association Board

The board, led by President Andrea Sheehy (front row center), is off to a busy start.

Left to right: first row, Laura Davis, Dawn Larsen, susan Hartwig, President Andrea Kmetz-sheehy, elizabeth Wilcox, susan DeMaris; second row, tara clark, elizabeth villafaña, Farida Korallus, Kelly Harrington, Adrienne oesterle, christine Hradten; back row, sally Horstman, elsie Weiler, Leslie Wille, christine Budniewski

BRIEFLy NOTED

Junior Makayla Samountry’s poem, “I Am the Unfinished,” is a finalist in a contest sponsored by The American Library of Poetry, as was junior Elle Olson for her poem, “Your Perfect Little Girl.”

Upper School history teacher Tim Rosenfield is serving as historical consultant for a new eight-part documentary series on the presidency of John F. Kennedy titled JFK: A New World Order. It is being produced by American Video Project and distributed by Mill Creek Entertainment. His tasks include helping select topics, organizing sequence of episodes, checking factual information, reviewing scripts and suggesting curricular materials.

Sue Bydlon’s fifth grade advisory won third prize in the traditional youth scarecrow contest at Emma Krumbee’s. Their entry was the headless horseman.

Visual Arts Department Head Michal Sagar’s work will be exhibited in a show called “The Future of the Past: Encaustic Art in the 21st Century” at Mills Gallery at the Boston Center for the Arts October 5 – December 2.

Ceramics instructor Jil Franke has been busy with her own work as well. She was an invited juror for The Best of 500 Ceramics, a Lark Book publication, and her work is currently part of two exhibitions: “Sharing The Fire,” at the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids and the upcoming annual holiday show at the Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago.

Congratulations to members of the faculty and staff for recent life-cycle events. Kelly McCool, Lower School assistant, welcomed daughter Charlotte. Aaron Sauter of our custodial staff welcomed daughter Eliana, Mark Ryks, director of transportation, welcomed daughter Abigail, and Jay Rainville, Middle School resource instructor, married Jay Squier over the summer.

Who KneW? Who was the librarian when Breck moved to the Golden Valley campus?

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About…

Many of the Homecoming week events are planned by a committee of alumni co-chairs, working together with Alumni Coordinator Erin Strong. This year’s chairs were Molly Varecka ’98, Ashley Kokal McCarthy ’02 and Chris Welsh ’90.

Planning starts in May, when the committee settles on a theme, and the Alumni Association has made its recommendation for the Distinguished Alum and Athletic Hall of Fame honorees to the head of school.

An alumnus or alumna needs to have graduated at least 15 years ago to be considered for the Athletic Hall of Fame.

More than 250 alumni and their families attended the barbeque lunch.

The most popular activity for kids? The football throw.

Upper School students can earn service hours for helping with face-painting, another very popular activity for kids.

About 50 alumni who graduated 50+ years ago attended the Golden Mustangs luncheon.

Kevin Cannon ’98 has designed the Homecoming logo for the past eight years. For the past three years, he’s also designed a Homecoming poster.

This year’s festivities included a brand new event: a boys soccer alumni pancake breakfast.

Homecoming Saturday begins with the traditional Blessing of the Animals, which usually attracts 150 or more animals to campus. Chaplain John Bellaimey says the biggest animal ever brought in for a blessing was a horse, the smallest a guppy, and that the ratio of stuffed animals to living is 1:4.

B ACKTOSCHOOL

photos by Sher Stoneman and Karyl Rice

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS

Breck Meals That Heal Delivers More Than Food

photos by Sara Rubinstein

Deb Mallin says the idea came to her on the sidelines of a Breck lacrosse game. While she watched her son play, another parent confided that she was undergoing surgery shortly and had no family in Minnesota to depend on for support. “As a transplant myself, I could identify with her situation,” she observes. “Our son had been in an accident two years before, and I recall how much I appreciated the generosity of families preparing and delivering meals and kind notes left at our door. I asked if I could deliver dinner for her, and then I started thinking that there should be a way to put a formal program in place for the whole school.”

The parent of three Breck students (Benj ’13, Elliott ’16 and Jeremy ’19) and a no-nonsense woman who gets things done, Mallin reached out to Breck administrators and chaplains, and the idea took shape.

BRECK

MEALS THAT

HEAL GIvES THE OPPORTUNITy TO HELP SOMEONE IN NEED, WITHIN THE BRECK COMMUNITy,

By PROvIDING MEALS FOR FAMILIES SEEKING SUPPORT. IT’S BEING DONE UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE BRECK PARENTS ASSOCIATION.

Says Parents Association President Andrea Kmetz-Sheehy, “I’m struck by how much the program reflects a generosity of spirit and sense of caring that is so very Breck. How tremendous is it that the idea for a way to come together as a community to support one of our families under duress bubbles up from within; and is wholeheartedly embraced at every level. Meals That Heal is yet another way we connect.”

Needs are made known to Breck administrators and chaplains who then alert Mallin and make sure they’re publicized in the email bulletin boards parents receive each week.

Signing up is quick and easy thanks to a special website Mallin and her husband, Dan, customized. The URL is BreckMealsThatHeal.org.

The program has already been used twice, and Mallin says the response from the community has been incredible. After the announcement of a need in September, she says, the

website filled up with volunteers within only a few hours of families’ being notified.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that we are a unique community in that although we are all busy in our own lives and managing the details of work, family and school, no family will be left behind,” she states. “The response of families to care for and reach out so generously to others really warms my heart!”

Administrators say the program is very appropriate for Breck. Peg Bailey explains, “A Lower School parent recently sent me a note expressing her sincere gratitude for being in such a caring and generous community, and Meals that Heal is one example of the outreach and support our families provide to one another.”

And Chaplain John Bellaimey sums it up this way: “Meals that Heal, besides being a great title, says it all: there is something profoundly healing about making and sharing food together. It is so simple and timeless. Bon appetit to all.”

Says Mallin, “It’s wonderful to know that the same parents who answer the call for help so generously are raising the children with whom my children will learn and grow for years to come. I’m really heartened to know that other Breck families share not only our values for education but giving and caring as well.” JF

LIFE IN THE (CON

STRUCTION) zONE

by Jill Field photos by Sara Rubinstein

C ONSIDER THE POSSIBILITIES . D O y OUR BEST RESEARCH . TAKE INTO ACCOUNT vARy ING POINTS OF v IEW. M AKE DECISIONS THAT SUPPORT y OUR ABILIT y TO REACH y OUR GOALS IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAy.

Instructions for a history research paper? A science lab? A book report?

