U Today | Summer 2023

ON BRAND

MICHAEL THOMPSON MARKETS

HIS WAY TO ESPN’S SEC NETWORK

With a toss of their caps, the Class of 2023 was off to life beyond 6191 Park Avenue. Commencement returned to Second Presbyterian Church this year, after several years on campus to accommodate pandemic restrictions. Read about the pomp, the awards, the college selections, and the overall jubilation beginning on page 16.

Photo by Wendy Adams

musowls.org/media

IN EVERY ISSUE ON THE COVER

56

Director of Advancement

Perry Dement perry.dement@musowls.org

Director of Alumni and Parent Programs

Ann Laughlin ann.laughlin@musowls.org

Editor, Director of Communications

Liz Copeland liz.copeland@musowls.org

Contributors

Michael Thompson ’97 has combined his love of sports with his interest in marketing into a career that has taken him to Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and now ESPN. As vice president for Programming and Acquisitions, he runs the SEC Network and Longhorn Network. Read his story on page 7. Photo by Ryan Gandee.

Assistant Director of Communications

Rebecca Greer

Communications Specialist

Jonah Jordan Graphic Designer

Kaitlan Koehler

Wendy Adams, photographer based in Memphis

Daniel Black ’18, MUS Director of Athletics Social Media

Grant Burke, MUS Arts Department Chair

Ryan Gandee, photographer based in Charlotte, North Carolina

Jane Schneider, writer based in Memphis

Founded 1893

MISSION STATEMENT

Memphis University School is a college-preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence, cultivation of service and leadership, and the development of well-rounded young men of strong moral character, consistent with the school’s Christian tradition.

© 2023 Memphis University School. All rights reserved. The name, seal, and logos of Memphis University School, as well as MUS Today, Inside MUS, The MUSe, The Owl’s Hoot, The Owl, and Beg To Differ, are registered marks of Memphis University School and use in any manner is prohibited unless prior written approval is obtained from Memphis University School.

HEADMASTER

Peter D. Sanders

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

James F. Burnett ’83, Chairman

Glenn A. Crosby II ’77, Vice Chairman

Chris R. Sanders, Secretary

D. Stephen Morrow ’71, Treasurer

Brandon K. Arrindell ’04

James H. Barton, Jr. ’85

R. Earl Blankenship

Andrew F. Cates ’89

William B. Dunavant III ’78

Robert M. Fockler ’77

P. Trowbridge Gillespie, Jr. ’65

J. Brett Grinder ’91

Mark J. Halperin ’67

Robert J. Hussey III ’81

W. Thomas Hutton, Jr. '91

Margaret C. McLean

Jeffrey B. Meskin

Richard C. Moore III ’98

Joseph M. Morrison ’78

William E. Orgel ’81

Jennifer R. Ransom

Wiley T. Robinson ’75

Frederick C. Schaeffer, Jr. ’88

William V. Thompson III ’95

Philip S. Wunderlich ’90

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD

Ted Simpson ’85, President

Horace Carter ’89, President-Elect

Scott Adams ’02

Galloway Allbright ’98

Preston Battle ’07

Chris Beard ’84

Jeffrey Block ’94

Albo Carruthers ’78

George Coors ’09

Don Drinkard ’98

Cal Edge ’14

Elliot Embry ’04

Jim Gilliland ’89

Emmel Golden ’97

Wesley Grace ’86

Rob Heard ’76

K.C. Horne ’92

Graham Jones ’09

Trey Jordan ’83

Edward Lake ’13

Will Levy ’99

Neely Mallory ’07

Jay McDonald ’00

Greg McGowan ’86

Alston Meeks ’99

Shannon Rhodes ’90

Gideon Scoggin ’95

James Sexton ’14

McCown Smith ’98

Alex Snyder ’06

George Sousoulas ’78

Harley Steffens ’98

Reid Wesson ’06

View from a Hyde Chapel Seat

In the course of a 39-year school career, I have witnessed my share of memorable moments. Ranging from impressive experiences in the classroom, in the athletic arena, and during extracurricular activities to meaningful interactions with colleagues, parents, and alumni, I have a storehouse of memories that will always be with me. At Memphis University School, our assemblies or, as we call them, chapels, are among the most enduring and remarkable recollections.

As it has for decades, the school community gathers three times a week in Hyde Chapel for announcements and speaker presentations. Most alumni can vividly describe programs that made an indelible impression – and the exact seat where they were sitting.

I like to call chapel the whole-school classroom, a place where students, faculty, staff, and administration share a common experience. Most Fridays are reserved for outside speakers – an alumnus or a noted figure from beyond 6191 Park Avenue. Over my last six years at the school, I have learned much from these presentations.

In my first year, Judge Dan Michael ’72 illuminated me on the juvenile court system and, in turn, the challenges many youths in our city face. One of the most memorable recent speakers was hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones ’72, who shared lessons learned from professional and personal failures in his life. The already energized Homecoming Week audience made for an engaging atmosphere, and the response from the boys was easily the most electric I have seen.

In January Darrell Cobbins ’91, founder and president of Universal Commercial Real Estate, delivered an inspiring start to the second annual Memphis Day. His address was the inaugural presentation made possible through the Cobbins Family Endowment, honoring Shirley Peace Cobbins and her sons, the late Donnell ’89 and Darrell.

MUS is the beneficiary of generous donors who make highimpact presentations possible. The Metcalf Symposium is an annual lecture series founded and funded by Religion Instructor Clay Smythe ’85 and SouthernSun Asset Management COO William Halliday ’82 to encourage reflection on the ethical traditions of Western civilization. The Rogers Leadership Forum, made possible through an endowed fund established by Judy and King Rogers, parents of King Rogers ’98, features guests in positions of high responsibility. (See related story on page 47.) I look forward to hearing from the next Rogers speaker in January: TIME magazine

Executive Chairman and Contributing Editor Edward Felsenthal ’84. Teachers have provided many illuminating and engaging chapels on Wednesdays, including Religion Department Chair David Jackson, who retired in May (see page 36). His presentations on typos and malapropisms in church signs and bulletins never failed to make me laugh. On a more serious note, three chapels on his tour of the Holy Land were fascinating. A trip to that part of the world is now on my bucket list. Other faculty chapels have included an eye-opening banned books presentation by English Department teachers, mind-expanding lectures by Math Instructor Steve Gadbois, and captivating letters to his youngest son by Clay Smythe. All have been wonderful contributors to the rich culture that is MUS.

The chapels led by students, not surprisingly, have been some of the best. This past year, the Black History Month presentations by Christian Arocho ’23, Kyan Ramsay ’23, Tanner Williams ’23, Benjamin Zague ’23, and Christon King ’25 were outstanding. Lou Zhou ’23 reported on the statistics of basketball players making the last shot in a game, the result of his independent study in sports analytics with Mathematics Co-chair Darin Clifft. There have been some fun moments too, including the student photography contest series presented by Charlie Gallop ’23 during Monday announcements.

Chapel also provides a platform for Honor Council and Student Council candidates. It is quite an experience to see and hear boys stand before their peers and advocate for themselves. This past year we emphasized the spoken word over the trend of using visuals and videos for campaigning. The result was some of the best student speaking I have seen in my tenure here. The candidates represented themselves very well, making the choices difficult and the races close.

I look forward to the speeches and presentations coming to the chapel stage in 2023-24 and in the years ahead!

Veritas Honorque

PETER D. SANDERS HEADMASTER

PETE.SANDERS@MUSOWLS.ORG

Math Modeling Team Second in Nation

Five Owls worked about 170 hours – six hours a week from October to April – to analyze the problem of recidivism in Iowa prisons and formulate solutions based on predictive mathematical models. Their 38-page report resulted in a second-place finish nationally in the 2022-23 Modeling the Future Challenge, sponsored by the Actuarial Foundation.

Lou Zhou ’23 led fellow seniors Amar Kanakamedala, Jeffrey Liu, and Henry Yu, along with Evan Wu ’24 in the research project, “Breaking the Cycle: Reducing Recidivism in Iowa State Prisons.” They were among 13 teams (out of 114) to be named finalists. After defending their research during a video call April 26, they learned of

their second-place finish. Each will receive a $3,000 college scholarship award.

Zhou, a member of the 2021-22 math modeling team, recruited this year’s participants based on the characteristics most necessary for success – communication and perseverance – as they created mathematical models to analyze prison population data, project future trends, and offer recommendations to reduce recidivism.

“I’ve known most of these guys for over six years, so working together, even with a project of this size, was never going to be a problem. It’s been a blast working with these guys, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

In announcing the results, Actuarial Foundation Senior Program Specialist Nichole Semprit said, “A challenge like this requires many levels of analysis and critical thinking that one does not regularly see in the classroom but is an everyday aspect of many careers.” The goal of the competition, according to the foundation, is for students to learn “how mathematics applies to cutting-edge industries and technologies and to gain exposure to highly sought-after careers as actuaries and other math or STEM-related professionals.”

Instructor in Mathematics

Steve Gadbois described the math modeling quintet as self-motivated and dedicated. He deflects any credit, saying he merely provided a space for them to work and some snacks, but the scholars offer another viewpoint in their acknowledgements.

“The authors of this work

would like to thank our coach and mentor, Dr. Steve Gadbois, for his unwavering support throughout this process. His insights and guidance throughout this project have been invaluable.”

Coincidentally, Gadbois recalls as a child hearing, “but ignoring,” his dad talking about studying recidivism in Minnesota for his master’s thesis in the mid-1960s.

Zhou, who will head to Rice University this fall to major in statistics and sports analytics, offered advice to future Owl math modeling teams: “Work on topics you genuinely enjoy, not something that you think would impress a judge. When you’re on page 20 of your 38-page rough draft, it’s a lot easier to keep going on something that you are interested in. If you pick something you don’t like, you won’t produce good work.”

As for the rest of the seniors on the team, all are planning to study computer science in college, Kanakamedala at Rice University, Liu at UCLA, and Yu at Indiana University.

Wu will be at MUS for another year, perhaps keeping the legacy of math modeling excellence going strong.

Roberto Ferrer Guimaraes '23 is state singles tennis champ. See page 60.

The 2022-23 math modeling team: Evan Wu, Henry Yu, Lou Zhou, Amar Kanakamedala, and Jeffrey Liu

Owls Top State Math Competition

What was needed for the Owls to bring home a state championship from the 2023 Mu Alpha Theta State Convention and Math Competition? Intense preparation, sure. But other factors – Nerf guns, late night pizza in the hotel, two stops at Buc-ee’s Travel Center, and basketball pickup games – cannot be ruled out.

Competing in this event for the first time since 2007, the Owls came away with nine top-3 awards including the Overall Sweepstakes. In the Math Bowl, two Owl teams met in the finals.

“Once our B team defeated White Station’s A team while our A team was simultaneously defeating White Station’s B team in the Math Bowl, we knew we had a good shot at winning the entire competition,” Albert Ding ’26 said.

To prepare the students, Mathematics Department Co-chair Darin Clifft and Math Instructor Nancy Gates organized them for the various competitions and held practice sessions outside of school hours. Mathematics Department Co-chair Phillip Stalls and Clifft drove the team to Hardin Valley High School and coached them through the competition. They faced teams from across the state, including perennial

powerhouses White Station, Farragut, and Oak Ridge high hchools.

Jeffrey Liu ’23 summarized the win: “It’s great to be an MUS Owl, and it’s great to finish my senior year as a champion.”

THE RESULTS ADDED UP TO MUS DOMINATION OF THE COMPETITION:

First Place Overall Sweepstakes (Overall Champions)

First Place Interschool Competition

First Place Math Bowl

Jeffrey Liu ’23, Gabe Chen ’24, Alan Cheng ’25, Albert Ding ’26

First Place Chalk Talk Algebra II

Ethan Zhao ’24

First Place Ciphering Precalculus

Albert Ding ’26

First Place Speed Math Calculus

Jeffrey Liu ’23

Second Place Math Bowl

Bryan Ding ’24, Joephen Chen ’25, Rushil Komeravelli ’25, Ethan Zhao ’26

Second Place Individual Algebra II

Ethan Zhao ’26

Third Place Individual Precalculus

Albert Ding ’26

Class of 2025 scholars Luke Akers, Wills Frazer, Kushal Patel, and Joey Paul rounded out the MUS contingent.

Ramsay Wins National Gold for Essay

Kyan Ramsay ’23 won a national Gold Medal in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for a critical essay examining themes in Toni Morrison’s novel The Bluest Eye. The essay was written as part of an independent study course, Perspectives in Women’s Literature, with English Department Chair Elizabeth Crosby

More than 100,000 students submitted more than 260,000 works of art and writing to the 2023 Scholastic Awards. Ramsay’s work was selected by some of the foremost

leaders in the visual and literary arts for excellence in originality, technical skill, and the emergence of personal voice or vision. Fewer than 2,000 works received a national medal, which placed Ramsay’s essay within the top 1% of all submissions.

Ramsay also won a regional Gold Key for his critical essay and two other regional awards: a Gold Key in the Personal Essay & Memoir category and a Silver Key for his Writing Portfolio.

Owls celebrate their Mu Alpha Theta Math State Championship, from left, Joephen Chen '25, Bryan Ding '24, Alan Cheng '25, Wills Frazer '25, Joey Paul '25, Kushal Patel '25, Rushil Komeravelli '25, Gabe Chen '24, Ethan Zhao '26, Luke Akers '25, and Albert Ding '26.

SPECTATOR PORT

BY DANIEL BLACK ’18

Michael Thompson, pictured at the SEC Network's headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, began his role as ESPN’s vice president for Programming and Acquisitions in May 2022. The position involves running the SEC Network and Longhorn Network. Photos by Ryan Gandee

MICHAEL THOMPSON KEEPS SEC AND LONGHORN NETWORK FANS CHEERING –OR NOT

Michael Thompson ’97 has always been a sports fanatic. At Memphis University School he was a captain on the football team, and he played on the school’s first non-club varsity lacrosse team. He was a member of the Professional Prognosticators club, a group dedicated to picking the winners of sporting events.

Despite an evident passion for athletics, sports never registered on his radar as a potential profession.

“Nope, not at all,” he says. “I never would’ve imagined I would work in sports.”

Fast forward to today, Thompson serves as ESPN’s vice president for Programming and Acquisitions, a position that involves running the SEC Network and Longhorn Network. A year into the job, he is still somewhat in awe.

“It’s pretty cool when I can look at my business card, and it has the ESPN logo on it,” Thompson says. “I’ve had the ESPN app on my phone forever, and now every time I open it, I realize I’m using my company’s app! To be part of an organization like that is just so cool.”

How he got to ESPN is a story of happenstance, hard work, and discovering a career he could love.

Flash back to 1997 when he headed to Ole Miss: Thinking he would follow in his father’s footsteps and enter the advertising business, he studied marketing and, after graduation, moved to Atlanta to start his career. His job search was initially fruitless, and he started waiting tables. A roommate introduced him to a friend who worked for a sports marketing agency in need of interns. Following an interview, he was asked one question: “When can you start?”

“I had nothing to lose,” Thompson says. “I loved

sports. I didn’t even know this industry existed.”

His excitement for day one on the job was palpable. He was in the office by 7 a.m., ready to begin his new venture. The date of that first day? September 11, 2001. He watched the events unfold on a television in the break room, and he and his colleagues had to be evacuated as a precaution because of the building’s height.

“It was a wild way to start my career in sports,” Thompson says.

Despite the inauspicious start, he eventually found this job to be of significant value. He worked on projects with some of the globe’s biggest brands, including Coca-Cola, UPS, and Domino’s. He went from intern to full-time employee within a few weeks. He quickly fell in love with the business.

“I was so fortunate,” Thompson says. “I got exposed to so much. I was meeting with people from the Weather Channel, I was in the boardroom at NASCAR, I was hosting Cadillac guests at 24-hour races. It was all just crazy.”

After two years in Atlanta, he got an offer to come back home and work for his father, Michael H. Thompson, at his Memphis advertising agency. Over the years at Thompson & Company, he eventually focused on projects that weren’t related to sports, and he started to miss it. Then he received a tip about a job in the athletics department at Ole Miss.

His alma mater was looking for someone to build a marketing division within the Athletics Department. He was interested not only in the opportunity to get back into athletics but also to create a team from scratch.

After enduring an intense, eight-hour interview process, he was not encouraged. “I thought I bombed the interview,” Thompson remembered. “I called my wife coming back from Oxford and said,

‘We don’t have to worry about this anymore.’ Sure enough, a few weeks later, I got a call with a job offer.”

He arrived in Oxford in 2010 with a mindset of excitement, but it was a definitive challenge. No other school had a department like the one he was creating; he was setting the standard.

“It was a whirlwind,” Thompson says. “We worked hard, with long hours, but it was so rewarding.”

He began his career at the University of Mississippi during a period of significant transition. After two losing football seasons in 2010 and 2011, the Rebels made a change at head coach. Their onfield mascot was replaced, a project Thompson was tasked with launching. They also brought in a new athletic director, Ross Bjork, in 2012.

Thompson impressed his new boss from the start.

“Right away, Michael came across as a seasoned professional in college athletics,” Bjork says. “I remember thinking he had worked in college athletics for at least 10 or 15 years, when he had been in our industry for just a couple years. I was impressed with his depth of knowledge in college athletics while being so new to the business.”

Bjork eventually promoted Thompson to a greater role within the athletic department, and it paid off with several accolades, including the 2019 Technology Innovation Award by the National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors. In addition to his many roles in Oxford, he served as the school’s primary contact with the SEC Network, which launched in 2014.

In 2019 Texas A&M hired Bjork as the Aggies’ new athletic director, and Thompson soon joined him in College Station as deputy athletics director for external relations and business development. The role involved many of the same duties he fulfilled at Ole Miss, just at a larger scale.

Three years later, he was referred for a newly opened position at ESPN to run the SEC Network.

Initially, he had some reservations.

“I thought to myself that I really didn’t have much experience in that field,” he says. “But as I continued looking at the job description, I started checking off boxes of things I could do through my experience working with the conference office. I was up for it and threw my hat into the ring.”

It was yet another grueling interview process, as he spoke with 15 people over a three-month period, but it paid off with a job offer. Thompson began his new role in May 2022.

“Michael is a no-brainer for the position,” Bjork says. “I selfishly wanted him to stay at A&M, but for the enterprise of the SEC, he is perfect.”

Overseeing ESPN’s SEC Network and Longhorn Network, he handles programming for both channels – what shows and events are presented and when – in addition to supervising the networks’ profits.

His leadership skills are on full display as he leads a substantial group of employees whose responsibilities are vast – marketing, production, programming, public relations. Because employees work in a “matrix system,” fulfilling certain roles for multiple networks under the ESPN umbrella, about 500 people contribute to SEC Network operations throughout the year.

While at Ole Miss and Texas A&M, Thompson saw the relationship between television and the schools from the campus perspective. Now working directly in the world of television, he lives on the other side of the equation and understands its influence on collegiate athletics.

“The impact television has on the schools is astronomical,” Thompson says. “We have the ability to cultivate fan bases and bring new fans into the fold from all over the world. It’s such a valuable asset to these schools.”

