Kimball Union Magazine Fall-Winter 2025

Kimball Union

Contents

Features

Building a Sustainable Community

Two new residential halls create supportive learning and living environments.

On-Stage Reunion

Will Sheff ’94 and Okkervil River reconnect with KUA roots.

“Getting to play to townspeople I grew up with alongside my childhood best friends was one of the coolest things.”

—WILL SHEFF ’94 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

KIMBALL UNION MAGAZINE

EDITOR

TRICIA MCKEON

Director of Marketing and Communications

Kimball Union

EDITORIAL DESIGN

WENDY MCMILLAN ’78 P’09 ’11

McMillan Design

COPY EDITOR

THERESA D’ORSI

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ryan Bent Eli Burakian

Courtney Cania

Ethan Chen ’28

Chris Johnson

Roy Knight P’10

CONTRIBUTORS

Theresa D’Orsi, Patrick Hyjek, Tricia McKeon, Anna Olson, Michael Pezone, Jen Rexford P’26 ’27

Stacey Summerfield

OFFICERS

MOLLY BOURNE STEFFEY ’92 P’20 ’22 Board Chair Hanover, NH

KARLA RADKE P’21 Vice Chair New York, NY

GLENN POGUST P’13, J.D. Secretary New London, NH

KEITH MILNE ’05

Treasurer Hanover, NH

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

DAVID ALLYN ’86, P’17’25 Skaneateles, NY

DAVID BARRETTE ’05 Hanover, NH

BRIAN BODELL P’25 Bronxville, NY

JENNIFER BORISLOW ’78 P’07 ’10 Methuen, MA

NEERAJ GARG P’25 New York, NY

ROBIN GRONLUND ’81 P’11 Shelburne, VT

VIVA HARDIGG P’21 ’23 Hanover, NH

SCOTT HAMNER P’25 Norwich, VT

EDWARD G. HILD ’88, J.D. Washington, DC

JOSHUA MANDEL P’25 New York, NY

RYAN MCPADDEN ’92 Wellesley Hills, MA

SHELDON STANSFIELD ’11 Lyme, NH

JADI TAVERAS ’03 Haverhill, MA

STEPHEN TAYLOR Meriden, NH

Head of School

“I was not approaching the Polar Plunge with the daily dedication that several of our students have this winter, but I did get a taste of it.”

Legacy of Connection

Iam reaching out to you on a chilly January morning that started in, of all places, Chellis Pond. I was not approaching the Polar Plunge with the daily dedication that several of our students have this winter, but I did get a taste of it. Sliding across the ice to submerge in that freezing cold water, surrounded by the encouragement of a handful of students and faculty in single-digit air temperature, I felt exactly the way I imagine so many of you did as you share stories about the amazing and oncein-a-lifetime memories you created here on The Hilltop—surrounding yourselves with incredible people and finding friendship, adventure, support, challenge, and camaraderie. You will find these pages alive with the stories of events and people who plunge into life at KUA in their own ways as well as those previous generations of Wildcats who remain connected while off on great adventures. They all have vivid memories as visceral as my experience this morning.

I encourage you to take a stroll back to memories of former faculty Cynthia Howe and Murray Dewdney as well as others who positively impacted your experience. So many of you came back this fall to join in with the campus community in dedicating the new Howe Dewdney and Welch Residence Halls. The legacy of connection and fostering relationships that is synonymous with Cynthia and Murray is now part of the KUA lexicon for generations to come—just as much as Kurth, Densmore, and Mikula. With a push toward net-zero energy operation, these residences also set themselves apart as models of sustainable building and operation, reorienting our path forward as

leaders of sustainability in both our teaching and action.

We profile a few of our amazing young alumni who are finding incredible success following their hearts and passions. Chandler Song ’14 and Charlotte Alberts ’11 are forging remarkable lives and retaining their connection to this place that supported them in such formative years. We introduce you to Teddy Lykouretzos ’25, one of this year’s Cullman Scholars, who is finding inspiration for himself and others in his senior year. We unpack the science that informs policies for helping our students develop healthy habits with technology as we proactively address the root cause of what Jonathan Haidt termed “the anxious generation.”

You will hear about last year’s senior class gift, which is supporting needed repairs to the Baxter Bell Tower. As well, these members of the Class of ’24 commissioned a stunning collage of paintings by artist Brad Johnson that celebrates the history and beauty of our iconic tower and bell. An artist within our own ranks is also on display, with faculty member Dustin Meltzer ’05 sharing his documentary film about his father’s life, speaking to the power of storytelling, family, and the deep connections that tie us together.

Wherever you chose to enjoy this edition of the magazine—and if it involves cutting a hole in the ice, please send me a picture—I hope it triggers for you some of the feelings of connection, kindness, and healthy adventure that continues to define the KUA experience. K

TYLER LEWIS Head of School

Listen Up

Throughout the fall, the Kimball Union community welcomed guests from a variety of backgrounds to share their expertise, perspectives, and ideas with faculty, students, and families.

“Look at a college today with an open mind. Throw away all past impressions. How many colleges do you really know? A balanced list with a range of selectivity can make for a happy experience in your home.”

JACQUES STEINBERG New York Times bestselling author of The College Conversation: A Practical Companion for Parents to Guide Their Children Along the Path to Higher Education

“It’s not cool to be an entomologist. I kind of tried to suppress it, but it ended up being a strength of mine to follow a passion and do what I love every day. Sometimes, when you have what you think are weaknesses, they can also be strengths.”

CHARLOTTE ALBERTS ’11, PH.D. entomologist and research associate at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

“With the vaping epidemic, we’re seeing that it has a hold on a generation of young people. They want to make healthy and informed choices, yet when they get hooked on vapes or nicotine, it’s really, really hard to stop.”

ALLYSSA THOMPSON director of programs at Breathe New Hampshire

“Some of the bigger jobs I go to, where there’s 1,500 [sheep] and you’re just shearing all day, I can do around 170 in a day. But it depends on a lot of things—how you’re feeling is a big one.”

GWEN HINMAN ’93 sheep shearer

“We have come to the place where we expect powerful people to be talkers but not listeners. I want us to challenge this. This speaks to the importance of slowing down so we can listen up.”

JOHN G.

IGWEBUIKE, PH.D. founder of The Lead Listening Institute

“I hope you all will accept your responsibility for the future and check the facts, talk about the facts, pledge to vote, register to vote, and have your voice heard by contacting your representatives.”

ELIZABETH RUSCH author of You Call This Democracy? How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People, the 2024 All-School Read

“To maximize your potential, it’s all about hard work, grit, and setting goals. You all have got what it takes if you stay focused and committed to those goals.”

DOUG LEWIS former World Cup alpine ski racer and two-time Olympian

“I just assumed every one of my students—because of their high SAT scores and their grade point averages and their extracurricular activities and their volunteering in countries I never knew were even on the map—was going to be enormously successful. And now, having studied students for 20-some years, I found the opposite. Many of our students don’t succeed in their dreams, and getting their goals obtained has nothing to do with their SAT scores, grade point averages, or creativity. It has to do with their ability to regulate emotions. If they can’t deal with feedback, the anxiety, the frustration on the journey to achieving their goals, they just can’t make it.”

MARC BRACKETT, PH.D. founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of Permission to Feel

Hilltop

NEWS FROM CAMPUS

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Teddy Lykouretzos ’25

As graduation fast approaches, Teddy Lykouretzos ’25 said he’s making sure to cherish every moment of his high-school career.

That’s not to say the Bronxville, N.Y. native isn’t excited for what’s to come. He plans to attend college in the fall and further his passion for creative writing. It’s just that in the meantime, Kimball Union Academy still has so much to offer.

“I’ve been in high school for what will be a total of four-and-a-half years and I’m at the point where I love boarding school,” said Lykouretzos, who arrived on The Hilltop as a sophomore. “It feels like such a small town here and I’m not sure if I’m going to get those vibes anywhere else that I go to school. Everyone has been really supportive of me, and I’ve always felt free to be myself.”

Lykouretzos said he feels most himself whenever he’s on or around a stage, whether it’s performing or working in a theater production or speaking during an All-School Meeting. Selfless with his time, he also volunteers as a writing center coordinator in the Gosselin Center for Teaching and Learning and as a student leader on the Campus Activities Board.

But as much as he feels at home in Flickinger Auditorium, Lykouretzos said his favorite place on campus is the makerspace in the Coffin STEM Center. He first became familiar with the space, and its industrial laser cutter, while working on his STEM Scholar capstone project—a renewable ventilation system made from post-consumer resources—and is now a frequent visitor.

“I love having a more secluded place to set up for a few hours, do all of my work, and then work on personal projects,” he said. “It’s so cool just to think of something, draw it up in Illustrator, and then have it in your hands 10 minutes later. At all the college’s I toured, none of them, except

for maybe the makerspace at UCLA, had anything near our industrial laser cutter. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Academically, however, his passion is writing. And as someone who always takes advantage of opportunities afforded to KUA students, he applied for—and received—a Cullman Scholarship to further develop that passion. Considered among KUA’s highest honors, the Cullman Scholarship Program was established in 1983 with a gift from Hugh Cullman ’42 and supports students in off-campus study opportunities.