Perhaps. But it’s also a description of the way Breck has approached the Upper School transformation currently under construction.

Planning for new science facilities began in earnest at least four years ago. All through last school year, committees of trustees, administrators, faculty and staff met regularly to select a general contractor and get ready for the board’s April “go-no go” decision as well as the City of Golden Valley’s approval for the project in May.

And then there were the practical considerations, which Head of School Edward Kim was determined to think through as far in advance as possible. He appointed and convened a Logistics committee in September 2011, and that team met weekly throughout last school year. “We talked about everything imaginable,” says Director of Advancement Meredith Cook VanDuyne, “from making the recommendation to move the Upper School to the Fieldhouse to what kind of packing boxes would make it easiest for the teachers. It was a fantastic introduction for me to Breck, and I really gained an appreciation for how thoughtfully and deliberately decisions get made here.”

Learning in a Living Laboratory

Following the day-to-day progress of the construction project has provided any number of “teachable moments” and a great deal of entertainment as well.

Advancement staff members, who have been temporarily relocated to offices along the corridor outside the Upper School science labs (so that the Upper School and College Counseling offices could use their space), have had a front-row seat since the beginning of the summer.

“It’s been a wonderful distraction,” says Campaign Director

Michelle Geo Olmstead. “I love coming in every day knowing there’s always going to be something new and different.”

Groups of Lower and Middle School students are a regular sight as they take internal field trips to check out the progress.

Second graders in Ty Thayer’s class found the construction site to be an especially exciting location for their regular “verb hunt,” where they look for verbs in action. Says Thayer, “It was a very rich experience!”

In addition, Thayer’s class is finding parallels between the building and their study of plants. “Botany is all about interdependence, and so is construction,” he explains. “We’ve been having great discussions about that. We’re also working on personal narratives where the students develop timelines and imagine themselves as high school students. Now they’re thinking about what it will be like to be in the new space.”

Chemistry students are focusing on the molecules of items found in and around the construction site. A recent display held models of the molecules of acetylene (fuel for the cutting torch), tetrafluorethane (used to seal pipe joints), vinyl chloride (in PVC pipes), itaconic acid (in adhesives and paint), along with those for cut grass and sand.

First graders in Carol Grams’ art classes have an annual project where they make magic hats. This year, she says, they decided their magic hats would be construction helmets. “Their hard hats are wonderful,” she enthuses, noting that her second grade classes are doing very detailed observational drawings of the construction site. “They’re

AS OUR UPPER SCHOOL TRANSFORMATION TAKES SHAPE, THOUGHTFUL PLANNING HELPS EvERyONE FEEL LIKE A PART OF SOMETHING BIG

photo by Karyl Rice

really looking at shapes, and colors, and all the changes from week to week. I can’t remember when we’ve had something so interesting to draw so close to our classroom.”

Upper School art students in Kat Corrigan’s Creative Design class, assisted by her sixth-grade advisees, discovered a project right outside their classroom door as well. Looking at the blank chain-link fence that encloses the outdoor corridor between “Breck East” and “Breck West,” they located blue and gold plastic cups that fit into the openings. (Corrigan says they did a Google search for “decorate chain link fences” and found a product from a company in Texas that also helped with the graph design.)

The result is a decorative and whimsical herd of running mustangs, in keeping with the class’ study of street and graffiti art. Working together, Corrigan and her students did the initial installation – but ran out of blue cups. “I’ve ordered more,” she says. “And cups in other colors as well so that throughout the year the Creative Design classes can reinvent the mustangs, adding embellishments according to the season.”

TIMELINE: START TO FINISH

April 2012

Breck Board gives approval

May 2012 City of Golden Valley gives approval

June 2012

Groundbreaking

And emerging writers in Bobbie Tonkin’s first-grade class bring their observation journals along for a view of the construction site every six days. They record changes in both words and pictures. “They’re honing their observation skills,” Tonkin explains, “which is useful in both language arts and science. And it’s exciting for me to watch, too.”

Strong Leadership Leads to Strong Partnership

Overall vision has been provided by Kim, Breck’s Board of Trustees and especially its Building and Grounds committee, headed by alumni parent Mary Neal, along with a team of administrators. Upper School Director Melissa Soderberg has been deeply involved with the project, as has Business Manager Wendy Engelman.

Day-to-day responsibility for the project is shared by Tim Mahanna, project supervisor from McGough Construction, and Breck’s Building Supervisor, Paul Blesi. The two men also share a mutual admiration and a particularly effective working relationship.

Mahanna, who has been supervising construction projects since 1979, says his partnership with Blesi “makes it easy

July 2012

Demolition of former Upper School

August 2012

Fieldhouse receives certificate of occupancy

even when the work isn’t.” And, for his part, Blesi says this project—his eleventh at Breck—is the “best ever, completely because of Tim and McGough.”

And what are they most looking forward to when the project is over? Not surprisingly, the pair agrees on that, too, finishing each other’s sentences. “Seeing people move in and enjoy it, and watching what that will mean to the Breck culture,” says Blesi. “Such an eye-opener when you’ll be able to see what the new space can do to enhance teaching,” says Mahanna. “Right,” says Blesi. “And all the things we haven’t had space for before.”

Special Considerations Require Special Attention

The work on campus provides some interesting challenges, not the least of which is that the job is what’s called an occupied building. Because they’re not erecting a new structure in some remote location but instead trying to work around a school very much in session, the McGough crew has had to make some compromises.

For example, they learned quickly that we were serious

about not scheduling deliveries between the hours of 8-8:30 a.m. and 3-3:30 p.m. “I’ve worked some complex jobs before,” Mahanna jokes, “but your carline is really something!”

Breck’s location in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood presents challenges as well. Construction traffic flow and work hours have been adjusted to minimize disruptions to our neighbors.

Athletics and the Parents Association will also be affected. Losing the use of the Fieldhouse for the school year has made alternate plans necessary for winter sports (particularly gymnastics) and the annual Special Olympics Poly Hockey event.

The Admissions office has been keen to minimize disruption and make prospective families, especially Lower School families, as comfortable as possible during campus visits.

“Once families see the plans and understand that the work will be done before school starts in 2013, they’re very enthusiastic,” says Director of Admissions Scott Wade. “But

September 2012

Steelwork begins

December 2012 New construction completely framed and enclosed

Fieldhouse space available.”

In fact, says Kim, the logistics committee wasn’t originally sold on the Fieldhouse idea. But after they looked into alternatives including setting up trailers on the tennis courts and finding a space to rent for the Upper School offsite, they realized that it was the perfect solution.

