Moses Brown, a Friends School, exists to inspire the inner promise of each student and instill the utmost care for learning, people, and place.
In the last edition of Cupola, my first as head of school and almost exactly a year ago, I wrote about liminal spaces—“the place that exists between what is known and what is unknown.” At the time, I was setting the stage for the school’s next strategic plan. Now, I am excited to share with you our vision:
Moses Brown will light the way in N-12 education. We will empower our students to lead the school as we prepare them to lead the world.
The first strategic planning process I had the opportunity to be part of was as a teacher at Pingree School in 2006. The process involved a group of about 25 people (faculty, parents, alumni, and trustees) being led by a consultant over one weekend to produce a series of action steps we would take in the next five years to improve the school. Like most plans, it was static. So much has changed in the last 20 years, and strategy for schools needs to evolve to remain responsive to the influence of the realities of a rapidly changing world. Static plans need to give way to bold visions with adaptable strategies, and communities need to remain nimble—ready to respond to an increasingly complex environment in which we are educating leaders of the future.
With that in mind, here’s what I know to be true:
• Moses Brown, with its long history and unique grounding in Quaker philosophy, is perfectly positioned to lead N-12 education.
• While we have set a vision for 2034, we will act with strategic intention, selecting action steps that have clarity of purpose for the immediate future.
• In order for our “plan” to remain relevant, we will build in the flexibility to adapt, to assess our progress, and to incorporate new learnings to deliver the best education for our students, today and in the future.
Announcing our vision now, we are stepping out of the liminal space I described a year ago. Yet, we recognize that each step forward will present new and unforeseen challenges. Why am I so steadfastly confident that Moses Brown will be successful? Because while our 240-year history has shown our ability to evolve, today’s world demands even more—a clear sense of purpose, the adaptability to navigate complexity, and the drive to lead with intention. We are prepared to meet this moment with thoughtful action, ensuring that our students thrive and shape the future with confidence and integrity. Together, we will light the way for ourselves, our students, and for the future of education, empowering our students to lead our school and, ultimately, the world.
In friendship,
Katie Titus Head of School
So, for me, this liminal space of transition and change is one of opportunity - opportunity to build on the foundational strength of an amazing school while boldly setting a direction for its future that will require us to lead education in new and exciting ways that will ensure that we deliver on our mission in preparing students for a world we cannot predict.”
- K. Titus, Cupola, Spring 2024
Cupola Board of Trustees 2024-2025
THE MAGAZINE OF MOSES BROWN SCHOOL
Hilina Ajakaiye P ’27
David Bourns
Cheryl Schadone Cohen ’81
Dan Cromie, P ’24 ’26 ’29
Zona Douthit
Dolph Johnson P ’20 ’23
William (Tad) Jose ’78
Danielle Medina '92, P ’27 ’27
Keith Monchik ’90 P ’24 ’27
Elsie Morse
Dave Murphy ’91 P ’27 ’30
Peter Ramsden ’82 P ’16 ’19
Valerie Reishuk
Jane Ritson-Parsons P ’17 ’21, Clerk
Yvonne Rogers P ’25
Bruce Shaw P ’99 ’02 ’06
Omar Siddiqi ’91, P ’25 ’27
Ahvi Spindell ’72
Ariana Steele P ’26 ’29
Dawn Tripp P ’19 ’24
Laura Whiteley P ’27
EX-OFFICIO
Katie Titus, Head of School
Rebecca Leuchak P ’04 ’09, Clerk of the NEYM
Sage DeWolf P ’24 ’26 ’28, Clerk of the Parents' Association
Jason Engle ’98 P ’28 ’30 ’33, Clerk of the Moses Brown Alumni Association
Cupola is produced by the Alumni and Communications offices for alumni and friends of Moses Brown School. Your feedback is welcomed. If you want to opt-out of the print magazine and receive only the digital copy of the next magazine, please let us know by emailing alumni@mosesbrown.org.
Editor: Frances Jackson P ’26
Class Notes Editor: Meghan Hansen P ’28
Contributing Writers:
Meaghan Fernandes
Meghan Hansen P ’28
Frances Jackson P ’26
Karin Morse ’79
Ryan Vemmer
Designers:
Meaghan Fernandes
Tim Furman
Photography:
Peter Goldberg
Heidi Gumula, DBVW Architects
Andrea Hansen
Meghan Hansen P ’28
Glenn Kulbako
Emma Marion ’24
David O’Connor
Ryan Vemmer
Printer:
Primary Graphics certified by the Forest Stewardship Council
Advancement Office:
Elizabeth Breidinger P ’33
Meghan Hansen P ’28
Karin Morse ’79
Stay in Touch!
Send thoughts on this issue or suggestions for our next edition, including news, class notes, or photos to alumni@mosesbrown.org.
Follow MB online at mosesbrown.org and on social media:
Ryan Vemmer
Abby Phyfe by Ryan Vemmer
Students in Abby Phyfe's Literature of War class at Arlington National Cemetary by
News from Hope & Lloyd
Active Minds Group Attends Teen Mental Health Summit
A group of eight upper school students represented Moses Brown School at the Teen Mental Health Summit held at Rhode Island College in January 2025. This was the second annual KyleCares Foundation event organized in association with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL). MB’s participation was led by our school’s chapter of Active Minds led by seniors Alex Z., Gwen P., Hana S., and Lincoln K. Active Minds groups are student-led, school-based groups that guide conversations around mental health and work toward culture change and advocacy within communities.
“Attending the Teen Mental Health Summit was an incredibly inspiring experience,” said Gwen. “Last year, this same conference motivated us to take action, leading to the founding of the first-ever Active Minds club at Moses Brown. Through this initiative, we’ve hosted impactful mental health speakers, organized Green Out sports games to promote mental health awareness, and created fun, engaging activities to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.”
We began the school year with an incredible 1784-Minute Challenge, Moses Brown’s annual day of giving. Due to the generosity of the MB community, it was a record-breaking success! We raised $282,342 from 607 gifts, surpassing our goals and breaking the previous giving day record. The challenge results were a terrific foundation for meeting this year’s Moses Brown Fund goal of $950,000.
Stewarding Our School
For those unable to attend this year’s Stewarding Our School event held on January 28, 2025, we encourage you to watch the video and hear updates on Board governance, school finances, educational programs, and importantly, the details of our strategic vision for 2034: Light the Way.
Watch now!
The video recording of Stewarding our School is now available! Scan the QR code to watch now.
Meg Fifer and Kevin Matson
Recognized for Teaching Excellence by Students and Peers
English Teacher Meg Fifer and Math Teacher Kevin Matson were lauded for their teaching excellence as last year’s recipients of the Rufus S.D. Bilodeau Faculty Award and the James T. English Teaching Prize, respectively.
Rufus Bilodeau ’89 was a friend, scholar, and young alum who passed away in a tragic automobile accident six months after graduation. Each year, the Student Senate selects a faculty recipient of the award named in his honor to recognize their outstanding commitment to and support of students. Last year's award went to Meg Fifer.
James T. English was a middle and upper school divisional director at Moses Brown for 23 years, and the teaching prize awarded in his honor goes to an upper school faculty member who is recognized by their colleagues for their commitment to excellence in the classroom, and whose teaching practices and student interactions encourage all students to reach their fullest potential. Last year's award went to Kevin Matson.
Seniors Present Their Class of ’48 Award Experiences
The Class of ’48 Awards for Independent Study and Inquiry supports student-led projects that foster experiential learning. Four seniors were recipients of awards last year, whose projects ranged from child development and health to global stewardship.
Simran T. provided outdoor education programs for children supported by local non-profit Amos House. Praksitha R. helped to develop eye care programs for school children in Indian villages. Kenneth S. showcased his photographic exploration of climate change impacts and indigenous culture in the Canadian Arctic. Kate F. created STEM-based camps for underserved girls in New England.
Simran was motivated by her belief that involvement with the outdoors is developmentally crucial for young children. "I found a shocking statistic from the Environmental Protection Agency that said the average kid in America spends 90% of their time indoors, which made my project all the more necessary," she said. "For my project, I organized and led field trips for the kids at Amos House to give them access to meaningful outdoor experiences." Amo House is a nonprofit organization supporting the homeless, unemployed, and those who are living in poverty. Simran developed a passion for outdoor activities in time spent living in Australia earlier in her life, and more recently taking a course there during a visit involving outdoor and environmental education class. “I learned about how to adventure outdoors, to safely and sustainably manage risks and respect the natural
environment. I also learned about factors that limit access to outdoor participation in activities,” Simran said.
Collaborating with Amos House, she organized field trips locally to Carrot Audubon Preserve and Lincoln Woods, emphasizing environmental respect and conservation. She found that this had a positive impact on the children, including overcoming fears and forming bonds.
Praksitha initiated a project to provide eye care to rural schoolchildren in India. Knowing from her own experience the importance of eye exams, she partnered with Aravind Eye Hospital in India with the funding from the grant. “My goal was to create camps for these rural areas where doctors would visit clinics and provide essential eye care, as well as any further assistance that these children needed,” she said.