As he puts it, “every day is different.” Beyond the big-picture scheduling of games and identifying and acquiring content that SEC fans want, Thompson has been able to spend time with some of ESPN’s

most notable on-air personalities, including Tim Tebow and Laura Rutledge.

Growing up a sports fan, Thompson relishes the opportunity to work for “The Worldwide Leader in Sports,” as the company’s tagline proclaims.

He joined ESPN at a critical time for the company and for college sports. Starting in 2024, ESPN/ABC will take over complete control of the SEC’s broadcast rights for football. Furthermore, it is the same year the conference will add Oklahoma and Texas.

He has received high praise for his work in the first year, including from SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.

“Michael is a valuable resource for the Southeastern Conference,” Sankey says. “His knowledge of the SEC and his expertise in marketing and media made him an ideal candidate for his current role, and I believe he will be a tremendous contributor to the SEC-Disney-ESPN relationship for many years to come.”

So far, it has been a rewarding journey for Michael Thompson. Starting as a kid from Memphis with a love for sports, he now runs one of the largest television networks in the industry from ESPN’s home base in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he lives with his wife, Leslie Ann, and their children McLean (13), Adams (11), and Camille (8). Looking back on his career, he can’t help but remember his time in the halls of 6191 Park Avenue.

“I feel so blessed that my parents let me go there,” Thompson says. “I didn’t deserve it. It’s so rigorous that it teaches you how to be tough and scrappy. It’s going to be hard, but it’s going to be good. MUS instilled a level of curiosity in me that I still use today. I am so fortunate to learn at a place like that.”

Professional Prognosticator or not, young Thompson could not have predicted how his interest in sports and marketing would converge to build a career worth watching.

Straight Shooter

BY JANE SCHNEIDER

If you’ve ever played the popular online battle royale game PUBG Mobile, you might be surprised to learn that Andrew Manugian ’05 has a hand in its evolution.

No, Manugian isn’t a video game designer. But from his office in the bustling city of Bangkok, Thailand, the 36-year-old executive works as the head of gaming operations for Tencent Thailand. There, he oversees video game publishing, promotions, marketing, and esports (organized competitions for teams or players) for several games.

“Trust me, I am a small part of the many teams responsible for the development and publishing of games in Tencent,” Manugian says.

Tencent Thailand is just one small branch of Tencent, the largest gaming company in the world and China’s second largest tech firm. The parent company is based in Shenzhen, China.

His department is tasked with growing the game’s popularity in Southeast Asia, a diverse region comprising 11 countries and more than 676 million people.

“It’s a complicated region because the people all speak different languages, and there are very distinct religions and cultures. We need a local marketing expert for each country. And in Thailand, seven out of 10 people play video games, so it’s a very competitive market,” he says.

Manugian is the sole American and non-Thai in his office, overseeing a young staff of 30. Mentoring is a large part of his job, as is improving leadership and communication strategies and standardizing operating procedures.

“My team is like a group of friends – we hang out and compete in a friendly way,” he says.

That sense of teamwork and fun are characteristics Manugian has come to appreciate about Thai culture.

“The Thai are all about having fun. If something isn’t fun, they aren’t interested.”

Residing in Southeast Asia puts Manugian in the epicenter of the gaming industry, one that’s grown immensely during the past two decades. Day-to-day operations find him juggling a variety of balls: from dealing with government relations and social media trends to running gaming events, shooting music videos, even speaking at esports tournaments.

“My generation grew up alongside video games and watched the perception of them evolve from a simple children’s distraction to the booming industry they are today,” he says. “Video games are the most popular form of entertainment in the world right now and are still growing rapidly. The revenue is greater than the global film and music industries combined.”

Manugian was raised in Memphis as a firstgeneration American. His father, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Arsen Manugian with OrthoSouth, emigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon, and Andrew’s mother, Elizabeth, came from Britain. Being the child of immigrants, his home life exposed him to a broader world view, with family trips to Britain, Western Europe, and even Bhutan.

However, Manugian also credits MUS with helping to lay a solid foundation for his development.

‘There was the strong academic and analytical background, but just as important was an environment where great peers contributed strongly to my sense of humor, creativity, and camaraderie,” he says.

His three-year involvement with The Owl’s Hoot student newspaper – where he was the arts and entertainment editor during his junior year and editor-inchief his senior year – gave him a taste of the fast-paced environment he would soon encounter in the business world.

“When I think about it, it was pretty similar in that we had severe crunch time, did content planning, and there were tech skills involved in terms of laying out the

paper,” he says. “It really is similar to the work I do today.”

He also found inspiration in the English Department.

“Teachers like Mr. [Lin] Askew, Mr. [Terry] Shelton, and Mr. [Norman] Thompson unlocked an eagerness in me to experience the world as we discussed classic works of fiction. Those were tools I needed to communicate effectively,” he says. “I also really enjoyed Mr. [Loyal] Murphy’s [’86] math class.”

Once he completed a BA in psychology and film and media culture from Middlebury College in 2009, Manugian wasn’t sure where his future might lie. So he opted to teach English in Thailand, one country whose government didn’t require a teaching degree. He spent two years in Bangkok, immersed in Thai culture while teaching English to students not much younger than himself.

Learning the language required “being observant and patient and willing to embarrass yourself on occasion,” he says with a laugh. But today, Manugian is fluent in Thai.

While he’s been an avid gamer since seventh grade, Manugian didn’t see himself as a game creator. But working as a 20-something in Thailand opened his eyes to the many opportunities available in the robust gaming industry. After two years abroad, he returned to the U.S. and enrolled in graduate school, first at John Hopkins University, then transferring to the MBA program at INSEAD, an international business school based in France. He completed his coursework at the Singapore campus in 2016 and after two years at Garena, another game company, joined Tencent in 2018.

Part of Manugian’s job as a video game promoter is keeping abreast of cultural trends. He frequently reaches

out to top Asian media influencers and Korean pop bands to incorporate them into gaming ad campaigns. The aim is to broaden the PUBG Mobile audience by tapping into other fan bases. The video Ready for Love is a good example of such cross promotion, as it weaves K-Pop sensation Blackpink’s onstage performance with the singers’ avatars playing within the game. These ad campaigns make the PUBG brand more relevant to young audiences.

“Whatever is popular in music, we’ll leverage that trend to create and distribute content,” notes Manugian.

To grow the esports side of business, he frequently studies the professional sports world for ideas, where cross promotion, branding, and selling sponsorships is common.

“Esports is the fastest growing segment of competitive videogames, with tournaments and cash prizes given to see who is best.” He puts together Thailand gaming competitions, and players who win go on to compete in bigger tournaments in Southeast Asia and then, the world. Prize pools can reach tens of millions of dollars. “It’s very exciting,” he says.

What Manugian enjoys about his adopted city is Bangkok’s interesting blend of modern design with Old World esthetics. Its food scene has long been influenced by a rich infusion of world cultures. And while there is a sizable American expat community, Manugian doesn’t hang there. He prefers to spend his down time gaming – he still plays with gamers he’s kept in contact with since his teen years – and sharing a meal with Thai friends.

During the pandemic, Thailand was one of a handful of countries that closed its borders to travelers, a decision that led to a rather magical time for locals.

“For two years we had no tourists, so there was far less traffic, and travel destinations like Thailand’s mountains

and beaches were largely empty, so it was much better for locals,” he says.

Needless to say, his far-flung locale doesn’t bring many American friends to his doorstep. It generally takes 30 hours and three to four plane flights to travel from Bangkok to Memphis. But once back in the Bluff City, Manugian relishes getting caught up with family and friends, eating pizza, and, of course, gaming.

“I work in an industry I love, that’s basically

where I think I’ve landed. It makes me happy when I see people having fun playing our games and engaging in that form of entertainment,” says Manugian.

“The games have gotten more complex and competitive, and the audience may be a little older, but at their core, video games are what they've always been – an engaging and fun entertainment you can share with friends – even when they live across the world.”

career tips for getting into gaming:

As the head of gaming operations for Tencent Thailand, Andrew Manugian juggles responsibilities ranging from dealing with government relations and social media trends to running gaming events, producing music videos, even speaking at esports tournaments.

COMMENCES LIFE AS OWL ALUMNI

BY DANIEL BLACK ’18

s 2022-23 commenced, Headmaster Pete Sanders framed the school year as a return to our roots – to reclaim, reaffirm, and reinvigorate who we are and what we stand for.

Nine months later, as Class President Rhodes Temme led seniors down the aisle of Second Presbyterian Church, they reclaimed, reaffirmed, and reinvigorated a time-honored tradition. After two years in Stokes Stadium and a year in Ross Lynn Arena, Commencement had returned to the church sanctuary.

It was a sign that the difficulties of COVID-19 were, in many ways, finally behind us.

Sanders praised the 112 seniors for meeting the challenges of recent times. He

has referred to the pandemic as their 100year flood. “Through it all, you persevered, and your accomplishments are proof of your resilience.”

Following the grand entrance of the soon-to-be alumni, Religion Department Chair David Jackson offered the opening prayer. Jackson is also departing the halls of MUS, retiring after 26 years of service to the school (see page 36).

“Show these young men that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals,” Dr. Jackson prayed. “Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance to grow into a new start.”

Salutatorian Jeffrey Liu recounted

memories he had made at 6191 Park and expressed special recognition to his mother, as the ceremony shared the date with Mother’s Day. He offered congratulations to his fellow classmates and encouraged them to use their experience at MUS to propel their futures.

“To my classmates, I encourage every one of you to wander with a purpose and learn from every step,” Liu said. “Cherish every moment you have, with or without your guys, happy or sad, because it is the small things that stick with you and make you who you are.”

Following Beg To Differ’s performance of 1927 Kansas City, Valedictorian Frederick Huang offered inspiring words to his classmates.

Photos by Wendy Adams

Dylan Robinson, Jordan Bond, Jacob Cole, and Benjamin Zague Jack Knighton and Joseph Keeler

“While I have little idea what the future holds, I am confident that our MUS education has prepared us to go forth and prosper,” Huang said. “Just as I learned in my Creative Nonfiction class that writing can help in organizing thoughts, life can also be seen as a form of writing. We don’t have to know all the answers right away, just like we don’t need a finished piece of writing to figure things out. What I do know is that we are all creative and capable young men with lofty dreams. Therefore, as Abraham Lincoln said, ‘The best way to predict your future is to create it.’”

Next, Board of Trustees Chair Jim Burnett ’83 and Mr. Sanders presented the diplomas, officially enshrining the Class of 2023 as MUS graduates.

Faculty members announced the graduation awards (see page 18), and Temme presented the John M. Nail Outstanding Teaching Award. The class had selected Department of Mathematics Co-chair Darin Clifft for the honor, and he accepted to a standing ovation (see page 29).

In his closing remarks, Sanders lauded the students for their achievements and accomplishments, and he predicted that their MUS diploma will serve them well in the future.

“You now join an alumni group of high achievers and contributors to society, nearly 4,800 strong and growing. Many who have preceded you as student leaders now provide extraordinary leadership and service in Memphis and other communities

throughout the United States. Because of their achievements and now yours, MUS is highly respected well beyond this region. Your accomplishments as a class and as individuals make us proud to be a part of this great school.”

Following the MUS Hymn and a benediction from Honor Council President Carter Campbell, the MUS Class of 2023 made its way down the long center aisle to the front lawn of Second Presbyterian Church.

Standing together one final time, they tossed their caps in the air – a crowning tradition representing the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. They were, at last, MUS alumni.

Ismael Qureshi and Kyan Ramsay Byars Tayloe and Morgan Temme James Alexander and Van Abbay Frazier Gardner

Adrish Biswas and Aaron Barawid

Headmaster Pete Sanders Frederick Huang, Kristopher Johnson, and Hamza Janjua

Ismael Qureshi, Eliot Morris, Jeffrey Liu, and Jack Zaptin

Rowland Hayden, Frederick Huang, Johnny Heinz, Kristopher Johnson, and Cristian Arocho

Photos by Wendy Adams

Graduation Awards

At 2023 Commencement May 14, faculty members presented the following awards:

VALEDICTORIAN AWARD

Frederick Huang

This award is presented to the senior with the highest average over eight semesters of work at MUS.

SALUTATORIAN AWARD

Jeffrey Liu

This award is presented to the senior with the second highest average over eight semesters of work at MUS.

FACULTY CUP FOR GENERAL EXCELLENCE

Frederick Huang

This is the highest honor given to a member of the graduating class. With outstanding leadership and strength of character, the recipient of the Faculty Cup has earned the highest respect of his peers and teachers for the generous contributions of his time, talent, and energy to the school and its ideals.

ROSS MCCAIN LYNN AWARD

Carter Campbell, Wilson LeMay, Kevin Ma, Parth Mishra, Tanner Williams

This award is given in memory of Ross McCain Lynn, the school’s headmaster from 1955 to 1978. It recognizes distinction in the areas of school citizenship, leadership, service, and character.

LEIGH W. MACQUEEN DEAN’S CUP FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Jeffrey Liu

Named in 1998 in honor of the first academic dean of MUS, Leigh Windsor MacQueen, this award was originally donated by Mr. and Mrs. MacQueen in 1967. The award is given to a graduate who, based on his academic record and his performance on both a written and an oral examination, has demonstrated a high level of academic achievement along with a marked depth of intellectual maturity and curiosity and who, in the minds of the examining committee, has indicated sound intellectual attainment.

D. EUGENE THORN AWARD

Jack Blackwell, Eliot Morris, Max Painter, Kyan Ramsay

This award is given in memory of D. Eugene Thorn, the school’s headmaster from 1978 to 1992. It is presented to those members of the senior class who best demonstrate the dignity, integrity, humility, and sincerity that characterized Mr. Thorn’s years as coach, teacher, and headmaster at MUS.

MARK COOPER POWELL MEMORIAL AWARD

Lewis Butler, Jack Zaptin

This award is given in memory of Mark Cooper Powell ’80 by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Powell. It is given to the graduates who, through persistence and courage during their careers at MUS, have shown the greatest development of character and scholarship.

SCOTT MILLER REMBERT SENIOR SERVICE AWARD

Joseph Keeler

This award, established by family and friends, is made in memory of Scott Miller Rembert ’70. It goes to those seniors who have shown the most unselfish service to the school.

Valedictorian Frederick Huang Salutatorian Jeffrey Liu

Mr. Norman Thompson and Frederick Huang

Lynn Award recipients Tanner Williams, Carter Campbell, Wilson LeMay, Parth Mishra, and Kevin Ma

Mr. Flip Eikner '77 and Jeffrey Liu

Thorn Award recipients Jack Blackwell, Eliot Morris, Max Painter, and Kyan Ramsay

Powell awardees Lewis Butler and Jack Zaptin

Joseph Keeler and Mr. Lin Askew

Senior Awards

Class of 2023 family members joined students and faculty in Hyde Chapel April 19 for the Senior Academic Awards Program. Faculty members presented the following awards to seniors.

WILLIAM D. JEMISON III AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DRAMATICS

Cristian Arocho

BRESCIA AWARD FOR UNSELFISH SERVICE IN DRAMATICS

Kristopher Johnson

CHORAL MUSIC AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Kristopher Johnson

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Jeffrey Liu, Morgan Temme

ART AWARD

Charlie Gallop

SHELTON-THOMPSON ENGLISH AWARD

Kyan Ramsay

RUSSELL JOHNSON CREATIVE WRITING AWARD

Wilson LeMay

FRENCH AWARD

Aryaan Ahmed

WAYNE E. DUFF LATIN AWARD

Max Mascolino, Alyaan Salman

SPANISH AWARD

Andrew Schell

H. JERRY PETERS HISTORY AWARD

Jack Blackwell

CHRISTA GREEN WARNER

MATHEMATICS AWARD

Jeffrey Liu, Lou Zhou

MARGARET OWEN CATMUR SCIENCE AWARD

Charlie Gamble

RELIGION AWARD

John Lee

AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED COMMUNITY SERVICE

John Lee

DEWITT M. SHY, JR. MOCK TRIAL AWARD

Amar Kanakamedala, Parth Mishra

Athletics Awards

AL WRIGHT CHRISTIAN CHARACTER AWARD

Max Painter ’23

JAMES R. HAYGOOD, III

BEST ALL-AROUND ATHLETE AWARD

Jack Fortas ’23

LEE MURRAY

AWARD

Mr. Dax Torrey ’94 English Instructor and Sports Information Director

PAUL TROWBRIDGE GILLESPIE SCHOLARATHLETE AWARD

Edward Wilson ’23

Senior Academic Awards recipients, front, Charlie Gallop, Aryaan Ahmed, Morgan Temme, Wilson LeMay, Lou Zhou, Parth Mishra, Amar Kanakamedala, Kristopher Johnson; back row, Jeffrey Liu, Jack Blackwell, Charlie Gamble, Alyaan Salman, Max Mascolino, John Lee, Andrew Schell, Kyan Ramsay, and Cristian Arocho

SPIRIT

2023 Class of Accepted to

142 colleges and universities in 33 states, Washington, D.C., China, and Switzerland

49 Colleges of matriculation

47 Advanced Placement Class of 2023 honorees (of 112 students)

27 AP Scholar with Distinction

8 AP Scholar with Honor

12 AP Scholar

88% of AP exams resulted in score of 3, 4, or 5 (through 2023)

20 Recognized by National Merit Scholarship Corporation

47% Scored 30 or higher on ACT

100% Volunteered with the Civic Service Organization

14

Athletes committed to play sports at the college level

Passing the Torch Sons, fathers, and grandfathers celebrate MUS legacy

We fondly remember Owl legacies who have passed away, including Tommy Keesee

grandfather of Heiskell Weatherford

and DeWitt

father of DeWitt

Not pictured: John Norris ’60; Carter Campbell ’91 and Carter Campbell ’23, Rob Abbay ’92 and Van Abbay ’23, Ceylon Blackwell ’89 and Jack Blackwell ’23, Miles Fortas ’89 and Jack Fortas ’23, Chuck Hamlett ’92 and Charles Hamlett ’23, Norris McGehee ’81 and Ian McGehee ’23

Jim Alexander ’93, James Alexander ’23

Eli Lewis ’23, Jeff Lewis ’88

Bill Butler ’58, Charles Baine ’23

Spencer Clift ’92, Drew Clift ’23

George Flinn ’23, Shea Flinn ’91

Brown Nickey ’23, Sam Nickey ’89

Thomas Preston ’23, Tom Preston ’74

Spencer Norris ’23, Johnny Norris ’87

Max Painter ’23, Max Painter ’88

Clyde Patton ’86, Clyde Patton ’23, Clyde Patton ’58

David Simpson ’80, David Simpson ’23

Bryan Smith ’91, Hill Smith ’23

William Tayloe ’23, William Tayloe ’92, Byars Tayloe ’23

Trey Watkins ’91, William Watkins ’23

’59,

’23;

Shy ’69,

Shy ’23.

