Fall 2021 Magazine

INDIAN SPRINGS A M AG A Z I N E F O R A L U M N I A N D F R I E N D S O F I N D I A N S P R I N G S S C H O O L

FA L L 2 0 2 1

The Kayser-Samford Community Commons Take an early look at the newest addition to our master plan.

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P L U S : G O L D M E DA L S G A L O R E

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INDIAN SPRINGS MAGAZINE

HEAD OF SCHOOL

MISSION STATEMENT Guided by our motto, Learning through Living,

SCOTT G. SCHAMBERGER

Indian Springs School fosters a love of learning and creativity, a sense of integrity and moral courage, and an ethic of participatory citizenship with respect for individuality and independent thought.

ACADEMICS

Dr. Jonathan Gray EDITOR

ADMISSION

Taylor Docking

Rachel Wallace Preskitt

ADVANCEMENT & EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jim Simon

Ellen S. Padgett

ATHLETICS

PHOTOGRAPHER

Greg Van Horn

Quez Shipman

COLLEGE ADVISING

Amelia Johnson

CONTRIBUTORS

COMMUNICATIONS

Margaret Blackerby ’14

Rachel Wallace Preskitt

Martin Damsky ’68

FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

Kathryn D’Arcy

Tanya Yeager

Dr. Claire Maples Edwards ’89

FACULTY

Alan Engel ’73

Dr. Tanya Hyatt

Dr. Jonathan Horn ’75

RESIDENTIAL LIFE

Hallie Barrett

Kristiana Krasteva ’22

STRATEGY & SPECIAL PROJECTS

Emily Hess Levine ’01

Lauren Wainwright ’88

Carina Lim ’21

STUDENT LIFE

Ellen McElroy ’78

Weslie Wald Hunter Wolfe

Dr. David Oh ’87 Bob Pollard Scott Pulliam ’85 Erica Richie

BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2021-2022

Alan Engel ’73 Robert Aland ’80 Janet Perry Book Myla Calhoun Martin Damsky ’68 Joe Farley ’81 Jerolyn Ferrari Clara Chung Fleisig Braxton Goodrich ’93 Elizabeth Goodrich Kyung Han ’85 John Hudson, III Ben Hunt ’82

Leo Kayser, III ’62 Emily Hess Levine ’01 Jimmy Lewis ’75 Ellen McElroy ’78 Randall Minor ’99 Scott Pulliam ’85 Lia Rushton Hanson Slaughter ’90 Starr Turner Drum ’02 Ex Officio, Alumni Council Heidi Falconer Ex Officio, Parents Association

Scott Schamberger Jim Simon Hanson Slaughter ’90 Lauren Wainwright ’88

INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL

publishes Indian Springs Magazine twice a year, in fall/winter and spring/summer. Printed by Craftsman Printing, Birmingham, Alabama.

CLASS NOTES

classnotes@indiansprings.org ADDRESS UPDATES

addressupdates@indiansprings.org At Indian Springs School, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. If you would prefer to receive Indian Springs Magazine or other school communications electronically, please let us know via email at indiansprings@indiansprings.org.

©2021 Indian Springs School. All rights reserved.

190 Woodward Drive, Indian Springs, AL 35124 Phone: 205.988.3350 | Website: www.indiansprings.org

NOTICE OF NONDISCIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS Indian Springs School, an independent school nationally recognized as a leader in boarding and day

education for grades 8-12, serves a talented and diverse student body and offers its admission to qualified students regardless of race, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Located in Indian Springs, Alabama, just south of Birmingham, the school does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school-administered programs.

INDI A N {CONTENTS}

SPR INGS

FALL 2021

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VOLUME NINETEEN, ISSUE TWO

ON PAGE 18 Meet Leo Kayser, lead benefactor of the Kayser-Samford Community Commons.

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Kayser-Samford Community Commons

FEATURE

Take an early look at the newest addition to Indian Springs’ master plan, which will transform the community’s dining and social experience in a state-of-the-art structure.

STORY

F E AT U R E D

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In the past year, our students have received two dozen gold medals, seven state titles, and numerous national honors.

Longtime faculty members Jonathan Horn ’75 and Bob Pollard reflect on their retirements.

Since opening its doors in 1952, Indian Springs School has welcomed students from 50 countries and six continents

Meet 2021 Outstanding Alum of the Year, David Oh ’87, principal systems engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Gold Medals Galore

IN EVERY ISSUE

Career Celebration

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WELCOME LETTERS

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International Springs

NOTEWORTHY

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Outstanding Alum

@ExperienceSprings

WELCOME

FROM BOARD CHAIR ALAN ENGEL

A ALAN ENGEL

Fall 2021

’73, P ’03, ’12 Chair, Board of Governors Indian Springs School

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Alan Engel ’73 recognizes retiring faculty members Jonathan Horn ’75 and Bob Pollard during Indian Springs’ 2021 graduation ceremony.

new academic year at Indian Springs always brings excitement and energy to our campus. The 2021-2022 year will be no different, except the level of excitement will be even greater this year as we start construction of the new Kayser-Samford Community Commons. This facility has been on the drawing board for some time and has been through numerous design iterations. With the magnificent lead gift from Leo Kayser ’62 and the wonderful generosity from other donors in our campaign’s silent phase, we can now move forward with this important project.

Besides housing dining facilities, the new building will double as a community hub offering coffee and informal meeting space available throughout the day and early evening. The project is named in honor of Leo Kayser ’62 and Frank Samford ’62 and their life-long generosity and service to Indian Springs.

As our campaign unfolds over the coming months, we hope you will join your friends and classmates and consider investing in this pivotal new space. And, to answer the most asked question: YES, we will preserve and honor the bell, giving it a prominent display at the new facility.

This new school year also brings a touch of anxiety as we face uncertainty from a resurgent pandemic at this writing. We all hope for a “normal” academic year but know that Indian Springs will continue to take precautions designed to help safeguard the health and safety of our community. It was challenging to run classes in three different formats last year (in person, in real-time virtually, and asynchronously for our international students who could not get to campus). However, Head of School Scott Schamberger, his leadership team, our outstanding faculty, and our incredible staff made magic happen in bringing a full academic experience to our students. Even though they stand ready to do it again, let’s all hope that was a one-time experience.

Indian Springs honors two retiring senior faculty members in nearby pages. Allow me to take personal privilege in thanking Jonathan Horn ’75 and Bob Pollard for their many years of service to Indian Springs and to all the students they taught throughout their tenure at Indian Springs. Jonathan and I overlapped at Indian Springs in the early 1970s as students, and I have been an Indian Springs parent for Bob’s biology classes. Both Jonathan and Bob passionately contributed in unique ways to Indian Springs.

We honor them and wish them well in their retirement.

We hope to schedule “normal” alumni events this fall in several cities. I very much look forward to visiting with you once again—in person! Please stay well and stay safe.

FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL SCOTT SCHAMBERGER

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SCOTT SCHAMBERGER Head of School, Indian Springs School

Scott Schamberger and Claire Maples Edwards ’89 present David Oh ’87 with the Outstanding Alum of the Year Award during Alumni Weekend 2021.

Class of 2021 alumni pose for a photo in front of the old dining hall on graduation day.

Indian Springs

he summer provided a much-needed break for the Indian Springs community. Although the 20202021 academic year was a success for our school, the challenges we navigated tested our collective endurance and individual resilience. I remain grateful to the Indian Springs faculty and staff for their heroic effort and willingness to model Learning through Living. I am humbled by the trust that our students and families put in the school as we navigated the many unknowns of the last year. I hope that the summer provided at least a momentary return to normalcy for the greater Indian Springs community. It certainly felt more normal on campus as the alumni community returned en masse to visit and utilize the Indian Springs facilities for a belated June Alumni Weekend.

With the lower half of my face feeling sunlight for the first time in over a year, my family and I enjoyed some time away this summer. It was an opportunity to recharge and reflect. A personal highlight of my summer was a hike to Mirror Lake at the base of Mt. Hood in Oregon. The path there was heavily wooded with only one direction to trek: onward. So naturally, we continued forward, not knowing exactly where we were headed but with the promise of something that would make the effort worth it. There was little in the way of views other than the trees surrounding us until we reached the far side of the lake. The views of the mountain were breathtaking and nourished my soul. It was a reminder that there is beauty all around us if we can slow down enough to see it. The serenity of that forest provided me the opportunity to be alone with my thoughts.

The Class of 2021 sped through my mind as they spread across the country and the world on their unique journeys. I was filled with joy and pride, knowing that they were ready for their new life chapters. I thought about the Indian Springs faculty and staff, eternally grateful for their hard work and unwavering commitment to providing as complete an experience for our students last year as possible. I reflected on our shared successes as well as some of my own shortcomings over the last year and how I could learn from both. I thought about the injustices in the world, the senseless attacks on people because of their identity, and the hatred that is highlighted daily in the news. I was reminded that there are many in the Indian Springs community who are hurting and how important it is for us to come together and support one another.

Little did I know that this trip down the winding path would become a metaphor for the school year ahead. The start of the school year is very different than we were expecting. Like the twists and turns along that path in Oregon, we must always carry on and keep moving forward. The school will continue to navigate the pandemic, but this year will be different because we know more than we did a year ago. We will slow down and enjoy the beauty in the moment. We will come together more often to celebrate our individual and collective accomplishments. There will be plenty of excitement as we endeavor to build an even stronger community, literally and figuratively. We will capture this moment to re-imagine our dining experience and break ground on a new facility and community hub. The Kayser-Samford Community Commons will be so much more than just a dining hall. It will be the social hub of our campus for generations to come benefiting students and their families, faculty, alumni, and friends of Indian Springs. I am grateful for the generous donors who have already made gifts and pledges to this project and for the many more that will support it in the weeks and months ahead.

Fittingly, the theme of this school year is building connections. This theme reminds us what makes Indian Springs such a great school for young people to grow and develop, why faculty and staff choose the school as a career destination, and what bonds the alumni community together across generations. Relationships are the building blocks to a transformative experience.

I look forward to the year ahead and doing my part in building connections.

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CAMPUS NEWS

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GOLD MEDALS GALORE During the Covid-19 pandemic, Indian Springs has strived to provide a learning environment that is safe, supportive, and stimulating. Our students have thrived in all areas of academic study, art, and athletics while also diligently following health guidelines, including wearing masks and practicing social distancing on campus. In the past year, they received over two dozen gold medals, seven state titles, and numerous national honors.

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLAR Hooper Markert ’21

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS

Hooper Markert ’21 Steven Tang ’21 Paul Weir ’21 Noah Williams ’21 Danna Zhang ’21

PERFECT ACT SCORES

Liam Falconer ’22 Andrew Glassford ’22 Catherine Kung ’22 Hooper Markert ’21

ALABAMA GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL HONOREES

Lucy Gardner ’22 Olivia Honeycutt ’22 Joseph Katz ’22 Catherine Kung ’22 Addy Miller ’22 Andy Schwebel ’22

SCHOLARS BOWL

Joseph Katz ’22 Hooper Markert ’21 Emma Peng ’21 Andy Schwebel ’22 Jack Swanner ’21 Matthew Thomson ’24 Paul Weir ’21 Noah Williams ’21

Fall 2021

The Indian Springs Scholars Bowl Team qualified for the National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) High School National Championship Tournament.

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Catherine Kung ’22 Computer Science & Engineering, “Processing of Sensory Information from a Bio-Inspired Flexible Artificial Skin Using a Kohonen Artificial Neural Network”

ALABAMA SCIENCE FAIRS

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Number of Categories Total Awards Won

15

Number of Top Honors INTERNATIONAL FAIR COMPETITORS MAYU, CATHERINE, AND AMITIS

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SECOND PLACE, STATE

The Society for In Vitro Biology Award Advanced to the Regeneron International Fair

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Amitis Moradkhani ’22 Earth & Environmental Science, “Dye Removal with GO Reinforced Nanocomposite MOFs” FIRST PLACE, REGIONAL

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THIRD PLACE, STATE

Association for Women Geoscientists Award

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The U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize Advanced to the Regeneron International Fair

Mayu Nakano ’23 Medicine & Health Science, “Intra-tumoral Heterogeneity in Gene Expression within Single Glioblastoma Tumors” FIRST PLACE, REGIONAL

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SECOND PLACE, STATE

Regeneron Biomedical Science Award Advanced to the Regeneron International Fair

Simon Ma ’22 Medicine & Health Science, “ADM-MCRP Net: An Auxiliary Diagnosis Method for Leukemia Based on Multo-GRP-Nets” THIRD PLACE, REGIONAL

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THIRD PLACE, STATE

Yale Science & Engineering Association Award

ALABAMA FRENCH CONVENTION Number of Springs Students

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Number of Categories Total Awards Won

40

Number of Grand Prix Catherine Kung ’22

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Won a grand prix (grand prize) for her outstanding performance in dictée (the transcription of spoken text).

