Buzzer Summer 2022

The Browning School Magazine Summer 2022

LOOKING BACK There’s no forward motion without reflection on the past PAGE 8

Nurse Linehan: The heart of our community PAGE 26

Browning artists explore creative intuition in the studio again PAGE 28

LOOKING AHEAD

Our chess Panthers hit the road once again in 2022, racking up impressive results in national tournaments.

Signals On the cover: Third graders Douglas M. ’31, Dominic N. ’31, and Leo R. ’31 enjoy being back in the art studio this year.

Dear Browning Friends, When we think about all the twists and turns that pandemic life has offered up in the last two years, it is becoming increasingly apparent that for all of us, life has been cleaved into two—before COVID and after COVID. Since it looks as though we aren’t going to “beat” the virus, and are likely to be living with regular surges for some time to come, we now realize that masks—the most universal symbol of this pandemic—may become seasonal outerwear rather than an artifact of a time when life quite suddenly changed.

And yet our resilience in the midst of this turmoil should not be understated. That’s why we have chosen this issue of the Buzzer to celebrate looking forward as well as looking back. Two years since our school closed before Spring Break for what all of us thought might only be a few weeks, many of the structures and rhythms of school life have returned to something not at all unlike what existed before. As students move back and forth behind the Red Doors, changing classrooms, heading to the cafeteria, enjoying field trips, laughing with friends in Encore and competing on the basketball court or the baseball diamond, it’s easy to forget a time when all of those things were denied to us. When we welcome families back in person—such as for Twelfth Night performances by our Middle School boys, or a Parents Association meeting, or music recitals for our youngest guys—we do so with great joy even as things still feel a little unsettled. Will families need to submit COVID testing? What is the capacity for these events in this new environment? How do we notify attendees when they (inevitably) test positive for COVID? While we may not yet be able to declare our pandemic era over, we can declare that we have met its myriad challenges, and have much to look forward to, including a purpose-built Upper School building, which will expand our class sizes by a full section starting in Grade 6, offer new ways of teaching and learning as well as building a school community that could not exist without the lessons gained from the pandemic, and enable a new appreciation of being together in person because we felt that loss so deeply. We are here, forever changed, yet still at our core the same—with boys at the center of our focus, with relationships paramount, and always striving to have the disposition to handle whatever comes next.

Read Dr. Botti’s blog at browning.edu/head-of-school

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While we may not yet be able to declare our pandemic era over, we can declare that we have met its myriad challenges, and have much to look forward to.

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John Botti, Ph.D. Head of School

BUZZER — Summer 2022

Dr. Botti at April’s New Parents Reception.

LETTER

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INSIDE:

Summer 2022

FEATURE

LOOKING AHEAD

LEARN VISIT GATHER DRAMA ENGAGE BUILD MUSIC FUTURE

THERE’S NO FORWARD MOTION WITHOUT REFLECTION ON THE PAST.

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LOOKING BACK

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CONTENTS

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20

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ALUMNI

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Paving the way!

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Remembering Thomas Lovejoy ’59

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44

Coming home again

Alumni Reunion

Welcoming new colleagues, applauding new roles

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Browning artists explore creative intuition in the studio again

GOOD NEWS

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Celebrating 15 years of self-portraits

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Bringing it all together

The Browning School fosters growth of courageous and compassionate men of intellect and integrity who aspire to contribute meaningfully to our world.

The Browning gentleman develops amid a community that upholds these values…

COMMUNITY

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Mission and Values

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Farewell to the Class of 2022!

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Bright futures, bright smiles

HONESTY

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We speak the truth, act with integrity and take responsibility for our actions.

Debate team earns coveted charter status

We honor and celebrate the dignity of all people and support the power of a diverse, inclusive and welcoming community.

French performers excel at theater fest

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Dr. Michael Thompson presents on understanding boys’ development Boys advocate #NoMoreSideHustles campaign

DIGNITY

CURIOSITY We encourage and celebrate open-minded inquiry about our world and the perspectives of those around us.

PURPOSE We believe that education encourages exploration and discovery in pursuit of meaning and enduring fulfillment.

ATHLETICS

Diversity Statement

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The heart of our community

BUZZER — Summer 2022

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The Brownig School Athletes

CONTENTS

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.

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We are thrilled to welcome three new leaders who will help in shaping our boys’ educational future, as well as to celebrate new appointments for two colleagues who have already done so much for our School.

Jim DeAngelo Interim Head of Upper School

Anna LaSala-Goettler Dean of Upper School Student Life

Jim DeAngelo has begun his tenure as our Interim Head of Upper School while we launch a search for the next permanent head this fall, with a tenure to begin in the 2023–24 school year.

We are pleased to share that Anna LaSala-Goettler will assume the role of Upper School Dean of Student Life in the fall. During her time at Browning, she has served as English Teacher, Summer@BrowningConnect Director, and Grade 9 Coordinator.

Mr. DeAngelo has over 30 years of experience as both a teacher and administrator in independent schools, and joins us from Saint Peter’s Preparatory School, an allboys high school of 900 students in Jersey City, where he has served as principal for 15 years. In his capacity as chief academic administrator, Mr. DeAngelo led 85 faculty through a curriculum review and the creation of professional learning communities, and introduced a number of initiatives advancing the place of the arts, STEM, and equity within the school. He is also presently a trustee of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools.

