Alumni Association Highlights

Alumni Skating Party Returns

Sandwiched between two COVID-19 outbreaks, alumni once again took to the ice and celebrated the return of the annual Alumni Skating Party on December 3. The weather cooperated beautifully, with unseasonably mild temperatures, allowing many families to enjoy their dinner outdoors without masks. It was so great to see everyone after almost two years of social distancing. The mood was appropriately festive. Kid-friendly food and adult beverages kept everyone cheerful. Distributing the meal over three dinner times made all feel comfortable about eating. And, despite the fact that masks needed to be worn at the buffet and while picking up ice skates, no one seemed to mind. It was fun to see how all the children had grown since the 2019 party, and there were a lot of new babies and toddlers who joined the fun this year. They always love a sled ride on the ice. As younger children left the rink and headed home for bedtime, teens showed off their skating skills and used one end of the ice for broomball. A good time was had by all! Plan to join this joyful alumni event this winter on Friday, December 2, 2022! See all photos at coloradoacademy.org/ alumni/ca-alumni-association.

From Left: Maddie Sun, Liz Robinson ’01, Henry Sun, Alex Sun From Left: Sebastian, Natalie Newcom Ralston ’99, Hattie, Toby Ralston

From Left: Molly, Charlie, and Jon Cook ’04 From Left: Nathan Trouth, Courtney Gallagher ’09, Isabel Harper ’09, John Harper Kelly Young Campbell ’98 skating with her son Lachlan

From Left: Andrea and Ben Hock ’07, McKenna Kane, Emma Harrington Kane ’07, Eddie Kane, Logan Brown ’11, Katherine Crowley The Smith Clan on the ice

From Left: Gabe Bernstein, Peter Carpenter ’21 (Stanford), Cleo Smith ’19 (Sewanee), Andersen Dodge ’20 (CU-Boulder), Avery Lin ’20 (St. John’s), Czarina Yuffa ’21 (Wesleyan), Rico Moncada ’21 (USC), Mackenzie Wagner ’21 (CC), Henry Chesley-Vogels ’21 (Davidson), Ari Fierer ’19 (Denison), Cooper Kofron ’20 (Princeton), Cathy Nabbefeld

Alumni College Panel

BY SONIA ARORA AND CATHY NABBEFELD

In early January, the College Office hosted an alumni panel for current Seniors, held in the Leach Center for the Performing Arts. In attendance were 10 CA alumni who provided a wealth of perspective. Enormous thanks go to this year’s panelists for sharing their time and wisdom: Mackenzie Wagner ’21, first-year at Colorado College; Andersen Dodge ’20, sophomore at University of Colorado Boulder in the Presidents Leadership Class and Leeds Honors Program; Cooper Kofron ’20, sophomore at Princeton University; Avery Lin ’20, first-year at St. John’s College in Santa Fe after taking a gap year; Ari Fierer ’19, junior transfer to Denison University in Ohio; Cleo Smith ’19, junior at Sewanee, University of the South; Czarina Yuffa ’21, first-year at Wesleyan University; Peter Carpenter ’21, first-year at Stanford University; Rico Moncada ’21, first-year at the University of Southern California; and Henry ChesleyVogels ’21, first-year at Davidson College. With courage and openness, panelists shared their experiences navigating the challenges of Senior year, choosing a college, and adjusting to college. Here are a few memorable quotes: “Prestige was the initial focus, but it’s important to realize how irrelevant that factor is. The intellectual ego boost gained from being admitted somewhere prestigious doesn’t matter one bit once you get there. What matters is whether you will be happy with the people and place.” “Listen to your gut. You can make what you want out of any school.” “It is your world, and you get to build it like you want!” “Remember, even if you’ve been at CA from Pre-K through 12 and are terrified, EVERYONE is in the same boat and trying to make friends. Greet people, say hello. It won’t seem weird; everyone is doing it.”

From Left: Sue Blattner, Lisa Brinker, Gabrielle Taylor, Beth Robischon, Debbie Rice, Karin Frenz, Libby Dietrich, Sara Carpenter, JJ Rutherford, Sarah Wadsworth, Kris Fraser, Julie Swaney, Catherine Laskey Care Packages to the Class of 2021

Ahuge thank you goes to the alumni parents who came to campus to package boxes for the Class of 2021! One hundred packages were sent to last year’s graduates, plus 12 went out to 2020 graduates who had taken a gap year. This tradition is a favorite activity of the CA Alumni Association. In addition to CA-baked cookies, snacks, and a gift, each box contained a card from the student’s Kindergarten Buddy. This cheerful parcel is just what every first-year college student needs before finals.

