Times of Brunswick, Spring 2025

BPA BENEFIT: ROLLICKIN’ NIGHT IN THE WILD WEST

CLASS OF ’24 SALUTED FOR CURIOSITY & KINDNESS

VARSITY SPORTS: SEASONS OF STRATEGY, POWER & PURPOSE

Spring 2025

Bruin Houses & Dens Havens of Brotherhood for Middle Schoolers

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2024–2025

R. Willet Cook (P ’30) Chairman Kimberly C. Augustine (P ’19, ’25) Josyl L. Barchue ’00 (P ’37) Raymond J. Bartoszek (P ’27, ’35) Nisha Kumar Behringer (P ’26, ’28) Christopher L. Collins (P ’30) Scott A. Dahnke (P ’17, ’19, ’26) B. Cort Delany, Esq. ’73 (P ’21, ’21) Adam B. Dolder (P ’28, ’30) Patrick J. Fels (P ’23, ’25) Marisa A. Femenia (P ’29, ’31) Leslie F. Foley (P ’30) Darby B. Fox (P ’17) Brandon P. Hall (P ’24, ’26, ’34) Gilbert H. Klemann ’97 (P ’32) Angela M. Michalik (P ’19, ’21, ’23, ’28) Ian C. Murray ’93 (P ’30, ’33) Timothy P. O’Hara (P ’23, ’25, ’27, ’29) Joseph H. Osnoss (P ’31, ’34) John S. Pavelski (P ’28, ’31, ’35) James H. Ritman ’94 (P ’28, ’31) Wendy E. Sacks (P ’20, ’27) David R. Salomon (P ’16) Bharath Srikrishnan (P ’23, ’25, ’27) Nicholas K. Vita (P ’35) Carrie M. Walsh (P ’28, ’30, ’34) Dr. Thomas B. Wilson (P ’22, ’26) Thomas W. Philip (P ’08, ’10) Ex Officio

ON THE COVER

Middle Schoolers (LEFT TO RIGHT) Mac Peters ’32, Thomas Bowens ’31, Owen Marks ’29, and Marcus Kostel ’30 proudly don the caps of their new Houses: Grizzly, Polar, Sun, and Kodiak. Thanks to a program geared to enhancing belonging, inter-grade connections, unity, and fun, the boys now belong to newly created Houses and Dens. The initiative was launched in September, when Middle School boys returned to expanded facilities in two spacious buildings — and it has worked during the course of the year to build a stronger sense of brotherhood and bring them closer than ever before. For more, please turn to page 4.

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DRESSED TO IMPRESS DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY

F

ORMALLY ATTIRED for a truly special evening on the town, as February began, Brunswick School and Greenwich

Academy Upper Schoolers flocked to the newly remodeled Hyatt Regency Hotel in Old Greenwich for the annual Brown & White Dance. In keeping with long tradition, the Saturday-night dance was made all the more enjoyable by the smiles and good cheer of all gathered for the black-tie revelry.

MESSAGE FROM THE

HEAD OF SCHOOL Simple Maxim at a Complex Time

T

HE CONCISE AND WISE EXCHANGE

simply to emphasize or underscore the singular or

took place in 1902 — coincidentally, the

paramount importance of kindness.

storied year of Brunswick’s founding.

For the next half century and more, it

Rather, he implies that “to be kind,” we do our very best when we attend constantly to the

lived on quietly — a personal recollection and

principals in three dynamic and intersecting

life-lesson for the young and itinerant Harvard

areas of endeavor.

student to whom it was offered.

And then he says no more — encouraging us

Soon to become president of the Crimson

to reflect and determine for ourselves what those

Class of 1903 and later an accomplished portrait

areas might be, how they relate to each other,

painter and arts educator, William “Billy” James,

and what that all means in our lives and for the

Jr., had ventured to Sussex, on the southern coast

lives of those around us.

of England.

As we at Brunswick work together to prepare

The purpose: A visit to his expatriate uncle,

our boys and young men for life, we have for

we always look and think ahead, we have most

seasoned and famed American-British author

more than a century seen three things as truly

recently redoubled our efforts to focus on the

Henry James.

encompassing and enhancing the whole of our

whole boy — on his health and wellness, curiosity

human experience:

of mind, attentiveness to human relationships,

Without question, that occasion made a lifelong impression on the younger man, as he

• Kindness to Mind & Body

and also on the central importance and emotional

recalled decades later during an interview with

• Kindness to Family & Friends

reward of his service to the greater community.

one of James’s biographers.

• Kindness to Community & World

That, too, is part and parcel of the Brunswick

Deliberate, precise, careful, and caring, Billy’s

In fact, we believe the practice of kindness in

tradition: Our strong and shared sense of

uncle had something he wanted his nephew to

all of its dimensions is perhaps the most critical

community — our instinctive and collective

consider: “Three things in

and defining challenge our boys

desire not only to excel, but also to connect, to

human life are important,” the

will ever face, for “the state of

understand, to contribute, to be of service — is a

being kind” has never been

fundamental expression of kindness.

elder James pronounced. “The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.”

If ever there was a time to ponder and draw strength from the power and resonance of this simple and yet profound observation, it is not

THE PRACTICE OF KINDNESS IN ALL OF ITS DIMENSIONS IS PERHAPS THE MOST CRITICAL AND DEFINING CHALLENGE OUR BOYS WILL EVER FACE.

easy. It requires constant and

In all of this, over the long term, we want our

consistent discipline, curiosity,

boys to gain the experience and share in the

patience, and empathy. And it

stories that contribute so much to their learning

sometimes demands the most

and practicing what it means “to be kind.”

difficult of choices.

For 123 years, since our very beginning, Brunswick has

That must and always will be the cornerstone of a Brunswick education — our lifelong legacy to them.

been dedicated to inspiring

And, no matter what the era or circumstance,

in our boys a passion and will

it will always be the foundation of a meaningful

In fact, as James implies,

to explore and embrace this

life well lived — a life of Courage, Honor, Truth.

rare is the occasion on which

great challenge of character.

just now, but always.

kindness is not the best and most prudent

It resides at the heart and soul of everything we

of alternatives.

do, nourishes our every hope, guides the full

James was unusually appreciative of the boundless complexities and nuances of human life, and he chose his words with tremendous care — not

Brunswick would have it no other way.

spectrum of our aspirations — truly makes our school one of a kind.

And so, through The Brunswick Trust, as

Thomas W. Philip

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S P R I N G

CONTENTS

Brunswick School 100 Maher Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 Tel: 203.625.5800 BrunswickSchool.org

Head of School Thomas W. Philip Director of Development for Major Gifts Meghan Gould Director of Institutional Communications Daniel J. Griffin dgriffin@brunswickschool.org Associate Directors of Communications Mike Kennedy ’99 mkennedy@brunswickschool.org Wayne Lin wlin@brunswickschool.org Craig Rusnak crusnak@brunswickschool.org Social Media Manager Nicholas Grew ngrew@brunswickschool.org Contributing Writers Daniel J. Griffin Mike Kennedy ’99 Katherine Ogden Thomas W. Philip Addison Pierce ’13 Andrew Rodriguez ’24 Contributing Photographers Coffee Pond Photography Ben DeFlorio Jamie Fessenden Andrew Henderson Jeffry Konczal Wayne Lin Riley McCarthy Rob Rasmussen/P8Photos Cam Welch Design Mary Lester Design marylesterdesign.com Printing Flagship Press, flagshippress.com

14 FEATURES 04 At the Middle School: Greater Space, Stronger Bruin Brotherhood

By Katherine Ogden 14 Class of 2024: United in Perseverance, Strength & Great Kindness

By Katherine Ogden & Mike Kennedy ’99 44 Fall 2024 & Winter 2025 Varsity Sports: Resilience. Camaraderie.

Tenacity. Teamwork.

Excellence.

By Mike Kennedy ’99

60 02 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • FALL 2017

2 0 2 5

CONTENTS

59 62

04 DEPARTMENTS 01 Message from the Head of School

44

58 Beyond the Books 64 Class Notes 72 Last Look

FLEX TIME 12 Longstanding Tradition Unites ’Wick Dads & Sons 42 Sure as Shootin’, One Rollickin’ Good Time!

56 Summer Exploration: Faculty Venture ‘Above & Beyond’

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Greater

SPACE, Stronger

BRUIN Brotherhood!

As House & Den Program Unveiled, New Chapter Begins

BY K AT H ER I N E O G D EN

Grizzly, Polar, Sun, and Kodiak: Middle School

Bruins now have their own Houses and Dens, thanks to a new program geared to enhancing belonging, inter-grade connections, and fun.

04 |

Smiles were aplenty soon after school began in September, as all Middle School boys — both those at the Upper Middle School at 1275 King Street and those at the Lower Middle School at 1252 King Street — were united once again through the House & Den Program.

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Clues were given.

Hints were sprinkled into announcements.

B

UT EVEN SO, THE “BIG REVEAL” remained a big mystery up until a very special assembly for Middle Schoolers in late September.

The assembly, capped by a scavenger hunt, served as the launch

for a new House and Den Program for the Middle School — a division that was split this year, as grades five and six were recast into the Lower Middle School, to be housed in the former Pre School, and grades seven and eight were reestablished as the Upper Middle School, to be housed in their existing space across the street.

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History teacher Kyle Miller (LEFT) helped kicked off the program at an assembly in September – and boys in all grade levels then dispersed to participate in a scavenger hunt.

Chaos ensued in the hallways and stairwells of both Middle School buildings, as boys of all grade levels raced to complete a scavenger hunt to help get everyone on the same page at the start of the school year.

The changes were made possible by the

and intentional program to

Pre School’s move to 270 Lake Avenue,

create structured opportunities

which freed up space at both 1252 and

for connection, belonging, and

1275 King Street, both now carefully

good-old-fashioned fun.

renovated to meet the needs of the new Bruins housed there.

The added space, however, left the

Kate Duennebier, Brunswick Trust coordinator and English teacher, said research demon-

entire 325-strong Middle School student

strates that belonging is a

body divided in two buildings, creating

cornerstone of better health

a clear opening for a new

and educational outcomes,

and one goal of the new House and Den Program is to maintain and ultimately enhance belonging and inter-grade connections in the Middle School, unifying groups in the two buildings. “It’s the thing I am most excited about for this year!” she said.

A working group brought the proposal to Middle School Head Rob Follansbee, and the program was rolled out to

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By creating cross-grade groupings of boys and carving out times for them to be together, we’re working to maintain and strengthen connections.

foster even greater and more positive interactions between age groups.”

The program was introduced to a gathering of very excited students at the beginning of the school year. Sixth grade advisor Kyle Miller served as master of ceremonies, of sorts. “I would like to usher in a new era!” he told the boys enthusiastically. “An era where a fifth grader can break bread with an eighth grader, where sixth graders can feel as brothers to seventh graders, and where one ‘evil king’ divides us! I will name that king by name,” he said. “King Street!”

Miller explained that the Middle School would continue to exist as one big pack of Bruins, but would now comprise four Houses — Grizzly, Kodiak, Sun, and Polar.

He highlighted the character strengths of each newly named group.

Grizzlies, he noted, are known for their power and strength, yet are also curious Each boy in grades five through eight was assigned to a House, which go by the aptly named titles of Grizzly, Kodiak, Sun, and Polar.

08 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK •SPRING 2025

faculty at the Brunswick Faculty

and intelligent. Kodiak bears are one of

Institute in June.

largest and most imposing bears on earth,

“By creating cross-grade groupings of boys and carving out times for them to be

Miller said, and highly adapted to their surroundings.

together, we’re working to maintain and

Sun bears are often considered the

strengthen connections,” said Follansbee.

underdog of bears, yet “what these bears

“In fact, it is quite likely that by virtue of

lack in size, they make up for in ferocity,”

its intentionality, this new program will

Miller said.

Each group quickly began to develop a sense of pride in their House and sported new and specifically designed hats to show their identity and allegiances.

Polar bears, he noted, are widely recognizable for their white fur, which serves to camouflage them in their snowy environs.

They are extremely patient and are known to remain motionless to help hide their presence from prey.

After gathering in the Lower Middle School Assembly Space, boys were invited to solve a three-step riddle and hunt down their new “House” — whether it be

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Grizzly, Polar, Sun, or Kodiak After finding their House, students received their new House hats and learned which Den they belong to — there are six Dens per House, with 13 boys in each Den. Unlike advisories, boys will remain in the same Den throughout their time at the Middle School.

“This Den of brothers will serve as your fiercest supporters and strongest allies,” Miller said. “Your Den will be headed by two faculty

Bruin Banners Herald New Era of Unity E

MBLAZONED WITH INSIGNIA unique to

Grizzly

each of the four houses — Grizzly, Kodiak,

Polar, and Sun — custom hats for every citizen of Middle School Nation were only the first step in rallying boys to unite in camaraderie for the greater good.

On Middle School Field Day, in May, for the first time, new flags for each of the four Houses will be flying high and proudly waved for all to

Sun

see and salute.

“We’re planning to give them to each of the eighth grade House leaders to add to the spirit of the event,” Middle School Head Rob Follansbee said. “You’ll be likely to see students with flags running up and down the sidelines, like at a college football game.