“We have seen Ms. LaSala-Goettler’s excellent work as a teacher, coach, advisor, and colleague,” Dr. Botti says, “We know that her knowledge, skill, and commitment will enable her to utilize this new position in ways that enhance the awareness, connection, and well-being of our Upper School students.”

Welcoming new colleagues, applauding new roles 4

COMMUNITY

Ophelia Ma Head of Middle School Mingyan “Ophelia” Ma has begun her tenure as our Head of Middle School.

She was the Founding Humanities and Project-Based Learning Lead at Presidio Knolls School, a Mandarin immersion school serving preschool through Grade 8 in San Francisco.

Ms. Ma has led the design and implementation of new curricula, programs, and school models as a founding team member at Avenues: The World School in China, director of curriculum at Dasheng Academy, and head of curriculum development at Beijing No. 4 High School International Campus, where she was also a faculty member and dean.

Maggie Olney Chair of the Science Department This fall, our colleague Maggie Olney will assume the Chair of the Science Department. During her time at Browning, Ms. Olney has distinguished herself not only as an imaginative and skilled classroom teacher, but also as an inclusive leader who creates relationships through generous listening and genuine curiosity.

“Ms. Olney knows how to create and nurture a culture of inquiry, and has a way of eliciting significant commitment from her students and true collaboration from her peers,” Dr. Botti says. “We are lucky to have her leadership.”

“Ms. Ma impressed us with her experience in creating foundational and challenging learning experiences across an array of academic disciplines, her demonstrated commitment to clear and compassionate communication with students and families, and her initiative in supporting faculty through professional development opportunities and coaching,” Dr. Botti says.

BUZZER — Summer 2022

COMMUNITY

Roshann Vasquez School Nurse Roshann Vasquez is joining us as Browning’s new nurse, succeeding Maureen Linehan, who retired after 30 years of service to our School.

Ms. Vasquez has been a nurse at the United Nations International School since 2019, and prior to that had worked at several healthcare institutions, including the Hospital for Special Surgery and NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases.

“Ms. Vasquez impressed us with her warmth and compassion, her extensive knowledge of pediatric medicine, and her eagerness to be part of the closeknit community that we have here at Browning,” says Dr. Botti. “We look forward to welcoming her as a member of our Wellness Team.”

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Good news to begin with

Two of our French classes competed at the Lycée Français festival and both won coveted awards.

French performers excel at theater fest Our French students had a superb showing at the Lycée Français theater festival, competing against schools from the U.S., Canada, France, Cambodia, and Chile. Well assisted by their peers, Alpha C. ’24 and Pablo R. ’26 were each awarded the “best non-French speaking male actor trophy” in their

respective categories. Moreover, French III boys received the coveted “Grand Prix du Jury,’’ while French I students won the “Prix Spécial du Jury” (Special Jury Prize). This was the first time in 23 years that two Browning classes received the two major distinctions.

Debate Team earns coveted charter status The Debate Team had another incredible season and qualified for the city and state championships for the second year in a row.

Debate makes it to champs for second time; Boys campaign for gender unity in sports.

The team also earned charter status in the National Speech & Debate Association. This outstanding achievement was awarded due to the excellence the team has demonstrated in attaining new members and degrees in the National Speech & Debate Association’s Honor Society over the past three years.

Senior members of the Debate Team.

BUZZWORDS 6

GOOD NEWS

Visit buzzwords.browning.edu for a fresh approach to telling the Browning story online.

SPEAKER SERIES

Dr. Michael Thompson presents on understanding boys’ development In April, renowned clinical psychologist and author Dr. Michael Thompson concluded our 2021–22 Today’s Boys, Tomorrow’s Men Speaker Series with in-person presentations to students, faculty, and parents.

Dr. Thompson’s discussions on understanding boys’ development across their adolescence was presented with matching support from the Edward E. Ford Foundation.

Dr. Thompson has worked in over 700 schools for 50 years in the U.S., Asia, Africa, Europe, and Central America, and is presently the supervising psychologist for the Belmont Hill School in Belmont, MA.

Boys advocate #NoMoreSideHustles campaign Standing united for gender equity, students have rallied support behind the #NoMoreSideHustles campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the gender pay gap in sports, notably in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Set in March to coincide with International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, the Grade 6 Student Council organized a fundraiser in collaboration with the La Sociedad Latina affinity group, as well as the Parent Equity Council, to support female athletes who compete at the highest professional level in not having to work multiple jobs in order to earn a living.

“This fundraiser was an incredible opportunity for the boys to learn, through a concrete example, about gender-based pay inequity,” Nina Lieberman P’28 says. “As a parent, and especially as a mother, it was powerful for me to see the passion and dedication my son and the other students brought to their efforts in raising awareness and providing financial support to help close the pay gap.”

The campaign concluded in the spring with soccer games for all students who donated. Entered into a lottery pot, the Upper School winners played against members of La Sociedad Latina, while Middle School winners faced off against the Grade 6 Student Council.