Indian Springs

Number of Springs Students

FIRST PLACE, REGIONAL

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CAMPUS NEWS

SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS

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Number of Springs Students

Total Awards Won

Number of Gold Medals

Number of Categories

11

Gold Keys Awarded

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GOLD KEY WINNERS Grace Brown ’21 Emma Peng ’22 Personal Essay & Memoir

Poetry

Courtney Chen ’23

Elise Picard ’23

Evie Frohsin ’25

Marlie Thompson ’21

Laurel Impello ’23

Isabella Yaghmai ’21

Personal Essay & Memoir Drawing & Illustration, Painting Personal Essay & Memoir

Carina Lim ’21 Poetry

ALABAMA POETRY OUT LOUD CJ Edwards ’21 Second Place, National Anthology

Madison Forman ’24 First Place, State Original Poetry

Lily Geisen ’21 First Place, State Social Challenge

Victoria Kindall ’21 Third Place, State Original Poetry Third Place, State Social Challenge

Personal Essay & Memoir Personal Essay & Memoir Writing Portfolio, Personal Essay & Memoir

Angela Yang ’22

Personal Essay & Memoir

Yvonne Su ’23 won a gold medal for her digital art entitled “Two Female Robots in a Lab.” Gold Medals are awarded for the most outstanding works in the nation. Yvonne has been drawing for two years. She describes her style as “cyberpunk,” a sub-genre of science fiction that features science and technology in an urban, dystopian future.

MORE FIRSTS FOR SPRINGS Eleanor Lee ’21 Won first place in the Alabama Music Teachers National Association Competition senior performance division for piano.

Evan Jack ’23 Won first place in the state championship for Lincoln-Douglas debate.

Olivia Honeycutt ’22 Won first place in the Optimist Club of Birmingham’s oratorical contest.

Evie Frohsin ’25 Won first place in the Shelby County spelling bee.

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CHESS The Indian Springs Chess Team won second place in the Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship.

Paul Lou ’24 Harshil Mehta ’22 Angela Yang ’22 Frank Zhao ’22

BOYS SOCCER The Indian Springs Boys Soccer Team won the 2021 Class 4A-5A state championship. This is Indian Springs’ fourth state title in boys soccer and the first at the 4A-5A level. The team completed its season with 20 shutouts to finish 23-2-1. Coach Rik Tozzi was named Alabama Private School Coach of the Year.

Riley Alexander ’21* Hayes Blackstone ’24 Christopher Bradley ’22 Joshua Bramblett ’23 Aidan Clarke ’22 Gus Colvin ’23* Liam Falconer ’22

Seppe Giattina ’21 Gibson Goodrich ’23 Naren Jetty ’22 Sid Jetty ’23 Bruce Lanier ’22 Harshil Mehta ’22 Jackson Nabors ’22*

Sovan Shrestha ’23 Henry Spradlin ’22 Sims Tosh ’22* Nate Tozzi ’22 Hudson Wang ’22* *indicates all-state, all-metro, and all-county honorees

Jackson Nabors ’22 was named Gatorade Alabama Boys Soccer Player of Year. During the 2020-21 season, Jackson scored a statebest 52 goals and passed for 23 assists. He was also named MVP of the Class 4A-5A state tournament and Shelby County Player of the Year.

The Indian Springs’ Girls Soccer Team concluded a fantastic season in round three of the state playoffs.

Coach Justin Pino was named B-Division Co-Coach of the Year. Norah Roller ’23 was named B-Division Player of the Year. During the 2020-21 season, Norah scored 55 goals and passed for 12 assists

Jaedyn Archinard ’21 Pole Vaulting, Howard University

Kome Ubogu ’21 Soccer, University of Virginia

Virginia Hunt ’21 Soccer, Whitman College

Wes Simpson ’21 Baseball, New York University

Indian Springs

GIRLS SOCCER

NEW COLLEGE ATHLETES

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CAMPUS NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS Sixty-seven seniors became Indian Springs alumni at the school’s 67th graduation ceremony on May 22. Speakers reflected on finishing their high school years during the pandemic and how the challenges they faced as a class brought them closer as friends. Head of School Scott Schamberger told the graduates, “your class will be defined not only by your achievements and accolades but, dare I say, more importantly by your optimism and resilience.”

Fall 2021

COLLEGE MATRICULATIONS

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Amherst College Auburn University* Belmont University Birmingham Southern College* Boston University Bowdoin College* Brandeis University* Bryn Mawr College Carleton College Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Clark University Columbia University Elon University* Emory University Florida Atlantic University Furman University* Georgetown University Haverford College Howard University* Imperial College London King's College London Lafayette College New York University* Oberlin College Oglethorpe University*

Pitzer College Purdue University Ringling College of Art and Design Samford University Sewanee: The University of the South* Spelman College Stanford University The University of Alabama* The University of Montana The University of Tampa* University of California (Davis) University of California (Irvine) University of California (San Diego) University of Montevallo University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of Notre Dame University of St Andrews University of Virginia* Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Wellesley College Whitman College

*Indicates two or more graduates attending

“Our junior year challenged us in ways no one could have ever predicted. While Dr. Davis was teaching American history, we were living it. When Covid hit, we transitioned to Zoom school and adapted to what life threw at us.

We never stopped learning...

We’ve been through a lot as a class over the past four years.

We’ve grown to be compassionate, kind, and thoughtful. We’ve learned to think critically, not only about the books we read in class but about the kind of people we want to become...

Now we’re entering the real world, full of big problems in need of big solutions. We’ve been given the incredible gift of an Indian Springs education, and we are obligated to do something with it. Let’s use our critical thinking skills and l eadership skills to progress society forward and accomplish the ideals that Indian Springs taught us.”

—HOOPER MARKERT ’21, GRADUATION SPEAKER

GRADUATION AWARDS THE JORDAN MCDANIEL AWARD

Selected by the faculty based on extraordinary leadership and character exhibited through participation in student activities PAUL WEIR ’21

THE LIBBY PANTAZIS AWARD

Selected by the faculty based on exemplary dedication, joy, and passion in service to the school JORDYN HUDSON ’21

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VICTORIA KINDALL ’21

THE SPIRITUAL AWARENESS AWARDS

Given in memory of Allan Furniss ’63 and Robert Kartus ’68, to two members of the senior class nominated by classmates who embody the qualities of dignity, humanitarianism, and spiritual awareness VICTORIA KINDALL ’21

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HOOPER MARKERT ’21

JORDYN HUDSON ’21 received a Prize in Race Relations from Princeton University. The Prize recognizes high school students who have undertaken significant efforts to advance racial equity.

Jordyn is the founder and CEO of Shape the Culture, an online platform for showcasing the impact of young people in communities across America. Last summer, she organized the Be the Change Unity Rally at Kelly Ingram Park, bringing together hundreds of local students and supporters to protest against racism and inequality.

Jordyn was also a leader for diversity and inclusion in the Indian Springs community throughout her time as a student.

Indian Springs

TO THE CLASS OF

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CAMPUS NEWS

A CELEBRATION OF CAREERS Jonathan Horn and Bob Pollard have been cornerstones of the Indian Springs community for decades. Not only have they mentored thousands of students, but they’ve also shaped the culture of the school through deep involvement in campus life. As their careers draw to a close, they reflect on the experiences that have meant the most to them.

DR. JONATHAN HORN ’75 FRENCH TEACHER

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Fall 2021

Q: What have you enjoyed most about teach-

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ing at Indian Springs?

A: When I first met students as wiggly, giggly eighth and ninth graders, I tried to imagine what they would be like in ten years, to see them in their future state. As a lot of faculty do, I felt in a way that they were my children.

I tried to play the role of a shepherd, guiding them to become their best selves and get the most out of their education. I got to watch them walk across the stage at graduation, and now I get to see them at alumni functions in various stages of their lives, getting married and having children of their own.

Q: What has been special about teaching French?

A: After studying French at Indian Springs for two years, I traveled to Europe with the glee club. While in France, I could order food at a restaurant, and what I wanted would appear on my table. That was very gratifying. I always encouraged my students to travel to France or other countries where French is spoken and experience that feeling.

Q. Tell us about some of your favorite Indian Springs traditions.

A: Choir was so important to me. I was in the glee club as a student and in my first few years as a faculty member. I loved the rhythm and ritual of performances throughout the year. I also loved Musical Fridays and the contemporary ensemble concerts and watching the photography exhibits go up. I performed in many student concerts.

My favorite performance was ‘Stray Cat Strut’ with Conner McGarty ’15 and Andrew Bruno ’15. We rocked the house. I liked that you could perform any kind of music. If you messed up, the audience was so forgiving and would cheer you on through the rest of the song.

Q: Tell us about a tradition you started at Indian Springs.

A: I did the ‘Pig Roast’ for my first 30 years of teaching, which was a lot of fun. The pig was usually pretty good, if I do say so myself. The last six

37 YEARS OF SERVICE or seven pigs were fantastic because Chef Wendy Bowman [former staff ] made a Cuban marinade.

Q: Tell us about your favorite Indian Springs memory.

A: I took my daughter Julia [Class of 2011] to the dining hall right after she was born. There was so much joy on the students’ faces to see a newborn child. I was proud and moved by that.

Having children changed me. I understood more of what it meant to be a kid.

Q. What kept you at Indian Springs?

A: When I visited Indian Springs as a prospective student, I was ushered to the dorm circle where a group of guys was hanging out. They were talking about science and politics, topics with some heft to them. It was nothing like the chitter-chatter going on in the hallways at my school. At that moment, I knew I needed to be here. I went back and talked with Dr. Armstrong [founding director], and he asked me, ‘do you really want to come to school here?’ I told him, ‘yes, I’ve got to be part of this.’

It was amazing to come back as a faculty member only nine years after being a student. Being an alum gave me a unique perspective because I knew what the students were experiencing. I told Dr. Jackson [former director] that I would only stay for three years, but I ended up not being able to leave. I was too anchored in the community. It was hard to retire because I have been at Indian Springs for most of my life.

Q: How have you changed along your teaching journey?

A: I’ve become more empathic and more patient. Living on campus is so nurturing. You become a better person just by association with your neighbors. I think of Helen Payne [former faculty] as the pinnacle of human kindness. She was not only a great French teacher but a great example of how we should treat one another.

Q: What wisdom would you pass on to new teachers?

A: One day, you will look back and understand the value of the opportunities you had to grow

as a member of this community. In its founding documents, Indian Springs is referred to as a ‘school-community,’ one hyphenated word for two inseparable things. We’re not just a school; we’re also a community with its roots in nurturing and guiding.

Q: What are your retirement plans?

A: My wife, Tammi, and I recently moved to Panama. Our new home overlooks the Pacific Ocean. You can always smell flowers and hear parrots chirping. Time feels more dilated, and it’s very laid back. We’ve been practicing our Spanish, making friends with our neighbors, sampling local delicacies, and planting a garden.

BOB POLLARD BIOLOGY TEACHER

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23 YEARS OF SERVICE

Q: What brought you to Indian Springs?

A: When I moved back to Birmingham from

Alaska, it became clear that becoming a caribou biologist was a lost cause. My wife Lori, who is also a lifelong teacher, saw an ad for the job opening at Indian Springs. She insisted I apply, and that was 23 years ago.

Q: What have you enjoyed most about teaching at Indian Springs?

A: I had never taught high school before coming to Indian Springs, so those early years were quite challenging and made me wonder what I had gotten myself into. But interspersed with the academic preparation and actual teaching was a plethora of exciting and fun endeavors. I’ve had so much freedom and so many opportunities to become entrenched in the community. I sponsored the ninth-grade class, the outdoors club, and the horticulture club. I got to take students on white-water rafting and backpacking trips. I had incredible adventures, shepherding hundreds of students to Belize, Costa Rica, and the Galapagos Islands. I’ve pursued my lifelong passion for sustainable farming by developing the Fertile Minds Learning Garden. I’ve been teaching and learning at the same time.

Q: How have you changed along your teaching journey?

A: I studied biology all my life and ultimately became a research biologist, spending many years in the field in this pursuit. That background prepared me to teach biology to extremely inquisitive students who keep me on my toes. Biology is such a dynamic subject. You have to be continuously cognizant of the latest breakthroughs and discoveries.

Q: What has been special about teaching biology?

A: Having the extraordinary opportunity to teach it experientially, considering the unbelievable outdoor laboratory I’ve shared with my students. Indian Springs has 350 acres of temperate forests and wetlands. Watching our students achieve such great success on so many levels, from regional science fairs to national science fairs and beyond, and knowing that they will continue exploring, discovering, and making the world better.

Q: What did you teach in addition to the curriculum?

A: How to play djembes (African drums), grow

Bob’s wife, Lori, has impacted the lives of countless Indian Springs students as a member of the dorm faculty.

