43 minute read
Society of Alumni
Saints Get “Eye-Opening” Tour of Graduate’s Company
Ahighly successful company with an environmental conscience and a great culture—that’s Mohawk Paper, and 17 members of the Canterbury Business Association (CBA) and Sustainability Club saw it up close and personal during a spring visit to the Cohoes, New York-based company. CEO and Canterbury alumnus Thomas O’Connor, Jr.’74 and his staff took students on a tour of the facility, talked about the company’s history and philosophy, and treated them to lunch. It was an extraordinary learning experience for our current Saints—a first-hand look at how to effectively manage all aspects of a business and an ideal complement to their Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA): Entrepreneurship/Global Economy course.
“Visiting Mohawk was very inspirational and educational, as it showed us the depths of what it takes to manage such a company,” said CBA member Eva Berkovich’24. “The organization and complexity of the paper mill amazed me. For business club students such as myself, it was eye-opening to experience the ‘behind the scenes’ of such an operation.”
Zachary Lord, CBA faculty lead who teaches the SUPA course, was impressed with how much of an emphasis Tom put on maintaining a positive company culture. “One of my key takeaways was when Tom shared a quote from (management guru) Peter Drucker: ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast every day.’ The culture he has built there seems to be a major reason Mohawk Paper has been so successful,” Zach said. “I also liked how the sustainability aspect of their business is thriving from both an environmental and financial perspective.”
The Mohawk staff discussed issues of sustainability and the environment with students and shared insights about the business itself and the science of paper making. “Sustainability has been the ethos of our company for a long time, before anyone really used the term in relation to manufacturing and the environment,” Tom said. “As the years moved on, specifically in the last several years, the whole discussion about sustainability became more serious and, I think, is being driven primarily by the younger generation. These discussions have moved us into a number of different areas. We now make paper with hemp. We make paper with recycled Denim, recycled cotton.”
He continued: “We are just starting to get into our work with hemp. We have someone who processes the stalks. If you know anything about hemp, you have this 10- to-15-foot plant, and all they do is cut off the very top flower. That’s it. So just like wheat, there are millions of pounds of this material that is just burned or landfilled. People do not really know what to do with it. We are working on a number of ways to process some of that; technologies that we think could change the world.”
The touring students appreciated the chance to see the process in such detail. “Watching how the paper is made, seeing all the moving parts, was impressive,” said Richard Gosman’23, a member of both the CBA and Sustainability Club. “Our tour guide went to Syracuse for chemical engineering, which is part of the process. There are so many different types of starches, pulps, and other chemicals that go into making the best possible paper.”
Fostering a Positive Company Culture
Tom explained that Mohawk Paper built its 90-year legacy on innovation, craftsmanship, handshake-level trust, and, most importantly, relationships. “A lot of it for me is about the people,” he explained. “I never thought I would see the day when I was the old guy! I have contemporaries here whom I knew when I was 18 years old—I am now 66—and they are still working here. We have a lot of people I worked with through the years whose children are here, whose grandchildren are here. I am proud of what the company has been able to do for the people in these communities and the loyalty that people have shown to the company.”
That made quite an impression on his captive audience. “One thing he mentioned—one of my biggest takeaways from the day— was to treat people like people,” said Neve Flanagan’23, also a member of both touring clubs. “That is always a good thing to hear from people who run big businesses because it is something that really matters to me.”
Seeing that level of interest and passion, Tom was beyond thrilled to share his company’s legacy with students from his alma mater. “It was exciting to spend a day forming new relationships with Canterbury’s next generation of business leaders. They represented the School very well,” he said. “Their questions about innovation, sustainability, and the role of paper in a digital era were relevant and highlighted the critical decisions businesses must make for both short- and long-term success. I look forward to hearing about the successes this ambitious group of young men and women will undoubtedly achieve.”
We are grateful to Tom and his staff at Mohawk Paper for their hospitality and enthusiasm in hosting this fabulous experience for our students.
THOMAS O’CONNOR, JR. ’74
An Inspirational Return Home
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SPEAKER SERIES
Dr. Miriam “Duchess” Harris ’87, P ’25 felt both nervous and excited as she stepped onto the Canterbury campus and the memories started flooding back. “My mind is exploding! This is remarkable,” she said. “Seeing the students and trying to reimagine myself in these seats feels like a very long time ago in some ways but also feels very familiar. I feel so connected.” A highly accomplished academic, author, and legal scholar, Duchess is a professor of American Studies at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She was chosen to receive Canterbury’s Thomas J. Sheehy III Distinguished Alumni Award, which was presented to her during Alumni Weekend in June. While students typically hear from “Saints on the Hill” at School Meeting, this time, it was a “Saint Beyond the Hill” as Duchess participated in our Women’s Leadership Speaker Series this past April, part of the School’s ongoing 50 Years of Coeducation celebration. Sharing her experiences from her time on the hilltop to college life to her professional career, she started by telling students three things she knows now that she didn’t in 1987. “The first thing I know now is that being part of this Canterbury community meant that I was going to succeed in whatever I did,” Duchess explained. “The fact that you are a part of this and are being nurtured by these people—I can tell you with tremendous confidence that things are going to work out for you.” She continued: “The second thing I learned is you can’t let people put a ceiling on your sky. And the final thing is one of my personal favorites—perfection is the enemy of the good. Sometimes you need to just do it and get it done.” Duchess has certainly gotten it done during an accomplished career as an educator and advocate for social justice and equity. At the University of Pennsylvania, she was the first Black woman to serve as Student Body President at an Ivy League institution. She earned a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Minnesota and a Juris Doctor from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law in Saint Paul while taking night classes with three children at home. And in 2021, she was appointed to the board of The Kamala Harris Project, a collective of scholars who will track all aspects of Kamala Harris’ tenure as the nation’s first woman of color to serve as Vice President of the United States.