“There will be lots of opportunities for boys to

Kodiak

rally around their flags and support each of their House groups,” he said. “It will certainly add a fun visual dynamic to the day.”

Then, when the day is done, like the stars-andstripes, House flags will reside permanently in Camuto Auditorium at the Lower Middle School.

“Going forward, the new flags will be unfurled and raised on special occasions on which Houses

Polar

are participating as groups,” Follansbee said.

“It’ll be great to have visuals on stage, identifying and recognizing the four Houses as the truly special groups they’re quickly becoming.”

10 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK •SPRING 2025

members. We shall strive to bring 1252 King Street together with 1275!”

Follansbee said reveal day was a huge hit, and the roll-out of the new program has been smooth.

“Kyle’s speech was incredible, the scavenger hunt was a touch of controlled chaos as the boys navigated the halls to find their next clues, and the boys loved their house hats,” he said.

With the excitement behind them, the work of building connections began in earnest — the first Den activity was simply an extended lunch-and-recess period split up by House.

“The boys loved having a cross-age recess, and the lunch seating by Den allowed the groups to start getting to know each other,” Follansbee said. “It was really a simple thing, but even just recess and lunch together was a hit.”

The major event of the year so far was a new Middle School Homecoming on the Thursday of Homecoming week, when an adjustment to the schedule allowed every student to head outside to watch Middle School soccer take on Fairfield Country Day School.

“The team loved playing in front of hundreds of fans, like their Upper School brethren,” Follansbee said. “We’ll make it even better next year with the ability to plan the athletic schedule for that day with this new event in mind!”

Dens also got to work after Halloween

After the opening assembly and scavenger hunt, each House began making connections and plans for the year ahead.

bagging candy, and the bags were added

■ Kodiak House boys will work

to the Thanksgiving food baskets donated

in pairs to build nine cedar orien-

to the Don Bosco Community Center in

teering “letter boxes.” Boys will

Port Chester, N.Y.

map out a course, hang the boxes

More extended lunch-and-recess days

around campus, and create a

are in the works for the remainder of

map — all in preparation for

the year, with fun and connection being

lessons in map reading skills and

one the main goals but also sometimes

compass reading that they will bring

including a learning focus — like study

to the Lower School to teach younger

advice in the days leading up to exams, or

boys about orienteering.

seventh-grade community service projects

■ And finally, the plan ist to cap the

organized by House.

year by bringing the House and Den

These include:

structure to Field Day — already an

■ Polar House has put together a thank you

breakfast for the UMS kitchen staff. They provided, cooked, served, and ate breakfast with staff — all with the goal of showing gratitude to the behind-the-scenes people who help Brunswick boys thrive.

■ Sun House is teaming up with the

Ecology Club to help construct a vegetable garden and a native pollinator flower garden on the Upper Middle School campus.

■ House Grizzly will read picture books to

This Den of brothers will serve as your fiercest supporters and strongest allies.

annual tradition that brings boys out into the spring sunshine for athletic fun and games.

“Each idea seems likely to be fun for the boys, but the nice thing about this all is that it’s really a structure that we now have in place that can shift from year to year with activities,” said Follansbee. “We

first and second grade homerooms during

hope some of these turn into well-loved

winter and spring.

traditions!”

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FLEX TIME

BY KATHERINE OGDEN

01

02

Longstanding Tradition Unites ’Wick Dads & Sons

01 Thomas Carney ’26 and his father, Sean 02 Aidan Diaz-Matos ’25

O

03 Van Osberg ’29 and his father, Erik 04 Matt ’26 and Max Colella ’26 with their father, Mario

LYMPIANS, SPORTS-

early March with a gathering of

CASTERS, former pro

more than 700 at Burke Field

athletes, coaches — the

House.

Father-Son Dinner has long

Ron VanBelle, director of Upper

featured elite speakers of the very

School athletics, helped welcome

highest caliber.

the crowd.

This year, the speaker was a

03 04

time,” he said. “I’m confident the

also a Brunswick alumnus who

concept of fathers and sons sharing

once sat at this dinner alongside

a meal in the context of sports will

his own father.

be one that survives the test of time.”

Peter Bevacqua ’89, the former

Bevacqua, a former Brunswick

CEO of the PGA of America

trustee, used his time at the

and the former chairman of

podium to share his thoughts about

NBC Sports who now serves

how his early experiences on Maher

as University Vice President

Avenue shaped his life and career.

& James E. Rohr Director of

He came to Brunswick as a

Athletics at University of Notre

sophomore and by the time he

Dame, returned to Edwards

graduated, his achievements were

Campus to recognize the school’s

many. He served as class president,

current cohort of successful

quarterback, valedictorian, and

student athletes and continue

was a tri-varsity athlete with nine

the enduring tradition that is the

varsity letters.

Father-Son Dinner.

Brunswick’s first Father-Son

12 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

“Traditions can wan or die over

powerhouse in his own right — and

Bevacqua told the crowd that Brunswick offered three important

Dinner took place in 1934. The

lessons that have guided him

storied, long-standing tradition

throughout his life and career: kind-

marked its 92nd anniversary in

ness, “testing himself,” and passion.

Flex TIME

06

07

08 05 09

05 Harrison Castelli ’26 and his father, Tim 06 Peter Bevacqua ’89 07 Toluwa Tobun ’30 and his father, Abiodun 08 Oliver Velasco ’25 and his father, Noel

“The kindness of Brunswick struck me right away,” he said. “I felt it almost immediately. And I

plishments of teams during the 2024-25 year.

“There are many things that are

felt it every moment of every day of

special about Brunswick,” Philip

my time at Brunswick.

said. “This evening is absolutely one

“The other was really learning

09 Luca Fugarino ’29 and his father, Steven; Nolan Brinson ’28 and his father, Bakari; and Becket Pardiwala ’29 and his father, Cyrus

of them.”

how to test myself, push myself,

Aidan Diaz-Matos ’25, a

and quite frankly, to believe in

two-sport varsity captain and a

myself,” he said.

Vermont leader, served as student speaker. He used his speech to

10 Ron VanBelle

remembers the message offered

celebrate the role models in his life,

at his Commencement ceremony,

both at home and at school.

11 Steve Tusa ’93, Charlie Tusa ’30, Schuyler Murray ’30, and Ian Murray ’93

Bevacqua also said he always

when a camp director from Maine

“My father has always been my

served as speaker and told the Class

role model, whether it be coaching,

of 1989 to follow their hearts.

tackling different problems, offering

“I remember it again like it just

advice, or showing what it means to

happened,” he said. “He said if

work hard and stay disciplined and

you can find something to do in

be a good person,” he said.

your life that you’re passionate

Brunswick, including coaches and

enjoyable.”

teachers, have multiplied the impact.

advice of his own father, time and again.

“My father would preach that you

“They challenge us because they believe in us,” Diaz-Matos said.

“Just look around. The young men at Brunswick are in good

have to be passionate about what

hands. From the fathers at home to

you do,” Bevacqua said.

the mentors we encounter at school,

Head of School Tom Philip also

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob

Mentors and role models at

about, life is going to be a lot more It was guidance that echoed the

10

we are surrounded by people who

welcomed the crowd and took

care deeply about the men we are

the time to highlight the ongoing

becoming. That is a gift that will

success of Brunswick athletics and

stay with us long after we leave

to celebrate the many accom-

Brunswick.”

11

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As Commencement 2024 began, the graduating class took part in all the traditional ceremonies — as they shook the statuesque hand of Robert L. Cosby entering the festivities, had boutonnieres fastened on their blue blazers, and hugged teachers from all divisions at the SeniorFaculty Handshake.

14 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

A TIME FOR CELEBRATION! COMMENCEMENT 2024

YOUNG MEN UNITED IN

Perseverance,

STRENGTH Great Kindness

AND

Class of 2024 Poised to Begin a New Chapter L A Z I N G SU N S HINE and deep blue

skies set the stage for a festive and sultry Commencement 2024 — sunhats, sun dresses, and even a few sun-shade umbrellas were spotted as hundreds of family and friends flocked to an outdoor ceremony on Edwards Campus — all to salute 114 young men entering the honored ranks of Brunswick’s newest alumni.

BY KATHERINE OGDEN & MIKE KENNEDY ’99

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob

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COMMENCEMENT 2024

J

UST A FEW YEARS AGO, Luc Lampert was a rising junior

facing a daunting task in the life of any teenager: A new start, at a new school, in a new town.

Fast forward 18 months, and Lampert was one of 114 members of the Class of 2024 to walk the stage at Robert L. Cosby Field in a rousing graduation ceremony that brought hundreds of moms, dads, grandparents,

16 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

cousins and well-wishers to King Street for Brunswick’s 122nd Commencement Exercises.

The capstone ceremony was the centerpiece of a season of celebration that brought the school year to a close — and

Happiness and joy shined on the faces of each of the 114 graduates as they were photographed throughout the afternoon.

lous (though abridged) ’Wick experience.

They raved that even though their son joined Brunswick somewhat late in the game, the community welcomed the family whole-heartedly as they instantly recognized Luc as an “old soul” in the long tradition of Courage, Honor, Truth — a Brunswick boy, through and through.

“It was like he had been here his whole life!” Todd Lampert exclaimed. “He has been here for two years!” among the well-wishers were Luc’s parents, Todd and Antoinette Lampert of New Canaan.

The proud parents, of course, would not miss the chance to celebrate their son’s achievement, and were keen to speak about his fabu-

The capstone ceremony was the centerpiece of a season of celebration that brought the school year to a close.

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COMMENCEMENT 2024

Assistant Head of School Doug Burdett presented Luc Lampert with the Robert L. Cosby Award in celebration of his relentless and infectious positivity.

18 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

“We were blown away by everybody from Head of School Tom Philip, right down to the teachers and the kids,” he said.

“He’s my baby,” added Luc’s mom, Antoinette. “We are very proud of him. This is a great place.”

Luc garnered the Robert L. Cosby Award, created in honor of one of Brunwick’s best.

“Once in a while, when boys come to Brunswick in the Upper School, there is a universal sentiment that we wish we had gotten

Head of School Thomas W. Philip named Andrew Tu as the Class of 2024’s valedictorian. Tu is now attending Princeton University.

them sooner,” said Doug Burdett, assistant head of school. “This year’s winner of the deeply respected Cosby Award is one of those boys.

“Few new students take to the Upper School so quickly and enthusiastically — arriving as a junior, he became a varsity athlete, a peer leader, and a happily engaged musician.

“Just like Mr. Cosby, this boy is relentlessly and infectiously positive,” Burdett said.

After the ceremony, two bagpipers led graduates and their families up the hill and past the

Lower School, where the enormous crowd of revelers spilled out into the cool shade for a special reception in their honor.

Well-wishers lingered a good long while, savoring the achievement of the brown and white diploma, relishing their cherished graduates, and taking in

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COMMENCEMENT 2024 Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends came from near and far to pay tribute to their loved ones as they reached this significant milestone.

the moment that is both a happy beginning and a sad ending.

Graduate Patrick O’Connor was lucky enough to be feted by two grandmothers, Maureen Flood, of Forest Hills, N.J., and Joan O’Connor, of Bronxville, N.Y., as well as a host of other family

20 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

members, such as older brother Will ’22 and younger brother Jay ’26.

“He had a great experience,” Maureen Flood said.

“We enjoyed every minute of watching him develop.”

Patrick’s mom, Eileen, added, “We went faithfully to football games. It’s bittersweet.”

Mom Candace Smoller was there to celebrate her son, Chris. She also was taking in the poignancy of the moment. “I am excited for what the future will bring,” she said. “I will miss the past.”

More than 40 family members were on hand to celebrate London Ulysee — including London’s great aunt, Marie Joseph, a native of Haiti and now of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The reason she came was simple and shared by everyone present. “I came because I’ve loved him since he was a boy.”

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COMMENCEMENT 2024

SENIOR AWARDS OF DISTINCTION

Salutes for Extraordinary Character, Curiosity & More

B

RUNSWICK TEACHERS recognized 12 students at Commencement for high achievement not just in academics, athletics, and community service, but also for extraordinary character — conferring nine Awards of Distinction and three Faculty Citations on graduates of the Class of 2024.

One student, Andrew Rodriguez, was honored for his boundless curiosity about intellectual topics, including literature and the classics.

Another graduate, William Schmitz, was described as the “life and soul of his Calculus AB class” and was honored for balancing his “natural gravitational pull” with grace and responsibility.

And graduate Luke Brown, honored with the Caputo Award, was cited for being the “finest example of what we should all be.”

Robert J. “Bo” MacNaughton IV earned a faculty citation for a “razor sharp mind and the discipline to use it effectively.”

“He makes me want to be a better teacher,” said Steven Mandes, an Upper School history teacher.

Also recognized was Gina Hurd, who began her storied career at Brunswick in 1980 and retired in June, at the end of the academic year.

Her tenure included 18 years as Head of Pre School.

