PALLIUM — Fall/Winter 2024-25 by Canterbury School

FEATURES

WELCOMING CAROLINE BLATTI AS CANTERBURY’S SEVENTH HEAD OF SCHOOL

THE ACADEMIC HUB: A TRANSFORMATIONAL INVESTMENT IN STUDENT SUCCESS

The dynamic new Academic Hub, which opened its doors in December, was fully funded by donors—dedicated parents, alumni, and trustees of the School.

INVESTING IN EXCELLENCE: ADVANCING FACULTY DEVELOPMENT

Canterbury’s teachers attended valuable professional development sessions last fall addressing student mental health, differentiated instruction, and AI in education.

SAINTS VOLLEYBALL WINS SECOND STRAIGHT NEPSAC TITLE!

The campus was abuzz as our Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team earned back-to-back Class C championships with a thrilling victory over the tournament’s top seed.

ALUMNI FEATURES—FOUR SAINTS MAKING A LASTING IMPACT

Canterbury graduates Michael Athanasakis ’96, Michael Berman ’74, Francesca Ginexi ’09, and William Kupersmith ’59 each found distinct and meaningful paths to success. 21 26 30 4

Accomplished educator and leader Caroline Blatti assumes the Head’s role on July 1, bringing 25-plus years of independent school experience to the hilltop.

DEPARTMENTS

3 From Our Interim Head of School 14 Hilltop Happenings 26 Saints Report 38 SOA News 46 Class Notes 58 In Memoriam

A magazine for alumni, parents, and friends of Canterbury School.

FALL/WINTER 2024-25

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Jennifer Loprinzo

SENIOR EDITOR/STAFF WRITER

Jim Norman

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Alexa Saunchez

PHOTOGRAPHY

Rick Giles

CLASS NOTES & IN MEMORIAM

Kate Heslin ’96, P ’24, ’25, ’28

MAGAZINE LAYOUT & DESIGN

Margaret Galeano

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NON-DISCRIMINATION

Canterbury School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, creed, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability in admission or employment in its programs and activities.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2024—2025

Mr. Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21 | President

Mr. John A. Donovan ’59 | Vice President

Ms. Carol Lovell Carmody P ’18 | Treasurer

Mrs. Mary Coleman Lynn ’90, P ’22, ’23 | Secretary

Ms. Dorothy L. Alpert ’78

Mr. Keith G. Angell ’75

Mr. Harold T. Clark III ’86, P ’22

Mr. Douglas M. Famigletti ’90, P ’25

Mrs. Holly Fedorcik P ’26

Mr. Lawrence P. Fisher II ’77

Mr. Sean F. Flanagan ’91, P ’23

Mr. Theodore C. Hollander ’82

Mr. Jeremiah E. Keefe P ’21, ’22

Mr. Stephen M. Kessing P ’20, ’22, ’26

Ms. Nancy B. Mulheren P ’03, ’13, GP ’24, ’28, ’28

Mrs. Nicole D’Amour Schneider ’93, P ’20, ’22, ’23

Mr. Justin Towey P ’24

Mr. Donald Vincent ’83

Mrs. Nell P. Williams ’81

Mr. Robert L. Williams ’90

PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Mr. Robert H. Steers ’71, P ’11

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Mr. James R. Briggs ’56, GP ’12, ’15

Mrs. Hope Carter P ’86, ’87, ’88, ’91, ’95, GP ’09, ’10, ’14

Mr. Denis P. Coleman, Jr. ’63, P ’97

Mr. Donn C. Dolce ’63, P ’01

Mr. John P. Duffy ’59, P ’87, ’91

Mr. John D. O’Neill ’57, P ’89

Dr. L. Michael Sheehy ’56

Mrs. Lauren J. Steers P ’11

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From our Interim Head of School

At Canterbury, we are united by shared values, a dedication to learning and growth, and a belief in the power of community. As I reflect on the extraordinary stories in this issue, I am reminded of how deeply these principles shape the lives of our students and alumni—and how they will continue to guide us into the future.

This is a moment of exciting transition for our School. We eagerly anticipate welcoming Caroline Blatti as Canterbury’s next Head of School in July (page 4). Her experience, vision, and deep commitment to student growth will propel us forward, strengthening the traditions we hold dear while embracing new opportunities. She follows a long legacy of leaders dedicated to preparing our students for meaningful lives, a mission that is evident throughout the pages of this magazine.

One of the most visible testaments to Canterbury’s commitment to academic excellence and student growth is our new Academic Hub (page 8), a space designed to inspire collaboration, curiosity, and intellectual discovery. This $2.35 million facility—made possible entirely through the generosity of our donors—embodies our shared belief that education should challenge students to think boldly and push the boundaries of their learning. Those who invested in this project did so with a deep appreciation for Canterbury’s mission and the transformative power of a dynamic learning environment. Their generosity ensures that Canterbury students—not just today but for generations to come—will have the space, resources, and inspiration to excel.

Our alumni continue to demonstrate the lifelong impact of a Canterbury education. Mike Athanasakis ’96 has embraced strategic leadership, transitioning from a decorated military career to running a thriving business, a journey that underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability (page 30). Michael Berman ’74 has dedicated his career to exploring and preserving wild landscapes, using photography as a powerful medium for advocacy and storytelling (page 32). Francesca Ginexi ’09 built a distinguished legal career in technology and privacy law, now serving as Lead Counsel, Privacy AI at Meta, where she navigates the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and data protection (page 34). Bill Kupersmith ’59, once a skeptic, found his calling in chaplaincy, spending his retirement providing comfort to those in need (page 36). Each of these stories speaks to the enduring influence of a Canterbury education—preparing graduates to think critically, lead with integrity, and make a lasting impact in the world.

We see these values reflected in the engagement of our alumni with current students. Tyrus Xanthos ’16 returned to campus to share his expertise in photography and digital storytelling (page 43), inspiring students to see creative fields as viable and rewarding careers. Christa Rotolo ’07 guided a field trip to the construction site of JPMorgan Chase’s innovative 270 Park Avenue headquarters (page 42), connecting students with real-world applications of engineering and sustainability. These experiences extend the classroom into the world beyond, reinforcing the depth and relevance of a Canterbury education.

Philanthropy remains a powerful thread in our School’s story. This year, we have been honored to receive several planned gifts, including a transformational bequest from Ted Kane ’60, who left more than $2 million to Canterbury as a testament to the foundation it provided him (page 56). These gifts ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from the same transformative education that shaped our alumni.

As we all prepare for Canterbury’s next chapter under Caroline’s leadership, I do so with immense gratitude for the privilege of serving as Interim Head of School. It has been an honor to guide Canterbury through this transition, to witness the strength and character of our students, and to work alongside the dedicated faculty, staff, and families who make this school extraordinary. Thank you for your trust, support, and commitment to Canterbury.

The stories in this issue remind us of what is possible when we learn, lead, and give back—hallmarks of the Canterbury spirit that will endure for generations to come.

Sue Roberts P ’24, ’27 Interim Head of School

Please know the trust and care I will take with this loving, hardworking, dedicated, and purposeful community as I step into the role of Head of School.

CAROLINE BLATTI

Welcoming Caroline Blatti as Canterbury’s Seventh Head of School

Caroline Blatti, an accomplished educator and leader with more than 25 years of experience in independent schools, has been appointed Canterbury School’s seventh Head of School, the Board of Trustees announced on Wednesday, December 18. She will officially assume her role on July 1, 2025, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the school.

A THOROUGH AND DELIBERATE SEARCH PROCESS

The search process was rigorous and highly competitive, with 58 accomplished candidates from across the country considered for the position. The Head of School Search Committee, chaired by Board President Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21, conducted a comprehensive process supported by executive search firm Resource Group 175, prioritizing a leader who would preserve Canterbury’s warm and inclusive culture, further strengthen academic excellence, and support students in becoming values-driven individuals prepared to make meaningful contributions to the world.

In his announcement to the Canterbury community, Nick reflected on the process, sharing, “We sought someone who exemplifies extraordinary personal qualities: a genuine love for students, a talent for communitybuilding, boundless energy and optimism, and the ability to inspire all stakeholders around a shared vision for the future. This leader also needed to bring a proven record of operational excellence, strategic innovation, and successful fundraising to sustain and advance the school’s mission. We have found all of this—and more—in Caroline Blatti.”

Caroline’s campus visit in December reaffirmed the committee’s decision. “She engaged meaningfully with students, faculty,

and staff, bringing curiosity, warmth, and energy to every interaction,” Nick noted. “She embraced campus life, demonstrating a keen appreciation for what makes Canterbury unique, and shared an inspiring vision for its future.”

A LEADER ROOTED IN STRONG VALUES AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Caroline’s journey in education has been shaped by both her personal background and her professional experiences. The daughter of immigrants, she was raised in an Irish Catholic household in Bergen County, New Jersey, where values of compassion, service, and integrity were central to her upbringing. She attended Catholic schools throughout her early education, graduating from Academy of the Holy Angels, a girls’ Catholic high school in Demarest, New Jersey.

A first-generation college graduate, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Princeton University, where she was a multisport varsity athlete, and later pursued a Master of Arts in English Literature from University College London. This academic foundation, combined with her international experiences, shaped her global perspective on education and her dedication to fostering inclusive and dynamic learning environments.

A VISIONARY IN LEADERSHIP AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

Caroline served as Head of School at Roland Park Country School (RPCS) in Baltimore, Maryland, from 2016 to 2024, leading the school to extraordinary advancements in academics, student leadership, and institutional growth.

Under her leadership, the school’s endowment grew to over $65 million through a successful

eight-figure capital campaign, securing longterm financial sustainability and expanding opportunities for students and faculty. She launched the Gore Leadership Institute and fully endowed the Holliday Heine STEM Institute, strengthening leadership development and innovation in science and technology. She also founded the Culture, Community & Belonging department, reinforcing a school culture rooted in inclusivity and meaningful connection.

Nick highlighted her accomplishments, noting that during her tenure, Caroline “worked closely with the Board of Trustees and senior administrative leaders on the creation of a comprehensive 2024-2029 strategic plan. All the while, she remained deeply engaged with the school community, teaching and mentoring students while fostering meaningful relationships with alumni and parents.”

Before leading RPCS, Caroline founded and directed Hutchison Leads, a nationally recognized leadership program at Hutchison School in Memphis, Tennessee. The program empowered young women through ethical decision-making, civic engagement, and global citizenship, forging partnerships with over 50 organizations annually and providing handson experiences in public policy, community leadership, and professional development.

Beyond her work in schools, she has served on the boards of the Baltimore Education Scholarship Trust and the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland. She is a respected thought leader in independent school education, having presented at national conferences, contributed to leadership panels, and authored publications on program development, student leadership, and community building.

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WELCOMING CAROLINE BLATTI AS CANTERBURY’S SEVENTH HEAD OF SCHOOL

A LEADER POISED TO GUIDE CANTERBURY’S FUTURE

Caroline’s deep experience in both day and boarding schools, her commitment to academic excellence and student well-being, and her ability to unite communities around shared goals make her an ideal leader for Canterbury’s next chapter. She understands how to honor a school’s traditions while advancing forwardthinking strategies, ensuring that students graduate prepared to lead with integrity and confidence in a rapidly changing world.

“She views strong relationships as the foundation of institutional success and invests deeply in knowing and engaging with her community,” Nick emphasized. “Her leadership

is characterized by attentive listening and intentional action, ensuring every member of the community feels heard and valued.”

Reflecting on her campus visit, Caroline shared, “During my time on campus, I gained an even deeper sense of the kindness, warmth, and dedication to the greater good that defines the Canterbury community. In every interaction, it was clear that you show up for one another as full human beings, seeing, honoring, and valuing each other in ways that are incredibly affirming and inspiring. Please know the trust and care I will take with this loving, hardworking, dedicated, and purposeful community as I step into the role of Head of School.”

A SEAMLESS TRANSITION TO CANTERBURY

Caroline, her husband Stephan, their sons Sullivan and Aidan, and their golden retrievers, Billie and Shelby, will move to campus next summer and reside in O’Connor House. Caroline has already begun working closely with school leadership to ensure a smooth and successful transition as she prepares to step into this leadership role.

The Canterbury community also extends its heartfelt gratitude to Interim Head of School Sue Roberts P ’24, ’27, whose exceptional guidance and steady leadership have ensured that Canterbury remains strong during this period of transition.

With Caroline’s appointment, Canterbury embarks on a new era of leadership, continuing its legacy of academic excellence, valuesdriven education, and community strength. Her appointment reaffirms Canterbury’s mission to educate moral leaders in a complex secular world, ensuring that students graduate prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.

In his closing remarks, Nick underscored the bright future ahead: “Caroline’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Canterbury, grounded in our values and dedicated to the growth and vitality of our community. Please join me in warmly welcoming Caroline Blatti as Canterbury’s next Head of School. I look forward with great anticipation to the extraordinary opportunities ahead under her leadership.”

To read the full announcement from Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21, President of the Board of Trustees, and to learn more about Caroline’s impressive background, including a video message from Caroline to the Canterbury community, please visit our Head of School Search webpage:

Caroline, her husband, Stephan, and their sons, Sullivan and Aidan, will live in O'Connor House on campus.

NEW TRUSTEES OFFER LEADERSHIP AND DEDICATION

The newest members of Canterbury’s Board of Trustees bring a wide range of expertise, ideas, and experience to their roles. Holly Fedorcik P ’26, Justin Towey P ’24, and Robert Williams ’90 are already valued members of the Saints community, and we welcome their unique perspectives and shared vision on our leadership team.

Holly worked in education for more than 10 years before moving into nutrition for New York Road Runners. Since leaving the nutrition field, much of her time has been spent raising her children and actively participating in their schools, Trevor Day School and Canterbury. At Trevor, Holly served on the Board of Trustees, was Co-President of the Parents Association and Co-Chair of the school Auction, and volunteered as a Class Representative. In the Spring of 2022, Holly joined the Board at Only Make Believe, a New York City-based organization that creates interactive theater with children in hospitals, special education schools, and care facilities to provide them joy, inspiration, and empowerment.

She earned a master’s degree in Nutrition from New York University and a bachelor’s in Education from Elmira College. Holly and her husband, Mark, live in New York City and have two children, current Saint Palmer ’26 and Sawyer.

“I feel privileged and excited for the opportunity to be a member of the Board and help propel the School to the next level,” Holly said. “My son chose Canterbury after having known alumni there and to play football. Go, Saints! And I fell in love with Canterbury for its core values; as a Trustee, I hope to pay that forward to future families.”