Their dog, Indy, has also spent many hours with students in the biology lab and the Fertile Minds Learning Garden.

and cook vegetables, take care of yourself in the wilderness, find wild food and medicinal herbs, fish and cook salmon over an open fire, snorkel, canoe, backpack, tie knots, rock-climb, etc.

Q: What wisdom did you pass on to your students?

A: Everything is interconnected. No species exists in isolation, and we are all dependent on each other for our well-being. The students know what healthy, thriving ecosystems should look like and understand how humans have damaged this planet we call home. I have tried to instill in them a hope for changing things. One person can make a difference, but there is great power en masse.

Most importantly: be inquisitive, be adventurous!

Q: Tell us about some of your favorite Indian Springs traditions.

A: Gosh, there are so many. I’ve always looked forward to Development Day because I get to do fun projects like beach restoration, lake rehabilitation, and cleaning up trails at area parks. I also really like Scav Hunt. The Bob Squad won the first year!

Q: Tell us about some of your favorite Indian Springs memories.

A: Playing in student concerts every year since 1998. Having so many outrageously silly roles in student-directed one-act plays (psychotic fetus, Spanish Communist gardener, “Big Daddy,” a French maitre d’, etc.). Talking politics with Elma Touhy [former faculty]. All of the ninth-grade class trips on the Ocoee. Visiting with Mac Fleming in the archives. Coaching the ultimate frisbee team for nine years. Fishing in the lake. Helping Mrs. Pollard teach boarding students how to bake. Watching watermelons grow. Listening to Greg Van Horn sing.

To be sure, many of the most memorable moments have been with my fellow teachers.

They have been my close friends, my mentors, my sounding-boards, and my strength.

Q: What wisdom would you pass on to new teachers?

A: Indian Springs is a magical place. Tune in to the psyche of teenagers. They are wonderful, caring, and amazingly aware human beings. We owe it to them to set examples that will hopefully, in some way, help guide them on this perilous journey we call life.

Q: What are your retirement plans?

A: Lori and I, closely accompanied by our dog Indy, are beginning a multi-year journey in our RV, a 2016 Winnebago Sightseer 36Z, towing a Jeep and two kayaks. We plan to spend the fall in the Appalachians and along the Georgia coast. Then we’ll head down to Key West and the Everglades, spending winter along the Florida panhandle before moving to the southwest for spring. Then, who knows? We plan to do lots of hiking, fishing, kayaking, reading, snorkeling, star-gazing, sitting around a campfire, and...did I say fishing? I am sure this will be an outrageous and righteous learning experience. We would love to make contact with alums along the journey, so please connect with me on Facebook or Instagram! Peace.

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Rendering by Lake|Flato

Fall 2021

The Kayser-Samford

Community Commons Indian Springs School is excited to present plans for a new community hub and dining hall. The Kayser-Samford Community Commons, expected to be complete in the fall of 2022, will expand and reimagine our school’s dining and social gathering experience in a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the needs of our 21st-century school community.

Turn the page to learn more and meet our lead benefactor, Leo Kayser, III ’62.

BY J I M S I M O N , A S S I STA N T H E A D O F S C H O O L F O R A DVA N C E M E N T & E X T E R N A L A F FA I R S

Fall 2021

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The need for new and modern space was identified over ten years ago when Indian Springs embarked upon a facility master plan that first saw the creation of new academic and administrative buildings funded by Springs Eternal, our last capital campaign. The original dining hall has long been considered our most pressing and critical facility upgrade. Originally conceived for a school community that was a fraction in size of today’s Indian Springs, the current dining hall’s seating constraints and building code shortcomings—kept at bay only by costly annual repairs— make this project timely and mission-critical.

The Kayser-Samford Community Commons represents the second phase of our campus plan. It will complement the recent enhancements to our classroom space by creating what will be the new indoor and outdoor social hub for our community. Board member and Advancement Committee Chair Ellen McElroy ’78 recently summed up this effort: “It’s referred to as the ‘Community Commons’ because we anticipate that it will be much more than simply a dining hall. We anticipate that the new building will enhance our already vibrant campus and allow and enhance more activities and interaction for the students, faculty, and alumni.” →

Rendering by Lake|Flato

The Campus Plan

“Having a modern dining facility intentionally designed for our current and future needs will ensure that generations of students to come will enjoy the transformative experiences that our alumni share with me. I look forward to the Community Commons being the heart and soul of the campus just as the facility it is replacing has been.” ­—SCOTT SCHAMBERGER, HEAD OF SCHOOL

“I’m excited that the Community Commons will modernize and elevate the dining hall to make it complement the rest of our beautiful campus. And I love that the plans keep the new spaces uniquely Indian Springs. What a gift for future students!”

—EMILY HESS LEVINE ’01 BOARD AND CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE MEMBER

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR AT WWW.INDIANSPRINGS.ORG/ COMMUNITYCOMMONS.

Indian Springs

STEP INSIDE

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A Lakeside Locale The Kayser-Samford Community Commons will be constructed at the site of the old dining hall. Until the new facility is open, meals will be served from a new grill that has been added to the old dorm “senior” wing beside the gym. In addition to the food truck the school purchased last summer, the grill will serve a variety of nutritious options for students and faculty to enjoy from shaded, outdoor seating areas. After the new dining facility is open, the school plans to continue using the grill and food truck for event concessions and evening snacks for our boarding students.

The Kayser-Samford Community Commons will feature large windows and ample outdoor seating options where the community can enjoy sweeping views of Indian Springs’ lake and wildlife. Enhanced landscaping and hardscaping will make further use of the new building’s proximity to the lake and efforts are being undertaken to preserve the iconic oak tree that is located between the current dining hall and Town Hall. →

INDOOR SEATING CAPACITY:

217

COVERED OUTDOOR SEATING CAPACITY:

148 11,871

Fall 2021

SQUARE FOOTAGE:

16

RING OUT THE OLD, RING IN THE NEW The bell, which has sat atop Indian Springs’ dining hall since 1952, is one of the school community’s most treasured possessions. Although it’s been the target of numerous past senior pranks and hasn’t been operable in years, it’s a beloved landmark on campus. It has inspired the school’s logo in its many iterations throughout the decades. The preservation of the bell has been of utmost importance to the school in conversations about the construction of the Community Commons. We are pleased to announce that the bell will undergo restoration and be encased in the exterior wall at the entrance of the new facility.

“The dining hall/community commons is the one place where the entire Indian Springs community meets in a relaxed atmosphere to bond, to debate, to discuss, to meet and interact with students from all grades, and more. While most learning takes place in the classrooms, a lot of Learning through Living takes place in the dining hall.”

ON THE HORIZON Although a new dining hall is Indian Springs’ most current top priority, it follows many welcomed and much-needed improvements to the campus including the recent remodeling of eight faculty residences. The renovation and expansion of the head of school’s home is the most visible of these.

All of us at school were touched by the outpouring of support from the Indian Springs community after a tornado touched down on campus in March 2021, destroying one faculty residence and nearly 20 acres of woodlands. Fortunately, the school was closed for spring break at the time and no one was injured. This event underscored the need to look ahead to planning and constructing a new storm shelter.

Additionally, the facility master plan calls for a new visual arts complex. Conversations have begun to update the gym and the Hut, undertake maintenance to improve the bridge over Bishop Creek and make sure our lake is a healthy and vibrant ecosystem.

“The dining hall was always the center of the Indian Springs community for me as a student and now as an alum, a parent, and board member, I know that the impressive Kayser- Samford Community Commons will offer even greater opportunities to build the lifelong connections that Indian Springs students have with each other and with our school going forward.”

—HANSON SLAUGHTER ’90 P ’20, ’22 BOARD AND CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE MEMBER

Indian Springs

Rendering by Lake|Flato

—MARTIN DAMSKY ’68 P ’98 BOARD AND CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE MEMBER

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Generosity of Spirit Leo Kayser, III ’62’s transformational gift has enabled Indian Springs School to move forward with the new community hub and dining hall that will be named the Kayser-Samford Community Commons in recognition of Leo’s generosity and his lifelong friendship with Indian Springs classmate and former fellow board member Frank Samford ’62. Frank, known to his friends as “Sammy,” passed away in December 2019 and was posthumously bestowed the 2020 Outstanding Alum of the Year Award.

Fellow board member and Advancement Committee Chair Ellen McElroy ’78 underscored how important Leo’s early support of this initiative has been. “Leo Kayser’s incredibly generous gift towards the reimagination of the dining hall has given us the seed money for this important project, which we have been able to leverage into other donations,” she said. “Leo is an active contributor to Indian Springs, donating both time and money, a genuine benefactor.”

Leo’s expression of leadership and generosity to Indian Springs and his friendship with classmate Frank Samford is appreciated but not surprising. He and his late sister Deborah Strauss, mother of Kayser Strauss ’96, gave a significant gift during the school’s last capital campaign, Springs Eternal, to transform the library into the Kayser Academic Center in honor of their late father, Leo Kayser, Jr. Leo went to Yale University and the University of Virginia School of Law and is now a New York-based attorney, but he has deep family roots in Alabama. His family arrived in the U.S. in the late 1820s, not long after Alabama became a state.

“My relatives were French, and my ancestor was the French Consul in Mobile, a Sephardic Jew named Joseph Joseph,” Leo said during a recent conversation. “He returned to France to collect his wife and then settled here permanently.” The family became one of the leading merchants in Alabama and was a partner in the original Loveman, Joseph & Loeb department store. Joseph was also a tobacco merchant. He eventually settled in California, but his children remained in Alabama, including a daughter who married Abraham Kayser, who had immigrated from Germany. They settled in Selma and also were merchants

there. Leo and his sister grew up in Mountain Brook, where his parents were prominent in business and philanthropy. He also grew up as a neighbor of the Samfords.

“I knew Sammy from when I was six or seven years old,” Leo said. “He lived down the street from me, and our parents were friends. We went to different grammar schools. He went to Crestline Elementary, and I went to Mountain Brook Grammar School. I was a year later at Indian Springs than he was. I arrived just a year or two after Indian Springs first began admitting Jewish students.”

Leo recalled their years of friendship and how they bonded at Indian Springs in debate, student government, and soccer. “Sammy and I were Alabama state champions in debate, and Sammy also won in extemporaneous speaking,” Leo said. “We then placed third in the southeast in regional debate. We were in separate student governments; Sammy was mayor one term, and I was commissioner of education, but we both played soccer together.”

Their life paths continued in college. “We both got into Yale and would run into each other but then went our separate ways after college, really only seeing each other for reunions. We had a lot in common and went back 45-50 years in our friendship.

We got better acquainted again when we served on the Indian Springs board together. Sammy was already on the board when I joined. I enjoyed Sammy a lot. It was fun to disagree, but it wasn’t a disagreeable disagreement.”

Sharon Samford, Frank’s widow, also remembered that special aspect of Leo and Frank’s relationship. “How they loved to debate,” Sharon recalled recently. “Sam’s stories of their lifelong friendship were always told to me with deep affection for Leo and his family. I am still just overcome and deeply moved by the generosity of spirit that led Leo to put Sam’s name on the beautiful space where generations to come will share meals and build friendships of their own.”

Leo credits Frank with his engagement in philanthropy at Indian Springs. “He was important to Indian Springs. He solicited the gift that my sister and I gave to name the academic center, and that probably wouldn’t have happened without Sammy.” →

Fall 2021

“Leo Kayser’s incredibly generous gift towards the reimagination of the dining hall has given us the seed money for this important project, which we have been able to leverage into other donations. Leo is an active contributor to Indian Springs, donating both time and money, a genuine benefactor.”

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—ELLEN MCELROY ’78, BOARD AND CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE MEMBER

19

Photo by Da Ping Luo

CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMONS Like all capital projects Indian Springs has successfully undertaken, the Kayser-Samford Community Commons will require a broad support base. I am pleased to report that over two-thirds of the $12 million needed has been pledged during a quiet-phase fundraising effort. We hope you will consider supporting this next chapter of the Indian Springs experience by giving to this critical priority for the school to the best of your ability.

As a distinct need wholly separate from the annual fund, gifts to this project may be pledged over a three to five-year period. Please contact me, Head of School Scott Schamberger, or any of my colleagues in the Advancement Office with questions you may have, including about naming opportunities in and around the new building. There will be additional communications outlining how donors can participate in this exciting initiative at all giving levels, as well as a number of scheduled opportunities to hear more about this in person. Thank you for your consideration of support.