Thanks to Cleo Smith ’19 and Nick Fuselier ’16 (L) for speaking to CA Freshmen and Sophomores about becoming a collegiate student athlete. They joined Athletic Director Bill Hall and Seniors Maya Kendall & Elliott Cravitz (R).

“Get as involved as possible; find others who share your interests (athletic, music, academic) and connections will happen. BUT, don’t close yourself off to one type of person. You go to college to meet different types of people; get the most out of your college experience by meeting people with different passions. Be open and try new things, perhaps a sport like rowing you’ve never done before—you’ll meet amazing people.” “Be patient with yourself. Don’t expect an immediate tight friend group. Friendships take time to develop….You may have thought yourself extroverted at CA, but discover in college you’re introverted. Talk with adults/potential mentors on campus alongside peers.” “Remember, nearly everyone is getting rejected. Just because you’re hearing about the successes, know that nearly everyone experiences some sort of disappointment.” “If you are straight out denied, it says absolutely nothing about who you are as a person or student or how hard you’ve worked. A college is spending ten minutes reading your essay, some recs, etc., but they don’t know you as a person. Rejection doesn’t mean you’re not worthy—it just means it wasn’t the place for you. You will be ok, and you will find a place where you’ll be really happy.” “Make the most of Senior spring. Have fun and cherish the whole experience. Remember that you’re here at CA and devote yourself to the present. Take a class with your mom, take your little sister to lunch, go fishing with your dad. Those relationships set a great foundation for the following year.” We applaud these young alumni and can’t wait to hear how their journey continues to unfold!

Thank you to Josh Estrada ’19, Mali Lopez ’20, and Rico Moncada ’21, who spoke with the FACES of Diversity Club.

From Left: 2021 alumni Sam Ehrman, Cam Swaney, Fernando Prieto Lin, Clark Steinhauser From Left: 2021 alumnae Sophie Mix, Evie Angevine

College Alumni Lunch

When can we get back to “normal?” The Alumni Association took a small step on January 6, 2022, inviting college-age alumni back to campus for lunch. Last year’s event had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. Despite below-freezing temperatures, some hardy alumni showed up to enjoy a meal from Café CA. Unable to gather in the Campus Center due to social distancing requirements for students and faculty, alumni took their lunches to the closest heated tent.

Fortunately, an espresso cart was available for warming coffee, hot chocolate, and chai. Several teachers stopped by the tent to chat with their former advisees and students. Following lunch, alumni dispersed to the Froelicher Upper School, Athletic Center, and the Leach Performing Arts Center to tour the new facility and catch up with faculty and coaches. Here’s hoping the pandemic will soon be behind us, so that this winter’s lunch can return to the Campus Center.

From Left: Parker Davis ’11, Steve Scherer, Christine Pardos ’10, Kristen Bair ’09, Kurt Oleson ’11, Alex Bair ’06 From Left: Dan Zinn ’97, Natalie Newcom Ralston ’99, Aaron Goldhamer ’99, Tess Vigil ’00

A Farewell to Steve Scherer

After more than 25 years at Colorado Academy, Steve Scherer is moving back to Chicago. Alumni, their children, and alumni parents came to campus to celebrate Steve, and the many wonderful productions he brought to Colorado Academy, at his final Upper School Musical, Mary Poppins. Nearly 100 fans joined current CA parents and children on Sunday, May 1, to enjoy the performance, including a flying Mary Poppins and Bert, and the reception that followed. Adults and children alike relished the pie buffet in honor of Steve, and featuring one of his favorite foods. The stars of the party were Steve and the many memories he created for alumni.

From Left: Rebecca Popara ‘16, Chloe Nosan ‘16, Alex Medema ‘16, Stuart Mills, Cathy Nabbefeld, Steven Hammer, Katy Hills

From Left: Emmett Schlager ’21, Annabelle Swenson ’21, James Doolittle ’21, Ry Barthels ’21, Maclain Looper Former Chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department Angel Vigil (R) with Dan Roller ’99 and daughters Evah and Clare Gunn-Roller

