Crimson Magazine Fall 2021

Contents Remarks from the Head of School...............................2 New Additions...............................4 MBS Moments...............................8 MBS Welcomes Liz Morrison as New Head of School............. 22 Stronger Together: 50 Years of Coeducation................................ 26 Future Present: The CID after 3 years............................................ 30

Stories of Excellence in Teaching & Learning................................... 34 Beyond the Classroom.............. 38 Crimson Corner......................... 42 Powerfully Prepared................... 46 Alumni Moments....................... 50 Class Notes.................................. 60 In Memoriam.............................. 67

REMARKS FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear MBS Family & Friends, As we start our 130th year of educating young minds and our 50th year of coeducation, it is my pleasure and my honor to write my first letter to the community as the seventh Head of Morristown Beard School.

In the very beginning of the Head of School search process, I had the opportunity to tour the campus. The campus was beautiful and the learning spaces were inspiring. What really stuck with me, however, were the many references to the people and the School community. It was essential that I find a place with a dedicated faculty and staff, an involved and thoughtful student body, and supportive families and alumni, who have deep affection and appreciation for the School and the experience.

While the remainder of the interview process was via Zoom, I could still hear the excitement and joy about MBS. That joy led me to take the leap and start a new chapter in New Jersey. Since we have moved, the two most frequent questions I have been asked are “How could you leave paradise for New Jersey?” and “How is your transition going?”

While there is incredible beauty in the Caribbean, New Jersey has its own beauty too! In many ways, the answer is how could I not seize the opportunity to lead a dynamic, balanced, and energized School that transforms lives through relationships and experiences? This opportunity will enable me to continue to do the work I love, which is working in a thoughtful, intentional, and authentic school community close to family and friends.

My transition has been smooth, in part, because of the efforts of the Board, especially Lissa Ferrell and Scott Tannen, and Peter Caldwell, who all worked hard to assure that I was caught up on the School and comfortable with our move. MBS and Northern New Jersey feel very familiar which has also made our transition easy. We lived in Dutchess County, New York for 27 years prior to moving to St. Thomas, VI.

have met families, alumni, faculty, staff, and students, and it seems as though the message from all constituents is clear—“MBS is a special place.” Meeting with groups of athletes and student leaders, I hear pride for the School, and I see an investment from them in creating an environment that is supportive of all and welcoming to all. I, too, believe that we are a special place, and I have witnessed this in conversations about the curriculum, about student learning and engagement, and most importantly, in conversations about creating a School where all of our families feel that they belong.

On July 1 as I drove to School, I recall wondering if MBS was truly the School I imagined it to be from my brief visit in July 2020 and from my Zoom conversations. Now, after a hundred days of being a part of the Morristown Beard community, I can say, I hit it out of the park! I

I am excited to continue to be immersed in all things MBS. There is much work to be done to meet all of our students, to meet with groups of families, to host alumni events, and to work with the Board of Trustees to assure that we continue to be the outstanding School that we are, delivering

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“

I, too, believe that we are a special place, and I have witnessed this in conversations about the curriculum, about student learning and engagement, and most importantly, in conversations about creating a School where all of our families feel that they belong.

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an excellent educational experience in a way that enables students to have balance, agency, and exploration.

Go Crimson!

All the best,

Liz Morrison Head of School

Crimson Fall 2021

Office of Advancement Director of Advancement Betsy B. Patterson P ’14, ’16 Advancement Assistant Cheryl Bartlett Director of Marketing & Communications Crimson Managing Editor Janet Burdorf News & Information Manager Crimson Senior Writer Steve Patchett P ’24, ’26 Graphic Design Associate Crimson Graphic Designer Sharon Cain Website Manager Michael Smith Media Manager Tiffany Zuber Associate Director of Alumni Relations & Faculty/Staff Giving Monya Taylor Davis ’88 Associate Director of Annual Giving & Young Alumni Maggie Ranger ’10 Advancement Services Manager Melissa Hickey Director of Special Events & Parents Association Dianna Carroll P ’14, ’16 Contributing Writers Dr. Owen Boynton, Steve Patchett P ’24, ’26, Betsy B. Patterson P ’14, ’16, Maggie Ranger ’10, Roger Richard, Carol Selman ’64 Photography Vincent Carchietta (MCV Photography), Peter Chollick Photography, David Kramer ’69, Steve Patchett P ’24, ’26, Jopofoto, Tiffany Zuber

Board of Trustees 2021-2022 OFFICERS John F. Fay P ’11, ’14, ’20, President Paul R. Hawkins ’85, P ’18, ’20, Vice President Lee Kellogg Sadrian ’89, P ’26, ’28, Vice President Gail Kaltenbacher Kurz ’86, P ’17, ’19, Vice President Carisa V. Strauss P ’20, ’22, ’24, Vice President Scott J. Tannen ’95, P ’22, ’25, ’25, Vice President Ravi Chopra ’97, Treasurer Pamela Nelson Davidson ’90, Secretary TRUSTEES Liz Morrison, Head of School Dena Y. Baptiste P ’14 Mary-Ellen Campbell P ’72, ’78 (Honorary) Ron DePoalo P ’10, ’12, ’14, ’19 Kelly MacMahon Ewing ’91, P ’24, ’24, ’24 Lissa Jean Ferrell P ’22 Peter Fiverson P ’25, ’28 Shanae M. Green P ’27 David V. H. Hedley ’64, P ’87, ’90, ’97 (Honorary) Allan P. Kirby Jr. ’49, P ’75, GP ’01 (Honorary)* David A. McManus P ’21 David T. Molowa P ’05 Ajay Nagpal P ’19, ’21 Darnell T. Parker ’00 Michael W. Ranger P ’10, ’13 (Honorary) Bruce Sanford P ’16, ’20 Marlynn Scully P ’87, ’92, GP ’20, ’22 (Honorary) Laurence H. Sherman P ’20, ’22, ’26 Penny Sokolowski P ’18, ’20, ’25 R. Cartwright Wallace ’93 Janine Webb P ’24, ’26 Sherif Zakhary P ’20, ’22, ’27 * Deceased

Senior Leadership Team Liz Morrison - Head of School Darren Burns - Associate Head of School P ’19, ’22 Klarissa Karosen - Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging P ’26, ’28 Philicia Levinson - Chief Financial & Operating Officer P ’19 Ryan Liese - Head of Upper School Boni Luna - Head of Middle School Robert L. Mitchell II - Director of Enrollment Management P ’15, ’20, ’23 Betsy B. Patterson - Director of Advancement P ’14, ’16

NEW ADDITIONS

MBS Welcomes New Board of Trustee Members KELLY MACMAHON EWING ’91, P ’24, ’24, ’24 Kelly graduated from MBS in 1991 and went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at Fairfield University. She continued her studies at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey obtaining a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy. Kelly began her physical therapy career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Over the years, she has educated physical therapy students as a clinical supervisor, an adjunct teacher at UMDNJ and guest lecturer at Stonybrook University in NY. She returned back to New Jersey and worked at various outpatient physical therapy facilities for 12 years. During that time, Kelly went back to school and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. She currently practices Homecare and Hospice physical therapy for Atlantic Visiting Nurse.

Kelly resides in Florham Park with her husband Paul and four children—triplets Abby, Bridget and Colleen and 11-year-old Danny. The girls are current sophomores at MBS. Kelly has been involved in numerous volunteering experiences over the years including the Florham Park PTA and co-chairing a not-for-profit summer camp since 2018.

PETER FIVERSON P ’25, ’28 Peter is the is the founder and CEO of SKT Group, a private equity investment company which owns and manages operating businesses as well as industrial real estate. Prior, he was the Chief founder of SNAP Transloading LLC, a railroad services company. Peter graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Communications.

Peter and his wife, Amanda, have deep roots in their community. They have been involved in numerous charities such as UJA MetroWest, the Chrons & Colitis Foundation, March of Dimes, and Jespy House.

Peter and Amanda reside in New Vernon, NJ with their children, Sloane and Nicki. Sloane is in 9th grade and Nicki is in 6th grade at MBS.

PENNY SOKOLOWSKI P ’18, ’20, ’25 Penny graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a BA in Political Science. For the last 20 years, Penny has volunteered to support children and families in northern New Jersey at organizations such as Family Intervention Services, the Kipp Schools, and is currently a volunteer at Link Community Charter School.

As a parent at MBS, Penny has thoroughly enjoyed volunteering as a Parent Ambassador, a member of the Racial Justice Task Force, team parent for boys lacrosse, and parent coordinator for the MBS Boys Lacrosse Community Day with Harlem Lacrosse and Link Community School. She is currently the Athletic Liaison for the Parents Association and the Co-Chair of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

Penny resides in Summit, NJ with her husband Joe and their four sons, Joe, Drew, Thomas, and Kevin. Two of her sons are graduates of MBS and one is currently in 9th grade.

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MBS Welcomes New Faculty & Staff This year’s newest members of the MBS community include:

SHERIF ZAKHARY P ’20, ’22, ’27 Sherif Zakhary is currently the Global Head of Business Development at Aon. Prior to that, he was a Managing Director at Guy Carpenter and Head of Corporate Life and PensionsAmericas at Zurich Financial Services. Sherif graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelors of Science - Applied Economics and Business Management. He currently resides in Short Hills, NJ with his wife, Maggie, and their three sons, Evan, Tyler, and Owen. Evan is a graduate of MBS and is currently a sophomore at Villanova University while Tyler and Owen are both current MBS students.

Eric Max Butler—Math Max joined our Upper School Math Department.

In addition to his duties as a residential faculty member, he served as a math teacher and head swim coach at Eaglebrook School and, most recently, at Northfield Mount Hermon. In addition, he supervised student work programs and participated in the faculty-led AWARE group, exploring antiracist pedagogies and practices. Max holds a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst), where he earned four Atlantic 10 championship titles, 100-yard backstroke and 200 medley relay records, and M.V.P. in 2011.

Alonda D. Casselle—Admission We welcome Alonda Casselle to the MBS Admission Office as Director of Middle School Admission. She is an experienced educator who has served as a teacher, assistant head, dean of students, and assistant principal. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies and an M.A. in Educational Administration from California State University, and an M.A. in Education from Pepperdine University. For the last five years, Alonda has served in administrative roles at Hollywood Schoolhouse in Los Angeles.

In addition, she brings a wealth of experience as a board member, dean of culture, founding educator, admissions committee member, parents association board member, and has attended four People of Color Conferences.

Barbara Erickson—Wellness Joining our Wellness Department is Barbara Erickson, who comes to us with 34 years of experience with middle and upper school students.

Barbara holds a B.S. in Health and Physical Education from Montclair State University and an M.S. in Health Education from New Jersey City University. For over twenty years, Barbara taught health and wellness, physical education, driver education and led Project Adventure at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge. Barbara states that she strives to make “...connections with my students, Crimson Fall 2021

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NEW ADDITIONS helping them recognize their value, and motivating them to believe they are capable of great things...”

Dennis Evangelista—Science Dennis came to MBS in January 2021 as a temporary maternity replacement. Now, he joins the Science Department as a full-time faculty member.

Dennis came to us from the United States Naval Academy, where he served as an Assistant Professor of Weapons, Robotics, and Control Engineering.

Before that, Dennis served in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant nuclear engineer, a teaching assistant in the MIT/WHOI Joint Program (Mechanical Engineering), a graduate student instructor at UC Berkley, and a post-doctoral research associate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dennis brings his interest and experience with drones and robotics to fruition at MBS in the form of a new elective in the Science Department. He states that he likes teaching in a “...place where I can focus on teaching students science, allowing them to indulge their curiosity and build their wonder of the natural world.”

Scott Greene—Wellness Scott is no stranger to MBS. He has served as the head coach of the boys ice hockey team since 2018. This year, he will expand his role by joining the teaching faculty in the Wellness Department.

Scott’s experience includes head coach of the New Jersey Colonials and Associate Coach of the New Jersey Rockets. He earned a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Scranton, where he was also the recipient of the Loyola Scholarship and the Sweeney Family Business Scholarship and was an ACHA Academic All-American 2009-2010.

Gabriel Guadalupe—World Language Gabriel comes to the MBS Upper School World Language Department from the Buxton School in Williamstown, MA, where he served as a Spanish teacher and a residential faculty member. He holds a B.A. in Spanish and Russian from SUNY Albany, an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from SUNY Albany, an M.A. in Russian from Middlebury College, and a Ph.D. in Spanish Linguistics from SUNY Albany. Gabriel states that “being a heritage learner of Spanish and a second language learner of Russian has greatly influenced my approach to teaching...

As a student and a person, I learned to rise to the challenges of being away from one’s family, outside of one’s culture, by developing a sense of independence, resourcefulness, and bravery to accomplish one’s

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goals...I guide my students and encourage them to take risks so that they too may reap the benefits of hard work and determination.”

Abigail Henkel—World Language We welcome Abigail Henkel to the World Language Department as a teacher of French. Abby holds a B.A. in French & Francophone Studies/ Anthropology from Hamilton College. Her honors thesis for her French concentration was entitled “The Fantasized Parisienne: Images of Women in French New Wave Films.” For her Anthropology concentration, she wrote an honors thesis entitled “Makeup and Other Masks: Beauty and the Self During COVID-19.” As part of her studies, Abby spent a year in Paris with coursework at Sciences Po, Hamilton College’s Reid Hall, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, and Université Paris Diderot.

As a graduating senior at Hamilton, Abby was the recipient of The Franklin G. Hamlin Prize in French.

Kathryn Kao—History Joining the MBS Middle School History Department is Kathryn Kao. Kathryn holds a B.A. in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History from Brandeis University, an M.F.A. in Musical Theater Writing from N.Y.U., and an M.Ed. in Museum Education/Childhood from Bank Street College of Education. Her most recent experience was at Notre Dame Academy, where she was a 7th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher. Kathryn loves middle school education because “it’s an age where they’re figuring out who they are as students and as people.”

Anna Kim—English We welcome Anna Kim to the Upper School English Department. Anna comes to MBS from The Lawrenceville School, where, as a Woods Teaching Fellow, she taught English and supervised students in the residential program. Anna holds a B.A. in English and Philosophy from Williams College and an M.S. in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Anna states that her goal is to “share my strengths and visions with an innovative and supportive network of diverse educators who value community activism and aspire to build sustainable teaching and learning experiences.”

Lisa Tilton-Levine—English, Center for Academic Writing Lisa began her tenure at MBS in the Center for Academic Writing in March 2021, and currently teaches writing and literature classes in the English Department. A parent of both a current and former MBS student (classes of ’19 & ’23), Lisa values many aspects of MBS: its emphasis on intellectual independence, risk-taking and curiosity; its supportive and inclusive community; and its commitment to empowering all students to reach their full potential.

Lisa holds a B.A. in English and French from The Ohio State University, an M.A. in English Literature from the University of Rochester, and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in English Literature. She most recently served as an Assistant Professor of English at Seton Hall University.

Brian Maher—History, Wellness We welcome Brian Maher to MBS. Brian joined the History Department primarily and also teaches in the Wellness Department. He is a graduate of Villanova University, where he was a Big East Academic All-Star and team member and captain of the varsity tennis team. He received his J.D. from the New England School of Law, where he was the recipient of the Cali Award (highest grade of the class). Brian has also served as Head Varsity Women’s Tennis Coach at Caldwell College, Varsity Women’s Tennis Assistant Coach at Seton Hall, and the Assistant Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at Stevens Institute of Technology.

Christian Gomez-Reyes—World Language Joining the MBS Upper School World Language Department is Christian Gomez-Reyes. He comes to us from Delbarton School, where he served as a Spanish teacher, soccer coach, and long-term substitute teacher. He holds a B.A. in Spanish from Rutgers. As a native Spanish speaker from Lima, Peru, Christian is enthusiastic about sharing his language and culture with students and forming a personal connection with them both as a teacher and a coach.

A’Dorian Murray-Thomas—DEIB, English A’Dorian joins the MBS faculty as Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and as a teacher of English. A’Dorian, who holds a B.A. from Swarthmore College in Political Science and Educational Studies, serves on the School Board of the Newark Public School System as the youngest woman ever elected to that position. She is also the founder and CEO of SHE Wins Inc., a leadership and mentoring organization for adolescent girls in Newark

that works with young women affected by violence, centered on social-emotional learning, college, and career readiness. A’Dorian is the recipient of several awards and distinctions, including the New Jersey Governor’s Award for Volunteerism and Service and being named a President Obama Champion of Change for College Opportunity.

