TODAY AT BRECK
all in the family
The Andersons’ FourGeneration Legacy at Breck PG. 26
the imPortance of financial aid class of 2013 Plans winter sPorts
You were here!
Breck School 2012/13 Annual Fund
Thank you to all the parents, grandparents, students, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff and friends who supported the 2012-13 Annual Fund, helping to make life at Breck possible. Your generosity keeps us strong.
Look for us in 2013-14. We’ll be here!
18 | Hurrah! It’s May!
We look in on some May Program service and learning opportunities.
22 | All About Accessibility
Breck’s deep commitment to financial aid helps the school maintain socioeconomic diversity and a strong middle class.
26 | Leading the Way
cover story We sat down with Lifetime Trustee Lee R. Anderson, Sr., ’57 to learn about Breck through the eyes of our most generous donor and anchor of a four-generation legacy.
30 | Alumni in Athletics
Today at Breck catches up with some graduates involved with sports careers.| Lois Fruen: Enhancing Scholarship and Scientific Study
On the cover: Lee R. Anderson, Sr., ’57 with grandchildren Griffin ’16, Penny ’19 and Gabriella ’22 Groethe
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, Brittney Schneider, Corey Sevett writers
Michelle Geo Olmstead
PhotoGraPhers
A.J. Colianni, Peggy Fifield, Lauren Kiesel, Matthias Orfield, Byron Rice, Karyl Rice, Sara Rubinstein, Sher Stoneman
PrintinG
Bolger Vision Beyond Print
dePartments
4 | 20 Questions
We asked, and they answered: Peter Kiesel ’15, Carey Sirianni, and Alex Clark ’02
7 | 123
Activities, accomplishments, awards, announcements: here are some items from springtime at Breck.
7 | Who Knew?
Fun facts, both current and historical (no, there won’t be a quiz!)
16 | Ten Things You Didn’t Know About…
College counseling staff keep up with the trends as they support upper school students.
34 | Alumni News
Are you ready for Homecoming 2013?
36 | Class Notes
Alumni share recent news.
42
| Sports News
We’ve got all the highlights of a great winter season for the Mustangs.
44 |
In Their Own Words
Marion Jones Kennon reflects on her 46-year career at Breck.
mission
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.
At the annual conference of the National Association of Independent Schools this spring, the keynote address was by James Collins, whose book, Good to Great, had a significant impact on management practices worldwide.
Mr. Collins encouraged us to adapt the Good to Great concept in our schools and specifically to:
• Set audacious goals
• Identify, advance and organize talent
• Create an entrepreneurial culture, characterized by openness and self-discipline
• Rely on enterprise-focused leaders
• Use technology to accelerate transformation
I’ve long been a reader of business and management books, and Mr. Collins’ presentation confirmed my belief that leaders of schools must pay serious attention to the principles of good finance as well as good curriculum.
The economic downturn of 2008 was a wake-up call for schools, although in retrospect it is clear that the signs were there easily a decade earlier. At Breck, the steadily growing pressure on enrollment, especially increased need for financial aid, has created a new reality.
Part of that reality is the necessity of a complex understanding of many issues, including investments, legal concerns, and the effects of inflation. And to sustain our mission over time, we must take inspiration from profound thinkers in both the business and non-profit worlds.
It’s appropriate, then, that this issue of Today at Breck has a cover story on one of our school’s greatest champions. Lee Anderson, Sr. ’57 has had a very successful career in business and an equally impressive lifetime of service and philanthropy to non-profit institutions. He’s been a tireless advocate for diversity in both schools and corporations, and he has been a generous supporter of the financial aid that helps maintain socioeconomic diversity at Breck.
I think you’ll enjoy reading about his observations—as well as the “In Their Own Words” column from Marion Jones Kennon, our assistant admissions director who is retiring after 46 years.
The opportunity to view Breck through the eyes of two people who have seen the school grow and change over time—while remaining steadfast in our devotion to our mission—is a rare one indeed.
I hope you are enjoying the summer.
edward Kim head of school
Peter Kiesel ‘15: BrecK risinG JUnior
1 What’s on your iPod? A lot of country music
2 What’s one of the last books you read?
Bringing Down the House, a really interesting book about card counting
3
What’s your favorite time of year?
Definitely the summer. It’s warm, and there’s no homework. What’s not to love about that?
4
What’s your favorite Breck lunch?
Either pizza or brunch for lunch
5 Who is your personal hero (and why)?
My grandma. She is always so happy and teaches her grandchildren to always look on the positive side.
6 Dream job?
Something
that lets me travel to different places around the world to do things that not many people get to do
7 Favorite comfort food?
Chocolate covered acai berries. My mom buys them at Costco, and they’re so amazing!
8 What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
To chill out and not take everything so seriously
9 What do you remember from kindergarten?
Tripping and breaking my wrist while running to a friend on the playground
10
What’s your favorite place on the Breck campus?
This year it was definitely the Fieldhouse commons; next year, who knows?
11 If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
12 Favorite line from a movie?
“Loosen your corset,” from Haymitch in The Hunger Games
13 Favorite website?
Most visited would be the Powerschool portal; favorite is probably YouTube.
14 Three people, living or dead, you’d have over to dinner?
My great grandpa Mauerhan, Steve Jobs, and Albert Einstein
15 Best trophy/award you ever won?
Third place in an event at the alpine skiing Junior Olympics in Vail last year
16 If you could read anyone’s mind, whose would it be?
My dog’s. It’d be very interesting to see what she thinks on a daily basis.
17 If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
The Caribbean or Hawaii. Somewhere with really blue water
18 Pet peeve?
When people eat peanuts at baseball games. I don’t get why it’s okay to throw the shells on the ground.
19 Unfulfilled wish?
To go ziplining over a rainforest
20 What keeps you up at night?
Chinese dialog
carey sirianni:
UPPer school academic resoUrce instrUctor
1 What’s on your iPod?
Angelique Kidjo, Paul Simon, Nusrat Fateh, Ali Khan, Tito Puente, The Beatles, Macy Gray
2 What’s one of the last books you read?
The Warmth of Other Suns…loved it and learned a lot!
3 What’s your favorite time of year? Spring, right when the first shoots and lilacs start
4 What’s the most thrilling/ adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Biking through Thailand and Malaysia, hitchhiking up the east coast of Kenya, and swimming in the Zambezi River (and not seeing the “No Swimming — Crocodile Infested Waters” sign until I got out).
5 What’s your favorite Breck lunch? Caesar salad. Bob Miles is incredible, and his Caesar dressing is fabulous.
6 Who is your personal hero (and why)?
My husband Al, who is steady as a rock, kind and generous; Anjali Madhok for her magical energy, and Brad Kohl because he’s never what you’d expect
7 Dream job?
I have it!!! I wouldn’t trade my job for anything.
8 Best decision?
Starting Bato Bato!
9 What do you remember from kindergarten?
It was a calm place. I have 11 siblings, and life at home was pretty chaotic. Also lots of sweet, yummy glue
10 What is the most important room in your home?
My back yard. I spend my whole summer out there.
11 What’s your favorite place on the Breck campus?
My own room surrounded by my regulars who are studying and chatting and fooling around and getting their stuff done
12 Favorite comfort food?
Peanut butter and dill pickle sandwiches with onions….with a glass of cold milk!
13 If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“I Can’t Run, But” (Paul Simon, Rhythm of the Saints)
14 Favorite line from a movie?
Mozart: “Forgive me, Majesty. I am a vulgar man! But I assure you, my music is not.” ~Amadeus
15 Favorite website?
Border Collie Rescue
16
Three people, living or dead, you’d have over to dinner?
Peter Clark, Ephat Mujuru, Gandhi
17 Best trophy/award you ever won?
2nd place: East Africa Open Ocean Swim Championship
18 If you could read anyone’s mind, whose would it be?
Brad Kohl
19 If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Turkey, Brazil, the Amalfi Coast and Lamu
20 Pet peeve? Leash laws
’02: alUmni sPeaKer, 2013 commencement
1 What’s on your iPod?
LCD Soundsystem, Jay Z, Junip, Gorrilaz, The Talking Heads, Trampled by Turtles, Alabama Shakes
2 What’s one of the last books you read?
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
3 What’s your favorite time of year? Autumn
4 What’s the most thrilling/ adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Impulsively starting an ice cream business in college with a friend. It failed miserably.
5
What’s your favorite Breck lunch?
Any reasonable, well-adjusted individual knows it’s chicken patty on a bun, hands down.
6 Who is your personal hero (and why)?
A toss-up between my mom and my dad. They both structured their lives around serving others—that’s really hard not to look up to and admire.
7 Dream job?
I already hold my dream job! I collaborate with health-care organizations to improve health-care quality and reduce costs. The need is enormous.
8 Best decision?
Taking a year off from college in between freshman and sophomore year. I probably grew and developed more that year than any.
9 What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
Continue to invest in relationships and experiences. And every now and then, question your own assumptions.
10 What do you remember from kindergarten?
Being part of a rowdy, disruptive group with people who are still some of my best friends: Andrew Dayton, Mike Tankenoff, Whitney Clark, David Brooks, Will Dolan
11 Favorite comfort food? Walleye sandwich
12 If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Sister Christian” by Night Ranger, my go-to karaoke song
13 Favorite line from a movie?
“The world is an imperfect place. Screws fall out all the time.” John Bender, The Breakfast Club
14
Three people, living or dead, you’d have over to dinner?
My dad, my mom and The Dude from The Big Lebowski
15 Best trophy/award you ever won?
Hilldale Research Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin, Madison
16 If you could read anyone’s mind, whose would it be?
Thomas Friedman. That guy is crazy smart.
17 If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
The Phi Phi Islands in Thailand
18 Pet peeve?
The middle seat on an airplane
19 Unfulfilled wish?
Opening a breakfast joint in South Minneapolis
20 What keeps you up at night?
If I’m up at night, it’s because my right brain just isn’t ready to shut down. That’s when my thoughts are about as creative as they come.
third Graders excel at wordmasters challenGe
Breck third graders were eighth in the nation in the most recent WordMasters, a national vocabulary competition involving nearly 150,000 students annually.
cUm laUde society indUcts 17 new memBers
Breck’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society inducted the following new members at its annual dinner in April: Seniors David Alper, Kylee Grant, Caleb Kumar, Katherine Schipper, Mikala Skelton, Joshua Stillman and Amy Yin; and juniors Eileen Bayer, Claire Drysdale, Adria Duncan, Madison Ernst, Leslie Hayes, Julia Joern, Trevor Larsen, Jack Sheehy, Claire Simpson and Patricia Zhao.