Justin joins the Board as a Managing Director and Partner with Morse, Towey, White & Hoffman at Hightower, where he helps manage the team’s proprietary investment portfolio and oversee the firm’s daily operations. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Coker University, Justin joined the Atlanta office of

Salomon Smith Barney, where he supported the branch’s top investment consultant in executing the separately managed account business. He then moved on to the Morse Group at Salomon Smith Barney in 1999.

Justin is a dedicated leader who lends his expertise to numerous non-profit organizations. He is a former board member of the Leviticus 25:23 Alternative Fund, which provides low-cost capital to needy organizations in the tri-state area. He is also the current Chairman of the Coker University Board of Trustees and serves on the board of directors of Project Main Street, a charity that provides financial assistance to individuals and families coping with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Justin and his wife, Kristi, are parents to Desmond and recent Canterbury graduate Jake ’24

“The next generation of Saints deserves the extraordinary opportunity of a Canterbury education. Kristi and I watched our son Jake grow and mature in so many ways during his time on campus. It has been transformative,” Justin said. “The faculty, staff, and administration create an environment that personalizes the educational experience and unlocks a student’s potential. I am excited to join the Board to help ensure the Canterbury experience!”

Robert is president of Representin’ Inc., a non-profit organization he founded in 1997 to provide effective programs and services for organizations and individuals looking to build

their capacity and ability. His work experience runs the gamut in the non-profit arena, from St. Aloysius Educational Clinic in New York City to the Archdiocese of New York, where he created a small Catholic school foundation, St. Agnes Boys High School Foundation. In 2006, Robert and his wife launched their own business, Luxe LLC, a bath and body shop in their hometown of Milford, Pennsylvania, and he later became Director for the Center for Economic and Entrepreneurship Education at Misericordia University.

Robert continued to apply his non-profit skillset through partnerships with Each One Teach One and Manhattanville Cornerstone in New York City and several other organizations throughout Minnesota and Pennsylvania. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Williams College and a master’s in Non-Profit Administration from Metropolitan College of New York. He currently lives in Roanoke, Virginia, with his wife, Mary Hinton, and three children, Hallela, Hillel, and Hosanna.

“It is truly an honor to be selected to the Board,” he shared. “Canterbury played a crucial role in shaping me from a wary teenager to a capable adult ready to meet the challenges of the world. From the faculty and staff to my schoolmates and close friends, so much of who I am today was shaped during my years there. As a member of the Board, I hope to give back even a fraction of the nurturing care that Canterbury gave me.”

Robert Williams ’90, Holly Fedorcik P ’26, and Justin Towey P ’24

“This is more than bricks and mortar— it is an investment in generations of Canterbury students, ensuring they are challenged, inspired, and equipped to meet the highest academic standards.”

BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT

’88, P ’21

The Academic Hub A Transformational Investment in Student Success

The Academic Hub marks a defining moment in Canterbury’s commitment to intellectual rigor, collaboration, and student success. This state-of-the-art facility, opened in December 2024 and fully funded through the generosity of Canterbury’s donors, stands as a powerful testament to the enduring partnership between the School and its parents, alumni, and trustees.

The $2.35 million project is more than an investment in facilities—it is an investment in the future of education at Canterbury. The Hub centralizes key academic resources, including the expanded Donovan Center for Learning (DCL), the brand-new Keefe Center for College Counseling, a Teaching Commons for faculty professional development, and enhancements to the David C. Copley ’70 Library. Together, these spaces reinforce Canterbury’s commitment to academic excellence, scholarly inquiry, and preparation for higher education and beyond.

At a reception honoring those who helped bring this vision to life, Board of Trustees President Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21 expressed his gratitude to the donors who made the Hub possible. “Your belief in this project from the very beginning has turned an idea into an extraordinary space for learning, collaboration, and innovation,” he said. “This is more than bricks and mortar—it is an investment in generations of Canterbury students, ensuring they are challenged, inspired, and equipped to meet the highest academic standards.”

EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

The Academic Hub brings to life key priorities outlined in Canterbury’s Strategic Plan, ensuring that academic resources evolve to meet the needs of today’s students.

A cornerstone of the Hub is the expanded Donovan Center for Learning (DCL), a space designed to foster academic growth and individualized support. John Donovan ’59, a longtime Canterbury trustee and Vice President of the Board, reflected on the impact of the Center at the donor reception. “It turned out better than I ever imagined,” he shared. “But our contribution was just the physical space—what matters most is what happens inside. This began as a vision from (Interim Head of School) Sue Roberts P ’24, ’27 to create a centralized learning center, and today, that vision has flourished into a vital academic resource.”

Director of the DCL Alison Bailey echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the impact on student learning. “This new space provides students with greater flexibility and functionality, allowing them to study in ways that best suit their needs,” she said. “When they walk through our doors, they feel supported, valued,

and empowered to take on the challenges of Canterbury’s rigorous academic program.”

Similarly, the Keefe Center for College Counseling provides students with a purposeful, well-equipped space to navigate the college application process with confidence. Director of College Counseling Sarah Ferland extended her appreciation to Trustee Jerry Keefe P ’21, ’22 and his wife, Sally P ’21, ’22, whose generosity helped make the expansion possible. “Your passion for college counseling and belief in this program has made a real difference,” she said. “Because of you, students enter this space feeling encouraged, prepared, and supported every step of the way.”

Jerry, a Canterbury trustee since 2022, shared how meaningful it was to continue supporting the School. “From the moment Sally and I stepped onto campus, we felt Canterbury’s deep commitment to education and

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The Academic Hub

community,” he said. “This center is a place where students can research schools, prepare applications, and—just as importantly—find support when they need it. Sally and I know firsthand how stressful the process can be. We certainly relied on the college counseling team when our own children were here, and now we are honored to help provide that same guidance for future students.”

A HUB FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Canterbury students are already taking full advantage of the Academic Hub’s dynamic resources. Albertine Gingrass ’25 shared how

the space enhances her ability to focus. “It’s a great place to study—away from distractions but still connected to the resources I need,” she said. “Having the library, college counseling, and the DCL all in one place makes it easy to stay on top of my work.”

For Grace Morris ’25, the expanded DCL has been transformative. “I love that everything is so interconnected. Whether I’m working on a research paper or finalizing a college essay, I have immediate access to the support I need.”

And that, Sue Roberts said, has been the driving force behind the project from the

David C. Copley ’70

Astart. “The Academic Hub is a true reflection of Canterbury’s mission—combining rigorous academic work with an unwavering commitment to student success. This space creates the ideal balance of challenge and support, fostering intellectual growth and preparing students to thrive in an increasingly complex world.”

Thanks to the generosity of Canterbury’s donors, the Academic Hub is more than a facility—it is a lasting investment in the future of our students, our School, and our shared pursuit of academic excellence.

Library: The Center of It All

t the epicenter of the Academic Hub is the renovated David C. Copley ’70 Library, a fully accessible research space where students can complement their DCL support with resources and guidance from library staff on a variety of projects— including AI-generative materials, digital and information literacy, written reports, and class assignments.

Canterbury alumnus David Casey Copley ’70 was a noted philanthropist,

publishing heir, president/owner of Copley Press, and publisher of the San Diego UnionTribune. A Trustee of the School from 1983 to 2012, David facilitated an exceptional gift to Canterbury’s capital campaign from the James S. Copley Foundation. The library was named in David’s honor in 1984.

David, who passed away in 2012, was wellloved by his Canterbury classmates. “He was irreverent, insightful, and shy,” said Stephen Cunningham ’70. “We played many games of bridge together in the Middle House (now Sheehan House) Common Room during senior year. Your chances of success were significantly greater if David was your partner. He was usually reserved, but in a class of 70 young men, his serenity was notable. We were lucky to know him.”

A key component of Robert M. Steele ’72 Hall when it opened in 1983, the original library included an audio-visual room, four group study rooms, a microfilm area, a new computer room, and a reading room. Thanks to David’s support and generosity more than four decades ago, the Copley Library remains a vital piece of every student’s academic journey at Canterbury today.

Celebrating Our Donors

The Academic Hub stands as a testament to the dedication and support of Canterbury’s donors, whose commitment has made this transformational space a reality. Their contributions provide students with enhanced resources and opportunities that will benefit generations to come. With gratitude, we recognize the following donors for their invaluable support:

• Renjie Weng and Yanwen Bao P ’23

• Lauren and Mark Booth P ’19, ’22, ’24

• Jessica Holscott and Jeffrey Buda P ’26

• Christina and Laurent de Marval P ’25

• Dana and Trustee John Donovan ’59

• Mark and Trustee Holly Fedorcik P ’26

• Alyson Germain P ’23

• Margaret and William Hearst III ’67

• Kimberly Moffitt Hehir ’90 and Sean Hehir P ’26

• Sarah and Trustee Jeremiah Keefe P ’21, ’22

• Lauren Blum and C. William Merten P ’24

• Nicole and Trustee Anthony Nardella P ’24

• Hyejung Ji and Hyosub Tae P ’27

• Kristi and Trustee Justin Towey P ’24

Left to right: Sue Roberts P ’24, ’27, John ’59 and Dana Donovan, Alison Bailey, Holly Fedorcik P ’26, Jeremiah and Sarah Keefe P ’21, ’22, Sarah Ferland, Justin Towey P ’24, and Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21.

Jeremiah and Sarah Keefe P ’21, ’22

John ’59 and Dana Donovan

Inside the Academic Hub

With its open and accessible layout, the Academic Hub integrates every stage of the academic lifecycle at Canterbury, from course selection and personalized support to college counseling and research, ensuring students have access to the tools and resources they need in one centralized location.

DONOVAN CENTER FOR LEARNING (DCL)

• Doubled in size, providing expanded academic support

• Dedicated open-seating area for quick access to resources and quiet study

• Individualized math and writing labs for focused academic support

• Versatile small-group testing room for both study sessions and exams

• Large-group classroom shared with the library for cross-functional use

KEEFE CENTER FOR COLLEGE COUNSELING

• Larger, dedicated space for student meetings and workshops

• A spacious reception area for welcoming students, families, and college admissions representatives

• Three private offices for one-on-one counseling

• Expanded conference area for flagship College Workgroup program and group discussions

DAVID C. COPLEY ’70 LIBRARY

• A research hub and workroom equipped with digital and traditional tools

• Quiet reading nooks for independent study

• Shared spaces for collaborative projects that integrate seamlessly with other Hub resources

TEACHING COMMONS

• A versatile faculty workroom designed for planning, preparation, mentorship programs, retreats, and roundtable discussions, with flexible configurations to support collaboration and professional growth

SETTING THEIR “SITES” ON LEARNING

Art students and Canterbury Business Association (CBA) members discovered just how valuable experiential learning can be when they went on-site for dynamic field trips earlier this school year:

AP ART STUDENTS INSPIRED BY GALLERY VISIT

Exposure to exceptional art is ideal for budding young artists looking to advance their craft. That is why students in our Advanced Placement art classes were excited to visit The Hen’s Nest Gallery in Washington Depot, Connecticut, to view highlevel work by renowned artist and illustrator David Suter. Hen’s Nest Owner Ellen Prindle opened the gallery early just for our students and was happy to chat with them about the artist and his career. The eager Saints then had time to walk the gallery, much to their delight.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT A REVOLUTIONARY COMPANY

CBA students saw all sides of operating a thriving business when they traveled to New Haven, Connecticut, to tour Protein Evolution, the first biological recycling company in the United States. There, they met with CoFounder and Chief Business Officer Connor Lynn, who immediately bonded with his young guests. With his own personal connections to Canterbury, Connor was more than happy to host the students. His mother, Mary Coleman Lynn ’90, P ’22, ’23, is a member of the School’s Board of Trustees, a graduate, and a parent, and his two siblings, Owen ’22 and Olivia ’23, are also alumni.

THESE SAINTS HAD THE WRITE STUFF

Two Canterbury students were London-bound last October after submitting their work for the John Locke Institute 2024 Global Essay Prize award ceremony. The essays by David Kim ’25 (at right in photo) and Junzhe “Michael” Zhao ’25 were chosen from about 40,000 entries to be among the 16 percent shortlisted for the trip to England. Even better, both essays—David’s in the Theology category and Michael’s in Economics—were included in the top five percent that received High Commendation Awards! That would be a notable accomplishment for one of our Saints, but to have two Canterbury students achieve such an honor is extraordinary.

Nearly 2,000 attendees attended the gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. “When we got to our table, the seating was done randomly, so we had people from around the world sitting with us,” David said. “There were students from Brazil, from Puerto Rico. We all talked about how our schools were different and shared our experiences. It was an honor to be there.” Congratulations, David and Michael—and thank you for being outstanding representatives for Canterbury on the global stage!

CANTERBURY STUDENT EARNS PRESIDENTIAL HONOR FOR SERVICE

When you receive a letter on White House stationery acknowledging your volunteer service, you must be performing meaningful work for your community. That is exactly what Maeve Prendergast ’27 has been doing and why she received The President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award—the highest level— from AmeriCorps for her “commitment to strengthen our nation and communities through volunteer service.”

The honor arrived at Maeve’s home by mail in a package with a certificate and a letter from The White House over President Joe Biden’s signature. Her 104.5 hours of service included volunteering at a food bank, working at a local day camp, and taking the trip to Acadia National Park in Maine last spring for Canterbury’s annual Women in Science & Service Trip. “It was extremely rewarding to receive this honor,” Maeve said. “I spent many hours volunteering, and it felt good to know I was making a difference.”

BUDDING SAINTS FILMMAKER ATTENDS NYC FESTIVAL

Out of the 3,000-plus entries to the All-American High School Film Festival each year, only about 800—less than one-third—get chosen by the organization as an “Official Selection.” One of those in 2024 was The Wanderer, a short film submitted by Canterbury student Zekai “Aaron” Zhu ’26. His reward?

An invitation to New York City for the world’s largest high school film festival.

Aaron created his movie to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Seven Samurai by legendary director Akira Kurosawa. Even though his film was not named one of the finalists in the Drama category, the weekend was a winning experience for Aaron. “It was great seeing how a film festival is run firsthand,” he said. “And it was awesome having my movie screened in an actual AMC theater!”

