17 minute read
From the Head of School
Greetings from the Hilltop
You may recall, after hearing author David Epstein speak at a CAIS (Connecticut Association of Independent Schools) conference last April and subsequently reading his book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, I opened this current school year with remarks to our faculty and staff that centered on the concept of range*. The basic premise of Epstein’s revelatory research—and the correlations I drew to our School—is that true excellence emerges from a broad and deep diversity of experiences. As I read through this issue of PALLIUM, I once again found myself marveling at the extraordinary range of the Canterbury family.
As we continue to celebrate 50 years of coeducation, I invite you to consider the range of experiences of a family whose history with our School dates back to its opening in 1915. Few families have witnessed more changes at Canterbury than the Carmodys, and it was a pleasure to hear Trustee Carol Lovell Carmody P ’18 and her daughter Nelle ’18 reflect on what that evolution has meant to their family— an evolution of a school that continues to honor the history and traditions of its Catholic founding while also being a dynamic, inclusive, interfaith community (page 10).
Similarly, to recount a major event such as our Steers Center ribbon cutting (page 6) and dedication of the Ragland Commons juxtaposed with the great Class of 1971 celebrating its 50th Reunion (page 14) is an inspiring example of how the range of past and present continues to merge on our campus and create exciting momentum for our future.
Throughout this issue, you will also encounter stories that illustrate how Canterbury’s core values resonate with graduates long after they leave our hilltop. Margaret Smith ’06—who launched our Women’s Leadership Speaker Series this fall—brings the concept of servant leadership to bear in her role as Global Head of Talent at Compass, Inc. (page 16). Terry Meehan ’66 has effected real change to eradicate world hunger, receiving a lifetime achievement award for his work (page 20). Sherley Arias-Pimentel ’19, who is elevating the voices of those in need, credits Canterbury with helping her find her calling to serve (page 36). Shaped by his time here, Jay Snyder ’01 is working with his wife and business partner, Paralympic Gold Medalist Mallory Weggemann, to represent and tell the stories of people with disabilities (page 38). While each experience is different, they all spring from the same commitment to moral leadership that has long differentiated our School. Moreover, their stories underscore the far-reaching impact of our alumni on the world around us.
You will read about the range of talents and pursuits of three impressive young alumni—Ellyn Fritz ’18, Gregory McKenna ’19, and Joyce Gao ’20—who are writing for their college newspapers and carrying forward core competencies that are bedrocks of our academic program (page 22). Likewise, we are humbled and proud to announce this year’s Society of Alumni award recipients, Duchess Harris, Ph.D. ’87 and Katie Grill, Ph.D. ’10, who will be formally recognized during the upcoming Alumni Weekend in June (page 18).
Finally, just as I noted in my remarks at the start of the year, the collective range of our faculty is nothing short of extraordinary. The spectrum of knowledge, passions, and life experiences they share with our students—not to mention the remarkable agility they demonstrated in these past two years—ranks them among the finest educators in the boarding school world. Notable among them is Associate Head of School for Academics and Dean of Faculty Sue Roberts P ’24, whose story spans 23 years as a respected teacher, mentor, and academic leader at Canterbury (page 24).
And so, I invite you to read on and enjoy these stories and many others in this issue of PALLIUM. Indeed, the pages are filled with a range of joy and gratitude associated with teaching and learning, service and philanthropy, legacy and success—so much of what defines the excellence of our extended Canterbury community.