They joined the members of the Class of 2013 who had been inducted as juniors: Daniel Bergerson, Greer Bingham, Paige Dempsey, Sarah Koop, Joseph Kuhns, Eden Motto, Emma Quirk-Durben, Jessica Ryvlin and Nicholas Thyr.
Speaking at the dinner was Megan Cross Rogers ’01.
Competing in the difficult Blue division, Will Walkley won individual highest honors for his score of 58, and high honors went to Ella Williamson, Anders Dean, Fiona Reilly, Sara Morneau, Joshua Goh and Joe Stutsman.
WordMasters is an exercise in critical thinking that encourages students to become familiar with interesting new words and then challenges them to use those words to complete analogies, expressing various kinds of logical relationships.
QUiz Bowl travels to nationals
The Breck Quiz Bowl team competed in the national tournament over Memorial Day weekend in Atlanta. Seniors Nicholas Thyr, Caleb Kumar and Patrick Curoe and freshman Daratu Gamada played well and had a great time. While the team missed out on the playoffs, Nicholas was the 24th-ranked individual player and the top ranked Minnesota player out of 1,270 participants.
attendance at this year’s Pancake BreckFest, a celebration of service learning at Breck
Thornton Powell III delivers his eighth-grade speech at Middle School closing.
BrecK stUdents recoGnized for sUccess in modern lanGUaGe
Senior Nicholas Thyr won a scholarship from the Minnesota chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese for his high score on the National Spanish Exam.
A number of other Breck students also achieved high scores on the National Spanish Exam, including 11 Middle School and two Upper School students who placed at the Gold level nationally. A complete list of award winners is on the Breck website.
Of special note is that Emma Cowan, Melanie Blazar, Alexa Helm, Sarah Gunderson, Catherine Schmoker, Emma Senner, and Nicolas Thyr were all invited to attend the luncheon of the Minnesota chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese on May 18.
And in the National French Exam, two seventh graders, Maya Czeneszew and Zoe Vogel, placed first in their categories. More results are listed on the website.
In addition, 22 were inducted into the Chinese National Honor Society. They are seniors William Naylor and Josh Stillman, juniors Christopher Anderson, Blaze Beecher, Madison Diehl, Madison Ernst, Trevor Larsen, Luke LeBlanc, Anjali Madhok, Lucas McCormick, Peter Metzger, Hannah Price, Carter Roland, Nath Samaratunga, Jack Sheehy, Sunny Tang, Lucas Wille, Maddi Youngdale and Patricia Zhao, and sophomores Sofie Kim, Grace Kirkpatrick and Julian Maddox.
artists win awards in state hiGh school leaGUe show
Several Upper School artists took part in the Minnesota State High School League art show, and 11 won awards, including best in show for Emily Colwell and Maddi Youngdale. Claire Drysdale, Maddie Diehl, Evie Mackenzie and Alyssa Quast won superior awards, Emily Colwell, Kristina Genau and Maddi Youngdale won excellent awards, and Adria Duncan and Niara Hill won achievement awards.
recoGnition for advanced
science, math research stUdents
Work by students in Breck’s Advanced Science Research program won national recognition this spring, including the following:
• Caleb Kumar has been selected as one of ten U.S. high school students to receive an AXA Achievement national scholarship. His bio is among those featured in U.S. News and the AXA website. Caleb’s scholarship is for $25,000.
• Paige Dempsey won a grand award bronze in environmental science and Elliott Weiler won a grand award bronze in engineering at the International Sustainable World (Engineering, Energy & Environment) Project Olympiad (ISWEEEP). Students from over 70 countries participated in ISWEEEP.
• Darius Bieganski won a 4th grand award in engineering and the Forward Thinker Award at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
• Advanced Math Research program participant Patrick Curoe, along with program advisor Brad Kohl, led a workshop at the Minnesota PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) conference, presenting new information about the issue of GLBT bullying. Patrick was one of only 16 people chosen to lead workshops at the event—and the first math research student to give a workshop at a conference.
• Patrick, along with fellow math researchers Amy Yin, Eden Motto and Emma Quirk-Durben, presented research projects in the Service Learning Showcase at the National Service Learning Conference in Denver.
Number of technology department employees named Ryan (left to right: Ryan Wilson, Ryan Mann, Ryan Flanders)
facUlty, staff honored at year-end chaPels
Congratulations to all the faculty members who received special recognition this spring.
Master Teachers
Faculty Chairs
All Master Teachers were invited to attend April’s Trustee Day Chapel, where they were the first to receive the newly commissioned Breck Medal and were there to see a new member, Lower School teacher Lisa Hunninghake, inducted into their ranks.
Ernest Campbell Award
Wigley Award for Excellence
This year’s winner of the Wigley Award for Excellence in Teaching was Lower School Counselor Lisa Lokke
The award, voted on by faculty and staff and given to someone who has shown “self-giving love to Breck,” was awarded to retiring Assistant Director of Admissions Marion Jones Kennon
Two teachers received three-year appointments (along with funds for them to pursue a special project). Middle School math teacher Rick Miller received the Breck Middle School Faculty Chair, and Upper School computer education department head A. J. Colianni received the Cloverfields Family Foundation Breck Faculty Chair.
Yearbook Dedication
The 2013 Mustang yearbook was dedicated to Middle School Director Sky Fauver
Service Awards
On Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day, a number of employees were recognized for their service to Breck. Thirty-year honors went to John Iserman and Byron Rice; twenty-year honors to Jan Arvidson, Norbert Herby, Barbara JacobsSmith, Elizabeth Powers-Dempsey, Karyl Rice, Melissa Soderberg and Amy Wang. And ten-year honors went to Akeem Akindele, Melita Anderson, Jan Langlois, Megan Lee, Leah Malec, Stan Michaelis and Bruce Rosengren.
three facUlty memBers receive Grants
Three faculty members have been awarded grants for summer study and travel:
Rob Johnson ’90 will take a pilgrimage to Auschwitz, Poland, with a Holocaust survivor named Eva Kor. He will document her experience and journey of forgiveness to create a video resource for his classroom and, he hopes, to impact the way the Episcopal Church engages in Holocaust education.
Jackie Keepers will travel to Rome, Pisa and Florence, to walk in the footsteps of great mathematicians and scientists of the Renaissance. She will create various resources for her students. She will also travel to the National Museum of Mathematics in New York City to establish connections there.
$36,000 donated to sustainability efforts from used uniform sales
Peggy Fifield will pursue her love and knowledge of yoga by attending the Yoga Calm retreat in Santa Cruz, Guatemala. She will bring back what she learns to integrate yoga practices into Lower School physical education classes and also to offer a Yoga Calm session for Lower School teachers.
Recycling was spotlighted by Hennepin Country for our exemplary program
end-of-year roUndUP
Lower School students enjoyed their annual Field Day, kindergarten Water Day, Fourth-Grade Graduation and Lower School Closing activities, among others.
Middle School Closing, eighth-grade speeches were presented by Seyade Tadele, Thornton Powell III and Halcyon Brown. Award winners were as follows:
Breck Award for Effort: Renelle Mensah and Thornton Powell III
Breck Award for Sportsmanship: Halcyon Brown and Avi Eller
Breck Award for Leadership: Seyade Tadele
Breck Award for Academic Excellence: Raunak Vijayakar and Boniat Ephrem
Breck “Be a Mustang” Award: Abigail Roh, Andrew Sorum, Rebekah Florey, Ben Turner, Archana Murali
world savvy: eiGhth Graders address real-world ProBlems
Congratulations to a number of eighth graders whose World Savvy projects went on to regional competition. This year’s theme was Sustainable Communities.
Emma Cowen, Olivia Chutich, Eva Heinen and Isabel Wellik in the Documentary category
Elena Berman, Brittany Blazar, John Dempsey, Boniat Ephrem, Alan Horstman, Samuel Rex, and Raunak Vijayakar in the Website category
Maryam Ali, Marisol Childs, Liam Delaney and Layla Tattersfield; Madelena Caron, Jon Ekberg, Sarah Gunderson, Adeline Hardten, Kip Holmes and Samantha Nelson; and Nathan Jackson, Helene Kim, Abigail Riskevich, Maggie Schmoker, Seyade Tadele, Grace Taylor, Maura Torelli and Grace Zumwinkle in the Exhibit category
Halcyon Brown, Annie Johnston and Amira Kazeminy; and Melanie Blazar, Brandon Leitz and Hannah Shin in the Performance category
Visited by College Counseling Director Jonny Nicholson on a tour of the newest campus of NYU
Upper School Academic Awards included the following highlights. (For a full list of Upper School awards, please visit the Breck website, under Students.)