So she was speaking from experience when she advised students to get out of their comfort zone as they grow and learn. “I would encourage you to try the things that feel challenging,” Duchess told them. She did just that during her time at Canterbury. Among her many roles were Sacristan, Proctor, Editor of Cantuarian and Tabard, Editor-in-Chief of Carillon, Debate Club President, Drama Society Stage Manager, and member of Student Government, Social Service, Photography Club, Choral Club, and Chapel Singers. She also urged students to seek out mentors. “You will be surprised at how open people will be to mentoring because it fills them up so much. When my friends back home said, ‘You’re going to Connecticut…why?’ I answered, ‘Because this sounds wonderful! Because it fills me up!’ And it really does.” Following her talk, Duchess sat in on a Q&A with Canterbury’s Board of Trustees, toured the campus, met with the Academic Committee and other staff members, and chatted with students and faculty on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Council. The visit reminded her just how much she loved being a Saint. “It is infectious here; the enthusiasm, the excitement, all of it,” she said. “The academics here are so strong; it is enviable. I wish all young people in America would get the kind of education you get here.” As her weekend on the hilltop drew to a close, she perfectly summed up the ethos of her alma mater. “This is a mission-oriented space, a way of life, which is different from a job—and I think that is why you get this great vibe. What you feel here is that people believe in this,” she explained. “It feels very twenty-first century; it feels like exactly where we should be. That makes this place exciting, the kind of place I want to tell people about!”
Saving the World
It’s in Their Job Description
Canterbury students leave the hilltop ready to make a difference in the world, but these and other alumni in the environmental and sustainability sectors are taking it a step further—they are helping to save the world. From environmental law, advanced building technology, and innovative inventions to community resilience, ocean exploration, and conservation, these passionate Saints have found ground-breaking and creative ways to protect the environment, foster sustainability, and preserve the future health of our planet. We hope their stories on the following pages will inspire you to join in these ongoing efforts so vital to us now and for generations to come...
It’s in Their Job Description (CONTINUED)
Karl Bourdeau’71
WASHINGTON, DC
• Principal Attorney (retired), Beveridge & Diamond PC • Member, Advisory Boards, U.S.-China Green Energy Council, National Brownfields Association,
Bureau of National Affairs Environmental Due Diligence Guide • J.D., Harvard University; B.S., Muhlenberg College
Alongtime environmental attorney in Washington, DC, Karl said his entry into that arena was entirely serendipitous. While his history classes at Canterbury planted the seed of an interest in government policy making, it was not until his undergraduate and graduate education that he was introduced to environmental issues and their complexity, particularly from a policy-making standpoint.
“Modern environmental law was just emerging at the time I graduated from law school. It was a whole new realm of policy making and legal matters of first impression,” he explained. “For me, it was exciting professionally to get in on the ground floor of a brand-new area of law that had tremendous societal significance. Also, environmental law necessarily involves so many different disciplines when you are either making policy or applying it. In effect, it is not just law—it is science, economics, and addressing public perceptions of health risk. It was more intriguing and intellectually appealing to me.”
Coming out of Harvard Law School, Karl joined what is today known as Beveridge & Diamond PC—a firm that addresses virtually every type of contemporary environmental legal matter—and stayed there until his retirement two years ago. “I ended up where I started. One of the most satisfying aspects of my career was that I not only participated in the evolution of environmental law in the U.S., but also assisted my firm in developing a sophisticated international practice as other countries crafted their regulatory regimes,” he said. “Being an integral part of the largest private environmental practice in the world at the advent of present-day environmental law afforded me the opportunity to help shape the law, particularly from my perch in Washington, DC, where policy was being made.”
He credits some of the values he took from the hilltop with helping him navigate those waters. “The cross-fertilization of divergent viewpoints encouraged at Canterbury provided a useful guidepost for appreciating the fundamental importance of engaging diverse stakeholder opinions to develop sound and publicly acceptable environmental policy,” Karl said. “My Canterbury education was fundamental in demonstrating the need for thoughtful examination of a wide universe of intellectual thought and endeavor prior to reaching conclusions of potentially far-reaching consequence.”
Considering he became widely recognized as one of the most esteemed and successful environmental law attorneys in the world, that education certainly served Karl well.