BUZZER — Summer 2022

BUZZER

The Browning School Magazine

Editors Jan Abernathy, Chief Communications Officer Jeremy Katz ’04, Associate Director of Strategic Communications

Editorial Contributors John Botti, Head of School Caroline Axelrod Gene Campbell Andrew West ’92, Director of Athletics

Contributing Photographers Coffee Pond Photography Asher Dorlester Tobias Everke Ethan David Kent Da Ping Luo The Island School John Morelli Al Pareira Antonio Ribeiro/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Michael Soluri Design by Michael Wiemeyer / Designlounge, NY. The Buzzer is published twice a year by The Browning School. Submissions may be sent to Jeremy Katz at jkatz@browning.edu. All submissions may be edited for length and clarity.

Follow Us @browningschool

Visit our website: browning.edu

Board of Trustees 2022–2023 Valda M. Witt, President Alka K. Singh, Vice President Andrew E. Vogel, Vice President Jeffrey M. Landes ’83, Secretary Raul Pineda, Treasurer John Botti, Head of School Kinjal Nicholls, President, Parents Association Clare Hallinan, Vice President, Parents Association Stuart A. Orenstein ’00, President, Alumni Association Mimi Basso Hayley Broadbent Sandra Buergi George Cabrera, III ’98 Sandrine A. Cousquer-Okasmaa Nathaniel X. Garcia ’06 Stephanie H. Hessler Federico Infantino John M. Liftin

Elizabeth G. Miller J Mocco Nazmi Oztanir Jerry C. Pi ’95 Ian J. Sandler Jodi J. Schwartz Martin Small Graig J. Springer ’98 Vance Wilson Sara B. Zablotney

James S. Chanos, Honorary Trustee Stuart J. Ellman, Honorary Trustee Allan L. Gropper, Honorary Trustee

GOOD NEWS / MASTHEAD

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THERE’S NO FORWARD MOTION WITHOUT REFLECTION ON THE PAST.

LOOKING BACK

LOOKING AHEAD

By Jeremy Katz ’04 Associate Director of Strategic Communications

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed us all, perhaps in ways we cannot yet begin to fully grasp.

At Browning, we embrace these changes as a vehicle for growth. Looking back and looking ahead need not work as separate one-way streets. Sometimes a look back allows us to also look far ahead.

Sometimes what is ahead shines a light on the past. The following pages present what we have been facing over the last two years, what we have learned, and where we see the School heading.

FEATURE

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SHOULDER TO SHOULDER BEHIND THE RED DOORS Following the spring 2020 closure of in-person school, Browning reopened the Red Doors that fall with a hybrid learning model—which saw K–5 students back full-time while Middle and Upper Schoolers attented online school on alternating weeks. All boys were separated by plexiglass barriers and limited to a single classroom. Two years after the COVID outbreak, most restrictions have been lifted, mask-wearing is optional, while all students once again now move between classes, have clubs and assemblies, and collaborate in many other ways.

Boys were separated by plexiglass barriers to help maintain safe distance in classrooms at 62nd Street.

Due to social distancing mandates, Browning expanded its campus to FIAF on 59th Street to accommodate the 4th and 5th graders.

LOOKING BACK

FEATURE

LEARN

LOOKING AHEAD

In the 2021–2022 school year, all students are once again behind the Red Doors and building relationships with peers and faculty in person.

FEATURE

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OH, THE PLACES THEY’LL GO! When restrictions were high and most venues for field trips were closed, the Central Park Zoo—just a few blocks from Browning—still gave our boys an opportunity to move beyond the classroom walls in a fun and enriching way. This year saw the return of the classic field trips: Lower Schoolers have visited museums and cultural centers, Middle Schoolers have gone on overnight field trips to complete units of study, and Upper Schoolers have enjoyed the return of the beloved College and Island School trips as well as a retreat for Interschool students.

Science classes took advantage of the Central Park Zoo, in order to practice observation skills, during the pandemic.

LOOKING BACK

FEATURE

VISIT

LOOKING AHEAD

Grade 7 students collect data upstate at Black Rock Forest during an overnight trip.

Experiential learning comes alive during Grade 9’s trip abroad at The Island School in The Bahamas.

FEATURE

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Despite being forced into separation at the onset of the pandemic, the Parents Association provided many Zoom events for our community while giving our faculty and families immeasurable support to keep everyone connected. Last fall, families had their first opportunity to attend the Book Fair in person since the pandemic began, with timed entries to aid in social distancing. This spring, our New Families Reception and Spring Celebration were cornerstones of community reconnection.

LOOKING BACK

FEATURE

GATHER

EVERYTHING’S BETTER WHEN WE’RE TOGETHER

LOOKING AHEAD

Members of the adult community, including parents, faculty, trustees, and alumni, gathered together at the Harmonie Club for our Spring Celebration.

FEATURE

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Drama Teacher Adam Giordano rehearsed with actors individually due to COVID restrictions.

