Portsmouth Abbey School Summer 2014 Alumni Bulletin

285 Cory’s Lane Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871 www.portsmouthabbey.org Address Service Requested

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 3 Portsmouth, RI

A BB E Y S C HO OL PORTSMOUTH ABBE Y SCHOOL SUMMER ALUMNI BULLETIN 2014 SUMMER ALUMNI BULLETIN 2014

MISSION STATEMENT The aim of Portsmouth Abbey School is to help young men and women grow in knowledge and grace.

Grounded in the Catholic faith and 1500-year-old Benedictine intellectual tradition, the School fosters: Reverence for God and the human person Respect for learning and order Responsibility for the shared experience of community life

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BOARD OF REGENTS Right Rev. Dom Caedmon Holmes, O.S.B. Abbot and Chancellor Portsmouth, RI Mr. W. Christopher Behnke ’72, P ’12, ’15 Chairman Chicago, IL Dom Joseph Byron, O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI Mr. Creighton O. Condon ’74, P ’07, ’10 Jamestown, RI Dom Francis Crowley, O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI Ms. Kathleen Cunningham P ’08,’09,’11,’14 Dedham, MA Mr. Peter Ferry ’75, P ’16, ‘17 Fairfield, CT Ms. Frances Fisher P ’15 San Francisco, CA Dr. Timothy P. Flanigan ’75, P ’06, ’09, ’11 Tiverton, RI Mr. Peter S. Forker ’69 Chicago, IL Mr. Patrick Gallagher ’81, P ’15 Annual Fund Chair Providence, RI

Ms. Margaret S. Healey P ’91 New Vernon, NJ

Mr. Peter J. Romatowski ’68 McLean, VA

Mr. Denis Hector ’70 Miami, FL

Rev. Dom Paschal Scotti, O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI

Dr. Gregory Hornig ’68, P’ 01 Prairie Village, KS

Right Rev. Dom Matthew Stark, O.S.B. Prior Portsmouth, RI

Rev. Dom Damian Kearney, O.S.B. ’45 Portsmouth, RI Mr. Peter Kennedy ’64, P ’07, ’08, ’15 Big Horn, WY Mr. William Keogh ’78, P ’13 Saddle River, NJ Dr. Mary Beth Klee P ’04 Hanover, NH Ms. Devin McShane P ’09, ’11 Providence, RI Rev. Dom Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B. St. Louis, MO Mr. Philip V. Moyles, Jr. ’82 Rye, NY

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Mr. Rowan G.P. Taylor P ’13, ‘17 New Canaan, CT Mr. William Winterer ’87 Boston, MA Ms. Yanling Xu P ’13 Yantai, China

Portsmouth Abbey thanks the hundreds of alumni, parents, and friends whose philanthropic participation helped the School reach our most ambitious Annual Fund goal ever.

Your generosity is vital to every moment in the classroom, every lesson learned on the athletic field and stage, and every friendship built in our student houses.

Each year, your generous participation ensures the continuation of Portsmouth Abbey’s unique campus atmosphere and reaffirms your singular role in the Portsmouth Abbey community.

Emeritus

ON BEHALF OF EACH AND

Mr. Peter Flanigan R ’41, P ’75, ’83, GP ’06, ’09, ’11 Purchase, NY

EVERY STUDENT, TEACHER AND MONK, THANK YOU!

Mr. Thomas Healey ’60, P ’91 New Vernon, NJ Mr. William Howenstein R ’52, P ’87, GP ’10 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

Ms. Deborah Winslow Nutter Westwood, MA Mr. John Perreira P ’05 Portsmouth, RI

Cover: Grace Benzal ’17 and Frank Loughran ’15 with the Portsmouth Abbey Sailing Team vs. Tabor Academy on April 16. The Ravens have emerged in recent years as one of the top high school teams in the country. In both the 2013 and 2014 seasons, the Abbey has finished 4th and 13th, respectively, in national championships, and this year’s squad finished the season with a 19-1 record, placing 3rd in New England in both Team Racing and Fleet Racing. The team is coached by Jonathan Harley, Kevin Morrissey P ’11, ‘15 and Addison Caproni.

Two members of this year’s sailing team, Hugh MacGillivray ’14 and Andrew Sheerin ’15, raced in national championships in separate events during the year, and both have qualified for the prestigious Chubb U.S. Junior Championships in Michigan in August. Numerous former Abbey sailors have gone on to sail in college and in international competition. To learn more about our alumni sailors, please visit our Pinterest Page.

Back cover: Sailors (from left) Graham Kilvert ‘15, Hugh MacGillivray ‘14, Frank Loughran ‘15, Coach Addison Caproni, Sydney Welch ‘16, Derek Poon Tip ‘15, and Andrew Sheerin ‘15. All cover photos by Billy Black (Photographer For Sail).

P O RT S M O U T H A BB E Y S C H O O l A N N UA L F U N D Special thanks to the class leaders, the reunion fundraisers, the parent volunteers, and the Alumni Leadership Council, whose dedication made this year an unparelleled success.

Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends of Portsmouth Abbey School, As the newly elected chairman of the Portsmouth Abbey Board of Regents, I would like to take this opportunity to invite all of you to return to Portsmouth and to do so often. Regardless of how recent or distant your last contact, that you are reading this letter suggests that the Abbey has left an imprint on you that has fostered an abiding connection to the School. Embrace it.

I am delighted to report that the campus and community are vibrant and inspiring. Physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth abound.

More than ever, the Abbey stands tall as a unique and greatly needed respite in a fast-paced world that is losing contact with the anchoring and guiding principles that provide our backbone of focus and purpose. Our stature as the nation’s premier Catholic boarding preparatory school remains firmly intact. Indeed, it is that defining characteristic that has resulted in record enrollment, superlative college placement, and our best Annual Fund achievement in the institution’s history. More than ever, parents are recognizing the value of a safe, nourishing environment that instills respect for our faith, others, and self.

While our headmaster, Dan McDonough, has travelled tirelessly throughout the country to reconnect with you, our constituency, there is no substitute for coming back to campus for a visit. Growth and change are important aspects of the campus and the community these days. These changes stand hand-in-hand, now as much as ever, with the strengthening, guiding, and fundamental teachings of St. Benedict. Visit. You will want to do so again and again.

In closing, I wish to voice a special debt of gratitude to Mac Regan for his tireless work and dedication to Portsmouth Abbey. I am confident he will be seen on campus often, yet his steady hand on the tiller will be missed.

Sincerely,

W. Christopher Behnke ’81, P ’12, ’15 Chairman, Portsmouth Abbey School Board of Regents

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Stay Connected

“Raven About Fitness” Parent Auction to benefit Student Fitness & Wellness Friday, October 24, 2014 at 6:30pm in the Portsmouth Abbey School Auditorium

For more information please contact one of the auction co-chairs: Liz Kinnane P ’12, ’15 liz@countryandcoastal.com Judi Sullivan P ’14, ’15 judiqsullivan@comcast.net Heather Savoie P ’10, ’11, ’15 heather@savoie.cc For auction donation and sponsorship information, please contact Michelle Shevlin in the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs at 401-643-1244 or

If you would like to receive our monthly e-newsletter, Musings, please send your email address to: info@portsmouthabbey.org.

To submit class notes and photos (1-5 MB), please email: alumni@portsmouthabbey.org or mail to the Portsmouth Abbey School Office of Development & Alumni Affairs, 285 Cory’s Lane, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

The Portsmouth Abbey School Alumni Bulletin is published bi-annually for alumni, parents and friends by Portsmouth Abbey School, a Benedictine Catholic independent boarding school for young men and women in Forms III-VI (grades 9-12) in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

The editors reserve the right to revise articles for content, length, grammar, magazine style, and suitability to the mission of the School. Comments and opinions may be sent to communications@ portsmouthabbey.org. Please include your name and phone number.

Headmaster: Daniel McDonough Director of Development: Matthew Walter Editors: Kathy Heydt, Katherine Giblin Stark Art Director: Kathy Heydt

mshevlin@portsmouthabbey.org

Photography: Billy Black, Jez Coulson, Andrea Hansen, Kate Whitney Lucey, Louis Walker, Bill Rakip

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Individual photos found in alumni profiles and class notes have been supplied courtesy of our alumni.

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To keep up with general news about Portsmouth Abbey School, we encourage you to bookmark the www.portsmouthabbey.org website. If you are an alumnus/a, please visit and join our online Alumni Community. Check our listing of upcoming alumni events here on campus and around the country. And please remember to update your contact information on our Alumni pages. There you can find out more about Reunion 2014, our Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, share news and search for fellow alumni around the world: www.portsmouthabbey.org/page/alumni.

IN THIS ISSUE

page 4

New Members of the Board of Regents

4

Faculty Notes

6

Q &A with New Director of Development Matthew Walter

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Appalachia Service Trip 2014 Reflections

12

Prize Day and Commencement

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News from the Office of College Counseling

by Director of College Counseling Mary McDonald 22 Alumni Profile: Sean Spicer ’89 by Dr. Fred Zilian 24 Young Alumni Leaders

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Christ in the Desert by James Charles Roy ‘63 31 page 12

Admission Report

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Winter/Spring Athletics

38

Milestones 42

page 16

In Memoriam

46

Class Notes

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page 38

Be sure to visit the Portsmouth Abbey School website to shop online at the School Bookstore: www.portsmouthabbey.org

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New Members of theBoard of Regents We welcome three new members of Portsmouth Abbey’s Board of Regents: Mary Beth Klee, Ph.D., P ‘04, Philip V. Moyles, Jr. ’82, and Peter Romatowski ’68.

American teens (civilians) interned in the Philippines during World War II. Their coming-of-age story is one that she hopes will inspire today’s youth. Married to Javier Valenzuela and the mother of Portsmouth Abbey School ‘04 alumnus Andres Valenzuela, Mary Beth served on the Portsmouth Abbey School Board of Regents from 2002-2009 as vice chair and head of the School Life Committee.

MARY B ETH KL E E, P h .D., P ’0 4

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Mary Beth Klee holds her Ed.M. from Boston University and a Ph.D. in the History of American Civilization from Brandeis University. She is the founder of Crossroads Academy, a K-8 independent school in Lyme, New Hampshire, where she served as head of school from 1991-1997. She has since devoted herself to history education for the young, designing on-line programs for kindergartners to fifth graders (for K-12 Inc.), co-editing three middle school world history texts (The Human Odyssey, Vols 1-3, 2004-2007) and one high school U.S. history text (The American Odyssey, 2009). Dr. Klee has also specialized in K-6 character education. She is the author of Core Virtues, A Literature-Based Program in Character Education (2000, 2007, 2012) with supplementary material found on her website, www.corevirtues.net. In addition to consulting on history and character education initiatives, she is currently writing a book about

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PHI L I P V. MOY L ES, J R. ’8 2

Phil is the managing principal and CEO as well as a director of Vanbridge Holdings, an insurance intermediary, capital advisory and insurance and reinsurance management firm. Vanbridge provides services to private equity funds, hedge funds and other investors, insurers, reinsurers and banks. Phil has 27 years of experience in the insurance industry. Prior to joining Vanbridge, Phil was an executive vice president and CEO of the Americas for Marsh Inc. During a 20year career at Marsh Inc., he was head of Global Products and Services, had responsibility for the managing general underwriting platform of the firm (Victor O. Schinnerer & Co., Inc.), led the company’s distribution efforts, and built the company’s Private Equity and

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M&A Services business. He also led the formation of MaRI, which was the first sidecar created directly for the property catastrophe risks of corporate clients.

He was on the Marsh Inc. Board of Directors and on its Operating and Executive Committees.

Phil is a senior advisor of Stone Point Capital, a director of NEBCO Insurance Services, LLC, and is on the Board of Advisors of Sound Point Capital Management L.P. He has also served on the Board of Overseers for St. John’s University School of Risk Management and is on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, where he is the chairman of the Nominating Committee. Phil also is a director of the Hudson National Golf Club and is chairman of the Membership Committee.

Phil holds a B.A. from Kenyon College and is a graduate of the Tuck School of Business, Executive Program. He enjoys golf, paddle tennis and shooting.

He and his wife, Beth, reside in Rye, New York, with their two children, Kate and Philip.

PETER ROMATOWSKI ’68

Peter is a defense attorney based in Washington, D.C., where he focuses on white-collar crime and Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement.

After Portsmouth, Peter graduated from Harvard College in 1972 and Georgetown Law School in 1975.

He spent four years as an associate in a Wall Street law firm and over six years as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan. In the latter role he tried cases involving insider trading, a successful manipulation that tripled the price of an NYSE-listed stock, and other offenses from narcotics to bank fraud. He secured the third narcotics conviction for Louis Cirillo, who had earlier

been imprisoned as the importer in the French Connection heroin case, and the insider trading conviction of R. Foster Winans, the author of the “Heard On The Street” column in The Wall Street Journal.

Since 1986, Peter has been a defense lawyer representing clients in investigations and at trial in matters opposite the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, various committees of Congress, and other regulators and law enforcement agencies, both in the U. S. and abroad. He is a partner with Jones Day, a law firm with offices in 38 cities in 18 countries.

Peter’s wife, Suzanne, is a former Capitol Hill staffer, law librarian and elementary school teacher. They divide their time between McLean, Virginia, in suburban Washington, and Pray, Montana. Their two adult daughters are both graduate students.

Peter is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the Benevolent and Loyal Order of Honorable Ancient Red Sox Die Hard Sufferers of New York (the “BLOHARDS”).

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Faculty Notes The academic year has just ended; exams have been graded and reports written. I marvel as I compile the list of honors, achievements, awards and professional development that my colleagues have achieved during the past 12 months. This past year sent many faculty members to conferences and workshops; others started or continued work on their advanced degrees. My hope is that you will find these pages interesting to read. Maybe it will encourage you to find a conference or workshop to attend in your own field!

– Nancy Brzys, Dean of Faculty Honors, Achievements and Awards 2013-14

Kevin Morrissey (left) and Rick Barron

Kevin Morrissey and Rick Barron received the Sidler Awards for Excellence in Teaching at Prize Day 2014.

These awards honor a full-time senior faculty member who has exhibited sustained excellence as a teacher at Portsmouth Abbey School and a full-time junior faculty member who displays superior potential as a classroom teacher.

Portsmouth Abbey’s Director of College Counseling, Mary McDonald, was selected a 2014 Professional of the Year by the New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NECAC). Mary was one of six people this year to receive this prestigious award that recognizes outstanding professional contributions in the field of college admission counseling. Mary was recognized and received her award at the NEACAC 2014 Annual Meeting and Conference in early June at Saint Anselm College.

Lizzie Benestad qualified for the 2015 Boston Marathon by running her best time to-date – beating her previous time by 16 minutes! – in her 14th marathon this past May. Lizzie, three siblings and three in-laws all qualified and will be running in Boston next April. In addition, Lizzie attend-

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ed the American Classical League Institute, held in June at William and Mary College in Williamsburg, VA. Kevin Calisto exhibited his art work, Lizzie Benestad in her 14th marathon! along with five other artists from UMass Dartmouth, in the ArtSpace Gallery this summer in Richmond, VA. The exhibit, called “Laying it Down,” ran from June 27 – July 21, 2014. Kevin’s art was also on display at TF Green Airport in Providence this past winter. To read his press release, visit: www.ri.gov/press/view/21107.

Dr. Kent Rudasill ‘86 successfully defended his dissertation entitled, “New results and improvements related to the study of multi-specialization whist tournament designs,” and received his Ph.D. in Mathematics from URI in May.

“Ridge” by Kevin Calisto

Professional Development 2013-14 Nick Antol completed his Master of Science Degree in Athletic Administration from Ohio University this summer.

This program is designed with a specific focus for secondary school athletics directors.

Aileen Baker served on the visiting committee for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation at the Putnam Science Academy, CT.

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Aileen Baker, Kathleen (KK) Behan ’08, Meghan Fonts, Eliott Moffie and Liz Monty all attended the annual conference for The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) in Boston in December.

Aileen Baker, Blake Billings, Clarence Chenoweth, Michelle O’Connor and Kathy Heydt attended a twoday iCore workshop that focused on how iPads can infuse technology into classroom pedagogy. The topics covered included integration of iPads into the classroom, student-centered learning with iPads, and iPad publishing and digital storytelling using the iPad and iOS tools for publishing digital text and media.

films of Shakespeare productions, and projecting student essays on the screen for full-class composition and editing exercises. The faculty have also incorporated a new app into the iPads that annotates and critiques draft essays submitted electronically by their students.

Jay Bragan played the role of Captain Philip Lombard in Agatha Christie’s mystery play, And Then There Were None, at Second Story Theater in Warren, RI. The show ran from July 11th to August 31st.

Rick Barron completed his third summer of graduate school through the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. This summer Rick studied the major works of William Faulkner while on the Vermont campus.

Siobhan Curran (center) with her Biology students

KK Behan ’08

Kathleen (KK) Behan ’08 started her master’s degree in Spanish at Middlebury College. She spent six weeks in Vermont in their intensive language program, which requires that she take a “language pledge” and speak only Spanish for the duration of her stay.

Dr. Michael Bonin used funds from the Dom Damian Kearney Chair in English, of which he was the inaugural recipient in 2013, to buy iPads for the English Department faculty. The iPads were used by the faculty in teaching both inside and outside of the classroom, and the teachers found them invaluable for creating presentations, showing

Siobhan Curran attended a one-week workshop, “The New AP Biology Curriculum for AP Bio Instructors,” in August at the Schoodic Institute, on the campus of the Schoodic Education and Research Center campus in Acadia National Park in Maine. The goal of the workshop was to provide an introduction to the newly revised AP Biology curriculum as well as the transition to inquiry-based, student-designed investigations, data analysis, statistical components and the science practices that are intended to make “doing science” a centerpiece of the revised course.