Last summer, Lykouretzos attended a two-week advanced writing seminar in Brooklyn, N.Y., hosted by Writopia Lab, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster joy, literacy, and critical thinking in children and teens through creative writing. The seminar paired him with 22 like-minded students from across the country and featured workshops on topics ranging from poetry to micro and macro fiction.

“It was an amazing experience,” he said of the opportunity to be surrounded by others who share his passion for writing. “A lot of us were sort of the one-off kids in our school communities. We were the token creative-writing nerds in our friend groups. So, it was nice being with other people who share that writing mindset and to realize I’m not alone in that.”

Lykouretzos said the experience absolutely reaffirmed his love of creative writing and his plans to major in the topic in college. But until it’s time to move on to a new campus far from his home away from home on The Hilltop, Lykouretzos said he plans to enjoy the community that’s been so accepting of him and his ambitions.

“It’s a place where I feel people really accept me for who I am and I don’t have to pretend,” he said of the community he’s found at KUA. “I don’t fake anything when I’m here and I love that. I’ll miss it.” K

Teddy Lykouretzos '25 brought enthusiasm and dedication to nearly every corner of campus in his three years on The Hilltop.

“Her energy was always of uncommon generosity, spirit, and kindness.”

—HEAD OF SCHOOL TYLER LEWIS REMEMBERING MACY PIERSIAK ’25

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Pounds of apples picked by the ninthgrade class and donated to the local food bank

1,839

Pounds of apples picked during a weekend gleaning trip with Willing Hands

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MACY PIERSIAK ’25

“Brought

Silliness and Joy to Us All”

Kimball Union Academy lost beloved student and community member Macy Piersiak ’25 on November 10, 2024, after a motor vehicle accident. She was 17. A resident of Needham, Mass., Macy is survived by her mother and father, Jack and Mary Beth P’25; siblings Jack Jr., Cassidy, and Kyle; and the family dog Sunny.

Macy’s family described her as “a force to be reckoned with, a commanding presence who brought silliness and joy to us all, keeping us entertained and leaving us laughing even after she walked away.”

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Local

At KUA, Macy’s presence was immediately felt wherever she was on campus—as a dutiful and energizing manager of the girls varsity soccer team, a proctor in Richards Hall, and often part of a bubbling group of friends bringing laughter to Doe Dining Hall.

“Her energy was always of uncommon generosity, spirit, and kindness,” said Head of School Tyler Lewis. “Macy absolutely loved KUA and the people here, and she extended that to everyone. We will remember that as we honor her legacy.”

Macy’s family has established a scholarship in her memory to support future KUA students. Contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@kua.org if you’d like to make a gift. K

Garlic seed starts planted last fall at the KUA farm for spring harvest

senior citizens attended the Plainfield Holiday Luncheon hosted by KUA

No Phone, No Problem

Each academic year as new students arrive on The Hilltop, they do so with the uncertainty that nearly everyone encounters in an unfamiliar setting and surrounded by new faces.

KUA’s solution to these new-school jitters is orientation camping trips before returning students make their way to Meriden. Embracing the great outdoors and immersing students in meaningful time with their peers is a hallmark of the KUA experience—and one done without the crutch of any phone or other technology.

“These camping trips support the integration of our new and returning students by putting everyone on firm and equal footing away from so many of the day-to-day distractions that inhibit connections and place us all together in some of Northern New England’s best outdoor areas," says Dean of Students Eric Russman.

We asked three of the student leaders who accompanied the trips; Caroline Daft ’26, Ella Sellman ’26, and Mia Mastrangelo ’26 to pack Instax cameras and capture the fun as students and faculty traveled by bus and by canoe to three campgrounds near Mount Ascutney and Killington Mountain for hiking, camping, games, and campfires.

Here’s a look back at some of their memories without filters, editing, or distractions; just time spent with one another in this new place called home.

Embracing the great outdoors and immersing students in meaningful time with their peers is a hallmark of the KUA experience.

36 Toys and $600 donated to Toys for Tots through the Densmore Hall annual toy drive

9 Overtime games played by the varsity field hockey team

94 Made-to-order omelets prepared during a single Sunday brunch

$1,560 Raised by KUA’s team in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Finding Irony in Iron

For students on The Hilltop in the mid to late 1800s, the ringing from the tower atop the old Academy Building where Baxter Hall now stands held significant weight. The ringing bell woke students daily at 6:45 a.m. (7:30 a.m. on Sundays), with additional tolls calling out mealtimes, the start of classes, and evening study hours, among other events. However, as the story goes, one morning in either 1854 or 1855, Kimball Union Academy’s time-honored wakeup call never sounded. Archivist Anna Olson said rumors surfaced through the years that the bell’s tongue, the clapper that strikes the inside of the bell, was removed by a student seeking to silence the bell to either sleep in or evade the day’s first class. Either way, it is presumed this alleged act of defiance spared the wrought iron bar from the 1891 fire that destroyed both the old Academy Building and its tongueless bell. Then, in 1949, some 95 years after it went missing, the tongue was quietly returned to KUA by Olive True Smith, Class of 1916, with no explanation. True Smith was among nine members of her family to attend KUA. Records indicate her grandfather graduated in 1856. K

OBJECT LESSON

NEWS FROM CAMPUS

At Home on the Hilltop

As families seek an independent school educational experience for their children, Kimball Union Academy remains a top choice. This year’s 129 incoming students are already making their mark on The Hilltop through a community that values their unique qualities and contributions.

The Office of Admission invites you to learn about the many opportunities that await students at Kimball Union Academy. Book a tour with an Orange Key tour guide by emailing admission@kua.org or calling (603) 469-2100. Visit kua.org/admission to see if the admission team will be traveling to a city near you.

COMMUNITY

Shear Delight

Lessons in landscape, history, and life at KUA

On a warm October morning, before heading off to the annual tradition known as Mountain Day, the entire Kimball Union Academy community gathered on the sloped hillside behind Huse House for an All-School Meeting like no other.

“Whether you’re here for one year or four years … KUA and this area is now part of your origin story.” —HEAD OF SCHOOL TYLER LEWIS

Perched in the sun on camping mats and blankets, students and faculty for an hour steeped in KUA history as told through the land beneath them.

“Whether you’re here for one year or four years, or even more for many of the adults, KUA and this area is now part of your origin story,” Head of School Tyler Lewis told the community. “Your time here will live deeply inside of you for the rest of your life and moments such as this, they

can’t happen everywhere. They’re not part of every experience, and histories to lands such as this are totally unique.”

Trustee Steve Taylor, a former N.H. secretary of agriculture and local historian, led the group— coming from 25 countries and 24 states—through the rise and fall of New Hampshire’s sheep country and its impact on the people, land, and economy as well as its relationship to Kimball Union’s early beginnings and the

place they now call home.

Behind Lewis and Taylor stood some of KUA’s flock of sheep, ready for their fall shearing. Some of the country’s most sought-after sheep shearers, Gwen Hinman ’93 and partner John O’Connell, would do the honors. Using electric and manual clippers, they deftly handled the sheep and efficiently removed their thick, wooly coats to the delight of everyone watching.

“I lived in Kilton my freshman year, and my dad used to embarrass me so much,” Hinman shared. “He’d stop by and see me after he’d been shearing, and he was wearing shearing clothes or more likely had a sheep in the back of the truck. My classmates thought it was great, but it was mortifying for me at the time.”

Then, at age 25, Hinman joined her father on a shearing job, where he offered her the chance to give it a go. She was hooked. Now, 24 years later, Hinman shears flocks throughout the Northeast.

Early in her career, she spent three seasons traveling to New Zealand to shear on a crew. “The first year, I saved money to go because I wanted to learn how to get better to make it easier so my body didn’t hurt so much,” she said of the rigorous job. “The second year, I had so much fun; then, the third year, it was more like work. I did the math and realized I had to shear 25,300 sheep to pay for my plane ticket, and I decided that maybe I didn’t need to go back.”

Today, Hinman shears fulltime, primarily from mid-January through July with occasional fall jobs. “It keeps me busy and it’s great,” said Hinman, who can shear about 170 sheep in a day when working at a large farm. “I travel all around and meet pretty amazing farmers.” K

John O’Connell, Gwen Hinman ’93, Deborah Hinman P’93, and Blaine Kopp prepare to shear sheep at an All-School Meeting.

Hilltop

CAMPUS LIFE

Northern Attitude

Students

at KUA don’t just endure winter, they embrace it

4.

5.

1. Winter settles in around Meriden as seen from Chellis Road.

2. Residents of Howe-Dewdney Hall one afternoon built a “snouch,” or snow couch, where they watched Sunday Night Football around a fire.

3. Students and faculty enjoy the health benefits and camaraderie of cold plunging in Chellis Pond each morning at 7.

The alpine and freeski teams train in the afternoons at Mount Sunapee and Okemo Mountain.

Celebrating an early storm, students add a new member of the community outside Doe Dining Commons.

6. The Kimball Barn glows each snowy night with a pink heart in memory of Macy Piersiak ’25.

7. The girls’ JV hockey team spends an afternoon practice on the Chellis Pond ice.

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5

“Be present and create your own fun.”