Rachel E. Stone P ’23, ’24 Head of School
The Canterbury community came together on October 1 for a ribboncutting ceremony celebrating the official opening of the Steers Center. The School’s students, faculty, and staff were joined by trustees, donors, alumni from the Class of 1971, contractors, architects, and even New Milford Mayor Pete Bass. The crisp, bright fall afternoon provided the perfect backdrop for the event, which was livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. The ceremony opened with a prayer by Sacristans David Salazar ’22 and Alex Schneider ’22, followed by a welcome from Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24. “The Steers Center has galvanized our campus center with the Wallace Mall and the Chapel of our Lady, sitting squarely at the heart of the academic, athletic, artistic, and residential branches of our community,” Rachel told the gathering. She went on to thank Trustees Bob ’71 and Lauren Steers P ’11 for their vision and generosity in bringing the project to life. “Consistently and amazingly throughout, the collaboration, generosity, and vision of Bob and Lauren Steers were both steadying and inspirational,” she said. “From the blue sky Board session with Post-its; the color palette, furniture, and facade discussions in their living room; the day they climbed into the ceiling of the foyer when the building was close to complete; and their unwavering commitment to the student experience, their presence has made all the difference.”
And she had more to share. “Today we also celebrate the naming of the gorgeous, game-changing student center—an area that
CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
“The Steers Center stands as a physical and philosophical representation of what centers and differentiates Canterbury: excellent and innovative academics paired with student life programming driven by students, all set within an enduring framework of values and a commitment to ethical leadership that has been carried forward by Canterbury’s Catholic heritage and founding in 1915.”
“Today we also celebrate the naming of the gorgeous, gamechanging student center—an area that reflects the breadth and depth of love, generosity, and devotion to
Canterbury of Nick ’88 and Joelle Ragland P ’21.”
RACHEL STONE P ’23, ’24
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
reflects the breadth and depth of love, generosity, and devotion to Canterbury of Nick ’88 and Joelle Ragland P ’21,” Rachel added. “For the first time publicly, we are very proud to announce that the Steers Center Commons is now officially named the Ragland Commons.” Rachel then introduced Board of Trustees President Bob Steers ’71, P ’11, who addressed the community and guests. “Four years ago, the Trustees asked Rachel to share her vision for the School and how we on the Board could help them transform the student experience. Her priorities then are embodied in this building today,” Bob said. “This is first and foremost a building that is intentionally located in the heart of campus. But more important than the location is what goes on inside, which touches every aspect of student life—starting with the magnificent Ragland Commons, which we are celebrating today. It is a place where students gather and which encourages community, friendships, collaboration, and inclusion. The D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice is focused on ethical leadership, service, social justice, and faith, all of which are critical building blocks for developing young students into tomorrow’s leaders. We are proud to have the Coleman Digital Media Lab, the Innovation & Design Lab, and many additional spaces to encourage innovation and growth.” He went on to thank those without whose help this transformational project would not have been possible, including the Ragland and D’Amour families for their extraordinary gifts; the distinguished alumni who generously contributed, including Greg Coleman ’72, P ’05 and Bill Wallace ’57; and The Hearst Foundations, The Woodward Foundation, and The Gladys Brooks Foundation. Also among those acknowledged were Geoff Gaunt from S/L/A/M Collaborative and his architectural team; Justin Giampaolo of Burlington Construction and Greg Oneglia of Burlington’s parent company O&G; Canterbury Business Manager Steve Carleton; and Founder and Principal at Surepath Construction Services, LLC Andrew Messinger. Bob’s remarks concluded with special thanks to his wife, Lauren, whose extraordinary involvement in every aspect of the project ensured its successful and magnificent completion. Following the ribbon-cutting, students were dismissed to their athletic practices and afternoon activities, and guests were invited to celebrate in the Steers Center with tours followed by cocktails and dinner. Several members of the Class of 1971 were present for the event as part of their 50th Reunion taking place that same weekend.
That is how Board of Trustees member Carol Lovell Carmody P ’18 often describes Canterbury School, and it is a sentiment shared by generations of Carmodys—from Terence Hearst P 1922, 1925, 1928, a lawyer who helped establish the School as a nonprofit institution, to Nelle ’18, Carol’s daughter who graduated more than a century later.