Valedictorian Andrew P. Tu

Robert L. Cosby Award Luc L. Lampert

Kulukundis Cup Andrew E. Rodriguez

A. Macdonald Caputo Award Luke H. Brown

Community Service Award Alexander F. Ohls

Faculty Citations Thomas M. Whidden Robert J. MacNaughton IV Michael G. Yeager

BPA Prize Jerry R. Guzman Jenkins Athletic Award Ryan C. Ohl Thomas A. Altman Prize William N. Schmitz

Head of School’s Trophy Casey C. Quinson Yearbook Dedication Gina Hurd

Upper School faculty members saluted 12 seniors for their remarkable achievements and talents in many areas of Brunswick life and beyond.

22 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

INVOC ATION

‘Fill Their Hearts with Compassion’

R

EV. ELIAS VILLIS P ’19, ’22, ’24, father of graduate Artemios, provided the invocation, calling the gathering into a moment of prayer, celebration, and gratitude for the “incredible achievements of these young men.”

“As they stand at the threshold of a new chapter in their lives, we ask for your guidance and blessing upon them,” he said. “Grant them the wisdom to navigate the challenges ahead with courage and integrity.

“May they always seek truth and justice, upholding the values they have learned here in this awesome school,” he said. “Fill their hearts with compassion and their minds with clarity, so they may use their talents to serve and uplift others.

“We pray for their protection and well-being,” he said.

“May they see a ripe old age and above all, we pray and implore you with every fiber of our being for their good health.”

Rev. Elias Villis, a Brunswick parent of three boys, including graduate Artemios, provided a heartfelt invocation at the beginning of the graduation exercises.

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COMMENCEMENT 2024

Twenty members of the Class of 2024 are Brunswick “lifers,” all of whom attended Brunswick for 14 years and began their tenure at the school in Pre-Kindergarten.

W ELCOM E

‘A Class in the Truest Sense of the Word’

H

EAD OF SCHOOL Thomas W. Philip introduced the proceedings, offering heartfelt thanks to parents and faculty who have brought these students to the moment.

“The success of these young men speaks clearly to the love and care of so many here today,” he said. “This class is a very, very special one indeed, and I don’t say that every year.”

24 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

Philip said the Class of 2024 has demonstrated excellence in everything from art to math to community service — and it has shown extraordinary distinction for its perseverance, strength, and great kindness.

He told graduates that their graduation from Brunswick marks a singular moment in their lives.

“Make no mistake, this is

a special day,” he said. “This is a significant achievement, a watershed moment, a clear before-and-after date you will always remember.”

Philip said that even though members of the Class of 2024 have faced a wide gulf of experience in their lives, perhaps what defines them most is their dedication to one another.

“This class is a class in the

truest sense of the word,” he said. “They stick together.

They care deeply about one another. If I had to describe them in one word, it would be kind.

“They intuitively seem to respect and care for those around them in a way that makes everyone better, in a way that offers great promise for the world I suspect they will lead one day.”

Philip took the time to describe some of their particular achievements — including the myriad of students who have brought renown to both themselves and Brunswick, not just in the academic realm, but in the arts, athletics, and more.

“Among these young men is sprinkled remarkable intelligence, artistic talent, athletic ability, determination, initiative, caring, and of course, Courage, Honor, Truth,” he said. “Also among these men are stories of perseverance, strength forged from loss, empathy from personal suffering.”

Philip said one graduate was recognized for his work in art, earning a perfect score on his junior year 3D AP Art portfolio — one of only 52 worldwide.

Another graduate is one of only two students in the region to earn a scholarship for his work in the disability community, while another was actively recruited by some of the best Division I athletic programs in the country.

Another graduate is described by his teacher as the finest math student Brunswick has ever encountered, while another student wrote a 41-page senior thesis because he “grew so intensely interested” in his topic.

And a set of identical twin brothers trained and became volunteer firemen.

Also among the 2024 graduates are 20 Brunswick “lifers,” students who have experienced every level of the Brunswick experience from Pre-K through senior year.

“Guys, we could all learn a lot from you,” Philip said.

“You are, individually and collectively, why it is such a joy and blessing to be a teacher at this school.”

SENIOR BREAKFAST

Heartfelt Thanks for 25 Years & Counting

I

AN ’93 AND SHEP MURRAY ’89, founders of the world-famous clothing empire vineyard vines, have both celebrated 30-year reunions at Brunswick — and for more than 25 of those years, they have returned each and every spring to speak to soon-to-be graduates at the annual rite-ofspring that is the Senior Breakfast.

This year, in recognition of all their years of service to Brunswick, the two were themselves singled out for honor in front of the gathered Class of 2024.

“Shep and Ian embody the mantra I often express to our alumni that Brunswick is for life,” said Zach Dobbs ’06, director of alumni relations. “They have both been involved in the school in a variety of ways — as students, alumni, parents, board members.

“Their dedication and support over the years has been unwavering.” The brothers were awarded engraved wooden boxes as a token of appreciation.

“It was a great success,” Dobbs said. Graduates also heard from Paige Montinaro, director of the Brunswick Career Center, who encouraged the graduates to take full advantage of the resources there as they work to launch their careers.

Ian ’93 and Shep Murray ’89 were once again the distinguished guests at the Senior Breakfast, an event at which the two dedicated Brunswick alumni have attended and spoken at for more than two decades.

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COMMENCEMENT 2024

Valedictorian Andrew Tu (BELOW) introduced Ivy Speaker Bo MacNaughton, who gave a heartwarming and thoughtful address to the delight of his classmates.

C L A SS SPE A K E R

One Last Challenge: ‘Be Grateful’

V

ALEDICTORIAN Andrew P. Tu introduced Ivy Speaker Robert J. MacNaughton IV, who used his speech to expound on a quote from the philosopher Seneca: “No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity.

For he is not permitted to prove himself.”

26 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

MacNaughton said his being elected to speak at Commencement was “the biggest honor of his life thus far.” He offered high appreciation for his classmates and all of the traditions of his first-class education, but acknowledged that he and his classmates “were often overwhelmed by the enormous challenges that Brunswick presents.”

By way of example, he cited a class trip to Costa Rica. Before he left, MacNaughton said, his excitement about spending time in a “tropical paradise” with his best friends was “off the charts.”

After some reflection, I’ve come to understand that those moments of shared adversity are actually my most cherished memories with this group of guys sitting behind me.

Upon arrival in the humid jungles of Tirimbina, however, the reality on the ground included oppressive heat, mosquitoes, and even a six-inch spider. The challenging conditions prompted MacNaughton and his friends to consider hopping the “first flight home” — an experience that was not unlike some of his days at Brunswick.

“In the midst of college application season or the day before you had to give

your senior voice, it was easy to want to hop on the first flight the hell out of Brunswick,” MacNaughton said. “After some reflection, I’ve come to understand that those moments of shared adversity are actually my most cherished memories with this group of guys sitting behind me.

“Those moments of adversity would really more aptly be described as opportunities — opportunities to face

a challenge with some of your closest friends in the whole world and make some awesome memories along the way, opportunities to seize happiness and fulfillment by proving to yourself just how capable you really are.”

MacNaughton also took the time to note that challenge has been part of the fabric of Brunswick School itself throughout its entire 122-year history. He cited the coronavirus pandemic,

September 11th, and World War II. He also referred to plaques in the student center from the 1940s that read “No Team,” because students and faculty alike were called to defeat the Nazis.

“Great challenges have always served to strengthen the Brunswick community and are an integral part of why Brunswick is such a special place,” he said.

MacNaughton ended his speech by issuing one last challenge to graduates: “I challenge you to be grateful to have known a place like Brunswick,” he said. “Acknowledge how lucky you are to have been impacted by Brunswick. Be grateful for Mr. Philip, for the faculty present today, for the maintenance and kitchen staff, and for all who have walked the halls of Brunswick before you.

“I love you, boys,” he said.

“Thank you.”

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27

COMMENCEMENT 2024

As of this magazine’s publication, the graduating class members have begun their next chapters, attending and excelling at some of the finest colleges and universities in the world.

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NEW DESTINATIONS

Alexander Ian DeLuca Denison University

Next Chapters Now Underway

Colin Thomas Devine University of Chicago

Michael Anthony Accetta Syracuse University

Robert Park Duncan Bucknell University

Payton Karl Anderson Syracuse University

William Hopkins Duncan Bucknell University

Henry Philipp Andrén University of Washington

Patrick Joseph Duncan Northwestern University

Carter Satya Bagaria Indiana University, Kelley School

Alexander Christopher Errico Georgetown University

Ajay Michael Bagaria Cornell University

Thomas Hart Benton Ewald Jr. MIT

William Godfrey Baker Juniors Hockey

Henry Parker Ferguson Brown University

Asher Harrison Benn Dartmouth College

George Hansen Fugelsang Villanova University

Clay Miller Boehly University of Texas at Austin

Charles Gregory Gaynor Villanova University

Caden Dean William Bowling Boston College

Alexander Michael Giannuzzi University of Chicago

George David Braun Colby College

Sean Robert Gibbons U.S. Military Academy, West Point

Luke Joseph Brooks Columbia College Chicago

Reed William Gilbert Colgate University

Luke Haegler Brown Harvard University

Brendan Patrick Giles University of Connecticut

James David Burchetta III Boston College

Harrison John Girard N.J. Institute of Technology

Graham Elliott Burchill Bucknell University

Rowan John Glanville University of St. Andrews

Connor Daniel Choy Cornell University

Calder Ternoey Glassman University of Notre Dame

Cooper Lee Cleaves Dartmouth College

Whip McGee Gorman University of St. Andrews

Cole Alexander Cline Stanford University

Gunnar Garland Gregory Carleton College

Jack Brendan Connolly Boston College

Carter Beesley Grimes Indiana University

Thomas Duque Coughlin Hobart & William Smith Colleges

Jerry Ramon Guzman St. Michael’s University

Elijah Javon Cromartie University of New Haven

Carter Penske Hall Boston University

Connor Griffin Crosby Princeton University

William Virgil Harned University of Wisconsin

Cael Christopher Dalton Indiana University, Kelley School

Christopher Hudson Hausmann University of Virginia

Robel T. Daniel University of Michigan

Harrison Clay Hoover Wake Forest University

Brendan Patrick Davey Bucknell University

Lukas Schramm Hublitz University of Virginia

Bryce Joshua Davis University at Albany

Lee Choate Huffard Southern Methodist University

Sebastian Otero DeAngelis Cornell University

Reed Emmett Hyde Middlebury College

Luke Robert Dougherty University of Virginia Luke James Drury Brown University

Luke Mario James Fairfield University

Jake William Minella Bowdoin College

Henry Amsden Putnam Middlebury College

Lucas Xavier Tan Syracuse University

Mark Maswalo Kakoma Northeastern University

Noah Dimitri Mizhen University of St. Andrews

Tyler William Quake University of Richmond

Andrew Ping Tu Princeton University

Andrew Gilbert Keller Vanderbilt University

John Armstrong Morningstar University of Virginia

Casey Christopher Quinson Colgate University

Daniel London Ulysse University of Connecticut

Bennett Lee Klein Dartmouth College

Jake Alexander Murphy Georgetown University

Kieran Archer Raker Carnegie Mellon University

Artemios Nektarios Villis The George Washington University

Jadon Omari Lafontant Boston College

William Montgomery Newton Williams College

Jack Haven Rinaldi Lehigh University

Charles Edward Booth Vincent Juniors Hockey

Luc L. Lampert Juniors Hockey

Justin David Norton University of Connecticut

Andrew Emanuel Rodriguez Yale University

Ryan William Wachtel Princeton University

James Patrick Lavin University of Southern California

James Ryan O’Connor College of the Holy Cross

Zane Ramy Saad Bucknell University

William Brady Waldron Colgate University

Matthew Ryan Lejdstrom Bucknell University

Patrick Ford O’Connor Santa Clara University

John Berkley Saunders Columbia University

Maxwell Wilson Warden Brown University

Gabriel Andrez Lopez Princeton University

Ryan Christopher Ohl Stanford University

Grant Frederic Schmidt Tulane University

Thomas Maguire Whidden Stanford University

William Tucker MacLean University of St. Andrews

Alexander Francis Ohls Northeastern University

William Needham Schmitz Brown University

Tucker Ralston Williams Brown University

Robert James MacNaughton IV Dartmouth College

Kyle James Pagnani College of the Holy Cross

Spencer Francisco Segura Jr. Georgetown University

Benjamin Xiang Wu MIT

Kiran DeForge Marsh Georgetown University

Robert Christopher Plath Georgetown University

Winfield Coleman Sickles University of Virginia

Michael Gow Yeager University of Virginia

Luke Gregory Martinez Texas Christian University

Thomas Hayes Pope Johns Hopkins University

Christopher Troy Smoller Villanova University

Ethan Yoo Amherst College

Benjamin Michael Matitia University of Southern California

Griffin Alexander Porphy University of St. Andrews

Phillip William Stabinsky Bucknell University

English Blaine McClure University of North Carolina

Devin M. Price University at Albany

William Paul Stern Santa Clara University

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COMMENCEMENT 2024

Jay Clayton, who served as chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from 2017-2020, encouraged the graduates to rely on the strength of their Brunswick education as they take the next steps in their lives.