KARL BOURDEAU ’71
THOMAS ESPOSITO ’80
Thomas Esposito ’80 and Joseph Novella ’81
NEW YORK CITY
Thomas Esposito ’80 (above left) • President, VRF Solutions • Town Councilman, Town of New Milford • Political Science & Government, Villanova University; Marketing & Political Science, Western Connecticut State University
Joseph Novella ’81 (above right) • Partner, Chief Building Scientist, VRF Solutions • B.A., Economics & History, Fairfield University
Through their company, VRF Solutions LLC, Tom and Joe are dramatically changing the landscape of building engineering with state-of-the-art heat pump technology.
Joe, the company’s Chief Building Scientist, is excited about the possibilities. “People are starting to realize that we do not need any new technology,” he explained. “The heating and cooling technologies are there; the building products are all there. We just have to do it. It makes great financial sense to invest in energy efficiency. Conservation measures improve occupant comfort and indoor air quality while reducing or eliminating the carbon footprint of our buildings. There is no downside at all.”
And both graduates are eager to spread the word that this is a rapidly growing field with plenty of opportunities for young professionals. “We are putting in the best technology that is available today and will be for quite some time to save the planet,” said Tom, VRF’s President and Director of Business Development. “This is a clean, sustainable way to heat and cool your residence, your houses of worship, your schools and universities, and your apartments and commercial buildings. It could be a great field for Canterbury students coming out of school with an eye toward sustainability and building science.” friendship helped lead them to the professional success they enjoy today. “Twenty years ago, I was in real estate development. Tom had a mortgage company and was doing financing for my projects. We were working collaboratively,” he recalled. “When the real estate market crashed in 2008, we both focused on what we thought was going to be the future. It was good to have each other to work with, to have that friendship, but also have the varying backgrounds of construction and finance.” Their future focus was spot-on. The company they started together has gone from installing $3,000 single-split systems for peoples’ living rooms to doing the largest electrification retrofit in New York City—the $3.5 million Belnord Apartment Building. An already robust client list continues to grow, and Tom and Joe are entrenched in the upper echelon of the energy efficiency decarbonization community in New York City. Plus, they have the added satisfaction of making a positive difference in the world, something Tom insisted came directly from their Canterbury education.
“One of the greatest lessons that came out of the School was doing the right thing no matter what,” he said. “Joe and I were both brought up conservationists. We are skiers, scuba divers, fishermen, and hikers. We have seen the climate change firsthand in the last 40 years. Our path became very apparent when we realized all that was happening climate-wise and that there was technology available to turn that around. It was an easy decision for us to move in this direction.”
It’s in Their Job Description (CONTINUED)
Asa McKee ’01
BOULDER, COLORADO
• Regional Director—West, EarthShare • Co-Founder & CEO, Khala & Company • Inventor, award-winning 100% plant-based reusable food wrap • Co-Chair, Front Range Steering Committee, 1% for the Planet
Not many people—if any—can claim to invent something that replaced millions of square feet of plastic. But that is exactly what Asa did as the owner of Kahla & Company. “I actually invented a natural alternative to plastic wrap and did really well,” he said. “I started it in our kitchen just messing around, and then it snowballed. The next thing I knew, I was winning awards from Patagonia Founder Yvon Chouinard’s One Percent for the Planet, Treehugger, and all these different organizations. We literally replaced millions of square feet of plastic in our calculations! It was very cool that we had a tangible measure of our effect.”
After six years, the timing and the price were right to sell the company and move on. Asa now works for an environmental nonprofit called EarthShare. “We help businesses and organizations with their nonprofit giving,” he explained. “We are currently spearheading a project in Connecticut called Common Ground where we are working to help the state protect its open spaces and public land. I may be based in Colorado, but Connecticut is pulling me back!”
And for Asa, it was great to be back in a place that has meant so much to him throughout his life and career. A lifelong skier, he needed to find a way to continue that while at Canterbury and found the perfect solution. “I volunteered for an Adaptive Program at one of the local mountains, teaching skiing to disabled adults—and it was one of the greatest things we did. Between playing football and lacrosse, performing in theater, and working with the adaptive ski program, I have great memories of Canterbury.”
He continued skiing, even professionally, after leaving the hilltop and began to detect a difference in the experience. “Winters were not what they used to be. I started noticing these trends and changes in the seasons, started hearing about the ozone and wondered what was really going on. It sparked my interest; I thought, ‘I need to dig into this.’ And that is how it started.”
Like many of his peers, Asa benefited from the values he gained at Canterbury. “I was allowed to discover who I was and experienced a lot of personal growth there,” he recalled. “Respect and compassion are values I brought with me from Canterbury, especially important in today’s political climate. There is no point in getting angry; you just have to listen, understand, and respect each other.”
ASA MCKEE ’01
Joanna Wozniak-Brown ’02
GROTON, CONNECTICUT
• Climate and Infrastructure Coordinator, Connecticut Office of Policy & Management • Assistant Director of Resilience Planning, Connecticut Institute for Resilience and
Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), University of Connecticut • Ph.D., Environmental Studies, Antioch University New England; M.S., Environmental
Planning & Management, Johns Hopkins University; B.S., Political Science, American
Studies, European Studies, Drew University
As Assistant Director of Resilience Planning at the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), Joanna wears many hats. She coordinates with local, regional, and state agencies; conducts climate adaptation and geography research; and provides planning expertise to CIRCA’s Resilient Connecticut project. It is a role vital to the Institute’s mission to increase the resilience and sustainability of communities vulnerable to the growing impacts of climate change on the natural, built, and human environments.
