GORDON
ALUMNI CONNECTION
Fa l l 2 0 1 1
Dear Gordon Friends, This issue celebrates the learning that continues for Gordon graduates outside the walls of the classroom. I think you will be proud to read about the endeavors of the alumni featured who have written books, traveled and volunteered abroad and extended their understanding of themselves and the world around them. It is only fitting to honor the most recent graduating Class of 2011 as they begin a new phase of their educational career. This September, they will enter ten different high schools in New England. Congratulations also goes out to the members of the Class of 2007 as they begin their college experiences. I do hope you enjoy this issue. As always, Gordon is enormously grateful for the continued support we receive from our alumni and their families. Stay in touch. Sincerely,
Siobhan Sheerar Welsh Associate Development Director
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HIGH SCHOOL LIST FOR CLASS OF 2011 Cheshire Academy Classical High School La Salle Academy Lincoln School Middlesex School Moses Brown School Providence Country Day School Rocky Hill School St. Andrew’s School Wheeler School
2
Congratulations
CLASS OF 2011
!
Gordon held its commencement on Wednesday, June 8th. The thirty six graduates of the Class of 2011 received diplomas surrounded by their teachers, friends and families. Ben Freedman ’01 was the commencement speaker and shared how a memorable yearbook note from his humanities teacher, Lynn Bowman, inspired him to follow his convictions. In January, something truly unexpected happened. I got off the plane in Kabul. That’s right: Kabul, Afghanistan. I’m guessing Mrs. Bowman never imagined that her quote in my yearbook “do not simply be” could be translated into the local language of Dari. But, here I am, a Gordon graduate working for a Defense Department Task Force, where I assist in the development of Afghanistan’s energy and banking sectors. At the Task Force, it is about building trust with our partners, implementing sustainable and transparent solutions, and bridging cultural difference to pursue mutually desirable aims, namely building an economically sovereign Afghanistan. Without knowing it, I think Mrs. Bowman’s advice has been at the foundation of my journey all along. You see, Gordon taught me that it is not enough to passively observe the world around me. Apathy is not an option. Meaning and fulfillment result from active engagement in the endeavors we face. Gordon taught me how to explore, question and pursue adventure. After Gordon, Ben attended Moses Brown ’05 and Bowdoin College ’09. He is currently working at the Pentagon as a project analyst for the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations in the Department of Defense. Student Leadership Council co-presidents Meghan Buonanno ’11 and Ezra Rice ’11 also spoke about memories of their class and experiences at Gordon. Thank you to the teachers. You pushed us and challenged us to develop our own ideas and thanks to you, we are now graduates of Gordon School and we are ready to take on the world. Ezra Rice ’11
For years we looked at the eighth graders who came before us. Now it is our turn to be together on this stage and I still can’t believe it. Our experiences at Gordon have been incredible. We have learned from and been inspired by the faculty and staff who have worked with us during our time at Gordon. Every teacher has encouraged us to pursue our passion and pushed each one of us to be the best classmate, learner, friend and person we could be. Meghan Buonanno ’11 3
Young Alumni Reunion
ALUMNI FROM THE CLASSES OF 2007-2011 RETURNED TO GORDON ON S A T U R D A Y, J U N E 4 T H F O R A N E V E N I N G O F F O O D , F U N A N D F R I E N D S H I P.
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Campus Notes
Class of 2001
Members of the Class of 2001 celebrated their ten year reunion at Local 121 in Providence on Wednesday, June 8th. Those in attendance were (above, left to right) Ben Freedman, Caroline Goddard, Sidra Scharff, Kelly Allen Kujawski, Sarah Pennisten, Courtney DeStefano, Sherry Romanzi ’10, (above with Ralph Wales) was among three Gordon eighth graders who
Katherine Austin Barry, Molly Pieri, Eric Lichatin, John Harwood and Andrew Stachiw.
won the 2010 Hildene-Brown Lincoln Essay
Andrew Stachiw ’01 was the alumni speaker
Competition, a joint effort of the Brown
at the annual CJ Buckley ’00 Experiential
University Library and the Hildene Lincoln
Learning Night in June. Andrew is a graduate
Congratulations to the first graduating class
museum and education center in Vermont.
of Hampshire College and received his teach-
of Gordon’s Teacher Residency Program
As the first place winner Sherry was awarded
ing certification for secondary education in
(above photo with Program Director Lynn
a cash prize which she donated to Gordon
history from Mt. Holyoke. He spent his last
Bowman). The six members of the Class of
to support music performance. Sherry was a
semester of student teaching in a tenth grade
2011 enjoyed a ceremony with their family
member of Gordon’s a cappella group and
history classroom at the Renaissance School,
and friends in the Joukowsky Family Library
designated her generous gift to support the G
an expeditionary learning school in Springfield,
this past May. Many of them have accepted
Notes, the current rendition of this ensemble.
MA.
positions in local public and private schools.
Her donation will allow the G Notes to participate in a recording session to formally document their work for the next five years. Hannah Rossheim ’11 will be recognized this October in Rhode Island Monthly’s Independent Schools Head of the Class selections. Hannah received the 2011 Isadore and Cecile Low Award from Rhode Island’s Jewish Community Center for her outstanding contributions to the Jewish community. Her leadership on Gordon’s athletic teams fueled her service to
COLLEGE CHOICES FOR CLASS OF 2007
the community as she assisted teachers at Friday
Bates College
Parsons the New School for Design
School and volunteered at the JCC, helping with
Brandeis University
Scripps College
the annual Road Race, coaching after school
Brown University
Stonehill College
basketball classes, and serving as a counselor-
Carnegie Mellon University
Trinity College
in-training at the summer camp.