Roberto Guerenabarrena completed a three-year, online instructor course for the Basque language during the school year. This summer, he served as a question leader for the Educational Testing Serivce, overseeing a group of table leaders who score the Spanish Language and Culture AP Exam. Roberto had worked for 10 years as a table leader for the Spanish AP exam before being promoted this year. He also attended a workshop during the year by best-selling Spanish author José Maria Merino.

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Faculty Notes Corie McDermott attended the 2014 ACCIS (Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools) Summer Institute at Vanderbilt University in late June and visited numerous colleges and universities during the year.

Jeff Kerr

Jeff Kerr studied Desktop Music Production in an online course through the Berklee College of Music. Jeff also returned to work at the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals this summer. Last year, he worked as stage crew. This year he was promoted to back-stage manager, serving as the liaison with the many artists at both festivals, along with many other responsibilites.

Susan McCarthy attended the 2014 Mass Math + Science Initiative AP Summer Institute (MMSI) in August, where she took a class for AP Statistics. The MMSI is an Advanced Placement-driven, performance-based public-private partnership. Additionally, Susan chaperoned six Portsmouth Abbey students on the School’s first service trip to Chile in July to work with the Manquehue. The group started in Santiago, staying with host families. They, and two Manquehue helpers, built a pre-fab house in a rural area.

Susan McCarthy

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Mary McDonald kept a busy professional development schedule during the year in addition to her college counseling responsibilities. She is very involved with the New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC): she sat on two panels at the annual conference; serves on their Committee on Current Trends; attended the NEACAC conference in Toronto in September 2013; and assisted with their National College Fair in Providence in April. In May she also attended the Fitzwilliam Conference, one of the oldest and most prestigious invitation-only college counseling workshops. Mary also attended counselor programs at George Washington University and Rhodes College and participated in The Clambake Institute in Newport in July.

Allie ’05 and Nick Micheletti ’04 this summer completed their third of four terms for the Master of Arts in Liberal Arts (MALA) graduate program at St. John’s College, Annapolis, MD. The thematic focus of this summer’s eight-week segment was “Politics & Society,” during which the Michelettis read and studied Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Locke, and Hobbes, among many others.

Steve Pietraszek ’96 was accepted into a master’s program at Vanderbilt College’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development. The program includes intensive coursework completed on the Vanderbilt campus over two consecutive summers combined with schoolbased research and practice during the intervening academic year. Steve began the program in June and, upon completion in August 2015, will earn a M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership.

Robert Rainwater spent a week in Los Angeles in May at the Intel® International Science and Engineering Fair® (Intel ISEF), the world’s largest international pre-college science competition, with Fourth Form student Seha “Sam” Choi. Sam was selected to attend Intel ISEF, out of hundreds of young scientists who presented their work, as the state winner of the Rhode Island Science and Engineering Fair (RISEF), held in March. His project was in the physics

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and astronomy category, titled “Visualization of the Tidal Locking Phenomenon through Simulation.” Robert, who was Sam’s sponsor and advisor for both events, said of Sam: “He is a brilliant young man, a creative and independent thinker. I gave Sam a suggestion now and then about his project during the school year, but his work was totally his own.” While at Intel ISEF, Robert and Sam attended many workshops and events.

medieval social dynamics to the ideological character of the contemporary mass media. At a Portsmouth Abbey faculty meeting, Bowen shared his impressions of trends in historiography suggested by the substance and spirit of this bellwether event.

Bo and Kate Smith

Robert Rainwater and Seha “Sam” Choi ’16

Christine Sahms attended a lecture in January by Dr. Ellen Braaten, director of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Learning and Emotional Assessment Program. The lecture was called, “Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up: The Relationship Between Executive Functioning and Processing Speed.”

Robert Sahms, along with his wife, Christine, explored a lot of the biological world in Washington state on a trip to the West Coast: they visited a temperate rain forest, the Pacific coast in Washington and Oregon, and points along the Columbia River, including Bonneville Dam, the gorge, and its entry into the Pacific Ocean. Their visit also included a trip to Mount St. Helens to learn about the impact of volcanic eruptions on the area.

History Department Chairman Bowen Smith braved the worst blizzard of the winter to attend two days of the American Historical Association conference in Washington, D.C., in January. The annual meeting of the discipline’s premier university and secondary school scholars and teachers featured a smorgasbord of papers, panel discussions and major addresses on issues ranging from

Kate Smith attended the Exeter Humanities Institute in June. The institute was a five-day working conference primarily for secondary school English and history teachers.

In August, she attended a colloquium at Drew University sponsored by the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS) entitled, “Getting Students to Look Beyond the Best 360 Colleges.” As part of her college counseling responsibilities, Kate visited numerous colleges and universities throughout the year.

Emma Stenberg studied at Oxford University’s Lincoln College for the third summer of work towards her M.A. degree from Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English. Her class was titled, “The Aesthetic Life: Art and Literature in the Nineteenth Century.” Emma took advantage of her location to travel around Europe both before and after her course.

The Science Department attended the National Science Teachers Association Conference in Boston in April. The entire department participated in numerous lectures and seminars, including discussions about next-generation science standards; bridging engineering and science; food systems and environmental science; iPads in the science classroom; and bringing meaning to science ideas through evidence-based discussions.

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Q&A

PORTSMOUTH ABBEY SCHOOL WELCOMES

Matt’s wife, Paula, has been associate dean of students and head

i t s new Dir e ct o r o f D e v e l o pm e nt , Matthew Walter, and his

girls’ varsity basketball coach at Fountain Valley School since

family. Matt is a 1993 graduate of The University of Texas School

2001; she is also a houseparent in one of Fountain Valley’s dormi-

of Law, a 1990 graduate of Princeton University, and a 1986 grad-

tories. At Portsmouth Abbey, Paula will be an assistant housepar-

uate of Cistercian Preparatory School in Irving, Texas. In1998 Matt

ent in St. Mary’s. Matt and Paula’s son, John Patrick, will enter our

returned to his alma mater to serve as director of development and

Third Form in September, while Thomas will be entering the seventh

alumni relations at Cistercian Prep. He then stepped into the same

grade. Matt can be reached at mwalter@portsmouthabbey.org or

position at St. Mary’s High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado,

401-643-1291.

where he most recently served as vice president for development.

Q: You attended a Catholic independent school as a student, and then returned as director of development and alumni relations at Cistercian Prep. What do you think is unique to Catholic independent schools that other schools don’t share?

How will that experience inform your position at Portsmouth Abbey School?

A: In my experience, Catholic independent schools provide a unique breadth and depth of education that develops the whole person in an environment where curricular, extra-curricular and student life lessons all complement one another. Catholic independent schools practice what they teach. They are bold enough to declare that the pursuit of knowledge and grace is at the core of our existence. And in the case of both Portsmouth Abbey School and Cistercian Prep, they do so in the embrace of a centuries - old monastic tradition, stability, and total commitment to their students, alumni, parents – really all of their constituents.

The work that I do for Portsmouth Abbey School will be grounded in support of this mission. Whether it is through a more robust Annual Fund, the funding of a new building, or the growth of the endowment, the work of the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs will ultimately always be about increasing the school’s resources so that all of its constituents, particularly its current students, can continue to grow in knowledge and grace.

Q: After graduating from Princeton University, you earned a law degree at The University of Texas. What aspects of a law degree do you find helpful or valuable in working within a school environment?

As a practical matter, particularly with respect to the role of development within a school environment, a law degree helps with a variety of aspects related to the job, ranging from basic knowledge of IRS acknowledgment rules, understanding complex estate gifts, establishing best business practices, and advising boards and heads of school on development and legal matters. In a broader sense, a law degree encourages critical thinking and creative solutions, both of which can be helpful to advancing the school’s mission.

Q: What drew you to Portsmouth Abbey School in particular?

We were drawn to Portsmouth Abbey School for exactly what it is, a co-ed, Catholic, Benedictine boarding school. Paula and I have

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devoted a combined 29 years of our lives to Catholic, independent and boarding school education, Paula at the Fountain Valley School of Colorado and me at Cistercian Prep and St. Mary’s High School.

We are practicing Catholics and active in our parish where our sons, John Patrick (14) and Thomas (12), attended parochial school. I am a product of Catholic education at Cistercian in Texas, where I received an education very similar to that offered by the Abbey. Portsmouth Abbey School provides our family with the incredible opportunity to combine our best efforts in support of a single institution, one that matches our values and our interests. John Patrick will enroll at Portsmouth Abbey this fall as a Third Former, and Thomas will start out at Saint Philomena School, hopefully joining his brother at the Abbey in a couple of years. We believe that Portsmouth Abbey is where we are supposed to be – professionally, personally and as a family.

Q: You and your wife, Paula, and your boys have lived in a dorm on a boarding school campus for over a decade. What have you learned about “boarding school life” over the years that has been especially valuable or rewarding?

Hands down it is the opportunity to work daily with young adults.

Paula’s first headmaster used to advise that working at a boarding school is not a sprint, but a marathon. We have certainly found that to be true. While not always easy or without its messy moments, working alongside students in their steady, purposeful pursuit of knowledge and grace is especially rewarding.

Q: What, in your opinion, are the key elements to a successful Office of Development & Alumni Affairs?

An Office of Development & Alumni Affairs needs to be a place of integrity and warmth. Often, along with the Office of Communications, it is the lens through which alumni and other constituents view the school and the means through which they stay connected or reconnect. Most of the time this connection includes the sharing of resources. A successful development office respects the importance of this connection by building sincere, meaningful relationships with constituents. There can be no hit- and- runs to our approach.

We also need to be an office that works to match our donors’ interests with the priorities of the school as reflected in the school’s mis-

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From left, Thomas, Paula, John Patrick, and Matt Walter.

sion statement and strategic plan. Customer service is also very important, ranging from the timely return of phone calls and emails, to the prompt processing and acknowledgment of gifts, to the cheerful engagement of constituents in the life of the school.

Lastly, a successful development office demonstrates the virtue of gratitude on the school’s behalf by the proper stewardship of gifts and recognition of those who give them.

not much coastline there. And, while I spent four years on the East Coast in college, and we have vacationed there a couple of summers, this will be the first time we will call it home. We are excited to get to know the beauty of the ocean, the serenity of Cory’s Lane and Narragansett Bay, the hustle and bustle of the Eastern Seaboard, and all of the opportunities that each of these present.

Q: What thoughts do you have about engaging alumni in the current life of Portsmouth Abbey?

First of all, alumni should know that Portsmouth Abbey School is their home, that they are always welcome, and that the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs is always available to them, regardless of the need. In my experience, students are the best reflection of the life of a school. Through every means possible, we want our alumni to know our students, to know that their school continues to educate, continues to improve, continues to meet today’s challenges while holding on to yesterday’s best values. I look forward to working with Polly Antol and the rest of the development office in exploring ways in which we can further engage alumni, whether through digital means or, more ideally, through personal interaction and visits to the classroom, the court, field or rink, the stage, or to the McGuire Fine Arts Building.

Q: What is the most satisfying part of your work?

The most satisfying part of my work is developing sincere, meaningful relationships with the school’s supporters that result in matching donor desire with the school’s needs. When development office efforts facilitate or foster a lifelong relationship of alumni, parents, etc. in support of the mission of a school, I feel we’ve done our best work.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about living on the East Coast?

Living on the East Coast will be a completely new adventure for our family. We come from north Texas, Kansas, and Colorado –

Q: Are John Patrick and Thomas excited about the move? What interests them the most about coming to a New England boarding school?

Both boys are excited about the move. John Patrick has always been a curious and engaged student, so he is looking forward to the academic challenges of Portsmouth Abbey. He has also enjoyed playing basketball with his school and club teams, and he is looking forward to getting to know a new team. He has also expressed interest in joining the sailing team, something that will certainly be a new experience for him. While he has lived on a boarding school campus for years, this will be his first opportunity to attend one. He is looking forward to developing the camaraderie and friendships he has seen in other boarding school students. Thomas will definitely bring his Western heritage with him. He has his cowboy boots and UT baseball cap firmly on, and it’s doubtful he will remove either before he arrives.

You may hear him singing along to country music on campus. He has only known boarding school life, so he has confirmed that the things that are important to him are in place: the dining room is operational, and he will be able to shoot baskets in the school gym.

Q: What are your special talents or outside interests?

I really enjoy fly fishing and have acted as a personal guide on occasion with decent results. I look forward to scouting New England for some good fly fishing streams. I also coached football for 21 years at the middle school, high school and college levels. Two summers ago, I purchased a 1974 Jeep CJ5 and have become somewhat of a CJ5 enthusiast. Lastly, I am a huge Jimmy Stewart fan and have a fairly good-sized collection of his movies from over the years.

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APPALACHIA SERVICE TRIP 2014

Following are excerpts of several reflections shared by members of the School community who traveled to Chavies, Kentucky, for a week in March on the 2014 Appalachia Service Project.

Due to space constraints, we have been unable to reprint their wonderful words here in full. However, we invite you to visit our website, where we have shared each person’s thoughts in their entirety: www.portsmouthabbey.org/page/9483.

Thank you to our contributors for your meaningful reflections.

Brian Fredericks ’14, Student Co-Leader This past spring break I ventured, once again, to the impoverished Appalachian region with a group of about 20 Portsmouth Abbey peers, parents, alumni and faculty members on the Appalachia Service Project. This year I was a co-leader for the program, and, after months of fundraising and planning, I was excited to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than I. This program isn’t an easy one, and it was only made more challenging with the inconsistent and varying weather we had that week; from hot, sunny days, to below-freezing temperatures, it unfortunately made our work more tiring and time-consuming. The projects assigned to us were not easy, either: building a handicap ramp for a home, fixing and updating a decrepit bathroom, and underpinning an old mobile home.

Despite these obstacles, our teams never faltered; we managed to finish all of our projects and significantly improve the lives of the individuals we met and built friendships with that week.

We left Appalachia and returned home knowing that we had managed to do something that truly mattered.

I could not have been more proud of my fellow students this year, and I am leaving the Abbey personally bettered by this amazing and humbling experience. Looking back now, I have no regrets about sacrificing my spring breaks to participate in the trips, as I have truly have benefitted from the service project as much as those whom we helped. This program is one of the top experiences I have had during my four years at Portsmouth Abbey.

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Frank Loughran ’15

Olivia Wright ’15 The destination of this ASP trip was slightly sentimental, as we were going to Chavies, Kentucky, and I am originally from Kentucky. The family my team would be helping was a young couple and their four young children. The family lived with their extended family in a grouping of small houses. The sole bathroom in their home consisted of a hole in the floor. We laid subfloor, installed a working toilet, put in new insulation, laid wall studs to put a tub in and started the project of flooring and dry walling the walls and ceiling. The difference from when we arrived to when we left was astounding.

My ASP team consisted of six people – four students (including myself) and two adult chaperones. I knew these classmates fairly well, but our shared experience in Appalachia has brought us much closer, having been in the same group.

I’m always sad when it’s time to leave. The amazing thing about the trip is that we help the quality of life for a community, but we also grow within our own community of

The task assigned to us was to construct a handicap ramp, which we thought was going to be a rather simple assignment. But the setbacks began on Day One. Whether it was a miscalculation, or the consistent battles with “measure twice, cut once,” or not having the sufficient tools or supplies we needed, we did not let the obstacles or discourage us. If anything, the nature of the work, and the living conditions of the people we were helping, motivated us to work harder and more efficiently.

classmates and friends and obtain a true sense of empathy for others. Many say how shocking it is to see people in such a different way of life and that it really gives them some perspective… but it’s also amazing to see the similarities in values and attitudes. They do live differently, but the families I have worked with have been some of the nicest and most cheerful people I have ever met, and they have truly had an impact on me.

The trip to Appalachia was one I will not soon forget: it further showed me how blessed I am for the great family, friends, school, and food I have been granted. The trip was a success not only because of the work we completed and the camaraderie of the students, but because of the great chaperones and all of the enthusiasm they brought to the table. I can’t thank the chaperones and students who went on the trip enough for such a great time.

By going on this trip, we aren’t just helping ASP and the families we work with; they’re also helping us, and for that I am utterly grateful. I have had an amazing experience with ASP and I cannot wait to attend the trip again next spring break.

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Maura Fairbanks P’15, Chaperone

Dr. Gene Renz ’62, Chaperone Excerpted from a letter written to ASP Trip Coordinator Ms. Therese Thomas shortly after the group’s return from Kentucky: One week ago we parted. I did not expect to experience withdrawal. But I have. That I would feel so welcomed by you and the other chaperones as well as the kids was a most special emotion. Each day this week my mind was transported to Kentucky as the memories of the day floated through my brain. Thank you for the chance, for the fun, and for the responsibility of caring for ‘your kids.’

My experience during the past few weeks has placed me in locations of wealth and prosperity, grime and poverty.

All things considered, I would not opt for a mobile home as my abode. On the other hand, I, more than ever, realize how sheltered and fortunate a life I have led. True, I

have cared for people from many walks of life. But it still didn’t prepare me for the visions of Kentucky I retain. It is terrific that you have had this annual foray to areas where the Abbey’s young people can make a difference.

I have a special appreciation for the planning it took, the challenges you faced. Teenagers take a special person to care and cope with their needs. One of my ‘goals’ I stated was to see how I would reconnect with their age group. Abbey kids showed me that while I am not up on their music, they still are teenagers and great fun to have around.

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I learned about the annual Appalachia trip during Parents’ Weekend when Madison was a 3rd Former. I thought it was a great way for Abbey students to spend a portion of their Spring Break and would be a good opportunity for me to show Maddy that I could “walk the walk and not simply talk the talk.” So, when Maddy was a 5th Former, she signed up for the trip, and I volunteered to go as a chaperone.