JIM SIMON Assistant Head of School for Advancement & External Affairs james.simon@indiansprings.org

I

205.332.0615

www.indiansprings.org/communitycommons

NAMING OPPORTUNITIES BUILDING NAME RESERVED

OUTDOOR DINING AREAS

RESERVED

DINING HALL SEATING

$2,000,000

LAKESIDE RECREATION LAWN

$150,000

KITCHEN $1,000,000

DINING HALL PATH

$100,000

STORM SHELTER $1,000,000

LANDSCAPING (2)

$100,000/EACH

OUTDOOR TERRACE

RESERVED

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

$100,000

FLEX DINING SPACE

RESERVED

LAKESIDE SEATING AREA

$100,000

TOWN HALL LAWN

$500,000

COMMUNITY COMMONS CIRCULAR DRIVE $100,000

THE GRILL $350,000

SERVERY AREA $100,000

BELL ENCASEMENT

SERVING STATIONS (6)

$50,000/EACH

ENTRY/FOYER $250,000

OUTDOOR ENTRANCE BENCHES (2)

$50,000/EACH

EXTERIOR FRONT PLAZA

$250,000

OUTDOOR BENCHES (5)

$25,000/EACH

OUTDOOR CAFE SEATING

$250,000

FOOTBRIDGES (2)

$25,000/EACH

$250,000

SIDE TERRACE $250,000

Fall 2021

“The dining hall was the scene of many memorable events during my time at Indian Springs: dining with teachers, their families, upperclassmen, and underclassmen, and getting to know and appreciate others outside the classroom. The dining hall served us well for decades, but it has passed its useful life. My goal would be that every classmate of mine gives something toward the construction of the new facility—as much or as little as you can—but please give so that we can continue to attract bright and well-rounded students and faculty to our special campus.”

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—SCOTT PULLIAM ’85 P ’16, ’17 BOARD AND CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE MEMBER

“After experiencing the excitement of our early donors for the dining hall/community commons campaign, I am thrilled for the entire Indian Springs nation to see the plans and have an opportunity to invest in this once-in-a-lifetime campaign. The new dining hall has been many years (and iterations!) in the making. To see it now coming to fruition is simply wonderful.”

—ALAN ENGEL ’73 P ’03, ’12 BOARD OF GOVERNORS CHAIR

CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE MARTIN DAMSKY ’68 P ’98

CATHERINE MCLEAN P ’03, ’06, ’11

ALAN ENGEL ’73 P ’03, ’12

SCOTT PULLIAM ’85 P ’16, ’17

BRAXTON GOODRICH '93

SCOTT SCHAMBERGER Head of School

EMILY HESS LEVINE ’01

HANSON SLAUGHTER ’90 P ’20, ’22

JAMES SIMON Assistant Head of School for Advancement & External Affairs LEAH TAYLOR Assistant Director of Advancement for Individual Gifts & Special Events

ELLEN MCELROY ’78

1*

$3,000,000 DONOR

3*

$1,000,000 DONORS

5*

$500,000 DONORS

2*

$250,000 DONORS

14*

$100,000 DONORS

15*

$50,000 DONORS

KAYSER-SAMFORD COMMUNITY COMMONS FUNDRAISING GOAL:

$12,000,000 of Required * Number Gifts Per Level Number of Received Gifts Per Level:

1 4 8 2

3 0 7 11

Amount Raised as of August 25, 2021:

$8,323,600

20*

MANY*

LESS THAN $25,000 DONORS

Indian Springs

$25,000 DONORS

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ANNUAL FUND

Thank You! FROM THE INDIAN SPRINGS ADVANCEMENT OFFICE WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS our gratitude to the alumni, parents, and friends who prioritized supporting Indian Springs more than ever this past year. We saw a significant increase in alumni giving and record participation in parent giving. Our donors turned out in spirit and in person, as seen in these photos from the Directors’ Dinner on June 3 and Parent Annual Fund Celebration on April 9.

Thank you for your philanthropy and passion for Indian Springs.

A special thank you to our alum, parent, student, and faculty volunteers. We will recognize all donors and volunteers who gave between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 in the magazine’s winter issue.

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1

2

7

6 3

5

Fall 2021

4

22

9

16

15

10

17 14

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11 13 1. Elizabeth Barbaree-Tasker P ’23; Eric Tasker P ’23; Anne Davis P ’23; and Chris Picard P ’23 2. Mark Underwood P ’23; Teresa Underwood P ’23; Ashley Bates P ’22; Reed Bates P ’22; and Heidi Falconer P ’22 3. Hong Li P ’22; Colin Peng P ’22; and Junmin He P ’23 4. Tejal Mehta P ’20, 22; Yogesh Mehta P ’20, ’22; Lisa Boyd P ’25; and Mason Boyd P ’25 5. David Schwebel P ’22, ’25; Yikun Schwebel P ’22, ’25; Tracee Strum-Gilliam P ’24; and Paul Gilliam P ’24 6. Patrick Kung P ’22 and Margaret Kim P ’22 7. Erin Street P ’24 and Andrea Rominger P ’21, ’23 8. Devin Reeves P ’24 and Connie Reeves P ’24 9. Kathy Henderson P ’23 and Kimberly Wilder P ’23, ’24 10. Jane Tavakoli and Kevin Tavokoli ’98 11. Ronique Carter; Anisa Ssengoba-Ubogu P ’21, ’23; Chinelo Dike-Minor; and Randall Minor ’99 12. Lia Rushton P ’09, ’11; Rusty Rushton ’74 P ’09, ’11; Stacy Pulliam P ’16 ’17; Emmett McLean P ’03, ’06, ’11; Catherine McLean P ’03, ’06, ’11 13. Jeff Book; Michael Barnett; and Fergus Tuohy ’96 14. William Slaughter ’56 P ’90, ’91 GP ’20, ’22 and John Simmons ’65 P ’96 15. William Pope; Kate Konecny Pope ’02; and Starr Turner Drum ’02 16. Cecilia Matthews; Sue Solomon; Allan Solomon ’68; Martin Damsky ’68 P ’98; and Heidi Damsky P ’98 17. Janet Perry Book P ’04, ’09; Hanson Slaughter ’90 P ’20, ’22; Ginger Lolley P ’24; and Joe Socolof P ’24 18. Emily Hess Levine ’01; Scott Schamberger; and Myla Calhoun P ’11 ’13

Indian IndianSprings Springs

12

23

INTERNATIONA

24

AFRICA Botswana Ethiopia Ghana Rwanda Senegal

AL SPRINGS Since opening its doors in 1952, Indian Springs School has welcomed students from 50 countries and six continents.

Our culture has been continually shaped by individuals with a rich diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Our graduates have a broad view of the world and a drive to actively participate in making it better.

BY RACHEL WALLACE PRESKITT

ASIA Cambodia China India Indonesia Israel Japan Jordan Philippines Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Taiwan Turkey United Arab Emirates Vietnam AUSTRALIA EUROPE Austria Belgium Bosnia Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic France Germany Hungary Latvia Lithuania Macedonia Moldova Poland Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom NORTH AMERICA Bahamas Canada Costa Rica Dominican Republic Jamaica Mexico SOUTH AMERICA Brazil Chile Guatemala Trinidad and Tobago

25

MEET INDIAN SPRINGS’ FIRST INTERNATIONAL MAYOR

CARINA LIM ’21

Fall 2021

Indian Springs graduated its first international students in 1955. Their names were CHARLES and HENRY TAYLOR, and they were from the Dominican Republic. Sixty-five years later, the Indian Springs student body elected its first international mayor. Her name is CARINA LIM, and she is from Singapore.

Indian Springs alum and faculty member LAUREN WAINWRIGHT ’88 asked Carina about her experiences and perspective on this moment in the school’s history.

26

Q: What brought you to Indian Springs?

A: I was born and raised in Singapore.

I came to Indian Springs in the 10th grade because it seemed to be the antithesis of the education system I was raised in back home. In Singapore, where rote learning was the key to academic success, I felt suffocated. Students couldn’t choose the courses they wanted to take or elect to take part in more than one extracurricular, which they had to commit to for the entirety of their schooling. These factors, among many others, made Indian Springs appear to be an unparalleled opportunity.

When I was ultimately deciding which school to attend, what set Indian Springs apart from other boarding schools that offered the same academic experience was the values it espoused. It was apparent that the spirit of Indian Springs didn’t exist just in the academic choices I was given. To Learn through Living, engage with a vibrant residential program, pursue my interests in all that I did—Indian Springs promised that and so much more.

Q: What have you learned to value about Indian Springs?

A: So much. To put it simply, I value Indian Springs because Indian Springs values its students. This mutual appreciation is cemented in everything the school offers and everything the community offers in return. Three hundred and fifty acres of woods, swans, lakes, and streams meant I never went a couple of days without gaining a deeper appreciation of

R EAD

ence Olympiad and dabbled around in starting clubs. My biggest commitments, however, have been student government and the Woodward Post.

I’ve served in student government for three semesters now—once as the Commissioner of Boarding, once as the Commissioner of Education, and once as, well, Mayor. Student government has defined much of my experience at Indian Springs.

It’s unbelievable how much of an impact a student-led organization can have on a campus.

As for the Woodward Post, it is hands down the best decision I’ve ever made to join and start writing. The kind of repression and censorship of public discourse I’ve experienced in Singapore meant that the voices I heard and the public discourse that was being had was most often repetitive and one-sided.

Coming to Indian Springs, it was crazy to me that a student-led organization could publish, in essence, whatever it wanted to publish. As an editor and writer, I had the creative freedom to write about what mattered to me. As editor-in-chief, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with talented peers and continuing the Woodward Post’s legacy. It has meant the world to me.

Q: Tell about the internationals’ students’ experience at Indian Springs during the pandemic.

A: As of summer 2021, I think most if not all of our international students have been able to return home. Last summer, things were different. I had the privilege of returning to Singapore, but I don’t think this was true of all international students. The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but it affects international students much differently. For some, it has

especially seniors, it has cost precious memories and milestones like senior banquet, graduation, saying goodbye to campus. The pandemic has irreversibly altered many international students’ high school experiences in a very different way from how it has altered that of local students. It has exacerbated the difficulty of travel, inflating the cost of flights and creating travel restrictions that have impacted many international students’ abilities to return home.

When it comes to responding to a pandemic, though, I applaud Indian Springs’ efforts to replicate the quality of an in-person education for students in a completely different timezone. I appreciate the efforts every single teacher has gone through to adjust to the new normal: learning to work around Zoom, answering emails promptly, and checking in with students individually (among many, many other efforts). Without their enthusiasm, this year would have been quite honestly unbearable.

Q: What has being Indian Springs’ first international mayor meant to you?

A: That’s a difficult question. It has, of course, been a tremendous honor and privilege, not just to be the first international mayor but to be a mayor at all. The job of mayor is a huge responsibility, but one that also presents incredible potential and promise. Every mayor leaves a different legacy.

Every mayor takes on their role a little differently. Having the space to lead, learn, and grow while having the freedom to define what your priorities and goals are as

mayor: that’s one of the best parts.

When it comes to the question of being an international mayor, though, I’m not sure I have an answer. One of my favorite authors, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, discusses the danger of a single story in a TED Talk. I am the first international mayor, but I am not able to wholly represent the diverse diaspora of voices of the international community. My perspective has been limited by the unique experiences I lack; my perspective has been undeniably bolstered by the unique experiences I’ve lived.

I’m heartened that there was a first.

I’m excited that there will be more.

Over time, I hope that the role of mayor can be occupied by a wealth of diverse voices. Over time, I hope that this wealth of diverse voices will better help define what it means to be an international mayor at Indian Springs. For now, though, I’ll have to wait.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: Next year, I’m excited to be attending Bowdoin College in Maine. Besides learning to surf and having lobster rolls three meals a day, seven days a week, I’m ready to narrow the scope of my learning and pursue my passions to a fuller extent. I haven’t quite decided on what I’m going to be majoring in, but the fields of law, philosophy, education, and economics fascinate me. My lived experiences in Singapore and Alabama have formed the basis of my interests and passions, and I’m looking forward to my lived experiences in Maine doing the same.

My teachers at Indian Springs have inspired me beyond measure (shoutout to Ms. Wainwright. If I ever go to law school, you’ll be the first to know). Without them, I don’t think I could have made it this far. I will be forever grateful.

“The people, the community, and the voices meant my three years here never went by without hearing valuable and life-changing stories. Hour-long discussions with friends on issues of inequity and power in between having our usual heated debates over pop culture icons has shown me that seeking different perspectives makes all the difference in your education.” —CARINA LIM ’21

Indian Springs

nature and all the ways a good walk in the woods can clear one’s head.

An essentially limitless (shoutout to independent studies) set of courses to choose from meant I got to explore it all, from deepening my interests in some fields to deciding “maybe not” to others. More importantly, the people, the community, and the voices meant my three years here never went by without hearing valuable and life-changing stories. Hour-long discussions with friends on issues of inequity and power in between having our usual heated debates over pop culture icons has shown me that seeking different perspectives makes all the difference in your education.