Clemson University
Tufts University
Colby College
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Several Gordon eighth graders were chosen
Dickinson College
Union College
to be part of WRNI’s This I Believe
Elon University
University of California, Berkeley
series. Their writing for this segment was
George Washington University
University of Chicago
initially done as a seventh grade humanities
Gettysburg College
University of Colorado
assignment. Their recording sessions at WRNI
Hobart College
University of Michigan
included expert coaching from the series’
Hofstra University
University of Rhode Island
producer Frederic Reamer, and a tour of the
Ithaca College
University of Richmond
studios. The first segment is scheduled to air
Loyola University
Washington University in St. Louis
on Thursday, October 27th.
Macalester College
Wesleyan University
Ohio State University 5
sustainable harvest SINCE 2007, FORMER MIDDLE SCHOOL SPANISH TEACHER MEL BRIDE HAS ORGANIZED TRIPS THROUGH SUSTAINABLE HARVEST INTERNATIONAL WHICH HAVE BEEN ATTENDED BY MANY GORDON ALUMNI.
In the summer of 2007, I organized a trip with
Students gain insights into the challenges and
Sustainable Harvest and was joined by Anna
also the beauties of life for subsistence farming
Mack ’05, her mom Sandy and brother, Joe ’08.
families. They gain confidence in themselves
Every year since then I have been joined by
due to some of the challenges of the trips; lots
several Gordon alumni.
of physical labor, the heat, different food, being immersed in Spanish language, no indoor
Since that first trip we have traveled to Honduras,
plumbing, etc.
Belize and Panama. These trips always go to the regions where Sustainable Harvest International
Students on these trips help out with whatever
is working. The program’s mission is to provide
projects the community needs assistance with.
farming families in Central America the training
Some are projects at individual homes, and others
and tools to preserve the planet’s tropical forest
are community projects, say, at the local school.
while overcoming poverty. This year we worked on two school gardens in For many students, this is their first service
the two communities we lived in, San Juanito
related trip in the developing world. While
and Pagua. The San Juanito school garden is
many have traveled on vacation to resorts in
very advanced, having won numerous awards
Students also appreciate the opportunity to be
developing countries, they may not have had
from the Panamanian government.
immersed in the language and while speaking
the opportunity to get to know local families and see their daily lives intimately.
Spanish all the time can be challenging and The students get pretty familiar with the pick
frustrating, students say how much that immer-
axe as it is the tool of choice for most of the
sion helps them when they get back to their
gardening projects. They also learn how to use
Spanish classes in the states.
an A-frame (made of some sticks, a string and a rock) or preparing level terraces. Students
There are many students who have been so
have also helped build wood-conserving
impacted by the experience they continue to
stoves, chicken coops, solar latrines and simple
come back multiple times. This year, we had
cisterns, and gravity-fed irrigation systems.
several students returning to live with their host families from the previous year.
Among the techniques taught by SHI’s local above: Mel Bride with Peace Corps Volunteer, Jake Steiner; below: Mackenzie Cater ’07 says goodbye to her host family.
agricultural extension agents are: permaculture
It is always amazing to see the reaction on the
(always having something in the soil) crop
faces of the families when they see the students
rotation to enrich the soil with different nutrients;
again. The children come running out and shyly
multistory cropping (having a variety of crops
wait to see if they will be remembered by the
growing at different levels in the same small
students. The last day in the communities is
plot) biointensive agriculture (concentrated
always the hardest; in just five short days,
organic growing in a small area to increase
students and families have bonded and saying
yields from soil enhancement) organic fertilizers
goodbye is really hard.
and pesticides and composting. One student this year said of the experience, The students enjoy spending time with the chil-
“I had never felt as welcomed into a new
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SUSTAINABLE
dren in the communities we visit. They also
family besides my own as I did with my host
HARVEST INTERNATIONAL VISIT
help the families prepare meals, make tortillas
family in San Juanito. Ever.”
WWW.SUSTAINABLEHARVEST.ORG
and in some cases wash dishes and do laundry. 6
▲ Josiah Tolbert ’11
WAS ONE OF THE ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS WHO
PARTICIPATED IN THIS YEAR’S SUSTAINABLE HARVEST INTERNATIONAL TRIP TO PANAMA. Why did you decide to participate in this
What did you enjoy about your experience?
program?
I enjoyed helping out the children and families in
I learned about the program in my fifth grade
the community we lived in. During our time in
Spanish class. I also heard a lot of the stories
Panama, they celebrated National Panama Day.
from other Gordon alumni who went on past trips. It sounded really worthwhile and I knew
We visited a local school and got to
a lot of the people going on this year’s trip.
organize races and activities with the children. You could tell how much pride they had in
What was Panama like?
their country as they were all dressed in
It was much different than I thought it would
Panama’s national color of red, singing and
be. It was very hot and humid and there wasn’t
celebrating with excitement.
any running water. The city was extremely
Gordon teachers, alumni and families
crowded, much more so than I anticipated.
I appreciated being so welcomed into the
There was also not a lot of English being
community even though we were only there
who have participated in the Sustainable
spoken so I had to rely on my Spanish speaking
for a few days. We would gather together
Harvest International Program
skills that I learned at Gordon.
before dinner and everyone wanted to talk
Cendhi Arias, teacher
with us. This is where my Spanish came in
Sam Adrain ’07
What was some of the work that you did?
handy! I also loved everything we ate. I was
Corrine Barrett ’08
We helped to plant a vegetable garden at the
able to help my host family cook rice and
Alexa Bourque ’08
local school—resoiling, fertilizing and planting
beans, and homemade soups. It was delicious.
Alix Bowman ’05 Mel Bride, teacher
seeds. It was hard and physical work and it was quite hot out. A lot of the work we were doing
Even though we worked for three days farming
Mackenzie Cater ’07
was helping the townspeople replace their soil
and assisting the families we stayed with, I still
Malcolm Chace ’09
with compost. We also helped take out the
wished I could have done more. There were
Ami Coulibaly ’10
weeds in family gardens.
volunteers from Sustainable Harvest and the
Assi Coulibaly ’08
Peace Corps that live in the community for two
Connor Courtney ’11
years and really help make a difference.