“In my capacity at CIRCA, I served on the Governor’s Council on Climate Change and the EPA’s Long Island Sound Study Equity Working Group,” she said. “While climate change requires a global network of natural scientists working on the predictive models and measurements, social science researchers like me are working in partnership with them to identify logical, equitable, and place-responsive adaptations to the challenges at our doorstep.”
She is currently deeply involved in two vital projects for CIRCA. Resilient Connecticut is a statewide climate vulnerability assessment and resilience planning project. According to Joanna, the second project, the Connecticut Environmental Justice Map, “will be a first for Connecticut. It is modeled after other states but goes a step farther with deeper community engagement and representation.” Its goal is to identify vulnerable populations that may be disproportionately impacted by programs, policies, or projects and to inform initiatives for creating healthy communities. She has been developing cutting-edge research on adaptive capacity, not just for resiliency, but changing the ways we even think about our environmental challenges.
With a Ph.D. from Antioch University New England in Environmental Studies, professional certification from the American Institute for Certified Planners, and experience as a Resiliency and Conservation Consultant under her belt, Joanna is well-equipped to make a difference in people’s lives. Her time at Canterbury helped cultivate her interest not only in environmental issues but human justice concerns as well. “I have always been interested in the environment, particularly the complex and multi-scalar interactions between humans and the natural world,” she said. “At Canterbury, I was President of the Environmental Club and a member of a club that worked on equity, diversity, and inclusion issues. I started to learn how science and policy cannot exist in a vacuum without regard for the people both have to serve. Plus, the supportive faculty and staff who mentored me still inspire me to this day.”
Given the important work that Joanna is now doing and will continue to do in her new role as Connecticut’s Climate and Infrastructure Coordinator, you can count her among the biggest supporters of both our planet and its inhabitants.
JOANNA WOZNIAK-BROWN ’02
It’s in Their Job Description (CONTINUED)
Kasey Cantwell ’06
SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND
• Operations Chief—Expeditions & Explorations, National
Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) • Environmental Protection Specialist, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) • M.S., Marine Affairs & Policy/Marine Geology; B.S., Marine
Science & Biology; University of Miami
When she is on the job as Operations Chief at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Kasey is truly a deep thinker. As in, 6,000 meters deep!
“Our office does exploration in the absolute purest sense,” Kasey explained. “There is a gap on the map; no data exists here right now; we do not know what is there—let’s go see it! Most of my work has been with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). The space that we work in—the deep sea—is typically 2,000 meters to 6,000 meters so using an ROV is best for that. We sit in the control room with 17 giant TV screens showing the video images. I prefer that to cramming my face up to a tiny porthole in a manned submersible.”
Kasey and her team have made some significant discoveries. “My favorite was an area off the southeast coast of the U.S.,” she recalled. “There was this big hole on the map, and I said, ‘There! I want to go there!’ We ended up discovering the largest deep-sea coral habitat found anywhere in the world. At last count—we have only mapped about half of the area—it was 6.9 million acres of deep sea coral habitat. All of it is under the Gulfstream, which is arguably the most studied oceanographic feature on Earth—and we had no idea this was here! That is what I love about what I do. It is always driven by base curiosity and basic science foundations.”
Such curiosity came to Kasey at a very young age. “I have always loved the ocean. It was something I felt a strong connection to going to the beach as a child,” she said. “At Canterbury, I started to learn about coral reefs and kept following that thread. My advisor, Mr. Richardson (Science Teacher Derek Richardson), encouraged me to take more science classes and see what could be out there.” That path led Kasey to the University of Miami, where she ultimately earned a master’s in Marine Affairs and Policy/Marine Geology.
As she continues her important work, Kasey is not only having the time of her life, she is feeling completely fulfilled in her job. “I am proud that the Northeast Canyons Marine National Monument was largely created based on data that we collected. The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument was expanded due to data we collected. There are new habitat areas that are of particular concern for species, all based on data we collected. It is incredible!”
KASEY CANTWELL ’06
Chris Aldrich ’07
GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT
• Director of Stewardship, Greenwich Land Trust • Forestry Technician, OneWorld • B.S., Natural Resources, Concentration in Sustainable Forestry
Management, University of Connecticut
Chris is the quintessential outdoorsman, so his job as Director of Stewardship for Greenwich Land Trust puts him right where he has always wanted to be. “My interest in the environment was fostered by my upbringing. I was lucky to spend a lot of time outside,” he said. “Canterbury has a beautiful campus, and there is a lot of open space in the area. I was able to explore the Pratt Center and other nearby preserves, which was an important part of my journey.”
