Buzzer Summer 2013

Summer 2013

John A. Browning

A RT I N F O C U S

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD! Third Grade Art Class Clay

CONTENTS

Summer 2013 FEATURES

4 10 12

John A. Browning: A Forerunner of Progressive Education

DEPARTMENTS 3 From the Headmaster

A Banner Day for Browning: Celebrating Its 125th Birthday!

18 The Local Buzz 38 Fine and Performing Arts

Then & Now: First Grade Boys Write Book on Browning History

52 Athletics

30

2013 Graduation and Matriculation

68 Class Notes

44

Teddy Roosevelt and the Regular Kid Lower School Drama a Rousing Success

46

Well Worth the Wait: Bright New Cafeteria Offers Expanded Space and Menu

48

Summer Stipends

Art in Focus (facing page): Art Department Chair Nik Vlahos explains that the third grade boys created a menu and then selected items from it as their inspiration for sculpture. He notes, “We looked at Claes Oldenburg’s art, as well as other food sculptures by students their age on the

56 Alumni Events

Internet and discussed how they could be built.

Students were then given clay to make food and its container. Finally, the works were glazed and fired.”

(Clockwise): “Hotdog” by Ford Crawford Brown; “Cookies” by Joshua M. Soh; “Sushi” by Nicolas P. Laffont and “Pizza Slices” by Henry T. Smith.

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ON THE COVER This photograph, a portrait of John Aaron Browning, was taken upon his graduation in 1875 from Columbia College. Turn to page 4 to read more about this distinguished scholar and gifted teacher who founded The Browning School in 1888.

MISSION STATEMENT Founded in 1888 as a college preparatory school for boys, The Browning School continues its commitment to the goals of John A. Browning: the pursuit of academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning,

BUZZER STAFF Stephen M. Clement, III, Headmaster Martin T. Haase, Director of Institutional Advancement Melanie S. McMahon, Director of Publications, Buzzer Editor Laura Neller Lanigan, Director of Alumni Affairs SUMMER BUZZER CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Murphy, Head Librarian Stephanie Seto, Science Andrew H. West ’92, Athletic Director John Young, Chair, Department of Classics

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.

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

Contributing photographers: Christine Bramble, Rossa Cole Photography, Marty Hyman Photography, Jeremy Katz ’04, Melanie McMahon, Laura Neller Lanigan, Sandy Pelz ’71 and Soo Mi Thompson.

Design by Misty Wilt Graphic Design LLC BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2013–14 James S. Chanos, President William L. Jacob, III, Vice President William S. Kingson, Vice President R. Thomas Herman ’64, Secretary Celeste A. Guth, Assistant Secretary Thomas S. Hexner, Treasurer Richard L.N. Weaver ’75, Assistant Treasurer Stephen M. Clement, III, Headmaster Michael P. Beys ’89, President, Alumni Council Alka K. Singh, President, Parents Association H. Kenneth Metz, Vice President, Parents Association Mildred J. Berendsen, Honorary Trustee Allan L. Gropper, Honorary Trustee Laura Z. Barket Paul A. Burke Stuart J. Ellman Elizabeth Granville-Smith Philip A. Hofmann Ling S. Kwok Jeffrey M. Landes David J. Liptak Jeffrey S. Olson

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Raul Pineda Ellen Stafford-Sigg David N. Steck Sanjay Swani Lou Switzer Deborah van Eck Valda M. Witt Robert D. Ziff

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

The Buzzer is printed on paper containing 10% total recycled fiber.

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.

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 program, or employment practices.

FROM THE HEADMASTER

Telling Our Special Story LOWER SCHOOL CLOSING ASSEMBLY REMARKS, MAY 31, 2013

The theme of the Lower School Closing has been “1888,” the

restoration project funded by a gift to the school from the

year The Browning School was started. We are celebrating

parents of the Class of 2013.

this special event 125 years later. We have hung a new

Here is a wonderful photograph of Mr. Browning as an

flag, sung “Happy Birthday” together, worn special

older man. I think it was taken in the summer, but he still has

buttons, eaten black and white birthday cookies

his tie on, and you can see a gold watch chain in his pocket.

(with red and brown frosting), and looked at many

There is an elastic band on his left – and right – arm to keep his

wonderful old photographs.

We have told our special story in many ways.

We know that when John D. Rockefeller

shirtsleeves up. Look closely at his shoes. They are not very shiny at all. In fact, they are dirty, covered with dust.

We know Mr. Browning loved to work tending flower and

moved to New York City from Cleveland,

vegetable gardens. He and his two sisters lived in the Dakota,

Ohio, he worked hard to find a great

one of the first apartment buildings built along Central Park

teacher to start a school for his son and three

West at 72nd Street. We know there were many empty lots on

other teenage boys. That man was John A.

the west side of Manhattan at the time, and immediately to

Browning, and the year was 1888.

the west of the Dakota was an open space, filled with gardens.

Mr. Browning chose the word “Grytte” as the motto for his school. For him it meant hard work, grit your teeth, stick with it until the end. In our birthday celebration, we have discovered many special old photographs

This is where we think the picture was taken.

The photographer caught Mr. Browning hard at work, sticking with a task he loved, tending his garden.

And if you look very closely, you’ll see he even has “grytte” on his shoes. Mr. Browning, we salute you!

through an archives preservation and

Stephen M. Clement, III Headmaster

The photographer caught Mr. Browning hard at work, sticking with a task he loved, tending his garden.

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F E AT U R E

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John A. Browning A Forerunner of Progressive Education

By Alfred Pinneo Excerpted from School and Society, May 16, 1942

O

ne morning in September, 1890, the writer

The Browning School was built upon units of six pupils

called at a school on 55th Street, seeking

per class in the charge of a single teacher who taught all the

a job as a teacher, and there began a long

grade subjects except modern languages, art, athletics and

association with Mr. Browning. At that

manual training. There was no provision for music, probably

time West 55th Street was largely occupied with private

because almost all of our pupils took private music lessons,

stables. On the site of the Hotel Gotham stood Saint Luke’s

but Mr. Browning often said he wished he could sing so that

Hospital, a semi-rural building with trees in front of it.

morning assembly might be started with a rousing song.

There were no automobiles to disturb the wayfarer and,

Each teacher was given considerable latitude in the use of

except for an occasional runaway horse, the streets were

methods, consonant with the general plan, and was encour-

safe and peaceful.

aged to exert his ingenuity in presenting “dry” subjects. Our

The School occupied a four-story dwelling. Judged by

principal was a tireless worker and yet not a driver because

modern standards our equipment was not remarkable, but

his tremendous enthusiasm was so infectious that each

we lacked nothing really essential.

teacher became his own driver.

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Perhaps I can best illustrate Mr. Browning’s Progressive

method includes the group development of some construc-

Method of teaching by taking as an example the way he

tive enterprise involving study, exploration, research with

handled that most kicked-about and abused study in the cur-

manual construction and decoration. World history was one

riculum – Latin. It is obvious that one can’t read Latin if he

of the subjects that Mr. Browning taught personally, using as

doesn’t know what the words mean or has not thoroughly

a textbook “Swinton’s Outlines.” At first I wondered why he

mastered the inflections. My class had gone through the par-

had chosen such a bare and meatless structure upon which

adigm of “bonus, -a -um” for some days with little result ex-

to build a foundation, but I found out why.

cept to make the pupils weary and rather hopeless. The next

Each pupil was given a notebook in which he recorded the

morning Mr. Browning entered

main facts stated in the text in the

the classroom with a stop-watch

form of a synoptic outline. These

in his hand and announced that

might cover a short chapter. Then

he was going to run a race – the

the pupil expanded, illustrated

Latin Derby. Handing me his stop-

and enriched these data by means

watch, he asked me to “clock”

of what he had read, collected or

him while he recited all the cases,

otherwise learned. The notebook

numbers and genders of the adjec-

finally contained maps, photo-

tive “bonus, -a -um.” At the word

graphs, prints, drawings and deco-

“go” he flew through the declen-

rations obtained from a variety of

sion with a speed that the Tobacco

sources. It thus became a work of

Auctioneer might have envied. I

art and a personal manuscript of

think he did it under five seconds.

all that the pupil had been led to

By this time each boy in the class

discover for himself. Thus Ther-

was begging to be “clocked,” and

mopylae, Marathon and Olympus

Mr. Browning agreed to give a

became not only proportionately

prize to the boy who could beat

placed in the setting of the world,

his record. The rest of the lesson

but also inspirations and points

was hilariously given up to practic-

Mr . Browning seemed

of departure for an expanding con-

ing for the “Latin Derby.” Finally, I

to sense the coming

sciousness of things that are much

believe a boy did succeed in break-

importa nce of science as

ing the record.

the tr a nsfor mer of life.

The idea of Progressive educa-

more than they seem.

Mr. Browning seemed to sense the coming importance of science

tion is to bring to bear upon the task in hand some creative,

as the transformer of life. However, in the 1890s, Einstein

personal or social motive, so that one is carried on and on

had not yet arrived, the Quantum Theory was unborn, and

by the sheer joy of doing things. All the time the pupils are

no one dreamed of protons, electrons, radium or vitamins.

learning, and what one learns by doing he can never forget.

But Edison had begun his transformation of home lighting

The Project Method of teaching, as far as I know, origi-

and Roentgen had discovered the mysterious X-ray. We still

nated with Mr. Browning, and in the early 1890s was already

looked up to Faraday, Tyndal, Crooks and Sir Oliver Lodge

an established procedure in his school. In essence, this

as the light bearers of science.

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The idea of Progressive education is to bring to bear upon the task in hand some

creative,

personal or social motive, so that one is

carried on and on by the sheer joy of doing things. All the time

the pupils are learning,

and what one learns by doing he can never forget.

The Project Method of teaching, as far as I k now, originated with Mr. Browning, and

in the early 1890s was already an established procedure in his school.

Mr. Browning reverenced these great men, and, as far as

sugar and other elements. This science course was related

equipment permitted, repeated some of their epoch-making

with field excursions, the study of plants, and especially

experiments for his pupils. Among these were Foucault’s

excursions to factories and studies of industrial procedures.

Pendulum and the bursting of a barrel of water through the

All of these studies entailed the keeping of adequate records,

pressure of a thin column of water 45 feet in height. Experi-

and when of real importance, they were made the subject of

mental science in secondary schools was greatly influenced

the formal school compositions, the best of which were often

by the performance of the famous “Harvard Forty Experi-

published in the school paper.

ments in Physics.” These became part of our regular science

Teachers in the School were encouraged to keep abreast

course and produced a profound impression. We employed

of the times not only through personal study but by availing

largely homemade apparatus, and I recall the thrill of being

themselves of whatever educational courses were offered

delegated to assemble this material and conduct the experi-

by colleges and professional schools. Fifty years ago such

ments for the class. Thus the Harvard experiments helped

courses were few and far between. The Glens Falls Normal

to introduce the laboratory method of teaching science in

School introduced the writer to such inspiring men as

secondary schools.

Dr. Hinsdale in history and the botanist, Norman Apgar,

Perhaps as a result of the Harvard experiments a course

whose Trees of the Northeastern United States is still a living

in general science was provided for each grade class in the

textbook. At Glens Falls we also studied Sully’s Psychology,

school covering: (1) minerals, their identification, collection,

but in that day psychology was purely a “descriptive

classification, occurrence and use; (2) the animal world, in-

science,” and this is only another way of saying that it was

cluding characteristic groups from amoeba to man; (3) the

not science at all but merely a collection of opinions of what

chemistry of common things, testing foods for starch, grape

people thought took place in the mind.

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In the old days all schools were autocracies – the head-

Peter could not talk, he was very amusing and sometimes

master was practically absolute. But the wiser leaders did

mischievous. His delight was to steal pencils and other ob-

not rely solely upon this power to enforce discipline. Mr.

jects that he could carry off and hide ingeniously in the most

Browning was kindly, sympathetic and unselfishly devoted

annoying places. He finally came to a tragic end through

to the welfare of his pupils. Boys are not slow to learn this,

drinking ink.

and they respected and loved him, though he could be

In the early 1890s, manual training was beginning to be

stern and severe when he considered that a vital principle

introduced into such progressive schools as Pratt Institute

was at stake.

and Teachers College, Columbia University. But there were practically no teachers properly trained to handle this

Mr . Browning was k indly, sympathetic a nd unselfishly

subject. To meet this situation, Mr. Browning got hold of a clever Yankee carpenter to whom he imparted his ideas, and

devoted to the welfar e

together they laid out a course of training that proved very

of his pupils.

successful. Shop work occupied a required place in the curriculum, and to this was added later a course in turning for both wood and for metal.

The study of English was centered upon observation,

About this time, Dr. Sargent began at Harvard his pioneer

original composition and illustration. To afford material for

work in physical education, and Mr. Browning was quick to

such work, pet animals were kept in the class “zoo” – a pair

see that such education could profitably begin long before

of flying squirrels, rabbits and Peter, a tame crow. Although

young people go to college. Besides the daily period for

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Courtesy of The New York Times

each class in the gymnasium, the school took part in extramural contests, including baseball, basketball, hockey and the yearly track meet with the Simms School. Football was hardly a secondary school sport in those days. At any rate, we had no football team.

Debates between groups of students are now an important part of the college curriculum because they provide for the profitable employment of a number of abilities. They give opportunity for leadership, sustained effort, research, study, English expression, both written and oral, argumentation, oratory, personal development and class incentive.

But until Mr. Browning initiated them, debates in secondary schools were, as far as I know, little used. I recall one of the earlier debates on the question: “Resolved, that the steam engine has done more for the progress of mankind than the printing press.”

By those who knew him and worked with him, Mr. Browning was considered a great teacher. But what we could not know then has since become very plain; namely, that he was not only a remarkable teacher but a far-seeing and progressive educator, because the very things that then seemed so strange and even startling to us have now become the cardinal principles upon which Progressive education is built.

Among Browning School alumni are two professors at Harvard University, a professor of mathematics at Princeton, a former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, an official high in the national war councils, a U.S. Senator, a former Minister to Romania, besides editors, writers and men prominent in the world of affairs. Several schools have been founded by former teachers in The Browning School, the most prominent perhaps being the Calvert School of Baltimore and the present Browning School in which Mr. Arthur Jones is carrying on the traditions and the good work begun by Mr. Browning more than half a century ago.

–Alfred Pinneo was a former Browning faculty member and founder of the Pinneo School for Boys in New York City and Englewood Country School, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

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Top left: Kevin Gihon, assistant supervisor in the maintenance department, has worked at Browning since 1984; he and Headmaster Clement, along with special assistance from the Panther mascot, oversaw the raising of the 125th anniversary banner in April.

a Banner Day for Browning Celebrating Its 125th Birthday

A

pril 4 was a “banner day” for The Browning

celebration of the School’s 125th birthday. After remarks

School, as the entire community – including

from Headmaster Clement and at his urging, the boys sang

the Browning Panther mascot – gathered that

“Happy Birthday” as the new flag unfurled.

morning under blue skies and sunshine to

From the youngest to the oldest Browning boys, all were

help hoist a new flag bearing Browning’s 125th anniversary

eager to share in the celebration and proudly wore their new

logo. Fresh from Spring Break just a few days earlier, the

pins. The flag-raising was particularly memorable for Form VI

boys received a pin sporting the logo as they entered the

boys, the Class of 2013, who were fortunate to be here during

red doors that day, as well as a birthday cupcake later

this special anniversary year. The event was one of many

at lunch time – what better way to continue a year-long

added to their “memory book” of their final year at Browning.

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F E AT U R E

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THEN

&

N O W FIRST GRADE BOYS WRITE “THEN AND NOW” BOOK ON BROWNING’S HISTORY

Above: Upper School Head Jim Reynolds, Chef Omar Maldonado and Athletic Director Andrew West ’92 were among the faculty members who happily answered questions from the boys as they researched their “Then and Now” book. Teachers Meg Epstein and Chelsea Rossman, assisted by associate teachers

Beatrice Lolli Ghetti and Jackie Grant, prepare the boys for the interview process by making sure they establish questions beforehand and listen attentively while their subjects answer; knowing not to try taking too many notes but making eye contact instead is a key component to their success as interviewers.

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E

very year, the first grade

describe and analyze a picture from Browning’s past. This

boys begin early on to

year, a collection of archival photos from past decades, gath-

learn about Browning’s

ered to commemorate Browning 125th anniversary, piqued

past and present. The

the boys’ interest, especially as these pictures depicted a wide

excitement of going back in time was especially fun and meaningful this

Melanie McMahon

range of subject matter, from sports to music.

For the second part of the project, the boys create their

spring as the School celebrated its

own unique piece of history for future generations of

125th anniversary with a series of

Browning students to discover. Ms. Epstein explains that to

special events, including the hanging of a commemorative

comprise the “now” portion of the book, each boy chooses

banner above Browning’s famous red doors. First grade

a photograph of himself participating in a particular aspect

teacher Meg Epstein explains the project she and her class

of his school day, then independently writes about it. Sub-

completed. “In the beginning of the year, our social studies

jects ranged from recess, to field trips, to board games to

unit focuses on each individual boy, then his family, and

art class.

then widens further in scope to include our school. As part

Ms. Epstein notes, “The boys love this book project

of this study, the boys learn about Browning’s history and

because they are able to interview teachers from all over

interview various faculty members to gather information.”

the School, including Mr. Clement, Ms. Gruhn and other

The writing component of this project includes a “Then and Now” book in which each boy and his writing buddy

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Browning leaders. They work hard on crafting meaningful questions like ‘Why did you want to become a headmaster?’