English Departmental Distinction Awards: Maria Bell, Tait Helgaas, Sarah Koop, Anjali Madhok
History Departmental Distinction Awards: Madison Ernst, Joshua Stillman, Andrew Stuempfig, Seamus Walsh
Mathematics Departmental Distinction Awards: Daniel Bergerson, Sung-Rim Huh, Eden Motto, Patricia Zhao
Modern Language Departmental Distinction Awards: Sofie Kim, Grace Kirkpatrick, Madison Lommen, Patricia Zhao
Performing Arts Departmental Distinction Awards: Stephanie Carlson, Andrew Chien, Paige Dempsey, Nicholas Malak, Eden Motto, Mitchell Nimmer, Stephanie van Oppen
Mrs. Reuben L. Anderson Sacred Studies Award: Jessica Freeman
Science Departmental Distinction Awards: Darius Bieganski, Paige Dempsey, Sarah Koop, Eden Motto
Charles Krenz Creative Arts Award: Kylee Grant, Andrew Chien
Visual Arts Departmental Distinction Awards: Madisen Diehl, Adria Duncan, Kira Li Hinz, Jessica Ryvlin
Allen Dunn Trophy: Claire Drysdale, Kwaku Bodom
Grade 9 Scholarship Award: Claire Cousineau, Daratu Gamada, Sina Hakim-Hashemi, Tait Helgaas, Ingrid Thyr, Lewis White
Grade 10 Scholarship Award: Edward Kuhns, Andrew Stuempfig
Grade 11 Scholarship Award: Claire Drysdale, Claire Simpson
Grade 12 Scholarship Award: Eden Motto, Nicholas Thyr
Service Awards: Allison Cole, Leslie Hayes, Madison Lommen, Nicolaas van Oppen, Amanda Zeidner
James and Kathleen Lockhart Memorial Scholarship: Hutton Phillips
Robbie Monick Memorial Scholarship: Kira Li Hinz
Timothy Randall and Todd Allan Hitchcock Scholarship: Mitchell Foster
Citizenship Awards: Tait Helgaas, Kwaku Bodom, Claire Drysdale, Benjamin Gleekel
Christin M. Mead ’90 Memorial Award: Eden Motto
Breck Alumni Award: Leslie Hayes
Robert J. Aarthun Award: Emma QuirkDurben, Achinth Murali
McCall Academic Award: Eden Motto, Nicholas Thyr
Haupt Cup: Daniel Bergerson
also noted
Craig Dodson, associate director of College Counseling, has been tapped as president-elect of MACAC (the Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling), a group with over 600 members including college admission and financial aid professionals and high school counselors across the state. He says, “I’m thankful to Breck for the support I receive in taking on this role and I know this will be a tremendous learning opportunity for me, as well as an opportunity to
ensure that Breck School and our students are in the forefront of the minds of college decision makers both in Minnesota as well as nationally.”
Middle School Chaplain Alexis Kent’s essay, “Synchronization as a Classroom Dynamic: A Practitioner’s Perspective,” was published in the Harvard Journal of Mind, Brain and Education.
Math teacher Mary Gentry’s totally electric car
Last year’s Mustang yearbook received honorable mention in an annual, nationwide competition of high school yearbooks. The editors were Nina Killingstad, Nick Kleidon and Michele Pikovsky, all from the Class of 2012.
Hutton Phillips ’13 was featured as Channel Twelve’s “Standout Student” on May 9.
Becca Albrecht ’14 finished third in the women’s foil event at the state high school fencing championship.
Breck students, as part of a neighborhood FIRST Lego League robotics team, took first place in a late February competition. The team, called Radical Robots, included fifth graders James Clinton, Colin Dlugosch, Dominic Frerichs, Byron Jia and Julian Moyer, third grader Yvonne Jia and three neighborhood friends, was first among 26 teams in robot design.
from the facUlty BooKshelf
Visual Arts Department Head Michal Sagar’s work was featured in an exhibition called “Shadow Sisters,” along with artist Hend al-Mansour, at the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, Wisconsin.
International Studies Director
Margaret Wong was honored as the Golden Valley Rotary Club’s Citizen of the Year in June.
And congratulations to a number of new parents among Breck’s faculty and staff: Chantal Thornberry (son Declan), Frederique Schmidt (son Pascal), Mia Herrmann (daughter Annabel), and Bobak Razavi (daughter Mona).
Art instructor Kat Corrigan’s paintings are on display at Rye Deli in Minneapolis in a show called “Return to Ireland,” inspired by her spring break trip to Ireland with her parents and sisters.
JFK — A New World Order, DVD, Tim Rosenfield, consultant. Available at Amazon
To Elinor, a novel by Jane Beaton Bartow (former faculty). Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
rUnninG mUstanGs Get in Gear
For the sixth consecutive year, Lower School students participated in the annual Get in Gear Fun Run. This year’s 2K race was held on April 27 at Minnehaha Falls, and 166 students and parents took part.
Setting the pace for the Running Mustangs was third grader Jimmy Koch, who won the race with a time of 8:15, and fourth grader Will Benson, who finished second.
To get ready, the students participated in three training runs after school led by parent volunteer Robert Wheaton and physical education teachers Merrill Harris, Rob Little and Peggy Fifield
Says Harris, “All the students did a great job, and we are so proud of their efforts!”
class of 2013 fUtUre Plans
David Alper Middlebury college
Ashlee Avery Hampton University
Daniel Bergerson columbia University
Darius Bieganski claremont McKenna college
Madison Bigos University of southern california
Greer Bingham Bowdoin college
Michael Bodell University of Denver
sophie Burton University of Michigan
Marielos cabrera UW, Madison
stephanie carlson vanderbilt University
Andrew chien Illinois Wesleyan University
Michelle christy Whitman college
Melissa clark colby college
Matthew colford st. olaf college
Hannah corwin texas christian University
Dimitri culpepper st. olaf college
Patrick curoe Lawrence University
vicary Delianedis Union college
Paige Dempsey Whitman college
Jameson Dolliff Hobart & William smith colleges
Phillip engh colorado college
Abby erdmann University of chicago
Duffy Fallon Boston college
Joia Felton Kenyon college
ohiyesa Firesteel southwest MN state University
Mitchell Foster Harvard college
Jessica Freeman Loyola University chicago
Joseph Gamer Babson college
Benjamin Gleekel Middlebury college
Kylee Grant Northwestern University
John Greely, Jr. Denison University
Nailah Hill University of Pennsylvania
Kira Hinz Loyola University chicago
tilyn Hollis UW, superior
Jake Holmes University of colorado
Halle Huff santa clara University
Bennet Johnson Boston college
Deonna Johnson spelman college
Andrew Keiser Miami University, oxford
Georgia Keller University of st. thomas
Katherine Kiesel Hamilton college – Ny
sarah Koop University of Notre Dame
Joseph Kuhns University of Notre Dame
caleb Kumar stanford University
Kiko Laureano Indiana University
thomas Lindstrom UMN, twin cities
Margaret MacLennan trinity college
Nicholas Malak syracuse University
Benjamin Mallin UNc, Wilmington
Marissa Mark University of Denver
Michael Marzec Boston college
Jane Mesna colby college
taveon Miller Undecided
eden Motto carleton college
Achinth Murali New york University
William Naylor Amherst college
Mitchell Nimmer Normandale community college
Alayna o’Bryan vassar college
Jack o’connor Union college
Hutton Phillips Davidson college
Jay Phillips University of Kansas
Lincoln Prior University of san Diego
emma Quirk-Durben Washington University
tiffany ravelomanantsoa Gettysburg college
Mikaela robinson UW, river Falls
Jessica ryvlin cornell University
Henry sanborn Whitman college
Aryka sanders-Dawkins ohio Wesleyan University
Katherine schipper UMN, twin cities
tucker sjoblad tufts University
Mikala skelton Grinnell college
Joshua stillman University of Michigan
Myles tang Amherst college
ronald thao Us Marine corps
Anna thom University of st. thomas
samantha thomas Wellesley college
Nicholas thyr Dartmouth college
Mallory turner Bates college
Isabella valentini Boston college
stephanie van oppen rutgers, state University of New Jersey
Brenham Wong Montana state University
yu yin
University of chicago
aPPlaUse raises fUnds—and friends—in aPril
A festive Applause event raised more than $200,000 for academic technology across the school. Co-chairs Trissa Garvis and Rhonda O’Neill and their team of volunteers helped entertain more than 350 for an evening at Aria in Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood.
David and Christine Hardten, Elizabeth Davis, Bill Bigley
A scene from the Live Auction
Kathy Anderson Groethe ‘88 and Killian Rieder
Head of School Edward Kim with Chairs Trissa Garvis (l) and Rhonda O’Neill (r)
Nate Garvis, Shannon and Mark ‘87 Evenstad
Live Auction hosts Charlie Grossman and Nate Garvis
Large balloons were part of the decor at Aria in Downtown Minneapolis.
Board of trUstees annoUnces three retirements, foUr new memBers
At its year-end meeting in June, Breck’s Board of Trustees paid special recognition to three members whose terms have ended and welcomed four additions.
Head of School Edward Kim, Board Chair the Rt. Rev. Brian Prior, and Board President Timothy Clark thanked Nader Kazeminy, Ellen Goldberg Luger and Ann MacDonald for their service.
The board also welcomed four new members: Becky O’Grady, Rory O’Neill, Brad Radichel and Maya Tester ’81.
Says Clark, “It’s always bittersweet to say goodbye to talented and generous volunteers, and I’m very grateful to Nader, Ellen and Ann. They’ve left an indelible mark on the board and the school with their commitment and dedication.”
“Looking ahead,” he says, “I’m delighted to begin working with Becky, Rory, Brad and Maya. All four bring wonderful strengths and perspective to their board service, and I know they will have a positive impact on the school both now and in the future.”
Holden Felton is a modern major general in the Middle School production of Pirates of Penzance Jr.
Ten Things You Didn’t Know About…
colleGe coUnselinG at BrecK
Formal college counseling at Breck begins in sophomore year, when each student is assigned to one of the three counselors, who will work with them both individually and as a team through senior year.
Director Jonny Nicholson says that students are encouraged to challenge themselves by taking a variety of courses in sophomore and junior year, which will help them expand their perspectives and discover new passions. “That’s the best way for them to know what questions to ask and find an environment that suits them,” he advises.
The office coordinated nearly 150 visits to Breck from college admissions officers in 2012-13.
The Class of 2013 favored medium-sized schools in urban areas, such as Boston, Denver, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Nashville.
Nicholson says that one new trend he’s seeing is that of colleges trying to engage students increasingly early in support of early action and decision programs. That’s why Breck’s programming extends into ninth grade, all in an effort to get families involved from the beginning of Upper School.
Another growing trend: admitting freshmen for second-semester starts. The University of Chicago, Harvard, University of Southern California, Middlebury, Boston University and Rice are among schools with significant spring start groups.
Breck counselors traveled to more than 25 colleges, ranging from the U.S. Military Academy to NYU Abu Dhabi.
New and popular programs this year included an informal “Coffee with the Counselors” event for parents of seniors each fall and juniors each spring and a financial aid program featuring a Q & A with Macalester College’s director of financial aid in January.
For the second year, the office is organizing a group tour for rising seniors over the summer, taking them to the University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas. It’s a way to introduce them to Division I and II, big and small, public and private colleges and a great way for students to know what they should be looking for and what questions to ask.
