Five years later, the Class of 2020 comes full circle
Musical Minds, a new Andover Summer program for talented young musicians, was a resounding success. Here, students perform a sonic interpretation of several paintings on exhibition at the Addison Gallery, led by jazz violinist, composer, and improvisor Ángela Varo.
With college degrees complete, careers launched, or graduate school in progress, members of the Class of 2020 came home to Andover. And we were excited to welcome them back! We gathered to make good on a promise to give them what they had earned but had not yet experienced— Commencement exercises together.
I barely got the chance to know the Class of 2020 before the pandemic changed our world dramatically in March 2020. But I will always remember when we first met.
I had come to campus from Iowa with my family to be introduced as the 16th head of school. We joined All-School Meeting in December 2019 for the annual Sounds of the Season concert. Cochran Chapel was filled with music and song. The mood was joyous, festive, and hopeful.
Weeks later, our world shifted in ways no one imagined possible. The Class of 2020 left campus in the throes of a global pandemic and entered college under that same cloud of uncertainty.
Five years later, on June 8, 2025, the Andover community did what we do so well. We showed up. In force. It was heartwarming to see so many faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and family surrounding this class with Big Blue spirit. We were joined by trustees and two former heads of school—
John Palfrey P’21, who welcomed members of this class on their very first day, and Jim Ventre ’79, who served as interim head through the incredibly complex 2020 spring term.
As Jim said in his address: “Class of 2020, you came of age during a period of uncertainty, suffering, and loss. And you emerged as a resilient community of classmates. … Look around you; this vibrant, inspiring community is full of people who care about you. Stay close, check in. Tending your relationships takes effort. Accept invitations. Visit your friends. Stick together. Life will knock you around, but the people here will pick you up.”
This epic weekend will be written into Andover’s history books—not soon, or perhaps ever, to be repeated. And I am certain that chapter will reflect these and future #andoverforlife moments of coming together and showing up for one another.
Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27 Head of School
Andover magazine reinforces the special connection alumni have with Phillips Academy and Abbot Academy. Through thought-provoking stories, contemporary design, and inspiring profiles of alumni, students, and faculty, we aim to highlight the school’s enduring values, recognize our unique history, and celebrate the rich diversity of our community.
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS
OFFICER
Tracy M. Sweet
EDITOR
Allyson Irish
MANAGING EDITOR
Rita Savard
DIRECTOR OF
EDITORIAL DESIGN
Ken Puleo
Katie Fiermonti
CONTRIBUTORS
Jill Clerkin
Nancy Hitchcock
Henry Marte
Gil Talbot
Bethany Versoy
Tory Wesnofske
“Take a look and let me know what you think.”
I’ve gotten that invitation from magazine designer Ken Puleo hundreds of times in the decade that we’ve worked together.
After 18 years at the Academy, Ken will be retiring this fall to enjoy some much-deserved time off to play more pickleball, catch up on yardwork, travel, and relax with his family.
Eighteen years is a long time. Back in 2007, the Red Sox were fresh off their second World Series win and Airbnb was just opening its virtual doors. When Ken stepped onto the Phillips Academy campus that spring, little did he know how significantly his creative talents would shape this magazine.
Andover, the magazine of the Phillips Academy and Abbot Academy community, is published four times per year. It is produced by the Office of Communication at Phillips Academy, 180 Main Street, Andover, MA 01810.
Main PA phone: 978-749-4000
Changes of address and death notices: alumni-records@andover.edu
Phillips Academy website: www.andover.edu Andover magazine phone: 978-749-4677 Email: magazine@andover.edu
Postmasters: Send address changes to Phillips Academy 180 Main Street Andover MA 01810 ISSN-0735-5718
2025 Phillips Academy, Andover, MA
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
If you work with a good group of people as I do, you learn and grow every day. Working closely with Ken— he’s in the office next to mine—I’ve learned a lot. Be kind. Be patient. Be dependable. Have style—Ken’s socks and patterned shirts are legendary! Ken also took the Academy’s non sibi motto to heart. His work was never about himself; it was about service—to the school, his colleagues, and to our readership. He designed with you in mind, always asking what would resonate with alumni. He’d often say, “But this is what alumni would like.” And of course, he was right.