As much as I was looking forward to spending eight days with my daughter, Maddy, like most teenagers, felt differently about spending this much “quality time” with her Mom. So a compromise was struck…. Maddy and I would travel in different vans, giving her the opportunity to be with others, but once we arrived, she would be assigned to my work team. This proved to be a perfect solution for us both. I was able to observe Maddy in a different way, as she worked in-

dependently on assigned tasks and also as part of the larger team. She, in turn, witnessed the same of me. We were both working to the best of our abilities on a level playing field, very atypical of what our day-to-day interactions and relationship as mother and daughter had historically been.

As the departure date became closer, I became apprehensive about what I had signed up to do. Driving for 17-plus hours in a van with another chaperone I had not yet met, sharing “rustic” living accommodations with other females, performing physical labor for eight-plus hours a day, and having responsibility for 13 students, started to weigh heavily on my mind. Fortunately, my anxiety was short lived;

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once I met Gene Renz, my co-driver and co-leader, we immediately bonded.

The completion of our assignment – building a handicap ramp on a mobile home for a 46-year-old man who had not been out of his home for over seven months – became a life-defining moment for me. Gene, a retired dentist, and I, a banker, along with our four 5th Formers, designed and built a 36-foot ramp in five days. We had no contractor on site to assist, no formal written plans, and no experience building a ramp. We simply had to figure it out. And we did just that; we built a ramp that made us all very proud.

Friday afternoon, the last day of work, it looked like we were not going to finish. An ASP staffer stopped by the work site and told us it was no problem; they would send another team to finish the ramp the following week. That gave us all the extra stamina and incentive to drive the last

nails into this project, OUR project, and deliver what we had committed to do…build a ramp for a man who needed this likely more than any of us have truly needed anything before in our lives.

I found the experience to be exhausting but very rewarding. I got to know most of the students in a way I would never have as simply “Maddy’s mom.” They are great kids who, no doubt, will be very successful in life… they gave freely of themselves, worked incredibly hard, and found a way to have fun in the process. I loved spending this time with my daughter and her friends and cannot wait to do it again next year.

Madison Fairbanks ’15 My mom and I are the definition of “two peas in a pod,” so I was excited that she was coming on the 2014 Appalachia trip with me. However, the downside of being so close with someone is that you often butt heads. So when I was asked if I wanted to be in either a work group or van with my mother, I said “no.” She and I share everything, and we’re always together, and I wanted to do something on my own for once.

But then I learned that she had talked to the other chaperones about wanting to spend a week getting closer to her daughter.

I was taken aback by that, and so I thought, maybe it would be fun to work with her.

Our group was assigned to build a handicapped ramp for a man who hadn’t left his mobile home since the previous August. We were given little materials or instruction and had to fight the elements while attempting to build the ramp. When I

slacked off, the infamous “MADISONNN” rang through everyone’s ears. But it was pretty incredible to see this woman – who gets her nails done every two weeks and her hair done every five – get on her hands and knees and dig through the concrete and mud as well as lift heavy amounts of wood. All I could think of was “Wow, that’s my mom.”

This experience opened my mind to the poverty that is right in our own country, but it also opened my eyes as to who my mother really is: a workaholic who never does anything for herself. She took a week out of her hectic job to not only spend time with me, but to help those less fortunate. During that week, I discovered what I want to be one day: just like my mom.

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P R I Z E DAY AND C OMMENCEMENT

The Class of 2014 Zachary Tyler Andersen Danielle Meta Banky Nolan Donald Banky Christopher Mark Baughan, Jr. Adam S. Bengharsa Malik Ralph Bernadeau Thomas Joseph Biagetti Julia Ann Boog Skelly Ann Briggs Katherine Anne Britten Michael Kevin Brown Abigail Marie Byrne Runcheng Cai Hengyu Ervin Cang Minqian Chen Jaewoo Chung Sa Kwang Chung Tori Joy Costa Timothy Edward Cunningham, Jr. Keith Andre Edwards, Jr. Camila Isabel Fernandez Rivera

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Matthew Raúl Fonts Eden Franz Brian Thomas Fredericks Michael James Galuska Richard Jacques Gudoian Abby Christine Hackl John Patrick Harkins Snorre August Savland Hope Evelyn Jansen Kevin Flynn Jantz Brooke Matsu Parent Kazama Nicole Anne Kerno Dohyung Jake Kim James Lyle Lansing Xiao Liu William Newton Locke Elisa Anne Lonergan Arianna Kristine Lowney Hugh James MacGillivray Elizabeth Anne Magauran Emily Jeanne Magnifico

James J. Maguire, IV Amberlee Layne Majewski Susana Mariño-Johnson Sean Vincent McDonough Lily Jacqueline Mercer-Paiva Jason Luke Mercier Julian Minondo Stillman Ayau Ledi (Melody) Mo Hayden Clark Molinari Miguel Mora-Figueroa David Mou Aidan Thomas O’Farrell Jeffrey Jideofor Okoro Jake Mitchell Oldewurtel Ifunanya Valerie Ugonna Onyiuke Beltran Padilla Carlin Michael Page Jihoon Park Emily Margaret Parsons Laura Posada Urrutia Ryan Nicholas Quinn

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Cecily Claire Ritch Connor Anthony Rodericks Lauren Ann Rosenthal Patrick A. Ruvane Hyeon Soo Ryu Brigid Coughlin Shea Somin Shim Junghun Sean Shin Rachel Renee Sousa Siyuan Su Christopher John Sullivan, Jr. Leonor Elena Torres Palacios Robert James Tuite Peter Augustine Vergara Aragonés Kilian Bede White Luxi Yang Yaoyun (Billy) Zhang Annie Peng Zhao

Retired Headmaster Dr. James DeVecchi, Headmaster Daniel McDonough and outgoing Chairman of the Board of Regents John “Mac” Regan, III ‘68, P ’07

“Over the course of your lives, you will find that it is the three ‘Abbey R’s’ – reverence, respect, and responsibility – that are the basis for a life of good will and duty. Nurture our three ‘R’s’ in college and beyond.”

Such was the advice given by Commencement Speaker and outgoing Chairman of the Board of Regents, John “Mac” Regan, III, ’68, P ’07, to the 81 members of the Class of 2014 at Portsmouth Abbey School’s 84th Commencement Exercises, held on the Holy Lawn Sunday, May 25.

Regan told the graduates and the several hundred others gathered at Commencement that citizens must be more engaged and knowledgeable regarding the problems facing their respective countries and the world in order to help effect positive change.

“We, as global citizens, need to step up our game. No doubt many of you will achieve enviable success in future endeavors,” stated Regan. “However, being an Abbey ‘citizen’ requires more than notoriety or wealth. Every day of your time here, you have, through interactions in the Abbey community, built self-awareness, empathy for others, self-regulation, the ability to manage relationships, and your trust and faith in a greater good.

“The Abbey’s three ‘R’s’ are your lifelong competitive advantage and your guide to being both an admirable person and an effective global citizen,” he continued. “They will make the places you go and the people you meet ‘more gracious and grace-filled.’”

Headmaster Dan McDonough, presiding over his first Commencement Weekend as head of school, lauded the members of the Class of 2014 for not only their outstanding academic achievements over their four years but for their love for the School community and each other.

“My affection for you is not simply because you are my first graduating class as headmaster and that you made this year so easy and enjoyable for me,” said McDonough. “My confidence in you is because you are the polar opposites of a famous scripture verse. Not the one you see at sporting events, John 3:16, but another 3:16. Revelation 3:16 reads, ‘So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.’ No, you are not lukewarm, and for that, I love your class. And because you are not lukewarm, trust that you will continue to grow in knowledge and grace and you will know what your life’s mission is when you need to know.”

McDonough encouraged the graduates to work hard, test themselves, and to persevere on a daily basis in their quest to “create themselves” and find their life’s mission. He challenged the young men and women to take the advice of Pope Francis and to read a passage from the Bible each day: “Like most things in life, if you do it for a few moments every day, it will have an impact over time…. while you may want to know now what you are going to do with your life, the fact is you simply do not need to know right now what it is. And I have great confidence that you will know when you need to know.”

Anne Magauran ’14 with her parents, Tom ’81 and Lissa Magauran. Anne will attend the University of Richmond.

Teresa Lonergan ’11, Tom Lonergan ’71, Dolores Grenier, Deborah Grenier, and Alan Russo, with graduate Elisa Lonergan ‘14

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The Vergara/Aragones family gathered to celebrate Head Boy Peter Vergara’s graduation. From left: Ali Vergara ’17, Ben Vergara ’15, Javier Vergara, Peter’s mother, Alice Aragones, Peter, Jose Aragones P’80, Alice Aragones P’80, Patricia Aragones.

Arianna Lowney ‘14 celebrates after receiving her diploma.

The headmaster also publicly recognized Mrs. Nancy Weida, who was retiring after serving for 35 years in the School Infirmary as a nurse and as the creator of numerous student life and community service programs.

Amberlee Majewski, one of two graduates chosen by their classmates to speak on behalf of the Class of 2014, spoke of wondering in first grade what she would want to be when she grew up. She reminisced about the changes she and each of her classmates had undergone during their years at the Abbey: “We’ve all grown here… transforming from caterpillars into the butterflies that we never knew we had inside of us.” She thanked her classmates for helping her “figure out who I want to be when I grow up,” and then posed the question: “What do we want to be now?”

Patrick Ruvane ’14, center, with his family at Commencement (from left): Catherine, Sharon, John ’81, Patrick, and Bridget Ruvane.

“As I stand her now, 11 years later, I see our future doctors, teachers, veterinarians, dentists, pilots; you name it, we got it.”

Amberlee paid tribute to the many people at Portsmouth Abbey who helped her and her classmates in their formation over the past four years. “It is the smile that Betty gives us when she hands us our plate of food (in the Dining Hall). Or when Stark Cai ’14 gives you a compliment to brighten your day. It’s Mrs. Bonin, who completely inspires you to love to write, or Mr. Rudasill’s ‘Hey Now’s’ that really get us through our days. What do we want to be now? All of these things become us – our memories, and our hearts.

“Class of 2014, when you step onto your new college campus next year, and whatever you end up being, don’t forget who you are already... remember that that Abbey goes with us, because it now IS us, for the rest of our lives.”

Left: Chris ‘79, Judi, Chris ‘14, Molly ‘15 and Rowan Sullivan at Prize Day

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The Cunningham family with Tim Jr. ‘14 at Prize Day (from left): Emily ’11, Theresa ’08, Board of Regents member Kathy Cunningham, Tim, Steve ’09 and Tim Sr. ’74. Tim will attend the University of Chicago in the fall.

Graduate Sean McDonough ’14 (third from left) with members of his family: Joe ’02, Diane, Sean, Felicity ’11, Headmaster Dan McDonough and Mary Jean McDonough.

Graduate Julian Minondo also spoke on behalf of the Class of 2014, peppering his remarks with humor. He talked of losing motivation in recent weeks after finally having “caught that blasted carrot”– the long-awaited college acceptance – and of having difficulty fociusing on the remainder of his Abbey career.

“Don’t get me wrong,” he said. “Having Brother Gregory waxing transcendentally about love is a regular rollercoaster ride, but it’s just not enough. We’re human beings. We need those carrots, and we need that stick: Mr. C’s unblinking stare burning away any thoughts of mischief from our minds.

“So,” he pondered, looking ahead at college, “What is going to get us up in the morning?”

Julian likened the Abbey experience to a train ride on which the entire Class of 2014 has been. “We have commuted through the same places, classes and experiences together. And now we are here, finally, at the tented train station,” he said, referring to the graduation tent under which they all sat. “The Abbey Express train that picked us up years back has come to a stop. For the first time, we will part.

Runcheng “Stark” Cai ’14, with parents Xiaoshan Zhang and Haihua Cai, received The Frank E. Lally History Book Award in World History, The American Mathematical Society Award, and was elected to the Cum Laude Society.

“But that’s a good thing,” he continued. “Our ticket has been booked and it’s time we took off. Those things we’ve cherished during our tenure here will provide new fuel for the future.

And that’s what woke us up this morning, and will wake us in the mornings to come: we have a train to catch.”

Students and faculty were recognized for their academic, athletic and service achievements and contributions on Prize Day, held the day prior to Commencement. For complete transcripts of all speeches as well as a list of graduates, college destinations and Prize Day recipients, please visit our website at: www.portsmouthabbey.org/page/9446.

Right: Denise MacGillivray, Hugh MacGillivray ’14, Anna MacGillivray ’13, Mark MacGillivray ‘80

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Kody Onyiuke, ChiChi Onyiuke, Akunna Onyiuke ’12, Chido Onyiuke ’10 and Head Girl Ify Onyiuke ’14

Dylan Bedford ’15 at Prize Day with Mary Bedford, Neville Bedford and Victoria Bedford. Dylan was awarded the Public Speaking Award, The National Latin Exam Award in Poetry, and the Faculty Form V Award.

Lauren Tuite ’15, Robert Tuite, Robbie Tuite ’14 and Deborah Tuite. Robbie was awarded the Mary Louise Kearney Award, signifying distinguished character, contributions to the community and progress made over his years at Portsmouth.

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Mike Galuska ’14 with his parents, James and Joanne Galuska. Mike was awarded The St. Gregory Award and was elected to the Cum Laude Society.

Commencement Speaker and outgoing Chairman of the Board of Regents John “Mac” Regan, III ’68, P’07.

Sarah Ritch, Claire Ritch ’14 and Randall Ritch. Claire won the Coach’s Trophy for Cross Country and the Matthew Penney Perseverance Award, given in memory of Matthew Penney ’07.

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The members of the 2014 Cum Laude Society (l-r): Sixth Formers Tim Cunningham, Eden Franz, Runcheng “Stark” Cai, Mike Galuska, DoHyung “Jake” Kim, Sean McDonough, Tori Costa and Annie Zhao.

Kevin Morrissey and Rick Barron, 2013-14 winners of the senior and junior (respectively) Dom Peter Sidler Teaching Awards for excellence in teaching.

Graduate Nicole Kerno and English teacher Corie McDermott capturing one last selfie.

Class of 2014 Commencement speaker Julian Minondo ’14, who will attend the University of Notre Dame.

Chris Sullivan ’14 and Brooke Kazama ’14, recipients of the Headmaster’s Award.

Head Boy Peter Vergara ‘14 and Fr. Christopher Davis, O.S.B. ‘48 enjoy the moment.

Class of 2014 Commencement speaker Amberlee Majewski ’14 reminded her fellow graduates that Portsmouth Abbey will remain with them, regardless of where they go in the future.

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A representative from Wellesley College (far left) attends Portsmouth Abbey School’s College Workshop in April and advises Fifth Form students on best practices for completing effective college applications.

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF COLLEGE COUNSELING by

D irector

of

College Counseling M ary McD onald

In the bizarre world that is college admission testing, change is in the air – rather confusing change, actually: m The SAT is changing its required writing section to optional, thus making it more like the ACT. The ACT is making its optional writing section required, thus making it more like the SAT. m The SAT is dropping its “obscure” (read: “academic”) vocabulary words, thus making it more like the ACT. The ACT, which has traditionally used a two-digit score scale (currently 36 is the high score), is switching to a three-digit score, thus making it more like the SAT. m The SAT is dropping its “guessing penalty,” thus making it, you guessed it, more like the ACT. m The College Board, which owns the SAT, has been saying for decades that the test isn’t coachable and test prep won’t raise a student’s score. So what are they saying about the new test? Unlike the old test, the new test won’t be coachable and test prep won’t raise a student’s score. m Which is why the College Board has partnered with Kahn Academy to offer free test prep for the new test…

And so on.

In addition, both testing companies are moving toward offering their tests via the Internet (the TOEFL, Test of English as a Foreign Language, already has an Internet-based option, as do most of the graduate school admission tests). ACT is also looking at administering its tests via tablet (iPad, etc.). Since significantly more students take

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the SAT and ACT than take all of the graduate tests combined, the logistics issues are formidable. As of this writing, ACT has announced that their first digital (Internet-based) offering will be in the spring of 2015, though this seems to be a soft date; the date for tablet testing has not been determined. Paper-based tests will continue to be offered. SAT has not yet committed to a definite date for Internet-based testing. Both organizations will pilot the digital tests at selected schools before making them universally available.

Currently few, if any, colleges have made decisions as to which test(s) they will require or accept after the launch of the new SAT, but the consensus seems to be that schools will accept either, at least for the first year. While the old test is imperfect and, according to several studies, of dubious value (see the National Association for College Admission Counseling’s 2008 Report of the Commission on the Use of Standardized Tests in Undergraduate Admission, chaired by William Fitzsimmons, dean of admission and financial aid at Harvard University, and the recently published Defining Promise: Optional Standardized Testing Policies in American College and University Admissions, authored by Bill Hiss, former dean of admission at Bates College), it is a known entity, and schools have an historical understanding of how to use the scores within their own context. Between now and spring of 2016, the College Board will push out reams of information about the content (said to be significantly different), format (said to be somewhat different) and validity of the new test, but it will still be untested, un-normed, and unknown in the real world.

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What does all of this mean for Abbey students? The College Board has announced that the new PSAT will be offered in October 2015, and the new SAT will be offered in the spring of 2016; current students in the Class of 2017 will be the first to take the new tests. We expect both tests to be paper-based. We do administer the PSAT to Fourth Formers, so the Class of 2017 will take the “old” PSAT during their Fourth Form (October 2014) and the new version during their Fifth Form (October 2015), ensuring they will have had practice in both versions of the test. They will take the current version of the SAT in December 2015 and the new version in the spring of 2016. With this testing timeline in place, Abbey students will be able to choose which version best showcases their strengths.

or SAT is a better test for them (all U.S. colleges will accept scores from either test).

Third and Fourth Formers have already taken the ACT Aspire, ACT’s new version of their pre-ACT test (formerly called the PLAN) this May. Their experience taking the test, as well as their scores on the test, should help them determine whether the ACT

For more information on the new SAT, go to https://www.collegeboard.org/delivering-opportunity/sat and for the new ACT Aspire, www.discoveractaspire.org.