Erin Courtney ’08 Allie Fuller ’10 Manny Guerzon ’09
JOSIAH’S JOURNAL ENTRY FROM HIS SECOND DAY IN PANAMA WITH SUSTAINABLE HARVEST:
Izzy Ingendahl ’07
Today we woke up at 7 a.m. for breakfast. Then we had to hike an hour to our work site. Once at
Vivian Liu ’08
the site we started pulling weeds to prepare the school’s garden. But since there were about 12
Anna Mack ’05
of us, the work was completed quickly. After that we started tearing up some little plots that we
Joe Mack ’08
had to resoil. We did this so the soil would produce better crops. This was extremely physically
Sandy Mack, parent
straining. Every other time I would shovel or pick axe the ground, I would hit an enormous root
Jonah Parker ’10
or rock which would hinder me, for a little while. Once we finished digging out the plot we
Arden Morris ’11
started putting compost down. We put about three layers of compost down. After completing
Owen Morris ’11
this task, we had lunch. For lunch we had rice, beans and soup. On the way home, some of the
Morgan Rainey ’08
villagers showed us a beautiful river perfect for swimming. Walking home felt like nothing com-
Christine Rhodes, parent
pared to the day’s work. When we were halfway there it started to rain. This was welcome relief
Holden Rhodes ’09
because it was so hot, even though it meant we had to eat dinner under a tent. It was a beautiful
Adrian Stone ’08
night though, and that night I had no problem falling asleep, due to the intensive work day.
Josiah Tolbert ’11
7
FLY RAILS AND FLYING JIBS
Above: Theoline in Providence, August 1939
TOM GODDARD ’57 AND HIS DAUGHTER, CAROLINE ’01 WORKED TOGETHER, WITH TECHNICAL COLLABORATION FROM MOSES GODDARD ’64, TO WRITE FLY RAILS AND FLYING JIBS: COASTING SCHOONER PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBERT H.I. GODDARD. THE BOOK SHARES 160 OF THE 500 IMAGES OF SCHOONERS TAKEN BY ROBERT ’21 BETWEEN 1926 AND 1947 ON THE EAST COAST FROM NEW BRUNSWICK TO FLORIDA. Why did you decide to put together this book?
Above: RHI Goddard with his father, also RHI Goddard, at Indian Rock in Narragansett in the 1920s, shortly after he was a student at Gordon Below: The Lucy Evelyn in Providence, May 16, 1941, unloading a cargo of granite from Maine
Tom Goddard ’57 and Caroline ’01 sailing aboard the Adventuress with their family
Was Robert a collector by nature?
Tom: My father had a lifelong interest in any-
Tom: I never thought of him as a collector, but
thing that floated and took extensive photographs
he did keep meticulous log books for every
of all manner of ships, yachts and other vessels.
facet of his life, from his gas mileage log to a
He was particularly drawn to coasting schooners
sheet where he recorded his wins and losses at
because he sensed that they were not going
solitaire. He also clipped shipping articles from
to survive and photographed them in their
the newspaper and carefully filed them into
declining years. His earliest images were taken
volumes of the Merchant Vessels of the United
when he was a teenager and so he became
States registry.
interested in pursuing this avocation early on. Caroline: As I was searching through my
Late in his life, my father would visit my office
grandparents’ house for material relevant to
bringing me catalogued lists of all his ship
the project, I discovered an entire file cabinet
photography files and images, explaining in-
drawer full of postage stamps. He saved letters
depth what they were, and asking me to take
too, only all their envelopes had big square
care of them and “do something with them.”
holes in them where he’d cut away their stamps.
Our goal as a family was to make my father’s
What was the process for writing the book?
collection permanent and accessible to sailing
Tom: In addition to the photos themselves,
historians and enthusiasts. We wanted this
we started with the articles that my father
book to contribute to a greater understanding
wrote about the ships he photographed, as
of and appreciation for these vessels, the sailors
well as contemporaneous records that he
who worked on them, and the commerce
saved. The entire process was a collaborative
that they were engaged in. There have been
effort. We worked with Captains Douglas
a number of books written on coastal sailing
and Linda Lee, who were close friends of my
schooners, but they all picture the schooners
father’s, to produce the interpretive captions
at sea. My father’s photographs, by contrast,
in Fly Rails. At the same time, Caroline and my
are primarily of the vessels in ports and focus
brother, Moses replicated and digitally restored
on the details of the deck and the rigging, the
the images in preparation for their publication.
crew at work, and their cargo. 8
Fishing schooner Columbia, summer of 1926, taken when Robert Goddard was 17. The Columbia sank just one year later with all twenty-two hands.
Caroline: The whole project evolved into
What was the best part about putting this
REFLECTIONS FROM THE AUTHORS
something bigger than we had anticipated.
book together?
My earliest recollection of my father was of a
Moses and I worked with the collection, which
Tom: The very best part was a dad’s opportu-
man who was passionate about ships and the
consisted of almost 500 negatives, 200 lantern
nity to work with his daughter on such a neat
sea. I remember, after leaving our customary
slides and countless prints, articles and scrap-
project. The same goes with working with my
Sunday lunch at my grandparents’ house, my
books, for three and a half years. We shot and
brother, Moses. I also enjoyed discovering this
father would drop my mother at home and take
edited each image three or four times before
motherlode of images, rescuing them from
us kids straight to the city wharves. There we
we were satisfied with the results, and even
probable oblivion, restoring them and placing
would walk up and down while he would
now we talk about how we would do things
them side-by-side with my father’s extensive
describe the ships, what they had on board,
differently for volume two! The process of
notes to complete this book. My father asked
where they came from and who the crew might
photographing rather than scanning negatives
that I do something with his collection and
be. Then he would climb the gangplank and
is relatively new in the world of digital
I think this is a very suitable response to that
ask the captain for permission to come aboard.