Above: The first grade boys jumped at the chance to interview Headmaster Clement in his office and hear him describe the teamwork that makes the School so successful. The boys were thrilled to see the items he kept in his office over the years, including two needlepoint pillows, given to him by a parent, and a painting of Browning’ iconic

red doors. Next they followed him to the Cook Room where he described some of the many photographs and artifacts on display there. He even humored their request to see his tooth fillings in answer to the question, “Did you have cavities when you were a kid?”

THEN

EACH BOY AND HIS WRITING BUDDY DESCRIBE AND ANALYZE A PICTURE FROM BROWNING’S PAST.

Browning School used to be an apartment 1 The building. Later, after a couple of years, the School moved to 62nd Street. This is a picture of all the old Browning students outside the old apartment. All the Browning kids are all outside. –Krish and Julian of the students look like they play basketball. The 2 Allshorts look short. They need bigger shorts. They look like they are in eighth grade. –Santia and Henry look like they are in the Cook Room. One looks 3 They like Phillip. They are in music class. The teacher is playing the piano. –Kyle and Dylan

1

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N O W

EACH BOY CHOOSES A PHOTOGRAPH OF HIMSELF AND THEN INDEPENDENTLY WRITES ABOUT IT.

My favorite time at Browning was when I was on the recess deck. I accidentally threw the dodge ball over the fence. I was in first grade. –William

1

My favorite time at Browning was when I met my best friends. Their names are Gus and Dylan. And we are the BFF Club. We love to play together. –Luke

1 2

2 3

My favorite time at Browning is at art when I made my volcano. It is clay. I saw it at the art show in the art room with some other things. –Cole

and ‘Were you ever a teacher before you became head of Lower School?’ and even ‘When you were a kid, did you have braces and did you get good grades?’ At the end of the study, their ‘Then and Now’ book is bound and ‘published’ and becomes part of our classroom library.”

Chelsea Rossman, another first grade teacher, works on a similar project with her class. “Like Ms. Epstein’s group of boys, my students also write a book about Browning in which they discuss the differences (then and now) based on old pictures of Browning boys and some pictures of themselves. Rather than describe a particular activity that they participated in for the ‘Now’ section, however, my class describes something special they learned about the School.”

Kudos to the first grade boys and teachers for adding another impressive text to the Browning archives!

–Melanie McMahon

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THE LOCAL BUZZ

BROWNING BOYS HELP EDITORS CHOOSE NEWSPAPER CONTENT Editors from News-O-Matic, which offers children aged 7 to 10 their first daily newspaper, spoke with fourth grade Browning boys on May 10 to determine the content of that day’s edition. The editorial team produces five news stories each day, “covering the latest in world news, science, sports, as well as the wacky stories kids love.” According to the publication’s website, “News-O-Matic readers also have access to amazing history timelines, fun news games, interactive maps and countless other features.

Russell Kahn, editor-in-chief of

complete edition) can be downloaded

Readers not only have the opportunity

Press4Kids, Inc., which publishes

from the iPad App Store by clicking

to explore the latest current events,

News-O-Matic, explained to

News-O-Matic. It means so much

but they will be given a voice as well.

Browning parents, “Your sons helped

to our team to have the opportunity

They will be able to rate the articles,

pick the news for News-O-Matic.

to speak with students directly; it is

ask questions, and even submit draw-

They were amazing editors-in-chief,

inspiring from both a personal and

ings that relate to the news. News-O-

offering their insights on the stories

professional perspective.”

Matic helps create a fun daily reading

and asking all the relevant questions.

routine – all while encouraging read-

The result of their choices was

sible story ideas, the boys literally put

ers to become knowledgeable, global

evident in a stellar Friday edition.

their heads down and voted on their

citizens. It offers a window to the

In case you are interested, the

favorites which became the basis of

world (and beyond)!”

News-O-Matic app (with the

the news stories in that day’s edition.

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After reviewing a number of pos-

BOYS PARTICIPATE IN STUDENT-RUN MODEL UN Browning boys participated in a student-run Model UN at the Dalton School in late April.

History teacher Stephen Jasikoff reports: “Basically it was a great day. There were eight schools present, and Dalton students were a smashing success at organizing this conference themselves.

It’s somewhat unusual for a high school to organize its own MUN conference. Our students were recognized with a number of honors, including Outstanding Large Delegation (basically second place out of the four largest delegations), Outstanding Delegate (100 Days Joint Crisis Committee, representing Germany) and two Honorable Mentions (Special, Political and Decolonization Committee, representing Germany, as well as Legal Committee, also representing Germany).”

LOWER SCHOOL BOYS AID RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF NEW YORK Second grade teacher Rachel Gerber reports on a recent

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS HONORED TO HOST VETERANS

community service project to be proud of: “This is our second year collecting food items for the Ronald McDonald House of New York which provides a ‘home-

In early May, 13 veterans visited Browning to speak to the

away-from-home’ for families so they can stay close by

Form II English and history classes about military service.

their hospitalized child at little or no cost. The Lower

Head of Middle School Chris Dunham reports: “The vet-

School boys enthusiastically filled 12 huge burlap bags

erans spanned the ages, from World War II deployment to

of food!” Ms. Gerber and the boys wish to thank all

Korea to Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, and left a very

who contributed to their efforts. The Browning mission

significant impression on the audience. The boys were able

statement notes that the goal of the School is to instill in

to ask copious questions of the veterans in preparation for

its students a “responsibility to the broader community,”

an end-of-year research paper. Browning was incredibly

and it is apparent the boys are carrying forth this mission

honored to host this collection of American heroes.”

at an early age.

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FORM II TOURS NATION’S CAPITAL Head of Middle School Chris Dunham reports on the trip taken by Form II boys to Washington, D.C., for three days in April: “The boys had a superb time. The weather was as good as D.C. can offer, and that allowed for many excellent Frisbee tosses on the National Mall in between more cultural experiences.

The boys, along with Ms. Suárez, Mr. Young and me, saw many significant memorials, including The Vietnam War, World War II and Lincoln Memorials.

They also had profound experiences at the Holocaust Museum and Newseum.

Another major highlight was meeting Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney on the Capitol steps and asking her some very pointed questions about current policy. On the lighter side of things, the boys took in a Washington Nationals baseball game and tested their James Bond knowledge at the Spy Museum.

All in all, a terrific trip!”

SAVE THE CHILDREN RECEIVES DONATION FROM BROWNING At a May Middle School Assembly, Jason Wood of Save the Children spoke to Browning boys about this organization and its efforts. According to the group’s website, Save the Children is “the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the

they need to give their babies a bet-

The Browning School boys will join

United States and around the world.”

ter start on life.” The second video

with other New York City students

focused on Save the Children’s

in organizing an event in conjunction

videos, the first of which featured

World Marathon Challenge which

with the World Marathon Challenge.

Save the Children’s partnership (in

raises awareness of World Food Day,

celebration of Mother’s Day) with

held every October, and the urgent

boys presented a check in the amount

Carter’s to help less fortunate moth-

need to fight childhood hunger

of $2,500 to Mr. Wood to benefit those

ers in America by providing them

and malnutrition. Head of Middle

aided by Save the Children.

with “the support and education

School Chris Dunham hopes that

Mr. Wood showed the boys two

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At the end of the assembly, the

PUBLIC SPEAKERS PROJECT WITH POISE In April and May, Lower, Middle and Upper School boys impressed the Browning community as they competed in the Lyman B. Tobin Public Speaking Program, named for Browning’s third Headmaster who also taught at the School for 34 years. Under Mr. Tobin’s leadership, public speaking was established as an essential element of a boy’s education. Objectives of the program as it exists today are to develop effective public speaking skills,

emotional tone, imagination and the

Carroll, J.D., wife of Browning’s John

to memorize a significant piece of po-

general mood created by the recita-

Carroll, a fifth grade teacher.

etry or prose, to learn how to deliver a

tion. Judges look for overall body

poem or piece of prose effectively, and

movement and convincing gestures.

Head of Upper School Jim Reynolds remarked on the interesting mix

Head of Lower School Laurie

of presentations from boys from all

Gruhn noted that the three 2013 final-

four forms during the Upper School

ists in each grade are recognized at the

program. He also thanked the Upper

can thank their teachers for prepar-

Lower School awards assembly. She

School judges, including John Dena-

ing them so well. Each boy’s English

also thanked this year’s Lower School

tale, Samuel (Rabbi Darkside) Samuels

teacher first approves his selection,

judges, including Jill Axthelm, direc-

and Ronald Taylor. Mr. Denatale is

then offers strategies that will help

tor of The Acorn School; Ellen Davis,

director of communications and public

him memorize, rehearse, interpret and

director of Temple Emanu-El Nursery

affairs at Yeshiva University’s Cardozo

recite his selections. Posture and eye

School/Kindergarten, and Serena Fine

Law School and a former senior pro-

contact are crucial to creating a con-

English, director of The William Wood-

ducer for the “NewsHour” on PBS.

nection with the judges and general

ward, Jr. Nursery School.

Rabbi Darkside is a hip-hop artist/

to develop poise and self-confidence speaking in front of an audience.

As one might expect, the boys

audience. Each boy is judged on the

The Middle School participants

educator, who, along with Kid Lucky,

fluency of his recitation. A penalty

chose from a wide range of subject

performed at a Browning Upper

may be imposed if a student freezes,

matter, including material by Walt

School assembly last year. Mr. Taylor is

needs to start over, or skips a portion

Whitman, Lou Gehrig and William

a senior account executive at Zanella,

of his selection, unless outside inter-

Shakespeare. As Head of Middle

Inc., a leading manufacturer of men’s

ference is the cause. Judges are asked

School Chris Dunham noted, The

and women’s clothing. Mr. Reynolds

to consider the boys’ poise and facial

Browning School wishes to thank the

added, “Each of these judges brought

expressions, as well as the difficulty

judges for their time; they include

expertise in communication, presenta-

level of their chosen selections. Projec-

Jonathan Rosenshine, Buckley School

tion and public interaction.”

tion, diction, vocal variety, timing and

Upper School Head; Cathy Cramer,

articulation are important, as well as

Interschool Director; and Anne

Summer 2013

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22

BOYS DISCOVER BIRDS ABOUND IN CENTRAL PARK Aviculturists Discuss Waterfowl Conservancy Head of Middle School Chris Dun-

before the boys even entered the ac-

ham and science teacher Stephanie

tual park; in fact, Pale Male was one of

Seto accompanied their students to

their first and, of course, most exciting

Central Park in April to study many of

discoveries, perched on his penthouse

the birds they had discussed in class.

atop an antenna.

Roger Pasquier, a native New Yorker,

Browning boys study birds and

former Director of Foundations for the

their migration in the spring, as it is

National Audubon Society, Inc., and

the best time of year to do so. Central

avid birder, had spoken to the boys

Park attracts numerous migrating birds

earlier during a visit to Browning. He

drawn to this scenic area even in the

returned to the School and kindly ac-

midst of so many buildings. A number

companied each class on a tour of the

of the boys expressed their pleasure at

this spring to speak to Middle School

park where he pointed out numerous

spying so many species, as well as their

boys about their organization. Middle

species, from robins, to various types

enjoyment at being in the park on such

School teacher Dan Ragsdale reports:

of woodpeckers, to grackles, to a red-

a pleasant spring morning. The daffo-

The boys learned about the mission

tailed hawk that he believes was the in-

dils and flowering trees in Central Park

of the LRWC and were introduced to

famous Pale Male, the red-tailed hawk

were the perfect backdrop to the nests

three ducks including a wood duck,

that took to living on Fifth Avenue

and birds they soon discovered. Turtles

a black-bellied whistling duck, and a

back in the 1990s.

sunned themselves on a large rock,

white-faced whistling duck. This or-

while mallards swam near the lake

ganization conserves waterfowl and

onto the sidewalk, the boys began

shore as if to greet the Browning boys

wetland habitats through research,

searching for birds and recording

who came to study them. Before head-

education and conservation activities.

their findings. Mr. Dunham held up

ing back, the classes posed for photos

The conservancy has over 75 species

photos for the boys to view and aid in

on the beautiful Bow Bridge.

of ducks, swans and geese, many of

From the moment they stepped

their sightings, while Mr. Pasquier an-

In other birding news, two avicul-

which are rare or endangered. The

swered questions and helped students

turists from the Livingston Ripley Wa-

highlight of the visit was watching the

spot the many birds along the way.

terfowl Conservancy (LRWC), based

white-faced whistling duck fly around

Starlings and robins were spotted well

in Litchfield Conn., visited Browning

the gym!

THE

BUZZER

FORM I BOYS TAKE FIELD TRIP TO HUDSON HIGHLANDS Head of Middle School Chris Dunham reports on an overnight trip taken with Form I boys in April: “The Form I boys, along with Mr. Davis, Mr. Klein and me, spent two days up in the Hudson Highlands. Black Rock Forest was our first stop. The boys seined for macro-invertebrates in the local streams, hiked Mt. Misery, studied local animal skulls to make connections to adaptations and usage, and had a fun campfire (with Smores!) and a night hike. Mr. Davis and a small crew of students discovered a local cache of Black Rock Forest clay and brought back 10 pounds of it for sculpting use here at school. On Friday, the boys designed Andy Goldsworthy-inspired environmental art in the forest and then traveled to Storm King Art Center to see his original work, along with other monumental pieces. It was a terrific trip for all!”

GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE TAKES FIRST THEATRE TRIP

BROWNING ON LIST OF 10 PREP SCHOOLS WITH NOTABLE WALL STREET ALUMNI The business website, Business

Browning’s Gay-Straight Alliance took its first theatre trip,

Insider, included The Browning

with 18 students and faculty members, including English

School in its March 15, 2013, com-

teacher Kevin Dearinger, attending Martin Moran’s one-

pilation, “10 Elite Prep Schools That Have Produced

man show, “All the Rage.” Mr. Dearinger reports, “In

Wall Street’s Biggest Names.” The introduction to

an artfully rambling, deeply moving and deeply funny

this listing explained, “We

performance, Mr. Moran revisited moments of great hurt

decided to comb through

and great enlightenment in his life as a gay man and as an

alumni lists of prep schools to

alert, always-learning human being. Mr. Moran, author of a

find ones with big name Wall

memoir, ‘The Tricky Part,’ and a seasoned Broadway actor,

Street alums.”

explored the roots and causes of anger and resentment,

Browning is the only all-boys day school on the

arriving at a remarkable, profound peace with his life and

list, which includes Deerfield Academy, Episcopal

experience. After the performance, he professed his surprise

High School, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, The

at first seeing a front row full of students in blazers and

Hotchkiss School, Lawrenceville School, Loomis

ties and his gratitude for their rapt attention and generous

Chaffee School, Milton Academy, Phillips Academy

involvement with his story.”

(Andover) and Phillips Exeter Academy.

Summer 2013

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24

NFL PLAYERS SPEAK TO BROWNING BOYS Thanks to a Browning parent, Middle School boys were treated to a talk and lunch with Giants football player Hakeem Nicks in May. Mr. Nicks is a wide receiver and was drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Head of Middle School Chris Dunham led a question-andanswer session in the School’s new dining hall where boys were enthused to ask Mr. Nicks one question after another.

Mr. Nicks, who played college football at North Carolina, spoke about the importance of remaining attentive to academics when playing athletics. He also told the boys that a healthy diet and physical activity are vital, especially for him, and that he focuses particular attention on exercises like squats that strengthen his legs. When asked about the best moments in his life so far, he named two: winning the Super Bowl and being drafted in the first round. Family is very important to Mr. Nicks; in fact,

mer NFL player and author of dozens

he was surrounded by relatives back

of books for children and adults. An

in 2009 when he received the phone

All-American football player at Syra-

call saying he had been drafted.

cuse University, Tim was chosen by

Perhaps the most important advice

the Atlanta Falcons in the first round

he gave the boys was that they be

of the NFL draft. By the time he re-

people of “good character.” He said

tired from the NFL eight years later,

one could tell a person of integrity

he had finished a law degree and pub-

if, when all alone, they chose to act

lished his first novel. Years later he

as if they would when “someone

began writing books for children, and

was watching.” The boys and Mr.

his fast-paced, sports-themed novels

Nicks enjoyed dining together, and

are a hit with Browning boys.”

he proved more than accommodating

Ms. Murphy added, “Mr. Green

when asked to pose for photos and

signed books and shook hands in the

provide autographs.

library during homeroom, then gave an inspired presentation in the Wilson

also shared some anecdotes from his

Tim Green visited Browning in April

Room. He spoke of his lifelong love

football days and read from his new-

to meet with boys in grades three

of reading and his belief in the impor-

est book, ‘Force Out.’ Mr. Green’s visit

through six. Head Librarian Sarah

tance of education, working hard and

concluded with questions from the

Murphy reports: “Mr. Green is a for-

developing strength of character. He

eager audience.”

Author and former football star

THE

BUZZER

BROWNING SCHOOL FEATURED IN TOKYO TV AMERICA SEGMENT As reported in previous issues of the Buzzer, in 2011, The

joyed purchasing items from

Browning School acquired a MakerBot Thing-O-Matic, a 3-D

the gumball machines offer-

printer that allows our boys to create colorful plastic models

ing various designs made

of objects. This machine can literally turn a three-dimen-

with one of the 3-D printers

sional computer model into a physical object. The printer

in the “BotFarm.” Other larger items were also for sale;

identifies cross-sectional slices of the image and then lays

most were designed by members of the MakerBot design

down slice upon slice of ABS plastic to create a physical pro-

team and ranged from functional jewelry and accessories to

totype. Engineers, architects and other professionals, as well

pieces of art.

as hobbyists and students, use this machine to make models

In March, a three-member production crew from TV

of designs that they conceive or, alternately, download from

Tokyo America visited The Browning School to film a seg-

the parent company’s website, Thingverse. MakerBot Indus-

ment for their feature on MakerBot and the use of its prod-

tries, located in Brooklyn, N.Y., describes its 3-D printer as “a

ucts in an educational setting. As Mr. Sambuca notes, these

robot that makes things…your own little factory that sits on

3-D classroom printers allow him to turn Browning boys

your desktop.”