The project funded more than 10 camps at rural schools where testing was possible. Praksitha was able to travel to India while the camps took place and visited two of them while there. Her role at the camps included helping to coordinate exams and doing scribing for doctors. In all, 249 students were screened, which uncovered the need for glasses in many, and in some cases procedures for treatment. She encouraged others to apply for similar grants to pursue their passions and make a difference. Kenneth traveled to Churchill, Manitoba, highlighting experiences with wildlife, indigenous culture, and climate change. He and a group participated in a National Geographic student travel program, focusing on photography and environmental
science. Their activities included observing red foxes, beluga whales, and polar bears and learning about indigenous traditions from locals. The trip emphasized the impacts of climate change on polar bears in particular, with shorter sea ice seasons reducing their hunting time. Ken urged the importance of environmental stewardship, reducing plastic use, and recognizing the land's indigenous heritage.
He asked community members to “take on the bigger aspect of stewardship, that we become stewards of our community, not just for our school environment, but also for the outside nature environment.”
Kate's project aimed to inspire young girls in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut to pursue STEM careers by hosting educational programs at youth programs in the area. Despite a struggle to make headway after much outreach, and some significant logistical hurdles, she successfully hosted 10 STEM-focused programs across multiple states, focusing on public health, chemistry, biology, and engineering. She reached over 100 girls aged 8-15, with these handson activities. Kate highlighted the importance of mentorship and overcame challenges by adapting her approach and maintaining her mission to foster STEM interest in young girls.
“I've also always believed in holding the door open for other women and striving to uplift them. This project gave me the opportunity to do that,” she said. “I hope to continue on this trajectory by always striving to instill confidence in other women to help them achieve what they're capable of.”
L to R: Seniors Simran T., Praksitha R., Kate F., and Kenneth S.
Endowing Creativity: V isiting Poet Series
Moses Brown is thrilled to announce a meaningful gift from an anonymous family to create an endowment supporting the Visiting Poet Series, ensuring its legacy for years to come. While this generous contribution provides a strong foundation, additional support is welcomed to fully sustain this program and its impact on future generations.
The Visiting Poet Series, founded by retired faculty member Ransom Griffin and currently organized by Wilson Taylor, Director of Student Life and upper school faculty member, has brought some of the most compelling voices in contemporary poetry to our campus, including Ross Gay, Danez Smith, Carlos Andrés Gómez ’00, Tyehimba Jess, and Tracy K. Smith. Of particular note are Lucille Clifton, Naomi Shihab Nye, Martín Espada, and Billy Collins, whose visits have left an indelible mark on our community.
The newly endowed series promises to continue inviting writers whose work challenges, uplifts, and connects us. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for this incredible investment in the arts at MB.
We invite others to join in supporting this inspiring initiative, ensuring that poetry and the creative spirit remain vibrant cornerstones of the Moses Brown experience. Please contact the Advancement Office for more information.
Carlos Gómez '00 Wins 1st Place in 2024 Yeats Poetry Prize Competition
Congratulations to Carlos Gomez ’00, who was awarded top honors in the annual Yeats Poetry Prize for his poem “Double Golden Shovel Sonnet Found on the Q Train.” Carlos was MB’s Visiting Poet in April 2022 during which he spent time in classrooms and presented a reading in Jones Library.
“My sophomore year of high school, before seeing Martín Espada read or being mesmerized by Saul Williams in “Slam,” there was one poet who uniquely compelled me with his political fire and virtuosity: W.B. Yeats,” Carlos shared on social media, announcing the award. “At this point in my life, I very much did not identify as a poet, did not write for myself, and most likely understood my feelings about Yeats’ work as a bewildering intrigue.”
An Evening with Acclaimed Poet Tina Chang
Thursday, April 24, 2025 6:00 pm Jones Library
MB is pleased to announce that Tina Chang will be the next visiting poet in its series that has brought acclaimed poets to campus for more than 20 years. Chang will spend time in upper school English classes, provide a reading with Q&A for the entire Upper School, and offer an evening public reading open to alumni, families, friends, and the local community.
Tina Chang is the author of Half-Lit Houses (2004), Of Gods & Strangers (2011), and most recently Hybrida (2019) which was named A Most Anticipated Book of 2019 by NPR, Lit Hub, The Millions, Oprah magazine, Publisher’s Weekly and was named a New York Times Book Review New & Noteworthy collection. She is also the co-editor of the W.W. Norton anthology Language for a New Century: Contemporary Poetry from the Middle East, Asia, and Beyond (2008). Chang is the director of Creative Writing at Binghamton University.
Moses Brown Receives Anonymous Gift to Enhance Waughtel-Howe Field House
W ith a deep sense of gratitude, Moses Brown School is delighted to announce its receipt of an anonymous gift designated to transform the Waughtel-Howe Field House, multi-use courts and track, supporting student-athletes and enhancing overall student performance.
“The updated courts now feature a new Herculan flooring system installed by Sport Pro Surfacing,” notes Athletic Director AJ Kizekai. “Providing benefits such as increased shock absorption, slip resistance, and responsive ball rebound, this high-performing pad and polyurethane surface will help to improve safety, mitigate injury potential, and enable athletes to maximize their performance.”
Over the upcoming spring break in March, the indoor track will also be resurfaced with a Herculan flooring system and a thicker pad for shock absorption. The top layer will be finished off with rubber granules to allow for superb traction for our students to fully utilize the banked track, a feature that continues to make WaughtelHowe Field House one of the most unique facilities in the North East. With these upgrades, the Waughtel-Howe Field House will continue a tradition of cutting-edge facility construction and enhancements.
Odell Track Renovation and Revitalization Project Update
Installation of New Track Slated for Summer 2025
Last year, a $1 million legacy gift from Doc Odell’s estate launched a $3.5 million effort to revitalize the Doc Odell Track located around Campanella Field. Inspired by Doc’s commitment to this important project, 200 members of the Moses Brown community generously contributed to this project supporting our studentathletes and the school’s overall health and well-being goals.
After 23 years and thousands of miles of use, the Doc Odell Track will undergo a full replacement of its foundation and include new equipment for our track and field program.
Construction will begin in March and continue through Summer 2025. We anticipate starting the 2025-26 school year with a new blue and grey track that will serve as a beacon of Doc’s enduring legacy, the MB community’s commitment to wellness, and a testament to our shared goal of stewarding our beautiful campus.
We are so grateful to Doc for his leadership—on and off the track— and to the donors who rose to the occasion to ensure that this project could move forward this spring. If you are interested in joining our generous group of Doc Odell Track contributors there are still a few opportunities remaining. Please contact Elizabeth Breidinger at ebreidinger@mosesbrown.org. Stay tuned for another update and full story on the generosity of our community and the revitalized Odell Track in an upcoming edition of Cupola!
Moses Brown School offers deep appreciation to Ron Dalgliesh , who recently concluded 17 years of service to the school, having served as its Director of Development, Assistant and Associate Head, and Interim Head for the year leading up to the appointment of Katie Titus. Ron’s commitment to and passion for MB was instrumental in the development and success of the school’s last strategic campaign, MB Believes . Completed in 2020, MB Believes raised $65 million towards the transformation of the campus and endowed scholarships, as well as curricular innovation and professional development.
“
I’m incredibly proud of the mission and impact of Moses Brown School, educating students to know themselves, to take ownership of their intellectual journeys, and to make a real difference in a world that desperately needs them. With the strong leadership of Katie Titus and a new strategic vision to charge and guide the community, Moses Brown will continue to be a beacon of academic excellence and the value of Quaker education.”
- Ron Dalgliesh, P ’21
Madison Arrighi ’21: Honoring MB Teacher with Scientific Discovery of MrAaronian the Bacteriophage
Moses Brown science teacher Eric Aaronian’s annual quip to his 9th grade biology class inspired MB alumna Madison Arrighi ’21 to take him at his word and name a unique scientific discovery after him. Madison’s research as a human biology major at Marist College led her and her lab partner to find a new bacteriophage they named MrAaronian in his honor.
“Bacteriophages are the most abundant and diverse biological entities in the world,” explains Madison about these viruses that infect bacteria. “Their importance is growing rapidly in the medical field as a potential alternative to antibiotics for multi-drug resistant bacteria.”
The discovery is also contributing to research that may have applications in selective bioremediation. Her finding has been published in the National Library of Medicine and in the Microbiology Resource Announcements database, an impressive accomplishment given her age and experience in the field.
Madison credits her 9th grade biology experience at Moses Brown School for fostering a love for science that continues to grow.
“I had such a strong foundation that began in Mr. Aaronian’s biology class,” recalls Madison. “My experience in that class was amazing. I remember sitting in his classroom, struggling with the Hardy Weinberg equation, and he was the one who really got it in my head. I was able to take that from high school straight into my upper level classes in college.”
“I’m so proud of Madison,” states Eric Aaronian, upper school Science teacher and the source of the joke and inspiration behind the recently named MrAaronian
bacteriophage. “I want to say how impressive it is that as an undergrad Madison published as a co-author. It’s an amazing achievement and not one that a lot of undergrads get a chance to experience.”
Diving into biology and the phages lab at Marist changed the trajectory of what Madison was studying, from general biological sciences to human biology, and she is now looking forward to career and future education options in that field. And it was that beginning biology phages lab that led to her discovery.
“It's not that hard to find a bacteriophage, but to find one as unique as what we found is really interesting,” shares Madison. “It was my first year at Marist, and my biology professor’s first assignment was for us to fill up a ziplock bag with dirt. So, my lab partner and I ran outside, scooped up some dirt from a random flower bed outside the science building. We filtered it, isolated it, purified it, and sent it off for electron pictures. We then submitted everything to the Microbiology Resource Announcements database, ran it through the DNA bioinformatics sites, and our bacteriophage was unique.”