PIVOTING TO RADIO AND BACK TO THE BARD With live theater on hold due to the pandemic, Drama Teacher Adam Giordano revived the nostalgic medium of the radio play, which boys rehearsed and recorded over Zoom, for presentation to the community. This spring brought back the excitement of the annual Middle School Shakespeare production in front of a live audience. “The radio play was a wonderful interim project; however, nothing can replace the energy and magic of live theater,” Mr. Giordano says. “I am so happy that the wider community once again had the opportunity to experience this thrill.”

The radio play included an announcer who guided the proceedings, as well as original commercials for “sponsors” such as Sparkle Toothpaste and Uncle Ralph’s Root Beer.

LOOKING BACK

FEATURE

DRAMA

LOOKING AHEAD Twelfth Night was the first live performance of the Middle School Shakespeare Play since 2019.

FEATURE

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FROM ZOOM TO BEING IN THE ROOM During the extended school closure, BrowningConnect, which encompassed online teaching and learning, as well as other community aspects of the school experience, was launched.

This platform kept our community connected until school reopened in the fall as BrowningFlex, a hybrid education model that accommodated in-person and online learning. The 2021–22 year has seen all students back behind the Red Doors, with families invited to witness assemblies and student showcases since the spring.

1. Donovan K. ’30 works next to his father.

2. Taeha P. ’31 engages in a lesson.

3. Julianne Rowland reads to her first graders.

4. Brothers Adam B ’25 and Chase B. ’30 share their teacher appreciation.

5. Jonathan W. ’23 practices violin.

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LOOKING BACK

FEATURE

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ENGAGE

LOOKING AHEAD

Head of Lower School Eric Ogden leads the first assembly for his division in two years.

Students presented research projects at the Invention Convention and STEAM Expo to parents, peers, and faculty.

FEATURE

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The Robotics Team competed in virtual tournaments in 2021 by filming their robot in action and submitting that to a panel of judges and referees.

LOOKING BACK

FEATURE

BUILD

Team Ultro performed exceptionally well in virtual tournaments during the pandemic and won an award for the most innovative and creative robot design solution.

LOOKING AHEAD Grade 10 Intro to Engineering students test their robots during an end-of-year scrimmage in front of their peers and teachers.

Team Ultro members visit the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston, TX.

ROBOTICS IMPROVISES, ADAPTS, AND OVERCOMES Despite the constraints of the pandemic, the Upper School robotics team, Team Ultro, still could collaborate on designing, programming, and assembling their robot in the 2020–21 year.

While one pod of boys tested the robot at school, remote students assisted with engineering and programming via Zoom. This year, as restrictions eased, the team won several awards at the in-person city championship, and their co-captain, Washieu A. ’23, was invited to compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston, TX.

Grade 10 students graciously helped each other succeed during a scrimmage.

FEATURE

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Lower Schoolers filmed two annual holiday concerts, with social distancing and without a live audience.

OUR HALLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC How do you teach music in a pandemic? Initially, Lower Schoolers were taught in truncated schedules to minimize contact with teachers outside of their pods. Older classes shifted focus to digital music production when they couldn’t perform to a shared beat. Since the spring, Browning has hosted showcases filled with supportive audiences. “People were craving opportunities to feel connected,” Music Teacher Hannah Hickok says. “I’ve seen all our groups really lean into the rehearsal process and enjoy the community that comes from making music together.”

Asha Lindsey conducts a Lower School holiday performance from afar.

Hannah Hickok instructs a Middle School ukulele lesson after social distancing was lifted.

LOOKING BACK

FEATURE

MUSIC

LOOKING AHEAD

The Rock Band performs at the first in-person Coffeehouse since the pandemic—to rapturous applause.

COMMUNITY FEATURE

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Bottom: The larger gym allows for a better student experience at assemblies.

Light floods a classroom at 337 East 64th Street.

LOOKING BACK

FEATURE

FUTURE

Top: The facade of the new Upper School building (currently a parking garage) allows for considerable natural light due to its 20th-century industrial loft windows.

LOOKING AHEAD

A NEW BUILDING BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITIES For the first time since its move to 62nd Street in 1922, Browning’s educational facilities will grow beyond the Red Doors. Our Upper School is moving to 337 East 64th Street, which will create enhanced opportunities for teaching and learning for all students. With added space, we will be able to enroll up to 45 boys starting in Grade 6–12 and reimagine spaces at 62nd Street for our younger students.

This top-to-bottom renovation will be completed in the 2024–2025 school year. Learn more at browning.edu/ expansion.

The new building will allow us to add 18 Upper School classrooms and labs, a regulationsized gymnasium (for a home-court advantage), and arts and community spaces.

Community spaces will foster creativity, relationships, and collaboration.

FEATURE

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The heart of our community NURSING SKILLS ONLY SKIM THE SURFACE OF ALL THE QUALITIES THAT MAUREEN LINEHAN BROUGHT THROUGH THE RED DOORS FOR 30 YEARS.

By John Botti Head of School

S

ometimes you need a bandage. Or an ice pack. Or a cough drop. Or just a place to sit quietly until whatever hurts—a scraped knee, a bruised ego, a stomach laid low by last period’s physics test—feels better. Sooner or later, you are definitely going to need Nurse Maureen Linehan.