SP EA K ER

‘Confidence, Purpose, Courage & Humility’

J

AY CLAYTON, chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from 2017–2020, served as Commencement speaker.

He implored students to use the strength of their Brunswick education to “take on whatever comes next.”

“Do it with strength, confidence, purpose, courage, and humility,” he said. “Do it with the mix

that’s right for you. It’s important to all of us here that you do. I am certain that America, the greatest country the world has ever known, will be better for your efforts.”

Clayton told the crowd he is “unabashedly, unapologetically, unreservedly pro-American,” and he asked graduates to carry “that great American problem-solving spirit” with them as they navigate life’s adventures and challenges.

By way of explanation, Clayton told the crowd that in the century or so since the founding of Brunswick School, the U.S. has “led the world in ingenuity, moral courage, and effort.”

“Billions have emerged from poverty,” he said.

“Global life expectancy increased from 32 to 71.”

Do it with strength, confidence, purpose, courage, and humility.

Do it with the mix that’s right for you. It’s important to all of us here that you do.

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COMMENCEMENT 2024

SENIOR PROM

Twilight View of Manhattan Skyline

D

RESSED IN THEIR FORMAL best for a truly special occasion, on the eve of graduation, happy revelers embarked on the traditional Hudson River cruise. As always, the view from on deck was a visual feast — with the George Washington Bridge and West Side skyline readying for sunset and Lady Liberty keeping watch in the distant south.

The panoramic view of New York’s wonders delivered its customary magic, serving as a spectacular backdrop for an evening to remember.

32 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

“We solve problems, take risks, share successes — all with an eye to the future and the betterment of society.”

Clayton also acknowledged the negatives of American history — the scars of slavery, prejudice, corruption, government and corporate malfeasance — while also noting that acknowledging one’s failings is essential to improvement.

“And improvement is the goal,” he said. “What matters is problem solving.

And American history is largely the history problem solvers.

“On prejudice,” he said.

“We have it. But we are the only country that has embraced the goal of embracing different cultures through the combination of common moral ground and broad participation in commerce and government.

“No country comes close to the religious mix and ethnic mix we have,” he said. “In fact, most are getting more monolithic and segregated, while the U.S. continues to embrace pluralism.

Clayton finished his speech by offering graduates advice, using sports analogies to implore them to “choose offense” and “make decisions” — because “keeping your options open” has costs.

“Good decision makers are biased toward making decisions and then course-correcting if things don’t go well,” he said.

“Take the shot, roll the dice, ask for a date, go out and dance.”

ON E G RA DUAT E’ S PE R S PEC T I V E

‘The Name I Make for Myself’

By Andrew Rodriguez ’24

S

ITTING IN MY CAR after the graduation reception, I took a moment to really inspect the name written upon my Brunswick diploma.

Although I was ready to join a celebratory dinner with friends and family, I couldn’t help but ponder who exactly that name referred to. For the past eight years, that name belonged to a Brunswick boy — a main identifier I was proud to bear.

From that point forward, I knew the name would grow as I do and become a part of other institutions, communities, and lives. I find myself, however, still trying to discern what exactly that will look like.

Does growth simply mean the continued development of core principles? Or, for me, does growth look like the reinvention of how I want to be perceived in college?

I believe I’ve started looking for the answer by reflecting back on my time at Brunswick.

Will my name be associated with friends who respect hard work like Brunswick swimmers? Will it contribute to the studies and publications of Latin and Ancient Greek? When I read my name, will I confidently attribute it to a risk-taker? While the first two examples I believe to have already proven prevalent in my life, I can recall many moments where I wish the last one was true.

While up to now my classmates and I have borne the title of Brunswick boys, we have reached one of the few turning points in our lives where we can choose how we want to be perceived — what we want people to think when they read our names.

Although Brunswick’s mission is to prepare us boys to leave it, the lessons and values imparted onto us by this community have made this longawaited departure difficult — though I’m certain those very lessons have steered me in the direction of truthfully choosing who I want to be for the next four years and beyond.

While the many hugs and best wishes we received while processing off Cosby Field will forever be a cherished memory, I hope the name I make for myself moving forward will still be one that friends and family will want to celebrate.

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COMMENCEMENT 2024

SENIOR AWARDS DAY

Advice for Life: ‘Choose Your Squad Carefully’

​​A

HOST OF BRUNSWICK seniors were honored with distinguished awards at a ceremony in Dann Gymnasium on Monday, May 20.

Director of Technology and Chair of the Computer Science Department Sunil Gupta served as the keynote speaker, as chosen by the Class of 2024.

Gupta, who began his tenure at Brunswick in 2003, has had the privilege of watching members of the graduating class grow and achieve so much over their years together in the classroom and advisory.

He told the audience of Upper School students, faculty, and parents a comical story rooted in the value of friendship, stemming from a mortifying experience at a charity golf outing in Dehli, India, more than 42 years ago.

In front of a large gathering on the first tee box — including an emcee and a television news crew — Gupta whiffed and then

34 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

proceeded to “hack” his next attempt just a few yards before the crowd roared in laughter.

But it was his friends who rallied around him at this low, embarrassing moment as they walked up the fairway — “like knights in shining polo shirts, clapping me on the back, sharing their own stories of wild shots they’ve hit under pressure,” he mused.

“They were being bros — in the best sense of the word.

“So, choose your squad carefully. When you’re around people who are smart, motivated, hardworking, and maybe even a bit better at sports, you’ll gradually start to emulate them. It’s human nature,” Gupta said.

He offered the soon-to-be graduates — who would soon embark on the next chapters of their lives — one final piece of advice before sending them off with thanks and encouragement.

“The company you keep today will absolutely shape the person you become tomorrow.

So, make and keep friends who elevate, who inspire, who’ll be your support network, your cheerleaders, and sometimes, your reality check,” Gupta said.

“Class of 2024, it has truly been a privilege to teach you boys and to learn from you.

On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, I wish you good luck!

Godspeed! Go out there and make us even more proud!”

Sunil Gupta was the Class of 2024’s chosen faculty speaker at Senior Awards Day, a traditional event at which Upper School teachers recognize graduates for their distinguished achievements at Brunswick.

Cum Laude Certificates* Ajay M. Bagaria Luke H. Brown Connor G. Crosby Sebastian O. DeAngelis Patrick J. Duncan John B. Saunders Thomas M. Whidden Theater Award Griffin A. Porphy

Handshakes, hugs, and tears abounded at the SeniorFaculty Handshake, a traditional event held in Burke Field House just prior to Commencement.

Simpson Choral Award Alexander M. Giannuzzi Randolph Band Award Jack H. Rinaldi Visual Arts Award Sebastian O. DeAngelis Everett Prize For English Gabriel A. Lopez R. Scott Tucker Senior Essay Prize Andrew E. Rodriguez Bouffier Foreign Language Prize Andrew E. Rodriguez Senior Classics Award Gabriel A. Lopez John Van Atta History Prize Kiran D. Marsh Stephen A. Duennebier Social Sciences Award Henry A. Putnam Thomas A. Shields Mathematics Award Andrew P. Tu AAPT Science Award Luke R. Dougherty Alan M. Turing Prize for Computer Science Ajay M. Bagaria Gus Conrades ’86 Varsity Athletic Awards Ryan C. Ohl Robert G. Sampson Prize C. Hudson Hausmann *Cum Laude members joined earlier inductees and classmates Luke R. Dougherty, Thomas H. B. Ewald, Jr., Gabriel A. Lopez, Robert J. MacNaughton IV, Andrew E. Rodriguez, Andrew P. Tu, Benjamin X. Wu, and Ethan Yoo.

FACULT Y HANDSHAKE

Precious, Sometimes Tearful Moments of Farewell

A

S BRUNSWICK Upper School receptionist, Kate Bradley sits in the stone lobby of the Maher Avenue campus, arriving in the wee hours every morning to be sure that Brunswick students have someone to greet them as they head into school each day. Like all Brunswick teachers and staff, she sees Brunswick boys all day, every day.

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COMMENCEMENT 2024

And, like all Brunswick teachers and staff from Pre-K through grade 12, she would not miss the chance to see them one last time for the Faculty Handshake.

Each year, the Handshake serves as a moment just before Commencement when soon-to-be graduates pay

36 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

tribute to their Brunswick teachers and coaches who have helped shepherd them to this moment — graduates assemble in a huge receiving line of sorts, while teachers move past to offer their heartfelt congratulations.

It’s an occasion that gives the entire graduating

From big bear hugs to quiet, intimate greetings, it’s an event that never fails to produce smiles and hearty moments of recognition. class the chance to greet, thank, and say goodbye to teachers — faculty from Pre School through Upper School — who trained, coached, tutored, inspired, cajoled, and encouraged them throughout their time at Brunswick.

From big bear hugs to quiet, intimate greetings, it’s an event that never fails to produce smiles and hearty moments of recognition — and even a few tears.

“I sit in the stone lobby,” Bradley said. “I come in early. I am front-and-center welcoming them. I get to know them. I am crying,

saying goodbye.”

Also among the wellwishers were Nicholas Salazar, Greek and Latin teacher, who called the Handshake an “intimate way to bid farewell to boys who have meant so much to us,” and Brian Freeman, English department chair, who called the event a “speed-dial of nostalgia.”

After the ceremonies, graduates gathered on the lawn adjacent to Sampson Field House to celebrate with family and friends (and the occasional cigar!).

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37

COMMENCEMENT 2024

Each and every graduate proudly showed off his Brunswick diploma to family and friends at the celebration after the ceremonies.

38 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

Middle School science teacher Krista Taylor offered similar thoughts.

“I love it because it’s timeless,” she said. “I get to see these boys evolve over time.

It was so emotional for me.”

Graduates, too, find the event to be very meaningful.

Sebastian DeAngelis, during a quick break from greeting his teachers, described it as “a great tradition.”

“You get to see your favorite teachers one last time,” he said. “One of the greatest parts of Brunswick is the teacher-student relationship.”

Fellow graduate Whip Gorman said “all the teachers are like friends.”

“Obviously, this is very meaningful,” he said. “These are the coolest people ever.”

And all gathered could not help but remark with wonder on the swift and relentless passage of time.

“I can’t believe this day is here,” said graduate London Ulysee. “These 18 years went by so fast.”

Years from now, graduates will look back fondly at these photos (many likely framed and on display) as they remember their days as Brunswick boys.

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COMMENCEMENT 2024

CLOSING CEREMONIES

Gratitude for Individual & Collective Success

T

H E B RU N S W I C K community gathered in Dann Gymnasium on Tuesday, June 4, for Closing Exercises — an annual spring event to conclude the school year and honor students and faculty for outstanding accomplishments in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and throughout the community.

“It’s been a great year in any way you can measure it,” Head of School Thomas W. Philip noted, “and we should all be

40 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

grateful for our individual and collective success.”

Philip also encouraged Upper and Middle Schoolers to consider all those who made the year so special — teachers, advisors, coaches, maintenance staff members, kitchen staff members, and the administration — and concluded by saluting the students themselves.

“Thank you all for your hard work, for your support of each other, for your involvements beyond the classroom, and for your sportsmanship on the playing field,” he said.

“More than anything, you make Brunswick School what it is — when you are at your best, we are truly the great school we work so hard to be.”

The event concluded with the traditional “Moving Up” Ceremony, as eighth-grade students were welcomed to the Upper School and juniors rose to become the senior class.

MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS Eleanor G. Lindberg Award Lawson Caffray Virginia I. Peterson Award Knox Williams Sarah B. Burdett Award Austin Schur Kulukundis Cup Arjun Leih Geis Cup Slater Dixon Williamson Trophy Collin McCreath

Middle School faculty members presented awards to a handful of distinguished students and citizens of Brunswick.

UPPER SCHOOL AWARDS

Spanish Award E. J. Perez

Cum Laude Ryan Ahn Subir Garg Sayah Trahanas

Kenneth Merritt Mathematics Award Magne Sogaard-Srikrishnan

William A. Durkin III ’72 Alumni Award Marco Sethi

Classics Award Oliver Reynolds

Grace Warne Math Award Jeremy Lee Fairfield Biology Prize Sayah Trahanas

Ike Dolphan ’22 Award William Stemerman

Rensselaer Award Whit Armstrong

Princeton Alumni Award Nathan Lee

Computer Science Award Jesse Chung

Columbia Book Award Pierce Crosby Oaklawn Award Zia Ross-Wiley Randolph Prize Sean Mensi Williams Book Award Sayah Trahanas Yale Alumni Award Henry Roth Harvard Book Prize Subir Garg Brown Book Award Jackson Horton Arabic Award James Lynch

Upper School faculty members awarded prizes to many deserving recipients at Closing Ceremonies.

Grade Nine Service Award Jack Wendell Grade Ten Service Award William Pallone Grade Eleven Service Award Leo Simon Grade Nine Varsity Athletic Plaques Marcus Maraglino Grade Ten Varsity Athletic Plaques Jake Greene Michael Marini

Chinese Award Oscar Geren

Grade Eleven Varsity Athletic Plaques Patrick Leonard

French Award William O’Reilly

John F. Otto Faculty Award Erin Withstandley

Italian Award William Devaney

Sheila Pultz Service to Brunswick Award Kate Bradley

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41

FLEX TIME

BY MIKE KENNEDY ’99

Sure as Shootin’, One Rollickin’ Good Time!