“It’s funny,” Soderberg remarks. “We worried about so many things, including whether it would feel disjointed to have the bulk of Upper School academics take place in the Fieldhouse. But the truth is that it’s been completely jointed.

And it’s actually been a lot of fun!”

Life in the “Pods”: The Faculty View

The Fieldhouse space was almost immediately dubbed the “pods” by students and faculty alike (although we’ve also heard less flattering terms like “spaceship” and “zoo”). How has it been for the teachers?

Upper School History instructor Charlie Grossman says he’s been especially pleased by the proximity to other members of

June 2013 Renovation of former science classrooms

we want them to have a good experience while they’re looking here now.” They’ve created an Admissions satellite office in a relocated preschool classroom and have plans to make Breck umbrellas available for days when tour guides have to deal with inclement weather as they dash outside to get from one part of the building to the other.

And then there’s the matter of those 1,200 students, faculty and staff. Mahanna says it’s been a joy to be part of school life. “We’ve had lots of opportunities to observe great kids, great families and great teachers,” he observes. “We understand that every decision we make could potentially impact all of them for years to come.”

Home, Sweet Fieldhouse

Relocating the Upper School to the Fieldhouse space for the current school year has been a fascinating project in and of itself.

“I think people are amazed by the Fieldhouse,” observes Soderberg. “They can’t quite believe that we put this much thought and effort into building a non-permanent space. But it’s so important to have a well-designed space for teaching and learning. And we are so fortunate to have had the

August 2013 New building complete

September 2013 Dedication ceremony and celebration

Wong says her new classroom is also helpful for international students. “It’s really a haven for them,” she explains. But the transition wasn’t completely smooth for a teacher who’s had 30 years to accumulate materials in her old classroom. “I threw away almost as much as I kept,” she laughs, noting that it took many late nights and weekends – and the assistance of her husband Walter – to sort through all her junk. “I’m grateful to have had that opportunity,” she says, “but it wasn’t easy!”

“It really feels like a school,” adds Grossman. “We’re doing great academic work, but in a much more relaxed atmosphere. Maybe it’s because we can write on the walls, or maybe it’s because there’s so much more faculty and student interaction or because we all get the pleasure of seeing how much the seniors are enjoying their lounge. But the truth is that the overall stress level seems to be way down – and that’s something all of us can enjoy.”

Life in the “Pods”: The Student View

We gathered a small group of Upper School students to ask how the year is going so far. They were candid and forthcom-

his department – something that will be even more enhanced in the finished product. For example, he and fellow tenth-grade history teacher Lori Merrill have already developed a new unit together. “We’re able to do things just because we see each other all the time,” he explains. “And in one of our daily conversations, we started talking about a project where students will compare four different empires in 1500, looking at their relative strengths and weaknesses. I think it’s going to be a great experience for the students, and there’s no way it would have come about in our former space.”

Similarly, Chinese teacher Margaret Wong credits the Fieldhouse layout with giving her extra time to work with students. Because she formerly had to share a classroom – and leave it when another teacher was using it – Wong says she spent a lot of time packing up her things and finding places to work – none of which she has to do now.

“I’m able to help juniors with their homework during their free periods because they always know where to find me,” she relates. “And I’ve had such fun decorating my own room and letting students help me with creating an environment.”

ing, and nearly all admitted that the arrangement has exceeded their expectations.

For seniors, especially, the move was a shock to the system. “When I first heard about it, I cried,” admits Marielos Cabrera. “I’d been looking forward to my senior year and my chance to be part of the senior hallway for 15 years,” says Duffy Fallon.

“I would walk through senior hall and think, ‘Someday, this will be me,’” observes Georgia Keller. But with the old senior hallway a distant memory, the students have had fun developing some new and special traditions all their own.

“My first impression was that it was kind of an all-white prison facility,” jokes Duffy. “But, you know, it’s been kind of fun.”

Traversing the sunny corridor that connects the Fieldhouse to the rest of the building has provided a good transition.

“When you walk into the Fieldhouse you feel transported,” says junior Anjali Madhok. Freshman Cecily Nordstrom agrees. “When I first heard about it, I was expecting the space to feel claustrophobic. But it doesn’t at all. At first I really missed having outside windows in the classrooms, but having fewer distractions is probably for the best.”

The arrangement isn’t perfect, of course. Students are coping with extra distances, especially to performing arts classes. “It’s a long walk to get to Mr. Hegg,” observes junior Ruskin Li. There’s also the matter of the Chapel Green serving as a construction staging area. “I’m kind of sad that we won’t be able to use the front lawn for graduation,” says Marielos. And then there’s having to go outside to get to the Chapel. Anticipating the cold weather to come, Georgia says she’s already planning to bring gloves.

What’s been good about the space? Nearly every student we talked to commented on how much they’ve enjoyed the togetherness. “Being all together in the same place really does make us feel more like a self-contained community,” says senior Niara Hill. “I get to see all my teachers every day,” says her classmate Joey Gamer. “It’s a chance to be more friendly with underclassmen,” observes Duffy.

The seniors are enjoying their special space at the far eastern end of the Fieldhouse, even if it’s adjacent to the faculty lounge area. They’ve had a television installed there, and

everyone seems to enjoy the cartoons that are constantly playing. “It’s kind of funny to hear Spongebob when I come out of my math and history classes,” laughs Cecily. “It creates a pretty relaxed atmosphere.”

As for the classrooms themselves, students have very positive things to say. “The rooms are actually nicer than our old ones,” observes Joey. “I’m excited to see how teachers are decorating their classrooms with their own artwork,” says Niara. “I love the lighting in rooms like Mr. Darrow’s and Mr. Bell’s where they’ve brought in lamps,” says Marielos.

And, anticipating the brand new spaces to come next year, sophomore Stephen Headrick observes the following. “I’ve been on college trips with my siblings, and I realize how much our new atmosphere is going to look like what I’ve seen on college campuses. That’s pretty exciting, too.”

Looking to the Future

Despite the hassle of packing up and moving from the old classrooms to the Fieldhouse and, soon, to the new construc-

W E GATHERED A SMALL GROUP OF U PPER S CHOOL STUDENTS TO ASK HOW THE y EAR IS GOING SO FAR . T HE y WERE CANDID AND FORTHCOMING , AND NEARLy ALL ADMITTED THAT THE ARRANGEMENT HAS E x CEEDED THEIR E x PECTATIONS .

tion, there’s been a feeling of “excitement, energy and renewal,” says math instructor Brad Kohl. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had to jump into the unknown. It’s also a time of resolve, resilience and collaboration. Because of this I’ve had an opportunity to meet and work with people in the building I wouldn’t ordinarily even see – and it’s been fun! Now that the door has been opened, it’s not likely to close.”