Breck will host the 2013 Minnesota Independent Schools College Fair in late September, to which more than 160 colleges and universities will send representatives.
may ProGram roUndUP
SCEnES and nEwS FroM a BELovEd annUaL TradiTion
One of Breck’s most enduring traditions, Upper School May Program, continues to give students a chance to end the school year with special experiences. And while student trips now take place over spring break or just after school finishes in June, the other components of May Program are largely unchanged.
Freshmen and sophomores remain on campus and take a mixture of required and elective courses, many of them intriguing interdisciplinary explorations. Juniors and seniors leave campus for service or business internships.
Says Upper School Dean of Students Kim Peeples, “May Program is something that we cherish because it gives both students and teachers an element of choice in the way they finish out the school year. The academics are still rigorous, but they might be more enjoyable. And it also gives students the opportunity to witness their teachers’ passions and get to know them a little better at the same time.”
trail conservation GroUP defends camPUs aGainst invasive sPecies
Under the guidance of science faculty members Jacob Miller and Marcia Richter, a hardy group of juniors devoted their May Program to pulling buckthorn and garlic mustard plants from the pond just east of the Senior Lot.
It was intense labor, requiring a combination of handpulling, shovels, saws and pruners, but the students seemed more than satisfied with their efforts. We caught up with them during a cafeteria lunch that included Mrs. Richter’s homemade garlic mustard pesto.
Students Alex Crawford, Dylon Eggert, Treva Kleber, Anjali Madhok, Ingrid Miller, Carter Roland, Mark Sharp and Hadley Slocum all agreed that the unseasonably cool and rainy weather actually made their outdoor work a little easier. “Weeds are a lot easier to pull in the rain, so it was a mixed blessing,” said Hadley.
The juniors were all looking forward to a better-looking landscape from their Senior Lot parking spaces in the fall and
feeling hopeful that the project would become an annual one. “If we don’t keep coming back, it will just get worse,” observed Treva.
Said Mrs. Richter, “The students have been very committed to this project, and I am truly impressed with their dedication.” And, for those concerned about the effects of the cleanup on some prime campus bird-watching territory, resident expert Dr. Miller explained that it’s still “one of the best places on campus to find birds. There wasn’t much biodiversity in the trees or weeds.”
(left to right)
Anjali Madhok, Ingrid Miller, Marcia Richter, Carter Roland, Dylon Eggert and Alex Crawford
haBitat for hUmanity BUild
Athletic Director Brett Bergene supervised a hard-working team of students at a Habitat build.
world reliGions
This year, Rev. John Bellaimey, Rob Johnson ’90 and Tom Hegg invited local religious leaders to take part in the curriculum, which focused mainly on the three Abrahamic religions of Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman from Temple Israel, Imam Makram El-Amin from Masjid an-Noor and Father Michael O’Connell from Ascension Catholic Church—all in Minneapolis—helped provide context and answered student questions, as did Bishop Brian Prior of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota and the visiting Bishop Griselda Delgado of the Episcopal Church of Cuba.
Said Bellaimey, “We wanted to present authentic voices to our ninth graders in a combination of storytelling, explaining, listening and encouraging, and we were very pleased with the results. Our guest clergy were wonderful ambassadors who rose to the occasion of maintaining the interest of 110 teenagers for two hours at a time of day when they might well prefer sleeping.”
Freshman Amanda Gillen was an especially enthusiastic participant. “It’s so eye-opening to learn more and see the connections among the religions. And it’s so clear that we’re all fighting for the same things.”
Rabbi
answers a student’s question.
Rob Johnson ‘90, Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, Rev. John Bellaimey and Father Michael O’Connell
Zimmerman
mBira maKers
Ninth and tenth graders worked with Carey Sirianni, the Bato Bato! advisor, and Brian Wright, who teaches physics, to make their own mbiras, handheld percussion instruments from Zimbabwe, and their own music.
Says Sirianni, “Mr. Wright assisted the students in sawing, pounding and tuning, enlightening them on the physics behind the instrument’s harmonics. And I helped teach them quite a few songs, which they performed for the Lower School at their end-ofyear cookout. Students had a blast and learned a lot!”
Ms. Sirianni helps Cecily Nordstrom tune her mbira.
FinanCiaL aid: THE BUdgET
iS LargE, BUT THE nEEd iS aLwaYS growing
When Breck was founded in Wilder, Minnesota, in 1886, there were 34 students. Most of them were children of immigrant farmers, and tuition and board at the school was $110 for the entire year.
A lot has changed over the last 127 years. We no longer organize our school year around the harvesting schedule, we’ve moved to Golden Valley, and tuition is slightly higher.
What hasn’t changed is Breck’s commitment to ensuring that the school is accessible to families of all economic backgrounds.
Our robust budget for financial aid, the largest among Minnesota independent schools by a significant margin, makes it all possible. In 2012-13, Breck awarded $5.1 million in needbased financial assistance, supporting 23% of the student body across all three divisions with some degree of aid.
It makes a big difference to families, says Director of Admissions Scott Wade, and it also makes a big difference to Breck. “Having a healthy financial aid budget allows us to enroll highly motivated and talented students who could not otherwise afford a Breck education,” he observes. “It’s just that simple.”
Maintaining socioeconomic diversity is important at Breck, which strives to maintain racial, religious and geographical diversity as well. Wade notes that his office works hard to make sure that both prospective and current families understand that resources are available. “We make sure that basic information about financial aid is prominently displayed on our website,” he explains. “We want people looking at Breck to go through the admissions process and not disqualify themselves due to ‘sticker shock.’ ”
Financial Aid Recipients: 2012-13
As you can see from the table above, need-based grants went to families with a wide range of annual income last year. The Breck Financial Aid committee considers total income as a starting point, along with many other factors, such as family size, number of children in tuition-bearing schools, age of the primary working parent, assets, liabilities and unusual allowable expenses. Please consider this as a general guideline.
Over the years, as the budget has grown, so has the range of families applying for and receiving aid. “We’ve got to be realistic,” says Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Director Marion Jones Kennon. “Tuition comes from after-tax discretionary income, and depending on any number of circumstances, we’re finding that families with what used to be considered high income need help.”
In fact, the range of family income among those receiving financial aid currently is from $30,000–$250,000. Both Wade and Kennon are quick to point out that decisions are based on a number of factors, including number of children in other tuition-bearing institutions, and circumstances involving employment and illness. “There are degrees of need,” Kennon observes, “and we try hard to do what we can.”
PercentaGe of stUdents receivinG financial aid
THE HUMan SidE oF FinanCiaL aSSiSTanCE:
rEMEMBEring dEL CarTEr ’50
this article is filled with the facts, figures and philosophy of financial aid at Breck. What it doesn’t describe is the personal side of the equation. No one was a more powerful advocate or had a more genuine and profound appreciation for the power of assistance than the late Del carter ’50.
After his mother passed away when he was ten years old, Del and his father moved from ohio to Minnesota. With the
The school has also worked hard to provide more transparency to the process. “It’s so important to make families feel comfortable,” explains Kennon, “and now they can go online to SSS (the financial aid clearinghouse sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools), plug in their information and find out what kind of aid they qualify for, which helps give them real information right from the start.”
Another key dimension of Breck’s approach to financial aid is a commitment to maintaining financial aid for students throughout the course of their whole Breck career. Families must apply for assistance each year and supply current financial information to the school. “Our aim is to keep our base and add to it,” explains Kennon, who noted that three families who had previously received financial aid didn’t
financial support of members of the Breck community, Del was able to attend—and keep attending—Breck. “Breck became his home, and its community became his second family,” observes Director of Alumni and Parent relations
Michelle Geo olmstead.
“Del was a tireless volunteer for raising funds for financial aid with such a strong personal story to tell about the way attending Breck changed his life,”says Head of school edward Kim. “And he never failed to do as much as he could to pass along the favor to future generations of students as well.”
need it in 2012-13. “Our resources are plentiful, but the number of applications keeps increasing. And, unfortunately, we can’t help all the wonderful students we’d like.”
Wade says it’s important to keep in mind that philanthropy plays a critical role in providing the funding for financial aid. “Over the years, Breck has been so fortunate to be the recipient of a great many endowed scholarships. They really help assure that the financial aid budget is not totally tuition-driven. In fact, the last four years have seen our lowest annual tuition increases in the past 20 years. We know that affordability is one of our families’ greatest concerns, and people should know that it’s always at the forefront of our consideration.”
Kim adds, “We at Breck are proud of the way our preschool through twelfth grade campus spans the generations—and in a way that is so typically human we sometimes feel that we of the present generation own the concept. But through my conversations with Del and his stories of life on the como campus, I quickly came to realize how very much that experience was true for him as well. When he would talk about tucking first graders into bed, wiping their noses and tying their shoes, I understood how much Breck meant to him. the teachers, the coaches, his classmates, and the housemothers all helped shape him into the man he became.”
Breck’s leading donor, Lee r. Anderson, sr., ’57 couldn’t agree more. He says, “Diversity has been important at Breck throughout its history. It was never a school just for the affluent but always attracted students of all backgrounds. And financial aid is the single most important way to maintain that distinction.”
Many of Del’s classmates called him “Mr. Breck.” reflects Kim, “Whether they meant it as admiration, teasing or a little of both, we couldn’t be more proud to think of him that way.”
named and endowed scholarshiPs at BrecK
Breck School gratefully acknowledges the donors who have provided funds for named scholarships, whose recipients are selected by the school’s financial aid committee. For more information about named scholarship opportunities, please contact Director of Advancement Meredith Cook VanDuyne at 763-381-8343 or meredith.vanduyne@breckschool.org
alliss scholarshiP
lee r anderson ’57 scholarshiP
lowell and nadine andreas scholarshiP
anonymoUs scholarshiP (2)
Bemis scholarshiP
virGinia mcKniGht BinGer scholarshiP
william clarK ’48 scholarshiP
shirley dayton memorial scholarshiP
e e ford foUndation scholarshiP
General mills scholarshiP
GeorGe family foUndation next Generation fUnd scholarshiP haUPt scholarshiP
heKtner family scholarshiP fUnd for BrecK facUlty children
doUG Jones family scholarshiP
BishoP hamilton h. KelloGG scholarshiP
hamilton and mildred KelloGG charitaBle trUst scholarshiP
martin foUndation scholarshiP
minnesota twins scholarshiP
Pohlad family foUndation scholarshiP
eric a ryan scholarshiP
st. PaUl comPanies scholarshiP
BishoP whiPPle scholarshiP
Profound Devotion: the extraordinary Presence of lee r. anderson sr. ‘57
by Jill Field, photos by Sher Stoneman
Lee R. Anderson Sr. ’57 holds several distinctions at Breck. He’s our only current Lifetime Trustee. Anchor of the school’s only four-generation legacy family. Largest philanthropic supporter. And someone with a unique historical perspective on Breck past, present and future.
