Dr. Albert recalled having appealed to Stan, then Secretary of the Army, for a discharge from active duty as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War. Stan listened to his arguments, and presented his own. They disagreed, but in the end Stan granted his request. Albert’s letter recounted what he had done with his medical career to help veterans, and added: “To this day I still work within the VA system as a physician and neurologist and at one point served as National Director of Medical Research for the VA…. In the midst of our contentious discussion in your office forty-five years ago, I appreciated the thoughtful, gentlemanly and respectful way you listened to my arguments even though you disagreed with me. I learned much about leadership during that discussion, and I want to thank you for that.
“Finally,” he added, “I wanted to take this opportunity to close the circle. By chance this week I met your granddaughter Caroline on a beach on Grand Cayman Island. She was teaching herself the ukulele, and I was able to show her a few chords and how to strum. I discovered to my astonishment that she was your granddaughter. I was now, in some small way giving something back to you through her. Over all these years, I have never forgotten you.” The Country School is grateful for all Stan and Jane did to foster the strength of the school over the decades, and continues to be grateful to their seven sons, all of whom remain loyal alumni.
pamela Hunt wombles By Jackie Greiner
On March 29, 2012, New Canaan Country School lost a very special parent and beloved employee, Pamela Hunt Wombles. Throughout Pam’s association with Country School, she touched many lives and warmed many hearts. It was a chance meeting with Head of School, Tim Bazemore, at a town Little League Baseball game that encouraged Pam to apply for a position at Country School. She started her career here in February 2006 as Assistant Annual Fund Director and quickly developed strong bonds and relationships with parents, parents of alumni, and grandparents. Her contributions, characteristically behind the scenes, provided enormous support for the Annual Fund team and the Advancement Office. Pam’s attention to detail meant that all events under her purview would run smoothly. In July 2009, she became Alumni Relations Director and built a meaningful and vibrant alumni program. In just under three years, she established an Alumni Career Networking Forum, Alumni Council Meet & Greet Ninth Grade Breakfast, Alumni Diversity Panel, and Virtual Alumni Phona-thons. Pam also implemented a Facebook page for alumni
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outreach. While always a skillful friend-raiser, every year Pam also helped raise a great deal of financial support for the school and increased alumni participation. As an active member of the Country School community, she helped coach the cross-country team, chaperoned on the Outdoor Action Trip, participated in the school’s diversity efforts, and was always on-hand to help in Parent Association events. Whatever the school occasion, either as part of the Advancement Office or as a parent volunteer, Pam was present and willing to add her support. Pam’s characteristic warmth, cheerful smile, and laughter were contagious. She was humble and unselfish, always reaching out to others and putting their needs before her own. Pam adored her two children, James ’13 and Jessica, a junior in high school, and she was proud of their accomplishments. Apart from her children, Pam’s passions were caring for her various pets, as well as stray cats that found their way into her home and injured birds discovered on her walks. We are grateful for the joy and richness Pam added to our lives and our school, and we will miss her essential goodness forever and always.