“from consumers to creators.”

For the first time this year, the Pre-Primary boys learned

MakerBot Industries, launched in January of 2009, was

to create on these 3-D printers, and just before Spring

named one of the top 20 start-ups in New York City and

Break, Form II boys in Mr. Sambuca’s technology class vis-

has been featured in The New York Times (recently its

ited the MakerBot retail store at 298 Mulberry Street, New

March 9, 2013 edition), Wired, Forbes, The Wall Street Jour-

York. There they learned more about the company and en-

nal and Financial Times, as well as on CNN and NPR.

Summer 2013

25

26

“BEST FIELD TRIP EVER!” The fourth grade traveled to Citi Field in May to watch

“It was the best field trip ever!” The boys enjoyed their

the Mets play the Cincinnati Reds. Fourth grade teacher

fill of hot dogs, sodas and cotton candy. Unfortunately,

Bill Cantwell reports: The boys got to see the new Mets’

the Mets ended up on the losing end, but a great time

pitching star, Matt Harvey, in action. As one boy put it,

was had by one and all!

AFTER-CLASS CONVERSATION IN SPANISH This past winter, the Elementary Spanish and Spanish II

the small size of each group (six to eight students), made

courses began offering conversation classes for students

it possible for each boy both to participate in conversation

who wanted to practice their conversational skills outside

and to focus more attentively on his classmate’s comments.

the classroom. Spanish teacher Giurissa Félix reports on this

Each class uses and reinforces the vocabulary and

initiative: Each class was led by me and three Upper School

grammatical structures presented in its corresponding

students: Alexander Wisowaty and Caspar Boele in Form V,

course. Helping to improve a student’s use of grammar

and Diego López in Form IV. I wanted my students to have

and vocabulary in his oral speech can be difficult to man-

the opportunity to adapt to different dialects and communi-

age without the aid of a textbook. I did not want to create

cate with Upper Schools with whom they would normally

an environment with a rigid adherence to assessment that

not interact. Most importantly, I wanted them to get a sense

only emphasizes writing and reading abilities. By focusing

of the personal commitment needed to effectively develop

on one grammar point presented in the week prior to the

and advance their language skills. Diego is a heritage Span-

conversation class, my students were more willing to speak

ish-speaker whose family hails from the Dominican Repub-

and less likely to trip over their own thoughts. When they

lic and has taken French at The Browning School since Form

were still having difficulty incorporating that one grammar

I. Both Alexander and Caspar spent their sophomore year

point in their conversation, it was tremendously gratifying

abroad in Spain, studying and speaking solely in Spanish.

to witness their positive reaction to Alexander, Caspar and

Sessions were held in the mornings from Wednesday to

Diego modeling examples for them or assisting them with

Friday. Diego and Caspar co-led the Form I conversational

vocabulary they might have forgotten. The aim is to make

classes, while Alexander helped lead the Form III/IV class.

these conversation classes a permanent addition and in-

Students earned extra credit if they attended a minimum

clude more task-oriented conversational and reading prac-

of five classes and arrived on time; they could also simply

tices. The final goal is to see the student’s confidence soar,

attend as many sessions as fit their schedule. The short

to expand their cultural knowledge, and to increase their

length of time allotted to each class was a challenge, but

proficiency in Spanish.

THE

BUZZER

BOYS LEARN ABOUT U.S. MILITARY LIFE This spring, Browning boys received a

“Col. Lough made a presentation

October, Col. Lough has returned

visit from science teacher Emilie Wolf’s

during Upper School assembly that

to his civilian jobs, cardiac surgeon

husband, a second class petty officer in

provided on-the-ground pictures of

at George Washington University

the United States Navy. Mr. Wolf spoke

his surroundings and experiences at

Hospital, in Washington, D.C., and

to fifth and sixth grade boys about his

Forward Operation Base Shank in

associate professor of surgery at the

experiences in the military. He talked

eastern Afghanistan. His photographs

Uniformed Services University of the

about being deployed on an aircraft

captured vividly the important work

Health Sciences. He is a 1970 graduate

carrier in the Persian Gulf, providing

he and his fellow doctors, nurses and

of West Point and the father of four

air support to ground troops behind

other Army personnel performed

active Army officers who are all West

enemy lines. He further talked about

while stationed in an active battle

Point graduates as well. Browning

his deployment to Afghanistan, where

zone. This deployment was the second

was honored to have Col. Lough visit

he spent 10 months last year. In his

four-month tour of duty Col. Lough

and to hear his informed account of

presentation, he outlined “team work

has done in the past two years. His

the challenges facing the U.S. and

and training” as the keys to success

presentation to the fifth and sixth

allied forces in Afghanistan.”

in any mission. The sixth grade boys

grade students

later marched out to Central Park

was appropriately

where they were presented with an

toned down a

impromptu boot camp training session.

bit, but he was

Earlier, Col. Frederick Lough, a

greatly impressed

doctor in the Armed Services Medical

by the questions

Corps Reserves, visited Browning and

and curiosity

talked to Forms II to VI along with

exhibited by those

the fifth and sixth grade civics classes

Middle School

about his experience as a field hospital

students. Having

surgeon in Afghanistan. Upper

left Afghanistan

School Head Jim Reynolds reports:

at the end of

Summer 2013

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28

WE CONCLUDE THIS EDITION OF THE LOCAL BUZZ with the writing of three Browning boys, whose original articles appeared in the May 2013 edition of the Browning Grytte and are excerpted here. —Melanie McMahon

THE GRYTTE IMPRESSES MAYOR BLOOMBERG In March, the Browning Grytte staff was invited by Deputy Mayor Patricia Harris to tour City Hall and meet Mayor Michael Bloomberg. When the Grytte Jack Reiss ’14

staff arrived at City Hall, they went in the entrance and were briefed on the ar-

chitecture and history of the building by the tour guide…

After viewing the conference rooms, the staff was shown the Blue Room where Mr. Bloomberg sets up press conferences such as those during Hurricane Sandy. The Grytte then went to the second floor to view the oldfashioned Governors Room. The room contains artwork, mainly by John Trumbell, with the centerpiece of the room his depiction of George Washington in 1783 on Evacuation Day when the British left New York. The room also contains the desk that Mayors Fiorello LaGuardia, Ed Koch and Rudy Giulliani used, as well as the desk used by George Washington.

While next viewing the Council Chambers, the staff members were called to see the Mayor and his staff in the famous “Bullpen.” The room is an open office with Mr. Bloomberg sitting in the middle. When Mr. Bloomberg

Ben Weiner ’15 got the chance to show Mayor Bloom-

spoke to the Grytte staff, he talked about his past, mainly

berg his article about Mr. Bloomberg’s fight against obesity

his experience at Johns Hopkins University and what he

from a recent issue. Mr. Bloomberg praised the article and

has learned over the years about journalism. He playfully

thought it was “very cool.” Overall the trip was an un-

exclaimed that the future is bright when the boy who failed

forgettable experience, and we want to thank Ben and his

Spanish in high school went on to become mayor, which

family for the surely once-in-a- lifetime opportunity.

gave everyone a good laugh.

—Jack Reiss ’14

[Editor’s Note: Please visit the Browning website to view additional photos of many items in The Local Buzz.]

www.browning.edu THE

BUZZER

WALL STREET EXTENDS TO EAST 62ND STREET There are many clubs offered at Browning. Lately, however, the club that has garnered the most attention from students is the Global Finance David Valentin ’15

Club led by Mrs. Bosworth and Michael Gabrellian ’13. The Global Finance Club

is easily one of the most relevant clubs in our present time.

The club discusses topics that address the economic issues in today’s globalized economy, ranging from the sequester cuts to the monetary policy being implemented in the Euro-

Jackson Richter ’18

OLMYPIANS DESCEND UPON BROWNING

zone. Believe me, the discussions can become quite heated.

For five years, Olympian Day has been

Global Finance Team next year is the annual Federal Re-

an exciting experience for students in

serve Challenge competition. This annual competition tests

the Middle School. It was originally

students from different schools on their understanding

only for Form I, but two years ago the

of real-world economics, specifically the U.S. monetary

sixth graders participated in this Middle

policy. Each team plays the role of monetary policymak-

School tradition.

ers by analyzing current economic climate conditions and

In case you do not know, here is how Olympian Day

The most interesting event that is happening for the

ultimately recommending a course of action for monetary

works: First, students dress up as a Greek Olympian or

policy. The teams from each school present a Power Point

Hero. Next, they give a speech about their Olympian or

presentation of their policy, and then constituents of the

Hero of choice in history or English class. English and his-

Federal Reserve ask them questions.

tory teachers look forward to Olympian Day, while the

With many diverse economic perspectives in the Global

teachers who do not take part in the tradition still rejoice

Finance Club, Mrs. Bosworth is excited to put the knowl-

in the fun. Mr. Dearinger, English teacher, said, “Everyone

edge and experience of its members to the test next year,

should have a good time and make his own costume.”

and the group hopes that new students who have a deep

Olympian Day is a unique time for students to show-

interest in such topics will join them.

case their creativity and their great ideas. It offers the stu-

In April, Mr. Wallis, a Browning parent, spoke to the

dents, who are dressed up, a chance to compare costumes

club about monetary policy in the U.S. and U.K. During the

and laugh with their friends, most of whom are dressed as

lecture, he discussed different styles of fiscal policy and ad-

the same character. The costumes were phenomenal. The

dressed the negative and beneficial effects on the economic

level of creativity was unbelievable. All of us looked for-

and even the political level. He concluded that the lack

ward to the unmasking of the different heroes, and every-

of recovery in the economy might not stem from a lack of

one was more than satisfied with the outcome.

supply, but rather a lack of confidence within people.

Mrs. Bosworth, history teacher, said, “I thought it was

—David Valentin ’15

extraordinary. I was particularly impressed with the enthusiasm of Form I. Even though this was their second year, they showed great spirit.”

We saw many of the regular gods such as Zeus and Poseidon. However, we saw some students dress up as Atlas in Form I, which I thought was very interesting. One thing that really struck me was that many people dressed up as Ares, as he is a very important Olympian. Although we have had five Olympian Days already, I think we will look back on this one with appreciation for a very long time.

—Jackson Richter ’18

Summer 2013

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F E AT U R E

a Glorious day for Graduation T

he Class of 2013 graduated under sunny skies on June 5 at Christ Church. Mark Shriver,

son of Sargent Shriver ’34, proved a most dynamic and charismatic guest speaker. The Browning graduates clearly enjoyed Mr. Shriver’s sense of humor and the content of his address which focused on his book, “A Good Man,” written about his father, founder of the Peace Corps and architect of President Johnson’s War on Poverty. Mark Shriver is the senior vice president of U.S. Programs at Save the Children in Washington, D.C., and a former Maryland state legislator.

A highlight of the graduation exercises was the attention given by Headmaster Clement to individual members of the Class of 2013 as he spoke about the career and personal accomplishments of each boy. Along with President of the Board of Trustees Jim Chanos and Upper School Head Jim Reynolds, he awarded diplomas to the proud graduates.

THE

BUZZER

(L to R): Headmaster Clement; Mark Shriver, guest speaker; Upper School Head Jim Reynolds and President of the Board of Trustees Jim Chanos.

Please log on to the Browning website to view the many end-of-year speeches.

www.browning.edu Summer 2013

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32

2013

PRIZES

A C A D E M I C AWA R D S

H EADM AST ER’S LIST

Given to those boys whose grade point average for the year is at least 3.75.

Form VI Gregory A. Belgorod Michael J. Gabrellian Benjamin D. Jacobs Adam B. Nebenzahl Form V Lamberto A. De Boni Christopher M. Haack Aidan L. Page Philip N. A. van Scheltinga Alexander K. Wisowaty Form IV Alexander M. Gottdiener Diego A. López-Liranzo Armaan Rawat Christopher W. Russo Brendan D. Walsh Form III Andrew J. Bendo Liam S. Kerwin Andrew B. Medland Michael L. Zuppone, Jr. Form II George D. Allen Luke E. Barba William H. Graham Alexander I. Kattan Alec R. Siden

Form I Andrew J. Ceonzo David J. Eisman Jaime Gomez-SotomayorRoel George P. Grimbilas Luke M. Hexner Daniel S. Kravitz Connor P. Medland Philip A. Raftopoulos Jackson S. Richter Brogan A. Smith Caleb H. Sussman Jack R. Twaronite Grade 6 Lucas A. Coffey Christopher T. Elwell Patrick W. McAllister Alexander S. Motz Maxmillian A. Motz David M. H. Wilkerson Grade 5 Ryan K. Aotani Maxwell A. Beem Hugh T. Chapin Ryan T. Eagan William J. Hatfield Alexander F. Kwok Reinhardt N. Landsberg Alexander J. Liptak Oliver Obeid Jesse B. Starr Michael Westman Jonathan M. Ziff

HONOR ROLL

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

Form VI Alexander J. Bendo Evan M. Blumenthal Jeremy Chen Zachary J. Magill Morgan A. Miller Kevin Wu Form V Griffin A. Bassman Caspar C. Boele Conor F. Dietzgen Michael E. Florentino Peter L.V. Maguire Aaron Z. Parisier Jack F. Reiss Spencer A. Reuben W. Thomas York, III Form IV Douglas M. Belgorod Lodovico H. De Boni Peter V. Florescu Christopher D. Keyko Aadir A. Khan David Y. Valentin Form III Karsten G. Monteverde Julian J. Orillac

Form II Micah Bowey Zak L. Gelfond Ryan T. Olson Ethan L. Parisier Form I Christopher L. Batista Benjamin I. Ellman Takayuki M. Ishikawa Charles W. Pink Rohan A. Singh Grade 6 Kenneth R. Daniel, III William Y. Eun Alfonso Laffont Nicholas V. Lionti Blaise L. W. Lowen Charles J. Olson Grade 5 Wesley H. Baugher Logan T. Flynn Jack E. Freiser Robert A. Michaelson Alexander F. Naber Sharif S. Nsouli Keaton A. Ramey Noah D. Rubin Akshay A. Singh Austin D. Stapleton SC HOL A R S AWA RD

Form VI Benjamin D. Jacobs Form II Luke E. Barba

THE

BUZZER

U PPER SC HOOL C I T I Z ENSH I P

Form VI Gregory A. Belgorod Alexander J. Bendo Colin P. Carter Jeremy Chen Miles Andrew Collins, Jr. Michael J. Gabrellian Benjamin D. Jacobs Matthew J. Lippa Zachary J. Magill Morgan A. Miller Efrain Morales Adam B. Nebenzahl Farouk O. Oni Paul E. Pricop Noah S. Regen Wilfred O. Wallis Kevin Wu Form V Isaac F. Barrezueta Lamberto A. De Boni Michael E. Florentino Christopher M. Haack Jacob N. King Juan Pablo Llamas Aaron Z. Parisier Spencer A. Reuben Christopher M. Stephens Philip N. van Scheltinga Alexander K. Wisowaty W. Thomas York, III Form IV William S. Abelt Kevin A. Centeno Andrew E. Davis Norman Delgado Peter V. Florescu Alexander Gottdeiner Christopher D. Keyko Aadir A. Khan Diego A. López-Liranzo Alexander Makkos Alec V. Morea Armaan Rawat

Dylan Rose Christopher W. Russo David Y. Valentin Edwin H. Wallis Brendan D. Walsh Benjamin C. Weiner Form III Awentirim E. Abaatu Harry A. Calianese Liam S. Kerwin Arthur F. Mensah Julian J. Orillac Dylan A. Springer Nicholas A. Warner Michael L. Zuppone, Jr. MI DDLE SC HOOL C I T I Z ENSH I P

Form II George D. Allen Luke E. Barba Micah Bowey Erik J. Bronfman Christopher J. Childs Terrell G. Edwards William H. Graham Jamil Guzman Alexander I. Kattan Ryan T. Olson Ethan L. Parisier Alec R. Siden Form I Andrew J. Ceonzo David J. Eisman Benjamin I. Ellman Theodore I. Florescu Jaime Gomez-SotomayorRoel George P. Grimbilas Takayuki M. Ishikawa Daniel S. Kravitz Connor P. Medland Charles W. Pink Jackson S. Richter Brogan A. Smith George P. Stavropoulos Caleb H. Sussman

Grade 6 Lucas A. Coffey Christopher T. Elwell Michael J. Kassis Nicholas V. Lionti Blaise L. W. Lowen Patrick W. McAllister Alexander S. Motz Maxmillian A. Motz Sebastian P. Rodriguez Calvin D. Sherman David M. H. Wilkerson

F O R M V I AWA R D S

Grade 5 Maxwell A. Beem Patrick A. Centeno Hugh T. Chapin Logan T. Flynn Jack E. Freiser William J. Hatfield Chasen M. Hofmann Alexander F. Kwok Reinhardt N. Landsberg Alexander J. Liptak Liam Lis Robert A. Michaelson Oliver Obeid Jonathan M. Ziff

Farouk O. Oni

LOW ER SC HOOL C I T I Z ENSH I P

C H A RLES W. COOK ’38 H E ADM AST ER’S AWA RD

Grade 4 Fazeel A. Khan Christian E. Kim Dylan M. Landsman Christopher J. Preziotti Alexander Raftopoulos Evan A. Segalman Aaron T. Seibert Hercules P. Sotos

D. AL A N DI LLEN BERG SC HOL A R AT H LET E AWA RD

Evan M. Blumenthal Wilfred O. Wallis EDWA RD G. COR N ET AWA RD FOR COOPER AT ION A N D PER SEV ER A NC E

T H E ELE A NOR A N D H A ROLD P. K U R ZM A N M EMOR I AL AWA RD FOR I M PROV EM EN T

Jeremy Chen SALEH M . AL M ADH A H EK A H AWA RD

For open-mindedness, dedication and good citizenship.