I

and an unforgettable experience with world-renowned chef Jean-Georges at the Tin Building.

All proceeds from the sold-out event

t was — no doubt about it — an

— totaling $523,000 — have been

action-packed night and a wild ride.

devoted to advancing the comprehen-

Hundreds in the Brunswick community saddled up and dusted

sive Upper School Enhancement Project now nearly complete, a major and

off their boots for “’Wick Out West,” a

essential initiative of the “Ever Stronger,

cowboy-themed extravaganza at the

Ever Brunswick” Capital Campaign.

Brunswick Parents’ Association Spring Benefit and Auction on May 3.

As funds raised through “’Wick Out West” have underwritten work on both

Party-goers hit the dance floor and

the Philip and Pettengill Campuses,

rocked out to tunes from multi-genre

it’s especially fitting that the new and

singer-songwriter Caroline Jones, a

central walkway connecting the two

Greenwich native who has enriched the

will be prominently named with a

country scene with her unique, indepen-

plaque placed in honor of the BPA’s

dent spirit.

contribution.

And they also joined the fun — and

42 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING FALL 2024 2025

getaway at a Four Seasons private home,

Kudos go out to co-chairs Lisa

the bidding — for both a silent and

Errico and Leigh Ann Ryan for fine

live auction, featuring a luxury safari

tuning every last detail of the biennial

in Botswana, a ranch experience at

event and for gathering all hands

The Club at Crazy Mountain Ranch

on-deck in the form of volunteers

in Montana, a seven-night Hawaiian

and committee chairs.

Flex TIME

Caroline Jones was the headline performer at the BPA’s Spring Benefit and Auction, entertaining the hundreds of Brunswick community members who gathered for a fantastic evening last May.

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob

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FALL/WINTER SPORTS WRAPUP

RESILIENCE. A True ‘Team’ CAMARADERIE. TENACITY. TEAMWORK. EXCELLENCE. GOLF

you may need to kern first character of head to align

For more photos of Bruin Sports, visit bwick.org/ tob_fall2023

THE VARSITY EIGHT

Trystan Sarcone ’18

Challenge & Purpose Power Competitive Seasons

Alec Esmond ’17, Alex Wada ’17, Will Marvin ’17, Matthew Jacobson ’18, Jack Mozingo ’18, Scott Gibbons ’19, Austin Sammons ’18, David Sorbaro ’18, and Tate Huffman ’17

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob_fall2023

place on opener if story has a picture gallery. See Wayne’s spreadsheet.

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BY M I K E K E N N E DY ’ 9 9

varsity athletes were willing to do what it takes — to put in the hours En space after caption label.

01 Caption En space after number of work and preparation necessary Caption goes here. Caption goes here.

02 Caption Caption goes here. to achieve success against the very best of 03 Caption competition. 04 Caption Caption goes here. At ut audit vollessit ex et volupti aeptur, volorestium et imet ut et 05 Caption And, most often, they prevailed. qui des ad eos aspelis tempore alibusam int faccum volessi in non con pratibus dit volupti Championships were won in water usandae ne voluptat vid maionsequas et laut polo, cross country, squash, and swimEn space after caption label. Caption ming other accolades were goes here. volorestium et imet ut — et quiwhile des ad eos aspelis tempore alibusam int faccum earned the nation and New volessi in non con pratibus dit voluptiacross usandae ne voluptat vid maionsequas et laut England in football, wrestling, hockey, and alpine skiing.

In addition, the soccer team scratched Rhaki Lum ’26 CAPTION

Endbox

CAPTION

44 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

B

RUNSWICK’S FALL AND WINTER

Colt Inman ’28

and clawed its way to a Matias DeBono ’26 worthy record of 10–7–1 in the uber-competitive NEPSSA — and the basketball squad made an impressive run to the FAA Tournament finals, only to come up just short in its quest for a title.

When all was added up, during exceptional fall and winter seasons, each and every Bruin played his part in furthering the proud tradition of Brunswick athletics.

Emil So gaard-S rikrishn an ’25

For more photos of Bruin Sports, visit bwick.org/tob

Keegan Kazan ‘27

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG | 45

SEASONXXX FALL SPORTSSPORTS WRAPUP WRAPUP

Adam Blum ’25

WATER POLO

Flawless Season of Exceptional Achievement

T

HE 2024 WATER POLO season was full of achievements, growth, and unforgettable experiences, as the Bruins displayed dedication, teamwork, and resilience throughout the fall at Mehra Natatorium and beyond.

A significant highlight of the season was the Bruins’ return to Sabadell, Spain, to participate in the Next Generation Cup. Despite the challenges of travel and adapting to a different playing style, the team rose to the occasion, opening the tournament with a commanding 13–7 victory over the UK National Team and showcasing skill and determination.

Although setbacks came against CN Barcelona and CN Marseille, the experience of competing at such a high level

46 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

was invaluable, and the Bruins finished with a tournament record of 2–3.

Brunswick returned home and geared up for the Beast of the East Tournament in Reading, Pennsylvania. Competing in the top flight, Brunswick had a remarkable showing, winning all four of its matches with decisive victories, including an impressive 18–5 win in the championship

J. R. Lindberg ’26

game against Greenwich High School. This victory marked the program’s sixth consecutive championship title.

The season culminated in the prestigious Cardinal Tournament, where the Bruins aimed to defend their title. ’Wick entered the tournament with confidence, defeating Greenwich High School’s B team and Exeter in the preliminary rounds.

The championship match against Greenwich High School was electrifying, filled with intensity and determination.

The Bruins overcame a halftime deficit, ultimately securing a 16-14 victory and claiming their sixth consecutive championship title.

Once the triumvirate of midseason tournaments concluded, the Bruins faced off

Ben Atkin son ’25

against the New York Athletic Club in the annual battle.

Regardless of the result, the Bruins showcased their talent and strength against seasoned competitors.

Shortly thereafter, the Bruins had a spirited night game against GHS at Mehra Natatorium, ultimately sweeping the season series with another victory.

As the season progressed, freshmen and sophomores — the backbone of the program’s future — took charge in many league games, displaying dominance in the NEPSAC with a flawless 10–0 record.

The team looks forward to building on this year’s accomplishments as it prepares for an exciting off-season and the challenges that await next year.

SOCCER

Flashes of Heart, Quality & Desire

F

INISHING WITH an overall record of 10–7–1 in the highly competitive NEPSSA league, the Brunswick varsity soccer team has a lot to be proud of with its performance this past fall.

Not only did the entire roster contribute to the team’s success, they gave everything they had through the final match of the season.

In his eighth year as head coach, Danny Simpson continues to inspire athletes to play with confidence, outwork their opponents, and understand the importance of putting team before individual.

As always, the toughest part of the season was the opening two weeks. Going 1-4-1 in this stretch was not the start that the Bruins were hoping for, but they did enjoy two solid results: A dominant 4-2 win at Greens Farms and an exciting come-from-behind 4-4 draw on Carroll Field vs.

Deerfield.

There were flashes of quality, heart, and desire in matches against powerhouses Choate, Taft, and Loomis. An inspired second half in a 2–1 loss at Avon left the team very hopeful moving into the next phase of the season.

A hard-fought 2–1 win vs.

Frederick Gunn on a windy and rainy Saturday at Carroll Field jump started a six-game winning streak.

As is the case every year, Homecoming Weekend set the

Will Higgs ’25

ahue ’25 Patrick O’Don

stage for the boys to compete in front of the entire school community vs. St. Luke’s. Coming off strong wins against Kent, TrinityPawling, and Salisbury, they did not disappoint on that stage, earning a victory.

Ollie Leonard ’25

The Bruins went 3–1 in the final two weeks of the season: it started by knocking off Masters at home 4–2, followed by an exciting (but heartbreaking) 4–3 result against Millbrook, and then a tight 2–1 win under the lights at Hotchkiss.

All of this to set the stage for an unforgettable Senior Night on Cosby Field against Westminster to wrap up the season.

The Bruins saved their best performance for last, taking inspiration and wisdom from Coach Forester and putting it into action on the field with a nearly flawless 5–0 win. What a way to end the season.

Looking ahead, the program is excited about the development of this squad in preparation for upcoming seasons.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG |

47

FALL SPORTS WRAPUP Patrick Hiebert 25’ and Blake Hebert 25’

FOOTBALL

Matty Augustine ’25

Gridiron Odyssey of Victories & Life Lessons

T

HE BRUINS stepped onto Cosby Field in August to begin preseason with the goal of improving on their prior-year 5–4 record and making it back to a New England Bowl game.

With 24 seniors, many of whom proved to be key contributors to the team, there was no doubt about how they wanted their final nine guaranteed games in the Brown and White to go.

Led by senior captains Matty Augustine, Tyler Georgs, Blake Hebert, and EJ Perez, the Bruins started their campaign with a dominant 30–0 win over Cheshire Academy.

From there, it seemed like the Bruins were off to the races:

Tyler Geo rgs

They rattled off five straight wins over strong New England rivals Salisbury, Deerfield, Avon Old Farms, Suffield, and Andover.

Brunswick faced Exeter on Cosby Field for Senior Day, and although the Bruins surrendered to their rivals in their first loss of the season, there were many lessons learned.

As Head Coach Wayne McGillicuddy had preached to the boys all season, “There are no failures in life, only lessons.”

The team certainly learned its lessons from that day and won its final two regular-season

’25

games by a combined score of 92–22 — including a dominant win over Williston-Northampton that earned the Bruins the regular-season Northeast Prep Football League Championship and a bid to the top New England Class A bowl game.

In a rematch of the top bowl game of 2022, the 8–1 Bruins went on the road to face undefeated Choate Rosemary Hall in the Leon Modeste Bowl.

Battling strong winds, the Bruins narrowed the Wild Boars’ lead to 13–9 with less than eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. But despite their efforts, they fell just short of claiming the NEPSAC championship, concluding an impressive 2024 season.

Rising seniors Matt Colella, Jake Greene, and Owen Swenson will take the reins as captains next year, stepping into big shoes as they bid farewell to this year’s senior leaders.

Ty Lloyd ’25

48 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

CROSS COUNTRY

United in Camaraderie, Work Ethic & Commitment

T

HE ANTICIPATION for the 2024 campaign was palpable, as Brunswick’s cross country team would be led by FAA record-holder Nathan Lee ’26 and return the fastest pair of top runners in the history of the league.

But the team suffered from a numbers problem, with only five returning runners, so quiet doubts loomed large.

It was an inauspicious beginning, as ’Wick sent only four runners to the preseason invitational. The results proved promising, however, including Teddy Hojlo ’27 moving into second place on the all-time list for Brunswick.

The team also caught its first glimpse of the summer work put in by eighth grader Shaurya Gupta and knew something special was brewing.

By the time the league season opened, the Bruins had been joined by Ollie Hegeman ’26, giving them the bare minimum of seven runners needed to compete as a full team. Lee and Hojlo dominated the FAA opener as anticipated, while the dramatic improvement of Arjun Kolluri ’27 put his commitment to summer miles on display as he led the chase pack to place five ’Wick runners in the top nine.

Nathan Lee ’26 and Teddy Hojlo ’27

Arjun Kolluri ’27

A podium finish but a distant second-place result behind a dominant Hotchkiss at the Canterbury Invitational saw Lee and Hojlo break away from the field en route to a one-two finish in which each broke the course record.

The following weekend at Hotchkiss, ’Wick would fall to the hosts once again, though this time by just one point — by only one step, by less than one second.

October would showcase two lopsided FAA regular-season races and see the Bruins complete an undefeated league schedule. The emergence of Armaan Lakhani ’27 into the third spot provided many of the headlines, as much as his unfortunate, nagging injury brought more question marks. The month closed with a victory in the FAA Championships.

Headed to the New England Championships with a record total of 24 dual meet victories, the team’s lack of depth finally

caught up, as an ailing and incomplete squad took ninth place. Though disappointed as a team, Brunswick’s top runners lived up to the hype, as Lee placed third overall followed by Hojlo in fourth, each again breaking the previous course record.

Brunswick’s motto of “Courage, Honor, and Truth” was exhibited daily in the work ethic, camaraderie, and belief within this small band of brothers, producing a transformational impact on these boys and their team.

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WINTER SPORTS WRAPUP

Ollie Leonard ’25

ALPINE SKIING

Strong Finish Against Tough Competition’

T

HE BRUNSWICK varsity ski team had another successful season led by fourth-year head coach Brian Shipman, who showed passion and determination in his desire for results.

Unfortunately, however, despite great talent and enthusiasm, the Bruins were not deemed to have completed enough races to rank in the CISL or qualify for the state championships.

They did earn first place in both the third and fifth race of the season and sixth place in the fourth race but a rule change led to a DSQ being called in the third race. Sickness, injury, and clashes with school activities resulted in a skeleton team for the early races.