—BRODIE MUYSKENS ’25 ON BUILDING A SNOW COUCH AND COLD PLUNGING

SPORTS NEWS FROM CAMPUS

SPORTS

Hitting Their Stride

Coaching strategy boosts cross-country competitors

Tessa Cassidy has a simple philosophy when it comes to coaching Kimball Union’s cross-country team: If runners feel respected, they’ll perform.

Now in her fourth season at the helm, Cassidy has already seen the benefits of that mindset. The former college distance runner turned coach has watched her squad nearly double in size during her time on The Hilltop while also significantly upping its competitiveness.

“If you start with people having fun and feeling supported, you can ask runners to do harder things,” says Cassidy, who also teaches Latin. “They actually want to do harder things. So that’s really been our main coaching philosophy. We’re still asking them to be competitive and develop that mindset, but we’re not pushing them to that red line from the very start of the season.”

When she arrived on campus in 2020 amid a COVID-impacted season, Cassidy said the girls team had just four student-athletes— the minimum needed to score in regular-season meets and too few to post a team score at the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Cross-Country Championship. Since then, the girls team has

CHAMPIONS

grown to a core of nearly a dozen runners who’ve placed in the top three in each of the last two Lakes Region Championships (LRCs).

The boys team, meanwhile, placed seventh at the LRC this past fall after several years lacking the required number of runners to score as a team.

Cassidy and assistant coach Natalie Lynd credit much of the increase in numbers—and competitiveness—to team culture and making sure each student-athlete feels comfortable and supported no matter their skill level. This welcoming environment has even inspired students with little to no distance-running experience to join the team, with some setting goals as simple as finishing the 5-kilometer course without walking.

“We really wanted to shift the focus from being super training-intense focused to building team culture—making sure it’s a place where people feel comfortable with their teammates and are having fun,” Cassidy explains.

Ella Cheong ’26, a three-year veteran on the girls team, says her experience running cross country for Cassidy has been extremely rewarding, both athletically and beyond.

“I really value Coach Cassidy’s emphasis on individual growth and

team chemistry, which are both vital components of our team,” says Cheong. “Our team is extremely inclusive and encouraging. We celebrate everyone’s achievements, small or large, and motivate each other on our toughest, coldest days.”

This all-inclusive atmosphere has also come with a competitive advantage. Last year, distance-running newcomer Isabelle LeBreton ’27 joined the program to maintain her fitness ahead of the ice hockey season. Unlike most first-time harriers, LeBreton hit her stride early and quickly established herself as a frontrunner.

“She’s just one of those runners who has that drive, so if she has that introduction to other runners who are quicker, she’s going to push it to be even better,” Cassidy says. “I think she’s done a lot for our team as far as inspiring others through her work ethic and success.”

LeBreton’s 2024 season culminated in impressive fashion, with the sophomore posting personal bests in each of her final two meets—and the season’s most important. LeBreton completed the 5K course at the LRC meet in a personal best 19 minutes, 51 seconds to earn the individual victory, before bettering her time by more than a minute the

following week at the NEPSAC championship. LeBreton placed third overall in that race, finishing in an impressive 18:48.

LeBreton wasn’t the only one to shine when it mattered most. Cheong was the second KUA finisher to cross the line at the NEPSAC championship in a personal best 23:29, worth 56th place, while Thomas Leonard ’26 paced the boys with a 72nd-place finish in 19:50.

“Those were both meets where I think everyone was proud of themselves,” Cassidy says of the LRC and NEPSAC meets. “As coaches, we were super proud of the team. I think almost everybody recorded a personal best in those races.”

With much of its core returning next season—the girls lose one senior to graduation while the boys will lose four—Cassidy is optimistic the team will pick up this fall where it left off. And she’ll continue to prove that with respect comes performance.

“Our coaches do a phenomenal job curating a supportive and encouraging environment while continuously finding ways to challenge us,” Cheong says. “Our team wouldn’t be the same without their dedication and enthusiasm.” K

AWARDED

The girls’ varsity basketball team went 3-0 to clinch the title in the 62nd Annual Paul W. “Frosty” Francis Kingswood Invitational Tournament in December.

Syracuse men’s ice hockey team gave former player and History Department Chair Bill Diamond the Richard Van Winkle Award in part for contributions to the team’s development and support.

PRO GUARD

Former Kansas guard Nick Timberlake ’18 is playing professional basketball for Portuguese team AD Galomar for the 2024-25 season.

“If you start with people having fun and feeling supported, you can ask runners to do harder things.” —HEAD COACH TESSA CASSIDY

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Consecutive Lakes Region League titles by boys varsity soccer, most recently earned in 2024

HONORED The New England Preparatory School Athletic Council and Lakes Region League honored 25 KUA fall varsity studentathletes for contributions to their sports and teams.

NEW LOOK KUA unveiled a new Athletics logo this fall. Designed by Wendy McMillan ’78 P’09 ’11, this bold, new wildcat now appears on athletic gear and on new championship banners in athletic facilities.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

KUA's cross-country team boasts a stunning home course for races on the trail network above the Pope Field Complex.

ARTS NEWS FROM CAMPUS

THE ARTS

Collecting History

Documentary highlights bond between father and son

During his time at KUA, Dustin Meltzer ’05 has been interested in bringing people’s stories to life. Through faculty roles in the Theater, Arts, and Marketing and Communications Departments, Meltzer has told the stories of others. But there was always one story he hoped to tell: that of the relationship between his father, Dale ’66, and his grandfather, Leo.

Meltzer captured this family history—and the bond between father and son—through a documentary film Leo and Dale, which he completed this fall. He used his father’s collection of more than 1,000 license plates that adorn every inch of his garage in Enfield, N.H., to tell the story. “My dad has had this collection for as long as I can remember,” says Meltzer. “At what point did I realize that not everyone’s dad had 1,000 license plates in the garage? But it’s been the fiber of who we are.”

In the film, Dale recalls joining his father on a trip to the dealer to buy a 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon at the age of 7. It was during that trip that Dale first learns why cars have license plates.

“I think there was this connection between his collecting and his connection to his father,” says Meltzer. “I’m not sure even now that he sees that connection, but I sort of believe it. Regardless, I saw it as an avenue to explore who my grandfather was and have my dad tell me about this person.”

In October 2022, New York-based filmmaker Emu Haynes ’17 helped Meltzer kick off the documentary, logging hours in Dale’s garage. But, as with a lot of passion projects, the effort stalled when work and

life ended up taking priority.

Meltzer revived the project last summer through the Academy’s Summer Sabbatical program, which provides three faculty each year with a grant of up to $8,000 to fuel their curiosity outside the academic year.

Haynes returned to New Hampshire and friend and colleague Stephen Rogers ’04 came on board, making the project uniquely KUA.

“Using the sabbatical was so helpful in the completion because I had this passion project that was incomplete. I was overwhelmed and didn’t know how to get going,” says Meltzer, adding that 20 to 25 hours of footage needed to be culled to 20 minutes. He used the KUA funding to take editing courses at Maine Media Workshops. “The sabbatical gave funding for the course and the structure as another external entity to hold me accountable to finish.”

The film’s completion was timely, as Meltzer’s daughter was born at the end of summer. “I wanted it to be finished as something I could show her and have her know about my grandfather through my dad’s story,” he says.

“The process helped me learn about filmmaking and documentary as a craft and so much about my family I didn’t know, which is so rewarding to me,” says Meltzer. “As a film teacher, I feel really proud I can bring that experience of completing a larger project to the classroom not in theory but in practice.”

Meltzer will host an on-campus premiere this spring, after which Leo and Dale will be shared online. K

MUSIC

Taiwanese American singer-songwriter Chance Emerson kicked off the year-long series, Flick Gigs, with a “blend of heartfelt, folky stomp and holler with modern pop sensibilities.”

Bulbs of garlic used on stage in the fall play Dracula

“The process helped me learn about filmmaking and documentary as a craft and so much about my family I didn’t know.” —VISUAL ARTS TEACHER DUSTIN MELTZER ’05

WORKSHOP

Arts Scholars enjoyed a special workshop with renowned jazz vocalist and composer Somi, who was in the area for a performance at the Dartmouth Hopkins Center for the Arts.

EXHIBIT

Art Department Chair Riley Adams included figurative oil paintings and photography in her Taylor Art Gallery show, Within Boundaries: Portraits and Studies in Limited Color

DANCE

Vermont-based house and hip-hop dancer

Millie Heckler worked with students to explore the history and fundamentals of hip-hop and house music.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Dale Meltzer ’66 sits down for an interview in his garage with son Dustin Meltzer ’05 (right) and Emu Haynes ’17.

KUA pilots a sleep-first approach to technology.

BY ANNE PETERSON

NEWS FROM CAMPUS

Sleep Mode

As adults working in a boarding school, we are acutely aware of the habits of teenagers. We spend time with students not only in the classroom but also on the playing fields, in the dining room, and often late into the evening while on duty in the residence halls. Few of us need experts or studies to verify the presence of technology and devices in our students’ lives. At Kimball Union Academy, our approach to teaching and learning also relies on brain science to guide our work inside and outside the classroom. And when it comes to two areas in particular—technology and sleep—science and data have led our efforts this year.

