Mystery Alumni Photos

TOGETHER, VIRTUALLY: ALUMNI HAPPY HOUR

The very first virtual alumni happy hour was fun for all who signed in on Tuesday, April 21. Graduates joined from the classes of 1965 to 2005 and shared memories of Bullis ranging from their favorite dining hall meal (grilled cheese and tomato soup) to past teachers to the Homecoming bonfire. Everyone agreed enthusiastically about one great memory—the sense of community at Bullis. We look forward to seeing more smiling faces at future gatherings.

From top left, across, the virtual happy hour welcomed: Shannon Ryan ’98, Laura Tsampas (Director of Events & Alumni Engagement), Roger Daisley ’65, Brad Ryan ’03, Tanner Cerand ’00, Tom Beatty ’88, Jennifer Hayman Okun ’99, Miriam Berg ’99, Kyle Blackstone ’93, Laura Steyer Ray ’04, Tim Simpson (Associate Head of School), Huffy Hafera ’99, Carissa Maguire Gaine ’00, Brian Lumpkin ’00, Matt Kelly ‘00, Sharon Kessler (Director of Advancement & External Affairs).

Not Pictured: Claudia Helmig ’88, Arvin Malkani ’92.

H. Roger Daisley ’65 Shares Bullis Memories

Roger Daisley ’65 shared memories of his Bullis days at the virtual Alumni happy hour in April. He attended the Silver Spring campus, where day and boarding students— including postgraduates—gathered in classrooms, dorms, and the dining hall. Students wore mandatory coat and tie; teachers, often retired military, taught rigorous classes; meals were served on metal trays—and food fights were the stuff of legend. “We had a food fight in the mess hall once a year.”

The Potomac campus was new, with older students remaining at Silver Spring. “We had outstanding athletes in the postgraduate program,” Daisley recalled. “I was not a great athlete, but by playing with postgrads, I became good enough to play varsity sports in college.” Later he won tennis competitions, ran marathons, biked 100- mile rides, and now rides up to 20 miles a day.

At Bullis, students attended embassy balls in Washington D.C. “to learn social graces” and to meet congressmen, senators, admirals, “and general’s daughters.” Commander Bullis helped students obtain congressional appointments to military schools, and Daisley attended the U.S. Naval Academy, later earning two master’s degrees from Bryn Mawr in finance and management.

A speaker and author, Roger enjoyed a long career in financial services and ran his own company before retiring to consult. He and his wife have two daughters and granddaughters. Soon heading to Florida, he also looks forward to the 50-year reunion of his USNA graduating class. How did Bullis shape his life? “I was an insecure sophomore,” he recalls, “but I learned at Bullis that it didn’t matter where you were in life and work or play. What mattered was that if you applied yourself, you could accomplish a lot and have fun.”

Roger Daisley and fellow French Club students listen as Mr. Sheester entertains them with stories of Parisian life.