It is nearly impossible to overstate the significance of Maureen’s influence on Browning over the past 30 years. School nurses are a mighty bunch, and all pass a threshold of technical skill and professional expertise, but Maureen’s clinical proficiency is simply on another level; indeed, she has an encyclopedic understanding of how to treat bruises and breaks, cuts and concussions, aches and abrasions. As great as she is with bloody noses and EpiPens, however, Maureen’s most profound contributions to Browning have been less material, more spiritual. In dozens upon dozens of ways, she has been the heart and conscience of our school community—and the one that we all look to when we

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COMMUNITY

need to know that things will be all right.

During the school day, Maureen’s first-floor office is like LaGuardia Airport the day before Thanksgiving, with folks rushing in and out, all with a specific set of hopes, concerns, and stories they want to share. Lower School boys stop by on their way back from the bathroom, because they know Nurse Linehan will always give them a big smile and reassurance that things (be it last week’s black eye or tomorrow’s lunch) will get better.

Older students duck their head in under the auspices of physical malady, but really to get guidance on relationships, to share worries about the well-being of a family member, or to relay the happy tale of a recent artistic or athletic triumph to the Browning adult they love most. For faculty and staff, Maureen’s is the place to go for Tylenol and second opinions as well as reminders that both students and school administrators have always been works in progress. On the rare moments when Maureen

In honor of her 30 years of service and retirement, the nurse’s office was named after Maureen Linehan.

is alone in her office, she is likely on the phone, giving medical guidance to a concerned parent, consulting with a fellow nurse, or letting an alumnus know that yes, she’d be happy to give him some advice if he stopped by later in the week. On a daily basis, Nurse Linehan’s room is a hum of energy and appeal and relief

“

As central as Maureen has been to the well-being of Browning for three decades, she has been utterly indispensable over the past two years.

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BUZZER — Summer 2022

that begins even before the Red Doors open, and concludes after the last student has gone home for the evening.

As central as Maureen has been to the well-being of Browning for three decades, she has been utterly indispensable over the past two years. The pandemic thrust so many front-line workers into impossibly difficult roles, and it was certainly the same for Nurse Linehan, as she was asked to become functionally expert in digital health screening, contact tracing, interpreting epidemiological data, ensuring social distancing, and a host of other matters that were never properly the ambit of a school nurse.

Maureen could have understandably suggested that someone on the back end of their career not be tasked with such things, but she did not; instead, she gave herself to learning with and from medical experts, to educating colleagues and boys and families, and to being present, day after day, year-round, as she helped lead us through the worst public health crisis our city had seen in a century. It was selfless, grinding, unanticipated work, and I dare not imagine where we would have been without her. As always, we looked to Maureen, and as always, she let us know that things would be all right.

No one is all things to all people, but in the Browning world, Maureen Linehan comes awfully close. For 30 years, she has been a nurse, a teacher, an advisor, a leader, a friend, and—for me, and for so many others—a hero.

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Browning artists explore creative intuition in the studio again

ceramics Liam M. ’22

form

ceramics Drew L. ’28

colo ceramics Zachary L. ’27

drawing Colin S. ’33

drawing Sebastian F. ’24

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COMMUNITY

painting Julian D. ’32

proportion This display gives a strong representation of the diverse works our boys made after 18 months away from the studio! Being together in a classroom setting fueled the boys’ creativity—we are proud of their progress, creativity, and endless curiosity. Hats off to Mr. Vlahos, Ms. Bancroft, and Ms. Joo for their wonderful guidance.

or

collage, mixed media Jagger W. ’26

ceramics Derek B. ’29

ceramics Joshua C. ’33

drawing Jonathan W. ’26

texture

line BUZZER — Summer 2022

ceramics Darien J. ’34

COMMUNITY

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Browning artists explore creative intuition in the studio again

drawing Mustapha T. ’23

ceramics Christopher D. ’26

expression

sha

ceramics Sayres B. ’29

ceramics Alexander V. ’28

drawing Matthew B. ’23

s painting Malek A. ’23

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COMMUNITY

collage Enzo V. ’34

ape

drawing Veer M. ’26

ceramics Sasha M. ’23

balance ceramics Oliver B. ’27

painting Eric S. ’23

painting Mica C. ’32

ymmetry ceramics Nico B. ’31

BUZZER — Summer 2022

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Celebrating 15 years of self-portraits Nik Vlahos, Performing & Fine Arts Department Chair, is celebrating his 15th year at Browning! Since he came through the Red Doors, Mr. Vlahos has fostered in his students a deeper appreciation for the skills one uses in finding expression through the arts—notably with the self-portrait project, the culmination of the drawing exercises he teaches to his oldest students.

“We use a grid method to transfer the photograph onto drawing paper and also look at the work of Chuck Close, who was

known for making photorealist portraits using this method,” Mr. Vlahos says.

“Making a drawing like this is a big commitment and requires a certain level of courage. Throughout the years, I have seen students conquer their fears of mark-making and to create beautiful portraits. I am always impressed by my students’ work and I am very proud of the drawings they have made.”

Nik Vlahos instructs a portrait class.

