Buzzer Fall 2011

THE BROWNING SCHOOL

Fall 2011

“Following your heart often requires you to embark on careers or choices that have more risk. Because when you know you really want to do something, the stakes are higher.” —Zachary A. Goldfarb ’01 Excerpt from the June 8 address to the graduating Class of 2011. Mr. Goldfarb is a staff writer covering the White House for The Washington Post and a graduate of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton. (See full speech on pages 38-39.)

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 1

ART IN FOCUS

Cause for Celebration

A

day after the formal ribbon-cutting and opening of the School's newly expanded Lobby and Lower Gym, the Middle School boys christened the new basketball

backstops when Michael Jozoff ’17 and the School’s Panther mascot, aided by Mary Bosworth, Middle School history teacher, sunk the first of many baskets to come.

(Read more about the October festivities on pages 22-23.)

Tempera Paint on Paper • 12" x 18" • By Keaton A. Ramey '20

Art Department Chair Nikolaos Vlahos explains

and mark making. This focus has taken us through

that last year, the third grade class created abstract

various media, including color pencil, watercolor and

compositions inspired by Brice Marden, Vasily

tempera. We discussed the idea of the composer and how

Kandinsky, the music of Schoenberg and ambient music.

a painter composes with color and line as opposed to

"We focused on how music affects color, composition

sound and instruments."

2 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

CONTENTS

Contents

FALL 2011

4

Special guest Wes Moore, author of the School’s Common Book 2011, spoke to the entire Browning community in October.

14

Faculty members whose interests range from Shakespeare to dinosaurs describe their summer sojourns.

22

Formal ribbon-cutting ceremonies celebrate the newly expanded Lobby and Lower Gym.

24

26

40

Form VI boys describe their Browning experience in one word or phrase as the new school year begins.

Annual Prize Day in June recognized service, leadership, citizenship and academic achievement.

In praise of poets, the Betty Jean Johnson Poetry Awards are presented annually; enjoy reading the winning entries.

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

4 14

2 3 8 42 54 62

A Tale of Two Men Summer Sojourns 14 16 18 20

22 24 26 40

Kevin Dearinger Michael Ingrisani Stephanie Seto Meg Epstein

Expanded Facilities Feted New School Year Begins

Contributors From the Headmaster The Local Buzz Alumni Events Class Notes Alumni in the News

Annual Prize Day Poetry Awards

the buzzer is printed on paper containing 10% total recycled fiber

CONTRIBUTORS BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2011–2012

Kevin Dearinger English

Margaret Epstein Grade One

Michael Gabrellian ’12

Martin Haase Director of Institutional Advancement

James S. Chanos, President William L. Jacob, III, Vice President Lois L. Hutzler, Secretary R. Thomas Herman ‘64, Assistant Secretary Thomas S. Hexner, Treasurer Richard L.N. Weaver ‘75, Assistant Treasurer Michael P. Beys ‘89, President, Alumni Association Susan Grimbilas, President, Parents Association Alka K. Singh, Vice President, Parents Association Stephen M. Clement, III, Headmaster Mildred J. Berendsen, Honorary Trustee

Michael Ingrisani Head of English Department/Dean of Faculty

Sarah Murphy Head Librarian

Laura Neller Director of Alumni Affairs

Sanford Pelz ’71 Director of College Guidance

Stephanie Seto Lower and Middle School Science

Oliver Shawn ’12

Nikolaos Vlahos Chair, Art Department

Andrew West ’92 Director of Athletics

MISSION STATEMENT Founded in 1888 as a college preparatory school for boys,

Laura Z. Barket Stuart J. Ellman Allan L. Gropper Celeste A. Guth William S. Kingson Tricia S. Langton Wendy F. Levey David J. Liptak Jeffrey S. Olson Othon A. Prounis ‘79 Michael L. Rankowitz Rodney M. Schiffer Ellen Stafford-Sigg Sanjay Swani Valda M. Witt Tucker York

BUZZER STAFF Stephen M. Clement, III, Headmaster Martin T. Haase, Director of Institutional Advancement Melanie S. McMahon, Director of Publications Lois L. Hutzler, Copy Editor Laura E. Neller, Director of Alumni Affairs

The Browning School continues its commitment to the goals of John A. Browning: the pursuit of academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning, the belief in the dignity of the individual, and the development of personal integrity and responsibility to the broader community.

The Browning boy develops amid these values.

The Browning alumnus is a good citizen, sensitive to the needs of others, and respectful of divergent yet informed opinions.

Contributing photographers: Christine Bramble, Martin Haase, Mary Horenkamp, Jeremy Katz ’04, Olya Makhova, Melanie McMahon, Laura Neller, Sandy Pelz ’71, Soo Mi Thompson, and Marty Hyman Photography.

COVER: Headmaster Stephen M. Clement, III, and Browning's Panther mascot rouse excitement at Opening Assembly in September. Renovation of the Lobby and Lower Gym was completed in October; see coverage on pages 22-23.

He is, in the best sense of the word, a gentleman.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT The Browning School strives to create a diverse community in which all members are safe, respected, and valued.

We believe that in actively promoting a diverse learning environment, we are fostering intellectual, social, and emotional growth for all.

Recognizing and pursuing diversity, however, are not enough; we seek to transcend mere tolerance of differences and aspire to

The BUZZER is published three times a year

by The Browning School Office of Institutional Advancement. The School may be reached at 212 838 6280. The website is www.browning.edu.

a celebration of the varied appearances, abilities, perspectives, and values that characterize our community.

2 • THE THE BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011

The Browning School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school directed programs, or employment practices.

FROM THE HEADMASTER

From the Headmaster HACKERS, MONKS AND BULLFIGHTERS

Researchers Levin and Randolph came up with

O

ne of my

cited researchers who

greatest

proposed that students

pleasures every

who experienced and

fall is teaching

overcame challenges in

Advanced Expository

their youth were apt to be

Writing. This is a half-credit

more successful as adults.

course for every boy in

Student experiences in

Form VI, and although it has

two very different schools

an important sounding title,

were analyzed: the

its purpose is to work on

independent Riverdale

a final list of attributes for life satisfaction and high achievement: “zest, grit, self-control, social intelligence, gratitude, optimism and curiosity.”

college essays. At the end of the course, each boy will

Country School in the

produce three essays at the stage of good second drafts. Each

Bronx and the charter

paper will have been read aloud for comments and

school Kipp Academy.

constructive criticism by the class, and both drafts of all three

Researchers Levin and

papers will have been read and graded by me.

Randolph came up with a final list of attributes for life

One recent class contained three fascinating topics read

Since 1888 Browning’s motto has been “Grytte.”

satisfaction and high achievement: “zest, grit, self-control, social

back to back. The first was about computer hackers and the

intelligence, gratitude, optimism and curiosity.” Since 1888

distinction between Black Hats, Grey Hats and White Hats.

Browning’s motto has been “Grytte.” Clearly we have been

While the author may have been tempted by the lack of ethics

ahead of the game!

of the first two categories, he now demonstrated that he is

And speaking of grit, we have just spent a day with

firmly in the last camp. The second reader wrote about his

author Wes Moore, whose autobiography, The Other Wes

experience as a monk at age eight in Thailand and the lifelong

Moore, has been our Common Book. This issue of the Buzzer

influence the transformation has had. The third wrote about

chronicles his memorable visit to Browning, but one anecdote

bullfighting, acknowledging the controversy posed by animal

speaks to the issue of grit/grytte. His mother was a powerful

rights activists but defending his admiration nevertheless for

force in the life of the successful Wes Moore, disciplining him

the bullfighter’s skills. All three writers wrote with conviction

from an early age by setting high standards. Exhorting him to

and created persuasive portraits of themselves and their values.

do his best, she dealt with strictness and humor; she did not

The thrust of all three essays made me think about Browning’s motto: “Grytte.” The student authors defended their positions and demonstrated perseverance and commitment. In

let him off the hook. “I never gave birth to you because I needed another friend.”

True grytte all the way.

modern form the school’s motto has figured prominently in the press recently, and the lead article in The New York Times Magazine of September 18 explored what characteristics lead to success in

Stephen M. Clement, III

life. Titled, “What if the Key to Success is Failure?”, the authors

Headmaster

TH THE HE E BUZZER BUZZER • F FALL ALL 2011 2011 • 3

FEATURE

“The chilling truth is that his story could have been mine. The tragedy is that my story could have been his.”

4 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

Photo courtesy of American Program Bureau

A Tale of Two Men COMMON BOOK 2011 AUTHOR WES MOORE VISITS BROWNING

A number of faculty members from Browning attended the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC) in June, 2010, where author Wes Moore served as a guest speaker. So inspired were they that they recommended Mr. Moore’s book, The Other Wes Moore, to those committee members at Browning who annually select a Common Book for summer reading by faculty, students (Forms II through VI) and Trustees.

T

HE COMMITTEE MEMBERS REPRESENT ALL THREE DIVISIONS

of the School, as well as many different departments, according to Sarah Murphy, librarian, who arranged

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

for Mr. Moore to visit Browning in October and speak

Wes Moore is a youth advocate, Army combat veteran, businessman, nonprofit leader and author. His book, The Other Wes Moore, was published by Random House in April 2010 and became an instant bestseller on The New York Times and Wall Street Journal lists.

to the entire school community, all of whom were thrilled to meet the Common Book 2011 author in person and hear his inspiring words for themselves. Sarah is fortunate enough to have heard Mr. Moore speak twice; she wrote in the most recent Buzzer about her first experience at the IBSC conference.

In that article, she noted, “Wes Moore is a former Rhodes Scholar and an accomplished soldier, businessman and orator (he was a featured speaker at the Democratic National Convention in 2008). Mr. Moore had recently published a book, The Other Wes Moore, in which he tells his own story alongside that of another young man named Wes Moore. The two Moores were born a few blocks from each other in Baltimore, but as children their paths never crossed, and their lives — despite similar beginnings and backgrounds — have little in common.

Mr. Moore graduated Phi Theta Kappa from Valley Forge Military College in 1998 and Phi Beta Kappa from Johns Hopkins University in 2001. He completed an MLitt in International Relations from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar in 2004.

Mr. Moore served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army for 10 years and retired as a captain. His service included a combat tour of duty in Afghanistan with the elite 1st Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. He deployed to the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan and spearheaded the American strategic support plan for the Afghan Reconciliation Program.

A White House Fellow from 2006 to 2007, Mr. Moore served as a special assistant to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Mr. Moore found out about the man who shared his name through a television news piece. The other Wes Moore was convicted of murdering a police officer and is currently serving a life sentence. Several years ago, Mr. Moore began corresponding with the man who shares his name. Letters led to visits, and visits led to a book.”

Sarah added, “Mr. Moore attended Valley Forge Military Academy and credits his time there with much of his success later in life. I was reminded of the powerful role we as educa-

A featured speaker at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, he was named Crain’s New York Business’ “40 Under 40 Rising Stars” in 2009. He has been featured by The Oprah Winfrey Show, People magazine, USA Today, Essence, The View, Meet the Press, Charlie Rose, Tavis Smiley, and NPR, among others.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of The Other Wes Moore will be donated to the U.S. Dream Academy and City Year.

tors play in shaping the futures of our students… I was tremendously glad that I had stayed for his speech.”

n

TH THE HE E BUZZER BUZZER • F FALL ALL 2011 2011 • 5

FEATURE

Author Wes Moore Visits The Browning School

6 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

Asked to provide a “SixWord Memoir” by fellow author Farai Chideya, Wes Moore responded, “Grandma said have faith not fear.”

“Other” is the most important word in the title of my book. As my mother said when I tried to run away from military school: “Too many other people have made sacrifices for you. It is not all about you!”

(Facing page): Visiting author Wes Moore and Head Librarian Sarah Murphy; Mr. Moore with his publisher, Cindy Spiegel, a Brearley classmate of Director of Admissions Liane Pei; (above): Head of Upper School Jim Reynolds with Benjamin Altman-DeSoto ’12, Harrison Messer ’12, Kyle Johnson ’12, author Wes Moore and Headmaster Steve Clement.

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 7

THE LOCAL BUZZ

The Local Buzz DEUTSCHE BANK WELCOMES GLOBAL FINANCE CLUB

I

By Michael Gabrellian ’13

year, visited the office of Deutsche Bank on Wall Street. The

n May, the Browning Global Finance Club, founded last

club has had the honor of hosting guest speakers, studying

economic history, and discussing contemporary financial events.

This is the first time, however, that the Global Finance Club has visited an outside institution.

In the morning before school started, a commodities trader

from Deutsche Bank came to speak with the club. She discussed how the commodities market works, what causes price

fluctuations, and the new regulations implemented since the

2008 financial crisis intended to ensure that accounting standards are accurate.

During the afternoon, the club ventured down to Wall Street

and visited Deutsche Bank’s offices. There, the club toured the

commodities trading floor and spoke to several traders. The

members learned about what traders, salesmen and research

analysts specifically do every day and heard a few interesting stories from their careers.

This outing was a great opportunity for the 14 members of

the club to visit and talk with these professionals in their

workplace as opposed to just learning about them in a classroom

setting. The club was able to experience a wide range of opinions

and learn new details about economics and finance that they had not known previously.

The Global Finance Club was honored to have Ms. Amley as

its advisor throughout its first two years. She provided tremendous assistance to the club and helped it grow.

Fortunately, Ms. Bosworth has agreed to take over as advisor for the coming school year. With an excellent and dedicated advisor and many returning members, the Global Finance Club is looking forward to another good year of opportunities to improve and expand upon its experiences. n

Left: Hal Lehr ’85 spent time talking with Browning boys during their visit to Deutsche Bank, where Mr. Lehr is a trader.

Below: Ms. Amley’s Global Finance Club at Deutsche Bank in May, L to R: (back row) Ms. Amley, Caspar Boele ‘14, Ty York ‘14, Basil Chalabi ‘15, Teddy Altman ‘11, Diego Lopez ‘15 (middle), Juan Yanes ‘14, Adam Nebenzahl ‘13, Hal Lehr ‘85, Nick Hexner (front) ’12, Christopher Stephens ‘14, Michael Gabrellian ‘13, Nick Stieg ‘11, and Remy Fortin ’12.

8 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

GRYTTE STAFF VISITS FOX NEWS

By Oliver Shawn ’12

I

n May, a dozen membeRS OF THE BROWNING GRYTTE, ALONG WITH JEREMY Katz ’04, faculty advisor, were treated to an inside look at Fox News and

The Wall Street Journal. The tour was made possible by Eric Shawn, senior correspondent and father of Oliver Shawn ’12. The tour began at FoxNews.com where Rafet Kaplan, managing editor, described the gathering and disseminating of news on the website. He explained how stories are tracked and how editors can determine which stories are the most popular, such as Pippa Middleton’s dress at the “Royal Wedding.” Mr. Kaplan told the writers of the Grytte how the Internet can accompany and offer more depth to news stories than just a short 30-second story on television.

The tour proceeded to The Wall Street Journal where the Grytte staff met Howard Hoffman, vice president of communications. He discussed how the Journal staff of over 2,000 reporters and editors gathers

news all over the globe, 24 hours a day. They work for the Journal, various international editions, as well as the Dow Jones News Wire.

The students viewed the wall of the paper’s Pulitzer Prizes where Mr. Hoffman pointed out the special award for the paper’s coverage of 9/11 when the newsroom had to be evacuated, and the Journal staff assembled in a makeshift newsroom in New Jersey.

Next stop was the Fox News newsroom and some of the studios, including the one in which Bill O’Reilly conducts his show. Afterwards, Mr. Shawn was kind enough to show the Grytte staff a real-life control room of a live program airing on the Fox Business Channel. Two of the most memorable moments for the Grytte staff were meeting Karl Rove, former advisor to President George W. Bush – now a news commentator – as well as seeing news personality Bill O’Reilly. All in all, the Grytte staff had an enjoyable experience that each one of them will not soon forget. n

SIZING UP THE CITY’S SALAMANDERS

B

rowning science students are pleased to participate this year in The Woodland Salamander Monitoring

Project which brings together area schools to conduct a comparative study of salamanders in New York City and in Black Rock Forest. Basically, by using salamanders as bioindicators, students are learning techniques to understand the health of diverse ecosystems.

So far this fall, students – accompanied by Chris Dunham, head of the Middle School and Stephanie Seto, Lower School science teacher – examined salamanders in Black Rock Forest and Van Cortlandt Park.

Upon arriving at each site and donning their special T-shirts, students readied themselves with equipment, field guides and data sheets. Led by site leaders who assigned and led them to their transect locations, students soon took to the task of data collection.

Jacob Kibel '19 (above left) proudly displays the salamander he discovered in Van Cortland Park.

Fifth grade student Max Simeone commented on the project: "It was really fun and a great experience. It was challenging

science and really being a part of an official experiment. It was

working as a group at times because all the boys were so

fun measuring the objects along the transect and tipping over the

interested in finding the salamanders. But we learned a lot about

rocks and logs looking for the salamanders. We also found

them and where to find them. I loved the hands-on aspect of the

worms, spiders and millipedes." n TH THE HE E BUZZER BUZZER • F FALL ALL 2011 2011 • 9

THE LOCAL BUZZ

CLASS OF 2011 TAKES ON CHALLENGE AND MAKES HISTORY! SCHOLARSHIP FUND CREATES LEGACY On May 25, 2011, Browning's Form VI enjoyed their class dinner at the Regency, where class representatives proudly announced the creation of the Class of 2011 Scholarship Fund, which will provide, in perpetuity, annual financial assistance for Upper School families in need.

The creation of this fund stemmed from a giving challenge presented to the class in the fall.

An anonymous donor pledged to match every dollar up to $250,000 contributed to the challenge — but only if 100% of Form VI families participated. With the opportunity to raise half a million dollars, the Class of 2011 stepped up to the challenge, the first of its kind in Browning history. Every family participated. Every family gave.