JONATHAN DIAMOND TALKS ELECTIONS WITH STUDENTS

Former History Teacher and Director of Counseling Jonathan Diamond P ’20 returned to Canterbury just prior to Election Day last November for a series of lectures to students on the history of presidential elections in our country. In the spirit of preparing our Saints for the big day, Jonathan presented at School Meetings on three topics—The Electoral College, Lesson in Politics: Kennedy vs. Nixon, and The October Surprise. The latter explored revelations intentionally disclosed in the month before an election to influence the result.

The idea to bring Jonathan to campus came from the Canterbury Election Task Force, which was formed to support our school community and provide essential education for navigating the 2024 election. His talks, paired with the Task Force’s efforts, reflected the School’s commitment to helping students experience the election with a clear understanding of the democratic process.

THEATER STUDENTS GO TO

Maguire Auditorium became a “microcosm of human experience” when Canterbury’s theater students brought the play One Stoplight Town to the stage for a two-night run. Set in a town so small that everyone knows each other, the story shines a light on how change, even when uncomfortable or disruptive, can bring new life to even the most familiar places and people. Each character navigates change differently, at various times fighting it, embracing it, or ignoring it altogether.

“The message of change—how it impacts us and how we deal with it—is relevant to everyone in every setting,” said Language Chair and Co-Director of Theater Keiko Mathewson, who teamed with Performing Arts Chair and Theater Co-Director Christopher Rich to direct the production. “I am incredibly proud of the effort and growth shown by the entire cast and crew.” Our talented students deserved every enthusiastic round of applause they received each night from their appreciative audiences.

HILLTOP HAPPENINGS

Social Justice Series Returns With Compelling Topics,

Speakers

“BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT ON THIS CAMPUS.”

That was the message that set the tone for Canterbury’s 2025 Fifth Form Retreat, held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as the launch of this year’s Social Justice Series. The retreat challenged students to consider how they can lead with purpose, embrace service to others, and build a community centered on kindness, acceptance, and faith.

The Social Justice Series, an annual initiative of the D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice, brings together students, faculty, and guest speakers to engage with pressing social issues. Through discussions, personal reflections, and interactive sessions, the series encourages students to deepen their understanding and explore ways to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

During the retreat, guest speaker and Canterbury alumnus Eli Taylor how transformative experiences shaped his understanding of servant leadership. As a student, Eli participated in Canterbury’s annual Lourdes pilgrimage and later traveled to El Salvador as part of a Fordham University theology course—two journeys that planted in him a lifelong commitment to service.

Now pursuing a Master of Theology and serving as an Assistant for Liturgy and Church Operations at Fordham, Eli emphasized that true leadership is not about

“Servant leadership is about encountering each other humbly— with an attentive ear and an eager mind.”

ELI TAYLOR ’19

titles or grand gestures but about humility, attentiveness, and everyday acts of service.

“My understanding of servant leadership did not develop from books or a single defining moment,” he shared. “Instead, it emerged

helping them prepare for a deeply personal and vulnerable moment at the healing baths, and witnessing their profound gratitude.”

These experiences, Eli explained, reinforced his belief that leadership begins at the most fundamental level: within daily interactions in classrooms, dorms, and athletic teams. “Servant leadership is about encountering each other humbly—with an attentive ear and an

Maleah Dunn ’26 found the retreat especially powerful. “Eli’s story changed my perspective on what it means to lead,” she said. “His journey helped me realize that leadership is not about authority but about embodying kindness, faith, and service. As I step into my Sixth Form year, I will carry this lesson with me and strive to be a role model in our community.”

“Diversity is about numbers … But inclusion is what ensures every voice is valued and heard.”

SELKIRK “TONY” WALTERS ’81

FAIRNESS IN THE COURT SYSTEM

In another Social Justice Series session, Selkirk “Tony” Walters ’81, Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for the New York State Unified Court System, spoke to students in Ragland Commons about the critical role of diversity in the justice system— both for those working within it and for those it serves.

“Our system only works if people trust it,” he stated. “That trust grows when individuals see themselves reflected in the system—when the judges, attorneys, and clerks making decisions look like the communities they serve.”

Tony discussed how the court system is actively working to address underrepresentation through outreach and professional development initiatives, as well as by providing implicit bias training for legal professionals. “Bias is a natural cognitive function, shaped by external forces,” he explained. “Our challenge is to recognize it,

slow down our thinking, and disrupt it when making decisions.”

He also sought to clarify the oftenmisunderstood concept of diversity. “Diversity is about numbers,” he said, gesturing to the room. “If we look around, we see people of different races, backgrounds, and experiences. But inclusion is what ensures every voice is valued and heard.”

For Bradley Bozzuto ’25, a member of Canterbury’s DEIJ Council, the discussion was insightful. “Hearing from someone who actively works on diversity initiatives

within the legal system was incredibly valuable,” he said. “I walked away with a deeper understanding of how bias can influence decisions in everyday life and why representation in the justice system matters.”

Tony, who has devoted nearly two decades to criminal justice and workforce diversity, credited Canterbury for shaping his personal and professional journey. “The relationships I formed here—my teachers, my classmates— helped shape the person I am today. The connections you build at Canterbury will follow you throughout your entire career.”

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SOCIAL JUSTICE SERIES (CONTINUED)

“The way we treat immigrants is a litmus test for how we’re doing as a society.”

DR. CARINA BANDHAUER

IMMIGRATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

In a thought-provoking session held at the D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice, Dr. Carina Bandhauer, Chair of Sociology at Western Connecticut State University, challenged students to reconsider their assumptions about immigration and social justice.

Dr. Bandhauer, who specializes in the sociology of immigration, led students through an exercise on stereotypes, asking them to list common perceptions of undocumented immigrants. She then had them create a second list—one that challenged and reversed those stereotypes. “This contrast reveals how racism and bias take root in our perceptions,” she explained.

Using a historical timeline, she traced how migration patterns, colonization, and the transatlantic slave trade contributed to racialized narratives that persist today. “When thinking about race and racism, always ask: ‘What time is it?’ Not the time of day, but the broader historical context,” she advised.

The discussion was eye-opening for Elizabeth Carlson ’25. “It helped me connect the dots between immigration policies, economic systems, and racial discrimination over time,” she said. “It’s clear that history still influences the challenges immigrants face today.”

Dr. Bandhauer closed with a poignant message: “A lawyer I work with once said, ‘The way we treat immigrants is a litmus test for how we’re doing as a society.’ That statement has stuck with me, and I challenge you to think about what that means in your own lives.”

DEI IN THE WORKPLACE

Yami Madho, Senior Manager of DEI at Big Y Foods, shared how diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in the company’s culture.

“Our mission is simple: ‘Because we care,’” she said. “That means ensuring everyone has the resources they need to succeed while recognizing that not everyone needs the same thing.”

Big Y, one of New England’s largest independently owned supermarket chains, has been recognized for its commitment to workplace diversity. Yami explained that fostering inclusion is not about metrics but about creating an environment where employees feel valued.

During an interactive activity, students created “two truths and a lie” with a DEI focus, only to realize that many defaulted to safe, non-controversial statements. “That hesitation is exactly why DEI conversations can stall,” Yami pointed out. “Fear of saying the wrong thing keeps us from having honest discussions. The key is building trust and being open to learning.”

Also in attendance was Canterbury Trustee Nicole D’Amour Schneider ’93, P ’20, ’22, ’23, Senior VP at Big Y, who emphasized how the company’s private ownership allows them to integrate DEI initiatives authentically. “We don’t answer to stockholders, which means we can focus on what truly matters—our people.”

D’Amour Center Director Joshua Leeuw praised the session. “It was powerful to see how a company like Big Y has woven equity and belonging into their culture,” he said. “It reinforced for our students that DEI is not just a buzzword—it’s an essential part of any successful community.”

“Fear of saying the wrong thing keeps us from having honest discussions.”

YAMI MADHO

Each year, the D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice collaborates with student organizations to bring thought-provoking Social Justice Series programming to Canterbury. Through these discussions, students engage with real-world challenges, explore diverse perspectives, and develop the awareness and empathy needed to lead with integrity and purpose.

INVESTING IN EXCELLENCE: ADVANCING FACULTY DEVELOPMENT

Megan Collins ’90

Canterbury’s Strategic Plan underscores the importance of attracting, retaining, and supporting exceptional educators—teachers, advisors, coaches, dorm parents, and mentors who shape the student experience. A key pillar of this commitment is ongoing professional development, ensuring that faculty have access to the latest tools, strategies, and insights to enhance their teaching and mentorship.

This fall, Canterbury reinforced that priority with several impactful learning opportunities for faculty, each designed to strengthen their expertise and enrich their approach in the classroom and beyond.

A FOCUS ON STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

Just prior to the start of the school year, faculty attended a mental health training session with Larry Berkowitz, Ed.D. from Mindwise Innovations. The Co-Founder and Director of Riverside Trauma Center, Larry has provided direct

therapeutic services for more than three decades and managed mental health services for 25-plus years. The training focused on how to recognize warning signs and risk factors for suicide in students; how to engage in appropriate, caring conversations with them; and the steps for keeping a student safe while connecting them to appropriate school staff.

DIFFERENTIATION

As Co-Founder of Collaborative Education Design, Megan Collins ’90 brought wide-ranging experience back to her alma mater in September to offer “Differentiation,” a workshop for Canterbury faculty to help them hone their teaching practices by learning how to provide differentiated instruction across all disciplines. The group explored characteristics of differentiation and examined research-backed strategies and examples for use in the classroom. Megan was pleased to discover that Canterbury teachers were already applying differentiation in many ways.

“I was impressed to hear them sharing ideas and methods they use in their classrooms,” she said.

BUILDING COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE WITH AI IN EDUCATION

Renowned speaker and author Tom Driscoll came to campus to present “Building Comfort and Confidence with AI in Education” this past October in Maguire Auditorium. The interactive workshop helped faculty gain a deeper understanding of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) works, why it matters, and how to use generative AI to enhance lesson planning, instruction, feedback, and more. Tom is the Founder and CEO of EdTechTeacher, which provides digital learning and civic education to more than 250 client schools and organizations. Following his AI lecture, Tom was eager to reconnect with Saints faculty to help further refine and advance the use of AI at the School. “I am very much looking forward to working with them and seeing where they take it,” he said.

Megan Collins ’90

Tom Driscoll

Family Weekend is always one of the most anticipated and beloved events at Canterbury—and after our 2024 celebration, it was easy to see why! The annual weekend of festivities and bonding brought more than 270 Saints family and friends together to enjoy the vibrant spirit of our hilltop community. There were plenty of smiles and hugs as parents joined their children in class, at meals, and all around the campus to get a firsthand taste of life at Canterbury.

After a day chock-full of activities—faculty conferences, a college meeting for Sixth Form and Postgraduate families, athletic events, and program open houses—everyone gathered in the Steers Center Ragland Commons for the Family Weekend Concert Celebration.

The weekend was a big hit for Katherine and Gray Calvert P ’27, ’28, whose children, Logan ’27 and Samuel ’28, were both new students this school year. “The magic of the experience is seeing how your children are finding their way and thriving,” Katherine shared. “It filled us with pride.”

FOR OUR SAINTS, IT’S ALL ABOUT FAMILY Family Weekend

“The magic of the experience is seeing how your children are finding their way and thriving. It filled us with pride.”

KATHERINE CALVERT P ’27, ’28

A Visit Filled with Kindness, Compassion, and Love

For five inspiring days last fall, the Buddhist monks of Drepung Gomang Monastery brought not only a sense of joy to Canterbury School but also a stunning work of sand art: the Interfaith World Peace Mandala.

Drepung Gomang is located in the Doeguling Tibetan Settlement in South India. Its monks are renowned the world over for slowly and intricately crafting sand mandalas over several days before washing away their hard work in the nearest stream to symbolize the idea of impermanence in all things.

The monks started the week by leading a prayerful chant at Monday’s School Meeting. They then set up in the D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice and began building their mandala as students and other members of the community stopped by to chat with them, take pictures, and watch the artistic process at work. The visiting monks were excited about interacting with our students, faculty, and staff.

“Mandala” is a Sanskrit word meaning “world in harmony.” The contemporary mandala the monks created at Canterbury includes an image of our Earth in the center overlaid with a peace dove. Encircling it are symbols of world religions, each beautiful on its own and collectively representing the aspiration for world peace.

The beauty and symbolism of their work left a lasting impression. “It has been an absolute joy having our monastic friends from Drepung Gomang Monastery with us,” said Joshua Leeuw, Director of the D’Amour Center and Theology Teacher. “They loved seeing our campus and appreciated the generosity of this community.

The monks provided a hub of compassion, kindness, and peace in the D’Amour Center, and it was truly a blessed experience.”

This is the second visit in which the Drepung Gomang monks shared their culture and art with Canterbury. They first came to campus in the fall of 2012 when Curtis Jones P ’14, a Civil Engineer whose daughter Abigail ’14 was a student at the time, connected them to the School. Curt has been affiliated with the monks since 1999 when he saw an item on the internet about them and sent a donation. One thing led to another, and he and his wife (and four-year-old Abby!) ended up hosting eight monks at their home in Woodbury, Connecticut, that same year—and then again at the end of the year for the 2000 millennium celebration.

“After that, a friend and I traveled to their monastery in South India and got to know the monks better,” Curt said. “My connection with them just seems like a natural fit. Every time I see them, it is like meeting

old friends. When they were seeking another venue for their tour this year, I suggested Canterbury. We would love to develop this into an ongoing relationship and invite them to campus on a more regular basis.”

The weeklong visit culminated in the Dissolution Ceremony on Friday afternoon when, accompanied by chanting, bells, and percussion, the monks disassembled their mandala, led a procession outside the Steers Center, and—lacking a stream on campus—spread the sand under a nearby tree. Samples of the sand were also blessed and preserved in bags for members of our community to keep.

What a truly remarkable cultural exchange for the monks, our students, and the Saints community. We cannot wait to welcome them back!

SAINTS VOLLEYBALL WINS SECOND STRAIGHT NEPSAC TITLE!

Another extraordinary postseason run by Varsity Volleyball led to a repeat of last year’s New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class C championship, making it back-to-back titles for the team.

After a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 semifinal win against Hamden Hall Country Day School at home, Canterbury traveled to The Taft School the next day to take on number-one seed Mount Saint Charles Academy from Rhode Island. Four exciting sets later, the Saints were once again Class C champs!

Head Coach EJ Soifersmith P ’27, ’27 could not have been prouder of the girls and the entire Saints community for their support. “The championship was at a neutral site, but it felt like a home match,” EJ said. “We had our usual parents, and then we had extended family, many faculty, and 45 students who came to cheer—three and a half fan

buses! Our crowd was loud and a great example of Saints supporting Saints. The girls absolutely felt that love during the match.”