Observes Soderberg, “Even though we know we’ll have to pack up and do it all again, it’s been wonderful to see the school make such a bold move. I think we all really feel part of something very important not just to us but, more important, to Breck.”

THE TIES THAT BIND: ALUMNI ENRICH FACULTy AND STAFF

photos by Sara Rubinstein

While the Breck Alumni Association looks for ways to connect graduates to their alma mater, some Breck alumni have an especially close-up view. the nine alumni profiled below, members of Breck’s faculty and staff, are blue-and-gold through and through. says Human resources Director Mary Healy, “It’s wonderful to have alums on the faculty and staff. their understanding of Breck’s mission is already a part of the fiber of their being – which brings an automatic strength to their work.”

And while they didn’t all know each other as students, they do share some common traits. “you immediately feel their motivation and passion to be as good as the teachers who instructed them,” observes Healy. “But they do all have one hurdle to overcome: calling their colleagues —their former teachers—by their first names.”

We asked them all to answer a few questions, and here’s what they wrote.

SARAH FLOTTEN ‘85 EIGHTH-GRADE HISTORy

What’s one of your favorite memories of being a Breck student?

Really, I have so many. I played several sports at Breck and, although we worked hard, we were not always the most talented team on the field or court but I did learn to win and lose with grace! My senior year, we were playing Concordia

Academy, our toughest opponent in the Tri Valley Conference and somehow we jumped ahead early in the game and promptly went into a four corner stall. The parents began to laugh and we managed to keep the score close and that was

the first year the girls’ varsity broke 500.

Who was your most memorable Breck teacher?

Most of them. I was incredibly fortunate to have amazing teachers who knew me, knew how to push me and, knew I could do more than I thought I could. Probably the most memorable teacher was Liam Taaffe. Not only because of his tragic death my senior year, but also because of how passionate he was. A captivating storyteller, his Irish accent kept me spellbound in European and Russian History. He would also play music the last few minutes of class most days while leaning on his podium above to the saying, “music hath the power to soothe the savage beast.” He introduced me to everyone from Clancy Brothers, to Janis Joplin, Beethoven and Bob Dylan.

What’s one of the biggest differences between Breck today and when you were a student?

The most prevalent difference is technology and ease in which my students can access the world and are in constant contact with each other.

Finish the sentence: Breck students are... fortunate.

ROB JOHNSON ‘90 MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL RELIGION

What’s one of your favorite memories of being a Breck student?

Abel Sanchez named Homecoming King. He had come to Breck as a junior but was the most popular kid in the whole school. Lower Schoolers even knew him. So when the crown was put on his head...I’ve never heard a sound like that. It was like there was no sound, just one long high-pitched Beatlemania scream.

Who was your most memorable Breck teacher? Mr. Peterson. Never met such a combination of fierce intelligence and withering sarcasm.

What’s one of the biggest differences between Breck today and when you were a student?

Many different kinds of students here now. When I attended, there were very few kids that were of working-class families. There were few varieties of religions represented. And the amount of different races were laughable.

Finish the sentence: Breck students are... lucky.

EMILy JONES ‘94 LOWER SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER

What’s one of your favorite memories of being a Breck student? Grandparents Day

Who was your most memorable Breck teacher? Michael Moos

What’s one of the biggest differences between Breck today and when you were a student?

Computers. I am grateful that I learned good typing skills on

the old Apple IIs! When I was in college, the Internet was brand new and email only existed on college campuses. It’s amazing to think how far we’ve come in such a short period of time.

Finish the sentence: Breck students are... fortunate to have so many terrific opportunities for discovery and inquiry.

EvAN JONES ‘86 FIFTH-GRADE SCIENCE

What’s one of your favorite memories of being a Breck student? I remember a lot about being a student at Breck. Mostly I remember the close “friendships formed within these walls.”

Who was your most memorable Breck teacher?

Betty Hancock was my religion teacher. She was a grandmother figure who motivated me (us) to have trusting relationships.

What’s one of the biggest differences between Breck today and when you were a student?

The campus is VERY different. Also, the use of technology allows more immediate access of information for students.

Finish the sentence: Breck students are... awesome, motivated, fun and they take care of each other.

MIKE NELSON ‘07 ADvANCED HISTORy RESEARCH ASSISTANT

What’s one of your favorite memories of being a Breck student?

The closeness that students had to each other. To this day I still get together with my longtime Breck friends.

Who was your most memorable Breck teacher?

Mr. Rosenfield. He was a true inspiration of mine to enter the field of teaching history!

What’s one of the biggest differences between Breck today and when you were a student?

Well, the major difference is the location of the classes during construction. So much is going to be different physically, but Breck as a school and their goals have stayed the same.

Finish the sentence: Breck students are… very fortunate to have such amazing teachers, an atmosphere that promotes learning, and a community that is very supportive.

DEB POGUE MIxON ‘87 TUTOR

What’s one of your favorite memories of being a Breck student?

One of my favorite memories of being a Breck student is returning to campus each fall for preseason soccer practices. It was great to see all of my soccer buddies and gear up for the soccer season. Every fall when I drive into Breck for the first time I feel as though I should be in my soccer gear going to practice.

Who was your most memorable Breck teacher?

There are so many!! The first ones to come to mind are Ms. Fruen, Dr. Miller (previously known as Mr. Miller in my day), Mr. Hegg and Mr. Rosenfield. They made their classes entertaining and I enjoyed their talent and enthusiasm for

teaching. Thank you!

What’s one of the biggest differences between Breck today and when you were a student?

The biggest difference between Breck today and when I was a student is technology! I used a typewriter in high school to write papers and if you made a mistake you had to use correcting tape to fix it or retype the whole page. There are also a lot nicer cars in the student parking lot.

Finish the sentence: Breck students are… a joy to work with, and I am blessed to be a little part of their education. They take the “work” out of work.

ELIzABETH POWERS-DEMPSEy ‘82 KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

What’s one of your favorite memories of being a Breck student?

Many favorites…but one is when they locked all the ninth graders in the school overnight…(who knows why)…and we played volleyball and basketball most of the night and then watched movies in the social studies rooms at the River Road campus. We were all exhausted and crabby when morning came around…but it was a lot of fun.

Who was your most memorable Breck teacher?

Liam Taaffe. Amazing teacher. Brought history to life to all those who were in his classes. I will never forget him blaring Marlene Dietrich over his speakers to allow us to know what the soldiers were hearing in the trenches during WWII.

