Lumen, Spring 2016

1612249 Lumen A.qxp 5/17/16 11:13 AM Page 1

S P R I N G 2 016

LUMEN THE

MAGAZINE

OF

NEWARK

ACADEMY

The Middle School – REINVENTED The People and Practices that Distinguish NA’s Middle School

1612249 Lumen A.qxp 5/17/16 11:13 AM Page 2

Newark Academy’s magazine has a new name – Lumen – and a new look to go along with it!

Over the years there have been a number of graphic reinventions of the Academy’s magazine, but developing a new name offered the opportunity to create a strong visual energy and to reaffirm connections to our roots and traditions. Newark Academy’s motto, Ad Lumen – meaning “toward enlightenment” – served as the inspiration. Light, enlightenment and understanding have been associated with the Academy since its founding in 1774. These time-honored concepts continue to anchor the NA community and will also guide the design and content of the magazine. The goal is to provide a publication that is smart and probing, as well as playful, authentic and inclusive.

As we work to fine-tune our website and magazine, we welcome your comments and suggestions at lumen@newarka.edu.

1612249 Lumen A.qxp 5/17/16 11:13 AM Page 3

S P R I N G 2 016

CONTENTS F E AT U R E S

17 The Middle School – REINVENTED The People and Practices that Distinguish NA’s Middle School

30 Learning by Doing Conducting Authentic Science Research

IN THIS ISSUE

2 Perspectives

4 NA News

39 Advancement

43 Alumni News

48 Class Notes

17 12 VISIT NA on the web at www.newarka.edu LIKE NA on Facebook FOLLOW NA on Twitter @newarkacademy

1612249 Lumen A.qxp 5/17/16 11:13 AM Page 4

LUMEN

PERSPECTIVES

S P R I N G 2 016

FROM DONALD M. AUSTIN, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Donald M. Austin Head of School Lisa Grider Director of Institutional Advancement EDITOR

Debra Marr Director of Communications ASSISTANT EDITORS

David Beckman Barbara Sine

A New Light

CONTRIBUTORS

Tom Ashburn Garrett Caldwell Ted Gilbreath

Evan Nisenson ’99 Rachael Reeves Jeffrey Vinikoor

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

While evoking elements of our school’s nearly 250-year-

Chairman David D. McGraw ’77 Secretary Jane Wilf

old history, the new name of this magazine, Lumen, inspires a contemporary look and feel in a publication

Vice Chairs Kim Hirsh ’80 William Bloom Jeffrey Kaplan Patricia Budziak Larry S. Wieseneck Samuel W. Croll III ’68 Suzanne Willian Scott L. Hayward

of high quality. Derived from our motto Ad Lumen — toward the light — the title reminds us that education seeks above all to enlighten students and to illuminate

Trustees Allison Lichtenstein Katz ’89 Marika Alzadon ’89 Samir Pandiri Donald M. Austin Richard R. Redmond ’77 Lara Coraci Basile ’88 Alexander M. Rose ’96 Maria Rice Bellamy ’85 Mark Rosenbaum John H. Bess ’69 Tiffany Taylor Smith Lawrence G. Cetrulo ’67 Glenn A. Waldorf ’90 Jeffrey H. Cohen ’81 Patrick B. Wang Mary Ellen DeNoon Betsy Zimmerman Lauren Hedvat ’01

their paths into the future. This new name reminds us of the enduring purpose of Newark Academy: to prepare our students for the future by providing them with a first-rate education during their formative middle- and high-school years. More prosaically, the magazine aims

Emeriti K. Kelly Marx ’51 Louis V. Aronson II ’41 John L. McGraw ’49 Paul Busse ’38 Robert S. Puder ’38* Robert Del Tufo ’51* Gary Rose William D. Green ’69 William T. Wachenfeld ’44 William D. Hardin ’44*

to provide news to our extended community of alumni and friends in an appealing format.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF GOVERNORS

President Glenn A. Waldorf ’90 Amanda Addison ’06 John H. Bess ’69 Michele Chiles-Hickman ’86 Daniel D. Cronheim ’72 Brett Finkelstein ’05 Jacqueline Lipsius Fleysher ’93 Rebecca Moll Freed ’94 Justin Garrod ’93 Kumar Ghafoor ’10 Pete Gruenberg ’81 Shannon Hedvat ’03

‘‘

Lauren Jacobs Lazer ’98 Gillian Javetski ’07 Jennifer Mandelbaum ’11 David Mazzuca ’03 Ed Pursell ’02 Jed Rosenthal ’93 Alex Senchak ’02 Evan Sills ’03 Brian Silver ’09 Andrew Somberg ’07 Joelle Tutela ’90

As we illuminate their paths forward, we know that they in turn will be the ones to shed new light on the challenges and opportunities of our future world.”

Emeriti Jeffrey Silverman ’82 Lance Aronson ’74 William Stroh ’48* J. Richard Beltram ’41* Richard Watson ’50 Leo Gordon ’69

Newark Academy Office of Institutional Advancement 91 South Orange Avenue Livingston, NJ 07039 Telephone: (973) 992-7000 Fax: (973) 992-8962 Email: lumen@newarka.edu Website: www.newarka.edu

*Deceased

2

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

1612249 Lumen A.qxp 5/17/16 11:13 AM Page 5

companies under the auspices of our science internship program. These internships further Newark Academy’s longstanding commitment to providing our students with authentic experiences outside the classroom. Finally, in addition to the three labs being built This first issue highlights two important

gathering place for morning meetings,

ongoing projects: the new Middle

as well as a student hangout space –

School building and the robust devel-

strategically located next to the faculty

opment of STEM (science, technology,

offices, fostering connections between

engineering and mathematics) at

students and their teachers.

Newark Academy. Having completed the Upper School Academic Center and the new outdoor facilities, we have recently broken ground on a muchanticipated and innovative Middle School building. When its doors open in the fall of 2017, the new dynamic teaching spaces will enable faculty to make the most of the energy and inquisitiveness of our students in grades six through eight. Ten classrooms, three well-equipped science labs, a common space and faculty offices will have an immediate impact on teaching and learning. The flexible classrooms can be adapted to the particular requirements of each lesson, and the multipurpose common room will serve as a performance space and a

in the Middle School, we are in the process of completely renovating the biology and chemistry labs on the main building’s second floor. These four new labs and preparation areas, which will be ready for the opening of school this

In the meantime, our STEM program

fall, will have state-of-the-art equip-

has grown in both the Middle and

ment, more room to stage experiments,

Upper Schools. Our younger students

and efficiently designed spaces to

have been experimenting with 3-D

encourage collaboration.

printers, working on their own sustainable house, and designing original experiments, many of which were presented at a recent Maker Space Fair.

Over the last few years we have added many Upper School electives, such as Neuroscience, Physics with Calculus, and the interdisciplinary STEMinar.

Our Robotics and Engineering Team recently took second place out of 50 schools in the Panasonic Robotics Competition. Thirty-four of our older students, some of whom are featured in these pages, are currently pursuing

All of these new facilities and programs will help ensure that Newark Academy remains a vital and up-to-date educational institution, offering its students the highest-quality 21st-century academic preparation. Our students impress me every day with their intellect, engagement and achievements.

As we illuminate their paths forward, we know that they in turn will be the ones to shed new light on the challenges and opportunities of our future world.

research at local universities and

NEWARK ACADEMY

3

1612249 Lumen B.qxp 5/17/16 7:03 AM Page 4

NA NEWS

David McGraw ’77 Chairman of the Board of Trustees David McGraw has assumed the position of Newark Academy’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees. After serving as a Trustee for nine years, David now leads the Board, which is responsible for ensuring that the Academy has the resources needed to fulfill its mission while maintaining a strong financial discipline.

Under David’s leadership the Board is focusing on the continued success of the Rise & Flourish Campaign and the construction of the new Middle School.

Additional goals include keeping Newark Academy affordable and accessible, focusing on competitive compensation for faculty, and increasing the financial aid opportunities essential to the future growth of the school.

very fond memories of my years at NA,” he said. As a student, David participated on the JV and varsity soccer teams and was a lead member of NA’s first jazz band in 1975. He greatly enjoyed Coach Jeff Kacur’s guidance on the soccer field and remarked how special it has been to see his former teachers Blackie Parlin and Tony Ungaro teaching his sons, David ’15, Scotty ’17 and Teddy ’20.

As both an alumnus and an NA parent, David is deeply committed to Newark Academy’s future. “I have

David notes that he was deeply honored when asked to serve as Chairman of the

Board of Trustees and believes that his institutional memory, board committee leadership and strategic planning experience have prepared him to the meet the challenges of this position.

“We have a tremendously talented, diverse group of trustees who are strategic thinkers and wonderful stewards of our mission.

In addition, my relationship with Head of School Don Austin is one of respect and trust. I look forward to further building these relationships in the years to come,” David said.

David earned a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University and is currently a private investor. Prior to that, he enjoyed a distinguished career in publishing and media that spanned the industry’s evolution from a predominantly paper-based business to a dynamic digitaldriven marketplace in both New York and the Silicon Valley. David and his wife, Elizabeth, who serves on the Executive Board of the Newark Academy Parents Association, reside in Short Hills with their sons.

New Members of the Newark Academy Board of Trustees* Marika Alzadon ’89 was born in the Philippines and came to the United States at the age of 11. She earned a B.A. in English from Brandeis University and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Columbia University.

Marika worked in the publishing industry as an editor and cover artist and is currently writing her first novel, Dragonfly Dreams. She lives in Montclair with her husband, Sam Cole, and their three children, Ben ’21, Ava ’22 and Jacob.

* Trustees joining the Board in July 2016 will be featured in the Fall 2016 issue of Lumen magazine.

4

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

Lara Coraci Basile ’88 is a Vice President at NorPak Corporation, a manufacturer and supplier of paper products for businesses. She earned a B.A. in American studies from Georgetown University and an M.B.A. in finance from Rutgers University.

She and her husband, Vincent ’88, met at Newark Academy and have three children, Gioia ’19, Anthony ’17 and Larissa. They reside in Short Hills.

1612249 Lumen B.qxp 5/17/16 7:03 AM Page 5

LAUNCHED!

Accolades for NA’s New Interactive Viewbook

NA’s redesigned website recently launched.

The new site features an interactive viewbook specifically designed for families considering NA. The viewbook (see article on right) is a digital experience capturing the spirit of the school and giving prospective parents and students immediate access to the things that make NA so special. Check out the featured videos that provide glimpses into the academic life of the school. Then visit the Arts page on the main website to hear a jazz performance or watch students prepare to perform in the Winter Musical. The Minuteman Athletics page features news highlights as well as Twitter and Facebook feeds. Newark Academy invites you to explore the new site and enjoy its functionality on your computer and on your mobile devices. www.newarka.edu

Newark Academy’s interactive viewbook was presented with a Gold Award by the Education Digital Marketing Awards in the “Admissions Website” category. A national panel of education industry specialists reviewed all entered pieces, presenting Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit awards based on creativity, marketing execution, message impact, technology application and innovative content.

NA partnered with Creosote Affects, an educational branding and marketing firm, to offer prospective students and families a unique way to learn about the Academy. The video and online solutions can be viewed anytime on any computer, tablet or smartphone. Along with the new website design, the viewbook points visitors to the fundamentals of Newark Academy’s exceptional education, while allowing users multiple ways of navigating.

In its first three months, the interactive viewbook attracted 1,400 users, 75 percent of whom were new visitors. Visit the interactive viewbook at whatmatters.newarka.edu.

Allison Lichtenstein Katz ’89 is this year’s President of the Newark Academy Parents Association and has joined the Board of Trustees for a one-year term. Allison earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from Bentley College. She spent her professional career at Ernst & Young. Allison and her husband, Michael, have two daughters, Lauren ’17 and Julie ’20. They reside in Short Hills.

Glenn Waldorf ’90 is President of Newark Academy’s Alumni Board of Governors and has joined the Board of Trustees as the BOG representative on the Board. As a student at Newark Academy, Glenn participated on the swim team and the speech and debate team and was a member of the editorial staff of The Minuteman student newspaper.

He earned an A.B. in political science from the University of Chicago then worked as an analyst on Wall Street. In 2009, Glenn joined his family business, Bell Environmental Services, as Director of Corporate Development. Glenn and his wife, Sheryl, live in Morristown with their two sons, Brian and David.

NEWARK ACADEMY

5

1612249 Lumen B.qxp 5/17/16 7:03 AM Page 6

NA NEWS

IB Math Studies Class

IB at NA Achieves an Academic Milestone!

After 25 years, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Newark Academy continues to experience increased enrollment and program enhancements.

Newark Academy was the first school in New Jersey to offer the distinctive International Baccalaureate program in 1991. Twenty-five years later, the success of the IB program at NA can be measured by the impact the program has had in providing a generation of NA students with critical thinking, analytical and communications skills that have served them through their college experiences and beyond.

IB at NA No. 1: NA was the first school in NJ to offer IB Diplomas

6

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

The IB diploma program is a two-year academic, pre-university program for students who are seeking the most challenging academic path. The IB curriculum is well known for its rigor and academic excellence. According to IB Program Director Neil Stourton, “Over the years Newark Academy has refined its relationship with the IB, focusing on the most educationally enriching aspects and tweaking others. Extended Essay

94% of NA IB Diploma candidates successfully earn their IB Diplomas (compared to an international rate of 79 percent)

416 NA students have earned IB diplomas since the program began

Nights, showcasing the intellectual firepower of our students, have grown to overflow presentations throughout the school year. Meanwhile, higher level mathematics and physics have been replaced with new, challenging courses designed by Newark Academy faculty.”

The IB program, recognized by colleges around the world, aligns closely with NA’s educational philosophy, guiding students to become self-motivated learners.

On average more than 35% of NA students graduate with an IB diploma each year

28 current NA faculty members are certified to teach IB courses

1612249 Lumen B.qxp 5/17/16 7:03 AM Page 7

Middle School Students Create an App to Help Memory-Loss Patients Middle School students Dhruv Kapur ’22, Mason Kung ’22, Micaela Alpert ’21, Sophia Chen ’20 and Riya Gupta ’20 have created the blueprint for an innovative iPhone and Android app designed to help memory-loss patients and their caregivers with ongoing care and wellness management.

The app, VibraLife, was inspired by the Verizon Innovative App Challenge, which is a national contest for students to create problem-solving apps that have real-world impacts.

Led by faculty advisor Andrew Alford and Middle School parent Ana Gupta, the students designed the app for patients, family members and healthcare providers to enhance and monitor the patient’s progress. VibraLife provides real-time access to shared information. The students even included cognitive games in the

app, which may slow the progression of dementia in patients using this feature.

The Verizon Innovative App Challenge was created by the Verizon Foundation to build greater awareness and interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Technology Trivia by the Numbers Newark Academy embraces tools that foster collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. Technology at NA empowers students to accomplish what is otherwise unimaginable. Each day, students and faculty find new ways to redefine what is possible. With technology, they can work faster, see things in a new way, and tap into an immense knowledge base. Here are some points to ponder:

100%

of financial aid recipients who needed a computer were provided with a MAC laptop by the school.

13,862

assignments were created by teachers in the Canvas Learning Management System during the 2015-16 academic year.

1.4 million

1,585

emails have been sent/ received during this academic year.

discussion topics were created in this online system that fosters interactivity and collaboration among students and faculty.

260,226

1,500

files are currently stored in Google Drive, making these NA documents, spreadsheets, presentations and movies accessible from any web browser on any computer for sharing, editing and collaboration.

individual devices, on average, connect to NA’s robust Wi-Fi network each day.

The network is scalable to handle up to three times that many devices.

NEWARK ACADEMY

7

1612249 Lumen B.qxp 5/17/16 7:03 AM Page 8

NA NEWS

LEARNING IN A

Global Context Newark Academy strives to expose students to the global issues that shape the world both inside the classroom and outside its doors. NA’s Global Speaker Series brings speakers to campus four times each year for thought-provoking presentations that enrich students’ understanding and broaden their worldview.