EJ’s trademark warmth and enthusiasm shone through when she talked about her team. “They all worked hard and wanted this so bad. We were the eighth seed earlier in the season and gradually moved our way up to that two seed,” she said. “They just kept getting better and bonded as a team, which is what you dream of as a coach.”

The collective leadership of EJ, Assistant Coach Greta Massey (Canterbury’s Assistant Director of Admission), and Team Captains Addison Lau ’25 and Hanna Gleason ’25 was instrumental in guiding the team to success. “We had amazing seniors, and Greta is

such a positive person and the secret ingredient for our team,” EJ added. “She has been coaching with us for two years, and in both of those seasons, we won the championship.”

The Canterbury campus was still buzzing about Volleyball’s second straight championship long after the fall season was over. “Their playoff run was inspirational,” said Interim Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars Padraic McCarthy ’94. “Congratulations to the team and coaches. That is how you defend a title. Put another banner in Pigott!”

XC RUNNER SETS SCHOOL RECORD

In a fitting finale to his standout Cross Country career, Bradley Bozzuto ’25 completed his last race as a Saint in 16:12, the fastest 5K time in school history. The record-setting performance earned him a very close second-place finish at the NEPSTA Division III Cross Country Championships held at Canterbury.

It capped off dramatic improvements for Bradley every year at New Englands—from 29th to ninth to fourth place the previous three seasons. His many accomplishments include winning the Canterbury Invitational two years in a row, earning Boys’ Cross Country Most Valuable Player honors three straight seasons, and being named All NEPSAC 2024 Boys’ Cross Country in Division III this past year.

The long list of accolades comes as no surprise to Boys’ Cross Country Head Coach and Mathematics Teacher Ahmed Hussein. “Bradley is extremely competitive and takes the sport very seriously,” Ahmed said. “He is always running! Plus, he motivated his teammates and guided them through different techniques and stretches to help them succeed. That was always helpful to me as a coach.”

Congratulations, Bradley, on a school record well-earned!

STANDOUT SAINTS EARN ALL-NEPSAC HONORS

In a tremendous fall season punctuated by Varsity Volleyball’s second straight New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class C title, there were plenty of league accolades to go around for our Saints.

An especially notable honor: a key member of that championship Volleyball team, Addison Lau ’25, was again named NEPSAC Class C Player of the Year for the second time in as many seasons!

“The Saints teams this fall displayed a never-give-up attitude,” said Interim Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars Padraic McCarthy ’94. “This led to very successful seasons highlighted by our Field Hockey team’s playoff berth, Volleyball’s repeat as champions, and many important victories on Gunn Day that increased the Saints’ lead in the Canterbury-FGS Cup competition.”

Congratulations to our All-New England honorees:

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY

All-NEPSAC, Division III: Bradley Bozzuto ’25

NEPSAC Honorable Mention, Division III: Grayson Mengold ’26

GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY

NEPSAC Honorable Mention, Division III: Chloe Carroll ’25

FIELD HOCKEY

All-NEPSAC, Class C: Reagan Fitzgerald ’25, Emily Naughton ’25

NEPSAC Honorable Mention, Class C: Amanda Ranaudo ’26, Sophia Somma ’27

FOOTBALL

All-NEPSAC, Class B: Soren Rief ’25

NEPSAC Honorable Mention, Class B: Matthew Mullins ’25

All-Evergreen League, First Team: Soren Rief ’25

All-Evergreen League, Honorable Mention: Malachi Gibson ’25, Lucien Griffin ’25, Matthew Mullins ’25, Sean Perry ’25

GIRLS’ SOCCER

NEPSAC Honorable Mention, Class C: Clare Kelly ’25

WWNEPSSA All-Stars: Jaelyn Beauvais ’26, Emma-Hayes Setterlund ’25

NEPSAC Junior All-Stars: Kaelyn Darrin ’26, Grace Getchell ’26

WCSOA Sportsmanship Award: Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team and Coaches

VOLLEYBALL

NEPSAC Player of the Year, Class C: Addison Lau ’25

All-NEPSAC, Class C: Lily Dorfman ’27, Addison Lau ’25

NEPSAC Honorable Mention, Class C: Kathryn Davenport ’26, Hanna Gleason ’25

Above: Volleyball Co-Captains Addison Lau ’25 (center) and Hannah Gleason ’25 (right) present the championship trophy to Interim Head of School Sue Roberts P ’24, ’27. At right: NEPSAC Class C Player of the Year Addison Lau ’25.

GIRLS’ SOCCER HONORED FOR SPORTSMANSHIP

Good sportsmanship is the essence of what it means to be a Saints athlete, so we were delighted that our Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team and coaches received the Andy Pitonak Sportsmanship Award from the Western Connecticut Soccer Officials Association (WCSOA). Kudos to all the girls and to Head Coach and English

Teacher Amy Franklin and Assistant Coach and Canterbury alumnus Seidu Shamsudeen ’18 for their strong leadership throughout the season.

Each year, the association recognizes boys’ and girls’ soccer teams from throughout the region that show exceptional sportsmanship. They commended our team for exemplary

UPDATE: SAINTS CONTINUE TO EXCEL!

The collegiate accolades keep pouring in for two former standout Canterbury student-athletes.

After earning All-Ivy League Honorable Mention honors as a freshman for Division I Brown University, Joy Okonye ’23 outdid herself in her second year—she was named to the Women’s Soccer All-Ivy First Team! The talented midfielder started all 17 games as a sophomore and was one of seven Bears to accumulate more than 1,000 minutes played as Brown once again advanced to the Ivy League women’s soccer postseason tournament.

Last we checked in on Trinity Basketball guard Henry Vetter ’22, he was named

conduct towards referees and opponents, fair play, grace in victory or defeat, respect, positive attitude and motivation, and strong player-coach relationships. Amy accepted the award on the team’s behalf at the WCSOA banquet in Waterbury, Connecticut, in November.

“The award was an unexpected honor and a beautiful way to end the season. It is a testament to the players’ resilience, work ethic, and camaraderie,” Amy said. “The team rose above expectations daily, demonstrating their unwavering character and dedication. This recognition validated our commitment to fair play and positively impacting the game and the team culture we have built over the past few seasons. I could not be prouder!”

And we could not be prouder of Amy, Seidu, and the team for setting such a fine example for others to follow all season long. Congratulations!

New England Small College Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball 2023

Rookie of the Year. This past January, the junior captain was selected to the Small College Basketball Bevo Francis Top 100 Watch List. Henry became the first player in program history to appear on the list since its inception in 2016.

“This is a remarkable accomplishment to be listed as one of only 100 out of approximately 13,000-16,000 players that compete at the NCAA DII and DIII, NAIA, and NCCAA levels," said John McCarthy, founder of Small College Basketball.

Congratulations, Joy and Henry—you continue to make us proud!

Henry Vetter ’22

Photo Credit: Trinity College Athletics

Joy Okonye ’23

Photo Credit: Brown University Athletics

Playing the Long Game

MIKE ATHANASAKIS ’96 ON LEADERSHIP, STRATEGY, AND SUCCESS

"Entrepreneurs play chess rather than checkers.” That is how Michael Athanasakis ’96 characterizes his current role as Owner/Operator of the successful Chick-fil-A Chantilly Air and Space, located just a few miles from Dulles International Airport in Virginia.

Chess indeed—and for Mike, it took a lifetime of strategic moves to get to this point in his career. As he relayed to students at a Saints Off the Hill presentation last Veteran’s Day, his career path went somewhat offcourse when he graduated from Canterbury intent on joining the Marine Corps.

“I wanted to be a pilot in the Marines, but I could not pass the Navy flight physical because I did not have 20/20 vision,” he shared.

“Back in the mid-1990s, the Army was the first service to grant a waiver if you had no worse than 20/40 correctable to 20/20 vision. All the services do that now.” So, Mike transitioned to the Army and spent the next 20 years as an Aviation Officer. During that time,

he held numerous leadership and staff positions, culminating as the Battalion Commander of the 2nd Battalion 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He served on numerous operational and combat deployments in support of Operations Victory Strike III in Poland; Iraqi Freedom; Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan; and Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria.

AN IDEA TAKES WING

While still serving and simultaneously pursuing his master’s degree at Murray State University in Kentucky, Mike saw his future. He was visiting a local Chick-fil-A with a friend and noticed that the place had a culture and business model he wanted to be a part of. “I told my friend, ‘How cool would it be to own one someday?’ That was in 2012,” he recalled. “But it was not on my mind for almost a decade afterward. When I made the decision to retire from the Army in 2020 and thought about a viable career option, I revisited the idea. It was the right fit for me.”

So, Mike entered the selection process for running a Chick-fil-A franchise, which proved to be unexpectedly challenging. He could easily talk about how he managed a $20 million flying hour program or was a logistics officer for an entire Apache helicopter battalion, but the

interviewers were more interested in what he knew about profits and losses. Fortunately for Mike, he and a friend from his Army unit had partnered on a small business, Great Clips Hair Salon, in Huntsville, Alabama, for five years. That caught the attention of the Chick-fil-A representatives.

“When I talked to them about that, you could see them perk up because it was something they understood,” he said. “I had some private business experience and could talk to them about profit and loss, building out a business plan, getting small business loans, and all the things that go into entrepreneurship. When I was able to marry that business experience with my military career, I was off to the races.”

And that’s when the “chess game” began. “If you come into a business opportunity and ask right off the bat how much money you are going to make, you are asking the wrong question,” he explained. “The vision and playbook are not always about the bottom line today, but rather growth and impact tomorrow. That is the entrepreneurial mindset—to be focused on the long game.”

THE RIGHT MOVES

The next 18 months became what Mike called a “master’s degree in Chick-fil-A” at his Chantilly Air and Space location. Two key aspects of his early success were being selected as a Guardian of the Brand—he achieved “ELITE 1” food safety status for eight straight quarters—and building an effective leadership team. “That first year and a half, I felt like I was floating down a river bumping into logs—like I did not own the business; rather, the business owned me,” he said. “I focused my efforts on building leadership capacity and empowering the right leaders, so I would not have to be the single point of failure at any time or in any system or process. I came up with this acronym, C3I, for what I look for in a leader—character, compassion, competency, and integrity. I use the same philosophy when considering community partnerships or bringing on vendors.”

Now, two years into the experience, business is good. The restaurant team members are extremely engaged and motivated, having embraced their roles as empowered decision-makers. And,

perhaps most importantly, Mike gets to see his family more.

“My family plays a role in everything I do. My wife, Teanna, fully supported me while I was in the military, even though the job and lifestyle can be hard on families,” he said. “That was a major factor in my decision to retire. I had four young children at home—one of my sons has autism—and I wanted them to have a little more stability. I will now have almost a decade with my daughter before she goes off to college and even more time than that to spend with my boys. It was a no-brainer.”

AN EYE TO THE FUTURE

Mike has big plans for his restaurant operation in the coming years. “One thing you hear often at Chick-fil-A is ‘the best is yet to come.’ I transitioned from one career to another and still have much to learn about this one,” he shared. “My goal is to own a second Chick-fil-A franchise. When I retire for the final time, I likely will still not have it all figured out…and that is okay.”

He has plenty figured out already, as a recent story on Chick-fil-A’s website attests: “By modeling composure and

An added benefit to Mike's career at Chick-fil-A: more time spent with his family.

confidence, Mike encourages his team to feel empowered to make decisions, fostering teamwork and collaboration. He encourages current veterans to embrace their unique skills and remain open to new opportunities, noting that each person has a powerful story and the ability to extend influence.”

He similarly inspired students during his talk last November at Canterbury. “I was so impressed with his business career—how he started in the Army and now operates a restaurant,” said AbdulQayyuum Olasewere ’25. “It made me realize that you are not limited to just one path. You should always be open to different career options; you never know what will make you happy.”

Mike likes to tell aspiring entrepreneurs that you are never too young—or it is never too late—to get started if it is truly what you want. “I was in my early 40s when I went on this venture. Do not put an age on your dreams; you can start at any time. It is just a matter of your mindset.”

And Mike Athanasakis has the mindset of a chess master. Checkmate!

Congratulations to Mike, who is returning to campus this spring as a member of the 1995 football team being inducted into the Canterbury Athletics Hall of Fame.

Mike (center) was a team captain on the 1995 Varsity Football championship team that is a 2025 Canterbury's Athletics Hall of Fame inductee.

Untrammeled

MICHAEL BERMAN ’74 AND THE ART OF WILD EXPLORATION

During a single Saints Off the Hill presentation, Canterbury students learned what friends and admirers of Michael Berman ’74 have known for years. His life and career have much in common with the landscapes he typically captures in his photography—not confined, completely free, or, as he described it to our Saints in Maguire Auditorium last fall, “untrammeled.”

“I often use that fancy word to describe the wilderness landscapes that I shoot,” said Michael, a professional photographer who has wandered the terrains of the American West, the Mexican Norteño, Mongolia, and more to capture stunning images of these regions. “What interests me most are the untrammeled places big enough to get lost in. One of the things you might notice in my shots is the lack of trails to walk on. These places are interesting to me.”

So interesting that he has dedicated his work and much of his time to helping people better appreciate and protect that land. “As an artist right now, the idea of literacy of the land is important to me,” Michael shares. “People sometimes find my work a bit perplexing, because I tend to leave out the tricks usually used to draw people in. Most landscape photography is developed around an idea—the mountain, the canyon, the cloud. But what interests me are the smaller things we usually choose not to look at. We need to learn to see these landscapes.”

A MAGICAL PLACE

That learning began for Michael during a road trip as a student at Colorado College, where he studied biology and worked with peregrine falcons before embracing his photographic exploration of the land. “One day, when it began to get cold, some friends and I decided to drive to New Mexico,” he recalled. “We kept

going further south and saw the word ‘Gila’ written on a map next to ‘hot springs,’ which sounded good to us. We ended up in these strange but beautiful hot springs within a forest.”

That turned out to be Gila National Forest, best known for its expansive areas that include the first wilderness in the United States—and it would play a major role in Michael’s life. “I kept going back, and many years later, when my wife and I were married and looking for a place to live, we settled in Gila,” he explained. “There is a mystery and magic to the place, and it became my passion.” He would later share that passion in the pages of Gila, his book of striking black-and-white photography in two volumes: Radical Visions and The Enduring Silence.