When it came to name the bacteriophage, Madison remembered Mr. Aaronian’s tongue-in-cheek suggestion that if any of his students discovered something new, they could name it after him. She shared the story with her lab partner, which resulted in the class voting and approving the idea to name the newly discovered bacteriophage, MrAaronian.
“So, here we are. Our finding is published in the microbiology resource announcements and it all started over a little joke from my freshman year at Moses Brown.”
Eric Aaronian and Madison Arrighi ’21. Photo Courtesy of Glen Kulbako.
An Historic Commencement
Moses Brown School celebrated the largest graduating class in its history in 2024, with 110 students becoming the newest group of MB alums. Class of 1983 alumnus and former Assistant Secretary of State Brian Nichols served as the Commencement speaker.
“Like you, here under the shadows of the elms, I was nurtured, guided, and educated to make a difference in this world,” Brian reminisced, remarking on “the value of compassion, the focus on ethical leadership, finding the good in others—letting your inner light guide you and those around you.”
Brian led the class in a round of applause for their families for making their education at MB possible, and shared his profound gratitude with his mom Millie Nichols, who was sitting in the audience, for sending him to Moses Brown School. “I would not have the life I enjoy today were it not for my parents’ sacrifices to send me here.”
“When I sat in your seats, I did not realize fully what I had received from my time here. I certainly know it now. You have had the incredible blessing of attending one of the most meaningful schools on earth. Your education has given you an ethical model that will serve as your north star in a world that is too often confusing and turbulent. Those lessons will continue to grow inside you, emerging when you need them most.”
Throughout his illustrious foreign service career, Brian has leveraged the problem-solving skills and empathy he was taught at MB. He shared his
advice to the graduates as they embark on the next step of their journey: “Make a plan. Manage your time and your schedule. Work hard. Play well with others. Take classes that expand your horizons and challenge yourself. Get out into the community around your next school and take advantage of whatever it has to offer. Equally important, offer some of your time and good will to help that community.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 and welcome to the newest members of MB's alumni community. Best wishes for your adventures that will take you beyond Moses Brown School. We look forward to hearing from you and all that you do!
Brian Nichols ’83
Fourth Grade’s Great Energy Debate
By Ryan Vemmer
Pitching the Future of Energy in the U.S.
Step into the Oval Office, where a new generation of energy experts is taking charge. Fourth graders at Moses Brown School recently transformed their classroom into a high-stakes political arena, lobbying for the future of energy in the United States. Armed with research and persuasive pitches, these young leaders debated the merits of coal, natural gas, wind, solar, and nuclear power.
They pitched their assigned resources to none other than the “President of the United States.” For the purposes of the classroom activity, the Commanders in Chief were played by two different community members: Head of School Katie Titus and MB parent Ethan Gyles P ’33. Gyles is a VP at Nexamp, a company focused on broadening clean energy utilization in the U.S., and the husband of MB alum Pam Priestley Gyles ’04.
Ethan Gyles P’33, VP at Nexamp, listens to the pitches made by fourth grade students.
Students were able to point out downsides to their opponents’ energy sources as well, which added an element of debate.
In real life, groups of lobbyists don’t form a half circle around the President’s desk for a civil presentation on the merits of their preferred energy source. But the MB “Oval Office” allowed for this.
After the very detailed energy presentations, ‘President’ Titus said she had spent time with her cabinet on all of the proposals that had gone back and forth. “There were a lot of good points made by all of the groups,” she said.
Her cabinet decided to allocate funds to each group, though not equally. She spelled out in detail the reasons for the funding choices, responding specifically to points the student lobbyists had made. “Thank you all. You were excellent in your presentations,” she said in closing.
Lower School science teacher Elizabeth Grumbach, who guided them in their preparation, noted that many students “had to argue an energy position that they didn't really believe, and that was really hard.” But they represented their assigned viewpoint with thoroughness and determination regardless, and in doing so reinforced their knowledge of energy sources overall.
“It’s more important than ever for us to
hear the fourth graders come to the ‘Oval Office’ to present their research. The students came eager to engage in lively debate! I was impressed with their attention to cost, carbon emissions, manufacturing, safety, reliability, and human health factors.”
This faux Oval Office project gave students a sense of how research and presenting information in a compelling way will be so important for their futures.
“I really liked doing the energy project because I think it felt really real,” shared fourth grader Remy. “I learned a lot of things about all sorts of
Seventh Graders Dive Deep into RI's Quahogging Industry
By Ryan Vemmer
Seventh graders engage each fall in a sweeping interdisciplinary unit that bridges English and science, asking students to deeply explore this question: “How does the complex web of stakeholders in Rhode Island's quahogging and fishing industries impact the state's coastal communities and the fragile marine ecosystem?"
Teachers Yulie Lee and Caitlin Smith are the guiding hands behind what amounts to many weeks of collaborative learning.
The most intensive portion of the unit tasks each student to represent the perspective of various stakeholders, including quahoggers, aquaculturists, bordering community members who own businesses, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), and
ocean biologists. During a full final day, each student must portray their stakeholder in a detailed presentation. A group of finalists are asked to present in front of the entire class as well as a handful of faculty judges. The winners of each stakeholder category earned a commemorative water bottle labeled with their stakeholder name.
"I learned how instrumental something so small, like the quahog, can have such a big impact in our everyday lives,” said Wyatt O., quahog winner. “I also learned how quahoggers are a key component to keeping the RI community and economy running."
In addition to the economy, the stakes are very high for the Rhode Island coastal environment.
“When I first read Swim that
Rock , I thought the DEM was too harsh and put out too many regulations,” shared Kendric P., bordering community member winner. “As I kept learning, I realized that shellfishing regulations are actually necessary for the ecosystem and for our economy. If we overfish the quahogs, we won't have any left!”
In preparation for these stakeholder presentations, students undertook a variety of smaller sub-projects. In English they read the book Swim That Rock that tells the story of the Barrington river in the 1970s, which was closed for quahogging at one time significantly impacting the state.
Students also studied the The Value of Rhode Island’s Blue Economy publication to get a sense of local community
Hannah Pearson '09 hosted MB students at Island Creek Oyster Farm in Duxbury, MA.
economies and how regulations impact the state economy.
In science, they began with activities such as a food web, where students had a chance to understand the delicate balance taking place in all ecological systems; taking one element away – such as a predator – impacts the rest of the system.
Yulie and Caitlin also aimed to provide students with opportunities to learn from direct sources, one of which is an MB alumna. Students were able to visit Island Creek Oyster Farm in Duxbury, MA. Hannah
Pearson '09 hosted the students and talk about her work at the oyster farm. Students learn about the aquaculture process for growing oysters, clams, and scallops. The group found it very interesting to see the lab, nursery, and beds and to hear about how they culture phytoplankton to feed their growing bivalves (aquatic, invertebrate animals).
Yulie and Caitlin utilized both movement and discussion to explore community interrelationships. Lea Darminio, MB's dance teacher, guided a structured movements
Middle School Teachers Yulie Lee and Caitlin Smith Lead Interdisciplinary Session at NSTA Conference
English teacher Yulie Lee and Science teacher Caitlin Smith – who teach the cross-curricular Coastal RI unit – traveled to the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)’s fall conference in New Orleans in November 2024 to lead a session for educators from across the United States. Their presentation, “Exploring Interdisciplinary Waters of Rhode Island: Creating Collaborative Units in the English and Science Classrooms” was chosen through a competitive application process. It was featured as part of the conference’s curriculum and assessment track, in which sessions focused on improving science and STEM classroom teaching and learning using high-quality instructional materials or assessments.
activity designed to explore themes of interdependence, adapting to pressure, and the idea of collective buy-in for success. Student groups discussed how the movements represented what was happening in the RI Coastal communities and the intricate web of stakeholders.
All in all, this was a multifaceted and dynamic exploration of issues that are key to ongoing sustainability of Rhode Island and the local region, with regard to businesses, communities, and the environment.
Teaching the Literature of War
By Abby Phyfe
Alittle more than ten years ago, as I was thinking about new ways to teach Homer’s
The Odyssey to my AP English seniors, I heard about a Moses Brown alum, Rob Wilson, Class of 1967, who had recently been profiled in The Cupola for his work leading the Veterans Education Project (VEP) in Amherst, Massachusetts. The organization works with veterans to help them to share their stories of war and homecoming with area high school students. I contacted Rob, who was eager to talk with me about the work of Jonathan Shay, a psychiatrist who had written Odysseus in America, using Homer’s epic poem as a way to demonstrate the centuries-old evidence of the impact of moral injury to veterans and the difficulty they often face with homecoming.
To prepare my students for the VEP’s visit, I planned a unit on war literature as a companion to
The Odyssey. Rob came to Moses Brown in the Fall of 2013 with several veterans who spoke of their service experiences, took questions from students, and relayed their appreciation for the opportunity to share their stories. My students later told me that it was their favorite unit of English class, and I decided to offer a Literature of War elective the following fall. When I first started teaching Literature of War in 2014, my students were curious about the intersection of the course with what they thought they knew about Quakerism. They knew they weren’t allowed to wear camouflage to school or to advertise weapons of war on their clothing. They knew that in lower school they played Tug of Peace, rather than Tug of War. And many translated that to thinking that Quakers refuse to engage in any conversations about war. Instead, guided by Quaker values, discussions in the course
Students at Arlington National Cemetery
provide opportunities to learn about the causes and consequences of war and to examine the balance between critiquing war and caring for those who return from war in order to work for peace.