8

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

1612249 Lumen B.qxp 5/17/16 7:03 AM Page 9

The year’s first speaker, Suzanne DiBianca, is an innovative corporate philanthropist. She is co-founder and president of Salesforce.com Foundation, a nonprofit social enterprise that leverages Salesforce.com’s technology, staff and resources to improve communities around the world. One of the goals of the foundation is to set an example of corporate social responsibility. Ms. DiBianca inspired NA students to think big and be courageous, explaining that education will empower them to find ways to maintain and improve the planet.

THE FEINBERG MULTICULTURAL LECTURE WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT ROBIN WRIGHT The Feinberg Multicultural Lecture was founded in 2001 through an endowment made by Peter Feinberg ’78 and Margery Gering Feinberg ’78.

An integral part of NA’s Global Speaker Series, the Feinberg Multicultural Lecture fosters intercultural understanding and global citizenship.

Eco-visionary Dr. Antwi Akom visited campus in December and shared his research on the ties between global climate change and economic inequality.

Dr. Akom, co-founder of the Institute for Sustainable Economic, Educational and Environmental Design, demonstrated how a warmer climate will continue to devastate the planet and create a greater separation between those with access to healthy food and clean water and those without. NA students were encouraged to be tomorrow’s thought leaders in closing the opportunity gap. Dr. Akom’s presentation was followed by a breakout session with members of the senior class.

Dr. Michael Kaufman, co-author of A Guy’s Guide to Feminism, is one of the world’s leading male advocates of gender equality. Over the past three decades he has worked extensively with the United Nations, nonprofit organizations, private corporations, trade unions and governments across the globe to promote gender equality. He is also a co-founder of the White Ribbon Campaign, a global movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women.

During the presentation and breakout sessions, Dr. Kaufman explored what young men need to know about feminism and gender inequality and how they can forge positive relationships across genders. “Starting at home and at school, young men can make an immediate difference,” Dr. Kaufman said.

Robin Wright, an award-winning foreign affairs analyst and journalist, has reported on wars and revolutions from more than 140 countries on six continents. She has covered the Middle East extensively since 1973. Ms. Wright’s presentation at Newark Academy explored globalization and turmoil in the Middle East. She discussed how terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda are fueled by economic, social and religious conflicts. Ms. Wright aimed to dispel fears of terrorist attacks by explaining that extremists comprise a very small percentage of the world’s Muslims and that the vast majority of people in the Middle East simply want the same things as their American counterparts: a job, a political voice and freedom.

Understanding the context of extremism, Ms. Wright explained, is the best way to help the next generation of leaders navigate international negotiations and find peaceful solutions to regional conflicts.

NEWARK ACADEMY

9

1612249 Lumen B.qxp 5/17/16 7:03 AM Page 10

NA NEWS

I

FACULTY FOCUS

ing his time at NA, “Joe is the one teacher who exceeded every hope the school had in curricular design – in bringing a global perspective and focus to teaching at NA.” Joe, today, is just as engaged in providing opportunities for students to experience different perspectives as he was 36 years ago.

An Inspired Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship NA Bids a Fond Farewell to Retiring Faculty Member Joseph Ball

by Tom Ashburn, Middle School Principal When Joe Ball opened his 36th year of teaching in his World Cultures class he asked each of his classes a question: “What is the secret to happiness?” The answer he shared with his class was one word: “Gratitude.”

After 36 years of teaching at Newark Academy, Joe has decided that he will retire.

He and his wife, Pearl, are planning a move to Virginia to be closer to their family and assist with the care of their grandson.

It is hard to imagine Newark Academy’s Middle School without the intellect and energy Joe brings to school everyday. Blackie Parlin noted that perhaps of all the teachers that have been hired dur-

TEACHING INNOVATION, DEDICATION AND EXCELLENCE Esteemed Faculty Member Joseph Ball to Deliver 2016 Commencement Address Each year great care and thought goes into choosing a commencement speaker who will inspire the graduating class and reflect upon its accomplishments. Head of School Donald Austin recently announced at Morning Meeting, “This year, we are pleased to have the opportunity to benefit one last time from a man who embodies the very spirit of Newark Academy.”

On Sunday, June 12, Humanities teacher Joseph Ball will deliver the address to celebrate the Class of 2016 as he concludes his 36-year career at NA. Joe has seen many changes during his time here and has touched the hearts and minds of countless students, parents, alumni and faculty members. It can be challenging to find a commencement speaker to connect with the graduating class in a meaningful and personal way, but this year there is no one better to do the honors than Joe Ball.

10

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

Joe’s teaching is so much more than his work in the classroom. He has coached multiple boys’ and girls’ sports teams at NA. He is a parent to three NA graduates, Lillian ’99, James ’02 and Louise ’04.

He also served as the Director of Community Service and Principal of the Middle School. Joe’s first week as Principal was marked by the events of September 11, 2001.

In an impromptu gathering of Middle School students and faculty on that day, Joe reminded the group to focus on all of the kindness and love in the world – not on the terrible actions of a small group of individuals. Joe’s study of social and emotional learning and his desire to create a nurturing environment have left a strong foundation for

1612249 Lumen B.qxp 5/17/16 7:03 AM Page 11

the Middle School program.

In Joe’s five years as principal, he worked to establish an ethos that supported the growth and development of early adolescence – one that is still strong in the Middle School today.

What is remarkable about Joe is that even after 36 years of teaching, he continues to be just as energized by teaching and learning as he was when he entered the profession.

Last fall he had an article published in Independent Teacher magazine, and he continues to hone his craft.

Joe empowers his students to work through complex problems and undertake research in groups – much like the methods they will use later in life. In addition, his balance of energy and love are remarkable in the manner in which they create an environment where students are willing to

take risks and grow in their skills and maturity.

From my point of view, I will always be grateful to Joe for encouraging me to apply for the Middle School Principal position when he was returning to teaching. As someone who had never taught in the Middle School I could not see myself leading the division, but Joe sat me down and talked me through it.

FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS Joe Ball (Humanities) wrote the article “Mind, Brain and Education in the Middle School Classroom,” which was published in the Fall 2015 issue of Independent Teacher magazine.

Vanessa Gabb (English) submitted a poetry manuscript that won the Editor’s Choice prize for the Rescue Press’ 2015 Black Box Contest. The manuscript will be published in November 2016.

Tess James (English) was a guest blogger for the Best American Poetry blog, a forum for poets and writers to share ideas. “My work as a creative writing teacher at Newark Academy features prominently in my posts,” Tess said. “My students are always giving me new ideas!”

Kirsti Morin earned a master’s degree in school counseling from Seton Hall University.

Alexis Romay (Spanish) wrote the libretto for a new opera, Zarzuela Cecilia Valdes, King of Havana, which was recently performed at the Opera Atelier in Miami.

Candice Caldwell (Humanities) presented at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference in Tampa. Her session, “Double Consciousness, Double Jeopardy: The Effects of Tokenism on Black Independent School Educators,” was widely acclaimed. This was her third time presenting at an NAIS conference.

Aaron Weiss (Spanish) published a memoir, Lenin’s Asylum, about his Peace Corps experience in the Republic of Moldova, where he taught English at a Russian lyceum. Aaron recently posted an excerpt on NA’s Writing, Art and Music (WAM) blog (blogs.newarka.edu/nawam). The memoir will be distributed by Bleeding Heart Press in late 2016.

He listened, smiled and encouraged me to apply. Like a great teacher, he saw something in me that I could not see in myself. I know I am only one of the many thousands of Newark Academy parents, faculty members and, most important, students he helped along the way.

From all of us, for 36 years of loving service to Newark Academy, we are grateful.

RETURNING TO HIS NA ROOTS Evan Nisenson ’99 named Director of Alumni Relations Evan Nisenson returned to Newark Academy to lead the alumni relations effort and support the growing alumni base. Evan brings a wealth of experience in alumni services to his new position.

After earning a B.A. and an M.A. from New York University, Evan began his career at NYU, serving in a number of positions, including that of Assistant Director of Alumni Relations.

Evan is thrilled to be back at NA, where he discovered his passion for the arts. “Some of my greatest memories took place on the Newark Academy stage, where I was given the opportunity to discover a love of performing,” Evan said. “NA instilled in me a passion for theater and singing, for which I will always be grateful.”

He continued, “I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with NA staff and faculty to strengthen our community. Alumni engagement will benefit our students and graduates alike by providing them with the support, resources and connections that will help them succeed.”

Evan lives in Summit with his wife, Lauren, and their son, Harris.

NEWARK ACADEMY

11

1612249 Lumen B.qxp 5/17/16 7:03 AM Page 12

NA NEWS

I

ATHLETICS

The Fab Five!

Dedicated NA Athletes Prepare To Compete on NCAA Division I Teams

By Ted Gilbreath, Director of Athletics

Newark Academy has long supplied college athletic programs with athletes and in this year’s graduating class there is the chance that as many as a dozen athletes will be playing college sports next year.

While NA has long been a fertile recruiting ground for academically elite NCAA Division III athletic programs like Middlebury and Williams, there has been a dramatic upswing over the last four years in the number of Minutemen who are committing to play NCAA Division I sports. Overall, five members of the Class of 2016 have signed or will be signing national letters of intent:

Jocelyn Willoughby (basketball, University of Virginia), Josh Karp (lacrosse, Colgate), Rebecca Mandelbaum (softball, Brown), Dylan Flanagan (tennis, Villanova) and George Haglund (fencing, Harvard).

The “D-I” athletic commitment is famously not for the faint of heart. On top of their academic commitments at those prestigious schools,

George Haglund ’16 Harvard University

12

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

Division I student-athletes are with their teammates yearround, competing, practicing, training, traveling and often living and dining together.

Yet, none of the Class of 2016’s “Fab Five” were deterred by this level of commitment. Most, in fact, cited the commitment and challenge as being important reasons why they opted to “go D-I.” Josh wanted a team culture that was “all lacrosse, all the time” and Jocelyn, while acknowledging that the scholarships that D-I schools are able to offer were very important, also voiced a desire to be a part of “an athletic scene where my teammates would be equally dedicated and equally

skilled.” After four years of headlining the Newark Academy women’s basketball team, she “did not want to be a big fish in a little pond,” preferring a competitive program where she would be challenged.

Dylan and Jocelyn were also drawn by the school athletic spirit common at larger, Division I schools. Dylan discussed really valuing the school spirit and wanting to go to a lot of other Villanova teams’ games. Jocelyn mentioned watching the NCAA “March Madness” games on television and thinking about how amazing it would be for her to play in front of those sorts of crowds.

The “D-I” athletic commitment is famously not for the faint of heart.

Rebecca Mandelbaum ’16 Brown University

Josh Karp ’16 Colgate University

1612249 Lumen B.qxp 5/17/16 7:03 AM Page 13

Jocelyn Willoughby ’16 University of Virgina

At the end of the day, most of these athletes are in a place where, having devoted so much of their young lives to a particular sport, they simply cannot imagine giving it up, or not playing at the highest level possible.

All of these student-athletes can credit hard work and sacrifice for the positions in which they find themselves.

All played their sports yearround and worked hard to travel to the best tournaments and showcases in order to compete against the other best players in the nation.

All five were also quick to point out that their hard

work was not reserved for their athletic endeavors, and that it was the efforts they put in academically that opened the most doors for them.

The quality of their Newark Academy education and their focus on maintaining their grades generated opportunities for them that were inaccessible to other studentathletes. According to Josh, “Maintaining a high standard for myself academically opened a lot of doors athletically because it allowed me to look at a broader range of schools.”

The members of the “Fab Five” are also quick to point

All of these student-athletes can credit hard work and sacrifice for the positions in which they find themselves.

out the Newark Academy coaches who have been integral parts of their journey to Division I athletics. Softball player Rebecca Mandelbaum credits her coach, Sergio Rodrigues, with being the one to let her know that she even had the potential to play softball in college and with helping her in the college process.

Dylan is appreciative of tennis coaches Arky Crook and Lou Scerra for their efforts to keep him focused. Jocelyn credits Liz Bona Beach with everything from being a sounding board to grabbing boards. She noted that Coach Bona Beach would sit in with her during visits, listen to her thoughts on different matters, critique her game and even rebound for her when she took extra shots after practice.

It is clear that the attention of dedicated Newark Academy

Dylan Flanagan ’16 Villanova University

coaches was essential to these athletes as they pursued their college dreams.

Producing Division I athletes is simply another in a string of developments that illustrate Newark Academy’s emergence as one of the truly elite schools for dedicated student-athletes in New Jersey. From the three state titles the Minutemen grabbed in Fall 2015 to the school’s top-notch facilities to the accomplishments of all these college-bound athletes, clearly Newark Academy is becoming an athletic force to be reckoned with.

NEWARK ACADEMY

13

1612249 Lumen B.qxp 5/17/16 7:03 AM Page 14

NA NEWS

I

ATHLETICS

NA’s successful spring athletic season included some exciting victories! Get the full rundown of athletic news and scores at www.newarka.edu.

Get even more news and updates by following the Minutemen on Twitter @ NAMinutmen.

14

LUMEN

I

SPRING 2016

1612249 Lumen B.qxp 5/17/16 7:03 AM Page 15

NA NEWS

I

ARTS

GREASE IS STILL THE WORD The Newark Academy Winter Musical, Grease, garnered a great deal of excitement from the NA community. More than 50 NA students shared their talents — both on stage and off — to present three performances to packed audiences.

The production also attracted cast members from the 1987 and 2000 Grease productions at NA. Kimberlee Berlin ’90, from the 1987 Grease cast, returned to see this year’s show. “Being back in that auditorium, seeing that stage, and sitting in those seats, brought back so many wonderful memories. When the lights went out and the curtain opened and those kids strutted around and sang their hearts out, I had a smile on my face that just wouldn't go away.”

SPARKING THE IMAGINATION NA’s 13th Annual Community Art Exhibit was CUBED Each year the NA community comes together and creates works of art based on a common theme. The themes are carefully conceived and presented by Arts Department Chair Elaine Brodie and members of the Arts Department.

This year, the theme “CUBED” presented limitless opportunities for expression.

The Gallery in the McGraw Arts Center was staged with dozens of submissions from students, parents, faculty and staff. The exhibit featured a wide variety of media, including oil paintings, pottery and photography. Performing artists participated in the presentation as well.

A dance set choreographed by Tiana Barkley ’17 explored themes of confinement, sharp edges and the support each face of a cube gives to the others.

NEWARK ACADEMY

15

1612249 Lumen B.qxp 5/17/16 7:03 AM Page 16

NA NEWS

I

ARTS

SPONTANEOUS FUN NA alumni, faculty and students shared their love of improvisational theater at the second annual Improv Night hosted by Arts Department Chair Elaine Brodie and faculty member Scott Jacoby. Participants enjoyed an evening of friendly competition that laid the way for some hilarious improv skits. Alumni enjoyed the chance to rekindle their love of “spur-of-the-moment” theater while working with old and new friends.

Elaine and Scott have been sharing their love of improv with their students for many years. A number of students have continued to perform on college campuses and in local comedy clubs.

“Performing without a script or rehearsal can be both terrifying and exhilarating,” explained Elaine. “It requires actors to remain open and fully present to what is unfolding on stage. It is a joy to watch alums join forces with our current students as they create delightful theater as if by magic every year.”

BROADWAY LEGEND CHOSEN AS 2016 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Priscilla Lopez, best known for her roles in the original Pippin and A Chorus Line productions, spent a week at Newark Academy as the Artist in Residence. Priscilla won a Tony Award for her performance in A Day in Hollywood, A Night in the Ukraine and recently performed in the revival of Pippin on Broadway.

Priscilla enjoyed her time coaching students in acting, choral and dance classes. “I was extremely impressed with the depth of the students’ artistic instincts,” she said, “which is something that most performers don’t develop until much later in their careers.”

16

LUMEN

I

SPRING 2016

1612249 Lumen C.qxp 5/17/16 7:29 AM Page 17

GROWTH

The

Middle School

REINVENTED The People and Practices that Distinguish NA’s Middle School

Auto

nomy

BY J E F F R E Y V I N I KO O R , HUMANITIES CHAIR

Enthusiasm

Experience

Opportunities CHARACTER

Twice each school week, at 8:05 a.m., 180 Middle School students scramble into the Newark Academy Choral Room. Although it’s difficult to make out particular conversations among the cacophonous parade of young boys and girls as they pass through the double doors, their exchanges are spirited, their mood buoyant. Only five minutes later, the morning bell rings and, as if by magic, the once cavernous room now feels cozy and the seemingly inextinguishable chitchat gives way to near silence.