The Class of 2011, its families and members created an unforgettable legacy. n

GRADE 5 MAKES TRIP TO MYSTIC

F

ifth graders headed to Mystic, Conn., in September for their annual overnight trip. They began with a cruise of

Mystic Harbor on the steamship Sabino followed by a tour of the Mystic Village Museum. The second half of the afternoon

FORM VI SHARPENS SKILLS AT SHARPE RESERVATION

I

n September, accompanied by Head of Upper School James Reynolds and Sanford Pelz, their college guidance

counselor, Form VI spent a day at Sharpe Reservation in

was spent at Mystic Aquarium, where the boys fed exotic birds,

Fishkill, N.Y. The boys participated in low-rope and team-

posed for pictures with Beluga whales, and enjoyed the chance

building activities as well as high-rope challenges. They even

to pet manta rays. (A few boys even got to pet a small but

climbed a 30-foot telephone pole and jumped from there

harmless shark!) They also spent time at the Pequot Museum,

onto a trapeze bar!

where they toured life-size, walk-through dioramas depicting Native American life. n

10 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

The camaraderie created in overcoming these challenges helped set the pace for the boys’ final year at Browning. n

CONTINUING THE TRADITION: 2011 COLLEGE TRIP

C

ontinuing a tradition believed to be unique to Browning, 55 Form V

and VI students embarked on a three-day tour of nine New England

colleges in September. Director of College Counseling Sanford Pelz, along with Head of Upper School Jim Reynolds, Dean of Students Sam Keany and Admissions Associate Alex Sheridan, headed first to Trinity College, then Bentley College and Brandeis University where they were greeted by Stevie Rachmuth ‘10 and Charlie Reiss ‘10.

The second day included tours of Boston College, Boston University, (where Luca Libani ‘11 paid a visit), Harvard College and Tufts. On the final day, the group headed to Amherst College where they were met by David Baird ‘10, who, during an admission information session, offered insights on the transition to college.

The final stop was at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The boys returned with both a clearer vision of the many types of colleges and universities and a better sense of which one will serve them best. n

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 11

THE LOCAL BUZZ

NEW FACES At Browning

T

he School is pleased to welcome ten newcomers to the faculty this

year. Read on to learn more about this dynamic group of individuals.

Beth Butler teaches U.S. History in the Middle School. She received a master’s degree from Columbia

FORM III CAMPS AT PINE FOREST

University and a B.A. from Middlebury College. Beth previously

tudents in Form III boarded a

S

taught at Greens Farms Academy,

coach bus in September and

The Lawrenceville School and

headed for Greeley, Pa., for the

Choate Rosemary Hall. While at

annual Form III Pine Forest Camp

Middlebury, she was twice named

trip. Upon arrival and with the help

an NCAA All-American Academic

of facilitators from The Mountain

(2006, 2007) by the USA Track and

Workshop, the boys participated in

Field Coaches’ Association.

Caitlin Coleman, second and

team-building exercises before

third grade associate teacher, earned a

dividing into two groups.

master’s degree from Columbia and a

After dinner, the boys enjoyed late-night paddling in “war” canoes

B.A. from Boston College. Prior to

on the lake. Upon their return to

coming to Browning, Caitlin taught at

shore, a blazing bonfire and S’mores

St. Columbkille Partnership School, asked to address three questions:

the Gardner Pilot Academy and

The next day, the boys took a

What was the best part of the trip?

several other schools in Massachusetts

six-mile rafting journey down the

What was your least favorite part?

and Connecticut. While at Boston

Delaware River. Along the way, they

What did you learn about yourself

College, she was a member of the

spotted two bald eagles and several

that you will continue to work on in

equestrian team. Caitlin is conversant

blue herons. The students circled one

the coming year? The boys shared

in both French and Italian.

last time with their Mountain

thoughtful answers and thanked

Workshop counselors and debriefed

the Mountain Workshop team for a

to the division heads, received a B.A.

about the entire trip. Each boy was

terrific trip. n

from Connecticut College. Prior to

topped a full day of accomplishment.

Elizabeth Cooper-Mullin, assistant

working at Browning, Elizabeth served as a legal assistant and teaching assistant in the New York City area. She also

12 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

Beth Butler

Elizabeth Cooper-Mullin

Beatrice Lolli-Ghetti

Melanie McMahon

Rebecca Vinsonhaler

Caitlin Coleman

Lauren Haunss

Christine Mayr

Chelsea Rossman

Brett Wisniewski

worked for a youth camp horseback

Christine most recently served at New

at the Pocantico Hills Central School. She

riding program and was the musical

York University where she worked with

is pleased to enjoy a homeroom teaching

director for an 11-member a cappella

the assistant dean of enrollment services

environment here at Browning.

group while in college.

Lauren Haunss, who oversees the

and student affairs (liberal studies). While

Rebecca Vinsonhaler is a

employed at NYU, she also served in a

mathematics teacher in both the middle

lower school enrichment program, holds a

number of its other schools and

and upper schools. Rebecca earned a

master’s degree from Hofstra School of

departments. Christine is certified in first

master’s degree from the University of

Education as well as a B.A. from Loyola

aid/CPR by the American Red Cross.

Connecticut and a B.S. from the

College. She has served as a private

Melanie McMahon, director of

University of California-Los Angeles.

learning specialist and also taught at

publications, comes to Browning after

She has taught at the middle and high

various elementary schools throughout

serving as director of communications

school levels in Connecticut and

New York. Lauren has served on a

at Blair Academy since 1999. Melanie

Hawaii. Rebecca received a JAGUAR

multitude of committees, including

earned a master’s degree from Fairfield

Grant in 2009 and, for the following

literacy, language arts and science, during

University and a B.A. from Albright

three years, was a participant in a

her many years of teaching.

College. She has a wide range of

National Science Foundation project

experience in magazine editing and

concerning the role of justification in

associate teacher, holds a master’s degree

public relations, having worked for The

middle school math classrooms.

from Bank Street College of Education

New York Times magazine group as well

and a B.A. from The George Washington

as a number of PR firms and ad

Latin and is currently working toward his

University. Beatrice taught at The

agencies. While at Blair, she also taught

Ph.D. at New York University, where he

Episcopal School in New York City prior

a senior elective in journalism.

also received a master’s degree. Brett

Beatrice Lolli-Ghetti, a pre-primary

to coming to Browning and also served as

Chelsea Rossman, who teaches first

Brett Wisniewski teaches Greek and

earned a B.A. from Wayne State

an executive assistant for several New

grade, earned a master’s degree from

University. Prior to coming to Browning,

York City-based companies. She is fluent

Fordham University and a B.A. from

he was an instructor at New York

in both French and Spanish.

Colgate University. Chelsea taught grades

University and Zhejiang University in

Christine Mayr, admissions

one and three at the Hackley School for

China. Brett’s reviews have been

associate, registrar and AP coordinator,

three years and most recently served as

published in The Classical Review.

earned a B.A. from Fairfield University.

the assistant after school program director

n

TH THE HE E BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011 • 13 13

SUMMER SOJOURNS

Each year the Parents Association awards stipends to faculty members who apply for specific projects, such as summer travel, research or study. During the 2010-2011 school year, 17 stipends were given. Each recipient writes an article for the Buzzer about his or her project; four faculty are featured in this issue.

creative, he recognized the intimacy of his theatre and encouraged his actors to speak directly to the audience in soliloquies and asides, as they most certainly would have done in the 16th century. The RSC apparently appreciated this revival of actor-audience immediacy and adopted it as part of its own style. The standard speech of its well-trained actors began to give way to the richer sounds of regional dialect, and suddenly we had, as we did at the Armory this summer, a Romeo

ARMORY REVIVAL OFFERS THE BARD AT HIS BEST

By Kevin Dearinger, English Department

I

who shares his fears with the first row and a Tybalt with a consonant-rich Glasgow accent.

The RSC also began to consider more carefully the current trends in European theatrical

n Shakespeare’s Winter’s Tale, the

design, and suddenly heavy medieval furs and

tyrant King Leontes sends to the Oracle

World War One army helmets could co-exist in

at Delphi to determine the state of his

King Lear, a choice in visual design that did

marriage and his kingdom. New York City

not seek historical realism but cultural

has its own cultural oracle and tyrant, The New York Times. I am an admiring daily reader of the Times, but

resonance.

The RSC performed in a magnificent theatre sculpted out

certainly its drama critic was draconian in his reviews of the

of the vast Park Avenue Armory, where a three-quarter thrust

Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)’s tenure at the Park

stage and three-tiered seating gathered the audience into an

Avenue Armory this summer.

intimate space. All resemblance to Shakespeare’s Globe and

The RSC were practically begging for a Yankee reprimand

the reconstructed Globe in London was intentional, although

when they announced their outrageous ticket prices, but five

the space actually being “recreated” was the RSC’s newly

RSC productions in Manhattan and a chance to see them all in

reconfigured stage in Stratford.

one weekend qualified, at least for me, as a lifetime opportunity. I arranged for my tickets and waited on the wing of expectation.

I worried as the Times reviewed each production, grousing

So what happened on that stage at the Armory?

The company was an ensemble, rather than a group of supporting actors serving a star. Deservedly, Greg Hicks had

and crabbing about all but one, but I might modestly suggest

three plum roles, and he is a very good actor, but he was not

that I have seen more Shakespeare on stage than even the august

asked to pick up a play and drag it around by its hair for three

critics for our major newspaper, so I decided to hold on and

hours, as stars are wont to do. Individual actors played leads in

make my own judgment. Smart move, Mr. D.

one play and supporting parts in another. One night’s lover

When I was in graduate school, I saw nearly every RSC production at Stratford and at the London Barbican. Most of the

became the next night’s sadistic killer.

The first play of my marathon weekend was a Friday night

actors spoke with the standard received pronunciation and,

“Romeo and Juliet.” Juliet (Mariah Gale) had a jaw like the late Joan

except for the Swan Theatre productions, the plays were staged

Sutherland, but serious dramatic chops as well. She was hardly the

for a proscenium, with the “fourth wall” largely intact. The

shy virgin of tradition and played the role with a rebellious fire in her

productions were stately, although often enlivened by the

voice and movement. When she apologized to Romeo for being,

presence of a star actor of the John Wood, Antony Sher or Mark

possibly, too forward, she had very good cause to do so, but when

Rylance sort. Since those days, much has changed.

the pain of her losses became clear to her, her sorrow was

A few years ago, the RSC was in danger of becoming

devastating. The Romeo (Dyfan Dwyfor), an inspired understudy,

a museum of mummified Shakespeare, just as the recon-

was puppy-doggish, easily hurt, and terrified when the light first

structed Globe in London threatened to become a Shakes-

came through Juliet’s window. With his iPod and bicycle, he was a

pearean theme park. Then Mark Rylance, late of the RSC,

very plausible, very vulnerable young lover for 2011. The scene

became the Globe’s first director. Wildly intelligent and

stealer, as always, was Mercutio (Jonjo O’Neill). His bleached hair,

14 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

Sunday evening brought down-and-dirty humor and playful intensity were missed in the second half of the play. The Times thought the production lacked passion. Hardly so, Master Isherwood.

Saturday I was back for “As You Like It” in the afternoon and King Lear in the evening, a rare double feature. The first is a comedy I relish on the page but have too often seen turn to stone on the stage. The RSC production moved along crisply, from the all-in-black mournful court of the usurping duke to the animal freedom of the Forest of Arden. The Rosalind of Katy Stephens, disguised as the boy Ganymede with an Errol Flynn moustache, presented an interesting mix of wit, passion and hurt. The invention of an erotic dream scene for Celia (Mariah Gale, again) was a bit odd, but it helped set up her immediate attraction to

out the gold. “Winter’s Tale” is an odd play, a blend of tragedy and pastoral comedy, with elements of farce, but it rarely fails to move me to tears.

Orlando’s evil brother who has recently converted to the side of the good. It’s that kind of play.

That evening Greg Hicks presented an intelligent and

a number of Shakespeare’s late works, it is a play about mistakes, loss and regret, and as I prepare to turn 60, these themes glower

heartfelt King Lear. The old king’s agony was painful to see, and

with a special meaning for me. “Winter’s Tale” is also a play

the nastiness of his elder daughters has rarely been nastier. The

about forgiveness and even redemption. The cruelty of Leontes

Fool, played by Sophie Russell, made the old, old jokes funny

(Greg Hicks) to his wife Hermione is always shocking, but the

and touching. Two problems emerged: Hicks is still too young to

last scene of the play, as a “statue” of the dead Hermione comes

play Lear and the Cordelia (Samantha Young) was not so much

to life (“‘Tis time. Descend. Be stone no more.”), is among

tongue-tied as cold and whiney. Ah, but when you see King Lear,

Shakespeare’s most deeply moving and human. On Friday night

always keep an eye on Kent! As so often has been the case in so

at the Armory, as Juliet realized that Romeo had been alive only

many of the Lears I have seen, the actor playing Kent (Darrell

moments before she awakened, she murmured in sorrow, “Thy

D’Silva) owned the audience. The Edmund and Edgar failed to

lips are warm.” On Sunday, in “Winter’s Tale,” Leontes took the

make much of an impression. Too young as well? Or just jejune?

hand of his wife, after 16 years of believing she was dead, and

With my memories of the recent Lears of Ian McKellen, Derek

said with simple wonder, “She’s warm!”

Jacobi and Mr. Hicks still fresh in my mind, I will face the Lear of

I wept.

Sam Waterston in December at the Public Theatre.

The RSC’s production of “Winter’s Tale” was the best of the

Greg Hicks appeared in important roles in both Sunday productions at the Armory. He played the title role in Julius Caesar as a strong leader in the prime of life, and it made sense in

marathon. The acting was sharp, the verse well-spoken, the comedy wonderfully bawdy, the tragedy keen, and the emotions real.

I did, however, speculate on the changing times.

every way that it took many knives to kill this Caesar. Sam

Throughout the series of plays, I had been surprised at how few

Troughton as Brutus spoke well—this was the RSC, after all—but

“standing ovations” greeted the curtain calls. The RCS stages the

with little passion and invention. Matinee fatigue? Cassius (John

bows as an ensemble, not allowing the usual frenzied build up to

MacKay) and Mark Antony (Darrell D’Silva, again) were very

the star’s smiling appearance that we know from Broadway.

fine and fiery, but this production was the company at its most

Twenty-years ago, however, New York audiences stood up and

competent and least interesting. The projected mob images and

cheered for anything that came from London. Not so at the

the flashes of fire enlivened the proceedings, but I have yet to

Armory, except for “Winter’s Tale.” The audience was up and

fathom what play Portia (Hannah Young) thought she was in. It

screaming from the moment the lights revealed the company in a

wasn’t Julius Caesar.

line of exhausted faces. It was a great way to end my weekend.

Sunday evening, however, brought out the gold. “Winter’s

Thank you, RSC, and thank you, Parents Association, for

Tale” is an odd play, a blend of tragedy and pastoral comedy,

helping me attend such memorable theatre. Such experiences

with elements of farce, but it rarely fails to move me to tears. Like

make my mind and heart race through a whole academic year.

Shakespeare is my academic caffeine. n THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 15

SUMMER SOJOURNS

The schedule for the second day was full and varied.

LONDON SETS SCENE FOR INSPIRED STUDY

Two speakers, Uta Frith, emeritus professor at University

By Michael Ingrisani, Head of English department and Dean of Students

psychiatry at Cambridge, expounded on the results of the

T

he International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) held

informing educational practice (http://royalsociety.org/news/

its 18th Annual Conference, “Inspiring Boys, Inspiring

neuroscience-role-in-education-policy/). Dr. Sahakian made a

Schools,” in London this summer. Although the IBSC had met in

point of emphasizing the way in which learning changes brain

London 10 years ago, this year’s gathering was bolstered by the

structure, facilitating further learning. After these talks, I

influx of over three dozen British schools which had previously

attended a workshop led by Professor Michael Reiss, also of

been skeptical of the value of the organization.

Cambridge, who discussed what an understanding of “the

Our host this year was the city of London School, the origins of which date back to a bequest in 1442 from John Carpenter, town clerk of London, in the reign of Henry V.

College London, and Barbara Sahakian, professor of clinical Royal Society’s recent report on the role of neuroscience in

sort of mind evolution has given us” in regard to our behavior and the way we learn.

The next keynote address of note was given by Julian

After several moves to various locations, the school is now

Stern, professor of education and religion at York St. John

located very near St. Paul’s Cathedral on the north bank of

University. Discussing schools as learning communities,

the Thames, just across the Millenium Footbridge from the

Dr. Stern defined what he called “a spirited school” as “an

Tae Modern and the Globe Theatre.

inclusive community with magnanimous leadership that

In addition to a wide variety of workshop presenters on

enables friendship through dialogue in order to create and

topics of interest to educators in boys’ schools, the conference

evaluate valuable or beautiful meanings, valuable or

planners assembled an impressive array of keynote speakers,

beautiful things, and good people.” He went on to elaborate

most of whom were new to the IBSC. The opening day began

on this definition in a most enlightening manner.

with an unadvertised appearance by the mayor of the Greater

The final major speaker was Dr. Adam Cox, no stranger to

London Authority. A lively and opinionated speaker, Johnson

the IBSC, and a featured speaker at last year’s conference in

welcomed the delegates, boasted of the city’s features, and even

Philadelphia. As he did then, Dr. Cox reported on the progress of

offered his own recommendations for helping boys. He advised

his survey of boys’ attitudes and concerns based on interviews

“smashing Playstations,” fostering competition and physicality

conducted at schools in the United States, Britain and Australia.

(specifically rugby), and requiring boys to prepare for and suffer

His report will be published this fall and distributed to IBSC

through “nightmare exams” in preparation for the demands of

member schools.

adult life. This advice was taken with more than one grain of salt.

The first scheduled speaker was Patrick Spottiswoode,

In his preview of the report, Dr. Cox spoke of the importance to boys of a number of factors, including their desire

the incoming president of the Shakespeare Theatre

for validation through purposeful work, which he defined as “a

Association of America, who spoke about Shakespeare’s use

self-directed experiment in the transcendent power of work to

of English and introduced a group of young actors who

shape purpose, confidence and momentum.” Schools can

presented a few scenes from plays by some of Shakespeare’s

respond by inviting self-inquiry, acknowledging the reciprocal

less famous contemporaries.

relationship between academic and personal development, and

The assembled delegates then went off on a dinner cruise on the Thames which allowed veteran IBSC delegates like me to become reacquainted with old friends. The views from the river

clarifying how to be an individual within the context of tradition.