As Rufus Jones, Quaker philosopher and writer, famously wrote, “And whether in times of war or times of peace, the Quaker is under peculiar obligation to assist and to forward movements and forces which make for peace in the world and which bind men together in ties of unity and fellowship.” I have appreciated Jones’ message and Moses Brown’s mission statement to “instill the utmost care for learning, people, and place” as the impetus for my goals for teaching this course. By learning about war and its consequences, particularly from those who experienced them, we can work for peace in the future.
In addition to learning about the historical contexts for war, we read poems, short stories, and novels written by veterans of these conflicts. Personal stories are at the heart of each unit in the class, led by the literature and supplemented by documentaries and visits from veterans who demonstrate that the veteran community is not a monolith and that war never fails to change those who experience it. In an interview with The New York Times in April 1990, upon the publication of The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien said, ‘’I believe in stories, in their incredible power to keep people alive, to keep the living alive, and the dead.”
I have seen the power of stories in my classroom. Wayne S., a Vietnam veteran whom I first met through the VEP and who has since visited many times, once asked me why my students are interested in hearing his stories. From my experience over ten years of
teaching the class, I can tell that young people want to understand the world around them, want to talk to those who have experienced the world, and want to learn how they can use their education in the world outside of Moses Brown. Wayne’s roles as veteran and mentor to contemporary veterans, including his position as Board Chair of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), demonstrates the vow he shared in Ken Burns’ The Vietnam War, to “really make a difference” with his life after witnessing the horrors of war.
“And whether in times of war or times of peace, the Quaker is under peculiar obligation to assist and to forward movements and forces which make for peace in the world and which bind men together in ties of unity and fellowship.”
- Rufus Jones, Quaker philosopher and writer
The veterans who come into my classroom similarly impart lessons they have learned from their military experiences and afterwards. Students listen closely to the stories shared with them, appreciating their responsibility to learn from the experiences conveyed and to understand that war is a human experience, not just a political one. Bill B. talks about Vietnam inspiring a career path that would not harm or take advantage of another human being. Conor F. urges students to be engaged in the news and aware of the conflicts around the world and the people
Students visit with Washington, DC area veterans at Access Housing.
working far from home. Wally C. encourages them to ask questions of their grandparents and learn from their experiences to pass on lessons for the next generation. Dennis G. invites them to wave ahead a car trying to turn, little acts of kindness and citizenship. Rotunda E. asks students to heed their responsibility to see veterans’ humanity despite what they might have done in service to their country. And Adam D., to whom I have dedicated this class since his passing in 2020, last sat in my classroom in 2019, telling students of his mission to help veterans the way Vietnam veterans helped him, using “Deeds not Words.”
Commemorating Veterans Day with the students of the course this year included collecting donations to benefit Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, supporting their mission “to strengthen the veteran community by providing crucial wrap-around services” related to housing, employment and training, VA disability claims, legal assistance, and basic human needs. We reflected on the lessons we have learned from those who witnessed the tragedies of war and continue the process of returning home. I spent this past Veterans Day considering these lessons and countless others from our veteran visitors.
In December, I took the class on our annual trip to Washington, DC, assisted by MB teachers Claudia Perlini, Sarah McShane, and Jean Pennacchio. The trip was inspired ten years ago by Middle School teacher Tony McClellan, who was a TRIPs tri-clerk and who shared that his son Aidan had been to the Vietnam Memorial Wall as a child but wanted to go again after
taking the Literature of War course in its first year. The trip is subsidized by the Class of 2011’s graduation gift of the Service Learning Fund, which supports efforts in the Upper School to engage students in work that blends classroom learning with community engagement.
This year we flew out very early Sunday morning, going straight to Access Housing, an organization associated with the Veterans Administration that helps veterans experiencing homelessness in the DC area. The students decorated their spaces for the holidays and handed out gift bags full of soap, laundry pods, toothbrushes, toothpaste, chocolates, soap, and socks. Funds to pay for the supplies were raised through a bake sale the class organized during a recent school day at Moses Brown. We then had a few hours to spend at various museums like the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. That evening we heard from Kayla Williams, an Army veteran and linguist who has also worked for the Veterans Administration and RAND corporation, as well as written two books about her experience in the military and as a military spouse helping her husband recover from a traumatic brain injury.
The next day a National Park Ranger gave us a tour of the war memorials, talking to us about the history of their construction and stories of their meaning. That afternoon, we met with Conor Friend, MB class of 2014, currently a policy advisor for the House of Representatives before he returns to deployment in
Students with Senator Jack Reed.
Rhode Island DAV Names Abby Phyfe Outstanding Teacher of the Year
2025, who arranged our afternoon at the Capitol. We toured the building and were able to sit in the Gallery and watch a House deliberation. We met with Senator Jack Reed in his office, learning about his life of service and asking him questions about his work with veterans. And then we met with Representative Gabe Amo, MB class of 2005, who told the students about his trajectory from Moses Brown to his office in the House, as well as about how he makes decisions on bills to sponsor and vote on.
The last day we took a trolley tour of Arlington National Cemetery, stopping at JFK’s gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where we watched the Changing of the Guard. Afterwards, some students toured the Military Women’s Memorial and others took a shuttle to Sections 60 and 63 to visit relatives’ burial sites and commemorations of their service. It was a moving and tangible reminder of the students’ connections to the course.
I am grateful for our Quaker values and mission that allow me to teach this class with empathy and honesty. Through truly listening to stories of war and return, I believe students gain tools to think critically about the world and appreciate those who work for the good in this country, so that they can lead us on a path to peace in the future.
Congratulations to upper school English teacher Abby Phyfe for being selected to receive the inaugural Outstanding Teacher of the Year award by the Disabled American Veterans of Rhode Island in 2024. This special award is a tribute to Abby’s care in developing a thoughtful course about the impacts of war in the context of our Quaker school and values.
“During the DAV’s beautiful ceremony, I was humbled by the number of veterans who thanked me for the class and asked me to keep it going. I have experienced the same gratitude from MB students who care about these stories and vow to remember the veteran population as they go out into the world.
“I’m so thankful to the DAV and people like Wally and Rotunda [see photo], among so many other veterans, who have dedicated their lives to veteran advocacy and care and who have made the work I do in the ‘Literature of War’ class possible.”
The Rhode Island DAV each year recognizes individuals for their support of veterans through their work, with past awards to nurses, doctors, and other professionals. The inaugural “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” certificate was signed by US Representative and MB alumnus Gabe Amo ’05, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, RI Secretary of State Gregg Amore, RI Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, and RI Attorney General Peter Neronha.
Providence Veterans Administration; and Head of School Katie Titus.
The class visits with Vietnam veteran Wayne S.
Above: Abby and family with Gregg Amore, Rhode Island Secretary of State; Walter H. Coelho, Disabled American Veterans of Rhode Island State Commander; and Chaplain Rotunda East, of the
A Financial Snapshot
Moses Brown School has maintained and reinforced its strong financial position.
Revenue growth outpaced expense growth.
Enrollment remained at nearrecord levels.
Endowment returns were strong.
Fundraising was buoyed by the late Doc Odell’s inspirational legacy giving.
From the installation of new Head of School Katie Titus, to successes across our academic, artistic, and athletic programs, to achieving its financial endeavors, Moses Brown is thriving.
Balancing Priorities
The purpose and challenge of financial management at Moses Brown is to address the competing demands that provide the foundation for the unparalleled MB student experience: robust educational programs taught by top-tier faculty in top-notch facilities; access and affordability that is central to enrolling a dynamic and diverse student body; and financial sustainability to ensure our vitality as a school for generations to follow.
The Schoolhouse works closely with the Board of Trustees to balance the natural tensions within this model. Last year, our collective work resulted in further strengthening Moses Brown’s financial
AccessandAffordability ProgramsRobust
Student Experience
Financial Sustainability
position and trajectory. Strong enrollment, endowment performance that outperformed planning estimates, and increased auxiliary program income enhanced revenues. Like peer schools, MB is predominantly reliant on tuition revenue. Diversifying revenue streams provides critical protection and can offset some of that pressure, yet there is more to do to address affordability goals. Our local market is dynamic and managing our cost structure is of paramount importance. As we reflect and look ahead, multi-year financial planning discussions will lead to practical decisions in upcoming budget years, all the while keeping our priority of an extraordinary student experience front and center.
Budget Overview
The Schoolhouse routinely reviews and readjusts expenses to ensure our operating model grows increasingly efficient and effective. Prudent expense management is critically important to maintain and enhance program quality and impact as well as our affordability commitment to MB families. In FY24, MB achieved its budget and strengthened its balance sheet.
“Our long-term financial planning must balance three competing demands, all in service of one central goal: an extraordinary student experience.”
- Peter Ramsden ’82, P ’16, ’19 Treasurer, Board of Trustees
An Enduring Endowment: Gifts Sustaining Mission
Endowment investments have continued to perform very well and provided a solid 13% return in FY24, bringing our 5-yr performance to 7.9%. Each of these measures are above the average seen by peer schools nationally. The doubling of our endowment over the last decade is a powerful demonstration of the sustained impact of the MB Community. The annual draw on the endowment is the cash distributed from 225 individual funds created by our donor community and trustees over the past 240 years. The categories in the adjacent chart reflect donor restrictions as to how the fund will benefit the school; the largest category, at 39% of the total, provides scholarships, advancing our long-term commitment to access. Annual support generated by these invested funds provide critical support for all we do.
