PENGUIN
Nation A Royal Reunion CUSHING HEAD OF SCHOOL RECONNECTS WITH THE KING OF BHUTAN Every fall and spring, Cushing’s Head of School Dr. Randy Bertin travels to Asia. On those trips, over about two weeks, he meets with current and prospective families, nurturing the loyal network of those who love Cushing. This year he held more than 80 meetings across seven cities, including receptions in Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, and Macau. Last fall, the trip extended through Thanksgiving with a four-night stop in Bhutan, and an audience with the King. His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck ’99 attended Cushing Academy before ascending to the throne in 2006 at the age of 26 as the fifth King of Bhutan. He and Dr. Bertin had connected when the King made a visit to campus in 2019, wanting to see a few of his former teachers. He toured the grounds, shot some hoops, and visited the library, where a stained glass piece he made still hangs. Through the years, Dr. Bertin and the King have stayed connected through WhatsApp and through the Bhutanese ambassador to the United Nations at Bhutan’s diplomatic mission in New York. Each year before heading to Asia, Dr. Bertin would reach out with his
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C U S H I N G TO D AY
(Left) His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck ’99 poses with the stained glass piece he created while a student at Cushing. (Above) Dr. Randy Bertin and Mrs. Karen Bertin P’21, ’22, ’24, ’25 with the King during their tour of Bhutan.