Find Your Path, Alumni Career Panel

Ahighlight of Senior Launch Week is always the Alumni Career Panel. This spring, the Class of 2022 heard from panelists Brian Fisher ’08, Georgia Grey ’08, Murphy Robinson ’06, Max Shaw ’08, and Erin Fisher Young ’09. The alumni professionals shared their stories of college and careers, some with unexpected turns along the way. Alumni introduced themselves and gave a brief synopsis of their journeys following high school commencement, all offering advice on life after Colorado Academy from the wisdom of hindsight. Despite the diverse paths taken, success and fulfillment had come to each speaker. Brian Fisher thought he wanted to be an attorney. He graduated from CU-Boulder and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. He was a practicing attorney for almost six years before deciding that career path was not for him. Brian landed in an ideal spot for his skill set and personality, real estate finance and sales. He calls himself a “client guy” and at times conducts business with clients on the golf course. Brian is now a Senior Vice-President at Northmarq Capital. Georgia Grey graduated from SMU and became a first grade teacher at a Title I school in Dallas. It was a challenge with 27 children. Moving to Denver, Georgia taught at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal School. Both during college, and again while teaching, Georgia battled debilitating health issues (joint pain, brain fog, memory loss) that went undiagnosed. This led Georgia to study nutrition and to heal her body through food. It was later that she learned her problems were gluten intolerance and Lyme disease. Georgia now has a successful business, Whole Body Healing Nutrition, a Denver-based holistic nutrition practice. Using her knowledge, she teaches her clients what to eat and how to heal through food. Georgia specializes in autoimmune nutrition, weight loss, athletes, and kid/ family nutrition. She also helps others set up their own nutrition companies. Murphy Robinson graduated from Xavier University with a degree in criminal justice. His passion at CA was music with Mrs. Jordan and music composition, which was his initial major at Xavier. Along the way, Murphy became the third youngest police officer in Ohio, the Assistant City Manager and Chief of Staff for Englewood, Director of General Services, COO, and Deputy Mayor of Denver, and now is the President and CEO of his own security company, SECA Secure. Over the years, Murphy engaged with mentors, including one CA alumni grandparent. Throughout his life, he has applied one simple premise he learned from his mother, “Association brings about assimilation.” Who you associate with reflects your values. Max Shaw graduated from Davidson College with a BS in Psychology. While in the Upper School, he most enjoyed Ms. Meyers’ physiology class. Max was a seasoned CA camp counselor, which was a natural stepping-stone to a career in child psychology. For over three years, he worked with kids as a behavioral therapist. Because of Max’s desire to always reach out and help, he completed an MBA at UC-Denver in Health Care Administration. Following two key internships and a fellowship, he earned a position at UC Health, where he is the manager of Patient Experience. For Max, the management process is the most fascinating. Erin Fisher Young graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in aerospace engineering. Her choice of a career path began in Seventh Grade when she went to Space Camp for Interim. Always a writer in Upper School, honing her skills with Ms. Strobridge and Mr. Lee, she recalled her first calculus test at Notre Dame, where she earned the score of 54 percent. That didn’t stop Erin. The Society of Women Engineers helped her gain confidence. An internship at NASA taught Erin she would prefer to work for a small company where she could work on a variety of projects. After graduation, Erin moved to Wichita, Kan. for two years. It was there she also got her pilot’s license, making it easier to experience the work she was undertaking. Erin took a risk on a young company based in Colorado and was the tenth employee of Boom Technology, working as the lead of mechanical systems. A robust question and answer period followed. Here is a sample of their advice: n Develop your “soft skills.” n College is important, so be present in college. n Don’t get a graduate degree just because you don’t know what you want to do. n Learn to think on your feet and creatively because your career path won’t always be linear. n It’s okay to be anxious. Weaknesses can be your strengths. n Your environment can shape you. Seek out bosses and team members you can interact with positively and reach out to many people. n Hang out with different people because you can learn from everyone. n Keep looking for the next thing. n Love what you do, and money will come.

Chase the experience. n Network! That includes the CA alumni and community. Thank you to our alumni for taking time during their busy day to share their career paths with the Class of 2022.

From Left: Georgia Grey ’08, Murphy Robinson ’06, Max Shaw ’08, Brian Fisher ’02, Erin Fisher Young ’09

Alumni-Varsity Ultimate Game

Postponed from Giant Relay Day, the game was held on May 31 on Wright Field. Alumni who joined the Varsity were Harrison Buecking ’21, Samuel Ehrman ’21, Jason Evans ’21, Michael Ford ’21, Emmett Schlager ’21, Makayla Sileo ’19, Sophie Sileo ’17, Cameron Swaney ’21, and Annabelle Swenson ’21.

Alumni-Varsity Ultimate Team

Thank you Alumni Association Board!