Kenneth Tousignant—Math We welcome Ken Tousignant, who brings his energy and enthusiasm to the Middle School Math Department. Ken comes to MBS from Saint Mary High School in Rutherford, where he taught Physics, Algebra, Environmental Science, and STEM Engineering classes. He holds a B.S. in Physics and Astronomy from Siena College. During his college career, Ken studied in Budapest, Hungary, taking courses in Hungarian Language, European Union Politics, and Microeconomics.

Andrea N. King Wilson—History Joining the MBS History Department is Andrea N. King Wilson. She comes to us from The Young Women’s Leadership School in East Harlem, where she held a variety of positions that included history teacher, department chair, and member of the professional development committee. Andrea has held adjunct college faculty positions, has developed New York and national U.S. History curricula, and has worked with Teacher’s College, Columbia University as a cooperating teacher. She holds a B.A. in African American Studies from the University of California, and an M.A. in Education (Social Studies 7-12) from St. John’s University. She is finishing her Ph.D. in American History from the University of California.

Jane Zagajeski—Science Jane brings her extensive experience with Middle School Science to MBS. She has taught middle school at Montclair Kimberley Academy, The Brearley School, and most recently served as department chair at Elizabeth Morrow School. Jane holds a B.A. in Spanish Literature and Language/ Pre Med from Columbia University and an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University. Jane states that “middle school students hit the sweet spot of exuberant curiosity paired with growing intellectual ability. Teaching science to middle schoolers is all about harnessing that curiosity and exuberance, creating structures to foster and capture their intellectual understandings, and providing the security and support for each student as an individual.”

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MBS MOMENTS

Community Day Morristown Beard School kicked off the 2021-2022 academic year with Community Day on September 9. Students met with advisors, attended summer reading discussions and social media workshops, and gathered during some free time to reconnect with each other.

The new Head of School Liz Morrison held a meeting with each grade individually in Founders Hall where she encouraged students to practice kindness, take risks, and try new activities this year.

MBS Welcomes Student from Belgium Morristown Beard School is pleased to welcome Jeanne Delaby, a junior from Belgium who is attending classes at MBS this fall for two months as part of a regional project called Expedis.

The goal of the project is to allow stellar students like Jeanne to experience life in a foreign country by attending school and learning another language.

Jeanne arrived in the United States in August and she is being hosted by her aunt who lives in Harding. She is taking a wide array of classes at MBS and is interested in field hockey. Jeanne’s visit is being coordinated by Aline de la Torre-McCloskey, Director of Global Studies at MBS.

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Michael Sciarra ’22 Named National Merit Semifinalist Congratulations to Michael who was named a semifinalist in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The pool of 16,000 semifinalists nationwide represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. The group was selected out of 1.6 million students for earning the highest scores on the 2020 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Michael now has an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 Merit Scholarship Awards that will be offered in the spring. To become a finalist, a semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the school principal, and earn SAT scores that confirm the student's earlier qualifying test performance.

New Parent and Grade-Level Parent Socials On Friday, September 17, Morristown Beard School welcomed parents of newlyenrolled students at a special reception on the Class of 2020 Quad. On Saturday, parents of returning students gathered by grades for some socializing on the Quad and Senior Circle. The outdoor events gave parents an opportunity to mix and mingle, make new friends, and meet new Head of School Liz Morrison and other members of the MBS community.

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MBS MOMENTS

David Gold Continues to Perform with The Eagles In August, Performing Arts Department Chair David Gold performed with The Eagles band once again for two shows at Madison Square Garden (he played three sold-out shows at MSG in 2020) and two shows at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.—their first concerts since COVID-19 derailed the tour. David played the viola as part of the 40-piece string section.

Also, this summer, David recorded the score for the historical documentary They Survived Together, a story of a family who survived the Holocaust that was shown as part of the SOMA Film Festival in Maplewood in September.

Upper School Performs Sweeney Todd Last spring, the Upper School cast of Sweeney Todd delivered three performances outside on the Class of 2020 Quad. The staging, lighting, and the professional orchestra wowed the attentive audiences on those three beautiful spring evenings. The students gave their usual stellar performances even though they were outside in the open air instead of being onstage in the Theatre at Founders Hall.

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The production was directed by Jim Ruttman (Performing Arts Department), the orchestra was directed by Ben Krauss (Performing Arts Department) and lighting and sound was directed by Nik Marmo, (Art & Design Department).

Maya Bhide ’23 Sings National Anthem at New York Jets Game Congratulations to MBS junior Maya Bhide ’23, who did an outstanding job singing the National Anthem before the New York Jets preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night, August 27 at MetLife Stadium.

Maya showed tremendous poise as she navigated numerous obstacles including rain and the audio lag in the stadium to sing beautifully before a crowd of 50,000. “Her performance was incredible and a great way to kick off our first game back in MetLife Stadium,” said New York Jets representative Olivia Sherman.

“It was incredible singing in front of thousands of people—it felt like I was on top of the world,” said Maya. “I briefly saw myself on the big screen in the beginning and end of my performance and that got my adrenaline pumping. I will remember having my family by my side and all the love and positive energy that comes from the crowd.”

Maya earned this distinguished opportunity after winning the 18 and Under category of the 14th annual talent show Morristown ONSTAGE last March. For the finals, Bhide sung a stunning version of the Mariah Carey song “Hero.”

Zac Taylor ’22 Receives Four “Yeses” on America’s Got Talent

At MBS, Bhide has sung with the Upper School Chorus and has appeared on the Founders Hall stage numerous times for assemblies and in the musicals Sweeney Todd, Cabaret, and Honk, Jr. She has been singing since she was 5 and takes voice and piano lessons outside of school.

“You’re very cool, very current,” Cowell told him.

MBS senior Zac Taylor ’22 recently showcased his singing talent on a national level as he auditioned for the popular TV show America’s Got Talent and received four enthusiastic ‘yeses’ from celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara.

For his AGT audition, which aired on July 20 on NBC, Zac sang “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar.

“During quarantine, I was on TikTok more than I should’ve been,” explained Zac, who was born in the U.K. “I saw people singing every day and saw someone singing ‘Best Part,’ downloaded it, listened to it, and it became my favorite. Just suits my voice, too.”

Zac said that he was invited to audition for AGT after being contacted by someone at the show who saw one of his TikToks after it went viral. They started exchanging emails and things progressed until he had an invitation to audition in Los Angeles.

Although he didn’t advance to the live shows, Zac said that participating in the competition was an uplifting experience and he made friends during the taping.

“It made the show really enjoyable since everyone was cheering everyone on and everyone was really supportive, which made it a lot better and easier,” he said.

At MBS, Zac is a member of the Upper School Chorus and has performed for the community as part of several All-School Meetings as well as last spring’s CultureFest.

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MBS MOMENTS

Celebrating Our Heroes During Teacher Appreciation Week in May, the MBS community gave a big thanks to our extraordinary teachers who worked tirelessly to inspire, enrich, and challenge our students every day.

In July, the MBS Summer Institute offered two, three-week courses for academic credit— Environmental Economics and Constitutional Debates—as well as a pair of two-week enrichment courses—Math Foundations and Wordsmithing. An online college essay class was also part of the course offering.

Middle Schoolers also attended enrichment courses—Math Madness, Digital Sketching Bootcamp, Wordsmithing, and Strategy Gaming.

Since 2018, the MBS Summer Institute has offered courses that are project-based, experiential, and founded on the principles of design thinking—collaboration, brainstorming, prototyping, critique, and a constant interrogation of constraints in order to find new paths to success.

Course offerings for next summer’s program will be available later this year.

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Spring Dance Concert In May, more than 75 students performed in the Spring Dance Concert held on Burke Field.

Design Arts Teacher Matt Martino Wins Architecture Award Before joining MBS, Matt Martino was a practicing architect with NK Architects. His final project—a classroom building on the Kean University Skylands ecocampus—won a Gold Award from the Newark and Essex Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The “classroom in the trees” project was part of a larger project on Kean’s Skylands campus in Jefferson, NJ. While working at NK Architects, Martino served as lead designer and project manager for Morristown Beard School’s Center for Innovation & Design (CID), the Math & Science Center, and the renovation of Wilkie Hall before leaving the firm to join MBS.

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MBS MOMENTS

CultureFest 2021 The inaugural MBS CultureFest took place in May out on the football field. Talented Middle and Upper School students celebrated the cultural richness of MBS through music and dance performances.

GLOW CLUB GUEST SPEAKER Aurora Straus, a 22-year-old female race car driver, Harvard student, and women’s rights advocate, spoke to the Middle and Upper School GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) Clubs about working in a maledominated industry, knowing your self-worth, and advocating for yourself. To combat the stereotypes and serve as a resource, Aurora started Girls With Drive, a nonprofit initiative designed to get young girls interested in motorsports and STEM careers.

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Holocaust Survivor Tells His Story MBS parents and students had the privilege of listening to the emotional story of 86-year-old Mark Schonwetter who grew up in Poland and survived the Holocaust by hiding in attics, under floor boards, and in the forest with his mother and his little sister after his father had been taken by the Gestapo.

Mr. Schonwetter’s talk was made possible by the Holocaust Council’s “Survivors Speak” program and was part of a series of events at MBS designed to celebrate Jewish heritage and promote tolerance.

Schonwetter said he hoped that his story resonated with students and that they share it with other people. Above all, he encouraged them to practice kindness and understanding.

During an All-School Meeting, four Upper School students presented “Jewish Narratives: Voices from the MBS Community” in which they shared stories of their family's Holocaust experiences and discussed their personal connections with the cultural and religious aspects of Judaism.

Students Participate in LGBTQIA+ Ally Workshop MBS Upper School students participated in a half-day workshop on campus designed to help them gain a better understanding of the spectrum of gender identity and sexual orientation and what it means to be an LGBTQIA+ ally. Thanks to MBS graduate Dan Levine ’19, who served as keynote speaker for the event.

In the keynote address, Dan discussed his journey as a transgender individual and underscored the positive impact allies have made in his life.

“For me, an ally is anyone who shows respect for another person. It’s important to recognize that we’re all different but we’re all human. Just being nice to each other can go a long way,” he said.

The forum concluded with students brainstorming about ways they could become better allies at MBS.

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MBS MOMENTS

2021 Commencement Family members gathered on campus on Saturday, June 12 for the Class of 2021 Commencement ceremony.

One hundred and ten seniors received diplomas.

Students Welcomed into The Cum Laude Society Congratulations to the 13 inductees from the Class of 2021: Ari Bersch ’21, Hannah Blake ’21, Justin Green ’21, Aneel Kahlon ’21, Sarah Karbachinskiy ’21, Samuel Kasmin ’21, Terence Luongo ’21, Kimberly Magnotta ’21, Katherine Miles ’21, Olivia Omelczuk ’21, Mikail Patankar ’21, Timothy Schietroma ’21, and Kailyn Williams ’21.

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MBS MOMENTS

Moving Up

On Friday, June 11, Morristown Beard School held its 2021 Middle School “Moving Up” ceremony. Sixty-six eighth graders advanced from the Middle School to the Upper School.

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A Farewell to Peter J. Caldwell On the evening of June 17, over 250 members of the MBS community gathered outside on Senior Circle for a celebration and farewell toast to Peter J. Caldwell on his retirement after 10 years at MBS. There were several speakers who shared stories and reflections on Peter’s tenure and also presented him with a gift.

Retiring Trustee Abbie Giordano P ’12, ’15, ’17, Honorary Trustee and former Board President Michael Ranger P ’10, ’13, and Former Trustee the Honorable Siobhan Teare ’77 reflected on Peter’s accomplishments and then presented their gifts which included a School chair, an engraved paver for the front of Beard Hall, and “Bench Talks” by Peter J. Caldwell—a published book of selected talks that Peter delivered to students over the years.

The President of the Parents Association Kim Sgro P ’22, ’24 presented Darcy and Peter with MBS Adirondack chairs; the President of the Alumni Association Amy Chaiken Wolffe ’78 presented a framed picture of the School; and Trustee Dena Baptiste P ’14 presented an engraved box containing hundreds of

personal notes to Peter from the MBS community including students, parents, and alumni.

English faculty member Darren Lovelock paid tribute to his colleague and friend, Darcy Caldwell. He also presented her with flowers and a plaque dedicating her classroom to her.

Peter’s brothers Tim and Sverre were among the many guests and surprised Peter and Darcy with several animated stories of growing up with Peter.

After unveiling Peter’s portrait, Mike Ranger announced that the Peter J. Caldwell Scholarship Endowment Fund exceeded $1 million, thanked all of those in attendance, and led a toast to Peter and Darcy.

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MBS Welcomes Liz Morrison

By Steve Patchett P ’24, ’26

as New Head of School A new era at Morristown Beard School officially began on July 1 as Elizabeth “Liz” Morrison assumed her role as the new Head of School. The fact that she joins the MBS community during its 50th anniversary of coeducation is both fitting and historic. She is the first woman to serve as Head of School at MBS since The Morristown School and The Beard School merged in 1971, and she joins the ranks of only a handful of other women in the state serving in the position.

Liz comes to MBS from Antilles School, an independent, coeducational college preparatory school in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, where she served as Head of School for the past four years. She brings more than three decades of experience in independent school education, having served as Assistant Head of School at the Millbrook School in Millbrook, New York before joining Antilles School.

At the Millbrook School, she held positions as Dean of Students, Academic Dean, and Director of College Counseling. Earlier in her career, Liz served as a math teacher and Chair of the Math Department at Oakwood Friends. More recently, Liz was inducted into the Headmasters Association, a highly prestigious association of only 100 members.

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Although she is starting her 34th year in education, Liz describes herself as an “accidental educator.” “I had a dream job that was lined up in Colorado Springs in 1988. I was going to do biomechanical footstrike research for Nike out of the Olympic training center, and I took a sharp left turn when I was waiting for some research to mature for a thesis I was working on,” she explained. “A school took a huge risk on me and hired me to teach math and science, and after that first year I was hooked.”

A graduate of The Bryn Mawr School, Liz holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Liz grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and was a proud member of the 1986 University of Maryland NCAA Division 1 National Champion Women's Lacrosse team. She has a son and daughter in their twenties, along with two adult stepchildren. Her husband Tom is a corporate pilot.

Q: How has your background prepared you to lead MBS? A: In many ways I started my leadership journey when I was in high school. I was a team captain and one of the two main student government leaders my senior year. In addition to having leadership roles throughout my life, I have been in independent schools my entire career and had a number of different positions from Math Department Chair to Director of College Counseling to Academic Dean to Assistant Head of School before becoming a Head of School in 2016. My work as a Head of School the last five years has also prepared me well to lead MBS.

Q: How will you measure your success?

A: I would imagine that the quality of the experience of our students,

the success of our graduates, and the retention of our faculty and staff will be the best determinant of my success.

Throughout the search process, Liz’s supervisors and colleagues were uniform in their praise for her professionalism, work ethic, communications, and teambuilding skills, along with her business and curriculum development acumen.

“We are confident that under Liz Morrison’s leadership, Morristown Beard School will attain new heights, our horizons will continue to expand, and our students will continue to flourish,” said John Fay, President of the Board of Trustees. “We are thrilled to have her at MBS this fall, and we wish her unprecedented success!”

Crimson magazine recently sat down with Liz to learn more about her background and educational philosophy.

Q: What attracted you to Morristown Beard School?

A: I was attracted to the community—a place that is nurturing,

student-centered, innovative, and authentic. I love the time and space that students have to discover areas of interest, and their ability to be involved in a multitude of different activities. I was drawn to a place with a dedicated, accomplished faculty and staff and a place with happy students and grateful parents. I was also very impressed with the commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging among the MBS community and the formation of the Racial Justice Task Force. I look forward to working together to continue the work that has been done to ensure that all students feel empowered to be their full, authentic selves.

Q: What impresses you most about the student body and the faculty & staff at MBS?

A: The faculty and staff are so incredibly talented and bring a wealth

of experience to their work at MBS. I have also been struck by their commitment to our School. The students are friendly, kind, and engaged. I have already seen a number of acts of kindness which pleases me greatly.

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Q: What is your educational philosophy?

A: I could write a long essay about my educational philosophy, but

to answer briefly, I believe that an excellent education allows students agency over their own journey, provides time to explore areas of interest, and utilizes a variety of techniques understanding that students learn differently and at different rates. I believe that an excellent education cultivates curiosity and exposes students to a wide range of perspectives.

Additionally, an excellent education includes the arts, athletics, and social emotional growth opportunities.