Michael J. Gabrellian Adam B. Nebenzahl

Alexander J. Bendo K EN N ET H KOMI TO AWA RD FOR C I T I Z ENSH I P

Benjamin D. Jacobs

Grade 3 Jonathan J. Davidoff Nicholas B. Dingle Andrew R. Hatfield Kabir J. Kurani Liam J. Messinger Teymour S. Nsouli William K. Rich Spencer R. Russell Joshua M. Soh Summer 2013

33

34

2013

PRIZES

AT H L E T I C AWA R D S FA L L AWA R D S (2012)

MIP (Most Improved Player) Jonathan Flinchum

VA R SI T Y SOCC ER

Top Player Offense Chris Haack Top Player Offense Karsten Monteverde Top Player Defense Philip van Scheltinga Top Player Defense Rafe Harvard

MIP (Most Improved Player) Andrew Bendo Grytte Award Harry Calianese Sportsmanship Norman Delgado Coach’s Award Ben Weiner VA R SI T Y C ROSS COU N T RY

Sportsmanship Alex Wisowaty

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Wilfred Wallis

J U NIOR VA R SI T Y SOCC ER

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Griffin Tobia MVP (Most Valuable Player) John Adam Plenge

THE

BUZZER

MIP (Most Improved Player) Andrew Medland

VA R SI T Y BASK ET BALL

MIP (Most Improved Player) Lucas Schwartz

Coach’s Award Evan Blumenthal

W I N T E R AWA R D S (2012-13)

MIP (Most Improved Player) Michael Gabrellian MIP (Most Improved Player) Christopher Keyko Sportsmanship Diego López

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Miles Collins Offensive Player of the Year Will Jacob Defensive Player of the Year Peter Maguire MIP (Most Improved Player) Christopher Stevens Sportsmanship Kevin Wu Coach’s Award Farouk Oni J U N IOR VA R SI T Y BASK ET BALL

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Jeremy Chen MVP (Most Valuable Player) Karsten Monteverde

MIP (Most Improved Player) Alex Wisowaty Sportsmanship Alec Morea SEVENTH-EIGHTH GRADE BASKETBALL (RED)

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Offense Kyle Levinson MVP (Most Valuable Player) Defense Jamil Guzman MIP (Most Improved Player) Defense Jack Twaronite MIP (Most Improved Player) Offense Connor Medland Sportsmanship George Grimbilas

SEVENTH-EIGHTH GRADE BASKETBALL (BLACK)

F I F T H GR ADE BASK ET BALL

MVP (Most Valuable Player) August Chapin

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Offense Jesse Starr

MVP (Most Valuable Player) George Allen

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Defense Alex Liptak

MIP (Most Improved Player) Grant Thompson

Coaches Award Liam Lis

Sportsmanship Alex Buckfire Sportsmanship Terrell Edwards SI X T H GR ADE BASK ET BALL

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Offense Gabe Flicker MVP (Most Valuable Player) Defense Patrick McAllister MIP (Most Improved Player) Jacob Kibel Sportsmanship Justin James Sportsmanship Alex Wittenberg

Sportsmanship Chasen Hofmann

S P R I N G AWA R D S (2013)

VA R SI T Y T R AC K

VA R SI T Y BASEBALL

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Short Distance Willfred Wallis

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Spencer Reuben MIP (Most Improved Player) Alec Morea MIP (Most Improved Player) Ty York Coach’s Award Lucas Schwartz Panther “Grytte” Award Alex Bendo Sportsmanship Ben Jacobs

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Long Distance Christopher Keyko MIP (Most Improved Player) Short Distance Edwin Wallis MIP (Most Improved Player) Long Distance Mike Gabrellian Sportsmanship Diego López Long Jump Award Rafe Harvard VA R SI T Y T EN N IS

SEV EN T H -EIGH T H GR ADE BASEBALL

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Offense Kyle Levinson MVP (Most Valuable Player) Defense George Grimbilas MIP (Most Improved Player) Jack Twaronite

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Singles Del Schunk MIP (Most Improved Player) William Abelt VA R SI T Y GOLF

MVP (Most Valuable Player) Adam Nebenzahl MVP (Most Valuable Player) Tom McCormack MIP (Most Improved Player) Conor Dietzgen Summer 2013

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SELECTED INSTITUTIONS OFFERING ADMISSION TO THE CLASS OF 2013

Arts Programs

Arts & Sciences

Berklee College of Music

Amherst College

Emerson College

Bard College

Parsons School of Design

Boston College

School of Visual Arts

Boston University Connecticut College

Business Programs Cornell University Indiana University – Bloomington Tulane University University of Delaware University of Kentucky

Engineering Programs Brown University Georgia Institute of Technology Queen’s University Universidad Anahuac del Sur Universidad Iberoamerica University at Buffalo University of California – Davis University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign University of Maryland University of Rochester University of Washington – Seattle Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Duke University Emory University George Washington University Gettysburg College Haverford College Kenyon College Lehigh University New York University Oberlin College Pomona College Princeton University Skidmore College Southern Methodist University Swarthmore College Syracuse University Union College University of Chicago University of Colorado – Boulder University of Miami Yale University

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2013 MATRICULATION

COLLEGE CHOICES – CLASS OF 2013 Congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2013 and to the fine institutions that will welcome them this fall.

G. William Beasley – University of Denver (CO) Gregory A. Belgorod – Georgia Institute of Technology (GA) Alexander J. Bendo – Boston College (MA) Evan M. Blumenthal – University of Delaware (DE) Colin P. Carter – University of Delaware (DE) Jeremy Chen – Lehigh University (PA) Miles A. Collins – Susquehanna University (PA) Jack R. Dubinsky – Evergreen State College (WA) Frederick W. K. Edwards – University of Vermont (VT) Michael J. Gabrellian – Cornell University (NY) Benjamin D. Jacobs – Yale University (CT) Matthew J. Lippa – Berklee College of Music (MA) Jose L. Llamas – Universidad Iberoamerica (Mexico) Zachary J. Magill – School of Visual Arts (NY) Morgan A. Miller – Emerson College (MA) Efrain Morales – Susquehanna University (PA) Adam B. Nebenzahl – SUNY – University at Buffalo (NY) Farouk O. Oni – Gettysburg College (PA) John Adam Plenge – Philadelphia University (PA) Paul E. Pricop – Skidmore College (NY) Declan M. Quillen – Tulane University (LA) Noah S. Regen – Oberlin College (OH) Julian J. Rodriguez – George Washington University (DC) Lucas M. Schwartz – Kenyon College (OH) Wilfred O. Wallis – University of Rochester (NY) Spencer L. Wolfe – Boston University (MA) Kevin Wu – Brown University (RI)

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FINE AND P E R F O R M I N G A RT S

FORM I BOYS TOUR NEW AMERICAN WING AT THE MET Form I boys visited the New American Wing of the

Gottlieb Leutze’s 1851 painting, “Washington Crossing

Metropolitan Museum of Art in May. Accompanied

the Delaware.” The museum’s website notes that “for the

by faculty members Mary Bosworth, Steve Jasikoff

re-hanging of this magnificent work, a large and stately

and Elizabeth Cooper-Mullin, they viewed a number

gilded frame has been painstakingly recreated by Eli

of impressive sculptures, paintings and period rooms,

Wilner & Company from a recently discovered photograph

including the ballroom in which President George

of the painting from 1864.”

Washington celebrated his last birthday.

Before entering the museum, the boys enjoyed lunch

The boys and teachers had their group photo taken in the Charles Engelhard Court in the American Wing,

in a shady spot on the front steps, complete with an

a glassed-in courtyard featuring large-scale American

impromptu serenade by a doo-wop group. With clipboards

sculptures and stained-glass windows. They posed in front

in hand, they later toured the New American Wing

of the facade of the Branch Bank of the United States, a

(expanded with new galleries added and re-opened in

neoclassical structure, and viewed Hiram Powers’ adjacent

January, 2012) where they discussed what they saw with

sculpture, “California,” inspired by the California Gold

their teachers and answered a number of questions based

Rush of 1849, before walking to the other side of the

on personal observations and prior classroom discussions.

courtyard to view the loggia and stained glass windows

The boys were fortunate to view Gilbert Stuart’s portrait, “George Washington,” as well as one of the best-known works in all of American art, Emanuel

THE

BUZZER

designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany for Laurelton Hall, his home in Long Island.

BOYS ENJOY ANNUAL TRIP TO THEATRE FOR A NEW AUDIENCE Twenty members of the Browning community, including Ms. Suárez, Ms. Cooper-Mullin, Mr. Katz and Mr. Dearinger along with his Shakespeare class, attended a spring performance of “Much Ado about Nothing” by the Theatre for a New Audience (TFANA). Browning students have made annual trips to TFANA for many years, but attendees agreed that this year’s production was outstanding. Guided by the direction of Arin Arbus and inspired by the intelligent and witty actors Jonathan Cake and Maggie Siff, the company played Shakespeare’s comedy with great style, well-balanced with the nearly tragic portions of the plot. Mr. Dearinger noted, “The boys of Browning looked sharp, listened carefully and responded with passionate appreciation. It was a great night in the theatre, a great night with Shakespeare and a great night of Browning camaraderie.”

FORM IV BOYS STUDY HUMAN SKULL For the fifth year, Form IV was engaged in a sculpture unit based on the study of the human skull. Art Department Chair Nik Vlahos reports: “We talk about the significance of the skull in art and art history and look at examples from the Byzantine era, Renaissance, Day of the Dead, contemporary art and pop culture. Besides its obvious connotations of mortality in some of those contexts, the skull served another purpose for artists, especially during the Renaissance and up to the 19th century: it was a great way to show off their skill. Simply put, it is difficult to draw, paint or sculpt a skull. In the days before photography or digital

skull from every angle, and three plas-

sculpt every single tooth, so the teeth

portfolios, it was very common for

tic skulls. Using various carving tools,

are a place where they are given free

artists to keep some paintings in the

they carve away at the wax employing

rein to summarize in any creative way

studio as proof of their skill. Displaying

subtractive and additive techniques.

they choose.”

a still-life with various textures along

By observing the symmetries that

with a skull was a perfect way to

exist in the skull, along with the many

takes the wax sculptures to the

showcase their skill.”

ellipses that make its form, students

Modern Art Foundry in Astoria, N.Y.,

arrive at their interpretation of the

where they are bronzed using the lost

subject. The boys are not required to

wax technique.

Mr. Vlahos added, “Students begin with a block of wax, pictures of the

When they are finished, Mr. Vlahos

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BROWNING BOYS TAKE TO THE STAGE For three nights in April, the footlights shined most brightly on the stage at The Nightingale-Bamford School, as seven Browning Upper School boys joined a cast of 20-plus Nightingale girls to perform “Grease.” Upper School Head Jim Reynolds reports: “Under the outstanding leadership of Nightingale’s Diane Davis and Cynthia Coudert, the cast and crew of the show dazzled during four sold-out performances.

Browning cast members began rehearsals at the uptown girls’ school in January and rocked the house during their three performances. After opening night, glowing word-of-

FOURTH GRADERS VISIT THE ARMORY SHOW

mouth about the show spread like butter on hot pancakes and

Fourth grade boys were invited by the parent of a fifth

300-plus-seat theater was packed with audience members

grader to view The Armory Show at Piers 92 and 94

from Nightingale and all of Browning’s constituencies.”

this spring. Art Department Chair Nik Vlahos reports:

made securing a ticket a significant challenge. Nightingale’s

Mr. Reynolds added, “The show was such a success

“We were also lucky to have two other parents as guides

that Ms. Davis and Ms. Coudert have already stated that

to take us around, talk to us about art and introduce

they would like to do another musical with Browning next

us to various galleries. The class saw many new and

April. If ‘Grease’ is an indication of the quality of produc-

exciting things and got to walk away with an Armory

tion these two schools can put on, keep your eyes open for

2013 catalogue!”

ticket information in 2014.”

FORM II BOYS TOUR GREEK AND ROMAN GALLERIES AT THE MET Classics Department Chair John Young reports on a trip he took in April with Form II boys, Art Department Chair Nik Vlahos, and Greek and Latin teacher Brett Wisniewski to the Metropolitan Museum of Art: “Messrs. Vlahos and Wisniewski and I acted as docents and led the group around the Greek and Roman galleries. Classical and Hellenistic sculpture, Roman wall paintings and the Etruscan chariot came under scrutiny. The boys heard about several such pieces from three perspectives: historical overview and contextualization; artistic appreciation of design, material, process; and general observations delivered in comprehensible Latin. After the teachers’ presentations, the boys, armed with sketchpads and pencils, each chose an artifact and set to drawing it.”

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LOWER SCHOOL BOYS AND THEIR MUSICAL ADVENTURES Boys in Pre-Primary through fourth grade enjoyed spring 2013 with some memorable performances and surprises.

Lower School music teacher Lucy Warner reports on a myriad of musical activities, as follows: On this 125th anniversary of The Browning School, the Lower School Closing chose “1888” as its theme. The musical selections at this annual event opened with the Strings of Spring Orchestra’s arrangement

dents in the Wilson Room (see above photo). Pre-Primary

of Haydn’s “Symphony No. 94,” known as the “Surprise

violinist James Freiser, whose older brother Jack plays viola

Symphony” for its unexpected, sudden loud notes. Thirty-

in the 10-member Ovation Orchestra, had attended three

five energetic Lower School violinists, violist, cellists and

months of numerous early-morning rehearsals with “the

guitarists proved themselves ready, willing, rehearsed and

big boys,” earning a spot as the resident cymbal-player for

able to present this work with enthusiasm and musicality!

the orchestra’s adaptation of Bizet’s “Carmen Overture.”

Featured soloists were Hercules Sotos (first violin), Evan

His performance did not disappoint! Another musical

Thomas (second violin), and Griffin Davis (guitar).

selection on the roster that morning was the piece, “Being

The Lower School singing selections highlighted a diverse

a Soldier,” composed by second grader Jason DaSilva on

number of styles and eras, including Irving Berlin’s (born

piano and arranged for orchestra (with a healthy amount

in 1888) “God Bless America,” a Rodgers and Hammerstein

of input from Jason) by his dad, musician and Browning

“Sound of Music” medley, the rhythmic song, “Working

parent Doug DaSilva. This composition exhibited impres-

Together,” plus “The Loco-Motion,” Van Morrison’s “I Shall

sive maturity and understanding of rhythms and dynam-

Sing,” and a vocal round featuring Spanish and French.

ics. It is not Jason’s first original piece, and, lucky for us,

But a second and third surprise awaited the audience at the Lower School Closing. After the third graders sang

not his last!

Lower School instrumentalists Connor McCarthy and

their song, they donned cowboy hats, lined the center aisle

Tomas Infantino each gave a presentation on cello, describ-

of the church, and, to the sounds of banjo, guitar and key-

ing the instrument and its various parts, demonstrating

board, wowed the audience with well-coordinated steps as

both pizzicato (plucking the strings with fingers) and arco

they danced the Virginia reel! Both the boys and the audi-

(playing the strings with a bow). Each cellist performed a

ence were impressed and quite surprised to find out that

piece and did a fine job providing additional information

the guitarist in the trio, Mike Serman ’06, a busy performer

at the Q & A period. At the end of the presentation, the

and teacher, is also a Browning alumnus.

boys’ cello instructor, Jay Tilton, impressed the young au-

In the final weeks of each school year, Browning hosts

dience members with breakneck-speed playing across the

early evening recitals to give Lower School students the

four strings. In another thrilling piece of news: a third cel-

opportunity to perform for a vibrant, welcoming audience

list in Lower School, Colin Mandl-Ciolek, recently joined

comprised of fellow performers and family members. This

the ranks and has been practicing up a storm during his

past spring, with nearly 100 Lower School boys interested in

first months of lessons.

participating in this event, four recitals were held to accom-

Finally, the New York State School Music Association,

modate the large number of soloists. Each event featured

open to all grade and ability levels, holds an annual com-

boys of varied ages, abilities and experience displaying their

petition for vocalists and instrumentalists each June. Last

talents on an array of musical instruments, including piano,

summer, third grader William Morris received impres-

drums, violin, viola, cello, vocals and guitar. During each of

sively high marks for his piano playing before a panel of

the four events, the Wilson Room vibrated with “the sound

judges. This past June, a sizeable group of Lower School

of music” again and again, followed by joyful applause!

Browning boys competed in this music festival. The par-

On a gray, rainy morning in early May, the Ovation Orchestra performed three selections for Lower School stu-

ticipants and prize winners will be recognized at a Lower School Assembly in the fall.