While Michael occasionally explored other locales—most notably a three-year stay in Mongolia, one of “the least populated, wilder places around”—he came to realize that there was nothing as dimensionally or ecologically healthy or as wild as the Gila. “It is a gift to have found a land worth so much of my time,” he said. “I have no plans other than to continue doing what I am doing here in the Gila and maybe take a couple of sojourns to the border or other places nearby. As long as I can, I will keep going up to these mountains and look at stuff.”

A LAND WORTH PRESERVING

While Michael continues to promote the beauty of the land through his photography, he has also been active in environmental initiatives to help preserve it. He was on the board of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, a grassroots organization dedicated to the protection,

restoration, and continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s wildlands and wilderness areas. He has also been heavily involved in a massive effort to reduce feral cattle along rivers in Gila National Forest that threaten the environment by ravaging vegetation and trampling habitats.

“Over the last few years, we have managed to get the cows off the river and the wilderness,” Michael said. “I have worked with various environmental groups, the Forest Service, and ranchers to accomplish this.”

Michael also joined a small group of fellow citizens in founding the Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP), an organization that works in communities, in the courts, and in the state legislature to protect community health, the environment, and natural resources. It was launched in 1998 to ensure that a company operating the local copper mines at

“… when you tell somebody that you are an artist, the first thing people say is, ‘Do you make money? As it turns out, I managed to make a living at it, but that part was never as important to me. It was more the idea of getting out and exploring.”

MICHAEL BERMAN ’74

that time did not leave the community with contaminated water, a degraded environment, and no financial resources to clean up the mess. It worked—GRIP succeeded in urging the state to require $500 million in protective reclamation for the three mines, five times what the company was proposing.

“This is the group I am most proud of,” Michael shared. “GRIP empowered the community to ensure that the mining laws were enacted. We secured hundreds of millions of dollars in cleanup that would not have happened otherwise. We are not anti-mining; we just want to push them toward more responsible mining. It’s about protecting jobs and the environment.” Michael continues to serve on the Board of Directors for GRIP, which remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the Gila region’s natural resources.

THE JOY OF EXPLORATION

Through all his activism and environmental work, being out in the land—and truly discovering it—remains dearest to Michael. “The best experiences are unplanned; the idea of a journey in which you start somewhere and do not know where you are going,” he explained. “The wildest, most interesting places are often those that we walk by and miss, the ‘why would anyone go there’ kinds of places. In many ways, Gila is one of the last wild regions around. What has kept it that way? It is not always spectacular to look at like, say, the Grand Canyon. Gila is a place you must walk into and spend some time to truly appreciate.”

And, he insists, that takes a certain level of curiosity, excitement, and work. “Several times, I have convinced some of my past Canterbury cohorts to hunt with me, and we go to these extremely remote, difficult places. They go home thinking it was crazy, but they want to do it again! That is great for me as well, because I learn more about myself and what I do out here from my friends’ perspectives.”

As he told students in his Saints Off the Hill talk, being immersed in the landscape brings him the most joy. “One thing I find interesting is how, when you tell somebody that you are an artist, the first thing people say is, ‘Do you make money?’,” Michael said. “As it turns out, I managed to make a living at it, but that part was never as important to me. It was more the idea of getting out and exploring.” Michael has certainly learned to see the land in all its beauty—and, thanks to his stunning photography, so have many others.

Photo credit: William S. Sutton

Photo credit: James Hemphill

At the Crossroads of AI and Law

FRANCESCA GINEXI ’09 LEADS THE WAY AT META

As Lead Counsel for Privacy AI at Meta, Francesca Ginexi ’09 spends most of her days at the intersection of artificial intelligence and law. With a deepening understanding of the legal complexities surrounding AI, Francesca is well-versed in the ethical and regulatory challenges that lie ahead as the technology continues to advance.

“My position at Meta is primarily a regulatory compliance role; I prepare the company for upcoming laws and make sure we have a process in place to comply with them,” Francesca said. “It is challenging to be a lawyer in this space because there are many things we are still learning about AI, but I feel so motivated. Meta is a stimulating place to work.”

AN UNEXPECTED PATH

Tech law was not the career Francesca initially envisioned for herself. Born in a small village in Sicily, she was familiar with New Milford, Connecticut, and Canterbury School—her mother was raised there after her grandparents immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1960s, and her cousins attended Canterbury. Later, Francesca’s family would travel from Italy to New Milford often to visit relatives. “As a young girl, I dreamed of one day living and studying in the U.S., so I convinced my parents to let me attend Canterbury as a one-year exchange student,” she said. “But I had such a good experience that we decided I should stay another year and finish my high school career there.”

Those two years were life-changing. “Canterbury was a major springboard for me,” Francesca shared. “I had grown up in a small, relatively homogenous place, so the School opened my horizons to meet people from all over the world. It was a level of diversity I had never experienced before. The experience

“For a lawyer, this is a space where you can never get bored because things change at lightning speed.”

FRANCESCA GINEXI ’09

made me thirst for something bigger in my life, on a more international scale.”

So, after her Canterbury graduation, Francesca had the mindset of becoming a diplomat in the Foreign Service. She chose to study international law in college because she thought that would “open more doors” globally. Once she earned her L.L.B./M.A. (J.D.-equivalent) from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, something unexpected happened. “I ended up not pursuing a diplomatic career

because a tech opportunity fell into my lap,” she recalled. “I discovered a different angle and took that path.”

The path started with an internship on the legal team at the Google office in Milan and progressed steadily from that point. Francesca moved to San Francisco to continue at Google as a Privacy Legal Specialist, then earned an L.L.M. in Law, Science, and Technology from Stanford Law School. With that degree in hand, she returned to Google in a different role.

“I was focused on making sure Google ads were in compliance with our policies,” she said. “It was 2020, so I worked on many interesting issues, such as the U.S. elections that year. We looked at political misinformation and COVID health misinformation and worked to keep the platform both safe for users and compliant with our guidelines.”

Francesca finally landed at Meta in 2021 as a Public Policy Manager for Privacy Legislation. Three years later, she accepted her current position at Meta as Lead Counsel for AI.

KEEPING A FINGER ON THE PULSE OF AI

Francesca said Meta has long been innovating and investing in AI, which has been fundamental to its family of apps since the early days of the company.

“Being an AI lawyer at a tech company offers tremendous opportunities to make an impact, but it is also a great responsibility,” she shared. “My role is very much crossfunctional. When I learn about new laws and prepare the company to comply with them, I often collaborate with product lawyers who understand the technology and how it works, engineers and product managers who can best assess what the implementation of certain solutions will look like, and the policy team to better anticipate how regulators may enforce things. I am fortunate that Meta is filled with talented people willing to share their experience and knowledge.”

Francesca acknowledged that, like any technology, it takes years of work and strong collaboration among regulators, the industry, and users to arrive at agreed-upon technical standards and solutions for AI. Toward that end, multiple forums—such as the Partnership on AI and MLCommons—bring together industry, civil society, government, academia, and other involved parties.

Public concerns persist about perceived bias, privacy issues, fake text/imagery, job replacement, and more in AI, and Francesca says she does understand where these concerns may be coming from. “What I will add is this: contrary to what some believe, AI is not being built in a regulatory vacuum,” she said. “Sure, AI-specific laws are novel and emerging,

but existing laws around data protection, employment, content, and more apply to AI like any other technology.”

She continued: “Responsible innovation in AI is imperative to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks. Potential issues need to be assessed throughout the whole value chain of AI, from its developers to its deployers and users. Everyone plays a role; it does not stop at the companies that first develop the model or systems. Regulations, standards, policies, guidance for users and developers—all of these things need to come together to make AI secure.”

EMBRACING A FUTURE FILLED WITH POSSIBILITIES

The collective effort to advance AI is well worth the payoff, Francesca said. “AI has extreme potential to do good for humanity. It can make us more efficient and help find solutions to very difficult societal problems,” she shared. “We can and must take steps to mitigate the most severe risks that the

technology may present so that we can maximize the net positives for society.”

Francesca also emphasized the importance of AI users understanding what they are using and why. “Carefully read the information on an AI-powered product; understand its purpose and any policies and terms that accompany it before using the product,” she urged. “AI is a powerful tool, but it should not replace critical thinking, judgment, and independent decisionmaking. It should enhance our work and provide us with data to make better decisions. That is the best approach.”

So, what is next for AI? “I am excited about the possible implications and uses of the technology going forward, in areas ranging from medicine, agriculture, translations, accessibility, and so much more,” Francesca said. “AI will continue to be a focus and continue to grow. It is exciting to be on that train. For a lawyer, this is a space where you can never get bored because things change at lightning speed.”

From Skeptic to Servant

WILLIAM KUPERSMITH ’59 FINDS HIS CALLING IN CHAPLAINCY

Aself-professed “faithful skeptic” early in life, William Kupersmith ’59 never imagined that he would spend his retirement as a hospital chaplain. And yet, here he is today, after 35 years as an English professor at the University of Iowa, providing comfort and support to people in their greatest time of need.

Although raised in a religious family, Bill drifted away from his faith as he grew older. “While I was an undergraduate at Georgetown, I became pretty skeptical about religion, which was interesting for someone attending a Jesuit college,” Bill recalled. “But I believe

it is actually a good thing to spend time in institutions that profess values you may not entirely believe in or question. That can be a necessary part of one’s growth—and it was for me.”

It wasn’t until Bill was in his late twenties that he started to actively participate in religious activities again. “While I was a graduate student at the University of Texas in Austin, it was a very turbulent period in our country’s history,” he said. “With the war in Vietnam happening and so much unrest going on around me, I found myself reflecting on my

As he neared retirement, Bill took on a new role at the school that left an indelible impression on him. “I spent a semester as an academic advisor, and being able to help students on a more personal level was particularly rewarding,” he shared. “That experience was one of the things that led me to think that maybe I would like doing hospital chaplaincy. I had a friend who took on that role at the University of Iowa Hospital, and I observed some of her work. That is how I discovered it was something I wanted to try.”

THE “GREAT HONOR” OF HELPING OTHERS

Bill had always hoped to do something different—more spiritually fulfilling—in his retirement, and he found his calling. He was accepted as a trainee in a local clinical pastoral

education program and spent one year at the University of Iowa Hospital and another at St. Luke’s Hospital in Iowa City, learning how to be a hospital chaplain. He then applied for a residency and was offered an opportunity at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Bill eventually returned to Iowa and today serves as a volunteer chaplain at Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa. In addition, he has taken on the role of licensed lay preacher in his parish, New Song Episcopal Church.

The chaplaincy has been equal parts difficult and rewarding for Bill, whose primary role is to offer spiritual support and religious counseling as needed. “You are with people on what is sometimes the worst day of their life,” he said. “You may have to tell a mother her son has been shot and killed, relay the news that a child has died in a motor accident, or be with a family whose father suffered a fatal heart attack. There is often not much you can do for them but share in their grief and mourning. Being there for people in their darkest hours is, to me, a great honor.”

Bill brought that same energy to his service as a hospice volunteer at Compassus. “Simply being there with them when they are dying is, again, a huge privilege,” he explained. “It was hard emotionally and physically, but I wanted to be present and make a difference in their final hours. That was just as comforting to me.”

His efforts did not go unnoticed. In 2018, Compassus honored Bill during National Volunteer Week for providing companionship, support, and dignity to hospice patients and their loved ones. “We are proud to recognize

“God willing, the scholarship can continue for as long as the school does. I do not have any children, so this is like getting to be a parent every year!”

WILLIAM KUPERSMITH ’59

Bill for his efforts to honor life and offer hope to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses,” Executive Director Patricia Christy said. “His loyalty and work ethic are unparalleled.”

ALWAYS A SAINT

That same spirit of selflessness is something Bill carried over to the school where he and his brothers, John “Tony” Kupersmith ’63 and Peter Kupersmith ’69, spent their formative years. He established the Kupersmith Scholarship Fund at Canterbury in 2014 and has since generously contributed to it every year for students at his alma mater.

“I was fortunate to have somewhat affluent parents. We were certainly not wealthy, but they were able to send all three of us to Canterbury and cover most of our expenses,”

he recalled. “So I always felt that I wanted to give back, to share the experience I had with some boy or girl who otherwise would not have that opportunity. God willing, the scholarship can continue for as long as the school does. I do not have any children, so this is like getting to be a parent every year!”

Nearly half a century after he graduated, Bill returned to the Canterbury campus for the first time in 2015 for the School’s centennial celebration. The visit was both joyous and moving for him. “It was wonderful to meet alumni from different classes, ages, and backgrounds and still run into people I had known from my class,” he said. “What pleased me the most was seeing how everything that had been there when I was a student was still there—with so many new things added. It is the same school, only bigger and better.”

The visit also inspired Bill to write a novel set in a boarding school, and The Chaplain of Blackburne House was published in 2018.

As Bill Kupersmith continues his life of retirement in service to others, it is safe to say he is no longer a skeptic when it comes to faith. “As long as I am able, I will be a spiritual caregiver in the ministry. Even if I am in a nursing home, I will minister to the other residents,” he said. “I will serve as long as the Lord lets me.”

50th Reunion

CLASS OF ’74 REUNITES AND REMINISCES

Aspirited Class of 1974 50th Reunion brought nearly 30 alumni and their guests back to campus to celebrate lasting friendships and share memories of their days as students.

The festivities got underway on Friday when a handful of reunion classmates met at Lake Waramaug Country Club for a round of golf before the entire group gathered for dinner at Lucia Ristorante in New Milford.

Other weekend activities included touring the campus and engaging with our current Saints during a student panel. Two events were especially meaningful to Reunion alumni:

• Former Canterbury teachers and Vietnam veterans Peter Bordonaro and Jack Gaudreau presented “Views from Vietnam” to share and discuss their service experiences there. One of the Reunion attendees was Laura Burke ’74, whose brother, David Burke ’65, was killed in Vietnam. His name appears on a plaque in The Chapel of Our Lady “in honor of Canterbury alumni who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country.”

• The Class of 1974 Memorial Service was led by Rev. Judith Sullivan ’74 in The Chapel of Our Lady for members of the class who have passed away.

Former faculty members J.P. Mandler P ’91, ’94, ’99 and Marc Vanasse ’73 also joined the Class of ’74 for the weekend.

“How lovely to return to a place that is deeply embedded in my DNA. The campus was beautiful, everyone at Canterbury was warm and welcoming, and the memorial Mass for our deceased classmates organized by Judy Sullivan was a fitting tribute.”