In September, we introduced a policy to remove all electronic devices from the rooms of ninth-grade boarding students for the 2024-25 school year, a program we call “Tech Turn-in.” This policy requires ninth-grade boarders turn in their devices each night by 10:30, when they are stored securely in a locked charging station until 6 the following morning. The policy is implemented every night except Saturday. With this policy, we seek to create an environment where students can interact with one another face to face, cultivate healthier sleep habits, and, ultimately, enhance their overall well-being.

Adolescents need between eight and 10 hours of sleep each night to support their rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Unfortunately, studies show that up to 70 percent of teenagers are sleep deprived, which is especially concerning in an academic setting. Sleep is foundational to learning, allowing for the consolidation of memories and knowledge. Without sufficient rest, teens may also struggle with focus, problem solving, and emotional stability—all essential for their success in school and relationships. Chronic sleep deprivation also raises the risk of long-term health challenges, including anxiety and depression.

Quality sleep is crucial for adolescent brain development, particularly for the prefrontal cortex, which governs impulse control and decision making. This part of the brain is still undergoing significant development during adolescence, which makes it particularly susceptible to the attention-grabbing designs of modern technology. A study in 2017 highlighted that this brain region is highly sensitive to sleep deprivation, meaning that teens lacking sleep often face difficulties in regulating emotions, making decisions, and achieving academically.

Unfortunately, electronic devices can disrupt both the quality and quantity of sleep teens get. The allure of smartphones, tablets, and laptops often keeps teens awake far beyond a healthy bedtime. Even Netflix’s cofounder has remarked that sleep, not competitors such as Hulu or YouTube, is the company’s biggest rival. A 2015 study found that screen time before bed correlates with shorter sleep duration, delayed onset of sleep, and poor sleep quality, especially when the content is engaging or stimulating—and when is it not? These studies, coupled with brain science, have reinforced our resolve to support healthier habits in our students.

We started this policy with our ninth-grade class, where we build a foundational program for the youngest members of our community. Educational research combined with an understanding of the teenage brain show that this year is developmentally more challenging; however, with the right support systems in place, students can leverage a positive year to chart a successful path through college.

We considered several logistical challenges when implementing the policy. We heard concerns from Health Center staff that students might lose access to mental health hotlines or medical support if devices were unavailable overnight. We also knew it would be a significant change for faculty on duty in the ninth-grade dorms. Additionally, we would need to establish a system for emergency communication with families without burdening dorm parents with middle-of-the-night calls. To address these issues, we designated our administrator on call for emergencies and developed a communication protocol for families. Ultimately, we consulted with our ninth-grade dean, dorm heads, director of IT, dean of residential life, and dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion in crafting the policy.

We installed 24-bay charging carts in each ninthgrade dorm. Each student has a secure charging bay with a personal code, allowing devices to charge overnight and ensuring accessibility in emergencies. At 10:30 p.m., students place their devices in the carts under dorm parent supervision. If a student needs their phone during the night, a report is sent to the dean of residential life to follow up.

Although a few parents had initial questions or concerns, the overall response has been positive. Many

FIRST PERSON

“Studies show that up to 70 percent of teenagers are sleep deprived, which is especially concerning in an academic setting.” —ANNE PETERSON

families expressed appreciation for the steps we are taking to support their children’s health. During Fall Family Weekend, we hosted a forum on the Tech Turn-in policy. One common theme emerged: Why limit this program to ninth-graders? One parent, initially skeptical about the policy, shared that seeing his daughter benefit from improved rest and focus changed his perspective entirely. Another parent shared that they “have plenty of evidence that the Tech Turn-in is working. We were pleasantly surprised with the level of engagement we witnessed from students in general and especially our son during class time.”

Although it would be an overstatement to say our ninth-graders openly appreciate having their devices stored each night, the benefits are becoming evident. One student remarked, “While I don’t have problems with technology, my roommate is always online. If we didn’t have Tech Turn-in, I wouldn’t get enough sleep.” A parent shared that initially her son wasn’t too happy about having to use the tech locker, but “now he thinks it’s a useful tool and believes it’s a good idea.” Tucker Prudden, the ninth-grade boys dorm head, observed his dorm is now noticeably quieter at night, with more students heading to the gym in the morning than in previous years. Students are more alert in class, and we’ve had 40 percent fewer unexcused tardies in first-period classes this year for boarding students.

Looking forward, we plan to meet as a committee to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and consider next steps. Although it seems likely we will continue Tech Turnin for ninth-graders, we’re considering a few adjustments; for instance, gathering an inventory of devices from families before the school year begins would streamline the process. We also plan to survey students and families about extending the program to 10th-graders and are exploring an opt-in option for upper grades. While we want students to practice more self-regulation as they move through our program toward college, we also understand that devices and applications are intentionally designed by skilled technology experts to hook us, students and adults alike, and that self-control in the face of these technologies may not always be possible simply because of the way that human brains are wired.

In implementing the Tech Turn-in policy, we’re taking a proactive stance in supporting the health, focus, and academic success of our students. As we consider broadening this initiative, our goal remains the same: to foster an environment where our students can thrive, fully rested and ready to meet the challenges of each day. K

Anne Peterson is the director of the Gosselin Center for Teaching and Learning.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY

For more than 200 years, young students have found their home away from home at Kimball Union Academy through a residential program that created meaningful bonds between students and faculty. This year, KUA’s boarding program took another leap forward as the Academy unveiled the transformation of two historic community buildings into sustainable, state-of-the art residence halls at a ribbon cutting and dedication on October 25.

The event marked the final milestone in an 18-month project that expanded the existing Kilton Hall from a 14- to a 32-bed residential hall, while next door expanded Welch Hall to

18 student beds. The rooms—a mix of singles and doubles—as well as outdoor and common spaces designed for community building set the bar for how design can improve living and learning for every individual at the Academy.

“These dorms stand as a model for residential life—our brand of residential life,” said Head of School Tyler Lewis P’28. “There are many layers to this project that touch our sensibilities, that touch our heart, and that bridge the way we have lived for generations with a future that is poised to thrive. They set a standard for the holistic care and growth of our students and faculty.”

TWO NEW RESIDENTIAL HALLS CREATE SUPPORTIVE LEARNING AND LIVING ENVIRONMENTS

BY TRICIA MCKEON

The largest capital project undertaken by KUA in more than 35 years was made possible through generous philanthropic support from lead donors including the Allyn Family, the Borislow Family, and Chris and Emily Burns, plus the full support of the Board of Trustees. An additional 240 donors came together to ensure the project’s completion and seize an opportunity to rename the Kilton residence hall after two long-serving KUA faculty members and partners Murray Dewdney H’20 P’06 ’14 and Cynthia Howe H’20 P’06 ’14, who passed away in 2022. The attached faculty home will still carry the Kilton name.

“Together, Cynthia and Murray represent the very best of KUA and what it means to be a part of the KUA family—as leaders, teachers, mentors, coaches, dorm parents, and cherished members of this community,” said Trustee Jennifer Borislow ’78 P’07 ’10, who with her family named the residence hall in honor of Howe and Dewdney. “It is our hope that this residence hall, along with the legacy they leave behind, will continue to inspire generations of KUA students, reminding all of us of the values that we all hold dear: kindness, love, caring, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference.”

“Recognizing that the success of each student enhances the whole is a value deeply embedded in KUA, and we are so honored to be a part of this ethos,” said Dewdney. “This tribute, being recognized in this way, is something quite special.”

An important driver in the design process was the desire to move from large, institutional-style buildings toward something closer to a home-like setting, where students, faculty, and their families share experiences that only a tightknit boarding school such as KUA can offer.

“These projects reflect the school’s commitment to creating and sustaining a stateof-the-art boarding program,” said Dewdney, who cut the ribbon to the new building with his and Howe’s sons, Tyler ’06 and Morgan ’14. “They embody the school’s desire to foster a safe, supportive learning and living environment for its students, and the sense of community this reinforces is a hallmark of KUA. This does not come about effortlessly.

“THESE PROJECTS REFLECT THE SCHOOL’S COMMITMENT TO CREATING AND SUSTAINING A STATE-OF-THE-ART BOARDING PROGRAM.”

—MURRAY

DEWDNEY H’20 P’06 ’14

It comes from the energy and commitment of everyone invested in Kimball Union and its mission to educate the whole person.”

The residence halls center around an outdoor plaza where students gather with friends and faculty to socialize, relax, and play. Communal kitchens and ample seating areas at the entry to each building invite students to take part in community life. It’s common to find students studying, gathering around a puzzle, baking a dorm snack, celebrating birthdays, or tinkering with mountain bikes in the gear room. Day students enjoy time in the lounges between classes or before a game or activity.

In the evenings, house parents and students share meaningful time together, working through everything from the day’s events to quadratic equations. Cozy, light-filled rooms create a home away-from for girls in Welch and boys in Howe-Dewdney, with some east-facing rooms taking in mountain views.

“It was in the dorm in Kilton where I first found my voice, through the friendships and connections nurtured in that space,” said Brynn ’25, a two-year Kilton resident who is now a dorm proctor in Welch. “I would not be the person I am today without the encour-

agement, acceptance, and opportunities I’ve received here. I know these dorms will lift so many young adults like me to find their voice and their place at Kimball Union.”