NEWARK ACADEMY

17

1612249 Lumen C.qxp 5/17/16 7:30 AM Page 18

The

Middle School

REINVENTED

With a hearty “Good morning!”

Middle School Principal Tom Ashburn welcomes the students and begins the assembly. Student and teacher announcements are par for the course at these gatherings,

In recent years, Tom, who has led the Middle

and student performances

School since 2006, has worked with the faculty

and presentations are regular

to ensure that the entire Middle School program

highlights. “Morning Meeting,”

meets the developmental needs of students in

reflects Tom, “is an opportunity

grades six through eight. “As educators,” says

to help students feel connected

Tom, “we now understand more than ever the

to Newark Academy – to share

intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth

important information, to cele-

that occurs in early adolescence. Our program

brate accomplishments and to

fosters that growth.” The program Tom and his

learn about the importance of

team have designed matches the energy and nat-

community. It’s exactly what

ural inquisitiveness of young adolescents with

middle school students need.”

bountiful opportunities for their personal and academic development in and out of the classroom.

Not surprisingly, the Newark Academy Middle School program has been recognized by parents and peer schools as particularly innovative and successful. “Our Middle School is well known in the community,” says Head of School Donald Austin, “for enabling students to explore their passions, to discover new ones, to develop the skills they will need for success in high school and beyond, and to have fun along the way.” Don notes that Middle School enrollment has increased more than 15 percent since 2006.

While it’s impossible to fully capture the richness of the Middle School program – each student’s goals, interests and course of study make for a truly unique experience – the vignettes that follow seek to highlight a small handful of the people and practices that distinguish it, that make the Middle School, as Tom says, “a wonderful place for inquisitive and kind kids to grow up.”

18

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

1612249 Lumen C.qxp 5/17/16 7:30 AM Page 19

TELLING THEIR OWN STORIES OF

LEARNING AND GROWTH “One of the cornerstones of a Newark Academy education is nurturing self-awareness and inculcating the skill of self-assessment,” says Middle School Principal Tom Ashburn. “We want our students to build a lifelong practice of reflection.” Students begin that practice by constructing and maintaining digital portfolios, which allow them to tell their own stories of learning and growth over time.

Beginning in the fall of sixth grade and continuing through the end of eighth grade, students build a digital portfolio using the Weebly website platform.

Students choose the artifacts – such as a poem written in English class or a video produced in Spanish class – to include in their portfolios.

Once students add an item to their portfolio, they are asked to reflect on the process of creating that item and to indicate what it demonstrates about their growth as a learner.

Each year, students present their portfolios to their parents and advisor.

For the eighth grade students, this conference is considered the culminating event of their Middle School experience. Samantha Keller ’19, who last year shared her portfolio with her parents and advisor, mathematics teacher Cathy

The process has helped to self-actualize the attitude that students are capable of managing their own learning.”

Pursell, found the structured discussion especially meaningful. “It was a really good way to help my parents understand my standing academically, socially, and in my extra-curricular activities,” she recalls. “It also helped my parents understand what I was hoping to accomplish in the future.”

While the portfolios serve to document student learning, they are also vehicles for maturation. Tom, who introduced the portfolios five years ago, notes that, “at the end of their three-year experience, student growth and progress is not only documented and measured, but, to use a term coined

by Abraham Maslow, the process has helped to self-actualize the attitude that students are capable of managing their own learning.”

NEWARK ACADEMY

19

1612249 Lumen C.qxp 5/17/16 7:30 AM Page 20

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO

STUDENT GROWTH I wanted my students to understand their power as creators and discoverers, no matter the subject.”

On a cool morning last fall, English teacher Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) LaPadula did something unusual: she braved the smell of formaldehyde in order to observe her students dissecting a chicken leg.

Earlier that day, Betsy’s students had told her about their upcoming science experiment, and she was thrilled to support them. Little did they know that she was also eager to explore how the skills taught and practiced in the science classroom – of diligently following procedures, of carefully making observations, and of writing thoughtful analyses – could apply to the English classroom as well.

“It’s important,” says Betsy, “not to get stuck in your discipline.” While teachers at Newark Academy are passionate about what they teach, they also recognize that they are teaching enduring skills that will enable their students to live rich, meaningful lives no matter the paths those lives take. This holistic approach to student growth requires teachers to prioritize the developmental needs of their students, even if that involves going far outside of the usual routines.

Several days after observing the dissection, Betsy found herself referring to the experiment in her English class. “Tools used appropriately are incredibly powerful,”

The

Middle School

REINVENTED

she told her students, “whether the tools are words or fine instruments. The scientist’s ability to manipulate muscle movement via the tendon, for example, is similar to the poet’s ability to manipulate emotions via word choice.” The metaphor, she recalls, worked surprisingly well. “I wanted my students to understand their power as creators and discoverers,” says Betsy, “no matter the subject.”

20

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

1612249 Lumen C.qxp 5/17/16 7:30 AM Page 21

“So, would you take the case?” Jacqueline Jones-Peace, a current parent and an attorney with the Equal Justice Initiative asked the eighth-grade students this winter. Jacqueline had tasked the students with evaluating the credibility of evidence against Walter McMillian, an African-American man who was wrongfully convicted

We’re trying to create opportunities to discuss tough and sometimes uncomfortable issues.”

in Alabama in the late 1980s. The students quickly became captivated by Jacqueline’s question and the challenges the McMillian case study presented.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES TO

DISCUSS TOUGH ISSUES Mathematics teacher and Director of

“In the Middle School, we’re trying to

one-sided picture of race and class in a

Equity and Inclusion Amanda Addison ’06

create opportunities to discuss tough and

fictional Alabama town. Jacqueline’s visit

invited Jacqueline to speak with the

sometimes uncomfortable issues,” says

is an important part of that exploration.

eighth-grade students for the second

Amanda. “One effective way of doing that

time this year not only because the case

is to find a bridge between contemporary

of McMillian offers students the opportu-

issues and our curriculum.” Several years

nity to explore the relationship between

ago, as discussions of racial disparities in

race and the United States criminal justice

the criminal justice system became more

system, but also because McMillian was

pronounced nationally, Amanda sought to

prosecuted in Monroeville, Alabama, the

help students contextualize and explore

home of Harper Lee, author of To Kill a

some of the limitations of Lee’s book,

Mockingbird, a novel taught in the

which, Amanda notes, paints a rather

“We’re working with intention to help our students develop the skills they will need to tackle difficult issues as individuals and as citizens,” says Amanda.

“Making the Middle School a truly inclusive place will take work and time, and my colleagues and I are undertaking that work eagerly.”

eighth grade.

NEWARK ACADEMY

21

1612249 Lumen C.qxp 5/17/16 7:30 AM Page 22

A SENSE OF

AUTONOMY When you walk into the Middle School

Because the Common Room sits

Common Room, you will undoubtedly

across a hallway from the Middle

find some students studying, others

School Office, teachers can see

hanging out with friends, still others

and hear what goes on inside, yet students feel that the space is their

rolling around a football. Oversized

They need some freedom to learn how to develop into mature and independent young adults.”

own. “A sense of autonomy,” says Middle School

cubbies line two of the walls – providing

Principal Tom Ashburn, “is vitally important for

storage for backpacks, coats and

social and emotional growth.” The Common

laptops – and a long wooden bench

Room, then, is as much the go-to hangout for

lines another; comfortable chairs and

students as it is a physical manifestation of Tom’s philosophy of adolescent

tables are regularly reconfigured as groups of students redesign the space.

development. “Our kids need to believe that we trust them,” he explains.

“They need some freedom to learn how to develop into mature and independent young adults.”

“It’s always a boisterous area,” says math teacher Scott Johnson, “and it’s a great place for kids to bond, whether they are relaxing or getting work done.”

Not surprisingly, one of the greatest challenges middle school students face is in learning how to make good use of that freedom. “Developing the skills of self-sufficiency and a sense of personal responsibility,” says science teacher and Sixth Grade Team Leader Debra Tavares, “begins at the very start of sixth grade.” Debra and her colleagues support students by providing structure and by offering guidance. Ultimately, however, adolescents need to develop their own mechanisms for self-regulation.

“Growth is often uneven,” explains Deb, “but we are there to help kids learn from mistakes and to make better choices so they can succeed

The

Middle School

REINVENTED

22

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

now and long into the future.”

1612249 Lumen C.qxp 5/17/16 7:30 AM Page 23

THE SIXTH GRADE PROGRAM:

NURTURING ENTHUSIASM FOR MATH Every skill you learn is a tool that, once mastered, will help in solving new, unfamiliar problems.”

“When I first tell students about the project, they immediately think the objective is to make the most money,” says Rob. Students discover, however, how difficult it is to make quick gains.

“My students have learned how to think like mathematicians when they can apply the skills they’re learning in the classroom to real-world situations,” observes Mathematics

Each winter, Rob, whose pedagogical

“My students slowly come to realize,”

approach emphasizes project-based

he notes, “that the way to enduring

learning, asks his sixth-grade students to

profits requires solid research and a

put their arithmetic and pre-algebra skills

long-term time horizon.”

to use by engaging in a month-long investment simulation. The first part of

teacher Rob Rezvani. “Every skill you

the simulation involves a formal study

learn is a tool,” Rob tells his students,

of investing: how equity markets work;

“that, once mastered, will help in solving new, unfamiliar problems.”

how stocks are valued and profitably traded in both bull and bear markets; and how individuals can become educated investors. Each student is then tasked with investing $100,000 in the global public equity markets. During the simulation, students can buy and sell as they wish, but they must support each trade with at least three pieces of

Not surprisingly, students greatly enjoy taking on the role of investor. “It was interesting to see my money grow and shrink,” says Stella Gilbert ’22. “I did surprisingly well in the market, but more important, my classmates and I learned how math can be vital in the real world.” Nurturing enthusiasm for the discipline, says Rob, is one of the most important aspects of teaching mathematics in the Middle School. It’s also one of the many ways in which the investment simulation profits his students.

research, such as news articles, analysts’ reports, and company financial data.

NEWARK ACADEMY

23

1612249 Lumen C.qxp 5/17/16 7:30 AM Page 24

“When most middle school students visit a history museum,” says Humanities teacher and Seventh Grade Team Leader Garrett Caldwell, “they often don’t consider the many choices the museum’s designers and curators have made about how to present the past. They may overlook the ways in which details small and large – from the placement of objects to the organization of wings – can impact their understanding of history.”

THE SEVENTH GRADE PROGRAM:

THE SKILL OF CRITICAL ANALYSIS In order to help his students to develop the skill of critical analysis – which, he notes, is useful not only in navigating museums but in many other contexts – Garrett decided to ask his seventh-grade students to

We learned to employ creativity and use facts at the same time.”

take on the difficult and fascinating work of museum design as part of their study of the Cold War. Specifically, he tasks them, in groups of four or five, to develop a detailed proposal for a future Cold War Museum.

The task requires students to employ many of the skills they have developed throughout the year – research, writing, source analysis, public speaking, and team work. Each group’s proposal must include a written plan as well as a physical model of the museum, and both of these should reflect and support thoughtful interpretive choices about how to share the history of the Cold War with the general public. The groups then present their proposals to a mock Smithsonian Institute Board of Directors. “Every student has a role to play,” says Garrett, “but they all need to help each other out. The project is an enormous undertaking, and I’m always wowed by what the students come up with.”

Year after year, the students take on the challenge with enthusiasm. Vikram Bala ’20 enjoyed the project because, as he explains, “we learned to employ creativity and use facts at the same time.” Vikram reports that he’s now a more thoughtful museum visitor and “can really see how much effort it takes to create something

The

Middle School

REINVENTED

24

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

as complex as a museum.”

1612249 Lumen C.qxp 5/17/16 7:30 AM Page 25

“When Aidan Orr ’20 first learned that he was tasked with identifying a phenomenon and then designing and carrying out an experiment to study it, he was unsure of what he wanted to explore. “My partners and I thought of a bunch of ideas,” recalls Aidan. “There were so many different options. It was hard to choose.” Aidan and his two partners ultimately decided to study the impact of verbal encouragement on pain tolerance. They then developed an experiment, carried it out, analyzed the data they collected, and ultimately shared their findings with the school community at the eighth grade Science Fair earlier this school year.

Many of the same skills introduced to students in the eighth grade are employed in the eleventh and twelfth grades.”

THE EIGHTH GRADE PROGRAM:

STUDENT-DIRECTED INQUIRIES An important component of the eighth-grade science curriculum – which was redesigned three years ago to focus on student-directed inquiry, the careful collection and analysis of data, and the communication of scientific ideas – the Science Fair allows students to pursue scientific knowledge through a truly authentic investigation. “I give students a framework for their investigation,” says Science teacher Rachael Reeves, “but they determine what to study and how to study it.”

This inquiry-based approach, notes Science Department Chair Nancy Celente, goes a long way in preparing students for future success in the Upper School and particularly in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. “The IB science courses require students to create and carry out their own design labs,” says Nancy. “Many of the same skills introduced to students in the eighth grade are employed in the eleventh and twelfth grades.”

At this year’s Science Fair, the range of student-generated investigations on display reflected broad interests and tremendous inventiveness. One student explored the relationship between sleep and memory. Another studied how diet influences behavior in hamsters. Still another used plastic tubing to model heart disease. “The students,” notes Rachael, “were so proud to share their research. They loved being asked questions about their methods and findings, and they answered the questions confidently.”

NEWARK ACADEMY

25

1612249 Lumen C.qxp 5/17/16 7:30 AM Page 26

The seventhgrade musical allows students to integrate theatrical, choral, and dance experiences.”

ARTS: DEVELOPING A BREADTH OF CHORAL

PERFORMANCE SKILLS

“Every September, I’m always surprised

This year, Viraj chose Getting to Know Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella,

by my students’ vocal talents,” says

an adaptation of the classic fairy tale for youth performers. “It’s a lighthearted,

Director of Choral Music Viraj Lal. “Vocal changes that naturally occur during early adolescence – as well as the arrival of new students – make it

kid-friendly musical,” says Viraj, “and it allowed students to engage with quirky and colorful characters.” All seventh-grade students take a music course – either instrumental or vocal – for the entire school year, in addition to taking other arts courses in rotation.

The fall musical performance is a highlight for the vocal students.

difficult for me to predict the abilities

Three years ago, Viraj introduced the performance of a musical into the seventh-grade

of the students in my seventh-grade

curriculum in order to help students develop the breadth of their choral performance

class.” After Viraj gets to know the

skills. “While choral performance often takes place in a traditional concert setting,” says

personalities, interests and skills of

Arts Department Chair Elaine Brodie, “the seventh-grade musical allows students to

each new group, he begins the process

integrate theatrical, choral and dance experiences.”

of choosing a fall musical that will

Performing a musical together also requires the seventh-grade students to practice

highlight the strengths of that

working hard individually and as a team. “It’s always a thrill to see the students work

year’s ensemble.

together on stage,” reflects Middle School Principal Tom Ashburn. “Through the rehearsal and production process, they come to understand that the success of the musical requires all hands on deck and that each person has a role to play.”

26

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

1612249 Lumen C.qxp 5/17/16 7:30 AM Page 27

Coach Mulligan expects her players… to respect themselves, their teammates, their competitors and the officials.”

ATHLETICS:

CHARACTER-BUILDING ON THE COURT “People often think sports are

Lisa’s values-driven approach to coaching

each year. Those students who give their

about winning,” says Middle

perfectly reflects Director of Athletics Ted

best effort on a daily basis – no matter how

School boys basketball coach

Gilbreath’s goals for middle school sports.

skilled they are at any particular sport –

“Coach Mulligan is known for having high

will earn a passing grade. “Assigning

standards,” says Ted. “She expects her

students a ‘grade’ for sports,” says Middle

players to have a good attitude, to give

School Principal Tom Ashburn, “reflects

a great effort, and, above all else, to

what we’ve long believed: participation in

respect themselves, their teammates,

athletic endeavors is a critical part of the

their competitors and the officials.

development of young people.” Watching

That’s how you build a lifelong apprecia-

Lisa in action on the court proves as much.

coaching basketball at the middle

tion for healthy competition.”