Test prep providers have, of course, been scrambling to prepare courses geared to the new tests. We have received emails and promotional materials from numerous companies, including Revolution Prep, the company we are currently using, assuring us that they will have appropriate material available in a timely fashion.

We will, of course, be monitoring all aspects of the testing changes very, very closely. But for the time being, perhaps we should heed the advice of Jon Erickson, president of the Education Division of the ACT: “Don’t panic; we’re moving slowly, but rapidly.”

DESTINATIONS The Portsmouth Abbey School Class of 2014 will be matriculating at the following colleges and universities: American University

Loyola University New Orleans

Syracuse University

Beloit College

Lynn University

The American University of Paris

Boston College (2)

Manhattan College

The Culinary Institute of America

Boston University

Marist College

The George Washington University (2)

Brown University

Marquette University

Trinity College

Bucknell University (2)

Middlebury College

United States Naval Academy

Carnegie Mellon University (2)

New York University (2)

Universidad Metropolitana

Clarkson University

Northeastern University

University of Chicago

College of the Holy Cross

Quinnipiac University (2)

University of Connecticut

Connecticut College (2)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Drew University

Rhode Island School of Design

University of Notre Dame

Drexel University (2)

Rutgers, The State University of

University of Rhode Island

Duke University

New Jersey at New Brunswick

University of Richmond (2)

Emerson College

Saint Joseph’s University

University of Southern California

Emory University (2)

Saint Michael’s College (2)

University of Tulsa

Flagler College

Santa Clara University

University of Vermont

Fordham University (4)

Savannah College of Art and Design

Vanderbilt University

Georgetown University

Skidmore College (2)

Wake Forest University Xavier University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Stonehill College

Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Suffolk University

Johns Hopkins University

Swarthmore College

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ALUMNI PROFILE

S E A N S P I C E r believes in family, God, trust, hard work, determination, gratitude, service, and seizing opportunities.

It is also clear that the Abbey’s hallmark values of reverence, respect, and responsibility infuse the personal and professional life of this Class of ’89 Abbey graduate who has risen to the high ranks of the Republican National Committee.

On April 14, in a Mother Seton Lecture to the Abbey school community, Sean offered his “Rules for Life Beyond Cory’s Lane.” Afterward I had the opportunity to explore his thoughts on leadership and other aspects of his life.

Since February, 2011, Sean has been the communications director for the Republican National Committee (RNC), supervising the party’s strategic communications, research, television studio, war room, minority engagement, and media affairs operations. With a staff of thirty, he indicated that the position is clearly his most challenging to date. There was once a “news cycle” which allowed some daily breathing room; however, now the communications environment is much more fast-paced. A person in the political communications business is really on duty “24/7.” Sean stated that nowadays a situation can change

Sean Spicer ‘89 Shares Thoughts on Life and Leadership

dramatically with a few words said in a Tweet. True to his upbeat and positive personality, he followed by saying that he has enjoyed all his jobs to date and implied that they have all given him valuable experience in the complex world of American politics.

His current position is a culmination of many lesser positions, ones which others may have rejected. During his lecture, in which he offered students “Seventeen Rules for Life,” he spoke to this subject with his very first rule. Rule

by Dr. Fred Zilian

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Sean converses with United States Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab in 2006. Sean served as Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Public and Media Affairs.

#1: “There are no jobs for ‘anything’.” He related a story

hallmark of the Abbey Mission, ranked high. Rule #4: Take

about an early interview he had in which he eagerly told

responsibility when you screw up, and you will be rewarded.

the interviewer that he was “prepared to do anything.” The

Many people just make excuses. Rule #7: Have a plan, but be

interviewer indicated: “I do not have a job for anything.”

flexible. Here he related a story about taking a position with

Looking to their future, he encouraged Abbey students to

a candidate running for congressional office in Pennsylvania.

formulate clear ideas on positions they desire before they

Even though this meant leaving the capital and even though

enter an interview.

the individual lost the election, Sean gained valuable experi-

Sean began his discussion of leadership with me by referring to his military career. Since 1999, he has been a member of the Navy Reserves and now holds the rank of commander. He attended the Naval War College in Newport in 2012, and earned a Master of Science degree in National

ence, something which helped him gain future positions. The value of gratitude was also evident. Rule #12: Remember to say thank you, orally and in writing. Rule #16: Follow your mom’s advice: It’s not what you say, but how you say it. The tone and tenor of your words count.

Security and Strategic Studies. Mission accomplishment is

Sean’s religious-spiritual side was also evident in his

a phrase which the military can drum into you; however, I

lecture. Tucked into his essentially secular set of 17 rules was:

found that Sean never focused on this. He holds as funda-

“Rule #14: Have a relationship with God.” In his case, both he

mental the principle: If you take care of your people, they

and his wife value their religions and their personal relation-

will take care of you. He added that leadership always begins

ships with God.

at the top, implying that a leader’s behavior affects the entire culture of an organization. Second, Sean also believes that a

Both in his formal comments as well as in our discussion,

leader must treat all people – no matter what rank or station

the values which Sean cherishes as foundational and funda-

in life – with respect. Third, in a situation that demands lead-

mental became evident. Prominent were family, God, trust,

ership but where an absence exists, a good leader steps in and

and voluntary service, but there were others. Hard work was

takes charge. Such a leader can perceive the void and also can

shown in his Rule #3: Showing up is half the battle. Showing

muster the fortitude to take action.

up early and often is the other half. Determination surfaced in Rule #5: Never give up. Pertaining to Rule #11 – Make good

In his current job, he leads and manages the communi-

friends. Find a mentor – Sean indicated that his father was his

cations section of the RNC, composed mainly of young col-

key mentor in life, the man who infused him with his “mor-

lege graduates. He describes his leadership challenge as two-

al compass.” For a career mentor, he mentioned Ed Gillespie,

fold: to keep them energized and focused, and also to strive to

who has served as the party chair and a senior White House

find and recruit the highest- quality individuals available.

counselor, and who is now a candidate for the U.S. Senate.

In his lecture to the students, he covered a number of principles which clearly relate to leadership. Responsibility, a

ALUMNI BULLETIN SUMMER 2014

25

Sean with his wife, Rebecca, enjoy Easter on the White House lawn. Sean twice served as an Easter Bunny during the White House Easter Egg Roll.

A native of Barrington, Rhode Island,

other low-level positions. In his lec-

he developed early an interest in Ports-

ture, he related this in his Rule # 3:

mouth Abbey, and as he investigated it, his

Showing up is half the battle. Show-

interest grew. “There was something about

ing up early and often is the other

the Abbey that was special, and I wanted

half. He illustrated this point with a

to be here.” St. Aelred’s and St. Leonard’s

story from his younger days when

were his homes, and he played soccer,

he filled a position in one of Senator

sailed, and wrestled. Not surprisingly, Cliff

Robert Dole’s campaigns. The posi-

Hobbins’ Political Science course was one

tion called for a daily 5:00 am visit

of his favorite classes. He also appreciat-

to Union Station, Washington, D.C.,

ed Father Damian’s English class, and he

to receive the New York papers. He

admired Father Paschal’s genuine inter-

then prepared a summary of import-

est and active engagement with students.

ant news with clippings. Showing

During his recent visit to the Abbey, Sean

his lighter and more humble side,

marveled at the physical changes to the campus, especially the

Sean twice served as an Easter Bunny during the White

more magnificent views of the Bay that have been created.

House Easter Egg Roll.

Sean’s initial interest in politics, which germinated at

In February 2011, Sean accepted his current position as

the Abbey, was nurtured at Connecticut College, where he

communications director of the Republican National Commit-

majored in government. With degree in hand, he decided

tee. At the time the Republican Party, staggering with a $23

to venture to the locus of political power –Washington, D.C.

million debt, was badly in need of good leadership and man-

From the start, Sean’s “Seventeen Rules” were surfacing and

agement. He led the party organization out of these doldrums,

shaping his life. He realized early the importance of knowing

rejuvenating the committee both inside and outside the capital.

before an interview the types

In the 2012 election cycle, Sean

of jobs for which he searched

oversaw a substantial growth

(Rule #1). In his lecture Sean

in the committee’s social me-

related an experience in which

dia strategy, quintupling the

a colleague had recommended

party’s Facebook fans and mul-

a particular internship. After

tiplying its Twitter followers by

winning the position, Sean

over 700 percent. Sean has also

realized it was a mistake. The

increased the YouTube videos

position may have been well

of the Party and their viewer-

suited for his friend, but not

ship. Sean’s team was recog-

for Sean.

nized for its outstanding efforts during the 2012 election cycle

In order to gain positions

with 18 Pollie Awards by the

of higher responsibility in the

American Association of Polit-

political world, Sean first had

ical Consultants.

to serve in many intern and While Assistant U.S. Trade Representative, Sean traveled with Abbey alumnus Congressman Phil English ‘74, far right, to Medellin, Colombia, as part of the U.S. delegation visit to the country. The delegation met with Juan Valdez and other representatives to discuss the pending trade agreement between the U.S. and Colombia.

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P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL

Sean delivered the Seton lecture to the Portsmouth Abbey School community in April 2014. He caught up with his former teacher, Cliff Hobbins, while on campus.

Sean also encouraged Abbey students to seize life and the opportunities beyond Portsmouth Abbey. Get to know the international students and understand their different perspectives (Rule #10). Life is short. Live it fully so you can look back with no regrets (Rule #17).

Sean currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife, Rebecca, and their two children.

d I directed our discussion to the highly abrasive partisanship in national politics today. Sean noted that congressmen today spend less time in Washington and therefore less time with each other. This clearly helps to explain the harsh tone, adding his hope it would decline. I noted that he, with his Democratic counterpart, had raised over $16,000 for St. Baldrick’s, a foundation dedicated to children’s cancer research, by shaving their heads on ABC’s “This Week.”

Sean is clearly able to separate his professional work from his volunteer work and to reach across the political aisle.

I asked him about maintaining his integrity in the rough-and-tumble world of Washington politics. Sean emphasized that “you can be a strong par-

Sean and Rebecca with their daughter, Rigby, and their newborn son, William Ward, in March 2011.

tisan and still be a good person.” There are always shortcuts that a person may take, but with regard to integrity, Sean has not seen an individual take these shortcuts, compromise his or her integrity, and win “the marathon.” In his lecture he also spoke to this with two of his rules. Rule #8: Trust your gut. If it does not feel right, use caution, he told the students. Also Rule #13: Your mail can always be addressed to “occupant.” Here Sean stressed the importance of being the person you truly want to be. Do not be arrogant and pretentious in an enviable position you have attained. With these comments, he clearly reflected the Benedictine value of humility.

History and Environmental Affairs teacher Dr. Fred Zilian completed a 21- year career as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, four years teaching at West Point and another four teaching at the Naval War College. He holds a Ph.D. in international relations/strategic studies from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University and is fluent in German. He has taught German, European History, U.S. History, Western Civilization, and World History. He has served as the School’s first international student advisor and as the Model United Nations Program advisor.

Fred is passionate about the life and work of Abraham Lincoln and has written and performed presentations on Lincoln for the public.

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YOUNG ALUMNI LEADERS

Portsmouth Abbey School students live and learn with classmates from around the country and the world. They graduate as fledgling global citizens, motivated to know and serve others. Once in college, they often channel that drive into two powerful engines of social change, entrepreneurship and service work. Like Sean Spicer ’89, profiled in this issue, the following four recent Abbey graduates are members of the next generation of outstanding leaders.

We asked them to share a bit about the path they have each taken since leaving Cory’s Lane, and their thoughts about leadership: what and who inspires them; the qualities they’ve found most effective for leading others; and what advice they’d give someone stepping into a leadership role for the first time.

Naseemah Mohamed ’08 Naseemah graduated from Harvard University in 2012, where she majored in social studies and African studies. She was awarded a Michael C. Rockefeller Fellowship to travel to Kerala, India, to study Bharatnatyam (classical Indian dance) for a year after her graduation, and she is currently finishing an MSc in comparative international education policy at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. She is the former president of the Harvard African Students Association, co-director for the Pan African Drum and Dance Ensemble, and secretary for the Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa. She currently works for the Center for African Cultural Excellence, which she co-founded.

For her undergraduate thesis, Naseemah founded the Zilolonge Arts Literacy Project in her hometown of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The program trained teachers at a local high school in new perspectives and methods of teaching, meant to counteract the negative legacy of colonial models of education still prevalent in Zimbabwe. The program was a great success, and Naseemah aims to improve and implement the program in different countries across the African continent.

After completing her master’s degree at Oxford this August, Naseemah will work as a pre-doctoral fellow at Harvard University’s Cultural Agent Initiative, the organization that inspired her Zilolonge Arts Project. After the fellowship, Naseemah will return to Oxford in 2016 to begin a DPhil in education policy.

On leadership, Naseemah told us, “I believe that a good leader is one who helps people realize their potential, or who they are supposed to be. There are many different kinds of leadership; some are more obvious than others. Economic and political leadership are very obvious, whereas moral leadership is much less so. I would argue, however, that moral leadership is one of the most important forms. For example, although the monks at Portsmouth Abbey School don’t hold any political offices and they’re not wealthy, by virtue of their lifestyle and character they exert a moral influence and leadership that deeply impressed me as a student.

“Several people have inspired me through different phases of my life: the remarkable generosity of Rick Childs ’75, who made my education at Portsmouth Abbey possible, inspired me to follow his lead and become a more generous person; the support from teachers such as the Bonins, the Smiths, Mr. O’Connor, and Mrs. McDonald; and the intellectual and spiritual leadership of Fr. Caedmon, Fr. Paschal, Br. Gregory and Fr. Christopher, and many more!

“My elder sister Shazrene’s work ethic made a great impression on me from an early age and helped me understand that I could achieve anything I wanted if I worked hard enough. My mother’s incredible ability to love and put others’ needs ahead of her own has also shown me the true meaning of servant leadership. Finally, I am happy to say that this year I got married to a wonderful man, Oludamini Ogunnaike, who has supported me in everything I have done over the past few years. I think of him as my closest companion. Our relationship has taught me how to love, how to care for someone else’s well-being as much as my own, and that, to me, is leadership.”

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P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL

Capt. Lawrence Slocum ’04 Naseemah believes that one of the most important decisions one can make as a leader of an organization is to decide what kind of role you will take in the organization, what kind of leader you will be and what kind of tasks you will take on. It is important to know your strengths and weaknesses, and your limitations. For example, she co-founded the Center for African Cultural Excellence, but once the organization reached a certain level, she decided to step back and let the organization develop in its own way under the leadership of her co-founder, Brian Bwesigwe. She is still involved in supporting the organization, but while completing her degree at Oxford she has entrusted her administrative roles to others.

Naseemah believes the most important characteristic one should possess is self-knowledge. “Individuals who are in influential positions too often view their role as externally managing others; they lose sight of the most important path to becoming the best leader, that is, by first internally managing him/herself. Knowing who you are as a person, what your values are, means that you will be able to give your organization vision.

Self-knowledge makes you appreciate the qualities in others that you lack within yourself and helps you strive towards becoming a better person. I’ve learned many of these things the hard way, but I know that learning never stops, and that there will never come a time when I can say, ‘I am the best leader I can ever be.’ There will always be room for improvement, and things to learn from people around me.”

When asked what advice she would give someone going into a leadership position for the first time, Naseemah replied, “Firstly, know that you are human, and that you will make mistakes. Accept your failures; don’t beat yourself up, but at the same time don’t be afraid to revisit your failures and analyze how you could have avoided them. Before implementing anything, have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and make sure that you share that vision with your teammates. It is important to learn how to delegate tasks, which requires a deep knowledge of the strengths of your teammates. Finally, don’t ever feel ashamed to ask for help, or admit that you don’t know something. A good leader should shoulder the blame and share credit.”

Lawrence is a logistics consultant at a Guatemalan palm oil company called Naturaceites, working with descendants of the native Mayans, called Quichi, in the Northern Alta Verapaz region of Guatemala. He analyzes and process-optimizes the harvest, focusing on the various actions used by the Quichi to cut the fruit from the tree and evacuate it to the mill, and he supervises teams that use a combination of film, GPS, and other measurement tools to record workers throughout the course of their workday. Specific emphasis is placed on collecting and analyzing data on indigenous harvesting techniques, helping them to increase their yield while preserving their cultural traditions.

From Newport, RI, Lawrence is a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, having served eight years of honorable military service, with experience in largescale direct logistics and strategic operations planning, in Afghanistan and the USA. He has supervised the international movement of tons of equipment, food, water, fuel, ammunition, and personnel. For his service, Lawrence was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Lawrence plans to continue to work in logistics and supply chain management, with a specific focus on sustainability in industrial agriculture, and to pursue a master’s degree in a related discipline.

When asked to name a person who has had a tremendous impact on him as a leader, Lawrence replied, “I had the distinct honor and privilege of working for Col. James Caley, USMC, while on active duty. The first, and most obviously impressive, thing about him is his absolute command of all knowledge relating to not only his job, but also to everyone else’s. If there was ever a problem, I always had total confidence that he would know what to do. Second is his ability to push his subordinates as hard as possible while making them feel proud of their accomplishments.”

Lawrence believes that consistency is a key attribute of a good leader. “While creativity and adaptability are important in an ever-changing world, if you constantly change your mind, your subordinates will grow tired of starting over, and thus lose faith in your ability to lead.” He added, “It is impossible to avoid failure. Reacting, however, using a level of emotional restraint during such trials will ultimately determine whether your subordinates will get back on their saddles and continue to ride with you. Sometimes it is better to go down with grace, get up and try again as opposed to barely avoiding disaster in an extremely disorganized and unsettling way.”