50 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

On an individual level, there were excellent results and great improvements made by the athletes. Aidan Robison ’26 and Teddy Hojlo ’27 both contributed the most results, competing in all four races. First-time racers

Teddy Hojlo ’27

Thomas Oliver ’28 and Chip Phelps ’28, along with juniors Whit Armstrong and Ryan

Jake Leonard ’28

Warner, also competed and showed improvement.

Senior co-captains Ollie Leonard and Patch Leonard dealt with injuries and sickness but earned spots on the podium when able to compete. And Jake Leonard ’28 earned two firsts and a second in his three races.

Josh Leonard ’31 also earned top-20 results.

The team ultimately placed fourth in the NEPSAC Class A Division at Mount Sunapee — a strong finish against tough competition from 14 other schools.

Luke Hall ’26 and Blake Stant ’25

HOCKEY

Harvard-Bound Sniper Sets New Record

A

FTER GRADUATING 14 seniors from last winter’s 26-win varsity hockey team, a host of unknowns and inexperience surrounded this year’s Bruins as the puck dropped in November.

But the Brown and White found chemistry right off the bat — almost lightning in a bottle, really — and stormed out of the gates with an undefeated 13–0–2 record and a stint as the top-ranked team in the NEPSAC. Senior captain Blake Stant — along with alternate captains Tucker Spiess ’25, Alex Melillo ’25, and Jack McCullough ’26 — quickly established an inclusive environment on and off the ice that helped bring the Bruins closer together and develop the work ethic and practice habits necessary for success.

The Bruins scored goals at an unprecedented rate, often putting games away in the first period with offensive onslaughts — including lopsided wins against Loomis, Exeter, Kent, Westminster, and Northfield Mount Hermon that fueled the locker room with a brimming, contagious confidence.

’25 Tucker Spiess

The team captured its first and only championship of the campaign at the Kevin Mutch Cup at St. Sebastian’s School, where ’Wick pulled off the tournament threepeat with victories

Joe Salandra ’26

against Williston, Elite 8-bound Rivers, and perennial hockey power Northwood in a thrilling overtime triumph for the title.

As the calendar turned to January, the Bruins struggled to find that same level of consistency as the competition grew stiffer and the Brunswick sticks seemed to grow just a touch colder. The team suffered a pair of home losses to a fast and furious Dexter squad — the eventual NEPSAC runners-up — and dropped three more tightly contested matchups in Canada to three of USA hockey’s elite programs (Northwood, Bishop Kearney, and the Long Island Gulls).

While the team took care of enough business down the

stretch to secure Brunswick’s third-straight Elite 8 bid (one of just two schools to qualify for the last three consecutive years) the Bruins never quite found that swagger again, bowing out to the eventual champs from Cushing Academy in the quarterfinals and finishing the season with a mark of 22–10–3.

Of note individually, junior left wing Joe Salandra broke the program’s single-season point record in Division I with 72, as the Harvard-bound sniper was a threat to score or set up a teammate on every shift he took (and that’s no exaggeration).

Freshman defenseman Cameron Minella quarterbacked the Bruins’ lethal power play and tallied 42 points from the blueline. Both players will see their names raised to the proverbial rafters at Hartong Rink as All-NEPSAC selections as voted by the league’s coaches.

As the team looks forward, with so much talent and tested mettle returning to the roster, expectations will be at an all-time high for the Bruins when they lace up the skates next winter.

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51

WINTER SPORTS WRAPUP

SQUASH

Dedication & Teamwork Lead to Triumph

Will Newman ’25

B

RUNSWICK HAD one of its best squash seasons in years, returning to the form of previous national-championship-winning teams and finishing the season undefeated with a remarkable 14–0 record.

A trip to Philadelphia’s Main Line has become a customary first weekend outing of the season, where the team competes against Haverford and Episcopal Academy. This trip is always a highlight, with the entire squad participating.

Brunswick achieved comfortable wins, defeating both opponents.

Nationals was the primary target of the season. Brunswick entered as the top seed and advanced to the semifinals with comfortable wins against Pingry and Episcopal

Academy. This set up a rematch against St. Andrew’s School from Boca Raton, Fla. In a tense match, Brunswick prevailed, 4–3, highlighted by a composed 3–0 win from Thomas Carney ’26 that ultimately secured the victory.

In the final, Brunswick faced Hotchkiss, a team it had not encountered throughout the season. A solid start from senior Henry Raine put Brunswick ahead, and Carney’s victory extended the lead to 2–1. Senior co-captain Johan Hodgson narrowly lost at the number three position, but fellow classmate Oliver Velasco delivered a business-like performance to make it 3–1.

Jackson Pastel ’27 clinched the final

win, sending the team and traveling supporters into a state of ecstasy. Fine performances from senior co-captain Will Johan Hodgson ’25

52 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

Newman and Carson Beck ’27 solidified the match result at 5-2, bringing the national title back to Brunswick for the sixth time.

The final weekend took the team to St. George’s for the New England Championships.

Brunswick’s depth and commitment proved to be the decisive factors, as all players were fit and healthy.

The team delivered strong performances, winning 7–0 in the first round and defeating Kent and Taft Schools 6–1 in both the semifinals and

Oliver Velasco ’25

finals, respectively.

Overall, the Brunswick varsity squash team’s dedication and teamwork throughout the season were key to its outstanding accomplishments.

Callum Walker ’26

SWIMMING

Brotherhood Defines Championship Squad

T

HE 2025 BRUNSWICK swim team is best defined as a group of overachievers that relied on their hard work, focus, and humility.

They collectively embodied the work ethic of their senior captains — Preston Elms, Ben Atkinson, and Rory O’Connor

Peter Saunders ’27

— who led the way and set an example of effort, resilience, motivation, and desire.

The Bruins ended the season with a 7–1 record, an FAA Championship, and podium finishes at the Eastern Interscholastic Championships (4th) and the NEPSAC

Championships (3rd).

The team boasts 10 All-FAA team members. And not to be outdone, they also earned 10 All-NEPSAC spots. The balance of the squad can be seen, too, by their All-American accolades: They had three

Academic All-Americans and four swimming All-Americans.

Head Coach Aaron Montgomery pointed to a team meeting in the middle of the NEPSAC Championships as a signature moment of the winter as the team was a little tight and perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the talent level and caliber of the meet.

Elms stepped to the forefront and addressed his fellow Bruins.

“This meet isn’t about winning or losing,” he said. “For me, it is about seeing the seniors’ last swims. I want to be there for that. I want to be there for them.

You all should want to be part of that.”

“That was all the team needed to hear,” Montgomery said. “After that speech, the team went on a legendary run, and they fought their way back to the top and went from sixth place to third place over the next six events of the meet.

“It was the perfect cap to an amazing season.”

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG | 53

WINTER SPORTS WRAPUP

Marco Sethi ’26

WRESTLING

Team’s Depth Yields Invitational Trophy

F

OR THE 43rd straight year, Brunswick (21–2) put together a winning season on the mats.

Led by co-captains Jack Degl ’26, Patrick O’Donahue ’25, and Christian Yanoti ’25, the squad was a classic Brunswick team filled with multiple-sport athletes working hard all winter in the

54 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

Ostrye Wrestling Gymnasium.

Highlights of the winter included dominant wins over Andover, Avon, Choate, Hotchkiss, Salisbury, and Taft, along with two hard-earned wins over rival long-time TrinityPawling and a victory at the eight-team Avon Holiday Duals.

At the 50th Annual Brunswick Invitational Tournament, Brunswick won the title for 24th time, with the first coming in 1984 and the most recent in 2023.

Nineteen Brunswick wrestlers

Christian Yano ti ’25

placed in the top six at their respective weight classes, and it was the Bruins’ team depth that Jack Degl ’26

earned them the trophy. While the second-place team from New York Military Academy (NYMA) had eight individual champions among the 15 weight classes, Brunswick pulled away in the team race to win by 115.5 points.

Champions included Jamie Cook ’30 (99 lb.), O’Donahue (138 lb.), Degl (165 lb.), and Michael Marini ’26 (285 lb.).

Brunswick went on to take second at the FAAs and WNEISWAs and sixth place at the New England Championships, ultimately qualifying five wrestlers for the National Prep tournament to conclude yet another successful winter campaign.

BASKETBALL

Challenging Season Comes ‘So Close!’

Connor Robinson ’26

U

NDER NEW head coach Nate Jean-Baptiste, the Brunswick varsity basketball team reached its fourth straight FAA championship game, finishing the season 14–10 overall and 9–3 in league play.

It was a challenging start to the season for a squad with a lot of youth and inexperience. But under the leadership of captains Aidan Diaz-Matos ’25 and Rhaki Lum ’26, the Bruins believed they were a better team than their record indicated during the 2024 portion of their schedule.

Their hard work and resilience paid off, as they posted a 12-4 record in the new year, including a seven-game win streak that helped them earn the #3 seed in the FAA tournament.

After wins over Hamden Hall and Masters, Brunswick faced longtime rival King in the finals.

In front of a raucous home crowd, the Vikings came out of the gates hot, but the

Bruins kept pace as the two teams traded baskets for much of the first half. Plagued by early foul trouble, Brunswick was forced to send a couple of starters to the bench

early. King took advantage and won the final minutes of the first half, giving them a 30–26 lead heading into the locker room.

The second half began with a flurry of offense from both sides and it seemed likely the game would be tight throughout, ’26 until a few costly Jaylen Johnson mistakes and a cold shooting streak found the Bruins in a 12-point took a one-point lead with just hole with nine minutes over a minute to play. to play.

But unfortunately for the But just as it seemed Bruins, it just wasn’t there night. as though the game Unable to capitalize on a few might get away from looks around the rim in the them, Brunswick game’s final minute, Brunswick came storming back, found itself on the losing end of a pressing King full one-possession game as the clock court and creating struck zero. turnovers. Led With a strong group of players by junior Jaylen returning next season, the Bruins Johnson’s 18 secondare excited about the future of half points, the visitors the program.

Mason Jarvis ’25 WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG | 55

FLEX TIME

BY MIKE KENNEDY ’99

01

Summer Exploration: Faculty Venture ‘Above & Beyond’

T 02

RAVELING TO FRANCE to

in 2016 by Marina and Andrew

mark linguistic and cultural

Jacobson in honor of the dedicated

changes in Paris since 2016.

faculty who teach at Brunswick.

Studying the British perspec-

’Wick teachers have explored

taking historical tours of London.

the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Becoming certified in teaching

Biological Reserve to expand

mindfulness and yoga to Pre School

their knowledge of these natural

and elementary-aged students.

wonders. They’ve attended an

It’s all in an effort to broaden

international game expo and

Brunswick faculty members’ scope,

conference, also participating on an

to stimulate intellectual growth,

educational panel and covering the

and to encourage them to pursue

event as part of their media team.

and engage in summer learning.

They’ve visited Norway to learn

And it’s been made possible by

more about the country’s deep

the Above and Beyond Faculty

commitment to outdoor education.

Summer Awards, established

56 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

In just the last two years,

tive of the Revolutionary War while

Worthwhile ventures may

Flex TIME

03

04

05

include a wide variety of study, travel, or other experiences related to one’s field — or activities chosen

06

07

to inspire new content, teaching methods, or lesson plans in Brunswick classes of all divisions.

This program operates in addition to the traditional Brunswick School policy contributing to support of graduate-school study by faculty.

“The Above and Beyond Faculty Summer Awards inspire purpose, passion, and joy in our teachers,” said Assistant Head of School for Integration Sarah Burdett. “The recipients return to their classrooms in September energized and rejuvenated to share what they’ve learned or experienced with their students.

“We are ever grateful for this generous gift to our community.”

During the past two years, “Above & Beyond” Faculty Summer Award recipients have included 01 Pre-Kindergarten teacher Deborah Schwartz, 02 Fourth Grade teacher Fiona Collins, 03 Upper School English and Theater teacher Seth Potter, 04 Modern Languages and Classics Department Chair and Middle School French teacher Erin Withstandley, 05 Middle School Librarian and Media Specialist Audrey Onsdorff, 06 Fourth Grade teacher Suzanne Foyle, and 07 Upper School History and Model UN teacher Jared Fishman. Award winners not pictured are Pre and Lower School Technology teacher Timothy Coupe, Third Grade teacher Kathleen Myer, and Middle School Science and Community Service teacher Krista Taylor.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG |

57

BEYOND THE BOOKS

NEWS AND NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

Middle School Mathletes Win State Title

T

H E M I D D LE

competing individually and

Svoronos ’30 finished first

my professional career,”

School Math Team

in teams. “For us to beat

overall individually, earning

Landesman said.

finished first in

the favorite and incredibly

one of four spots on Team

Competing for Brunswick

the statewide

talented team from Eastern

Connecticut at the upcoming

were team captain Luca

Connecticut MathCounts

Middle School is such an

national competition in

Tichio ’29, along with

competition, held at Yale

amazing performance

Washington, D.C., in May.

Svoronos, Becka Kvirikadze

University in March.

from our group, top to

And, as a result of the team

’29, and Ethan Rabin ’29.