It did not take long before Chris’s career path crystalized. “I have always been passionate about open space,” he explained. “Forestry is one of my main interests, and I wanted to do something that was impactful where I could utilize those principles. Conservation is particularly important because it has such a positive effect on quality of life in an area.” After graduating from the University of Connecticut with a B.S. in Natural Resources, Chris held positions at the UConn Extension Office, working to reduce fuel loads and improve sage grouse habitat in Nevada and at the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park in the Southeastern United States, where he focused on resource monitoring and invasive species control.
In his current role, Chris is responsible for managing the Trust’s portfolio of fee-owned properties and conservation “We are always looking towards future acquisition projects focusing on protecting lands with high conservation value. That is an important part of my job, and the impact is significant.”
CHRIS ALDRICH ’07
easement. “We do a lot of work centered around the improvement or installation of wildlife habitats,” he shared. “We are always looking towards future acquisition projects focusing on protecting lands with high conservation value. That is an important part of my job, and the impact is significant.”
The same could be said for Canterbury’s influence on his life and career. “I received a great education in general, but particularly from Mrs. Roffe (Science Department Chair and Director of Sustainability Cammy Roffe P ’12, ’15),” he said. “She did a wonderful job of explaining environmental issues and encouraging you to think globally. She was so passionate about it; that impacted me for sure!”
Today Chris brings that same passion to the environmental arena. “I want to continue focusing on conservation,” he said. “There is always more land to protect. We can always do a better job of stewarding the land that we do protect.”
And he had some final words of wisdom to impart: “I encourage people to be mindful; to take time to visit a preserve and go for a hike. You might discover some very rewarding things. Making sure we are preserving open space and, in turn, protecting the environmental services that they provide is key to a sustainable future.”
Alumni Weekend
SAINTS RETURN HOME!
Alumni Weekend in June was a rousing success once again, and it was wonderful to see so many Saints come back to campus! The sounds of laughter and excitement could be heard all around the hilltop throughout the four-day event.
Members of the Class of 2021 were welcomed home Thursday night, and on Friday things got rolling with the Athletics Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Congratulations to our 2022 Hall of Fame class—Kevin Sheehan’62 (posthumous), Francis Bice’77 (posthumous), Byron Landers’81, Andrew Flood’82, Megan McDonald Collins’90, and Timothy Fingerhut’90. See page 61 for more.
The Class of 1970’s 50th Reunion celebration was another highlight of the day as 29 members finally got to reunite after a two-year delay. According to Class Ambassador Stephen Cunningham’70, it was well worth the wait. “Getting back to where we once belonged was fantastic,” he said. “The joy and delight were contagious, and nothing makes you feel younger than being with those who knew you when you were actually younger. Go ’70! See you in three!” Later, Litchfield Distillery shared complimentary spirits tastings. Alumni and their families then relaxed under the tent and enjoyed diverse cuisine from a number of food trucks, which were very well-received by guests. Bright smiles lit up the starry night as friends and classmates roasted S’mores around the fire pits and shared fond memories. The good times kept rolling on Saturday. At the Society of Alumni (SOA) Annual Meeting, Head of School Rachel StoneP’23,’24 gave a State of the School address, and Canterbury presented its major alumni awards—Dr. Miriam “Duchess” Harris ’87,P’25; James P. Stearns’66; and Dr. Matthew R.Weir’70 received the Thomas J. Sheehy III Distinguished Alumni Award, and
Katherine “Katie” Grill’10, Elizabeth “Libby” Foley’06, and Margaret “Meg” Caswell’95 were recognized with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Kudos to these extraordinary graduates!
The Around the World Luncheon offered a true international flair, showcasing the foods of China, Italy, Mexico, and the United States. Alumni then gathered on Sheehy Family Field for the Alumni Lacrosse Game, face-painting, lawn games, and an ice cream truck. The grand finale Saturday was a spirited night of dinner and dancing at Steers Center Ragland Commons that included an acoustic guitar player on the patio for cocktail hour and a live band inside during the meal.
The weekend concluded Sunday with the traditional Alumni Memorial Mass held at the Chapel of Our Lady.
Allison (Trowbridge) Scheckner’97, who attended with her family, was beyond thrilled to be back at her alma mater. “Even after 25 years, the excitement I get driving up Aspetuck Avenue has not changed. As Canterbury continues to flourish, grow, and expand, the essence remains constant, and the traditions and values hold strong,” Allison said. “The friendships formed many years ago are still so dear to me, making events like this sacred. No matter how much we, as alumni, have aged and been apart, we come back and pick up right where we left off. I am truly grateful for my time at Canterbury and am proud to be an alumna of the school.”
(Continued on next page)
ALUMNI RECONNECT AT REGIONAL RECEPTIONS
It is always great to catch up with old friends, and Canterbury graduates are doing just that, whether it is back on the hilltop or at casual get-togethers across the country.
There were two such opportunities last February in Florida during alumni receptions in Palm Beach and Naples. The first was in the world-famous Café Boulud at The Brazilian Court Palm Beach, where more than 20 guests gathered to enjoy camaraderie, reminiscing, and fabulous food and drink. The graduates also received an update from Head of School Rachel Stone P’23,’24 about what is happening on the hilltop.