WEILL ’74

On Saturday evening, a cocktail reception and private dinner in the Brodie Room on campus gave reunion alumni a wonderful opportunity to pore over photos, yearbooks, and memorabilia; swap stories; and chat with Interim Head of School Sue Roberts P ’24, ’27 and other Canterbury staff members.

Prior to the reunion, Michael Berman ’74 made a “Saints Off the Hill” presentation to students and the community during School Meeting on Friday morning. He spoke of his career as a professional photographer wandering the terrains of the American West, the Mexican Norteño, Mongolia, and more to capture stunning images (see page 32). By all accounts, the Reunion was a heartfelt experience for the graduates.

VICTORIA

Class of 1974 Reunion alumni are joined by former faculty members (seated, left to right) J.P. Mandler P ’91, ’94, ’99, Peter Bordonaro, and Jack Gaudreau.

Classmates at Canterbury, Friends Forever

Saints alumni enjoyed good times and friendly camaraderie during a series of fabulous special events to close out 2024. Check out some memorable moments from these festivities—there’s nothing quite like seeing smiling Saints faces!

A VERY MERRY CANTERBURY CHRISTMAS!

Alumni, families, and friends gathered in New York City to share the joy of the season at our festive Christmas party in Manhattan’s Harvard Club. A similar yuletide get-together was held at the Hampshire House in Boston.

BIG HOCKEY PARTY IN THE BIG APPLE

HOCKEY SAINTS MEET UP IN BOSTON

Coaches McCarthy and Beaudin also welcomed Boston-area alumni to Castle Island Brewing Co. for a special happy hour event.

YOUNG ALUMNI RECONNECT

Alumni from 2004 to 2024 celebrated the season with food, fun, and good company during our Young Alumni gathering at Nod Hill Brewery in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

SHOW THE WORLD WHERE YOUR JOURNEY BEGAN!

Add Canterbury School to your LinkedIn profile and strengthen your alumni network.

#CANTERBURYCONNECTIONS

Our ice hockey graduates joined current coaches Padraic McCarthy ’94 and Eliza Beaudin at Reichenbach Hall in New York City.

THE INTERSECTION OF ENGINEERING AND SUSTAINABILITY

Why did students in our Engineering class and Sustainability Club team up for a field trip to New York City? They were visiting 270 Park Avenue, the new state-ofthe-art global headquarters for JPMorgan Chase (JPMC). The 1,388-foot, 60-story skyscraper is set to be New York City’s largest all-electric tower, with net zero operational emissions and indoor air quality that exceeds the highest standards in sustainability, health, and wellness.

Led by Science Teacher and Digital Communication, Design, and Innovation Teacher Rodrigo Avila Hernandez, the group spent quality time with two members of the Canterbury family who are deeply involved in the project…

Students were greeted by James Shea P ’25, part of JPMC’s Global Real Estate leadership team, who is the Head of Program Execution for the facility. Jim’s daughter, Gracen ’25, was in attendance as an Engineering student.

The visitors also engaged in an enlightening discussion with Christa Rotolo ’07, Director at AECOM Tishman, the company that is the Construction Manager of the state-of-the-art building.

“It was a privilege to welcome Mr. Avila and the talented students from Canterbury to our new headquarters project,” Jim said. “Their enthusiasm and curiosity about the design and construction were truly inspiring. We are

“Giving students real-world insights during project visits like this is such a rewarding way for me to share my passion.”

CHRISTA ROTOLO ’07

excited to see these future leaders shape the industry with their innovative ideas and passion for sustainability. I look forward to keeping in touch with them.”

The itinerary featured a presentation from AECOM Tishman representatives on the construction and engineering challenges that come with such a complex building in New York City—including planning for 75 percent of the building being situated above Grand Central Terminal tracks and the need for exchange elevators due to the structure’s weight distribution.

Students then enjoyed a tour of the dazzling top floor, where the company will host clients for special events and meetings, and the sprawling entryway featuring stone imported directly from Italy. They also discussed the wellness centers and other employee-friendly amenities located throughout the building.

The day’s activities certainly piqued the interest of the young guests. “It was fascinating to learn about the design and engineering for this building,” said Kaelyn Darrin ’26. “The timeline and attention to detail are impressive.”

Christa had extensive experience to draw from when sharing project details with the visiting Saints. Following her graduation from Canterbury, she earned bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering and Management from Bucknell University and currently serves on the Bucknell Engineering Alumni Association Board of Directors. Christa’s professional roles included Field Engineer for the St. George Ferry Project and Terminal in Staten Island, New York, for The Conti Group, and her first assignment at AECOM Tishman was Project Manager for the World Trade Center in New York City from 2012 to 2016.

She saw herself in the students as she chatted with them. “Canterbury has always held a special place in my heart. It was where I developed my foundational interest in engineering—an interest that ultimately shaped my current career path,” Christa shared. “That is why I feel deeply compelled to give back in meaningful ways and directly contribute to the success of future generations. Giving students real-world insights during project visits like this is such a rewarding way for me to share my passion.”

VISITING ALUMNI PHOTOGRAPHER CONNECTS WITH STUDENTS

Professional photographer and creative strategist Tyrus Xanthos ’16 may have graduated from Canterbury nine years ago, but he still has a strong presence on campus— including a recent visit to speak with students about potential careers in the creative field and his experiences in that profession.

Originally from Canada and married to Canterbury classmate Amelia Haynes ’16, Tyrus attended Concordia University for communications and media studies before managing client relations and social media content for various companies in Montreal. He initially developed his freelance photography business— Tyrus Xanthos Photography— around weddings, couples, and small companies. He then moved to the United States in 2021 and launched Nomad, a creative agency focused on social media management and content creation.

“I felt it was important to build my own path in the creative world,” he told students. “When I did not land a job right away after college, I doubled down on my photography work, which led to me to opportunities in the corporate world,” he explained, noting how his freelance work eventually led to a career opportunity managing social media content for well-known brands like Dos Equis.

Known for his ability to craft compelling visual stories, Tyrus presents authentic images spanning many facets of society, from personal branding and lifestyle to automotive and landscape photography. Through his journey, he demonstrates the power of creativity, perseverance, and staying true to one’s artistic vision.

After Tyrus offered samples of his work for the Canterbury Alumni Art Exhibit on Alumni Weekend, his photography was showcased over several weeks in The Edward J. Duffy Family Art Gallery. The exhibit was the perfect setting for Tyrus and the students to discuss

his style, technique, challenges, and work with different brands.

“I like doing photos with contrast and darker tones, but for my client work, I tailor it to their needs,” he said as they strolled the gallery.

“Let’s say, for example, you are shooting a photo for UGG footwear. I would not shoot it in a dark and contrasty style because their brand is light and airy. They focus on comfort and convenience, so I do not want the shot to look gritty. I will use certain presets and color tones specifically for the client.”

He advised students to have a camera with them and ready at all times. “One of the ways you get better at shooting photos is by shooting more,” he explained. “It is important to identify those moments when a great photo opportunity presents itself—and then to get the right shot. That takes practice.”

Digital Photography student Charles Bewlay ’27 came away from the class eager to do just that. “I learned from Mr. Xanthos how

to better frame photos and use light to change people’s perceptions of a shot and make it more appealing,” he said. “He also taught me that anything can be a photograph. He drove by an orange McLaren parked under an orange sign and pulled over to get the picture. The colors matched perfectly, and the way that he framed the photo was incredible. I am so grateful to him for taking the time to speak to our class.”

Tyrus also touched on the college experience and encouraged students to go beyond the creative aspect of photography at the next level. “A good program should blend business and marketing with the hands-on classes,” he said. “If you understand the language that potential clients speak, you present yourself as more professional and knowledgeable.”

Tyrus’s many visits to campus have included taking the all-school, form, and athletic team photos for the School each year—and now that list includes sharing his talent, expertise, and insights with our students.

Tyrus Xanthos ’16 connects with students during a class visit at Canterbury.

OF

INTRODUCING OUR 2025 Alumni Award Recipients ALUMNI SOCIETY

Celebrating standout Saints alumni always brings us joy. Each year, we present special awards to honor accomplished graduates who have made an impact in their profession, community, or the world at large and shown extreme dedication to Canterbury School.

For 2025, we are pleased to recognize Barron Collier ’75 of The Barron Collier Companies with the Thomas J. Sheehy III Distinguished Alumni Award named for the fifth headmaster of Canterbury School and Christina Milano-Damaskos ’09, Co-Founder and CEO of Athlon, with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award presented to a graduate from within the last 25 years. The awards will be presented at the Sixth Form Awards Assembly on campus later this spring, giving these exceptional alumni a wonderful opportunity to connect with the Class of 2025.

“We are thrilled to honor these two remarkable and accomplished alumni,” said Kate Heslin ’96, P ’24, ’25, ’28, Director of Alumni Relations. “Barry has been instrumental in growing The Barron Collier Companies and has made a lasting impact through his philanthropic work in many areas. Christina is tackling the youth physical and mental health crisis through her innovative app, Rallee, helping kids build healthy habits in just five minutes. Both truly embody the values of a Canterbury Saint.”

THOMAS J. SHEEHY III DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

BARRON

COLLIER ’75

Barry was a Partner in The Barron Collier Companies, which has grown from a land holding business to one of the largest diversified companies in Southwest Florida, with business ventures including extensive agricultural operations, commercial and residential real estate development, oil exploration, and mineral management. He is one of the grandchildren and an heir of Barron Gift Collier, Sr., the advertising entrepreneur who became Florida’s biggest landowner in the early 20th century.

Barron Collier Partnership donated more than 750 acres in the early 2000s toward the building of a new Catholic college, Ave Maria University, and a new town east of Naples, Ave Maria, that developed around it. From 2014 to 2017, Barry was chair of Barron Collier Partnership, which has half-interest in Ava Maria’s town development with Domino’s founder Tom Monaghan.

In August 2015, Barry and his wife Dana donated to the University of South Florida (USF) to name a unit of the business school the Collier Student Success Center. Later that year, the couple established the Dana and Barron Collier III Scholarship Endowed Fund at Florida Gulf Coast University.

While at Canterbury, Barry was a Cross Country Co-Captain and played on the Squash and Tennis teams. He graduated from the USF Muma College of Business in 1980 with a degree in Marketing, and from 1987 to 1992 was a member of the USF Fort Myers Foundation board.

Barry has been married to Dana for 43 wonderful years, and they have been blessed with four children and five grandchildren.

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

CHRISTINA MILANODAMASKOS ’09

Christina is the Co-Founder and CEO of Athlon, a youth wellness technology company. She is dedicated to ensuring the next generation builds healthy and happy lifestyles while having fun.

After more than a decade in sports, media, and entertainment, Christina embarked on her greatest career calling with her husband and co-founder, Matt, to solve the youth physical and mental health crisis through tech and education. Athlon’s first K–8th grade mobile app, Rallee, builds up students’ physical and mental health skills to help them learn, reset, and live better lives in and beyond the classroom.

Prior to Athlon, Christina worked as a senior sales and marketing partnership director at leading sports and entertainment companies such as Excel Sports Management, a full-service sports and entertainment agency that represents elite teams and athletes, and the Madison Square Garden Company.

Christina played Varsity Tennis and JV Soccer while at Canterbury, and she helped the Athletic Director at that time, David Wilson P ’11, ’13, ’16, manage the Wrestling team. She graduated from Cornell University with a business degree from the School of Hotel Administration.

Christina lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and loves spending weekends with Matt, going for coffee runs, playing tennis, and hiking with their dog, Sterling.

ALUMNI

CLASS NOTES

Members of the class of

(see page 54).

1987

Seated, left to right: Ann (Forrest) Allwarden, Chad Burhance, Desmond FitzGerald, Landis Becker Young, Catherine “Casey” (McEvoy) Lazar, and Hilary Duffy. Standing, left to right: Stephen Jayne, Maria (Lascano) O’Neil, Alaina Olson, and Desmond’s wife, Gloria

1958

Antonio Vinals

Antonio enjoyed the Paris Olympic Games last summer with his son, Dr. Tony Vinals, and his family, Lise, Matilde, and Theresa. He said it was a wonderful experience to see great athletes in such a beautiful city. Having played tennis at Canterbury, Antonio was particularly excited to see world-number-one Carlos Alcaraz team up with Rafael Nadal in doubles.

1965

Daniel LaChance

Dan and Phyllis LaChance are overjoyed to announce the birth of their first great-grandchild, Juniper Cru LaChance (“Juni”), on behalf of her amazing parents, Daniel Cody and Charle LaChance. Their youngest grandson, Logan Daniel, is also pictured.

Read McNamara

Read notes that initial commitments for their 60th Reunion are encouraging. He enjoyed having lunch in New York with his classmate Lawrence Aaron ’65 in late January. He is hale and hearty and cannot wait for October. Read looks forward to visits from Class of 1965 snowbirds heading north in the spring.

1966

Special thanks to Class Ambassador Robert Constantine for sharing these updates on his classmates:

Michael Bickford, Francis Fabrizio, John “Jeff” Koons, Pedro Torres, Bob Constantine, and their spouses gathered for a wonderful lunch in Palm Beach, Florida, just before the new year…

• When not in Dorset, Vermont, Mike and his wife, Diana, spend the cold months in Vero Beach, Florida. Mike remains very active; he still skis and plays hockey and polo, which has been a lifelong interest. His son, Michael, Jr., owns a polo team— LaCañada—that competes in Palm Beach.

• Francis and his wife, Sarah, split their time between Rehoboth, Delaware, and Palm Beach. Francis is often seen on the golf course and ogling vintage sports cars.

• Jeff is retired from Palm Beach County politics but is active in promoting water management projects that impact the Everglades as well as water usage in the county.

• Pedro and his sons are developing houses around a golf course in New York. While visiting the project this fall, Pedro drove through the Canterbury campus and shared some lovely photos with us. He and his wife, Adriana, have a house in Wellington, Florida, where they spend their winters.

Roger Cooke

Roger and his wife, Joan, are enjoying their relatively late introduction to grandparenting, which began back in 2020 and 2021 when daughters Julia (an author of two published books) and Lizzie delivered four children in 19 months, including a set of twins. With homes in New York City, Vermont, and Portland, Oregon, Roger and Joan can stay connected with friends and their active family.

Christopher Dailey

Chris is living in San Francisco, California. His career as an acknowledged construction expert in historic renovations was the subject of magazine articles highlighting some of his projects on historic San Francisco houses.