All who heard him look forward to reading the full report.

As always, the combination of powerful speakers and

featured celebrated historic sites as well as new structures being

interaction with fellow educators from around the globe made the

readied for the 2012 London Olympics.

2011 IBSC Conference a memorable and rewarding experience. n

16 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

(L to R): Lower and Middle School Science Teacher Janet Lien, Head of English Department/Dean of Faculty Michael Ingrisani, Director of Admissions Liane Pei

Dr. Cox spoke of the importance to boys of a number of factors, including their desire for validation through purposeful work, which he defined as “a self-directed experiment in the transcendent power of work to shape purpose, confidence and momentum.”

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 17

SUMMER SOJOURNS DIGGING FOR DINOSAURS IN THE BADLANDS Stephanie H. Seto, Lower and Middle School Science Teacher

A

perfectly cleaned of the matrix (the rock surrounding a fossil).

When fossils are discovered, the paleontologist extracts the specimen by digging a generous distance around the fossil, wrapping both the fossil and matrix in plaster, and taking it back

s a science educator (and dinosaur enthusiast!) who

to the prep lab. Under the controlled conditions of the lab and

has worked in museums for years, I was beyond excited

with a plethora of tools at your disposal, you can take the time

when granted the opportunity to participate in a paleontological

and care that is necessary to remove matrix from a fossil that is

dig with the Marmarth Research Foundation (MRF). I was ready

tens of millions of years old.

to dig for dinosaurs, contribute to actual paleontological research, and learn as much as possible.

MRF was created for education, fossil curation and fossil

During the day, being on a dig is mostly digging through rock a millimeter at a time and sitting on the ground in the same place under the unrelenting sun for hours. It might sound

research. The group’s passionate and friendly paleontologists

absolutely torturous, but it was wonderful. The prospect of

search for and research Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus rex,

finding something that no human being has ever seen and that

hadrosaurs (duck-billed dinosaurs) and prehistoric turtles in the

has not been uncovered for millions of years motivates the

Hell Creek Formation in the Badlands of North Dakota and

paleontologist (amateur and professional) and makes the process

Montana. During summers, volunteers aid researchers in their

a great adventure. With the allure of finding an actual dinosaur

search for more fossils. The organization is led by Tyler Lyson, a

fossil, I was very motivated to dig away!

paleontology doctoral student who discovered a mummified dinosaur in the same area at the age of 12.

In my one week with the experienced crew, I learned more

Throughout the week, I participated in numerous dig sites.

At the hadrosaur site, where the group had already uncovered a hadrosaur’s femur, ribs, partial pelvis and articulated vertebrae, I

about paleontology than I could learn in months perusing a

chiseled through rock in search of more pieces of the hadrosaur.

natural history museum. I was able to experience everything

Nearby, on the side of a hill, I dug through rock and searched for

first-hand. I differentiated fossils from other rock types, hiked to

juvenile Triceratops fossils to help start a potential dig site. I

prospect for new dig sites, plastered and removed fossil

collected microfossils (tiny remains of living organisms) and

specimens from the ground, identified prehistoric turtle shells

helped prepare various fossil finds for transport. On my second

and searched for fossilized teeth of prehistoric crocodiles. I found

to last day in the field, our group traveled to the Big Turtle Cove

fish scale fossils, learned how to infer landscape structure from

site to dig for turtle fossils.

millions of years ago based on the location and position of

My personal dig area at Big Turtle Cove was adjacent to two

fossilized plant material, and practiced various laboratory

fossil finds from the day before; I had selected my location

methods of preparing fossils for preservation.

because the fossilized plant material we had uncovered in the

Each night after dinner, I worked in the lab to help clean and prep fossils. Fossils are almost never brought back from the field

18 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

area showed that it was on the edge of a riverbed where animal remains may have collected millions of years ago. After over two

Above: The fossilized turtle rib uncovered by Ms. Seto (digging tool and tip of shoe for size reference).

hours of removing sediment and chiseling rock, I brushed away

Ms. Seto using an air-powered chisel to remove rock surrounding a Triceratops vertebra.

My fossil find was a genuine dream come true, and I am

crumbs of loosened matrix, and a small section of pinkish brown-

proud to say that the fossil will be added to MRF’s collection and

colored rock appeared. Upon close examination and with

will help their researchers understand the species composition of

confirmation from one of the site leaders, it was determined to be

the area as it was 65 million years ago.

part of a fossilized turtle shell! I proceeded to remove the

As with any field experience, this trip gave me newfound

overlying matrix with extreme caution, trying to determine

knowledge and fostered my ever-growing appreciation for

where the edges of the specimen were located. Once the surface

science. I am very grateful for the generous support of the

of the fossil was fully revealed, it was identified as a partial turtle

Parents Association in granting me the opportunity to

rib, and it measured approximately 25 centimeters long and 10

participate. I have a much deeper understanding of the many

centimeters wide. The turtle, which lived about 65 million years

aspects of paleontology, and I have returned with many ideas of

ago during the Late Cretaceous period, would have had a shell

how to translate my dinosaur dig experience into classroom

over 70 centimeters in diameter.

adventures for my young paleontologists-in-training. n

Photo, pages 18-19, shows the life-sized silhouette of Tyrannosaurus rex that greets visitors as they enter the town of Marmarth in North Dakota.

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 19

SUMMER SOJOURNS

“TURNING AND TALKING” IMPROVES READING SKILLS

By Meg Epstein, First Grade Teacher

The reading institute stressed the importance of a leveled classroom library so that each student is reading from a “just right” book: a book that provides adequate challenges without students reaching their frustration level. After leveling our entire

f all the reasons that first grade is so

O

classroom library, we have noticed a significant difference in the

exciting to teach, some of the most pronounced

boys’ productivity during independent reading and reading

are the changes that take place in every student’s

workshop. Now, after a reading lesson, the boys go off to work

literacy skills. In September, boys enter the

independently, practicing the skill that was taught in books that

classroom at diverse points in their reading and writing careers,

are at their own level. When we come back together to discuss

and it is always a joy, a marvel and a challenge to accommodate

how independent practice went, boys of all different reading

every learner in a way that is meaningful to him. Participating in

levels are able to participate in rich discussions about reading

both the reading and writing institutes at Teachers College this

strategies, plot and character development. The level of

summer has given me much insight into this yearlong process.

conversation and thinking is brought up due to the fact that

The Reading and Writing Project (RWP) is led by Lucy Calkins, author of more than 20 best-selling books

everyone has meaningful ideas to contribute.

In addition to whole class reading lessons, small group

and the Robinson Professor in Literacy at Teachers College

guided reading has been another area in which the institute

Columbia University. Both the reading and writing institutes

has influenced our classroom practices. The new program

each consist of a week-long series of lectures, combined

that we are implementing begins with small group lessons

with large and small group sessions, in which teachers

about a concept that the boys will then practice

learn new research based methods of instruction. We have

independently at their table, but in the same book. Finally,

already implemented many of these methods into our

they converse with their reading group and a teacher about

classroom this year.

their individual findings. This method encourages students

20 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

When questions arise during a reading session, boys turn and talk to their partner for discussion, then turn back to their teacher.

to generate their own ideas and holds them accountable for quality work.

Writing workshop methods from RWP encourage students to focus on the writing process before

The beauty of having a turn

worrying about the final product. According to the workshop model, students work on pieces that they keep in their writing

and talk partner is that

folders, using skills that they learn from mini lessons beforehand.

They then go back to revise and edit only a select few pieces that

everyone gets to participate

they will “publish” in our classroom throughout the year. This cycle will continue throughout the year, enabling boys to practice

in the conversation on the

new skills, evaluate their own writing to pick their best work and celebrate their accomplishments with their peers.

carpet – all at once!

Another valuable lesson from RWP is the “turn and talk.”

The beauty of having a turn and talk partner is that everyone gets to participate in the conversation on the carpet – all at once!

When questions arise during a lesson, the boys turn and talk to an assigned partner, discuss their ideas, and then turn right back to the teacher. Then I can call on select partnerships to share their ideas with the group, but every boy has had a chance to participate in the conversation, even if he is not called on directly.

This and the other RWP strategies and methods have been such an asset to the boys’ learning.

n

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 21

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Expanded Facilities Feted at Inauguration

T

he School's newly expanded Lobby and Lower Gym

met with great applause at a formal ribbon-cutting and opening on October 17. Much to the delight of an enthusiastic audience of parents, faculty and students,

Headmaster Stephen M. Clement, III, and Board of Trustees President James S. Chanos – aided by many of the individuals connected with the project – cut a ribbon to formally inaugurate these fine facilities.

Director of Institutional Advancement Marty Haase noted, “The improvements are obvious the moment one enters the School, with a widened Lobby and an expansive vista of the Lower Gym afforded by a ¾” tempered glass wall that replaces

opening, the Middle School boys christened the new basketball

the metal grate. The observation deck/walkway has been

backstops when Michael Jozoff ’17 and the School’s Panther

widened to facilitate traffic flow to the Upper Cafeteria – an

mascot, aided by Mary Bosworth, Middle School history teacher,

improvement that has garnered praise from everyone, even the

sunk the first of many baskets to come.”

youngest Lower School students. Well-lit and airy, the renovated

The Lobby and Gym renovations are the first phase of

Lobby creates a warm welcome for first-time visitors to

Browning’s Master Plan, developed in concert with the

Browning, as well as the entire school community.”

architectural firm of Peter Gisolfi and Associates, to enhance the

He added, “Entering the Gym downstairs, the 30 percent

communal and educational spaces of the current facility while

expansion of useable space is immediately noticeable, as is the

retaining much of the unique ambiance that defines Browning.

bright, natural light at the far end afforded by two skylights. A

Keep watching for the plans, now in development, for a spring

new portable, modular platform stage allows for theatrical and

2012 rollout.

public speaking events as needed. The day after the official

22 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

n

Many of the individuals connected with the expansion of the Lobby and Lower Gym cut a ribbon to formally inaugurate these facilities in October. Pictured (L to R) are Augie Emanuele, Danny Lam, Patricia Zeuner, Andrew West, Rodney Schiffer, Bill Jacob, Nicholas Hexner ’12, Ryan Flynn ’12, Steve Clement, Jim Chanos, Peter Gisolfi, Susan Grimbilas, John Campbell, Jimmy Santiago and Jeff Aquilino.

During formal ribbon-cutting ceremonies in October, Headmaster Stephen M. Clement addressed attendees; he is pictured with Browning's Panther mascot and Board of Trustees President James S. Chanos in front of the tempered glass wall that affords a view of the newly expanded Lower Gym.

THE BUZZER • FALL F LL 2011 • 23 FA

OPENING ASSEMBLY

A NEW SCHOOL YEAR Begins at Browning!

During Opening Assembly at Browning, the Headmaster traditionally requests that Form VI come forward as a group to address the school community. Each boy states his name and the number of years he has attended, then summarizes his Browning experience in one word or phrase. (Interestingly, only a few words were duplicated.)

So inspiring are the boys’ comments that the recent report of annual giving at Browning also included a number of their responses. The list in its entirety appears here, along with a few of the “Kodak” moments captured that morning.

Gentleman Integrity Community Honor Friendship Solidarity Loyalty Citizenship

Legit Kindness (2) Legendary Fraternity Phenomenal Experience Teamwork Inspirational

Friendship

Hard work pays off Nurturing Hope Brotherhood (2) Persistence Family Camaraderie Adaptability

KINDNESS (

Community

LEGENDARY 224 4• T THE HE B BUZZER UZZER • F FALL ALL 22011 011

FRATERNITY

(2)

Y THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 25

ANNUAL PRIZE DAY

Annual Prize Day JUNE 7, 2011

Prelude Welcome Choral Presentation Remarks

Remarks Academic Awards

African Drumming Circle Stephen M. Clement, III Headmaster “Wake, Freshmen, Wake!”

Upper School Chorus H. Harrison Fields ‘11 Outgoing President Upper School Student Council Basil T. Chalabi ‘15, President Middle School Student Council James E. Reynolds Head of Upper School

ACADEMIC AWARDS Scholars Award Awarded to students with the highest GPA in Form VI and Form II Winner of Form VI Scholars Award: Jason T. Bader Winner of Form II Scholars Award: Diego A. Lopez-Liranzo Grant T. Olcott Armaan Rawat Thomas I. Perskin

26 • THE 26 THE BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011

AWARDS BY ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE ENGLISH The Davis Prize for Excellence in English is awarded to a Form VI Student in memory of the three Davis brothers, John ‘17, Basil ‘21 and Neville ‘23.

Jason T. Bader The Form II English Prize Brendan D. Walsh HISTORY The Lawrence Lee Scott Award - Form V Awarded to the student of United States History who submits the best historical writing judged by its originality and research.

Aleksandr Schiavetta The Mayflower Compact Award - Form V For proficiency in the study of History of the United States and understanding of the Constitution.

Ryan P. Flynn The William R. Root, Jr. Memorial Award - Form II Named for a former faculty member and history scholar, this award is presented for outstanding achievement in American History in Form II. Sumner P. Erbe

Form II American Revolution Award recognizes honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism.

Christopher D. Keyko Society of Colonial Wars Award (Presented by Jeffrey B. Ferris) Presented to a Middle School boy who has demonstrated outstanding knowledge of and interest in the pre-1775 colonial period.

Liam S. Kerwin FOREIGN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES The Harry E. Ward, Class of ‘44, Language Awards Established prizes for Classical and Modern Languages Form VI French Pranay N. Advani Form VI Latin Michael D. S. Harley Form VI Spanish Alec O. Ezratty Advanced Spanish James R. Brisotti Form II Language Prizes Form II Latin Aadir A. Khan Form II French Arthur E. Elghouayel Grant T. Olcott Form II Spanish Aadir A. Khan David Y. Valentin

Latin Prose III

Benjamin D. Jacobs

The National French Exam This year, only French I students (Form II) participated in the National French Exam.The following students scored in the top 10 percent of the New York Metropolitan Chapter.

These four boys, in addition to being recognized today, were honored for their excellence on the Grand Concours on Saturday, May 21 at the Lyceé Français of New York.

They are, in ascending order: Grant T. Olcott Diego A. Lopez-Liranzo Thomas I. Perskin Arthur E. Elghouayel

The National Latin Exam Certificate of John A. Barket Achievement Andrew M. Blum Jay V. Hutzler Philippe A. Laffont Ryan P. Parcells Alec L. Segalman Jacob S. Speigel Certificate of Adam C. Brown Outstanding Liam S. Kerwin Achievement Raphael M. Russo George Sanchez Michael L. Zuppone, Jr. Cum Laude Latin II Griffin A. Bassman Ryan J. Colella Conor F. Dietzgen Andrew B. Medland Latin Prose II Andrew M. Amarosa

MS French Theatre Festival On Saturday March 12, Form II French students participated in the traditional Middle School theatre festival organized by the Lyceé Français in New York. Their mission was to present a short play of five to eight minutes. Diego Lopez received the only individual trophy for best male actor.

Diego A. Lopez-Liranzo

Magna Cum Laude Latin I

Honor (Honorable Mention) Form I Nikita Tsimmer Form II Lorenzo N. Mezzatesta David Y. Valentin Form III Aniekeme I. Akpan Caspar C. Boele Aaron Z. Parisier Form V James R. Brisotti Form VI Leonardo Alavian Andrew J. Chanos

Basil T. Chalabi Arthur E. Elghouayel Latin Prose III Christopher M.Haack John E. Scowcroft Philip N. A. van Scheltinga Maxima Cum Laude (Silver) Latin I Aadir A. Khan Diego A. Lopez-Liranzo Grant T. Olcott Armaan Rawat Brendan D. Walsh Juan A. Yanes Giugni

The National Spanish Exam Bronce (Bronze = 3rd Prize) Form I Aris J. Kalogerakis Liam S. Kerwin Michael L. Zuppone, Jr. Form II Aadir A. Khan Brendan D. Walsh Form III Christopher M. Haack Alexander K. Wisowaty Form VI Alec O. Ezratty Jonathan A. Rodriguez

TH THE HE E BUZZER BUZZER • F FALL ALL 2011 2011 • 27 27

ANNUAL PRIZE DAY SCIENCE Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award Aisara Chansakul, Jr.

The Form VI Mathematics Award is awarded to a Form VI student who has best demonstrated sustained excellence in Upper School mathematics study.

Jason T. Bader The Form II Mathematics Prize is awarded to a Form II student who has best demonstrated sustained excellence in mathematics during his time in the Middle School.

Thomas I. Perskin American Mathematics Competitions 12 (Form V and VI) is awarded to students who participate and excel in the American Mathematics Competition.

School Winner Luca D. Rivelli Second Place Jason T. Bader Third Place James R. Brisotti Participation

Aisara Chansakul, Jr. Michael D. S. Harley C. Brandon Valentin

American Mathematics Competitions 10 (Form III and IV) is awarded to students who participate and excel in the American Mathematics Competition.

School Winner Benjamin D. Jacobs Second Place (tie) Philip N. A. van Scheltinga Christopher M. Haack American Mathematics Competition 8 First Place Adam C. Brown Arthur E. Elghouayel Second Place Liam S. Kerwin Third Place P. Michael O’Connor, IV Participation George D. Allen Andrew M. Blum Grant T. Olcott Armaan Rawat Michael L. Zuppone, Jr.

28 • THE 28 THE BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011

The Class of 1960 Science Award for Form VI The Jason Class of 1960 Science Award for Form VI T. Bader Jason T. Bader The Form II Science Prize The Alexander Form II Science Prize M. Gottdiener Alexander M. Gottdiener Armaan Rawat Armaan Rawat ART ARTJoyce R. Miller Art Award The The Joyce to R.aMiller Art Awardof the Studio Art Group who displays is awarded Form VI member is awardedability to a Form VI member of the Studio Art Group who displays technical and outstanding creativity. technical and outstanding creativity.

Lucaability D. Rivelli Luca D. Rivelli The Class of 1970 Visual Arts Award The Class by of a1970 Visual gift Artsfrom Award is endowed graduation the Class of 1970. This award endowed by a graduation gift from the Class of 1970.