As she directs her players through an

and high school level for 30 years.

In order to reinforce a character-building,

Lisa Mulligan, “but it’s really about developing strong character.”

Lisa, who also works as the Director of Annual Giving & Parent Relations in the Newark Academy Office of Institutional Advancement, has been

“Winning is certainly nice, but it’s secondary.”

process-oriented approach to middle school athletics, Ted instituted a grading

underhand layup drill, it’s clear that these boys are learning more than how to improve their shots.

rubric three years ago. At the end of every sports season, each student is evaluated on five criteria: presence, effort, skills acquisition, team play and sportsmanship.

Middle School students are required to

The

Middle School

REINVENTED

participate in three seasons of athletics

NEWARK ACADEMY

27

1612249 Lumen C.qxp 5/17/16 7:30 AM Page 28

“It should be no surprise that our students end the year with joy,” says Middle School Principal Tom Ashburn when asked about the Capstone Experience – a program of intensive on- and off-campus learning that takes place during the final two weeks of each school year. “During Capstone, students put into practice the skills of risktaking and of thoughtful exploration that we emphasize throughout the year,” says Tom. “They also have a lot of fun.”

ENDINGS:

THE CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE Each year, the first week of Capstone begins on the Tuesday after Memorial Day weekend. During the week each grade spends time on campus or on local field trips. This year, sixth-grade students will explore

The experiences shared during Capstone provide significant opportunities for students to acquire foundational skills that will guide them throughout their lives.”

applications of real-life skills related to their English, humanities, math and science courses; seventh-grade students will partake in activities that support the key themes of their character-building curriculum: leadership, respect, and resilience; and eighth-grade students will spend the first part of their week reflecting on their growth in Middle School and the second part enjoying their final days together before welcoming new classmates in September.

During the second week of Capstone, each grade embarks on an extended overnight trip. This year, sixth-grade students will travel to Philadelphia in order to engage in team building activities and to reflect on their first year together as Newark Academy’s Class of 2022. Seventh- and eighth-grade students will travel to Boston and Washington, D.C., respectively, where they will explore aspects of those cities related to key themes discussed in their humanities, science and English classes throughout the year.

“The experiences shared during Capstone provide significant opportunities for students to acquire foundational skills that will guide them throughout their lives,” says Tom. “They also help our students to develop a keener sense of themselves as social beings.” Not surprisingly, students speak enthusiastically about the social aspects of Capstone. “I had so much fun

The

Middle School

REINVENTED

28

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

with my friends every year of Capstone,” recalls Aman Patil ’17. “I can’t imagine a more fun and meaningful way to end the year.”

1612249 Lumen C.qxp 5/17/16 7:30 AM Page 29

THE FUTURE OF

THE MIDDLE SCHOOL mental needs of middle school-aged students,” says Tom. The seventh- and eighth- grade commons area, for example,

A brand new space will be an exciting next step for the Middle School.

We can’t wait to move in.”

is separated from the faculty office by a glass wall. “Middle School students need a sense of independence, and this design offers them an appropriate space for growth and a way for them to feel connected to the faculty.”

In addition to providing the existing Middle School program with the space it needs to thrive, the new building will enable shifts in program that will enhance the student experience. Larger classroom spaces, for example, will allow for more student-centered instruction and project-

When the Trustees of Newark Academy

This spring, construction

set out to construct a dedicated facility

crews broke ground on

for the Middle School, they aspired to build a lasting space specifically designed for the needs of students in grades six through eight. “We felt that

what will rise to be a two-story, nearly 22,000-square-foot Middle School building. When finished, it will contain 10 new classrooms, three new science laboratories, a new faculty office space, an assembly

based learning, while maintaining small class sizes. New science labs will enable the Academy’s youngest scientists to engage in more complex experiments.

And a dedicated building will allow Tom and his faculty to craft a class schedule that specifically meets the needs of early adolescents.

our students and faculty deserved

and performance hall, as well as student

a best-in-class facility,” says Board

lockers and common areas. The new

The new building is scheduled to open by

building will be connected to the existing

the start of the 2017-18 school year, and

Newark Academy building by way of an

anticipation is already high. “A brand

indoor hallway to the Elizabeth B. McGraw

new space will be an exciting next step

Arts Center. In this way, the new building

for the Middle School,” says Spanish

will enhance the singularity of the Middle

Teacher and Eighth Grade Team Leader

School yet preserve the one-school feel

Luis Gomez, who has been teaching at

of Newark Academy.

Newark Academy since 1992. “We can’t

Chairman David D. McGraw ’77, “but we also realized that our innovative and successful program needed a home that would enhance teaching and learning for decades. We sought to make a multigenerational investment in the Newark Academy campus, and I’m so pleased that it is now becoming a reality.”

Middle School Principal Tom Ashburn and

wait to move in.”

several members of the Middle School faculty have been intimately involved in the design of the new building. “The layout of the interior spaces reflects the develop-

NEWARK ACADEMY

29

1612249 Lumen D.qxp 5/17/16 7:56 AM Page 30

LEARNING

BY DOING

CONDUCTING AUTHENTIC

SCIENCE RESEARCH

By Rachael Reeves, Science Faculty

T

he second floor of Newark Academy is a flurry of activity: students building cardboard boats, Dr. Hobson talking with a student about recently collected lab data, freshmen quizzing each

other in biology, Ms. Berkefeld scheduling lab time with Waksman Scholars, Ms. Celente reviewing designs with a visiting architect. For those who venture upstairs to the science wing, it is easy to get caught up in the energy.

30

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

❯❯❯

1612249 Lumen D.qxp 5/17/16 7:56 AM Page 31

Students and faculty are feeling excited about the many science initiatives NA has created in the past two years. Among those initiatives are a revamped science curriculum, more science-focused clubs and the student research program. In addition, the ongoing renovations of the science labs will include state-of-the-art equipment, expanded learning spaces and additional opportunities for lab-based work.

Recent curricular innovations include the addition of the part-time interdisciplinary STEMinar available to students in grades 10 through 12. Tarun Maddali ’16, currently enrolled in the STEMinar as well as in two IB science classes, is thrilled with the new offerings. He notes, “As a future engineer, I want to be in a class where I can apply knowledge in practical situations. By working on topics from topographical data to coding, I am able to acquire the skills I wouldn’t get in a normal science or math class.” The science department also offers challenging electives in biotechnology, neuroscience, anatomy and engineering.

Newark Academy’s commitment to making superb science programs a priority is forcefully demonstrated by its investment in developing a comprehensive and com-

pelling student research program led by science teacher Robert (Bob) Bitler.

By creating opportunities to participate in hands-on, current science research, NA students learn lab techniques, acquire problem-solving skills and gain new perspectives. According to Bob, “The research program will enhance students’ abilities to be successful in college and will help them develop the skills and qualities needed to prepare them for careers in the sciences and to meet the challenges of a complex, rapidly changing global environment.”

Bob has spent the past two years making connections throughout northern New Jersey’s scientific community, and has mentored students as they engage in research projects at NA and beyond. Some of the signature research opportunities are featured on the following pages.

Newark Academy’s commitment to making superb science programs a priority is forcefully demonstrated by its investment in developing a comprehensive and compelling student research program.

NEWARK ACADEMY

31

1612249 Lumen D.qxp 5/17/16 7:56 AM Page 32

“I believe this may be

the most significant scientific research ever conducted at NA.”

Rutgers University Waksman Student Scholars Conduct Research in

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS IN YEARLONG PROGRAM

Long after the sun has gone down on Tuesday nights, NA faculty member Caitlin Berkefeld and a group of 12 dedicated students can be found in the Newark Academy biology lab, hovering over clips of an aquatic plant called duckweed.

Caitlin volunteers her time on these evenings to teach students various DNA isolation and sequencing techniques as part of Rutgers University’s Waksman Institute of Microbiology Student Scholars Program.

32

LUMEN

I

SPRING 2016

1612249 Lumen D.qxp 5/17/16 7:57 AM Page 33

Rutgers Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Research Students Research Effects of Huntington’s Disease in Mice For five weeks last summer, four Newark Academy students spent their days in the world-renowned neuroscience labs of Rutgers University studying the brains of mice that had been genetically modified to have Huntington’s Disease. “I helped with research on the relationship between Huntington’s Disease and

The students will spend three weeks this summer at the interdisciplinary research institute, located on the Busch Campus of Rutgers University, further developing the lab techniques they have learned at NA. With the training they receive through the Waksman Institute, the students hope to begin discovering new genetic code when they return to the lab at NA. “We are looking for new DNA sequences in aquatic plants, with the goal of

“NA will become, in a small way, a science research center itself.” getting a new sequence published,” explained Caitlin.

“I believe this may be the most significant scientific research ever conducted at NA,” said Bob Bitler. “It’s a very high-level program because it is original DNA research,” he added. “NA will become, in a small way, a science research center itself.”

The students involved agree that this program is uniquely powerful. “This is my first taste of conducting actual scientific research,” Cosimo Fabrizio ’18 said, “and I’m enjoying the experience a lot. While we do have a teacher supervising us, all of the work is done hands-on by students, which allows us to improve our lab skills and feel proud of the work we produce.” Lance Tan ’17 first brought the Student Scholars Program to Bob’s attention.

“I’m extremely interested in the program and its potential to show us how to do real cutting-edge research in molecular biology,” said Lance.

dysfunction of the subthalamic nucleus, focusing on behavioral and cellular analysis,” explained Amy Chen ’15. Amy was joined by Karina Mehta ’16, Elina Hoffman ’16 and Adam Magistro ’16.

“We weren’t just fetching coffee,” Karina said, “We were doing hands-on work in the lab.”

Indeed, the students engaged in a variety of activities to assist the research of NA parents Dr. Elizabeth Abercrombie and Dr. James Tepper. These activities involved preparing slide mounts of mouse cerebra, imaging neurons, executing polymerase chain reactions, and even soldering together “mouse boxes.” “We did every step by ourselves,” Karina continued. “We were able to start in the beginning, from when the brain was cut, all the way through to the end, when it was imaged.”

The opportunity to become part of a research team and gain experience in cutting-edge work was a tremendous opportunity for these budding scientists from NA. “Because working in a neuroscience lab was entirely new to me,” Amy said, “every experience I had was invaluable — from working with live mice in performing tests, to sectioning and staining brain tissue, and even learning how to use the computer program Neurolucida.” As a result of their work, the students gained knowledge much deeper than would be available to them in a classroom. Karina noted: “It was interesting to see all the parts of a brain and compare it to what we’ve learned in my Anatomy class. You learn to identify different parts of the brain when you’re mounting the slides. You can actually see the connections that you’ve only read about before.”

NEWARK ACADEMY

33

1612249 Lumen D.qxp 5/17/16 7:57 AM Page 34

Riding the Waves at Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science

Can electrical power be generated by the ceaseless motion of waves in the ocean?

When alumnus Michael Celente ’12 had the opportunity to help design a summer engineering program at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science (BIOS), he knew that the program would be a great opportunity for current NA students to learn about the ocean’s potential to provide a steady source of clean and renewable energy. The program, Lehigh in Bermuda, is offered through Lehigh University, where Michael is a senior engineering student.

34

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

1612249 Lumen D.qxp 5/17/16 7:57 AM Page 35

T

en NA students jumped at the opportunity to study alternative energy at BIOS’s top-flight research facility with both BIOS and Lehigh faculty. The students who participated in the program in June 2015 were joined by NA science teacher Deb Tavares and Assistant to the Dean of Students Kristin Duszak, a former marine science graduate student.

The program focused on an energy technology known as a wave energy converter (WEC), which works by transforming wave energy in the ocean into electrical energy on land. Rather than just

“I learned way more than I would have by sitting in a classroom learning the theory.”

studying the WEC and its processes, though, students had the opportunity to build their own converters. “I learned way more than I would have by sitting in a classroom learning the theory,” said Elizabeth Soranno ’17. Although the students had their NA chaperones and the BIOS teachers to look to for guidance, they were encouraged to solve problems on their own. “It’s a very challenging thing,” explained Elizabeth. “You can sink it, or the coil doesn’t work. We learned by trial-and-error.”

Through hands-on experience, cooperation with engineering mentors, unique fieldwork and seminars from experts, NA students who participated in the BIOS program learned a vast amount about marine ecosystems. “Our students were engaged in authentic research and problem solving, in an exchange of design ideas with students from other schools,” Deb said. Plans to run a similar trip again this summer are in the works.

RAMAPO COLLEGE PHYSICS LAB Researching Radiation Spectra of Common Fertilizers Three NA students – Tarun Maddali ’16, Amogh Anakru ’17 and Alex Chang ’17 – had the opportunity to work with Dr. Daniela Buna, mother of NA alumnus Andrei Buna ’15, in her physics lab at Ramapo College. “Our research topic involved investigating the radiation spectra of common fertilizers,” Amogh said, “many of which have measureable amounts of potassium-40, a radioactive isotope of potassium.” Tarun added, “The overarching theme of the project was to study the principles of nuclear physics using small quantities of radioactive materials with varying half-lives.”

The students compared theoretical and experimental concentrations of the isotope and analyzed any sources of error in their collection techniques.

Through careful analysis, they were able to mathematically correct the calibration issues that occurred. The students have begun the process of preparing their data for publication of a poster for the American Association of Physics Teachers.

In addition to gaining valuable hands-on experience, the students benefited from the opportunity to work in a professional lab setting. Amogh explained, “The physics lab is definitely bigger and has more sophisticated equipment than any high school lab; in the first two days I learned how to calibrate laser interferometers and scintillation detectors (used to detect gamma radiation).”

The advance preparation needed to use such sophisticated equipment required focus and effort. The students read through pages of documentation and were trained on safety and operation protocols. “It’s definitely a rewarding experience to work where real research is conducted and to gain the valuable lab skills needed to accomplish such important work,” said Amogh.

NEWARK ACADEMY

35

1612249 Lumen D.qxp 5/17/16 7:57 AM Page 36

QSAR MOLECULAR MODELING For nearly three years, Newark Academy parent Dr. Sol Jacobson has mentored NA students in the Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships (QSAR) method of chemical modeling.

This method involves a toolbox of statistical software that allows students to relate a chemical’s molecular structure to its function, predicting its physical properties and potential usefulness before testing begins.

Knowledge gleaned from the QSAR method enables companies to save resources and make more sound product development decisions before moving into the lab. According to NA faculty member and Student Research Coordinator Robert Bitler, “This is a tremendous opportunity for students interested in chemistry — and, in particular, those interested in working in the pharmaceutical industry.”

All NA students in the QSAR program are expected to write a paper regarding their research and present their findings at the end of the year, but two have gone an impressive step further. Soyi Sarkar ’17 and Isabel Alland ’17 submitted their research to the International Biometric Society (IBS). Both NA juniors had their work accepted and were invited to present at a meeting of the IBS in Austin, Texas, earlier this spring. While professors and graduate students often present at this annual regional meeting, it is quite rare for younger students to do so. “The IBS is a highly-regarded international professional association,” said Dr. Jacobson. “This is an amazing honor for these two students and for Newark Academy.”

36

LUMEN

I

SPRING 2016

1612249 Lumen D.qxp 5/17/16 7:57 AM Page 37

STUDENT INDEPENDENT SUMMER RESEARCH From targeting cellular pathways in fighting cancer (Penzberg, Germany) To using celestial mechanics to predict asteroid pathways (Boulder, Colorado)

EACH SUMMER, Newark Academy sends many students to collegiate or commercial science research programs that hone their research skills and expose them to a diverse field of future professions. Soyi Sarkar ’17 and Mauranda Men ’16 are two such students who had exceptional experiences last summer.