Advice for someone going into a leadership position: “The best advice I can give is to stay true to your personality. Any subordinate will be able to tell whether you are trying to act like someone you are not. Leadership comes in many different forms. Some of the best leaders I have seen are calm and collected, rarely ‘voice raisers.’ The thing that made them great leaders was their ability to keep their subordinates calm during times of adversity.”

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Casey Hogan ’10 Casey is a student at Northeastern University. In the fall of 2013, she joined the founding team of the Dorm Room Fund, a student-run venture fund that invests in companies founded by undergraduate and graduate NU students. This past spring Casey completed her tenure as president of the NU Entrepreneurs Club, which last year alone launched more than 40 student startups, engaged over 1,300 students, and brought in the founders of such companies as Zipcar, Reddit, and TripAdvisor to advise club members. For her final co-op at NU, Casey is working on the marketing team at MyFitnessPal in San Francisco. She will graduate from Northeastern in May 2015.

“One decision I spent a lot of time thinking through was figuring out what kind of leader I wanted to be,” says Casey. “It really helped me focus on how I operated as a member of the team in my new role.

“You must shift your decision-making to focus on the big picture... take a step back and evaluate how the work is affecting the entire organization. As a leader, you have to be the one making sure everything your team does is moving the organization forward and working toward your mission.”

Casey believes every leader should have the ability to take criticism and feedback. “People are going to be affected by how you lead and the decisions you make. If you can’t hear them out and make changes, you’ll never grow, and people aren’t going to want to work with you. I made sure my team had opportunities to give feedback, either through surveys, one-on-ones, or through other members of the team; when I left my role, many team members commended my ability to listen to others and make changes.”

Casey’s advice for someone assuming a leadership position: “If you can, shadow the person who previously worked in that role. Spending time learning the day-to-day will give you more time to focus on the impact you want to make once you’re officially in the role.”

Spend the first few weeks observing and asking questions. “Get to know your team members and find out how you can best support them.

I’ve seen leaders of other organizations do this, and their team members appreciated their coming in and learning from them, as opposed to stepping right into a ‘lead and oversee’ mode.”

Get feedback early and often. “I waited a full semester before sending out a survey; when I got the responses I wish I had done it sooner! Understand that not everyone is comfortable being honest in a one-on-one. When I was Entrepreneurs Club vice president, people sometimes felt more comfortable sharing thoughts with me and having me relay them.” Casey believes its important to be open to responses. “It’s not personal; it’s business. In order to be successful, you need to be open to changing for the better of the organization.”

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Mike Behan ‘08 Mike works for Root Capital, a nonprofit social investment fund that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America by lending capital, delivering financial training, and strengthening market connections for small and growing agricultural businesses.

Mike was also the cofounder and CEO of Njabini, Inc., whose mission is to enable families living in rural Kenya to increase their income and achieve their dreams. They work within rural communities to develop and replicate income-generating opportunities by organizing farmers into producer groups and providing services that enable them to increase productivity and profitability on their farms. Njabini raises funds partially through Njabini Apparel, a non-profit, fair-trade business that sells handmade wool products from Njabini, Kenya. “Our mission is to employ single, previously unemployed mothers to make hats and scarves and to support microbusiness, to create sustainable change and development,” Behan said. “Mission is the thread that ties your vision and strategy together. You can’t start without the right mission.”

Mike currently lives in Boston, his work focusing on Root Capital’s West Africa portfolio; he travels back and forth to West Africa for Root Capital while serving as an advisor to Njabini.

On his long-term goals, Mike says, “From the start, our objective with Njabini was for it to grow into a localized organization, providing valuable services to the community that create income-generating opportunities for families, and led by local Kenyans. We’ve come close to reaching this goal in the past year, with Tom Mwangi, a local Kenyan, serving as the director. We’ll support his leadership position and following their progress. Personally, I’ll continue working with rural agricultural businesses and cooperatives.”

Mike credits one of his professors for helping to set him on his current path. “I had a professor throughout my Northeastern career, and he has been a tremendous mentor to me. He founded the Social Enterprise Institute at the university and was the person who first inspired me to start a business. He kept me moving forward for many years following.”

P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL

Cerro Pedernal

Christ in the Desert

by James Charles Roy ‘63

In the summer of 2012, my sister, Julie Roy Jeffrey, a distinguished (if I may say so) professor of history at Goucher College in Baltimore, was diagnosed with a particularly virulent form of melanoma. The initial prognosis was dreadful – I recall Julie saying to me, “I don’t particularly feel like dying right now” – but after a series of procedures and cutting-edge technologies, her prognosis was deemed excellent as that frightful year came to a close, though one can never be complacent. We cross our fingers, never take a day for granted, and pray. My dear friend at the Abbey, Dom Philip Wilson, has put his oar into the stream by saying several Masses for our intentions. So far it seems that Fr. Philip, for reasons that I fully understand, retains his considerable influence with He Who Sees All.

much to rehabilitate his image in Death Comes To the Archbishop, written in 1927. When the railroads came west, he made sure the Santa Fe station was built as far away as possible, i.e., in the middle of nowhere, which is where my sister Sana now lives. He did this, it is presumed, to keep the temptations of modernity – wine, women, and song – as far away from town as possible.

At the end of January 2013, my sister and I managed to rendez-vous outside of Santa Fe, where our eldest sibling, Sana Morrow, lives in a small enclave called Lamy, about eighteen miles south of the city. We are all that is left of our family.

Jim Roy ‘63 with Julie Roy Jeffrey

Back in the great days of elegant travel by rail, the Lamy Station had a grand hotel right by the tracks, the El Ortiz. It’s long gone.

In 1935 D. H. Lawrence’s combustible wife, Frieda von Richthofen Lawrence, came down here to meet her husband of the moment, an Italian of dubious repute whom she had sent to France to re-

Lamy is named after Jean-Baptiste Lamy, the first archbishop of Santa Fe (1818-1888). He was a Frenchman, and thus an outsider to this Hispanic, Spanish-speaking community, hemmed in on all sides by Pueblo Indians of often wavering affection.

He returned their enmity. The cathedral-basilica he designed and built at the edge of the now-famous main square might as well come from the gloomy, rain-soaked forests of the Vosges Mountains in Alsace-Lorraine; it has nothing in common with adobe bricks baked in the sun and slathered with mud. Lamy was a doctrinaire man, to say the least, though Willa Cather did

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Our Lady of Light, Lamy New Mexico

trieve Lawrence’s ashes, planning to reinter them at her ranch outside of Taos. When he offloaded with the sacred urn, he was met with much hilarity and, apparently, liquid refreshment.

The party drove as far away as Santa Fe before someone realized that Lawrence’s ashes had been left behind on the platform in a cardboard box.

Even now the Southern Chief stops twice daily, heading for either Chicago or Los Angeles. The very few people who disembark must wonder where they are, in a dust-riven little crossroad overlooked by an old deserted Catholic Church, Our Lady of Light, which my sister tried to keep going, but failed. When the sun sets, the mountain range that overlooks Lamy is illuminated like a Broadway stage set, turning it into rich shades of red. These peaks have been called Sangre de Christo, or the Blood of Christ, for three centuries, and it’s easy to see why.

The atmospherics in the desert wilds of the southwest are decidedly biblical. Close your eyes and you might as well be in the Holy Land. This is probably why Dom Aelred Wall came here in the first place.

I met Dom Aelred Wall for the only time in 1956, in the dining room of the then- Portsmouth Priory, located inside the old Manor House, as it was called. I was a prepubescent seventh grader being taken around by my parents on the obligatory prep school tour. We visited St. Mark’s, St. Paul’s, Milton, etc., etc., big- time schools with big- time reputations, to which kids from my institute of lower learning, Dexter School in Brookline, almost felt entitled to attend. My parents should not have bothered with these excursions. As far as boarding schools went, Dexter’s legendary headmaster, Francis Caswell, wouldn’t even listen to my mother’s pleadings for the kind of prestigious institution that Louis Auchincloss spent his career writing about. Jim, according to Mr. Caswell, would not be going to an Andover or a Groton, where Roman Catholics faced additional, if unpronounced, hurdles for admission. There was a Benedictine school in Rhode Island, Portsmouth Priory, that was a perfect (and easily arranged) fit. Caswell didn’t tell her (since he’d never been there) that the Priory had a great deal in common with the ancient eremite monasteries of the Holy Land and Egypt, i.e., that it was little better, facilities-wise, than a broken-down assemblage of crumbling old farm buildings.

New boys entering the 8th grade were lodged in the aptly named Barn, a rodent-infested hovel whose previous tenants had been

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horses or cows. As we carried my trunk inside the next year, in fact, a fine 14-inch specimen of rattus norvegicus ran right across my mother’s foot. Being Irish, this elicited a fine stream of invective from her mouth, and perhaps the only admission I ever heard from her that she might possibly have made a mistake. No matter, best to look on the bright side, Benedictines had some cachet in the Catholic world, unlike, let us say, Jesuits, who were considered altogether too strident.

At any rate, there I was at the head table in 1956 sitting next to Fr. Aelred Wall. I recall the day pretty well (we had steak for Sunday lunch; I was impressed by that). Fr. Aelred insisted that I sit at his right (which offended my mother), and he addressed several friendly queries my way. What subjects interested me, did I enjoy going to Mass, had I ever seen grown men walking about in black robes? I felt right at home with him, which, for a shy little boy like me, was saying something. When I arrived at school the next year, however, he was gone, replaced by Dom Leo van Winkle, a man with whom, I must say, the familiar touch seemed lacking.

My knowledge of Portsmouth’s history is admittedly slight, mostly gleaned from an article Don Luke Childs wrote in the 1970s (Dom Luke, Class of ‘57, was a close Harvard friend of my sister Julie), and the general blur of having been a graduate of the place myself. However, I have done quite a bit of work on Celtic monasticism during my so-called “career,” and am familiar with some of the tensions that often disrupt community life. It would appear that Fr. Aelred fell victim to these.

II “The tower [of the monastic church] is like a watchman looking for something or someone of whom it does not speak.”

– Thomas Merton, Pentecost 1968, referring to Christ in the Desert On a freezing cold January morning, my two sisters and I set off northwest of Santa Fe on US Rte. 84. We stopped briefly, after an hour or so of driving, in a nothing place called Abíquíu.

The renowned artist Georgia O’Keeffe lived in an adobe house overlooking Rte. 84 for some thirty-five years, which is now owned by a foundation that, in this age of mass tourism, per-

P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL

The monastic church

versely discourages people from visiting; before that, she had her studio at the famous Ghost Ranch, just a few miles further along. We also spent some time at Santuario de Chimayo, a locally famous pilgrimage site. During Easter Week, mostly Hispanic pilgrims will walk out here from Santa Fe, many barefoot. The goal is a simple adobe church with its primitive altar screen, a strange fusion of Spanish and local folk art from the late eighteenth century. As one might imagine, the imagery is pretty gruesome, Christ covered in blood; after all, you do not flagellate a man and then nail him to a cross of wood without inflicting pain, injury, and an abundance of gore. In an adjacent cubicle there is “holy dirt” in a hole in the floor to which some attribute, for whatever reason, miraculous properties. I am the least superstitious person in the world, but we gathered some up in a paper napkin (a brush with melanoma will do that to a person). We then continued off down the road.

The landscape around Abíquíu is beyond description: deserted, majestic, lonely, awe-inspiring. A small sign, easily missed, says “Monastery” with an arrow pointing west, which we followed – thirteen long miles along a rutted dirt road. After spring rains, or any time in a thaw, you can’t navigate this route in anything but a four-wheel drive of some sort, and even then your chances of getting through are not assured. The mesas and high ridges that we pass through are stupendous. Many are ringed by huge rectangular blocks that strike me as ancient walls and ramparts, a sort of primeval Jericho just waiting for Joshua and his horn to blow it all down. Vast striations of multicolored veins stretch horizontally forever in the cliff faces, a graphic reminder, if indeed one was needed, that we are looking at a landscape several millennia old. Dominating the skyline is the high and dramatic mesa called Cerro Pedernal. Most easterners would only recognize it from Georgia O’Keeffe’s many paintings (the superb Road to Pedernal, 1941, is typical), or from brilliant descriptive passages in any number of the deservedly popular books by Tony Hillerman. At the end of this long trek we arrive at the foot of a dead- end canyon, where the Benedictine monastery founded by Dom Aelred in 1964 now stands, Christ in the Desert.

III “The second [kinds of monks] are the Anchorites or Hermits: those who, no longer in the first fervor of their reformation, but after long probation in a monastery, having learned by the help of many brethren how to fight against the devil, go out well armed from the ranks of the community to the solitary combat of the desert.”

– St. Benedict’s Rule Dom Gregory Borgstedt became prior of Portsmouth in 1940, and headmaster two years later, succeeding the School’s founder, Dom Hugh Diman. In the latter position he may, in fact, have appointed himself, but I do not know that with certainty, nor do I have any materials in front of me to describe the man in any personal way. I have only the barest facts. During his eleven years as spiritual head of the priory, however, it is clear that he experienced grave doubts as to not only his own mission in life, but that of the School as well.

The dilemma, simplistically put, was to question what the purpose of a Portsmouth education was to be; in other words, what sort of graduate did the School wish to produce – highly trained boys with academic prowess who could compete in any Ivy League school, or men steeped in Benedictine virtues of religiosity, humility, and virtue? Fr. Gregory seemed inclined to the latter view, whereas important constituents in the community, to say nothing of parents paying tuition who had their eyes on the Harvards and Yales of the world, wanted scholastic excellence. In 1951, Dom Gregory left Portsmouth. After sojourns in various monasteries in Europe, he joined a group of other Benedictines to found a more contemplative community (i.e., no school) in rural Elmira, New York, called Mt. Savior. In 1957, Dom Aelred Wall joined him there. But even Mt. Savior was not the kind of monastery he sought.

In the early days of western monasticism, wandering monks – especially those from Celtic lands – were often the rule of the day, much to the consternation of the Episcopal authorities who were attempting to organize the fledgling religion into order. The zealous Irish in particular were obstreperous, uncooperative, independent, and frequently unwilling to cede or share authority when it came to managing their own missionary affairs, which often had a meandering quality. St. Columbanus comes to mind. Born in Leinster circa 543, he was typical of the

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peregrini that so offended diocesan authorities. easy to imagine but Traveling by foot with a hard to achieve. It is small band of followers said that Dom Gregthrough Britain, he eviory, a man of more dently reached continenpractical disposition, tal Europe somewhere clashed with Dom near Brittany, moving Aelred as their time inland along various matogether progressed. jor riverways. Before the Prayer was fine, but internal combustion enunfortunately, degine, bargemen and rowspite all the wonderers on the Rhine used to The original monastic building ful gospel stories of sing an old chantey said turning water into to have been written by wine and abundant fisheries being harvested at the wave of a the saint himself. Ignoring bishops and any sort of lay control, hand, surviving out here was proving difficult. Dom Gregory, forhe established a string of important abbeys (at least five, with merly the superior of Dom Aelred at Portsmouth, was now in a dozens of satellites, nearly all of them “in the desert,” of which subordinate position to Dom Aelred, who was the monastic prior.

Luxeuil remains the most important), finally ending his long Relations became as frigid as the desert night. The two men evenlife at the last of his monastic foundations, Bobbio in Northern tually communicated only by the exchange of notes left on the Italy. His was a restless soul indeed. refectory table. Dom Gregory eventually gave up and left.

Christ in the Desert is the epitome of this tradition. It lies at Aelred soldiered on (an appropriate martial description). Visitors “the back of beyond,” settled by men whose religious vocations came and went (Thomas Merton being one, in 1968); a few posseemed to them incomplete or unfulfilled, who sought sometulants gave the place a try, but even fewer could stick it out. thing more extreme. There is no habitation to be seen on the Mary Joaquin Bitler, a nursing sister in Santa Fe for over thirty way out here – no rancheros, no hunting lodges, no accommoyears, began visiting on weekends to “recharge her batteries,” as dation for anyone. Only a few cattle wander about, and not a she put it. She and Aelred became lifelong friends. When Aelred hint of human habitation until the monastery is approached, abandoned Christ in the Desert in 1972, she followed him to San situated next to the Chama River, an environmental masterMiguel de Allende in Mexico. Aelred became a hermit; Sister piece. If you believe some of the old eremite writings, this isoMary ran a clinic for the poor. When Aelred died in 1984 (he is lation was perfect; not a place of repose or retreat, but a batburied in Mexico), she returned to Christ in the Desert with the tleground, a place where Satan could be met, mano-a-mano. intent to retire from the world. Her only relation with the few I do not know why Don Aelred Wall left Portsmouth, where he Benedictines who were trying to keep Christ in the Desert afloat served as headmaster from 1951 to 1957. Perhaps the environs was at daily Mass and the main meal of the day at noon, eaten of Newport did not remind him of Sinai. I also do not know in silence. Then she would walk back to her cell, a quarter-mile why he left Mt Savior four years later. I do know that Aelred away. In a juxtaposition surely more bizarre than its author incame to New Mexico with two companions, and another soon tended, a writer named Chris Madden published a book entitled followed, none other than Dom Gregory Borgstedt. One hunA Room of Her Own in 1997. It featured special “spaces” created dred fifteen acres were bought for $25,000 (all borrowed from by women in their homes or workplaces for meditation, study, Mt. Savior), and a crude cell built from sun-baked adobe bricks relaxation, a place to get away from their kids, whatever. Oprah was thrown together. Much modernized, this is now a guest Winfrey, Ali McGraw, and other luminaries from Los Angeles and quarters, three simple chambers with a bathroom down at one New York fill the pages, lavishly illustrated in blazing color, all end. Here the Benedictine rule of work and prayer was foldepicting much-decorated “environments.” For some inexplicalowed to the letter. Aelred chose as the symbol for Christ in ble reason, Sister Mary consented to have her cell photographed. the Desert a simple image of the burning bush that so startled Her writing desk, as the author remarked, contained everything Moses in the Book of Exodus. she owned: a few rubber bands, a collection of letters, one or Dom Aelred Wall lived in New Mexico for eight years in difficult conditions, to put it mildly. Self-sufficiency was the goal,

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two utilitarian artifacts, a small scale to see if her correspondence needed additional postage. She died in 2003.