Everything I value about Indian Springs I value because the opportunities the school provides show me that it places students first. Even the structure of Indian Springs’ constitution reminds us that we all have the power to change our environment for the better. This idea of change has been particularly pressing recently. With issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion finally in the limelight, I am comforted by the knowledge that the foundations for change are being built as we speak. This is not to say that Indian Springs is an entirely perfect institution. As a member of several marginalized communities, I’ve had my share of unwanted experiences in my three years. Ultimately, however, I recognize that change takes time. I’m thankful that the wheels have been set in motion. I’m excited to see where this will lead.

Q: What activities have you been involved in at Indian Springs?

A: I like to think that I’ve tried a little bit of everything at Indian Springs. Outside of the classroom, I’ve taken up softball and volleyball (and one pretty unfortunate season of basketball). I’ve also done Sci-

The Woodward Post, Indian Springs’ historic student newspaper, online meant learnat www.thewoodward ing asynchropost.com. As of 2021, nously for an the Post publishes entire academic articles in multiple year.

For others, languages.

27

MEET INDIAN SPRINGS’

INTERNATIONAL FACULTY

Indian Springs is proud to have seven faculty members who were born in other

dedicate their lives to serving our students. Their stories inspire us and

CHINA

CUBA

ENGLAND

KOREA

ATHENA CHANG, Indian Springs’ Chinese teacher, earned her bachelor’s degree in foreign language and literature at Soochow University in Taiwan. In 1972, she stepped into the spotlight as the host of the Taiwan Television franchise of “Romper Room,” a popular children’s show similar to “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.”

Athena authored an awardwinning book, “Glory Days,” translated two other books, and translated international news for The China Times.

Upon moving to the U.S., she worked as a reporter for the leading U.S. Chinese newspaper, World Journal.

Athena pursued graduate work in early childhood education. She taught the “Small World” program at 13 public schools in Shelby County and joined Indian Springs’ faculty in 2006. She lectures at summer workshops at Troy University.

“Teaching is a reciprocal process; you learn from each other,” says Athena. “I believe in honoring your student first.

You have to cultivate their passion for learning about other cultures and all parts of life. When you have a passion, you will stick to it.”

PEDRO MAYOR, Indian Springs’ new Spanish teacher, came to the U.S. as an international student at Huntington College. After graduation, he moved to New York, continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music, and made a career as a jazz pianist.

Between performances, Pedro enjoyed mentoring young people. He taught at Holy Cross Episcopal School and a private studio in Montgomery before becoming an adjunct professor at Huntingdon College. He began working for Indian Springs in 2018 as a substitute Spanish teacher and joined the faculty fulltime in 2021.

“I enjoy teaching Spanish,” says Pedro. “I didn’t speak English until I was 26. I can say from experience that becoming proficient in a second language is doable, and it’s never too late to begin. There are horizontal lines between places and cultures, and I want my students to be able to make as many connections as possible.”

DR. COLIN DAVIS, Indian Springs’ AP U.S. history teacher, discovered a passion for U.S. history while studying across the pond at the University of Warwick. He was particularly interested in organized labor and working people and moved to the U.S. to study under a labor historian at the State University of New York at Binghamton.

“I love the complexity of U.S. history,” says Colin. “In Britain, it’s all about kings and queens. In the U.S., you’ve got every ethnic group imaginable. To talk about U.S. history, you have to talk about world history and the factors that drive immigration.”

Colin joined the faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1991 and retired as the history department chair in 2018. He has authored six books on transnational labor history and has lectured across Europe, Australia, and North America.

Colin has also received numerous grants and fellowships, the most recent being a Fulbright scholarship to study in Norway during the 2021-2022 school year. He is working with the Norwegian Maritime Museum to collect oral histories of seafarers.

DR. HYE-SOOK JUNG, Indian Springs’ Director of Instrumental Music, was the first Asian woman to receive a doctorate in music from the University of Alabama. Her first work experience in the U.S. was a year-long internship at Indian Springs. She accepted a permanent position at Stillman College, where she taught as an assistant professor for nine years until receiving an offer to return to Indian Springs full-time.

“Coming back was the best decision I ever made in my life,” says Hye-Sook. “I realize there is so much more I can do for teenagers than college students.”

Hye-Sook combines Asian methods, which focus on technical skill, and Western methods, which focus on musicality, to mentor students on their paths to becoming excellent musicians and passionate artists. In addition to music, she teaches acceptance.

“If you want to learn about different cultures, there is no better place than here,” says Hye-Sook. “We are here to become better people, better human beings.

Fall 2021

FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP

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Read more at indiansprings.org /colin.

SINGAPORE

SENEGAL

TRINIDAD

TRINIDAD

RENEE CHOW, a member of Indian Springs’ English department, was inspired to pursue an education in English literature while taking a course in literary critical theory at the National University of Singapore.

After completing an M. A. in Singapore, she obtained a doctorate in literature at the historic Cardiff University in Wales.

Before moving to the U.S. and joining Indian Springs’ faculty in 2020, Renee worked for 15 years at the International Baccalaureate school in Cardiff. Her unique journey and experiences meeting people from different cultures have impacted how she teaches and what she seeks to bring out in her students’ personal essays and memoirs.

“Language shapes our perspectives, and literature can open our minds to ‘climb into someone else’s skin and walk around in it,’” says Renee. “Together, they are tools we can wield to shape the world.”

JEAN BASSENE, Indian Springs’ new French teacher, was born in West Africa and studied media arts at the International Information Technology Academy of Dakar. He made a career in Paris, France, designing and marketing cars and motorcycles.

Jean came to the U.S. in 2016 and discovered a passion for education while substituting at the Laboratory School in Philadelphia. He joined the faculty full-time and taught French, German, and illustration for kindergarten through eighth grade.

“Meeting children from all over the world is always a beautiful experience,” says Jean. “In one classroom, you have 15 different students with 15 different ways of thinking.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jean began looking for a change of pace. He moved from the big city to the rural campus of Indian Springs.

He has enjoyed the environment and teaching his native language to students with a genuine desire to learn.

“It is good to have a book, but there is more to learn in real life,” says Jean. “It is about the human experience, understanding people and where they come from.”

HAZAL MOHAMMED, Indian Springs’ physics teacher, was the first to attend college in a large family of business owners. He graduated from an International Baccalaureate school and entered the University of Central Florida as a junior to study mechanical engineering.

Hazal interned at Walt Disney Imagineering and developed design applications for the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios before completing his master’s degree in mathematics at Florida Atlantic University and beginning a career in education. He taught at public and private schools in Florida and South Carolina before joining Indian Springs’ faculty in 2020.

“I hope to instill in my students a genuine curiosity about the world around us,” says Hazal. “From this curiosity, learning becomes an investment in discovering how mathematics and science explain all of the moving pieces surrounding us each and every day.”

Hazal lives on campus and serves as a member of the dorm faculty and the Student External Engagement Committee. He leads the physics team and supports student initiatives such as Rocket Club, Drone Club, and the Muslim Student Association.

Most Indian Springs alumni will recognize KATHRYN D’ARCY, who has been running the registration table at alumni events since 2007.

Kathryn joined the Indian Springs advancement office when her daughter, Giselle Crowe, was the development director.

Kathryn grew up in Trinidad and, before moving to Birmingham, lived in Toronto and Miami. She was passionate about her work as a union steward but even more so about the preservation of Trini heritage. While living in Miami, she began volunteering at Carnival, one of the world’s largest celebrations of Caribbean culture.

“Carnival is such a fun time,” says Kathryn. “Everywhere you look, beautiful people are dancing in the streets. I love the feeling of freedom.”

Kathryn herself is a dancer.

During her teenage years, she studied contemporary dance at a renowned studio in Trinidad. She performed on numerous stages and appeared many times on television. One of her favorite parts of show business was wearing elaborate costumes with feathered wings and headpieces.

Kathryn flies to Miami once a year to continue volunteering at Carnival and has become widely recognized as the event’s historian.

Indian Springs

countries but chose to live in Alabama and add depth to our curriculum and classroom experience.

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ROADS TO SPRINGS Every path to Indian Springs is unique.

Many international families find us through the recommendation of a relative, friend, or educational consultant. Others discover us online or meet a representative of our admissions team at a school fair.

Indian Springs also accepts international students from CYE (Christian Youth Exchange) and ASSIST (American Secondary Schools for International Students and Teachers). Exchange students typically spend their junior or senior year at Indian Springs and return to their home countries. One of our 2020-2021 ASSIST students, KRISTIANA KRASTEVA ’22, reflected on her experience in this article published in The Woodward Post in May 2021.

BULGARIA

Fall 2021

MY AMERICAN EXCHANGE YEAR

30

“Here I am, standing on McLean Lawn, quietly submerged into my thoughts.

What a year—from the very first moment I arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson on August 7, claiming my lost baggage to here, nine months later. Every attempt to summarize this adventure named “exchange year” pales in comparison to how it actually felt.

I find myself in a vigorous struggle for the right words. The more I essay to describe my American experience, the less capable I feel of accomplishing such a herculean feat, for it is one of the most valuable, precious, and life-changing events I have ever experienced. The mere idea of everything I have achieved over the last year leaves me entirely speechless.

A year ago, America was just “the place.” The place across the ocean, depicted in movies, where many of the world’s leading artists and scholars come from. It was where all opportunities find

you; where you can be whoever you want and can become whoever you desire to become. A year ago, America scarcely existed in my boldest musings. It didn’t even embody a single realistic thought.

Little did I know. Little did I know, because today I am here. And it couldn’t be more real. I am here, and the fact that I am currently using the word “here” instead of “there” engenders so many unexplainable goosebumps.

I am extremely grateful for the unique opportunity to experience the American educational system since it differs in so many aspects from what I am used to in Bulgaria. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime journeys you take to explore, develop, enrich, connect, and taste. I served not only as a tourist and a guest but also as an ambassador. I was the living embodiment of a “facts you need to know about Bulgaria” article, which nonnatives read when they visit a place they know nothing about. It was a two-way exchange, and this is what shaped my time in Indian Springs as so meaningful, authentic, and sterling.

I’m more than content to share now that I’m finishing the 2020-2021 academic year in this progressive utopia nourished—not fed up, but nourished. I have so much more to explore and immensely more to experience. For this, I thank you. I thank you, who sparked my genuine interest and awakened my adventurous nature. I am expressing my appreciation and gratitude to you for keeping my curiosity aflame and my imagination alive. To the students, the faculty, the staff, the boarders, the dorm parents, the squirrels.

Nine months ago, I left everything I would define as “familiar.” I left a culture I identify with through the main exit with my head held high. I confidently stepped out of my comfort bubble and enthusiastically journeyed out into the unknown. I may have been the one to construct the pathway from a tiny Balkan country to the grandiose land of liberty, but you were the ones who passionately held the gigantic “welcome” sign. You were the ones who opened the gates of opportunity to me and shared your knowledge and your whole existence with me. I embraced your culture because you allowed your culture to embrace me.

For that, I am forever grateful. For that, I am forever zestful. To each and every one of you, thank you. I will never forget, for you transformed the beautiful vision into a beauteous reality.”

ROADS FROM SPRINGS Indian Springs offers numerous opportunities for its students to travel and explore new countries. The chamber choir offers the most historic of these opportunities. It tours internationally every few years and, to date, has performed in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, France, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, and Romania.

Indian Springs alum and recently retired French teacher DR. JONATHAN HORN ’75 says, “Choir tour was a way for me to get to Europe for the first time. Being in France affirmed my love of the French language and influenced my future career path.”

Indian Springs’ faculty organize small group trips. Students learning a second language have visited countries where the language is spoken, putting their skills into practice. One group recently journeyed to Peru and the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. Students interested in biology have roamed the rainforests and coral reefs of Belize, and those interested in history have surveyed the battlegrounds and museums of England.

Individual students also have a route to study abroad through the Andy Abroms Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1997 through a generous gift from Hal and Judy Abroms in memory of their son, ANDY ABROMS ’77. Scholarships awarded through the fund support student participation in a wide variety of educational summer programs. Abroms Scholars have represented Indian Springs on six continents and in more than 25 countries worldwide. International scholars of note include: RICHARD NOVAK ’03, who

studied green sea turtles in Malaysia

EMMA CASTLEBERRY ’08, who ANGELA SUNG ’09,

taught English at a school in Nepal

who served as a translator in the Philippines

ZEHRA NAVIWALA ’10,

who studied women’s roles in Turkey

ERIN ABRAHAM ’10, who

worked at a children’s hospital in Uruguay

JUSTIN MERCER ’12, who

studied sustainability in Honduras

MIRIAM BERNARD ’15, who KRISTIN TOMS ’16, who JOHN SIMMONS ’17,

did a healthcare internship in Kenya

attended a peace symposium in Norway

who worked on an archeological dig in Isreal

DEDE DRISCOLL ’20, who

studied moral philosophy in Scotland

Indian Springs is one of six K-12 schools in Alabama that the Confucius Institute of Troy University has granted a Confucius Classroom. The classroom, located in Building C, is a designated site for Chinese cultural education mentored by the Institute.