This is presented each year to a Form VI member of the Studio Artaward Club. is presented a Form VI member Studio Art Club.

The student each mustyear havetodistinguished himselfofbythe either exhibiting The student must have distinguished himself by eithergrowth exhibiting outstanding artistic ability or displaying tremendous in outstanding artistic ability or displaying tremendous growth in his artistic ability over his years at Browning. his artistic ability over his years at Browning.

Brandt A. Berrie Brandt A. Berrie The Ceramics Award is presented to a Studio Art II student exhibiting outstanding ability in The areas Ceramics Award both of Ceramic technique: wheel and handwork. is presented Studio Art Philip to R.aConnor, IVII student exhibiting outstanding ability in both areas of Ceramic technique: wheel and handwork.

Connor, The Philip Form IIR.Art Prize IV is awarded each year to the Form II student who has consistently The Form II Art Prize excelled in creative ability, effort and conduct in art class years is awarded each year to the Form II student who has consistently at Browning. excelled in creative effort and conduct in art class years Alexander M.ability, Gottdiener at Browning.

Alexander M. Gottdiener MUSIC The Frank E. Cirillo Memorial Music Award MUSIC was created by former Browning teacher Francesca Smith in honor of her It is awarded to the Chorus The Frank E.ofCirillo Music Award father, director a musicMemorial school in Brooklyn. who by is punctual, hardworking and Francesca dedicated toSmith his craft. student was created former Browning teacher in honor of Matthew E. Geline her father, director of a music school in Brooklyn. It is awarded to the Chorus student whoJ.isSaint-Preux punctual, hardworking and dedicated to his Maximillian craft.

E. Geline The Matthew Upper School Award for Excellence in Music Maximillian J. Saint-Preux is presented to an Upper School student who has shared unselfishly his love for music with the Browning community.

The Dylan Upper B. School SmithAward for Excellence in Music is presented to an Upper School student who has shared unselfishly hisSchool love forAward music with the Browning The Middle for Excellence incommunity.

Music Dylan to B.aSmith is presented Middle School student who has shared unselfishly his love for music with the Browning community.

The Thomas Middle School Award for Excellence in Music I. Perskin is presented a Middle School student who has shared David to Y.Valentin unselfishly his love for music with the Browning community.

Thomas I. Perskin David Y.Valentin

Michael J. Gabrellian Benjamin D. Jacobs Matthew J. Lippa Zachary J. Magill Adam B. Nebenzahl Paul E. Pricop Lucas M. Schwartz Wilfred O. Wallis Kevin Wu

GROUP AWARDS KEY SOCIETY The Browning Key Society members are selected by the administration to represent Browning in welcoming and touring Admissions visitors and in hosting school events. Membership recognizes puntuality, neatness (consistently in dress code), cooperation (attention is paid to detentions), and integrity (each application is endorsed by a faculty member, their advisor, and a Form V member of the Key Society).

The following Key Society members should be recognized for their contributions during this school year: Form VI: Theodore C. Altman Jason T. Bader H. Harrison Fields Steven J. Kassapidis Luca Libani Myles A. Mills Alejandro M. Morales Ian M.Rankowitz Dylan B.Smith Nicholas M. Stieg Zackary M. Zarrillo Jonathan E. Pelz Aleksandr Schiavetta Form V:

James Adeleye Andrew M. Amarosa Brennan K. Bassman Ibrahima D. Diallo Ryan P. Flynn Remy N. Fortin Nicholas W. Hexner Harrison U. Messer Nathaniel L. Monteverde Christopher M. Pelz

The following students have been selected as new members of the Key Society. Each boy will receive his Key Society lapel pin to recognize his induction into the society: Form IV: Alexander J. Bendo Colin P. Carter Miles A. Collins, Jr.

PEER LEADER AWARDS In recognition of outstanding service to Browning as a Peer Leader ('10 -'11): Theodore C. Altman Jason T. Bader Alec O. Ezratty Michael D. S. Harley Luca Libani Alejandro M. Morales Terrel C. Phelps Dylan B. Smith Nicholas M. Stieg Zackary M. Zarrillo The following boys have been selected as Peer Leaders for 2011-2012: James Adeleye Andrew M. Amarosa Anthony R. Builder Remy N. Fortin Nicholas W. Hexner Kyle C. Johnson Harrison U. Messer Christopher M. Pelz Jonathan E. Pelz Oliver J. Shawn PEER TUTOR AWARDS In recognition of and appreciation for his commitment to the student community through his active participation as a Peer Tutor.

Form I Andrew M. Blum Liam S. Kerwin Philippe A. Laffont Form II Aadir A. Khan Diego A. Lopez-Liranzo Grant T. Olcott Dylan S. Rose Form III Griffin A. Bassman Christopher M. Haack Jacob N. King Aiden L. Page Alexander K. Wisowaty Form IV Michael J. Gabrellian Benjamin D. Jacobs Jose L. Llamas Farouk O. Oni Wilfred O. Wallis Kevin Wu

TH THE HE E BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011 • 29 29

ANNUAL PRIZE DAY Owen G. Lewis Maximillian J. Saint-Preux FORM II DRAMA PRIZE Grant T. Olcott Thomas I. Perskin Brendan D. Walsh

Form V

Form VI

James Adeleye Benjamin J. Altman-DeSole Andrew M. Amarosa Aisara Chansakul, Jr. Kyle C. Johnson Max C. Liu Jonathan E. Pelz Oliver J. Shawn Jason T. Bader Andrew J. Chanos Alec O. Ezratty H. Harrison Fields Alejandro M. Morales Jonathan A. Rodriguez Jesse M. Rost Nicholas M. Stieg

LYMAN B. TOBIN PUBLIC SPEAKING AWARDS (UPPER SCHOOL) Oral Interpretation 1st place Adam B. Nebenzahl Runner up Ryan P. Flynn Original Oratory 1st place Maximillian J. Saint-Preux Runner up Luca D. Rivelli LYMAN B. TOBIN PUBLIC SPEAKING AWARDS (MIDDLE SCHOOL) 1st Place Liam S. Kerwin Form II Alexander M. Gottdiener Form I Andrew B. Medland Grade 6 Alec R. Siden Grade 5 Jackson S. Richter THE SHAKESPEARE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DRAMA Matthew M. Marani KATE ORDWAY DRAMA PRIZE to the Form VI student(s) who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to performance in Browning Upper School plays and have represented Browning in performances in dramatic productions in the independent school community.

Matthew E. Geline

30 • THE 30 THE BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011

THE BETTY JEAN JOHNSON POETRY AWARDS Presented to students in the Lower, Middle and Upper School in memory of Betty Jean Johnson, a long time teacher in Lower School.

Lower School Jacob Kibel Middle School Jacob S. Spiegel Upper School Alec O. Ezratty Luca D. Rivelli MODEL UN AWARDS In recognition of their outstanding contribution to the development of the Model UN program at The Browning School and to their consistent level of diplomatic expertise and excellence in debate at successive Model UN Congresses.

Verbal Commendation for their work on the Legal Committee of the General Assembly James Adeleye Brady M. Dale Honorable Mention for his role in the Historical General Assembly Benjamin D. Jacobs Honorable Mention for his role as the Australian Foreign Minister on the Vietnam Crisis Committee Nicholas M. Stieg Best Delegate Award for his role as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on the Maldives 2050 Crisis Ryan P. Flynn THE MOCK TRIAL AWARDS In recognition of commitment to the Mock Trial program, as demonstrated by thorough preparation for the trial enactments and commendable execution of assigned roles.

Form II Aadir A. Khan Grant T. Olcott David Y. Valentin Brendan D. Walsh Form III Peter L. V. Maguire Aiden L. Page Aaron Z. Parisier Form V James Adeleye Brady M. Dale Henry H. Newberry Form VI Leonardo Alavian Theodore C. Altman Owen G. Lewis Luca Libani

YEARBOOK AWARD Jason T. Bader Andrew J. Chanos H. Harrison Fields EN AVANT AWARD Awarded to an Upper School boy in recognition of his remarkable contribution to this year’s En Avant.

Christopher M. Pelz Jonathan E. Pelz EN AVANT CONTACT PRIZE Middle School section of En Avant.

Armaan Rawat LA PANTERA AWARD Awarded to an Upper School boy in recognition of his remarkable contribution to this year's La Pantera.

Form VI Jason T. Bader Form III Juan A. Yanes Giugni THE LIT AWARDS Awarded to the students who have either made outstanding contributions to poetry, fiction, or essay writing published in the school literary magazine, or for outstanding contributions on the staff of the publication.

For poetry contributions to The Lit: Alec O. Ezratty Luca D. Rivelli For short story contributions to The Lit: Michael D. S. Harley Editors Andrew M. Amarosa Christopher M. Pelz Jonathan E. Pelz THE ROBERT E. HERMAN AWARDS FOR JOURNALISM Established by Trustee R. Thomas Herman ‘64 to honor his father, this award recognizes excellence in The Grytte.

For General Journalism: Michael J. Gabrellian For Sports Journalism: Ryan P. Flynn GRYTTE JOURNALISM AWARD Presented to a Middle or Upper School boy who has made the greatest contribution during his first year of writing on The Grytte.

Harrison U. Messer RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINE CONTEST AWARDS On Saturday, April 16, The Browning School Rube Goldberg Team aka “The Rube Boys” traveled to Massachusetts for the second year in a row to compete in the Seventh Annual Rube Goldberg Machine Contest. Sponsored

by MIT, General Electric and EMC2, the contest is designed to provide a showcase for the brightest thinkers among middle and high school students from the Northeast. More than 75 schools applied for the coveted spots in the contest, but only 24 were selected to participate.

On the day of the competition, students had three hours in which to construct their machine on site. Each team then presents its creation to the

judges and is assessed points on effectiveness, complexity, creativity, teamwork and presentation. The Browning “Rube Boys” ran their machine with no human interactions and earned top prize!

Form I Andrew M. Blum Liam S. Kerwin Jacob S. Spiegel Nicholas A. Warner Form II Christopher D. Keyko Brendan D. Walsh Form III Jonathan P. Flinchum Christopher M. Haack INDIVIDUAL AWARDS THE WILLIAM N. MOSELEY AWARD is presented to a Form I boy whose kindness, sportsmanship, and hard work best reflect the mission of the School.

Harry A. Calianese William L. Jacob, IV Ryan P. Parcells THE ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT PRIZE FOR FORM II Awarded to the student who participates in two out of three athletic seasons, showing sportmanship, skill improvement, passion for the game, as well as courage and character.

Sumner P. Erbe FORM II HEADMASTER’S AWARD The Headmaster's Award is given to a Middle School boy for his commitment and contributions to The Browning School community.

Aadir A. Khan Diego A. Lopez-Liranzo THE ARI LEE LEVINSON PRIZE Presented to a Form IV boy who exemplifies Ari's legacy of good sportsmanship, leadership, and graceful use of natural athletic talent.

Lucas M. Schwartz Wilfred O. Wallis FORM VI AWARDS EDWARD G. CORNET AWARD is awarded to the boy whose cooperation and perseverance have contributed significantly to the successful completion of his work at Browning.

Dylan B. Smith HEADMASTER CHARLES W. COOK '38 AWARD The Headmaster's Award is given to an Upper School boy for his commitment and contributions to The Browning School community H. Harrison Fields

TH THE HE E BUZZER BUZZER • F FALL ALL 2011 2011 • 31 31

ANNUAL PRIZE DAY

CITIZENSHIP AWARDS Students nominated by the faculty display high standards in promptness, neatness, respect, scholarship, sportsmanship, integrity and cooperation.

Grade 5

Jay V. Hutzler

Sebastian E. Baquero

Liam S. Kerwin

Andrew J. Ceonzo

Andrew B. Medland

Samuel R. Dixon

Ryan P. Parcells

Benjamin Ellman

Del T. Schunk

Jaime Gomez-

Jacob S. Spiegel

Sotomayor-Roel

Dylan A. Springer

George P. Grimbilas

Nicholas A. Warner

Takayuki M. Ishikawa

Michael L. Zuppone, Jr.

Daniel S. Kravitz Connor P. Medland

Form II

Marwan S. Nsouli

Douglas M. Belgorod

Charles W. Pink

Arthur E. Elghouayel

Jackson S. Richter

Sumner P. Erbe Zachary N. Frisch

Grade 6

Alexander M. Gottdiener

George D. Allen

Jordan V. Greco

Luke E. Barba

Christopher D. Keyko

August van D. Chapin

Aadir A. Khan

Christopher J. Childs

Diego A. Lopez-Liranzo

Caleb A. Cohen

Alexander Makkos

Kevin C. Cox

Alec V. Morea

William H. Graham

Grant T. Olcott

Alexander I. Kattan

Thomas I. Perskin

Kenneth E. Mazzaro

Armaan Rawat

Ryan T. Olson

Dylan S. Rose

Ethan L. Parisier

Samuel D. Sevy

Alec R. Siden Luke X. Spellman Logan M. Stark William D. Trammell Form I Awentirim E. Abaatu Andrew M. Blum Adam C. Brown Harry A. Calianese

32 • THE 32 THE BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011

David Y. Valentin

Andrew M. Amarosa

Edwin H. Wallis

Brennan K. Bassman

Brendan D. Walsh

James R. Brisotti Aisara Chansakul, Jr.

Form III

Ibrahima D. Diallo

Isaac F. Barrezueta

Ryan P. Flynn

Lamberto A. De Boni

Remy N. Fortin

Conor F. Dietzgen

Nicholas W. Hexner

Michael E. Florentino

Kyle C. Johnson

Christopher M. Haack

Max C. Liu

Spencer A. Reuben

Harrison U. Messer

Christopher M. Stephens

Nathaniel L. Monteverde

Philip N. A. van Scheltinga

Clovis Q. F. E. Ogilvie-Laing

Juan A. Yanes Giugni

Christopher M. Pelz

W. Thomas York, III

Jonathan E. Pelz John E. Scowcroft

Form IV

Oliver J. Shawn

Gregory A. Belgorod

C. Brandon Valentin

Evan M. Blumenthal Colin P. Carter

Form VI

Jeremy Chen

Leonardo Alavian

Michael J. Gabrellian

Theodore C. Altman

Benjamin D. Jacobs

Jason T. Bader

Matthew J. Lippa

Andrew J. Chanos

Morgan A. Miller

Nicholas H. Corliss

Adam B. Nebenzahl

Alec O. Ezratty

Farouk O. Oni

Matthew E. Geline

Paul E. Pricop

Michael D. S. Harley

Lucas M. Schwartz

Ian M. Rankowitz

Wilfred O. Wallis

Luca D. Rivelli

Kevin Wu

Dylan B. Smith Nicholas M. Stieg

Form V James Adeleye

Zackary M. Zarrillo

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 33

ANNUAL PRIZE DAY Honor Roll

Form VI Pranay N. Advani Alec O. Ezratty Matthew E. Geline Michael D. S. Harley Luca V. Libani Luca D. Rivelli Maximillian J. Saint-Preux Nicholas M. Stieg

Given to those boys whose grade point average for the year is at least 3.5 - 3.74

Headmaster’s List Given to those boys whose grade point average for the year is at least a 3.75

GRADES 5 & 6 TRIMESTER HONORS 2011 Grade 6 Christopher J. Childs Conor P. Harkins

GRADES 5 & 6 HONOR ROLL 2011 Grade 5 Sebastian E. Baquero Christopher L. Batista Samuel R. Dixon George P. Grimbilas Luke M. Hexner Takayuki M. Ishikawa Charles W. Pink Grant A. Thompson Kyle J. Tobia Jack R. Twaronite Grade 6 Robert G. Adams Quintin A. Blumka August van D. Chapin Ethan L. Parisier Luke X. Spellman Max G. Spirer Logan M. Stark

GRADES 5 & 6 HEADMASTER’S LIST 2011 Grade 5 Andrew J. Ceonzo Benjamin Ellman Jaime Gomez-Sotomayor-Roel Daniel S. Kravitz Connor P. Medland Philip A. Raftopoulos Jackson S. Richter Caleb H. Sussman

MIDDLE SCHOOL HEADMASTER’S LIST 2011 Grade 6 George D. Allen Luke E. Barba Caleb A. Cohen William H. Graham Alexander I. Kattan Kenneth E. Mazzaro Ryan T. Olson Alec R. Siden William D. Trammell

MIDDLE SCHOOL HONOR ROLL 2011 Form I Alec L. Segalman

Form II Arthur E. Elghouayel Diego A. Lopez-Liranzo Grant T. Olcott Thomas I. Perskin Armaan Rawat

Form II Alexander M. Gottdiener Christopher D. Keyko Aadir A. Khan David Y. Valentin Brendan D. Walsh

UPPER SCHOOL HEADMASTER’S LIST 2011

UPPER SCHOOL HONOR ROLL 2011

Form IV Michael J. Gabrellian Benjamin D. Jacobs Adam B. Nebenzahl

Form III Aniekeme I. Akpan Griffin A. Bassman Conor F. Dietzgen Michael E. Florentino Aiden L. Page Form IV Gregory A. Belgorod Matthew J. Lippa Kevin Wu Form V Benjamin J. Altman-DeSole Philip R. Connor, IV Ibrahima D. Diallo Ryan P. Flynn Nicholas W. Hexner Kyle C. Johnson John E. Scowcroft

34 • THE 34 THE BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011

Form I Andrew M. Blum Adam C. Brown Aris J. Kalogerakis Liam S. Kerwin Andrew B. Medland Raphael M. Russo Jacob S. Spiegel Michael L. Zuppone, Jr.