What’s one of the biggest differences between Breck today and when you were a student?

My class was the first class to graduate from the Golden Valley campus. When we arrived in ’81 there were a lot of rooms and spaces that were not being used at all because they had not been specified for anyone’s use/purpose. Now… we are building a new Upper School because there wasn’t enough room for all that Breck is now currently offering its students.

Finish the sentence: Breck students are… Breck Students…Parents…Faculty…and Staff…are my community.

Ty THAyER ‘90 SECOND-GRADE TEACHER

What’s one of your favorite memories of being a Breck student?

It is difficult to choose just one. I would have to say my top memories are all connected to May Program. I interned in our preschool program (which pushed me into my current career), and went to Tanzania with Dr. Miller and Ms. Franke. Both of these opportunities truly changed my life.

Who was your most memorable Breck teacher?

Tom Hegg. He was there as a teacher, a mentor, and as an understanding adult. Mr. Hegg is one of those people who is always available.

What’s one of the biggest differences between Breck today and when you were a student?

I think there is a better awareness of our existence as a P-12 school. It feels as if we are utilizing this as a strength more often. I am constantly impressed by how our older students watch out for and care for our younger ones.

Finish the sentence: Breck students are... inquisitive.

DINA WOLKOFF ‘84 DIRECTOR OF DEvELOPMENT

What’s one of your favorite memories of being a Breck student?

The last day of kindergarten, my teacher, Mrs. Miller, patted me on the head, said some caring words, and sent me down the hall to my first grade classroom of Mrs. Goddard.

Who was your most memorable Breck teacher?

Too many to count! Ann Young, Van Anderson, Margaret Wong, Peter McGorry, Paul Chmelik, Michael York, Joe Prouse

What’s one of the biggest differences between Breck today and when you were a student?

The campus, the size of the school, and the diversity. Finish the sentence: Breck students are... smiling and extraordinary.

Thayer

Wolkoff Powers-Dempsey

2012 Distinguished Alumnus Wilbur (Tib)

Tib Tusler has had an extraordinary career, but he says he doesn’t feel all that distinguished.

As an architect whose practice centered on healthcare facilities, he worked with approximately 100 hospitals both in the U.S. and abroad and developed a strong sense of the way a facility’s architecture can contribute to improved patient care.

Tusler says that, along with the Boy Scouts, Breck played a strong role in building the foundation for his future career.

“I consider myself a mediocre student at Breck,” he observes, “although I did enjoy after-school activities, particularly fencing, genealogy and chess. I also loved science and had an outstanding literature teacher.”

He remembers his long commute to and from school, which involved both a bus and a streetcar, as well as his military career at school. Tusler recalls, “I started in the infantry, marching in the sun with a rifle and a wool uniform. After two years of this I thought the cavalry looked like a better option, because I could ride and not walk. Being in the

cavalry also came with a sword, boots and spurs – which was very appealing to my girlfriend at the time. But my cavalry career ended one day when we were lined up for parade and they shot off a cannon. My horse charged across the field to the barn with me in tow.”

After Breck, he attended the University of Minnesota as an engineering student but transferred to Virginia Tech when he discovered his own passion for architecture. (It was in his lineage: his father, Wilbur H. Tusler, was a Minneapolis architect whose firm designed the Foshay Tower, the main post office and many other prominent buildings.) The younger Tusler earned both a B.S. and M.S. in architecture from Virginia Tech and went on to the Masters class at MIT, where he spent a year studying with some of the most famous architects in the world.

After a year or two in Boston designing houses, he made his way to San Francisco and

Tusler ’50 Designs a Distinguished Career

the firm of Stone, Marracini and Patterson, which specialized in health-care architecture. He stayed there 37 years, working on projects including M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and a hospital for Native residents living above the Arctic Circle.

Since his retirement, Tusler has devoted his energy to research in health facilities via the foundation he established, the Coalition for Health Environments Research. “We provide an evidence-based foundation for decisions regarding new hospital design and renovations,” he explains. “Part of the research we sponsored and disseminated has led to a national guideline requiring all single-occupancy rooms in new hospital construction. No more sharing a room with a snoring bedmate!”

In his personal time, Tusler has enjoyed many canoe trips in the Boundary Waters, hiking over every pass in a 150-mile stretch of the eastern Sierra mountains, photography and voracious reading. “I’m married to the love of my life, Kaki,” he says, “and together we have four children who bring joy and sometimes aggravation to our lives.”

He spoke to a very attentive audience of Upper School students at the Distinguished Alumni Chapel during Homecoming week in September and got the opportunity

Recent Distinguished Alumni

2002 r t rybak ‘74

2003 William H. Brown ‘47, John M. Brown ‘49, James Patterson Brown ‘51*, robert s. Brown ‘56

2004 christopher L. Murray ‘80

2005 Mary sarah Fangman ‘86

2006 Fletcher s. Driscoll ‘51

2007 stacey Kohler Moran ‘82

2008 Alec soth ‘88

2009 robert c roosen ‘50*

2010 richard W. clary ‘72

2011 David r. Williams ‘83 *deceased

For a complete list, visit the website at breckschool.org

to learn more about Breck’s Upper School transformation, currently under construction.

“Everyone at Breck was as hospitable as they could be,” he reflects. “Kaki and I had a wonderful time.” JF

Central du Page Hospital, Winfield, Illinois

photo by Steve Hughes

EIGHT

NEW MEMBERS JOIN THE ALUMNI COUNCIL

Matt Bartel ’02, a 2006 graduate of Carleton College, is the founder of Posse Media, a web consulting company that has developed projects for the City of Minneapolis, Caringbridge and Giada de Laurentiis. Over the last year, Matt has split his time between Minneapolis and Madrid, Spain, while working with National Geographic and Blue Zones, LLC to research the happiest and longest living people in the world.

Susannah Brokl ’03 is rejoining the council after moving back from China last year. She is currently working in marketing at Whole Foods and is an assistant coach for the Breck girls hockey team.

Elizabeth Dunlap ’07 graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, transferring there after two years at St. Olaf College. After graduation, she interned with Cargill Risk Management and has recently started a job in corporate finance at 3M in St. Paul.

Leah Lussier Sixkiller ’03 graduated from Harvard College and the University of Arizona College of Law. She practices at Faegre Baker Daniels and lives in downtown Minneapolis with her husband Jesse Sixkiller. A Breck

lifer and sister to two other Breck lifers (Hannah ’05 and Gary ’08), Leah says she is very committed to giving back to her communities from which she has received so much.