Indian Springs’ partnership with the Institute was established in 2016 by Chinese teacher ATHENA CHANG and former director GARETH VAUGHN. The Institute awarded Indian Springs an initial grant to support the construction of the Confucius Classroom and travel to China for Indian Springs’ faculty and administration.

Athena and Head of School SCOTT SCHAMBERGER have continued working with the Confucius Institute to secure $10,000 annually for teaching materials. Athena offers Chinese I-V and AP Chinese Language and Culture as well as community events such as the Chinese New Year Festival and Multicultural Dinner.

Indian Springs

CONFUCIUS CLASSROOM

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ALUMNI ABROAD Indian Springs students have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to live with and learn from teachers and classmates from around the globe. They experience and share in each other’s customs and traditions, broadening and shaping their views of the world.

For many alumni, gaining this multinational perspective influences the paths they take after graduation. STEVEN HOWARD ’83 and JIRI MESTECKY ’88, both residents of Japan, are two examples.

Steven says, “I attended Indian Springs for grades eight through 12, and, during that time, my family hosted several international students in the days before the school year started, during holidays, and even for whole summers. We welcomed students from Germany, Spain, Mexico, and Japan, and some have become lifelong friends. Because of one of those friends, KAZUO MORIYA ’84, I chose to study and eventually live in Japan. I can say that my time at Indian Springs truly influenced my desire to explore and learn more about the

people, cultures, beliefs, and interests across the very diverse Asia Pacific region. I constantly think about the school’s motto, Learning through Living, and live it every day.”

Jiri says, “One aspect of Indian Springs which was very influential for me was the international and diverse atmosphere. We had students from many different cultural backgrounds, including students from Japan, Sweden, and numerous other countries, and I greatly enjoyed interacting and creating friendships with them. This daily exposure to different languages, cultures, customs, and beliefs fostered a great curiosity in me about what it would be like to live abroad someday. It served as the basis for my studies at the university level, law school, and beyond. In short, Indian Springs shaped who I am both personally and professionally, including my life abroad, and I will always cherish the love of learning, friendships, and experiences I had while there.” Read on to meet more alums living abroad.

GERMANY MASAHIKO KATO ’95 is the managing director and head of Japan, infrastructure at EQT, a global investment organization. He has lived in France, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. He is currently working in Munich, Germany with his wife and their eight-year-old son.

HONG KONG ANDREW COHN ’99 attended Vassar College and the University of Michigan School of Law. He began his legal career in New York City and, in 2012, moved to Hong Kong, where he works as a corporate lawyer focusing on international mergers and acquisitions.

ISRAEL

Fall 2021

NAOMI SCHUSTER RIVGIN ’06 is an English teacher at the Hebrew Reali School in Haifa, Israel. She completed a bachelor’s degree in history and Judaic studies at Emory University and a master’s degree in Holocaust studies at the University of Haifa.

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BELGIUM NATHAN SHEPURA ’98 is a senior political advisor for the European People’s Party. He studied at John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Bologna, Italy, and has lived in Brussels, Belgium, for the past six years.

RWANDA

JAPAN STEVEN HOWARD ’83 moved to Japan after graduating college to teach English in Hitachi, the sister city of Birmingham, Alabama. He studied the Japanese language in Tokyo and economics in Fukuoka and became a lawyer in 1999. He previously worked for Sony and now serves as the sole legal counsel for the Asia-Pacific region for Fiskars, the oldest company in Finland.

JIRI MESTECKY ’88 is an attorney and Partner in the Osaka office of Kitahama Partners, one of Japan’s most prominent international law firms. He was the first foreign partner of any Osaka law firm and is head of his firm’s North America and European Practice Groups. He serves on the Executive Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (Kansai Chapter) and has previously been an adjunct professor at several Japanese universities.

MICHAEL PAYNE ’84 studied in Chile and France and has lived in England, the Netherlands, and Panama.

He worked in wind energy before shifting his focus to the nonprofit sector in 2010.

He currently serves as the board chair for the African Entrepreneur Collective based in Rwanda. His focus is on renewable energy, urban mobility, and human rights for displaced people.

EMILY BELL ’09 attended the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, Germany.

Since 2017, she has served as a policy expert at the Central Bank of the Netherlands, focusing on financial supervision and guidance for the global insurance sector. She also collaborates on special projects exploring the effects of climate change on the worldwide economy.

SCOTLAND SAMUEL COHN ’67 is a professor of medieval history at the University of Glasgow and an honorary fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities in Edinburgh, Scotland. He has lived in Europe since 1992 and has worked in Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Norway. He has published 13 books and over 100 scholarly essays.

UNITED STATES MARK GITENSTEIN ’64 was nominated by President Joe Biden as the U.S. ambassador to the European Union in July of 2021 after serving as the U.S. ambassador to Romania from 2009 to 2012. He also served on the advisory board of the Biden-Harris transition team.

He is senior counsel in the international trade practice in the Washington, D.C. office of Mayer Brown.

Indian Springs

THE NETHERLANDS

JOSELYNE UWASE NSANZA ’13 studied government and world affairs at the University of Tampa, completing a Congressional Internship during her senior year. She then returned to her home country of Rwanda as a research fellow and consultant at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. Since 2019, she has served as a social policy analyst for the prime minister.

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ALUMNI & FRIENDS

N OT E WO R T H Y

MEET 2021 OUTSTANDING ALUM OF THE YEAR

Fall 2021

D

34

AVID OH ’87 is a principal systems engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and has worked on missions to the asteroid belt, the moon, Mars, and beyond.

CLAIRE MAPLES EDWARDS ’89 chair of the Outstanding Alum of the Year Committee, asked David about his career and ongoing connections to Indian Springs.

Q: Tell us about your journey after graduating from Indian Springs and how you ended up in your current position.

A: I was good at math and science, so after I left Indian Springs in 1987, I went to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) thinking I would be a physicist or scientist and discovered that what I really loved was engineering. I got my Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, specializing in plasma thrusters (a form of electric propulsion).

I also picked up a bachelor’s degree in music and met my wife, Bryn, in the music program at MIT. After nine years in Boston, I went to Silicon Valley to work on communication satellites before moving to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory ( JPL) in Southern California in 2003.

Since then, I’ve worked at JPL as a systems engineer (an engineer responsible for making sure all the different parts of the spacecraft work together correctly). It’s fascinating, multidisciplinary work that’s both an art and a science. The work is inherently technical, inherently collaborative, always challenging, and it’s incredibly fulfilling when you get to see something you helped create leave the planet and fly into the unknown. Today, I’m a project systems engineering manager, and I lead a team of systems engineers building one of NASA’s deep space exploration missions, “Psyche: Journey to a Metal World.”

And along the way, Bryn and I had three kids, two of whom are now in college. We learned that raising a family is also inherently challenging, collaborative, and incredibly fulfilling in its own unique way.

Q: Tell us about the past and current missions you have been involved in at NASA. A: At JPL, I’ve been able to work on a whole series of fascinating spacecraft exploring the solar system. I worked on the initial proposal for the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission that mapped the gravity of the moon. I then spent seven years working on the Curiosity Mars Rover, first as the lead engineer for the rover’s “heartbeat” functions (its computer, communications, power, and thermal systems) and then as the lead flight director for cruise (flying) and surface (roving) operations.

One of the most fun parts of that mission was living on “Mars Time.” When a spacecraft lands on Mars, the operations team syncs up to the Martian day, which is 40 minutes longer than an Earth day. This means that after we

DAVID OH ’87 BRYN AND DAVID AT INDIAN SPRINGS

“Be Curious. Be ferociously curious. Look at the world around you and ask lots of questions. Dig deep and take the time to find out why things are the way they are.

Then strive to combine your talents with what you learn to make the world a better place.” —David Oh ’87

calculus classes were, of course, key to my success in college. I still tell my kids not to “fall off the physics bus.” Also, Dr. Bob Cooper taught about “knowledge for the sake of knowledge” and “learning for the sake of learning.” That passion for learning drives space exploration, and it turns out that the key to understanding complex systems is always asking, “why does it work like that?” Some tiny thing you learn today often unexpectedly turns out to be the key to solving some incredibly complex problem tomorrow.

By the way, as I get older, I appreciate more and more the superb quality of the foreign language program at Indian Springs. I took five years of French at Indian Springs, and years later, I was still able to interact effectively with my fellow engineers in France. In retrospect, that’s quite an achievement.

Q: Tell us about your connections or involvement with fellow Indian Springs alumni or the Indian Springs community since you graduated.

A: Living on the West Coast, it often feels like I’m a long way from Indian Springs. But back in 2009, the then director of Indian Springs, Gareth Vaughn, came out to visit alumni in Los Angeles, and I was able to give him a tour of JPL. We went together to see the Curiosity rover, which was being built on Earth and is now exploring Mars. And in 2019, my daughter, still in high school, came home

to tell us a choir from Alabama would be visiting later that week. That turned out to be the Indian Springs School concert choir on its California tour, which, by total coincidence, had chosen to do a choral workshop with our local high school. I was able to meet the director, the students, and the accompanying parents and alumni. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear the excellent school choir.

There is one Indian Springs alum, Vernon Chaplin ’03, who works at JPL in (of all things) the electric propulsion group. It was a small world indeed when two rocket scientists sat down at lunch and realized we went to the same high school in Alabama.

I haven’t had a chance to meet with any of Indian Spring’s “Hollywood” alumni yet; maybe I’ll get to hang out with some of them soon.

Q: What advice would you offer to current Indian Springs students?

A: Be Curious. Be ferociously curious. Look at the world around you and ask lots of questions. Dig deep and take the time to find out why things are the way they are. Then strive to combine your talents with what you learn to make the world a better place.

Innovate. One of JPL’s unofficial mottos is “dare mighty things.” Big accomplishments—be they doing something which has never been done before or changing the status quo—require taking big risks. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and don’t be afraid to fail. Learning from both your failures and your successes is what will let them propel you forward rather than pull you back.

Collaborate. Learn how to work in teams.

Learn how to be a contributor, communicate, and lead people striving to accomplish a common goal. Learn how to build inclusive teams where one person’s weakness is another person’s strength, and everyone is comfortable contributing their best. Our diversity is our strength, and it’s by working with others that we solve big problems—from climate change to social change to flying to Mars.

NOMINATIONS OPEN Visit www.indiansprings.org/alumni to nominate an alum for our next Outstanding Alum of the Year (OAY) award or Young Alum on the Rise (YAR) award. The OAY award honors Indian Springs graduates who have made outstanding contributions to their fields or communities. The YAR award recognizes individuals who have graduated from Indian Springs in the past 15 years and have made interesting or significant contributions to society during that time.

Indian Springs

landed, we were getting up 40 minutes later every day, such that after two weeks, we were eating lunch at midnight. Bryn and I synced up our whole family, including the kids, to live on Mars Time for a month, and it was a blast! It proved to be an excellent opportunity for us to include the kids in the adventure of exploring another planet.

After Curiosity, I went to work on Psyche, a mission to explore the largest metal asteroid in the solar system. I joined the team early as the mission’s lead systems engineer and system architect, and ever since, I’ve been leading a team of engineers working on getting the spacecraft ready for launch in August 2022. It’s a remarkable mission with a remarkable team, and it’s a blessing to get to work on it.

Q: What are your views on future space travel, particularly with private companies and commercialization?

A: Let’s start by talking about the past. Many don’t realize how much space technology has already revolutionized our world. Every time we listen to a weather report, watch TV, listen to the news, or find our location on our smartphone, we use information provided by satellites in space! Most of us use spacecraft multiple times a day without even realizing it. Space technology is everywhere; it’s what makes today’s globally connected world possible.

Space technology is evolving and will change the world even more in the future. A new and exciting era of space travel is coming, led by commercial companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, that are creating reusable rockets that will bring down the cost of launches by factors of 5 or 10.

These inexpensive launchers are revolutionizing the space industry by making spaceflight affordable. Not only will this bring new commercial applications like high-speed internet to the world, but it will enable NASA to fly more challenging and exciting missions to the farthest reaches of the solar system. This looks to be one of the most exciting times for space travel in my career, and I hope it will bring a new age of robotic and human space exploration, led by American industry and the American space program.

Q: What were some of the experiences you had at Indian Springs that shaped who you are today?

A: It’s impossible to name all the many ways the education and the life experiences I received at Indian Springs have shaped me personally and professionally. Being a boarding student for two years was truly invaluable. It taught me independence and brought life experiences that left me ready for the challenges of college when I got there. It’s no coincidence that my wife also went to boarding school; it’s an area of shared experience that brought us together.

Academically, Dr. Mac LaCasse’s physics and

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ALUMNI & FRIENDS

N OT E WO R T H Y CLASS OF 1956 Preston Haskell ’56 and Cory Jackson ’56 met in June 2021 to celebrate their 65th high school reunion. They are both former Mayors of Indian Springs.