Summer 2013

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42

ANNUAL ART SHOW ATTRACTS ART AFICIONADOS From cars to chairs, shoes to sarcophagi, the annual spring art show features the works of Browning boys who have studied since September under the direction of their art teachers, Zack Davis and Art Department Chair Nik Vlahos. Around every corner of Browning at that time each year, one can expect to be greeted by colorful art. The boys’ parents and peers, family, friends and faculty filled the Lobby and hallways of the School as they turned out to admire and congratulate the artists.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORUS PERFORMS IN CHORAL FESTIVAL In April, the Browning Middle School Chorus, led by David

the Browning gentlemen combined their voices with the

Prestigiacomo, participated in the Interschool Middle School

choruses from Brearley, Chapin, Collegiate, Nightingale-

Choral Festival at Christ Church, where they performed

Bamford, Dalton, Collegiate and Spence in a rousing

the American folk song, “Old Joe Clark,” and the R&B/

performance of Michael Jackson’s hit, “We Are The World.”

doo-wop hit, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” For their finale,

RONDO MUSIC FESTIVAL Four Lower School pianists received hard-won trophies in a newly inaugurated young artist competition this spring. Alexander Raftopoulos, Christian Kim, Henry Smith and Jonathan Davidoff participated in The Rondo Festival, created this past academic year

by Browning “after school” music instructors Ilinka Manova and Emilia Oskotsky. The festival provides a forum for soloists and groups (vocalists and instrumentalists) from elementary through high school, attending private, parochial and public schools throughout New York City, to perform for a panel of judges. The winners are honored at a recital in a professional concert hall, complete with trophy presentations.

For next year, Ms. Manova and Ms. Oskotsky are planning a multi-city tour and a recording opportunity for the top performers.

Summer 2013

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44

F E AT U R E

TEDDY Roosevelt

!

and the

"

Regular Kid Lower School Drama a Rousing Success

L

ast fall, I asked the nine boys

the story began to shape itself in my mind later that evening. A

enrolled in Lower School

normal, contemporary student, a perfectly regular kid, enrolls in

after school drama to tell

a decidedly irregular school and is assigned the task of bringing

me about their dream roles.

Teddy Roosevelt to lunch with him. I wasn’t able to fit the NFL

It’s not easy to find published plays for young people that fit our particular

Sarah Murphy

casting needs, so for the second year in a row I was planning to compose

an original piece. Writing with the students’ voices in my head is enormously inspiring, and makes the process more

players and mythical beasts into the plot, but I was confident that I could use each actor to his own strengths. So Americana Academy and its unusual staff and students were born.

But the truth is, I had been looking for a reason to write about Theodore Roosevelt for awhile.

I had become fascinated with an old family story, and thought a performance of 10-year-olds might be the perfect

enjoyable. So, why not tailor make the play to the boys at

way to explore it. My father is a loquacious guy, full of end-

hand? Hence, the dream roles question.

less information and highly entertaining stories. I didn’t grow

The boys answered according to their personalities, in-

up in his house, so his stories would often blur together and

terests, wildest dreams. Some wished to play professional

become confused in my mind. It wasn’t until I finally read the

athletes, others described dragonesque fantasy characters

1977 booklet published by my grandmother, Eloise Cronin

in great detail. All of them had terrific ideas, but two ideas struck me as having huge potential. One boy had thought about this before, it seemed, and he answered “Teddy Roosevelt” as though he had been expecting the question for months. Another said, with equal confidence, “a regular kid.” Your dream role, I pushed him, is to play a regular kid? He nodded. “Yup, just a regular kid.”

Oddly, the title “Teddy Roosevelt and the Regular Kid” didn’t occur to me until long after the script was finished, but

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Above left: Gus Stimpson (playing Teddy Roosevelt) and Dylan Landsman (playing Mike Cronin) in a scene from “Teddy Roosevelt and the Regular Kid.” Browning’s head librarian/playwright Sarah Murphy and cast pose by the plaque, just doors down from Browning, indicating Teddy Roosevelt’s residence during his service as police commissioner from 1895-1898.

with the New York Herald. The journey was far from easy, but Roosevelt encouraged Cronin to “push ahead” despite the “rainy mist or a misty rain” they drove through. Cronin described his passenger as “the nerviest man I ever saw” adding, “and I ain’t easily scared myself.”

While researching the details of the story, I was astonished to learn that before picking up Roosevelt, Mike Cronin received, via telephone, the information that McKinley had died at 2:15 in the morning, yet decided not to pass that message along to the man who thought he was still Vice President. The Herald Murphy, that I fully understood the details – and the

reported that Cronin “noted Mr. Roosevelt’s increasing nervous-

incredulous nature – of one such story. The booklet,

ness and thought it the part of discretion and wisdom to deliver

“Theodore Roosevelt’s Night Ride to the Presidency”

the telegram at the other end of the twenty mile route.” It was

details Roosevelt’s journey during the night and early

Roosevelt’s secretary, William Loeb, who ultimately delivered the

morning hours when President William McKinley died.

news, once Cronin and Roosevelt arrived safely at North Creek.

Thinking that McKinley would recover from the gunshot

My father has told me that for years after this adventure, my

wound he suffered at the Pan-American Exhibition in Buf-

great grandfather considered Theodore Roosevelt a personal

falo, Roosevelt was vacationing with his family in the Ad-

friend and made a point to travel to see him speak anytime he

irondacks. But by the morning of September 13, 1901, it had

could. Mike Cronin died when my grandmother Eloise was

become clear that McKinley would likely not survive, and

only four years old, but his vivid story lived through the years,

Roosevelt’s secretary had come to North Creek (the closest

and thanks to her research, made it into print several decades

rail station) with a special train to transport the Vice President

later. Aiden Lair sits sadly empty and abandoned, but both the

to Buffalo. On that day Roosevelt was in probably the least

Adirondack Museum and the North Creek train station pay

convenient location in all of New York State; he was hiking

tribute to the night that Roosevelt raced to the Presidency, and

Mount Marcy, the tallest of the Adirondack high peaks.

to all of the local citizens who played a part.

To reach North Creek station from the base of Mount

After viewing “Teddy Roosevelt and the Regular Kid,” Head-

Marcy was no small feat, particularly in wet September

master Clement remarked to me that he has his own personal

weather. Even today, on paved roads and in a car, one can

connection to our 26th President: the houses where McKinley

easily imagine how treacherous a hurried journey in the

died and where Roosevelt was inaugurated after finally making

middle of the night would have been in this mountainous

it to Buffalo were right around the corner from Mr. Clement’s

and still very wild area. Three drivers and three teams of

family home. And anyone who walks to Browning from the

horses were required to get Roosevelt to his destination, a

west has surely noticed the plaque outside 30 East 62nd Street,

35-mile, three-hour trip. The last of these drivers was Mike

noting that Roosevelt lived on the site from 1895-1898.

Cronin, my great grandfather. With his team of Morgans,

We all may feel like regular kids a lot of the time, but our ties

Dick and Frank, Mike Cronin brought Roosevelt from Aiden

to American history are sometimes startlingly close. Like the

Lair, an Adirondack lodge and hotel that Cronin owned

students of the fictional Americana Academy, we can access

with his wife Lilian, to the North Creek station.

extraordinary men and women through curiosity, research,

Almost 112 years later, this scene was reenacted with flair

and by continuing to tell our stories. I am grateful to all of the

by fourth grade performers Gus Stimpson as Roosevelt and

actors in this year’s Lower School drama group for helping me

Dylan Landsman as Cronin. I took a great deal of the dialog

to tell mine.

for that scene from Cronin’s September 15, 1901, interview

–Sarah Murphy

Above: Head Librarian Sarah Murphy’s great grandfather, Mike Cronin, stands with his team of horses, Dick and Frank; Mr. Cronin drove Vice President Theodore Roosevelt to a waiting train at North Creek for his trip to Buffalo where he was sworn in as President.

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45

F E AT U R E

WELL WORTH

THE WAIT!

46

Bright New Cafeteria Offers Expanded Space and Menu

O

n May 10, the youngest Browning boys were treated to

a welcome from Headmaster Clement, high fives with the Panther mascot and Form VI boys, red and brown cookies from Chef Omar Maldonado and, perhaps best of all, a sneak peek at the brand new cafeteria with Lower School Head Laurie Gruhn. Still in place from Alumni Reunion the day before were display cases of memorabilia and life-size cutouts of historic photos (including one of founder John A. Browning) representing 125 years of School history.

After nearly a year’s worth of construction, this spacious, skylight-lit area was a welcome sight, ready for use on May 20. With a separate entrance and exit, tables of varying sizes, and new traffic flow configuration, the Browning community agrees that the wait was well worth it. The overall quality of the dining experience has been enhanced, and the expanded kitchen space allows for additional, healthier food offerings on the menu in the coming school year. Christopher Stephens ’14, who was interviewed for an article about the new space in the final edition of the Grytte, said it simply, “The cafeteria is very spacious and pleasant. It is definitely a great addition to the School.”

–M. M.

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On May 20, a mere 10 days after their sneak peek at the new cafeteria designed by the architectural firm, Peter Gisolfi Associates, Lower School boys raised a toast to their first day of dining in this cheerful new space.

Summer 2013

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SUMMER STIPENDS

EACH YEAR, THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION AWARDS stipends to faculty members who apply for specific projects, such as summer travel, research or study. Each recipient writes an article for the Buzzer about his or her project; two faculty are featured in this issue.

Ego Amo Angelopolim!

John Young

I love L.A.! Honestly, although I was

Studies (SALVI, for short), Jacque Myers, Luke Henderson

as surprised by my admiration for the

and Justin Slocum Bailey. Our topics of investigation

city as you may be to hear of it, I must

and discussion ranged from literature and pedagogy to

admit that it is true what some say:

government and outer space (spatium cosmicum). Together

Los Angeles is a paradise. The palm

we toured the metropolitan area, visiting Santa Monica,

tree (palma), which I used to think

where I wet my feet in the waters of the Pacific; Hollywood,

rather absurd, is really a noble tree and

where we stood in the footsteps of movie stars and also

impressive to behold. Nor have I ever

climbed the mountain to Griffith Observatory to attend a

experienced better weather anywhere. The sun shone bright

planetarium show, the story of which was told with live

in a cloudless, blue sky, but without scorching, so I was

narration; the fascinating La Brea tar pits and the vast

taken aback to see the redness appear wherever I neglected

collections of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and

to apply sunscreen (ceroma solare). My legs in November, at

Malibu, where we explored the Getty Villa, whose founder

the time of writing, still carry a vestige of that bronzing of

constructed an example of a massive Roman villa in order

early July.

to house his beloved antiquities collection.

From the bluff upon which Loyola Marymount

It is our belief that using the Latin language in an

University is built I was able to gaze both upon the ocean

active, conversational way goes far toward “forming and

and the mountains surrounding the city. From these

maintaining a close relationship with the Latin language,”

heights, on the evening of Independence Day, I watched

as Drs. Minkova and Tunberg of the University of

fireworks displays (pyrotechnica spectacula) explode over Los

Kentucky write in a recent volume of the New England

Angeles, Santa Monica and Hollywood.

Classical Journal (Vol. 39.2, pp. 113-128). “Adding activities

I had made this, my first visit to California, in order to

to the classroom,” they continue, “that involve actual

attend a week-long Latinists’ conference at the University.

This gathering of almost 30 scholars conducted not only all of its papers and workshops in the Latin language but also all of its personal interactions. We were headed up

Mor eov er, th e personal a nd professional fr iendships w hich

by Dr. Stephen Berard of Wenachtee Valley College, by

I h av e dev eloped at Rusticatio

Dwight Castro of Westminster College, and by the excellent

prov ide su pport a nd occasions to

teachers of the North American Institute for Living Latin

pr actice a nd improv e y ea r round.

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BUZZER

usage of the language, as well as communication in the language, can only be beneficial” to the student. My own personal experiences as a Latin student have demonstrated to me the validity of this statement. While acknowledging that the reading of ancient Latin texts and acquaintance with “the linguistic and cultural knowledge connected with them must remain the primary reason for the study of Latin,” active oral and aural use of language greatly facilitates the passive powers of reading. The more we use Latin, the thinking goes, the more easily we can read it and the better we can teach it. Guided by this logic, I had signed up to attend not only Septimana Californiana but also Rusticatio Virginiana, which was taking place the following week outside Charles Town, W.Va. Sojourning at Claymont Mansion has become my

motto for teaching “nullus dies sine ludo” (no day without a

favorite retreat of the summer. Over 40 Latinists convened

game played) is a play on Pliny the Younger’s “nullus dies

in the grand, old Washington family manor to live

sine linea” (no day without a line of poetry written). Her

communally for eight days entirely in Latin, of course.

approach to Latin instruction and her methods continue

Our teachers included the polyglot Dr. David Morgan of

to inspire and inform my own. Moreover, the personal

Furman University, the inestimable Dr. Nancy Llewellyn

and professional friendships which I have developed at

of Wyoming Catholic College, and our own Dr. Matthew

Rusticatio provide support and occasions to practice and

McGowan from Fordham. Sharing the quotidian chores of

improve year round. I return to Claymont in February with

cooking and cleaning, we also attended sessions designed

Nancy and others for a Latin weekend aimed specifically at

to practice and expand our language skills. We went on

active Latin instruction in the classroom. Societati Parentum

nature walks and practiced yoga (ars gymnosophica), played

maximae gratiae et agendae mihi et habendae sunt (I owe the

games and sang songs, read ancient and renaissance

Parents Association a great debt of gratitude for these

texts, and learned in Nancy’s classroom, where I have

opportunities).

learned more Latin than in any other setting. Nancy’s

—By John Young, Chair, Department of Classics/Latin

Summer 2013

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50

From Below Earth to Outer Space: Rediscovering Wonder on the Big Island Forget the beach, the tropical drinks

lava started traveling elsewhere: spiders building their

and the lounging – give me the gritty

webs; algae growing on the hardened lava walls; plants

science! I want the haze of volcanic

seeking locations to root and light for photosynthesis. Lava

gases, the spiders in lava tubes, the

still travels below the surface in tubes that may eventually

curvature of fiddleheads, the struggle

be empty like this one.

of new plants after a lava flow, and the Stephanie Seto

Upon emergence from the lava tube, the plan was to

complex machinery to view distant

depart the park until the following day. However, to my

nebulae. With the generosity and

complete surprise when I turned a corner in the road and

support of the Parents Association, I was able to explore all

onto an overlook, what greeted me was the eerie crimson

of this and more on the Big Island of Hawai’i. It was through

glow of an active volcano accompanied by the light of a

this trip that I was able to renew my sense of wonder about

gibbous moon and countless stars. Admiring Halema’uma’u

our world and beyond, more so than any travels in my past.

Crater under the cloak of night’s darkness and silence left

The island of Hawai’i is divided in regards to ecosystems due to the large dormant volcanoes and their

me speechless.

A trip to Volcanoes National Park is not complete

effects on weather patterns. On the east coast, there are

without day hikes across lava fields and volcanic craters,

lush rainforests and waterfalls, where the humidity is

which allow for up-close observations of diverse volcanic

high and the flora create a tropical paradise. At the center

rock and young land. One notable exploration was across

of the island, in a low valley, rest fertile farmlands. The

the Kilauea Iki Crater, the remnant of an eruption in

west coast is dry and hot, and the land is rocky and new

1959 and once a large pool of lava. Today the ground is

from recent lava flows. Just driving on the island through

still warm to the touch, an echo of the tremendous heat

sharp contrasts in nature and rock communicated the

that once occupied the terrain. Any rainwater that seeps

sheer power that the molten earth has on the land and

through cracks in the ground immediately turns to steam,

everything on it.

a phenomenon that can be seen in numerous locations

At first glance, one would imagine that volcanoes and

across the crater. In other sites around the park, cooled and

their effects would be merely seen above ground. However,

dried lava fields have frozen the shapes of flowing molten

underground and spread throughout the island like a maze

rock in time and created new land.

are lava tubes, evidence of ancient lava flows that once

Volcanoes have not only enabled the evolution of

pulsed through Earth’s crust and fed the volcanoes. The

unique ecosystems, but they have also created perfect

Thurston Lava Tube, within Volcanoes National Park, is

settings for observing worlds light-years from Earth. A

normally packed with tourists, but at sunset, hiking the

visit to the Mauna Kea observatories is a visit to ideal

rainforest trail leading to the tube afforded the unique

stargazing conditions. Mauna Kea is a one-million-

opportunity of a private exploration of the lava tube

year-old dormant volcano in the center of the island

at night. With the skeleton of old lava creating a long,

(the last eruption was 4,500 years ago), and the summit

meandering and uneven tunnel, life can be observed

houses massive radio telescopes. Conditions are ideal for

struggling to return even several hundred years after the

astronomical observations: the high altitude location in the

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middle of the ocean makes the skies clear and dark, and

tourists, and you have the astronomers and telescopes to

the summit is above cloud level; no large urban centers are

yourself. With just the push of a few buttons, the telescopes

nearby to cause light pollution, and nearby towns commit

calculated the locations of and focused on Saturn and

to low-pressure sodium lamps which emit monochromatic

its rings, the Antares supernova, the binary star system

light easily filterable from astronomical observations.

of Alcor and Mizar, the meteorite belt, the Andromeda

Mauna Kea is gifted with 340 clear nights a year; even on

galaxy, numerous globular clusters, the Swan Nebula, the

cloudy days, the dropping temperatures

Lagoon Nebula, the Trifid Nebula, the

that come with nightfall also push opaque

Eagle Nebula, the Orion Nebula and the

clouds to lower altitudes. The environment

It was th rough this

Ring Nebula. After observing all of these

is so ideal that the observatories have

tr ip th at I was able

distant objects, I now want an incredibly

been booked by scientists every night for

to r enew my sense

powerful telescope and a house atop a

the next two years. Due to its location,

of wonder abou t ou r

dormant volcano.

scientists can view all the stars in the northern hemisphere and 80 percent of all stars in the southern hemisphere. The observatory telescopes have no eyepieces;

world a nd beyond, mor e so th a n a n y tr av els in my past.