Soyi spent two weeks in Penzberg, Germany, working at Roche Diagnostics, a company that targets cellular pathways to fighting cancer. “I learned so much about cancer research,” Soyi said. “It was so rewarding. My internship in Germany has inspired me to pursue a career in science.” While at Roche, Soyi observed professional oncologists and completed her own research, using sophisticated equipment to test the efficacy of the compound Amanitin in treating several types of cancer.

While Soyi was looking through microscopes at Roche, Mauranda was looking through the SommersBausch Observatory telescope as part of the Summer Science Program at the University of Colorado. Mauranda spent her days learning celestial mechanics and using Python software to model the course of a near-Earth asteroid. Her group was able to accurately produce 3-D coordinates of their asteroid, which were submitted to the Minor Planet Center.

“Although our asteroid has been tagged by NASA as ‘potentially hazardous,’ since its orbital path directly crosses that of the Earth, we found that it was more likely to simply crash into the sun eventually.”

A DAY AT SUMMIT MEDICAL GROUP Students “Test Drive” Future Medical Career Options Most people experience the Summit Medical Group facility as a patient; six NA students know an entirely different side of the center. Dr. Peter Hyans, an NA parent, provided these students with the opportunity to spend a full day at the Summit Medical Group center, observing medical procedures and meeting with medical professionals. According to Bob Bitler, “Students conferred with doctors and staff at many levels and observed a number of medical and surgical procedures.”

Anne Ruble ’17 had the opportunity to meet with an orthopedic surgeon, a cardiac surgeon and several physicians’ assistants. Demonstrations ranged from analyzing x-rays to casting a broken arm to suturing a laceration.

Anne added, “We also got to hear a cardiac surgeon discuss some of the challenges of operating on the heart, while he dissected a pig heart.”

This unique opportunity gave students hands-on experience with medical procedures and an understanding of different professionals’ roles in a medical center. For students aspiring to medical careers, the experience was motivating. Anne said, “After participating in the program, I am certain I want to pursue a professional career in medicine because of the people I met.”

“Students conferred with doctors and staff at many levels and observed a number of medical and surgical procedures.”

NEWARK ACADEMY

37

1612249 Lumen D.qxp 5/17/16 7:57 AM Page 38

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR IB SCIENCE In an effort to further its goal of teaching students how scientists work and communicate with each other,

“These requirements give students the hands-on experimental design experience that will help them have an impact in research settings during college and in their professional careers,” Nancy said.

the International Baccalaureate program established new requirements for science courses this year.

NA Science Department Chair Nancy Celente explained: “In past years, students compiled a lab portfolio that was submitted to the IB organization at the end of the year.

Now, students are being asked to pose their own research question and then design a lab to answer the question.”

To meet this requirement, students identify an area of interest, design a procedure, gather data and communicate their results in an 8- to 12-page paper.

In addition to allowing students more freedom to pursue their own areas of interest, the new requirements better prepare students for work in the scientific community.

38

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

SOME OF THE RESEARCH PROJECTS INCLUDE: “An Investigation of Germination in Phaseolus lunatus with Differing pH Levels” — Jordan Nachwalter ’16 “The Effect of Different Concentrations of Lactose on Growth of Escherichia coli” — Oluwadamilola Oshewa ’16 “An Investigation into Species Relations Based on Protein Sequencing of Hemoglobin Subunit Beta” — Stephanie Roser ’16 “Determining the Concentration of Vitamin C in Different Orange Juices Using Titration Method” — Brittney Tong ’16 “The Effect of Antimicrobials on the Zone of Inhibition of Escherichia coli Colony Growth” — Seth Wilensky ’16

1612249 Lumen E.qxp 5/17/16 8:23 AM Page 39

A DVA N C E M E N T

Through the generosity of trustees, parents, alumni and faculty, the Rise & Flourish Campaign has raised more than $25 million. This significant milestone paves the way for work to begin on the third phase of the Campaign: the Construction of the Middle School.

More Than $25 Million in Gifts and Pledges Received!

To date: 545 gifts received, with an average gift (made over five years) of $46,306

NA has awarded

PROJECT STATUS PHASE 1

UPPER SCHOOL ACADEMIC CENTER

Completed

n

6 “full-ride+” scholarships

Two scholarship funds have been

fully endowed

MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPANSION PHASE 2

OUTDOOR ATHLETIC FACILITIES

Completed

n

PHASE 3

MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPANSION

In Progress

n

PHASE 4

ROSE AUDITORIUM RENOVATION

In Planning

n

10 classrooms n 3 science labs n 1 common area for 200 students n 1 outdoor recreation area

NAPA Makes Record-Setting $500,000 Commitment to Rise & Flourish Throughout its history, Newark Academy has benefited mightily from its close partnership with parents. Having evolved from the separate “Mothers Club” and “Fathers Club” of years gone by, the Newark Academy Parents Association (NAPA) of today plays a significant role in the life of the Academy through a multi-dimensional program of parent engagement, communications, community events and fundraising on behalf of NA. NAPA leaders and the NA administration are in constant dialogue about the Academy’s most pressing needs in order to ensure that the Association can fulfill its primary purpose of supporting NA and its mission. As Rise & Flourish: The Campaign for Newark Academy moved into its

current phase of fundraising, NAPA felt it was important to demonstrate its support of that effort with a significant leadership pledge of $500,000.

This decision was approved by the NAPA Executive Board in March 2015.

This is the largest single gift that the collective parent body

has ever made. The pledge is being paid over a seven-year period and is funded through NAPA’s highly successful and entertaining annual Winter Benefit.

According to immediate past president Sujata Pandiri, NAPA leaders hope that the generous commitment sets

an example for individual families in the school as well as for alumni. “We wanted to structure the gift in a way that would indicate NAPA’s commitment to the long-term success of NA. The campus improvements and the growth of the endowment being made possible through Rise & Flourish are preparing NA for the next 50 years. It was important to all of us on the NAPA board that our collective gift serve as a vote of confidence for Newark Academy’s future.”

NEWARK ACADEMY

39

1612249 Lumen E.qxp 5/17/16 8:23 AM Page 40

A DVA N C E M E N T

NA DAY OF GIVING SETS A NEW FUNDRAISING RECORD There was plenty of fanfare leading up to the second annual Newark Academy Day of Giving. Students and faculty alike wore red and black to demonstrate their NA spirit. The school was decked in balloons and signage to spread the word. “#NADayofGiving” topped NA’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook feeds.

The Day of Giving started strong with the first gift coming in at 1:30 a.m. Throughout the day, more than 150 students got involved by making contributions or by calling parents and alumni to garner their support for the Annual Fund.

The Day of Giving concluded with an alumni get-together in Times Square. NA alumni met at a restaurant there to pledge their support and take part in the celebration. At the end of the day, the generosity demonstrated by the NA community was staggering.

Alumni, parents and staff gave more than $138,058 – three times greater than last year’s total. More than 300 donors participated and set an NA record for the greatest amount raised in a 24-hour period!

The funds generated during the Day of Giving will directly benefit NA students and faculty members. It was a rewarding and inspiring day for the entire NA community.

Rise & Flourish Gets a Boost from The Hyde & Watson Foundation Most donors to Rise & Flourish: The Campaign for Newark Academy know the school, inside and out. Alumni from the Class of ’39 to the youngest generation, along with parents who consider their son or daughter “lucky” to be attending NA, have stepped up and donated nearly $26 million to the campaign, sparking a generational transformation of the campus.

40

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

Total raised:

$138,058 Number of Donors:

Smallest Gift:

$1

301 Largest Gift:

Alumni Range:

$25,000

1938 – 2015

THANK YOU! A New Annual Fund Record:

$138,058 in 24 hours 219% increase

50% increase

in Day of Giving pledges

in donor participation

This spark seems to have caught on in the broader New Jersey community. One clear example of this is the recent generosity of The Hyde & Watson Foundation.

Based in Warren, New Jersey, Hyde & Watson has a long history of supporting local and regional capital projects at educational institutions,

primarily pre-collegiate independent and parochial schools. Providing Northern New Jersey and New York organizations with nearly $5 million in grants annually, Hyde & Watson chose to support Newark Academy’s Rise & Flourish Campaign after learning about the

1612249 Lumen E.qxp 5/17/16 8:23 AM Page 41

careful and long-considered plans for the new Middle School facility.

Last Fall, the Hyde & Watson Foundation determined that potential donors from within the NA community might be inspired to see the Middle School project supported by an outside organization and that that “boost” would help the Academy reach the 50 percent-of-total-cost threshold needed to begin construction.

The result was the largest gift Newark Academy has ever received from the Hyde & Watson Foundation and, in fact, one of the largest grants the Foundation has made in recent years.

That “boost” was the largest gift Newark Academy has ever received from the Hyde & Watson Foundation and, in fact, one of the largest grants the Foundation has made in recent years.

According to William V. Engel, President of the Hyde & Watson Foundation, the Trustees of Hyde & Watson saw NA’s Middle School project as an investment worth making. “We looked at the Newark Academy Middle School project, and all agreed that it was a good investment for the Foundation,” Mr. Engel said. “We are big believers in independent

schools and are happy to be a part of making this Middle School a reality. We consider our grantees to be our partners, and we hope that this grant will inspire parents and alumni at Newark Academy to support Rise & Flourish at stretch levels.”

The Hyde & Watson Foundation was incorporated in 1983, through the consoli-

dation of The Lillia Babbitt Hyde Foundation and The John Jay and Eliza Jane Watson Foundation.

The Foundation supports capital projects such as hard costs related to the construction or purchase of new facilities, building renovations and improvements, purchase of capital equipment and furnishings, and other one-time capital needs. Broad fields of support include education, social services, arts, health, religion and humanities.

The current geographic areas of grant support are primarily the five boroughs of New York City, and Essex, Morris, and Union Counties in New Jersey.

DAVID TEIGER ’47, ART PATRON AND COLLECTOR, CREATES A LEGACY AT NA David Teiger was a passionate art collector who spent more than 30 years amassing a collection of highly-valued contemporary and American folk art. He also served on the Committee of Drawings at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and became an honorary trustee of the museum in 2004.

David was an unconventional collector. When purchasing art, he insisted on only one criterion: it must be spiritually moving. In 1998, images from his private collection were strikingly photographed and published in a book aptly titled Spiritually Moving. According to the publisher, David’s rare and beautiful collection was composed of some of the finest American folk art sculpture that had surfaced over the preceding decades. The book brought David instant recognition in the art world.

As a loyal contributor to Newark Academy’s Annual Fund and a member of the 1774 Society, David made it clear that NA held a special place in his heart. When he passed away on November 30, 2014, at the age of 85, David left a significant gift to NA through his estate.

David’s bequest will fund among other things, a renovation of the existing gallery in the McGraw Arts Center and the creation of “Teiger II” – a gallery of studio art by Middle School students.

Teiger II will be located near the Commons Room in the new Middle School.

David Teiger’s passion for the arts will continue to inspire Newark Academy’s young artists for generations to come.

NEWARK ACADEMY

41

1612249 Lumen E.qxp 5/17/16 8:23 AM Page 42

A DVA N C E M E N T

Newark Academy Families Drive a Tradition of Giving LEARNING TO DRIVE IN STYLE The Lustig Family has supported the Newark Academy driving education program for nearly 30 years through a biennial gift. Every two years, NA students learn to drive in a new car from Denville Acura, contributed through the generosity of former NA Trustee Gerald Lustig and his son, Steven Lustig ’91.

Reflecting on the long-standing contribution Gerald explained, “Newark Academy has provided skilled instructors for the driving education program. I wanted to supplement that expertise with a vehicle that offered state-of-the-art dynamics and safety technology.”

Jeff Kacur, longtime coach and retired faculty member, has served as one of NA’s driving instructors for nearly 40 years and is grateful for the Lustig family’s enduring commitment to NA’s young drivers. Jeff estimates that, through the years, nearly 1,000 Newark Academy students have learned to drive as a result of the Lustigs’ gift.

FOUR FOR FORE For almost as long as there has been a Newark Academy Minuteman Golf and Tennis Invitational there have been cars on the golf course, giving hopeful golfers the opportunity to win a car with a “hole-in-one” shot.

Newark Academy is fortunate to have two families who each donate two cars to the event every year.

Matthew Haiken ’01, owner of Prestige Volvo and Prestige Kia, donates one car from each of his car dealerships as a hole-in-one grand prize. His father, Leonard, began the tradition in 1994. Gerald and Steven Lustig ’91, owners of Denville Acura and Fiat of Morris County, also donate a hole-in-one car from each of their dealerships.

With their generous gifts to the Minuteman Invitational, the Haikens and Lustigs demonstrate their outstanding long-term dedication to the Academy. Golfers also appreciate the opportunity to win one of four new cars, which adds to the excitement on the course!

42

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

1612249 Lumen F.qxp 5/17/16 11:08 AM Page 43

ALUMNI NEWS

Message from Glenn Waldorf ’90 President, Alumni Board of Governors I am thrilled and honored to be the President of the Newark Academy Alumni Board of Governors. Assuming my new role in July 2015, I have gained a deeper appreciation for NA and its faculty than I had during my days as a student.

Newark Academy has enhanced its identity as a place that nurtures students to have a common academic knowledge base, disciplined study habits, and the maturity to succeed independently in college and beyond. I have met a number of impressive students whose passion for learning immediately surfaces in conversation. Visiting a few classes, I’ve seen teachers nurture students’ critical thinking skills so they can productively channel their ideas.

The Alumni Board of Governors’ (BOG) mission is to be the dynamic leadership group of the NA alumni community. We are dedicated to serving as a catalyst for engagement between NA and its alumni. I am grateful to work with a strong team of volunteers who are graduates from the 1960s to the 2010s, and I am happy to report that NA alumni have positively responded to the BOG’s efforts to provide engaging programs. More than 500 alums attended 12 NA alumni events so far this year and the 2015 Homecoming and Reunion set new attendance records.

The Alumni Board of Governors is organized to enhance the overall NA community and has several core activities: n

NA’s faculty is one of the key reasons alumni stay involved with the school.

The BOG is deeply appreciative of teachers who participate in alumni events, in addition to their

teaching and extracurricular commitments to NA. n

The BOG contributes to the life of the Academy, enhancing students’ experiences. Each year the BOG organizes Interview Night to help dozens of students prepare for college interviews. On the Alumni Day of Service the BOG spends a day giving back to their local communities.

Alumni are also encouraged to return to campus to attend theater, sports, and other events.

n

The BOG is grateful for, and closely supports, NA’s Class Representatives.

These dedicated volunteers stay in touch with classmates and share updates about the school throughout the year.

n

One of the BOG’s new initiatives is the Affinity Committee, which creates programming based on personal identifiers, professional affiliations, and former NA interests in

order to engage alumni.

One example of affinity programming is the NA Women in STEM event planned for Fall 2016.

n

Finally, the BOG has placed a strong emphasis on helping Young Alumni maintain close ties and emotional connections to NA. We hope that, by providing recent graduates with social activities and career networking opportunities, we will encourage them to remain “engaged alumni for life.”

Thanks to all NA alumni for participating in and supporting the BOG’s efforts. The Board of Governors welcomes suggestions and support (email: alumni@newarka.edu).

I look forward to seeing you at an NA alumni event soon!

JOIN THE GROWING NUMBER OF ALUMNI WHO ARE CLASS REPRESENTATIVES! Paul Busse ’38 Robert Lee ’44 Robert Cronheim ’46 K. Kelly Marx ’51 William Van Winkle ’52 Edward L. Levitt ’55 Stephen Knee ’58 Douglas B. Slade ’59 Frederick Katz, Jr. ’60 Curtis Cetrulo ’61 Peter C. Papademetriou ’61 MacKinnon Simpson ’61 Bernard J. D’Avella, Jr. ’62 Peter Artaserse, Jr. ’63 Charles A. Fischbein ’63 Michael R. Yogg ’64 Van S. Stevens ’65 Jonathan Epstein ’66 Matthew Leone ’67 Stephan G. Kravitz ’68

Franklin C. Phifer, Jr. ’68 John H. Bess ’69 Leo M. Gordon ’69 William D. Hardin, Jr. ’71 Mark Menza ’71 Daniel D. Cronheim ’72 Harry Hazelwood III ’72 Lance T. Aronson ’74 Donald C. DeFabio ’76 Robin Lechter Frank ’76 Margery Gering Feinberg ’78 Michael Schneck ’79 Kim S. Hirsh ’80 Arthur Williams IV ’81 Kristen Brask Martin ’82 William E. Markstein ’84 Kimberley Griffinger Wachtel ’85 Betsy Dollinger Bernstein ’86 CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

NEWARK ACADEMY

43

1612249 Lumen F.qxp 5/17/16 11:08 AM Page 44

ALUMNI NEWS

JOIN THE GROWING NUMBER OF ALUMNI WHO ARE CLASS REPRESENTATIVES!