Just a few days later, Karl S. Bourdeau’71 and his partner Ari Qajar hosted nearly 20 guests in the private dining room of the Miromar Lakes Beach and Golf Club, where they are members. The Naples reception also featured an update from Rachel to a grateful audience. “Along with the other attendees, I appreciated the opportunity to hear from Rachel regarding recent developments at Canterbury,” Karl said. “I was gratified to learn that the school is doing exceptionally well on so many diverse fronts. Ari and I were pleased to host the event and delighted with the strong turnout.”
Alumni in the Boston area also had a chance to reunite at a reception held in May at Paddy’s Public House in Newton, Massachusetts. And, according to Chief Advancement Officer Rick Henderson P’25, there is more to come.
“It was so rewarding to be with our alumni,” he said. “We are excited to be back on the road and look forward to hosting more regional alumni events around the country over the next few years.”
Plus, Canterbury alumni have Homecoming back at campus this fall and our annual Christmas Party in New York City to look forward to. There are still plenty of opportunities for Saints to reconnect with former classmates and friends in 2022!
Alumni Weekend (Continued)
ALLISON (TROWBRIDGE) SCHECKNER ’97
2022 CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF
GRADUATES HONORED AT COMMENCEMENT AND END-OF-YEAR FESTIVITIES
There was joy on the hilltop as Canterbury School celebrated its 105th Commencement Exercises for the 105 members of the Class of 2022 on Friday, May 27. Held on Sheehan lawn, the ceremony was attended by an enthusiastic gathering of faculty, staff, family, and friends. Throughout the warm, overcast day, the graduating class shared memories, tears, and smiles as they put the finishing touches on their time as Canterbury students.
In addressing the Class of 2022, Head of School Rachel StoneP’23,’24 spoke about the many challenges they faced over the course of their time at Canterbury and reflected on the amazing memories from the past year. Delivering the student keynote address, class valedictorian Hanyan Cai shared his thoughts on the hilltop experience and left his classmates with inspiring words.
The morning also included the presentation of well-earned awards for faculty members and the graduating class. First, Director of International Travel Programs, Language Teacher, and Form Dean Julio OmañaP’19,’20 was granted an honorary diploma for his 30 years of exceptional teaching and service to Canterbury. Next, Mathematics Teacher William Prescott Hagen received the J.P. Mandler Teaching Award. Finally, Commencement Awards were presented to members of the class of 2022.
The week leading up to Commencement was filled with special events and activities celebrating the graduating class, including final concerts; the end-of-year carnival, complete with inflatable slides, food trucks, lawn games, and a dunk tank; Prom held in the Steers Center Ragland Commons; the Diehard Hike at Lover’s Leap State Park for four-year students; Class of 2022 tree-planting by the chicken coop; the Sixth Form Retreat, where students read notes they wrote to themselves at the beginning of the year; the Sixth Form Prize Assembly and Dinner with faculty; and the Baccalaureate Mass in the Chapel of Our Lady, presided over by Fr. Mark Connell.
Following a busy week and the Commencement ceremony, Sixth Form students and their families enjoyed a few final moments on campus together with friends and faculty before departing as newly anointed members of Canterbury’s Society of Alumni.
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
HEAD OF SCHOOL RACHEL STONE P ’23, ’24
Good morning, and welcome to Canterbury’s 105th Commencement Exercises. We are so grateful to be here, finally and fully together, and excited to celebrate with members of the extended Canterbury family joining us on Sheehan Field: our faculty and staff; parents, guardians, and family members; alumni and friends; and, especially, the class of 2022— 39 of whom are diehards.
To state the obvious: four years ago, none of us could have imagined nor would have believed what we would soon face as a community, country, and world. Shut down campus and learn via Zoom your sophomore spring? No way. Create a roadmap for athletics, performances, classrooms, meals, and travel, taking into account risks, protocols, emotional health, and both individual and collective safety? Ha! And yet, not only did we come to believe it, we faced these challenges with a steady, steadfast determination to move forward. One day, one step, one decision at a time.
This set of pandemic hurdles is the backdrop of the Class of 2022’s story. But it is not the story itself. And so this morning, I would like to share a few highlights of your Canterbury story before this graduating class turns the page to a new chapter.
I spent opening night of this spring’s musical Cyrano de Burger Shack grinning, humming to familiar songs, and simply enjoying the evening. I can’t fully describe what happened as the show ended, but my laughter shifted without warning to tears. It was a brief but poignant visceral reaction that caught me off guard and started my train of thought for today’s remarks.
Of course, there was emotion tied to seeing Neil, Bella, and Hanyan on stage as seniors—and let’s face it, I do cry publicly every now and then! But when I dug a little deeper, I reflected on this: the Class of 2022 Valedictorian and President of the Physics Club made his theatrical debut that night as “Yes, despite the backdrop of disruption and challenge, the Class of 2022 just kept moving forward, testing the waters, seizing new opportunities, and adding so many new layers that what you have built together now leaves an indelible mark on our beloved school.”
RACHEL STONE P ’23, ’24
Hott Todd. Meanwhile, crowd favorite and carillon aficionado Neil portrayed a French waiter, while Giggle Gang Tri-President Bella served as actor, choreographer, and student costume designer.