Q: How would you describe your leadership style?

A: My leadership style is collaborative and I like to employ distributive leadership as well.

Q: What challenges did you face at The Antilles School

and what accomplishments there are you most proud of?

Why?

A: When I was at Antilles, we were hit by two Category 5 hurricanes

14 days apart. That was in my second year at the school, and then in my 24 Crimson Fall 2021

fourth year, we were all impacted by COVID-19. I am proud that we reopened school seven days after the second storm after working around the clock to clean debris and get the classrooms back in order for students. I am also proud that we raised over $1 million to help our families who had been negatively impacted by the storms. I am proud that our COVID-19 protocols were excellent and there was no transmission at school, and we were able to have students physically at school for most of the year. I am proud that the school came out of these successive crises with the essence of the school preserved and the finances manageable.

Q: You were a member of the women’s lacrosse team

at the University of Maryland that won the national championship in 1986. How thrilling was the experience and what lessons did you take away from it?

A: It was amazing to win the national championship. We refused to

lose and played beautiful team lacrosse. The 1986 team was not the most talented Maryland team I was on, but we were more successful because it was a group of selfless players who came out every day supporting each other and making each other better. The synergy we had is a life-long lesson I have taken with me. Groups of people with a shared goal working together and understanding and accepting their roles is a force to be reckoned with.

Q: What would you like someone to think of when they hear the words ‘Morristown Beard School’?

A: When people hear Morristown Beard School, I want them to

immediately think of excellence, balance, tight-knit community, and belonging.

Q: Has anything surprised you in your first few months at Morristown Beard School?

A: I am surprised that nothing has surprised me! You can only learn so

much about a place from a distance. However, I have found the community to be as I had hoped and imagined it would be—open, kind, welcoming, engaged, vibrant, and authentic.

I am the middle child, sandwiched between two brothers. We are grateful that our 94 year old father is still with us, and unfortunately, my mother passed away nine years ago. We are a close family and spend time together at our family camp in the Adirondacks.

Q: Are you part of any professional organizations?

A: I belong to a number of professional organizations, but I am most

active with NAIS. I am on the Board of two organizations that both are trying to grow lacrosse and compete in international tournaments. One is in Guatemala and the other one is in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I am part of two groups of women heads of school. One of them I helped start five years ago and we meet for an annual retreat. These cohorts have been the source of terrific professional development and camaraderie.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? What are you passionate about?

A: I love to travel. I come from a family that values travel and have

continued to do so throughout my adult life. Time with family and with friends is very important to me. I enjoy being outside—walking the dogs, running, hiking, sailing, and swimming to mention a few things I love to do. I have recently picked up tennis again, which I really enjoy. Lacrosse is an activity that has had great meaning to me for decades. I love coaching, watching my own children play, and once a year reuniting with my friends to play again in Lake Placid. I love getting immersed in a good book and wish I had more time to garden.

Q: Who is your hero? Why? A: My grandmother is my hero. Multiple times in her life she faced

significant challenges and through all of them, she never lost her sense of humor, her optimism, or her faith in humanity. She fled Germany pregnant with my mother while her husband was captured and taken to a concentration camp. They reunited in Memphis a few years later. Her husband passed away unexpectedly when my mother was in high school, and without missing a beat, my grandmother got her first official job as a German teacher in order to pay the bills. I spent a lot of time with her, and was always impressed with how she looked ahead and never behind.

She was so proud of me when I got my first teaching job and went out and bought me a dress for faculty meetings. I never had the heart to let her know that faculty no longer dress up for meetings.

Q: Tell me about your family…

A: My husband, Tom, and I have a blended family—he has a son, Tommy and daughter, Elizabeth and I as well (Ben and Xan). Our children are grown and live in DC, Bend, Oregon, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. We are blessed with two grandsons who are 3 and 5. All four children visited us this summer! My husband and his son are pilots and my daughter works for a company named Pilot! Additionally, we have an “adopted” daughter from Ghana. Suwaiba came to the United States for high school and college and she has been a part of our family since her arrival. Coming together as a family is something important to us, and we try to do it at least once a year.

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STRONGER TOGETHER: 50 Years of Growth at Morristown Beard School

1971 of

2021 50 years n C io oeducat

50 Years of Coeducation: A Timeline October, 1974

1971

The Main Building is renamed Beard Hall in memory of Lucie Beard.

The new Morristown Beard School opens the year with an enrollment of 219 students— 133 boys and 86 girls.

June, 1971

The Beard School begins its move from its former campus in Orange, NJ.

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July, 1974

Philip L. Anderson arrives as Head of School. Enrollment grows from 168 to 435 students at the time of his retirement in 1992.

Fifty years ago this fall, The Morristown School and The Beard School— both founded in 1891—merged during one of the most turbulent times in the country’s history to create the extraordinary School we know today.

Throughout its history, Morristown Beard School has met the challenges and opportunities of each new decade and responded to prepare its students for leadership. While staying true to its original values, MBS has actively transformed its facilities, its academic programs, and its co-curricular programs to bring them to new levels of excellence and ensure that its education is as relevant as possible.

While Morristown Beard School experienced its share of uncertainty and growing pains in the early years, strong leadership helped the new School thrive. Polly Campbell, the President of the Board of Trustees in 1974, charted a bold new vision for the School that began with the hiring of Headmaster Philip L. Anderson.

As Headmaster, Anderson worked to join the traditions of The Beard School and The Morristown School after their somewhat uneasy 1971 merger. Recognizing their collective legacy, Morristown Beard School adopted the Beard School's Latin motto of “Ad Astra Per Aspera” (“To The Stars Through Adversity) and the Morristown School's shield. Morristown's Old Main, the central building on campus, was rededicated on October 12, 1974 as Beard Hall in honor of Beard founder Miss Lucie Beard. Long-time Beard Headmistress Edith Sutherland was invited to deliver the Dedication Address at the ceremony.

Anderson had a clear vision for Morristown Beard School. He believed a school was not a corporation and should not be run like one. He was personally involved in admission and college counseling in addition to

2003

MBS renovates Beard Hall, Grant Hall, and Anderson Library.

1986

Simon Athletic Center and Rooke Family Pool completed.

1979

The Middle School was established for grades 7 and 8. Mr. Anderson names Dr. Leona Fagan as Head.

1988

Dining Hall and Science Center building completed.

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STRONGER TOGETHER: 50 Years of Growth at Morristown Beard School

1971 of

administration. Anderson met with every prospective student and family, and he interviewed every prospective faculty member.

2021 50 years Coeducation

Under his leadership, a 7th and 8th Grade Middle School was created in 1979 and was later expanded to include a 6th Grade. During his 18year tenure at MBS, Anderson secured the School’s financial footings, and enrollment nearly tripled, growing from 168 to 435 students. He significantly expanded the number of faculty and enhanced the School’s academic programs. The campus grew as well—both the Dining Hall/ Science Center and the Simon Athletic Center were built during his time as Headmaster.

"Heading MBS was a challenge, but I had a great team—great faculty, great coaches. We created opportunities for kids to flourish," Anderson said. "The leader gets the credit, but credit should go to the entire team.

I learned in the Marines, you can't do it alone; I had a great staff, great people."

Much of the success of the School in its early years also rested on the shoulders of a dedicated group of teachers. Several key faculty members who taught at The Morristown School remained at MBS after the merger, including English teacher Arthur Lee James, math teacher Paul Furrer, and history teacher Gordon Saunders.

History teacher Rose Koch was among a small number of Beard faculty who made the transition to the new School. Koch was instrumental in

creating a new Student Government Association and remained as SGA advisor throughout her entire 40-year teaching career. She also brought the Model United Nations to MBS and was a motivating force behind the School’s Service Learning Program. When she retired from Morristown Beard School in 2010, she was praised by Headmaster Alex Curtis for her dedication to the students and for the way she “imbued Morristown Beard School with a social conscience. She has a global perspective for all the right reasons—to help those who are less fortunate,” said Dr. Curtis.

An immensely talented and caring faculty has always been one of the greatest assets of the School, and just as the number of faculty members has grown (from 26 in 1971 to more than 100 today) so too have their academic qualifications. Today, more than 70 percent of MBS faculty have advanced degrees and nearly 25 percent have Ph.D.s.

While individual attention and a personal approach to education have remained steadfast, the School has reformed its curriculum over the years to emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, independent thought, and intellectual risk-taking. With vision and purpose, MBS has also expanded its global outreach programs and embraced the latest technology to meet the needs of its students and faculty. In the fall of 2010, Morristown Beard School became one of the first schools in the nation to integrate the iPad into its curriculum. Today, MBS still requires students to use an iPad or other tablet device to assist in schoolwork, and the School continues to embrace the latest innovative technology. In 2017, MBS became the only

2011

2010

2007

MBS becomes one of the first schools in the nation to integrate the iPad into the curriculum.

Headmaster Dr. Alex Curtis initiates the Ahead with Confidence campaign for capital improvements including the Middle School and Performing Arts Center.

2009

Founders Hall and the new Middle School open.

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MBS embraces the 21st Century paradigm for secondary education focusing on developing skills over memorizing content, on critical and creative thinking, and on a “growth” mindset.

2017

The School opens its state-of-the-art Math & Science Center.

institution in New Jersey to introduce Science On a Sphere®, an extraordinary educational tool that uses computers and video projectors to display planetary data onto a six-foot diameter sphere, analogous to a giant animated globe.

To help provide a rich learning environment for its students, the School has actively transformed the campus thanks to a series of successful fundraising initiatives. In 2003, Headmaster Laird Davis oversaw a capital campaign which raised $13 million towards the renovation of Beard Hall, Grant Hall, and Anderson Library. From there, nearly 20 years of unprecedented growth followed.

In the past 15 years alone, MBS has renovated every building on campus, installed turf on each athletic field, and constructed a spectacular 630-seat performing arts center, a state-of-the-art Math & Science Center, and a bustling Center for Innovation & Design, which serves as the creative hub of the campus. Thanks to the generosity of nearly 2,000 donors, the School’s five-year, $20 million Transforming Our Future campaign became the most successful fundraising effort in MBS history—raising more than $26 million, transforming the campus, increasing financial aid, and enhancing the student experience.

“The initiatives most meaningful to me have been ones that enhance the daily experience of students, teachers, and staff, including our significant and thoughtful work in DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) to ensure all members of the community feel that they belong,” said Head of School Peter J. Caldwell during his retirement last spring.

Now, as Morristown Beard School begins its 50th year of coeducation, Liz Morrison—the first female Head of School in MBS history—is eager to continue the legacy.

“As I come to better understand MBS, I am struck by the School’s powerful commitment to academic innovation, inclusion, balance, and community.

The love for the School is palpable and has been present in every conversation I have had since I arrived,” she said. “I am proud to be a part of this special anniversary at a moment when Morristown Beard School is poised to achieve even greater success.”

2017

MBS becomes the second school nationwide to introduce Science On a Sphere® into its curriculum.

2020

MBS completes the largest capital campaign in School history—raising more than $26 million toward its $20 million Transforming Our Future campaign.

2019

The School unveils its new Center for Innovation & Design (CID).

2021

Liz Morrison becomes the first female Head of School at MBS. Crimson Fall 2021

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FUTURE PRESENT:

The CID after 3 years

The Center for Innovation & Design (CID) opened its doors in November 2019, promising to promote collaboration, design thinking, and creativity among all members of the MBS community. With the Center entering its third year, MBS can take stock of how well it has fulfilled that promise by looking not only at how the space has supported existing programs on campus, but also how it has inspired teachers to bring new experiences and opportunities to MBS students. By that measure, the CID is off to a strong start; below you can read about four classes, new to the 2021-2022 school year that take advantage of what the CID offers in order to promote deep learning and motivated engagement among students.

Piano Skills When the Performing Arts Department reviewed its course offerings in the fall of 2020, they were surprised at what was missing. The department faculty includes Ben Krauss and Dr. John Girvin, both expert pianists, as well as its Chair, David Gold, whose advanced training in viola required familiarity with the piano as an essential tool for understanding composition and music theory. And yet there was no class focused on the piano.

The advantages to such a class were self-evident: the piano is an ideal way to introduce students to creating and composing music. “By taking this class, most students are getting their first experience—ever—in playing a musical instrument of any kind. While every instrument is equally challenging to master, the piano is exceptional in the ease at which one is able to get ‘up and running’,” says David Gold. Striking any one key on a piano yields a note, rather than cacophony; learning how to combine those keys into something mellifluous is less imposing a task than on many other instruments; and in learning how to combine keys, one can also learn, hands-on, how a piece of music comes together. “Because the entire 30 Crimson Fall 2021

By Dr. Owen Boynton

Associate Director of Curriculum & Professional Development, Director of the Center for Innovation & Design

instrument is laid out in front of the player when sitting at the keyboard, the beginning student has immediate visual access to all things theoretical: sharps, flats, scales, keys (and their interrelationships), can all be visualized easily with the aid of the piano keyboard,” Gold explains.

“Piano Skills” allows students unfamiliar with musical performance to experience music from the inside-out. “Students learn common chord construction, lead sheet accompaniment, and are introduced to music notation. Students also play pieces from the piano repertoire using both hands,” says Dr. Girvin. In the class, students appreciate the piano as a tool for musical understanding as well as expression. “The ability to play harmonies on the keyboard is a much needed skill for students who will continue their music study with a theory course,” continues Dr. Girvin.

Krauss agrees: “Whether it’s being able to play along with one’s favorite songs on the radio, understanding chords and scales in a new way, or having the ability to play melodies for an electronic dance music track, the piano unlocks so many musical possibilities.”

Thanks to the Center for Innovation and Design, it was also not difficult to implement on campus. The post-production studio of the CID (CID 002) is equipped with MIDI controllers (a species of keyboard), as well as headphones, allowing for a teacher to lead a class of students who play simultaneously while listening to feedback of their own playing. Students are also introduced to some of the recording functions of the CID. “Using the advanced capabilities of the Dante-equipped computer workstations, students are taught how to record their performances in Logic Pro as MIDI sequences,” Dr. Girvin states. Doubling as an introduction to the CID and music, the class provides a foundation for students interested in upper-level CID music production classes, all which have a music ensemble as a prerequisite.

Over the summer of 2021, the team of teachers, Ben Krauss, David Gold, and John Girvin, worked to put together a curriculum for the course, with Girvin taking the lead. His extensive experience teaching in the Yamaha keyboard program gave him additional insights of what to expect from students and how to sequence units. For its first year running, Ben Krauss is teaching a Middle School class, while David Gold and John Girvin are each picking up a semester-long course in the Upper School. For teachers and students alike, the experience has been deeply gratifying so far. Ben Krauss enthuses: “Students are really excited to discover how, with the understanding of a few chords and accompaniment patterns, they have the ability to play many songs on the piano.”

Human Scale, An Integrated Design Studio Looking ahead to his third year at MBS, Art and Design teacher and CID Maker, Matt Martino wanted to extend his nascent design program in a new direction. The timing for such an extension happened to be right, too, as the Art and Design Department, under the leadership of Chair Peter Donahue, had recently reconfigured its sequences of courses, providing students with clearer pathways through the program for more sustained and student-centered growth as artists.

Martino’s vision dovetailed nicely with Donahue’s. At one end of the sequence, the department had introduced Foundations courses introducing students to the skills and techniques needed to succeed in upper-level studio and digital art classes. Now, at the other end, Martino was proposing an advanced “integrated design studio,” that could draw on skills that students had learned in glass, jewelry, architecture, or digital design classes.

That convergence of student experience in a single classroom is aimed at a collaborative artistic studio fueled by genuinely divergent thinking.

On the one hand, with so many artistic backgrounds represented in his class, Martino had to plan a class aimed at something less defined and certain than what he might have planned for some of his other classes.

On the other hand, he needed a conceptual handle to take hold of the bundle, something that could focus students on a common problem, whatever their preferred media, techniques, or skills. To address the former challenge, he settled on having the students work towards “fullscale installations that stimulate interactions with people.” To address the latter challenge, Martino took inspiration from the great 20th-century architect Le Corbusier, who created the Modulor, a scale of humancentered proportions, represented in the iconic figure of the Modulor man. By having students work from, and return to, human proportion, Martino found a common yardstick by which students could compare and collaborate on various aspects of each project.

The course will unleash students on the full-range of Makerspace and CID tools and equipment, granting them “full access” in order to “design and build three projects over the school year with the final as a semester-long Crimson Fall 2021

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project to be displayed in our school’s gallery,” Martino explains.