The Alumni Board administers the activities of the Colorado Academy Alumni Association and upholds its bylaws and mission statement. The Alumni Board helps plan alumni events, focuses on diversity, equality, inclusion, and justice within the alumni community, raises funds for the Alumni CA Fund (annual campaign), and represents CA and the Alumni Association in the community. Special thanks go to our officers: President Elsa Woolley ’11, VP of Development Georgia Grey ’08, VP of School Relations Katie Cordes ’03, Co-VPs of Special Events Jared Harding ’97 and Ben Hock ’07, and President-elect Zach Tucker ‘01.

Another thank you goes to alumni committees who worked hard this year. Bylaws Revision: Chris Bailey ’02, Austin Carpenter ’05, Brian Fisher ’02, Aimée Nieuwenhuizen, and Brian Pushchak ’04

DEIJ: Caroline Cramer ’11, Elsa Woolley Harberg ’11, Jared Harding ’97, Isabel Gary Harper ’09, Emma Harrington Kane ’07, Marcus King-Stockton ’04, Natalie Newcom Ralston ’99, Evan Simmons ’06, and facilitator Aaron Green ’05. n

Meet the 2021-2022 Alumni Board. First Row (L to R): Natalie Newcom Ralston ’99, Caroline Cramer ’11, Elsa Woolley Harberg ’11, Lisa Harrison Ellsworth ’79, Georgia Grey ’08, Terrie Dickinson Warren ’73, Aimée Nieuwenhuizen ’06, Liz Robinson ’01, Andrew Bourke ’04. Second Row: Evan Simmons ’06, Jared Harding ’97, Marcus King-Stockton ’04, Zak Pollack ’08, Ben Hock ’07, Zach Tucker ’01, Brian Fisher ’02, Brian Pushchak ’04, Austin Carpenter ’05. Not Pictured: Chris Bailey ’02, Katie Cordes ’03, Isabel Gary Harper ’09, Emma Harrington Kane ’07, Myles McGinnis ’08, Kyle Rajaniemi ’07.

Top Row (L to R): Paul Krajovic, Maryam Herberger Mercier ’81, Rob Naiman ’77. Middle Row: Paul Gutjahr ’82, Adrienne Link Middleton ’79, Tom Cowperthwaite ’81, Louis Freese ’84. Bottom Row: Marla Cohen ’84, Gretchen Smith Kneen ’84.

Virtual Events

Virtual Events returned in 2022, not only due to the pandemic, but because more alumni from across the country are able to participate and reconnect.

Alumni Book Club

Former English teacher and English Department chair Paul Krajovic (CA 1974-1994) chose a book he had taught to Freshmen, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Seeing the novel through adult eyes, alumni brought new perspective to their discussion. As firstyear Upper Schoolers, the students had not thought a great deal about mortality. Now as mature adults, alumni agreed that the novel was better the second time around.

The themes of friendship and parenting loomed large in the discussion. The dualism of mind and body, the soul vs. energy, natural vs. unnatural were explored in a lively conversation. From there the discussion ran from artificial intelligence to big pharma and Ukraine. Rob Naiman ’77 reflected a sentiment felt by all, “Last night brought me back to a time in my life I remember fondly. Paul was, and is, a great inspiration to me. It was Paul who taught me to enjoy literature, to consider other points of view, and go deeper in all areas of my life.” Movie Night with Jon Vogels

Ben Hock ’07, Mark Keplinger ’19, and Adam Wiener ’10 joined former Upper School Principal and Colorado Academy’s movie aficionado, Dr. Jon Vogels, to discuss the feature film, The Salesman. Produced in 2016, this Iranian film with English subtitles is a story within a story, as the main characters are actors performing the play Death of a Salesman. Many alumni will remember reading and studying this play while at CA. The Salesman was an Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film. Though the group was small, the discussion was lively, and all the questions of plot, character, and motive were thoroughly illuminated, thanks to the thoughtful probing of Dr. Vogels. Wine Tasting with Maia Parish ’92

Colorado Academy friends gathered around their computers and iPads on a blustery March evening to sip wine, laugh, and learn at a virtual wine tasting with sommelier Maia Parish ’92. This was a repeat performance for Maia, who this year curated three wines, a 2020 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, a 2016 Nicolas Barreyre Bordeaux Supérieur from France, and a sparkling rosé, Vin Mousseux JP Chanet, also from France.