Says Head of School Edward Kim, “We are so thankful for the Anderson family’s continuous presence at Breck and especially for Lee’s ability to keep us mindful of how far we’ve come. If Breck, or any institution, can’t remember who we were or where we came from we can’t meaningfully continue to grow.”
Anderson concurs. “If you were to write a movie about a school, we have the perfect script,” he has said. “Nobody else can claim the rich traditions and history that this school has. It’s a wonderful success story, from humble beginning to where we are today.”
Asked what he’d most like today’s students to understand about Breck, Anderson doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the character of the school,” he explains. “Breck has always had a caring, supportive faculty and administration. Students will come to realize, if they don’t now, how Breck is a life-changer for them. In a very real way, their future wouldn’t have been possible without it.”
As he reflects on his own life, Anderson thinks often about his experience as a student. In fact, a few months ago, he sat down and made a list of the ten people who were most influential to him. First on the list was his father, but three of the other people were teachers from Breck.
“My father, Breck and West Point all helped shape me into the person I am today,” he recalls. “Colonel Porter Wiggins, along with my dad, encouraged me to go on to West Point after Breck, for which I am eternally grateful. Philippe Verbrugghen both taught with and commanded so much respect—but I have to admit that for a long time I thought his real first name was ‘Sir.’ And Doc Milburn took such a profound and genuine interest in every student who played football for him. I realize now that when I left Breck at 18 I was not by myself. I carried so much of their influence with me.”
A Four-Generation Legacy
Anderson’s father Reuben’s involvement with Breck began almost accidentally. A plumbing contractor whose education had not gone beyond grade school, he noticed that the partially constructed buildings on Como Avenue in St. Paul never seemed to be any nearer to completion. The year was 1938. One day, he simply stopped in to ask whether there was a problem.
Upon learning that the school had run out of building funds, he offered to pitch in and ask some of his friends to do the same. He ended up earning an honorary diploma from Breck, serving with distinction on the board of trustees, earning the sobriquet of “Mr. Breck,” and sending his only son, Lee, to the school as a student.
Says Anderson, “Dad was the smartest man I ever met without a formal education.”
Lee Anderson entered Breck in the fall of 1945. He spent eleven and a half years on the Como campus and his last semester on the then newly built school on the River Road. He remembers many of his teachers fondly and often reflects on the way he and his fellow students were treated with respect. (He also remembers the primary school on the hill, the tiny gym, and a flowering red oak tree that distracted him all through the spring of his second-grade year.)
Anderson says it was important to have his father involved in the school, and so it was even more meaningful to have the opportunity to repeat the pattern when his and his wife Penny’s children, Andy ’86 and Kathy ’88, enrolled as students. Marion Jones Kennon, longtime associate director of admissions and director of financial aid—and Kathy Anderson Groethe’s second-grade teacher—remembers well her own introduction to the family: “I met Lee Anderson’s parents and children before becoming acquainted with him and his wife Penny. It was the River Road campus’ annual Sunday Open House for prospective families. Reuben and his wife accompanied their grandchildren. Within five minutes of introductions, we were having light-hearted conversation about Breck, education and other varied topics while standing amongst the desks. I remember Mr. and Mrs. Anderson as being very unassuming and so easy to know. Reuben especially had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Of Andy and Kathy he said, ‘Try them, you’ll like them.’ ”
Today a fourth generation of the family is on its own Breck journey, with their mother Kathy serving on the board of trustees. Kathy and her husband Joel are parents of three Breck lifers, Griffin ’16, Penny ’19 and Gabriella ’22. (Andy, who also served as a Breck trustee, has three children who attended Breck for several years.)
“I’m sure they could both write a book about ‘growing up Anderson,’ ” their father smiles, noting that an ongoing relationship with Breck was clearly part of the routine.
An Unparalleled Level of Support
Anderson’s success in business—as owner and chairman of the Minnesota-based APi Group, Inc., a holding company with 37 affiliates and some 9,000 employees—has made it possible for him to be generous to causes that move him.
“As we get older, we get smarter,” he reflects. “And we learn to make the most of our opportunities to influence the things we care about the most.”
He and Penny are particularly passionate about supporting education, children’s health, conservation education, and veterans’ service organizations. In addition to being the largest donors to Breck, they have also earned distinction for their support of the University of St. Thomas and West Point. Anderson is currently funding the first three years of Hiring Our Heroes, a program launched by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to stage job fairs across the country to help returning veterans find work.
But Breck continues to hold a special and enduring place in his heart, and he is especially committed to providing gifts that assist the school with issues of affordability. Maintaining inclusivity, and a strong middle class, is crucial to preserving one of the school’s greatest distinctions, he says.
“Diversity has been important to Breck throughout its history,” Anderson observes. “It was never a school just for the affluent but always attracted students from all backgrounds. And financial aid is the single most important way to maintain that distinction.”
Says Kennon, “It is obvious that, at his father’s knee, Lee learned well the meaning of caring, sharing and using personal resources for the benefit of others. Over my many years at Breck, I have witnessed Lee’s commitment to paving the way for literally hundreds of academically qualified but economically disadvantaged students. And because of his selfless nature and amazing generosity they have been afforded access to options for an enhanced life.”
A Steadfast Vision for Breck
Anderson says that this “very caring place” with its emphasis
Varsity hockey players meet the namesake of their home ice.
a cause he Believes in: maKinG the case for endowment sUPPort
Lee Anderson is particularly passionate about supporting Breck and other nonprofit institutions through gifts to endowment.
on academics, diversity, opportunity and spirituality is unlike any other school he’s seen, and he’s been pleased to see commitments to those ideals continue to flourish and grow.
Life lessons learned as he saw inclusivity in action at Breck, he notes, are valuable well beyond the boundaries of the campus. “In our business, we talk often about what we need to do to encourage the professional development of women and people of color. Having more diversity among presidents and directors in the business world is better for everyone.”
The school’s attention to matters of character is also close to his heart. “Breck does so much to develop students with the highest ethics,” he says, “which couldn’t be more important to each generation of future leaders. Life gives us many opportunities to make the right decisions. I’d like to think that students leave Breck with a firm understanding of and commitment to doing what’s right.”
For his part, Kim says Anderson’s long-range perspective is invaluable. He observes, “I always appreciate the opportunity to speak with Lee. We don’t always agree on everything, but I am always appreciative of his profound devotion and understanding of the issues we face. His wisdom goes so far beyond historical memory. It’s both a broad-based historical perspective and a wonderful vision for the future.”
Anderson is quick to point out the need to pay attention to the practical side of that vision as well—a lesson he learned from the very beginning of his family’s involvement with Breck. “There were times when the school held on by its fingernails,” he reflects, “and financial stability has always been a concern. But leaders like Canon Henderson and Sam Salas helped the school articulate its vision and grow so much bigger. And I believe that Ed is a very worthy successor.”
Perhaps the school might do well to follow what Anderson says is the best advice he ever got from his father: “You have good intuition. Just follow it.”
In addition to Breck, Anderson has been a generous supporter of higher education, children’s health and developing skills and employment for veterans. He often gives support to charitable institutions’ endowment, which can sometimes be a tough sell for donors.
“I decided years ago that the best reason to support endowment is because others don’t,” he says. “But if you’re going to provide scholarships, you have to have a strong endowment. And maintaining a strong core of middle income families is absolutely critical to an institution like Breck.”
the school’s endowment, which can be thought of as our savings account, provides security that helps us carry out our mission.
our endowment principal represents funds that can be used for significant projects or to secure borrowing in the form of bonds or loans—all of which help the school take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. More important, perhaps, is that earnings on the investment of the endowment provide income to fund the school’s operations, which can relieve the pressure on tuition alone to balance the budget.
According to the National Association of Independent schools, most schools of Breck’s caliber consider an appropriate endowment goal to be two and one-half times the size of the operating budget.
At the end of June 2013, the Breck endowment stood at roughly $49 million, and our annual operating budget stood at $31 million. that works out to an endowment valued at 1.58 times annual operating expenses.
says Head of school edward Kim, “that’s a good number, but not a great number. to do all the things that Breck does at the level at which Breck does them requires a significantly stronger endowment. Noting that efforts to raise additional funds for endowment are currently underway, Kim adds, “We are deeply grateful to the Anderson family, and so many other generous donors, for helping us make progress toward this critically important goal.”
Anderson with Board President Tim Clark (left) and Chair, the Rt. Rev. Brian Prior (right)
Good sPorts
Checking in With Alumni in Athletic-Related Pursuits
Jamie erdahl ’07 anchor/reporter, new england sports network
On air five days a week throughout New England reporting on the Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and doing human interest stories, Erdahl also anchors a half-hour show called NESN Sports Today on the weekends and fills in as the sideline reporter for Red Sox broadcasts.
Talking sports professionally is a natural outgrowth of her own experience as a three-sport athlete at Breck and two-sport athlete in college. “I absolutely love it,” she says. “And it fulfills my never-ending thirst for more sports knowledge.”
Erdahl would advise someone interested in a broadcasting career to have an interest in what they’re reporting and to realize how important it is to be an extrovert: “It’s so much more than reading off a teleprompter—you have to be able to connect with people!”
Her own involvement started with her KFAN Sports Radio internship during junior year May Program at Breck. During college, she interned in the sports department at both Fox 9 and KARE-11. And Athletic Director (and former Dean of Students) Brett Bergene remains one of her favorite people to talk sports with. Says Erdahl, “I believe he recognized my
connection with sports earlier than I ever did. We used to sit and talk football and basketball, and all the while he was teaching me things about those sports but also that it was okay for me to be a female passionate about athletics. Still to this day when I come back to Breck, I see Coach B and we talk sports. He gets it, and now I have a job that proves that I get it!”
a.J. sinKer ’08 editor/associate Producer, mlb.com
In his role with Major League Baseball, Sinker works in original content, which means he edits and helps produce a game show called Bucks on the Pond as well as a talk show and various other content. He says his favorite part of the job is the variety. “Production encompasses so many different tasks that I’m never bored,” he says. “Getting to watch baseball at work is pretty cool, too.”