Andrea Murray ’87, the founder and principal of Vermont Integrated Architects, led the project. The Vermont native, who called both Kilton and Welch home as a boarding student at KUA, ensured the project reflected the Academy’s sense of belonging and respect for the environment. With state-ofthe-art geothermal wells providing district heating, cooling, and hot water to the dorms and faculty residences, operations in the new construction are completely fossil-fuel free.

As of January, the Academy has moved into the next phase of the project by completing the interiors of three adjoining faculty homes. These homes are slated to open in August—in time for the upcoming academic year.

“We want to cultivate a positive working environment where faculty feel valued and supported in their professional and personal lives,” says Lewis of the new homes. “Faculty housing emerged from the strategic plan as a top priority, and this crucial step will help us meet the urgent need for additional residences that accommodate families.” K

ON-STAGE

OKKERVIL RIVER BAND MEMBERS RECONNECT WITH KUA ROOTS.

“MERIDEN AND ALL OF NEW HAMPSHIRE IS HOLY GROUND TO ME, SO GETTING TO PLAY HERE ANY TIME IS AN HONOR.”

—WILL SHEFF ’ ��

REUNION

BY MICHAEL PEZONE

WWill Sheff ’94 didn’t hesitate when Trevor McGraw ’07 asked if Sheff’s band, the critically acclaimed indie rock group Okkervil River, would perform a benefit concert at Whaleback Mountain last summer.

For Sheff, the area is hallowed ground.

Having spent most of his childhood living on KUA’s scenic campus nestled some 10 minutes from the not-for-profit ski area, Sheff knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up—and one he hoped to make special. So, despite not having performed with his former KUA classmates and founding Okkervil River bandmembers since 2002, Sheff made some calls.

Not long after, Seth Warren-Crow ’93 and Zach Thomas ’93, with whom Sheff founded Okkervil River back in 1998 after moving to Austin, Texas, and Aaron Johnson ’95, another lifelong friend and former KUA classmate who joined the band in 2013, were planning an on-stage reunion of sorts.

“It was incredibly meaningful. What can I say?” says Sheff, reflecting on the August show that drew some 400 spectators and raised more than $8,000 for Whaleback Mountain and the Upper Valley Land Trust. “Meriden and all of New Hampshire is holy ground to me, so getting to play here any time is an honor. Getting to play to townspeople I grew up with alongside my childhood best friends was one of the coolest things that’s happened to me.”

The band, named after a short story by Russian author Tatyana Tolstaya set on the river Okkervil in Saint Petersburg, has released nine studio albums in its 26-year existence, with notable performances, including an appearance on Late Night with Conan O’Brien in 2007. Okkervil River has seen a revolving door of musicians since its founding, with Sheff serving as its one constant.

And although Okkervil River may not have officially formed at KUA, Sheff said the school is where he—and the rest of the band’s original lineup—refined their passion for music in a setting that would become a recurring theme in their songwriting.

“Me attending KUA was written in the stars pretty much,” says Sheff, whose parents Paul and Jamie Sheff P’94 ’97 were longtime faculty at the school. “I won’t sugarcoat my high school years by saying it was all smooth sailing, but I’m incredibly grateful to [former Head of School] Timothy Knox and his wife, Liz, and the other teachers and administrators at the time who really understood that there’s more than one type of kid— athletes—and that’s a good thing.”

Ironically, it was student-athletics who introduced two founding artists.

Sheff and Warren-Crow met as firstyear students playing third-team soccer to fulfill their athletics requirement. The duo befriended Thomas, the final piece of the original Okkervil River puzzle, on a sophomore trip to Mount Moosilauke.

The trio’s bond, and creativity, grew deeper through the encouragement of KUA faculty such as David Weidman H’22, who at the time served as academic dean and director of theater. Sheff says the musical endeavors he, Warren-Crow, and Thomas pursued were “an outgrowth of the inspiring atmosphere Mr. Weidman created in his theatre program.”

UNDER A MOONLIT SKY, OKKERVIL RIVER PERFORMED FOR MORE THAN 90 MINUTES, PLAYING PRIMARILY SONGS FROM THE BAND’S FIRST THREE ALBUMS INSPIRED BY MERIDEN’S NATURAL BEAUTY AND TIGHTKNIT COMMUNITY.

PUTTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER

From left, Aaron Johnson, Thomas, Warren-Crow, and Sheff practice for their upcoming benefit concert at Whaleback.

 Sheff, Thomas, and Warren-Crow

Weidman, now retired, remembers Sheff as being deeply creative and uniquely open minded.

“Will found a home in the Flickinger Arts Center, where he was given free rein to develop his many artistic pursuits,” Weidman says. “A bit of a renaissance man, he was always a free and deep thinker, questioning the status quo while embracing those that didn’t exactly fit the typical New England boarding school student profile. He was always thoughtful and worked diligently on several important roles on the stage while also pursuing his musical interests.”

The Los Angeles-based Sheff released his first album under his own name, Nothing Special, in 2022. The former New Yorker described it as “an aching lament for a starry-eyed rock-and-roll dream that didn’t collapse, exactly, but came to

reveal itself as limited.”

Johnson, who had been playing music with Sheff since elementary school, was involved in several other musical pursuits during his time as a day student at KUA. It wasn’t until production of the 2013 album The Silver Gymnasium, named in honor of—you guessed it—KUA’s Charles Lewis Silver Memorial Gymnasium, that Johnson officially joined the band.

A talented guitarist, Johnson had his reasons for coming on board late, according to Sheff.

“Aaron was the best guitar player at KUA, so he was always getting recruited into every band any group of kids started,” Sheff remembers. “The school would host these band nights where there would be three bands on the bill, and it would be a band doing

Pearl Jam covers, a jam band, and a punk band. Aaron would be in all three bands and the star of each one. It was pretty hilarious. I think Aaron figured out that if he was good at guitar, no one would pick on him.”

The Silver Gymnasium remains Okkervil River’s top selling album, with more than 22,000 copies sold in the United States, according to Billboard. The album, featuring nostalgic tracks such as “It Was My Season” and “Stay Young,” peaked at No. 66 on Billboard’s top 200 list.

“I’ve always known I wanted to write a very substantial piece about growing up in New Hampshire,” Sheff says, explaining the inspiration behind the band’s seventh album. “The Silver Gymnasium was an attempt to do that. I think I still haven’t quite nailed it, though. But I’ll try again.”

In preparation for the Whaleback show, Sheff says he and his reunited KUA bandmates rented a house off Route 120 in Meriden where the group rehearsed, reconnected with old friends, and reflected on cherished memories.

The night of the performance, the foursome was joined on stage at times by fellow KUA alumni Christopher Kimball ’93, Alex Arcone ’93, and Lise (Johnson) Micheline ’93. Under a moonlit sky, Okkervil River performed for more than 90 minutes, playing primarily songs from the band’s first three albums inspired by Meriden’s natural beauty and tight-knit community.

“It was an inspiring experience,” Johnson says, adding that he was taken aback by the number of familiar faces in the crowd. “The weather was perfect, the sound was perfect, and the vibe was all love.”

Sheff says the band’s final song of the evening, a cover of Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer,” was his way of paying homage to the ski area he frequented as a child.

“I used to sing that song in my head skiing down the slopes as a little kid,” Sheff says. “When I was mulling over the setlist, I thought it would be fun to try that one because it would’ve blown my little-kid mind to know I would one day be performing that song at Whaleback with my friends in a rock and roll band.” K

Connect

NEWS FROM ALUMNI

Top: At an event in Washington, DC: Don Lowery ’73, Matt Donovan ’13, Tamara Waraschinski, Michael Broder ’70, J.C. Boggs ’80, Andy Kaplan, Robert Root P’27, Sara Root P’27, Victoria Winham, Miles Cota ’10, Akram Abdukarimov ’23, Amir Lesbek ’23, Charlotte Alberts ’11, Sean Cota ’81, Jenna Godfrey ’02, Mic Pichitkarn ’22, Nancy Emery, Ed Hild ’88, Manow Paisanvit ’20, Tyler Lewis, and Stacey Summerfield

Middle Left: Former hockey players gathered in Boston prior to a BruinsBlue Jackets game. Front row: AJ Noel ’23, Elijah Harris ’16, Chris Shero ’14, Andranik ArmstrongKincaid ’18; Back row: Peter Schieffelin ’96, Bob Blood ’74, Tim Whitehead P’18 ’20, Bob Fitzgerald ’82, Woodie Haskins ’69, Kyle Shero ’17, Arlo Merritt ’19, Jordan Harris ’18, Scot Barry ’81

Bottom Left: KUA faculty at the Howe Dewdney dedication: Jamie and Paul Sheff P’94 ’97, Sue Halliday, Joan and Stephen Bishop H’00 P’85 ’86 ’89 ’91 GP’18 ’22, Katy Sheehan ’85 P’18 ’22, Georg Feichtinger H’02, and Darrell Beaupre ’86 P’16 ’20

Right: Hockey coaches Tim Whitehead, Bryant Harris ’04 (left) and Matt Underhill (right) reconnect with NHL players Adam Fantilli ’21 and Jordan Harris ’18 in Boston.

“I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Headmaster John Cotton. He changed the entire course of my life, for which I have always been grateful.”