ERICK TERAN ’09

BARRY CREGAN ’09

“Taking photographs with Mr. Vlahos, for the portraits we would draw, made for such a carefree and fun class day; I didn’t realize then how creating those portraits would become one of my most cherished high-school memories—and it all started with that day of taking reference pictures.”

“Mr. Vlahos provided two things for our class: never-ending patience (this cannot be emphasized enough) and something we were all truly proud of when the year was over. My portrait is framed in my childhood room at my parents’ house. When I see it, I smile and think of the days behind the Red Doors.”

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6 1. Zachary Magill ’13 2. Brandt Berrie ’11 3. Morgan Miller ’13 4. Del Schunk ’16 5. Anthony Carrasco ’16 6. Matthew Marani ’12 7. Grant Thompson ’18 8. Alex Wisowaty ’14 9. Arthur Mensah ’15 10. Pranay Advani ’11 BUZZER — Summer 2022

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9 COMMUNITY

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Bringing it all together LINKING EQUITABLE PRACTICES AND SOCIAL IMPACT AT BROWNING

By Jan Abernathy Chief Communications Officer

Naledi Semela joined Browning this year. We spoke about what his role encompasses; our school’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; and why focusing on social impact helps our boys contribute meaningfully to our world.

What do you do as Director of Equitable Practices and Social Impact?

I make sure that we are advancing a sense of belonging for all students, whether through curriculum, advisory and socialemotional learning, affinity groups, or social impact activities. Much of this involves faculty professional development. Of course, I am also involved in ensuring that there’s diversity, and equity in hiring, admissions, and parent engagement in a variety of ways.

How do you see the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and the social impact parts of your work coming together?

I’m often asked whether an initiative is about equity, diversity, and inclusion, or whether it’s about social impact. Inevitably it’s about both. For example, Daniel’s Music Foundation presented on disability awareness for our Lower School. In terms of DEIB, they talked about using people-first language when describing a person with a disability, and upholding dignity while expressing curiosity about the disability. Next, our students will have an opportunity to volunteer with the organization, and that’s the social impact piece.

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What effect did the move to social impact work, versus one-off service projects, have on our boys?

With social impact, there’s an exchange— it’s not just a one-sided gift of charity. It is being part of a community that stretches beyond 62nd Street or the Upper East Side of Manhattan. So the boys are learning at the same time that they are engaging with something bigger than themselves. You can also take a social impact idea from

soup to nuts. For example, our sixth graders learned that there is gender inequity in athletes’ compensation. Then they found the #NoMoreSideHustles campaign. They did a lot of research and campaigned about it to the entire school community. Together with one of our student affinity groups, La Sociedad Latina, they’ve organized soccer games where participants can raise money for this cause. They even got the parents on our Parent Equity Council involved. So it was a schoolwide initiative that came from an idea formed in a history class.

How has this new focus impacted senior projects?

Here’s a great example: We have a student

Upper Schoolers attend the virtual NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference alongside students from around the country.

COMMUNITY

“

“I’m often asked whether an initiative is about equity, diversity, and inclusion, or whether it’s about social impact.

Inevitably it’s about both.”

”

Families help at a day of impact in the Bronx.

who was inspired when an Indigenous speaker, sponsored by our Parent Equity Council, gave a talk to students. This led the student, who is also of Indigenous heritage, to volunteer with folks who are working to preserve this given tribal language. And he’s going to take his learning back and present it to his peers. There’s a deeper learning going on here, beyond merely completing a service project in a few weeks.

Can you say more about the Parent Equity Council?

If we are truly a community, that means having families involved in our work too.

PEC has provided speakers and cultural events, and has been really key in the social impact sphere. It also provides a place for parents to talk about school life and provide us with a wonderful opportunity to be transparent about what we are doing with equity work at Browning.

Can you talk about the Panther Mentors, the Black alumni group that got involved with Browning in 2020?

The brotherhood taking place across Browning generations is astounding.

They were able to spend time with students in classroom this year when COVID restrictions eased. They’re not just congratulating us for things that we’re doing well, but also helping us to imagine things we can do differently. They are tremenBUZZER — Summer 2022

Students are encouraged to engage with the greater community and lend their time to worthy causes.

dous advocates for current students, and always interested to learn what they need.

Given some misconceptions about what equity and inclusion in education is, can you give our readers a bit of a guide as to what we do at Browning?

We are intentional about the curricular choices we’re making. Sometimes a traditional way of teaching is to center a cer-

tain group of people in the narrative, with everybody else on the periphery of the main story. The more modern approach is to consider more deeply the perspectives of different people. We don’t tell the students what to make of what we teach; rather, we make the space for students to engage with material and have honest, curious, intellectual debates based on the things they’re learning and what that means for them in their lives today.

Behind the EPSI Job Title need to know

This unusual title was reimagined to reflect Browning’s approach to both diversity work and serving the community.

Equitable practices implies a far-reaching brief to examine the school’s operations for fairness, and social impact suggests a reciprocal relationship between service organizations and the school, rather than having students engage in charity events.

COMMUNITY

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THE BROWNING SCHOOL

Athlet

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ATHLETICS

Left: 7/8 baseball player Alistair G. ’26 runs to home plate.