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Thomas Merton and Dom Aelred Graham

IV “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46 My sisters and I all took long walks in the afternoon, alone. We met in the late afternoon for Vespers, then dinner afterward, a light meal, vegetarian, and eaten in silence. After Compline, we separated again to our quarters, which were some distance apart. I took another walk, the moon being full. A pack of coyotes on the other side of the river began howling, which became a disturbing backdrop to the otherwise serene and otherworldly atmospherics of this place. I had two choices in which to consider what might be an appropriate metaphor: the jackals of Satan, ever circling the holy; or St. Jerome in his cell, patting the head of a lion.

When I next left my room, it was to attend Vigils at 4 a.m. The coyotes were long gone. The air was perfectly still, the skies so full of stars, the temperature about 10 degrees. The monks began their chant. There are about forty men in the community, several in their twenties (an encouraging sign to be sure), a far cry indeed from Dom Aelred’s regime. The current abbot, Dom Philip Lawrence, has been here for thirty-nine years, and deserves tremendous credit for the survival of Christ in the Desert. Several ambitious building projects have successfully been completed, the entire complex is “green,” with solar panels all over the place, a few business initiatives launched (beer for one; St. Benedict, after all, said a half-bottle of wine per day was an acceptable amount for a good monk to consume), and, strange as it may seem, Abbot Philip and several members of the monastic choir recently appeared on the “Today” show (Dom Aelred might have winced at that). The objective, of course, is money. Many great abbots in ecclesiastical history have been visionaries and substantial builders. Portsmouth Abbey grew from a few estate buildings into the impressive complex we see today. Christ in the Desert, though on a much smaller scale, has also grown exponentially, an achievement just as worthy of admiration. But without manna, no such maturation would ever be possible. Right now, Abbot Philip is trying to raise funds for a much-needed well and, in common with everyone else in our world, he is worried about ever-increasing health care costs.

After Mass, with prayers for my sister’s good health, and a sparse breakfast (no talk allowed), we gathered up our things and headed back towards normal life, wondering, of course, if that should be the path we take. Lurching back and forth along the primitive road leading us out of the desert, a thought crossed my mind – was Christ before us, or left behind in the desolation of the Chama Canyon? The answer, of course, is both… but which is His real home?

“A Benedictine monastery has come to be regarded by its inhabitants not as an asylum in which to escape from the contagion of the worldly-minded, but as a place of withdrawal from which to obtain a truer view of the world God so loved as to send his Son to save it – a world to whose well-being they owe a direct contribution.”

– Dom Aelred Graham, Atlantic, 1953 Thomas Merton, the renowned Trappist monk, had a connection to Portsmouth. His best-selling book, The Seven Storey Mountain, was released in 1948 to universal praise. He found his mail slot at Our Lady of Gethsemani in Kentucky bulging with fan mail from erstwhile hermits who had found his austere ascetic message strangely appealing. One negative commentary, however, was published in the January 1953 issue of Atlantic, and authored by Dom Aelred Graham, a monk from England’s Ampleforth Abbey who had been appointed prior of Portsmouth in 1951.

Dom Aelred was a scholarly man. I recall him wandering around the school grounds wearing a beret and seemingly lost in thought.

He appeared friendly enough, in an aloof sort of way, but you never saw the man where you might expect (sports events where he could mingle with parents or potential patrons, school plays, movies, any sort of community event). His monthly meetings with students brave enough to attend (called “The Prior’s Seminar”) were an exercise in abstruse intellectual monologue. I had no idea at all that God could be so complicated.

Dom Graham eviscerated Merton’s book. The tone of his review was not overtly hostile to its author’s private virtues, but it was a withering assault on what appeared to be the central thesis of Seven Storey Mountain, that the only path to sainthood required a withdrawal to the desert and a complete repudiation of “ordinary” life in “our stupid and godless society.” Implied in this point of view was that most religious orders had grown soft, that the spirit of John the Baptist no longer existed.

Dom Aelred considered Merton’s views as elitist, exclusionary, and contrary to the real mission of the church, which was to embrace the masses, not run from them. He called Merton “a modern man in reverse.”

Merton wrote a gracious letter of thanks to Dom Aelred, and they initiated a spirited correspondence that lasted until Merton’s untimely death while attending a conference on Eastern spirituality in Bangkok. In a letter to another friend, Merton was eager to point out that he did not “despise the Benedictines (as Dom Aelred Graham seems to think).” Through Dom Aelred’s connections, Merton was able to meet the Dali Lama on his famous, though tragic, trip to Asia in 1968.

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ADMISSION REPORT NEW STUDENTS ENROLLED

III Form 38 Boys, 34 Girls IV Form 5 Boys, 6 Girls V Form 8 Boys, 5 Girls VI Form 1 Boy

“ R AV E N ” A B O U T T H E A B B E Y

Boarding 32 Boys, 30 Girls Day 20 Boys, 15 Girls

*

Total number of states represented is 25, and the District of Columbia

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Indonesia, Japan and United Kingdom were added to the list of represented countries, bringing the total to 16

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A total of eight new students enrolled, whose fathers, uncles or grandfathers have attended Portmouth, bringing the total number of legacy students to 35

*

Seventeen of the new student body have a sibling who attends or attended Portsmouth

*

This year our financial aid funds made a Portsmouth Abbey education possible for 124 students, providing them with $ 3.85 million.

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Once again the Admitted Student Revisit Program, Closer Look, provided our accepted students the opportunity to experience what it was like to be an Abbey Raven! While emphasizing the balance between academics and co-curriculars within our close-knit school community, eighty- three (83) admitted students attended the event with their families (43 boys / 40 girls), marking a record of the highest response to the event in recent memory.

Seventy-six (76) of the admitted students were Third Formers, and the remaining seven (7) were upper formers.

Twenty-seven (27) of the boys who attended Closer Look have enrolled, and twenty-four (24) of the girls have enrolled. The feedback from the families and students was that the return visit to campus was going to be a major factor in their final decision, as the students wanted to see if they would “fit in” both academically and as members of the community. Fifty-one (51) of the 83 attending students (61%) will be Ravens in the fall.

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PA R E N T- t o - PA R E N T N E T WO R K

This year, our largest group of parents (68, up from 55 last year) called from 12 states, including RI, CT, MA, NH, NY, NJ, MD, VT, SC, GA, IL, and CA. We also had parents call from 6 countries, including China, Korea, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad, and the Dominican Republic. There were 345 inquiry calls made during the admission season (September-March) and 54 calls to congratulate accepted families in March and April.

During those congratulatory calls, parents answered questions about Portsmouth Abbey School, and they also asked questions of the accepted families. Thank you to our current parents!

And for the new parents, we invite you to contact us if you would like to get involved with the Parent-toParent Network.

U P CO M I N G E V E N T S

Check out the admission page of the website and social media sites to see where we will be traveling, on-campus events, and news for the Office of Admission.

Stay connected by following us on:

YO U A R E I N V I T E D !

Alumni are invited to volunteer to assist our admission effort. You can accompany one of our admission officers and represent the Abbey at various school fairs throughout the country, host receptions for prospective families in your home, or help facilitate connections with your parishes and parish schools. Please stop in and see us in the Manor House during Alumni Weekend in September, or contact our office by calling or emailing our Director of Admission, Meghan Fonts. We welcome your ideas and recommendations and look forward to your participation.

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From left, captains Sean McDonough ‘14, Brooke Kazama ‘14, Coach Sahms, Jake Kim ‘14 and Susana Marino-Johnson ‘14 celebrate at the Providence Cup

Winter 2013-14 Athletics Awards

Conor Rodericks ’14

Girls’ Squash Coach’s Award: Claire Davidson ‘16 MIP: Hannah Lynch ‘15 Captain-Elect: Claire Davidson

Boys’ Basketball Dom Bede Gorman Memorial Basketball Award: Keith Edwards ‘14 MIP: Benedict Vergara ‘15 Captains-Elect: John Falvey ‘15, Ben Vergara, Jeff Walters ‘15

Record: Overall: 6-7 Swimming

Coach’s Award, Boys: Sean McDonough ‘14

Record: Overall: 5-14 EIL: 5-7

MIP: Liam Kelly ‘16

Girls’ Basketball

MIP: Evie Jansen ‘14

Coach’s Award, Girls: Brooke Kazama ‘14

The Pfeffer Cup: Amberlee Majewski ‘14

Co-ed Team Captains-Elect: Jeremy Slupski ‘15, Tim Tsung ’15

MIP: Ify Onyiuke ‘14 Captains-Elect: Taylor Lough ‘15, Ayanna Sommers ‘16, Maggie Stark ‘15 Record: Overall: 3-20

EIL: 2-6

EIL: 2-14

Record: Overall: 5-15 Boys: 3-6, Girls: 2-9 Boys: EIL Champions; 1st of 5 teams Wrestling

Boys’ Ice Hockey The Andrew M. Hunt and Carol Meehan Hunt Boys’ Hockey Award: Connor Rodericks ‘14

Coach’s Award: Chris Weiss ‘16 MIP: Kyle Morrissey ‘15 Captains-Elect: Kyle Morrissey, Chris Weiss

MIP: Oliver Jantz ‘16 Captains-Elect: Bobby Cloughen ‘15, Jack Murphy ‘16, Josh Vertentes ‘16 Record: 5-12 Holt: 3-4

Record: Overall: 3-9 EIL: 3-6 EIL Champions: Kyle Morrissey (120 lb.), Chris Weiss (132 lb.)

All-New England: Chris Weiss, 3rd Place

Girls’ Ice Hockey The Andrew M. Hunt and Carol Meehan Hunt Girls’ Hockey

Junior Varsity Awards

Award: Sally Hoerr ‘15

Boys’ JVA Basketball

Ryan Conroy ‘15

MIP: Arianna Lowney ‘14

Boys’ JVB Basketball

Michael Ludwig ‘16

Captains-Elect: Sally Hoerr, Kristine McNulty ‘15

Girls’ JV Basketball

Olivia Wright ‘15

Record: Overall: 8-9 EIL: 8-4

Girls’ JV Squash

Lucy Ferry ‘16

Boys’ JV Squash

Andrew Sheerin ‘15

Coed JVB Squash

Jon Campau ‘16

Boys’ Squash Carlos Xavier Araujo ’96 Memorial Squash Award: Matt Fonts ‘14 MIP: Miguel Mora-Figueroa ‘14 Captains-Elect: Frank Loughran ’15, Michael Soh ‘15 Record: 2-12

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Girls’ JV Ice Hockey

Callan O’Neill ‘17

Boys’ JV Swimming

Thomas Knoepffler ‘16

Girls’ JV Swimming

Natalie Mistikawy ‘15

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Chris Weiss ‘16 (right) finished third in the 2014 NEPSAC (New England Prep School Athletics Council) Wrestling Championships

Hannah Lynch ‘15

Winter 2013-14 All-League and Post-Season Honors Boys’ Basketball (EIL) Seamus O’Connor ‘16 EIL All-League Andrew Fonts ‘17 EIL Honorable Mention Girls’ Basketball (EIL) Ayanna Sommers ‘16 EIL Honorable Mention Girls’ Ice Hockey (EIL) Sally Hoerr ‘15

Madison McCann ‘16 Kaitlyn Doherty ‘17 Molly Sullivan ‘15

EIL All-League EIL All-League EIL Honorable Mention EIL Honorable Mention

Sally Hoerr ‘15

Boys’ Ice Hockey (Holt League) Connor Rodericks ‘14 Holt All-League Holt All-League Robert Tuite ‘14

Josh Vertentes ‘16 Holt All-League Girls’ Squash (EIL) Claire Davidson ‘16

EIL All-League

Boys’ Swimming (EIL) Jeremy Slupski ‘15 EIL All-League (100 free) Timothy Tsung ‘15 EIL All-League (100 back) Girls’ Swimming (EIL) Annie O’Donnell ‘17 EIL All-League (200 IM) Wrestling (EIL) Kyle Morrissey ‘15 Christopher Weiss ’16

EIL All-League (1st Place, 120-lb. class) EIL All-League (1st Place, 132-lb. class)

All-New England Christopher Weiss (3rd Place, 132-lb. class) Photos by Louis Walker (www.louiswalkerphotography.com/Sports), Jez Coulson (www.insight-visual.com/jez-bio.html ) and Bill Rakip (www.billrakipphoto.com/)

ALUMNI BULLETIN SUMMER 2014

Amberlee Majewski ‘14

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US Lacrosse All-American: Chris Baughan ‘14

Hugh MacGillivray ‘14

Spring 2014 Athletics Awards Baseball The Baseball Coach’s Trophy: Rob Tuite ‘14 Most Improved Player (MIP): Harrison Zambarano ‘15 Captains-Elect: Will Behnke ‘15, Tiernan O’Rourke ‘15, Harrison Zambarano EIL Record: 3-4 Overall Record: 5-10

Softball The Softball Coach’s Trophy: Rachel Sousa ‘14 MIP: Ali Vergara ‘17 Captains-Elect: Vanessa Cushing ‘15, Maggie Stark ‘15, Jocelyn Varieur ‘16 EIL Record: 3-5 Overall Record: 5-9 Boys’ Tennis The Boys’ Tennis Coach’ sTrophy: Oliver Ferry ‘17

Girls’ Golf The Dorment Family Golf Trophy: Amy Huang ‘15 MIP: Sally Liu ‘14 Captains-Elect: Amy Huang, Meghan McCarthy ‘15 Overall Record: 6-1-1

MIP: Jake Gudoian ‘14 Captains-Elect: Stephan Navarro ‘15, Ben Vergara ‘15 EIL Record: 5-1 Overall Record: 6-8 Girls’ Tennis The Girls Tennis Coach’ s Trophy: Hannah Lynch ‘15

Boys’ Lacrosse The Frost Family Trophy: William Locke ‘14 MIP: Chris Weiss ‘16 Captains-Elect: Nick Bauer ‘15, Bobby Cloughen ‘15, Ben Wilson ‘15

MIP: Julia Boog ‘14 Captains-Elect: Hannah Lynch, Rose Wang ‘15 EIL Record: 0-7 Overall Record: 0-12

Boys’ and Girls’ Track The Track Coach’ s Trophies: Jason Mercier ‘14, Keri Heuer ‘15 EIL Tri-Champions US Lacrosse All-American: Chris Baughan ‘14 Boys’ MIP: Jon Campau ‘16

Girls’ MIP: Sara Bertuccio ‘16 Girls’ Lacrosse Captains-Elect: Patrick Carlson ‘15, Kai Smith ‘15, Sophia Diodati ‘15, The Girls’ Lacrosse Trophy: Amberlee Majewski ‘14 Keri Heuer MIP: Bella Welch ‘15 Overall Record: Boys 6-5 Girls 7-4 Captains-Elect: Taylor Lough ‘15, Kristine McNulty ‘15 Odell Invitational Meet: Boys, 4th of 10 teams; Girls, 2nd of out 9 teams EIL Record: 5-3 Overall Record: 7-5-1 Div. III New England Championship: Boys, 21st out of 24 teams; Girls, 11th out of 19 teams Sailing Max Bogan ‘16, New England Div. III Champion, Javelin The Robert Price Sailing Trophy: Hugh MacGillivray ‘14 EIL Record: 6-1 Overall Record: 10-5

MIP: Grace Benzal ‘17 Captains-Elect: Frank Loughran ‘15, Andrew Sheerin ‘15 Overall Record: 19-1 3rd in New England, Fleet Racing

Junior Varsity Awards Baseball: David DeMieri ‘17 Boys’ Lacrosse: Michael Ludwig ‘16

13th at Nationals, Fleet Racing

Boys’ Tennis: Conor Millard ‘15 3rd in New England, Team Racing Boys’ Track: Ryan Madden

‘17

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Sailing: Emily Bredin ‘17 Girls’ Lacrosse: Maddie O’Shea ‘16 Girls’ Tennis: Valerie Berny ‘16 Girls’ Track: Claire Doire ‘16

T he ne w tu r f f ie l d , under construction since May on the lower athletics field, is on target for completion in time for pre-season, which will begin September 2.

Amy Huang ‘15

Spring 2014 Post-Season Individual Athletics Awards Baseball EIL All-League Rob Tuite ‘14, Will Behnke ‘15 Honorable Mention: Tom Biagetti ‘14 Boys’ Lacrosse EIL All-League Nick Bauer ‘15, Teddy Fenton ‘16, Ben Wilson ‘15, Will Locke ‘14 Honorable Mention: Bob Cloughen ‘15, Dan Locke ‘17 US Lacrosse All-American: Chris Baughan ‘14 Girls’ Lacrosse EIL All-League Alivia Mairs ‘15, Amberlee Majewski ‘14, Maddie Villareal ‘16 Honorable Mention: Lena Kerno ‘17, MC Robben ‘15 Softball EIL All-League Jocelyn Varieur ‘16 Honorable Mention: Claire Ritch ‘14 Boys’ Tennis EIL All-League Stephan Navarro ‘15, Ryan Gallagher ‘15 Jake Gudoian ‘14, Victor Florescu ‘15 (Doubles Team) Honorable Mention: Ben Vergara ‘15 Teddy O’Connor ‘17, Oliver Ferry ‘17 (Doubles Team) Girls’ Tennis EIL All-League Hannah Lynch ‘15 Girls’ Track Odell Invitational – 1st Place, Javelin: Max Bogan ‘16 New England Division III Championship – 1st Place, Javelin: Max Bogan ‘16 Photos by Louis Walker (www.louiswalkerphotography.com/Sports), Jez Coulson (www.insight-visual.com/jez-bio.html ) and Bill Rakip (www.billrakipphoto.com/)

The field, with a playing surface 250 feet wide by 380 feet long, is being constructed by R.A.D. Sports, of Rockland, MA. R.A.D. has constructed natural and synthetic turf fields for a wide range of secondary and collegiate athletics programs as well as for Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots.