Sinker says he’d advise someone interested in a career like his to get experience in as many different aspects of production
as possible. “It’s good to have a focus or a specialty, but it’s just as important to be comfortable with a number of aspects of production,” he advises.
Looking back at his time at Breck, Sinker says he’s especially grateful to Mr. Kohl and Mr. Bell. “Both gave me a lot of opportunities to do video projects,” he recalls, “which helped me realize that I wanted to study and pursue a career in production.”
Katia draGotis ’07 account manager, 1500 esPn radio
As an account manger for the sports station, Dragotis creates integrated marketing campaigns for businesses centered on local sports, catering to the upscale Twin Cities male who is a dedicated sports enthusiast. “My job is hectic and everchanging,” she says, “but I get to meet a lot of people and help them grow their business through sports.”
Previously, she was a publicist for clients including classmate Marcus Hill, who had a contract with the NBA D-League.
Her advice to job-seekers? “Do the research on what area or specific job in the industry you think you’d fit best in. It’s a tight-knit community, and ‘dream jobs’ are hard to come by. It’s a lot of hustle, a lot about who you know and a lot of luck to be successful.”
Brian costello ’92
director of digital media and editor-in-chief for the Portland t imbers of major league soccer and Portland thorns fc of the national women’s soccer league
In his work, Costello uses a variety of digital tools to tell the story of the teams, including stories, videos, social media projects and websites—and occasionally getting to play soccer after work on the JELD-WEN Field pitch. His favorite part of the job is getting to work alongside some “pretty incredible athletes,” experiencing the excitement of match
days and getting to write about a game he’s always loved. “Growing up, I played loads of sports including soccer and baseball at Breck,” he says, “but I never thought I’d end up working in sports. My path here included time working in advertising and producing documentaries, among other things. Through it all, I remained a sports fan and a lover of narrative. This job lets me combine them both.”
Costello’s advice to someone interested in a career like his is, “Write. Write. Write. And if you have some extra time, write. I cannot stress this enough. The power of a good writer will help you immensely in communicating what you want to say, how you want to say it, and have the flexibility to say it in a number of different ways.”
He recalls the influence of Tom Hegg, Tim Rosenfield and Margaret Wong. “All three teachers instilled a great sense of confidence that I could go out in the world and succeed in whatever it was I wanted to do—even if at 18, I had no idea what that was nor even realized that the job I have now didn’t even exist back then!’
Dragotis (second from left) with classmate Marcus Hill and others at his NBA D-league signing.
Costello (r) interviews Portland Timbers GM Gavin Wilkinson. (Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer)
milica mcmillen ’12
student-athlete, University of minnesota member, U.s. national team
As a member of the national champion Gopher women’s hockey team, McMillen has a very full schedule that includes classes and homework, 3-5 days a week of off-ice training, and on-ice practice every day. “We have games every weekend from the end of September through March,” she says, “and it can be tough doing both academics and athletics. But Breck prepared me for a lot of what college would be like, especially with time management.”
The advice she’d give someone who wants to be a studentathlete is to “make sure you take advantage of as many of the opportunities you are offered that you can so you can gain good study habits and skills that you will need in college. They don’t teach how to study or learn in college, and they just expect that you are able to do it, so start learning now. It’s never a bad thing to ask for help. Also, make sure you have priorities and that the important ones come first.”
At Breck, McMillen says she was especially influenced by Ms. Sirianni, who helped her stay organized academically, and Mr. Bergene, who worked hard to make the opportunities possible for her and the team to compete. “He also helped
me to be a better captain last year by teaching me certain important skills,” she explains. “And he also made the college process easier for choosing the right school athletically by going over some of the decisions with me.”
Schedule of Events
Monday, September 16
Celebration of alums who teach and work at Breck
Wednesday, September 18
4:00pm Girls Varsity Tennis vs. Edina Tennis Courts
Thursday, September 19
11:00am Distinguished Alumni Award Presentation Chapel
5:30pm Girls Swimming and Diving vs. Blake Breck Pool
6:00pm Volleyball vs. Blake Anderson Gym
Friday, September 20
11:30am Golden Mustangs Luncheon Heritage Room, Breck School Anderson Ice Arena
6:00pm Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony and Reception Upper School – Third Floor Balcony
7:30pm Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Blake McKnight Stadium
Saturday, September 21
9:30am Upper School Building Dedication
10:00-12:00pm Campus Tours
10:00am Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Rockford McKnight Stadium
10:30am- 1:00pm Homecoming Barbecue and Carnival Alumni Homecoming Tent
11:00-12:30pm Performance by BATO BATO! Carnival area
1:00pm Varsity Football vs. SPA/MPA McKnight Stadium
Reunions for the classes of 1948, 1973, 1988, 1993, and 2008 will be held over that weekend. More details to come this summer.
Alumni News
If you are in the class of 1958, 1963, 1968, 1978 or 1983 and would like to help plan your reunion, please email alumni@breckschool.org or call Michelle Geo Olmstead at 763-381-8278.
2013 annUal meetinG celeBrates alUmni involvement
At the annual meeting in June, the Breck Alumni Association presented the Alum of the Year award to Brad Searl ’95 for his leadership and dedication to Breck and the Breck Alumni Association.
Also honored was Fletcher Driscoll ’51, whose term on the board ended June 30. And there was a special tribute by Tony Jewett ’94 and Tom Thiss ’47 to honor former Alumni Council leaders who passed away, Bob Ylvisaker ’48 and Del Carter ’50.
Four new members have been welcomed to the Alumni Association board:
Colin Brooks ’97. A graduate of Amherst with an MBA from Yale, Colin currently serves as assistant vice president and
Rusty Nelson ’64, Chip Chapin ’65 and Tom Thiss ’47
trust officer at Sawmill. He and his wife Minna are the proud parents of Corrine and newborn Brendan.
Margot Murray Olness ’89. Margot graduated from Boston College and is a current Breck parent. She and her husband Otto are parents of Linden ’18, Griffin ’21 and Fletcher ’25.
Mike Nelson ’07. An alumnus of St. Olaf, Mike owns Campfire Desserts, a mobile S’mores Bar, is in sales for Circa Vista, is a teaching assistant for the History Research Program at Breck, and is an assistant Breck football coach. He was also the senior buddy of Margot’s son Linden Olness.
Garin Strobl ’00. A graduate of Boston College who received her law degree from the University of St. Thomas, Garin is an attorney with the firm of Quinlivan and Hughes.
Brad Searl ’95, Wally Chapman and Ken Searl
readinG weeK
Alum readers Katie Lund McKenna ’87, Margot Murray Olness ’89, Alycya Hjelm Cardwell ’88, David Best ’96, Jimmy Beltz ’94, Charlie Hicks ’77, Tracey Thayer Breazeale ’84, Christy Piotrowski ’04 read in the Lower School Library and the famous Loon Lodge.
Ashley Kokal McCarthy ’02, Christy Piotrowski ’04, Leah Lussier Sixkiller ’03 and Kirstin Erickson Wilson ’88
Breck Business Club Seeks Alumni Speakers for 2013-14
This spring, Eileen Bayer ’14 and a group of interested Upper School students started the Breck business club. This new club was created to help students learn about the business world and showcase career opportunities. We are currently looking for Breck alums, current parents, grandparents, and
parents of alums to serve as speakers for the 2013-14 school year. If you are interested in sharing your experience, please contact Michelle Geo Olmstead at alumni@breckschool.org or 763-381-8278.
class notes
reunion year
1946
Amos Rosenbloom won the silver medal in the 80+ Doubles Category at the National Masters Racquetball Association Tournament held in Tucson this winter. Amos was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2010.
1951
Fletcher Driscoll was honored at the 2013 Annual Meeting for his service on the Breck Alumni Council. Fletcher served from 2007-2013.
1963
Rod Keith, Bill Harley and Charlie Hess are organizing the class’ 50-year reunion over Homecoming weekend.
1981
Maya Tester has been elected to Breck’s Board of Trustees. In addition, she was in attendance and very proud to watch as three former Mustang Mock Trial team members competed in the national collegiate mock trial championships in Washington, DC. The three Breck alumni were Maya’s daughter Kristina ’10, a Harvard junior, Max Berman ’11 from Columbia and Christopher Erickson ’12 from Northwestern.
1983
Jeffrey Rainey has been working at Greater MSP, an economic development private-public partnership formed within the last couple of years. Jeffrey says, “Our organization has a fun, enterprising, start-up feel. Our mission is straightforward: attract companies, jobs and capital investment to our 13-county greater Minneapolis-St. Paul region.”
1988
Alycya Hjelm Cardwell and Kathy Anderson Groethe are planning the class’ 25-year reunion. Festivities will be held over Homecoming Weekend on September 20-21.
Woody Rash started his own financial advisory firm, Brightline Group, in February 2012 and has enjoyed a successful first year. This past winter, he coached the Orono Squirt A Team and loved being back on the bench.
Alumni Council member Kirstin Erickson Wilson is serving as chair of the 2013 Distinguished Alumni Committee. Each year the committee honors an alum who has distinguished him or herself in career and community. At Homecoming this year, we will honor director Rob Melrose
1989
Margot Murray Olness is a new Alumni Council member.
1992
Brian Costello works for the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer and the Portland Thorns PC of the National Women’s Soccer League. Read more about him on page 32.
1993
Alison Hitzemann Hardy and Taylor Harwood are planning the class’ 20-year reunion during Homecoming Weekend on September 21. (Please note this is a correction to the reunion news in the Spring 2013 Today at Breck.) Alison is a former employee of the Emily Program.