Andover magazine will find a new designer and continue to publish stories that reflect the mission and values of this wonderful school. But the magazine—and those of us who make it—have been forever changed for the better thanks to Ken.
Allyson Irish Editor
magazine@andover.edu @andovermagazine
ON THE COVER In a rush of joy and excitement, the Class of 2020 bursts from their diploma circle—five years later, but right on time. This video still, enhanced with a highcontrast filter, captures the celebration. Relive it at andover.edu/today.
Laughter, stories, and long-overdue hugs were served up with a side of nostalgia for 0s and 5s.
The Class of 2020 returned home for the inperson Commencement celebration they missed five years ago.
Students sang and danced their way through ABBA’s greatest hits in Mamma Mia! Three sold-out performances—featuring more than 50 actors, musicians, choreographers, and stage crew—lit up Tang Theatre. Many talented faculty and staff from the Department of Theatre and the Dance and Department of Music collaborated to produce this show.
by Jessie Wallner
Honored for their prowess in sports such as wrestling, diving, football, hockey, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, and softball, five alumni were inducted into the Andover Athletics Hall of Honor on June 7. Remarks were provided by Athletics Committee Co-Chair James A. Dand ’88 and Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27, among others.
Pictured above are, from left, Jeff Kip ’85, accepting for his father, Nicholas V.H. Kip ’60, P’85, ’91; Jennifer Greene ’85;
Shephen Sherrill ’05 and wife Sarah Wendell ’04 were honored this past spring at the San Francisco Salvation Army’s Lighting the Way Gala. The couple has given unwavering support to The Way Out program, which provides detox services, treatment, housing, and career development for those experiencing homelessness.
Sequoia Clark, accepting for her great-uncle E. Webb Harrison Jr. ’60; Tammy M. Sanchez ’91; and Parker W. Sides ’95.
The Andover Athletics Hall of Honor recognizes alumni, coaches, trainers, and teams whose athletic accomplishments and/or contributions to the field of athletics have been of the highest caliber and embody the values of Phillips and Abbot academies.
at andover.edu/magazine
Will Bill Zito ’83 make it a threepeat next year? He’s certainly off to a good start—the Florida Panthers general manager has led the hockey team to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. And if the Panthers win again, we think the cup should make an appearance on campus!
If you attended Abbot Academy during the ’60s and ’70s, you certainly ate well. Many may be familiar with beloved chef Jes Bonde, whose delicious creations were said to have been the reason why so many Phillips boys enrolled in Abbot courses in the early ’70s, according to Susan Lloyd’s A Singular School
Many of Bonde’s recipes are captured in From the Abbot Kitchens , a 33-page cookbook published in 1970 by the Abbot Alumnae Association. Included are traditional favorites: Heavenly Goo, Gooey Rolls, and Abbot Bananas—three bananas marinated in orange and lemon juice and garnished with whipped cream and chocolate.
The cookbook was recently shared as part of the Abbot@Andover summer newsletter and included information about another popular dessert: three-layer cookies made by Karen Awad Tyler ’72. “I have to admit that revisiting this once-coveted recipe did not serve my memory well,” says Tyler, now a professional baker and owner of Cove Cakes in Connecticut. “By my standard today, the cookies are a far cry from what I would call a decadent delight ... My ‘grown-up palate’ thinks they are too sweet.”
Peruse the Abbot recipes online at andover.edu/magazine. And if you make something, send us a photo at magazine@andover.edu
Two new trustees joined the Board of Trustees this summer: Harold Kim ’82, P’16, ’19, ’21, ’23, ’26, ’27, is serving a four-year term as a charter trustee, and Terry-Ann Burrell ’95 is serving a two-year term as an alumni trustee.