James C. Schachtel ’86 Lara Coraci Basile ’88 Matthew McTamaney ’88 Melissa Dollinger Shein ’88 Stacey Bradford ’89 Troy Powell ’90 Glenn A. Waldorf ’90 Richard L. Worth ’91 Timothy E. Herburger ’93 Jed S. Rosenthal ’93 Pamela Helfant Vichengrad ’94 Kathleen Mangunay Pergament ’95 Jason S. Granet ’96 Andrew Slutzky ’96 Amanda Rubinstein Black ’97 Jack A. Hyman ’98 Lauren Jacobs-Lazer ’98 Jenna Smith Schwerdt ’98 John Gregory ’99 Asha Talwar Coco ’99 Alison Poole Lasher ’00 Colin R. Griggs ’01 Brian McGaughan ’01 Joshua Jacobs ’02 Marcelo C. Porto ’02 Alexander C. Senchak ’02

44

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

Lauren H. Anderson ’03 David R. Mazzuca ’03 David N. Rattner ’03 Evan P. Sills ’03 Danielle Grunebaum ’04 Kathryn Pagos ’04 Stephanie Reingold ’04 Louise Ball Schutte ’04 Jonathan Allocca ’05 Gabriel Gaviola ’05 Molly McGaughan ’05 Bridget Duffy Raines ’05 Julia Appel ’06 Sarah Marcus Hansen ’06 Brandon Hedvat ’06 Ilana Mandelbaum Sterling ’06 Asia Stewart ’06 David Doobin ’07 Catherine Pfeffer ’07 Emily Simon ’07 Andrew Somberg ’07 David Frank ’08 Alexa Gruber ’08 Lynn Olesky ’08 Maximilian C. Staiger ’08 Andrew S. Binger ’09 Christina A. Colizza ’09 Rebecca Curwin ’09 Shannon Lam ’09 Brian L. Silver ’09 Lisa Fischer ’10 Patrick Kelly ’10 Brian McHugh ’10 Jordan I. Jett ’11 Jennifer Mandelbaum ’11 Jourdan McGhee ’11 Christopher P. Davis ’12 Joseph P. McGrath III ’12 Shane S. Neibart ’12 Carissa E. Szlosek ’12 SaVonne Anderson ’13 Matt Cowen ’13 Jai Ghose ’14 Thomas Pan ’14 Lauren Whelan ’14 Jacob Wieseneck ’14 Madeline DeLamielleure ’15 Jasmine Gamboa ’15 Nicholas Murray ’15 Zachary Persing ’15 Matthew Thekkethala ’15

STAY CONNECTED, BE SOCIAL With such a close-knit community at Newark Academy, the importance of staying involved and connected is abundantly clear. From networking and social opportunities, to news and updates about the school and your favorite teachers, staying connected is easier than ever.

Stay In-The-Know Facebook: From nostalgic Throwback Thursday (#tbt) photos to alumni and faculty news, our Newark Academy Alumni Facebook page is our immediate outlet for sharing important news with the alumni community. We encourage you to share your NA memories and what you are doing by posting to our page or tagging us in your posts. In addition to news, you’ll be among the first to find out about alumni events happening in your area.

Twitter: Get NA updates and news in 140 characters or less, by following us on Twitter. Be sure to use #NAAlumni when you are tweeting at our events or posting that photo of yourself from senior year.

Instagram: The campus is more beautiful than ever and we’re capturing that beauty on Instagram.

You’ll also find photos of alumni and faculty walking the halls of the school or attending events around the country. We encourage you to use #NAAlumni so we can see the photos you are posting about NA! LinkedIn: Looking for an internship or job?

Want to network but don’t know where to start?

Have no fear, our NA Alumni LinkedIn Group is here. With so many alumni working in various career fields, it’s the perfect place to start reaching out and connecting with fellow alumni. Join this group today and start posting discussions and creating dialogue.

Newark Academy Alumni App: The perfect resource to have at your fingertips when you need to find a classmate’s contact information or want to know what alumni events are happening near you. Use the alumni directory to search for NA alumni in your area!

1612249 Lumen F.qxp 5/17/16 11:08 AM Page 45

WHERE WE’RE GOING… For current information about upcoming alumni events, please visit our website, alumni.newarka.edu/events.

Here are some highlights:

June 4 Alumni Lacrosse Dig out your stick and get back to campus to show the current Minuteman laxers how it’s done.

June 12 Commencement and Old Guard Luncheon Just before we celebrate the newest members of our alumni community, we celebrate those of 50 or more years.

June 17 A Night at Fenway Park Join fellow Boston-area alumni for a night out at Fenway Park as we cheer on the Red Sox. Register online: alumni.newarka.edu/events.

CELEBRATE REUNION 2016!

Come back to NA, reconnect with old friends and see all the wonderful changes happening on campus!

S AV E T H E D AT E :

Saturday, October 8 Homecoming Tailgate Party, Athletic Games, Women of NA Lunch, Awards Reception and Reunion Dinner

Oct. 8 Homecoming and Reunion We’re getting ready for our annual trip down memory lane. Come back to check out what’s new, check in with old friends and see some of your favorite faculty.

If your graduation year ends in a 1 or a 6, this is YOUR party, so save the date!

Nov. 25 Morristown Meet-up Continue the holiday cheer with this extremely popular alumni gathering in Morristown while you are home for the holidays.

Nov. 26 Alumni Basketball and Soccer Relive the glory days and join us for one of our alumni event mainstays. It’s always a good time, whether you’re on the court or the pitch!

NEWARK ACADEMY

45

1612249 Lumen F.qxp 5/17/16 11:08 AM Page 46

ALUMNI NEWS

From Saving Lives to Sporting Clays DR. WILLIAM HARDIN ’71

By Garrett Caldwell

Bill Hardin always wanted to be a surgeon. “I felt drawn to surgery,” he said, “because I always liked the idea of having to take control of tense and critical situations, to make things work out the way I wanted them to.” To say that Dr. Hardin made his youthful vision a reality would be an understatement.

Currently, Dr. Hardin is Associate Chief Medical Officer at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Colorado Springs (ranked #5 in the nation). He is a also Professor of Pediatric Surgery in the School of Medicine at the University of Colorado.

Beyond his surgical and teaching duties, he is currently leading the design, planning and construction of a new

46

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

children’s hospital in Colorado Springs. When not at the hospital, Dr. Hardin is nationally ranked in the sport of clay shooting; in recent years he has won five medals – two gold, two silver and one bronze – at the U.S. Championships.

How on earth does he do it?

“Passion,” Dr. Hardin said “is the key.” He continued:

“You have to find that one thing that you are meant to do in life, that one thing that you are passionate about.” One would be hard-pressed to

think of a skill more difficult than performing surgery. Dr. Hardin relishes the challenge.

“There is a charge to doing surgery,” he continued.

“When things are going well you know it, and when things are not going well you have to make some changes.”

Confidence, integrity and resilience resonate in every word he utters.

And the clay shooting?

“It’s fun,” Dr. Hardin said.

“It’s something I really

1612249 Lumen F.qxp 5/17/16 11:08 AM Page 47

Passion is the key. You have to find that one thing that you are meant to do in life, that one thing that you are passionate about.”

enjoy doing.” He credits his shooting skill to a good friend from Louisiana, who introduced him to duck hunting 30 years ago. “He was a true Cajun, French dialect and all,” said Dr. Hardin.

After his time at Newark Academy, Dr. Hardin attended Harvard and the College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey before transferring to Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He stayed in New Orleans for more than a decade, performing surgery at Charity Hospital. After completing his pediatric surgical training in Los Angeles, Dr. Hardin returned to Charity and taught at Tulane Medical School. Charity Hospital was, and is, one of the most renowned surgical hospitals in the country, ranked alongside New York’s Bellevue, Philadelphia General, and Mass General in Boston. Typical of many inner city hospitals, Charity handles the most difficult trauma patients. It was a challenging but professionally rewarding place to work, Dr. Hardin remembers.

During the 1990s and 2000s Dr. Hardin was on the faculty at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He ran

the trauma and burn units in addition to the surgery on infants and children. This was the “heart” of his career, he said. But working 90 to 110 hours per week took a toll on his family life. So, when his daughter was about to enter high school, he took a somewhat less demanding job teaching at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Three years ago, with his daughter at Cornell, he accepted the position in Colorado.

Dr. Hardin remembers doing well academically and enjoying his classes at Newark Academy. Blackie Parlin and Joe Borlo stand out as teachers he remembers fondly.

Dr. Hardin particularly enjoyed his athletic experiences. He captained his varsity baseball and football teams as a senior.

Coach Bob Hendrickson was an extremely positive influence on him. A few weeks ago Dr. Hardin visited Coach Hendrickson in Arizona. They reminisced about old times while spending the day clay shooting.

played in the surgical field – surgeon, professor, project manager, to name a few – he recognizes that NA provided him with the fundamental skills required for success. “I’ve spent my entire career around students, residents and surgeons-in-training,” Dr. Hardin said, “and I was able to use the experiences with my excellent NA teachers as models to help me in my personal interactions.” The school helped prepare Dr. Hardin academically as well. The surgical field, he said, is an “intense academic setting, one where success is predicated on quality research and publications.”

Dr. Hardin remembers fondly his three best friends at NA – Peter Simon ’71, Dana Streep ’71, and Tommy Jennings ’71.

The four of them still get together and laugh about all the trouble they used to get into. When asked what has changed most about NA, Dr. Hardin said, “Girls.”

He graduated the last year before NA became co-ed. Dr. Hardin is impressed that NA students now take field trips to see live surgeries. He might be disappointed, though, that the school has yet to form a clay shooting team.

HARDIN FAMILY TREE AT NA The Hardin family’s involvement with NA dates back more than a century. Bill’s grandfather, Charles Roe Hardin, graduated in the Class of 1911. Other members of the Hardin family who graduated from NA include: John R. Hardin Jr. ’13, John R. Hardin III ’45, Charles Hardin Jr. ’37, William D. Hardin ’44, Robert Hardin ’51, William Hardin Jr. ’71, David G. Hardin ’73, Peter R. Hardin ’75, and David W. Hardin ’07.

Dr. Hardin is appreciative of Newark Academy for helping to prepare him for his life’s work in surgery – the “journey,” as he put it. In the many roles that Dr. Hardin has

NEWARK ACADEMY

47

1612249 Lumen G.qxp 5/17/16 9:15 AM Page 48

C L A S S N OT E S

1951 65th Reunion CONTACT:

K. Kelly Marx (973) 376-0777

1938 CONTACT:

Paul Busse (732) 785-7785

William Van Winkle billvw7334@aol.com

1954

Jerome Bess wrote, “I started writing this note on Monday, December 7, 2015 and realized it was 74 years ago I was in my dorm room listening to the radio when the music stopped and the announcer blasted out ‘the Japanese are bombing Pearl Harbor – a surprise attack!’ There and then the world changed forever. This year my donation to Newark Academy is in memory of all NA students from the ’30s and ’40s who served during WWII and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice never to be forgotten.”

Michael Frankel turned 79 in 2015. He continues to go to his office most days, though he travels and plays golf whenever the spirit moves him.

CONTACT:

Robert Lee (561) 747-4331 Last June, Bob Lee attended the Old Guard pre-Commencement luncheon at Newark Academy.

He enjoyed sitting and conversing with Don Austin, both incoming and outgoing alumni presidents, and the Commencement Speaker, U.S. Army Brigadier General Stuart W. Risch ’80.

1946 CONTACT:

Robert Cronheim rdc@cronheim.com

LUMEN

CONTACT:

1940

1944

48

1952

I SPRING 2016

1955 CONTACT:

Edward L. Levitt eezyed@comcast.net Neal Schlendorf, Gerald Seid, Ed Levitt, Jack Olcott, Anton DePaul, Gerd Keuffel and John Mahon celebrated their 60th Reunion with their wives at a cocktail party before a special alumni dinner at the “new” (for them) Newark Academy. The topic of conversation focused on their exceptional preparation for college from Messrs.

Nelke, Schoff and Huddle, and Mrs. Lynham among others. The training they received on the playing fields of the First Street school from Coaches Stallings, Monica and DeSerio still resonates with them today. The group feels lucky to hold these fond memories from a unique and remarkable faculty and they are looking forward to celebrating their 70th!

1956 60th Reunion

1958 CONTACT:

Stephen Knee shknee@hotmail.com

1959 CONTACT:

Douglas B. Slade Dslade542@aol.com Douglas Slade and his wife, Nancy, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in October, and Nancy turned 70 in November. They are bowling, golfing, donating their time to different groups and causes, and exercising three days a week to keep fit.

Robert Soare retired in January 2015 after 40 years as a Professor of Math and Computer Science at the University of Chicago. He is enjoying more time with his four granddaughters.

1960 CONTACT:

Frederick Katz, Jr. katzjr@optonline.net Bob O’Brien recently returned from sailing his boat, Valhalla, from the Chesapeake to the U.S. Virgin Islands with a stop in Bermuda.

1961 55th Reunion CONTACT:

Curtis Cetrulo Curt.cetrulo@gmail.com Peter C. Papademetriou papadem@cs.com MacKinnon Simpson MacKinnon96816@gmail.com

1962 CONTACT:

Bernard J. D’Avella, Jr. bud@davellafamily business.com

Whitney Russell continues to be wonderfully busy at Northampton High School as a special education teacher.

He coached JV baseball in the spring and plans to coach football in the fall.

1963 CONTACT:

Peter Artaserse, Jr. PArtaser@aol.com Charles A. Fischbein cafpac@Earthlink.net Richard Thaler, a behavioral economist and a professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, starred as himself in the movie The Big Short, based on Michael Lewis’ best-selling account of the financial crisis.

The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

1964 CONTACT:

Michael R. Yogg michaelyogg@gmail.com Mark Belnick is excited to announce the arrival of his two new grandchildren, Owen Ben and Daisy Elizabeth.

John Rubinstein is still active in his architectural practice and has done pro bono work for Newark Academy, but is now taking more time off for leisure and travel. John and Alice live in Bernardsville, near their two children and four grandchildren.

Bill Sheppard is in his 49th year working in the railroad industry, formerly as an executive and now as a consultant, and has published several technical books in the field.

Some classmates remember him hanging around the Roseville Avenue station, checking on the trains as they went on to Dover or turned off onto the spur line to Montclair. Bill has three daughters and two grandsons.

1612249 Lumen G.qxp 5/17/16 9:15 AM Page 49

He enjoys his Harley motorcycle and rode it solo coastto-coast a few years ago.

Last year, Bob Wellen left private law practice and accepted the position of Associate Chief Counsel at the IRS. Bob writes, “Becoming a federal employee is a big adjustment, but the work is fascinating. All in all, it’s a new and energizing challenge.”

Michael Yogg is retired from the investment management business, where he worked initially as an analyst and later as a research director, portfolio manager, and chief investment officer at Boston investment firms. He had previously been an officer in the U.S. Navy and a teaching fellow in history at Harvard.

In 2014, Columbia University Press published Passion for Reality, his biography of Paul Cabot, which made it onto the Boston Globe best-seller list. Michael and his wife, Joan, have three children and a grandson.

1965 CONTACT:

Van S. Stevens drvanstevens@gmail.com

1966 50th Reunion CONTACT:

Jonathan Epstein jonathan.epstein@dbr.com

1967 CONTACT:

Matthew Leone mleone@colgate.edu

1968 CONTACT:

Stephan G. Kravitz sgkravitz@gmail.com Franklin C. Phifer, Jr. fphifer@hecht.com

Joel Glucksman is pleased to announce the arrival of grandchild number four.

