BULLETIN | FALL 2014 33
Ayres-Yankus Field Dedication
Reunion success
WITH MORE THAN 800 GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE – from
members of the Class of 1936 right on up to the Class of 2013 – and the sun shining brightly most of the weekend, Reunion Weekend 2014 was a resounding success, and, in the words of many alums, the “best reunion yet!”
From tours of campus, including the Kohler Environmental Center, to Saturday’s symposiums, and from the lawn games to the inspiring chapel service and student concerts, Reunion Weekend had something for everyone. The large tent on the Great Lawn was a huge hit, and, once lit up, illuminated much of its side of campus. Thanks to all our alumni who turned out in force to make this weekend extra special and truly one to remember!
2014 Distinguished Service Awards congratulations to our honorees! During a special ceremony on Saturday afternoon of Reunion Weekend 2014, Ted Little ’49 and Connie Ferguson ’69 were awarded the 2014 Distinguished Service Awards. It was Ted Little who funded the commissioning of the busts of former heads of School that are displayed in the Sculpture Garden at the Sally Hart
Lodge & Alumni Center. Additionally, Ted is the man behind the new Headmaster’s residence, Phoebe House, in honor of Phoebe Dey, wife of former head of school Charles F. Dey. What better way to honor this remarkably generous alumnus than to present him with the Distinguished Service Award. A former member of the Board of Trustees, Connie Ferguson's work behind the scenes is what truly sets her apart and makes such recognition long overdue. Connie has been generous in many respects, not the least of which is her dedication to her fellow Rosemarians in combination with her true commitment to Choate Rosemary Hall. Just as Connie is vital to us in many ways so are all Rosemarians to the legacy of our School, and there is no finer way to represent this than to honor Connie with the Distinguished Service Award.
Sunday morning of Reunion Weekend was reserved for a very special event this year: the dedication of Ayres-Yankus Field, named in honor of the late Russ Ayres, Sr. and Tom Yankus ’52. The unofficial “architect of baseball” at Choate, Russ Ayres and his devotion to the game – and its place in Choate athletics – were first honored in 1959, when the varsity baseball field was named for him following his death that same year. Tom Yankus’ career at Choate spanned more than five decades, during which time he taught English and was a house adviser, form dean, Dean of Students, Athletic Director, and a basketball, football, volleyball, and, of course, baseball coach. Arguably, Tom’s biggest influence was on the baseball field, where he not only led his teams to victory a total of 503 times but also showed, by stellar example, hundreds of players, including at least two who have gone on to the majors, how to honor the game. Tom retired from Choate Rosemary Hall this year. Three permanent plaques were installed on the home team’s dugout (one to honor Russ Ayres, one to honor Tom Yankus, and one to thank the donors) to ensure all players and spectators who visit the field know the significance and history behind the name.
2014 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees The Athletics Hall of Fame at Choate Rosemary Hall was established to recognize those whose efforts and achievements enhanced the School’s athletic program and reputation. Nominations for the 2014 inductees were solicited from the greater School community, and this year’s inductees were selected by the Nominating and Prize Committee of the Alumni Association. For the first time in its history, the Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held during Reunion Weekend and included a rousing performance by the Choate Rosemary Hall Step Squad. The 2014 inductees are: Linda Berry Trimble ’54 (basketball, field hockey, & tennis) Adam Bianchi ’57 (baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis) Gail Hearn Capelovitch ’77 (hockey, lacrosse, soccer) Mathieu Darche ’96 (hockey, football) Jim Davidson – faculty (coach: girls basketball, cross county, and track) Russ Ayres, Sr. (deceased; coach: baseball, golf, hockey) Boys ’63 Varsity Soccer (1963 New England Champs) Girls ’89 Varsity Basketball (1989 New England Champs)
We are now accepting applications for future inductees into the Athletics Hall of Fame at Choate Rosemary Hall. Fill out the nomination form on the Choate website under About Choate/Notable Alumni and get the process started.