It turns out that my emotional response was actually a moment of pride. A moment of recognition that what happened on stage that evening was just one more example of the Class of 2022’s true story. All of you arrived on this hilltop with a handful of interests and talents at your foundation…and then you began to build.
It started with the diehards—the group that begins this story—and the layers you added to yourselves and this community. Ian learned to play squash while Niko learned to get to class on time. Jacob, Sebastian, and Phil were the freshman “core” of the football team. Many of you followed siblings to Canterbury but then started your own journey. Ada’s art legacy began as did Neil’s springboard into theater and Ali’s dominance on the stage and soccer field.
And then each of you just kept building. Jerry and David were integral to pushing forward our DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) initiatives. Maverick added football to baseball and band. Tori, Ashley, Ali, and Lindsey won a soccer championship as Fourth Formers, while Henry lit up the track as a senior. Jerry took his sketches to the AP level, Gigi and Kaly took Women of Canterbury to a
whole new level, and Emily and Patrick set the bar for volunteer service with the ambulance and firefighter corp, respectively.
I could do this all day! Yes, despite the backdrop of disruption and challenge, the Class of 2022 just kept moving forward, testing the waters, seizing new opportunities, and adding so many new layers that what you have built together now leaves an indelible mark on our beloved school.
Which brings me to a related topic. At times, we reference “life at Canterbury before COVID” with a mix of nostalgia and loss. I have done so myself, which led me to looking back through the 2018-2019 yearbook—the Diehards’ Third Form year—as a reminder of life before the pandemic.
Here’s what I learned: what your class has imagined, created, and given to this community is overwhelmingly positive and impactful…and most of that impact took place during COVID. To illustrate, three years ago, the Social Justice Series was only one week—Social Justice Week—and we did not have a DEIJ Council or a JSA (Jewish Student Association). Affinity spaces for AHANA (African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) and GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance) were just beginning to grow roots. There was no Steers Center, Hamilton Stadium, or D’Amour Center, and you certainly couldn’t order fan-favorite food at the Café. A number of athletic teams did not know what was to come—a New England championship for girls’ soccer in 2019, football postseason Bowl appearances in 2019 and 2021, a 2020 championship for the boys’ basketball team, and a 2021 championship for boys’ cross country. And some of the faculty members you love most—like Ms. Cook and Mr. Hamilton!—had not even arrived yet.
What else did not exist three years ago during “life before COVID”? One: the CBA’s Virtual Stock Market Game. Two: the Esports Club. Three: Sunday Sundaes! This year, as we climbed to the other side of COVID, spring teams traveled to Florida once again. The Saints won the Sheehan Trophy back from Berkshire and the Gunnery Cup back from FGS (Frederick Gunn School). Father Steve—Canterbury class of 2003—inspired you with resonant homilies. The Sixth Form Council brought you a Homecoming Dance while the SEC (Special Events Committee) inspired a winter SnowBall. And let’s not forget the Head’s Holiday disguised as Field Day! Meanwhile Hanyan filmed it all. Indeed, I would say life at Canterbury after COVID is trending in an incredibly positive direction.
When you tell the story of the Class of 2022, I hope you will join me in sharing all that this group of graduating seniors gave to one another rather than what you gave up. Your story is one of stretching, fortifying, loving, and empowering the Saints community. It’s quite remarkable really. And for that we are grateful.
J.P. MANDLER TEACHING AWARD
When calculations were made to decide who would be the recipient of the 2022 J.P. Mandler Teaching Award, it all added up to one person—Mathematics Teacher William Prescott “Pres” Hagen. The award is named in honor of the former faculty member who served Canterbury for 46 years as English Department Chair, Director of Studies, Dean of Faculty, Director of Technology, Dean of the School, and Senior Master. It is presented each year to that faculty member who reflects the fundamental commitment to excellence in classroom teaching. Pres, who joined Canterbury’s Mathematics Department in 2005, currently teaches Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus. He is also an assistant coach for Cross Country and Boys’ JV Baseball and serves as a dorm parent in Hickory Hearth. Prior to Canterbury, Pres worked as a tutor in the Math Center at Keene State College and at Learning Skills Academy, both in New Hampshire. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Keene in pure mathematics with a minor in English and creative writing and holds a Master of Science for Teachers in Mathematics from the University of New Hampshire. Pres is also a member of Kappa Mu Epsilon, the nation’s most prestigious mathematics honor society. Associate Head of School for Academics Sue RobertsP’24 presented the award to Pres. “The warmth and enthusiasm that this year’s recipient exudes helps to generate every opportunity for success while providing a safe environment for students to take risks,” Sue said. “He exhibits a clear understanding and respect for students as individuals. Whether you need help finding the derivative, wish to challenge your analysis of functions, or simply need someone to partner with as you tackle the cross country course one more time, this year’s award recipient will be there to support you in your endeavors.” Congratulations to Pres for this well-earned honor.