archiving, so experimentation and continuous
wish. Moreover, the goal from the start was
Invariably, this would result in a tour of the
evaluation of the results was an essential part
not to create a vanity piece, but to capture his
holds, engine room, and bridge, which would
of our work.
real legacy, which is the historical data that he
end with ice cream or hot tea in the galley.
recorded, and make it accessible to enthusiasts
TOM GODDARD ’57
Our biggest challenge as archivists, though,
and serious scholars.
was in deciding how to represent the photos
I have never been an enthusiastic sailor myself,
once digitized. I wanted the photos to pop on
Caroline: The entire process made me wish
but I think that Dad taught me to appreciate
the page, but heavy contrast can often compete
I had been older when my grandfather was
the incredible difficulty of building and operat-
with the historical readability of a photo. We
around. He passed away when I was fifteen.
ing huge sailboats full of cargo on the open
knew that we’d have maritime historians pour-
I would have liked to have known what he was
ocean. Now as I go through these photographs
ing over our book with a loupe, trying to see
thinking when he took all these photographs.
I am continually drawn to thinking about the
every little detail of a shadowy hull or sunny
lives of the men that worked on the vessels.
deck, but we also wanted the book to look
All sale proceeds of Fly Rails and Flying Jibs:
I’m struck by the unbelievable monuments
artistically considered. Finding a balance be-
Coasting Schooner Photographs by Robert
to human effort that those enormous wooden
tween these interests in each photo was a big
H.I. Goddard will benefit the Mystic Seaport
hulls and intricately laced rigging represent.
part of my job. A conservative archivist might
Museum, also the publisher of the book.
find our methods controversial, but ultimately,
To purchase a copy, visit the Mystic Seaport
it was about interpreting my grandfather’s
Museum Online Store at www.mysticseaport.
In the end, we are pleased to present these
wishes to the best of our ability, and I think
org. All photos in this article are from Fly Rails
digitally restored photographs and feel strongly
he’d be pleased.
and Flying Jibs ©Mystic Seaport, Inc. 2011.
that my grandfather would have been thrilled
MOSES GODDARD ’64
to see that the restoration of his work has made the documentary content within each photo more available to the viewer than ever. CAROLINE GODDARD ’01 9
Carlin O’Donnell ‘03
CARLIN O’DONNELL ’03 IS A SENIOR AT FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY AND A DOUBLE MAJOR IN ENGLISH AND ECONOMICS. THIS PAST YEAR HE STUDIED AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AS PART OF FAIRFIELD’S STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS. What made you choose the London School
London was also located so central to many
Did you watch the Royal Wedding?
of Economics?
of the places that I had always wanted to travel
I actually was able to find a spot the night
The academic program at the London School
to. I was always interested in the aesthetic
before the wedding right by the wedding
of Economics (LSE) offered courses that focused
beauty of the architecture and land of Scandi-
procession route to Buckingham Palace. My
on the science, history and philosophy of eco-
navia. During one of my school breaks, I took
friend and I went outside that evening and
nomics. They also had one of the most diverse
a backpacking trip around Scandinavia which
there was a quiet hum in the city as the street
student bodies of all the study abroad programs
had been on my list of places to visit ever since
that we lived on was shut off to traffic and lit
I was considering. LSE has students from 145
I was young. I spent several days in a hostel
up by street lights. People had already started
countries living and studying on their campus.
and visited with a family friend while hiking
bringing chairs and camping out. We were not
and exploring each day. It was truly a remark-
intending to stay throughout the night but it
able experience.
became quite entertaining sitting in the crowd
My application along with 200 others was selected for the General Course Year Long Study
and meeting new people. We ended up staying
program and I left in the summer of 2010 to
What was one of the most challenging
up the entire night and watching the entire
begin my studies. I would be living in a dorm
aspects of your study abroad program?
Royal Family pass by us the next morning.
suite, sharing a kitchen with seven other LSE
The academic structure at LSE included three
I was able to get some great photographs.
students, that was located on the corner of
ten-week trimesters with the final exams being
Trafalgar Square and was only a five minute
the culmination of the entire year of classes.
What do you hope to do in the future?
walk from Buckingham Palace.
At Fairfield, I was accustomed to the final
In my English classes at PCD I noticed that I
exams being taken after each semester, not
enjoyed writing essays that stated an opinion
What did you enjoy the most about your
an entire year’s worth of material. Preparing
or found an answer to an argument. They had
experience?
for year-long final exams forced me to focus
the same aesthetic structure that I found with
I was definitely inspired by my professors.
on understanding class material in its entirety
drawing. With analytical writing, you need
The entire faculty community at LSE is at the
—not just the memorization of facts but
to state the issue, share your opinion and
forefront of their disciplines. For instance, my
thinking analytically and critically about the
surround it with supporting information. It all
philosophy professor was also the President of
information I was learning.
began to make so much sense to me and as
the Philosophy of Science Association. It was
I look to the future I can see myself becoming
great being exposed to such talented teachers.
I felt that at LSE there was a real sense of
passionate about the law, making decisions
Instead of reading articles about economic
learning in its truest form, not just focusing on
and proving arguments.
policy we were surrounded by many of the
passing classes to get the degree. It reminded
primary sources who either wrote articles or
me a lot of Gordon, in that Gordon is a very
I am looking forward to returning to Fairfield
advised the government on economic policy.
welcoming learning environment that encour-
for my senior year and beginning the applica-
It was hard not to be excited to attend class
ages students to explore their interests, and re-
tion process to law school. I appreciate that the
every day.
ally learn. LSE was similar in the sense that it
study of economics and law provide different
was open to anything—any dialogue, opinion,
perspectives into understanding reasoning and
etc. was fair game, and encouraged a critical
social theory.
awareness of what you are being taught. 10
Maggie Moran ’04 MAGGIE MORAN ’04 WILL BE A SENIOR THIS YEAR AT ELON UNIVERSITY AND IS MAJORING IN STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS WITH A MINOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE. SHE SPENT HER FALL SEMESTER STUDYING AT THE DUBLIN BUSINESS SCHOOL IN DUBLIN, IRELAND. What made you choose your program?