Collective Impact: A Look at Fundraising
Last year, with our community’s generous support, Moses Brown School achieved a remarkable year in philanthropy, raising $3,339,085 in new gifts and pledges across all funds— representing a 30% increase over FY23’s total of $2,569,991. This success was driven by exceptional community engagement, including reaching the $950,000 Moses Brown Fund goal (a 16% increase over FY23), strong progress on the $3.5 million Doc Odell Track Renovation and Revitalization campaign, and robust support for need-based financial aid. This remarkable success is attributed not only to the generosity of our community but also to the inspiring leadership of the new Head of School Katie Titus and her leadership team.
The strategic vision work has mobilized and engaged our community members, who have actively participated in conversations about the future of Moses Brown. These discussions inspired them to align their gifts with the school’s goals, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment. Their contributions, now and in the future, will have a transformative impact on current students and the school’s continued success.
1,238
MB Community Donors
3.3 Million Total Funds Raised
Year-over-year increase in total philanthropic giving
$950,000 Moses Brown Fund Goal Reached
Year-over-year increase in annual giving to the Moses Brown Fund
Endowed Funds Overview
This endowment overview shows how the annual draw supports our mission. Moses Brown School’s Board-approved endowment draw is 4.5% of the three-year average market value of invested funds.
The Legacy Continues: Announcing the Doc Odell Mid-Career Sabbatical
The King B. Odell Mid-Career Sabbatical program at Moses Brown School, generously funded by Doc Odell as part of his historic donation to the school, offers faculty at a pivotal stage in their teaching careers an extraordinary opportunity for transformative professional growth and enrichment. To be awarded annually through a rigorous application process—with preference given to projects that enhance Moses Brown’s curriculum—the Odell Sabbatical will support the development of exceptional teaching talent. This program ensures that Moses Brown’s curriculum and pedagogies will remain innovative, engaging, and academically challenging in perpetuity.
Moses Brown School will light the way in N-12 education. We will empower our students to lead the school as we prepare them to lead the world.
Serving as the Clerk of the Board of Trustees is truly a profound honor, which allows me to contribute to a community that has long been a beacon of academic excellence, continuous curiosity on a bedrock of Quaker values and school spirit. With my family, we have known Moses Brown to be a very special place since we were welcomed in 2013. Since then the MB story has evolved and grown. Now again, it will do so at a significantly rapid pace under our excellent new leader and our renewed vision:
Moses Brown School will light the way in N-12 education. We will empower our students to lead the school as we prepare them to lead the world.
Strategic planning at Moses Brown is a reflective and forward-looking process—one that builds on our legacy while responding to the evolving needs of our community. Every 10 - 12 years, we formally engage in this process, remaining adaptable and responsive as we build toward a shared vision. Today, more than ever, it is essential to balance bold vision with adaptability as we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.
The last few years have been pivotal ones for Moses Brown as we emerged from the challenges of a global pandemic, navigated a leadership transition, and celebrated the successful completion of our transformative MB Believes campaign. As a board, we have been focused on ensuring the successful transition of Katie Titus as our 14th head of school while supporting her vision for the Moses Brown of 2034, the year when we will celebrate 250 years of education. This is the moment to clearly articulate our vision and make the initial commitments that will shape the next evolution of our program. At the same time, we remain committed to ongoing learning and flexibility, recognizing that emerging technologies have the potential to transform how we create personalized learning experiences that equip our students for success at MB, in college, and beyond.
When Katie first started talking with the Board about her vision, I remember her using the phrase, “I want the students to run the school.” To be honest, I was not the only person who felt uncomfortable. And yet, a bold vision should make us feel uncomfortable as it challenges our assumptions. What became clear in time was Katie’s foundational, unshakable belief in the potential of our students and her commitment to changing the current systems of education that too often hold them back, contributing to the growing mental health challenges facing younger generations. The more we explored what “students running the school” truly means—empowering students to take ownership of their learning—the more inspired we became. And there is so much already happening on campus today that supports this direction and tells us that our students are ready for more responsibility and challenge. By amplifying the strengths of our current program and designing meaningful experiences that cultivate purpose and critical skills, we are committed to building a future lit by optimism and excitement. As we move forward, we will remain grounded in our Quaker values and resolute in our mission to meet the evolving needs of our students, preparing them for lives of purpose and impact. This is an exciting time for Moses Brown—as we commit to lighting the way for ourselves, our students, and the future of education.
Being in stewardship of Moses Brown School and our students, faculty, and community is a privilege – one I am very grateful for.
Yours in friendship and appreciation,
Jane Ritson-Parsons, P ’17 ’21 Clerk, Moses Brown Board of Trustees
Our Process
As a Quaker School, we began by listening.
Our strategic plan, Light the Way, is a culmination of a process that began in January 2024 at the inaugural Stewarding our School event. As always, as a Quaker school, we began our process by listening to our internal community. We heard from more than 700 members of our community— including students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends— who participated in the Spring 2024 Let Your Life Speak Community Conversations and the Fall 2024 student-led Discernment Dialogues
Those discussions were candid and collaborative, leading to deep reflection, expansive curiosity, and more than 530 ideas for the schoolhouse and Board of Trustees to consider in the formation of its strategic vision for 2034.
Along with this comprehensive community engagement, Head of School Katie Titus, the Board of Trustees, and the school’s senior leadership team considered research, data, and emerging guidance from leading external experts. The synthesis of all these ideas and insights resulted in
a framework focused on three strategic priorities that align with our Mission: Care for Learning, Care for People, and Care for Place. These priorities—our Guiding Lights—will guide all the strategic choices to be made across the lifespan of our 10-year vision. With a firm vision and a flexible process, we will collectively light the way through a series of near-, mid-, and long-term choices and actions that address the challenges and opportunities that we know now as well as those yet to come.
This is an exciting time for education, and Moses Brown is uniquely positioned to light the way. Our vision is intentionally designed to challenge students to develop the skills that will be critical to their future success while also combating the increasing mental health challenges facing young people. I have long believed in the power of student agency and voice. If you provide students with a community that ignites their inner promise and compels their outer purpose, the results will be resilient and motivated young leaders who are ready to transform the world."
- Katie Titus, Head of School
As we look forward to celebrating 250 years of education at Moses Brown in 2034, we are inspired to present a new strategic vision for our school. Light the Way: A Vision for 2034 symbolizes our journey of continuing growth and revelation as we explore the endless opportunities that await us. It is a bold declaration of our commitment to never settle, always innovate, and forever foster each child’s Inner Light.
We will act with a clear sense of purpose, the adaptability to navigate complexity, and the drive to lead with intention. We are prepared to meet this moment with thoughtful action, ensuring that our students thrive and shape the future with confidence and integrity. Together, we will Light the Way for ourselves, our students, and for the future of education.
The Class of 2034
Our Mission
Moses Brown, a Friends School, exists to inspire the inner promise of each student and instill the utmost care for learning, people, and place.
Our Vision
Moses Brown School will light the way in N-12 education. We will empower our students to lead the school as we prepare them to lead the world.
Our Guiding Lights
Three strategic priorities will focus our collective endeavors to Light the Way.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY
Care for Learning
Moses Brown will be the standard for N-12 education, combining deeply personal care with emerging technologies to support every learner the way that serves them best.
We will Light the Way to educational excellence and unparalleled outcomes.
For more than two centuries, Moses Brown School has been renowned for providing a rigorous, values-based education that prepares students to thrive in a complex and everchanging world. Our students are taught to seek Truth through curiosity and discovery and to develop scholarly skills and habits. They pursue educational excellence through engaging with multiple perspectives and working collaboratively in a school community strengthened by its differences. We are committed to fostering purposedriven education, where students’ choice and
voice shape their project-based learning and where their leadership is developed through real-world applications. Our students will learn to take the lead in their own educational journeys, learn to lead their community, and will be prepared to lead in a world much in need of their contribution. A scaffolded curriculum will emphasize academic skills development and technological literacy. Given both challenge and support, our students will develop their critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, resilience and flexibility—the skills they most need for future success.
Strategic Choices
Design and implement an integrated and scaffolded N-12, future-focused, skills-based curriculum that leverages emerging technologies and prioritizes personalized learning pathways and progress.
Ensure deep and meaningful learning through the development of purpose projects –designed to showcase skill mastery for all students at the culmination of each division.
“It’s easy hearing about all the challenges of the world to think that working with kids could be depressing, because we know that the world that they inherit is going to have even more challenges. But when you work with the kind of kids that we do, in the way that we're able to, we know that they are the ones that are going to address those and make that a better world than any of us can imagine.
- Debbie Phipps Associate Head of School for Academics
Develop a four-year, post-secondary education career and college counseling program.
Establish a center for educational excellence and innovation.
What’s on the immediate horizon?
We will evaluate and evolve our full academic program, and we will move beyond the constraints of the AP curriculum in upper school with expanded advanced-level courses.
We will pioneer the use of emerging technologies, particularly AI, to personalize learning.
We will expand our college counseling program and team to support student journeys beyond MB.
Care for People
Moses Brown will nurture a thriving community guided by Quaker values, where each individual feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to grow and contribute to a greater purpose.
We will Light the Way to a strong community connected through shared motivation.
Moses Brown’s longest told, most often told, and most powerfully felt story is about the caring and inspiring relationships built between students and teachers. At Moses Brown, we believe that deeply knowing our students is the basic foundation to being able to challenge them and help them to develop their full potential and inner promise. Not only do our teachers know their students, they trust, challenge, and support each student. Their care unlocks powerful, personal learning moments— the connections of knowledge and meaning that inspire our students’ ongoing curiosity, passion, and drive.