Kim is the founder and chief executive officer of Neo Risk Investment Advisors, a Hong Kong-based investment adviser. Prior to founding Neo Risk, Kim was managing director and head of the Asia investor derivatives business for Citigroup. He originally started at Salomon Brothers (a predecessor of Citigroup) in New York in 1993 and held a variety of roles during his 20 years with the company. Kim started his professional career on Wall Street at Kidder, Peabody & Co.
A loyal and generous alum, Kim is a founding member of the Andover Asia Council and a member of the Andover Development Board. His philanthropic support includes endowed funding for student scholarships and support for the Rebecca M. Sykes Wellness Center. In 2023, Kim received Andover’s Distinguished Service Award.
Kim and his wife, Julia, have six children—two are current Andover students, and four are alumni.
Kim earned an AB from Harvard University and a PhD in economics from Princeton University, where he also taught. He has served as adjunct professor of finance at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and for the past decade has chaired the board of Hong Kong International School.
Burrell is vice chair for health care investment banking at JPMorgan Chase. She previously served as chief financial officer of Beam Therapeutics in Cambridge, Mass. Prior to Beam Therapeutics, Burrell was with J.P.Morgan for more than a decade, most recently serving as managing director in the company’s health care investment banking group.
An active and engaged alum, Burrell serves as co-chair of the Andover Giving Board and is a founding member of the Andover Women’s Endeavor. She also serves on the Alumni Council’s Executive Committee and has volunteered as a class agent. She supports a number of the school’s philanthropic priorities, including student scholarships, diversity initiatives, and student health and wellness programming.
Burrell earned an AB from Harvard University and an MBA from the New York University Stern School of Business.
“But who’s gonna take over Mr. Zaeder’s official title of Best Grilled Cheese Maestro in the world?! Congratulations to all!”
Seniors Alyssa Schoonmaker and Sophia Tabibian have big plans post-graduation. Co-chairs of the Women in Finance Club, the students intend to pursue careers in financial investment with the goal of helping emerging businesses tackle important global issues.
It’s no surprise they have such clear aspirations. In just one academic year, Schoonmaker and Tabibian have breathed new life into the student club, making it more inclusive and developing a thoughtful yearlong plan that begins with basic financial education and guest speakers and culminates in a presentation by each club member.
Both girls had an interest in finance prior to Andover, but they found most of the existing banking and investment clubs too jargon-heavy and exclusive.
“While I felt that I could understand most of the terms,” Tabibian says, “I also felt like there were a lot of barriers and that it was primarily a male-dominated space.”
Andover’s spring issue recognized retiring faculty Lou Bernieri P’96, ’10; Mike Kuta P’12; Thayer Zaeder ’83, P’17; and Pat Farrell P’08.
BUZZ
Brown University announced the appointment of John Friedman ’98 as the inaugural dean of the Watson Institute of International and Public Affairs. Dr. Friedman is a distinguished economist and public affairs scholar.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong ’91, P’24, ’26, ’29, was honored this spring with the inaugural Distinguished Public Service Award from Eastern Connecticut State University during their commencement ceremony. Tong is the first Asian American elected to statewide office in Connecticut and the first Chinese American attorney general in the United States.
It’s a common frustration for girls—and women—says club advisor Aly Blakeney. An instructor in history and social science and a trained economist, Blakeney is impressed with how much the girls have accomplished in such a short time. “These young ladies really love learning about finance and economics,” she says, “and they’ve created a fantastic program all on their own.”
For those living in the Boston area, Kristina Rex ’11 may be a familiar face. The WBZ-TV news reporter along with two team members recently won the 2025 Boston/New England Emmy Award for coverage of “America’s Most ‘Violent’ School? Inside Brockton High School.”