As part of the course we visited many Dublin
I also enjoyed living in an international dorm
My decision to attend Elon University was
museums and historical sites. Of all of my
with students from around the world. I found
largely based on its recognized study abroad
travels and activities through this course, my
being immersed in a diverse learning environ-
program. Over 70% of Elon students study
favorite was our weekend spent in Galway, as
ment gave me a greater understanding of others
abroad at least once before graduating. Arriving
it gave me the opportunity to explore a different
perspectives and experiences. Many of my
at Elon freshman year, I made a goal for myself
part of Ireland rather than the city atmosphere
friends abroad lived just with other students
saying that I would study abroad at least three
of Dublin. After all of my travels throughout the
from their universities, or even with local
times in three years. I’ve always loved to travel
semester, Galway is the most beautiful place
families. I found that I managed to get the best
and I appreciated that Elon offered so many
that I visited, and is the town to which I am
of both worlds—it was still a dorm atmosphere
different options for studying abroad including
most eager to return.
with international students my own age, allowing me to meet people that otherwise I would
full semester, winter break and summer programs. I also fell in love with the people of Ireland.
not have had the opportunity to befriend.
My sophomore year I traveled to India. I lived
They are so welcoming and friendly and wanted
in the city of Kirela and spent an entire month
to share their culture. I remember getting lost
How did Gordon prepare you for this
teaching science to children in several rural
on my first day of classes, and asking a man
experience?
schools. My favorite memories from that trip
for directions. Not only was he happy to help,
I reflected on my Gordon experience often as
were riding an elephant and being asked to sign
he walked me most of the way and was eager
it was the first place that taught me how to take
autographs because we were the first white
to point out some of the lesser-known Dublin
in the full perspective. My teachers at Gordon
students that the children had ever seen.
activities while providing great advice and tips
encouraged me to not just look at things for
for my semester there. Things like this would
what they are, but to question and think critically
When looking at programs this past year, I was
happen as a daily occurrence— the people
about what is presented before forming my
drawn to Ireland for several reasons. The
were more than willing to go out of their way
own conclusions and opinions about situations.
Dublin Business School offered a great program
to help us get acclimated and comfortable in
through Elon’s communications school.
this new city.
I am eternally grateful for my Gordon education
I was excited about the connections between
—not only did its teachers and curriculum
the courses they were offering and my major
What did you learn from living in Ireland for
encourage me to think objectively, they also
in strategic communications. With Ireland’s
the semester?
supported the process by which I reached a
central location in Europe, I knew I would have
Living abroad brought me a great deal of
conclusion. This has allowed me to be a confi-
more access to travel. During my breaks, I took
independence as I felt more confident traveling
dent and active participant in the classroom
excursions to Norway, London, France, and
by myself and exploring different areas of
and in the world around me. It seems like almost
Spain. Ultimately, my decision was based on
Ireland, as well as Europe on my own. There
every day I am approached by a situation or
my family’s strong Irish roots and my desire
were several instances where a flight was
conflict where I instinctually turn to the lessons
to explore my ancestry.
cancelled or a train delayed, and I had to think
that I learned at Gordon. I wouldn’t be the
and act quickly (once using the only eighth
person that I am today had it not been for my
What did you enjoy most about your
grade Spanish I could recall), in order to make
Gordon education.
experience?
it to my location. Being able to think on my
I loved all of the classes that I took in Dublin,
toes, and to make quick decisions was probably
What are your plans for the future?
especially Irish Culture and Society. It was a
the best thing that I learned while traveling.
Last summer I interned for Senator Jack Reed
full one-month course on Irish culture, while
in Washington, DC. I would love to return to
understanding the history, conflict and politics
I’m so glad that my parents encouraged me
Washington to pursue a career in corporate/
of Ireland. It gave me a better understanding
to take many photographs and keep a travel
political speechwriting or political public
and appreciation for the country.
journal so that I can remember all of my and
relations. I am looking forward to enjoying my
experiences abroad.
senior year at Elon and traveling to Vietnam for a month in January. 11
Becky Kerner ’09 BECKY KERNER ’09, A JUNIOR AT WHEELER SCHOOL, SPENT HER SUMMER TEACHING AND LIVING IN THE VILLAGE OF KIKELEWA, RONGAI, A RURAL AREA IN TANZANIA’S NORTHEAST REGION ON MT. KILIMANJARO.
What brought you to travel to Tanzania?
What did you enjoy the most about your
and respecting your elders. Each student began
My mom is a professor of anthropology at
experience in Tanzania?
their letter addressing President Obama as their
Wheaton College and this summer she was
After our home stay, we would visit the local
elder. I was amazed that such respect for the
running Education and Development, a three
secondary schools to help teach the students
United States President could extend as far as
week course in Tanzania. I joined her along
English. In Tanzania, primary school is taught
a small village in Tanzania. Even in the market
with an assistant and twenty undergraduate
in Kiswahili and English is taught as a subject.
we visited they had local cloth (khanga and
students from Wheaton.
When students go to secondary school (grades
kitenge) for sale that was decorated with
8-12) all of their subjects are taught in English.
President Obama’s picture. The students were
The course began with us arriving in the
Most students are not prepared to study in
thrilled when we shared that we would be
northern international city of Arusha and then
English when they begin secondary school and
sending the letters to the President upon our
we went on to the Kilimanjaro regional capital
yet the government has passed a law that all
return to the United States.
city, Moshi for a week of lectures and site visits
students must go to secondary school. I worked
to schools, coffee cooperatives, local industries,
alongside the Wheaton students, one who
What did you learn?
hospitals, and development projects. Our next
was ESL certified to develop lesson plans and
Education is hard for the villagers because
stop took us to our base on Mount Kilimanjaro,
activities in English instruction.
access to resources is minimal. They rely solely
a cultural heritage site and the only snow-
on teacher instruction and don’t have the funds
capped mountain that straddles the equator.