The turf is a synthetic polyethylene monofilament called Gridiron, a two-inch fiber that is then in-filled with 1-1/2-to-1-3/4 inches of a sand and rubber pellet mix. Gridiron, manufactured

by R.A.D., is a long-lasting, high-performance turf that will ensure a fast yet soft playing surface, according to Paul Jestings, Portsmouth Abbey director of operations and project manager.

The ongoing construction of the new facility has been evidenced by a stream of 18-wheelers traversing lower campus since mid-May. R.A.D. first removed more than 3,000 cubic yards of top soil – about 6.6 million pounds of dirt! – and then, using a satellite-guided GPS, laser graders, mounted on R.A.D.’s bulldozers, graded the entire field so that the finished surface has a variance of up to just 1/8 of an inch.

After grading the field, more than 5,000 tons of cleaned and washed dynamic stone was brought in as a base. The stone base, laid about 14 inches deep with a three-inch top layer of finer material, along with an elaborate drainage system, is certified to drain at 1,000-plus inches per hour. “With such rapid, even drainage,” said Jestings, “our athletes will be able to play on the field after any rain storm that Mother Nature can throw at us.”

A four-foot-high safety fence will surround the facility, and the new area also includes a paved safety access road, a new scorer’s table, and improved spectator viewing areas. A LED wireless scoreboard will be erected soon to complete construction of the new field area.

“Boys’ and girls’ soccer and lacrosse and field hockey will be the primary users of the turf field, along with the possibility of football practice and recreational activities,” said Athletics Director Al Brown. “It’s not a one-sport, one-gender facility.

Logistically it will allow two teams to practice simultaneously, and the turf’s durability will enable teams to practice in inclement weather.”

“The turf field is going to be of the highest quality,” said Jestings, “and working with R.A.D. Sports has been phenomenal.

We look forward to watching our athletes take to the new field for the first time in early September.”

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MILESTONES BIRTHS 1985 A girl, Sienna Lily, to LuAnn Jones and Kevin Kenerson June 14, 2014 1991 A boy, Morgan Joseph, to Riqui and Daryl Barnes January 30, 2014

Helis, born to Irene and Eero Pikat ’94

1992 A boy, Miles, to Christina and Mark Resendes January 3, 2014 1994 A girl, Ellexandra “Ellie” Audray Theresa, to Michelle and Peter Lucas January 5, 2014 A girl, Helis Adelie, to Irene and Eero Pikat February 12, 2014 1995 A girl, Shannon Catherine, to Katie (Burke) and John Finn January 25, 2014

Enrico Valentino, son of Michelle Kahn and Enrico Palazio ’96

A girl, Mackenzie Rose, to Danielle (McIntyre) and Jean-Luis Luther May 30, 2014 1996 A boy, Charles “Charlie” Hinman, to Adie and John Edenbach February 16, 2014

Shannon Catherine, and her mom, Katie (Burke) ’95

A girl, Greta Marian Sofia, to Carol and Michael McCarthy September 10, 2013 A boy, Hudson Sidney, to Patricia (ten Bosch) and Ross Pritchard April 30, 2014 A boy, Henry Jake, to Cristina (Craig) and Jared Wurster March 28, 2014 A girl, Amelia Patterson, to Tara (Tavares) and Ted Winston June 8, 2014 1999 A girl, Caroline Rose, to Cara (Gontarz) and Jordan Hume December 22, 2013

A boy, Finnegan Xavier, to Beatriz Rosales and Matthew Igoe February 4, 2014 A boy, Enrico Valentino, to Michelle Kahn and Enrico Palazio February 9, 2014 Hudson Sidney, son of Patricia (ten Bosch) ’98 and Ross Pritchard

1997 A boy, James Walter, to Patrick and Alexandra Riordan June 19, 2014 1998 A girl, Catalina Maria, to Jorge and Maria Cedron January 8, 2014 Greta Marian Sofia, daughter of Carol and Michael McCarthy ’98

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Henry Jake, son of Cristina (Craig) ’98 and Jared Wurster

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MILESTONES

Jean Roland, son of Colleen and Justin LeComte ’00

Brendan Sean Comerford, born to Molly (McCarthy) ’00 and Steve Comerford

2001 A boy, Logan Wilder, to Shannon Music and Ethan Murray May 21, 2014

2004 A boy, Jax, to Aaron and Lyndsay Byron March 25, 2014

A boy, John “Jack” Timothy, to Emily and John Kraper June 20, 2014

A girl, Juniper “Junie,” to Alassandra ’05 and Nicholas Micheletti March 13, 2014

2002 A boy, Luke, and a girl, Emma, to Meredith Flaminio and Larry Bennett December 30, 2013

Faculty A boy, Ignacio, to Mariana and Donald Cowan

2003 A boy, Graham Richard, to Mary Levenson and Barrett Levenson April 26, 2014

Daughter Kinsley Elena was born to David and Kate Varela ’00 in May 2014

Cara (Gontarz) ’99 and Jordan Hume hold new daughter, Caroline Rose

March 18, 2014

Logan Wilder, son of Ethan Murray ’01

2000 A boy, Jean Roland, to Colleen and Justin LeComte June 27, 2013 A boy, Brendan Sean Comerford, to Molly (McCarthy) and Steve Comerford March 18, 2014 A girl, Esme Jean, to Leah (Murphy) and Chris Murray November 29, 2013 A girl, Giuliana Soares, to Monica (Soares) and Joe Furtado March 5, 2014

Mary ’03 and Barrett Levenson’s son, Graham

A girl, Kinsley Elena, to David and Kate Varela May 16, 2014

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MILESTONES WEDDINGS 1996 Wally Fulweiler to Dan Orchard April 12, 2014 1997 Brian Walsh to Phoebe K. Evans June 22, 2013 2001 Andrea Winterer to Jonathan Sellitto May 2013 2003 Suzanne Paquet to Chris Coner June 21, 2014 2004 Claire Rok to Jason Jaacks June 21, 2014 Kathryn Winter to Robert Hupczey February 22, 2014 2008 Naseemah Mohammed to Oludamini Ogunnaike June 14, 2014 2009 Kyle Moriarty to Cassie Wilson June 7, 2014

Portsmouth Abbey was well represented at Brian Walsh’s ‘97 wedding. In attendance were, from left, Ben Squire ’ 97, Ryan Grabert ’97, Brian, Phoebe Walsh, Lucky Evans ‘62, Matt Reeber ’97, Chris Marcogleise ’ 97, Dom Ambrose Wolverton, O.S.B., Brad Cerilli ’ 97, Bill Sherman ’ 97, Lou Tavares ’ 97, Steve DeVecchi ’ 97, and Andrew Gontarz ’ 97.

Naseemah Mohammed‘08 (center) and her husband, Oludamini Ogunnaike (far left), were married on June 14, 2014. They welcomed several Portsmouth Abbey faculty members to their wedding, including, from left, Laureen Bonin, Mary McDonald, and Bowen Smith.

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Clare Rok’ 04 married Jason Jaacks in June at Salve Regina University in Newport. The Abbey group in attendance included, front row, from left, Kiernan Rok ’01, Kaitlin Rok ’07, Jason, Megan Rok’ 01, middle row, Liz Lirakis ’04, Eva Gordon-Wallin ’04, Clare, Brianne Rok ’08, Caroline Taddei ’05, Sarah Taddei ’09, top row, Brendan Rok ’03, Matt Santos’ 03, Elise Markell ’04, Sean Galvin’ 04 and JJ Rok ’05.

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NECROLOGY NECROLOGY

Amy Cotta Grandmother of Steven P. Cotta ‘83 Great-grandmother of Corinne ‘12 and Lauren ‘15 Cotta March 27, 2014

Kendra Bowers Sister of Kayla M. Bowers ‘09 February 1, 2014

Kathryn “Kitty” Broman Putnam Wife of William L. Putnam ‘41 Mother of W. Lowel Putnam ‘72 January 5, 2014

Estelle C. Cusson Grandmother of Daniel ‘12 and Thomas ‘15 Aker April 7, 2014

Burton Harrison Brooks Grandfather of Adam ‘09 and Mary Rose ‘16 Hobbins Father of Nancy Brooks Hobbins Father-in-law of J. Clifford Hobbins March 2, 2014

John T. Dealy ’56 Former Board of Consultants member January 8, 2014 Edward Patrick Doherty Grandfather of Kaitlyn Doherty ‘17 December 20, 2013

F. Reid Buckley Father of W. Hunting Buckley ‘70 Uncle of Christopher ‘70, Peter ‘72, James ‘73 and William ‘76 Buckley Great Uncle of Anna ‘07, James ‘08 and Sean ‘12 Buckley April 14, 2014

Isabel M. Dray Mother of Gregory J. Dray ‘65 February 24, 2014

Dixon Frick Burden Son of I. Townsend Burden ‘32 Brother of I. Townsend ‘61, Henry S. ‘67 and Childs F. ‘70 Burden December 9, 2013 Theresa Burke Grandmother of Christopher W. Spahn ‘87 Katherine “Katy” Burrell Wife of R. Alan Burrell ‘41 November 19, 2013

J. Newman Carter ‘42 Brother of Warwick ‘44 and C. Charles ‘46 Carter Uncle of C. Carroll ‘77, Warwick M. ‘77, Adam A. ‘83, R. Prescott ‘84 and S. Casey ‘84 Carter April 19, 2014 G. Rhoads Casey ‘46 April 30, 2014

Deborah Jannotta Grandmother of Grace ‘15, Joseph ‘16 and Jane ‘18 Jannotta May 18, 2014 Anne Keating Jones Mother-in-law of Samuel G. White ‘64 April 14, 2014 Thomas S. Knight, Jr. Former Board of Consultants member Father of James E. Knight ‘87 May 4, 2014 Nancy M. Lattanzio Mother of Charles M. Lattanzio, Jr. ‘84

Donatella Durazzo Mother of Christopher J. Coxon ‘85 March 11, 2014

Albert C. Libutti Father of James Libutti ‘08 February 26, 2014

Charles T. Fisher III ‘47 Brother of Fred J. ‘50, Walter B. ‘53, Louis A. ‘54 and John A. ‘65 Fisher June 15, 2014

Nancy Tomlinson Long Grandmother of Lawrence Nardi ‘06 January 3, 2014

Helen A. Flaherty Grandmother of Grace ’15, Joseph ’16 and Jane ’18 Jannotta June 15, 2014 Radu R. Florescu Grandfather of Nicholas ‘09 and Victor ‘15 Florescu May 18, 2014

Richard J. Carbotti Father of Evan T. Carbotti ‘00 January 21, 2014

Nell Higginbotham Great-grandmother of Mary Madeline Warren ‘15 January 21, 2014 Francis A. Hurley ‘43 March 20, 2014

Sharon Gerlach Mother of Jennifer L. Gerlach ‘07 Aunt of Frank ’03 and Laura ’06 Curren January 23, 2014 Hunter B. Harries ‘13 Son of Bradford and Pamela Harries Brother of Henry B. Harries ‘10 March 6, 2014 James A. Hayes Father of Declan D. Hayes ‘94 December 29, 2013

ALUMNI BULLETIN SUMMER 2014

Mark A. Lvoff Father of Mark ‘70, John ‘72 and Matthew ‘78 Lvoff January 9, 2014 Joananne Marshall Mother of John J. Marshall ‘90 Marguerita A. McCormack Grandmother of Christopher ‘05 † and Elena ‘09 McCarthy April 13, 2014 Kathleen O’Brien Spouse of the late former faculty member Donal O’Brien February 14, 2014 Michael Okoye Grandfather of Odinaka Onyekaba ‘17 March 6, 2014

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IN MEMORIAM

Thomas V. Kelley Grandfather of Kelley N. Oliveira ‘13 May 26, 2014 Isabelle Phillips Mother of Barnet Phillips IV ‘66 Grandmother of James P. O’Donnell ‘86 and Stephanie J. Muylaert ‘00 March 26, 2014 Richard Shea Grandfather of Kelsey ‘09, Abigail ‘11 and Brigid ‘14 Shea May 20, 2014 Rev. Dom Michael Stafford, O.S.B. Monk of Portsmouth Abbey April 9, 2014 Stanford B. Stockdale ‘79 April 7, 2014 Barbara D. Talbot Former Receptionist January 21, 2014 Jane Walsh Sister of Thomas F. Shevlin ‘64 January 15, 2014 Rita Wood Grandmother of Kyle ‘01, Chad ‘04 and Lesly ‘04 Wood December 22, 2013 Wilfred C. Wright ‘63 Father of Kian Wright ‘84 Grandfather of Helen E. Wittenborn ‘17 February 28, 2014

Rev. Dom Michael Stafford, O.S.B. Rev. Dom Michael Stafford, O.S.B., a monk of Portsmouth Abbey, died Wednesday, April 9, 2014, at the age of 82, at Mount Saint Rita Health Centre, in Cumberland, RI. Michael Alcuin was born September 25, 1931, in Minnesota, and grew up in St. Cloud. He attended St. John’s Prep School, which is affiliated with St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, MN, from 1945-47.

He then attended St. Cloud Cathedral High School and matriculated at St. John’s University, also in Collegeville, where he played in the university orchestra.

He entered the monastery of Portsmouth Priory in 1952 as a postulant, was sent to do undergraduate studies at St. Louis University, made solemn profession of monastic vows in 1956, and was ordained a priest in 1958. After German language study at the University of Munich in Germany, for some years he taught German at Portsmouth Priory. He also served as sacristan in the Monastery.

In 1970, Fr. Michael became an Army chaplain, and served in the USA, Germany, and Korea. He returned to Portsmouth only in 2006. In recent years Fr. Michael was in poor health and resided at Greenwich Bay Manor in East Greenwich, RI, until relocating to Mount Saint Rita. His interment took place in the Abbey cemetery on April 12, the day before Palm Sunday.

In addition to his monastic and school family, Fr. Michael is survived by his sisters, Mary Catherine Field and Cretia Benolken, and by brothers Paul and Patrick.

Above, Fr. Michael Stafford circa 2006; left, a portrait of Fr. Michael by artist Dolya Goutman ( late 1950s)

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IN MEMORIAM John T. Dealy ’56

Thomas S. Knight, Jr., P ’87

John T. Dealy, of the Class of 1956 and a former member of the Board of Consultants, died January 8, 2014, in Newport, R.I., after a lengthy and brave battle against the effects of multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. He lived in Portsmouth, R.I. Originally from Riverdale, NY, John received a B.A. from Harvard College after graduating from Portsmouth. He graduated in 1963 from Harvard Law School with a LL.B. and practiced law for many years in New York, including as assistant general counsel for the American Broadcasting Company. He moved to Newport in 1988, became a licensed realtor, and managed rental properties with his wife, Constance. He was also active in the community, serving on Portsmouth Abbey’s Board of Consultants, on Newport’s Historic District Commission and on the neighborhood Hill Association.

A man of dry wit, John’s interest in others was avid and sincere. He loved to cook and was a devotee of Julia Child. His culinary skills and efficiency were honed years earlier while serving as a cook in the Army National Guard. John played golf and tennis, and closely followed his two favorite teams, the New York Yankees and New York Giants. A lifelong student of vocabulary and word usage, John read the newspaper daily, cover to cover, and regularly completed The New York Times crossword puzzle.

Described as “stoic” in confronting his failing health, John’s friends remember his endearing smile and kind, trustworthy heart.

He is survived by Constance, his wife of 48 years; a son, Nicolas T. Dealy; a daughter, Amanda D. Haverstick and her husband, Matthew; three granddaughters; two sisters, Eileen and Margaret; and a brother, James. He was predeceased by his sister Marcia.

Donations in John’s name may be made to Portsmouth Abbey School, care of the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, 285 Cory’s Lane, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

We mourn John’s passing, are grateful for his years of service to the School, and extend our sympathies to his family.

Thomas S. Knight, Jr., former member of the Board of Consultants and father of James “Jim” E. Knight ’87, died May 4, 2014, at his home in Greenwich, Conn. Born in Rochester, NY, on May 9, 1930, Tom attended Philips Exeter Academy and graduated from Princeton University in 1952. Following his service in the Korean War, in which he served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army with the 555th Field Artillery Battalion, Tom began a career in advertising. He joined Young & Rubicam in New York, and was an account executive there for more than 20 years. He retired as a vice president from E.B. Wilson Advertising in 1988. Tom served on Portsmouth Abbey’s Board of Consultants from 1989 to 1994; he was also a board member of PNC New England Bank.

An avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer, Tom pursued those hobbies throughout his life. He dedicated much of his time to several charitable organizations, including St. James Church in Manhattan, where he served on the vestry and became president of the Rector’s Council; the United Way of Greenwich; and the YMCA of Greenwich.

Tom’s greatest philanthropic passion, however, was the medical relief agency, Orbis International, which he founded with his friend, Dr. David Paton. From its humble origins in a few spare offices in Young & Rubicam’s Madison Avenue headquarters, Orbis now provides ophthalmological training to 325,000 medical professionals in 92 countries and saved the vision of 25 million people around the globe.

In addition to Kathleen, his wife of 48 years, Tom is survived by his four sons, T. Spencer Knight III, George C. Knight, Jim, and Peter A. Knight, their wives, and his 12 grandchildren.

We thank Tom for his service to the School and offer our condolences to the Knight family.