Ryan Johnson is one of three partners to establish the Tonka Beer Company, a craft beer company that donates 100 percent of its profits to Save-OurLakes, a nonprofit focused on fighting aquatic invasive species in Minnesota lakes and rivers. A story featuring the company can be accessed at lakeminnetonkamag.com/article/chad-mayes/ tonka-beer-company-donates-profitssave-minnesota-lakes. Ryan is vice president of new business development for the emerging markets segment of Cigna HealthCare. He was recently recognized as the segment’s salesperson of the year.
1995
Breck Alumni Association President Brad Searl is the recipient of the 2013 Breck Alum of the Year Award. The annual honor recognizes outstanding leadership to the Breck Alumni Association and Breck School. Brad has been active with the Breck Alumni Association since 2007 and is currently serving his second year as president. Brad presented the 2013 Allen Dunn Trophy at the Upper School Awards ceremony.
1997
Penumbra Theater’s Education Director Sarah Bellamy was interviewed on KARE-11 on the re-opening of the theater. After a six-month hiatus and with the help of many generous donors, “Spunk“ opened on March 14.
Colin Brooks is a new member on the Alumni Council. He, Christy Piotrowski ’04 and Ashley Kokal McCarthy ’02 are co-chairing the 2013 Homecoming festivities.
1998
Heather Comero married James Graver on March 30, 2013 on the beach in Naples, Florida. In attendance was Gaurav Shroff ‘99 and his wife Bhakti.
Rachel Hardeman and her husband Eduardo Medina welcomed their daughter Leila Marie Medina into the world on April 27. We’re told that Leila is constantly spoiled by proud aunt Simone Hardeman-Jones. Rachel and
Eduardo currently reside in northeast Minneapolis.
Rachel will begin a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research at the Minneapolis VA upon completion of her PhD in Health Services Research, Policy and Administration at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health in August 2013. Eduardo is a first year medical resident in the University of Minnesota North Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program.
Alumni Council member Michael Proman is serving as the 2013 Athletic Hall of Fame chair and the Alumni CoChair of the 2013-2014 Annual Fund with Matt Bartel ‘02. Michael presented the Breck Alumni Award at the Upper School Awards ceremony.
Annie Scott Riley is producing “I Make No Promises, But Someone’s Probably Going to Die,” a play that she wrote at summer 2012’s Minnesota Fringe Festival. She calls it an absurdist comedy.
While on the annual art history tour of New York, Chris Ohm and Dulcenée Walsh had dinner with Melissa Clark, Aliceyn Heasley, Nicole Lund, Airina Rodrigues ‘00, Lauren Tanick Epshteyn ‘03, Kati Stadum ‘06, Tracy Fuad ‘07, Siddharth Damania ‘08, A.J. Sinker ‘08 and Cyprien Sarteau ‘08.
Kevin Cannon and his creative partner Zander Cannon (no relation) were featured in a June 19 Star Tribune article. The two digital cartoonists coown the Minneapolis-based studio Big Time Attic.
Mike McKeon and Molly Varecka are planning the 15-year reunion for Thanksgiving 2013.
1999
Gaurav Shroff and his wife Bhakti were in attendance when Heather Comero ’98 married James Graver in March on the beach in Naples, Florida.
2000
Garin Strobl is serving her first term on the Alumni Council.
While on the annual art history tour of New York, Chris Ohm and Dulcenée Walsh had dinner with Airina Rodrigues, Melissa Clark ’98, Aliceyn Heasley ’98, Nicole Lund ’98, Lauren Tanick Epshetyn ’03, Kati Stadum ’06, Tracy Fuad ’07, Siddharth Damania ’08, A.J. Sinker ’08 and Cyprien Sarteau ’08. (See photo in 1998.)
2001
Elena Roe Sparling and husband Ken Sparling are happy to announce the birth of their son, Everett Blake Sparling, on April 17. His early arrival made Elena’s final semester of work on her MBA at the Kellogg School of Management a bit more exciting. She will graduate in late June and the couple plans to move back to Los Angeles where she will join Bain & Company as a management consultant.
2002
Matt Bartel is serving as Alumni CoChair of the Annual Fund for 20132014, and Ashley Kokal McCarthy is co-chairing Homecoming 2013 along with Colin Brooks ’97 and Christy Piotrowski ’04
2003
While on the annual art history tour of New York, Chris Ohm and Dulcenée Walsh had dinner with Lauren Tanick Epshteyn along with Melissa Clark ’98, Aliceyn Heasley ’98, Nicole Lund ’98, Airina Rodrigues ’00, Kati Stadum ‘06, Tracy Fuad ‘07, Siddharth Damania ‘08, A.J. Sinker ‘08 and Cyprien Sarteau ‘08. (See photo in 1998.)
2004
Christy Piotrowski is co-chairing Homecoming 2013 along with Colin Brooks ’97 and Ashley Kokal McCarthy ‘02
2005
Andrew Kitzenberg was a common sight on national television in April, telling the harrowing story of witnessing the shoot-out between police and the alleged Boston Marathon bombers, which took place directly in front of his apartment in Watertown, MA.
fall 2012, Quinn has performed at the Guthrie Theater and the Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company. In July, she will perform in a concert version of The Mikado with the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra. Quinn also teaches early-childhood music locally for MacPhail Center for Music and WeeBop Music and Movement.
2006
Michael Blazar, a Breck lifer, graduated medical school, and will be starting a physician/scientist training program for residency and fellowship in hematology-oncology-bone marrow transplantation at the University of Minnesota.
While on the annual art history tour of New York, Chris Ohm and Dulcenée Walsh had dinner with Kati Stadum along with Melissa Clark ‘98, Aliceyn Heasley ’98, Nicole Lund ‘98, Airina Rodriguez ‘00, Lauren Tanick Epshteyn ‘03, Tracy Fuad ‘07, Siddharth Damania ‘08, A.J. Sinker ‘08 and Cyprien Sarteau ‘08. (See photo in 1998.)
2007
Quinn Shadko appeared in the role of Luisa in the Skylark Opera production of The Fantasticks in St. Paul in June. She received her master of music in vocal performance-music theatre from New York University and her bachelor of arts in voice and linguistics from Rice University. Since returning to Minneapolis from New York in
Katia Dragotis is working as an account manager for 1500 ESPN radio in the Twin Cities. Read more about her on page 32.
Shannon Engelman presented the Modern Language Book Award at the Upper School Awards ceremony on May 31. Shannon is currently pursuing her graduate degree from the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota.
Jamie Erdahl works as an anchor/ reporter for the New England Sports Network. Read more about her on page 31.
Chris Marshall presented the Fred B. Anderson Award during the Upper School Awards ceremony on May 31. Chris is currently working for Target as a merchandise planner.
Mike Nelson is serving his first term on the Alumni Council.
Natalie Sandy has been promoted to Senior Producer at Caucus Educational Corporation, an award-winning television production company focusing on public affairs programming
While on the annual art history tour of New York, Chris Ohm and Dulcenée Walsh had dinner with along with Tracy Fuad along with Melissa Clark ‘98, Aliceyn Heasley ’98, Nicole Lund ‘98, Airina Rodriguez ‘00, Lauren Tanick Epshteyn ‘03, Kati Stadum ’06, Siddharth Damania ‘08, A.J. Sinker ‘08 and Cyprien Sarteau ‘08. (See photo in 1998.)
2008
Sam Black, Gabe Brown and Matt John sent history teacher Donald Bell a picture of themselves playing “Ship of the Line,” a game they learned during his military history May Program class along with a note that said, “Just thought you’d like to know we’re still playing the game you taught us sophomore year.”
A.J. Sinker is working for mlb.com, the Major League Baseball website, in New York. Read more about him on page 31.
While on the annual art history tour of New York, Chris Ohm and Dulcenée Walsh had dinner with along with Siddarth Damania, A.J. Sinker and Cyprien Sarteau along with Melissa Clark ‘98, Aliceyn Heasley ’98, Nicole Lund ‘98, Airina Rodriguez ‘00, Lauren
Tanick Epshteyn ‘03, Kati Stadum ’06 and Tracy Fuad ‘07. (See photo in 1998.)
And in Boston, Jonny Nicholson, director of college counseling, had dinner with Jeffrey Portu, Mary Goetz ’09 and Josh Luger ‘12. Jeffrey and Sarah Johnson are planning their 5-year reunion over Homecoming weekend.
2009
Dean of Students Chris Ohm met up with Lanre Adekola and Madia Ampey in Baltimore in April. Madia and Lanre just graduated from Johns Hopkins University.
The Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association has selected Rachel Mevissen for the 2013 Division III All-America First Team and named her a National Scholar Athlete. Rachel’s Ithaca College Varsity 8 boat placed 7th at the 2013
in memoriam 1986
NCAA DIII Women’s Rowing Championships and her Ithaca Crew team earned a 4th place NCAA trophy in 2010 and 2011.
And in Boston, Jonny Nicholson, director of college counseling, had dinner with Mary Goetz, Jeffrey Portu ’08 and Josh Luger ’12. (See photo in 2008.)
Briana MacDonald graduated cum laude from Santa Clara University in June 2013 with a major in Communication and a minor in Studio Art. At Santa Clara she was very involved with Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society, Delta Gamma Sorority, and the university’s yearbook. Briana also served as a Campus Liaison for Target on campus, and will continue her career with Target as an Executive Team Leader in the San Francisco Bay Area.
2010
Katherine Paulsen returned to Breck to present the Mathematics Book Award during the Upper School Awards ceremony on May 31.
Kristina Tester, a Harvard junior, qualified with her team to compete at the national collegiate mock trial championship in Washington, DC — reuniting with former Breck mock trial teammates Max Berman ’11 and
Eric Ringdahl, a devoted husband, father and beloved son, died in a cycling accident in Carlsbad, CA on April 21, 2013. Eric received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and MBA from the University of Denver. Eric was an avid sportsman and shared his passion for the outdoors with his family on trips to Joshua Tree National Park, local beaches and skiing throughout the west. As Director for North and Central America at Cytori Therapeutics, he led the development of ground-breaking cell-based therapies that will change the way medicine is practiced. He is survived by wife Amy, children: Cole (age 9), Tyra Soleil (8), Cayman (5), parents Robert and Polly Ringdahl (Scottsdale, AZ), and sister Kristin Ringdahl ’84 (Phoenix, AZ).
Christopher Erickson ’12. The Harvard team placed fifth, and Kristina also won an All-American Witness award. Her mother, Maya ’81, was in attendance.