Brunswick came out on

bottom,” Head Coach Kevin

victory, Landesman has

Also competing were Danny

top in a field of 24 public and

Landesman said. “I could not

earned the right to coach

Follansbee ’30, Toluwa Tobun

private schools from across the

be any prouder of this team.

the Connecticut team at

’30, Bradey Sherman ’29, and

state. This is the second state

They were determined to do

the MathCounts national

Boti Vadkerti ’29.

title for Middle School math-

whatever it took to make this

competition.

letes — the first was in 2019.

happen. They earned this

About 200 students from across Connecticut qualified for the statewide contest,

58 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

title as a team.”

In addition, Brunswick seventh grader Alex

“To have the opportunity to coach Team Connecticut for a second time will be one the biggest honors of

Brunswick finished first among 24 public and private schools at the Connecticut MathCounts competition at Yale University.

BEYOND the BOOKS

’W I C K C E N T E R S P E A K E R S E R I E S

Visiting Expert Focuses On ‘Talk About Boys’

R

ICHARD REEVES,

America, and help boys and men

boys and men dying of suicide at

president of the American

thrive now and in the future. The

much higher rates than women. He

Institute for Boys and Men

idea, he said, is to keep it boring.

also said the data clearly shows boys

and author of Of Boys and

“Facts are sacred,” he said.

and men struggling in school, with

He pointed to data that shows

the gender gap in awarded college

Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why it Matters, and

degrees completely reversing itself

What to Do About It, spoke to

in the last half century.

parents and alumni in Baker

When Title IX was first enacted

Theater in an evening presentation

in 1972, far more men received

in late January. He spoke to Upper

degrees, while today, there is a

School students and faculty earlier

16-point gap in favor of women.

in the day.

“It is just a plain fact,” he said,

Reeves, a senior fellow at the

adding: “We have got to be able to

Brookings Institution and host of

talk about boys.” Reeves offered

the 2023 TED Talk How to Solve

some solutions to the education

the Education Crisis for Boys and

crisis, including “redshirting” boys

Men, told parents that his goal

so that they start school a year

is to lend facts and

later, creating more vocational

data to the

and technical schools, and

often “frothy”

hiring more male teachers

conversa-

in K–12 public schools

tion about

where there is a particular

gender in

dearth of them.

“The future is not female,” he told parents.

“The future has got to be for all of us. We can

Future Leaders Prepare & Train in Vermont

think two thoughts at once,” he said. “This is not a zero-sum game.” Reeves’ visit served as the third 2024–2025 installment of the ’WICK Center Speaker Series, which brings leading health-andwellness thinkers

In January, 21 junior boys traveled to Brunswick’s Vermont Campus in Randolph, Vt., for a weeklong training program in preparation for their roles as senior leaders next year. Highlights included an activity focused on wilderness first aid and sleeping under the stars.

to campus.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG | 59

BEYOND the BOOKS

ol Lower Scho

MINI TERM IN THE DAYS LEADING UP to Winter Break, Lower School boys took the division’s “Let’s Focus” theme to a whole new level as they participated in a multi-day, mixed grade level workshop experience. Mini Term offered boys an opportunity to “focus on curiosity” in a project-based, hands-on, collaborative, and creative way.

60 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

BEYOND the BOOKS

Football Program Celebrates Historic Day

F

OR THE BRUNSWICK SCHOOL

Brunswick teammates — Matty Augustine,

football program, this year’s National

Blake Hebert, and Ethan Long — in

Signing Day was more than a cele-

the same recruiting class, a first for the

bration — it was a historic milestone,

storied program. Head Coach Wayne

as the Bruins are sending an unprec-

McGillicuddy praised all of the seniors for

edented 12 student-athletes to play college

their dedication and leadership, noting

football during the early signing period.

that their success extends beyond the field.

With nine committed to Division I

“This group of young men has set

programs and six signing National Letters

a new standard for what Brunswick

of Intent (NLI) to receive full scholarships,

football can achieve,” McGillicuddy said.

Brunswick’s senior class stands as a testa-

“They’ve worked incredibly hard, and we

ment to hard work, talent, and dedication.

celebrate not just their athletic accom-

The University of Notre Dame headlined the day by welcoming three

plishments but also the bright futures ahead of them.”

Upper School Fall Play Reimagines Mythical Journey Brunswick School and Greenwich Academy thespians teamed up in the fall to perform Eurydice.

The play reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, focusing on Eurydice’s journey to the underworld after her death on her wedding day, where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her life and love.

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61

BEYOND the BOOKS

CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER

‘IT TAKES COURAGE’

D

EACON ART MILLER, the former director of the Office for Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of Hartford and a one-time schoolmate of Emmett Till, spoke to Middle and Upper School students in special assemblies to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January.

Miller told boys that he grew up on the southside

of Chicago and was 10 years old when Till, his brother’s classmate, was brutally murdered in Mississippi.

The 1955 lynching horrified the community and the nation, and led Miller into a lifelong fight against hatred and racism.

Miller, who is also a Vietnam War veteran, sat with students at assemblies at both the Upper and Middle Schools, where he spoke about bullying, being an upstander, and being courageous despite being full of fear. “I felt good when I was standing up for what I felt was right, but I was very much afraid,” he said. “It takes courage.”

Miller serves as a deacon at St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury, Conn.

For Middle School Chess Team, State ‘Checkmate!’

BRUNSWICK HOSTED the Connecticut Scholastic (K-12th) Chess Team Championships in late March, with students from 23 schools in the state participating.

The Middle School team successfully defended its state championship title; the Upper School squad placed second; and the Lower School contingent finished third. Each Brunswick student exhibited mental acumen and grace under pressure.

62 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

BEYOND the BOOKS

Fourth Graders Step Back in Time ➸ IN A TIME-HONORED TRADITION, Brunswick fourth graders celebrated and hosted Colonial Day in December, as students re-enacted careers from the era leading up to the American Revolution. In a wonderful way to take a step back in time, they visited Hingham, Massachusetts, circa 1764, learned history, and transported everyone back to the Colonial era.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG | 63

CLASSNOTES COMPILED BY MIKE KENNEDY ’99

In Mountainous Nepal, Trading Ties for Robes

BY ADDISON P IERCE ’1 3

L

AST SUMMER, my fiancée and I volun-

but poor in most else. Even in the year 2024, the

In their inaugural week attending Shree Mangal

teered at a nonprofit boarding school in

next generation is learning how to herd yak up to

Dvip (“SMD”), often as tiny malnourished toddlers,

Kathmandu, Nepal, where we served as

dangerous elevations and cook with poorly venti-

these mountain children experience many firsts —

English teachers, basketball coaches, and

lated, dung-fueled stoves.

learning in a classroom setting, wearing a uniform,

assistants — you name it and we did it. We were

These isolated areas face extreme climates

eating three healthy meals a day, even having a

surrounded by young monks and nuns and envel-

and lack basic facilities such as roads, electricity,

proper shower. This is all made possible by excep-

oped by what one of our seventh graders called

water, sanitation, communication, healthcare, and

tional leadership and generous donors at no cost to

Nepal’s biggest issue: “smile pollution.”

schools. It’s an unforgiving world, but one filled

the students’ families.

These kids are from the mountain villages of the various high Himalayan regions — rich in culture

64 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

with remarkable beauty and some of the kindest, most humble people.

In our inaugural week, we were welcomed by lots of singing — a steady rotation of American pop

CLASSNOTES

Addison Pierce ’13 and his fiancée spent last summer at Shree Mangal Dvip, a nonprofit boarding school in Kathmandu, Nepal, where they wore many hats for the younger children — showing them the wonders of technology, playing basketball and other sports, and teaching them how to do handstands.

hits: “Night Changes” by One Direction, “Perfect” by

nity. It’s increasingly rare to see hundreds of people

our beloved Brunswick, of Head of School Tom Philip,

Ed Sheeran, and “Love Story” by Taylor Swift. When

rowing in the same direction — better yet, in the boat

and of all the years since 1902 that our selfless educa-

urged to perform something in return, thanks to Mr.

of an institution with a historic legacy. The school’s

tors double majored in thought leadership. These are

Cosby and Mr. O., I pulled out the only party trick in

founder, Thrangu Rinpoche, was a Tibetan-born

places of solace, discovery, and ambition. They are a

my repertoire: the trusty handstand.

monk who in 1959 was forced to flee from advancing

luxury but also a necessity — community is vital.

Returning to school as a teacher doesn’t actually feel too different. There’s a familiar makeup of characters in every class — the class clown, the aloof

Chinese armies. He led his monastery and village to safety and eventually settled in Nepal in 1976.

I was halfway around the globe with descendants of Himalayan yak herders, but somehow feeling at

A decade later, Rinpoche, then a revered lama

home. There is strength in our shared commonali-

cool kid in the back, the eager hand raiser in the

and one of the right-hand men of His Holiness the

ties and deep knowledge in our differences — the

front. As Buddhists, they aim to love all things yet still

Dalai Lama, did something revolutionary and quite

richness of the human experience lies in finding

have bad days. Everyone wants to be in on the inside

provocative (if monks can be provocative) for his time:

both. Find a way to do something different. Lean into

jokes. Sometime in middle school, the first grips of

He opened a school that provides a joint Buddhist and

discomfort. And if you can, spend real time in it. You

anxiety drive action and seclusion. Characters form,

secular education — the first of its kind in a thousand

won’t regret it.

deteriorate, and reform anew. Some shine. All unite —

years of monastic tradition. The school now has over

exhilarated — when teachers toss the day’s curriculum

500 students benefiting from its free education.

for a better activity.

It was incredible being back in a tight-knit commu-

Above all else, the children’s needs come first. It will be no surprise to many of you that this reminds me of

In October, Addison transferred to the London office of Eastdil Secured, a leading global real estate investment bank.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG | 65

CLASSNOTES

01

02

1960

is stepping in for retiring principal

Bill Gilbert practiced law in Vermont

his title since 1993. A news release

for more than 30 years. Following

said Malan intends to direct the

retirement, he has remained

Regent as residents have come to

active in various public and private

expect and enjoy — continuing with

organizations as trustee or director.

live music, family entertainment,

Bill and his wife, Maurene, enjoy

comedy shows, film specials, and

spending time with their two

more. Additionally, Malan plans to

daughters and six grandchildren. The

bring augmented and innovative

Gilberts lived in Hinesburg, Vt., and

educational programming to the

then in South Burlington, Vt., for

stage, as he also serves as a Harvard

50 years, prior to moving to Wake

University professor of computer

Robin, a CCRC, in Shelburne, Vt.,

science.

overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Now 82, with his wife of 52 years, they are still happy and

03

William Sinclair and his wife,

and as an administrator included

Brooke, welcomed twins, Lily and

Chair of the Vermont Public Service

George, on May 15, 2024. They

Board, Legal Counsel to Governor

reside in New York City and also

Richard Snelling, and Vermont

have a five-year-old daughter,

Secretary of Administration as

Caroline. See photo 02.

firm, where he represented clients

2008

including IBM, Vermont’s largest

Justin Nowell has been promoted

private employer, as well as major

to Partner at Sidley Austin LLP. He

Vermont energy, communication,

counsels public and private compa-

utility, insurance, and healthcare

nies and boards of directors across

institutions. See photo 01.

industries. He advises on a wide

the Downs, Rachlin, and Martin law

02 William Sinclair ’03

and his family

range of corporate matters including

03 Leo James Russell III,

the son of Leo Russell ’11 04 Kevin Duane ’12 and

his family 04

1976

corporate governance, shareholder

John Cole and his wife, Holly,

defense, environmental, social and

happily retired to Summerville,

governance (ESG), mergers and

S.C., in the spring of 2023. They are

acquisitions, financing transactions,

enjoying the warm days, trips to the

and related legal matters impacting

multiple beaches, and the great food

their business and key stakeholders.

offered by so many good restaurants

activism and preparedness, takeover

2024, they welcomed their fourth

2011

grandchild, Joseph, who now joins

Leo Russell and his wife, Annie,

his sister, Annie, and his cousins,

welcomed a baby boy, Leo James III,

Gavin and Jackson.

on June 21, 2024. See photo 03.

1995

2012

Several months after starting

Kevin Duane and his wife, Jenny,

its search, the Regent Theatre in

welcomed their first child, Luke

Arlington, Mass., has found a new

William, on August 7, 2024.

owner to join this next chapter

See photo 04.

in the Charleston area. In October

for the historic building, while maintaining its legacy. David Malan

66 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

2003

active. Bill’s career as an attorney

Partner and Managing Director of

01 Bill Gilbert ’60

owner Richard Stavros, who held

CLASSNOTES

05

06

05 Matt Podlesak ’13 and his wife, Jocelyn

08

2013

1947, in Pinehurst, North Carolina,

Matt Podlesak tied the knot with

to Albert and Elizabeth Grant. As the

Jocelyn Skoler on January 19 in Cabo

daughter of a textile mill manager,

San Lucas, Mexico. See photo 05.

Betty moved many times throughout

Betty was born on October 4,

06 John Hayden ’13 and his wife, Lauren 07 Gryphon Richardson ’13 and his son, Thomas

the state with her brother, Holt John Hayden married Lauren

Grant, before attending Laurenburg

Johnson in a ceremony held in Bay

High School, St. Mary’s Junior

Harbor, Mich., on July 20, 2024.