MB is fully committed to supporting and challenging our teachers in their professional growth and development. Recognizing a declining teacher pipeline and the increasing stresses of the profession, MB will center wellness, for students and adults, at the core of our educational mission. We will transform the teacher track to attract and mentor a new generation of talent, create meaningful professional development tracks for mid- and late-career teachers, and create a development track for teachers aspiring to careers in school leadership.
Strategic Choices
Develop a datainformed approach to program assessment and implementation to be responsive to constituency needs
Transform recruitment and retention practices for employees.
“We encourage our students to tap into their capacity for empathy as they consider how another's experience or perspective connects to their own; we ask them to engage with compassion, honesty, and an understanding that how we treat each other is what drives our school culture. At its core, inclusion is about being seen by one's community and trusting that your voice matters and will be heard.
- Luke Anderson Director of the Rustin Center for Peace and Belonging
What’s on the immediate horizon?
We will survey current middle and upper school students, their families, and recent graduates to gather and use data to inform institutional decisions.
We will expand our current sabbatical program to include a mid-career sabbatical for teachers.
We will design a master teacher track to support our strongest teachers with increased responsibility and compensation.
We will develop a teaching fellowship program to set a new standard for teacher development.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY
Care for Place
Moses Brown will have the most robust and relevant campus in the heart of Providence to serve our full program.
We will Light the way to a campus for the future with a sense of shared responsibility for its care.
Moses Brown's campus has been under nearcontinuous improvement since saws, shovels, and hammers were put to work constructing Middle House in the summer of 1816. For more than two centuries, the green spaces, playing fields, and buildings of our 33-acre urban campus have been strategically stewarded to meet the evolving educational needs of our students.
The educational program will continue to
drive the next wave of campus transformations. Our future building designs will intentionally promote opportunities for cross-divisional partnerships, modular, adaptable learning spaces, and shared work and community areas to encourage collegial collaboration for students and teachers. We are committed to the continuous improvement of our facilities to support and showcase the extraordinary learning taking place at Moses Brown.
Strategic Choices
Develop plans for Friends Hall, Waughtel-Howe Field House, and Three Oaks.
“Campus stewardship and resource management are essential pillars in preserving inter-generational equity at Moses Brown School. By caring for and planning the future of our facilities, we honor the legacy of those who came before us while ensuring that future generations of MB students inherit a campus that inspires learning, growth, and community. Through this work, we uphold our shared responsibility to provide an exceptional educational experience that endures for future Quaker scholars.
- David “Dave” Murphy, Jr., ’91 P ’27 ’30
What’s on the immediate horizon?
We will conduct facility and program assessments that consider both short- and long-term needs and engage with our donor community to inform possibilities and prioritization.
Accomplished Alumni Honored by MBAA
Congratulations to our recent recipients of Moses Brown Alumni Association Awards!
FALL 2024
Jamie Marshall ’15
Outstanding Young Alum Award
Jamie is the co-founder and COO of Snackpass. After graduating from Moses Brown, Jamie studied at Yale University where she teamed up with fellow student Kevin Tan to found Snackpass in 2017. Snackpass is a social mobile ordering app for restaurants that users can use to order ahead, earn loyalty points, and connect with friends by gifting points and food. Snackpass has gone viral on college campuses across the country including Yale University, Brown University, University of Michigan, University of California Berkeley, and more. As a result of working closely with restaurant operators for several years, Snackpass launched SnackOS, a restaurant operating system which helps restaurant operators become even more productive and profitable. Jamie was featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, is a recipient of the Yale Startup Miller Prize, and was one of twenty annual recipients of the Thiel Fellowship.
FALL 2024
Vin Porcaro ’83, P’11 ’24
Karin Morse ’79 Service to Alma Mater Award
Vin was a dedicated member of the MBAA Board from 2015-2021 when he joined the Board of Trustees. A member of the Governance and Budget & Finance Committees, Vin served until June 2024. Vin was incredibly active on the Local Committee and from 2015-2019 Vin led the MBAA Turkey Tailgate, a beloved event which brought together alumni, families, students, faculty/staff, and friends on a grand scale. He and his wife, Sue, have been dedicated to the school and the student experience by actively volunteering in a variety of ways. In addition to adding special touches like grilling for guests at the Newport Polo Reception, they have organized tailgates for home and visiting football teams, established concessions for basketball games and for the last five years has also regularly recorded upper and middle school games, ensuring that the teams benefit from video analysis. A successful business owner, Vin is President of Vincent Porcaro, Inc. (VPI), which he founded in 1996. Vin has built a performance-driven, global third-party logistics company specializing in cost-efficient merchandise transportation and distribution for major clients like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Yankee Candle, Foster Grant International, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom, and Dillards.
SPRING 2024
Dr. Albert S. Huang ’99
The 25th Reunion Achievement Award
Albert is a Principal Engineer at Cruise, LLC - a General Motors subsidiary building self-driving vehicles. He has 19 years of experience working on autonomous vehicles, drones, and manufacturing robots. He received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT, where he was a technical lead on MIT's 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge team to build and race a self-driving car. He co-founded and was CTO of Optimus Ride, a self-driving vehicle startup acquired by Magna Electronics in 2021. Prior to that, Albert led navigation and perception efforts at Google's autonomous aerial delivery drone Project Wing, and was the software architect for the Baxter manufacturing robot at Rethink Robotics. Albert has published a book on Bluetooth and is an author and inventor on numerous papers and patents on robotics and autonomous vehicles.
SPRING 2024
Samuel M. Mencoff ’74
The Distinguished Alum Award
Sam is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Temple Hall Group, a privately-held diversified industrial manufacturing holding company headquartered in Chicago. He is a Founding Partner and former CoCEO of Madison Dearborn Partners, one of the nation’s leading private equity investment firms. He retired from Madison Dearborn in 2023, concluding a 42 year career, and currently serves as a Senior Advisor to the firm. Sam was elected the 21st Chancellor of Brown University in 2016, after having served on the Brown Corporation as a Fellow since 2009. He previously served on the Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2009. He currently serves as a Commissioner of the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery, Vice Chair of the Board of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he serves as Chair of the Committee on American Art, and is Lead Independent Director of Packaging Corporation of America.
SPRING 2024
Karin Morse ’79 Faculty/Staff Member of the Year
Karin is senior alumni engagement officer, middle school world language teacher and boys' varsity tennis coach. She has truly enjoyed her alumni relations work, especially her partnership with the Alumni Association. For many years, she also taught French, some middle school Latin, and German and world history in the upper school and was dean of students for 13 years. Over the years, she has coached girls' varsity soccer, boys' and girl's squash, girls' ice hockey, girls' tennis and since 1985 boys' tennis. She was an upper school advisor for 25 years and advisor to various clubs including the Cheese Club and PAWS Club, and the group that created S.P.A.F. Karin was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003 and served on the MBAA Board from 1985-1995.
Want to nominate someone?
The MBAA is seeking nominations for alumni awards. To submit nominations, please visit mosesbrown.org/nominate
Alumni Events
MAY 17 - 18, 2024
Reunion & Alumni Weekend
It was wonderful to welcome alums back to campus, celebrating the special community that is Moses Brown, and honoring enduring bonds among alums, faculty, and staff.
JUNE 4, 2024
MBAA Spring Reception
Over 100 alumni and friends were in attendance at the MBAA Spring Reception at Dolores Restaurant to honor Karin Morse ’79 with the MBAA Faculty/Staff of the Year Award.
JULY 18, 2024
Summer Celebration at the Dunes Club
Head of School Katie Titus brought together alumni and current families for a joyous summer gathering in Narragansett. Attendees enjoyed hearing from Katie, sharing stories, catching up with friends, and making new connections while enjoying delicious food and taking in the quintessential RI shoreline.
Top: Class of 2019 celebrating their 5th Reunion. Bottom Left: Class of 1999 celebrating their 25th Reunion.
Bottom Right: (L to R): Peter Lacaillade '67, Habib Gorgi '74, Tom Tsagarakis '72
(L to R): Krista (Dahlberg) Jack '90, Rhonda (Clement) Bergeron '90, and Jennifer Jensen Kroll P'25
JULY 27, 2024
MBAA Newport Polo Match
The Moses Brown Alumni Association along with Head of School Katie Titus welcomed alumni & families to the Governor's Cup Match.
OCTOBER 17, 2024
MBAA Homecoming Fall Reception and Awards Presentation
The Moses Brown Alumni Association and friends joined together to kick off Homecoming weekend on Thursday, October 17 at the annual MBAA Fall Reception and Awards Presentation. Held at The Hope Club in Providence, the event celebrated two accomplished alums: Jamie Marshall ’15, who received the Outstanding Young Alum Award, and Vin Porcaro ’83, P’11 ’24, who received the Karin Morse ’79 Service to Alma Mater Award.
(L to R) Max Charness ’08, Jamie Marshall ’15, Head of School Katie Titus, Vin Porcaro ’83, P’11 ’24, and Jason Engle ’98, P’28 ’30 ’33.
OCTOBER 19, 2024
Finance & Beyond: Networking and Insights in New York City
Alumni & friends attended a speaking program with alumni professionals in the finance industry followed by a networking reception. Attendees heard from Head of School Katie Titus along with Haley Ramsden '16 (Senior Associate, Capital Markets, GTCR), Matt Romano '14 (Investment Banking Vice President, Barclays), and Kaia Simmons '09 (Private Equity Investment Principal, L Catterton).