Carol’s love affair with Canterbury started with the man she fell in love with, husband Christopher “Kit” Carmody ’57, P ’18, who passed away in 2016. “From the moment Kit and I first met in 1987, it became clear that certain things were extremely important in his life—and Canterbury School was one of them,” she recalled. “When we were courting, I cannot tell you how quickly Kit took me to New Milford and gave me the tour.” It did not take long for Carol to share his passion for the School. “It hit me that Canterbury has been a real bond for the family over such a long time,” she said. “Although the Carmodys who studied at Canterbury in different generations had different experiences, the commonality is that they all had defining experiences, and the gratitude for their Canterbury education was lifelong.” It has been a truly remarkable run for the Carmody family at Canterbury, starting with Kit’s grandfather Terence, one of the School’s original Trustees who sent his son Edward ’22 to the School. Another of Kit’s uncles, Francis ’25, P ’56, ’62, and Kit’s father Guerin ’28, P ’57, also went to Canterbury. Guerin became a Trustee, as did Francis, who served as Board President and enrolled his two sons, Terence ’56 and Paul ’62. And, ultimately, Kit graduated in 1957 and went on to join the Board of Trustees in 1974.
Continuing the Carmody Tradition on the Hilltop
So it was only natural that, when it came time for Kit and Carol to consider high school alternatives for their daughter Nelle, Canterbury was a strong consideration, even though the family lived in Boston. They had
visited often when Nelle was growing up, and it always felt like family. “We spent a lot of time at Canterbury. When Nellie was a small child, we would bring her up there and commune with Kit and all his classmates,” Carol shared. “I remember being impressed with how tight Kit was with them. At one of Kit’s reunions, the guys embraced us and let us into their reunion picture. Nelle was like their little mascot. That was the flavor of the place.” Nelle recalls the memory with a smile. “Yes, I was the Canterbury mascot for my dad’s reunion class growing up. I was very young, but I vividly remember all the trips to Connecticut,” she said. “When I was looking at boarding schools, I did all the campus tours in the New England area, starting from Massachusetts, New Hampshire—and the farthest one was Canterbury. It was always in our minds. I think I knew deep down that is where I was headed eventually.” Mom concurred. “It was something about the culture of Canterbury,” Carol said. “We really felt a sense of warmth and community. It is hard to describe, but it’s real.” Carol also noted that she and Kit had a shared connection with the Head of School at the time, Thomas Sheehy III P ’92, ’98, ’04. “Kit was quite close to Tom and Betsy Sheehy, and I had known the Sheehys through very dear childhood friends, so that bond grew.” That sense of community was important to Nelle. “Going in, it was really exciting. We knew the Sheehys, and I had been in touch with a few other people on campus,” she recalled. “It was a really comfortable ease into the Canterbury experience. I felt like, ‘This is where I belong.’ But I also knew there were more eyes on me, a lot of expectations. I just wanted to hold the Carmody name to a high standard and fulfill those expectations.” Fulfill them she did, receiving her degree in 2018 in front of a large contingent of proud family members. It was a memorable day indeed for Carol and Nelle, even though they were unable to share it with Kit. “He did not get to see her graduation, but he was there in spirit,” Carol said. “Rachel (Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24) invited me to come up on stage, and I was actually able to hand Nelle her diploma. It is bringing tears to my eyes just talking about it! That was very special.” The moment was equally emotional for Nelle. “It was an honor because Canterbury is such a big fixture in our family. On the graduation card there are little asterisks for all the members of your family who have attended before you, and seeing the stars next to my name and having my mom hand me the diploma—and just knowing that I got to fulfill the Carmody tradition at Canterbury—made that moment all the more special.”