Ifirst want to thank the teachers and faculty who helped our class through our years here. Also, to the dining hall staff and grounds crew for their constant amazing work, especially for big events like Prom and Christmas dinners. Thank you to Ms. Cook, the Health
Center, and the Medical Task Force every day. Finally, to faculty like
Ms. EJ, Student Life, and the SEC (Student Events Committee) for their amazing work with school events every week.
What makes Canterbury special is its people. As a person known to film and edit videos, overwhelming support and encouragement from this community empowered me with confidence and motivation. For many of us here, faculty members offer us support and advice throughout our academic, athletic, and extracurricular lives, while many students energize our community with kindness and positivity.
To our class of 2022, I am happy to say that we are done with high school! Years of hard work, struggles, and growth culminate in this very day. Whether you were a die-hard or not, our class has been the cornerstone of Canterbury culture. As freshmen, we experienced a normal Canterbury year. Back then, trees overlooked the growing hills in place of Steers. So we bunched up in the SAC with the upperclassmen after every School Meeting. As sophomores, we got to know more amazing teachers and students. Mr. Logan’s energy and positivity helped us learn what makes Canterbury Canterbury, while we looked up to seniors like Jack McCluskey ’20 for their leadership and friendliness. Despite the pandemic disrupting the school year, we still made the best of what we had. As juniors, we slowly grew as leaders and mentors on campus, embracing sometimes negative and bleak circumstances midCovid with our best smiles. As seniors, well, we became the leaders on campus as a part of the SEC, the Sixth Form Council, team captains, club leaders, Sacristans, mentors, and great friends that defined our close community. We each have our individual moments, connections, and precious memories from this place that we will remember forever.
For me and a lot of others, these moments might have a list that goes something like this: EJ’s energy. EJ’s good mornings in School Meeting. EJ’s loud voice. EJ’s pizza and donuts. Mr. Hamilton’s firm handshake (with his massive hands). Mr. Ogundeko being unintentionally funny as he gets pestered and annoyed by us, especially by the giggle sisters. Alastair’s hilarious and sometimes over-the-line jokes. Chicken patties. Spirited pep rallies, Jimmy, and so many others.
As we say goodbye to Canterbury, the class of 2022, I hope you all know how wonderful you are and how lucky I feel to be part of this group of people. Ultimately, all things come to an end, except for Mr. Omaña’s tendency to lose things. But today is not a celebration of our departure but of our commencement into the next stage in our lives. The world has gone on for eons and eons, but during this minuscule fraction of human history where we spend our lives voraciously and vivaciously living and existing, our fate is what we choose to create. Let us maintain and treasure our friendships, stand firm for what we believe in, and seize the day!
To the underclassmen whose years at Canterbury will soon come to an end, do not go gentle into that good night. Treasure your remaining years here at Canterbury with your best friends and mentors. Don’t be afraid to take big steps and let your passions shine; look at what happened to me with the help of this community’s love and support. Not so shabby, huh?
Finally, to our class of 2022, I can’t imagine next school year without many of you. I will miss your companionship, and my four years here with you have allowed me to experience things and feelings I have never been able to before. Remember, when life gets you down, there are friends and teachers we met in New Milford, Connecticut, who will always stand behind us. Also, things will always get better with pizza and donuts! Thank you!
HANYAN CAI ’22
Lake Zurich, Illinois (attending Vanderbilt University this fall)
COMMENCEMENT AWARDS
MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2022 WERE HONORED WITH SPECIAL AWARDS
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9 10 ISABELLA CARIOSCIA and DAVID SALAZAR were recipients of the esteemed Dr. Nelson Hume Award, given to students whose leadership, character, and achievements have been of the highest order and whose performance embodies the ideals of the School’s founding Headmaster.
IAN FERNANDES received the Robert M. Steele’72 Scholar-Athlete Trophy, in memory of Robert M. Steele, a model scholar and athlete, for academic and athletic achievements.
LINDSEY GRANDOLFOreceived the Charles R. Huntington Scholar-Athlete Trophy for academic and athletic achievement in memory of Mr. Huntington, a teacher, coach, and Athletic Director from 1969-1999.
GIOVANNA “GIGI” ESPOSITO was awarded the Elizabeth (Betty) Burke Award for the Sixth Form student whose time at Canterbury has been marked by cheerful determination to serve God and others.
DAVID SALAZAR was the Class of 1987 Citizenship Award recipient for his role as the Sixth Former who, in the judgment of peers, has best fulfilled obligations to school, fellow students, and self.
QIXIU “NEIL” YAOearned the Richard L. and Mary Catharine Farrelly Award for his quiet but thorough service to Canterbury.
Six students received the Philip H. Brodie Award for exceptional achievement and all-around service to the School: HANYAN CAI, GIGI ESPOSITO, MATTHEW “CULLEN” MULHERN, KATHYRYN “KALY” NAUGHTON, LOGAN SANFORD, and SARINA SHETH.
Congratulations to these deserving Saints!
1. Neil Yao 2. Gigi Esposito 3. Lindsey Grandolfo 4. Logan Sanford 5. David Salazar 6. Cullen Mulhern 7. Sarina Seth 8. Isabella Carioscia 9. Kaly Naughton 10. Ian Fernandes