OCTOBER 22, 2024
Chicago Gathering
MB alums in the Chicago area enjoyed food, drink, and fellowship at Parlor Pizza Bar - West Loop with Head of School Katie Titus.
Left Photo: Head of School Katie Titus, Matt Feodoroff ’95 & Adam Rappoport ’95
Right Photo: Ben Sack ’13, Mackenzie Reimer ’12 & Chase Harrington ’18
NOVEMBER 2024
Thanksgiving Week Gatherings
Alums returned to MB during Thanksgiving break for the annual Alumni Soccer Game and Spree Bowl. It was great to see old and new friends together during the holiday week.
Upcoming Events
Save the Date for upcoming alumni events!
April 4, 2025
MB Connects: Career Explorations Day
April 9, 2025
Brooklyn Alumni & Friends Reception
Hosted with Basil Lee ’97 at Finback Brewery and special guest Jim Skillings P'23
April 22. 2025
MBAA Studio of the Three Oaks: Block Printing & Ceramics Workshop with Whiskey Tasting
Presented by arts faculty members Ashley Szczesiak & Lawrence Timmins and whiskey compliments of Mike Mendes ’99.
DECEMBER 19, 2024
Young Alumni: Welcome Back to Campus
Young alums were invited back to campus to visit with faculty, staff and friends. It was great to see everyone and hear their stories from college.
May 16-17, 2025
Reunion & Alumni Weekend
June 3, 2025
MBAA Spring Reception - Providence
June 17, 2025
Boston Alumni & Friends Reception
July 19, 2025
MBAA at Newport Polo
DECEMBER 9, 2024
CommUNITY Winter Social
Alums, faculty, and staff gathered at the Public Kitchen & Bar in the Renaissance Hotel to share in community and catch up with friends. Special thanks to the alumni leaders Joana Ames ’10, Chloe Clasper-Torch ’09, Maija Hallsmith ’11 and Amanda Ramirez ’09. Also, thank you to Katie Titus, Betsy Sherry, Karim Sow, Emilia PeñaDisla and Dominique Avila ’11 for joining us.
JANUARY 5, 2025
Alumni Hockey Game and Open Skate
Alums, students, families, and friends joined together for some frozen fun at the annual event held at Brown University’s Pollard Family Rink in Meehan Auditorium.
Thank you to the Moses Brown Alumni Association Board 2024-2025
Joana Ruana Ames '10
Co-Clerk, MB Connects
Max Charness ’08 Clerk, Local
Alexander L. Egan '03
Jason S. Engle '98 Clerk, MBAA
Jazmine Estrada '10
Alexa Flinton Gold '04
Katherine Gorgi '08
John B. Lewis ’09
John R. P. Pariseault ’97 A ssistant Clerk, Clerk, Nominatin g
Adam Pennacchio ’01 C o-Clerk, Quaker Classic
Mia Rotondi Puddington ’09 Clerk, Communications
Jennifer Reavis ’13
Matthew Romano ’14
Recording Clerk
Miles C. Rutter ’04
Co-Clerk, Quaker Classic
Benjamin Sack ’13
Bob Samors ’77
C lerk, National
Omar Siddiqi ’91
Glenn S. Sparr ’85
Evan Tong ’97
David Vanech ’98 Treasurer
Maria Veale ’15
Co-Clerk, MB Connects
James Worrell ’85
Michael P. Yules ’10
Phil Zexter ’81 Clerk, Hall of Fame
Adele Espo's 100th Birthday Celebration
Former lower school teacher Adele G. Espo recently turned 100, and her children (Dave ’67, Caryn, Hal ’71 and Joe) organized a birthday party which included several alums and faculty gathered in West Palm Beach.
Adele began teaching mornings at Moses Brown in the 19471948 school year and became full-time in the fall of 1948, teaching lower school for 36 years. She left MB in 1984, when she and her husband Harlan relocated to Florida, where she continued teaching for another 10 years before retirement.
Connie Raymond and her husband George made the trip, accompanied by her daughter Beth McDermott ’86 and son Brad Raymond ’84
Adele Espo first taught with Dan Johnsen and then David Duhaime P ’03,’06,’08,’10. David taught 3rd grade and later became the school’s long-standing and revered school psychologist. Adele’s next teaching partner was Dennis Dobbyn P ’97, ’99, and Adele has for many years referred to them as “my three Ds.” She said that it was incredible to have them all together for this very special occasion.
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Standing on Adele’s right is Dan Johnsen, her left David Duhaime and seated is Dennis Dobbyn, the third of her “three Ds”.
Class Notes
1949
W.B. “Buck” Greenough III ’49 wrote a recent article “Taking science to cholera in Bangladesh: the personal odyssey of Dr William B. Greenough III and his colleagues,” published on eGastroenterology open access library. He and two colleagues won the King Faisal International Prize in Medicine in 1984. He is a Professor Emeritus at Johns Hopkins University.
1964
Kenneth Anderson ’64 enjoyed visiting David Ransome to reminisce and catch up. Mr. Ransome came to Moses Brown in 1960, his first teaching position on leaving Oxford. He returned to England in 1972. From 1976 to 1987 he taught at Lincoln School and retired from RISD in 1996. He is energetic and as a historian possess colorful stories of students and faculty. He and his wife Joyce are living at Brookdale Spruce Wood in Durham, NH.
Ken also shared that Roger Davis ’64 was remembered on a sparkling September afternoon at the Lobster Pot Restaurant overlooking Bristol Harbor. The joyful gathering was hosted by his cousin Geoff Davis ’65. Several guests sported Hawaiian shirts, a nod to Roger’s rich life in Maui. MB was also represented by John Barrett ’63 and ’64 classmates Ted Livingston, DeWolf Fulton, and Ken Anderson. Moving tributes were presented recalling adventures with Roger. After MB, Roger attended Hope High, where he was a star hockey player and class president.
1967
Jonathan Crary ’67 is a professor at Columbia University celebrating 35 years there. Jonathan writes: “it would be great to connect with any old friends in the NYC area.”
1968
Chas Gross ’68 in junior year (1966-67) was an exchange student at the Lycee Mixte in Menton, France. Chas shared:
"As part of the exchange, Dan Smets ’67 came to live with my family and attend MB.
On a recent trip to France, I had the opportunity to visit with Dan. Sadly, just before my arrival, he had a nasty fall, breaking several ribs and landing him in the hospital in Nice. We still managed to have a nice visit, and I am is happy to report that Dan is now home and doing well."
1971
Jeff Brier ’71 celebrated grandson Soren Brier’s bar mitzvah celebration recently. Soren is son of Jacob ’98 and Dani Brier. Friends from the Class of 1971 attended including Jim ’71 & Robin Engle P'98 '00 '05 and Ethan ’71 & Priscilla Siegal.
1974
Gregory Sadovnikoff ’74 and Audrey hosted a mini-reunion at their place in Plymouth. Gregory shared: the attendees were all close friends from the ’74 class who missed reunion in May on campus. They had a wonderful time and shared quite a number of amusing memories celebrating 50+ years of friendship. All are living interesting and productive lives.
Ken Anderson ’64 & David Ransome Roger Davis ’64
Members of the Class of ’74: Paul Farago, David Boghossian, Ralph Derbyshire, Daniel Hill, and Mark Jay. Gregory joins in photo #2 in the back row as first on left.
Dan Smets ’67 & Chas Gross ’68
Class of 1971 celebrating together at the Wannamoisett Country Club.
1977
George Marderosian ’77 shares a small group of members of the 1977 class get together every few months to watch a Pats game, or an MB football game (far more exciting), or just to whine (and wine) about the bad knees and various other ailments shared by former athletes now of retirement age. The regulars include Gordon Ondis (RI), Steve Perry (VA), Tim Leyden (RI), Bill Mandly (MA), Ernie Votolato (RI), Jonathan Blitz (NH), Henry Diamond (RI), and George. We usually call Steve McHenry (Park City) to remind him that he’s too far from home. Farhad Zaltash (LA, world traveler) has joined us when he’s in town, as has David Shaw (CT). We all wonder whether our joints would be healthier had we played on such beautiful Campanella Field turf (“astroturf” in 1977). Go MB!
1978
Hardi Parker ’78 shared a few words following the passing of classmate Parker Ramspott ’78. Parker was known by many as the owner of Laughing Dog Bicycles in Amherst. The original shop, Bicycle World Too, was opened in the 1980s after Parker graduated from UMass Amherst. His mechanical know-how, work ethic, genuine delight in educating customers about the workings of bicycles and care for the community were hallmarks of the shop. It was a third space for many and a place for discussing history, current events, music, books, and more. Parker opened the space for live music for touring musicians free of charge. When Parker came to Moses Brown from DightonRehoboth for his high school years, he quickly fell in with an eclectic group
1981
of friends, who Parker would in time name, “The Swamp.” Parker rowed crew for one or two seasons, but was more likely to be found skateboarding with others in the Aldrich Dexter parking lot across Lloyd Avenue or down the frighteningly steep streets of College Hill. An intellectual at heart, Parker was a great reader, from the classics to Jack Kerouac, Hunter Thompson, and William S. Borroughs. Parker’s interest and range in musical tastes was also vast, from Steely Dan to Elvis Costello and the earliest bands of punk and New Wave. Parker’s tastes in both would strongly influence his friends, many of whom still love, read, and listen to the books and music Parker introduced them to nearly 50 years ago. A memorial service will be held on May 24, 2025 at 2:30 PM at Mount Toby Meeting House in Leverett, MA.