To accompany the wine, Maia prepared small bites to highlight each one and further enhance the flavor experience. Whether you tasted gooseberry or lemongrass, dark cherry or coffee bean, all the wines were delicious and perfect to enjoy, whether with your spouse, family, or friends. Maia shared her wealth of knowledge with alumni, from how to chill wine quickly to handy tools to enhance wine drinking and storage. Virtual attendees included: Elsa ’11 and Joe Harberg; Nicole Sisk Weichecki ’01, baby Ella, and mom Karen Sisk; Ben ’07, Andrea, and Lily Hock; Taylor Rabb ’13, Regan Beall ’13, and Caroline Nichols ’13; Andrew ’92 and Stephanie Seaton; Jessie Chrismer ’00 and her dad Denny; Caroline Cramer ’11 with her partner, Amy

Wine enthusiasts

Palmerton, and dear friends, Tessa and Stephen Munson; Austin Carpenter ’05 with his girlfriend Monica, Carter Timbel ’07, and Kyle ’07 and Laura Rajaniemi; Liz Robinson ’01 with her daughter Madeleine; Alli Stamper Perkins ’95, Dani Weily Coplen ’93, Liz Buckingham Oertel ’93, and Julia Völkel Emerson ’94; and Sue and Tim Burleigh—all thank Maia for sharing her unique expert opinions! With good wine and good company, the

evening passed by too quickly.

Cryptocurrency with Nic Cary ’03

Presenting at 1:30 in the morning from the United Kingdom, Nicolas Cary ’03 took Colorado Academy alumni and parents of alumni on a tour of the fascinating and futuristic world of cryptocurrency on March 28. Nic is the Founder and CEO of Blockchain.com, the world’s most popular way to buy, sell, and trade crypto. Since 2011, Blockchain.com has amassed over 80 million wallets, transacting over $1 trillion in cryptocurrency in over 200 countries.

By the mid-1990s, the world was in the midst of an electronic and technological revolution. Think about where the internet was in 1999, and, according to Nic, that is where cryptocurrency adoption is today. The speed of current breakthroughs has no historical precedent. Thinking about how far internet technology has come since 1999, one can only imagine how pervasive cryptocurrency will be in 23 years. Bitcoin is the best-known cryptocurrency and the one for which blockchain technology was originally invented. It is a medium of exchange, similar to paper currencies, but uses a public ledger in the cloud. Blockchain.com offers investors a wallet to store cryptocurrencies. The Alumni Association, and the 70 alumni and alumni parents who signed up, are particularly grateful to Nic, who stayed online after the presentation to answer everyone’s questions, resulting in a 3 a.m. bedtime.

Nic Cary ’03 Read more about Nic on page 46.

Beer tourists

Beer Tasting with Ben Hock ’07

Ben Hock took Colorado Academy alumni and alumni parents on a beertasting journey April 7. Beer enthusiasts attending included out-of-state alumni: Emily Cohen ’06 with her boyfriend Roger Timms from Chicago; Alysha Lascano Messmer ’01 from California; Hayden Stone ’09 from Washington, D.C.; and Ginger Tallmadge ’06 with her roommate Elizabeth from Knoxville. Locals joining the party were Jessica Chrismer ’00 with her father Denny; Ben’s father Doug Hock; Myles McGinnis ’08, with his brotherin-law Brett; Liz Robinson ’01, with her daughter Madeleine, who was tasting sparkling waters; Max ’08 and Chelsea Shaw, joined by Louis Talesnick ’08; and Zach Tucker ’01.

The beers were carefully curated by Ben and included Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Cigar City Jai Alai IPA, Stone IPA, O’Dell IPA, North Coast Brewing Old Rasputin Imperial Stout, Pipeworks Lizard King, or Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout, depending upon where participants lived. The brews also demonstrated the latest in craft beer trends:

n American IPAs boasting citrusy, tropical, and piney hops flavors n The revival of old styles like Russian

Imperial Stout, with caramel and toffee notes

Ben also shared tips for pouring beer and appropriate glassware for each type, as he presented historical highlights about beer. The Alumni Association thanks Ben for his extensive preparation, sharing his knowledge, and staying on for an extended period of time to answer everyone’s many questions. For three alumni, Emily, Ginger, and Max, the party continued on FaceTime, with Walker Shaw ’06 joining the conversation. n

Keep an eye on the Alumni Calendar for future virtual events.

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Do you receive the free online Alumni Newsletter in your email box? There are stories from campus, Alumni features, and more in this newsletter, which is published three times a year: January, April, and October. To subscribe, contact sue.burleigh@coloradoacademy.org at the Alumni office.