Mega-Reunion Delights Hundreds from Penguin Nation

SIX CLASSES FROM EACH DECADE ENJOY LONG-DELAYED GATHERING. IT WAS A PARTY WORTH WAITING FOR.

Cushing’s June 2022 reunion — the first since the pandemic began — brought together over 300 faithful Penguins, making it the largest gathering of alumni since the sesquicentennial in 2015. For each decade, the classes ending in ’0, ’1, ’2, and ’5, ’6, ’7 were a special focus, but attendees from other classes enjoyed the fun as well.

“People absolutely loved it because we had a lot of people here,” says Brett Torrey ’85, director of alumni relations. “We had people here spanning all ages and all class years.”

From the tasty barbecue under the tent to the moving memorial service to Saturday night’s grand celebration, alumni laughed, hugged, and reconnected after three long years apart. Other highlights included recognizing Bob Johnson H’21 at the art show and celebrating the naming of the metalsmithing studio in his honor, climbing Mount Watatic for minimountain day, and talking to old and new friends around the fire pits.

Whether you attended this year or not, mark your calendar for next year’s reunion: June 9–11, 2023. The special focus will be on the classes ending in ’3s and ’8s, but all are welcome!

Jill Karanian ’81, Kathy Kaae ’82, Heather Coysh Gibb ’80, Nick Gibb

Gold Key presentation

Wilda White ’75, Ken Page ’76

Steve Madow ’74, Frank Redd ’74, Sam Getz ’75

Colleen Fay, Emilia Strazdis ’16, Piper Harrod ’16

Geza Csank ’93, Amanda Strate Csank ’93, Brett Torrey ’85

Olivia Greene ’16, Julie Donnenfeld ’15, Brianna Bermingham ’16, Kira Tierney ’16

50th Reunion group

5th Reunion group

Dedicated Volunteer Receives Thomas Parkman Cushing Alumni Service Award

Roger Brooks ’69 “Bleeds Purple”

The Thomas Parkman Cushing Alumni Service Award honors an alum who goes above and beyond — “who displays extraordinary commitment, dedication, passion, and service for Cushing Academy, and to the betterment of society.”

This year the honoree was Roger Brooks ’69. Brooks served on the Alumni Council from 2013 to 2019, even stepping in for a period as interim chair. As a class agent, he worked tirelessly to create a very tight-knit class. Brooks and Robert Young ’69 were instrumental in the fundraising efforts for their 50th reunion in 2019, raising about $25,000 from their classmates. When his Alumni Council term ended, Brooks offered to serve on other committees. Beyond these roles, Brooks checks in at least once or twice a month with the alumni team at Cushing, always willing to help in any way. He is also a positive presence on Cushing’s social media platforms, engaging regularly. Especially before the pandemic, he and his wife were regulars on campus for events and games. “This award is for somebody who’s a true Cushing Penguin, who eats, sleeps, drinks, and breathes the Cushing Penguin spirit. They bleed purple,” says Brett Torrey ’85, director of alumni relations. “And Roger definitely does that.”