Form III Christopher M. Haack Philip N. A. van Scheltinga Juan A. Yanes Giugni

Form V Andrew M. Amarosa Brennan K. Bassman James R. Brisotti Remy N. Fortin Max C. Liu Christopher M. Pelz Jonathan E. Pelz Aleksandr Schiavetta Form VI Leonardo Alavian Theodore C. Altman Jason T. Bader Andrew J. Chanos

OFFICE OF COLLEGE GUIDANCE COLLEGE CHOICES - CLASS OF 2011 Pranay N. Advani — University of Virginia (VA) Leonardo Alavian — University of St. Andrews (SCOTLAND) Theodore C. Altman — Hamilton College (NY) Jason T. Bader — New York University (NY) Brandt A. Berrie — Wheaton College (MA) Andrew J. Chanos — Yale University (CT) Nicholas H. Corliss — Fordham University (NY) Alec O. Ezratty — Skidmore College (NY) H. Harrison Fields — George Washington University (DC) Matthew E. Geline — Vassar College (NY) Michael D. Harley — Northwestern University (IL) Steven J. Kassapidis — Fordham University (NY) Owen G. Lewis — Sarah Lawrence College (NY) Luca V. Libani — Boston University (MA) Myles A. Mills — Union College (NY) Alejandro M. Morales — Williams College (MA) Terrel C. Phelps — Franklin & Marshall College (PA) Ian M. Rankowitz — Georgetown University (DC) Luca D. Rivelli — New York University (NY) Jonathan A. Rodriguez — Wheaton College (MA) Jesse M. Rost — University of Wisconsin - Madison (WI) Maximillian J. Saint-Preux — Dartmouth College (NH) Dylan B. Smith — Case Western Reserve University (OH) Nicholas M. Stieg — Cornell University (NY) Zackary M. Zarrillo — Drexel University (PA) — as of 16 May 2011

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 35

ATHLETIC AWARDS FALL AWARDS (2010)

SPRING AWARDS (2011)

Varsity Soccer MVP (Most Valuable Player) Daighn Dunn MVP (Most Valuable Player) Nathaniel Monteverde MIP (Most Improved Player) Wilfred Wallis Sportsmanship Lucas Schwartz Coach’s Award Alexander Bendo ISAL All League Selection Nathaniel Monteverde ISAL All League Selection Daighn Dunn

Varsity Baseball MVP (Most Valuable Player) Ryan Flynn MVP (Most Valuable Player (defense) Nick Corliss MVP (Most Valuable Player (offense) Alex Bendo MIP (Most Improved Player) Andrew Amarosa MIP (Most Improved Player) Jesse Rost Rookie of the Year Spencer Reuben Sportsmanship Chris Pelz Coach’s Award Jacob King ISAL All League Selection Ryan Flynn ISAL All League Selection Lucas Schwartz

Junior Varsity MVP (Most Valuable Player) Chris Haack MVP (Most Valuable Player) Juan Yanes MIP (Most Improved Player) Caspar Boele Sportsmanship James Adeleye Sportsmanship Zach Magil 7th- 8th Grade Soccer MVP (Most Valuable Player Offense) Alexander Makkos MVP (Most Valuable Player Offense) Aris Kalogerakis MVP (Most Valuable Player Defense) Arthur Elghouayel MVP (Most Valuable Player Defense) Will Jacob MIP (Most Improved Player) Griffin Tobia Sportsmanship Andrew Medland Team Spirit Award Sumner Erbe Varsity Cross Country MVP (Most Valuable Player) Kyle Johnson MVP (Most Valuable Player) J.R. Chansakul MIP (Most Improved Player) James Brisotti Sportsmanship Michael Gabrellian

36 • THE 36 THE BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011

7th-8th Grade Baseball MVP (Most Valuable Player) Alec Morea MVP (Most Valuable Player) Sumner Erbe MIP (Most Improved Player) Will Abelt MIP (Most Improved Player) Will Jacob Sportsmanship Ryan Parcells Sportsmanship Liam Kerwin Varsity Track MVP (Most Valuable Player) (short distance) Daighn Dunn MVP (Most Valuable Player) (long distance) Christopher Haack MIP (Most Improved Player) Wilfred Wallis MIP (Most Improved Player) James Brisotti Sportsmanship Ibrahima Diallo Sportsmanship Jonathan Pelz Varsity Tennis MVP (Most Valuable Singles Player) Paul Pricop

MVP (Most Valuable Doubles Player) Harrison Messer MVP (Most Valuable Doubles Player) Del Schunk MIP (Most Improved Player) Peter Maguire Sportsmanship Evan Blumenthal Varsity Golf MVP (Most Valuable Player) Juan Yanes MIP (Most Improved Player) Ian Rankowitz Club Sports Fencing Medals: 12 Wrestling Medals: 1 Squash Medals: 12 Crew Medals: 1

WINTER AWARDS (2011) Varsity Basketball MVP (Most Valuable Player) Terrel Phelps MVP (Most Valuable Player) H. Harrison Fields MIP (Most Improved Player) Miles Collins MIP (Most Improved Player) Ryan Flynn Coach’s Award Harrison Messer Sportsmanship Ibrahima Diallo ISAL All League Selection Terrel Phelps ISAL All League Selection H. Harrison Fields Junior Varsity Basketball MVP (Most Valuable Player) Peter Maguire MIP (Most Improved Player) Christopher Pelz Sportsmanship Spencer Reuben

7th- 8th Grade Basketball MVP (Most Valuable Player) – (offense) Will Jacob MVP (Most Valuable Player) -(defense) Julian Kalogerakis MIP (Most Improved Player) Alec Morea MIP (Most Improved Player) Griffin Tobia Sportsmanship Aris Kalogerakis 6th Grade Basketball MVP (Most Valuable Player) -(offense) Max Spirer MVP (Most Valuable Player) -(offense) Logan Stark MVP (Most Valuable Player) -(defense) Chris Childs MIP (Most Improved Player) Alec Siden Sportsmanship Robert Adams 5th Grade Basketball Top Scorer Award Kyle Levinson MIP (Most Improved Player) Michael Riley Sportsmanship George Grimbilas Defense Award Daniel Kravitz Defense Award Andrew Ceonzo Hustle Award Charlie Pink Panther Grytte Award Kyle Tobia Varsity Wrestling Outstanding Achievement Kyle Johnson Browning’s First Ever Wrestler

Go Panthers!

TH THE HE E BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011 • 37 37

GRADUATION ADDRESS

Address to the Class of 2011

By Zachary A. Goldfarb ’01

Mr. Goldfarb is a staff writer for The Washington Post covering the White

M

EMBERS OF THE

CLASS OF 2011: 10 years ago,

House and focusing on President Obama’s

when you guys were in second grade and my

economic, financial and fiscal policy.

class was about to graduate, we wrote down

He is a graduate of the Woodrow Wilson

some of our fondest memories of Browning in

School of Public and International

The Grytte. Some of us mentioned very specific things like

Affairs at Princeton, where he was

plays and musicals, dodge ball and Model UN. One of my

editor-in-chief of The Daily Princetonian.

classmates recalled walking into school one day with blue hair and being treated all the same by his classmates.

I wrote that what I would remember most fondly about Browning is that it was a place where you could follow your heart. So it is with great pleasure that I have the chance to recognize the great achievement of the Browning Class of 2011 on your graduation day.

With 10 years in the “real world” behind me but still a pretty fresh memory of what it was like to sit where you sit, I’d like to talk today about how important it is to follow your heart. And how difficult that can sometimes be.

When I was in the fourth grade, a classmate and I published Mac Hacks, a geeky little newsletter on computer tips. The Grytte, which was at the time only an Upper School paper, ran an excerpt. I was ecstatic. Mr. Clement even sent me a letter saying he usually sends faxes and is still getting used to this newfangled thing called “e-mail.”

I had an immediate love for journalism. I went on to edit

professors, even friends didn’t matter as much as working for the newspaper.

It had been clear all along at Browning what my heart was telling me. I just had to listen closely.

Today I cover President Obama and the economy for The Washington Post, one of the country’s great newspapers. I have asked questions of the president on national TV and sat for oneon-one interviews with some of the most powerful people in the world. I am able to fly on Air Force One, talk to high-level people like Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and have a license to write about the president for millions of readers on our paper and website.

But these aren’t the reasons my heart’s in journalism.

Rather, it’s in journalism because of people like Paola Flores.

Let me take a moment to explain.

I encountered Paola as I was preparing to become a professional journalist years ago. I had learned that the

The Grytte with Mrs. Muhlfeld, The Lit with Mr. Dearinger,

federal government had begun to raid the homes of illegal

and other Browning publications. But it never occurred to me

immigrants who had spent many years in America. It was

that I could actually do – as a career – what I loved doing. I

part of a post 9/11 anti-terrorism program, but arguably had

thought I’d be a doctor, or a banker, or a lawyer, or a

nothing to do with terrorism.

diplomat, depending on when you asked me.

Near graduation, Mr. Dearinger predicted at an

C L A

I visited Paola’s house in New Jersey a few days after her husband was seized and deported to Guatemala. Paola and

assembly that I’d work for a newspaper one day. I raised my

her kids were American citizens, and her husband had lived

eyebrows and whispered into a classmate’s ear: “No way.”

here problem-free for 15 years. Paola and her daughters were

At Princeton, I joined our college newspaper. It was a match made in heaven. I found the chance to write about the important issues of the day irresistible. Perhaps some articles would even make our campus a better place. Classes, 38 • THE 38 THE BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011

living in fear. A simple knock at the door would jolt the house with a terrified energy.

One night I stood with Paola in her kitchen while she called

o of

her deported husband in Guatemala. She grasped the phone

The Class of 2011 on the steps of Christ Church following commencement.

with both hands, as though she were holding on to him. They

But there are no guarantees. The good you do as a journalist is

had to hang up after a minute. Her phone card was running out

often indirect and non-specific. It requires a leap of faith that telling

of money. But he called back twice in the next few minutes, in

the public about the news will make the world a better place.

two rapid bursts, desperate to hear his wife’s voice.

My heart sometimes tells me I should be in a job that

With this story, I tried to record one family’s experience

more directly improves the world. That could mean I’d be a

for the history books. I hoped I could show the pain inflicted

teacher, or a social worker or a soldier. Or do what some of

on a family by a government policy.

my friends from the Class of 2001 do – research cancer

My heart told me not only that I loved journalism, but that I could have a positive impact on the world with journalism. I felt I was.

Following your heart often requires you to embark on careers or choices that have more risk. Because when you know you really want to do something, the stakes are higher.

For me, journalism has offered no guarantee of a safe,

treatments or AIDS vaccines or teach in the Bronx.

There are no easy answers here, so I just try to do my best, doing what I love in a way that I hope can benefit the world in some way.

Ten years from now, members of the Class of 2011, one of you may well be standing here. You’ll be addressing the graduating senior Class of 2021 – the very same boys whom

well-paying job. The Internet is threatening the survival of

you pass in the hallways as second graders at Browning

newspapers and magazines. For several months after college,

today. Will you tell them you followed your heart?

I didn’t have a job. I sat at home frustrated that a pretty good

It won’t always be clear what you should do, whether

student journalist – at least that’s what I thought – couldn’t

you are choosing the right path. Your heart will tell you two

get a job in the field.

different things. There will be zigs, and there will be zags.

For a long time now at the Post, I’ve been in a happy

S S 2 0 1 1 place doing something I love. But I have a surprising

admission to make: Just as my heart has long told me that I

You will sometimes make the selfish choice. You will more often make the noble choice.

But be conscious of the choices you make. Make

should try to help the world through journalism, sometimes

decisions that – when you clear away everything and listen to

my heart tells me journalism is not enough.

the voice inside – feel right. Try your best. And if you do, I

That sounds like a contradiction. But, you see, a heart

can tell you two different things at once.

believe with all my heart that you will all triumph.

Thank you, and congratulations.

n

In journalism, you can do good by raising awareness

about bad things happening in the world and hoping that your stories can lead to change.

TH THE HE E BUZZER BUZZER • F FALL ALL 2011 2011 • 39 39

POETRY AWARD

The Betty Jean Johnson Poetry Award: GIFTED POETS GARNER PRAISE The Betty Jean Johnson Poetry Awards are given

IN RARE FIELDS

By Jacob Spiegel ’16 In rare fields of fauna

to students in the Lower,

Imaginations are free to run wild

Middle and Upper

Ideas erupt from synapses and hippocampi of the mind

Schools in memory of

The ink of the pen is the only boundary

Betty Jean Johnson, a

Great minds coalesce

Peacocks and pandas roam together in the tall, tawny grass

Or brave individuals sit alone

longtime teacher in the Lower School who

Writing down whatever finds them

loved poetry and music. We are proud to

Beautiful fountains spring up, fizz over, and die

publish this year’s winning poems and

Rabid rabbits pluck them eye from eye

congratulate each poet!

The moon arrives, the sun expires

WINTER

By Jacob Kibel ’19 Winter is white Like the cold snow touching the one part of your neck that isn’t covered with clothing while you’re making a snow angel, the soft curly beard of Santa, the plump fluffy marshmallow in dark chocolaty hot cocoa.

Winter is gold Like the wrappers thrown away from chocolaty gilt, the ringing bells on Santa’s sleigh waving side to side, and the gold jewelry with diamond rubies and pearls the women “ask” their husbands for.

Winter is blue Like icicles hanging from bridges like vampires, ponds slowly freezing, and ornaments sparkling on a Christmas tree.

40 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

Down, down in the grass, they lie

Fireflies spark the trees on fire Waves lap up to smother the pyre The murmur of animals comes for a while Prancing about, not stopping to shout Wearing artificial smiles Pressure rises, everything bursts, and coats the world in water The dangers of a subnatural world Are everywhere we look Plumes of smoke, people choke, but humanity survives Humanity flourishes, always, always Exotic animals everywhere, but hidden by our mortal eyes Everything hidden within the spokes of this wheel called life Know it or not, we are constantly reinventing the wheel The circle of life Better but always worse.

FELLOW TRAVELLER

By Alec Ezratty ’11, co-winner Enthroned Despised train rat,

THE BROWNING SOCIETY PRIZE

My eye, drawn by scurry, finds you finally.

The Browning Society, a national organization devoted

With authoritative poise, preside astride a rail,

to the poetry of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning,

No, not number three. I know much better.

sponsors an annual poetry competition for high school students, awarding four prizes at a luncheon

King of the Seventh Avenue Local,

in April. Alec Ezratty ’11, one of last spring’s winners,

Wouldn’t dare share the platform with “I,”

read his poem to the society, while Mr. Dearinger and

A commoner.

Mrs. Ezratty joined the applause. The lead judge for

Jostled awake by the looming rumble,

the event noted that the opening line of Alec’s poem

To roll royally from a nacho-cheese nap, in Frito-Lay linens

included the type of onomatopoetic device that Robert Browning would have loved.

I saw later, cookie litter on a curb, Gold foil-lined, half-eaten And pocket a gift, regal enough.

MIZZLEABLE

THE TWISTED TONGUE

Ahh, CHOO, CHOO, CHOO!

By Luca Rivelli ’11, co-winner

A stuttering volley set free.

Life lends little to love, like a lapsed lullaby.

The phlegmy fortress could not contain,

When one wouldn’t want whatever wishes were willed,

Free, by way of oozing olfactory exit,

Corrupted kinship could clearly be killed

Mopped up again by the over-worked staff.

By Alec Ezratty ’11

And an adversary alters from an ally.

Thick socks climb up the oblivious icy feet, Can companionship come complete circle after consummation?

Pajama pants glide silkily under scratchy jeans.

For friends who found failed fusion,

A creaky pair of rubber boots squeak rhythmically

Who wish to warp when weddings weren’t welcome,

With each drawn-out, wading step.

I’ll inform of its immensely insidious identity.

Don asphyxiating synthetics, Quality caring consistently commands complexity.

Conceal the unstylish jumble of cottons and wools

Tremendously terrible tongue twisters tend to

The nylon shrieks like a moebius zipper,

terminate tangibility And aggravate actuality as much as aforementioned

Tracing each slight movement with its inescapable sound.

annihilated affection.

Eventually ending in either emotional exhilaration or ejection.

Gratuitous layers bring gradually to a boil, The languid, lonesome shell at the door.

But beneath barbaric beliefs, buried between heartbreak and betrayal, Inside instinct, is intrinsic irritation.

For I still wallow in clammy covers.

The boots, the coat, all seem abhorrent Though much needed allies amidst the torrent.

Hate has hereditarily hindered humanity as hell’s henchman, Toiling throughout time to terrify things that threaten.

Love lies, lingering in limbo lest labor leads to liberation.

Perhaps apposed to pleasure, people prefer petrifying personal portrayal?

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 41

ALUMNI EVENTS

Alumni Events

By Laura E. Neller, Director of Alumni Affairs

FORM VI BREAKFAST

T

he annual Form VI Breakfast was held at the New York Athletic Club on Wednesday, April 27. As is tradition, the

Form VI gentlemen heard several alumni speak about the Alumni Association and what it means to be a Browning alumnus. Speakers included Alumni Association President Juan Reyes '86, Vice President Allanby Singleton-Green ’83, Secretary Joe Metzger '02, Trustee Othon Prounis ’79, as well as Mr. Pelz ’71, Mr. Sheridan ’04, Mr. West ’92, Mr. Haase, and Headmaster Clement. All 25 seniors were presented with engraved key chains on behalf of the Alumni Association.

Congratulations to the Class of 2011, and welcome to the Alumni Association!

Former Alumni Association President Juan Reyes '86 (left) and Headmaster Clement at the NYAC in April.

Alumni Association Secretary Joe Metzger '02 spoke to Form VI and faculty about his involvement with the Alumni Association.

42 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

In April, Browning seniors attended the annual Form VI Breakfast at the New York Athletic Club.

Browning's newest members of the Alumni Association: The Class of 2011.

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 43

ALUMNI REUNION

ALUMNI REUNION

B

rowning's annual Alumni Reunion was held this year on Thursday, May 12. More than 100

alumni from the Classes of 1959-2006 returned to the School for a full day of events. The Class of 1938 Alumnus Achievement Award was presented to Christopher W. Gifford ’77, co-creator, writer and executive producer of the children’s television series, “Dora the Explorer” and “Go, Diego, Go!” In the morning, Lower School boys had the opportunity to hear Mr. Gifford speak at their morning assembly, where he hosted an interactive “Dora the Explorer” workshop. Following the assembly, Mr. Gifford joined four other alumni for the Upper School Alumni Career Panel: Philip Grant ’00,

L to R: Christopher Pelz '12, Jonathan Pelz '12, Chris Gifford '77, and Sandy Pelz '71 in front of an image of Dora during the "Dora the Explorer" workshop in the Lower Gym.