In June, a group of faculty and staff traveled through Alabama on a multi-city tour, retracing the steps of civil rights leaders and activists—including crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where 600 Black protesters in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March were brutally attacked by state troopers on Bloody Sunday.
The trip, supported by an Abbot Academy Fund grant for Civil Rights Community Development, aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of Black-led advocacy, both historic and ongoing. The group also visited the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) and Legacy Museum in Montgomery, where stories of racial injustice—spanning slavery to mass incarceration—were presented in raw, uncensored detail.
Montgomery’s past as a center of enslavement and civil rights resistance provided powerful context. For many, the emotional weight of standing in those spaces was transformative.
“The power of this experience comes from walking the same ground where life-altering events happened and listening to a variety of voices—including children’s voices—share how they were personally affected,” said Casey Alexander Smith, instructor in studio art and co-organizer of the program. “Hearing stories that tell the complete
truth—without the edited and filtered parts of history—is essential.”
Participants included faculty, staff, and administrators across departments with varying levels of prior knowledge. Some had studied the civil rights movement for years; others were engaging deeply for the first time.
“We were intentional about mixing the group,” said Smith. “Even faculty in the history department were hearing perspectives they’d never encountered.”
Tours of the Legacy Museum and memorial revealed painful yet essential truths—stories of children impacted by enslavement, families shattered by racial terror, and communities devastated by systemic injustice.
“Social justice in America is a complex topic,” said Allen Grimm, instructor
in theatre and dance and trip co-facilitator. “It’s often mistaken as a singular cause. But the deeper impact lies in identifying truths—plural. Everyone’s story has validity, even when difficult to hear.”
With several key anniversaries ahead—including the 60th of Bloody Sunday—the Civil Rights Community Development cohort plans to continue meeting and exploring how this experience can shape their teaching and actions. Their shared goal, added Smith and Grimm, is a ripple effect “where greater understanding leads to meaningful change.”
Let’s all raise a glass to Dry Creek Vineyard founder David S. Stare ’58. The family-owned vineyard was honored in May with the Innovator Award by Sonoma County Vintners. Stare was selected as “an icon who has shaped the heritage and history of Sonoma County winemaking.”
60 years of School Year Abroad
The early 1960s were a time of great promise as the United States reached beyond its borders to connect with other countries. It was also the time when a visionary educator from Wilbraham Academy in Massachusetts, taking inspiration from bold initiatives such as the Peace Corps, saw an opportunity to create a new immersive learning experience. With support from Andover’s headmaster John Kemper,
the Schoolboys Abroad program was launched in 1964.
Eleven curious and adventurous boys from nine U.S. high schools crossed the Atlantic Ocean by ship and spent a full academic year in Barcelona, Spain. It was certainly a risk; the boys lived with host families and took classes in a city that was under the iron grip of Spanish general and dictator Francisco Franco.
“Imagine today’s parents sending
“One lesson I will carry with me is to live life with curiosity and an intense desire to be present where you are. Embrace new perspectives, cultivate relationships with your community, and savor the slow moments.”
—AMANDA DOMINIQUE SANTOS ’25
A leader in the field of social entrepreneurship, Bill Drayton ’61 was recently awarded the 2025 Global Treasure Award by the Skoll Foundation. Drayton is the founder of Ashoka Foundation, an organization that supports those working for change on the most critical issues in the world. He also was the 2009 recipient of Andover’s Fuess Award.
their child to live in a country ruled by an authoritarian government— with no cell phone and only basic knowledge of the native language,” says Tom Hassan, current president of School Year Abroad. “Yet, the benefits of such an experience were undeniable. Those first students learned more than Spanish; they grew in independence, resilience, and empathy.”
In the 60 years since its founding, more than 9,000 students from 32 states and 119 schools have attended SYA programs, which now are focused on three campuses in France, Italy, and Spain.