One memorable project we did together was
to purchase textbooks or other classroom
Our home for the last two weeks of the course
helping the students in the village write letters
materials. That is why every year, I want to stay
was Rongai, a town located in national forest
in English to President Obama. Tanzania is a
longer and teach for a month or two.
conservation territory.
society that puts great emphasis on revering
12
The people of Tanzania place great emphasis on family. They have no boundaries when it comes to family lines in their small villages. Children and adults were passing through the home I was staying at and I had a hard time determining how many children my home stay mother actually had. There is also great respect for the elders in the villages. Children address their elders with the phrase “Shikamoo” which means “clasp your feet,” translating to “I bow down before you.” When elders speak the villagers gather to listen. I began to appreciate this level of respect the villagers had for their elders and their families. I have a much stronger appreciation for my own family and realize the importance of being together. How did Gordon prepare you for this experience?
My teachers at Gordon gave me the confidence to be comfortable in who I was especially as a new student in sixth grade. Mr. Newbold was my advisor and he was also new to Gordon. The students in Rongai worked so hard to grasp
We shared our thoughts about being new and I
What do you hope for in the future?
what we were teaching them, enough to write
felt his support as I put aside my worry about
Anthropology has always been a big part of my
an entire letter in English. I really appreciated
being the new student. Even now when I begin
life but I never thought I would want to pursue
how dedicated they were to their schooling.
anything new, I think about Mr. Newbold and
it. But recently I was having dinner with one
When we arrived to the school each morning,
tell myself there has to be someone else out
of my mother’s colleagues and we were having
they were always so excited and eager to
there that is feeling the same way.
a conversation about how I dealt with a particularly challenging pilgrimage we made
get started and you could tell how much they appreciated having the opportunity to learn
Mrs. Spence and Mrs. Bowman were two
this summer up near the Serengeti and she said,
from us.
teachers who helped me find my voice. In
“you are the daughter of an anthropologist.”
their classes we had many conversations about
That remark has stayed with me and I noticed
It also made me realize that I continue to have
social issues and both of them found ways to
in Tanzania that I was asking a lot of questions
great opportunities put in front of me from
make me feel comfortable with sharing my
of the villagers and the students at Wheaton.
attending Gordon to attending Wheeler, and I
thoughts. At the end of eighth grade, I felt confi-
I enjoy learning about other cultures and
realize now more than ever how fortunate I am
dent with speaking up in class and sharing my
understanding the history behind them.
to have access to such a great education. I am
perspectives and opinions with my classmates. I also think about becoming a lawyer one day.
also grateful for how hard the students worked when we were teaching them. I want to carry
My entire Gordon experience taught me to
During my Civil Rights Trip at Gordon, we
their dedication to my academic work this year
realize who I am, how far I can go and how
visited the Southern Poverty Law Center and
at Wheeler.
much further I can continue to push myself.
one day I hope to be able to contribute to their work on racial equality and social justice.
13
s e t o n s s cla G O R D O N
A L U M N I
C O N N E C T I O N
teenth- and twentieth-century Latin America and the Caribbean, with a particular focus on Cuba in the 1920s and 1930s; also the history of U.S. radicalism and labor. Nick Foley ’96 is living in New York and is a lawyer at Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Ben Chace ’97 and his brother Nathaniel ’00
7Os
played at AS220 in Providence this summer
Andy Arkway ’74 (photo above) passed
inspired by American artists of the late sixties
away unexpectedly from complications from
and seventies—Otis, Aretha, and Dylan as well
encephalitis on July 8th. Andy was involved
as old school African, Latin American, and
with the Aquidneck Land Trust and helped to
Caribbean influences.“
with their band BirdDog. Their music has been described as “raw unprocessed, soul, roots—
fund the Sakonnet Greenway Trail in Middletown, RI. Donations can be made in Andy’s
Andrea Weisman ’97 writes: “I received my
memory to Aquidneck Land Trust at 790
independent social work license in March of
Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown, RI 02842
this year, so that will hopefully open up a lot
and the Providence Animal Rescue League
of new exciting doors for me in the future. I
at 34 Elbow Street in Providence, RI 02903.
am loving my job as a clinician in an outpatient mental health clinic in Taunton, MA. I got
Nick Wall ’99 is a Senior Associate at Metropolitan Real Estate Equity Management, a private equity real estate firm based in New York. He just finished his two year term as President of the Brown University Club in New York and is Co-Chair of the Brown 5th Reunion Gift Campaign. Nick stays connected to Gordon by serving on the Head’s Advisory Council.
OOs
Erik Urdang ’76 (in above middle photo with
engaged this past May and will be getting
his children) writes: “For the past four years,
married next September. Much of my free time
Isaiah Osofisan ’00 is living in Providence
I have been the Technical Director for LEGO
has been occupied by wedding planning! My
working for Merchant Card Services, a small
Universe, a multi-player online game (MMOG)
fiance, Ben Russell, is originally from Vermont
business consulting firm focused on credit card
being developed by LEGO. We released the
and is a network engineer.”
transaction efficiency.
game last year and are getting ready for a free to play version this fall. Here is the website:
Emily Glinick ’98 continues to live in Brooklyn
Courtney Spellman DeStefano ’01 is teaching
http://universe.lego.com/en-us/default.aspx.”
and works as a freelance stage manager for
ninth and tenth grade world history at the
theater companies in New York City, frequently
Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY. She is a
with Lincoln Center Theatre. She still spends
dorm parent and will be coaching varsity field
her summers in Chautauqua, NY working
hockey, basketball and lacrosse.
9Os
with the Chautauqua Theatre Company. Emily Christine Isidoro ’94 just completed her MBA
remains close with fellow Gordon classmates
Noel Barlow ’03 graduated from Harvard
at Bryant University. She is looking forward
Zara Serabian-Arthur ’98 and Edith Palmieri
with an English degree and minor in Film
to putting her new knowledge to use at her
’98, who are also living in the New York area.