Class of 2023 Matriculations

Van Abbay

University of Texas at Austin

Aryaan Ahmed

University of Maryland, College Park

Stryker Aitken

University of Memphis

James Alexander

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Cristian Arocho

Loyola University Chicago

Charles Baine

Mississippi State University

Aaron Barawid

Rhodes College

Adrish Biswas

Arizona State University

Jack Blackwell

University of Alabama

Jordan Bond

University of Memphis

Lewis Butler

Southern Methodist University

Wesley Caldwell

Auburn University

Carter Campbell

University of Mississippi

Thomas Cates

Texas Christian University

Nathanael Chambers

Christian Brothers University

Clarence Chapman

Rollins College

Reid Chauhan

Trinity University

Braden Chubb

DePauw University

Drew Clift

Providence College

Thomas Coffey

Texas A&M University

Jacob Cole

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Kemp Conrad

University of Arizona

Charlie Dyson

Mississippi State University

Abdullah Elahi

Washington University in St. Louis

Wilson Ezzell

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Tate Farmer

Queens University of Charlotte

Ahad Farooq

Rhodes College

Shawn Felsenthal

University of Arizona

Roberto Ferrer Guimaraes

Mississippi State University

George Flinn

Southern Methodist University

Jack Fortas

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Nicholas Galler

University of Arizona

Charlie Gallop

Saint Louis University

Charlie Gamble

University of South Carolina

Frazier Gardner

University of Mississippi

Lewis Glankler

Mississippi State University

Nathaniel Greenfield

University of Georgia

Charles Hamlett

Auburn University

Jacob Harrington

Mississippi State University

Harrison Hayden

University of Mississippi

Rowland Hayden

University of Mississippi

Johnny Heinz

Fordham University

Frederick Huang

Washington University in St. Louis

Hamza Janjua

Rhodes College

Kristopher Johnson

Austin Peay State University

Andrew Jones

University of Arkansas

Amar Kanakamedala

Rice University

Joseph Keeler

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Jack Knighton

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Varun Krishnamurthi

University of Arizona

John Lee

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Wilson LeMay

Southern Methodist University

Eli Lewis

University of Alabama

Jeffrey Liu

University of California, Los Angeles

Kevin Ma

Case Western Reserve University

Griffin Marshall

University of Mississippi

Justin Martin

Christian Brothers University

Max Mascolino

Wake Forest University

Nickolas Mathews

Millikin University

Ben McBride

Southern Methodist University

Will McDaniel

University of Mississippi

Ian McGehee

Davidson College

Parth Mishra

Georgetown University

Jackson Moore

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Eliot Morris

Elon University

Brown Nickey

University of Alabama

Asa Nischwitz

Sewanee: The University of the South

Spencer Norris

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Max Painter

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Isaac Palmer

Clemson University

Taylor Patteson

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Bauer Patton

University of Arkansas

Clyde Patton

Texas Christian University

Sam Phan

Drexel University

Thomas Preston

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Mason Putnam

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Ismael Qureshi

Rhodes College

Kyan Ramsay

Yale University

Doty Rawson

University of Mississippi

Dylan Robinson

Christian Brothers University

Mohid Saeed Rhodes College

Alyaan Salman

Rhodes College

Andrew Schell Auburn University

Barrett Sexton

Pellissippi State Community College

Malcolm Shaw

Sewanee: The University of the South

Liam Shepherd

Southern Methodist University

DeWitt Shy

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

David Simpson

University of Arkansas

Hill Smith

Pellissippi State Community College

Wyatt Solberg

University of Mississippi

Wesley Street

University of Mississippi

Barrett Summers

Mississippi State University

Nicholas Tam

George Washington University

Byars Tayloe

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

William Tayloe

University of Mississippi

Morgan Temme

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Rhodes Temme

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Sutton Thomas

University of Mississippi

Alex Urcavich

University of Memphis

James Van Der Jagt

Butler University

William Watkins

Montana State University

Heiskell Weatherford

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Demar Wells

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Charlie West

Claremont McKenna College

Tanner Williams

University of Alabama

Edward Wilson

Southern Methodist University

Andrew Xu

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Nolan Yaren

Penn State University, University Park

Henry Yu

Indiana University Bloomington

Ben Zague

Southern Methodist University

Jack Zaptin

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Lou Zhou

Rice University

Mining Misery

In Siddharth Kara’s ‘Cobalt Red,’ he reveals the human cost of cobalt mining

BY JANE SCHNEIDER

Have you ever considered what it takes to produce the electronic devices you rely on every day?

For instance, did you know there are 42 different minerals used to produce a cell phone? Minerals such as gold and mercury, iron and nickel, copper and cobalt. What it takes to bring a mineral to market caught the attention of Siddharth Kara ’92. He is one of the world’s leading authorities on modern slavery and human trafficking, a subject he has researched and written about for more than 20 years.

Kara began traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2018. He had heard reports of the horrible working conditions in the country’s cobalt mines. The extraction of cobalt, which is used to make rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, comes at a heavy human toll. Kara’s initial aim was

What he found were enormous pits teeming with workers getting paid a pittance to shovel mountains of contaminated dirt in hopes of extracting heterogenite or cobalt, the bright blue mineral that’s often found laced in copper veins. Though many Congolese work inside the expansive industrial copper-cobalt mines, there are also thousands of so-called “artisanal miners,” men and children who dig on land that borders mines in hopes of finding cobalt they can sell to buyers. In some regions, locals are forced into labor for long hours and little pay.

“Never has there been more suffering that generated more profit and was linked to the lives of more people around the world ever in history than what’s happening in the Congo right now,” he writes.

Kara’s new book, Cobalt Red: How

CHILD LABOR IS RIFE

The author opens the book with a scene of a child lying motionless in the dark red umber-colored soil of the cobalt pit. Child labor is common here, as children often must work to provide for their families, or orphans must work to feed themselves. Kara reports many have died in mining accidents as a result, though there are no exact records.

“I can see his face now, locked in a terminal expression of dread. That is the lasting image I take from the Congo – the heart of Africa reduced to the bloodstained corpse of a child, who died solely because he was digging for cobalt,” he writes.

What makes this story timely is the high demand that currently exists – and will continue to grow – for cobalt. The mineral is an essential component in the production of rechargeable batteries. Roughly 70% of the world’s cobalt is found in Congo. What’s striking is that the amount of cobalt required to power an electric car is 1,000 times more than that of a smartphone. As the U.S. works toward upping production of electric vehicles, vast amounts of cobalt will be required. And the profits to be made are enormous.

HISTORY REPEATED

to conduct academic research. But what he witnessed once he arrived and spoke with workers dramatically altered his plans.

“The things I saw there were so appalling and heart-wrenching and urgent that I changed my approach and decided I needed to write a book,” Kara said during an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives

(published by St. Martin’s Press, January 2023), chronicles the grim, often grisly reality of the cobalt mining industry. His writing offers a rich mix of history and on-theground reporting that gives readers a stark, closeup view of the human price being paid to keep our electronics powered.

The Congo’s natural resources have historically been usurped by foreign governments. Kara points to the brutal rein of King Leopold II of Belgium (18651909), who coerced Congolese workers (the country was then a Belgian colony) into forced labor harvesting rubber tree sap to fuel the nascent car industry’s demand for rubber. That pattern of exploitation continues today. Despite being mineral rich, the DRC is rife with government corruption and malaise, a willingness to loot the

“

” Never has there been more suffering that generated more profit and was linked to the lives of more people around the world ever in history than what’s happening in the Congo right now.

-Siddharth Kara, Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo powers Our Lives

county’s resources while ignoring the abuse of its people.

Cobalt is found in Africa’s Copper Belt, a region that stretches across the country’s southern provinces. Congo auctioned off huge tracts of land to foreign mining companies, most notably of Chinese origin, to collect royalties, concession fees, and taxes. Locals now have few other means of earning a living.

In 2021 China produced 75% of the world’s refined cobalt.

“The vertical integration of Chinese companies across the cobalt supply chain has accelerated in recent years, solidifying the country’s dominance over the rechargeable battery industry,” Kara writes.

HUMAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE

Not only are artisanal miners at risk physically when extracting ore, but they are also exposed to contaminated earth and air. Researchers have documented a high presence of toxic minerals, including uranium and lead, in workers’ urine. Reports also state that even indirect exposure for those who live near the mines leads to high levels of trace metals being found in their systems – cobalt, copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, germanium, nickel, vanadium, chromium, and uranium.

Kara reports that the Congolese government is ill-equipped to handle the severity of illness that such exposure brings to its people. More than three-quarters of the country’s population live below the poverty line, the majority lack access to clean drinking water, and child mortality is 11th worst in the world.

Environmental damage being done by the mining companies is equally staggering. Kara met with a researcher at the University of Lubumbashi who is documenting the region’s public health issues.

One report he read stated, “They [mining companies] do not clean up when they have chemical spills. Toxic dust and gases from mining plants and diesel equipment spreads for

many kilometers and are inhaled by the local population. The mining companies have polluted the entire region. All the crops, animals, and fish are contaminated.”

In Cobalt Red Kara tells a harrowing tale of a mining industry doing significant damage in the interest of furthering technology.

As one of Kara’s translators told him, “Please tell the people in your country, a child in the Congo dies every day so that they can plug in their phones.”

Bob Boelte Portrait Unveiled Legendary Teacher and Administrator Memorialized

The Alumni Executive Board has memorialized A. Robert Boelte, Jr. (1937-2015) with the 18th painting in the Faculty Portrait Series. At the portrait unveiling March 23, family, alumni, and colleagues gathered to celebrate the popular teacher who also served as an administrator.

Led by AEB President Ted Simpson ’85, the evening featured tributes from Headmaster Pete Sanders, Headmaster Emeritus Ellis Haguewood, and two of the self-described “Boelte Boys,” Stilly McFadden ’75 and Wiley Robinson ’75 These acolytes led the effort that established the A. Robert Boelte, Jr. Chair of Excellence in Teaching in 2002.

Arriving at MUS in 1969, the scholarly yet approachable New Orleans native taught both English and history. In 1978 Boelte took on the dual role of director of admissions (through 1993) and director of college counseling (until his retirement in 2003). His efforts enhanced the reputation of Memphis University School among colleges across the nation. He also organized Friday chapel programs for 31 years, keeping meticulous notes that are now stored in the Harkins Archives.

However, Bob Boelte saw his most important role as teacher and mentor. “The relationship that educators have with young people is a very, very important one,” he said. “The most important thing MUS offers our students is a respect for them.”

His portrait, which features the wallmounted “eye” over his desk to help enforce the Honor Code, hangs among the gallery of faculty paintings in the Campus Center.

During the unveiling celebration, speakers took Boelte Boys and other guests on a journey back in time.

Haguewood fondly recalled the colleague who started at MUS the same year he did.

“I will always have the greatest respect

for him as a teacher, as a counselor, and as a friend. Bob was an interesting, erudite, complex man – fiercely loyal to the school, generous with his time and energy, dedicated to his work with boys, a man of propriety and etiquette,” Haguewood said. “Sensitive, refined, tolerant, and generous about other people’s ideas, he was always an embodiment of the spirit of scholastic excellence, truth, and honor. He was a man of many virtues and a man of his word.”

Haguewood recalled an article Ross McCain Lynn Instructor in History John Harkins wrote marking Boelte’s 25 years of service that paints a vivid picture of the

man: “His New Orleans heritage, Midtown bachelor life, top-down sports car, European sportsman cap, summer European travels, academic work at Oxford, membership in a scholarly dinner club (the Egyptians), enjoyment of the life of the mind and spirited intellectual exchanges, involvement in Memphis cultural affairs – all contributed to his image as a bon vivant.”

McFadden, a seventh grader in the fall of 1969, described meeting Boelte after his first English teacher had been fired for sleeping in class: “Suddenly one Monday morning a debonair young man in his convertible, green, two-seat Fiat, wearing a dapper driving cap with a scarf around his neck, rolled into the MUS parking lot. Shortly thereafter, we were introduced to one A. Robert Boelte, Jr., our new English teacher. Little did we realize that we had met our Mr. Chips, someone who was going to become a lifetime friend, advisor, confidant and one hell of a teacher.”

One of the boys called him Coach Boelte, and the title caught on.

“Boys! Why are you calling me Coach?” Boelte asked. “I don’t coach anything.”

Bob Boelte’s nephew, Eric Butler, with two of the Boelte Boys from the Class of 1975, Wiley Robinson and Stilly McFadden

-Wiley Robinson ’75

He could carry on a cogent conversation on any subject you might want to discuss.

“We said, ‘Sure you do. You’re our English Coach!’ He loved it, and so did we. Shortly after that we seventh graders bestowed upon ourselves the moniker of Boelte Boys, an allegiance and honor we still enjoy today.”

McFadden, who had Boelte as a teacher five of his six years at MUS, recalled his most legendary course: The History of World Literature, from the Book of Job through Modern Times, Using as Its Theme - Why Man Suffers.

“I think we unofficially referred to it as Why Bob Makes Students Suffer. True to form, this course was a real challenge, and many of us just got out of it by the skin of our teeth. Also, true to form, Bob did a wonderful job teaching it, that is, until we got to the 17th century. This was when Bob suddenly realized we only had three weeks of school left before graduation, and if you’ve never covered three centuries of the world’s greatest literature in your remaining 12 hours of class time, then you really haven’t lived.”

Robinson then took the podium and posed the question, “What kind of teacher was Mr. Boelte?” He answered with six unforgettable characteristics. (See the sidebar on this page.)

After the speeches, Boelte’s nephew, Eric Butler, joined Sanders and Simpson on stage to unveil the portrait by artist Linda Tracey Brandon.

Expressing his family’s gratitude for the honor, Butler said, “Uncle Bob loved MUS. He loved its mission. He loved its history and traditions. He loved the faculty. But most of all, he loved the students entrusted to its care. It was a privilege and a responsibility he took very seriously.”

Although Butler had not been an MUS student – despite one summer at camp when he was 8 years old – he said he benefited from “Uncle Bob’s” teaching.

“What he taught me is very likely what he taught so many other young men,

including some of the Boelte Boys here today:

• Expand your horizon.

• Read. Learn. Experience. Enjoy. Savour.

• Be true to your family and community, but be true to yourself, too.

• And perhaps most of all, celebrate and even treasure your differences, and respect the differences of others.

“That was Bob Boelte. That was my Uncle Bob. Thank you, all of you, for keeping his memory alive. He would be so moved.”

The Alumni Executive Board created the Faculty Portrait Series in 2005 to honor faculty members who have dedicated their lives to serving MUS. There have been many changes on the campus over the years, but these portraits serve as a daily reminder that the faculty have been unchanging in their steadfast commitment to providing the highest quality teaching and experience for our students. See the collection at musowls.org/faculty-portraits.

See more photos from the portrait unveiling musowls.org/photo-gallery. A video of the event is on the MUS YouTube channel at tinyurl.com/Bob-Boelte

BY WILEY ROBINSON ’75

Coach Boelte, as he was affectionately known, was the kind of teacher that students truly appreciated.

He was fair: He favored every student in his class – the very bright student and the challenged student. He recognized that we were boys with incomplete frontal lobe formation who often made decisions with emotion rather than intellect. He understood that that we were works in progress. If you needed help, he was available.

He was funny and quirky: Gregorian chant played during tests; sudden outbursts of noises he claimed were made by his Weimaraner, Max; he drove a sporty Fiat convertible; he had a large 3-by-2 foot “eye” hung over his desk to enforce the Honor Code by watching you if he stepped out of the classroom.

He was sociable: He attended our athletic events and theatrical plays. He appeared at functions that our parents attended; he even dated some of our classmates’ widowed and divorced mothers.

He was challenging: His classes required quite a bit of reading and writing but also independent thought. He challenged students by asking them to answer questions publicly and then defend those answers. He turned moderate students like me into lifelong readers.

He was likable: He spoke to you before and after class about issues separate from the subject matter. He lent money to students knowing he would never be paid back. He praised you if you did well and gave you a disapproving comment if you did not: “AWE, BOY!”

He was intelligent: He could carry on a cogent conversation on any subject you might want to discuss.

He was an MUS teacher, a developer of well-rounded young men of strong moral character.

Bob Boelte with graduates from the Class of 2003, from left, Randall Holcomb, Gray Sain, Steed Carson, and Hite McLean

“

What kind of teacher was Mr. Boelte?

Taylor Receives Jean Barbee Hale Award

Ask anyone in the Athletics Department who is the most valuable member of the team, and they are likely to name this staff member: Athletics Administrative Assistant Beth Taylor

When Headmaster Pete Sanders announced that Taylor was the 2023 recipient of the Jean Barbee Hale Award for Outstanding Service, employees assembled for the Faculty Luncheon rose for a standing ovation.

whenever he visits campus. “Beth Taylor is like a second mother to me, and what makes her special is her ability to always see the positive and motivate others to chase their dreams. She is truly one of a kind!”

Javier Rawls ’25 also describes Taylor as a second mom. “She always has a smile on her face when I walk in, and she makes sure to ask how my classes are going that day and if I need any help with them. She also makes sure I get some snacks on my way to classes. She is a true symbol of an MUS Owl!”

jackets. In recent years she has even served as the editor of the football media guide.

Director of Athletics Bobby Alston says Beth brings dedication, efficiency, and a sunny disposition to her work for the department. “Beth is an amazing asset to MUS. Even when the celestial sun has set, she keeps going, sending messages for coaches, answering questions from nervous parents, and covering numerous other athletic activities. And most amazingly, she never has a cloudy day!”

“Beth performs many unsung tasks that keep our 14 sports playing on,” Sanders said. “She has a consistently positive attitude that makes her a pleasure to deal with, a characteristic that brings students flocking to her desk. Or is that her candy dish? Probably a little bit of both.”

He added that she has bonded with many students and continues to stay in touch and follow their successes in college.

Jalon Love ’17, now an Air Force second lieutenant, always stops by her desk first

“Mrs. Taylor is one of the most sincere and genuine people I know!” says Bradley Foley ’17, running backs coach and MBA candidate at Belhaven University. “She still finds ways to check in on me and make sure that I am doing well. She truly leads with her heart, and I know she will continue doing God’s work, blessing every person that she has the opportunity to cross paths with. A great soul, better person, and someone I always know I can rely on. I appreciate you, Mrs. Taylor, and I truly believe there is no one more deserving of this honor!”

Since joining the staff in 2011, Taylor has been an invaluable utility player for the Athletics Department. She compiles rosters; communicates with athletes, parents, and coaches; makes travel arrangements; promotes games; plans and executes sports banquets; orders varsity letters and letter

A Louisiana native, Taylor earned a degree in marketing at The University of Mississippi. She worked as an educational computer consultant, stay-at-home mom of three, and part-time graphic designer before joining the MUS Athletics staff full-time.

“I love MUS, and I didn’t want to leave when my boys graduated,” Taylor says. “I loved the experience they had here and how well prepared they were academically and as young men. The school mission of academic excellence and development of strong moral character is like none other. The guys don’t realize the unique gift they are given until they step into college.”