CLASS OF 1959

PRESTON HASKELL ’56 AND CORY JACKSON ’56

Mike Nichols ’70

Fall 2021

By Jim Simon

36

Mike Nichols ’70 has enjoyed successful careers as a lawmaker in the Georgia State Legislature, a corporate attorney and general counsel, and now as the CEO of the Houston-based nonprofit Coalition for the Homeless.

“My success is based on my belief that you don’t have to be perfect, which I learned at Indian Springs,” says Mike. “Being able to try different things and make mistakes gives us great depth and breadth.”

Mike has pursued his extracurricular passion for writing for the last 10+ years by engaging in courses taught by Ph.D. students at the University of Houston. The pandemic made in-person workshops impractical, so he found himself in an online class last fall taught by Birmingham-based creative writing teacher and poet Ashley M. Jones. While the course was originally designed for Alabama ex-pats in Houston, Zoom made it possible to open it up to others.

It turns out three of the ten students in the class were Indian Springs alums spread between Houston, Huntsville (Alissa Bouler Elliott ’97), and New Haven, Connecticut (Ashley Makar ’97).

“When I found that the three of us went to Indian Springs, it did not surprise me,” says Mike. “We were educated to continue to learn and take academic risks. We met every Monday for 12 weeks. It was a lot of work...a lot of struggling and a lot of risk.”

Being able to step outside of his comfort zone is one of the things Mike feels he learned at Indian Springs and that he and his fellow alums and poetry students had in common.

“My wife once asked me ‘How do you have the confidence to do these different jobs?’,” says Mike.

“It’s Indian Springs. I am grateful for all that Indian Springs School and Learning through Living inspired in me.”

ALLAN CRUSE ’59

Allan Cruse ’59 served as an executive producer on “The Magic Bus”, a documentary film about a Romanian violinist who transformed a double-decker bus into a mobile music school for underprivileged children in London, England.

Allan is on the board of directors at Music4Romania, a nonprofit that supports music education in Romanian schools and orphanages. It was founded by five Indian Springs students in 2011 and is currently based in Birmingham, Alabama. Allan is a professor at the University of San Francisco. He is pictured with Steve Coleman ’59 on campus during Indian Springs’ Alumni Weekend 2021.

M.D. Smith ’59 recently published a collection of 75 short stories in the genres of romance, western, science fiction, mystery, and fantasy. “Four Minute Flash Fiction II” is available to purchase on Amazon and Kindle. See more of M.D.’s work at his website, mdsmithiv.com.

M.D. is pictured on campus at Indian Springs’ Alumni Weekend 2021.

CLASS OF 1964

M.D. SMITH ’59

Mark Gitenstein ’64 served on the advisory board of the Biden-Harris transition team. He is senior counsel in the international trade practice in the Washington, D.C. office of Mayer Brown. Mark was appointed in 2009 by President Barack Obama to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Romania, completing his term in 2012. Before undertaking his ambassadorial role, he spent two decades at Mayer Brown focusing on government relations, was the executive director of the Foundation for Change, and held several senior-level government positions.

CLASS OF 1984

MARK GITENSTEIN ’64

John Tauxe ’84 recently retired as a part-owner of Neptune and Company, a firm specializing in environmental decision-making support. He opened Tauxian Solutions in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and will continue consulting internationally in radioactive waste management and environmental risk

modeling. He earned a bachelor’s degree in earth science at Wesleyan University and a doctorate in civil engineering at the University of Texas. He credits Indian Springs for preparing him for a career in engineering.

CLASS OF 1988 Hanelle Culpepper Meier ’88 won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. Hanelle directed the pilot episode of “Star Trek: Picard,” making her the first black director and first woman director to launch a “Star Trek” series in the franchise’s 55-year history. Hanelle told deadline.com, “Like the ‘Star Trek’ series that came before, diversity and inclusivity were important to me and the producers. In fact, the NAACP Image Awards are an appropriate venue for honoring the ‘Star Trek’ universe because the franchise has been speaking to issues of diversity and representation for well over half a century.”

published “You Are an Artist,” a book of art prompts from some of the most innovative artists working today. It is available to purchase at all major retailers.

Star Mishkel Tyner ’98 recently welcomed a son with her husband, Sam Haft, a member of the band The Living Tomb-

stone. She also moved to Los Angeles to practice entertainment law at Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson, one of the industry’s preeminent firms. The firm negotiates television and film deals on behalf of actors, directors, writers, and producers, including Gabrielle Union, Seth Rogen, Daniel Radcliffe, Greg Berlanti, and Mila Kunis.

JOHN TAUXE ’84

CLASS OF 1993 Elaine Luria ’93 was named one of the “Top 50 Most Influential Jews of 2020” by the Jerusalem Post. Elaine is a U.S. Representative for Virginia’s Second Congressional District. Before her election in 2018, she served two decades in the U.S. Navy, retiring at the rank of Commander.

She was Indian Springs’ 2019 Outstanding Alum of the Year. Elaine is pictured at the January 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden.

WAYNE YEH ’95

CLASS OF 1995 Wayne Yeh ’95 recently opened his second brick-and-mortar STIX location in Memphis, Tennessee. STIX is a local restaurant serving sushi, hibachi fare, and other Asian dishes in a contemporary setting. The new location was inspired by his food truck and will cater to busy professionals who want a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Wayne says, “We opened in July 2020, right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. We survived and are thriving, thank goodness. We are very fortunate.”

HANELLE CULPEPPER MEIER ’88

SARAH URIST GREEN ’98

Sarah Urist Green ’98 is the creator of “The Art Assignment,” an educational web series developed in partnership with PBS and Complexly. Since launching in 2013, “The Art Assignment” has grown to become one of the most widely viewed and respected art education projects online, with over 500,000 subscribers and nearly 30 million total views. Sarah also recently

ELAINE LURIA ’93

continued on page 46

STAR MISHKEL TYNER ’98

Indian Springs

CLASS OF 1998

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ALUMNI & FRIENDS

N OT E WO R T H Y

Jasmine Berry ’14

Fall 2021

By Margaret Blackerby ’14

38

Jasmine Berry ’14 is on a mission to connect students with co-curricular opportunities to explore their passions, just as she did at Indian Springs. As a student, she joined the volleyball and softball teams and sang in the choir, but hit her stride as a member of Mock Trial.

“I never thought of myself as an athlete or singer, but Indian Springs gave us the opportunity to try anything we wanted,” she reflects. Mock Trial ignited her interest in the legal field, public speaking, and networking, all of which propelled her towards Howard University, where she majored in economics and mentored high school students in her spare time.

Upon her graduation from Howard, Jasmine accepted a position at Envision by WorldStrides, an organization that places students of all ages in summer enrichment programs hosted by universities around the country. “I actually participated in some of their programs as a high school student thanks to Indian Springs,” she remembers fondly.

Coupling her work at Envision and experience with educational mentoring, Jasmine began to brainstorm ways to help high school students in her area reach their full potential. She remarked, “I want these students to have the same access to information about opportunities in the real world that Indian Springs gave me.”

She recognized how formative Mock Trial was for developing her personal and professional interests, so in 2019 she began laying the groundwork for The FLEX Foundation. With her network of family, friends, and mentors, Jasmine has developed a weekly after-school program at a few high schools in the Maryland area. She hopes to expand even further to high schools and colleges in the Washinton, D.C. area. The aim of the program is to help pique the students’ interests in the legal field through preparing for mock trial competitions. During the last week of each month, the groups participate in professional development workshops to cultivate their networking skills, gain mentorship from legal professionals, and build their resumes.

Through The FLEX Foundation, she’s teaching her students that it’s never too early to start building your network and develop technical skills for the future. “Indian Springs taught me the importance of developing relationships and introduced me to my lifelong best friends.”

FLEX is scheduled to begin in person at two schools this fall, and we are excited to see an alum putting to great use our motto of Learning through Living and inspiring others to do so. To stay updated on all things related to the FLEX Foundation, follow them on social media or email info@ flexfoundation.co to see how you can get involved.

SHARONDA CHILDS FANCHER ’03

RANDALL MINOR ’99

CALLEN BAIR THISTLE ’01

JACKSON STEWART ’04

CLASS OF 1999

WES VAN HORN ’05

Randall Minor ’99 was named to Birmingham Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40” list. He is a public finance and commercial real estate lawyer at Maynard Cooper Gale.

He is also a business advisor and a member of the Indian Springs Board of Governors. Randall is pictured with his wife, Chinelo, at the 2021 Indian Springs Directors’ Dinner.

recently received the “Mid-South Rising Star” award from Super Lawyers and the “Rising Young Attorney” award from the Alabama Law Alumni Society. She is an associate at the Birmingham, Alabama, office of Baker Donelson and specializes in litigating employment cases.

Before attending the University of Alabama School of Law, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mozambique. She is pictured with her husband, Eric.

CLASS OF 2001

CLASS OF 2004

Callen Bair Thistle ’01 and her husband, William, recently welcomed a daughter, Alice. Their first child, Ben, is “very excited to be a big brother.” Callen completed her two-year term as President of the Indian Springs Alumni Council in June 2021.

CLASS OF 2003 Sharonda Childs Fancher ’03 was named to the inaugural Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” list. She also

Jackson Stewart ’04 and his wife, Katerina, recently welcomed a son, Ben. CLASS OF 2005 Wes Van Horn ’05 and his wife, Kristin, recently welcomed a daughter, Junie. Their first child, Milo, turned four in July 2021. Grandparents Greg Van Horn, Indian Springs athletic director, and Cindy Van Horn, Indian Springs librarian, are delighted.

Michael McGowan ’05 joined the

Tampa Bay Damage professional paintball team. He owns Prime Paintball, a private field open for events and practices in Leeds, Alabama.

CLASS OF 2011 Sydney Dean ’11 married Braydon Jenecek last fall in Texas Hill Country. He proposed to her after they had summited Black Peak in North Cascades National Park, a 5,000foot climb through rock and ice.

They bought a home in central Washington.

Brandon Waller ’11 married Bria Burnette on November 1, 2020.

They live in Huntsville, Alabama, with their dog, Suki. Brandon is an electrician specializing in residential applications and Bria is a National Board Certified teacher.

SYDNEY DEAN ’11

BRANDON WALLER ’11

MARANDA BERRY BUTTREY ’12

WES VAN HORN JOHN BANKS ’14 ’05

STELLA DAVIS ’16

KELLY DAVIS ’16

CLASS OF 2012 Maranda Berry Buttrey ’12 and her husband, Jack, recently welcomed a daughter, Avery. Grandparents April Berry, Indian Springs finance and operations associate, and Blake Berry, Indian Springs physical plant superintendent, are delighted.

CLASS OF 2014 John Banks ’14 graduated in 2021 from the Samford University Cumberland School of Law. He started working this fall at the Birmingham, Alabama, office of Balch and Bingham.

CLASS OF 2015 Eli Cohen ’15 recently completed a Watson Fellowship, traveling to India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Spain to study the intersection of technological development and political power. Before that, he produced public radio and interned at The Brookings Institution. He graduated in 2019 from Pomona College with a degree in political science.

CLASS OF 2016 Stella Davis ’16 graduated in 2020 from Emory University with a double major in strategy and management consulting/marketing and political science. She started a new job at AlphaSights in New York City. Through a nonprofit

called iMentor, she also mentors a high school junior from the New York City Area and guides them on their college journey.

in 2020 from the University of Alabama with a degree in news media and moved to central Utah to work for a local newspaper.

CONTRIBUTE TO

Kelly Davis ’16 married Avery Jones on August 29, 2020, in Liberty Hill, Texas. They met at the University of Arkansas, where Kelly earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in neuroscience at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg in Germany. She wants to work in the field of health psychology.

CLASS OF 2020

Alumni, did you recent-

Peyton Miller ’20 was awarded a Croft Scholarship to pursue international studies at the University of Mississippi. Her area of focus is Latin America.

INDIAN SPRINGS MAGAZINE ly reach a milestone in your career or personal life? We want to celebrate you in the upcoming issue. Please submit your class notes to classnotes@indiansprings.org now.

Benjamin Lasseter ’16 graduated

39

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

N OT E WO R T H Y

IN MEMORIAM

Jack Allison ’55

Fall 2021

By Jim Simon

40

Indian Springs received the sad news that Jack Allison ’55 died on October 20, 2020. Jack was a member of the first graduating class at Indian Springs and had the distinction of being the very first Indian Springs graduate to receive a diploma, owing to alphabetical order in that first commencement ceremony.

“Jack always liked that title,” according to his brother Dan Allison ’57, who reminisced recently about his and Jack’s time together as students in the early years following the school’s opening.