Malcolm “Mac” Everett

Mac was recently the subject of an article in a Northampton, Massachusetts, newspaper about his volunteering in a kindergarten. Mac, a retired kindergarten teacher, benefits his community through countless acts like this. He has also taken up playing the ukulele!

George Haley

George had a birthday party that Bob attended in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he celebrated with George and Susie Quinn, Edward Haley ’69, and William Gilbane ’65

Theodore Krichels

Theodore is living near Boulder, Colorado. Retired from a career in public broadcasting, Ted spent much of his career at NPR stations in Denver, Colorado, and State College, Pennsylvania. He also did a stint in Washington, DC, with the Center for Public Broadcasting. Ted has since assisted regional NPR stations in combining resources resulting in stronger stations.

Bertrand “Randy” LeBlanc

Randy stays intellectually stimulated through his passion for reading, the guitar, and outdoor photography in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He and his wife Catherine are now living in San Francisco.

Joseph “Jed” Lykes

Jed and his wife, Debe, live in Tampa, Florida.

Terence Meehan

Terence is a passionate volunteer and tireless champion on behalf of Bread for the World, a U.S.-based nonpartisan Christian group that advocates for policy changes to end hunger and poverty within this country and around the world.

E. Payson “Skip” Smith

Skip has for decades been a regular attendee at—and administratively engaged in— Burning Man, a week-long counterculture art event in the Nevada desert. Skip is a dedicated naturalist, sportsman, skier, hiker, and beekeeper whose bees produce delicious honey.

James Stearns

James has been living in St. Petersburg for the past five years or so. He moved back to the U.S. after decades of living in Africa, Thailand, and other eastern and southeastern Asian countries.

Denis Sutro

Denis and his wife, Anne, welcomed Bob and his wife, Janie, to their villa in Cortona,

Tuscany, which they rented in the fall of 2022. Denis and Anne sold their vineyard in Calistoga, California, where they grew award-winning petite Syrah harvests, but still live nearby. In his retirement, Denis is a wood-turner and leads a thoughtful, purposeful life steeped in meditation, selfreflection, art, and community involvement.

Michael Taradash

Michael moved from Southern California to St. Petersburg, Florida. He and his wife, Sandra, are recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Helene. As of a few years ago, Mike continued his love of racing sports cars at Sebring and Watkins Glen.

A final note from Bob:

I look forward to sharing more 66ers Class Notes and to seeing everyone at our reunion next year. Janie and I live in Sarasota, Florida, but return to Buffalo, New York, and the nearby Canadian lakeshore to enjoy the cooling breezes off Lake Erie and the company of friends and nearby family. Canterbury visitors are always welcome!

1968

Tom O’Connor Tom recorded his first hole-in-one last fall on the 190-yard, par 3, 14th hole at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, New York.

Special thanks to Class Ambassador Stephen Cunningham for sharing these updates on his classmates:

Gregory Ahern and Nicholas de Alejo

Gregory and Nicholas are headed to Europe together for a cruise with their spouses. Greg remains active on various boards and lives in New York and Rhode Island. Nick is still golfing regularly in Tampa and is headed to Paris this spring.

Bruce Angiolillo

Bruce will surely be fishing in Montana when he is not in Connecticut.

Robert Brown

Robert, a resident of Little Rock, Arkansas, goes tarpon fishing in Cuba and trout fishing in Colorado when he is not running his company that produces those highway road signs we all read. Bobby’s factory is gigantic, and his energy is through the roof. If anyone is up for it, he would welcome the chance for a Canterbury reunion in Florida, where he spends a lot of time.

Christopher Burke

Christopher reports that he has had a varied and fun career with many twists and turns. He has done non-profit work in construction and management, building homes for incomequalified tenants in Worcester, Massachusetts. Currently, Chris is doing creative work making modest bronze treasures using lost wax.

Edward “Cal” Calhoun

“Cal” is still taking annual trips in his beautiful Airstream. This year, he is headed to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland after a springtime tour of Croatia and Portugal.

Robert Doyle

Robert said before the last reunion that he was retired and enjoying his time on lakes in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He still checks in with classmate Patrick O’Sullivan.

John Dunphy

John lives in Western Massachusetts and still sees Chris Burke occasionally when he is not serving as landlord for John LaCava’s younger son or traveling for a magazine that sends him far and wide to report on outdoor activities.

Members of the Class of 1970 connected in the mountains of Colorado last October.

Left to right: Cal Calhoun, Stephen Cunningham, Kevin Johnson, and Jack Haire.

John Haire

John spends a lot of time on the water in Rhode Island or Florida. Jack also stays involved with local government, making Little Compton, Rhode Island, better than ever.

Mark Hanlon

Mark said last year that he is still skiing and active and even practices law a bit—although he would prefer to be skiing!

Robert Harriss

Robert was in New England working on films at his last update.

Edward “Ned” Hill

Ned and his son-in-law headed to Forest City, Maine, last Fall and had the best smallmouth bass fishing ever—they stopped counting at 50 because no one would believe it anyway! Ned finally retired from teaching at Ohio State University in May and moved to Deer Isle, Maine, where he has had a house since 2008. His research on economic and community development continues. Ned also became a grandparent last September.

More members of the Class of 1970 in Colorado last October were left to right: John LaCava, Nick de Alejo, Peter O’Donnell, and Kevin McMahon

1970 CONTINUED

Kevin Johnson

Kevin, a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, is going golden dorado fishing in Argentina. He has taken other great trips in the past few years when not doing creative work with iron and actively protecting the environment.

James Kaywell

James has been a great resource to the class and lives in possibly the nicest home in the state of Kentucky. Jim retired as a lawyer but is still enthusiastically associated with various classmates and filled with energy.

Leslie Kernan

Les is still a legal beagle helping non-profits in upstate New York. He visited Ireland in 2024 and will be visiting Arizona and France this year.

John LaCava

John is living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he has re-invented himself as a musician after a long career as an attorney in Connecticut. He also travels regularly and is living his dream.

Chappy LeBlond P ’07

Chappy was still working at last report, providing fodder for Robert Ludlum and his acolytes.

Kevin McMahon

Kevin is a retired-architect-active-potter in Colorado. After having lived in Paris previously, he headed back there in March to see the new and improved Notre Dame.

Thomas Murray

Thomas is living in Southampton, New York. Tom is currently finishing a memoir, Wickapogue: Genius, Madness & The Murrays of Southampton, an all-consuming project for him the last few years. It should be in the publisher’s hands sometime this spring.

Roger “Rory” Nugent

Rory draws inspiration from the blues off the cape near Westport, Massachusetts, where he writes great American novels for our pleasure.

Anthony Orofino

Anthony is living on Long Island and, while recovering from health issues, continues to occasionally work on engines as he did during his career.

Allan Paul

Allan, a pioneer in the craft brewing business, is still living in Texas when he is not hanging out with classmate Bobby Brown

Leonard Savoie

Lenny reached the one-year milestone of his stem cell transplant at Yale. His lymphoma is completely gone! He could not have done it without classmates John LaCava and Kevin McMahon. They came to stay with him for separate one-week stints to support his recovery. That is the real beauty of Canterbury!

Robert Swain

Robert looked great at our last reunion and was still practicing law and living near the beach in New Jersey at that time.

Matthew Weir

Matthew still runs six miles daily and spends time in both Maryland and Florida. Matt writes medical articles to move the dial forward on national health issues and has been with the University of Maryland for nearly 42 years.

George Wolf

George is still active in both business and with his foundation, and he still loves to golf in both Pennsylvania and Florida. His number of grandchildren is now into double digits! George and classmate David Oneglia remain close.

As for Stephen, he writes:

I still fish and ski and have built boats for the better part of the last year in Florida. My greatest delights include 43 years of marriage, three sons, five grandchildren, and a great community of friends— many of whom know who you are. I fondly remember Canterbury and met (former longtime coach) Walter Burke at a wedding last year. His daughter married Peter O’Donnell, who lives with her in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Mr. Burke was a great sport when I saw him. He even reviewed a book I wrote about reunions after having such a great time with so many of you at our 50th. I could not believe what a great guy he was after I spent decades being scared to be in his presence! The best thing I can say about the book is that a lot of your pictures are on the cover, and it was a fun project.

Finally, we lost both John O’Grady and Donald Conway in the past couple of years, but at least some of us were able to spend a little time with them before they passed. They were both accomplished golfers and businesspeople. Greg Ahern, Nick de Alejo, Mark Hanlon, and Peter O’Donnell attended John’s New York Memorial Service, where they were serenaded by the Georgetown Men’s Choir, of which John was a long-time member. He had great chops.

1974

1971

Craig Czarsty

Craig recently returned from a medical service trip to the Dominican Republic with Health Horizons International, which he co-founded. He has also celebrated his birthday and his 20th year of doing these trips.

George Malhame

George connected with classmates early this year at The Rye Grill & Bar in Rye, New York. Left to right: Edmund Coleman P ’10, Patrick Filan, James “Jamer” Breene, Linus Cooke, George, and Neil “Chris” Craig.

1975

Geoffrey Golson

Geoff still spends chilly Sunday mornings painting pictures while listening to Led Zeppelin and the Allman Brothers—precisely as you would have found in his dorm room 50 years ago. Sometime in between, he raised three sons with a loving wife, founded and ran an academic publishing business, and remembered well the intellectual opportunities Canterbury instilled in him. His message to classmates: Best regards to fellow Cantuarians on our 50th in 2025!

John Sargeant

John coached the Danbury Special Olympics team to a Silver Medal in the Class A Connecticut Games finals. A special thanks to everyone at Canterbury for the use of the practice facilities and their support.

1976

Edward Perley

Homecoming Unplugged Jam is back! Ed, Peter Bresnan ’73, and Samuel Fitzgerald ’72 are planning another Unplugged Jam with classmates and friends. Details to follow.

1978

Cynthia Weill

Cindy published ¡Tocamos! Mexican Folk Art Music Makers in English and Spanish (Cinco Puntos Press an imprint of Lee & Low) this month. It is the ninth book in her First Concepts in Mexican Folk Arts series of bilingual books for young children using the work of artisans from Oaxaca, Mexico, for its illustrations. Cindy credits the fine grounding she received at Canterbury—in Spanish from Jean Hebert and Art History with Dr. Sylvia Lahvis—as the basis for this award-winning series.

1982

Special thanks to Class Ambassador Andrew Floodxxx for sharing these updates on his classmates:

Jennifer (George) Andrea

Jennifer retired from teaching after 35 years and could not be happier.

Ben Bristol

Ben continues to live in the White Plains area as a successful doctor. His son now lives in Maine doing hydroelectric work. Ben notes that his time at Canterbury was a great gift.

Charles

Mahon

Chuck still lives in the Cincinnati, Ohio, metro area, his home since 1996. Shortly after taking early retirement from General Electric in 2019, he accepted a career federal civil service appointment with the Department of the Air Force based at Wright-Patterson AFB in nearby Dayton, Ohio. He feels great to be administering programs in military aviation after years in the private sector. He stays busy as a part-time professional flight instructor, helping fill the demand for aspiring young professional pilots embarking on

their careers. He discovered the joys of adventure motorcycling and has enjoyed many trips through the Northeast and Midwest on his trusty BMW GS motorbike. His last trip in October took him through Massachusetts and Connecticut—including a sightseeing ride through New Milford and the Canterbury campus. He was so impressed with the facilities and the atmosphere; it was just as he remembered!

Filippo Guerrini-Maraldi

After 40 years as an insurance broker with Lloyd’s of London, Filippo is returning to his native homeland of Italy to concentrate on his vineyards and promote the best and most drinkable red wine in the world to all his old Canterbury friends!

Frances Robert

Frances celebrated Christmas with her brother, Stephen Robert ’84, and Thomas Taccetta ’88

1988

1987

Landis Becker Young

Members of the class of 1987 enjoyed connecting and hope to make it an annual tradition! Seated, left to right: Ann (Forrest) Allwarden, Chad Burhance, Desmond FitzGerald, Landis, Catherine “Casey” (McEvoy) Lazar, and Hilary Duffy. Standing, left to right: Stephen Jayne, Maria (Lascano) O’Neil, Alaina Olson, and Desmond’s wife, Gloria.

Andrew McLaughlin

Andy is happy to announce that his son, Nate, committed to play baseball at The College of New Jersey starting in the fall of 2025.

1990

Mary (Coleman) Lynn P ’22, ’23

Canterbury

together last December

Saints tailgated

in South Bend, Indiana, before the University of Notre Dame football team beat the University of Indiana to advance to the Sugar Bowl. Left to right: Paul Hu ’23, Olivia Lynn ’23, Jacques Joubert ’90, and Mary, who is a Canterbury Trustee.

2003

Scott Frost

After more than 11 years leading global marketing efforts at TaylorMade Golf, Scott has moved to Tiger Woods’ new apparel and footwear company, Sun Day Red, as Head of Marketing. He serves on the company’s senior leadership team. Scott has been part of Sun Day Red since the initial pitch phase of the business and is currently focused on helping scale the brand in North America and globally. He is also pursuing a Stanford GSB LEAD Distinguished Scholar designation at the Stanford Graduate School of Business after graduating from its prestigious LEAD Executive program last year Scott continues to live in the San Diego area with his wife, Erin, and two children (ages 4 and 7) and always loves to connect with any Saints if they come through Southern California.

2006

2004

Sarah Powers

Sarah is enjoying her time in the yachting industry; she specializes in marine insurance at Oversea Yacht Insurance in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She insures private pleasure and charter vessels in the United States, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. Sarah works remotely from Old Lyme, Connecticut, where she recently purchased an antique home built in 1900 that she is working to restore.

Tamara is leading the Integrated & Consumer Marketing team at Proclaim, a high-growth startup in the dental care industry. Proclaim is an oral jet health system with a 3D-printed custom mouthpiece and 60 jets. Tamara’s role oversees all direct-to-consumer sales initiatives, including Paid Media, the website, CRM (email strategy), and supporting the Dental Professional channel where 700+ dentists across the country offer Proclaim to their patients. Most recently, she is preparing to help open their growth round of funding.

2011

Savannah (Hardwick) Brown

Savannah and her husband, Ryan, welcomed their son, Bowden Chase Brown, on June 21, 2024.

2018

Ali Goracy

2013

Jenna Wilson

Jenna works as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at a private practice in Westport, Connecticut, where she specializes in working with clients with complex trauma. She recently became an EMDR Certified Therapist and EMDRIA Consultant-in-Training.