The Evolution of a Coeducational School
Over the years, the Carmodys have seen firsthand the transformation Canterbury has made from an all-male Catholic school to the dynamic, inclusive, coeducational community it is today. “The school Kit went to and graduated from in 1957 was clearly a school for Catholic boys,” Carol explained. “Canterbury is not that anymore. Coeducation was hugely significant. It started in the ’70s with a small group of intrepid women and has steadily grown ever since.” And Carol is passionate about letting people know what today’s Canterbury really is, as often as possible. “I am a loud voice in stating that I get tired of hearing people say ‘Oh
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
Canterbury, that is where my dad went. That’s where my grandfather went. Isn’t that a Catholic school for boys?’ This is so out of date. Canterbury today is squarely a coed school that provides a great education. The culture and commitment to faith and spirituality are incredibly unique. And what an environment to grow up in. It is the greatest!” That faith and spirituality component is important to both mother and daughter. “It has been a long evolution of preserving the Catholic tradition but welcoming people of all faith traditions,” Carol said. “What the School is now is not what it was. Today’s Canterbury is a school in the Catholic tradition that is very committed to faith and spirituality and service, but for everyone, regardless of their faith background. Nelle was very involved in the Catholic piece of the school, but also in interfaith activities.”
Nelle confirms that spirituality was an important facet of her time as a Canterbury student. “I was attempting to take a step back from my faith during my first year. But you take theology classes, you have School Meeting, school prayer, church on Sunday—so I re-found my footing in the Catholic faith. I was confirmed in my Fourth Form year. We had the Emmaus retreat, which made me focus more on my role at Canterbury and my faith. And as a Sixth Former, I was chosen to be a Sacristan and was on the first Interfaith Council. There is a greater emphasis on interfaith activities now at Canterbury.”
The Carmody-Canterbury Connection Endures
Both Carol and Nelle remain very much connected to Canterbury in a variety of ways. As a Global Public Health major at Denison University, Nelle credits Canterbury with preparing her for success in her undergraduate studies. “The biggest thing that helped my transition from Canterbury to Denison was the use of the Donovan Center for Learning and not being afraid to seek support,” she explained. “I was very reluctant in my Canterbury days to seek academic support when I needed it, but when I did, it was a huge help. And it helped me prepare for Denison; I use the academic resource center on campus often.” Her time on the hilltop also helped Nelle realize the value of maintaining strong relationships. “Canterbury allowed me to have more connections with my professors. When your dorm parents and coaches are also your teachers, you already have that one-onone relationship. I realized the importance of that, and I now seek those relationships with my professors at Denison.”
CAROL LOVELL CARMODY P ’18
Carol equally praised Canterbury’s special teacher-student bond. “The faculty makes a point to know every student—their successes, their failures, and everything in between. Each student is met where they are, and their growth starts there.” That level of commitment is something Carol brings to her role as a member of the School’s Board of Trustees and Chair of the Finance Committee. Recently retired from working in higher education finance, she was ready to devote time to organizations she cares deeply about. “I was honored when Rachel asked me to serve on the Board in 2017, especially given the illustrious history of Carmody family members who preceded me,” she said. “I feel strongly that this is a special and unique place, and want to do anything I can to make sure Canterbury is around forever for future generations. Rachel is a talented leader, and so much has happened in the last five years. It is an exciting time to be engaged with the School.” Kit’s devotion to Canterbury clearly lives on through Carol and Nelle, and it is something they both treasure. “I loved coming back to campus with Kit because he was so passionate about it,” Carol said. “He had become quite ill, and the last time we visited was for the 100th anniversary in 2015. He was so thrilled to be a part of it. Now looking back, it just seemed so fitting to have been there for that.”
Nelle, too, has many fond memories of Kit. “Dad was retired when I was growing up, so we spent a lot of one-on-one time together farming, sailing, doing whatever we wanted. We were two peas in a pod. And Canterbury was so important for both of us.” Carol feels strongly that their continued involvement with the School is the best way to honor Kit’s memory and carry on the Carmody family legacy. “Throughout Kit’s life, Canterbury was a constant, one of the most important things to him,” she said. “I know he is looking down on us right now and is thrilled that this is happening.”