Melissa Maxwell ’81 shared that she finished "the most exhilarating and rewarding run at Great River Shakespeare Festival” during the summer. A review from TalkinBroadway.com included, “Melissa Maxwell is magnificent as Gertrude, torn between loyalty to her new husband and king and to her son, whose erratic behavior deeply troubles her. It is never clear at what point Gertrude becomes an accomplice to Claudius, and Maxwell expertly keeps us on edge as to whether she is part of the crime or is herself a victim.”
1984
Michael Geffroy ’84 shared that a group of MB alums from the Class of 1984 gathered together. Photo to left.
1988
Laura Gottlieb Feldman ’88 is an attorney at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP (NYC) celebrating 18 years there. After 17.5 years in the litigation department focusing on eDiscovery, Laura was appointed Associate Director, Paralegal and Discovery Attorney Programs. She manages 75 people, while still supporting the litigation attorneys with many eDiscovery issues.
Melissa Maxwell ’81
At Tim Leyden’s house watching a Pats game: (L to R) George Marderosian ’77, Tim Leyden ’77, Gordon Ondis ’77, Bill Mandly ’77, Steve Perry ’77
(L to R) Allen Hall ’84, Tom Gammino ’84, Hugh Madden ’84, Michael Geffroy ’84
Parker Ramspott ’78
1996
Abigail Harkey ’96 is proud to join the Denver Public Schools sustainability department as the Program Manager for Sustainability Education, after a 20+ year career in arts education. DPS is emerging as a national leader in sustainability based on their studentinitiated Climate Action Plan, for which students were awarded the President’s Environmental Youth Award and recognized in a visit from Kamala Harris to congratulate the district on their commitment to climate action.
1997
Sheila Dobbyn ’97 has been working with RI nonprofit Thrive Outside to deepen the connection between children and nature through schoolyard Outdoor Learning Zones, youth nature programs, and teacher training. She is interested in connecting with anyone from the MB community who wants to help promote environmental literacy and healthy child development, while expanding access to green spaces and nature learning opportunities especially in traditionally marginalized communities. Let’s work together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive outside, honoring their basic need and right to be nourished by nature!
L to R: Maryhope’s daughter Llewellyn Rutherford (age 12), Congresswoman Sarah McBride, Maryhope (Howland) Rutherford '98, and Maryhope’s mother, Phebe Howland
1998
Maryhope (Howland) Rutherford ’98 is a UX Researcher at Google by day, but this year she took on a passion project—she teamed up with other parents of trans kids to launch the volunteer-run nonprofit Families United for Trans Rights (FUTR) in February of 2024. FUTR is dedicated to securing the rights of trans Americans by guiding support to both philanthropic efforts and political candidates who are doing the hard work of building a more equitable and inclusive future. Seven out of ten of the transgender candidates for office that FUTR supported won their elections in the 2024, including the first transgender member of congress in US History, Sarah McBride of Delaware.
2000
Carlos Andrés Gómez ’00 won the 2024 Yeats International Poetry Prize. Gómez is the author of Hijito, for which he was awarded the Foreword INDIES Gold Medal and the International Book Award in 2020, as well as the comingof-age memoir Man Up: Reimagining Modern Manhood, released by Penguin Random House in 2012. His most recent book, Fractures, was selected by Pulitzer Prize winner and 19th U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey as the winner of the Felix Pollak Prize and was recently named winner of the UK’s Rubery International Book Award for Poetry. Hailing from New York City, Gómez has keynoted and performed at more than 1,000 colleges, universities, independent schools, and companies in 47 U.S. states and headlined shows in 27 countries across six continents. He has been featured on NPR, PBS, TEDx, Expo 2020 Dubai, The White House, and partnered with John Legend for Senior Orientation, a program to counteract bullying and champion inclusive masculinity among high school students. A former social worker and public school teacher, Carlos first made a name for himself by winning at the Apollo Theater’s celebrated Amateur Night and later as a member of the renowned Nuyorican Poets Café’s slam team. In 2008, he collaborated with Tony Award-winning tap dance legend Savion Glover on Broadway.
Ryan Woodward ’00 and his wife Suzie and children Willa (11), Ryder (9) and Quinn (5) were thrilled to watch the Wheeling Nailers hockey team and meet Head Coach Derek Army ’09 right after the game. The Woodwards will be back on campus for Ryan’s 25th Reunion in May.
Carlos Andrés Gómez ’00
Abigail Harkey ’96
Ryan Woodward ’00 and Derek Army ’09
2002
Jake Hays ’02 and MB friends spent time together in and around Lake Tahoe. The above photo is from the Flume Trail on the eastern side of the lake, which is a renowned one-way, 14-mile ride at 7,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation with over 1,000 feet of climbing in the first four miles.
2003
Adam G. Mignanelli ’03 and Ivi Diamantopoulou were married on August 17, 2024 on Martha’s Vineyard among their family and friends! In attendance were Moses Brown alumni: His brother Matthew Mignanelli ’01 and sister-inlaw Becca Rotelli Mignanelli ’01, as well as Christopher Brito ’04, Benjamin Hughes ’03, Hayden Jones ’01, Miles Rutter ’04, Jeff Smith ’04, and Isaiah Osofisan ’04.
2004
Jonathan Katz ’04 embarked on a new culinary adventure as founder of Big Katz Kitchen, LLC making BBQ sauce as a member of Hope & Main, a food business incubator, in Warren, R.I. Jon enjoys selling his sauces at farmer’s markets and events around RI and Southeastern Massachusetts and on his website. His original flavor, “Resting Rib Face,” won second place in its category out of 140 sauce submissions at the American Royal World Series of BBQ: Sauce Contest in Kansas City this past year.
2005
Versatones, MB’s a capella group, performed for Gabe Amo ’05's 40th Birthday Party at Aloft Hotel, Downtown Providence. Rep. Gabe Amo (a former Versatones member) was thrilled to have the Versatones serenade him and joined in when they sang Happy Birthday. MB friends and family joined in after he was introduced by Don Sweitzer P ’05. Versatones members included: Sayuri L., Inara R., Ada M., Hana S., Sophie H., Constance S., Ronnie O., Esra E., Millie L., Sadie S., Polly D., Vincent D., Kavan B.
L to R: Jake Hays ’02, Seila Tep ’01, Adriano DeSousa ’00, Pisit Khuon ’99
Adam G. Mignanelli ’03 and Ivi Diamantopoulou
Versatones, MB's a capella group, with Gabe Amo ’05 (center)
2009
Jordan Crystal ’09 married Zach Krame in Livingston Manor, New York, on September 14, 2024. Photo to left.
2011
Sophie Burnham ’11 published a debut novel Sargassa -first in a speculative trilogy in which the Roman Empire survived into the modern day -- from DAW Books on October 8, 2024.
Joseph Picozzi ’11 wrote and directed My Kind of People, which was announced by AGBO and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA) as the winner of the 2024 Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum (RBIAFF). Earlier this year, five filmmakers received $10,000 production grants to create short films based on concepts exploring the Italian American experience. From these exceptional works, My Kind of People has been selected as the top prize winner and will receive an additional $10,000 grant, along with access to the AGBO Storytellers Collective. Picozzi’s short film tells the story of a proud paesano who, after a DNA test reveals his father’s adoption, must grapple with the devastating realization that he’s not genetically Italian. As the foundation of his identity crumbles and his familial bonds fracture, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, wrestling with the meaning of heritage, belonging, and identity. AGBO’s Chief Creative Officer Angela Russo-Otstot shared: “It’s an honor to witness these filmmakers contribute to and expand a collective narrative that speaks to our cultural community and beyond. We were excited by the work of all the finalists this year, and we congratulate Joe Picozzi for crafting a subversive, humorous, and universally resonant narrative that is deftly executed through his impressive filmmaking.” Joe Picozzi will screen his winning film at a future RBIAFF event at AGBO in Downtown Los Angeles.
2013
Steve Warde ’13 married Rebecca Goulet-Martel in Rowley, Mass. on May 18, 2024. Photo bottom left.
2020
Kailas Kahler ’20 competed in the NEWMAC Championships as the #1 tennis player for MIT. Boys’ tennis coach Karin Morse ’79 attended the championship where Kailas won his doubles match and was on his way to winning his singles match when MIT won. (They stop play - “sudden victory”.) Kailas was also named MIT Athlete of the Year. He was the USTA Rhode Island Player of the Year and was recognized at the Tennis Hall of Fame at the July Tournament. At Moses Brown, Kailas was 2x NEPSAC Singles Champion (all divisions).
Class of 2009 friends were in attendance at the wedding of Jordan Crystal ’09: (L to R): Stephanie (Tocco) Costa, Mia (Rotondi) Puddington, Rosa Heyman, Jordan Crystal, Zoe Weiner, and Sophie Stevenson.
MB friends in attendance at the wedding of Steve Warde ’13 included: (l to r) Mitch Maloof ’13, Graeme Ownjazayeri ’13, Steve Warde ’13, Rebecca GouletMartel, Kate Luby ’13, Tyler Bigelow ’13, and Ben Sack ’13.
Karin Morse ’79 & Kailas Kahler ’20
Behind the scenes photo of a new film shot in Rhode Island that is written and directed by Joseph Picozzi ’11
In Memoriam
We send our sympathies to the friends and families of the following MB community members, who passed away since our last issue.