—RICK CUTLER ’71

Top: Josh Labove, John Albert P’25, Tyler Lewis, Lauren Dole ‘83, Melissa Albert P’25, Cameron Stowell ’16, Trux Dole, Doug Grady ’89, Adam Steinberg, Scott Kuyper ’91, Stacey Summerfield in Seattle

Middle left: Tim McNair ’12, Amy Munro ’11, Matisse Baumann ’12, Ryan Daye ’11, Hannah Schafer ’12

Bottom Middle: Kathy Munro H’13 P’11 P’13, James Estabrook ‘13, Amy Munro ‘11

Bottom Left: Helena Heckman ’22, Jordyn Silvera ’22, Akar Escamilla Gomez ’20, and Peter Hyan ’22 in Los Angeles.

Bottom Right: Hannah McGrath ’19, Hailey Fahey ’19, Olive Scull ’19, Caitlin Doyle ’17

“I immediately empathized with my namesake.”

—CHARLOTTE

On the Hunt for Assassin Flies

Smithsonian entomologist Charlotte (Herbert) Alberts ’11 finds the value in venomous insects

“Gorgeous.” “Incredible.” “Very cool.” This is how Dr. Charlotte (Herbert) Alberts ’11 describes venomous flies that eat other insects, otherwise known as assassin flies. Alberts is one of only five scientists in the world who researches these flies, officially Diptera: Asilidae, even though they are incredibly important in most natural habitats around the world.

“Flies are incredible and very diverse,” she said. “There are more than 150,00 species and 150 families, and there are more than 7,500 species of just assassin flies described right now. They are found everywhere except for Antarctica, and they often look like other insects, so people don’t even know they really exist. Sometimes people think they’re seeing a bee eating another bee.”

Her passion for the assassin fly, entomology, and scientific research is evident the moment you step inside the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, where she works as a research associate. Her office, surrounded by the vast entomology collection—the largest in the world—is accessible through a maze of stored natural treasures high above the bustling museum.

Alberts’ research takes her to far-reaching parts of the globe in search of these tiny insects to determine how they are related to one another. She’s worked in Namibia and spent time in remote locations of Belize doing a “bio blitz” to collect as many new species as possible to determine the biodiversity of the rainforests. In DC, she works in and helps build the collection and collaborates with fellow scientists to identify and name species to better understand the environment and the natural world.

Her curiosity in the vast world of insects took hold in childhood, when her mother read her the classic children’s novel, Charlotte’s Web. “I immediately empathized with my namesake, Charlotte, and I couldn’t understand why people had such hatred toward spiders and other insects,” she said. “They were harmless and didn’t want to hurt you.”

The assassin fly drew her interest during a research project as an undergraduate at St. Lawrence University studying conservation biology. Alberts continued her work as a Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, Davis.

After working through learning challenges as a child, Alberts arrived on The Hilltop nervous of her abilities. She flourished. “I attribute that to the KUA structure, where you have small class sizes and you develop personal relationships with your teachers,” she says. “They were able to see me as an individual and help me. They inspired me to reach outside of the traditional sit-down academia and instead look into learning in different ways.”

Today, Alberts’ impact on The Hilltop is evident to all who arrive on campus. Her senior capstone—the wind turbine, which she hoped would make KUA a more sustainable campus—is still spinning above the apple trees, grazing sheep, and, undoubtedly, some assassin flies. K

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Spirit of Determination

Innovator Chandler Song ’14 credits KUA with his sense of grit

Chandler Song ’14, a renowned innovator in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, credits KUA for challenging him academically, preparing him to study electrical engineering and computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, and, most importantly, encouraging his determination.

“KUA prompted me to become a more independent person,” says the Los Angeles-based Song, “and I think it’s so important to learn that mentality, that grit. Those traits are far more important than the actual curriculum you can learn in a classroom.”

Grit helped Song land on the Forbes’ “30 under 30: Enterprise Technology” list in 2019 at 24—just two years after founding his first company. Following a stint as a software engineer at Amazon Web Services, Song leveraged an interest in crypto and blockchain to cofound Ankr—a decentralized computing platform—with roommates from Berkeley.

Today, he serves as Ankr’s CEO and as founder of and investor at a diverse set of startups focused on infrastructure, including software, artificial intelligence, and energy. “I have a large solar presence in the context of

building data centers that provide renewable energy for large-scale infrastructure projects,” Song says.

His most recent venture, PeroNova, is a renewable energy company that uses stability-enhancing perovskite photovoltaic technologies. Perovskites, a family of materials used in energy technologies, have shown potential for high performance and low-production costs in solar cells.

For Song, developing blockchain and infrastructure networks is a challenge worth tackling. He says a spirit of perseverance—instilled at KUA and reinforced every time he traveled the 5,900-mile journey to and from his hometown in northern China—has set him apart from others in the industry.

“I came into this country by myself when I was 14 years old,” Song recalls, a trip that took roughly 48 hours. “Being an international student at an American boarding school is a lot harder than it is for most students, which I think is something a lot of people don’t understand. It took a lot to overcome the different types of barriers; language barriers, cultural barriers.”

Song credits friends and faculty members, especially teachers such as Lyn and Tom Lord, for easing his transition to life at an American boarding school. “There are so many things that go beyond curriculum,” he says. “Because of the diverse community at KUA, I’m more embracing in terms of different cultures; I listen to people without judging.” K

Charlotte (Herbert) Alberts ‘11 returned to campus to meet with STEM Scholars and speak at AllSchool Meeting about her research.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Class Notes

DISPATCHES NEWS FROM ALUMNI

1953

Stanford B. Vincent (508) 457-6473 • stan@vincentcurtis.com

The slow pace of life on Cape Cod is a perfect remedy for any ills, real or imagined. Leaving the ’burbs of Boston was one of the smartest moves I ever made. Couple this with an understanding wife, loads of cheering nieces, nephews, and our own kids, along with twice weekly cardio rehab, retired old men eating out (ROMEO), book groups and friendly neighbors, and you have the formula for what’s kept me going.

Staying in touch with my KUA classmates also makes me smile. Just before the end of last year, I had the great pleasure of catching up with many of our guys from East Coast to West Coast. Here’s a brief rundown of my conversations.

Roger Cotton Brown of Gypsum, Colo., says several of his five sons have continued in the field of skiing, hiking, and adventure filming some of the world’s most challenging mountains. Roger, a native of New England, recalled his hospital stay while at KUA during the polio scare and his subsequent four years at Dartmouth.

Charlie Harriman of Falmouth, Maine, was home for the holidays and a doctor appointment and anxious to get back to Naples, Fla. Asked how he was doing, he answered, “living one meal to another.” We talked about the KUA ski team and the events he won during the New England championships, and he was happy to learn teammate Charlie Lawrence was living in nearby Vermont.

Charlie Lawrence of Lower Waterford, Vermont, maintains the family farm. When not cutting hay, he and his wife enjoy a slower-paced life, time enough to keep the hummingbird feeders filled. They will soon be joined by one of their two sons, who is planning to move with his family onto an adjoining 200 acres.

Pete Meleney of Oak Bluffs, Mass., says he is feeling great, still playing tennis twice a week, doing a lot of reading (nonfiction, climate change, myster-

ies), and meeting at lunch with a men’s group a couple of times a month. Pete also enjoys what he calls “doing for the community,” giving time to serving on committees and helping plant trees throughout Martha’s Vineyard.

Paul Russo of Chelmsford, Mass., and wife Helen are blessed to have four children whose families live nearby and able to step in when extra care is needed. Paul is currently following one of his grandsons’ tryouts for a position on a professional arena football team.

Pete Whiteside of Naples, Fla., and Jeri return to the Midwest for doctor appointments this time of year but soon enough get back to the sunshine, where both remain very active. Pete tries to fit in three rounds of golf a week and does a lot of reading, often leaving completed books at a weekly men’s lunch or with his community library.

On a final note, word was received in early November 2024 of the death of Jerry Pringle He and his wife, Harriet, both born in Lebanon, N.H., moved to Medford, Oregon, after he had completed his U.S. Navy service and college. He was a passionate outdoorsman and in his free time enjoyed fishing and guiding on the wild and scenic rivers near his home. Among his favorite pastimes was collecting and repairing historical books, many filling his home.

Jerry and Harriet were last on campus in June 2023 to celebrate the 70th reunion of our class.

1955

Warren Huse (603) 524-6593 • warrenhuse1@gmail.com

Back in 1955, how many of us could envision thinking about a KUA reunion 70 years later, in 2025? We have certainly lived through an intense period of history—World War II, then Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, along with the computer revolutions, internet, Facebook and cell phones, and something on the order of 17 presidential elections. Quite a ride!

I regret to report Cornelius J. McCarthy, 88, died July 10, 2024. Connie joined the class as a senior after graduating from Punchard High School in Andover, Mass. At KUA, he played varsity football and hockey and was a member of the Glee Club and Players. Connie earned an undergraduate degree in economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. At Penn, he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon and the ice hockey team. He was president of the C.J. McCarthy Insurance Agency, later renamed The McCarthy Companies, for more than 40 years. He also was president of United Fund, trustee and board member of the Andover Savings Bank, board member for Bon Secours Hospital, and a director of the Mary Immaculate Nursing Home and Protectory. In addition, Connie was “a talented and passionate gardener, winning countless Topsfield Fair awards for his breathtaking dahlias.” The class sends condolences to Alice and their three children and six grandchildren.