Andy Sandberg ’01, Nicholas Ordway ’98, and Michael Rafael ’77. Please see following pages for profiles on these panelists.

Following the Alumni Career Panel, Headmaster Clement hosted a lunch at the New York Athletic Club for the Alumni Career

2011 Alumnus Achievement Award Recipient Chris Gifford '77 hosted an interactive "Dora the Explorer" workshop with the Lower School boys during their morning assembly in May.

44 • THE 44 THE BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011

2011 Alumni Career Panel (L to R): Head of the Upper School Jim Reynolds, Chris Gifford '77, Phil Grant '00, Nick Ordway '98, Mike Rafael '77, and Andy Sandberg '01.

CAREER PANELIST PROFILES

›

MIKE RAFAEL ’77 is the sales and ticketing analyst for Serino Coyne LLC, an entertainment advertising company. Previously, he worked for Alan Wasser Associates/Type A Marketing, where he was responsible for ticket pricing, promotions, discounts and group sales for various Broadway shows, including “Spider Man: Turn Off the Dark,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “American Idiot.” In his spare time, Mr. Rafael is producing an original musical by Bruce Hornsby, “SCKBSTD,” which recently received its world premier at the Virginia Stage Company in Norfolk, Va. Throughout his 20-plus years in theater, Mr. Rafael has been an Off-Broadway producer (“The Food Chain,” “No Way to Treat a Lady” and “Blue Window”), general manager for national tours (“The Sound of Music,” “Evita,” “West Side Story,” “A Chorus Line,” “The Odd Couple” and “Annie”), head of the leading Off-Broadway ticketing service (Ticket Central) and a ticketing consultant for various non-profits, commercial organizations and events (The Ride, Absinthe, 59E59 Theaters).

Mr. Rafael has also worked for Playbill developing new initiatives including Playbill Video, Playbill Radio, and the Playbill Store. Mr. Rafael attended Browning from 1973 through his graduation in 1977, followed by Brown University. He blames Nick Ordway’s mother, Kate, for his love of theater.

›

PHIL GRANT ’00 is a sales trader working at CF Global in New York and has worked on trading desks since graduating from Davidson College in 2005. In addition to trading equities, fixed income securities and currencies for hedge funds and other money managers, Mr. Grant writes a widely distributed daily market recap that analyzes the major news events, corporate earnings reports and economic data that impacs the markets in each trading day. His daily market recap is read by more than 200 investment professionals. Prior to joining CF Global, he spent two years at Labranche in a trader/analyst role. He prepared detailed company analysis for the firm’s proprietary trading unit while also helping the firm minimize its overnight market exposure through after-hours trading.

Additionally, he led a daily morning meeting that previewed the day’s events. After spending six years at the Browning School through his graduation in 2000, Mr. Grant attended Davidson College in Davidson, N.C., earning a B.A. in political science. While at Davidson, he founded the group, Futures in Finance, which organized discussion groups and guest speakers for students interested in a career on Wall Street. He currently lives on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

TH THE HE E BUZZER BUZZER • F FALL ALL 2011 2011 • 45 45

ALUMNI REUNION

Panelists, True Grytte Society, and consecutive-year donors to the Annual Fund. The day was capped off by a cocktail reception in Chris Gifford ’77’s honor in the ballroom at the Loews Regency Hotel, followed by dinner in Browning’s Lower Gym. During the cocktail reception, Governor Howard Dean ’66 (1992 recipient of the Class of 1938 Alumnus Achievement Award) gave remarks and presented the Award to Chris Gifford ’77. Additional speakers included Headmaster Clement, Alumni Association President Juan Reyes ’86, Mario Buccellati ’78, and 2011 Alumnus Achievement Award Recipient Chris Gifford ’77. Please see page 48 for Chris Gifford’s acceptance remarks.

Finally, during dinner in the Lower Gym, the

Director of Advancement Marty Haase (left) and Headmaster Steve Clement welcomed guests to the True Grytte Society and Consecutive-Year Donor Luncheon in May.

Stephen S. Perry ’76 Memorial Class Representative Awards were presented to six outstanding Class Representatives, as follows:

Also at dinner, the Class of 2001 presented Headmaster Clement with their 10th Reunion gift, an endowed 10-year fund totaling more

• Andrew M. Ponzo ’98, Most Outstanding Class Representative

than $66,000. The fund was created in 2001 upon the occasion of this

• Bryan P. Boisi ’00, Most Outstanding Class Fundraiser

class’s Browning graduation, and it will be allocated toward

• Evan H. Levey ’00, Most Outstanding Class Fundraiser

enhancing alumni career networking specifically through technology

• Benjamin S. Melting ’00, Most Outstanding Class Fundraiser

upgrades. Another highlight of the Alumni Reunion dinner was

• Stuart A. Orenstein ’00, Most Outstanding Class Fundraiser

recognizing Miss Ruby Miller, who retired this year after having

• R. Thomas Herman ’64, Most Outstanding Class Correspondent

served Browning for more than 30 years.

n

CAREER PANELIST PROFILES (cont’d.)

›

ANDY SANDBERG ’01

is a director, actorwriter and Tony Award-winning producer. He has been represented on Broadway and London’s West End as a producer of the hit revival of “HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” (2009 Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle Awards). In the fall of 2009, Mr. Sandberg partnered with Daryl Roth to produce the New York premiere of Vigil, starring Tony nominees Malcolm Gets and Helen Stenborg. He is currently represented on Off-Broadway as the lead producer of “A Perfect Future,” a new play by David Hay, and also by his involvement in “Love, Loss and What I Wore,” by Nora and Delia Ephron. Mr. Sandberg’s upcoming Broadway and Off Broadway projects includ “The Last Smoker in America,” a new musical by Tony nominee Bill Russell and

4466 • THE THE BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011

Drama Desk nominee Peter Melnick; “Paradise Found,” a new musical co-directed by Hal Prince and Susan Stroman; “Operation Epsilon,” a new play by Alan Brody; “Shida,” a new musical by Jeannette Bayardelle. Additional New York credits include “R.R.R.E.D.” (NYMF), “Bernice Bobs Her Mullet” (NYMF), “Into the Woods” (BHT), and “Eli’s Comin’ to Broadway,” a BC/EFA benefit hosted by Nathan Lane (Alice Tully Hall/Lincoln Center), and two Sing for Hope benefits. In 2007, he assisted Hal Prince on the Broadway production of “LoveMusik” (SDC Fellowship), and he served as the associate director to Sheryl Kaller on Christopher Durang and Peter Melnick’s “Adrift in Macao” at Primary Stages. As an actor, he appeared opposite Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Lea Michele in the NYMF production of Hot and

Sweet. Mr. Sandberg earned a B.A. in English (writing concentration) and theatre studies from Yale University. While at Yale, Andy performed with and served as the business manager for the Whiffenpoofs and also the Alley Cats. He is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), as well as Actors’ Equity Association (AEA). He currently sits on the boards of Sing for Hope, the Yale Dramatic Association and the Whiffenpoof Alumni Association. He remains an active member of Browning’s Alumni Council and also serves as chairman of the Alumni Class Representatives Committee. Mr. Sandberg attended Browning for 12 years, from first grade through his graduation in 2001.

Alumni guests at the Regency reception (L to R): Christopher Duma '77, John Kenney '74, Mario Buccellati '78, and Don Kenney '77.

25th Reunion classmates (L to R): Gary Connolly '86, Tom Farnham '86, and Louis Drogin '86.

L to R: 2004 Alumnus Achievement Award L to R: Fred Sullivan '86, Alumni Association Recipient Charles Plohn '62, Headmaster Clement, President Michael Beys '89, and Alumni Council and Zach Goldfarb '01.

Member Nader Mobargha '91.

10th Reunion classmates (L to R): Michael Alpert '01, Nick Versandi '01, and Colin McGurk '01.

›

Young alumni at the Regency reception (L to R): Matthew Marciak '06, Robert Bramble '06, Abraham Schneider '05, Joseph Leinwand '06, and David Kimball-Stanley '05.

L to R: Nicolas Sitinas ’86, Gary Connolly '86, and Alumni Council Member Stephan Rothe '87.

CHRIS GIFFORD ’77 is the 2011 recipient of Browning’s Alumnus Achievement Award. Mr. Gifford is co-creator and executive producer of preschool phenomenon, “Dora the Explorer.” He is also the co-creator and executive producer of Nick Jr.’s hit preschool series, “Go, Diego, Go!” Mr. Gifford has written and composed music for both series as well as for the two “Dora the Explorer” live stage shows, “Dora’s Search for the City of Lost Toys” and “Dora’s Pirate Adventure,” and has written for “Go, Diego, Go Live! The Great Jaguar Rescue” – all of which have broken box office records, touring internationally. Mr. Gifford joined Nickelodeon in 1989 as unit manager. He was soon promoted to production manager, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, where he worked on all in house productions including “Family Double Dare,” “Think Fast,” “Total Panic,” “Hi Honey, I’m Home,” and “Outtahere.” In 1991, he was named associate producer, and then producer of the hit series, “Clarissa Explains It All,” where he oversaw the production of 52 episodes. In 1995, Mr. Gifford served as executive in charge of development and production at Nick Jr., where he oversaw the development and production of “Allegra’s Window,” “The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss,” “The Busy World of Richard Scarry” and the first season of “Gullah Gullah Island.” In 1998, he created, wrote and produced the interstitial series, “Abby’s Friends.” Prior to joining Nickelodeon, Mr. Gifford worked at the Children’s Television Workshop as the unit manager for “3-2-1 Contact.” He began his television career in 1980 playing the character “Danny” on the Peabody Award-winning children’s show, “The Great Space Coaster.” Mr. Gifford spent three years at the Browning School, from Form IV through his graduation in 1977. He holds a degree in theatre from Connecticut College. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Susan, and children, Katie and Henry.

›

NICK ORDWAY ’98 is a freelance filmmaker and educator. He has written and directed a variety of short films featured at festivals such as The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and the Williamsburg International Film Festival. Mr. Ordway also works as an assistant director on various cinematic projects, most notably the recent Oscar-winning short, “God of Love.” He has recently begun teaching a class on producing at the Lee Strasberg Institute; he also teaches writing and directing at the School of Cinema and the Performing Arts. Mr. Ordway attended the Browning School for six years and later received his master’s in film from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts graduate film program and his bachelor’s in English literature from Princeton.

His father, Eric, attended Browning (’67) and later went on to teach and serve as head of Browning’s Upper School. His mother, Kate, was also a teacher at Browning for many years and his brother, Demian (’95), is an alumnus, too. Mr. Ordway is currently developing his first feature screenplay.

ALUMNI REUNION

Class of 1938 Alumnus Achievement Award

CHRISTOPHER W. GIFFORD ’77

On stage at the Regency during the 2011 Alumnus Achievement Award Ceremony (L to R): Mario Buccellati '78, Former Alumni Association President Juan Reyes '86, Governor Howard Dean '66, Headmaster Clement, and 2011 Award Recipient Chris Gifford '77.

Acceptance Remarks, May 12, 2011 hank you, Headmaster Clement, Juan Reyes ’86, Laura

T

Katie and Henry, who were not only my models for Dora and Boots

Neller, Marty Haase and the entire Alumni Council and

but whose stories, talents and interests have inspired so much of

Board of Trustees for giving me this award. Thanks, Mario

what I do. And, of course, I would like to thank my wife, Susan, who

[Buccellati ’78], my brother from another mother. We have been

has my heart and for 20 years has emboldened me to follow it. You

through a lot together. If you want to see some of our creative

have made all the difference in my life, and I certainly would not

collaboration, check us out at Bradfactor.com. On second

have done anything worth honoring if it were not for you.

thought, don’t; the performances are far from “distinguished”

I am especially happy and moved to see some of my classmates

and I would hate to have to return this award. And also, Mario, I

here. Some even flew in for this occasion. Of course, none of us

want to say for Governor Dean ’66 how much we appreciate

realized at the time how close we all were, or how many of us would

your steadfast support for the Democratic Party all these years,

remain lifelong friends. How successful, happy and youthful you all

and you can expect a call from a fundraiser very soon. Probably

look. And now we’re back at Browning. When I first came to the

around dinner time – I hope that’s not too inconvenient.

School 38 years ago, I have to say that I was worried about how I

I am honored that Governor Dean ’66 is here. My son, Henry, is an

would fit in. I came from public schools, lived downtown, and really

avid bicyclist and my daughter, Katie, is head of the gay-straight

had not spent much time above the theatre district. Commuting to

alliance at her high school, so anyone who supported the

the Upper East Side and wearing a jacket and tie every day was a bit

construction of a bike trail over a condominium and said, “If God

of a stretch for me. Of course, I found out very soon from Don

had thought homosexuality was a sin, he would not have created

Kenney ’77 that a tie could be loosely defined to include material

gay people” is a hero to my family.

ripped from a gym towel, tied around the neck.

My family is here, too. My mom, like most mothers, believed her

Browning’s faculty and administration went out of their

son would one day be president. I think she has realized that I will

way to make me feel welcome, and soon I became more and

not be president, but enrolling me in Browning with alumni like

more actively involved in the School, because all my new

Sargent Shriver ’34 and Governor Dean ’66 (who was a little closer

friends were. After a year, my mom even became our class

to being president than I) certainly gave me more of a shot. I realize

mother, and Browning became a second home. It was the

that at times things were tight back then, and Mom, I want you to

theatre and music directors and teachers at Browning who

know how much I appreciate you and Dad sending me to Browning.

helped me realize that working in the arts was something I

I also want to thank my brother, Paul, whose strength, character and

might consider. They, and the School, continued to nurture

dedication to his music continues to impress me every day. My kids,

and support me years after I graduated, giving me a job as a

48 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

L to R: Chris Gifford '77, Mario Buccellati '78, Juan Reyes '78, and Governor Howard Dean '66.

Governor Howard Dean '66 introduced Chris Gifford ’77 at this year's Alumni Reunion in May.

part-time teacher, allowing me to write and co-direct a Browning-Hewitt musical, and hiring me to perform my oneman puppet/juggling show for the Lower School. Of course, after

The Gifford Family with Governor Dean '66 (L to R): Henry Gifford, Katie Gifford, Governor Howard Dean '66, Chris Gifford '77, June Gifford, and Susan Gifford.

the performance, Mr. Cook ’38 had me donate my fee back to the School.

who wears red boots. Dora goes on adventures in a magical world

I choose to think that was just his aggressive fundraising

with giant chickens, grumpy trolls, talking trees and dancing flowers.

style and not a reflection on my juggling ability.

The show is known for teaching little kids another language: Spanish

It was a Browning teacher who gave me what was probably the

in English-speaking countries and English everywhere else. The

best piece of advice. This teacher was Kate Ordway, and at the time,

show is in 157 territories broadcast in over 30 languages in Angola,

she had asked me to do some extra credit. When I seemed reluctant

Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen, North Korea, Burundi,

she looked at me and said, “All it takes is just a little more work, and

Bangladesh, the Sudan and Iraq. We are in some of the most difficult

why wouldn’t you do that? That’s what makes the difference.”

places in the world for children. And we tell these kids stories: stories

I spoke with the boys in the Lower School today and gave them

about inclusion, helping others, and being respectful and empathetic.

that same advice. Of course, I do not know if they were listening, or if

By doing so, we hopefully build bridges between and within cultures

they even needed to. I do not think I have seen a more ambitious,

so that one day, a person who grew up watching Dora might be

confident and directed bunch of kids – certainly a lot more confident

more open to someone from a different background and culture, or

than we ever were. Well, maybe not more confident then Chris

someone who speaks another language. Maybe I am being

Duma ’77, but…Browning is in good hands.

unrealistic, but that hope is enough to keep me on board, giving it

I am being honored with this award in recognition of my work in children’s entertainment, especially for creating and producing

that little bit of extra work that makes all the difference.

Being recognized for that work by a school that was so important

“Dora the Explorer,” so I wanted to say a little something about what

in shaping who I am is more than I ever would expect, and I am

we do. The show is about a little girl whose best friend is a monkey

quite honored. Thank you so much. n THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 49

ALUMNI REUNION

Browning's Lower Gym was filled to capacity at this year's Alumni Reunion dinner.

25th Reunion classmates (L to R): Gary Connolly ’86, Brian Fass ‘86, Nicolas Sitinas ’86, Fred Sullivan ’86, Tom Farnham ‘86, Robert Rowan ‘86, John Hutzler ’86, Juan Reyes ’86, Louis Drogin ‘86, David Moss ’86, Fredrik Cederqvist ’86, and Larry Stott ‘86.

Stephen S. Perry ’76 Memorial Class Representative Award Recipients (L to R): Andy Sandberg ’01, Tom Herman ’64, Andrew Ponzo ’98, Benjamin Melting ’00, and Stuart Orenstein ’00, with Headmaster Clement.

L to R: Director of MS and US Admissions Christine Bramble, Robert Bramble '06, Ruby Miller, Albie Bramble '04, and Chef Cecilie Clark.

50 • THE BUZZER • FA F LL 2011

L to R: Andy Sandberg '01, Kevin Dearinger, Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Neller, and Zach Goldfarb '01.

10th Reunion Classmates (L to R): Andy Sandberg ’01, Nicholas Versandi ’01, Derrick Lewis ’01, Zach Goldfarb ’01, Peter Winik ‘01, Neeraj Rawat ’01, Emir Senturk ‘01, Michael Alpert ’01, and Colin McGurk ’01, with Headmaster Clement and a check for the Class of 2001’s Gift.