For students, the class offers a unique opportunity to take their art and design skills in novel, uncertain directions, and to come together in a collaboration that is teacher-guided, but very much student-determined.

“I decided to take Human Scale because I wanted to be part of a class that would be very student-based, where not only the teacher teaches but other students do as well because everyone has a different design background,” says Sophie Schramm ’22.

21st-Century Fundamentals in the Makerspace For the 2021-2022 school year, the MBS Middle School has launched a new program on 21st-Century Fundamentals: introducing students to problems and skills that hold special relevance for the world we inhabit, including media literacy, information management, cultural competency, and organization skills. Students in each grade are divided into small cohorts, based on advisories, and rotate through a variety of areas on campus over the year. Among the areas the students experience: the Makerspace in the CID. There, they spend five class periods participating in design challenges customized for the curriculum in each grade level.

be folded and glued onto the cardstock. Students test their designs on plywood ramps constructed specifically for the challenge. It’s an openended experience, with many paths to success, and with unexpected challenges and frustrations along the way. “It’s been so much fun seeing how creative the students have been in coming up with solutions,” says 6th Grade History and Social Science teacher Lisa Swanson. “I’m genuinely surprised at how some of them approach the challenge, but more than anything I love seeing how the students come together and help each other out, trying to get their designs to work.”

Seventh graders face quite a different scenario: given a set of random tools, ranging from nail files to luffas, bells to safety scissors, screwdrivers to plastic rakes, each group must create a toolbox customized to hold the tools they were given, and no others. The test: can an outside observer guess how and where the tools fit into the box? The toolboxes are constructed from paper, cardboard, tape, and glues. For some students, unexpected challenges await: what if the objects need to be transported upside-down? What if the toolbox needs to be wearable? The aim is to make students appreciate artifacts as consequences of design, as they take on projects in their other classes that ask them to appreciate what artifacts can reveal about the world, its past, and the people in it.

Since the 8th grade students rotate through the Makerspace as a part of their schedule already, the decision was made to prioritize the 6th and 7th graders in the Makerspace during the 21st-Century Fundamentals program.

In addition to an advisor accompanying each cohort, the activities in the Makerspace are managed by the CID Director and a designated Makerspace teacher for each grade level. The goal of the program is simple: to provide students with challenges that demand creativity, collaboration, problemsolving, prototyping, and the opportunity to learn why mistakes and failures can offer the most valuable lessons.

History teacher Kathryn Kao has thoroughly enjoyed the energy and focus that her students in the Makerspace demonstrate: “Already, they’ve been willing to take risks and step out of their comfort zone, from experimenting with the design process to using electric saws. It’ll be exciting to see how they’ll build on these experiences and further develop their creativity and design skills throughout the year.” Math teacher Ken Toussignant notes that the benefits to the students are social as well as cognitive: “It’s been really wonderful to see the 7th grade students show their problem-solving skills in a creative manner, especially when COVID-19 took away so many of their opportunities to work in groups and develop a bond with peers.”

Sixth graders take on a project inspired by their work on water scarcity in science and human geography, constructing a system of ramps to represent the water flow and distribution under conditions of scarcity. The supplies are simple: cardstock paper, balls, and laser-cut ramp templates that can

The design challenges are themselves the product of close collaboration between MBS and Explo Elevate, a cooperative of innovative independent schools of which MBS is a founding member. Building on a long-standing relationship, over the summer, Owen Boynton, Director of the CID,

32 Crimson Fall 2021

worked with Explo’s Chief-Maker-in-Residence Dave Hamilton to devise projects that fit the need and aspirations of MBS. “The kids love their time in the Makerspace—they’re engaged, experimental, and I always enjoy dropping down to see how they are racing through ideas, working together, and testing out their visions,” says Head of Middle School Boni Luna.

Drone Engineering Dr. Dennis Evangelista arrived at MBS from the U.S. Naval Academy with more than a dozen boxes of equipment for constructing and operating drones, and with an abundance of ideas as to how they could be put to use for a class that would inspire students to experience the challenges and creativity of engineering, and that would lead them into puzzles of math and coding with a purpose: to make something that could literally soar.

It was up to the School to provide Dr. Evangelista with the space and time to bring his enthusiasm and expertise to the students.

In late spring 2021, the Science and Math Departments agreed to shift some of their existing faculty space, clearing out a room across from the Environmental Science Lab, through the double doors at the end of the CID hallway. It was a perfect location for classes that would embody the same spirit of experiential, hands-on learning as the rest of the CID, as well as Environmental Studies; it also would give Dr. Evangelista and his students the opportunity to draw on the technologies in the Makerspace (3D printing, for instance) that can benefit drone design.

The fall 2021 semester commenced and the doors to the newly-outfitted Drone Laboratory opened to welcome the first group of students in the new Drone Engineering elective. When the weather is fine, Dr. E’s students can be seen on the Class of 2020 Quad and Softball Field testing out drones, learning flight signals, and occasionally getting their machines stuck on roofs.

We interviewed Dr. Evangelista to find out more about why MBS is offering Drone Engineering and why he finds drones so fascinating: Crimson Magazine: What is the value for students—and MBS Students—in a class like Drone Engineering?

Dr. Evangelista: Students who are interested in STEM fields (especially engineering) often encounter courses that are very difficult in college. Courses like statics, dynamics, structures, fluid mechanics, differential equations, electronics, and programming are challenging and sometimes make people not want to be engineers. A course like drone engineering is a gentle introduction to these, built around shared experiences and memories that often help young engineers remember why they want to be engineers—the thrill of flying something made with their own hands; the creative excitement of the design process; the cameraderie of working with a team. I want the experiences MBS students have in Drone Engineering to propel them to future success by giving them something to hang on to when the engineering gets tough.

Crimson Magazine: Why do you enjoy working with drones?

Dr. Evangelista: I was a high school kid who took apart the lawnmower and the radio in the garage. For me personally, seeing my students fly (and crash and fly again) reminds me of that. Engineers want to build and see their creations go, whether it’s a drone, an autonomous sailboat, a robot, a miniature airplane. Though I can get in the air, I’m not actually a very good quadrotor pilot, so when a student takes over the controls and learns how to rip through some crazy maneuvers, I’m as dazzled as everyone else. I really love to see the smiles when they get their stuff in the air.

Crimson Magazine: What are some of the projects you envision eventually undertaking?

Dr. Evangelista: In the Drone Engineering class I hope we get to build racing drones, CineWhoop camera rigs, or play around with autonomous platforms. Other projects could be tailsitter or composite VTOL projects.

I’d really love to fly a pizza or a burrito around and precisely deliver it somewhere, and I’d really love to see us film an MBS sporting event or do air races or an airshow event.

Crimson Magazine: What’s the difference in scope and subject between the fall and spring semesters?

Dr. Evangelista: The fall semester covers quadrotors (or multirotors in general)—platforms that have a number of rotors and can hover and do vertical takeoff/landing. The spring semester will cover fixed wing aircraft, which are generally faster and have longer endurance and payload capacity.

The skills and engineering principles covered are similar for both, the main difference is which platforms we build and fly.

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Stories of Excellence

Teaching& Learning in

Music Foundations Class

Last spring, seventh-grade students in the Music Foundations class got to hear their original compositions performed by Upper School students Zachary Aycock ’22 (piano), Julian Melendez ’23 (saxophone), and Kailyn Williams ’21 (violin). The course focused on music literacy in service of introducing students to composition and improvisation. Students study rhythm and pitch before creating music of their own.

Visual Art and Design Expo To the right is a sampling of work from the visual art and design classes.

Scan the QR code to view student’s work from the 2020-2021 school year.

34 Crimson Fall 2021

AP Biology Class Studies Animal Behavior Dr. Elena Fiorica-Howells’ students studied how pillbugs responded to environmental factors such as temperature, food, moisture, and light.

Astronomy Students Present Research Using Science On a Sphere® James Gordon ’21 and Katie Sengle ’21 used SOS to present their research on the moons of Saturn and the dwarf planet Pluto.

Science On a Sphere® is an extraordinary display system that uses computers and video projectors to display planetary data onto a six-foot diameter sphere, analogous to a giant animated globe.

Oceanography Students Investigate Water Densities Brad Turner’s Oceanography class studied water densities based on temperature and salinity in the Environmental Systems Lab.

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IN THE CLASSROOM

Language Exploration Class As part of their cultural unit on art from the classical, francophone, and Spanish-speaking world, sixth-graders visited the Frelinghuysen Arboretum where they created watercolor paintings—part of their assignment after discussing impressionism in class.

Independent Study Program The IS program encourages MBS students to explore areas of interest that fall outside the traditional course catalog. Under the guidance of selected faculty members with a special expertise or interest in the field, students work to develop a scope and sequence curriculum, create authentic class-specific content, and design original assessments.

Finn Fleming '24 Studies the History of Vaccines

Kim Magnotta '21 Creates Food Magazine

Sophie Schramm '22 Explores Form, Function, and Light

Working under the guidance of faculty member Laurie Hartman, Kim took professional-quality photographs of an array of healthy foods—from herbal teas to fruits and vegetables. She then designed and laid out an entire magazine to highlight her photos, complete with nutrition information and healthy recipes.

Sophie, who worked with faculty member Matt Martino, used digital fabrication and design to produce a visually-appealing and functional light fixture. She engaged in a cohesive study of lighting, materials, and forms and explored the pros and cons of projected and diffused light, clear and frosted glass, and different shapes and materials for the shade and base.

36 Crimson Fall 2021

Under the guidance of science teacher Archana Sankar, Finn researched the vaccines for smallpox, influenza, polio, mumps, and HIV. He examined the benefits, risks, and controversy surrounding these vaccines, including the accelerated approval process and differences between the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. To collect some of this info, he interviewed a senior director at Johnson & Johnson.

Class of 2021 Senior Projects Grace Barnett ’21 explored her love of nutrition by putting together a series of videos that underscored the importance of healthy eating, meditation, and exercise.

Ben Opont ’21 also focused on wellness, studying the spike in depression rates during the pandemic and looking at ways to improve well-being by increasing people’s exposure to sunlight.

Branden Hawks ’21 and Cam Fernandez ’21 took the opportunity to learn more about engines and automotive technology by building their own gasoline-powered GoKart with some help from Cam’s father. “Mr. Fernandez is a master mechanic; he’s so talented.” To be able to shadow him was amazing, said Branden. “I learned so much from him and I’m super proud of the work we did.”

Eighth Graders Study Botany Through dissection, Archana Sankar’s science class isolated and identified the different parts of a flower as they also learned the various steps involved in the processes of pollination, fertilization, and germination.

Sarah Karbachinskiy ’21 learned about personal finance by working at PF Compass, a small financial planning firm. In addition to handling routine office work, she was able to sit in on a number of client meetings and discovered just how meaningful and impactful the field can be. “I learned that your career is not only about happiness, but fulfillment. I also saw that running your own business is a lifestyle commitment.”

Ava Lafer ’21 explored her interest in engineering by working with The Walsh Group, a firm that specializes in building tunnels and bridges.

During the three-week internship, she spent time on-site where a tunnel is being constructed between the PATH train platforms at Exchange Place in Jersey City. “The most rewarding part was talking to the engineers about their career path and their past projects.”

Kim Magnotta ’21 experimented with soap-making, a genuine interest where she could apply her creativity and think outside the box. “This project allowed me to have fun, explore, and be OK with failure. In the future, I could definitely see myself doing this for fun on the side.”

Tim Schietroma ’21 worked with FC Motown, a local semiprofessional soccer team. He spent a lot of his time keeping the game highlights on the team’s YouTube channel up-to-date, and he also handled a variety of jobs at the team’s games including ticket sales, statistics, and organizing kids’ contests.

“The work that I did was valuable for the team, and they really needed me. I will actually continue working with them throughout the summer.”

Annual Environmental Science Poster Conference Students presented their research on the effects of population growth through more than 70 posters, covering a range of topics including the impact of tourism on the Great Barrier Reef, the effects of plastic pollution, the Australian wildfires, the benefits of plant-based milks, and water contamination in Kiribati.

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Beyond the

Classroom

HOCKEY GAME BENEFITS CANCER PATIENTS Andrew Low ’22 teamed up with The Valerie Fund and hosted an all-star hockey game at Mennen Arena to help raise money for his charity, “Kids Ice Cancer.”

SAMANTHA SCHORNSTEIN ’21 EARNS GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD Samantha completed her Senior Girl Scout project which focused on nature and mental health to earn the Gold Award. She created two meditation benches, a labyrinth, and a bridge in a local park.

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GLOW CLUB 5K RACE/WALK

RAF CRUZ ’22 ENJOYS STUDY-ABROAD PROGRAM IN BARCELONA

Members of the MBS community participated in the GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) Club 5K fundraiser to support “Girl Up,” a global initiative designed to advance girls’ skills, rights, and opportunities to be leaders.

This past summer, senior Rafael Cruz ’22 had a wonderful experience participating in a month-long study-abroad program in Barcelona, Spain. Raf decided to apply for the program after he attended Morristown Beard School’s Global Vendor Day and met with a CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) representative.

From mid-June to mid-July, Raf lived with a host family in an apartment in Barcelona. On a daily basis, he would be able to engage in discussions in Spanish, eat meals with the family, and watch soccer on TV with them. In the mornings, he would attend a 3-hour Spanish class, and in the afternoons he was free to explore the city with his friends.

Raf said that he also gained a lot of confidence, independence, and a real appreciation for other cultures from his month abroad. He said the experience really helped him develop a global citizen mindset.

This fall at MBS, Raf is staying busy with a host of activities.

He serves as Student Government Association (SGA) President, plays varsity football, dances with the Step Team, works as a writing tutor, and is active with the Social Justice Committee, Kaleidoscope, and Mental Health Matters.

“I was nervous about the program at first, but it’s been the best decision I ever made. The best part was meeting everyone and making so many friends along the way. I still keep in touch with everyone and I know that these will be lifelong friendships.”

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN “PROJECT LINUS” Joele Russomanno ’21 and Sofia Valastro ’21 delivered blankets to two local community service organization—Bridges Outreach and Table of Hope.

The no-sew blankets were made by Upper School students in their advisories.

8TH GRADE CLASS COLLECTS FOR INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY Last spring, each advisory collected and donated canned and boxed food. The students also attended a virtual tour of the facility and an overview of the work that is done there.

SPRING FOOD DRIVE Spearheaded by Ellie Frohlich ’23, last spring’s food drive benefitted the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges.

40 Crimson Fall 2021

GRIFFIN BRIGHT ’26 VOLUNTEERS WITH NOURISH, NJ This summer, Griffin and his family helped Nourish, NJ kick off its Purple Apron Meal Kit campaign by assembling meal kits. Using special Nourish, NJ recipes, volunteers shop and package all the ingredients needed to prepare a healthy, homecooked dinner for those in need.

MICHAEL SCIARRA ’22 COMPLETES FOURTH USED EQUIPMENT DRIVE With donations from the MBS community, Michael continues to collect for the nonprofit organization “Pitch In For Baseball & Softball,” which accepts and distributes used equipment for children so that they can play sports regardless of their financial circumstances.

GAVIN FREY ’23 EARNS VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD Gavin recently earned the Silver and Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award for his volunteer work with SNAP (Special Needs Athletic Programs) of Morristown. For the past four years, he has been active in weekly mentoring at SNAP’s sports clinics. During the pandemic, he also helped plan Zoom activities to allow the children and their mentors to spend time together.

MIDDLE SCHOOLERS ENGAGE IN GRATITUDE WORKSHOPS BRIDGES OUTREACH

MBS Middle Schoolers participated in a series of workshops to explore the benefits of gratitude through the practice of mindfulness, group activities, reflection, writing, and guided meditation. Students could either write a gratitude letter to someone who has been particularly influential in their life, or create a digital gratitude photo collage or iMovie trailer.

On a Sunday morning in September, MBS students gathered in the Dining Hall where they made more than 100 bag lunches to help feed those in need through Bridges Outreach, a program that helps the homeless in New York City, Irvington, Summit, and Newark.

MAX NUSSBAUM ’23 HELPS RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT PANS AND PANDAS As part of National Siblings Day, Max wrote a personal story about having a brother with the autoimmune disorder PANDAS for the “ASPIRE” website, which contains stories of the rare disease to raise awareness.

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CRIMSON CORNER

SPRING SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS Softball The softball team (7-13) was seeded #3 in the Prep Tournament and advanced to the finals before falling to Doane Academy.