Mike McKeon ’98, a graduate of St. John’s University with his MBA from St. Thomas University, spent four years in Europe working in the food industry. Since his return to Minnesota, he’s been working on freelance marketing and finance projects in the food industry and is currently involved on several M&A advisory projects and assisting Whole Foods with the launch of a new line of exclusive-brand products.

Ben Schleuss ’99 graduated from St. Olaf College and spent eight years in a small consulting firm focused on the wireless needs of large enterprise

customers such as Allstate, Best Buy, Delta and Target. He has moved in-house and manages mobility for Thomson Reuters. Ben’s wife Breia is an attorney at Faegre Baker Daniels, and their dog MacGyver is a professional napper.

Chas Simcox ’00 graduated from the University of Minnesota. He lives in Minneapolis and currently works at Cresa Partners, and coaches boys hockey in Chanhassen.

Lauren Ulvestad ’00 has an undergraduate degree from Hobart & William Smith Colleges (and a third-place NCAA trophy in women’s rowing) and, after three years in Seattle, a J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law. She works in the IT Litigation group at McGladrey & Pullen LLP in Minneapolis.

MILE-HIGH MEETING

Alumni Relations and College Counseling Greet Recent Grads in Denver

It was a terrific time in Colorado when alumni relations and college counseling had lunch with young alums at the University of Denver in October. The conversation was great, and the Breck staff left feeling reassured that Breck graduates feel very well prepared for life in college. We’re hoping to arrange more meetings like this one in other cities across the U.S. to reinforce the partnership and keep young alumni connected to Breck.

1997 Class Reunion

Class Reunion

1977 Class Reunion

2007 Class Reunion

1947 Class Reunion

HOMECOMING 2012: A GREAT WEEKEND FOR THE MUSTANGS

LEGACy FAMILIES 2012

Breck alumni and their students gather at Homecoming.

Kevin Williams ’82, Chris Reinertson ’85, Del Carter ’50, and Dan Doheny at the Athletic Hall of Fame induction

The Gaillard family: Drew ’88, John-Charles ’22, Henry ’24, Megan and William

The Drawz family: Paul ’92, Sarah, Margaret ’23 and John ’25

Gavin Hoffman ’97 and son Scott Wiggins ’94 and family

class notes

reunion year

1947

Tom Thiss planned the class of 1947’s 65th reunion at the Golden Mustang Luncheon over Homecoming weekend.

1949

Twin Cities philanthropist Richard Proudfit received the prestigious Jefferson Award for public service in July. He won the award for creating a packaged meal that has been consumed by millions of poor children around the world as founder of Feed My Starving Children in 1987 and now Kids Against Hunger. Combined, the nonprofits will deliver one billion meals this year.

1950

Del Carter helped to organize this year’s Golden Mustang Luncheon held during Homecoming week at Breck School Anderson Ice Arena, honoring alumni who graduated from Breck 50+ years ago.

Wilbur (Tib) Tusler was named Breck’s Distinguished Alumnus for 2012. He and Kaki spent time on

campus during Homecoming week, and Tib addressed the Upper School in a special Chapel. You can read more about Tib on page 36.

1952

Choddy and Bill Carpenter planned 1952’s 60th class reunion over Homecoming weekend.

1969

This past summer Steve Mitchell appeared as Falstaff in Henry IV, Part I with the Fairbanks (Arkansas) Shakespeare Theatre.

1977

Tim Kennedy, owner of Hidden Harbor Marina in St. Paul Park, hosted his 35th class reunion over Homecoming weekend.

1982

The class of 1982 had a very wellattended 30th class reunion over Homecoming. The planners were John

Adams, Nancy Johnson, Amy Cleary Binning, Jud Champlin, Elizabeth Powers-Dempsey, Rick Yonker and Adam Wolkoff.

Madeline Williams was inducted into Breck’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

1985

Chris Reinertson was inducted into Breck’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

1986

Glen Weaver-Lang has been named to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) All-Time Team, meaning he was voted one of the 17 best hockey players to go through the WIAC system in the past 100 years. Glen is the all-time leading scorer in University of Wisconsin-Superior history, where he was a team captain of the first Yellowjacket team to ever reach the NCAA Division III Men’s Hockey Championships in 1992. He was inducted into the UW-Superior Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.

Michael Proman ’99 and Keith Ylinen served as co-chairs for the 2012 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which honored Madeline Williams ’82, Chris Reinertson ’85 and Gavin Hoffman ’97.

1987

Katie Lund McKenna and Steph Burnet Ott planned the 25th class reunion at the Chambers Hotel over Homecoming weekend.

1988

Drew Gaillard, who has chaired the Distinguished Alumni committee for the past three years, spoke at Upper School Chapel during Homecoming week.

1990

Brendan Taaffe’s music group, Bright Wings Chorus, is featured in August’s Utne Reader music sampler. They’re planning to record again at the end of October and have started a Kickstarter project to raise funds to help group members travel to the recording session. You can check out their project on the Kickstarter website.

Ty Thayer is organizing the Third Annual Hennepin Church Rocks event funded by the Hennepin Foundation. This is a free all-ages show on Friday, November 16. Doors open at 6:30. Music begins at 7:00. Music lineup is Chastity Brown / Daredevil Christopher Wright / Black Audience.

Ben Tritle, a Commander in the U.S. Navy, is serving as a Naval Liaison Officer at the U.S. Consulate General office in Hong Kong.

Chris Welsh, Molly Varecka ’98 and Ashley Kokal McCarthy ’02 served as co-chairs for the Homecoming BBQ and carnival. This year’s theme for the BBQ was construction.

1992

Cally Morrison Norris and Caryn Mead Kelly planned a very wellattended 20-year reunion weekend in August.

1993

During May Program, the class “French Connections in Minnesota” met with Alix Lewis-Sadrant at the Alliance Française in downtown Minneapolis. Alix is the education coordinator for the Alliance Française, “where French culture meets the Twin Cities.”

1994

Megan Elizabeth Jewett was born on July 24. As usual, Lynn and Tony Jewett were caught off guard and not expecting her to come so fast. She joins the big bruisers, siblings Peter and Kate.

1997

Drew Johnson, Kate Purdy Stephens, Jon Donaldson and Liz Scattarella Clemente planned their 15-year reunion over Homecoming weekend.

Gavin Hoffman was inducted into the Breck Athletic Hall of Fame.

1998

Mike McKeon has joined the Alumni Council. See page 38 to read about what he’s been up to.

Molly Varecka, Chris Welsh ’90 and Ashley Kokal McCarthy ’02 served as co-chairs for the Homecoming BBQ and carnival. This year’s theme for the BBQ was construction.