Vin Godleski writes: “Existing with the societal shifts swirling around us makes me recall that we grew up in wonderful times. Now, having the pendulum swung back toward common sense is a positive step. Mr. Mosher encouraged us to learn new words. I try, but I’m still struggling with assimilating the woke lexicology. I am back to focusing on doing well with our Silver Foxes hockey group.”

Ron Harrison will be disappointed to miss the reunion in June, having booked a cruise that starts that same weekend.

Tom Eggert worked as a private investigator in Cleveland, Ohio, from 1959 to 1962 and as senior staff investigator for Allstate Insurance Co. from 1962 to 1995. He has been vice president of the Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse & Veterans Park Museum since 1996. Tom is also a member of the Buffalo Broadcasters & American Broadcasters Association. He was agent for Jimmy Sacca, lead singer of the Hilltoppers, and was responsible for Sacca’s induction into

the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. In addition, he was public relations agent for Hugo Winterhalter, Roger Williams, and Stan Kenton. Tom is now retired and resides “on the sunny shores of Lake Erie, south of Buffalo.”

Walt Phelps was diagnosed with recurrent melanoma in 1990 (5 percent chance of living back then) but “developed an experimental protocol and beat the cancer for 45 years. Four months ago, a large growth was found on my tongue, and it turned to be skin cancer. They cut out 1.75 inches of my tongue and I continue to recover. Speech and eating are works in progress. Many of us are unaware what body functions the tongue provides. I turn 88 years old in January.”

Bruce Whitney writes, “Ruth is still in recovering after a stroke following hip surgery. Progress is slow but steady, walking up to one mile on the deck with the rollator in good weather with a cane in the house in bad weather. We still have three cats, all walk-ins. I still have my greenhouse full of plants I take care of.”

Charles Darling writes, “It seems a while since I’ve gazed over the hills and valleys of Meriden. Based on the photos in the magazine, if I were dropped on the hilltop at midnight, I would probably not recognize the place. While the 70th anniversary of our graduation ceremony should be a fun time, due to old age (87) and the recent onset of aging problems, I cannot plan on future activities. Through the years, I have had two knee replacements, a hernia repair, diverticulitis surgery, and four months ago I had heart transcatheter aortic valve replacement surgery. A test two weeks after said my heart is now pumping great. The life of the new valve is at least 10 years, they say. The medical stuff they are accomplishing is terrific! I hope all graduates of our class are well and wish everyone a happy Christmas and new year!”

Howie Goldberg writes, “Sheila and I have been enjoying the series of the Metropolitan Opera showing live and

“Staying in touch with my KUA classmates also makes me smile.”

encore performances at many movie theaters in the area. This past week, we saw Tosca. Their productions are beautifully produced, the voices are magnificent, and the acting and sets are always amazing. In family news, one of our granddaughters was married last fall. We are very excited about that. Their wedding was supposed to be next fall, but her wife is in the Army Reserve and was being deployed for a year, so they decided to have a ceremony last year and the rest of the festivities the same date this year as originally planned. One of our grandsons finished his undergraduate degree in architecture at Northeastern and worked in a firm in Boston for the last three years. He then felt he wanted to get his master’s [and] is now studying at The Pratt Institute. We are hanging in, as they say. I hope my fellow ’55ers are as well.

George Place received a note from Tom Eggert, who said that he will not make our 70th in May for health reasons. George had a recent conversation with Joe Dickinson, who continues to enjoy retirement and is thankful for two tenants on his property who pay his taxes. George adds, “My recent outreach to all members of the class produced a few responses, for which I am very grateful. Those who did so have shown that KUA was an important part of their life experience and were willing to take the time to show it. Those who chose not to respond, I have a favor to ask: I am working on a couple of awards for folks at our 70th reunion in May, and I want to get the support of the class when I am further along in the process. I will be in touch with everyone with more details shortly and I hope to get a thoughtful reception from all who have made us the great Class of ’55!

I, Warren, continue to produce the weekly local history pages for the Laconia, N.H., newspaper, which I have been doing for the past 34 years, along with serving on the board of the Laconia Historical and Museum Society. For a second year, I was one of the trolley

tour guides for the annual “History Happened Here” observance.

1961

Bill Hagar (802) 772-7448 • whagar467@comcast.net

Since our last publication, class conversations have centered on the passing of two beloved members, Chris Abajian and Pete Fenn.

During our sophomore year at KUA, Chris, Bob Bentley, and I resided in the cozy confines of Chellis Basement, forming bonds that have never weakened. Charles Cohen also responded to my sharing of the Abajian obituary and remembered fondly connections he maintained with Chris through things such as Wordle.

Through Facebook contact with Kyle Fenn ’88, I received information of Pete Fenn’s passing in July. Through the years, I had known of Pete’s challenges with bone cancer from Agent Orange exposure as well as Parkinson’s disease more recently. When we last spoke directly several years back, Pete was residing at the VA Hospital near his home during the week and spending weekends at home with his wife, Debbie. Life certainly threw a lot of curveballs at Pete, and the response was always the same: Where’s the next pitch? Upon receipt of the obituary, Carleton Jones conducted a Mass at St. Vincent Ferrer’s in New York City in September.

Jeninne and I had our fair share of health challenges last year and are both expecting joint replacement surgery this year. We wish for everyone a joyful Christmas surrounded by family as we are. Let’s all have a healthy 2025.

1967

Bob Jamback (508) 561-1013 • bobjamback@yahoo.com

My wife and I traveled to Savannah, Ga., in June and stopped in Washington, D.C., on the way down. We toured the

monuments, saw many of the government buildings, and went into a couple of museums. We were awed by what we saw as well as what we learned. When we went to the Vietnam Memorial, we found the name of Barry Hopper ’68. I remember Barry as a very competent halfback on our soccer team. Standing at the wall, I could only imagine what Barry’s time in Vietnam was like.

1969

Malcolm Cooper (802) 867-2528 • tractormalc@gmail.com

I just turned 75 and am still alive, ski racing in the local beer league and riding my bicycle. I know Cully Erdman is alive and well in Utah. I see Peter Collins off and on in Telluride, Colo., where he has a second home. Maybe I will get back on the slopes with Paul Menneg this winter if weather and health allow.

1970

Henri (Harry) Tallichet (713) 539-1695 • htallichet@gmail.com

Janet and I will celebrate 43 years of marriage in February. We continue to live in our hometown of Houston, Texas. I retired in 2020 from a residential contracting business I owned and operated for more than 30 years. Our oldest child, Carrie, is married to Mike, and they have daughters Abby (7) and Claire (4). Son Jules is married to Katherine, and they have daughters Isabel (4) and Lucienne (2). Daughter Natalie just married Ed in England. He serves in the U.K. army. Janet and I are active at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, where we have been members for more than 40 years. Life is good!

1971

Rick Cutler (781) 316-2375 • cutlerdulin@verizon.net

I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Headmaster John Cotton. He

STANFORD B. VINCENT ’53

1. Hannah Sach Fresco ’97 and Jack Lebrun ’54 connect in Lebanon, N.H

2. Tai Nixa Peterson ’08 and 4-monthold Claude.

3. Hunter Nesbitt ’24 and Josh Rizika ’19 worked as crew members with the Appalachian Mountain Club.

4. Sophie Bodnar ’08 with husband Tim and baby Ingrid.

Class Notes

changed the entire course of my life, for which I have always been grateful. First, the back story: My father and uncle attended KUA prior to WW II, so I visited The Hilltop many times when I would attend reunions with my dad. I loved the place from the very beginning. Fast forward to my early high school days. I was going to North Quincy (Mass.) High, a horrible school at that time. Drugs and other things of the late ’60s were everywhere, and some classes all you had to do was show up to get a C and move on through. I was floundering miserably. At home things were not great. My parents were in the process of getting divorced. Dad was a recently recovering alcoholic, and my mom had serious depression and mental-health issues and was in and out of the hospital, where she was subjected to electric shock therapy. Dad could see the state I was in and asked one day if I’d like to attend KUA. I jumped at the chance. It started a change to my life that lasts till this day. So off I went to The Hilltop.

The other crucial piece of my life was my dog Lex. my constant companion from when I was 13 until he died in 1978 when I was 28. (So important was he that I am currently writing a book about him. Dad once said, “This is your first dog, so you can’t really appreciate how extraordinary he is, but someday you will.”) One day early in my senior year, I got a call from dad, who no longer lived at home. He said that with my mom in the hospital, there was nobody to look after the dog, and if I couldn’t find a friend or someone to take care of the dog, he would have to get rid of him. I was crushed, both about the situation and the way my dad handled it. Losing Lex was not an option. I did some thinking and then went to Headmaster Cotton. I explained in detail the problem and asked (okay, maybe begged) to be allowed to bring Lex up to KUA with me. I told him if that wouldn’t work, then I would have to withdraw from school and return to North Quincy, something I dreaded. This is where I learned what a wonderful man Headmaster Cotton was. He said he would allow it, with a few restrictions that turned out not to matter much. We discussed that other students might say. “Why can he have

DISPATCHES NEWS FROM ALUMNI

his dog and not me?” I agreed that he could let those who might ask why he’d allowed me this special perk.