Ali noticed gaps in her marketing career that she wanted to fill with her love of studio fitness. She now works for the marketing agency and consulting firm Telomere, which specializes in boutique fitness studios. You can find her teaching indoor cycling outside the office at Jibe South in Charleston, South Carolina. She encourages recent graduates and fellow alumni to reach out if they are curious about taking a similar path.

2022

Giovanna Esposito

Giovanna has joined Dr. Zhiwen Jonathan Zhang’s research lab in the Bioengineering department at Santa Clara University. As a research assistant, she is conducting interdisciplinary research in biomolecular engineering, medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and BIOAI (biomedical artificial intelligence). Her passion for science began at Canterbury, which motivated her to pursue a degree in bioengineering and a career in healthcare innovation.

2024

Colleen Gallagher

Colleen is working toward her goal of becoming an elementary and special education teacher at Assumption University. She also stays connected to the Class of 2023.

Tamara Linde

EDWARD KANE ’60 A Transformational Gift for Canterbury’s Future

Canterbury School is profoundly grateful for the generosity of alumni and friends whose estate gifts ensure that future generations of students continue to benefit from a Canterbury education. Among these remarkable benefactors, Edward Maher Kane ’60 has left an enduring legacy that will shape the School for years to come.

Ted, who passed away last August at the age of 82, was a respected legal professional and a dedicated public servant. After graduating from Canterbury, he attended Syracuse University, earning his B.A. in 1965 before continuing his legal studies at Syracuse University College of Law, where he received his J.D. in 1971. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1972 and went on to serve as a law clerk to five Madison County Court judges in New York over the course of more than four decades. Throughout his life, Ted remained deeply connected to his roots in Cazenovia, New York, where he was beloved for his dedication to both his profession and his community.

Ted’s devotion to Canterbury was unwavering. He returned often for Reunions, Homecoming, and Alumni Weekend and was a dedicated member of the Carillon Society, which recognizes those who have included Canterbury in their estate plans. His father, Howard W. Kane, served on the Board of Trustees from 1960 to 1963, and his brother, Howard W. Kane, Jr. ’49, was also a proud graduate.

His commitment to Canterbury extended beyond words. Ted made a transformational planned gift of more than $2 million that will ultimately exceed $3 million, ensuring that future generations of students will have access to the same benefits he credited with shaping his own success. “Canterbury gave me the strong foundation to build upon in college and adult life,” he once shared, explaining why he chose to make the School a beneficiary of his

IRA account. “I knew I wanted to make a big impact for future generations of students while honoring my Canterbury experience.”

What makes Ted’s gift especially significant is that it is unrestricted, giving Canterbury’s Board of Trustees the greatest flexibility in determining how best to allocate the funds. Unrestricted gifts allow the School to respond to its most pressing needs and highest priorities—whether that be enhancing academic programs, supporting faculty, expanding financial aid, or improving campus facilities. The impact of Ted’s generosity will be felt across the entire Canterbury experience, benefiting students and faculty in ways that reflect both immediate needs and long-term strategic goals.

Ted spoke openly about his love for Canterbury, and his incredible generosity will have a lasting impact on students and faculty alike. His estate gift stands as one of the most significant planned gifts in the School’s history and will support Canterbury’s continued excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, and student life.

HONORING THE PAST, STRENGTHENING THE FUTURE

While Ted Kane’s generosity represents an extraordinary commitment to Canterbury, others have also chosen to give back in meaningful ways, ensuring that the School remains a vibrant place for future generations.

One such donor was Grace Sartor, whose father, Thomas Sartor ’19, was among Canterbury’s earliest graduates. Although Grace never attended Canterbury herself, she grew up hearing her father’s fond recollections of his time on campus—stories filled with admiration for the friendships, faculty, and experiences that shaped him. Those memories remained with her throughout her life, and

when it came time to make her own legacy decision, she chose to honor her father’s connection to Canterbury. In her will, she left nearly $1 million to the School, a gift that was used last summer to purchase a home adjacent to campus for faculty housing. In recognition of her generosity, the building has been named Sartor House, ensuring that the Sartor family’s presence on the hilltop continues in a meaningful way.

Another remarkable planned gift was realized just last summer when Canterbury received a $540,000+ charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) disbursement from a donor who wished to remain anonymous. A CRUT provides income to designated beneficiaries for a period of time before ultimately benefiting the charitable organization, in this case, Canterbury. This type of giving allows donors to support their own financial needs while still making a substantial impact on the institutions they care about most. The School is deeply grateful for this donor’s foresight and generosity, as this gift will help sustain the Canterbury experience for years to come.

Each of these planned gifts—Ted Kane’s transformational bequest, Grace Sartor’s tribute to her father, and the anonymous donor’s strategic financial gift—demonstrates the powerful impact that alumni and friends can have on Canterbury’s future. Whether through estate planning, charitable trusts, or other giving vehicles, these gifts ensure that Canterbury remains a place of academic excellence, character development, and community for generations of students to come.

To learn more about planned giving at Canterbury, scan the QR code to visit our website or contact Pete Cotier ’86, P ’19, ’20, Associate Head of School for Operations, at pcotier@cbury.org.

DR. THOMAS Q. MORRIS P ’85, GP ’25

A Foundation of Giving

The Canterbury community mourned the passing of Dr. Thomas Q. Morris P ’85, GP ’25 in December, and today we reflect on the pivotal role Thomas played in facilitating and strengthening the ongoing partnership between the School and the Gladys Brooks Foundation.

We are grateful for his vision and leadership as a Trustee of the Foundation that secured multiple gifts, endowments, and funding initiatives to help shape Canterbury’s growth and future.

The mission of the Gladys Brooks Foundation is to provide for the intellectual, moral, and physical welfare of the people of this country by establishing and supporting non-profit libraries, educational institutions, hospitals, and clinics. Its contributions to the Canterbury community have been abundant. In addition to total giving of well over $1 million, the Foundation was a major supporter of the Steers Center, where a classroom bears the Gladys Brooks Foundation name to recognize that commitment.

It also generously established several endowments and funds at Canterbury to ensure a lasting impact on the School’s educational mission:

Gladys Brooks Library Fund—Established in 1995 to develop and maintain the library’s computer infrastructure.

Gladys Brooks Endowment for the Department of History Established in 1996 to support the purchase of books and teaching materials for the History Department.

Gladys Brooks Endowment to Support the John A. “Jack” McCabe Endowment Fund for Faculty Professional Development—Established in 2014 to help Canterbury augment its faculty professional development budget and, in so doing, increase the exposure of its teachers to new technologies and best practices that are currently being incorporated into 21st-century learning.

All this was made possible thanks in large part to Thomas’s stewardship and support. His ties with Canterbury ran deep—his son, Tom Morris ’85, P ’25, is an alumnus, current parent, past faculty member, and former Trustee of the School, and his granddaughter, Grace Morris ’25, is in the Sixth Form. Tom continues to advance the Gladys Brooks Foundation partnership with the School today.

Dr. Thomas Morris spent an accomplished career holding multiple leadership appointments at Columbia’s medical school and what is now NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. He retired from Columbia in 2003 as

We are grateful for Dr. Thomas Morris’ vision and leadership as a Trustee of the Foundation that secured multiple gifts, endowments, and funding initiatives to help shape Canterbury’s growth and future.

Alumni Professor Emeritus of Clinical Medicine. An endowment was established in his name to support an annual symposium at Columbia to explore the future of medical education.

Canterbury and its students are thankful that Thomas brought his steadfast commitment to education—and the generosity of the Gladys Brooks Foundation—to our hilltop campus.

REMEMBERING

Francis T. Vincent, Jr. former Trustee

1938-2025

Canterbury School mourned the passing in February of Francis T. “Fay” Vincent, Jr., a former member of our Board of Trustees who served as the eighth Commissioner of Major League Baseball. He was 86.

Fay served on Canterbury’s Board from 2002 to 2008. In 2000, he made the largest single gift in the School’s history at that time, a portion of which was used to create an unrestricted endowment for the maintenance of the main athletic field and installation of a new scoreboard. The facility was subsequently named the Fay Vincent, Sr. Field in honor of Fay’s father, who refereed many games on our hilltop and went on to become an NFL official. Fay, Jr. also endowed a speaker series at Canterbury that bore his name.

A native of Waterbury, Connecticut, Fay attended Williams College, earned his law degree from Yale, and became a partner in the Washington, DC, law firm of Caplin & Drysdale. He later served as Associate Director of the Division of Corporation Finance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Chairman of Columbia Pictures, and Executive Vice President of Coca-Cola.

After A. Bartlett Giamatti was elected to Major League Baseball’s commissionership in 1988, he convinced his friend Fay to become the league’s Deputy Commissioner. Fay took office as Commissioner in September 1989 following Giamatti’s unexpected death.

He stepped down three years later and became a private investor and President of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. In 2002, he published his autobiography, The Last Commissioner: A Baseball Valentine.

Fay Vincent, Jr. is survived by his wife, Christina Clarke Watkins; his children from a previous marriage, Anne, William, and Edward; three stepchildren, Jake, Ned, and Nilla Watkins; his sisters, Dr. Joanna Vincent and Barbara Vincent; and several grandchildren.

Photo credit: Milo Stewart, Jr., National Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum

Robert M. McGarty ’48 1930–2024

Patrick Bennison ’56 1938–2024

Colin W. Hamilton ’62 1944–2024

Donald J. Meyers ’48 1931–2024

Frank E. Sessions, Jr. ’58 1941–2024

L. Andrew Collins ’71 1953–2024

John T. Queenan ’51 1933–2024

Edward Maher Kane ’60 1942–2024

E. Michael McCabe II ’81 1962–2024

Anthony M. Smyth ’53 1934–2024

Paul J. Shea ’61 1943–2024

Kathleen M. Nagle Coffey ’86 1968–2025

SEPTEMBER 26–28, 2025

OLD GUARD REUNION

All Saints alumni who graduated earlier than 1975

OCTOBER 17–19, 2025

CLASS OF 1975 50TH REUNION A celebration of this milestone class

OUR SAINTS WITH A

Your contribution directly supports the extraordinary faculty, inspiring coaches, and dedicated advisors who guide our students toward success at Canterbury and beyond. Please make a gift today, and help ensure our faculty and students continue to thrive in an environment that fosters excellence, growth, and achievement. Together, we are shaping tomorrow’s leaders!

WAYS TO GIVE

• Scan the QR code or visit www.cbury.org/give

• Call 860-210-3808 with a credit card

• Mail a check using the enclosed envelope

Admission Open House

Saturday, May 10, 2025

8:30 AM–Noon

The perfect opportunity for prospective Saints and their families to get to know Canterbury!

SPREAD THE WORD!

PALLIUM — Fall/Winter 2024-25

FEATURES

DEADLINES FOR CLASS NOTES

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2024—2025

PRESIDENT EMERITUS

From our Interim Head of School

Welcoming Caroline Blatti as Canterbury’s Seventh Head of School

A THOROUGH AND DELIBERATE SEARCH PROCESS

A LEADER ROOTED IN STRONG VALUES AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

A VISIONARY IN LEADERSHIP AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

WELCOMING CAROLINE BLATTI AS CANTERBURY’S SEVENTH HEAD OF SCHOOL

A LEADER POISED TO GUIDE CANTERBURY’S FUTURE

A SEAMLESS TRANSITION TO CANTERBURY

NEW TRUSTEES OFFER LEADERSHIP AND DEDICATION

The Academic Hub A Transformational Investment in Student Success

EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

The Academic Hub

A HUB FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

David C. Copley ’70

Library: The Center of It All

Celebrating Our Donors

Inside the Academic Hub

DONOVAN CENTER FOR LEARNING (DCL)

KEEFE CENTER FOR COLLEGE COUNSELING

DAVID C. COPLEY ’70 LIBRARY

TEACHING COMMONS

SETTING THEIR “SITES” ON LEARNING

AP ART STUDENTS INSPIRED BY GALLERY VISIT

BEHIND THE SCENES AT A REVOLUTIONARY COMPANY

THESE SAINTS HAD THE WRITE STUFF

CANTERBURY STUDENT EARNS PRESIDENTIAL HONOR FOR SERVICE

BUDDING SAINTS FILMMAKER ATTENDS NYC FESTIVAL

JONATHAN DIAMOND TALKS ELECTIONS WITH STUDENTS

THEATER STUDENTS GO TO

HILLTOP HAPPENINGS

Social Justice Series Returns With Compelling Topics,

Speakers

“BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT ON THIS CAMPUS.”

SERVANT LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

FAIRNESS IN THE COURT SYSTEM

SOCIAL JUSTICE SERIES (CONTINUED)

IMMIGRATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

DEI IN THE WORKPLACE

INVESTING IN EXCELLENCE: ADVANCING FACULTY DEVELOPMENT

A FOCUS ON STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

DIFFERENTIATION

BUILDING COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE WITH AI IN EDUCATION

FOR OUR SAINTS, IT’S ALL ABOUT FAMILY Family Weekend

A Visit Filled with Kindness, Compassion, and Love

SAINTS VOLLEYBALL WINS SECOND STRAIGHT NEPSAC TITLE!

MORE SAINTS IN THE POSTSEASON

XC RUNNER SETS SCHOOL RECORD

STANDOUT SAINTS EARN ALL-NEPSAC HONORS

FOOTBALL

VOLLEYBALL

GIRLS’ SOCCER HONORED FOR SPORTSMANSHIP

UPDATE: SAINTS CONTINUE TO EXCEL!

Playing the Long Game

MIKE ATHANASAKIS ’96 ON LEADERSHIP, STRATEGY, AND SUCCESS

AN IDEA TAKES WING

THE RIGHT MOVES

AN EYE TO THE FUTURE

Untrammeled

MICHAEL BERMAN ’74 AND THE ART OF WILD EXPLORATION

A MAGICAL PLACE

A LAND WORTH PRESERVING

THE JOY OF EXPLORATION

At the Crossroads of AI and Law

FRANCESCA GINEXI ’09 LEADS THE WAY AT META

AN UNEXPECTED PATH

KEEPING A FINGER ON THE PULSE OF AI

EMBRACING A FUTURE FILLED WITH POSSIBILITIES

From Skeptic to Servant

WILLIAM KUPERSMITH ’59 FINDS HIS CALLING IN CHAPLAINCY

THE “GREAT HONOR” OF HELPING OTHERS

ALWAYS A SAINT

50th Reunion

CLASS OF ’74 REUNITES AND REMINISCES

Classmates at Canterbury, Friends Forever

YOUNG ALUMNI RECONNECT