2011
Max Berman, a Columbia sophomore, qualified with his team to compete at the national collegiate mock trial championship in Washington, DC — reuniting with former Breck mock trial teammates Kristina Tester ’10 and Christopher Erickson ’12. The Columbia team placed seventh. (See photo in 2010.)
University of Minnesota golfer Anna Laorr was featured on a KARE-11 segment in March on golfing in Minnesota in the snowy weather.
2012
Christopher Erickson, a Northwestern freshman, qualified with his team to compete at the national collegiate mock trial championship in Washington, DC — reuniting with former Breck mock trial teammates Kristina Tester ’10 and Max Berman ’11. The Northwestern team placed eighth. (See photo in 2010.)
Milica McMillen scored the gamewinning goal in the Gophers’ second consecutive national championship game in late March. She was also named to the all-tournament team. Minnesota defeated Boston University 6-3, capping off an undefeated season. Milica was one of 41 hockey players invited to the U.S. women’s national team selection camp in Lake Placid,
NY, from June 16-23, which was used to pick the 21-player national team for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Read more about her on page 33.
At this year’s Upper School Awards ceremony, Michele Pikovsky presented the David Hancock Yearbook Award. Michele, along with Nina Killingstad and Nick Kleidon served as the Yearbook editors during the 2011-2012 school year and were recipients of the award.
While in Boston, Jonny Nicholson, director of college counseling, had dinner with Josh Luger, Jeffrey Portu ’08 and Mary Goetz ’09. (See photo in 2008.)
Global Gaming Initiative, founded by Alejandro Fenn and his mother Elizabeth Sarquis, will release its first game, Sidekick Cycle, on the IOS platform in early August. It’s a model for social giving through mobile games, and it was well received at the Games for Change conference in New York earlier this summer.
visit our online zenfolio Gallery to see what we’ve been up to so far this year. Browse, download, print, enjoy! breckschool.zenfolio.com
IN TheIR oWN WoRDS cont. from page 44
through my work, touching in significant ways the lives of thousands of students in the classroom setting and informal spaces of the School. It has been most stimulating to consort over the years with so many intelligent, passionate, innovative, exemplary faculty and administrative colleagues. These memories will be treasured forever. I will retire from my post with a full measure of confidence that the Breck of today reflects, in meaningful measure, my work as Director of Financial Aid and Assistant Director of Admissions.
Every day, I enter the Breck workplace with a goal of doing my part to ensure that the School is what it purports to be, that it will continue to be thus, and that this will be so to the fullest possible extent. It is very gratifying to see students of
all racial, religious, cultural, geographic, and economic backgrounds cross Breck’s threshold to absorb the rich, fully-founded educational experience that is a true touchstone to the larger, more relevant, and realistic world awaiting them. I will always cherish Breck and the incomparable experience it has afforded me for these many, many years, and have every confidence that the roles I assumed, and that which I strived to positively affect, will retain a presence in these hallowed halls.
Most sincerely, Marion Jones Kennon
Winter Sports: Boys Hockey, Boys Swim and Dive Take Third at State
Alpine Ski
The boys team finished third in the conference, and the girls team finished fifth. Young teams making big progress throughout the season look forward to a bright future for our downhill skiers. For the boys, Peter Kiesel was all-conference and all-state, and both Jack Dickinson and Erik Horstman were named all-conference honorable mention. For the girls, both Mary Beringause and Ella Hogan were all-conference honorable mention.
Boys Basketball
The Mustangs had a 19-11 overall record, went 7-6 in the conference, and lost to Minnehaha Academy, the eventual state champions, in the section championship game. They were fourth in the conference, and all three teams ahead of them were state champions (in Classes 2A, 3A and 4A). Along the way, Tilyn Hollis scored his 1,000th career point, and Mo Lawal shot his way into the state record books by hitting 16/16 free throws in the team’s game against Concordia—something no one in Minnesota had done since 2006. Tilyn, Mo and Will Culliton were named to the all-conference team, with Michael Marzec and Kwaku Bodom honorable mention. Michael Marzec was the MIP, Will Culliton the MVP, and Kwaku Bodom the Mustanger.
The girls finished 7-19 overall and 6-9 in the conference. The sport has been growing in popularity, with so many young players that Breck fielded varsity, junior varsity and C squads for the first time in years. Raven Dubois was named all-conference, and both Nailah Hill and Sophie O’Bryan received honorable mention. Nichole Showalter was the MIP, Nailah Hill the MVP, and Maggie MacLennan the Mustanger.
Girls Basketball
Gymnastics
It was a tough season for our girls gymnasts, who were squeezed out of practice space and not able to host any home meets due to the Upper School construction project this year. Still, with a great group of 20 athletes, the future looks bright for the team with a return to the Fieldhouse in 2013-14. Grace Hamilton was the MIP, Katie Schmoker the MVP, and Sophie Burton the Mustanger.
Boys Hockey
Earning a return trip to the state tournament, the section champion Mustangs took third in the state and finished with a record of 26-4-1 and an undefeated 9-0 in the Tri-Metro conference. Matt Colford was named to the all-state team. All-conference honors went to Matt, Thomas Lindstrom, Henry Johnson, Jack O’Connor, Mark Sharp and Michael Orke, and all-conference honorable mentions went to Andrew Keiser, Ben Gleekel, Chase Ellingson and Derek Wiitala. Parker Montgomery was the MIP, Matt Colford the MVP, and Andrew Keiser the Mustanger. Other significant awards went to Ben Gleekel, who received the Polly Cavanaugh award, and Jack O’Connor, the school’s Hobey Baker Award winner.
Girls Hockey
The girls played a very difficult schedule, upping the ante by playing a number of Class AA teams in addition to the traditional Class A conference foes before falling 5-6 in an overtime thriller section final game with Blake, the eventual state champions. Breck’s strong tradition continued as the program will send graduating senior Kate Schipper to play Division I hockey for the Golden Gophers. Kate was named to the all-conference team, with honorable mentions for Jenna Brenneman, Claire Mancheski, Leah Schwartzman, Megan Sweet, Anna Zumwinkle and Grace Zumwinkle. Nicole Oppenheimer was the MIP, Kate Schipper the MVP, and Megan Sweet the Mustanger.
Nordic Ski
Huge numbers of participants in this very popular grades 7-12 program enjoyed some of the best snow in years by the end of the season. The boys finished third in the conference, and the girls finished fourth. Ingrid Thyr was named to the all-conference team, with Greer Bingham and Lewis White receiving honorable mention. The MIPs were Jake Levy and Helene Kim; MVPs were Lewis White and Ingrid Thyr; and Mustangers were Joe Kuhns and Katie Kiesel.
Boys Swim and Dive
In his final year of an illustrious Breck career, Mitchell Foster broke three pool records in the 100 backstroke, won the 200 IM in a Breck School record and All-American consideration time for the second straight year, and finishing runner-up in the 100 backstroke in an automatic All-American time. Overall, the team finished third in the state, with a dual meet record of 1-5 with losses to the state champions of Class A and four of the top ten teams in Class AA. The medley relay team won state for the fifth straight year, and were all-state in the 200 and 400 free relays. Evan Stafford and Chris Walker received all-state honorable mention. Henri Schmidt was the MIP, Mitchell Foster the MVP, and Nic van Oppen the Mustanger.
I N T H e IR O WN W ORDS
“ ”
marion Jones Kennon Assistant Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid
dear ed, this letter is to officially inform yoU that after 46 years of emPloyment
1967
when
hired
as a
at BrecK, which BeGan in the fall of
memBer
by (then) Headmaster Canon F. Douglas Henderson, I will retire at the end of the 2012-2013 academic year. My last day of work will be on Friday, June 28.
Being associated with Breck has been a wonderful journey and a broadening, enriching, memorable experience. I have had the good fortune to know the School from three major perspectives. As a parent, my daughter, Shawn, enrolled as a second-grade student and graduated with the Class of 1977, while my son, Rozmond Jr., a “lifer’’ from kindergarten, was a member of the Class of 1980. Each brought much to the School’s table and, in turn, garnered an impressive, wellrounded education as preparation for their college and professional school experiences.
As a member of the Lower School faculty with the good fortune to have instructed at the kindergarten, first, and second-grade levels, I was truly able to practice my craft and fully engage with the students and curriculum, while employing a personal approach and style. Very much relished was the fact that, at Breck, students are of the greatest importance. My hopes and dreams for each precious child were constantly in focus. It has always been my belief that every school year of a student’s life is crucial, impressionable, and with lasting impact; therefore, it was imperative that my classroom be physically and emotionally safe, warranting of trust, nurturing, exciting, and academically challenging. Every student was made to feel special because they brought to my classroom a uniqueness bearing no possibility of duplication. Their presence and contributions
of the lower school facUlty
were of paramount importance to all. Teaching was truly a “labor of love.” And the years passed quickly.
In 1981, a door of opportunity opened when I was approached by the (then) Headmaster John C. Littleford with an invitation to become Assistant Director of Admissions. Feeling confident and enthusiastic about entering the administrative arena, I accepted the offer on July 1 of that year. In 1984, I received a second appointment as Director of Financial Aid and so began serving in dual capacity. It was a privilege to extend my reach beyond Breck’s setting through participation at NAIS conferences: serving on the 1987 NAIS conference panel for financial aid to address the topic of “Keeping Our Schools Affordable.” Over these many years, my attendance at conferences, institutes and workshops around the country and in Canada has been varied and rewarding. As well, it was gratifying to be appointed in 1985 to a four-year term on the NAIS Financial Aid Services Committee. Additionally, I represented Breck at the first NAIS People of Color Conference in Reston, VA. It was there that acquaintance was first made with Samuel A. Salas, then Head of School at Cranbrook in Michigan and, as well, keynote speaker for the conference. Now, Ed, having had the privilege of serving under your outstanding and visionary leadership, at the end of this academic year I will close my (formal) professional circle.
After serving in the administrations of four heads of school, I am proud to have been part of the shaping of Breck and,
continued on page 40
Letter to Head of School Edward Kim about her decision to retire from Breck after 46 years
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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 (763-381-8278 or alumni@breckschool.org) of the new mailing address.
Kindergarten Water Day is a happy annual tradition.