“My mother was always interested in our getting a good education,” Dan said. “When we first went out [to Indian Springs] it was new. Jack started as a junior and I started as a freshman.” Classmate Mark Myatt ’55 remembered arriving at Indian Springs with Jack as well: “Jack Allison, Bobby Shepherd, and I followed Mr. Cantey from BUS (Birmingham University School) to Indian Springs. We loved Mr. Cantey, a great teacher and mentor.”

Dan Allison went on to become a minister while Jack had a career in their family’s oil business as well as being an entrepreneur which included a carwash business. Dan still has fond memories of their earlier years at what was a truly rural school.

“Jack raised some sheep as a project,” Dan recalled, “and he had a horse [at the school] we would ride in the afternoon.”

One of Dan’s other memories of Jack? “Doc Armstrong and my brother did fly fishing on the causeway,” he said.

Jack continued to come back to his “first graduate” status in stories and conversations through the years and even had this fact placed towards the top of his published obituary earlier this year.

“He was proud of that fact given the reputation of the school,” Dan said. Jack’s wife, Leigh Allison, agreed: “He did love Indian Springs,” she said recently. “It truly was a good part of his life and a great experience for him.”

ALUMNI Joseph H. Robinson, Jr. ’56 passed away on January 6, 2021, in Alexander City, Alabama. After graduating from the University of Alabama, Joseph joined the Army and continued his service in the National Guard until retirement. He operated Robinson Foundry, Robinson Iron Corporation, and Satterfield Machine and Welding Company. He was proclaimed to be “the world leader in the lost foam casting process” and received numerous awards throughout his career. He was president of the Alabama Cast Metals Association and served as a board member for multiple organizations. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lynda; children Ross (Amanda) and Ryan (Traci); grandchildren Hannah, Elizabeth, Sara; great-grandchildren Jace and Carli; brother Richard Robinson ’64 (Elizabeth); and step-children and step-grandchildren.

Stephen Radford Batson III ’61 passed away on February 7, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended the University of Virginia and earned a divinity degree at the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was ordained as an Episcopal priest at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City and served in New York and South Carolina parishes before retiring to Neptune Beach, Florida. He loved history, politics, and religion.

John Fredric Kummer ’62 passed away on December 18, 2019, in Seattle, Washington. He earned degrees from Auburn University, Duke University, and the University of Washington and was a member of several academic honorary societies. John spent much of his life working as a lab tech for multiple hospitals and corporations. He was involved in graduate research and co-authored many scholarly publications on avian pathology, avian bacteriology, experimental surgery, cancer research, and pediatric infectious disease. A lifelong lover of the arts, he was also an accomplished poet, acted in numerous

productions at The New Theater, Inc. in Durham, North Carolina, and helped to establish the Durham Children’s Theatre. He is survived by his sister, Linda (Michael), niece Abbie, and nephew Logan.

James Davis ’63 passed away on December 19, 2019. He attended Tulane University and the University of Alabama School of Law before serving the U.S. as an intelligence officer during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant and returned to Alabama to earn his Juris Doctorate and master of law. He practiced real estate law for many years and was a respected land professional. He also taught at the Birmingham School of Law. He enjoyed reading and writing in multiple languages and was a published poet. He was a lover of classical and folk music and played violin, guitar, banjo, and piano. He also enjoyed a multitude of other pursuits, including flying, woodworking, fishing, and gardening. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Joanne; son James (Kimberly); and grandchildren James and Joseph.

Irvin “Buck” W. Weaver ’68 passed away on December 6, 2020, in Boxborough, Massachusetts. He attended Williams College and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and worked as a conservator for more than 30 years at the New England Document Conservation Center. He was a lifelong painter, an accomplished potter, and an avid reader. He was also a passionate and generous gardener, sharing pounds of produce with his neighbors and the local food pantry. He is survived by his sister, Sarah, and numerous cousins.

Richard Joseph Nunan ’70 passed away on April 12, 2021. He attended Vassar College and earned his doctorate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He taught philosophy at the College of Charleston for 36 years and wrote about a wide range of topics, including the philosophy of film, law, and ethics. When not at work, he enjoyed gardening, watching science fiction movies, traveling, and “conducting a life-long campaign to trick his daughters into loving Bob

Danny Carroll Loyd ’71 passed away on January 26, 2021, in Birmingham, Alabama. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and returned home to attend Auburn University. He worked as a technical manager until retirement. He enjoyed fishing, working on cars, and Auburn football. He was a member of the local Sertoma chapter and the resident “Mr. Fixit” for his family, friends, neighbors, and those in need. He is survived by sons Eric Loyd ’99 and Kerry; daughter Brenna (Daniel); grandchildren Elijah, Cyrus, and Aurora; step-mother Lynda; brothers Elby (Annie) and Ronnie (Fran); and sister Patsy (David).

Dabney Yeamans Hofammann ’72 passed away on May 24, 2021. He attended Dartmouth College and the University of Alabama School of Medicine. After two years of general surgery residency at Vanderbilt University and three years of orthopedic residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he completed an additional fellowship in adult arthritis surgery. He entered the private practice of orthopedic surgery in Decatur, Alabama, and served as a board member and president of the historic Clinical Orthopaedic Society. In addition to his profession, he also enjoyed quail hunting and training bird dogs. He is survived by his wife, Leslie; son Allen (Allison); daughter Elizabeth (Derek); grandchildren Davis and Luke; brother Karl Hofammann ’67; niece Dabney Hofammann ’11; and nephew Karl Hofammann ’13.

Blake Trevor “BJ” Berry, Jr. ’07 passed away on February 7, 2021. He worked as an independent contractor in residential remodeling and enjoyed hunting, working on his truck, exercising, and listening to country music. He is survived by his daughter, Dalila, and her mother, Amber; parents April and Blake; siblings Maranda Berry Buttrey ’12 (Jack), Riley Berry ’19, Dana Berry ’24, and Delana Berry ’24; grandparents Lee, Jackie, and Lyndell; numerous extended family members; and two beloved dogs and a hamster.

FAMILY & FRIENDS HAROLD APOLINSKY July 29, 2020 Father of Stephen Apolinsky ’80 SAMSON JULIUS BENNETT, JR. May 8, 2021 Father of Julian Bennett ’91

LOIS TURNER BLACKWELL May 29, 2021 Mother-in-law of Joe Mays ’63 and grandmother of Mary Elizabeth Mays ’91 ISABEL ELMORE BRADLEY December 31, 2020 Mother of Jocelyn Bradley Palmer ’77 and the late John M. Bradley ’73 LEIGH FARRELL BURKE December 4, 2020 Wife of James Burke ’69 TERRY FRANKLIN CULPEPPER December 12, 2020 Father of Hanelle Culpepper Meier ’88 RUTH SALOMON ENGEL February 20, 2021 Mother of William Engel ’75 CAROL ANN FRAZIER February 10, 2021 Mother of Sam Frazier ’92 and Sarah Frazier ’90 JUSTIN FULLER, JR. November 23, 2020 Father of Elizabeth Fuller Oliver ’81 KISHIN M. GEHI May 7, 2021 Father of Anil Gehi ’91 and Sanjay Gehi ’96 YEUNG JA HAN April 27, 2021 Mother of Kyung Han ’85 LINDA BRANNON HARDIN January 16, 2021 Mother of staff member James Hardin

JAMES STANLEY MACKIN, SR. June 12, 2021 Father of staff member Leah Taylor ROSS ORCUTT MASON April 29, 2021 Brother of staff member Boo Mason MARGARET ELIZABETH MIKELL December 22, 2020 Grandmother of Shane Quinty ’02 and Ryan Quinty ’04 NANCY HOWELL MITCHELL October 6, 2019 Mother of Ashley Patterson ’97; Step-mother of Susan Mitchell ’98 and Alli Mitchell ’01 MAC OBRADOVIC April 17, 2021 Former faculty member, husband of former staff member Dragana Obradovic ETHEL NORTON OWEN December 20, 2020 Mother of John S. Owen ’70 and Norton Owen ’77; grandmother of Johnny Owen ’95, Brock Owen ’98, and Rebecca Owen ’03 MARGARET GILLILAND PERRY January 29, 2021 Mother of board member Janet Book; Grandmother of Jackson Stewart ’04 and Elizabeth Stewart Durst ’09 MARJORIE BRUNSON PITTMAN May 22, 2020 Mother of Bill Pittman ’70, Craig Pittman ’74, Jerry Pittman ’76, and Don Pittman ’78; Grandmother of Rush Pittman ’09 JAMES CHARLES THIGPEN December 22, 2020 Grandfather of Jacob Thigpen ’12 NANCY MOODY VAUGHT January 8, 2021 Sister of Tom Moody ’64

SUE HUTCHINSON January 19, 2021 Former staff member MARY TAYLOR ISRAEL August 13, 2020 Wife of Chris Israel ’58 JAMES C. JOHNSON July 8, 2021 Father of the late James Johnson ’73; grandfather of Matti Rose Lawrence ’19

Indian Springs

Dylan as much as he did.” He is survived by his wife, Victoria; daughters Rebecca (Victor) and Alexandra; grandchildren Finn and Maeve; brothers Mark Nunan ’71 and Tom Nunan ’77; sister Adrienne; step-mother Margie; and countless other family members and friends.

41

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

LASTING TIES

Alumni Weekend 2021

On Friday, June 4, Indian Springs alums from near and far gathered at Birmingham’s Cahaba Brewing Company to reminisce with former classmates and faculty.

M.D. SMITH ’59 AND JUDY SMITH

Fall 2021

FERGUS TUOHY ’96; NEIL ROY ’96; ANITA JAYAGOPAL GOURI ’96; AND JENNY MORGAN ’96

42

TREVOR KING AND GEORGE DELLINGER ’80

LIZZIE CHOY ’13; BOB POLLARD P ’12; MAC FARLEY ’14; AND CAROLINE CHOY ’11

CHARLES BURNHAM ’70; BOB HOGAN ’68; RICHARD HOGAN ’71; AND SID SMYER ’70

MAC LACASSE P ’88, ’95; DONNA PETERS ’85; AND BOB COOPER P ’94, ’98

ROBERT ALAND ’80 AND KELLY ALAND

JOE FARLEY ’81 P ’14, ’16; AND GINNY FARLEY P ’14, ’16

BETH SCOTT P ’14, ’16; CLARA SCOTT ’16; HOLLY ELLIS WHATLEY ’84 P ’12, ’14; AND KATIE WHATLEY ’14

LESLEY BURTON ’96 AND SARAH SIMMONS AMES ’96

SAM POINTER ’81 AND BILL COPLIN ’81

TAMARA MORIYA AND KAZUO MORIYA ’84 P ’19, ’25

LIBBA OWEN AND JOHN OWEN ’70 P ’95, ’98, ’03

KATIE WHATLEY ’14; ALEX DAUGHERTY ’16; DEWEY WILBANKS ’17; AND SLAVIN MU ’16 continued on page 44

Indian Springs

STACEY DONOHUE PERRONE ’86 AND CYNTHIA ARGO ’85

43

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

LASTING TIES

On Saturday, June 5, Indian Springs welcomed alumni back to campus for a meet and greet with new Head of School Scott Schamberger and lunch by the lake.

Fall 2021

MICHAEL ALLEN ’85; LENA ALLEN; BAILEY ALLEN; JOSHUA ALLEN; AND CAITLIN ALLEN

44

GLENN FLEISIG P ’13, ’16; DAUN LEE ’16; AND CLARA CHUNG FLEISIG ’13, ’16

BOB ABROMS ’71 AND ANDREW WALDO ’71

GEORGE LEMAISTRE ’66; RICHARD HOGAN ’71; JOHN SIMMONS ’65; AND BOB HOGAN ’68

DAVID OVSON ’69 P ’01, ’04 AND RILEY OVSON

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CHARLIE SELL ’71; BOB HOGAN ’68; RICHARD HOGAN ’71; JOHN OWEN ’70 P ’95, ’98, ’03; SAM MCALILEY ’70; LISA READ ’78; AND MAC FLEMING P ’78, ’79, ’86

See all photos from Alumni Weekend 2021 at www.indiansprings.org/alumniweekend.

Save the Dates

NOAH KARLE ’16; SLAVIN MU ’16; ALEX DAUGHERTY ’16; KELLY PARKER JONES ’16; AVERY JONES; AND ALBERT DASCHER ’16

LOCAL EVENTS

2021 Saturday, October 30 HARVEST MARKET

Friday, December 17 HOLIDAY CONCERT & ART SHOW

Thursday, December 23 ALUMNI HOLIDAY PARTY

2022 Thursday, April 21–Sunday, April 24 ALUMNI WEEKEND REGIONAL EVENTS

2022 February FLORIDA

March CALIFORNIA

Watch for more details soon!

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit #2287

190 Woodward Drive Indian Springs, AL 35124 205.988.3350 www.IndianSprings.org

BUILDING OUR

CAMPUS, BUILDING OUR

COMMUNITY We are accepting applications for students entering grades 8 through 11.

Learn more at www.indiansprings.org/admission.