THE FOLLOWING ALUMNI, FACULTY, FORMER FACULTY, AND FRIENDS ATTENDED THIS YEAR’S ALUMNI REUNION: 1950s and 1960s Chauncey Johnstone ’59 Charles Plohn ’62 Tom Herman ’64 Marilyn Herman Peter Marcovicci ’64 Howard Dean ’66 Eric Ordway ’67 Garrett Bowden ’69 1970s Jim Cannon ’71 John Cook ’71 Stephanie Cook Sandy Pelz ’71 David Ritchie ’71 Ann Plumb Robert Searle ’71 Urling Searle John Kenney ’74 Jeff Sado ’76 Steve Schott ’76 Christopher Duma ’77 Chris Gifford ’77 Susan Gifford Katie Gifford Henry Gifford June Gifford Paul Gifford

Janet Kuffour Don Kenney ’77 Mike Rafael ’77 Mario Buccellati ’78 Deena Miller Othon Prounis ’79 Kathy Prounis 1980s Greg Camp ’80 George Grimbilas ’80 Jono Gerolmo ’80 Richard Helgason ’82 Michael Hutzler ’83 Jeff Landes ’83 Daniel Rencricca ’83 Allanby Singleton-Green ’83 Bill Reed ’85 Fredrik Cederqvist ’86 Gary Connolly ’86 Louis Drogin ’86 Tom Farnham ’86 Brian Fass ’86 John Hutzler ’86 David Moss ’86 Juan Reyes ’86 Robert Rowan ’86 Nicolas Sitinas ’86 Larry Stott ’86

Freddie Sullivan ’86 John Hadden ’87 Stephan Rothe ’87 Michael Beys ’89 1990s Kevin Feehan ’91 Nader Mobargha ’91 Andy Madden ’96 Emily Spahr John Moran ’97 Michael Afshar ’98 Sasha Forostenko ’98 Justin Kingson ’98 Oscar Norberg ’98 Nick Ordway ’98 Andrew Ponzo ’98 2000s Bryan Boisi ’00 Phil Grant ’00 Benjamin Melting ’00 Stuart Orenstein ’00 Michael Alpert ’01 Zach Goldfarb ’01 Derrick Lewis ’01 Colin McGurk ’01 Neeraj Rawat ’01 Andy Sandberg ’01

Emir Senturk ’01 Nick Versandi ’01 Peter Winik ’01 Anastacia Becker Ed Kent ’02 Joe Metzger ’02 Sean Russell ’02 Albie Bramble ’04 Jeremy Katz ’04 Alex Sheridan ’04 Ross Thompson ’04 Scott Uffner ’04 David Kimball-Stanley ’05 Abraham Schneider ’05 Ian Allen ’06 Robert Bramble ’06 Joseph Leinwand ’06 Matthew Marciak ’06 Joseph Vecsey ’06 Susan Whitbourne Faculty, Staff, and Former Faculty Hollis Amley, Faculty Christine Bramble, Director of MS and US Admissions

Steve Clement, Headmaster Kevin Dearinger, Faculty Aaron Grill, Director of Technology Marty Haase, Director of Institutional Advancement Mike Ingrisani, Faculty Cynthia Jackson, Faculty Sam Keany, Faculty Olya Makhova, Director of Database Management Sarah Murphy, Faculty Laura Neller, Director of Alumni Affairs Kate Ordway, Former Faculty Liane Pei, Director of Admissions Gerry Protheroe, Faculty Jim Reynolds, Faculty Jeremy Sambuca, Faculty Carmen San Miguel, Former Faculty Francesca Smith, Former Faculty Soo Mi Thompson, Director of Annual Giving

We hope to see even more of you at next year’s Alumni Reunion on May 10, 2012!

2012

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

1888

Save the Date!

AL UMNI REUNION

Classes ending in “2” or “7” are celebrating major reunions this year!

We are especially honoring the Class of 1962’s 50th reunion.

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us on May 10. Events include:

Honoring the 2012 Co-Recipients of the Class of 1938 Alumnus Achievement Award.

• Alumni Career Panel with the Callaway brothers

David A. Callaway ’82

• True Grytte Society luncheon for the Class of

Editor-in-chief of MarketWatch

1888

• Cocktail reception including the Class of 1938 Alumnus Achievement Award ceremony

Jack P. Callaway ’84

2012

1962 and consecutive-year donors

Managing director and global co-head of communications and media

AL UMNI REUNION

• Reunion dinner featuring the Perry Awards and

investment banking at Barclays Capital

the Class of 2002’s gift announcement

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 51

ALUMNI EVENTS

The 4th Annual Young Alumni May Mixer was held at Hudson Terrace in May.

Young alumni and guests at the May Mixer (L to R): Casey Conlon (guest of Tony Caputo), Tony Caputo '03, and Nikos Papagapitos (St. Bernard's Class of '99).

L to R: Sarah Miller (Sacred Heart Class of '99) and John Dearie '99.

4TH ANNUAL YOUNG ALUMNI MAY MIXER

O

n Thursday, May 26, the 4th Annual Young Alumni May Mixer was held at Hudson Terrace in New York City. This

year's 10 participating school's included: Brearley, Browning, Chapin, Collegiate, Hewitt, Marymount, Nightingale-Bamford, Sacred Heart, Saint David’s and St. Bernard's. A total of more than 300 young alumni from all the schools attended and enjoyed a complimentary round of drinks and appetizers as well as music from DJ Price (Jon Price Totaro, Saint David’s Class of '00).

52 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

n

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

O

n Monday, May 23, the Annual Meeting of Browning’s Alumni

Association was held in the Wilson Room with more than 20 alumni in attendance.

As is tradition, officer elections took place at this meeting. Congratulations to Michael P. Beys ’89, who was voted in as

president of the Alumni Association and will serve in this role for the next two years. Mike is replacing Juan D. Reyes, III '86, who served as president for five years. We are grateful for Juan's

Vice President Allanby Singleton-Green '83 (left) and President Michael Beys '89 showed their enthusiasm for the Alumni Association at the Annual Meeting in May.

dedication, service, and loyalty to Browning's Alumni Association. Under his leadership, the program made great strides and we know Mike will continue in this direction. Allanby Singleton-Green '83 (vice president), Joe G. Metzger '02 (secretary), and Sharif Tanamli '87 (treasurer) join Mike as officers of the Alumni Association. Special thanks to Chef Clark for preparing appetizers and drinks for the entire group for this final meeting of the year!

n

2011-2012 UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS: MARK YOUR CALENDAR FALL 2011

SPRING 2012

Young Alumni Reunion: November 23, 11:00 am, Christ Church and Lower Gym

Alumni Council Meeting: April 9, 6:00 pm, Wilson Room Spring Benefit: TBA

Holiday Party: December 9, 5:30 pm, Lower Gym and Multi-Purpose Room

ALUMNI REUNION: May 10, All Day, TBA

WINTER 2012

Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association: May 21, 6:00 pm, Wilson Room

Alumni Basketball Game: January 6, 4:00 pm, Upper Gym Alumni Council Meeting: January 23, 6:00 pm, Wilson Room Alumni Council Note-a-thon: February 27, 6:00 pm, Wilson Room Spring Buzzer Class Notes Deadline: January 13

5th Annual Young Alumni May Mixer: May 24, 6:30 pm, TBA Graduation: June 6, 11:00 am, Christ Church Summer Buzzer Class Notes Deadline: April 16

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 53

CLASS NOTES

Class Notes To share news with the Browning community, please contact Laura Neller, director of

1950s

alumni affairs, at 212-838-6280 Ext. 192 or lneller@browning.edu.

1940s

ourselves, the planet and its climate system in an integrated fashion. We can do so, and there are abundant economic

Leon J. Dalva, Jr. ’58 and his son, Adam

possibilities in doing so, but the window

V. Dalva ’04 were featured in a dealer

of opportunity is closing rapidly."

profile story in the September/October

Additionally, Dr. Lovejoy is being

2011 issue of The Magazine Antiques. For

honored as one of the first four

the full article, please see page 62.

individuals to receive the Joao Pedro Cardoso Medal of the State of Sao Paulo.

On September 9, 2011, Michael

The State of Sao Paulo is the second

Mittelmann M.D. ‘49 and his wife,

largest economy in Brazil (Brazil itself is

Suzanne, celebrated their 55th wedding

the first) and this award is the state’s gold

anniversary. The couple currently spends

medal for environmental work.

their time with family in Connecticut, New Jersey, Paris, and Barcelona. They

1960s

look forward to attending the 2012 Alumni Reunion.

Tom Lovejoy ’59 (center with bowtie) after accepting an award in June from the Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy in Litchfield, CT. Photo taken by Tom Herman ’64.

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Mittelmann ’49 are celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary this year.

Robert Dalva ’60 recently sent in the following news: “This spring I was one of the film editors on Captain America, based on the Marvel comic book of the same

Dr. Thomas E. Lovejoy, III ‘59 received an

name. It stars Chris Evans. I hope you all

award on June 4 from the Livingston

got to see it. I am now editing a film called

Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy

Knife Fight, starring Rob Lowe, shot here

(www.lrwc.net) in Litchfield, CT. The

in San Francisco. He plays a political

award was given to Dr. Lovejoy for his

consultant who spins things for his clients.

"efforts to encourage conservation and

Matthew, our oldest son, is setting up his

preserve biodiversity." R. Thomas

new neurobiological lab at Jefferson

Herman ’64 and his wife, Marilyn,

University in Philadelphia.”

attended the ceremony in Litchfield. Also in June, Dr. Lovejoy wrote an article titled, "Geo-Engineering Can Help Save the Planet," for the opinion pages of the New York Times and the International Herald Tribune. His article emphasized the importance of striving for "a future with low carbon energy sources and lower carbon transportation." He concluded: "It is in our own self-interest to manage

54 • THE 54 THE BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011

Neal Dearling ’63 and his wife, Elizabeth, visited Browning in July.

Achievement Award

frequently to China and Thailand for

in 1995.

research on languages there. Last year, I was in New York to give a plenary talk at

In August, Timothy

a conference held by Trace Foundation,

Crouse ’64 was

and this fall, I will be giving a talk at

mentioned in a New

Cornell University, then visiting New

York Times article

York. It would be good to hear from Class

called “Covering

of 1965 friends!”

2012, Youths on the

Rob Lind ’63 and his wife, Lorna, in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.

Bus.” The article

Garrett R. Bowden '69 sent in the

details journalists’

following news: “I recently formed a new

experience covering

real estate advisory and brokerage

presidential campaign

company called TAG Real Estate Partners,

Neal Dearling ’63 and his wife, Elizabeth,

trails. Mr. Crouse was mentioned because

LLC, with partner Andy Bene. We

visited Browning in July. They reside in

he wrote a best-selling book about the

specialize in arranging debt and equity

Toronto, Canada. This was Mr. Dearling’s

1972 campaign, called The Boys on the Bus.

placement for commercial and residential

first visit back to the School since he graduated in 1963.

assets and portfolios. TAG is an Andrew Lack '64 was the subject of a

affiliate of The Alberleen Group

summer cover story in Bostonia, the

(www.alberleen.com). Also, I have

H. Robert Lind ’63 recently sent in the

alumni magazine of Boston University.

become a recent participant in the Alumni

following news: “It seems that with the

The article says Mr. Lack, who is CEO of

Council Meetings.”

passage of time, we move farther away

Bloomberg LP’s Multi-Media Group in

from Browning! Colorado now, but

New York City, "is helping to build the

perhaps California next year. Since retiring

world's most influential news company.

from Morgan Stanley and the corporate

Constantly." The article also says: "Lack's

world about five years ago and aside from

famous optimism may have been born at

grand parenting, my wife and I have been

the Browning School, a day school he

George H. Boothby ’70 recently wrote to

pursuing our passion of travel and

attended just a few city blocks from where

us with the following news: “On July 26, I

photography! So far, it has taken us through

the Bloomberg Tower stands. His first

(scoutmaster) left Newark airport with 36

all the western states, Hawaii, Central and

professional infatuation was theater,

Boy Scouts from New York and New

South America, the Antarctic, Southeast

spawned one night in 1957 when his

Jersey for Rinkaby, Sweden, to participate

Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula. A future

mother took him to see West Side Story."

in the 22nd World Scout Jamboree. There

visit is planned this spring to the Far East.

Visit http://www.bu.edu/bostonia/

were 40,000 Boy Scouts from 171 different

Most of these trips have been cruise-based

summer11/bloomberg/ for the full article,

countries in attendance. On Thursday,

with land jaunts before and after.”

which includes a link to a video of Mr.

July 28, my Troop 70006 was asked to host

Lack with an excerpt from a panel

two guests from the US Embassy for a

In September, Linton Wells, II ’63 was

discussion in 2010 on the future of

dinner Friday night, tenting over-night,

featured in one of CNNMoney’s Fortune

journalism. The panel discussion was part

and breakfast on Sunday. We returned to

Leadership interviews, in which he talks

of a Milken Institute conference. Alumni

the United States on Sunday, August 7.”

about how to track cyberspace attacks

Association Vice President Allanby

while preserving privacy and internet

Singleton-Green ’83 attended the

Ralph D. Gardner, Jr. ’71 recently wrote

anonymity. Dr. Wells says cyberspace is a

conference and the two spent time talking

an article in his Wall Street Journal column

new domain that the U.S. must defend as

about Browning.

titled “Picky on Provenance,” in which he

it does air, land, and sea. Dr. Wells is

1970s

profiled current Browning father Leigh

director of the Center for Technology and

David Bradley ’65 recently sent us the

Keno P’16. Mr. Keno is an American-

National Security Policy at the National

following news: “I am now professor of

furniture expert and a regular on the

Defense University. He received

linguistics at La Trobe University in

“Antiques Roadshow” TV program.

Browning’s Class of 1938 Alumnus

Melbourne, Australia. We travel TH THE HE E BUZZER BUZZER • F FALL ALL 2011 2011 • 55 55

CLASS NOTES G. Wilcox Snellings ’77 recently sent in

Weiner. Mr. Reyes is currently a partner at

complete her degree in education

office, worked on the Bush-Cheney

the following news: “We continue to

live in Costa Rica. Our daughter will

shortly, and plans to get her masters.

Our son is halfway toward his BA. My

wife and I look forward to the May 2012 Alumni Reunion.”

Allanby Singleton-Green ’83 (left) and Charles Plohn ’62 at the Alumni Reunion luncheon at the New York Athletic Club in May.

Craig J. Sands ’71 recently sent in the

following news: “In March of this year, I

moved to Lausanne, Switzerland, to take a new position with Siemens Suisse.

Monsieur Kayoun's French lessons are finally paying off.”

David G. Holleb ’73 sent in the following news with his online donation in June:

“Our son, Peter, graduated from Bernards High School two weeks ago and will be

attending The University of Scranton in

the fall. Our other son, Matthew, will be a senior at the United States Merchant

Marine Academy at Kings Point. We have relocated our financial planning practice to Bedminster, NJ.”

Jamie Dimon ’74, chairman and CEO of

JPMorgan Chase, was named to the 2011 TIME 100 list of the most influential people in the world.

1980s

Harold Lehr ’85 is a trader at Deutsche Bank in New York. In May, Ms. Amley took twelve Upper School students

from Browning’s Global Finance Club to tour two trading floors at Deutsche

Bank, where they happened by chance to run into Mr. Lehr. He spent time talking with the boys about his

experience working in the financial

sector. Mr. Lehr worked for Morgan Stanley before securing a job with

Deutsche Bank. Please see page 8 for an in-depth article about this trip by Michael Gabrellian ’13.

Over the summer, Juan D. Reyes, III ’86 was a candidate for the Republican

nomination to fill the 9th Congressional

District seat recently vacated by Anthony

Manhattan law firm Reed Smith. In past

careers, he interned in Senator Bob Dole’s campaign, and was a member of Rudy

Giuliani’s administration, serving as counsel to the Loft Board and the New York City Office of Standards and Appeals. At one

point during the election process, Mr. Reyes was, according to several sources, “the

number one candidate” for the Republican

nomination. Ultimately, Bob Turner received the nomination and went on to win the

election. Just before the election, the Leader Observer wrote: “The Reyes family is a

politically polished family. Juan Reyes is a well-educated attorney and just what the

party needs, but he was not what they need right now – not in this race….Turner may

win the September 13th special election, but regardless of that, the Republicans can look

for an office for which Reyes can compete. It would be a mistake to waste Reyes on an assembly race; he needs to run for a

congressional seat at some point. Reyes is

the first sign of a GOP bullpen, something they have not had since…something they have not had – period.” Mr. Reyes is an active member of Browning’s Alumni

Association, having served as president from 2006-2011.

Spiros G. Frangos, M.D. ’87 recently wrote a book called Reflections in the Stream. In March, he provided us with a brief

summary of the book: “Ty Karos is a young doctor at a New York City hospital. While treating a dying patient, he is exposed to

hepatitis C, a life-threatening virus which causes liver damage. The event triggers

anxious, hopeless thoughts as Ty struggles with the premise of his own mortality. His

Epicurean beliefs and principles, which he

has strictly adhered to and drawn strength from over the years, are challenged by this

new obstacle, as he leans on his mentor Dr. Hobbes for guidance. Ty reasons that Juan Reyes ’86 (far left) at the Queens County Republican Party Headquarters in July. Mr. Reyes was a candidate for the Republican nomination to run for the 9th Congressional District seat.

56 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

something, or rather someone, is missing

from his life – Miranda, a long lost love he

Peter R. Orphanos '89

met in the Cycladic islands a decade earlier.

sent in the following

Hoping she might somehow aid his

news with his online

recovery, he locates her and the two reunite.

donation in June,

Throughout his spiritual journey, Ty

“My new media

questions how best to live, the value of love,

company,

and what follows death. In the end, it is

Orphmedia, recently

these enduring experiences in Ty's troubled

signed Chef Michael

life which emerge as his principal reflections

White's restaurant

in the stream.” To purchase the book, please

group, ALTA

visit www.lulu.com/browse/books,

MAREA, and will be

www.amazon.com, or

launching new

www.barnesandnoble.com.

restaurant websites

Nic Perkin ’89 (purple tie) and his colleagues rang the closing bell at the NYSE on September 13.

for James Beard After living in the Vail, Colorado area since

Award winner MAREA, Osteria Morini,

1999, Theodore L. Sprague ‘88 has recently

Ai Fiori, Due Mari, and Due Terre. Also,

moved to California. He designs residential

one of our Social Media Cloud/Portal

and commercial audio, video, and

projects for Bobby Flay's Burger Palace

integrated control systems and is happy to

was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal a

be near the ocean again. He lives in Sonoma

few weeks ago.”

County with his wife, Annette, and six-yearold son, Everett.