Taylor hails from an Owl-packed family that includes husband, Kimbrough Taylor ’84; sons Kimbrough Taylor ’09 (Maddie) and Eason Taylor ’15; and daughter, Meredith Taylor Serdakowski (John), St. Mary’s ’12. Rounding out the family – and bringing sunshine to her life –are grandchildren Graham and Liam here in Memphis and one on the way in Rhode Island.

Hale Award recipient Beth Taylor with her two Kimbroughs, son and husband.

Capping a ‘Really Big’ Year

Seniors Select Darin Clifft for John M. Nail Award

For Mathematics Co-chair Darin Clifft, receiving the John M. Nail Outstanding Teaching Award at Commencement was the last straw.

“I think I’ve peaked!” he said.

The 2022-23 school year has been a “really big” year for Clifft. He received the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools Hubert Smothers Award last fall. He completed training to become an Advanced Placement consultant. And he helped lead the Upper School math team to a state win in the Mu Alpha Theta state convention.

“My first grandchild is expected in June, and in March my wife retired from teaching.

Those two things will alter our family dynamics in a good way,” he said.

“And now the Nail Award! I am really humbled by the kindness of the senior class.”

Each year seniors vote on the recipient of the award, and it’s easy to understand why the Statistics, Algebra II, and Business Calculus teacher was a popular choice.

“Mr. Clifft is a great teacher, mentor, and most importantly, a friend,” Reid Chauhan ’23 said. “His teaching methods allow for deep learning while keeping a lighthearted classroom environment conducive to learning. He not only taught me statistics but also made it fun. I will forever be grateful to have had him as a teacher.”

Nathaniel Greenfield ’23 describes Clifft as one of his most interesting teachers. “He pushes us to succeed in his class while also being fun to talk to and joke with. He pushed me to perform well in a subject [statistics], that I struggled getting down at first, and I’m thankful for that. MUS is lucky to have him.”

Nickolas Mathews ’23 sees the care that infuses the math instructor’s work. “Mr. Clifft is not only a captivating teacher, but he is also truly passionate about the success of his students.”

Clifft, who joined the faculty in 1999, is known for his ability to make lessons stick through games and humor. He is also renowned for coaching competitive math teams, serving as campus quizmaster, and promoting Incredible Hulk fandom. (His office, classroom, and Halloween costumes pay tribute to his favorite Marvel character.)

“I try my best to create an engaging experience for our boys, and to be recognized for my efforts by the senior class is humbling,” Clifft says. “It is also very humbling to realize that there are 81 other teachers at MUS who are just as deserving.”

The John M. Nail Outstanding Teaching Award was established in 1988 in memory of John M. Nail by his former students. Mr. Nail taught English and history at MUS in the late 1950’s, instilling in his students an enduring “love of learning.” Nominations for the John M. Nail Outstanding Teaching Award are made each year by a Selection Committee of student leaders from the Senior Class, and the recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Award is determined by a majority vote of the Senior Class.

Read more about Darin Clifft and the TAIS Smothers Award in the Winter 2023 issue of MUS Today here:

tinyurl.com/Darin-Clifft

Senior Class President Rhodes Temme presents the John M. Nail Outstanding Teaching Award to Darin Clifft at Commencement. Photo by Wendy Adams.

MUS Calculates 25 years with Nancy Gates

Nelson Graham ’08 says Nancy Gates is the kind of teacher you never forget.

“It was my experience in Mrs. Gates’ class that inspired me to spend my first six years after college in the classroom as a high school math teacher,” says Graham, now in Product Operations with Experian Health. “When I taught AP Calculus, I tried my hardest every day to channel my inner-Nancy Gates.”

For the last 25 years at MUS – and for 30 years in public schools before that – Gates has brought what Graham describes as “her content expertise, pedagogical creativity, and ebullient demeanor” to her classroom teaching. In recognition of her quartercentury at 6191 Park Avenue, Headmaster Pete Sanders presented her with a framed certificate proclaiming her an honorary alumna at the 2023 Faculty Luncheon.

When Gates arrived on campus in 1998, she brought a remarkable record of student success in Advanced Placement Calculus BC, and she has continued that tradition. To date, over 93% of her MUS students have scored a 5, the highest possible score, on the exam.

Alex Li ’22, a sophomore at Rice University, and all his classmates are among that select group. He offers high praise for his former teacher. “Not only is Mrs. Gates the most energetic and effective teacher inside the classroom but also the most caring and supportive teacher outside the classroom. She was always there to offer advice on topics ranging from my college choice to summer internships.”

Frederick Huang ’23, a Washington University in St. Louis freshman this fall, describes Gates as an outstanding teacher and mentor. “She is passionate about sharing her profound understanding of calculus with her students, explaining concepts thoroughly in an environment where no one gets left behind. Always friendly and

ready to help, Mrs. Gates is deeply loved and respected in the MUS community.”

In addition to serving as chair of the Mathematics Department until 2018, she has held the endowed Donald Bailey Wiener Chair of Mathematics since 1999. Active in the math community, she

worked with the College Board for many years as an Advanced Placement reader and table leader, and she served on the national Calculus Development Committee. She coordinated the Memphis Urban Mathematics Collaborative, which focused on improving math education in innercity schools by enhancing teacher skills. Among her many honors, Gates was the 1983 Tennessee winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics, presented at the White House, and in 2005 she received the MUS Distinguished Teaching Award. Recently, she helped coach the Upper School math team for the 2023 state championship win at the Mu Alpha Theta State Convention. (See story, page 6).

Gates came to MUS with her son, thenseventh grader Alex Gates ’04 She thought she would teach until he graduated, but she has stayed for 19 more years.

Graham is glad she did. “I know that I speak for hundreds, probably thousands, of students when I say that Nancy Gates positively impacted the trajectory of my life and the future of MUS as a mathematics powerhouse.”

Dutch Hansen ’21, who is studying computer science and mathematics at University of Southern California, speaks eloquently of Gates’ influence.

“On the topic of his intellectual abilities, Richard Feynman famously commented, ‘I was an ordinary person who studied hard. There are no miracle people,’” Hansen says. “While I acknowledge the existence of remarkable figures in the history of mathematics, I agree with the point nested in these words: All of us hold some potential for excellence. Mrs. Gates’ calculus course presented a challenge. A classroom uniquely conducive to creative collaboration and constructive feedback made this challenge a powerful learning experience. Mrs. Gates taught us that excellence was within reach.”

From the 1999 yearbook: Mrs. Nancy Gates explains an Algebra II problem to Park Vestal ’00.

Legacy of Music Excellence

Piecuch Named U of M Music Educator of Year

Instructor in Instrumental Music and Director of Band and Orchestra Programs Chris Piecuch has been named the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music Educator of the Year.

With nearly 35 years of teaching experience, Mr. Piecuch has a history of elevating music programs throughout Memphis. He is tireless in his efforts to help young people develop their musicianship using a systematic approach to music education balanced with inspiration and relatability. During his three-year tenure at MUS, participation has increased by nearly 50%, and All-West and All-State honorees have reached record numbers. He has created Honors and Honors Accelerated Wind Ensemble and Orchestra curricula, conducted impressive winter and spring concerts, and re-energized the pep band.

His students speak of his deep dedication and approachable personality.

Violist Evan Wu ’24 says Piecuch’s personalized advice has helped him substantially improve his rhythm and sightreading. “Mr. Piecuch diligently rehearses areas that students struggle with, but he also keeps us comfortable with witty remarks and a warm demeanor.”

Tuba player Brady Ehrhart ’26 describes Piecuch as an excellent mentor and teacher. “He also is simply a great person. Under his teaching and guidance, my peers and I have excelled on our musical journey. Mr. Piecuch doesn’t like his job; he loves it. He always comes into class with an unbelievable attitude, no matter the circumstances.”

An instructor and clinician for many summer programs and clinics, Piecuch is also an accomplished performing musician, serving as contrabassoonist for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra since 1997. He has invited MSO musicians to campus to rehearse and perform with students.

His career has included several high school director-of-bands posts in the MidSouth, most notably 23 years at Overton High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. At Overton, he directed the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Blue Jazz Ensemble, and Marching Band, and taught music theory. For 19 years his Overton bands received the Tennessee Sweepstakes Award (superior ratings in concert, marching, and sight-reading), and for 16 years his groups produced the most all-district and all-state band musicians in Tennessee.

Arts Department Chair Grant Burke, who initiated the nomination, described how Piecuch joined the faculty in the fall of 2020, at the height of the pandemic. “Even with all the uncertainty in the world, Chris was able to come through with extremely effective teaching and grow the program,” Burke said.

Headmaster Pete Sanders said Piecuch

is deserving of the award. “For over three decades, students have benefited greatly from Chris Piecuch’s experience, his love for music, and his dedication to seeing young people grow in musicianship. I am thrilled our boys are now the recipients of his gifts.”

Chris Piecuch directs the Symphony Orchestra at the Spring Concert.

Piecuch received his award at the U of M Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center April 26.

MUS Applauds 40 Years with Flip Eikner ’77

Academic dean, theater director, alumnus, and – at heart –teacher Flip Eikner ’77 recently marked 40 years of service to MUS, and the school marked the occasion with a sign for his designated parking space.

If a theme in Man of La Mancha is that one must live a genuine life, a life filled with passion, then Don Quixote is a fitting meme for Eikner – minus the madness, perhaps. Eikner played the crusader for the lost art of chivalry in the 1977 MUS spring musical, and Quixote’s spirit of total commitment to a cause has never quite left him.

His friend and University of Virginia roommate, bestselling author Daniel Mendelsohn, once compared young Eikner and the third in the apartment-renting trio, Skip Jones ’78, to the famous Picasso sketch of Don Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza – a role Jones had played opposite Eikner on the Hyde Chapel stage.

“The first time I met Flip … this image came irresistibly to mind. Skip, after all, had the build (and argumentative élan) of a bulldog, thick-set and low to the ground, while Flip was tall and skinny, topped by a mop of dark hair. Like a line drawing in a cartoon, you half suspected that he was capable of snaking around corners, his body following the sharp contours of a corner or the zigzags of a staircase.”

Mendelsohn goes on to describe his college friend as a man who knew well the object of his quest.

“Graduation is starting to come into view, just past the bump of the holidays,” he remembers. “Skip and I are clueless, but Flip has no doubts. He wants to go back to MUS, he says, to teach. As always, he has a plan, knows his mind, has figured out what to do and how to do it. He is 23.

“Of course, he succeeded, became a legendary teacher: how not? I think of what I have learned from him, about so many things, back then and ever since, and envy the boys

at MUS, who have had so much of him over the years. Like all great teachers, he is always teaching, even when he may not be aware of it.”

Eikner returned to 6191 Park Avenue the fall of 1983 to teach English, which he does to this day, even as he serves as academic dean (since 2011). Along the way, he revived

and advised the pep band; led the MUS in Europe course The Genius of the Place; and directed or staged numerous plays (through 2008). He returned to the stage to direct Man of La Mancha in 2017 with son, Brooks Eikner ’17, as Don Quixote and Sweeney Todd in 2021 with daughter, Nora James Eikner (St. Mary’s ’22) as Mrs. Lovett. Flip’s wife and the children’s mother, College Counseling Administrative Assistant Kim Justis Eikner, provided pivotal support in these – and many other – productions.

Jones, who has been Eikner’s friend for nearly 50 years, long recognized a singular focus. “Since I first knew him, he wanted to become a teacher. I was there while he paid his way through college to achieve that goal, and I have watched him dedicate himself to his profession ever since.”

Preston Battle ’07 is among his acolytes. “Flip is the epitome of what it means to be a teacher – he goes beyond the classroom to inspire and engage his students through his creativity, knowledge, and genuine love of the art of teaching. He has dedicated his life to that art, and we are all immeasurably better for it.”

George Elder, founder of the MUS Theater Arts Department of the ’70s, remembers: “He had something special, a spark, and he has it still. He had a love for the theater and could do anything and everything, but it was his pure warmth and joy that made him stand out. Of course, for me and I think many others, his role as Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha is the enduring image of Flip Eikner.”

Hugh Sinclair ’77 recalls bonding with Eikner in theater productions and Marx Brothers skits. “I remember we lip-synced and performed atrociously bad choreography to Smoke Gets In Your Eyes once while wearing Groucho glasses and mustaches.

“Flip makes me laugh. He inspires me. He has been a mentor, friend, and a great collaborator. He has brought so much joy to

From The Owl 1977: “Spurred on by Mr. Elder, Skip Jones as Sancho and Flip Eikner as Don Quixote rehearse the opening number of Man of La Mancha.”

my life. And continues to do so for countless others. I’m so very proud of him and his dedication to the students of MUS.”

At the Faculty Luncheon in May, Headmaster Pete Sanders paid tribute to Eikner, noting the vital role the academic dean plays for the school, including chairing the Academic Council, overseeing curriculum and scheduling, managing accreditation, and helping students and faculty succeed. “Flip is also known for his sharp wit, which we experience when he composes tributes to colleagues or delivers the morning announcements ‘from high atop the cupola at 6191 Park Avenue.’ He enriches MUS with his scholarship, wisdom, and dedication.”

Sanders would have presented Eikner the parking sign, but as Kim Justis Eikner said explaining his absence, “He is academic dean-ing.”

The quest always comes first.

Headmaster Emeritus Ellis Haguewood has a long-lens view of the boy-turned-man he has observed since the student’s arrival on campus in 1975 as a junior. “How kind the fate that brought Flip Eikner to these halls as student, teacher, director of theater, and academic dean! A brilliant analytical mind coupled with Promethean creativity, a combination rare in one person, he embodies for me the “scholar and gentleman” we hope to find in an independent school for boys. Wit, equanimity, and integrity color his speech and his associations with all people.

“After 40 years, he remains selflessly demanding of himself, gentle and patient with the students who love him, a man meticulous in attention to detail yet unerring in allegiance to the larger mission and philosophy of MUS.”

Flip Eikner’s dream was not so impossible, after all.

From The Owl 1984 (Flip Eikner’s first year as a faculty member): “Somehow Mr. Eikner manages to crack a smile on his mud-stained face, despite the raised arms of Sherman Willmott and Adam Kriger, which signify the vengeance of the seniors over the faculty in the mud-wrestling battle at Fall Fest.”

From The Owl 1977: “As Hugh Sinclair, portraying Mr. Cox, the hatter, paces ferociously behind him, Flip Eikner as Mr. Box, the printer, furiously ponders the inconvenience of the situation in which the two men have found themselves after perceiving that they are sharing the same flat. The one-act, Box and Cox, won second place in state competition.”

Environmentalism with Class Shauna Miller receives Distinguished Teaching Award

When asked what distinguishes Science Instructor Shauna Miller’s teaching, Sloan Miles ’19 had a ready answer: “Mrs. Miller doesn’t know this, but I decided to study environmentalism in college because of her AP Environmental Science class.”

Inspired by Miller’s passion for her subject and consistency in the classroom, Miles went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in urban environmental studies from Birmingham-Southern College in May. A master’s degree in forest ecology and natural resource management is ahead for him.

“Thank you, Mrs. Miller, for planting the seed.”

The 2023 Distinguished Teaching Award honoree, Miller has planted many seeds in the minds of Owls since 2007 – even as her students have planted cotton underwear in

If there is an opportunity for her to learn more through fieldwork, she is there. She has undertaken professional development activities through the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. This summer (2023) she traveled to Peru to study in the Amazon rainforest through the Educator Academy, a division of the Morpho Institute.

She is involved with the Centers for Disease Control Science Ambassador program, which offers resources to help educators bring public health sciences into middle- and high-school classrooms. At MUS she is the sophomore class dean and serves on the Dean’s Cup Selection Committee.

Her care for students goes beyond the classroom, Drew Burnett ’21 says. “Mrs. Miller

physics at MUS from 2003-12 and served as Science Department chair for five years. Her mother, Mrs. Marlene Shaw, is former head of St. Mary’s School. Now an educational consultant, she focuses on heads of school practice and consulting with boards on strategic planning and governance.

Miller and her husband, Kevin, are the parents of three Owls: Hudson ’19, Catcher ’24, and Stanton ’25. So, she knows well how to reach and teach boys.

Owls walking the halls of MUS – and those taking advantage of campus woods nesting boxes – are the beneficiaries of her experience.

the campus soil. They have unearthed the tighty-whiteys months later to see firsthand how microbes feed on organic matter.

Over the years her Honors and Advanced Placement Environmental Science students have been spotted identifying and measuring trees on campus, setting up wildlife cameras and an Owl nesting box in the woods, and analyzing the water in the nearby creek. They have also carried their litter for several days to understand how much trash each person generates.

Miller is not one to stand by and direct; she eagerly gets her hands dirty alongside her students, whether they are on Mississippi River barges or at the Wolf River headwaters. In recent years, she has taken boys to Lone Oaks Farm in Middleton to conduct environmental experiments with staff scientists from The University of Tennessee.

shows genuine interest in her students’ academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities and will go the extra mile to push us to be our best.”

A proud Louisiana native, Miller graduated from Isidore Newman School in New Orleans and received a bachelor’s degree in biology from The University of Texas at Arlington.

She taught chemistry at Boswell High School in Fort Worth and earth science at Lausanne Collegiate School, where she was 2005 Middle School Teacher of the Year. Arriving at MUS in 2007, she taught Grade 8 Physical Science and Honors Biology before moving to a subject she is truly passionate about, environmental science.

Serving as an educator is a family tradition. Miller’s stepfather, Al Shaw, taught

The Distinguished Teaching Award is made possible by an endowment fund established in 1990 through a generous bequest by John Murry Springfield. Springfield joined the Memphis University School faculty in 1958 and served as an instructor in English and mathematics until 1971. From 1971 until his death in August 1989, he served as principal of the Hull Lower School. The monetary award is given annually to an MUS faculty member who demonstrates excellence in both the classroom and extracurricular activities.

Thank you, Mrs. Miller, for planting the seed.

-Sloan Miles ’19

Science Instructor Shauna Miller with her husband, Kevin, and sons, from left, Hudson ’19, Catcher ’24, and Stanton ’25

WESAW

Celebrating our Retirees!

Faculty, faculty emeriti, and friends gathered at Lichterman Nature Center in May to celebrate retirees David Jackson and Leigh Packard. The weather was beautiful, the conversation was captivating, and the company was second to none. For more photos and stories about our retirees, see page 36.

1 Norman and Carole Thompson with their daughter, Melissa Saenger 2 Anna and Will Forsythe ’12 with Matt Bakke 3 Candy Harris with Peggy and Ellis Haguewood 4 Michelle Crews and Reginald Dalle 5 Barry Ray greets Alice Methvin, who came from Florence, Alabama, to celebrate with her cousin, David Jackson, and his wife, Kathryn.

4

1

5

‘He Walks the Walk’ Dr. David Jackson retires after 26 years

It took about 90,000 steps to take Dr. David Jackson through Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Masada, Qumran, Megiddo, Nazareth, Sepphoris, the Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Caesarea Philippi, and Caesarea Maritima last summer. Students were able to walk in his shoes, of sorts, as he presented a series of Wednesday chapels detailing the significance of these sites.