Production and is working on producing a
position at AT Cross and is enjoying her free time with friends and family.
short film in Boston. The film is an adapted Ben Foley ’99 lives in Delray Beach, FL and is
screenplay of a one woman play, a short quirky
a film editor at CustomPlay.
independent comedy. Noel is looking forward
Ariel Lambe Mercik ’95 is pursuing her Ph.D
to moving to New York this fall.
in Latin American Studies at Columbia
Gregory Katzen ’99 recently moved to New
University. She is currently working on her
York City and spent the summer working at a
Sarah Engle ’03 graduated magna cum laude
dissertation “Cuba’s Generation of the Thirties
newly created rehabilitation farm in Western
from Brown University with a bachelor’s
in the Spanish Civil War.” Her research
Massachusetts.
degree in Psychology.
interests include political movements in nine-
14
F A L L
2 0 1 1
Heather Liu ’03 is teaching high school biology
Susannah Wales ’05 spent her summer working
Michael Eden ’07 a recent graduate from
for Teach for America in Chicago this year.
with Hamilton College’s assistant professor
Wheeler School will attend the United States
of anthropology, Nathan Goodale, and visiting
Naval Academy as a member of the Class of
Jamie Macdonald ’03 (photo to left) graduated
instructor of anthropology Alissa Nauman
2015. He was nominated by U.S. Senator Jack
from the University of Denver in May. He
in British Columbia, Canada. Susannah
Reed. Michael earned his private pilot license
played four years of Varsity Men’s Lacrosse as
interviewed members of the Sinixt First Nation
as part of his senior project at Wheeler.
midfielder and served as the captain of the
to study their struggle for legitimacy through
team this past year. His team played in this
archaeology for the project “Building a
Ben Fine ’07 graduated in May from Moses
year’s NCAA Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse Final
Community Around Archaeology.”
Brown and received the Secretary of State
Four game against the University of Virginia.
(Ralph Mollis) Civic Leadership Award. This Avery Stone ’06 was a featured byline writer
award recognizes senior students who take
Justin Straus ’03 (above) passed away suddenly
in the CNN/Money/Fortune Magazine website.
the principles of civics and put them into action
May 30th. Justin came to Gordon in fourth
Avery’s article was focused on Cambridge,
through their community, school and civic
grade and is remembered for his intellect,
Massachusetts HubSpot, a new startup that
involvement. Ben also received the Fletcher
creativity and independent spirit.
gives small businesses affordable ways to
Award and earned a Twelve Season Athletic
market to new customers the way much larger
Award for his dedication to the cross country,
businesses do.
basketball and tennis teams. He earned the
Hannah Fine ’04 graduated in May from the University of Chicago with honors. She will
MVP award for his performance on the Varsity
be working at the Civic Consulting Alliance,
Sharkey Weinberg ’06 performed in the play
a non-profit organization affiliated with the
My Way or the Highway at the Perishable
city of Chicago.
Theatre in Providence this July. The show
Noah Fox ’07 a recent graduate of Wheeler
was produced by the Manton Avenue Project,
School, Mackenzie Cater ’07 a recent graduate
Rachel Litwin ’04 writes: “I recently completed my Associate Degree in computer graphics design and new media at Johnson and Wales University. This fall, I will complete my
tennis team.
which brings elementary-aged playwrights
of Wheeler School and Andrew Sgarro ’07 a
together with theatre professionals for inspiring
recent graduate of Portsmouth Abbey, were
results.
all named as candidates for the Presidential Scholar Award.
Bachelors of Science degree in computer
Mackenzie Cater ’07 (photo above with Vivian
graphics and new media.”
Liu ’08) was profiled in the Barrington Times
Caroline Frishman ’07 a recent graduate
this summer for her experience on volunteering
of Wheeler School was the recipient of the
for Sustainable Harvest International in
Community Service Award during Wheeler’s
Panama. She is headed to University of
Academic Awards celebration.
Stephanie Perez ’04 is a senior at Tufts University this year and co-captain of the Women’s Lacrosse Team. This past spring her lacrosse season ended with Tufts second showing
California, Berkeley this fall. Seth Gilbane ’07 a recent graduate of St.
in the NCAA’s. She was voted MVP for Tufts.
Jack Christie ’07 a recent graduate of
Mark’s School was inducted into the 2011
She was the recipient of First Team NESCAC
Wheeler received the Priscilla Wolff Award
Cum Laude Honor Society.
honors and was selected as an All-Region
for Excellence in Writing.
player for the second year in a row and has
Eric Glickman-Tondreau ’07 a recent graduate
received Second Team All-American honors
Katie DiPrete ’07 a recent graduate of Moses
of Moses Brown received the Religion and
this year.
Brown earned a Twelve Season Athletic Award
Philosophy Award at the school’s Academic
being a member of the Varsity cross country,
Awards Day in May. He also placed third in
Coby Unger ’05 was featured in the Providence
swimming and lacrosse teams all during all
the state on the National Spanish Exam, level
Journal this summer working at Keesh Studio in
of her four years at Moses Brown.
5, earned National Merit Scholarship program
Providence, where he has worked for the past
National Hispanic Scholar Recognition and
two summers.
received a Senior All-State selection for flute from the RI Music Educators Association.