Exchange’s closing bell, in celebration of a new partnership between the two businesses. The NYSE is acquiring a minority ownership in TRE, and the parties will launch a new program that allows companies to trade receivables. In other non-business news, Mr. Perkin and his wife, Natalie, welcomed a baby girl, Palmer, to

Nicolas R. Perkin ’89 and his partner, Justin

their family in June.

Brownhill, were named to Institutional Michael P. Beys ’89 was elected

Investor’s “Tech 50” list of the most

president of Browning’s Alumni

disruptive people in financial technology for

Association in May.

their role with their company, The Receivables Exchange (TRE). The “Tech 50”

In September, V. Marc Cali ’89 joined Alden Global Capital as a managing director and head of marketing for the United States.

Alden is a global investment manager with over $2.7 billion in assets under management and offices in New York, London, Jersey (Channel Islands), Dubai, and Mumbai. Mr. Cali is based in Alden’s New York office.

ranking is compiled by the editors and staff of Institutional Investor, with nominations and other input from industry experts. Four primary sets of attributes were evaluated: experience and contributions over the course of a career; scope and complexity of responsibilities; influence and leadership inside and outside one's organization; and pure technological innovation or achievement. TRE was also recognized this year by the American Business Awards for

D. Campbell

“Management Team of the Year.” The

McCrary ’89

American Business Awards, also known as

and his wife

the Stevie Awards, are a public recognition

welcomed a

of the efforts, accomplishments, and positive

baby girl,

contributions of companies and business

Eugenia, to their

people worldwide. Other notable winners

family on

included American Express, Apple, Cisco

August 16.

Systems, and Hewlett-Packard. In September, Mr. Perkin joined colleagues

Campbell McCrary ‘89’s daughter, Eugenia, was born in August.

Natalie and Nic Perkin ’89 with the latest addition to their family, Palmer Agnes Perkin, who was born in June.

from TRE to ring the New York Stock

1990s Spencer Rothschild ’90 is owner of Barrio Foods, and was recently mentioned in a New York Times article in July for his role with the Copacabana Supper Club: “Spencer Rothschild has tapped Alex Garcia, who once worked for him at Calle Ocho, to create a pan-Latin menu for the rebirth of the famous nightclub in what was the multistory China Club. John Juliano, who has been an owner of the Copacabana since its East 60th Street days,

TH THE HE E BUZZER BUZZER • F FALL ALL 2011 2011 • 57 57

CLASS NOTES something that’s like Picasso, Rembrandt, and van Gogh. It’s not something that’s unattainable and mysterious and done in a cubicle.” In other news, Mr. Eppley tells us, “I’ve been invited to a show at the Kohler Arts Center slated to open in February 2012. The title of the show, ‘The Line Unleashed,’ has given me the idea of creating large streams of color going everywhere they want to go. Gallery walls and floor area are a given, but for this show I also want to explore the security desks, the pedestals for donations, and possibly go into other parts of the museum. It should be a very interesting install. I hope to have a picture of my prep L to R: Andrew West ’92, Joe Metzger ’02, Alex Sheridan ’04, and Director of Institutional Advancement Marty Haase at the Form VI Breakfast in April at the NYAC.

is also a partner. Drinks and live music

opportunity to work with my former

enhance the atmosphere. The wavy

students, coaches, and friends. It is a

pattern of the Copacabana Beach

priceless experience!!!”

drawing after my upcoming site visit to the museum.” For more information, please visit www.daveeppley.com.

sidewalk in Rio, and a tiled mosaic of the original flirty Copa Girl with her fruit-

Ian C. Corbin ’93 is associate director of

laden turban, enhance the décor. The

internal audit for KBC Financial Products.

menu goes from Mexico (different moles) and the Caribbean (braised oxtail), to Peruvian tiraditos and Argentine desserts: 268 West 47th Street, (212) 239-2672. “

Michael L. Anselmo ’92 joined the Browning Varsity Baseball Team in Florida for their Spring Break training trip. Mike teaches physical education in Naples at a progressive elementary school. Following the trip, he wrote to Headmaster Clement: “It's amazing to still see my former students here in Florida.

Francisco J. Estrada ’93 is director of workforce strategy for Major League Baseball.

Victor J. Catano ’94 completed his first school year as business manager of the Rudolf Steiner School. Outside of school,

Head of the Lower School Laurie Gruhn visited with Hope Holloway McGinn in July in front of the Lower School Library, named after Hope’s late brother Edward Holloway, V ’94.

Victor plays in the New York City Metro Baseball League on a team called Peligro

The Lower School Library is named in

Licey, along with fellow alumnus and

memory of Edward Holloway, V ’94.

standout athlete Jason Friedman '06.

Austin B. Drill ’95 and his wife, Michelle,

Almost more amazing is working with the coaches - former students Alex

In August, David W. Eppley ’94 was

had their wedding featured in the

Sheridan ‘04 and Stafford Travers ‘05.

featured on NY1 for his work on a

September 2011 issue of Brides magazine.

The Browning experiences never cease

permanent installation with the School

The two were married in East Hampton

and I look forward to the trip each year.

Construction Authority of New York City.

in 2010, and currently, they own a

Even seeing some of the parents – Mr.

Mr. Eppley has been working at P.S. 65 in

company that constructs environmentally-

Reuben and Mr. Corliss – brings me back

Cypress Hills, where he has fourth

conscious homes in Central America.

to the days of coaching in the Upper Gym.

graders working on a permanent,

I expect the boys to have another strong

professional piece of artwork. He told

Seagram M. Villagomez, M.D. ’95 is a

season, as their pitching and defense look

NY1, “I hope [these kids] will realize that

clinical instructor at New York University

great. Thank you again for the

art is a profession that you can do. It’s not

School of Medicine.

58 • THE 58 THE BUZZER BUZZER • FALL FALL 2011 2011

Joe G. Metzger ’02 is an associate in the

2000s

Financial Institutions Group at Macquarie.

He remains an active member of Rodrigo Carvalho ’01 is CEO of Black Locus, an e-commerce company he founded in 2010 while completing a graduate degree at Carnegie Mellon University.

Browning’s Alumni Association, currently serving in the position of secretary.

Jonas F. Borra ’03 is in a band called The Emp’s. They can be seen playing at various locations around the city. You can find more information about The Emp’s on Facebook.

In July, Rodrigo Carvalho ’01 raised a $2.5 million Series A round of venture capital financing to grow BlackLocus – a company that he started in his first Austin Drill ‘95 and his wife, Michelle, as featured in Brides magazine.

year of the MBA program at Carnegie

John E. Katsos ’03 moved to Dubai in August with his wife. He is a professor in the School of Business Administration at the American University in Dubai.

Mellon University. Today, BlackLocus is a cutting edge cloud provider of

Steven Guzman ’04 is a paralegal for

In July, Graig J. Springer ’98 had

automated pricing optimization and

Goodman and Jacobs LLP.

breakfast with Headmaster Clement

revenue management solutions for

and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura

online retailers. Mr. Carvalho is

In August, Alexander B. Berardi ’05

Neller. Mr. Springer spent the summer

excited about the future of commerce.

opened his first store, Alexander

working for the general counsel of the

For more information, please visit

Berardi, in SoHo. The boutique is

NYC comptroller. He has one more year

www.blacklocus.com.

located at 174 Prince Street.

of law school at Fordham University Law School, where he was elected to Notes & Editor of Fordham's Corporate Journal, and also named chair of a committee involved with minorities and business law.

Christopher M. Kulukundis ’05 is In August, Zachary A. Goldfarb ’01

the chief financial officer of the fashion

appeared on Greta Van Susteren’s

line. For more information, please

television show “On the Record,” to

visit www.houseofberardi.com.

primarily discuss the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which President Obama signed into law in July. Mr. Goldfarb is a staff writer for the Washington Post, covering the White House and focusing on President Obama's economic, financial, and fiscal policy. In June, he was Browning’s Graduation speaker. Please see pages 3839 for his remarks at Graduation.

Ralph D. Labossiere ‘01is dean of the middle school at Bronx Green Middle School.

Graig Springer ’98 and Headmaster Clement at Browning’s lobby construction site in July.

Actor Paul Dano ’02 starred as Percy Dolarhyde in the summer film Cowboys and Aliens, which was released on July 29.

Alex Dorisca ’02 is the national

Alexander Berardi ’05 (center with hat) and Christopher Kulukundis ’05 (far right) at the debut of the Alexander Berardi fashion line at Blue & Cream in East Hampton.

coordinator of regional alumni affairs for Teach for America.

TH THE HE E BUZZER BUZZER • F FALL ALL 2011 2011 • 59 59

CLASS NOTES Ian A. Allen ’06 graduated from Brown

article titled “Marlborough Gallery:

education for which he is extremely

University in 2010. He now works as an

Young at Heart,” which details how blue-

grateful. He says, "I have great memories

investigator with the New York City

chip galleries like Marlborough are

of my time at Browning, and confidently

Civilian Complaint Review Board.

determined to bring in a youthful crowd.

say it's an exceptional school with a wonderful culture and all the right values.

Benjamin P. D’Innocenzo ’06 recently

Pierre M. Henry ’07 and Tehmur Jabbar

Wherever I go I realize how fortunate I

sent us the following news: “I finished up

’07 graduated from the University of

am to have attended Browning, and how

at the bank in London and have since

Chicago in June. Former Head of the

rare an institution it really is."

moved to Bangkok, Thailand, to attend

Upper School, Matt Horvat, and his wife,

school full-time and finish my

Susan Fine, had the boys over to their

Andrew Scott ’08 recently wrote to us

dissertation. If all goes well, I will have

home in Chicago just before graduation.

about the film Sympathy for Delicious:

finished my MBA in International

Pierre is heading to a year-long master’s

“This is the first movie I worked on when

Business by this January! My post-grad

program in Cambridge, and Tehmur has a

I came to Los Angeles. It was Mark

plans are very much up in the air and to

finance job in New York City.

Ruffalo's directorial debut. The film

tell you the truth the prospect of not

centers around a faith healer, who is able

knowing what happens next is a welcome

In August, Alexzander M. Vadukul ’07

to heal anyone else but himself. I worked

and exciting one. It will have been nearly

wrote an article for the New York Times

background in the film. In the movie, you

two years since I left home and I am very

about David Luchsinger, the

will see a rock band performance

overdue for a Browning visit! I look

superintendent of the Statue of Liberty

including Orlando Bloom, and in this

forward to seeing you all.”

and Ellis Island. The article is called,

scene the group starts fighting and there is

“Relaxing Under Liberty’s

a breakdown of the group. I was in the

Shadow,” and appeared in

audience. I also helped bring in at least

print in the New York

half a dozen other people to the shoot. It is

edition of the Times, as

a great film and definitely worth seeing; it

well as online.

won a prize at Sundance. I hope you enjoy.” Mr. Scott is a senior at the

Philip Devereux Demetriad '08 returned to Sewanee last semester after studying Max Levai ’06 (right) as featured in ART + AUCTION in May.

international political economy in Paris at the

University of Southern California. In October, he will be performing in USC: School of Theater’s production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, an award-winning tale of seduction and betrayal set in France among aristocrats before the French Revolution.

Max A. Levai ’06 was pictured in ART +

Institute Catholique de Paris. Upon his

AUCTION magazine in May, with the

return, he took up the reigns of The

caption, “Max Levai is playing an

Sewanee Purple as its editor-in-chief. He

Nicholas Taub ’08 spent the summer

increasingly prominent role at

spent this past summer in New York

interning for a New York senator. He is

Marlborough Gallery, founded 65 years

interning with the development office of

currently in his senior year at the

ago by his father Pierre Levai. For the

Doctors Without Borders and working in

University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

Chelsea operation, the 23-year-old Levai

the evenings at restaurant Jean Georges.

This semester he will be completing his

plans to sign a group of younger artists by this September and is in talks with artists from the Middle East, India, and China who, he says, ‘might be deemed emerging, but most of them have already emerged.’ He has also helped line up the painter Stephen Hannock for a show at the 57th Street space.” In August, the New York Observer also interviewed Max in an

60 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

thesis, and hopes to launch a new R. Nicholas Perkins '08 spent the summer

academic journal he began in May.

interning at a law firm in New York. This fall, he will enter his final year at the

Christopher Jordan '09 spent the

University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

summer interning at Morgan Stanley

After four years at Phillips Exeter

with Pre-Primary parent Christopher

Academy, three at St. Andrews, and four

Porter P'24. Mr. Porter is a senior vice

at Browning, Nick tells us that Browning

president and financial advisor in the

provided him with a superlative

global wealth management division of

Former Faculty News Former Browning music teacher Dr. Stephen Hamilton will be performing an organ concert at St. Sulpice in Paris, France, on L to R: Tehmur Jabbar ’07, former Head of the Upper School Matt Horvat, and Pierre Henry ’07 at Mr. Horvat’s home in Chicago in June.

November 20. He will

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Mr.

at the Church of the

Jordan is a junior at Columbia

Holy Trinity on the

University, where he is pursuing a joint

Upper East Side, and

degree in computer science and

at the Church of the

economics. He primarily assisted Mr.

Transfiguration on

Porter with managing accounts of high

April 27. More details can be found at

net worth individuals, researching

www.stephenjonhamilton.com.

also be playing in New York City on January 27,

Former Browning music teacher Stephen Hamilton before an organ concert at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

market and company information, and assisting a large pension manager.

Adrian J. Muoio ’09 plays Division 1A baseball for Davidson College.

2010s

In Memoriam Erol K. Beker ’74 David E. Moore ’41

Robert L. Hess ’10 was featured in a Bloomberg news article titled, “YaleBound Hess Advances to Semifinal

David Rand, Jr. ’66

Playoff for U.S. Chess Championship.”

Robert is a chess Grandmaster, a title

Wilson B. Stringer, Jr. ’41

awarded to strong chess players by the world chess organization FIDE. He attended Browning from 1997-2006,

Hope L. Yates P ’04

followed by Stuyvesant High School and now Yale University. He deferred his acceptance to Yale for one year after winning the $42,000 Samford Chess

For more information, including links to obituaries, please visit www.browning.edu/alumni.

Scholarship. He then spent the summer interning with Fortress Investment Group LLC, a New York hedge fund.

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 61

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS

Dalva Brothers in the News The September/October 2011 edition of The Magazine Antiques featured a profile on the Dalva family and their New York City antiques establishment with mention of three Browning alumni, Adam ’04, David ’54 and Leon ’58.

An excerpt follows:

L

eon J. Dalva, Jr. stands in a music

room dating to the regency of Louis

XV, having a New York conversation. His discussion about the provenance of the boiserie – constructed in early 18th century France and given a second life in a Vanderbilt mansion – has turned to the efficiency of six Polish carpenters who disassembled the panel sections at East Fifty-Seventh Street, home to Dalva Brothers for 60 years, and reassembled them seamlessly in their current location 20 blocks north. A Regence room crammed with artifacts of France’s invention of luxury is a marvel to behold, but a consummate New Yorker knows that good help in the middle of Manhattan is the true miracle.

David Dalva III, Leon J. Dalva Jr. '58 (seated), and Adam V. Dalva '04 in the townhouse on 77th Street that is home to Dalva Brothers. Photograph by Bob Lowrenzson, compliments of The Magazine Antiques.

Tall, bespectacled, with curling hair going white, Dalva was

brittle, the opposite of what its creators intended. Dalva’s

a boy when his father and his uncles moved their business to

approach to restoration communicates more than the ease

Fifty-Seventh Street in 1950, just as the area east of Fifth Avenue

inherent in the furniture. Traces of worms and streaks of

was filling up with art and antiques galleries. After graduating

original gilding allow a chair or sofa to tell its own story. His

from Brown University and spending a year in Paris, Leon

principle comes at a cost. “We have foregone sales because

returned to New York to work in the store with his brother,

we won’t over-restore,” he says. He takes pains to point out,

David, and never left. (David passed away from cancer in 2009.

on the other hand, that the most aggressive restorers among

His son, David Dalva, III, and Leon’s son, Adam, are the third

his colleagues are no longer in business.

generation in the business.) From his handsomely fitted

Dalva gets evident pleasure out of the 18th century’s spirit

pinstriped suits (which he wears, if his Facebook portrait can be

of invention. In part, French designers were answering the

believed, even when bicycling back and forth to his apartment)

Enlightenment’s call for science and reason to drive the culture.

to his courtly urbane demeanor, Dalva is the type of dyed-in-the-

He loves a Louis XVI world-time clock that shows the current

wool New Yorker found in old Woody Allen movies: the

time in any country around the globe (except Australia, which

character visited by heartache and chaos, only to have something

was discovered too late to be depicted).

good befall him before the credits roll.

Dalva believes that overzealous restoration using modern paint and gilding can make furniture seem cold and 62 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

Asked what he learned about selling antiques from his father, he demurs. “These things sell themselves,” he says. “You can’t sell them.” n

ART IN FOCUS

Cause for Celebration

A

day after the formal ribbon-cutting and opening of the School's newly expanded Lobby and Lower Gym, the Middle School boys christened the new basketball

backstops when Michael Jozoff ’17 and the School’s Panther mascot, aided by Mary Bosworth, Middle School history teacher, sunk the first of many baskets to come.

(Read more about the October festivities on pages 22-23.)

Tempera Paint on Paper • 12" x 18" • By Keaton A. Ramey '20

Art Department Chair Nikolaos Vlahos explains

and mark making. This focus has taken us through

that last year, the third grade class created abstract

various media, including color pencil, watercolor and

compositions inspired by Brice Marden, Vasily

tempera. We discussed the idea of the composer and how

Kandinsky, the music of Schoenberg and ambient music.

a painter composes with color and line as opposed to

"We focused on how music affects color, composition

sound and instruments."

2 • THE BUZZER • FALL 2011

THE BROWNING SCHOOL

Fall 2011

“Following your heart often requires you to embark on careers or choices that have more risk. Because when you know you really want to do something, the stakes are higher.” —Zachary A. Goldfarb ’01 Excerpt from the June 8 address to the graduating Class of 2011. Mr. Goldfarb is a staff writer covering the White House for The Washington Post and a graduate of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton. (See full speech on pages 38-39.)

THE BUZZER • FALL 2011 • 1