The engaging lectures were his last as chair of the Religion Department and Robert J. Hussey, Sr. Chair of Religion. After guiding and inspiring the Memphis University School community with his knowledge and wisdom for 26 years, Jackson retired in May. Board of Trustees Chair Jim Burnett ’83 proclaimed him faculty emeritus in a chapel presentation.

“Dr. Jackson provided wise guidance and counsel that helped hundreds of boys explore and develop their ethical and moral views as he led his school congregation with scholarship, kindness, generosity, and humility,” Burnett read from the board resolution.

Paying tribute to Jackson, Assistant Headmaster Barry Ray recalled his Wednesday chapel presentations. “His talks spoke to following a path of thoughtful living. They gave me things to think about in my life. I became impressed with his personal moral compass – his stiving to do what was right, not necessarily popular.”

Jackson’s deeply rooted morality began in childhood. Growing up the son of a minister, he continued his spiritual growth in college, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Bible from Harding University, a Master of Arts in Theology and Master of Divinity from Harding School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry from Abilene Christian University.

Arriving at MUS in 1974, he taught Bible, ethics, and comparative religion for eight years before answering the call to pastor churches in Mississippi and Tennessee. An

unexpected request from then-Headmaster Ellis Haguewood brought him back in 2005 as the Hussey Chair of Religion.

Jackson viewed the entire school as his congregation and leaned on his 23 years of ministry experience when teaching and mentoring students. He also managed the National Honor Society program, provided direction to the Student Council chaplain, oversaw Wednesday chapels and student devotionals, counseled those who sought his help, and assisted families in crisis. He served as the varsity bowling coach from 2009 through 2018 and, early in his tenure, coached eighth-grade football.

Leading the Religion Department with the goal of educating students, not promoting a particular doctrine, Jackson believes students must explore the world and make their own choices. “Education is about values, and values are rooted in religious concepts; the two go hand-in-hand,” he says. “When the students are flexing their wings about much of life, they also need a safe environment to question their own values and religious traditions.”

Carter Wildrick ’26 likely speaks for many current and alumni Owls when he says Jackson exemplifies the person he wants to be. “Dr. Jackson is superlative in many areas but stands out the most through his care. I’ve never met someone so highly regarded by students and coworkers for his thoughtfulness and sincerity.”

Jackson supported the mission of Memphis University School with his deep Christian character, Ray said. “We will miss him for that. His dedication to his students and to his friends on the faculty and staff will be missed more. I appreciate him as a man of compassion, empathy, and patience. He is someone that not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. A great example for all of us to follow.”

At the end of the retiree chapel, Jackson found himself behind the podium again – it

was possibly the last time his voice would reverberate in Hyde Chapel. Gratitude and answering the call to serve were the themes of his remarks to his Owl congregation.

“Thank you for allowing me to serve,” Jackson said, before a spirited standing ovation.

Dr. David Jackson and his wife, Kathryn, at the retiree reception

“

Dr. Jackson is superlative in many areas but stands out the most through his care. I’ve never met someone so highly regarded by students and coworkers for his thoughtfulness and sincerity.

-Carter Wildrick ’26

‘Takin’ Care of Business’ Leigh Packard retires after 13 years at MUS

a geometric proof in a logical fashion is like teaching a programming language in the sense that the proof (or the program) will not work without supporting arguments in an exact order.

“Ms. Packard was always looking to push the guys; always looking for out-of-theordinary problems to help them improve their understanding and hone their skills.”

English Instructor Anna Forsythe, Packard’s student at Houston High, pays tribute to her former teacher:

On her first day teaching at Memphis University School in fall 2010, Mathematics Instructor Leigh Packard could be heard instructing her Geometry students:

“I want pigs! NO chickens! Pigs!”

Puzzled, fellow Mathematics Instructor Loyal Murphy ’86 asked her why.

“When it comes to breakfast,” she said with a smile, “the chicken contributes, but the pig is committed. I want pigs.”

Lower School Principal Murphy relayed this illuminating anecdote in a tribute to Packard at the retiree chapel.

“Commitment. Dedication to learning. Being ‘all in.’ Ms. Packard’s requirements were straightforward,” Murphy said. “Bring your best effort; give your full attention. We can meet early; I’ll stay late. Try your best. She was demanding from her students no more than she herself gave: just everything.”

Packard taught Lower School math at MUS for 13 years, capping a 45-year career. Both at Houston High School and MUS, her geometry students consistently scored well in the Tennessee Mathematics Teachers

Association competition, with many reaching the top 10 regionally and statewide. Known for instruction in Accelerated Geometry and Algebra I, Packard also oversaw the Lower School Math Lab for the past four years.

“If you visited the Math Lab or ever spent time in her classroom, you know that Ms. Packard is a huge Elvis fan,” Murphy said. “Elvis’ motto was TCB, which stands for ‘Takin’ Care of Business,’ and since arriving at MUS she has taken care of business.”

Describing his colleague as a natural at teaching, Murphy said he was especially impressed by her ability to convey geometry principles.

“Many would say that geometry is the most difficult of the math courses to teach. Some of the challenges are:

a) Students view things differently (eight see a rhombus; seven see a 3-D view of a square leaning into the page).

b) Memorizing approaches to geometry problems does not work well as no two problems look alike, and students must apply skills and think.

c) Teaching students how to complete

“She demands excellence from her students and provides them with every tool necessary to achieve excellence,” Forsythe said. “If I thought I respected and admired her as a 14-year-old, I could never have fathomed how much I would continue to respect and admire her as a fellow teacher, colleague, and friend. I will miss her around these halls, but something tells me I will still hear her voice in my head telling me to ‘BRING YOUR GEOMETER’ and ‘SHOW YOUR WORK!’ I hope my work will always make her proud.”

Mathematics Instructor Heather Davis recalls Packard’s generosity as she passed the baton on Honors Accelerated Geometry. “There are very few teachers who would be so kind to just hand over EVERYTHING that she had developed, designed, and created to a younger teacher. But Ms. Packard did so graciously. She never made me feel dumb when I asked her for math help or for her wisdom in how to teach something. Ms. Packard did so because she cares deeply about the future of geometry students here at MUS and maintaining a high bar of excellence and rigor in our accelerated math program.”

Murphy expressed gratitude for Packard’s exceptional work. “Thank you for strengthening the Math Department. We’ve learned a lot about the profession from you. We wish you the very best.

“In the words of the King: ‘Thank you. Thank you very much.’”

Leigh Packard is surrounded by family members at the retiree reception, from left, son-in-law Carl Krausnick ’09, daughter Elizabeth, and brother Felix Bishop.

Summers Named to Hergenrader Chair

“Dr. Summers has established himself as a solid classroom teacher in the mold expected of an MUS faculty member,” Sanders said. “By virtue of his doctorate, he is thoroughly steeped in his subject but does not teach from on high. He is a master of the art of making science understandable, engaging, and fun for his students.”

Summers brought experience teaching at both the university and high school levels to his role, most recently as the Upper and Lower school STEM teacher at Margolin Hebrew Academy from 2016-20 and as an adjunct professor for Anatomy and Physiology at Christian Brothers University from 2013-16. He has served as a National Science Olympiad judge.

investigated the consequences of cocaine sensitization at the molecular level by examining glutamate receptors at key sensitization sites of the mesocorticolimbic system.

“Teaching here at MUS has been fulfilling in ways that I never imagined,” Summers said. “I owe the school a debt of gratitude, and being chosen for this position is an honor that I will strive toward living up to every day. My goal is to deliver the same level of instruction that I would like my own son to receive. Thank you so much.”

Headmaster Pete Sanders has named Dr. Kyle Summers as the Sally and Wil Hergenrader Chair of Excellence in Science. Summers has taught Biology and AP Biology since arriving at MUS in 2020 and serves as co-advisor for the school’s HOSA Club.

He earned a degree in biology at Christian Brothers University where he received the Biology Award at graduation. He completed his doctoral degree in biomedical sciences (neuroscience) from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center where he served as a post-doctoral fellow conducting neurotransmission research in the laboratory of Dr. Steven J. Tavalin. As a graduate assistant from 2009-15, he

Weiss Joins Development Office

Recognizing that the best leadership and teaching are required in the rapidly changing field of science, Sally and Wil Hergenrader endowed the Sally and Wil Hergenrader Chair of Excellence in Science in 2007 to support and enhance the MUS faculty in the Science Department. Mr. Hergenrader passed away December 13, 2022. The family includes sons Terry ’75 and Steve ’77 and grandsons Wil ’12 and Lewis ’15.

Kim Weiss has joined the Memphis University School Development Office as campaign coordinator. In this new position, Weiss works closely with Director of Advancement Perry Dement, Headmaster Pete Sanders, and Bold Vision Bright Future leadership to keep the capital campaign on course. The official launch of the campaign is expected later this school year.

Before joining MUS, Weiss served as executive director of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program at Shelby County Juvenile Court. She has also served many organizations over the years as a community volunteer.

A graduate of Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. She and her husband, Bob Weiss, are the parents of rising sophomore Joseph Weiss ’26.

Spain Assistant Lower School Principal

Ross Spain has been named Memphis University School’s new Lower School assistant principal and Admissions associate, effective this summer. Spain comes to MUS from Presbyterian Day School where he served as director of Student Life since 2009.

“Ross brings a deep understanding of reaching and teaching boys, and he has a strong resume with Memphis independent schools,” Headmaster Pete Sanders said. “Our PDS alumni will remember him well from service-learning projects, character education classes, mentoring groups, and after-school

Leadership Shifts in Lower School

Headmaster Pete Sanders announced a change in Lower School leadership for the 2023-24 school year. Loyal Murphy ’86 has chosen to relinquish his role as principal of the Lower School to spend more time teaching and working on special projects. Sanders also announced that Assistant Principal Joe Tyler will change positions in the Lower School.

“Joe has ably and faithfully served as Lower School assistant principal for the last 22 years and at MUS for the last 24. He asked to step away from that role but accepted the offer to remain as Lower School dean of students. I am incredibly thankful for the impact Joe has had and will continue to have on MUS boys.”

McKee Humphreys ’01 will serve as interim Lower School principal next year while also continuing his duties as associate headmaster. Ross Spain, who had served as director of Student Life at Presbyterian Day School since 2009, will be Lower School assistant principal. (See related article on this page.)

Sanders expressed gratitude for Murphy’s “successful and impactful” five years in the role.

“A Rice University engineering graduate

and summer sports. I look forward to him bringing his leadership and interpersonal skills to the Lower School team, led by Interim Principal McKee Humphreys ’01.”

Before his Student Life role at PDS, Spain was at Hutchison School where he served as Lower and Middle School athletic director (2008-09), Middle School dean of students (2005-08), and physical education teacher/ coach (2004-05). After earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from University of Memphis, he taught at Lucy Elementary School in Millington (1997-99) and PDS (1999-2004).

who has taught mathematics at MUS since 1990, Loyal has kept the trains running on time while facilitating important programmatic developments for the Lower School. His support of Toolbox Tuesdays and an enhanced academic support team helped establish these initiatives. His logistical mind and meticulous planning were essential to the administrative team when we had to make schoolwide adjustments in response to the pandemic,” Sanders said.

“I am sorry to see Loyal move out of the Lower School principal position, but I respect his reasons: He is, at heart, a teacher – and a superb one. I look forward

to his transition back to the Upper School where he will teach mathematics while also bringing his brilliant organizational talents to bear on areas important to the school.”

Ever the team player, Murphy expressed gratitude to the faculty and staff: “I have been and continue to be deeply appreciative of the men and women in the Lower School who introduce MUS culture and academic challenge to our youngest Owls. Their enthusiasm and drive amaze and inspire me! I have been honored to serve the school in this capacity for the past five years, and I am excited for the future of the Lower School as MUS continues to grow.”

Loyal Murphy ’86 Joe Tyler McKee Humphreys ’01

’58

learned that he would be giving a talk to residents of the Lambeth House, one of his regular bimonthly opera presentations. He invited me to attend and to stay afterward to catch up.

directed during his long career.

From the 1960 yearbook: David Morelock and Charles Mosby took students to 10 countries for MUS in Europe. Pictured, seated from left, Philip Perel ’60, Bob Metcalf ’59, Howard Ellis ’59, Richard Brumfield ’60, Frank Smith ’59; standing, Jimmy Haygood ’60, Ferrell Varner ’60, William Stratton ’60, Robert Oates ’60, Mr. Mosby, Mr. Morelock, Alex Wellford ’60, and Turner Askew ’59.

Les Nicholson, who lives in Baton Rouge, said he decided to start celebrating the Class of 1958’s 65th anniversary a little early by going to visit legendary French Teacher David Morelock at Lambeth House in New Orleans. He reports: “When I contacted David by telephone, I

“David entertained the group with a discussion of La Rondine, one of Puccini’s lesser-known operas. After talking for about 15 minutes, the group watched a video of the opera being performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. The audience, primarily ladies, particularly enjoyed the performance by a young singer that David had identified in his remarks as being from Louisiana. After the opera, David answered a few questions, and we then walked back to his apartment.

“He regaled me with stories about the operas he had directed all over the United States and in Canada, Holland, and Mexico. When he retired from teaching at Loyola University, the school presented him with a set of 58 beautiful Limoges plates; each one depicting a different opera that David had

“David has particularly fond memories of the MUS students who went on his summer trips to Europe, such as Alex Wellford ’60, Horace Hull ’60, Jimmy Haygood ’60, and George Owen ’60. He volunteered that George was the best French student he ever had. He graciously responded, when I said I was probably his worst, by saying that ‘some were worse.’ He also remembered you, [Bill] Butler, and a ‘funny little guy named Cash King.’

“Although he is physically frail, David is mentally sharp in discussing both the past and the present. A book from Met Crump ’60 is prominently displayed in his apartment along with other memorabilia. He has, as he says, outlived all his close relatives so I know he would appreciate calls and visits.”

’60

Met Crump has been doing architectural work for close to two years on a new master

plan for MUS, which includes replacing the current chapel building and adding a new twostory arts and sciences building.

William Gotten published a book, which is available at Novel, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Kindle. It’s a murder mystery grounded in law called Right of Survivorship

’62

CBS Sunday Morning featured a story on Fred Smith marking the 50th anniversary of FedEx: “When Fred Smith started his next-day delivery company Federal Express in 1973, flying

packages to customers, it was not an overnight success. Today FedEx moves 15 million packages a day aboard its fleet of aircraft, through hubs in Memphis and other cities, to more than 200 countries around the world. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin talks with Smith about how the former Marine captain and decorated Vietnam veteran transformed the shipping industry.” See it at tinyurl.com/62FredSmith.

With the USFL wrapping its season July 1, it is worth remembering that Fred was instrumental in getting the new Showboats minor league football team in Memphis, as Geoff Calkins writes in a Daily Memphian article last fall.

“Brian Woods was watching a USFL game when he got the phone call.

‘It was Fred Smith,’ said Woods, the USFL’s president of football operations. ‘He said he had been watching the USFL and it was a good product. Then he asked me what would he have to do to bring a team to Memphis.’

So that is why the Showboats are returning after nearly 40 years.”

’68

Dan Fisher retired in September 2021 after practicing vascular surgery in Chattanooga for 32 years and serving as an associate professor of surgery in the UT system. He twice served as chief of staff at Erlanger Medical Center and led the kidney transplant and organ donor

programs. Dan was honored as the 2020 Distinguished Physician of the Year. Erlanger is the biggest hospital in Chattanooga and one of four medical campuses for the UT College of Medicine throughout the state.

’69

Members of the class of 1969 gathered at the Half Shell for a holiday luncheon. The group included John Keesee, Dick Cowan, Barney Gordon, Holmes Pettey, David Dow, Joel Bailey, Ike Seelbinder, Donovan Smith, Trip Farnsworth, John Cady, Bill Fones, and Parks Dixon. A good time was had by all while catching up on each other’s lives. The reports from all who attended could be summed up as “life is good.”

Parks Dixon is pleased to report that the completion of the two-year Overton Park 9 project is eminent. “The golf course will have been open for a full year on June 24th and has been an unqualified success. The historic 1926 Abe Goodman Clubhouse just reopened after the $1.1 million restoration, Remember

1970 Reunion

Paul McDonald ’70 planned a reunion with classmates at Patrick’s in May. “We passed around memorabilia, told and listened to stories of old, some undoubtedly true, and had quite the enjoyable get-together with lunch,” Kelly McGuire ’70 said. “I heard more than one conversation that we should do this more often. Perhaps we could consider inviting other classes to join us – something to consider.”

Email

Kelly McGuire and Jimmy Ogle are in front with fellow 1970 classmates at Patrick’s in Memphis, from left, Lou Adams, David Morris, Warren Ayres, Tom Berdeja, Ralph Braden, Hunter Humphreys, Jimmy Wetter, Paul McDonald, Walker Milnor, Hal McGeorge, Herb Davis, Steve Bledsoe, Mike Murphy, Lawrence McRae, Shep Tate, Wakefield Gordon, and Henry Wetter. (John Catmur, Wally Johnston, and John Keesee ’69 arrived later.)

David Morris ’70 holds the first Buzzard patch created from his design.

Theater Spotlight

Shines on ’70s

Thespians and tech crew from the 1970s – “The Elder Era” – gathered to celebrate legendary MUS theater directors George Elder and Andy Saunders April 14 and 15.

After watching current theater students perform Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on Friday, reunion participants assembled in Hyde Chapel Saturday for remembrances, sing-alongs, and musical performances, including Saunders’ stirring interpretation of The Impossible Dream. Elder then took the stage to regale the audience with unforgettable memories.

Afterward, the group continued the party – and surely the stories – at a local eatery. See more photos at tinyurl.com/elder-reunion.

and our maintenance area will be fully operational soon, meaning electric carts will be available. THANK YOUs go out to the many MUS families and alumni who have provided such generous support.”

Wylie McLallen and wife, Nickey, are living in Vancouver, British Columbia, apparently

an inspirational setting for writing, as the second volume of his early history of modern literature has been completed and published, A Man of Modern Letters: Hemingway and the Rise of Modern Literature. We hope his book-signing tour will bring him back to Memphis.

’70Lou Adams retired from plastic surgery practice in 2021 and is now catching up on fishing, reading, and internet classes on anything but medicine. He is fortunate now to be able to drive carpools for the children of sons Galloway Allbright ’98 and Hunter Adams ’06, with five here in Memphis, and William Adams’ ’03 two in Richmond, Virginia. He and Connie have recently remodeled and moved into “our LAST house” and are committed to Memphis.

Warren Ayres, a general contractor, builds homes in town and enjoys his first grandchild, born December 13.

well and sharing the love.

Herb Davis is out of insurance biz and is traveling to Nashville, Atlanta, and Hawaii to visit kids and grandkids. Also, he relieves much anxiety for me in his efforts during Phonathon in the fall – thanks!

Steve Bledsoe is still practicing dentistry and celebrating his marriage this past fall to Mary Cantwell. He pulled this photo from his archives and suggested the caption “Young Buzzards getting together in 1980” for their 10-year reunion.