College, and then University

See photo 06.

of North Carolina Chapel Hill,

08 Keiran Halton and Gianna Masi with their baby, Cameron 09 Oliver Donald McGillicuddy, the son of Wayne and Julia McGillicuddy

graduating in 1969 with a degree in Gryphon Richardson and his wife, Kellsey, welcomed their first child,

07

Education.

Betty then joined the emerging

Thomas Wrangler, on March 2, 2024.

flock of professional women

See photo 07.

remaking New York City. She worked as an administrative assistant for

FACULTY AND STAFF

Morgan Guaranty Trust. Betty’s hard work, attention to detail, and tech-

Staff members Keiran Halton and

nical skills led to many promotions

Gianna Masi proudly announced the

at the American Stock Exchange

birth of their son, Cameron Thomas,

and CBS. Betty was always an early

on March 12. See photo 08.

adopter and investor in technology, eventually working as a contractor

Upper School faculty members

09

for IBM.

Wayne and Julia McGillicuddy

In 1972, Betty met John Irish

welcomed their first child, Oliver

Condon in New York City. Together,

Donald, on March 1. See photo 09.

they spent their courtship sailing throughout New England. In 1973,

IN MEMORIAM Elizabeth “Betty” Condon died at Greenwich Hospital on January 15.

Betty and John were married in Laurenburg, N.C., and spent their honeymoon in Bermuda. They chose Greenwich as their forever home, building a house on Angus Lane,

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG |

67

CLASSNOTES

where they would live for 39 years.

and had a lifelong passion for sports.

fan of the New York Yankees,

In 1977, Betty gave birth to John

At Brunswick, he played soccer and

enjoying season tickets with friends

tion of Headmaster at the Dutchess

Holt Condon ’96, followed shortly

baseball, wrestled, and competed on

and family. Mark traveled many

Day School in Millbrook, N.Y. During

thereafter by Jeffrey Irish Condon ’97

the school’s alpine ski team. He was

corners of the world and shared his

his tenure, he worked tirelessly to

in 1978. Betty dedicated her life to

commissioner of his friends’ “rotis-

sense of adventure with his family.

provide students with a top-tier

her children, being a wonderful and

serie” baseball league in high school,

loving mother, focused on education

managing everything on paper.

and on providing her children with every opportunity to succeed.

Growing up, he spent his winter weekends skiing — his ultimate

He took advantage of every day —

In 1980, David accepted the posi-

education and helped guide them

always with a smile on his face. He

toward academic success. His dedi-

will be deeply missed and forever in

cation to education and his genuine

our hearts.

care for students’ development left

Betty was always involved in the

passion — at Windham Mountain,

community. Betty was very active at

including a stint as a junior patroller.

David Ahern Murray, Sr., dedicated

Brunswick School as a class mom and

During the summer, he sailed, swam,

educator, businessman, beloved

In 1987, David and his family

supervising ballroom dancing, and

and captained the Belle Haven

husband, father, and grandfather,

relocated to Lebanon, N.H., where

then eventually working alongside

Lobsters swim team. One summer

died peacefully, surrounded by love,

he started and operated The Murray

Brunswick’s development group.

he swam an impressive 500 laps to

on December 10, 2024, after a four-

Agency, Allstate Insurance until his

Stemming from her love of sailing

raise money for the Red Cross as

year battle with cancer. He was 86

retirement in 2006. Known for his

and her boys’ involvement with the

part of the Swim Across America

years old.

integrity, commitment to service,

sport, Betty held many leadership

fundraiser. During college summers,

Born in Albany, N.Y., on June

positions at American Yacht Club,

he returned home and lifeguarded at

22, 1938, to Thomas and Katherine

including running the Junior Program,

Burning Tree Country Club.

(Rice) Murray,

managing regatta scoring, heading

From a young age, Mark showed

an indelible mark on the school and

David attended

its community.

and strong work ethic, he built lasting relationships with clients who became friends.

Beyond his

the membership committee, and later

a strong commitment to the

Vincentian

professional

advising the Club as a trustee.

Greenwich community. He was

Institute in Albany,

accomplish-

a Boy Scout for many years and

where he made

ments, David

motion, traveling and cruising

attended the Youth Leadership

lifelong friends.

was a passionate

around the world with both family

Conference. As a member of

He went on to

golfer, with a

and best friends. She will be remem-

Greenwich Teen Voice, Mark spent

earn his degree

love for the game

bered for her kind heart, her love

four years working to establish

from University

that extended

of and devotion to her family, her

Arch Street, Greenwich’s Teen

of Notre Dame.

throughout his

compassion for community, and her

Center. As a young adult, he joined

His time at Notre

life. In 1990, he

zest for travel.

the Greenwich Jaycees and was a

Dame solidified

became a member

member for 11 years, including time

his faith, love

of The Quechee

as president.

for coaching, education, and his

Club in Quechee, Vt. There, he spent

commitment to helping people.

countless hours on the course, won

where he was affiliated with Beta

After his graduation, this passion led

many championships, and formed

Theta Pi fraternity, and earned his

him to teach and coach in New York

close friendships. The friends he

Mark Dean ’89 — a much-loved

degree in economics and psychology

City, Uganda, and Rome.

made on the golf course brought him

husband, father, son, brother, cousin

in 1993. After graduation, he

In 1970, he began teaching at

and friend — died on February

returned to Greenwich to begin

Brunswick. It was in Greenwich on

He was a dedicated father and

20 after an unexpected health

a career in Sports Management.

a blind date that he met beauty

grandfather, rarely missing a sporting

complication. He enjoyed his final

He worked for Today’s Athlete for

queen and future wife, Mavis E. D.

event or opportunity to show up for

days celebrating his shared birthday

Tomorrow and later transitioned to

Keays, with whom he shared a loving

his family. David will be remembered

with Ana, the love of his life, on the

Advantage International.

marriage for 53 years and raised two

for his kindness, humor, and dedica-

children, Shane and David Murray.

tion to friends and family.

Betty lived her life in perpetual

Betty is survived by John, Holt, and Jeff, as well as her four cherished grandchildren, Jack, Porter, Blaire, and August.

beautiful beaches of Antigua.

Mark was born in Greenwich, the

Mark attended Emory University,

The pride of his professional career was his service at NorthCoast

place he always called home. He

Asset Management, a presti-

was one of the first Pre Schoolers to

gious wealth-management firm in

attend Putnam Indian Field School

Greenwich.

and graduated from Brunswick in

Mark lived life to the fullest. He

1989. He created a beautiful family

maintained his passion for skiing

with his wife, Ana, and son, Bryan

and was always the first in line on a

’27, now a junior at Brunswick.

powder day. He could often be found

Mark was kind, considerate,

playing tennis with Ana and Bryan at

smart, adventurous, good-natured,

the Milbrook Club. He was a devoted

68 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

great joy and camaraderie.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our mailing address information for members of our extended Brunswick family. If you are not receiving this publication at your preferred or current address, please let us know and we will update our records. If, for whatever the reason, you would prefer to suspend or terminate receiving this publication, please indicate so by emailing Linda J. Miller (lmiller@brunswickschool.org).

ALUMNI EVENTS FA L L 2 0 2 4 —W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 01

02

01 The Class of 2004 gathered for its 20th Reunion.

02 John Harvey ’84 and Brad Browne ’84 03 Michael Grace ’94, T. R. Shepard ’94, Jimmy Ritman ’94, and Reed Carroll ’94 03

HOMECOMING 2024

Sparkling Weekend of Smiles, Hugs & Cheers

D

EEP BLUE SKIES and bright sunshine set the stage for another terrific

Homecoming, with scores of alumni, students, parents, and friends flocking

to Edwards Campus in October to celebrate a weekend’s worth of thrilling athletic contests, joyful connection, and heartfelt reunions. Just as it does every year, Homecoming 2024 delivered a weekend of fun and connection for the entire ’Wick community.

04

05

06

04 Jay Mellick ’74 and Power Fraser ’74 05 James Muhlfeld ’94 and Ken Ebbitt ’94 06 Jack Withstandley ’19, Colin Lee ’19, and Chris Paucar ’19 07 Charlie Gaynor ’24, Jack Connolly ’24, Blaine McClure ’24, Will Schmitz ’24, Luke Brown ’24, and James O’Connor ’24

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob

07

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG | 69

CLASSNOTES

Alumni Events 01

02

HOLIDAY GATHERING 2024

Midtown Toast Kindles Season’s Spirit

B

RUNSWICK SCHOOL and Greenwich Academy graduates convened

in December for the Annual Alumni Holiday Gathering — held at the

Yale Club in New York City, a snowball’s throw from Grand Central Station.

As always, the good cheer and festive spirit shined through as ’Wick and GA alumni/ae spanning a handful of generations connected for cocktails and conversation throughout the evening.

03

01 Timmy Murphy ’15

04

02 Tia Thevenin (GA ’19) and Charlie Burnett ’20 03 Andrew Ferrer ’04, Steve Polikoff, Alex Lopez ’04, and Meghan Gould 04 George Yates ’15 and Anders Ashforth ’15

06

05

05 Alex Gattinella ’11 06 Conrad Oberbeck ’11 07 Max Metalios ’17, Chris Katchadurian ’17, and Tyler Carney ’17 08 Sofi Viola (GA ’18) and Teddy Murphy ’14

07

70 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

08

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob

Alumni Events

CLASSNOTES

02

01

03

01 Justin Weinstein ’99

PADDLE PARTY 2025

02 Sam Kies ’04 03 The Brunswick and Greenwich Academy crew gathered at The Field Club of Greenwich.

Happy Rallies & Fireside Treats

’W

04 Michael Gorman ’82

ICK AND GA graduates gathered for a wintry evening of paddle tennis at The Field Club of Greenwich in February. All on hand enjoyed ample

conversation and competition (along with friendly rallies and fireside food and

04

For more photos, visit bwick.org/tob

drink) as they took to the courts for a fun night of paddle with their fellow Bruins and Gators.

01

GATHERING ‘OUT WEST’ IN DENVER

At Historic Links, Connection & Camaraderie

H

ISTORIC CHERRY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB provided the backdrop for

a Brunswick and Greenwich Academy gathering out West — held this

past winter in Denver, Colo. Cherry Hills is the site of one of the most famous opening shots and monumental rounds in championship golf history, when Arnold Palmer drove the first green in the final round of the 1960 U.S. Open

02

and made birdie on his way to a final round 65 to win. On this particular evening in February, it brought many ’Wick and GA alumni/ae together for a night of connection and camaraderie.

01 Harry Rogers ’18, Kineo Gorman ’17, and Shane Simmons ’17 02 Jim Stein ’81 03 Elise and John Bishop ’01, Leigh Clasby Kallechey (GA ’03), and Dwight Clasby ’71

03

04

04 The Brunswick and Greenwich Academy contingent convened at Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, Colo.

WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG |

71

LAST LOOK

BY MIKE KENNEDY ’99

For the Love of the Game Photo by Andrew Henderson

I

N THE SECONDS BEFORE this fortuitous shot

the players on the ice and the fans in the bleachers, with

came into focus, junior Mason St. Louis circled the

only a pane of Plexiglass in between.

Frederick Gunn School net and found longtime linemate Joe Salandra ’26 waiting on the back

door for a tap-in tally to put the Bruins farther ahead

He’d been envisioning a photo like this one for years, he later said. And he knew he had to get a stroke of puck-luck — as they say in the hockey world — to be in

in a game they’d proceed to win by a score of 6–0.

Then, nobody in a Brunswick varsity hockey sweater hesitated, even for a moment: Off to “The Swamp” they sprinted, where the Bruins’ faithful

the right place at the right time.

Nobody in a Brunswick varsity hockey sweater hesitated, even for a moment.

awaited — thematically dressed in their

one frame the story of what it’s like to be a Brunswick Bruin,” he said.

It’s what high-school athletics are all about: Playing in front of family, friends,

Team USA colors and jerseys on this Friday evening at

and fellow classmates. Playing for pride and for tradi-

Hartong Rink.

tion. Playing for (dare we say it) fun. Playing for your

’Wick photographer Andrew Henderson was already at the scene, strategically perched on the Balkind Balcony, to capture this exhilarating exchange between

72 | TIMES OF BRUNSWICK • SPRING 2025

“The image I had been chasing for so long finally came to life — telling in just

faculty and your alumni.

Playing for Brunswick School — when all that matters is jumping for joy and the love of the game.

#WickTraditions!

One day for ’WICK giving and celebration 2024-2025 ANNUAL FUND

To Make Your Gift Online BrunswickSchool.org/give Venmo @Brunswick-School y email or telephone B Krista Bruce Annual Fund Director 203.242.1225 kbruce@brunswickschool.org

For all our boys, your gift helps to ensure the very best of every new beginning and cherished tradition.

Please support the 2024-2025 ’Wick Annual Fund today!

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 3931 Stamford, CT

100 Maher Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Commencement .......................................................... May 21 Homecoming 2025................................ October 24 – 25 For more events and updates, please visit BrunswickSchool.org

ATTENTION ALUMNI PARENTS Please notify us of your son’s current address at 203.242.1225 or Alumni@BrunswickSchool.org