Baseball The baseball team (14-11) defeated DePaul Catholic, 8-6, on June 10 to win the NJSIAA North Jersey, Non-Public B title.

42 Crimson Fall 2021

Boys Lacrosse The boys lacrosse team (10-9) advanced to the quarterfinals of the Morris County Tournament and the Non-Public B Tournament.

Girls Lacrosse The girls lacrosse team (7-12) advanced to the semifinals of the Non-Public B Tournament last spring, led by Kaitlyn Tartaglione ’21, who earned her 150th career point this year.

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CRIMSON CORNER

Boys Golf The boys golf team (14-7) captured the Prep B championship and finished second among all Non-Public B teams in the state.

Girls Golf The girls golf team (3-15-1) played well in the Morris County, Prep, and NJAC Tournaments, led by Brooke Sandler ’23, who placed in the top 5 percent of golfers in the conference.

44 Crimson Fall 2021

Boys Tennis The boys tennis team (11-6) finished sixth out of 21 teams in the Morris County Tournament and captured the Liberty Division Conference championship for the second year in a row.

Track & Field MBS track & field athletes enjoyed more than 125 personal records throughout the season, and Camille Ferrell ’22 (100 meters) and J’Meeyah White ’22 (javelin) both finished in the top 10 at the Morris County Championships.

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POWERFULLY PREPARED

The alumni in this issue demonstrate that our graduates are exceedingly well prepared for college, careers, and beyond.

Passionate and hardworking, these alumni are making meaningful contributions, and we are proud to be part of their journey.

By Steve Patchett

SAM WOO (ENG) ’97

A Game-Changer in Sports Broadcasting A lifelong sports fan, MBS graduate Sam Woo (Eng) ’97 used to tinker with electronics in his parents’ basement in high school. Today, his career combines these two passions. In 2007, he co-founded Primetime Radio Network with a product development team and created his own proprietary broadcast technology. He is also a co-host and founder of the popular Let’s Go Devils Podcast.

Woo traces much of his entrepreneurial spirit to his days at MBS. “Morristown Beard taught me how to challenge myself and not be afraid to fail,” said Woo. “The Headmaster at the time, Dr. Mules, always preached the importance of challenging the status quo by critically thinking outside the box. I took what he said to heart because I always knew my brain and my creativity were wired differently than most people.

I became self-aware that I was different and used it to my advantage.”

At MBS, Woo played lacrosse, was a drummer in the School band, and participated in the Business Club and Quiz Bowl team. He recalls being guided by a number of caring and dedicated faculty members including history teacher and lacrosse coach Phil Kenney, history teacher Rose Koch, and English teacher Greg Ryan, whose lessons and conduct he still tries to emulate today.

After graduating from MBS, he attended Penn State University where he played club ice hockey, enjoyed going to football games, and majored in finance and economics. His job search after college, however, left him feeling “like a lost puppy.” “I took a job at a full-service brokerage firm in the city thinking this would be the ideal career path, but I discovered I was not happy and something didn’t feel right.”

During his morning commute, he would sit next to a friend who was a producer for a new daytime talk show—The View. “I became nosy and used to eavesdrop on her calls,” he said. “I was fascinated by the behindthe-scenes look into a Barbara Walters production. Little did I know that I would make a career pivot to online media just a few years later.”

He took a chance, and with a team of partners, he co-founded Primetime Radio Network and helped develop their proprietary broadcast system, V.O.I.C.E. (Video Optimized Internet Conferencing Ecosystem). The 46 Crimson Fall 2021

system is designed to empower independent broadcasters to stream live video remotely while maintaining a broadcast quality feed anywhere in the world.

During the early development phase, Woo became gravely ill and was later diagnosed with Lupus. “My illness almost derailed this project and my business permanently, but I worked hard to get myself healthy,” he said. “Instead of quitting, and with some help from my team, we moved forward. In fact, we made some fundamental design changes because of my autoimmune disease. With my physical abilities now somewhat limited, I could no longer carry heavy broadcast equipment to live events. We decided to streamline the overall design to be much more efficient and lightweight.”

Recently, his V.O.I.C.E. system was used during the pandemic to help businesses including Johnson & Johnson and Castrol Motor Oil broadcast their live virtual conventions safely. It also helped him launch his Let’s Go Devils Podcast, a lively sports bar-style discussion with other Devils fans, which consistently ranks in the top 50 hockey podcasts each week.

In the future, Woo aims to grow Primetime Radio into the leader for live sports content on all digital platforms, especially mobile devices. He says that risk-taking and following his heart have been the keys to his success.

“Navigating outside your comfort zone without a compass can be intimidating and downright nerve-wracking,” he said. “That is good because eventually you are learning and that knowledge and experience gives you wisdom. That is how you become successful. Make it count!”

KELLY CARRION ’10

The Power of Storytelling As an associate producer at ABC News Live, Kelly Carrion ’10 is a multimedia journalist who believes in the incredible influence storytelling has on people and how they see the world. “It’s a big responsibility to tell someone else’s story,” she said. “I want to do it justice.”

Her passion for journalism—and for storytelling—developed when she was just 13 years old and wrote a biography about Oprah for school.

“I always admired the way she listened and told people’s stories and I wanted to do that as well,” she said. “At MBS, I took my first journalism class and joined the school newspaper. This was the beginning of my journalism career.”

She enjoyed an array of clubs and activities at MBS, especially her dance classes with teacher Andrea Deventer. As a senior, Carrion created a Latin Dance Club and recalled how Ms. Deventer convinced her to perform on the Founders Hall stage at Morning Meeting. “Even though I was extremely nervous to show my culture to a lot of students who may not know much about it, I was determined to show who I was,” she said.

Carrion recalls being supported and guided by the faculty—both in and out of the classroom. “I remember the librarian (Sharon Hansbury) who was there at the time always looked out for me,” she said. “She saw my interest in journalism and always guided me to read and strengthen my skills. I will never forget her encouragement.”

Carrion’s Senior Project at MBS took her all the way to Ecuador, where she worked as an intern at a television station for a month—an opportunity that really piqued her interest in broadcast journalism.

After graduating from MBS, she enrolled at Boston University—a school with an excellent journalism program—although she started as a psychology major to please her parents.

“They didn’t really understand how journalism could be a thriving career,” she said. “But as soon as I took my first Communication 101 class, I was determined to follow my gut and my passion. I switched majors without them knowing, but it was the best decision I ever made.”

when she received a master’s degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. “As a young Latina woman who grew up in Newark, I never in a million years thought that I would be able to attend an Ivy League school. I wanted to accomplish all my dreams and really show my parents that all their efforts and sacrifices of immigrating to the U.S. were worth it.”

Although navigating the job market was difficult at first, Carrion got her foot in the door when her resume ended up on the desk of the NBC New York News Director. She was offered an opportunity to work the overnight weekend shift, Fridays and Saturdays from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m.

“Even though this job had super hard hours and gave me no time to socialize with my friends, I took it,” she said. “I fell in love with TV news, and from then on used that same passion to work my way up.”

Today, as an associate producer for ABC News Live, she handles video editing, pitches story ideas, and also helps out with news packages. “Every day is an exciting day in my career,” she said. “You never really know what is going to happen when you walk into the office.”

In the future, she hopes to incorporate volunteer work into her life and would also like to become an adjunct professor to share her knowledge with aspiring journalists.

She later became the first person in her family to earn a graduate degree Crimson Fall 2021

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POWERFULLY PREPARED

TAHJ VALENTINE ’18

The Confidence to Lead “Attack the day” is one of MBS graduate Tahj Valentine’s favorite mottos.

“Every day, you have to get up and just go for it,” said Valentine ’18, a senior at Stonehill College, whose optimism and energy have propelled him to be a true agent of change at the school.

He was recently elected Stonehill’s Student Government Association (SGA) President with a campaign slogan to “Activate, Build, and Encourage” after he co-founded the college’s Students In Action (SIA) group to address racial injustices on campus.

“I wanted to find a way to push for diversity, equity, and inclusion while also uniting the Stonehill community as a true family,” said Valentine, who organized a Zoom conference and a sit-in on campus last fall to help students voice their concerns with the administration.

If that wasn’t enough, he also plays running back on his college football team and he co-founded Beacon Of Light—the first-ever gospel choir at the school.

Valentine traces his success to his days at Morristown Beard School, where he developed the confidence and skills to be a true leader. During his senior year at MBS, Valentine hosted Friday Morning Meetings—a tremendous opportunity that seemed more than a little intimidating at first.

“As a kid, I was diagnosed with dyslexia and at MBS, the teachers in the Center for Teaching & Learning—Mrs. Pepper, Ms. Sumner, and Dr. Sisco—really supported and encouraged me,” he said. “Public speaking can be hard, and I was nervous, but Mrs. Pepper really pushed me to do it. Now, I’m SGA President in college, I’m very confident with speaking in front of groups, and my dyslexia isn’t even a factor anymore because of their help.”

Valentine also credits Klarissa Karosen, Upper School history teacher and Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, with helping him develop an appreciation for a wide range of viewpoints and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations.

that was transformative. “It was amazing. I got to speak with a lot of different students from across the country,” he said. “I learned more about myself as a person and it taught me to put myself out there to make a difference.”

In addition to his student government work, Valentine continues to serve his community through firefighting, an activity that he started during his junior year at MBS. “After college, I want to be a full-time firefighter. My fire company is like my second family,” said Valentine, who currently works part-time with Morris Township. “Being able to help people is a drive for me, and I like to push myself to the limit.”

“In class with Mrs. K, we spoke about celebrating differences and similarities, and how you can see things from multiple perspectives,” he said. “It was eyeopening and pushed me to become more active on campus.”

For the past six summers, he has also continued to work as a counselor for the Morristown Beard School Day Camp, a job he finds extremely fulfilling. “I love to come back to MBS because this is my home,” he said.

“I have the opportunity to teach the kids some important lessons—that you need to love yourself and keep going. There might be some obstacles in your way, but don’t let that speed bump take you out.”

With MBS teachers and classmates, he also attended the Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Atlanta during his junior year—an experience

“It’s all about giving back,” he continued. “And if I’m pulling other people up with me, then I’m doing my job.”

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TAYLOR JASKULA ’17

Setting the Stage for Success Although Taylor Jaskula ’17 may not crave the spotlight, the show certainly can’t go on without her. Jaskula, who recently graduated from Skidmore College, has been a vital part of countless high school, college, and professional theater productions, excelling in stage management, lighting design, technical direction, and production management. Now, she’s excited to start her career as the assistant technical director and a fulltime faculty and staff member in Skidmore’s Theater Department.

Jaskula discovered her passion for technical theater during her freshman year at MBS, when she decided to work backstage as an assistant stage manager for Peter Pan. “The big lie that they told me was, ‘It will be much less of a time commitment than acting,’” she laughed. “I ended up spending the entirety of February and March in the theater after school and I was here on weekends, too—I loved it!”

She later served as stage manager and a member of the lighting crew for many other School productions including A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Pippin, Macbeth, and Almost Maine, and began taking technical theater and stagecraft classes at MBS. When she ran out of course options, she designed her own Independent Studies classes, such as Advanced Production Management with Nik Marmo, the Technical Director of Founders Hall. As part of her Independent Study, Mr. Marmo accompanied her to Broadway where she had the rare opportunity to shadow the production stage manager of the Tony Award-winning show The Color Purple.

“Nik has an uncanny ability to take students who may be having trouble finding their place at MBS—because they might not be a performer or an athlete—and make them feel like there is a home for them here in the theater,” she said. “He’s amazing for the way he inspires knowledge and professionalism, and he taught me the importance of networking. By the time I was 17, I was working with the New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts in Bloomfield. Technical theater is a small world, and to be able to have so many connections straight out of high school is such an advantage.”

She also said that working with the professional lighting and sound equipment in Founders Hall gave her a jump start on college and beyond.

“Founders Hall has such amazing resources. I definitely found that I was ahead of the game when I entered college,” she said.

Jaskula said that she enjoys being a production stage manager because it gives her an opportunity to make order out of chaos. “There’s so much happening in a show; it’s such a complicated beast. When I was the stage manager for Pippin, there were 82 people reporting to me and you have to have at least a rudimentary understanding of what everyone is doing,” she said. “It’s really rewarding to be able to pull it all together and have everything fall into place.”

At Skidmore, she staged an even bigger event— SpringFest during her senior year. “The event was 15 productions over the course of three weeks at four different locations, all outdoors during COVID,” she said. “As production stage manager, I was responsible for 172 people across every show. It was a monumental task through rain and snow and finals, but it all came together and was probably the most rewarding theater experience I have ever had.”

Shortly after graduating from Skidmore, Jaskula got a call from the college offering her a faculty position. She will now teach theater classes, work in the scene shop, and oversee lighting and stage management of students.

For her, teaching is an opportunity to give back.

“I have had so many great mentors like Nik Marmo. I would like to do that for someone else as well,” she said.

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ALUMNI MOMENTS

Alumni Share Career Paths In April, a panel of MBS alumni spoke to Upper School students about the pros and cons of working in their industry, what inspires them about their work, and what their industry has taught them. The event was hosted by MBS trustee and parent Kelly (MacMahon) Ewing ’91, and featured Kelly Carrion ’10, Associate Producer at ABC News Live, Dylan Krouse ’12, who is in Grants Management at Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Sam Woo (Eng) ’97, Founder and CEO of Primetime Radio. After telling their stories, the panelists shared their favorite memories from MBS.

Nick Rella ’15 Speaks to BFI Club An Enterprise Account Manager at Bloomberg, Nick spoke with members of the BFI (Business, Finance and Investment) Club in March about his career with the financial, software data, and media company.

In a Q&A with the students, he spoke about his typical work day, and offered advice on interviewing and finding a job. He spoke of the importance of networking and building a LinkedIn profile.

Nick said that Morristown Beard School helped him develop the skills and habits that he relies on in his work every day.

Save the Date for

Portal ad? or New Board member?

N U O

A G

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50 Crimson Fall 2021

M U L

NI

Y A D

n Ja

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ar y

7

22 0 ,2

Calling all young alumni from the classes of 2018-2021!

Join fellow alumni virtually to reconnect with teachers, former classmates, and friends.

Keep a lookout for more details coming soon.

Alumni Reunion 2021 Graduates from The Beard School, The Morristown School, and Morristown Beard School gathered on campus on Saturday, June 5 to reunite with old friends and enjoy a full slate of activities. Alumni enjoyed food, drink, music, and campus tours as they reminisced with old friends. The traditional memorial flag raising ceremony took place on Senior Circle, and later in the day the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award, given posthumously to Peggy Harding Nelson ’59, took place on The Class of 2020 Quad. The award was accepted by Peggy’s husband, Glen L. Nelson ’58, and her daughter, trustee Pamela Nelson Davidson ’90. A Beard School graduate, Peggy was a dedicated member of the Alumni Board and the Board of Trustees for many years.

Class of 2020 Returns to Campus for Quad Dedication Members of the Class of 2020 returned to campus on Saturday, June 5 for a special alumni celebration and for the official dedication ceremony of “The Quad” to the Class of 2020. This beautiful area located behind Beard Hall and surrounded by the Math & Science Center, Dining Hall, and Middle School is now renamed “The Class of 2020 Quad.” Then Head of School Peter J. Caldwell and former SGA President Whitney McDonnell ’20 joined together to MC the official dedication. The young alumni enjoyed reconnecting with each other, chatting with MBS faculty members, and sharing stories about their first year of college.

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ALUMNI MOMENTS

Reception at the Bay Head Yacht Club MBS alumni, current and incoming parents, and friends enjoyed a festive evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in July at the Bay Head Yacht Club. Alumni in attendance spanned more than 50 years—from the 1970s through the Class of 2021.

52 Crimson Fall 2021

Scott Tannen ’95 Delivers Cum Laude Address MBS alumnus, parent, and trustee Scott Tannen ’95—founder and CEO of Boll & Branch—delivered the Cum Laude address in April.

He spoke about his days at MBS, his career path, and the importance of creating a socially-responsible company that delivers quality products for his customers. Tannen concluded his speech by telling the students to dream big and bet on themselves.

Ari Bersch ’21 Writes Article for USA Today Network Ari wrote an opinion piece for the USA Today Network exploring the trend of test-optional college admission policies. For the piece, he interviewed a number of college admission officers as well as members of the MBS community. Ari worked in the newsroom of NorthJersey.com, The Daily Record, and The Record for his Senior Project last spring under the direction of MBS alumnus Ed Forbes ’98, the senior director for breaking and local news.