Center: Varsity golfer Allan E. ’24 watches his tee-off shot.

Right: 7/8 Red Basketball player Declan H. ’26 dribbles down the court.

tes BUZZER — Summer 2022

As with many things in life, we don’t truly appreciate what we have until we feel its absence—such as during the pandemic.

It was great to return to having an uninterrupted year of being together, competing and representing Browning. All the coaches and boys are very excited about our plans to expand the student body and athletic space, and we know that will provide us with even more opportunities. Panther Pride is on high!

— Andrew West ’92 Athletics Director

View photos from both seasons at browning.edu/ athletics-photos ATHLETICS

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Indoor track runner Luca Girodon ’22

The Browning School Athletes

WINTER SEASON It was a rebuilding year as our teams were back on the courts and fields for the first time in three years. At each team’s first practice, the players and coaches stated their goals for the season—most said they wanted to improve, have fun, practice skills, and win some games.

The season offered its share of ups and downs, but each teams’ athleticism and hustle kept them in some close games with the competition. The next step will be getting back to the level they want to compete for championships.

Grade 5 basketball team

7/8 basketball player Asher O. ’27

Table tennis player Nathaniel L. ’23

Grade 6 basketball player MacLean H. ’28

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Table tennis player Lonnie M. ’25 was undefeated this season.

ATHLETICS

Indoor track runner Thomas P. ’24

Varsity basketball player Justys Soto ’22

Varsity basketball player Alpha C. ’24

Squash player Kyle D. ’24

JV basketball player Quinn B. ’25

BUZZER — Summer 2022

ATHLETICS

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Varsity track member Sasha M. ’23

The Browning School Athletes

SPRING SEASON Each team performed admirably, but the highlight of the spring had to be varsity golf, which finished second in the league!

Varsity tennis is young, and winning nine out of 11 games shows they are poised to win future championships. 7/8 baseball, despite having only nine players, won twice as many games as they lost. Varsity baseball has a strong, young core, which they will build on to get back to where they want to be. Varsity and 7/8 track both set faster personal-best times throughout the season, and showed grit and resilience in their training.

The 2022 varsity golf team

Varsity baseball pitcher Joe Fabrizi ’22 7/8 baseball player William R. ’26

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ATHLETICS

Varsity baseball pitcher Adam B. ’25

Varsity baseball third baseman Jose Garcia ’22

7/8 track member Pablo R. ’26

Varsity tennis player Zachary Tan ’22

Varsity track member Jack D. ’25

Varsity golfer Leon H. ’27

Varsity golfers Nick S. ’24 and Robert G. ’26 BUZZER — Summer 2022

ATHLETICS

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Farewell to the Class of 2022!

As you walk through the Red Doors and into a world that will increasingly demand adaptability, resiliency, strength, and grace, stand tall in the knowledge that you have already been tested in these areas over the past COVID-marked years and been proven more than worthy.

Your leadership and grit have been remarkable and powerful, often operating out of sight and without expectation of any returns, yet yielding impressive results. Whether looking out for a younger boy or walking with an arm around a classmate and lifelong friend, your impact here at Browning has been clear and will be felt for years to come.

—Gene Campbell, former Head of Upper School

NYU’s Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Stuart Robinson encouraged the graduates to have confidence in their own styles and voices as they prepare to lead in the future.

Members of the Class of 2022 came together for graduation at St. Jean Baptiste Church on June 14, 2022.

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COMMUNITY

View more photos at browning.edu/ news/2022-graduation

Bright futures, bright smiles

Congratulations to the Class of 2022 and to the fine institutions that will welcome them this fall. We wish our new alumni the best of luck in all the years to come!

William H. Braffman University of Texas, Austin (TX)

Luca Girodon Yale University (CT)

Teymour S. Nsouli New York University (NY)

Benjamin A. Sullivan Vanderbilt University (TN)

Matthew Centeno Case Western Reserve University (OH)

Andrew R. Hatfield Colgate University (NY)

Amadosi G. Ologunja Case Western Reserve University (OH)

Jamie M. Sussman Connecticut College (CT)

Harrison D. Clyde Colgate University (NY)

Jacob N. Herzberg Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA)

Nicholas B. Dingle Denison University (OH) Joseph R. Fabrizi Indiana University, Bloomington (IN) Connor J. Fischetti University of Pennsylvania (PA) Jose E. Garcia Boston College (MA)

BUZZER — Summer 2022

Gregory Parizhsky Hamilton College (NY)

Jasper J. Svenvold McPhee University of St. Andrews (Scotland)

Kabir J. Kurani New York University (NY)

Lucas B. Richman University of Pennsylvania (PA)

Zachary S. Tan University of Rochester (NY)

Nicolas P. Laffont Brown University (RI)

Spencer R. Russell Occidental College (CA)

Evan K. Thomas University of Rochester (NY)

Liam J. Messinger Lehigh University (PA)

R. Henry Scarborough Amherst College (MA)

John C. van Leuven Georgetown University (DC)

Nathaniel G. Miller Dartmouth College (NH)

Henry T. Smith University of Chicago (IL)

Xavier A. Myrtil SUNY Oswego (NY)

Justys S. Soto Emory University (GA) COMMUNITY

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ALUMNI: REUNION

LOOKING AHEAD

ALUMNI

ALUMNI: REUNION

Reunited and it feels so good! Three years since our last Reunion, alumni from a span of 62 years could finally walk through the Red Doors again to celebrate the momentous occasion with their Browning brothers. Many milestone classes, stretching all the way back to 1957, were celebrated at the luncheon and evening receptions.