He wonders how he got to be this old.

1969

1

2

3

4

CONTACT:

John H. Bess bessjh@gmail.com Leo M. Gordon gordon43b@gmail.com Paul Bontempo was honored as a “Pillar of the Party” by the New Jersey State Democratic Committee at a dinner in October at Liberty State Park attended by 400 people. Paul is the longest serving member of the New Jersey State Democratic Committee, having been first elected to it in 1977.

On October 31, 2015, Leo Gordon’s daughter, Sarah, was married to Derek Durno at Maplewood Country Club.

In January 2016, Judge Gordon, as a member of the U.S. Court of International Trade, was the sole presenter at a retreat on transformational change hosted by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) in Ottowa, Canada. He assisted in the CITT’s efforts to move to a paperless environment for all filings and proceedings. Leo also reports that on March 3, 2016, more than 12 members of the Class of ’69 gathered at The River Palm in Fair Lawn for the first Class of ’69 Steakfest of 2016.

Last year, Bill Kaplan’s consulting work took him to Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong to speak to international audiences about Knowledge Management.

In June 2016, Bill will receive the Knowledge Management Leadership Award at the Global Knowledge Management Congress in Mumbai, India, for his contributions to the field.

5

6

1. Bob O’Brien ’60 on his sail boat 2. Fourth grandchild of Joel Glucksman ’68 3. Kate Brower Solisti ’76 with husband Marcus Kurek 4. Anne Herbst ’78 recently opened Far Out Gallery in San Francisco 5. Jerry Guss ’79 with his family in Japan 6. Art Williams ’81, Molly McGaughan ’05, Rich Szuch ’80, Ben Bressler ’80, Jeff Kacur, Cassie Coggeshall ’05 and Andy Mulvihill ’81 (See page 51)

NEWARK ACADEMY

49

1612249 Lumen G.qxp 5/17/16 9:15 AM Page 50

C L A S S N OT E S

7

1971

8

45th Reunion

9

CONTACT:

William D. Hardin, Jr. whardin@ptd.net

Donald C. DeFabio drdefabio@aol.com

See story on Dr. William Hardin on page 46.

Robin Lechter Frank ontheqt1231@aol.com

Mark Menza menza613ha1@aol.com

Kate Brower Solisti married Marcus Kurek at a beautiful ranch in Colorado. Present were her parents, her sisters and their families, plus cousins and her special uncle, Lincoln Brower, one of the world’s top experts on Monarch butterflies.

CONTACT:

Daniel D. Cronheim ddc@cronheim.com Harry Hazelwood III drhazelwood@massmed.org

11

Dan Cronheim is now on Newark Academy’s Alumni Board of Governors which is trying to broaden the outreach to alumni of all classes.

At a recent networking seminar, he was pleased to not be the oldest alumnus in the room, but it was close. If anyone is contemplating attending an NA event, please let Dan know and he will try to round up other classmates.

Kent Leonhardt is currently serving his first term as West Virginia State Senator, Chairman of Committee on the Military. He is also running for West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture in the 2016 general election.

12

1973 David Hardin is excited to announce the arrival of his first grandchild, Wesley Hardin Munro.

1974 7. Brian Stroehlein ’80 and Susan Karlin ’81 at Burning Man

CONTACT:

8. Troy Powell ’90 (center) runs race in full gear

Lance T. Aronson lancetrezevant@aol.com

9. Raj Butani ’90 (right) with his family 10. Lindsy Rollenhagen Zook ’93 welcomes twin boys, Xavier and Pablo 11. Shaan, son of Nihal Mehta ’95, celebrated his first birthday 12. Evan Nisenson ’99 with Martha Stewart, son Harris and wife Lauren.

Check out their video on Martha Stewart’s website, marthastewart.com.

50

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

40th Reunion

CONTACT:

1972

10

1976

Candia Herman is working at Barnes International in New York City selling and renting properties.

Francey Kanengiser Burke is proud of the very successful program that Burke Motor Group has spearheaded to promote safe driving for teens called Driven to Action (#DTA). The program has been embraced by the schools and local police departments.

1978 CONTACT:

Margery Gering Feinberg margiegf@aol.com Anne Herbst just opened Far Out Gallery (FOG), a fine arts gallery near the Pacific Ocean in San Francisco. She is exhibiting her paintings and drawings and will be showing other artists as well.

The gallery is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and by appointment.

1979 CONTACT:

Michael Schneck Mschneck@schnecklaw.com

1980 CONTACT:

Kim S. Hirsh KHirsh@jfedgmw.org

1612249 Lumen G.qxp 5/17/16 9:15 AM Page 51

Mark Kalkus reports that his family is experimenting with a one-year move to Vail for his younger son’s senior year of high school. His son will be attending St. Olaf’s College in Fall 2016. His oldest daughter is graduating from veterinary school and is engaged. His youngest daughter is graduating from college this year.

THROUGH A CRACK IN THE LIMESTONE WALL – A NEW SPECIES WAS DISCOVERED! David Green, Ph.D. ’99 was part of the team that researched fossils found in a South African Cave

Nancy Palmer Kornbluh recently joined New Jersey home renovation company Custom Designed as sales manager and senior designer.

As an expert in the closet industry, Nancy custom designs storage solutions for homes across New Jersey.

Newark Academy appreciates that Nancy leads NA’s Networking Group. This group meets on campus six times a year to give NA alumni, NA parents, and parents of NA alumni opportunities to share best business practices and contacts.

Brian Stroehlein and Susan Karlin ’81 attended Burning Man 2015.

1981 35th Reunion CONTACT:

Arthur Williams IV artiekid@aol.com The tradition continues.

Andy Mulvihill and a number of alumni celebrated after the alumni soccer game by dragging Coach Kacur to the Grasshopper in Morristown.

The crew this year included classmates Art Williams, Chaz Waggoner, Mac Harris, and Chez D’Annunzio. They were joined by Ben Bressler ’80, Ed Lutz ’80 and Rich Szuch ’80. Molly McGaughan ’05 and Cassie Coggeshall ’05 who played soccer with Alexandra Mulvihill ’08 were also there.

Beyond the narrow opening in a wall of the Rising Star Cave in South Africa, spelunkers observed that the earthen floor was literally covered with bones. Later, more than 1,550 fossil elements were recovered, documented and studied by scientists. In September 2015, an announcement that a new species had been discovered garnered much media attention.

David Green, an assistant professor in the department of anatomy at Midwestern University (Illinois) was a member of the research team that announced the discovery of Homo naledi (a previously unidentified species of the early human lineage). This breaking news was the subject of the October 2015 cover story of National Geographic magazine and was also featured in a NOVA/National Geographic television special. Recently, Discover magazine named the discovery of the Homo naledi find the second most important science story of 2015.

David said, “My area of research is scapular comparative morphology, but I didn’t know what I would be able to contribute when I was invited to join the project. I went to Johannesburg for 10 days in May 2014 and was pleased to find a few pieces of bone that fit together to form a partial scapula. Luckily, enough of it was preserved to allow me to include it in my large dataset of living and fossil hominoids (a primate group that includes humans, our fossil relatives, and living apes).”

NEWARK ACADEMY

51

1612249 Lumen G.qxp 5/17/16 9:15 AM Page 52

C L A S S N OT E S

We Fondly Remember Nathaniel S. Rosengarten ’35 September 10, 2015 Richard F. Kessler ’40 November 10, 2012 J. Richard Beltram ’41 June 2, 2014 Victor J. Parsonnet ’45 February 28, 2015 Daniel Klockner III ’47 September 3, 2015 Sheldon Schoen ’47 March 24, 2015 Robert J. Del Tufo ’51 March 2, 2016 William F. Faison II ’51 April 21, 2015 Ronald Hoehmann ’53 May 24, 2015 Wade Nixdorff ’56 November 22, 2015

1982 CONTACT:

Kristen Brask Martin happy2beindixie@gmail.com

1984 CONTACT:

William E. Markstein WEMarkstein@gmail.com

1985 CONTACT:

Kimberley Griffinger Wachtel kgwachtel@gmail.com In October, Peter Chase opened a new restaurant in a 112-year-old train station in Chappaqua, New York, called Chappaqua Station.

Because he doesn’t like to sleep, he then opened a second restaurant in December at the W Montreal called Etre Avec Toi or e.a.t.

1986

Matt McTamaney reports that “Ralo” is still the only goalkeeper with two Stanley Cone titles and is already looking forward to his 30th Reunion.

1988

1990

CONTACT:

CONTACT:

Lara Coraci Basile ljc@norpak.net

Troy Powell troy256@mac.com

Matthew McTamaney mattheynow@yahoo.com

Glenn A. Waldorf gwaldorf@ bell-environmental.com

Melissa Dollinger Shein msheinus@yahoo.com

30th Reunion CONTACT:

Betsy Dollinger Bernstein bdb1@mac.com James C. Schachtel Jschachtel@verizon.net

Daniel Case spent nearly two weeks camping in the Arctic wilderness last summer.

For 12 days, he, his father, a dozen other people and four guides ran rapids by day and camped in the surrounding taiga/tundra landscape by… well, also by day. “You never forget the first time you see the midnight sun,” he says.

From the shores of the Arctic Ocean he flew all the way back to his home in New York’s Hudson Valley, only to leave a day later for a conference in Mexico City. Later in 2015, he served as campaign treasurer for the Town of Montgomery’s Democratic Party’s candidates for local office.

Jamie Agresti and Denee Agresti welcomed their first child, Olivia Lyn, on December 3, 2015.

1989 CONTACT:

Stacey Bradford stacey.bradford@gmail.com Donald Stroh moved to London last summer with his wife Tracy and son Ryan.

He is thoroughly enjoying traveling around Europe and seeing family in England and has connected with fellow classmate and friend, Jason Marino.

Raj Butani separated from the U.S. Army in 2007 after 11 years in the service, during which he was honored with a Combat Medical Badge, Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.

Gerald Caruso ’62 May 2, 2015 Sanford H. Ross ’75 February 8, 2015

Honorable Robert J. Del Tufo ’51 March 2, 2016

Eileen Manov ’80 November 20, 2015 William “Garrett” Frawley ’03 January 24, 2016 Vishal Reddy ’08 November 6, 2015 Robert Curvin, former trustee

September 29, 2015

52

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

Robert Del Tufo left an indelible mark on Newark Academy. His many gifts, both academic and athletic, led the way for his esteemed career -from lawyer to public servant. While a student at NA, Bob was a threesport athlete excelling in football, basketball and baseball. In addition, he served his fellow students as a member of the Student Council and on the staffs of the Academy’s yearbook and school newspaper.

Bob returned to his alma mater in 1977 as a member of the Newark Academy Board of Trustees, serving as Chairman of the Board from 1984 –1987 and concluding his Board service in 2002. In 1981 Newark Academy honored Bob with the Alumni Achievement Award, recognizing his distinguished career as a public servant, which included serving as a U.S. Attorney between 1977 and 1980 and being appointed Attorney General of New Jersey by Governor James Florio in 1986. Bob’s legacy of leadership at Newark Academy will be long remembered.

1612249 Lumen G.qxp 5/17/16 9:15 AM Page 53

After assignments in San Antonio and Honolulu (as well as oversees tours in South Korea and Iraq), he relocated to Bellevue, Washington, in the Seattle metro area, where he is a gastroenterologist in private practice. He and his wife, Mona, love living in the Pacific Northwest, as do their children, Rohan (8) and Khrish (7).

Doug Eilender has joined the full service law firm of Mandelbaum Salsburg in Roseland, New Jersey, as a partner in its environmental law department. He lives in Madison with his wife, Louisa, their three children and two dogs.

After spending 10 years in Tokyo, Stephan Felix and his family recently moved to Tacoma Park, Maryland, where Stephan teaches technology classes and performs technology support for an area high school. His wife and two boys are settling in fairly well. Unfortunately, Stephen missed his 25th Reunion, but hopes to get back in touch with NA friends.

Last year, Troy Powell and his wife, Katie, bought a condo in sunny Stuart, Florida to spend more time with his brother and his family.

On a recent trip, he caught and released his first sailfish.

Professionally, he had a slow (thankfully) holiday season at the Montclair Fire Department, but he did save Garfield the Cat from a fire this past summer and continues to run races in full bunker gear to honor his profession and raise funds for the Montclair Firefighters’ Foundation.

Joelle Tutela was appointed Director of Accreditation and Educational Innovation for the College of Education at William Patterson. She also co-founded the Garden State Alliance for Strengthening Education, a grassroots organization that brings together stakeholders representing various agencies that support educators to crystallize multiple viewpoints and perspectives on the challenges faced by today’s teachers and the strategies required to improve pedagogic effectiveness. Dr. Tutela has been asked to develop and execute creative strategies that support teachers in developing curricula and materials that engage their racially, ethnically, linguistically and economically diverse students.

In June, Bob Whiteman and his wife welcomed their second daughter, Madeline Rae.

1991 25th Reunion CONTACT:

Richard L. Worth richardworth2001@yahoo.com Adam Dunetz and his wife earned a Food Network top breakfast sandwich honor at their Northampton, Massachussetts, restaurant, The Roost.

Beth Ritter Nydick is a healthy lifestyle blogger at Beth’s Blueprint. She is on a mission to help people feel their best from the inside out.

She makes eating real food easy (and super tasty) through her seasonal eating programs, nutrition counseling and recipes.

1993

1994

CONTACT:

CONTACT:

Timothy E. Herburger burgermac@mac.com

Pamela Helfant Vichengrad pamelavich@hotmail.com

Jed S. Rosenthal jedrosenthal@gmail.com

Shilpa Mankikar was a director at the ABC-Disney Discovers Talent Showcase, which selects 17 out of 7,000 competing actors for their television debuts. Past actors have included Lupita Nyong’o (Star Wars), Ken Jeong and Jorge Garcia (Lost).

Jacqueline Lipsius Fleysher welcomed the third addition to her family last September while her oldest child started NA as a 6th grader. In January, she attended the NA Alumni Networking Night in New York where she connected with former classmates Jed Rosenthal, Justin Garrod, Sujit Sama, and Ross Schulman ’94, among others.

Jacqueline enjoys NA parent events with other current parents and former classmates Suzanne Paragano Kane and Maria Teresa San Pedro McNeilly-Anta. As a member of the Alumni Board of Governors, Jacqueline chairs the committee for NA’s Minuteman Golf and Tennis Invitational which contributes to Newark Academy’s Endowed Fund for Faculty Excellence.

1995 CONTACT:

Kathleen Mangunay Pergament katmango@aol.com Chef Michael Hung is coowner of Viviane, a new restaurant at the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills, which was recently featured in the Los Angeles Times.

Nihal Mehta writes that son Shaan Nihal Mehta-Saujani had his first birthday on February 7, 2016.

J. Alexander Hamilton will graduate from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, in June 2016.

In summer 2017, he and his family will move to Djibouti, where Alex will serve as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the country’s U.S. Embassy.

1996

Greg Kraut was recently honored by the AISH Center with the Executive Leadership Award for employing business ethics in the workforce.

Stuart Schrader recently earned a Ph.D. in American Studies at New York University. He is currently a postdoctoral fellow in Global American Studies at the Charles Warren Center for Studies in American History at Harvard University.

During his graduate studies, he received grants and fellowships from the American Council of Learned Societies, the Social Science Research Council and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library, among others.

Lindsy Rollenhagen Zook announced the arrival of twin boys, Xavier and Pablo. They were born on July 8, 2014 and were brought home on November 30, 2015.

Michael Rosengart married Eva Lin on March 21, 2015 in Hagerstown, Maryland.

20th Reunion CONTACT:

Jason S. Granet grizo1222@yahoo.com Andrew Slutzky andrewzky@gmail.com

NEWARK ACADEMY

53

1612249 Lumen G.qxp 5/17/16 9:15 AM Page 54

C L A S S N OT E S

1997 CONTACT:

Amanda Rubinstein Black amandahblack@gmail.com

13

1998 CONTACT:

14

Jack A. Hyman jahyman@gmail.com Lauren Jacobs-Lazer laurenjacobslazer@gmail.com Jenna Smith Schwerdt jenna@smithdesign.com

15

16

Lauren Jacobs-Lazer has worked as a social worker at Morristown Medical Center for 10 years. She resides in Morristown with her husband, Adam, and their twins, Benjamin and Hannah (3 1/2).