15
Lauren Rosalanko ’07, Anna Mack ’05 and Heather Liu ’03 returned to Gordon as speakers for the Class of 2011 Induction Luncheon
Vivian Liu ’08 spent the summer volunteering with Sustainable Harvest International and interning with the Rhode Island Supreme Court. She is looking forward to starting her senior year at Middlesex this year. Joe Mack ’08 a senior at St. George’s was named to the Independent All-Stars Spring 2011 Sports team for his performance on the Varsity Lacrosse Team. He was one of the top defenders in the Independent School League, Liza Green ’07 a recent graduate of Moses
Arianna Riva ’07 a recent graduate of Moses
and earned a First Team ALL-ISL for his
Brown received the Sophia L. Pitman Prize
Brown received the John Milton Prize for
All-Conference selection, he also was named
awarded to a student who has shown
excellence in English. She was also inducted
the team MVP.
excellence and dedication in the visual arts.
in the Moses Brown chapter of the National
Jesse Handler ’07 was recognized by the
Cum Laude Society and was a candidate for
Lily Ardente ’09 a junior at Moses Brown
the Presidential Scholar Award.
received a Wind Ensemble Award at the
Providence Journal this summer for her ability
Academic Awards Day this past May.
to find the right balance between sports and
Lauren Rosalanko ’07 a recent graduate of
academics. At Cranston East, Jesse graduated
Moses Brown received the Lt. Governor
Manny Guerzon ’09 a junior at St. Mark’s
as the class valedictorian and earned twelve
Leadership Award. One student from every high
School received the National Spanish Exam
varsity letters.
school in Rhode Island is chosen to receive this
Medal.
award. Lauren has been the leader of Moses Isabella Ingendahl ’07 a recent graduate of
Brown’s Community Outreach Committee for
Maddie Berkson ’10 was named to the
Moses Brown received the Prize for Excellence
two years. She has helped to organize commu-
Providence Journal All-State Girls Track First
in Russian Language.
nity fundraisers and managed the Community
Team. A freshman last spring at Classical High
Service Day each spring at Moses Brown.
School, Maddie was the indoor state champ at
Janie Lupica ’07 a recent graduate of Moses
both 1,000 and 1,5000 meters. She was named
Brown received the Charles, Elliot and Lyman
Alexa Bourque ’08 a senior at Moses Brown
Co-Distance MVP with LaSalle’s Molly Keat-
Brown Prize for Good Citizenship. She was
received the Ben Tre Award for Excellence
ing, winning the 800 outdoors with a time of
also inducted into the 2011 Cum Laude Honor
in the Visual Arts at the school’s Academic
2:13:18. Maddie also placed second at the
Society and received the Prize for Excellence
Awards Day this past May.
New England meet in 2:12:06.
pants at this year’s Cystic Fibrosis Walk in
Zoe Foulkes ’08 a senior at Wheeler won
Nate Bresnick ’10 gave a talk this past year at
Pawtucket’s Slater Park. Janie’s brother, Will
the Junior Award for positive contributions
Milton Academy that was one of the five
Lupica ’10 was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis
to the community and significant academic
chosen as best in his class. A requirement for
when he was an infant.
achievement this past May.
all freshman, the Class IV talk is a five to seven
in Spanish Language. Janie addressed partici-
minute speech on a subject of each student’s Dylan Neel ’07 a recent graduate of Moses
Jessica Litwin ’08 a senior at Moses Brown
Brown was named a Presidential Scholar of
received the Junior Faculty Award at the
Rhode Island. Dylan is one of 141 high school
Academic Awards Day. This award is given
seniors from across the country to receive
to Moses Brown juniors and seniors in
this award. He was honored this past June at
recognition of their special qualities or
the Presidential Scholar recognition events in
contributions to the school community.
Washington, DC. He also received the Senior Faculty Award and the Prize for Excellence in Mathematics. 16
choosing.
GORDON ALUMNI REMEMBERED BRUCE SUNDLUN ‘36
Gordon is saddened by the passing of Governor Bruce Sundlun ’36, a towering figure in Rhode Island politics and culture. Sundlun remained connected to Gordon, remembering his years at Gordon as happy ones, writing in 1995, “I liked it there, did well academically, and made friends who last until today.” He later recalled with pride that his paragraph about a trip through the Green Mountains, which appeared in the November 1927 Gordonian, was “the first thing that I ever wrote that made publication anywhere.” Throughout his life, when recounting the antisemitism he experienced on Providence’s East Side, he would cite an incident at a Gordon Field Day as “his first consciousness of antisemitic discrimination against me personally.” Anecdotes like these helped fuel the first efforts, in the 1930s, to expand the demographic of Gordon’s student body. This work continues at Gordon today, and Sundlun’s willingness to serve as vocal witness to antisemitism should count among Gordon School Angell Street Campus, 1930
his many contributions to life in Rhode Island.
MALCOLM G. CHACE ’48
It is with great sadness that Gordon recognizes the passing of former Board Chair and alumnus, Malcolm G. Chace ’48. Throughout the school’s first one hundred years, the history of Mr. Chace’s extended family has been interwoven with that of Gordon School. His father, Malcolm G. Chace ’17, was a member of the school’s first graduating class. The school also welcomed other members of the Chace family during this time when founder Helen West Cooke and her small team led the school. Mr. Chace and his sisters were members of Gordon’s second generation when Margaret “Poggy” Langdon took on the leadership of the school. In 1978, Mr. Chace returned to Gordon when his daughter enrolled. He was nominated to the Four generations of Malcolm G. Chaces. Malcolm G. Chace ’48 is on the far right.
Board of Trustees in 1980, serving on the Finance, Executive and Nominating Committees and eventually becoming the Chair of the Board in 1983-1984. These were the years when the school’s leadership transitioned from Larry Miller to Darcey Hall. Looking back on those years in 1991, Darcey Hall wrote to Mr. Chace: You have seen us through thick and thin, you have known the school when it was a small and dearly loved institution in Providence which had a very special place in the hearts and lives of many families. You have seen it through those really dark days in the early 1980s when it seemed that its very existence was threatened and that its seventy-fifth year might be its last. Mr. Chace’s grandchildren have followed in his footsteps by attending the school that he helped to build and sustain. His leadership, support and advocacy for Gordon will be greatly missed.
Gordon class of 1948
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together! The 2010-2011 Annual Fund raised a total of $335,131 for Gordon School. Thanks to the 725 alumni, parents and friends who pulled together and participated in our efforts this year.
We couldn’t have done it without you!