Ralph Braden works at Morgan Stanley but finds time for his fishing and duck hunting adventures.

John Catmur, a renovation contractor, has one lovely redheaded grandchild who has bumped up to the new love of his life, even though Mary Gaston, his wife of 39 years, and his sons John Catmur ’07 and Eric Catmur ’10 are doing

Wakefield Gordon reports he retired five years ago and is now busy cavorting with his five grandchildren (three boys and two girls, all in town), from scouting camps to chess matches; flying about the South with Lia in a Piper; lunching with mates Warren Ayres and Walker Milnor; traveling with college buds (Mammoth Cave) including David Morris and George Steffens; gutting bathrooms of his 100-year-old house; playing tennis three times a week; and volunteering at the University Club. On top of all that, Wake says, “They made the mistake of electing me club president.” Busy indeed. He and Lia hope to get back on the travel train after COVID and hit Spain and Portugal this year.

At the 1970s theater reunion in April, the Class of 1970 was represented by Wakefield Gordon, and Nelson “Sonny” Stephenson, joined by Hutchison 1970 grads Blaine Converse, Kathryn King, and Sarah McQueen, all members of the founding theater group and lifelong friends of MUS theater legends George Elder and Andy Saunders.

Wearen Hughes retired from Bass, Berry & Sims in Nashville at the end of 2021 after 44 years with the law firm. He continues to serve

Theater folks take to the stage at “The Elder Era” Reunion, from left, Jim Overbey ’75, Keith Barksdale ’75, Scott Stevens ’80, Charles Webb ’78, Jill Margolin, Alex Fraser ’75, and George Elder.

April 24, 2023

as an arbitrator or mediator, primarily in constructionrelated disputes. He and Bitsy have three grown children and four grandchildren, all of whom live in Nashville. They still have a family-owned farm in Arlington, where he grew up.

Hunter Humphreys continues lawyering and keeping up with seven grandkids. Marion is doing well and must be in heaven with all those grandchildren.

Wally Johnston says he is a semi-retired tree farmer.

Besides putting together a happening lunch hobnob, Paul McDonald says he is enjoying real estate sales with Meredith, his lovely wife of 45 years. He also loves boating and supporting MUS and Ole Miss football.

February 3, 2023

Kelly McGuire says: “I just finished my second season as MUS scoreboard operator for the baseball team, my 17th year as operator for the football team, and my 27th year for the basketball team. Looking forward to the 2023-24 seasons.

Nancy and I will celebrate our 47th anniversary this month. Our kids and grandkids are healthy, and we all enjoy getting together on a regular basis.”

Lawrence McRae is five years retired and has three grandchildren, all boys, to command his attention.

Walker Milnor says he is definitely retired but continues to fly and saves time for golf and his three grands.

David Morris retired from dentistry in 2016 but decided

May 2, 2023

April 21, 2023

he should pick up some engineering classes when he was not art-ing or hanging with his six grandchildren. He is now back in school as a volunteer faculty member at the Herff College of Engineering at U of M.

Mike Murphy spends time home-building in Memphis, playing golf, and being with his four grandchildren.

Jimmy Ogle rode into town before the Derby weekend and met with the head of PDS to set up events for the 75th anniversary of the school this year.

Shep Tate retired from his firm about a year ago but does occasionally dabble in things legal. Wife, Sandy, puts in 4 miles on her runs each day, and Tate wants to be clear – he

does not join her. The family now includes Ashley and Cody Mayer ’05 with No. 1 grandchild, Leddy; plus Teddy and Jake with No. 2 grandchild, Tate.

Jimmy Wetter retired from Dunavant Enterprises in 2009 but still hops on the ponies and smacks the ball about the pitch. During the summer months, he heads off to Wyoming. He says that his son, William, is an assistant district attorney in Memphis.

’72

Joel Hobson was named in the Memphis Business Journal’s list of Best Real Estate Deals and Deal Makers.

’73

Joe Sanders proposes it would be nice to get the Class of 1973 together at Alex’s Tavern at one of his upcoming gigs. And suggests it might take Norm (Joseph Lee Drew) to ramrod the deal. According to Joe, Alex’s has not changed; it’s still a cool dive bar with great food, especially the Greek burgers.

’79

Emmy and Grammy winning writer and documentary filmmaker Robert Gordon moderated a panel discussion June 23 during an album release party for Written in their Soul: The Stax Songwriters Demos, featuring more than 140 previously unreleased songs from the Stax archive.

Thomas McKenzie Keesee, Jr. ’59 May 11, 2023

Robert Clifford “Bo” Briggs ’74 February 18, 2023

Edwin Trent Riggins ’76 April 26, 2023

Lewis Howard Daniel III ’79 June 1, 2023

John Sidney Evans ’58 April 12, 2023

Richard Allen Williamson, Jr. ’83

Douglas Martin Grochau ’84

John Dylan Baker ’06

William Wylie Coleman ’10

Daniel Timothy Greer ’80

June 4, 2023

Bill Townsend ’78 closed on the Annesdale Mansion in the Annesdale-Snowden neighborhood May 1, adding to his collection of historical Memphis properties. He also owns the Pillow-McIntyre home in Victorian Village, the Lowenstein Mansion on Jefferson, the Masonic Temple at Court and Fourth, and the Luciann Theatre on Summer Avenue, The Daily Memphian reports. Last fall Townsend took the MUS History Club on a tour of his properties. Afterward, he treated club members, led by advisor and History Department Chair Jonathan Jones, to a delicious dinner he prepared at his home. Bill, who began his tenure on the MUS Board of Trustees August 1, also spoke to DECA in February about his non-linear journey from graduating MUS to becoming a founder of several startup companies.

Gordon co-directed the 2007 documentary Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story and wrote the 2013 book Respect Yourself: Stax Records and the Soul Explosion.

’81

Institute. “Mark was on his way from New York, where he lives, to the Far East to give important speeches about topics above our pay grade,” Boyd said. Pictured, from left, are Robert Shy, Jeff Harris, Ted Angelakis, Gibby Gibson ’82, Eddie Murphey, Trip Monger, Kelly Truitt, Philip Freeburg, and Frazier. Boyd was behind the camera.

’85

Bob Coleman retired earlier this spring after just under 34 years in public finance investment banking with Raymond James/ Morgan Keegan. He has started a “second half” career as the chief operating officer of Second Presbyterian Church where he has been a member for over 40 years, serving as an officer for much of that time. He said he is immensely grateful for the opportunities and relationships he enjoyed at Raymond James and is excited to have been called to a deeper level of service for the church that has been such a blessing to three generations of his family.

Boyd Wade hosted a gathering of Class of 1981 friends at University Club of Memphis in honor of Dr. Mark Frazier, professor and chair of politics at The New School for Social Research, where he also serves as co-director of the India China

After graduation from MUS, Scott Vogel attended UT Knoxville, graduating with a marketing degree. His business career started in the hospitality technology industry. I guess you could say that he somewhat pioneered the technology drive in this sector. For the next 20 years, Scott focused on technology in the healthcare industry. This success landed him as the director for the Center of Innovation for

Regional One Health from 2015-18. Most recently (2022), Scott started the WellMind Behavioral Health and Wellness Center here in Memphis. When asked about one of his favorite experiences at MUS, Scott replied that as a Jewish guy, he always thought that it was very interesting taking Bible class from Dr. [David] Jackson. Scott lives in Memphis and is married to Stacy. They have three grown children. He is also heavily involved in the Jewish community.

’84

First Commercial Bank announced the appointment of Michael Peeler as president and senior managing director of the Memphis market.

Joanie and Drew Renshaw recently opened a wedding venue on their property north of Piperton. The Robinshaw Weddings & Events has been a phenomenal success as they have already had over 150 weddings since opening in August 2021. They are also the proud grandparents of Margot Renshaw born December 28, 2022, to Andrew Renshaw ’13 and his wife, Meredith. The younger Renshaws are currently living in New Orleans, where Andrew is in residency for orthopedic surgery.

Tim Wise is returning to Memphis and will be the boys basketball coach at ECS. Has been in Jackson, Mississippi, involved in athletics at Millsaps College and Jackson Prep for the past 25 years.

Bill Townsend tells History Club members about the Masonic Temple during a field trip to the property.

The History Club also visited the Pillow-McIntyre home, which Townsend purchased in May 2022.

’86

Pearce Hammond is the chief economist at Phillips 66. He and his wife, Patricia, live in Houston and are celebrating as their oldest (Carolyn) graduates from SMU this spring. Their youngest (Margaret) just finished up her freshman year at Alabama. “If any 1986 Owls are ever in Houston, please look me up,” he says.

Loyal Murphy is stepping down as MUS Lower School principal to spend more time teaching and using his logistical mind to help with school strategic projects. Read more on page 39.

OnShift (ShiftKey); Aperio (Leica Biosystems); Titan Health (United Surgical Partners); US Renal Care (Leonard Green); Payerpath (Misys/Allscripts); Vantage Oncology (McKesson); NovoLogix (CVS Health); IVX Health; Artera Health (fka Well Health) and many others. For the past 15 years, he has served as an adviser to the California Healthcare Foundation Innovation Fund. Marty received his AB from Princeton University and his MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.” Read more at tinyurl.com/MartyFelsenthal.

’89

David Waddell of Waddell & Associates was named one of the CEO’s of 2023 by Inside Memphis Business magazine.

’93

Brandon Ehrhart has been named general counsel and corporate secretary of Tesla.

’94

After having worked at 201 Poplar as an assistant district attorney for the Shelby County District Attorney’s office for over 20 years, Kirby May, in December 2022, started working as an assistant district attorney for the Desoto County District Attorney’s office in Hernando, Mississippi. He loves the new office and the opportunity.

’96

Sterritt Armstrong shared this beautiful photo he took of a barred owl.

’87

Marty Felsenthal is No. 10 on the list of GrowthCap’s Top 25 Healthcare Investors of 2023. “Marty Felsenthal has invested exclusively in innovative and disruptive healthcare software and services companies for more than 25 years and has led investments in companies such as TelaDoc (NYSE: TDOC); Change Healthcare (acquired by Emdeon); MDLIVE (Cigna);

Rob Edwards and George Cornwell, with Assistant Headmaster Barry Ray, dropped by campus in May.

’91

Darrell Cobbins was reappointed by Gov. Bill Lee to serve another five-year term as the 9th Congressional District representative and vice chair of the State Board of Education. He was also named to the Memphis Business Journal list of Best Real Estate Deals and Deal Makers.

Paul Engelberg left the Walt Disney Company after three years and moved over to Amazon Studios. His job title is delivery manager, International Series, and he partners with the Scripted Series Postproduction teams to ensure shows destined for Prime Video are delivered according to specifications and troubleshoot any technical issues. In addition, he orders Digital Cinema Packages for all special theatrical events (e.g., premieres, tastemaker screenings, press), including shows such as Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, Citadel, and Daisy Jones & the Six.

On March 20 the MUS Owls and the St. Mary’s Turkeys trap teams went to the line for the 13th Annual Boyd Wade ’81 Invitational MUS vs. SMS Grudge Match & BBQ Social at the Shelby Farms range. The weather was fine, the targets were true, the food was hot, and the fun level was excellent. While MUS won the team event, Brooks May (SMS ’25) won the annual Knockout competition. Proud father, Kirby May, and grandfather, Scott May ’61, won bragging rights.

Joe Abrahams has left his position as director of Counseling at MUS to serve as athletic director at Westminster Academy.

Oscar Atkinson has been promoted to chief operating officer at Wellaco Inc.

’98

Henry Gayden’s fourth produced feature film screenplay, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, has been recognized with resounding popularity as this sequel brings the 1940s superhero back to the big screen.

’99

Lou Arrindell, a practicing neonatologist, was named medical director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Subspecialties at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. He lives in Memphis with his wife, Adrienne, and two boys Hadley (8) and Graham (6). Watch a video about Lou and his father, fellow neonatologist

BIRTHS

Emily and Sean Alpert ’97, a daughter, Talia Bea, born November 18, 2022

Amanda and Winfield

Clifford ’04, a son, Lytle Bird Clifford, born April 27, 2023

Heather and Neil Taylor ’04, a daughter, Ana Katherine, born in February 2023

Grace and Alex Rainer ’06, a daughter, Harriet “Hattie” Lawrence, born February 6, 2023

Jordan and Alex Snyder ’06, a son, John Harrison, born January 17, 2023

Christa Palms and Stephond Allmond ’10, a daughter, Emery Allmond, born March 12, 2023

Bailey and Will Kaelin ’13, a son, William “Reed” IV, born February 3, 2023

Meredith and Andrew Renshaw ’13, a daughter, Margot, born December 28, 2022

Monica and Chima

Onwuka ’13, a daughter, Micaiah Erinma, on June 3, 2023

MARRIAGES

Andrew Wilensky ’12 to Allison Priede on April 30, 2022

Hayes Westlake ’13 to Virginia Hayes on July 18, 2020

Dr. Esmond Arrindell, Sr. at tinyurl.com/arrindells.

William Gates CFP has accepted a new position as wealth advisor at Beacon Pointe. ’00

Thomas Robinson has been promoted to vice president of Acquisitions and Development at ALCO Management Inc.

Ben Trusty has taken a new position as principal of design at Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center.

Brittany and Ed Cabigao, owners of the area’s South of Beale (SOB) restaurants, are expanding their empire. They recently bought Hen House in East Memphis with plans to open a second location of The Liquor Store in an adjacent space, plus a third SOB in Collierville. “I know. It’s wild, but we have a great team behind us, and we couldn’t do it without

’03

Ryves Moore, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Specialty Orthopedic Group in Oxford, Mississippi, was named to the University of Mississippi Alumni Association’s 40 Under 40 list for 2023.

MUS Associate Headmaster McKee Humphreys hosted classmates for lunch and a campus tour, from left, Eric Beaty, Paul Gillespie, McKee Humphreys, Tread Thompson, and Michael McLaren. Beginning this fall, McKee will also serve as interim Lower School principal. (See story on page 39.)

Russell Bloodworth recently had photography featured in Rolling Stone

On his LinkedIn page, he says he is “Stepping back from corporate America to focus on my photography business, our growing real estate operation, and marketing consulting. Follow my photography work on Instagram at @rbloodworthphotography.”

them,” Brittany Cabigao told The Daily Memphian. “To the public eye, it probably seems all at once, but it’s really all been in the works a while.”

William Pegg has started a new position as director, senior associate II in Accounting at JLL.

’02

Peyton Broer has been promoted to managing director at Braemar Corporate Finance.

Brett Meeks has accepted the executive director position at Health Innovation Alliance.

Jeffrey Posson directed the Theatre Memphis production of Macbeth in February and the MUS production of Twelfth Night in April.

’04

Tyler Beard recently began a new role as director of Financial Planning and Analysis for CES Power.

Winfield Clifford and his wife, Amanda, recently welcomed the newest member of their family. Lytle Bird Clifford was born on April 27 and joins his older sister, Olive, in making mischief.

Colliers International has hired Elliot Embry, one of the top

The cast and crew of Twelfth Night, directed by Jeffrey Posson

Blake “The Long Drive” Wiedman, Will “The Thrill” Owens, Matt “The Sandman” Ganier, and “Two Putt” Scotty Warren took a trip out to Scottsdale, Arizona, for some golf in February. They had a great time.

Memphis commercial real estate brokers, as vice president.

Jason Goldstein graduated from the Leadership Memphis Executive Program Class of 2023 in April.

Ben Kastan recently joined Visa as the senior counsel for Data Protection and Cybersecurity, responsible for global cyber law issues at the company. He spent the previous 8 1/2 years at the National Security Agency, most recently as the agency’s chief cyber lawyer. Ben lives in Maryland with his wife and 2-year-old daughter.

Kyle Slatery helped coach the varsity lacrosse team at MUS for the second year in a row. He enjoys being back on campus working with the boys and serving in a role in which he is not compelled to tuck in his

Sam Coates Rogers Forum Speaker

shirttail. Don’t tell Coach Ray. When he is not on the lacrosse field, he spends his weekdays working for the American Federation for Children, supporting school choice advocacy in Tennessee.

Stephen Weston lives in Memphis with his wife, Taylor, and they have a 4-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter. In January 2023, Stephen took over his family’s grocery business. He owns two grocery stores in West Memphis, Arkansas. They are both called Gene Stimson’s Big Star, named after his grandfather.

’06

Hunter Adams has accepted the position of vice president Brokerage Services at Colliers.

Entrepreneur and podcaster Sam Coates ’06 spoke in Hyde Chapel as the 2023 Rogers Leadership Forum special guest, sharing three principles for a life full of meaning: knowing who you are, showing up, and doing the work.

Coates wove in lessons he has learned from guests on his podcast, Driven By, and other successful people, including some at 6191 Park Avenue.

Introduced by his friend and mentor, Lower School Assistant Principal Joe Tyler, Coates described how the cross-country coach helped him train for a half-marathon when he was in his 20s.

“What sticks out to me about that fall was [Coach Tyler’s] interest, commitment, and love of seeing someone flourish, become more of their potential and who they can be. That’s what I think of when I think of the best MUS teachers.”

After selling his landscape business in 2019, Coates launched Driven By because he was curious about what motivates people to choose their careers and build companies. In 2021 a national retail organization asked him to produce a podcast series on the stories of the company’s success through longtime employees. Since then, he has chronicled the history of families as well as corporations, and clients have included Youth Villages, Hollywood Feed, AutoZone, and Campbell Clinic.

Describing how faith has been a vital part of his journey, he shared Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

“Life can be good, it can be meaningful, it can be fun, and it can also be tough,” he said. “This passage gives me the freedom to know I don’t have to control the outcome but take it one day at a time.”

Judy and King Rogers, parents of King W. Rogers IV ’98, provided the King and Judy Rogers Endowment for Leadership Development in 2000 to fund annual leadership development programs for MUS students. The income from the fund provides the resources to bring a renowned speaker to campus and sponsor additional leadership programs.

Sam Coates, center, with Headmaster Pete Sanders and King Rogers

Adrian Doggrell has joined MarketOnce Holdings as the director of business development for eAccountable.

’07

Brandon Byrd obtained a new certification: Certified Financial Planner (CFP) from the CFP Board.

Outside of work and parenting, Luke Jensen has been sharpening his golf game and is down to a 10.2 handicap index. He hopes to be sub-8 by September.

Neely Mallory currently serves as president of the Memphis chapter of SIOR, a global industrial and office real estate organization.

John Reinhardt has been promoted to a new position as the 164th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander.

Erim Sarinoglu has taken a new position as associate counsel at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Buck Towner has left his position as MUS director of Admissions to serve as assistant head of school for Advancement at Christ Methodist Day School.

McCauley Williams has launched Alma del Jaguar Tequila, a handcrafted, 100% Blue Weber agave tequila that is sustainably produced and certified additive free. Alma del Jaguar was developed with the mission to protect wild jaguars in partnership with Master Distiller Sergio Cruz, tequila expert Adam Fodor, and

the Vivancos, fifth generation tequila family of Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico.

He recently completed the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Future Leaders Program and is pursuing the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation. His newest venture has been developing the Nashville Mortgage Bankers NEXT network for rising mortgage professionals under the age of 40.