Alumni Board Welcomes Dr. Christina Toth Breen ’95 Christina earned her doctorate of pharmacy from Rutgers University, where she swam on their swim team. “My desire to be a pharmacist began with the fantastic science program at Morristown Beard School,” Christina said. After graduating from Rutgers, Christina completed a one-year post-doctoral fellowship in Medical and Scientific Affairs at Daiichi Sankyo as their first fellow. She continued with Daiichi Sankyo for 10 years, working in various roles in the pharmaceutical industry including market research, business development, and medical affairs. During her time there she earned a mini-MBA from Rutgers University. Despite her impressive educational background, Christina feels her greatest accomplishment started when she took a career sabbatical to raise her three amazing children.

When asked why she wanted to join the MBS Alumni Board, Christina replied, “I want to give back to Morristown Beard because I feel the School has given so much to me. My self-esteem and confidence

grew as I learned how to successfully balance academics and athletics.

Morristown Beard alumni are excellent School ambassadors because their success began with the incredible educational foundation they received at the School. Morristown Beard made my life better in so many ways. How wonderful if even more young people could experience the same benefits and all the joy that only a Morristown Beard education can provide. The bond between the students and alumni is strengthening. Students are more comfortable reaching out to interested alumni as an extension of their School family. It is my hope that all alumni will step up to provide even more opportunities for the current students. As Morristown Beard’s alumni, we continue to be one of the School’s greatest resources.”

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ALUMNI MOMENTS

Ryan Waters ’17 Competes at Olympic Trials Congratulations to Ryan who competed for Navy at the USA Swimming Olympic Team Trials in Omaha, Nebraska. He swam in an A final during Wave I after posting a preliminary time of 1:51.03 in the 200 freestyle and then went on to record a time of 1:52.00 to finish in sixth place. Ryan earned First-Team All-Patriot League honors in each of his seasons with Navy. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy this past spring as a political science major.

Emily Kitchin ’18 Named Lacrosse All-American Congratulations to Emily, goalkeeper at Franklin & Marshall College, who was named an Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association All-American. She was also selected to the Academic All-District Women’s At-Large Team by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Bridget Monaghan ’19 Earns WBCA Honorable Mention Congratulations to Bridget, a sophomore guard for the University of Scranton women's basketball team, who earned Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Honorable Mention All-American honors.

Monaghan had an impressive season with Lady Royals in which she earned First Team All-Region honors from D3hoops.com and was named Landmark Conference Player of the Year along with receiving First Team All-Conference accolades.

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1971

MBS ALUMNI CLOCK CHALLENGE

of

2021 50 years Coeducation

Wouldn’t an Alumni Clock be a beautiful addition to the campus? Help us make the rendering shown above a reality. In commemoration of 50 years of coeducation at Morristown Beard School and 130 years of School history, we are asking alumni to make a donation towards the purchase of this clock. This Alumni Clock would symbolize the timeless connection between MBS and its proud alumni community!

Please consider a gift of $50 or more in honor of 50 years of coeducation!

Give today at www.mbs.net/alumniclock or by scanning the QR code to the right.

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ALUMNI MOMENTS

MBS Celebrates Fall Homecoming, Reunion, and Hall of Fame On a beautiful fall afternoon, an enthusiastic crowd turned out to celebrate Homecoming, Reunion, and the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, October 2 and cheer the Crimson football team to a thrilling 7-6 win over Long Island Lutheran.

The afternoon provided a great opportunity for folks to reunite with old friends and classmates, enjoy some food and drink at the tailgate events, and watch the Morristown Beard School football team compete. Trailing 6-0 with under a minute left in the game, senior James Marinello ’22 scored a touchdown and sophomore Ethan Roitman ’24 kicked the extra point to lead MBS to victory.

During halftime of the football game, a large group of participants turned out to run the 29th annual Kirby Mile. Junior Will Kuppenheimer ’23 won the race in a blazing fast time of 5:13 followed closely by his cross country teammate Jonas Weinmann ’23.

As part of the Homecoming and Reunion festivities, Morristown Beard School welcomed Robert “Bob” Doran ’74 and Colin Larmond, Jr. ’08 into the MBS Athletic Hall of Fame.

The day also included a private tailgate party for graduates on the lawn of Alumni House. This combined Homecoming and Reunion event provided a great opportunity for classmates to reconnect and meet new Head of School Liz Morrison.

Nominate Distinguished Alumni In 1995, MBS created the Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) to recognize graduates of The Beard School, The Morristown School, and Morristown Beard School who have demonstrated exceptional service to society or the School through their careers and/or philanthropic work.

Use the QR code or email alumni@mbs.net to nominate an outstanding graduate today!

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Hall of Fame Welcomes Bob Doran ’74 and Colin Larmond, Jr. ’08 As part of the Homecoming and Reunion festivities on Saturday, October 2, Morristown Beard School inducted Robert “Bob” Doran ’74 and Colin Larmond, Jr. ’08 into the MBS Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bob Doran ’74

• Earned a total of 12 varsity letters at MBS • • • • • • •

Robert “Bob” Doran ’74 playing on the football, basketball, baseball 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame and track teams.

Served as captain for six varsity teams.

All-state quarterback for the MBS state championship team during his sophomore year.

American Legion baseball player.

Bob attended Rider College (now Rider University).

After college, Bob sent 30 years in the publishing field as an independent advertising and marketing contractor.

Founder and publisher of the Lifestyle Transitions media group.

A dedicated pet rescue advocate, Bob has transported 100’s of cats and dogs from peril and abuse to freedom.

Colin Larmond, Jr. ’08

• At MBS he earned 11 varsity letters for football, basketball, and track.

• As a Co-Captain and MVP of the football team, led them to their first state final at Giants Stadium.

• Earned Associated Press All-State First Team honors.

• Named Morris County Player of the Year by the Star-Ledger, Daily Record, and Associated Press.

• Scored more than 1,000 points for the Crimson basketball team.

• Set MBS records in track in the 100 and 200 meters.

• Captain and MVP of the 2008 basketball team.

• Played football for Boston College, where he led the Eagles in receiving yards as a junior.

Exceptional Athletes Wanted Do you know an outstanding coach, athlete, or team that should be considered for induction in the MBS Athletic Hall of Fame? Nominate them today by scanning the QR code or emailing alumni@mbs.net.

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Updates From the

Alumni Board Dear MBS Alumni and Friends, As I write this, students are on their way to classes, autumn has painted the trees, and there is a crisp breeze blowing the leaves across Senior Circle. It's a season on campus that you likely remember well.

Given the many ways I engage with alumni, I am mindful of the memories that connect you with Morristown Beard, as well as the distance which many of you live from campus. I also know of your extraordinary loyalty, thoughtfulness and interest.

So, I wanted to take some time in the midst of the fall splendor to give you my sense of what we have done and what we have planned.

In July, we had an amazing turnout for our gettogether at the Bay Head Yacht Club. The weather was picture perfect with alumni from several decades, as well as current and incoming parents in attendance. In September, we were fortunate to have Head of School Liz Morrison attend our first Alumni Board meeting of the academic year. It was a delight to have this opportunity to discuss alumni events and plans with her in a small setting.

In October we celebrated Homecoming combined with Reunion. We will not have a separate reunion in June 2022 - instead it will be moved to October 2022 when we will be celebrating classes ending in ’2 and ’7—for example: 1962, 1977, 1992, 2012, 2017 and more!

The combined Homecoming and Reunion allows alumni an opportunity to meet and socialize with fellow classmates as well as those in other graduating classes. And the bonus is, you get to enjoy a Crimson football game and cheer alongside students and parents!

If you are interested in joining the Alumni Board, please feel free to contact me at amywolffe1@gmail.com. Your involvement plays a vital role in maintaining MBS excellence and helps us ensure valued traditions are carried into the future.

As always, I welcome your ideas, your enthusiasm, and your support.

Go Crimson!

Amy Chaiken Wolffe ’78 President, MBS Alumni Board

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Need volunteer or event information?

Please visit www.mbsconnect.net or email alumni@mbs.net

1949

I’ve been working as a clinical psychologist/ psychoanalyst for the last 50 years or so,” writes Dr. Marion “Jerry” Gedney.

“Recently, I’ve been trying to figure out how to retire. Not easy! (I’ve really liked my job). So far, I’ve started singing again, which is good. Talking on the phone is good, especially lately. Two reunions ago (May 2019) brought Pat Pattyson Eckley, Maria Rost, and me back to the MBS campus. It was lovely to spend time with them. We also got in touch with several of our old classmates on the phone who had not been able to get to the reunion in the flesh. It’s really nice to talk to someone you knew and who knew you when you were a kid, 8 or 10 years old, and later. Really great! I think it’s a wonderful idea for the School to have these reunions! They keep these relationships going.”

Buffie McKim Powell still lives in Virginia and is doing well. She does her best to stay connected to her classmates and says if anyone from her class would like a call from her, please call the Alumni Office, 973-5327578 and they will connect you with Buffie.

1950

“I have worked in the wonderful world of academia most of my life. After my Ph.D. in physics, and my 31-year career at Bell Labs, I worked 11 years as a ‘distinguished professor of physics’ at Johnson C. Smith University, an HBCU in Charlotte, North Carolina. I retired from that, but am still doing online tutoring (for 18 years and counting since retiring). Teaching is wonderfully rewarding on so many levels. I am grateful to MBS for their part in preparing me for this journey in academia,” shared Peter Hall.

1955

Bettie Francis Comas Lavallee shares that unfortunately she is “walking with a huge boot” on her ankle. “Plus, a hand brace” because of a hurt wrist. Fortunately, Bettie has been able to keep up with her book club on

Zoom. They recently read Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. Betty adds, “Our book club gave it a high ranking.”

but that process, as unnerving as it was at times, resulted in our beautiful new home in this lovely town. We saw our house in person for the first time on the day we closed. We're looking forward to cooler weather and cleaner air to get out and enjoy the seemingly limitless hiking options. My heart continues to be heavy over the losses of Susan Parker Gurney and Liz Williams Beatty—miss them both dearly.”

1956

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Susan Town shares, “So sad that we missed our 60th Reunion because of COVID. I live in Tarrytown, New York, with a view of the Hudson River and have become immersed in the study of local U.S. history, up and down the River. Another favorite pastime is walking and hiking the abundant trails. I will resume volunteering at a local Hospice once COVID allows, but have recently begun visiting friends in New York City where I lived for 30 years. First husband deceased. Second husband, a dear friend and Richmond, Virginia historian, but married too late for children. Would love to hear from you, email me at susangtown@gmail.com.”

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“We had a wonderful 50th class reunion via Zoom, thanks to Pam Russell Bush,” reports Melinda Mitchell Lyon. “This was a real treat for me to see and talk with some of my ‘old’ classmates. My husband, John, and I are still hopping around Los Angeles. I have retired and he keeps trying to do the same, but being a lawyer, his work never seems to be done.

Our son is living with his partner in Santa Fe, New Mexico and we hope to visit them in the fall. We were very cloistered last year and this year is still a little ‘iffy’ so our social life is just beginning to restart. I continue to be involved with The Ninety-Nines, Inc. (the International Organization of Women Pilots) and we might be restarting in-person meetings soon. Last year was difficult for most of us.”

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“My husband and I spent July and August at our house in Kirkcudbright, Scotland. It is challenging to travel during these times,” exclaims Barbara Newberry Lindsley.

“But, we made it—including a trip to the Highlands. Britain has been sadly affected by the pandemic, and this is reflected in a dejected mood of the people.”

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“Dr. Jean” ( Jeanie Hayes), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, continues to conduct animal assisted therapy on her little farm in Marin County, California. She sometimes uses her exotic and hand-raised farm animals with her clients when requested.

“Carole and I enjoy San Francisco Bay life in Belvedere, California,” shares Peter Engler.

“We enjoy sailing, walking and visiting our 12 grandchildren. An electric bike has extended my biking range. Following a lengthy advertising and executive recruiting career, writing novels and publishing two coffee-table family or company history books through my company www.companyhistoryproductions. com, each year pleasantly leverages my ‘Prep’ and Bucknell education and covers my bar tab and 2001 BMW 740iL maintenance. Go Prep!”

1964

Virginia “Ginny” Kenney Howard kindly donated her Beard School “tea table” back to MBS this summer. Ginny shares, “I purchased the table from a Beard School auction-type sale many years ago. When I attended Beard, the tea table was located in Colonial House, which was Miss Sutherland’s house on campus.

My family and I have enjoyed the table in our dining room for all these many years and I am only parting with it now as we are at that stage in life where we need to downsize and move.”

1963

“I am a retired special education teacher/ speech therapist in Concord, New Hampshire.

I volunteer on the Governor’s council, to advocate for and assess unmet needs in our state. Several of us have been reaching out to each other via Facebook, particularly during these past two years of COVID. It has been a good way to keep in touch with some of our classmates sincerely,” said Jenifer Horne Evans.

“After 36 years living in California I decided a change would be fun and interesting,” writes Sue Jennings. “After going through all that is involved with moving I was less convinced about the immediate fun factor but now am happily settled in Ashland, Oregon. We built entirely from long-distance due to COVID

1966

“I really don’t have words for what this COVID time has been like,” states Lynn Walcutt. “A portal for sure, for me, to a new way of being. Since my job as an after-school counselor ended abruptly on March 13, 2020, my life has been bending towards a new direction. I have also been working as a teacher aide in the Kingston, New York school district and recently completed a certificate program in Trauma Informed Creative Art Therapy. Art therapy has been an interest of mine for years.

It seems that now is the time to launch a new career! My Air BnB is open again and I have

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CLASS NOTES

Pictured left to right are Steve “Peach” Fusco, Art Lewis and Peter “Vandy” Van de Graaf playing golf in Florida this past spring. Peach confesses, “no one shot close to a 79.”

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Sue Milford Bandy was in Morristown briefly in August and connected with Wendy Goldberg Taffet ’78 at her chocolate shop, Enjou. “It was wonderful to see her again!”

Sue continues, “I am entering my final year of working as a Teaching Assistant at ScotiaGlenville High School in Scotia, New York before retirement. My 6 grandkids live in Mississippi with two of my daughters and my other daughter lives outside Nashville, Tennessee. Perhaps a ‘Southern Retirement’ is in my future!” Sue welcomes any communication from classmates or past friends.

“Hi Class of 1977! I am doing well and hope that you all are doing well too. I am looking for a lot of people from our class to come to our 45th reunion next year in the fall of 2022.

It will be a lot of fun and great to see you. I have been in touch with Ellen Wing and she is looking forward to it too. Keep in touch,” writes Jim Crouch.

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“Hi. Haven’t done this in a while, so here goes,” writes Craig Johnson. “Retired now since 2014 after a career in buying ( JCPenney) and selling (Delta Galil Hosiery). My wife Barbara and I still live in Closter, New Jersey. We keep busy with all of the usual pursuits, except that I still run six days/week thanks to my cross-country discipline and training from my Morristown School coach, Larry Totten, back in the day. I keep in touch with just a few classmates, but I can be reached at craig.johnson321@gmail. com. We have two sons - one in the area, and two granddaughters (10 and 8) who live in Marblehead, Massachusetts.”

1977

with their parents, Erica and Adam Dunn.

Amy’s daughter Erica and son-in-law Adam are the owners of the restaurant The Pheasant in Dennis, Massachusetts and her daughter is also the proprietor of the children’s clothing shop, Littlenecks located in Dennis village.

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1968

In August Bob Namar was interviewed about his business, yestercool.com, for a regional business publication in Austin, Texas, Voyage Austin Magazine. The article focused on his most recent online business venture, and he shared, among other thoughts, about how the designs—which range from NY Yankee players to iconic venues that no longer exist— are not about bringing a modern sensibility to the past, but rather about their capturing the appropriate element in its time and representing that to a modern audience.

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Bill Terhune and his wife Linda circumnavigated Iceland on Viking Jupiter cruise Aug 2-10, 2021. “Beautiful country, perfect weather, and loved being on the open ocean once again.

In September, we traveled to Ireland to enjoy the sights and the Arts Festival in Clifden. The weather during the first week was sunny and warm but the rest of the trip we enjoyed the more typical Irish fall weather—misty, rainy, sunny, cooler and unpredictable. Beautiful country just the same,” shares Bill. “On another note, I’m still diving at the Georgia Aquarium, feeding the fish, scrubbing rocks and cleaning the glass.” To see Bill in action, Google “Secrets of the Georgia Aquarium, WSB-TV Channel 2 Atlanta, Georgia.” Bill would love to hear from you. Contact him at waterhune@gmail.com.