Jim Ventre ’79, Andover’s assistant head of school for admission and financial aid, is keenly aware of the program’s impact and supports its future work.
“This isn’t just a 60th anniversary,” says Ventre, also an SYA board member, “but a testament to the value of broadening students’ perspectives and developing global citizens.”
Andover alumni showed their Big Blue spirit at the Special Surfers event in Kennebunk, Maine, this summer. Volunteers helped 100 surfers of all abilities ride the waves at Gooch’s Beach. Shout out to Beth Crowley ’94 and Eric Stockman ’91 for bringing the group together.
Inside the Reagan White House: A Front-Row Seat to Presidential Leadership with Lessons for Today
FRANK LAVIN ’75, P'02, '07, '10
Simon & Schuster
As a former White House political director for President Ronald Reagan, Lavin elicits personal stories and insights to deliver a book that blends memoir, history, and political science. Lavin provides an inside look at a successful president and covers the president’s pushback against the Soviet Union, promotion of democracy, improvement of trade, and efforts to shrink government. Colorful anecdotes as well as a vivid take on the Reagan assassination attempt are included.
Hit Girls: Britney, Taylor, Beyoncé, and the Women Who Built Pop’s
Shiniest Decade
NORA PRINCIOTTI ’12
Ballantine Books
A former Boston Globe reporter and writer for The Ringer, Princiotti explores how female pop stars such as Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Beyoncé achieved massive success in the aughts and reshaped the music industry. These artists not only transformed music, but also impacted fashion, media, and celebrity culture—paving the way for future female stars.
The Colonialist: The Vision of Cecil Rhodes
WILLIAM KELLEHER STOREY ’83
Oxford University Press
History professor and author Storey profiles Cecil John Rhodes, an English–South African entrepreneur who served as prime minister of the Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896. The Colonialist shows how Rhodes’ vision of a white-dominated colonial society continues to shape the region today in areas such as mining, transportation, and warfare.
Kill Talk: Language and Military Necropolitics
JANET MCINTOSH ’87
Oxford University Press
McIntosh examines how language in the military—from training to war zones—serves to deindividuate, toughen, and masculinize soldiers and reduce empathy for enemies. The book addresses how that language could impact sensitivity in a diverse world and also includes veteran poets and artists who have found ways to demilitarize their psyches.
To be considered for “Bookshelf,” please send a brief summary of your recently published book to magazine@andover.edu
Our Father Who Art In an Iron Lung DOUGLAS DODD ’68
Atmosphere Press
In this heartfelt memoir, Dodd shares the inspiring life of his father, Bruce, who contracted polio in 1955 but refused to be defined by it. Despite paralysis, Bruce remained a mentor and source of inspiration to his wife and four children. The book is a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and determination.
All the Mothers: A Novel DOMENICA RUTA ’97
Random House
Dubbed a “best beach read” by Harper’s Bazaar, All the Mothers centers on Sandy, a single mother who is raising her baby girl alone while dealing with an aspiring rock musician/deadbeat dad. Sandy meets her ex’s ex, who also has a daughter, and they develop a supportive relationship. When they connect with yet another mother, their group forms a new type of family.
CHRIS HUGHES ’02
Avid Reader Press, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster, LLC
This book examines how policymakers over the past century have shaped the markets for social and political goals. Their work, or “marketcraft,” has consistently attempted to organize markets in order to prevent gasoline shortages, curb inflation, and address climate change, among other areas of focus. Hughes also examines how the U.S. could shape future markets, such as those in artificial intelligence.
They came from far and wide. By plane, train, car, and—for Dan Cooper ’75—by RV.
For classes ending in 0 and 5, this reunion marked more than a homecoming. It was a weekend of second chances made more poignant by a pandemic year that forced them to stay apart.