1999

Michael Proman and Keith Ylinen ’86 served as co-chairs for the 2012 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony which honored Madeline Williams ’82, Chris Reinertson ’85 and Gavin Hoffman ’97.

Ben Schleuss has joined the Alumni Council. See page 38 to read about what he’s been up to.

2000

David O’Hagan was inducted into the Channel 12 Hall of Fame for the class of 2011. Channel 12, which serves Minneapolis’ northwest suburbs,

honored David for his career in football and baseball at Breck. You can see the segment on him on the station’s website, www.twelve.tv.

Chas Simcox and Lauren Ulvestad have joined the Alumni Council. See page 38 to read about what they’ve been up to.

2001

Derek Ciernia married Keelia Fannon Ciernia ’02 in February.

Emily Hawkins Rogers and Jason Rogers were married last July in Fergus Falls. They had several Breck alumni in their wedding party. Katrina Hawkins Leach ’03 was the matron of honor. Katherine Freund and Anastasia Haddy were bridesmaids. Jason and Emily currently live in Underwood, MN.

Gwen Heasley came back to Breck in October to talk to students in all three divisions about life as a published author.

2002

Matt Bartel has joined the Alumni Council. See page 38 to read about what he’s been up to lately.

Keelia Fannon Ciernia and Derek Ciernia ’01 were married on February 18, 2012, in Minneapolis. Breck wedding party members included Katie (Fannon) Rogness ’99, Meredith Benson Doran, Natalie Burns Furst, Jori Miller, Lily Knopman Beilin, Marit Eales, Shayne Ciernia ’11, Troy

Ciernia ’03, CJ Nibbe ’01, and Colin Hohman ’01, as well as many other Breck guests. Keelia graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012, and Derek graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in 2009.

Ashley Kokal McCarthy, Matt Bartel, Amy Stark, Natalie Burns Furst and Keelia Fannon Ciernia planned the class’ ten-year reunion last June at the Golden Valley American Legion.

Ashley Kokal McCarthy, Chris Welsh ’90 and Molly Varecka ’98 served as co-chairs for the Homecoming BBQ and carnival. This year’s theme for the BBQ was construction.

2003

Susannah Brokl and Leah Lussier Sixkiller has joined the Alumni Council. See page 38 to read about what they’ve been up to.

Meg Teckman was married to Andrew Fullard of Barrow-in-Furness, England, at Hammersky Vineyards in Paso Robles, California, on August 4. Breck faculty Margaret Wong and classmate Kelsey Gamblin were in attendance. The couple currently live in Hong Kong.

2004

Erin Austad, a 2008 Boston College graduate, received her M.D. from the University of Minnesota Medical School in May 2012. In June, Erin began her residency in Emergency Medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center, a level I trauma center located in downtown Minneapolis.

2005

Alex Frecon is recording and producing his own hip-hop music and says his career is building steam. He’s been

featured on 89.3FM The Current and their blog and has recently completed a music video for his song, “San Fran.” It’s available on both YouTube and iTunes.

2006

Sarah Bonnie received her master’s degree in English and American Literature from NYU in 2011 and began the Ph.D. program in English and American Literature at the University of Maryland this fall. She writes, “Hope all is well at the school. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Breck.”

2007

Katia Dragotis and Elizabeth Dunlap planned their fiveyear reunion over Homecoming weekend at The Local.

Elizabeth Dunlap has joined the Alumni Council. See page 38 to read about what she’s been up to.

Maggie Simons won first place in an essay contest sponsored by Transitions Abroad, which arranges study programs for college students. Maggie’s essay, called “A Foreigner in the Middle Kingdom: Living, Working, and Studying in China,” is posted on the organization’s website, transitionsabroad.com.

2008

Breanna Heilicher is teaching Chinese at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis. She was excited to discover that the school had chosen Margaret Wong’s textbook series for her class, and she’s taking full advantage of her relationship with the author. “Wong Laoshi is the best resource I could ever have,” she says. She’s was at Breck in September observing Chinese classes here.

2009

Nick Peine was named MVP of a recent national comedy competition for college students on 32 different campuses across the U.S., sponsored by TBS and Wendy’s. As a result, Nick won a VIP trip to TBS Presents Just for Laughs Chicago. Nick is a senior psychology major at Boston University, where he was the winner in last year’s Funniest Student Competition.

2010

Kristina Tester, who founded a nonprofit organization several years ago to support students in sub-Saharan Africa in their quest to get an education, is excited to announce the launch of a new look and a new website for So Others May Learn. Kristina says the organization continues to grow and sponsor more students. The web designer, St. Paul-based Rocket55, has helped the fundraising efforts. The URL is www.soothersmaylearnorg.

2011

Cara Kowalchyk, Rebecca Southern and Ellie Soskin are co-authors of a paper titled “Chemotaxis to Furan Compounds by Furan-Degrading Pseudomonas Strains” that was published in June in Applied and Environmental Microbiology. This is research they did at the University of St. Thomas while were participating in the Advanced Science Research Program.

Former teammates Kayla Mork and Milica McMillen ’12 will face each other when Kayla’s New Hampshire Wildcats face Milica’s Minnesota Gophers in two hockey games over Thanksgiving weekend in Durham, New Hampshire.

2012

Michael Burwell was named to the All-State Lacrosse Team 2012. This past August, he participated in the AllStar State Lacrosse Game. Breck Coach Hank Marotske coached the opposing team but in true Mustangs spirit was cheering and coaching Michael down the field. Michael is attending the University of Denver.

Josh Luger has joined False Advertising, one of Brandeis University’s four improv troupes. He was one of 33 students who auditioned for three available parts.

Former teammates Milica McMillen and Kayla Mork ’11 will face each other when Milica’s Minnesota Gophers face Kayla’s New Hampshire Wildcats in two hockey games over Thanksgiving weekend in Durham, New Hampshire.

MEMORIALS

1946

Charles Keyes passed away peacefully in August. He will be remembered in the Breck community.

Jack C. Nichols passed away April 18, 2012. Jack was a State Farm insurance agent in Edina for 37 years who is remembered as a kind, gentle man with a great sense of humor. He loved to travel, enjoyed fine foods and spending time at the cabin.

1951

Richard “Richie” Ahern died July 30, 2012, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He moved to Arizona in 1979 and had recently retired from Target. He was a dedicated coach and avid hockey fan and a founding member of the Lake Minnetonka Figure Skating Club. Richie is a member of Breck’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

1984

Peter Minnihan died September 25, 2012. He is survived by his father, stepmother, mother, stepfather, brother, stepsister and his aunts, uncles and cousins.