In addition to being a member of the Newark Academy Alumni Board of Governors, Lauren is also a Class Representative.

In October 2015, Thomas Bradshaw’s play, Fulfillment, had its world premiere at The Flea in New York.

Tennis Club. In January 2016, she began her first season as the boys’ and girls’ varsity tennis coach at Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy.

In 2015, Bobby Dughi and Alyssa Ciccotti Dughi ’01 were married. Many of their NA friends were there to celebrate with them including Gregory Blanche ’98, Jamie Dughi Hogenkamp ’04 (bridesmaid), Lance Emanuel (best man), Jimmy Ungaro (best man), Amanda Rackover Ragusa, Nick Ragusa, Genevieve Gramatica Custodio, and Rich Kimowitz ’01. Andrew Martino ’02 was busy opening a restaurant/lounge that he manages in California and was missed by all. The Dughis are blessed to have so many great friends from NA remain a constant in their lives.

2001 15th Reunion CONTACT:

Colin R. Griggs cgriggs13@yahoo.com

1999 CONTACT:

John Gregory Jcg681@gmail.com

17

Asha Talwar Coco asha.talwar@gmail.com

2000 CONTACT:

Alison Poole Lasher alisonklasher@gmail.com

13. Genevieve Gramatica Custodio ’00 (right) with husband Arian and baby Killian 14. Gregory Blanche ’98, Jamie Dughi Hogenkamp ’04, Lance Emanuel ’00, Alyssa Ciccotti Dughi ’01, Bobby Dughi ’00, Jimmy Ungaro ’00, Amanda Rackover Ragusa ’00, Nick Ragusa ’00, and Genevieve Gramatica Custodio ’00 15. Anna Siroy ’02, Michael Allegrini ’02, Stephanie Forman ’02 and Christina Palermo ’02 16. Nicholas, Joseph and Gabriella, children of Danielle Greco Panas ’02 17. Ashley Inserra ’02 with her husband, Kevin Moore

54

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

Genevieve Gramatica Custodio married Arian Custodio in May 2012, moved back to New Jersey in 2013 and became a mother to Killian in December 2014.

She is currently a teaching professional, USTA Eastern Tournament Director and program director of Gramatica Tennis LLC at West Orange

Brian McGaughan bmcgaughan@gmail.com Tracey Podell married Scott Birnbaum in his hometown of Austin, Texas, on February 14, 2016.

Andaiye Taylor runs Brick City Live, a hyperlocal website that covers happenings and news in Newark.

2002 CONTACT:

Joshua Jacobs joshua.s.jacobs@gmail.com Marcelo C. Porto mark.c.porto@gmail.com Alexander C. Senchak alex.senchak@gmail.com

1612249 Lumen G.qxp 5/17/16 9:15 AM Page 55

Ashley Inserra married Kevin Moore in Newport, Rhode Island, in August 2015 and moved to Jersey City. She works in New York as an Applied Behavioral Analyst (ABA) therapist and special education teacher for children with autism.

week-long dialogue sessions in Washington, D.C., Beijing, Tokyo, New Delhi and Berlin.

Christina Palermo and David Fernandes were married in River Vale, New Jersey, in May 2015. Classmates in attendance were Matron of Honor Stefanie Forman, bridesmaid Anna Siroy, and dear friend Michael Allegrini.

Kathryn Pagos katie.pagos@gmail.com

Danielle Greco Panas and her husband, Gregory, welcomed their third child, Joseph Daniel, on March 2, 2015.

He joins brother Nicholas Alexander (5) and sister Gabriella Anne (3).

Krupa Savalia received the Young Professional Leadership Award from Elite Women Around the World at the Women’s International Day Forum on March 8, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

2003 CONTACT:

Lauren H. Anderson lauren.h.anderson@gmail.com David R. Mazzuca david.mazzuca@gmail.com David N. Rattner drattner07@gmail.com Evan P. Sills evan.sills@gmail.com Aja Nisenson was selected as a 2015 MacDowell Colony fellow in the theatre arts.

Evan Sills was chosen as a Global Governance Futures fellow for the GGF 2027 cohort. Over the course of 2016 and 2017, he will meet with other fellows from the U.S., Germany, China, Japan and India. He will be part of the data governance working group, participating in four

2004 CONTACT:

Danielle Grunebaum dlsimon85@gmail.com

Stephanie Reingold simma.reingold@gmail.com Louise Ball Schutte louisehira@gmail.com Jake Feldman, a principal in Millburn-based Vertical Realty Capital LLC, is part of a group that is planning the redevelopment of Market Street in Morristown.

Jenny Schlossman Greenstein married Adam Greenstein last September.

Louise Ball Schutte and her husband, Andrew, welcomed baby son Charles Joseph on November 25. The family continues to enjoy living in Richmond, Virginia.

2005 CONTACT:

Jonathan Allocca jonathan.allocca@gmail.com Gabriel Gaviola gabe.c.gaviola@gmail.com Molly McGaughan molly.mcgaughan@gmail.com Bridget Duffy Raines Bridgetpraines@gmail.com In July 2015, Daniel F. Deraney, Esq. wrapped up working with Rubin Sinins ’87 at Javerbaum Wurgaft on the U.S. v. Jackson case.

Since then, he has embarked on starting his own law firm.

In addition, Daniel is still running #TheYesPeopleJerseyGroup, a social network weekly newsletter promoting events throughout New Jersey. His brother, Jimmy Deraney ’04, and wife Kelly

ACCOLADES AND HONORS Rebecca Moll Freed ’94 Rebecca Moll Freed received the 2016 Mary Philbrook Award from the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey.

The award, named after New Jersey’s first female attorney, is presented to a female attorney with a distinguished career who has worked to promote equality in all spheres.

Rebecca has also been recognized in New Jersey Law Journal’s, “Forty Under 40” (2008) and NJ Biz magazine’s, “Forty Under 40” (2010).

As a partner at Genova Burns, Rebecca advises corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, trade associations, charitable organizations, social welfare organizations and political action committees on the legal aspects of their political activities. She has substantial experience with New Jersey’s pay-to-play political finance laws, frequently lecturing and writing on the issue.

A member of both the New Jersey and New York Bar Associations, Rebecca holds a B.A. from Tufts University and a J.D. from George Washington Law Center. She dedicates much time to Newark Academy, serving on the Board of Governors and participating with the Newark Scholars Program. In 2014, she was honored as the Class of 1994 Woman of Distinction at the annual Women of NA Luncheon.

NEWARK ACADEMY

55

1612249 Lumen G.qxp 5/17/16 9:15 AM Page 56

C L A S S N OT E S

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Jesse Friedman ’10 Teaches in Uruguay Jesse Friedman spent 10 months in Uruguay as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. He was one of four Fulbright grant recipients who traveled to Uruguay last year to contribute to English programs in schools throughout the nation’s capital, Montevideo, and the outlying provinces.

Working in two high schools and a teachers’ college, Jesse helped students with English grammar and vocabulary, gave presentations on American culture and facilitated conversation clubs to promote fluency. In a rural area outside Montevideo, he taught acting and film classes.

From the finest public high school in Montevideo to a run-down middle school in the city’s poorest area, Jesse’s teaching experiences were as rich and varied as the locations he visited. “I learned so much during my time in Uruguay,” he said. “The country has a modern infrastructure, but the education system is fragmented.” Jesse is grateful for the opportunity he had, not only to make an impact on the lives of the students in his charge, but to learn from the dedicated Uruguayan teachers who have devoted their professional lives to their students.

are expecting a baby boy, and Daniel looks forward to becoming an uncle.

Brett Finkelstein and Cassie Coggeshall work together at Russell Reynolds Associates, a global executive retained search firm. Brett focuses on asset and wealth management and Cassie focuses on industrials and natural resources. They both are still very close with their NA classmates.

Jason Luks is Co-Artistic Director at the Dance Academy of North Jersey.

He recently appeared in numerous skits on Saturday Night Live.

2006 10th Reunion CONTACT:

Jesse is currently working as a tutor and a theater administrator in Brooklyn and plans to attend the Institute for Advanced Theater Training at The American Repertory Theater at Harvard University in the fall.

Julia Appel appel.julie@gmail.com Sarah Marcus Hansen sarahmarcushansen @gmail.com Brandon Hedvat bhedvat@gmail.com Ilana Mandelbaum Sterling lani.m.sterling@gmail.com Asia Stewart asiamstewart@gmail.com On May 30, 2015, Sarah Marcus married Matthew Hansen at The Castle at Skylands Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey. The two were surrounded by family and friends, including ’06 classmates Sam Berlin, Matthew Brodie, Ted Gibson, Tracy Jacobson, Megan Shand and Allison Gibson ’09. Also in attendance were current and former members of the faculty Elaine Brodie, Scott Jacoby and Julie Madison Jacoby.

56

LUMEN

I SPRING 2016

1612249 Lumen G.qxp 5/17/16 9:15 AM Page 57

2007

2009

CONTACT:

CONTACT:

David Doobin doobind@gmail.com

Andrew S. Binger abinger1990@gmail.com

Catherine Pfeffer catherine.pfeffer@gmail.com

Christina A. Colizza christina.colizza@gmail.com

Emily Simon emily.c.simon@me.com

Rebecca Curwin rebecca.curwin@gmail.com

Andrew Somberg asomberg@gmail.com

Shannon Lam shannonrlam@gmail.com

Brian Gerrard recently founded a startup called BAE: Before Anyone Else, a social/dating app for the African diaspora. The business has had explosive growth, registering as a top dating app in the U.S., and among the top 50 in five African countries. BAE is based in Brooklyn.

Brian L. Silver briansilver0711@gmail.com

Jeffrey Hau will pursue an M.B.A. at The Stanford Graduate School of Business starting in September 2016.

Lauren Kay, founder of The Dating Circle, was recently featured on National Public Radio’s “Start Up” podcast.

2008 CONTACT:

David Frank david.frank44@gmail.com Alexa Gruber alexa.gruber@richmond.edu Lynn Olesky lynnolesky@gmail.com Maximilian C. Staiger mstaiger41@me.com Evan Atkinson has been hired as the coordinator of digital media for the Atlanta Dream of the Women’s National Basketball Association. He handles all in-house video production and editing responsibilities, as well as managing all social media accounts.

2010

18

19

20

CONTACT:

Lisa Fischer lisasuefischer@gmail.com Patrick Kelly patrick.o.d.kelly@gmail.com Brian McHugh mchugh.brian10@gmail.com Sara Barker earned a nursing degree from Rutgers University School of Nursing.

Christian Kemph is currently working in the mergers and acquisitions area at Wells Fargo Bank in New York.

Adam Nassani recently got a job as a mechanical engineer with NAVSEA in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Breania Smith started a position at Atlantic Records with the urban promotion and radio team. She is looking forward to diving into her passion for music and helping to develop promotional strategies for a vast roster of artists.

2011 5th Year Reunion CONTACT:

Jordan I. Jett jordanjett13@gmail.com Jennifer Mandelbaum jmande15@bu.edu Jourdan McGhee jourdan.mcghee@gmail.com

18. Proud grandfather Joe Ball holds Charles Joseph, son of Louise Ball Schutte ’04 19. Evan Atkinson ’08 (right), Coordinator of Digital Media for the Atlanta Dream 20. Troy Sutton ’13 with his colleagues at KGS Buildings, LLC

George Boyar returned from a dog sledding trip in Wisconsin, camping outdoors without tents in subzero weather. He is currently living in Boston and working at an edtech startup, Shearwater International.

Timarie Diehl graduated from Connecticut College with a degree in botany and environmental studies. Two years ago, she started her own gardening business, Shining Sun Organic Garden.

In addition to running her business, Timarie is interning at Sonebine Farm, an organic farm near the Tappan Zee Bridge with its own farm-totable five-star restaurant.

Jodi Feinberg received the inaugural University of Pennsylvania President’s Engagement Prize. This award funds an innovative project to make a social impact. Jody plans to develop, implement and evaluate a home-based cardiac rehab program.

Whit Harwood recently began a new job at FOX Sports.

2012 CONTACT:

Christopher P. Davis davis.cp@gmail.com Joseph P. McGrath III jpmcgr12@gmail.com

NEWARK ACADEMY

57

1612249 Lumen G.qxp 5/17/16 9:15 AM Page 58

C L A S S N OT E S

BRIDGES TO MEMORY Maria Rice Bellamy ’85 Bridges to Memory is Maria Rice Bellamy’s first book which was published in 2015. It is the culmination of many years of personal and intellectual curiosity.

“I was delighted when I found a word and a theory to describe something I'd been trying to understand since I was a child,” Maria said.

“Postmemory describes the relationship a person has to his or her parents’ or ancestors’ traumatic experiences. It does not describe an experience a person has had directly but something he or she experiences vicariously through interactions with the survivors of that trauma.” She continued, “Postmemory is about the generational consequences of painful histories.

Although the paradigm was created in relation to the Holocaust and the experience of the descendants of Holocaust survivors, I have found it resonant in so many cultural and historical contexts.” Maria’s book applies this concept to many other contexts, maintaining that this paradigm serves as a useful approach to analyzing a great deal of contemporary literature and to understanding some of the complexity of contemporary experience.

Shane S. Neibart ssneibart@gmail.com Carissa E. Szlosek szlosek@wisc.edu

LUMEN

CONTACT:

SaVonne Anderson savonneanderson@gmail.com

William Pheloung is enjoying much career success. He just published his first professional game, “Super Boxforts VR.” Last spring, his game “Keyboard Kommander Apokeylypse” won best in show at Gamefest (an intercollegiate game design exhibition).

Matt Cowen mcowen95@gmail.com

Carissa Szlosek is a cycologist at Cyc Fitness. She is completing her senior year at the University of WisconsinMadison.

Annabel Sharahy is a junior at the New School in New York majoring in business and food studies and minoring in media. She has been working for more than a year at Manzo Restaurante in New York as a “tourant” – a swing person who knows every station in the kitchen and creates dishes for special events.

Ian Ravin wrote and published a paper titled “Review of the genus Urgleptes Dillon (1956) of Hispaniola (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Acanthocinini): descriptions of five new species and one new synonymy.”

58

2013

I SPRING 2016

SaVonne Anderson published The Womanifesto, a book of short personal essays in which she comments on the experience of discovering womanhood by telling the story of her own journey.

Troy Sutton is a student at Northeastern University and has accepted his first co-op position at KGS Buildings, LLC, a cloud software based engineering company that uses state-of-the art software to analyze building data, increase overall efficiency, and save money and energy.

Last summer, Troy traveled to Reykjavik, Iceland, where he studied different types of renewable energies, from geothermal and hydro power plants to wind farms and sustainable water systems.

2014 CONTACT:

Jai Ghose jghose@andrew.cmu.edu Thomas Pan tpan14@gmail.com Lauren Whelan lmw025@bucknell.edu Jacob Wieseneck jwieseneck@gmail.com

2015 CONTACT:

Madeline DeLamielleure maddydelamielleure15 @gmail.com Jasmine Gamboa jgamboa19@amherst.edu Nicholas Murray nsm407@gmail.com Zachary Persing zcpersing@gmail.com Matthew Thekkethala matt@learnforlife foundation.org

1612249 Lumen G.qxp 5/17/16 9:15 AM Page 59

1612249 Lumen G.qxp 5/17/16 9:15 AM Page 60

Newark Academy 91 South Orange Avenue Livingston, NJ 07039 P (973) 992-7000 F (973) 992-8962 E lumen@newarka.edu www.newarka.edu Return service requested Parents of alumni: If this publication is addressed to your child and he or she no longer maintains a permanent residence at your home, please notify the alumni office, alumni@newarka.edu.

This publication has been printed on recycled papers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. In doing so, Newark Academy is supporting environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests.

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE

PAID PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT #5450