1974

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been enjoying meeting people from all over. I am still riding and care for a horse and three donkeys. And I have one very psychic pit bull named Mitzi.”

MBS Alumni Board President, Amy Chaiken Wolffe welcomed her fourth grandchild, Charlie Wilson Dunn on Mother’s Day 2021.

Charlie joins his brother Leo where they live on Cape Cod

1980

Warren Bobrow provides the following update on his business: “My cannabis infused beverage is moving quickly towards production in California. I hope it will be on the shelves in licensed dispensaries soon. I’m CEO and Co-Founder.”

1981

“Exciting news!” shares Bruce Peterson. “I have reconnected with two of my friends at MBS! I used to hang out with Fritz Jameson—actually he was my best friend. We got together at my house along with Keith Robison. We were so close and Fritz and Keith have always meant everything to me!”

1984

KC Hnat Joubran writes, “My daughter, Juliette, finished her freshman year at Morristown Beard and loved it! She made a lot of friends, including Bridget Ewing ’24 (pictured here) whose mother is Kelly MacMahon Ewing ’91. Juliette is enjoying her sophomore year this fall. During the summer, I also traveled to Durango, Colorado and

visited my classmate Gillian Knight Rathbun and had the most spectacular time! Looking forward to continuing my activities on the alumni board at MBS and meeting the new Head of School, Liz Morrison.”

a national architectural and engineering firm, and the practice area leader for our industrial practice. While COVID has shut down my travel I have been fortunate to design projects across the country and in places like Italy and Spain. I continue to play golf and am an active member and the past president of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth (300 members). I serve on the boards of Ridglea Country Club, the Metropolitan YMCA Board, The Fort Worth Real Estate Council, Sister Cities and Downtown Fort Worth Inc. Class of ’87, if you find yourself in Fort Worth please feel free to reach out to catch up and I promise to wear my cowboy boots and hat when you see me.”

1985

Kate Rockland Gillan is the proud mother of four children. She lives in Madison, New Jersey with her family, and she is a Content Writer for Citizen’s Bank. She is also the author of the novel 150 Pounds.

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Ed Forbes has an expanded role with the USA Today Network—he’s now overseeing opinion pages and opinion journalism for news organizations across the northeast.

He’s also continuing in leadership roles at the Daily Record, NorthJersey.com and The Record, where he works with veteran columnists on investigative and political journalism. Finally, Ed oversaw coverage for the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Ari Bersch ’21 worked alongside Ed during his senior project in May and June. Ed was also a senior project mentor for Rebecca Tone ’19. Ed lives in Pound Ridge, in northern Westchester County, New York, with his wife, Emily, and their daughters, Caroline and Julia. The Forbes family is expecting a third child in December!

1999

Bill Trimble says, “Hey MBS. I am happily living in Atlanta, Georgia and working for Rangewater Real Estate as a Marketing Rep. I’m also renovating another new home which I love to do”.

1987

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“Howdy from Texas,” says David Campbell.

“The Campbells have been in Fort Worth, Texas since 2002 and loving the cowboy way.

Joanne and I have been happily married for 26 years living in Maine, Virginia and now Texas.

We are blessed to have raised three great young adults, Zachary (24), Kennedy (22), and Alyssa (18). Zachary graduated from University of Texas Arlington (after playing college golf for Houston Baptist University for three years) with a finance degree and now lives and works in Dallas for an investment group. Kennedy is our Aggie graduating from Texas A&M University (Whoop! you would understand that if you know TAMU at all) with a public health degree and lives in Fort Worth working for a patient advocacy firm. Allie entered Texas State University this fall and is pursuing a fashion merchandising career and hopes to find her way to a major city to work in the fashion industry.

Joanne continues to impress me with earning two masters degrees in education and is now a vice principal in a local elementary school. As for me, I am a vice president with Huitt-Zollars,

1991

Sallie Oakes O’Connor says, “It was great fun returning to MBS for reunion weekend in June. The school looks amazing! I was also able to go to the Bay Head Yacht Club alumni event in July as well. It was so much fun reconnecting with friends and former classmates.” Featured in picture from left to right: Brian Fitzpatrick, Kelly Ewing, Crissy DiMaggio, Bryan Keane, Sallie O’Connor and Basil Murray.

“Right before COVID happened in 2020, I found 2 other MBS alumni living in New York’s Capital Region - thanks MBS Connect app!” writes Ridgely Harrison IV. “We had planned for a meet and greet but now it’s a year and a half later! If anyone else is up near Albany, let me know if you’d like to join us when we reschedule!”

2000

Josh McCaleb, his wife Kelly, and their children Camila (4 years old) and Kuno (3 years old) recently arrived in Ethiopia for their next assignment with the US Department of State Foreign Service.

Camila and Kuno love to ski, run, music, and travel and are excited to spend the next two years living in Addis Ababa.

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Robert “Bob” Skinner III married Bonny Lehman on July 21, 2020. Celebrating with the new couple on their one-year anniversary are MBS alumni and friends (pictured left to right), William “Bill” Monteith ’03, Bill Behrle, Robert “Bob” Skinner, Christopher Ferguson ’99, Timothy Dolnik ’99, Charles “Todd” McConnell, Curtis “Chad” Hillyer IV ’01, and Ryan Egan ’01.

2003

Retired MBS faculty member and archivist, Dr. Alan Cooper, announces with great happiness that his daughter, “Jane Cooper and her husband Jesse White had their baby Romer Cooper White, born June 12, 2021 at 8lbs and 21.5 inches. Romer and his parents are doing just fine. Jane is a lawyer and Jesse is a filmmaker.”

2006

On Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 2:19 p.m., Eriqah Williams Vincent and her husband James welcomed their first child, Emmanuelle Grace Vincent.

Everyone is doing well, including their dog Nox—Emmanuelle’s furry big brother.

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Tiffany Garris shares, “After serving as an emergency room nurse for 3 years and specifically having survived COVID and taking care of patients, I decided to make a career change and have moved to Missouri for Law School. Seeing how COVID negatively impacted health care providers I decided to go to law school to advocate for healthcare providers and help positively impact healthcare policy.”

2007

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Doctor Darnell Parker recently accepted a job as the vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Wheaton College in Massachusetts.

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Matthew Engel is officially a dad! Baby Engel was born earlier this spring and has been nothing but joy for the mom and dad.

Matthew’s wife Adnana is doing very well bonding with baby, and the family is beyond excited for the little one to see the world!

Eric Geron recently came out with his debut picture book, Poultrygeist, about a chicken who crosses the road and ends up on “the other side”—as in the Spirit World.

Pete Oswald illustrated the book, and Candlewick Press published it. The book is in stores now!

Corey Schneider, founder and CEO of New York Adventure Club (NYAC) shared the following updates on his business. Corey was a featured presenter for Eventbrite’s RECONVENE virtual conference over the summer and his company New York Adventure Club was included in Eventbrite’s letter to their shareholders. By adapting to the times and providing virtual experiences NYAC has surpassed over 50,000 members and was the winner of the “Outstanding Achievement in Support of NYC Tourism” award from the Guide Association of New York City.

2009

“Class of 2009, we are officially ‘Grown.’ On July 27th, my wife and I welcomed our first child into the world— our son, Elon William Moore. I’m grateful to share the world class education I received from MBS with the next generation. Please find me on the MBS alumni networking portal (www.mbsconnect.net) as I look forward to reconnecting with you all.

Peacefully, Ian Elmore-Moore.”

2010

Emily Young will begin pursuing their Master of Architecture degree at Pratt 64 Crimson Fall 2021

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Morristown Beard School

Institute this fall. In the few years prior, they had worked as the Graphics & Communications Manager at SITU—a multidisciplinary architecture practice based in the Brooklyn Navy Yard—where they had leveraged their skills in graphic design, writing, and communications strategy to help steer the firm’s design ethos and marketing direction. This fall will also mark Emily's 11th year as a New Yorker, along with their classmate Mike Lorenz.

2015

Kristy Cotter shared the following update about what’s going on in her life. “I graduated from Columbia University in 2019 and went on to work in finance at Goldman Sachs. After more than a year, I decided to leave Goldman and pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. I am now in nursing school at Mass General Hospital in Boston and I look forward to starting my career as a nurse upon graduation in August 2022.”

2016

Rachel Leung has made the Seton Hall Law Review this summer, and will be a summer associate in 2022 for the prestigious Winston & Strawn, LLP in their New York City office.

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Jared Rosen received the Fall 2020 Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence at Colgate

University, Hamilton, New York. Jared is a Computer Science major.

Joey Velazquez graduated from George Washington University in May with a Bachelors of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Psychology. Pictured at his graduation celebration are: top ( left to right) Michael Della Torre, Michael Karrat, Mark Timcenko, Madeline Larson, Pamela Burke, Samantha Salazar, Theresa Green, and Mitchell Green ’13. Bottom (left to right) William Simon and Joseph Velazquez.

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Amelia Hawkins was named to the Dean’s List at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine for the winter semester ending in May 2021. This is a distinction earned by students whose grade point average is 3.88 or higher. Amelia is majoring in art and visual culture.

Stay in Touch with MBS! Keep the MBS community updated on your latest personal, professional, and civic achievements.

Please email alumni@mbs.net or scan the QR code by January 28, 2022 to be included in the next issue of Crimson.

Join us as we celebrate the class years ending in 2 and 7 For a list of milestone class agents, visit the MBS website.

Questions?

Contact Monya Taylor Davis ’88, Associate Director of Alumni Relations at mtaylor@mbs.net or 973-532-7578.

REUNION IS FOR EVERYONE— DON’T MISS OUT!

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Alumni Association

Morristown Beard School

Meet the Alumni Board!

The Alumni Board works to promote a mutually beneficial and rewarding relationship between Morristown Beard School and its alumni.

Alumni Board members make meaningful contributions of their time, talents, and wisdom to the School and its students. They connect the traditions of the past with the vibrant future of our students.

Alumni Board Executive Committee Amy Chaiken Wolffe ’78, President Matthew Engel ’07, Vice President KC Hnat Joubran ’84, Secretary David Kramer ’69, Treasurer The 2021-2022 Alumni Board Members Christina (Toth) Breen ’95 Jerome Brown ’08 John Capo, III ’08 Ryan Carr ’95 Sue Driscoll ’02 Michele (Cestone) Fusco ’83

Jillian Griffith ’14 Todd McConnell ’02 BeLara (Bryant) Palmer ’98 Eriqah (Williams) Vincent ’06 Nancy “Taz” (Tasman) Brower ’47 (Emeritus)

In September, the Alumni Board voted to elect its first ever Alumni Board member emeritus Nancy “Taz” Tasman Brower ’47. Taz served on the Alumni Board in the 1980s and 1990s and she was president from 1989-1992. A sports enthusiast, Taz worked tirelessly with the Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee for over 3 decades. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989 and received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1999. Taz was instrumental in getting the Alumni Board re-started after a period in the late 90’s and early 2000s when the Board was inactive. For all of these reasons and more, the Alumni Board is truly grateful to Taz for her years of dedicated service to MBS.

Join the Alumni Board!

Alumni Board Members meet four times throughout the school year.

They are looked upon for their engagement, dedication, and leadership within the MBS alumni community. Term limits are three years with possible extension.

If you are interested in serving on the Alumni Board, please visit the Resources section of our Alumni Networking Portal, MBS Connect— www.mbsconnect.net or contact Monya Taylor Davis ’88, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, at mtaylor@mbs.net or 973-532-7578.

Join MBS Connect today by going to: www.mbsconnect.net or Scan QR code

JOIN MBS CONNECT TODAY! • Read inspiring MBS alumni news • Find classmates, teammates, and friends in the online directory • Stay up to date with the calendar of events • Share job opportunities on the job board Utilize all of these tools and more on MBS Connect— Your Alumni Networking Portal 66 Crimson Fall 2021

Questions? Please contact Monya Taylor Davis ’88, Associate Director of Alumni Relations by email: mtaylor@mbs.net or by phone: 973-532-7578

MBS Connect—Over 990 Members Strong and GROWING.

IN MEMORIAM Ruth Wilkinson Ward Morrow ’41, July 15, 2020, age 96. Ruth had a long and active life, filled with family, friends, many interests, and devotion to many causes. She grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, spending treasured summers either in Monmouth Beach or Sweden where she would stay with her mother’s family.

After Miss Beards, she graduated from Smith College (where she was a lifelong active Smith alumna) and then nursing school at New York Presbyterian. With marriage to Tom Ward and four young children, she later returned to academia for a Master’s Degree in Literature and subsequently taught at CW Post College on Long Island. The love of education forged at Miss Beard’s remained with her for life. Her marriage to Tom ended after 30 years. Three of the couple’s four children survive her; son David Minton Ward predeceased her. The family lived in Port Washington on Long Island and spent summers on Shelter Island.

Ruth later enjoyed a long, fulfilling marriage to William Kline, embracing his four children.

After Bill’s 1996 death, Ruth moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina where she was living at the time of her death. In Chapel Hill she met and married George Morrow. He died in 2013.

Ruth’s daughter Ellen Waterman Ward (Ellie) wrote of her mother: “Mom’s greatest joys in life included—in random order: tennis (at 88 I was helping her move and she had 3 tennis racquets, I asked ‘Can I take them?’ and she said ‘Leave me one!’), her house on Shelter Island, reading the New York Times, cocktails at 5:00, her friends, Joyce Davenport, reading good fiction, hors d’oeuvres, several black Labradors, her children’s adopted cats, Sunday morning phone calls, collecting ‘art’—including (son) Billy’s tapestries, family croquet matches, the Duke Eye Institute Board, volunteering at the library, playing the piano, secretly reading trash novels (shhh), international travel, drinks with friends, writing short stories, learning Italian, talking on the phone, more reading, being a staunch Democrat, the yacht club, piano music, “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” Dewar’s, Wednesdays with Ellen, shopping at Talbot’s, her charities (the Human Rights Campaign, the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood), and family Easters and Thanksgivings.”

Adelaide McCracken Wean ’42, August 9, 2021, age 97. Adelaide was born and grew up in South Orange, New Jersey and was a student at Miss Beard’s in nearby Orange from kindergarten until graduation. She and her best friend and classmate Katherine Crowley Kelly ’42 were born the same day in 1924 and were as close as sisters until Katherine’s death in 2011.

In an interview about 20 years ago, the two women shared stories of their love for Miss Beard’s. They also laughingly recounted their mutual dislike for field hockey. “We both managed to play wings,” Adelaide began. “We would deliberately hit the ball into the Colgate property next to the playing field,” she said.

“Then we would spend the rest of the game looking for the ‘lost’ ball,” Katherine said. They were Beard’s girls through and through, sharing a love of family, friends and sense of doing and serving. After Miss Beard’s (the School was reorganized as The Beard School a year after Miss Beard’s 1946 death), Adelaide, known as Skippy to close friends and family, graduated in 1944 from Pine Manor Junior College where she would later serve on the board. She had met her future husband Raymond John “Jack” Wean, Jr. at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach in 1938. The couple were married in 1943 and shared a full life together until Jack’s death in 2006. After Jack’s World War Two service as an officer in the US Navy, they settled in Warren, Ohio where Jack began his long and successful career at the Wean Engineering Company where Jack doubled the size of the company and became CEO. In 1949, he established the Raymond John Wean Foundation that supports multiple educational organizations. Adelaide was living in West Palm Beach, Florida at the time of her death, although she spent many years in Palm Beach where she and Jack were active community members. There she taught Sunday school at the Church of Bethesda-bythe Sea and served on the vestry. For over 50 years she was a member of the Garden Club of Palm Beach, served a term as its president, and chaired the Garden Club of America’s

annual conference when it was held in Palm Beach. A descendant of Wilhelmus Beekman, an early New York City mayor and treasurer of the Dutch West India Company, Adelaide was active in the Palm Beach Chapter of the Colonial Dames of America. Adelaide and Jack were lifetime members of The Society of the Four Arts and also longtime members of The Bath and Tennis Club, The Sailfish Club of Florida, and The Everglades Club. The couple had four active children, taking joy from their accomplishments—and always a Miss Beard’s girl—their good manners. She believed in physical activity and swam, bicycled and took regular walks on Everglades Island. As a girl, Adelaide had been an active camper at Camp Quinibeck in Vermont. Years later, she mastered the pogo stick more quickly than her athletic children. She relaxed by creating and executing her own needlepoint designs for chair cushions, rugs, and wall hangings or by playing bridge.