Notable in their turnout were members of the Class of 1972—celebrating their 50th reunion—who traveled from as far away as California, Canada, and Chile.

Until next time!

LOOKING BACK BUZZER — Summer 2022

ALUMNI

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ALUMNI: SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Paving the way!

Endowed scholarship fund enhances the community

I

n 1972, Dennis Coleman became the first Black student to graduate from Browning. In doing so, he paved the way for generations of young men to follow. Fifty years later, 45% of Browning’s student body identify as students of color.

In the summer of 2020, Dennis and a group of extraordinary Black alumni came together to form the Panther Mentors, with the goal of bringing their diverse talents and resources back to Browning to help support current students. Their influence can be felt across all areas: admissions, classrooms across every division, affinity groups, and beyond. One of

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their most significant contributions, however, is the Dennis M. Coleman ’72 Panther Mentors Endowed Scholarship Fund, which will increase financial aid for Black and Latinx/Hispanic students.

This spring, Dennis and his classmates returned to Browning to celebrate their 50th reunion, and he had the unique opportunity to meet the first scholarship recipient. Dennis shared: “It’s amazing to know that my Browning experience opened the door for remarkable young men like the boys I met. To see the positive impact of this scholarship on the Browning community, and to know that will only continue, makes me ALUMNI

exceedingly proud. It is an honor to have my name attached.”

To date, we have secured almost $100,000 for this endowed scholarship. If you would like to contribute your support, visit browning.edu/panther-mentors or contact Chief Advancement Officer Bobbi Mark at bmark@browning.edu or 212-935-4238.

The Panther Mentors alumni

ALUMNI: IN MEMORIAM

Remembering Thomas Lovejoy ’59 1941–2021

The late National Geographic Explorer at Large and conservation biologist Thomas Lovejoy ’59 spent more than 50 years of his life illuminating and protecting the Amazon. He frequently attended Browning’s annual Biodiversity Day as a presenter and guest scientist.

D

r. Thomas E. Lovejoy III ’59 will always be remembered at Browning with great fondness for his sheer brilliance, his delightful sense of humor, and his warmth.

Dr. Lovejoy attended Browning through eighth grade and remained actively involved with his alma mater, generously sharing his time and energy with students and alumni. “He was a superstar and a constant day-brightener,” Tom Herman ’64 recalls. One of Dr. Lovejoy’s many honors was receiving Browning’s Alumnus Achievement Award in 1993 for displaying the finest qualities of citizenship and distinguished achievement in his career.

BUZZER — Summer 2022

Considered the godfather of biodiversity, Dr. Lovejoy was influential in helping to establish the School’s annual Biodiversity Day, which he would attend whenever possible over the years. “I was incredibly nervous to meet such a legend in the field of conservation biology and the author of many of my required reads in college,” Science Department Chair Emilie Wolf shared. “When I reached out to him about my plan to organize an event on Biodiversity Day, not only was he very supportive of the initiative, he honored us with his presence as the inaugural keynote speaker. I am so grateful for his support and the kindness he showed over the years.”

ALUMNI

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ALUMNI: ALUMNI:YOUNG YOUNGALUMNI ALUMNI/PAST & PASTPARENT PARENTRECEPTION RECEPTION

Coming home again The Alumni Association wrapped up a spring season full of reconnections with a young alumni and past parent event. Many of these families had not been back through the Red Doors since their sons’ respective graduations and were able to walk down memory lane as they caught up with old friends and former teachers.

Adrian Rodriguez ’18, Philip Raftopoulos ’18, Andrew Ceonzo ’18, and Grant Thompson ’18

Giordan Escalona ’20, Alec Candidato ’20, and Christian Kim ’21 catch up with Dr. John Botti

Cynthia Kramer P’17, Luke Barba ’17, and Nik Vlahos

Jon Pelz ’12

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ALUMNI

Armaan Rawat ’15 and Chris Russo ’15

Brian Granville-Smith ’21, David Pham ’21, and Austin Stapleton ’20

Stacey Stapleton P’20, Amelia Raftopoulos P’21, and Jackie Ceonzo P’18

Thank you for investing in excellence.

Thank you for honoring our teachers.

Thank you for supporting creativity and innovation.

Thank you for believing in a lifelong love of learning.

Thank you for helping our boys become leaders.

Thank you for your vote of confidence.

Thank you for raising your hand and supporting Browning’s Annual Fund.

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TO UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS Please email Krizia Moreno-Cruz at kmoreno-cruz@browning.edu.

FROM THE ARCHIVE The Browning School in the 1890s at its original location on 27 West 55th Street. Now, for the first time since its move to 62nd Street in 1922, Browning’s educational facilities will expand to an additional location. Learn more about this exciting new chapter on page 24.