The most influential aspect of this trip was the renewed sense of wonder I discovered. Sometimes one needs to not just read about science and collect

instead, they are hooked up to computers

data but be immersed in its context

that receive data and compose the desired

and environment, taking the time to

images over the course of a night’s observation.

Every night, the visitor’s center at Mauna Kea and

fully appreciate the world and all its details. I thank the Parents Association for this opportunity; I hope to give

its volunteer astronomers host observation events with

back by nurturing this same sense of wonder and inquiry

impressively large telescopes that were fully funded by

in my students.

visitor donations. Stay long enough to outlast the other

—By Stephanie H. Seto, Lower and Middle School Science Teacher

Summer 2013

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52

AT H L E T I C S

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR ANDREW WEST ’92 REPORTS

undefeated in league play and won first place at the post-

ON THE RECENT SPORTS SEASON: This spring was

season tournament. Varsity baseball players finished in

once again a very successful one. It all started with an

third place in the regular season but lost in the first round

amazing trip to Port St. Lucie, where the varsity baseball

of the playoffs. Varsity track continued their success by

team was able to practice and play under the beautiful

qualifying many boys for the championships and NYSAIS

Florida sun. Going in to the season, the coaches and I

track meet. Speaking of NYSAIS, Browning was again

were worried that we had a large number of freshmen

represented in track this year in the state meet! All and all,

and not as many upperclassmen. However, soon after

it has been a very special year and one that I, as athletic

the first practice, we were encouraged by the skills of

director, am very proud to have been a part of. Here’s to

the newcomers! The teams all did very well, mostly

the Class of 2013 and the rest of the 86 percent of Upper

finishing in the top half of The New York City Athletic

School boys who participated on Browning athletic teams

League (NYCAL). Varsity tennis players once again went

in 2012-13. Go, Panthers!

2013 Spring Sports Wrap Up SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE BASEBALL Coach Brown reports: The Middle School baseball team enjoyed a great season. Led by our cocaptains, Luke Barba and George Grimbilas, our team finished the season at an even 6-6. This was an excellent finish for our team considering that we play in a highly competitive league and our team is comprised of mostly Form I boys. Next year we look forward to these players being a year older, stronger and more experienced. Our defense was anchored by consistent pitching from George Grimbilas, Kyle Levinson, Sebastian Baquero and Charlie Pink. Leading our squad in nearly every offensive category was Kyle Levinson with a batting average of .761, 15 RBIs, 14 runs and 14 stolen bases.

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Text

VARSITY TRACK Coach Bernard reports: The track team finished the season with a great afternoon at Queens College during the NYCAL championships. The boys did very well and placed second with 62 points behind Loyola School (72 points). While all the boys who qualified for this meet deserve to be congratulated, Wilfred Wallis, Rafe Harvard and Christopher Keyko were the true leaders of the team. By winning the 400 (51.37), the 800 (2.08), finishing fourth in the 100 and fourth in the 200 (25.36), senior Wilfred Wallis scored 22 points for the team. Rafe Harvard also performed strongly.

VARSITY BASEBALL

He finished second in the long jump and 100 events

Coaches West, Zeuner and Travers report: The 2012-2013

and third in the 100, scoring 18 points. Christopher

varsity Panthers ended the season with a 5-7 record, includ-

Keyko placed second in the 3200 and sixth in the mile,

ing 3-5 in the NYCAL. With five freshmen in the starting

chalking up seven points. Christopher Keyko, Michael

line-up most afternoons, it was truly a rebuilding season.

Gabrellian, Edwin Wallis and Chris Haack finished sec-

Though many players struggle with the adjustment to var-

ond in the 4 x 800, gleaning six precious units. Michael

sity level, the coaches were pleased by the development they

Gabrellian, Diego López, Edwin Wallis and promising

measured throughout the season. As Coach West said, “Of

eighth grader Jamil Guzman placed third in the 4 x

course it is difficult to lose games, but when I remember that

400, scoring four more points. Arthur Mensah, Gregory

so many of our guys are young, and I consider how good

Belgorod, Diego López and Rafe Harvard supplied the

they can be one day if they put in the effort, I have to smile

finishing touches to consolidate our position by plac-

about the future.” Seniors Alex Bendo, Lucas Schwartz and

ing second in the 4 x 100. The NYSAIS Championship

Ben Jacobs will be missed both on and off the field. Thank

in May at Icahn Stadium closed another great season.

you for the support!

Summer 2013

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54

VARSITY TENNIS Varsity tennis coach Michael Klein offered this report on the success of his winning team: The Panthers successfully defended their backto-back undefeated NYCAL League and Tournament championships this season to make it three years in a row.

Highlights include #1 singles player Del Schunk (Form III) emerging undefeated in league and tournament play, co-captain Paul Pricop (Form VI) winning the #2 singles tournament title, co-captain Evan Blumenthal (Form VI) winning the #3 singles tournament title, George Allen (Form II) and Jaime Gomez (Form I) winning

Del winning his three-set match to seal

got to play in a match at some point,

the #1 doubles tournament title, and

the victory against Trevor Day in the

gaining valuable experience.

Spencer Wolfe (Form VI) and Peter

Grandstand court.

Maguire (Form V) winning the #2

Athletic Director West added

doubles tournament title.

While we lose three seniors this year, three of our top five players return

challenging matches against

next year. The rest of the team included

Riverdale, Fieldston and Staten

Aaron Parisier (Form V), William Abelt

the team (and coach) practicing in the

Island Academy to the schedule this

(Form IV), Dylan Rose (Form IV),

Louis Armstrong and Grandstand courts

season, providing great opportunities

Nikita Tsimmer (Form III), Zack

at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, and

to play better players. Everyone on

Gelfond (Form II), William Graham

the 14-player roster team this season

(Form II), and Michael Jozoff (Form II).

Other memorable moments included

VARSITY GOLF Coach Watson reports: The varsity golf team returned three players from last year and added four more this year, giving us one of the biggest squads in a number of years. With the new league rule whereby six players can play and the four lowest scores count, it was just as well that we had a bigger squad!

However the boys started poorly in the cold of early March and lost the opening three matches. After a break from matches of some 12 days, the team came back with a victory against Calhoun and very nearly upset Staten Island Academy in the next match. Winning our return fixture against Calhoun then had us up against the undefeated Columbia Prep side. Although well beaten, the boys played some of their best golf with two of them recording their lowest scores of the season to date.

After going to Brynwood Country Club for a full day of playing, the team finished their season with a loss to Loyola and a fourth place finish in the NYCAL Golf Championships. Each player during the course of the season lowered his personal score anywhere from six to 16 strokes and would have lowered his score further if he had been able to avoid the dreaded three putts on the greens at Mosholu Golf course.

With only one senior on the squad, I am looking forward to a competitive and experienced team next year.

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FRIENDLY SKIES FOR FIELD DAY 2013 Lower School boys finally got their dose of sun in May

and kickball. Everyone took a break for a pizza picnic

for Field Day 2013, as reported by Director of Physical

before Pre-Primary and first grade loaded the buses back

Education Patricia Zeuner: "We have not had so much

to Browning. In the afternoon, second, third and fourth

luck in the past, with many field days held indoors due

graders competed in a variety of activities, such as the in-

to rain. Monday, however, proved to be a perfect day on

famous 50-yard dash, tug of war, Frisbee fling and many

Randall's Island for some fun in the sun. Pre-Primary

more. The event was very successful thanks to the com-

and first grade students completed a circuit of eight

bined efforts of everyone involved. It certainly seemed

activity stations, while second, third and fourth grad-

like fun was had by all!"

ers competed in games such as capture the flag, soccer

Summer 2013

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56

ALUMNI EVENTS

125

The Class of 1963 had a record turnout for a Browning 50th Reunion class! Seven classmates are pictured above at the Knickerbocker Club for their induction to the True Grytte Society (L to R): Paul McCobb ’63, Julian Bivins ’63, John Ballard ’63, Linton Wells ’63, Tom Oliphant ’63, Godfrey Bloch ’63 and Paul Vartanian ’63.

TH

O

Anniversary Alumni Reunion

n Thursday, May 9, more than 200 guests

grandson, Justin Rockefeller, accepted the Award on behalf of

returned to Browning for the 125th

the Rockefeller Family. Also during the reception, the Stephen S.

Anniversary Alumni Reunion. Guests

Perry ’76 Memorial Class Representative Awards were presented

included alumni from the Classes of 1950

to eight outstanding class representatives:

through 2012, along with their guests, as well as a number

John H. Ballard Jr. ’63, Godfrey C. Bloch ’63 and Linton Wells II ’63 –

of current and former faculty.

Most Outstanding Class Representatives

The Alumni Association’s highest honor, the Class of 1938 Alumnus Achievement Award, was presented at the

Edward D. Kent ’02, Joe G. Metzger ’02, Kieran P. Pickering ’02

cocktail reception posthumously to John D. Rockefeller, Jr.,

and Sean T. Russell ’02 – Most Outstanding Class Fundraisers

Browning’s first alumnus, from the Class of 1893. His great-

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Nicholas S. Versandi ’01 – Most Outstanding Class Correspondent

One of the hallmarks of Browning’s Alumni Reunion is the annual True Grytte Society & Consecutive-Year Donors Luncheon, which was held at the nearby Knickerbocker Club.

Director of Institutional Advancement Marty Haase (right) and Haughton Randolph ’62 during the presentation of True Grytte Society certificates.

Ulrike and Julian Bivins ’63 traveled from Arizona to attend Browning’s 125th Anniversary Alumni Reunion events.

The Lower Gym and new dining facilities were packed with more than 200 people at Browning’s 125th Anniversary Alumni Reunion in May. Guests in the above photo were treated to a special 2-minute video about the School’s history.

Following the Perry Awards, the Class of 2003 presented

L to R: Dorothy Plohn, Steve Clement and Charles Plohn ’62 at the Knickerbocker Club.

Head of the Music Department David Prestigiacomo and Browning’s Upper School Chorus surprised guests with two musical numbers at the luncheon at the Knickerbocker Club.

At noon, the annual invitation-only True Grytte Society &

Headmaster Clement and the School with its 10th Reunion

Consecutive-Year Donors Luncheon was held at the nearby

Gift, a check in the amount of more than $77,000 to fund a

Knickerbocker Club, where a record number of 11 new mem-

faculty award. The evening was capped off with an impres-

bers were inducted. Luncheon guests were greeted with a

sive archival display in Browning’s new dining facilities.

surprise visit from Mr. Prestigiacomo and the Upper School

Earlier in the day, the entire Upper School had the opportunity to hear from a Distinguished Alumni Panel of three Alum-

chorus, who sang “Bonse Aba” and “Old Joe Clark.”

Tours of the School – particularly throughout Brown-

nus Achievement Award recipients: Thomas Oliphant ’63,

ing’s new facilities – and classroom visits were also big

Charles Plohn ’62 and Linton Wells ’63. Please see pages

highlights of the day. Special thanks to all who helped

62-65 for profiles on these three distinguished alumni.

make this year’s milestone Alumni Reunion a success!

Summer 2013

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58

L to R: Justin Rockefeller, Michael Beys ’89, Jim Chanos and Steve Clement are pictured on stage following the Alumnus Achievement Award Ceremony. Justin accepted the Award on behalf of his great-grandfather, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Class of 1893. More details can be found on page 60.

L to R: Michael Linburn ’50, Kathy Linburn, Laura Lanigan and Steve Clement at the Knickerbocker Club luncheon.

Tom Oliphant ’63 (far right) spoke to Mr. Ingrisani’s class during Alumni Reunion.

Browning’s new dining facilities were open for viewing during the Alumni Reunion cocktail reception. A number of archival displays and life-size cutouts were scattered throughout the space.

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L to R: Andy Sandberg ’01, Stuart Orenstein ’00, Linton Wells ’63, Godfrey Bloch ’63, Kieran Pickering ’02, Joe Metzger ’02, Nicholas Versandi ’01 and Headmaster Clement are pictured on stage in the Lower Gym following the Stephen S. Perry ’76 Memorial Class Representative Awards Ceremony during the Alumni Reunion cocktail reception.

The Class of 2003 presented Headmaster Clement with its 10th Reunion Gift – a check in the amount of more than $77,000 to fund a faculty award.

L to R: Michael Linburn ’50, Kathy Linburn and Nicholas Zoullas ’55.

The 25th Reunion Class enjoyed celebrating and catching up in the Lower Gym. L to R: Craig Mooney, George Papailias, Andrew Gelb, Jeremy Novak, Daniel Schweitzer, James Sterling, Gordon Graham.

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60

John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Class of 1893 The Browning School’s First Student

T

he late John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Class of 1893, was The Browning School’s first student and is the 2013 recipient of Browning’s Class of 1938 Alumnus Achievement Award. Browning was

founded in 1888 when John D. Rockefeller, Sr., retained John A. Browning, a recent graduate of Columbia College, to form

“The success of each is dependent upon the success of the other.”

a school for his son, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and his brother William Rockefeller’s son, Percy. The School was set up in a

–John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Class of 1893

Rockefeller family-owned brownstone on West 55th Street.

The late Mr. Rockefeller recalled Mr. Browning as a remarkable teacher who “inspired interest in learning.”

He said Mr. Browning “helped me to study and to concentrate... I owe a great deal to him, more than to any other teacher I ever had.”

Following his education at The Browning School, Mr. Rockefeller went on to Brown University and later became a director of both Standard Oil and U.S. Steel. During the Great Depression, he developed and was the sole financier of a vast 14-building real estate complex in the geographical

of the Museum of Modern Art, which was co-founded by his wife in 1929. He also purchased and donated land for a number of America’s national parks.

He is the author of the noted life principle, among others, inscribed on a tablet facing his famed Rockefeller Center: “I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.”

Justin A. Rockefeller is the great-grandson of John D.

center of Manhattan, Rockefeller Center, and as a result,

Rockefeller, Jr., Class of 1893, and he accepted the Alumnus

became one of the largest real estate holders in New York

Achievement Award on his great-grandfather’s behalf. He is

City. He was influential in attracting leading blue chip corporations as tenants in the complex, including GE, Standard Oil of New Jersey (Esso), Associated Press, Time Inc., and branches of the then Chase National Bank, now JP Morgan Chase.

However, he is most remembered for his philanthropy and conservation efforts, giving over $537 million to myriad causes over his lifetime. In the arts, he gave extensive property he owned on West 54th Street for the site A number of direct descendants of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Class of 1893, and their spouses attended the Alumnus Achievement Award ceremony and cocktail reception (L to R): Steve Wayne, Valerie Rockefeller Wayne, Justin Rockefeller, Indre Rockefeller and Charles Rockefeller.

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Browning’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Jim Chanos, presented the Alumnus Achievement Award to Justin Rockefeller, great-grandson of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Class of 1893.

director of the special relations group at Addepar, a Silicon

states from 2005-2009, and with Mr. Rockefeller serving as

Valley-based technology company reinventing the tools to

chairman of the board, GenerationEngage merged with a

aggregate and analyze financial data. He is also a venture

similar NGO, Mobilize.org. Mr. Rockefeller attended

partner at Richmond Global, LLC, a firm focusing on

St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., and then received

technology-enabled services and mobile technologies with

his B.A. from Princeton University in 2002.

applications in the U.S. and across major emerging markets.

He serves on the board and investment committee of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. He is a member of the executive

“I believe that every right implies a

committee of The International Council of The Museum of Modern Art, a “TEDster” and an Americas Business Council

responsibility; every opportunity, an

Foundation Fellow.

Previously, Mr. Rockefeller was co-founder and national

obligation; every possession, a duty.”

program director of GenerationEngage, a nonprofit that empowered young adults with resources and access to become leaders in their communities and active

–John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Class of 1893

participants in our democracy. After operation in five

Summer 2013

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Alumni Reunion Career Panelist PROFILES Thomas N. Oliphant ’63 Thomas N. Oliphant ’63 is the 1999

desegregation, which was awarded

recipient of Browning’s Alumnus

the Pulitzer Prize’s gold medal. Five

Achievement Award. His 45-year

years later, his series of editorials

career as a journalist and author has put

on the energy crisis was the Pulitzer

him in the middle of every American

Prize’s runner-up.

Presidential campaign from the tragic

quent guest on television, including

Barack Obama in 2008. As Washington

all the Sunday programs and all the

correspondent and then syndicated

morning programs. For a decade, he

columnist for The Boston Globe after

provided analysis and commentary

graduation from Harvard College,

for “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer,”

he was named by Washingtonian

including daily work during such

Magazine one of the country’s top 10

special events as the 9/11 attacks and

political writers and one of Washington

President Clinton’s impeachment trial.

D.C.’s 50 most influential figures.

He is the author of two books on poli-

In 1971, he was the first person to

BUZZER

tics and public policy, “All by Myself”

write about what became known as

and “Utter Incompetents.” His mem-

the Pentagon Papers, and obtained

oir of his New York childhood and re-

The Globe’s copy of the documents in

construction of the 1955 World Series,

defiance of federal court orders block-

“Praying for Gil Hodges,” was a New

ing further publication by The New

York Times bestseller. His current

York Times and The Washington Post.

book with NYU president John Sexton

In 1973, his coverage of the Ameri-

is called, “Baseball as a Road to God.”

can Indian Movement’s occupation of

It was published this spring and also

Wounded Knee, S.D., earned him the

made the Times’ bestseller list.

Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award in de-

THE

As a columnist, he has been a fre-

turbulence of 1968 to the election of

Prior to his successful journalism

fense of the First Amendment as well

career, Mr. Oliphant was a student at

as a three-count criminal indictment

Browning for eight years, leaving after

from the Nixon administration, even-

Form II. He has three children, two

tually dismissed. In 1974, on special

granddaughters, and is married to

assignment, he was one of three edi-

CBS News correspondent Susan Spen-

tors who managed The Globe’s cover-

cer. They live in Washington, D.C.,

age of Boston’s tumultuous school

and Rappahannock County, Va.

L to R: Charles Plohn ’62, Tom Oliphant ’63 and Linton Wells ’63 were the three participants in the Upper School alumni panel on May 9 at Christ Church.

Headmaster Steve Clement introduced another distinguished alumnus, Tom Lovejoy ’59, to the Upper School and alumni guests prior to the start of the career panel.

Headmaster Steve Clement welcomed guests to the first event of Browning’s 125th Anniversary Alumni Reunion, a morning career panel featuring three distinguished Browning alumni.

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64

Charles J. Plohn, Jr. ’62

Charles J. Plohn, Jr. ’62 had a distin-

financial magazine articles, and co-

from 1977-1990 and vice president

authored a chapter entitled “Strategies

from 1989-1990. In addition, he was

and Tactics of Share Repurchases” for

the 50th Reunion Chair and recipient

a corporate restructuring textbook.

of the Stephen S. Perry ’76 Most Out-

He is a former member of the Ameri-

standing Class Representative Award

can Stock Exchange, National Stock

(2012); recipient of the Alumnus

Exchange, New York Mercantile Ex-

Achievement Award (2004); inducted

change and the New York Society of

into the Athletic Hall of Fame (1988);

Security Analysts.

member of the Headmaster Search

He attended P.S. 6 until coming to

Committee (1987-1988); and Gradua-

guished career that spanned more

Browning in Grade Six. He was vale-

tion Speaker (1978). At Princeton, he

than 45 years on Wall Street, including

dictorian of his class and received the

has served as a member of the Wood-

almost 35 years as a managing direc-

Komito Award for Citizenship in 1961

row Wilson School Advisory Council

tor and manager of the Special Equity

and 1962 and the Mayflower Compact

(1996-2008), including chair of the

Transactions Group at Merrill Lynch,

Award for Study of American History

Steering Committee for the 75th Anni-

Pierce, Fenner & Smith, before retiring

in 1961 and 1962. In addition, he was

versary Celebrations (2004-2006) and

in 2008. His responsibilities included

co-editor of The Grytte and a four-

the Dean Search Committee (2001-

the marketing and implementation of

year starter on the varsity basketball

2002); as a Guest Lecturer in a Corpo-

corporate open-market stock repur-

and varsity baseball teams. After grad-

rate Restructuring Course (2004-2008);

chase programs and self-tenders, sales

uating from Browning, he majored in

as a member of the Council of Princ-

of control and restricted securities, the

the Woodrow Wilson School of Public

eton University Community Commit-

confidential accumulation and sale of

and International Affairs at Princeton

tee and the National Annual Giving

securities as well as other special eq-

University, from which he graduated

Committee; as the Grand Marshal of

uity transactions.

cum laude in 1962. After Princeton,

the Princeton University P-rade (2008-

he attended the Wharton Graduate

2012); and currently president of the

corporate stock repurchases and was

School of the University of Pennsylva-

Class of 1966.

known as the “Dean” of stock buy-

nia, receiving an M.B.A. in 1968, and

Charles and his wife, Dorothy,

backs on Wall Street. He appeared

then served two years of active duty

have lived in Princeton, N.J., for the

as a featured speaker or panelist in

in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

past 30 years. They have two children

He was a recognized expert in

several seminars and conferences, ap-

Over the years, Mr. Plohn has been

peared on television and radio stock

very active in education-related activi-

market report programs, was featured

ties. He was a Trustee of Browning

or quoted in various newspaper and

from 1975-1990, serving as treasurer

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and three grandchildren.

Linton Wells II ’63 Linton Wells II ’63 is the interim direc-

destroyer. He holds a B.S. in phys-

tor of research at the National Defense

ics and oceanography from the U.S.

University in Washington, D.C., as

Naval Academy, an M.S.E. in math-

well as interim director of the Institute

ematical sciences and a Ph.D. in inter-

for National Strategic Studies. He also

national relations from Johns Hopkins

heads the Center for Technology and

University. He was the first U.S. naval

National Security Policy and is a Dis-

officer to attend the Japanese National

tinguished Research Professor.

Institute for Defense Studies in Tokyo.

Prior to coming to the National

He has thrice been awarded the De-

Defense University, he served in the

partment of Defense Medal for Distin-

Office of the Secretary of Defense from

guished Public Service.

1991-2007, serving last as the principal

Dr. Wells entered Browning in the

deputy assistant secretary of defense.

fall of 1958 with the Class of 1962. In

In addition, he served as the acting as-

1960, he left Browning for one year to

sistant secretary and chief information

live aboard the trans-Atlantic liners

officer of the Department of Defense

going back and forth to the Mediter-

(DoD) for nearly two years. He has

ranean. He returned to Browning in

served in the DoD for 49 years.

1961, and graduated with the Class of

During his 26 years as a naval of-

1963. In 1995, he received Browning’s

ficer, he served on a variety of surface

Alumnus Achievement Award. He

ships, including command of a de-

most recently served as one of Brown-

stroyer squadron and guided missile

ing’s three 50th Reunion Chairs.

Summer 2013

65

66

Headmaster Clement hosted Form VI and several key members of Browning’s Alumni Association at the New York Athletic Club in April.

L to R: Michael Beys ’89, Jeff Landes ’83, Jeremy Katz ’04, Andrew West ’92, Joe Metzger ’02, Stafford Travers ’05 and Sandy Pelz ’71.

The Form VI Breakfast was held in a room at the New York Athletic Club that had a lovely view of Central Park.

Alumni and seniors enjoying breakfast together in April.

FORM VI BREAKFAST On Wednesday, April 24, Headmaster Clement and Alumni Association President Michael Beys ’89 hosted the Class of 2013 at the New York Athletic Club for the annual Form VI Breakfast. The Form VI Breakfast is a spring tradition where the seniors are formally welcomed into Browning’s Alumni Association and presented with engraved key chains to commemorate their upcoming graduation. Speakers

The Class of 2013 was welcomed into the Alumni Association in April.

included Alumni Association President Michael Beys ’89, Trustee Jeffrey Landes ’83, Alumni Association Secretary Joe Metzger ’02, Mr. Pelz ’71, Coach West ’92, Mr. Katz ’04, Mr. Travers ’05, Mr. Reynolds, Ms. Lanigan and Headmaster Clement. Morgan Miller ’13 also sang and played guitar to kick off the breakfast.

THE

BUZZER

Morgan Miller ’13 helped kick off the breakfast with a musical number.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION On Monday, May 20, the Annual Meeting of Browning’s Alumni Association took place in the Wilson Room. As is tradition, officer elections were held: Michael Beys ’89 was re-elected president for two more years along with Allanby Singleton-Green ’83, who was re-elected vice president for two more years. In addition, John Moran ’97 was elected secretary, replacing Joe Metzger ’02 who served as secretary for six years, the maximum number of terms. Congratulations and thank you to all!

2013-14 ALUMNI EVENTS CALENDAR M O N D AY, S E P TE M BE R 1 6 Alumni Council Meeting, 6:00 pm

FR I DAY, J ANUARY 24 Browning-Marymount Reunion (location TBD), 6:00 pm

T UE S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 7 Alumni Soccer Game (Randall’s Island), 5:30 pm

MONDAY, J ANUARY 27 Alumni Council Meeting, 6:00 pm

T UE S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 Class of 2000 Distinguished Speaker Series, 6:00 pm

MONDAY, FEB R UARY 24 Alumni Council Note-a-thon, 6:00 pm

SAT UR DAY, OC TOB E R 5 125th Birthday Celebration, 5:30 pm

MONDAY, APR I L 7 Alumni Council Meeting, 6:00 pm

F R I D AY, O C T O BE R 2 5 Book Fair Opening Night Cocktail Party, 6:00 pm

WEDNESDAY, APR I L 27 Form VI Breakfast (New York Athletic Club; by invitation only), 8:00 am

MONDAY, NOVE M BE R 4 Alumni Council Meeting, 6:00 pm W E D N E S D AY, N O VE M B E R 2 7 Young Alumni Reunion, 11:00 am F R I DAY, DE C E M B E R 1 3 Holiday Party, 5:30 pm T H UR S DAY, DE C E M B E R 1 9 Alumni Basketball Game, 5:30 pm

FR I DAY, MAY 2 Alumni Reunion, all day MONDAY, MAY 19 Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association, 6:00 pm WEDNESDAY, J UNE 11 Graduation (Christ Church), 11:00 am

Summer 2013

67

68

CLASS NOTES

TO SHARE NEWS WITH THE Browning community, please contact Laura Neller Lanigan, director of alumni affairs, at 212-838-6280 Laura Neller Lanigan Director of Alumni Affairs

Ext. 192 or llanigan@browning.edu.

’40s Michael Mittelmann ’49 recently submitted the following news: “After about 36 years of New England life in Connecticut, Suzanne and I have made a permanent move. We’re in a superb gated residential community that’s only a few miles from the Jersey shore. During Storm Sandy, we sustained minimal damage and dined by candlelight. The evidence of rebuilding right now is remarkable but still incomplete. My best regards.”

’50s Chauncey O. Johnstone ’59 recently sent in the following update: “My wife Pat and I enjoyed seeing old friends at Browning’s True Grytte Society luncheon this past May. We are now spending winters in Florida and summers in Connecticut. Six grandchildren keep us busy – four boys and identical twin girls!

In March, I was elected to the position of commissioner, a two-year term, for District 3 in Manalapan, Fla. I suppose

THE

BUZZER

the ‘Cavanagh’ gene brings

proclaimed prophet and a

attendance, including

out the political side of me!

woman seeking revenge.”

Kate Randolph, daughter

Best to all.”

Charles J. Plohn, Jr. ’62

of the late Christopher

reports that the Classes

Randolph ’63. Also on

joy III ’59 received the 2013

of 1962 and 1963 enjoyed

May 9, Mr. Plohn served on

WWF Leaders for a Living

celebrating their 51st and

a Distinguished Alumni

Planet Award. This Award

50th Browning reunions

Panel when he returned

recognizes environmental

together this year. He writes,

to Browning for his 51st

leadership and outstanding

“After the reception at the

Reunion. For more details,

and inspirational work in

School, 24 of us gathered for

please see pages 62-65.

conservation. In April, Dr.

a wonderful dinner at the

Lovejoy was featured in a

University Club, which we

recently submitted the fol-

four-page profile in Nature

finally closed down at 11:00

lowing updates: “On May 9,

magazine, titled “Splinters

p.m.!” Browning alumni in

the Class of 1963 celebrated

of the Amazon,” which de-

attendance included: John

its 50th Reunion. The Head-

tails his ecology work in the

Ballard ’63, Julian Bivins ’63,

master gave us a luncheon at

Brazilian rainforest dating

Godfrey Bloch ’63, Robert

the Knickerbocker Club that

back to the 1970s.

Federico ’63, Paul

day and Paul Vartanian ’63

McCobb ’63, Thomas

gave a dinner at the Uni-

Oliphant ’63, Paul Vartanian ’63,

versity Club. The next day,

Linton Wells ’63, John

I gave a dinner at the Play-

In June, Thomas E. Love-

’60s

Godfrey C. Bloch ’63

Baker ’62, Peter Muller ’62,

ers Club. On June 4, Marge

Robert J. Dalva ’60 recently

Charles Plohn ’62,

Bloch, my wife, presented

sent in the following news:

Fred Spoor ’62 and

a student the Daughters

“Marcia and I are headed to

Haughton Randolph ’62.

of the American Revolu-

San Luis Obispo tomorrow

A number of spouses and

tion Citizenship award at

to help celebrate the 70th

family members were also in

Browning’s annual Prize

birthday of fellow Browning

Day. On May 17, at Avon

alumnus Gene Keller ’60.

Olds Farms’ 50th Reunion,

I edited two films last year,

I received my high school

both of which were shown at

diploma (since I entered

the Sundance Film Festival

college one year ahead of

this past January. ‘Lovelace,’

my classmates), long after

opening in August, is about

I received my bachelor’s

Linda Lovelace. The other

degree and master’s degree,

film, ‘Sweetwater,’ stars Ed Harris, January Jones and Jason Isaacs. It is a Western that follows a sheriff, a self-

L to R: Enne Randolph (wife of Haughton), Haughton Randolph ’62, Fred Spoor ’62 and Tom Oliphant ’63 at dinner at the University Club in May following Alumni Reunion.

and my certified public accountant certificate.”

Thomas N. Oliphant ’63 co-authored the book

to attend if the dates work.

graduation. I can vividly

Please contact me via email

recall on November 22,

at fdadair@gmail.com,

1963, coming out of French

even if you do not plan to

Language Lab to the awful

attend. It would be fun to

news of President Kennedy’s shooting in Dallas. We were all in a state of shock – faculty and students, Republicans and Democrats alike. Never quite got over it. Later on, it was much the

Linton Wells ’63 and James Brisotti ’12 at Browning in May.

Jonathan Gates ’65

same with the assassinations of Bobby Kennedy

back and forth to the Medi-

hear from as many of you

and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Seeing Beyond the Game,”

terranean. He returned to

as possible.”

Awful business. It gave us a

published in March by Go-

Browning in 1961 and grad-

Jonathan Gates ’65 re-

tham. In May, Mr. Oliphant

uated with the Class of 1963.

cently submitted the follow-

to come, but no one then

served on a Distinguished

In 1995, he received Brown-

ing news: “Portly, living in

could have seriously imag-

Alumni Panel when he

ing’s Alumnus Achieve-

a 1,100 square foot house on

ined the tragedy of 9/11.

returned to Browning for

ment Award. Dr. Wells most

five acres in a 26 square mile

his 50th Reunion. For more

recently served as one of

town with 850 people one

master Charles Cook ’38,

details, please see pages 62-65.

Browning’s 50th Reunion

hour south of The Eastman

Browning has physically

Chairs and was recognized

School of Music. The city of

and organizationally contin-

as one of three most out-

Rochester, N.Y., which has

ued to grow. There is now

spoke to the Upper School

standing Class Representa-

one of the most extraordi-

roughly twice the student

boys in an assembly about

tives during the Stephen S.

nary cultural environments I

enrollment that there was in

his work with a division

Perry ’76 Memorial Class

have ever seen. My land has

1968. Still the fundamental

of STAR-TIDES (Sharing

Representative Awards cer-

been in my family 193 years.

principles appear to be in-

To Accelerate Research-

emony at Alumni Reunion

Blue jeans are the norm

tact: The pursuit of academic

Transformative Innovation

on May 9. Also on May 9,

giving way to city clothes

excellence and a lifelong love

for Development and Emer-

Dr. Wells served on a Distin-

for openings and concerts.

of learning (I can attest to

gency Support). Dr. Wells is

guished Alumni Panel when

Health is fair. I am in touch

that), the belief in the dignity

interim director of research

he returned to Browning for

with John Coleman ’65 and

of the individual (still a fun-

at the National Defense

his 50th Reunion. For more

Joe Pennock ’65. I pick at

damental overtone through-

details, please see page 65.

the guitar more than on it.

out the curriculum), and the

My best to all.”

development of personal in-

“Baseball as a Road to God:

On May 10, Linton Wells II ’63 graciously

University in Washington, D.C., as well as interim

F. Dodd Adair ’65 re-

H. Lee Adamo ’68

certain foreboding of things

Since the days of Head-

tegrity and responsibility to

director of the Institute for

cently sent in the following

National Strategic Studies.

update: “Class of ’65 – we

was interviewed by

the broader community (an

He also heads the Center

are approaching our 50th

current student Alexander

ever present theme). The real

for Technology and Na-

anniversary of graduation. I

Wisowaty ’14 about life

trick is to maintain these val-

tional Security Policy and

would like to invite all to at-

at Browning in 1968, an

ues throughout life. I believe

is a Distinguished Research

tend a celebratory dinner in

assignment given by

that Mr. Clement, the faculty

Professor. Dr. Wells entered

the summer of 2015 in NYC.

Mr. Ingrisani. Some excerpts

and staff have succeeded im-

Browning in the fall of 1958

I have already contacted

from Dr. Adamo’s responses

mensely well in promoting

with the Class of 1962. In

Bill Selden ’65 and John

to the interview questions

and maintaining these prin-

1960, he left Browning for

Coleman ’65, who has con-

are included here:

ciples. They haven’t wavered

one year to live aboard the

tacted Jonathan Gates ’65.

“I was at Browning

trans-Atlantic liners going

They have tentative plans

from Pre-Primary through

over the years since 1968.”

Summer 2013

69

70

Paul Zahl ’69 (right) with his son, Simeon (left), and Headmaster Clement.

Paul F.M. Zahl ’68 and his son, Simeon, visited Browning in April. Dr. Zahl had not been back to Browning since 1959. He spent time touring the School with Headmaster Steve Clement, Director of Institutional Advancement Marty Haase and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan. He currently resides in Winter Garden, Fla. Following his visit, he wrote to us: “Browning was (is!) extremely important to me, and I see this more clearly today than I did before. It was my Browning classmate Scott McConnell ’69 who came back into my life a few years ago when I was rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Chevy Chase, Md. What a thoughtful and fascinating man he has become.