She traveled since childhood, enjoying many transatlantic crossings and regular European tours with Jack and the children. Sons R. John Wean III, Gordon B. Wean and daughter Rebecca Wean Stilin, and their spouses, eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and her beloved sister’s daughters survive her. Her husband, son Thomas, her sister, the Reverend W. Chave McCracken (Mary Tyler), and her brother and his wife predeceased her.

Judith Gedney Tobin, M.D. ’44, January 21, 2021, age 94. Affectionately known as “Dr. Judy,” Judith broke many glass ceilings, mentored young women to break more, and was a vital center for her many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the second of four accomplished children, three girls and one boy, all born in East Orange, New Jersey, all to have satisfying life work. She, her late older sister Joan ’42, and her younger sister Marion ( Jerry) ’49, PhD, graduated from Miss Beard’s School (The Beard School as of 1947) in Orange, New Jersey. Joan was an accomplished Abstract Expressionist artist, featured in Crimson magazine. Jerry studied with Anna Freud at the latter’s institute in London and continues to enjoy her New York City based private practice in psychology and psychotherapy. Speaking about her sister, Jerry said, “She was modest about her achievements,

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IN MEMORIAM always a good sport, and got along well with people.” Their mother had been a performing opera singer, their father was a lawyer. “My father felt that it was not good to push anyone to do anything against their wishes or their own judgement. So, we used our own judgement. He also made it clear that we were expected to make our own livings and have careers. So, we did,” Jerry recently wrote. Jerry survives her along with Judith’s six children, 19 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many of her children’s and grandchildren’s spouses. After Beard, Judith graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Mount Holyoke in 1948. She was one of 12 women in a class of 120 at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. Judith graduated at the top of the class. She also met her late husband, Richard (Dick) W. Tobin there. After their graduations, they married and did their residencies in pathology and general surgery at Dartmouth Medical Center in Hanover, New Hampshire followed by additional residencies at St Luke’s Hospital in New York City. Residencies are notoriously grueling: Dr. Judy completed hers while having five of the couple’s six children.

Their youngest child was born shortly later in Seaford, Delaware where the couple would soon play valued roles. Post Dick’s serving as the chief resident in general surgery in Little Rock, Arkansas, each entered private practice in Delaware, which Dr. Judy proudly called home for the remainder of her long life. There, she was a staff pathologist at the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford and also served as deputy medical examiner for the Board of Post Mortem Examiners for Sussex County, Delaware. In 1964, she became the assistant state medical examiner, overseeing Delaware’s Kent and Sussex counties. Before her 2009 retirement, she performed over 5,000 autopsies.

In addition, Judith held many important volunteer posts with the local and state chapters of the American Cancer Society where she served on the board of the Delaware division.

She helped found the Boys and Girls Club of Western Sussex County; served on the board of Children and Families First of Delaware and on the board of directors of the Blood Bank of Delaware. She was the first woman to serve as president of the Nanticoke Hospital medical

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staff and the first woman to be inducted into the Nanticoke Hospital’s Physician Hall of Fame. She was a gubernatorial appointee to the Delaware Board of Medical Practice, and served on the Board of the Delaware Institute of Medical Education and Research. She spoke at career fairs, mentored students and volunteered with the American Association of University Women and Soroptimist International. Dr. Judy received many awards and honors. She held the 1985 Distinguished Service Award for her professional contributions. The Southern Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Building was named in her honor. She held the 2007 area Athena Award for professional excellence, community service, and for helping area women achieve full potential. Dr. Judy’s most prized award came in 1984 when Governor Pete DuPont named her Delaware’s Mother of the Year. Judy richly merited this recognition. She had brought up her and Dick’s six children— then ages 9 to 15—on her own after Dick’s premature death in 1970 while she was working fulltime as a forensic pathologist. Her greatest joy was her family. Somehow, too, Dr. Judy found time to garden, solve puzzles, read a good mystery, go to the beach, visit with friends and follow Baltimore Ravens football. She was loved, respected and valued for her strength of character, humor, kindness, integrity, and compassion.

Susan Hunter Grymes Mackie ’45, November 12, 2020, age 93. Susan was brought up in East Orange, New Jersey and Easton, Maryland.

After Beard, she attended Bennett College and married John G. Mackie. The couple moved to Boulder, Colorado where John Mackie was a long-time state representative before his death years ago. Susan, too, had a passion for politics. She also lived in Longmont and Carbondale, Colorado, Kentfield, California and again in Boulder before relocating to Scottsdale, Arizona. Susan was a founding member of the Longmont Hospital Auxiliary, helped start Hospice in Longmont and was an active supporter and volunteer for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. She was also an active supporter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the Arizona Humane Society. Susan’s daughter, three sons, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren

survive her, remembering her grace, humor, love for animals, generosity, and beautiful dinner parties.

Philip (Phil) Sidney Showell, Jr. ’48, July 8, 2021, age 89. Born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Phil died in his sleep just short of his 90th birthday. He had spent the afternoon looking out at his beloved Winnegance Bay in Phippsburg, Maine where he had long enjoyed summers. After Morristown School, he graduated from Yale University with a degree in English, married Lois Burker that July, then entered the U.S. Army as a field artillery officer during the Korean War. On discharge, he and Lois made their lifelong home in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. Phil was a journalist who wrote for the Newark Evening News (long New Jersey’s leading evening newspaper), The New York Daily News, the North Jersey Herald & News and the Courier News. He also was a former public relations expert and speech writer for New Jersey Bell Telephone company. Phil deeply cared about the youth of America. In the 1970s, he founded “Get Your Head Together,” a youth counseling service, and was the lead writer of a correctional master plan for New Jersey. He helped start an AYSO soccer program in Glen Ridge, coaching both there and at the Union Sports Club. A longtime member of the Meadowbrook Yacht Club, Phil relished sailing, painting, photography, and singing. He sang in both his church choir and a barbershop chorus. An enthusiastic conversationalist, he read avidly, especially historical fiction. During his retirement, he took photos in and around Winnegance Bay, and published many articles in Maine periodicals on local history and water craft. Attending the Rockland Annual Boat Show was a special joy. Phil’s wife, daughter, three sons, sister, and six grandchildren survive him as well as nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth Livingston Kieb Diano ’51, November 27, 2020, age 88. Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Elizabeth’s father was Assistant Postmaster General of the United States during President Dwight David Eisenhower’s two terms of office from 1953 to 1958. Elizabeth, too, was a lifelong Republican, active in the party in her adopted state of Texas; she long lived in Fort Worth. There, she was a

longtime precinct chairman/election judge for Tarrant County and served two terms on the county grand jury. In 1988 she was a delegate to the Republican National Convention.

After Beard, she attended Hood College, Washington School for Secretaries and married her late husband, Albert. The couple had four sons. Three survive Elizabeth. Her son Stefan Peter died in 2019. Elizabeth was a fixture at the All Saints’ Episcopal Church Flower Guild, a board member of both Women of All Saints’ and the Woman’s Club of Fort Worth, as well as a member of the Fort Worth History Club, the Fort Worth Garden Club, and the Festival of Flowers committee. Elizabeth and Albert traveled north for her 2001 Beard Reunion bringing a passel of red, white, and blue kitchen towels which she had crocheted for the entire class. In her 2001 Reunion Yearbook, she recalled the happiness of being elected senior class secretary and her long friendships with classmates Connie Carbaugh and Hope Harrison Lampe.

Jay (“Toppy”) Frances Topping Campbell ’52, and Former Trustee, May 1, 2021, age 86.

Everyone called Jay by her lifelong nickname, “Toppy.” The bounce suggested in this play on her maiden name matched her enthusiastic, outgoing, generous spirit. Toppy and her older sisters grew up in a big, Gothic-Tudor home in West Orange. At Beard, she was Spartan Captain, and years later wrote proudly of “leading the team to victory.” She also celebrated the Beard girls playing basketball against their dads each Beard Father’s Day. She would enjoy sports, especially tennis for years to come.

She was the daughter of one alumna, Grace Haigh Topping ’18 and sister of two alumna, Suzanne Topping Allen ’45 and Sally Topping Chandler ’47. All predeceased her. Toppy loved Beard, sharing favorite memories of knitting 6” squares during World War Two while in the Lower School, and Glee Club concerts with Lawrenceville while in Upper School. Toppy served Beard and, later, MBS. Both she and her mother were past trustees: Toppy served from 1986 to 1992, and was also a president of the MBS Mother’s Association when her two children were MBS students in the late 1970s to mid 1980s. In addition, Toppy long co-chaired the MBS School Auction. She rarely missed

an MBS reunion or alumni event. Toppy was a mainstay attendee at Lehman Lectures, Beard on campus alumna luncheons, and the Beard Paper Mill Playhouse theater-going alumna group. She was among her 50th Reunion chairs, and hosted a happy handful of classmates at her home in Far Hills for their 2002 weekend.

After graduating from Beard, Toppy received an AA from Bradford Junior College in 1954 and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northwestern in 1956. She was a past teacher of primary and basic skills for third to fifth graders, and later, in semi-retirement, a substitute teacher for grades K-5 in Chester, New Jersey. In earlier years Toppy was a member of the Junior Leagues of the Oranges and Morristown, volunteered at Morristown Memorial Hospital and was on the Vestry at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Gladstone where a Memorial Service was planned. Toppy married Donald W. Campbell in 1961, attended by her sisters and nine others. Donald died from injuries suffered in a swimming accident on their beloved Point ’O Woods, Fire Island, New York in 1979. Their children, Sandra Campbell MenendezAponte ’82 and William F. Campbell ’84 and four grandchildren survive her. She gave much to many and was much loved.

Suzette Denise Figeroux Betancourt ’53, June 15, 2021, age 87.

Suzette died in Santa Fe, Texas while holding her husband Manuel’s hand—the hand she had often held since their 1954 meeting at the Havana Yacht Club. They had married 6 months later. Suzette was born in Havana, Cuba and grew up there. She was among a number of daughters of prominent Latin Americans—her father owned a large pineapple and tomato canning company in Cuba—sent to the Beard School to study, to explore American cultural institutions, and to perfect their English.

Boarders from her years remembered the Spanish-speaking girls were instructed only to speak English, a rule often disregarded in the dorms. At Beard, Suzette enjoyed theater and studio arts. Suzette’s father was from Trinidad,

British West Indies and her mother from Strasbourg, France—a French connection that would prove fateful to the Betancourt’s lives.

She and Manuel, known as Manolo, were living with their three children on their beloved Cuban ranch when their lives were upturned by the Cuban Revolution. (A fourth child, daughter Gina, was born later.) Fidel Castro’s ascent led to Manolo’s 1961 arrest as a political prisoner. Suzette’s years of efforts coupled with help from the French Embassy led to Manolo’s release and the family’s emigration to the United States, leaving extended family and a way of life behind. The Cuban government seized their ranch, home and possessions. Their early years in Texas were difficult. Manolo found work on a ranch and Suzette worked at the American National Bank and later as an assistant physical education coach. In Santa Fe, Suzette was known for the warmth of her nature, her welcoming home, and her outstanding Cuban cooking. She doted on her grandchildren and their children. Suzette’s husband, two sons and two daughters survive her as do a daughter and son in law, five adult grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

In good times and harder times, Suzette found solace in her faith and would bring holy water from Lourdes to those in need.

William (Bill) Witthaft Bride III ’54, March 30, 2021, age 86. Bill was a boarder at Morristown School. He wrote admiringly of his years there for his 50th Reunion Yearbook: “Morristown will always be special to me; it helped me understand what learning was all about. The individual attention I received went a long way in my educational development,” Bill wrote. “The school also offered me a way to expand my interests in sports and extracurricular activities. Being a boarder was instrumental in learning how to live and share experiences with others of my age. Other than that—It was fun!!!,” Bill concluded. Bill always supported MBS. He was a member of the MBS 1891 Founders Society and discussed the importance of planned giving for the Spring 2010 Crimson Magazine. Bill lived in the Washington, DC area until 2000 when he relocated to Florida; he was living in Atlantis with his second wife Sandra Gardner Landon whom he had married that same

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IN MEMORIAM year. Sandy and he had known one another in childhood and dated in high school. She survives him as do his two children from his first marriage and their spouses, one grandson, three stepchildren, eight step-grandchildren and six step-greatgrandchildren. Bill had a full life as well as a long, active career until his 2019 retirement. After Morristown School, he spent his freshman year at Colgate University where he played hockey, soccer and ran track, but the cold weather chased him farther south.

Bill transferred to the University of Maryland, graduating in 1960. He wrote for both the college newspaper and humor magazine and was a member of the honorary journalism society. He served eight years in the Naval Air Force Reserve and the Air Force R.O.T.C. Bill had an outstanding business career.

Starting at Wyeth Laboratories, he went to Baxter Travenol Lab where he became field manager of government sales and was elected president of the Sustaining Members of the Association of Military Surgeons of the US, (AMSUS) which represents all pharmaceutical and medical surgical companies in the US government marketplace. He next joined Syntex Labs, traveling extensively to Europe and the Pacific basin to develop sales. In 1989 he started his own consulting firm, and 11 years later he joined Paul N. Gardener, his wife Sandy’s company, as sales manager and director of special projects. Bill loved travel, read avidly and took up kayaking near his and Sandy’s weekend place on Hutchinson Island, Stuart, Florida. Other interests were photography, bicycling, and classical music. He loved golf and sponsored annual golf tournaments at Andrews Air Force base among other national tournaments. On the links, he had two lifetime

holes in one. He rooted enthusiastically for the Washington Redskins while learning to appreciate the Miami Dolphins. He loved animals and supported local rescue groups. He was the AARP volunteer talent coordinator on environmental issues and was on the board of directors of two homeowner associations where he had lived.

Andrew (Andy) G. Dick ’78, June 11, 2021, age 60. After MBS, Andy earned a bachelor’s from Babson College and a Master of Business Administration from Pace University. Born in Morristown, he lived in the Morris County area for 60 years. He was his MBS class president.

MBS Alumni Board President Amy Chaiken Wolffe ’78 sent these memories: “Andy always— and I mean always, every day—wore his maroon MBS blazer with the MBS crest on it. It was his uniform,” Amy wrote. “He was a lover of all things trains. As an adult he was involved in many organizations about railroad history and trains. We caught up a few years back in Morristown when I gathered about six alumni together for an impromptu reunion. Always smiling, with those blue eyes. He will be missed.”

Andy generously gave time and resources to friends, his community, and the causes he supported including those beloved trains, their history, and lore. He first volunteered with “Uncle” John McEwan for the Morristown & Erie Railroad and then for the Whippany Railroad. He was a member of Essex Steam Train of Connecticut and the Tri-State Railway Historical Society. Andy also volunteered extensively for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and with HIV/Aids Services of NY LGBT Community Center. There, he worked on event organizing and assured that those without resources or insurance had medical care. Andrews’ older brother, David Dick of Harpswell, Maine, his cousin Marjorie Conley of Madison, New Jersey and her family, and many friends survive him.

Edward (Ted) Knight Whitmore III ’81, May 31, 2021 age 58. Ted grew up in Essex Fells, New Jersey and had lived the past 10 years in neighboring Roseland. With a dynamic presence, he was passionate about music, food, wine, cigars, boats, and fishing. He combined these interests to create a wide-ranging career

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in both the restaurant and music worlds. His first jobs were at Bennigans, The Office and Tierneys in Montclair, a watering hole well known for its live music. There he both flipped burgers and booked acts. Later he managed high-end restaurants including Roots Steak House and Newark’s Art Deco Savoy Grill where he also brought in well-known jazz musicians to perform. Starting with Whitmore Merchandising, his family’s business, Ted specialized in point of purchase advertising for manufacturers. A multi-talented musician, his signature style was soul. Ted played both guitar and seven-string bass at many New Jersey venues and in many bands including for the Dana Carvey Show, the Frankie Paris Groove Unit Band, the Big Roy Band, Lot B, Souls Sister, the house band at Dan Lynch as well as for gospel groups. Asked by an online music site whom he would have loved to have accompanied, he wrote with his customary enthusiasm “Paco!, Jimi!” [Paco de Lucia, the flamenco guitarist, and rock legend Jimi Hendrix]. With life-long friend Michael J. Conley he established MJC Ironworks, a high-end guitar and bass string company.

Most of all, Ted was devoted to his family and many friends, bringing them joy and laughter.

His wife Mary Guina Whitmore, son Edward Knight, father Edward Knight Whitmore, his two sisters and their families and his family by marriage survive him.

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