I graduated with honors from KUA, went on to the Berklee School of Music (which Lex also attended with me), and onto a life-course that wouldn’t have happened without Mr. Cotton. I’m now retired, live on the Cape with my wife, and walk my current dog every day. She’s great—no Lex, but my constant companion. What Mr. Cotton did for me affected the entire course of my life, and I will be forever grateful that he bent a few rules to help me flourish.

1972

Bob Clark (828) 734-2743 • bobclarklaw@gmail.com

I had a most enjoyable return to KUA in January. The Advancement Office greeted me warmly and gave a personal tour of the campus. After a supper in the dining hall, the hockey team added to the good feelings with a big win. I encourage other classmates to see the outstanding improvements that have been made on campus. Interactions with numerous students and faculty gave me a very positive opinion that KUA is in good hands from top to bottom. A pleasant surprise was the interest shown by many students who wondered what KUA was like back in the days when we dinosaurs were on campus. Back home in the mountains of North Carolina, I completed my seventh year volunteer coaching the Waynesville middle and high school, boys and girls, throwers. I and my wife, Janet, have the welcome mat out for any classmates who find their way to the Asheville-Waynesville area.

1987

Mark Hamill (843) 324-8252 • hamillm@mac.com

I was promoted to professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine back in July. It was a long time in the making—starting as an associate professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University in 2008 and associate professor at Virginia Tech Carilion College of Medicine in 2017. In addition, I

was inducted as a member of the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators in September. This was a real honor, joining the ranks of some of the legends in surgical education during the past 40 or so years. I am continuing my efforts in international surgery and critical care medicine education with trips to Rwanda, Palestine, Jerusalem, and Ukraine during the last couple of years. I hope to expand these efforts in the future. My first trip to a war zone in Ukraine was interesting, to say the least, even if we were nowhere close to the fighting. Wishing everyone the best and hope to see people at our 40th reunion in a couple of years!

1989

Melissa Longacre (603) 306-2024 • mlongacre@kua.org

Hello, ’89ers! I hope you are well and had a relaxing holiday season. Things are quiet on The Hilltop for the moment but next week the familiar buzz of students will return as they arrive back from Winter Break. I am in my second year as student life coordinator for KUA and really enjoy it. It’s been nice to see so many of you making a contribution for the One Day, One KUA event! I see Andrea Bueno Keen and her family fairly often, as her son, Sebastian, is a senior this year. Pip, who graduated last year, is enjoying their time at Reed College.

A big thank you to Doug Grady! He stepped up and served as the host of the Seattle area holiday gathering. You can check out photos on the KUA Facebook feed.

Robin Amison Tarnoff has moved to Georgia. She was searching for warmer weather and found it about an hour from Atlanta. She welcomes you to stop by for a dip in the pool! Best wishes for the new year, Robin.

Hope to hear from more of you in the new year. Stop by and visit the campus if you are in the area; I’d be happy to give you a tour.

2008

Tai Nixa Peterson (603) 731-4055 • nixatai@gmail.com

In December 2023, Sophie Bodnar and

her husband welcomed their first child, Ingrid, into the world. They love romping around northern Vermont with fellow KUA classmates Liv Townsend and Rachel Stern

I welcomed a baby boy, Claude Alan Peterson, to the family in June 2024. I am still living in central Vermont with my husband, Conor, and our 3-year-old daughter, Verona. When not chasing kiddos, I have been dancing and serving on the board of trustees at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, Vt.

Juliet Taylor recently moved within D.C. to the lively neighborhood of Adams Morgan, where she continues to enjoy her life in the District! Surrounded by dog parks and the famous Rock Creek Park, her rescue dog Bronn is also reaping the benefits of D.C.’s many green spaces. Juliet was back home in lovely New England for a weeklong family vacation on Nantucket, Mass., at the end of summer. She continues to work for the wine experience company Sommsation as a strategic sales specialist focusing on corporate and luxury wine tastings led by certified sommeliers.

Deaths

John C. Abajian ’61

Robert N. Bates ’48 GP’14 ’21

Charles Bliss ’58

Anthony Bonanno ’61

Edward Connolly ’59

Peter B. Edwards ’64

Christopher D. Enos ’90

David B. Eusden ’48

Peter H. Fenn ’61

Albert Godreau ’54

Charles F. Haywood ’59

Thomas Hurst ’70

Donald F. McBeth ’60

Jason C. Osgood ’91

Roderick L. Peck ’63

Gerald Pringle ’53

Philip Teall Seymour ’61

Phillip Tenney ’62

Margaret Whybrow, former trustee

Weddings

1. Jess Borislow ’07 and Rex Messing were married on September 28, 2024. Pictured are Brian Tracey ’07, Matt ’07 and Collett Tracey, Emily ’06 and Tyler Dewdney ’06, Trevor McGraw ’07 and Elise Dunn, Emily Carey ’07, Nate ’07 and Val Plummer, Eli ’09 and Tessa Kahan, Caitlyn Michaels ’09, Lauren Borislow ’10 and Josh Dollinger ’10, Jess Borislow ’07 and Rex Messing, Mike Borislow P’07 ’10 and Jennifer Borislow ’78 P’07 ’10.

2. Celebrating Jono Gould’s wedding are, from left: (front) Jon Munro ’13, Jono Gould ’13, James Estabrook ’13; (back) Gyb Spilsbury ’14, Zack Hallock ’13, Will Jenkins ’14, and Evan Goldstein ’12.

3. Annie Grolund Margas ’11, married James Magras on September 7, 2024. Joining the celebration were Blake Munro ’62, Lauren Dole ’83, and Robin Gronlund ’81.

4. Celebrating Jacob Lenz’s wedding were, from left: (front row) Christy Maerlender ’12, Meg (Fauver) Shafir ’12, Susan Sanzone Fauver P’09 ’12, Dalton Winslow P’12 ’14; (second row) Elaine Lenz P’88 ’96 ’08 ’12, Jacob Lenz ’12, Lauren Lenz ’08, Sarah Porter Sheehan ’13, and Susan Gregory-Davis P’08 ’13 ’17; (third row) Sue Reetz P’09 ’12, Jen Lenz ’96, Karen Lenz ’88, and Leslie MacGregor P’12 ’14; (back row) Allen Winslow ’12, Ian Gregory-Davis ’13, John Gregory-Davis P’08 ’13 ’17, Jim Lenz P’88 ’96 ’08 ’12, and Will Sheehan ’13.

“I was inducted as a member of the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators in September.” —MARK HAMILL ’87

Find Your Way Home to The Hilltop

There’s nothing like reconnecting with friends and classmates from Kimball Union! All classes are invited home to Reunion 2025, with special celebrations for classes ending in 5 and 0. Make your plans and register today!

Reunion May 30-June 1, 2025

Last Word

Rejuvenating History Through Art

For the better part of four decades, Bradford Johnson has brought the past to life through his art. His most recent piece, a collage of paintings recognizing the Class of 2024’s gift to restore the Baxter Bell Tower, achieves that and more.

Unveiled last fall as part of an exhibition at the Academy’s Taylor Art Gallery, Johnson’s creation compiles historic imagery, modernized and laid out in fashion that depicts a story of life on The Hilltop familiar to any who have stepped foot on campus. The piece now hangs in the renovated Welch Residential Hall.

“What was lovely about the KUA piece was that it fit perfectly with my interest in memory and the past and finding images that are forgotten and pulling them into the present,” Johnson says. “By doing that, you can inspire people to think about time and how similar in some ways things can be or how much can sometimes be forgotten.”

Johnson started by visiting the KUA archives, where Archivist Anna Olson offered access to hundreds of photos dating back to the school’s 1813 founding.

Among the images chosen for the collage were a 1700s hand-drawn map of Meriden and several photographs of the bell tower atop multiple iterations of buildings at what is now Baxter Hall. The process of modernizing images taken more than a century ago and telling a linear story is meticulous and time consuming. Once he determined the outline for the piece, Johnson began a lengthy layering process that involved painting by hand, applying a thin acrylic coat, and creating a silkscreen through a photo emulsion process. By repeating these steps several times, Johnson says, his pieces take on new life, yet age, all at the same time.

“The idea there is about time,” Johnson explains. “The process creates a layering and distancing effect that helps depict time now that the images have color that wasn’t there

initially. When you take a black-and-white photograph, that gives the impression of an old, distant period of time; when you color it, sometimes you start messing with peoples’ perceptions of ‘Well, how old is that photograph?’ ”

Johnson, who has exhibited extensively across the country, says his favorite part of the artistic process is learning about a subject’s unique history and how perceptions of that history may or may not have changed through time. When it came to the KUA piece, Johnson cited another element he wasn’t quite expecting: “Being there for the opening and speaking with people about the campus, especially students, gave me a lot of joy,” Johnson says. “The students were really inquisitive and unabashed in giving me their opinions and thoughts on the work, which is always so rewarding.”

The Class of 2024’s gift to KUA will help restore the Baxter Bell Tower to functioning form. K

“You can inspire people to kind of think about time and how similar in some ways things can be or how much can sometimes be forgotten.”

BRADFORD JOHNSON