“I think the experience of Covid taught us how to come together better,” explains Cooper, who, along with his wife, Carolyn, and dog, Hunter, hopped into their miniRV and headed for Andover from Tucson, Arizona, on May 11. “When returning ‘home,’ it’s interesting how quickly pretenses fall away. Everyone in our class was chosen to be here, for who we are, in a unique moment of time. Coming back, even years later, you’re reminded that you are with family who have your back no matter distances, the passing of time, or all of life’s winding roads—everyone you need is here.”
From June 6 to 8, more than 1,200 alums gathered for three days of celebration and activities—including a long-awaited in-person Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 (page 16). The Class of 2015 reunited for the first time since their graduation. And for Rosalie Benton Lee ’45, who led the Alumni Parade, the occasion marked 80 years of Andover history.
After patiently waiting five extra years to circle back, alumni embraced the joy of finding familiar faces in new chapters, remembering who they were, and honoring who they’ve become.
“Home isn’t just a place,” says Caroline Frasca ’15, who helped organize her class’s first in-person reunion. “Home is about the people who shaped you, challenged you, laughed with you, and saw you through.”
More photos here!
“Coming back, even years later, you’re reminded that you are with family who have your back no matter distances, the passing of time, or all of life’s winding roads—everyone you need is here.”
Dan Cooper ’75
“Home isn’t just a place. Home is about the people who shaped you, challenged you, laughed with you, and saw you through.”
Five years ago, when Covid closed the door on Commencement for the Class of 2020, Ollie Budiman’s mom, Tiara, set about creating the kind of photo she had hoped to capture on her senior’s big day—a family picture in front of Samuel Phillips Hall. Using color printouts and props, she did the best she could.
On Sunday, June 8, the Budimans found themselves standing in front of that same iconic building they recreated for a family keepsake. They flew in from Indonesia to cheer on Ollie and his classmates, who finally got to experience the rite of passage that was stolen by a pandemic.
“We all did what we could in 2020,” Tiara said, “but it’s not the same as sharing the moment in person with the friends and families who can relate to your unique experience. This is home, and we are thrilled to be back for such a special occasion.”
More than 240 of the class’s 309 alumni and their families returned to campus for their Fifth
Reunion and Commencement celebrations. Faculty, staff, and trustees joined the fun, along with three heads of school.
Looking out at the joyful crowd seated in front of Sam Phil, Assistant Head of School for Admission and Financial Aid Jim Ventre ’79— who served as interim head of school for the 2019–2020 school year following John Palfrey’s departure—reminded the crowd that the stories this special class shares are not just anecdotes.
“Their stories echo moments when, as young students, they faced crucial decisions, experienced sometimes tough consequences, and, in our judgment, grew immeasurably,” Ventre said. “Stay close—tending to your relationships takes effort. Accept invitations, visit your friends, stick together. Life will knock you around, but the people here today will pick you up.”
The following pages highlight 20 reasons the Class of 2020 came home—five years later and stronger than ever.
Hugs for the friends we left without a goodbye
Etched in tradition, alumni ascend the Memorial Bell Tower and write their names alongside other graduating classes.
“Here are three bits of wisdom for persevering through life’s trials: family, focus, and faith.
1. Family is not limited to those who share the same blood as you. It’s a community of ride or dies. Intentionally invest in your community.
2. Focus is what drives you. Maybe you feel pressured to know it all right now. Make peace without knowing your exact next step. Take risks but stay flexible. You may fail, but shoot for the stars regardless, because your consistency and discipline will take you far.
3. Faith is having confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Actively choose to walk with hope again and again. It will sustain you through the lows and high seasons that are a part of this life.”
—ABBY NDIKUM Alumni President
Even a little rain couldn’t dampen the mood when we’re back with our besties. Umbrellas were up but spirits were higher.
“It’s rare to have a chance to re-enter a slice of your high school experience five years later … and I felt that five years of maturity created such a warm and familiar space, if only for just a weekend.”
—HARRISON WILSON
“We let the post-college personas we have developed fall away for a weekend. It really was just like old times. Congratulations, Andover. You got me good.”