Boys Tennis Team and Myles Tang Are Class A Champions Golf and Track Send Athletes to State Tournaments, Too

Baseball

Finishing their regular season with three straight wins, the Mustangs were 4-6 in the conference and won their first two section games before falling to a tough Delano team in the subsection championship. Seniors Tyler Hudson and Austin Lommen were named all-conference, and Andrew Keiser and Austin Rudnick were honorable mention.

Boys Golf

The boys finished third in their section with an 8-2 conference record and a 9-3 overall record for the season, and sophomore Max Schwartzman played in the state tournament. With two seniors, three sophomores and an eighth grader, they look to be strong contenders again this year.

Girls Golf

The girls showed a great team effort and finished 4-5 in the conference with eleven golfers lettering. Eighth grader Anna Zumwinkle played in the state tournament.

Boys Lacrosse

With great senior leadership from Michael Burwell and Joe Miller, a very young Mustang team won only one game but had three players named to the all-section and all-state teams. Burwell, on the second team, played in the all-state game. (For more about that, see the Class Note for 2012 on page 45.)

< Girls Lacrosse

The team showed a big improvement over the previous year and had great leadership from its four seniors: Tori Goldstein, Maddy Holker, Carly Schaeder and Ellie Soskin in her first year of playing goal. The girls won four games and are looking for more success in 2013.

Girls Lacrosse

< Boys Tennis

The Mustangs capped off a great season with a terrific showing at state. As a team, they repeated as Class A state champions, the section 5A champions and conference champions, and their only loss was a 4-3 heartbreaker to Edina. Myles Tang won the state singles championship, Andrew Engel and Tucker Sjoblad placed second in Class A doubles, and brothers Austin and Brenham Wong won the Class A doubles consolation match. Engel, Sjoblad, Tang, Wong and Wong were all named to the all-state and all-conference team. David Alper was also named all-conference, with Samarth Damania and Lewis White honorable mention.

Track and Field >

Both boys and girls teams had a good season and a great showing at the state tournament. For the boys, Andrew Headrick and Kasey Robinson were named all-conference with Anton Gougeon, Geoffrey Hibbs and Jake Levy honorable mention. For the girls, all-conference honors went to Adria Duncan, Halle Gustafason, Nailah Hill, Niara Hill, Morgan Williams and Kira Hinz. At the state meet, Headrick participated in the 100 and 200 meter dash and Hibbs in the shot put for the boys. For the girls, the 4 x 400 relay team of Halle Gustafson, Jaila Tolbert, Adria Duncan and Morgan Williams placed third, Niara Hill took eighth in the long jump, her sister Nailah Hill placed ninth in the shot put and competed at discus, and Kira Hinz participated in the long jump.

Boys Track

Girls Track

“ ” I N The I r O WN W O r DS

2012 BaccalaureaTe addreSS By The rT. rev. Brian n. PriOr

Bishop, Episcopal Church in Minnesota, and Chair, Breck Board of Trustees

Bishop Prior’s address began with his reading aloud from In the Forest, by

I bet it has been a while since some one has read to you. I bet you’re wondering why I did not finish the story. To help remind you, like this story, our life is a book with many chapters each building on the one before it. And like every good book as the chapters pass by they move more quickly.

That’s why it’s critical that we pay attention to the chapters we’ve experienced and the one we are in—because each builds on the other—each is to be lived into fully. We are people of story. Right here in this chapel you have heard the sacred stories from our varying faith traditions, as we heard tonight from the Jewish, Native American and Christian traditions. The story of each of you shared in your senior speeches. . .

Oh, and of course all the stories that will get better with age —of what happened in the rink, the classroom, the theater, the hallway or the bus trip.

And that’s what’s so wonderful about this place in your story. There’s an intentional pause that many of you will not take again for a while. How many times in recent days have you looked back, or people have shown you pictures of your childhood or at least the last four years or your senior year, all punctuating this moment, this place in your story.

What is critical about this place in your story, is because of that punctuation, that pause, you have a moment to reflect and through this to be even more intentional about the chapters ahead of you.

And the reality is that, in many respects, up to this point you have not been the primary author of your story. Your parents, your teachers and others they have taken the lead in terms of helping you write the early chapters of your story. Now you become the primary author of the next chapters of your life, which of course means you not only have the privilege, but also the responsibility for the story. And our

Marie Hall Ets.

stories can be tragically cut short—may that alone motivate us to live our stories with intention.

Because you could choose to just let your stories write themselves, and on some small level they will. Or you can seize the moment, seize the story, truly make it your story and using your experience, your history—all that has brought you to this moment in your story—and then add every ounce of two incredible ingredients—two critical components in every great story: imagination and passion. That’s what makes the difference in our life story: intentionally writing our story filled with imagination and passion. The boy went for a walk in the forest and soon his story was filled with talking and instrument-playing animals all in a parade that he led.

Stephen Denning’s A Leader’s Guide to Storytelling states, “Stories are trapdoors, escape hatches, portals through which we can expand our lives and learn about other worlds. They offer guideposts to what is important in life. They generate meaning. They embody our values. They give us clues from which we can discover what ultimately matters.” And, “You don’t discover your story from predetermined elements; you create yourself through telling your story.”

And as your story draws to a close once again you will not be the primary author. It will be your loved ones, those you have shared the journey with you, who will write the last chapter. What they say will be directly based on the chapters you now begin to write.

My prayer for you is that your stories not only say that you cured cancer, brought peace to the world, ended all forms of oppression and saved the environment. But as important, that you led an intentional life filled with imagination and passion, being light bearers of love and compassion.

May God richly bless you and your story!

discover the benefits of giving wisely with a planned gift.

legacy.vg/breckschool

Become a member of the James Lloyd Breck Society.

Joining the James Lloyd Breck Society is something anyone can do through a simple designation in your Will or Trust, or with a gift that generates income for life.

Want to get started?

Visit the Breck website and use our interactive and straightforward “Plan a Gift” tools and sample bequest language, and find out what type of planned gift is right for you.

to join those in our community who have made a commitment to breck now and in the future, who have named breck in their will, or as a beneficiary of their retirement plan or trust, please contact dina r. wolkoff ’84 , director of development via email dina.wolkoff@breckschool.org or phone 763-381-8208 .

123 Ottawa Avenue North

Minneapolis MN 55422-5189

Parents of Alumni: Please forward this publication. If your daughter or son no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify us (763-381-8230 or alumni@breckschool.org) of the new mailing address.

SCREEN SHOT

Laptops enhance learning in Middle School.