Richard Twardzik has been promoted to vice president of client success at Health Here. ’12

Mitchell Marino has taken a new position as a certified financial planner with LongView Planning Partners in Memphis.

McCauley Williams, left, and Sergio Vivanco, fifth-generation agave farmer, on his family's ranch in Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico which sits at 6,800-feet elevation in the Los Altos region. ’08

DeAndre Jones, current manager at Deloitte Digital, has been named to the board of directors for Slingshot Memphis Inc ’10

Andrew Gardella graduated with his MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business in May of 2022. He has since been working at Houlihan Lokey within the Healthcare M&A group in Dallas.

Austin Magruder moved to Dallas at the start of 2023 to continue his work with Red Ace Capital Management, a real estate based private equity fund. He is a managing partner with Red Ace and overseas investments for the fund.

Matthew Murphy co-founded the Commonwealth Group Inc, a mortgage banking firm, in 2016 and has served as the chief operating officer since.

Paul Stephens and his partners, Jules Jordan – daughter of Holiday Deli & Ham and Pimento’s founder Trey Jordan ’83 – and Eric Ingraham, have opened Belle Meade Social restaurant at 518 Perkins Extended, in the space where Trey opened his first restaurant.

George Utkov’s financial technology platform, Yendo, helps people tap into the equity of their largest asset, their car. In 2022 Yendo launched the world’s first vehicle-secured credit card, which uses AI and ML models to extend revolving lines of credit at a fixed, low rate. In less than 15 minutes, people can now access up to $10,000 via a virtual Mastercard and start building their credit with the major credit bureaus.

’11

Forrest Baty has been promoted to vice president at Raymond James.

Terrence Cole has earned his Master of Business Administration at Baylor University Hankamer School of Business.

Drew Connors has started a new position as development manager at Forsite Development.

Joe Morrison, business development director at Adams Keegan, was a guest columnist for the Memphis Business Journal, writing about successful human resources integration during a merger or acquisition.

Henry Valk has started a new position as senior product manager at Pison.

Alex Weinstein has joined Bluepoint Capital Partners out of Charlotte as a senior associate.

Andrew Wilensky started a new position as manager, Global FSO at Intuitive in Atlanta. ’13

Wills Abston has taken a new position as senior healthcare recruiter at Curana Health.

Warren Ball has been promoted to manager at CBIZ Private Equity Advisory.

Nourse Fox joined Conagra Brands as an associate brand manager in May.

Alec Ossorio has been promoted to a new position as senior commercial underwriter at Burns & Wilcox.

Jackson Roberts ’14, who passed away in 2018, was memorialized at the lacrosse game against Briarcrest on April 29. His parents, Lisa and Ken Roberts, served as honorary captains. Pictured, from left, are Assistant Lacrosse Coach Whit Tenent ’00; Lacrosse Head Coach Joe Cummings; Assistant Lower School Lacrosse Coach Elliott Dent; Ken and Lisa Roberts; Jackson’s friend and Owl teammate, Briarcrest Lacrosse Head Coach Patrick Dimento ’14; and Briarcrest Assistant Coach Pat Dimento, Sr.

Austin Riggins graduated with an MBA from the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at UT Chattanooga.

Jesse Wilcox has been promoted to senior account executive at inferno.

’14

Dennis Parnell shared that he is starting a new position as graduate intern - STEM Pathways and Outreach at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Aditya Shah has started a new position as general surgery resident at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Malik Smith is a graduate of New Memphis’ 10-week Embark Leadership Program for young, high-performing professionals.

’16

Joshua Benton has taken a new position as tax senior at Deloitte.

Philip Freeburg has started a new position as a senior strategy analyst at Humana in their Home Solutions business.

Andres Salas has taken a new position as a healthcare analytics consultant at Guidehouse.

’17

Ishan Biswas has taken on a new role as a data engineer at United Airlines.

Marcus Gronauer has accepted a position as manager of speakers at Wasserman.

Lewis Hergenrader has taken a new position as product manager II, Supply Chain Innovation and Automation at Walmart.

Ross Redmont is starting a new position as senior audit associate at KPMG.

Sherman Tabor released an album of 12 songs that he wrote and produced called Wide Eyes. “I wrote the album about remembering what it felt like to be a kid and trying to carry that mindset with me. To live in the present moment, feeling in it all the possibility and adventure, all the highs and lows, all the way.”

Henry Trammell has been promoted to customer success manager at ClearPoint Strategy.

’18

Mack Bethell is currently an associate engineer with Aerojet Rocketdyne in their Materials and Processes team working on RL10 and RS-25 rocket engine production. He lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, and enjoys scuba diving and fishing in his free time.

Daniel Black, who has been working part-time with MUS sports social media for several years, has been promoted and is now serving as the school’s director of Athletics social media.

John Bolton ’18 (Arkansas baseball) and Will Portera ’20 (Alabama baseball) posed for a photo April 2 after the two teams played in Fayetteville as part of a three-game series. They were teammates at MUS from 2016-18 and played together on the 2018 team that won the region championship and finished state runner-up. Bolton is the current starting shortstop for Arkansas, and Portera is an infielder and catcher for Alabama. Thanks to Daniel Black ’18 for the photo.

David Jones is a referral scholar/clinical assistant at Church Health. He works alongside volunteer physicians in several specialties, including orthopedics and hematology. A primary goal of Church Health is to provide healthcare to the underrepresented community in Memphis. He is also applying to medical school.

John McBride is pursuing a master’s in accounting at the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business.

Daniel Shumake is a sports journalist for Whitehawk F.C. in Brighton, England. He is also

Christenbury Speaks to Lower School

Stephen Christenbury ’19, who graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Mississippi State, spoke to Lower School boys about advice that has impacted his life.

Making the point that approval from the crowd – as with social media – is fleeting, he shared a quote from comedian Bo Burnham: “If you can live your life without an audience, you should do it.”

His second tip was from a counselor at Alpine Camp for Boys: “Sharing our strengths breeds competition; sharing our weaknesses builds community.”

Finally, from Timothy Keller’s book The Meaning of Marriage, he offered: “To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything.”

Christenbury said he is moving to Austin, Texas, to work for the Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at the University of Texas.

working on a master’s in sports journalism at the University of Brighton.

Leon Vo has been promoted to research assistant in surgery at University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine and academic intern in pediatric surgical oncology

at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

’19

Clay Harrison is spending the summer as an audit intern at Ernst and Young, then he will attend Ole Miss for his Master of Accountancy.

Dorian Hopkins,

, graduated

the University of Tulsa. He plans to obtain his master’s degree in health sciences while serving as president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. The University of Tulsa Athletic Department awarded Dorian the Christopher Anderson Classroom Grit Award, which is given to one male and one female graduating student-athlete for showing “perseverance in the classroom.”

cheering and going crazy with everyone when we score a goal. We’ve built their skills and made sure they know how to play, and now we just want them to get out there and enjoy being a lacrosse player.” Photo courtesy of Washington & Lee.

Emerson Manley is starting a job as a mechanical engineer with Jacobs Solutions Inc. in Knoxville.

Smith McWaters has one more semester at the University of Memphis before graduating.

Robbie Musicante is a student in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Medical School class of 2027.

Kirklin Perkins graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in May and started a full-time job with Alliance Bernstein’s Equity Portfolio Management Group (PMG) in Nashville.

Bailey Keel and fellow Washington & Lee seniors Jake McCabe and David Onyejekwe have served as volunteer Lex Lax (youth lacrosse) coaches for the last two years. “It’s grounding to get to go out there and hang out with the kids – it puts things into perspective,” Keel said in the school’s The Columns publication. “There’s a lot to learn from them. It’s also just fun. The Saturday games were some of the best times that I’ve had at W&L. At a certain point, you’re not coaching too much; you’re more on the sidelines just

pictured with Coach Mark Chubb and Matthew Rhodes ’19

from

Sloan Miles graduated with a bachelor’s degree in urban

Where Tradition Surrounds U

For 130 years, Memphis University School has educated young men to become the future leaders of our community, our nation, and the world.

Our legacy of scholarship and leadership is perpetuated by caring individuals who name the school as a beneficiary in their estate plans.

There are generations of students yet to enroll, all deserving the best education possible in order to become future leaders.

Leave your legacy of scholarship and leadership.

For more information and estate planning tools, visit plannedgiving.musowls.org.

environmental studies from Birmingham-Southern College. After a gap year to save up some money, he plans to earn a master’s degree in forest ecology and natural resource management. He credits Shauna Miller’s AP Environmental Science class at MUS with the inspiration for his course of study. (See related story on page 34.)

Josh Tanenbaum will be graduating from Indiana University with a certificate of honors from Indiana’s Liberal Arts and Management Program and a major in organizational management and a minor in marketing from the Kelley School of Business. After graduation he plans on joining the Estée Lauder Companies in their New York City headquarters as a fulltime employee in their CEO Global Presidential Associate Rotational Program with a specialization in the online, technology, and innovation sectors.

Dutch Hansen, second from left, co-director of Project Launch, with students from USC Hybrid High and fellow mentors who are involved in the program

Dutch Hansen ’21, a computer science and mathematics student at University of Southern California, is co-director of Project Launch, a fellowship program for sophomores from USC Hybrid High. Through mentorship, project-based learning, and community building, the younger students develop organizational systems, goals, mature perspectives, and strong leadership skills. “Project Launch originated as an entrepreneurship program for students at Hybrid High,” Hansen says. “In spring 2022, our team spent 40 hours shadowing students and teachers at the school. Observing the value of mentorship and a lack of collaborative opportunity, we partnered with USC’s Joint Education Project to redesign the 2023 program.” Read more at projectlaunch.net.

May 26, joining his brother, Clayton (CJ) Turner ’16, among our nation’s finest. MUS Director of Security Kevin Brown was the scoutmaster for both these Eagle Scouts.

Hall Upshaw will be joining the American Junior Golf Association full time in May as a tournament coordinator.

Henry Wood has accepted a job as an investment banking analyst at Raymond James in Memphis.

Robert Ayotte accepted a position as a marketing intern with the Global Public Affairs team at FedEx Services for the summer of 2023.

Harmon Colvett is a sophomore at Mizzou where he received the Stamps Scholarship and is a Biomedical Engineering major. He got licensed as an EMT last year and works at a local hospital while in college, with plans for med school after graduating.

He started a company, colvettpulseandrespiratory. net, that allows him to teach CPR, and he has been teaching fraternity members on campus.

Matthew Jones has joined EY as a launch intern in their Dallas office this summer.

Warren Turner, left, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy

October 20-21, 2023

Hey, Reunion Owl!

For Homecoming 2023, we will celebrate YOU along with other alumni whose graduation years end in 3 or 8. Mark your calendar for October 20-21 and plan to reconnect with fellow Owls.

We hope to see you on campus!

FRIDAY, OCT. 20

9:30 a.m. Homecoming Pep Rally in Hyde Chapel

11:00 a.m. Alumni Golf Scramble at Overton Park Course 5:00-7:00 p.m. Homecoming Tailgate Dinner in the MUS Dining Hall

7:00 p.m. MUS vs. Oakhaven on Hull-Dobbs Field

SATURDAY, OCT. 21

Class Parties

For more information visit musowls.org/homecoming

WESAW

DC Alumni Reception

Denver Alumni Reception

Steve Hickman ’76 and Gene Tibbs ’86

Franklin Adams ’88, Pete Sanders, and Elizabeth Adams

Phillip Aiken ’13, Philip Freeburg ’16, Nathan Dinh ’16, and Paul Stevenson ’14

Michael Edwards ‘09, Ashleigh Mitchell, Stephen Valentine ’11, Mackey Alexander ‘17, and Hayden Combs ‘14 Cole Wilder ’17 and Chandler Clayton ’16

Mason Jones ‘87, Charles Frankum ‘86, and Sybil Jones

Frank Crumbaugh ’70 and Pete Sanders

Jacob Rotter ’17 and Brooks Eikner ’17

'58 Claude Crawford: grill17@yahoo.com

'59 Bryan Nearn: bryan@bnearn.com

'60 Metcalf Crump: metcrump@crumpfirm.com

'60 Alex Wellford: awellford@farris-law.com

'61 Scott May: sfmay@bellsouth.net

'62 Jerry Bradfield: jbradfi293@aol.com

'63 Doug Ferris: dferris@ffcfuelcells.com

'64 Bill Quinlen: wlq1975@aol.com

'65 Bob Heller: hrheller3@comcast.net

'65 Rick Miller: drrick640@gmail.com

'66 Chuck Smith: chucks@ngp.com

'67 John Pettey: john.pettey@raymondjames.com

'68 Bill Ferguson

'68 Terry Wilson: fishriveractor@gmail.com

'69 John Cady: johnrcady@gmail.com

'69 Parks Dixon: parks@gwpalmer.net

'70 Herb Davis: hdavis52@outlook.com

'70 Kelly McGuire: c.kingu70@gmail.com

'70 Jimmy Ogle: jimmyogle14@comcast.net

'71 Barlow Mann: barlow.mann@sharpenet.com

'71 Phil Wiygul: philwiygul@earthlink.net

'72 Russell Day: rkday54@gmail.com

'72 Joel Hobson: jhobson@hobsonrealtors.com

'73 Cecil Humphreys: cecil@cecilhumphreys.com

'73 Wise Jones: Wise.Jones@regions.com

'74 Mark Ruleman: markruleman@gmail.com

'74 Walker Sims: wsims@walkersims.com

'75 Lee Marshall: lee57marshall@gmail.com

'76 Gib Wilson: gwilson@lehmanroberts.com

'77 Bruce Moore: jmoore1977@comcast.net

'78 Cecil Godman: cecil.godman3@gmail.com

'78 Rob Preston: robertbatespreston52@gmail.com

'79 Arthur Fulmer: afulmer@fulmerco.com

'79 Jerry Martin: jerry.martin@mcgriff.com

'80 Louis Jehl: louis.jehl@jehlconsulting.com

'80 Bryan Jones: oatmeal0930@gmail.com

'81 Jeff Harris: jharris3@comcast.net

'81 Boyd Wade: bwade@fcgtn.com

'82 Ron Helmhout: ron@thecompanynurse.com

'83 Craig Christenbury: craig@chrishillconstruction.com

'83 Jimmy Harwood:jeharwood4@gmail.com

'84 Evans Jack: evans.jack@emesales.net

'84 Drew Taylor: taylorjamesandrew@yahoo.com

'85 Ted Simpson: ted.simpson@pnfp.com

'85 Owen Tabor: otabor@aol.com

'86 Andy McArtor: andy@mcartor.com

'86 Rob Williams: robwilliamsiii@gmail.com

'86 Andy Wright: adwri@bellsouth.net

'87 Jeff Blumberg: jrblumberg@gmail.com

'87 Bill White: bill.white@westfraser.com

'88 Max Painter: max.painter@att.net

'88 Fred Schaeffer: fschaeffer@strategicfinancialpartners.com

'89 Scott Sherman: scott.sherman@fhnfinancial.com

'90 Brian Eason: brian@cobuilt.com

'90 Hootan Hidaji: hootanh@yahoo.com

'90 Jeff Kerlan: jeffrey.kerlan@sterncardio.com

'91 Trevor Benitone: benitonec130@yahoo.com

'91 Ellis Haddad: ellis.haddad@raymondjames.com

'92 Chuck Hamlett: chamlett@goarmstrong.com

'92 K. C. Horne: horneKC@gmail.com

'93 Thomas Quinlen: tquinlen@gmail.com

'93 Gil Uhlhorn: guhlhorn@bassberry.com

'94 Ben Clanton: bclanton@duncanw.com '94 Kirby May: kirbymay@hotmail.com

'95 David Bradford: dcbradford@tcco.com

'95 Gideon Scoggin: gscoggin@finfedmem.com

'95 Will Thompson: wthompson@nfcinvestments.com

'96 Nelson Cannon: nelson@cannonaustincannon.com '96 Rusty Shappley: wshappley@gmail.com

'96 Spike Treadwell:

'10 Stephond Allmond: stephond.allmond@musowls.org

'10 Hank Hill: hank4hill@gmail.com

'10 Jake Rudolph: jcrudolph4@gmail.com

'10 Paul Stephens: paul@fpkcap.com

'11 Blake Hennessy: blakehennessy11@gmail.com

'11 Chase Schoelkopf: cschoelk@gmail.com

'11 Scooter Taylor: scooter@scootertaylor.com

'12 Edward Francis: jefrancis56@gmail.com

'12 Anthony Hodges: ahodges.phys@gmail.com

'12 Lee Marshall: leermarshall41@gmail.com

'13 Tripp Crews: trippcrews@gmail.com

'13 Sam Moore: smoore410496@gmail.com

'13 Hurston Reed: hurstonreed@gmail.com

'13 Jake Woodman: jakecwoodman@gmail.com

'14 Hayden Combs: haydenpcombs@gmail.com

'14 Cal Edge: caledge901@gmail.com

'14 Chris Galvin: chris.finn.galvin@gmail.com

'14 Anthony Walton

'15 Tom Garrott: tom.garrott11@gmail.com

'15 Pierce Jones: spj.jones09@gmail.com

'15 Kamar Mack: kamar@appdrop.com

'15 Joseph Preston: jpres1@ucla.edu

'15 Connor Wright: connor.m.wright97@gmail.com

chip.campbell3@gmail.com

'99 Norfleet Thompson: fltbuck@aol.com

'99 Josh Winters: joshua.n.winters@gmail.com

'00 Chris Hamilton: jchamil19@gmail.com

'00 Jay McDonald: jaypmcdonald@gmail.com

'00 Ryan Miller: phillipryanmiller@gmail.com

'01 Harvey Kay: harvey.kay@gmail.com '01

'16 Nathan Dinh: nathan.dinh47@gmail.com

'16 Tim Hart: 35skates@gmail.com

'16 Mac McArtor: mcartor.mac@gmail.com

'16 Trammel Robinson: trammelrobinson16@gmail.com

'17 Josh Gray: 98joshua.gray17@gmail.com

'17 Alex Hyde: alexhyde@live.unc.edu

'17 Evan Smith: evansmith11@gmail.com

'18 Barry Klug: pbklug64@gmail.com

'18 Mathon Parker: mathon.parker99@gmail.com

'18 Daniel Shumake: foofighter2210@gmail.com

'19 Scott Burnett: scottyb2256@gmail.com

'19 Stephen Christenbury: christenburystephen@gmail.com

'19 William Quinlen: wquinlen@gmail.com

'20 Robert Dickinson: rd3804@gmail.com

'20 Hunter Kendall

'20 Will McEwan: will.mcewan@icloud.com

'20 Will Portera: wportera5@gmail.com

'21: Drew Burnett: drewburnett2002@gmail.com

'21 William Patteson: williampatteson3@gmail.com

'21 Edwin Shy: edwinshy21@gmail.com

'21 Nash Stewart: nashrstew@gmail.com

'21 Tamaz Young: poetrybytamaz@gmail.com

'22 McRae Dickinson: mcraedickinson@gmail.com

'22 Clayton Nearn: nearnclayton@gmail.com

'22 Fred Schaeffer: schaefferf3@gmail.com

'23 Wilson Lemay: wlemay10@gmail.com

'23 Will McDaniel: willmcdaniel14@gmail.com

'23 Thomas Preston: thomasfosterpreston@gmail.com

'23 Demar Wells: thewellsboys2004@gmail.com

Your gifts in memory of loved ones or in honor of special friends enable young men at MUS to receive a world-class education. Memorials to Memphis University School support the Annual Fund program. Families of those whose memories are honored will be notified by an appropriate card with an acknowledgment to the donor. We gratefully acknowledge the following gifts to the school:

In Memory Of

FRANKLIN PEARSON ALLEN III ‘61

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel S. Rembert III ‘60

Mrs. Frederick C. Schaeffer, Sr.