—ASH COHAN
“We come back to rediscover our values and our mission, the parts we shared and the parts we struggled with. We will come back home throughout our lives, and it will mean something when we do. I very much hope our paths will cross and that you will come home, and I will meet you here.”
—JOHN PALFREY P’21, 15th Head of School
A
Our co-presidents— five years wiser
“No, we didn’t get the ending we had all imagined, but this isn’t just an ending—it’s a continuation of a community, a mindset, a shared beginning. Because who we are today is shaped by who we were then and who we’re becoming … I have no doubt that what comes next will be extraordinary because we are the ones shaping it.”
“ This class knows what it means to carry on without guarantees. And in doing so, we have developed a tenacity that no transcript can reflect. We’ve learned how to live with uncertainty, how to recalibrate when the path beneath us shifts, and how to hold onto hope.”
—SEBASTIAN ROMERO
—SHAHINDA BAHNASY
“So many faculty and staff at Andover have shaped who I am with their wisdom, generosity, and love. Dr. Abbey Siegfried was the first of such mentors—my ACE 9 house counselor and later choir director. A few weeks before junior year, she welcomed Adaeze, Ashley, Hywot, Shahinda, Victoria, and me into her home like daughters. I still remember the games, ice cream, and strolls as we explored what would become our home away from home. While most students knew Dr. Siegfried by her magnificent organ music in ASM, those of us in Chorus saw her deep love of music—and her desire to share it to inspire more love in the world. I’m endlessly grateful to Dr. Siegfried and so many others at Andover who modeled what it means to be non sibi.”
—CHIOMA UGWONALI
“Kate McQuade was my house counselor in Nathan Hale and later my English teacher in her Trauma Literature course. For my final essay, I wrote about my grandfather’s experience as an Okinawan during WWII and my mixed-race background. That class gave me the space to reflect on a part of myself I hadn’t yet explored. The curiosity sparked there eventually led me to spend a year in Okinawa as a Boren Scholar, reconnecting with my heritage and family. I’m incredibly grateful for Ms. McQuade’s mentorship, which helped guide me toward that life-changing experience. Her teaching didn’t just shape me as a writer— it helped shape who I am. From my college major to my post-grad plans, the impact of that class has followed me far beyond Andover.”
—ALEXANDRA LEBARON
The cheering section we could always count on
“For me, returning was more than worth it. Seeing everyone’s faces resolved something in me that I didn’t know I needed. One of the beautiful things about reunion is last a lifetime.”
—ARABA AIDOO
To find our circle remains unbroken
From one hand to the next, we lift each other 17
To finish our story—not to rewrite the ending, but to add the page that was missing
“Promise one another, Class of 2020, that you may go forth with all your soul and make a magnificent mark in this world. And maybe, just maybe, by coming here today, you have come to appreciate that the next best feeling to getting a second chance is giving one.”
A new way to light the path forward
Tiffany Bradlee ’83, P’12 fell in love with Cape Cod nearly 30 years ago when her parents retired there. The Massachusetts-based artist and photographer showcases the breathtaking vistas of this area in her new book, Pictures and Passages: Cape Cod Moments
The book also includes short essays by Bradlee, including one where she reminisces about her time at Andover.
“Once upon a time, we were 17 together, and that day gets further away in mind and memory as time marches on,” writes Bradlee. “But there was a certain comfort in the messy entanglement of those roots from long ago—roots that formed our common base that would straighten, nourish, and give us the wisdom to grow. I’m grateful for that.”
Sea, sand, and sky.
The bounty of nature’s beauty.
It’s true! A donation—of any size— goes further at Andover. Discover what more than 7,500 alumni, families, and friends achieved last year at andover.edu/together.
Falls Music Center, Andover’s first purpose-built structure for music education and performance, was officially dedicated this past May. The special event included student and alumni musical performances in the stunning John Barry Performance Hall.
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