Other classmates I remember

’70s Richard E. Fisher ’72 re-

James Lasry ’85 (left) with retired Major General Andrew Salmon, former commandant of the Royal Marines and co-director of the Chamber of Commerce.

cently sent in the follow-

his son playing lacrosse.

ing news: “After 14 great

We were never that big in

years with Executive Search

high school; at 6’3” and 220

Wyndham Mills, I was ap-

pounds the kid’s a beast.

proached by the #5 Global

Tom Jr. is considering a la-

Search Firm, DHR Interna-

crosse scholarship to VMI.

tional, to join their Southeast

Go Keydets!”

team. I have an office on

my time out of my home in

’80s

Greensboro, N.C.”

James G. Lasry ’85 is a part-

the world on May 25. Ian

East Bay Street in Charleston, S.C., but spend more of

James Sejong is the son of Ian McGrady ’88.

their son, James Sejong, into

ner and head of funds at

is presently coauthoring a

cently sent in the following

Hassans International Law

book on IT systems integra-

update: “Victoire and I will

Firm and was re-elected as

tion projects, in addition to

send our fourth and young-

chairman of the Gibraltar

acting and working in film

est child, Parker, off to col-

Funds and Investments As-

and television development.

lege next fall, and then will

sociation. He is also a found-

have the fabled Empty Nest

ing member and chairman

and his wife, Annette, are

about which we have heard

of the Gibraltar-American

enjoying being new parents

so much.”

Chamber of Commerce.

again. Caroline Abigail

Peter J. Gardner ’76 re-

Theodore L. Sprague ’88

well include Charlie Dean

Webster J. Lancaster, Jr. ’78

Luis F. Llosa ’86 re-

Sprague joined the family

’68, Treat Rinear ’68, Tony

submitted the following up-

cently sent in the following

in April. After living in the

Movshon ’68, Neil Lang ’69,

date: “I recently reconnected

news: “My first book comes

Vail, Colo., area for the past

and the beat goes on. Not to

with Tom Brown ’78. With

out in August. It is titled

10 years, the Spragues are

mention teachers like Clair

a name like Thomas Bow-

‘Beyond Winning: Smart

now in the northern San

Smith, Mr. Jacquiet, Mr. Root,

ers Hynson Brown, he is

Parenting in a Toxic Sports

Francisco Bay area.

Miss Allen, Miss Hurt, Miss

hard to forget! Like myself,

Environment,’ and is co-

Lamont, and of course, Mr.

it turns out Tom is also an

authored with Kim John

Cook ’38. Even as a very

operations director for an

Payne, author of ‘Simplic-

small boy, I can say that

East Coast university. It was

ity Parenting,’ and Scott

for me, Mr. Cook radiated

great hearing from him after

Lancaster, former director

’90s

warmth and caring, as well

all these years. We chatted

of youth football at the Na-

Brian S. Kraus ’91 recently

as authority. Looking for-

about his life in Maryland

tional Football League.”

submitted the following

ward to staying in touch.”

and his family. He also sent along some video of

THE

BUZZER

Ian B.F. McGrady ’88 and his wife welcomed

news: “I just ran my first 5k race with my 10-year old

son, Matt. We finished the

coast to coast. But if law

Concord Rock’n’Race in

enforcement didn’t have

36 minutes. Also, as of

the support of a citizenry

December, I was promoted

taught to ‘See Something,

at Lincoln Financial and

Say Something,’ the second

joined the Rapid Response

bomber might still be on the

team in customer service.

run. Thankfully, the person

We handle escalated situa-

who saw something in their

tions for the customer and

boat did say something.

then look into root cause

It is our duty as citizens

analysis and provide feed-

to remain aware of our

back and training updates

surroundings. And when

based on our findings.”

we see something wrong,

Sean-Patrick M. Hill-

Eric Frayer ’97 at Browning in May with his girlfriend, Sarah (left) and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan (right).

we absolutely have to say

fore the madman made an

what surprised by the vari-

man ’94 recently sent in the

something! This is espe-

erratic turn west onto 49th

ous reactions. The two most

following update: “One of

cially important after last

Street. I called 911 again to

common: ‘Are you crazy?’

the most important take-

week’s tragedy. I raise this

update them on his loca-

and ‘WOW! You’re a hero!’

aways from a Browning

point because I was con-

tion. Once we hit Eleventh

I am merely a New York

education is a responsibility

fronted with a situation last

Avenue, he finally noticed

native who will not let any-

to the broader community.

week that required an addi-

I was following him and

one hurt my family, friends,

This is something that I

tional step: DO something.

burned through a red light

employees or fellow New

in heavy traffic to careen

Yorkers. What was I going

have always tried to live

On my way to return-

and abide by since leaving

ing a car rented for a Rock

west onto 51st Street, onto

to do? Let a deranged in-

62nd Street nearly 20 years

& Rawhide charity event,

the highway. I noticed a

dividual stay on the loose?

ago. One example of caring

I spotted a taxi with its

patrol car pulling into a

No way. I wasn’t raised that

for the broader community

distress signal on, stopped

garage and the 911 opera-

way, and neither were any of

is ensuring its safety. In

at a red light right in front

tor advised me to pull over

you. Bottom line, we all have

the aftermath of the tragic

of Lincoln Center. I pulled

and speak with the officer.

a civic duty-to each other,

events of 9/11, we were all

up alongside the vehicle,

impacted by one simple

noting only a driver inside.

location in and told me that

community, we call home.”

statement, ‘See Something,

When I lowered my win-

the taxi had been jacked on

Alexander M. Levy ’94

Say Something.’ The very

dow to make sure the guy

23rd Street and Eighth Av-

recently sent in the fol-

same emotions that drove

was okay, he fumbled in

enue earlier that morning. I

lowing news: “I started

our fair city in the years

lowering his, then blurted,

asked if he needed anything

my own law firm located

after 9/11 became apparent

‘there’s a radiation bomb in

else and when he said no, I

in NYC about a year ago,

to our brethren in Massa-

Manhattan,’ before slam-

went about my business. By

the Levy Law Group, P.C.,

chusetts in the immediate

ming on the accelerator.

the time I got to my desk,

and we do everything from

aftermath of the Boston

The officer radioed the

and to the city, or broader

I received a call from an

transactional matters to

Marathon bombings. The

ately while trailing the

officer who reported that

litigation. I am living in

very idea that a person, or

taxi down Ninth Avenue

they’d caught the guy and

Wilton, Conn., with my

persons, could instill the

at high speed. My target

that he didn’t have a bomb

wife, Alexis, and our two

level of fear that once shut

weaved in and out of traffic

on him. He emphasized

daughters (ages 4 and 6). I

down lower Manhattan in

without signaling, nearly

that the driver was likely an

try and keep in touch with

yet another American me-

hitting several cars and pe-

emotionally disturbed indi-

some of my classmates and

tropolis impacted the entire

destrians. But I continued

vidual. He then thanked me

I am happy to report that

nation. When the bombers

my pursuit. We drove all

for helping out.

Adam Levien ’94 is en-

were brought to justice, a

around Hell’s Kitchen, then

sigh of relief was heard from

back to Ninth Avenue be-

I called 911 immedi-

When I posted this story on Facebook, I was some-

gaged and Josh Cohen ’94 was recently married.”

Summer 2013

71

72

rate Compliance Insights (visit www.corporatecomplianceinsights.com and search for ‘Estreich’ to read more).”

Jason K. Lopez ’00 visited Browning in May. He is L to R: Christine Bramble, Sandy Pelz ’71, Kevin Gihon, Jason Lopez ’00, Maureen Linehan, Steve Clement and Andrew West ’92 at Browning in May.

Roman Vail ’94 recently

bought an apartment on the

sent in the following up-

Upper West Side and as a

date: “I am proud to say

lifetime Upper East Sider,

2013 marks the 11th year

I couldn’t be happier with

that I am married. We have

the change!”

a soon-to-be seven-year-old

mastering engineer in NYC

’00s

(romanvail.com). We are

Francesco Civetta ’00

very active in the com-

recently sent in the follow-

munity for autism and my

ing update: “Been a very

wife’s school teaching will

busy year DJ-ing Art Basel

be sidelined this summer

Miami with The Kills; CAA

by her charity work for out-

film premiers at Sundance;

toreach.org, aiding Haiti’s

Grammy, Oscar parties in

development.”

LA; SXSW Festival; Coach-

and it is the eighth year that I am working as an audio

William D. Dearie ’97

ella Music Festival; White

recently sent in the follow-

Feather Gala Ball with Julian

ing news: “My wife and I

Lennon, Whoopi Goldberg,

had our third child this past

Prince Albert and Prin-

fall, a boy named Charles

cess Charlene in Monaco;

Homer Dearie. Fellow

Cannes Film Festival; Mo-

alum, Eric Frayer ’97, is

naco Grand Prix; Governors

Charles’ godfather!”

Ball NYC; Guns ’N’ Roses

Eric W. Frayer ’97

after party, and headed to

visited Browning in May.

LA to DJ Julian Lennon’s

While at Browning, he spent

Album LAUNCH.”

time with Mr. Pelz ’71,

Jonathan G. Estreich ’00

Mr. Ingrisani and Mrs.

sent in the following news:

Bramble. Mr. Frayer works

“Recently hired as a vice

in finance and strategy for

president at JPMorgan

ABC Family, a Walt Disney

Chase to advise and consult

subsidiary. He recently

on anti-money launder-

moved to West Hollywood.

ing and counter-terrorist

John C. Dearie ’99 sent

financing matters for the

in the following news: “My

Corporate and Investment

wife, Sarah, and I recently

Bank. Published by Corpo-

THE

BUZZER

in graduate school at New York University studying for his masters in social work.

While at Browning, he spent time visiting with Headmaster Clement, Mr. Pelz ’71, Mrs. Bramble, Coach West ’92 and Nurse Linehan.

Nader Mobargha ’01 and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan with a life-size cutout of John A. Browning at this year’s 125th Anniversary Alumni Reunion.

L to R: Sam Keany, Michael Alpert ’01 and Betty Noel at Browning in April.

On April 12, Dr. Michael D. Alpert ’01 returned to Browning for a special

Zach Goldfarb ’01 married Sarah Lovenheim in May.

“Lunch with a Scientist”

owner, was moderated by

educational presentation to

Dr. Noel, microbiology

Upper School boys inter-

teacher, and Mr. Keany, Sci-

ested in careers in science

ence Department Chair.

and/or business. After his

Zachary A. Goldfarb ’01

graduation from Brown-

recently sent in the follow-

ing, Dr. Alpert attended

ing news: “I married Sarah

Cornell University where he

Lovenheim on Memorial

earned a B.S. in biology. In

Day Weekend in Rochester,

2011, he received his Ph.D.

N.Y. We went on honey-

in virology from Harvard

moon in Belize and live in

University. Dr. Alpert is the

Washington, D.C., where

founder of Immunathon,

I’m a White House and

a biotechnology start-up

economics reporter for The

involved in developing

Washington Post and my

technologies needed for a

wife works for Senate Ma-

vaccine for HIV, the subject

jority Leader Harry Reid.”

of his doctoral dissertation.

Andy Sandberg ’01 has

The luncheon discussion,

enjoyed catching up with

which focused on his career

various Browning alumni

as a scientist and business

in recent months, and he

Andy Sandberg ’01 sang at Browning’s Spring Benefit honoring Headmaster Clement’s 25 years of leadership.

had a blast singing with

dysandberg.com, or email

the current Yale Whiffen-

andy@andysandberg.com.

poofs and fellow Whiff

In June, Emir Senturk ’01

alum David Prestigiacomo

defended his dissertation,

to honor Headmaster

“The Role of Mdm2 in

Clement at the Browning

Tumor Response to Che-

Spring Benefit. He contin-

motherapy,” as part of the

ues to work as a theatrical

requirements for the MD/

producer, director, writer,

PhD program at the Icahn

and actor in New York,

School of Medicine at

and is currently direct-

Mount Sinai.

ing the world premiere of

Jonas F. Borra ’03 has

the new musical “Shida”

been named director of

(shidathemusical.com) –

VIP operations at Webster

premiering Off-Broadway

Hall in New York. He also

this summer at Ars Nova.

qualified for this year’s

His production of “Opera-

Westchester Amateur Golf

tion Epsilon” received rave

Championship and is con-

reviews in Boston, and he

tinuing his work with his

hopes to bring the show to

music projects.

Broadway in the coming months. The cast album for his production of “The Last Smoker in America” has just been released and is now available on iTunes and Amazon. He recently shot a role in the upcoming film “The Living” and is also writing a new play about the cutthroat world of kindergarten admissions entitled “Application Pending.” For more information on his current and upcoming projects, please visit an-

Max Levai ’06 (right) and his father, Pierre Levai, at the Marlborough Gallery in Manhattan, photographed for FD Luxe by Danny Ghitis.

a job at Creative Artists

Peace Corps development

Agency (CAA) – an influ-

advisor in Cameroon! I

ential and innovative global

am currently in training

organization that represents

in Bafia, a town a couple

prominent talent in the

hours north of the capital,

world of movies, TV, books,

Yaounde, and will be sent

sports, and of course,

to my post at the end of

music. I am excited to be

two months. I hope the best

back in Nashville pursuing

for our community. Feel

the goal of working as an

free to get in touch!”

agent here at CAA.”

Tennyson Singer ’08 (left) works at Siegelvision.

Robin A. Lewis ’05 works for Radio Disney and is being transferred to the company’s Los Angeles operation.

Owen B. Canavan ’06 recently sent in the following news: “After graduating from Vanderbilt University in 2010, I moved to Los Angeles to begin working in the music sector of the entertainment business. After an exciting year on the West Coast, I came back to Nashville to take

J. Tennyson Singer ’08 Benjamin D’Innocenzo ’06 is a Peace Corps volunteer, and is pictured here with his host family in Cameroon.

Benjamin P.

sent us the following news: “I recently graduated from Sewanee: University of the South with a double degree

D’Innocenzo ’06 recently

in French and economics

sent us the following up-

and I am pleased to report

date: “I was so excited to

that I have accepted a full

see all the great changes

time position as a strategy

happening around Brown-

analyst at brand consulting

ing when I visited for the

firm Siegelvision, started

Alumni Reunion cocktail

by Alan Siegel, founder

party in May. Hopefully

of global branding firm

I can bring some of that

Siegel + Gale. At Siegelvi-

spirit to my new role as a

sion, I work with a variety

Summer 2013

73

74

Former Faculty News L to R: Dylan Smith ’11, Mr. Dearinger and Harrison Asen ’10 at Browning in May.

of clients to sharpen brand

for the summer. Christopher

identity, design, visibility

Perkins ’08 is doing well

and communications. I am

working for a venture capital-

truly fortunate to work

ist firm – and John Hendren

one-on-one with Mr. Siegel

’08 recently quit his job in pri-

almost daily as we develop

vate equity so that he could

impactful brands for a va-

focus on taking the LSATs

riety of clients. He is one of

and going to law school next

the pioneers of the industry,

spring. It’s so great to still

and also just released a new

have a group of friends that

book called ‘Simple’ that

is just as tight as we were

is receiving some really

when we left Browning on

good attention. Our firm

graduation day.”

strives to help organizations

place – with most recent

’10s

clients including National

Andrew J. Chanos ’11

Public Radio and New

visited Browning in May

York University.

following the completion

define exactly who they are in their respective market

Our Browning group is

of his sophomore year at

still just as intact as ever. I

Yale University. He has de-

was with about five of the

clared a major in Italian and

Stephen Hamilton and Mr. Prestigiacomo at Browning in May. Jack Kaufman as pictured in The New York Times in May.

Jack Kaufmann, former Browning Latin teacher, was recently featured in a New York Times article titled, “Back to School, but for the L to R: James Adeleye ’12, Harrison Fields ’11 and Ryan Flynn ’12 at Browning’s Lower School Field Day in May.

Degree, Not Just the Fun.” Browning was also mentioned in the article, which was published in May.

is training to be an opera

Stephen Hamilton,

singer. Over the summer,

former head of Browning’s

he will be working with his

music department, visited

voice teacher.

Browning in May.

Congratulations to the

William N. Moseley is

Class of 2013, the newest

head of St. Margaret’s Epis-

members of Browning’s

copal School in San Juan

Alumni Association! The

Capistrano, Calif. While at

Class Representatives for

Browning, Mr. Moseley was

the Class of 2013 are: Alex-

the head of admissions as

ander J. Bendo ’13, Benja-

well as head of the Middle

min D. Jacobs ’13 and Paul

School and assistant head

E. Pricop ’13.

of school.

boys just last night. Ethan Schulman ’08 is about to start working full-time for the Weinstein Production

IN MEMORIAM

Company and his brother,

Richard Miller P ’92

Brett Schulman ’08, just fin-

D. Hennen Morris, III ’47

ished his first year at George Washington University Law School and is interning for an appellate judge in New York

THE

BUZZER

L to R: Director of Annual Giving Soo Mi Thompson, Andrew Chanos ’11 and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan at Browning in May.

T times throughout the day by thousands of people in Times

day, in a photo taken by Christine Bramble and representing

T H E BROW N I NG SC HO OL

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID AUGUSTA, ME PERMIT NO. 121

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

TO PARENTS OF ALUMNI If this magazine is addressed to your son who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home,

REMEMBER THE PAST… Celebrate the present …And Toast the Future Saturday, October 5, 2013 by invitation only