LYMAN CARL ANDERSON

Mr. and Mrs. Donald D. Batchelor ‘72

J. DYLAN BAKER ‘06

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Askew III

Mr. Claire K. Farmer

Mr. and Mrs. Ellis L. Haguewood

GERALD F. BILLIONS

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Askew III

ANDREA BARSOTTI BRAGG

Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Sanders

ROBERT C. “BO” BRIGGS ‘74

Mr. and Mrs. Ben C. Adams ‘74

Mr. and Mrs. J. Courtnay Rudolph III ‘77

JEREMY T. BROWN ‘99

Mrs. Claire K. Farmer

W. WYLIE COLEMAN ‘10

Mr. and Mrs. Bobby A. Alston

Mr. and Mrs. J. Courtnay Rudolph III ‘77

Mr. John W. Watkins III ‘12

GEORGE R. COORS

Mr. and Mrs. Giles A. Coors III

LARRY B. CRESON III ’83

Mrs. Shellie R. Creson

MICHAEL R. DEADERICK

Mr. and Mrs. Ben C. Adams ‘74

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy G. Alpert ‘91

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Breazeale

Mr. Oliver P. Cobb III ‘72

Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Counce ‘77

Mr. and Mrs. William S. Craddock, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Pearce W. Hammond, Jr. ‘86

Mr. and Mrs. Barlow T. Mann ‘71

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph I. McCormack

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander D. McLean

Ms. Louise Gore and Mr. P. Parker Phillips ‘85

Dr. Robert H. Winfrey, Jr.

FRANK M. EGGERS II

Mr. and Mrs. Bobby A. Alston

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Askew III

Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Counce ‘77

Mr. Perry D. Dement

Mrs. Claire K. Farmer

Mr. and Mrs. Ellis L. Haguewood

Dr. and Mrs. Dean A. Klug, Mr. P. Barry Klug ‘18

Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Sanders

Mr. and Mrs. J. Kimbrough Taylor ‘84

JOHN SIDNEY EVANS ‘58

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Askew III

Mr. and Mrs. Bryan E. Nearn, Jr. ‘59

ANN FARMER

Mr. and Mrs. Donald D. Batchelor ‘72

ELLEN LEWIS FORTAS

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy G. Alpert ‘91

Mr. Robert L. Ducklo III ‘89

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Morice

Ms. Susan H. Sutton

Mr. and Mrs. Mark P. Temme

Mr. and Mrs. David A. Willmott ‘88

Ms. Muriel F. Wilson

KIRKPATRICK W. FREDERICK ‘71

Mr. Stanley L. Fri ‘71

WILLIAM P. FRI ‘71

Mr. Stanley L. Fri ‘71

DAVID B. GIBSON III

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Askew III

HIRAM J. GOZA III ‘71

Mr. Stanley L. Fri ‘71

D. TIMOTHY GREER ‘80

Mr. Scott N. Stevens ‘80

F. WILLIAM HACKMEYER

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey W. Hackmeyer ‘02

JOHN F. HILTONSMITH

Mr. and Mrs. B. Galloway Allbright IV ‘98

LOUISE HOFSTRA

Dr. Rebekah K. H. Shappley and Dr. William V. Shappley III ‘96

RANDALL L. HOLCOMB ‘03

The Honorable and Mrs. Chaseton R. Carlisle ‘03

ELIZABETH CLARK JACK

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Askew III

NANCY NUNNERY JOSEPH

Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Counce ‘77

Mr. Perry D. Dement

Mrs. Claire K. Farmer

Mr. and Mrs. Ellis L. Haguewood

Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Sanders

THOMAS MCKENZIE KEESEE, JR. ‘59

Mr. and Mrs. Everett W. Crowley

Mrs. Claire K. Farmer

Mr. and Mrs. Bryan E. Nearn, Jr. ‘59

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel S. Rembert III ‘60

Mrs. Nancy Welsh Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander W. Wellford, Jr. ‘60

ROBERT CARRINGTON KELSEY

Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Broer

ROBERT CHRISTOPHER LASTER ‘91

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy G. Alpert ‘91

LEIGH W. MACQUEEN

Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Cannon, Sr. ‘68

DOUGLAS HARWELL MCCLEW ‘14

Ms. Perry H. McClew

KATHERINE G. MCCLINTOCK

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Askew III

Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Combs

Mr. Perry D. Dement

Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Sanders

D. DWIGHT MILLER ‘77

Mr. and Mrs. Cecil A. Godman III ‘78

VICTORIA MONZON-COCHRAN

Mr. Richard L. Cochran, Sr.

ALFRED LOUIS MULLINS, JR.

Mr. and Mrs. Hayden P. Combs ‘14

Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Combs

Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Counce ‘77

Mr. Perry D. Dement

Mrs. Claire K. Farmer

Mr. and Mrs. Ellis L. Haguewood

Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Sanders

CARTER LEE MURRAY ‘04

Mrs. Sarah M. Brody and Mr. Bradley H. Cohen ‘94

JAMES S. PATTESON III

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Askew III

GEORGE A. PERA

Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Counce ‘77

RANDALL ASH PERKINS

Mr. Matt Perkins

H. JERRY PETERS

Mr. Finley G. Van Brocklin, Jr. ‘74

RICHARD A. PHILLIPS

Mr. Perry D. Dement

Mrs. Claire K. Farmer

JACKSON J. ROBERTS ‘14

Mr. W. Wittichen Hawkins ‘14

SPIRIT CART ELF

Mr. Miles S. Fortas ‘89

GRAHAM R. STEWART ‘10

Mr. and Mrs. Don M. Kilgore

DION M. STUTTS ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Askew III

Brentwood Academy Wrestling Families

Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Counce ‘77

Mr. Perry D. Dement

Mr. McRae C. Dickinson ‘22

Empowered Daughters

Mr. and Mrs. Troy R. Graham

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery R. Harris ‘81

Ms. Anne M. McWaters

Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Sanders

William B. Townsend ‘78

WILLIAM GRAVELY UNDERWOOD

Mrs. Nancy Welsh Smith

ANASTASIA VERGOS

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Askew III

SUZANNE B. WARREN

Dr. Donna M. Dabov and Dr. Gregory D. Dabov

BAILEY L. WIENER, SR.

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Askew III

Dr. and Mrs. Blake T. Billups

Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Fogelman II ‘90

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel N. Graham II ‘80

Mr. and Mrs. W. Lytle Nichol IV

Mr. and Mrs. Joel B. Sklar ‘85

Mr. and Mrs. James D. Tashie

RICHARD A. WILLIAMSON, JR. ‘83

Mr. and Mrs. Glynn M. Alexander, Jr. ‘83

Mr. and Mrs. Bobby A. Alston

Mr. and Mrs. James F. Burnett ‘83

Mr. James E. Harwood IV ‘83

Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence H. Lee ‘83

The Honorable and Mrs. John R. McCarroll, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. John R. McCarroll III ‘83

Ms. Kate Metcalf and Mr. Brian S. Sullivan ‘83

In Honor Of

JOSEPH W. ABRAHAMS ‘96

Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Counce ‘77

Mr. Perry D. Dement

N. HALL AKIN ‘25

Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy McElroy

NAT AKIN

Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy McElroy

GRIFFIN H. ALLEN ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Middlecoff

JAMES A. ALLEN ‘22

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Middlecoff

LOUIS F. ALLEN III ‘19

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Middlecoff

SALLY A. ASKEW

Mr. W. Fort Robinson ‘13

J. WALKER ATKINSON ‘27

Mrs. Margaret Atkinson

BENJAMIN H. BERRY ‘28

Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Berry

Mr. and Mrs. John Franck

BRYAN W. BILLUPS ‘25

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas K. Billups

DANIEL C. BLACK ‘18

Mr. and Mrs. Stevan L. Black, Sr.

M. BRADFORD BLACK ‘94

Mr. and Mrs. Stevan L. Black, Sr.

C. JOHN BLACKWELL ‘23

Mr. and Mrs. Ceylon B. Blackwell, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Young

PARKER L. C. BLACKWELL ‘24

Dr. and Mrs. Parker Cashdollar

LAWRENCE T. BLEDSOE

Mr. William T. Hollinger

STEVE M. BLEN ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. Abe Plough

MARK T. BOATRIGHT ‘25

Mr. and Mrs. James H. Rawls

REID M. BOATRIGHT ‘28

Mr. and Mrs. James H. Rawls

JULIAN F. BOSWELL ‘27

Mrs. June C. Boswell

JOYCE BRADY

Dr. Donald W. Brady ‘82

W. KNOX BROWN ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. David C. Coates

PATRICK T. BURKE, JR. ‘25

Dr. and Mrs. Haywood H. Henderson, Jr.

LEWIS A. BUTLER ‘23

Mr. and Mrs. Sam T. Lewis

CARTER F. CAMPBELL, JR. ‘23

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence K. Jensen

GABRIEL Q. CHEN ‘24

Mrs. Billie Jean Graham

COLTON E. CHILDRESS ‘25

Mrs. Sandy L. Goodman

R. KEMP CONRAD, JR. ‘23

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence K. Jensen

ISAAC T. COWENS ‘28

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Cowens

TYLER J. H. DANG ‘24

Dr. Sherri Li and Dr. Gerald T. H. Dang

HOUSTON B. DONATO ‘25

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Donato

DANNIE Z. DONG ‘24

Mrs. Billie Jean Graham

FRANK DOWDY, JR.

Mr. William T. Hollinger

D. DWIGHT DRINKARD ‘66

Mr. W. Brigham Klyce, Jr. ‘66

WOODSON Q. DUNAVANT, JR. ‘27

Dr. and Mrs. Joseph K. Samaha

ANTHONY T. W. EDWARDS, JR. ‘28

Mrs. Shirley J. Alexander

HUNTER S. FAIR ‘25

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis N. Koehn

ADAMS S. FEILD ‘27

Mrs. Jane P. Feild

HARRY C. FEILD ‘24

Mrs. Jane P. Feild

W. FOSTER FLAHERTY ‘27

Mr. and Mrs. Pat Flaherty

CHARLES H. FRAZER ‘27

Mrs. W. Harry Frazer III

P. BENNETT FRAZER, JR. ‘25

Mrs. W. Harry Frazer III

NICHOLAS A. GALLER ‘23

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew A. Galler

SAM M. GALLER ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew A. Galler

SAMUEL N. GRAHAM II ‘80

Mrs. Billie Jean Graham

SAMUEL N. GRAHAM III ‘08

Mrs. Billie Jean Graham

MACKIE H. GOBER III ‘28

Mr. and Mrs. Mackie H. Gober, Sr.

ALBERT HARRISON GOETZE ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Eckels

Mr. and Mrs. A. Nicholas Goetze

BEAU D. GREEN ‘28

Mr. and Mrs. David H. Green

MILLER H. GRIESBECK ‘26

Ms. Maureen Griesbeck

WALKER L. GRIESBECK ‘24

Ms. Maureen Griesbeck

MONTGOMERY S. GRIFFIN ‘26

Ms. Maizie Rhea

ELLIS L. HAGUEWOOD

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy G. Alpert ‘91

E. PALMER HALLIDAY ‘25

Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Danner, Jr.

THOMAS B. HIGGINBOTHAM ‘28

Mrs. Jacky Horner

E. EUGENE HORNER III ‘90

Mr. and Mrs. E. Eugene Horner, Jr.

L. MCKEE HUMPHREYS ‘01

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy G. Alpert ‘91

DAVID B. JACKSON

Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Counce ‘77

Mr. Perry D. Dement

Mr. and Mrs. Ellis L. Haguewood

Mrs. Claire K. Farmer

Ms. Kimberly F. McAmis

Mr. and Mrs. Cecil A. Godman III ‘78

CURTIS L. JONES

Mr. William T. Hollinger

ROSS M. KAYE ‘24

Mrs. Gloria Nash Ingram

MICHAEL C. A. LANGSTON ‘26

Mrs. Juanita Blanchard

Mrs. Edith Langston

JONATHAN M. LARGE

Mrs. Kat Gordon and Mr. Thomas H. Robinson, Jr. ‘00

JOHN C. LEE ‘23

Mrs. Frank Camp, Jr.

JONATHAN T. LIMBAUGH ‘98

Mr. and Mrs. John M. Limbaugh

GEORGE C. LUTON ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. E. Eugene Horner, Jr.

N. GATES LUTON ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. E. Eugene Horner, Jr.

JOHN W. MCALLISTER ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. Jim C. Davis

WYATT T. MCALLISTER ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. Jim C. Davis

P. ROBB MCDONALD ‘28

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Harrison

WILLIAM M. MCDONALD III ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Harrison

J. MICHAEL MCKAY ‘28

Mr. and Mrs. J. Gary Comella

R. PATRICK MCKAY, JR. ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. J. Gary Comella

HENRY E. MOAK ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Moak

BRANTLEY D. MOORE ‘27

Dr. and Mrs. Dwight A. Morris

WILSON A. MOORE, JR. ‘25

Dr. and Mrs. Dwight A. Morris

D. STEPHEN MORROW ‘71

Ms. Brooke A. Morrow

JOHN C. OZIER III ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Ozier

WILSON B. PACE ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. W. Wilson Pace

LEIGH B. PACKARD

Mr. Perry D. Dement

Mrs. Claire K. Farmer

Mr. and Mrs. Ellis L. Haguewood

Ms. Kimberly F. McAmis

JOHN H. PAINTER ‘27

Mrs. Roseann Painter

MAX WESLEY PAINTER III ‘23

Mrs. Roseann Painter

R. PARKS PAINTER ‘24

Mrs. Roseann Painter

BENJAMIN E. PERRY ‘89

Ms. Julanne Portis

JASON E. PETERS ‘88

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy G. Alpert ‘91

CHRISTOPHER M. PIECUCH

Mrs. Billie Jean Graham

W. BARRY RAY

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy G. Alpert ‘91

J. PRICE RENOVICH ‘28

Mr. and Mrs. William M. Renovich

WILLIAM R. RENOVICH, JR. ‘25

Mr. and Mrs. William M. Renovich

GLENN E. ROGERS, JR.

Dr. and Mrs. Phillip O. Flinn ‘05

CHRIS R. SANDERS

Mr. Perry D. Dement

ANDREW F. SAUNDERS III

Mr. and Mrs. Cecil A. Godman III ‘78

BO Z. SCHROERLUCKE ‘27

Dr. and Mrs. Dwight A. Morris

SAMUEL H. SCHROERLUCKE ‘25

Dr. and Mrs. Dwight A. Morris

JACK W. SHANKER ‘27

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Uiberall

PAXTON R. SILVER ‘25

Mr. and Mrs. Steven A. Silver

ANALICE H. SOWELL

Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Counce ‘77

Mr. Perry D. Dement

W. SCOTT STAFFORD, JR. ‘26

Mrs. Roseann Painter

GEORGE V. STEFFENS V ‘25

Mr. and Mrs. George V. Steffens III

FRED TAYLOR

Mr. William T. Hollinger

M. MCEWEN TAYLOR, JR. ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. William S. Taylor

ROBERT E. TAYLOR

Mr. William T. Hollinger

W. GAINES TAYLOR ‘29

Mr. and Mrs. William S. Taylor

WILLIAM S. TAYLOR

Dr. Teresa Dalle and Dr. Reginald A. Dalle

D. WHITFIELD TENENT ‘00

Mr. and Mrs. W. Hunter Hasen ‘99

J. GARRETT THOMPSON ‘28

Mrs. Rita A. Radogna-Thompson and Mr. Tommy R. Thompson

JUSTIN D. TOWNER V ‘07

Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Counce ‘77

Mr. Perry D. Dement

Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo J. Heros

WILLIAM B. TOWNSEND ‘78

Mr. Perry D. Dement

HENRY R. TURNER ‘26

Mr. Richard L. Cochran, Sr.

L. OWENS UNGLESBY III ‘25

Mr. and Mrs. Brian P. Hirschey

KENNON A. VAUGHAN ‘96

Mr. and Mrs. S. Clay Smythe, Sr. ‘85

KENNETH P. WERTHEIMER ‘28

Mr. and Mrs. Lester Lit

HARRY A. WORD III ‘28

Mr. and Mrs. H. Alan Word

One of the most prolific careers in the history of MUS tennis was capped off in style, as Roberto Ferrer Guimaraes ’23 won the TSSAA Division II-AA State Singles Championship in Murfreesboro.

In his senior season, Ferrer Guimaraes boasted impressive records of 21-2 in singles action and 18-1 in doubles. His performance at the All-American Tournament in Newport Beach, California – in which he went 3-1 in singles and 4-0 in doubles – placed him among eight players in the country to be named All-American.

Furthermore, he earned 2023 All-State honors from the Tennessee Sportswriters Association and was selected to All-Metro teams by both The Commercial Appeal and The Daily Memphian.

Ferrer Guimaraes is listed as a five-star recruit by the Tennis Recruiting Network and is ranked in the top 40 nationally. He is signed to play at Mississippi State University, whose tennis program has made five appearances in the NCAA Tournament Round of 16 since 2016 with two SEC Tournament titles.

In the 2023 TSSAA Division II-AA State Singles Championship match, Ferrer Guimaraes faced defending state champion Hank Trondson of Ensworth, taking the match in straight sets, 7-6 (3) and 6-4. His state championship marks the Owls’ 12th state singles title in program history and the first since 2014.

“It was a great relief for me to win the state title for MUS,” Ferrer Guimaraes said. “I wanted to walk away with at least one championship to leave my legacy here after four years of hard work. I have had a great time playing tennis for the Owls, and the friendships I made with the team will last a lifetime.”

For more student accomplishments, see page 5.

Daniel Black ’18

Photo by Grant Burke

THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF MEMPHIS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

6191 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119

Address Service Requested

Parents Only: If this issue is addressed to your son who no longer maintains his permanent address at your home, please notify the MUS Development Office (901-260-1350) of the new mailing address. Because college addresses change so frequently, we are unable to use them for general mailing.

Our future health is in great hands! Four Owls graduated from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in May, from left, Walker Bussey-Spencer ’13, who begins an emergency medicine residency at the University of North Carolina; Aditya Shah ’14, a general surgery residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; Jay Mitchum ’14, a diagnostic radiology residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center; and Hamid Shirwany ’15, an internal medicine residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.