NFA
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ummer is always a very busy time on campus with academic and enrichment programs for students as well as a variety of necessary facilities and maintenance projects that cannot be completed during the school year. So, the invigorating hustle and bustle of Norwich Free Academy is a year-round affair.
Summer 2015
EDITORS Kathleen McCarthy Director of Institutional Advancement Geoffrey P. Serra Director of Communications & Public Affairs MANAGING/COPY EDITOR Molly Hudson ALMA MATTERS EDITOR Linda Clang Ververis ‘78 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Nicholas Bolt ‘96 PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Ambrose Photography Robb Cyr Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brian Girasoli ‘94 Andrea Kaiser Samantha Trombley ‘14 Vivian Zoë DESIGN Lavender Design PRINTER The Pyne-Davidson Company
NFA magazine is produced three times a year by the NFA Foundation, Inc. and the NFA Office of Communications & Public Affairs, 321 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360. Phone 860-887-2507 • Fax 860-889-4363 Email: communications@nfaschool.org Letters to the editor, comments, class notes and address changes may be sent to the NFA Foundation, Inc. 321 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360 or alumni@nfaschool.org Views expressed in the NFA magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the NFA Foundation, Inc., the NFA Alumni Association, Norwich Free Academy or the editorial staff.
Several weeks ago over 300 people attended the NFA Jubilee Reunion at the Holiday Inn in Norwich. Alumni who graduated at least 60 years ago had a great time; they sang Alma Mater loudly and with great pride. NFA alumni events are inspiring because they capture the very essence of the Priceless Pearl. Each of NFA’s alumni outreach events this past year in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C., displayed this same love, loyalty, and reverence. When NFA alumni assemble– their love for the Academy fills the air. Our collegiate campus, with its historic buildings and architecture, is unquestionably magnificent; however, it does not solely define Norwich Free Academy. Quite simply, exceptional people (teachers, staff, coaches, alumni, volunteers, parents and students) now, and have always, defined the NFA legacy of excellence. This issue clearly reveals that the magic of NFA begins with excellent people, past and present, people without whom, NFA would simply be a beautiful campus nestled in the Rose City. It is so much more than that! NFA has much to be proud of with the Slater Memorial Museum and a consistent, historical commitment to arts education. Many alumni have achieved great artistic success. Years later, the life work of some is on display at their high school – impressive. NFA alumni continue generously and enthusiastically to support academic and co-curricular programs to ensure that NFA’s opportunities and choices continue and improve. That support has been consistent in the sciences, performing and visual arts, and athletics; it continues to have significant impact upon students in need of financial assistance for a complete high school experience. All of our successful alumni, including successful professional athletes, acknowledge the strong foundation and support they received at the Academy. Quite simply, NFA is the gift that keeps on giving. Our alumni remember where they came from and who helped them along the way. Norwich Free Academy is an institution with a wonderful social conscience and a transformative legacy, and we endeavor to continue that work each day.
David J. Klein Head of School