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IN MEMORIAM Charles T. Fisher, III ’47

Isabelle Phillips P ’66, GP ’86, ‘00

Charles T. “Chick” Fisher III, of the Class of 1947, died June 15, 2014, in Detroit. He was 84.

Isabelle Maria Auriema Phillips P’66, GP’86, ’00, passed away on March 26, 2014, in Fort Smith, Arizona.

She was 92. Isabelle was the wife of the late Barnet Phillips III ’35 and the mother of Barnet Phillips IV ’66.

Born to Elizabeth (Briggs) and Charles T. Fisher Jr., he was the grandson of Charles T. Fisher, one of the founders of Fisher Body, which later became part of General Motors.

Chick grew up in Bloomfield Hills, MI. He entered what was then Portsmouth Priory in 1944 as a Fourth Former. A lifelong, enthusiastic sailor, Chick was a member of the Priory’s sailing club for his three years at the School, was vice commodore in 1946 and commodore in his final year. He was also a prefect in 1946 and 1947.

After graduating from the Priory in 1947, Chick received a business degree from Georgetown University in 1951 and a MBA from Harvard Business School in 1953.

He joined the National Bank of Detroit (NBD) as an assistant vice president in 1958, working his way up to president in 1971. He retired at the end of 1993 as chairman and CEO of NBD. During his 11 years at the helm, Chick reinforced its position as Michigan’s largest bank-holding company. He also served on the board of directors of General Motors and American Airlines.

Chick wielded a usually subtle but firm influence among Detroit’s business and political leaders. In one exception, he riled then-Detroit Mayor Coleman Young when he said publicly in February 1993 that it was time for the mayor to retire. Young responded by withdrawing $4 million in city funds from NBD. He also played a key role during GM’s shake-up of 1992 when the GM board of directors fired its then-president and chairman/CEO. Throughout his tenure at NBD, Chick was a strong advocate for Detroit’s and the industrial Midwest’s resilience through turbulent economic cycles.

Chick is survived by his wife, Beth; daughters Lisa (Fisher) Jones and Mimi (Fisher) Hickey; sons Curtis and Larry; 10 grandchildren; and brothers Fred ’50, Walter ’53, Lou ’54, and John ’65 Fisher. He also leaves a cousin, Bill Fisher ’53, and a nephew, Ambrose Fisher ’86.

The Portsmouth Abbey community extends its condolences to the Fisher family.

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Born in Volos, Greece, and raised in Staten Island, N.Y., Isabelle attended Dongan Hall (later Staten Island Academy) and Les Charmilles in Chateau d’Oeux. She then matriculated at Wellesley College, where she met her husband, Barnet Phillips III. Barnet was then a lieutenant in the Navy, studying mechanical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The couple was married on Feb. 13, 1943, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York.

Barnet served during the war in the Pacific Ocean as an officer aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Shamrock Bay. After the war, the couple settled in Staten Island, and Barnet joined his father-in-law and brother-in-law at Ad Auriema Inc., an export firm representing many U.S. original equipment manufacturers worldwide. The couple had three children, Isabelle “Dede,” Barnet IV and Maria Julien, and traveled extensively, both on business and for pleasure. After Barnet’s retirement in 1973, the couple settled in Guadalajara, Mexico. In 1986, they moved to Fort Smith, to be near their daughter, Maria, and son-in-law, Dr. Michael Muylaert. Barnet passed away in 2004.

Isabelle was involved in numerous civic, humanitarian and faithbased activities in the Fort Smith area, as a hospice volunteer and as a translator at a medical clinic that provides health care to the uninsured, homeless and others in need. She also knitted sweaters for Knit for Kids, a program of World Vision and was active in her church.

Isabelle is survived by her three children and their spouses, Isabelle “Dede” O’Donnell (James), Barnet Phillips IV (Sharon), and Maria Muylaert (Michel); seven grandchildren, James O’Donnell Jr. ‘86, Maria O’Donnell-Hutt, Michael O’Donnell, Dr. Stephanie Muylaert-McMenamy ‘00, Isabelle Morgan, Victoria Phillips and Caroline Phillips; five great-grandchildren; and her brother, Carlos Auriema, and his wife, Carol Jean.

The School community offers its sympathies to the entire Phillips family.

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IN MEMORIAM Wilfred St. Clair Carroll Wright ’63, P ’84, GP ’17 Wilfred St. Clair Carroll Wright, known as “Willie” and “Wooly,” lost a valiant, 16-year battle with melanoma February 28, 2014, in Ewing, New Jersey. He was 69.

Described as “a true gentleman,” Willie possessed a great love of people, an insatiable curiosity and a delightful sense of humor. His ability to engage anyone in conversation and tell a story was legendary among family and his wide circle of friends. Son Kian ’84 said, “He loved talking with other people, and seemed to find something interesting in just about everybody.”

Born in Baltimore, Willie came to Portsmouth as a member of the Class of 1962, after having spent his childhood in Nassau.

A fun-loving, mischievous boy with an ever-present smile, he was an average student but proved himself as a four-year stalwart on the wrestling team and a standout sailor. Geza Serenyi ’62 recalls, “My best memories of Willie were in the gym, where both of us were on the wrestling team. We sweated and grunted together, trying to pin down each other and our opponents. Willie was a good friend, a loyal Portsmouth alumnus, and above all else, a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.”

After graduating with the Class of 1963, Willie attended Washington College in Maryland. He married his high school sweetheart, Ann Lassotovitch, in 1965 and began a successful, 30-year career in banking, working for First National Bank of Maryland and Elkridge National Bank before becoming president of Heritage International Bank. Willie left the bank to focus on entrepreneurial endeavors but later joined MNBA America Bank. He happily retired in 2000 so that he could spend more time with his family and on woodworking, boat-building, sailing, hiking, and civic causes.

A champion of those less fortunate, he was a longtime member of the Jaycees and Kiwanis clubs, led the Howard County (MD) and State of Maryland ARCs, and was appointed by then-Maryland Governor Harry Hughes to a commission to improve the lives of citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also volunteered many hours at his church. Willie’s brother, Vernon, said, “He loved to be involved and would go to the wall for anyone who needed his help; he always saw the good side of things.”

Willie’s compassion for others, and his love of engaging youth in all sorts of activities, led him to volunteer as a chaperone for Portsmouth Abbey’s 2012 Appalachia Service Project in

Chavies, KY. Delighted to connect with Portsmouth students in this way, Willie worked alongside Abbey students 50 years his junior for a week to renovate a mobile home for a disabled man and his family.

As 1963 Class Agent, Willie rallied his classmates for their 50th reunion last September, an occasion Niel Cannon—who had not been back since graduation—described as “two terrific days with some of the best men I have ever met. Thank you, Willie, for convincing me to come back.”

His greatest joy was his family, and Willie was never more proud than when his granddaughter, Helen Wittenborn ‘17, matriculated at Portsmouth Abbey. Helen said, “He was one of the most influential people in my life. He taught me to never give up. He fought (against cancer) for many years so that he could be around his family and friends, watch us grow up, and see my grandmother every day.”

Kian added, “He brightened the lives of countless people, and he was an absolutely wonderful dad.”

In addition to “Miss Ann” and Kian, Willie leaves his daughter, Christiana W. Wittenborn; four grandchildren, Helen and Theodore Wittenborn, Teague Wright, and Madeline McCluskey; brothers Vernon and Harper Wright; and numerous family members and friends. Contributions in Willie’s memory may be made to Portsmouth Abbey School, 285 Cory’s Lane, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

The Portsmouth Abbey community mourns the loss of this great cheerleader of the School. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Wright family and to Willie’s many friends.

Willie at Reunion 2013with his wife, Ann, and his granddaughter, Helen ’17.

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IN MEMORIAM

Hunter Harries ‘13 The School community was greatly saddened to learn of the tragic death of Hunter Harries, Portsmouth Abbey Class of 2013, on Friday, March 7, of injuries sustained in a car accident in Washington, D.C. A resident of Maclean, Va., Hunter had been home on spring break from Rollins College, where he was a freshman.

Described by Headmaster Dan McDonough as “an outgoing boy who brought great spirit to our School,” Hunter followed his brother, Henry ’10, to the Abbey, where he quickly made friends and enjoyed football and lacrosse.

Mitch Kelln ’13 said, “When I came to Portsmouth Abbey as a Fifth Former, I was having a very hard time finding a group of friends. But one day Hunter and Jordan (Kenny ’13) invited me to spend my lunch period with them. From then on I knew who my true friends were.”

Born in San Francisco on August 9, 1994, the fourth child of Pamela and Bradford Harries, Hunter was fun-loving from an early age. According to Brad, “Hunter found himself with enormous attention from his siblings. But one of the things that Hunter learned was, as the youngest, he could fly under his parents’ radar screen while his older siblings seemed to gobble up parental attention. I can’t count the number of times ‘Where’s Hunter?’ would be asked, and we would find him in some form of mischievous activity.”

After attending Virginia public schools, he went to Saint Anselm’s Abbey School, in Washington, D.C. “If it weren’t for the lack of contact sports and girls, I would have likely stayed there for the rest of my pre-college years,” he wrote. “But, like my siblings, I decided to make the leap to boarding school.”

“I was fortunate to receive an unparalleled education at the Abbey,” he wrote. “Close to everything in my life that I don’t credit to my parents, I credit to Portsmouth Abbey. I would not be the man I am today had it not been for my experiences there.”

Henry reflected, “The greatest pleasure I have had in my life was watching my brother grow into a man at the same institution that shaped who I am today. I love you, Hunter.”

Brad echoed those sentiments: “The Abbey was a gift to Hunter that he spoke about often. He recognized as he entered college how well he was prepared for what lay ahead. ”

tered, he would lend classmates a pencil or cover someone for a few dollars.”

After graduation, Hunter headed south to Rollins. As he had at the Abbey, he settled in quickly and in short order had endeared himself to a number of fellow students and faculty.

Deanna Loew, a classmate at Hunter’s at Rollins, shared: “He was a wonderful person who loved anyone and everyone, who lit up the room with his ever-present smile, and who is impossible to describe in just a few short words. The person who would lie in bed and watch ‘Rent’ and ‘Mama Mia’ for hours, screaming all the words completely off-key. The person who was trying to grow a beard and a pony tail so that he could look edgy in his Vineyard Vines.”

In a writing assignment last fall, Hunter had mused, almost presciently, “When I look back on my life thus far, I can honestly say I have no regrets, and I would have done everything essentially the same. And when I look at my family, I know just how fortunate I am. I live out each and every day grateful for everything I have been given, knowing that I must be truly blessed to have been given this life I have.”

In addition to his parents and Henry, Hunter leaves his two sisters, Morgan Harries Cross and Avery Harries. The Abbey Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Team, which was in the area for its spring trip, represented the School at a memorial service held for Hunter in Washington, D.C. The School community commemorated Hunter by offering its all-School Mass in his memory when the School gathered to open the Spring Term.

“In Hunter, I knew I always had a friend,” said Connor Rodericks ‘14. “We became close during our time on JV lacrosse. I will always remember him as a happy, loving person.”

Hunter had wished to be an organ donor, and in the days following his death, 13 people benefited from the gift of his donated organs. “We take some solace in the fact that, despite our grief, some other families are having new hope for their loved ones,” said Brad.

“Hunter was a terrific friend who embodied the spirit of Portsmouth Abbey,” added classmate Sean Knowlan. But most importantly, Hunter was an intrinsically kind person. Never self-cen-

Hunter is deeply missed by his Portsmouth Abbey schoolmates, teachers and coaches, and we all mourn this profound loss. The Harries family remains in our thoughts and prayers.

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CLASS NOTES

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Jon Gilloon’s ’66 newest granddaughter, Keegan Ray Larsen, who just turned one year old!

r. Alan Burrell moved to Dallas, TX, “to be near my youngest daughter, and I recently hit my 90th birthday. My health is reasonably good.”

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John “red” Cummings has published a new book, Cream of the Crop – Fall River’s Best and Brightest. His latest book is a collection of more than 260 intimate, mini-biographies of individuals who went on to inspire current generations in Fall River and beyond... Michael ray reported, “I have, at last, retired after many years of law practice, as general counsel of a large bank and in private practice more recently. Dianne and I now spend most of our time when we are not traveling at our house in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. Unfortunately, we were in Tuscany during the 50th Reunion and missed the chance to catch up with my classmates. I did see the pictures in the Bulletin; I sure am glad I have not changed as much as you other guys! If anyone finds himself in our area, please give us a call.

We always have room. Also, for those interested, I have a huge collection of single-malt scotches!”… Leslie and Curtiss roach have returned to Rhode Island for the summer. On their way, they stopped to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Children’s School in Stamford, Conn., where all

Leslie and Curtiss ’63 Roach’s girls and their spouses at a celebration of the Children’s School in Stamford, CT. Missing is their son, who is working in San Francisco.

of their children, and now all seven of their grandchildren, attend, or have attended.

this past year. Andrew, his oldest, married Meadow Rose in Toronto on Sept. 9, 2013.

Then, on April 19, 2014, his younger son, Alex, married Jenna Friedenthal on Long Island. “Andrew’s wedding was very small and private; Alex’s was large and festive,” report Bob. “Lucy and I continue to live north of Toronto, and I am still working as a clinical psychologist in private practice. My mother is now 90 years old and returned to Bogota, Colombia, a long time ago. My father died in 1988 in Bogota. On my return from a brief visit to my mother, I met Alberto Samper ‘67, in the seat directly in front of me! We hadn’t seen each other for 47 years. Stay well, classmates!”

Robert Camargo ’66 (far right) at son Alex’s wedding in April 2014.

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regan Kerney is finishing up his 23rd year at Lawrenceville, where he teaches economics and history as the Norval Bacon Distinguished Teaching Chair. He has no plans for retirement because, he says, if he retired, he would just teach anyway, and he might as well get paid for what he would otherwise do for free. He looks forward to seeing everybody at the 50th this fall.

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Charles w. lamar III writes, “My daughter, Courtney, married Nick Leader of Newton, Mass., in April. They live in San Francisco.”… Jon Gilloon opened a new retail and artist workshop in June called the Agora Borealis, his daughter Kathryn’s venture. “I had great fun reconnecting with old ‘66 alums Claude rives and Chip (Stanley) Burke, who live there in Shreveport. Best of all, getting to know my newest granddaughter, Keegan Ray Larsen, who just turned one year old! OK, Class of ‘66, get ready for the 50th – you know it will be a doozy!… Juan Kellogg shared,“I’m pleased to serve as SW Florida chapter president of the First Cavalry Division Association.”… robert Camargo saw both of his sons get married during

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lincoln Kerney has published his first book, The Art of Social Climbing. One reviewer wrote, ‘Rather like Holden Caulfield, Kerney, who is 63, detests pretentious snobs, calling them the worst offenders. So he set out to needle them, drawing on a lifetime of experience.

The sly thing about his book is that it really does read like a self-help guide for those who want to insinuate themselves into the upper echelons of society. It’s a little as if P.G. Wodehouse had deputized his immortal creation Bertie

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Wooster to pass onto the hoi polloi a list of Dos and Don’ts. The advice seems simultaneously serious and facetious.’ It is available on Amazon for a very reasonable price!”

70 I

Mark Lvoff performed heroically despite a bad back in stretching the Racquet & Tennis Club 55 Consolation Final to five Sky Schrode’ 70 is still enjoying life in games. Peter MacGuire ‘73 and Jamie South Florida after nearly 36 years.

MacGuire gave vocal support for him to be more “loosey-ducey” in his valiant performance. Peter and Jamie, along with Mike Tierney ‘66 and Geoffrey Bloomingdale ‘67 (prefect of Jamie MacGuire, who in turn was prefect of Robert Bloomingdale ‘72 – Geoff having been perfected by Kevin MacGuire ‘65) all enjoyed a spring lunch at Michael’s in Manhattan, their new spiritual home now that St. Bede’s is no more. Jamie, executive educational program director of the IESE Business School, is organizing the 2014 Media & EntertainNick Murray ’76 recently celebrated 20 years of marriage. ment Industry Forum for global executives, the topic of which will be, “New Dynamics: Audiences & Advertisers.” The conference is being sponsored by IESE and Variety magazine and will feature top management from such media giants as Time Warner, CBS Corp. and TiVo Inc… Sky Schrode checked in: “Still enjoying life in South Florida after nearly 36 years, and never once regretting the move to this stress-free climate and eventually finding my soul mate. Having worn Joe Gallagher, Chuck Kenahan, and John many career masks, I have Feeney from the Class of 1977 celebrated recently been invited to dabble in some their 55th birthdays together in Palm Beach. real estate opportunities, and look forward to the result. Throughout it all I have continued to play drums professionally,

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never forgetting that it all really started at the Abbey when Nion McEvoy installed his ‘Champagne Sparkle’ Ludwig drum kit in the basement of the auditorium, and I began to feel my way (likely much to the dismay of Dom Ambrose), until eventually becoming competent enough to put that passion to use.”

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David Moran recently attended a wedding celebration for the son of classmate Tim Tully in Belize. The groom, Peter, had already been formally married in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. David said, “We had a blast.”

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Jim Murphy is living in Bonita Springs in Southwest Florida. “I became an empty-nester a year ago. Our oldest daughter is working in public affairs in D.C., while our son will commission in the Army upon graduation from VMI in a year. Our youngest daughter just finished her first year at Alabama. Liz and I are grateful for good health. I am back doing corporate and political consulting projects after a 15-year run with a D.C.-based public affairs firm. All is well. “

76 I Nick Murray and his wife, Zina, are still in Chicago. Nick said, “We recently celebrated 20 years of marriage. We love Chicago, last winter aside, and look forward to many more years here. If ever in the area, please look us up. Last spring, after 32 years working on the various trading floors of Chicago, I retired from the commodity futures industry. I took some time off and have returned to the work force in the alternative lending field. This past winter I started The Boulevard Financial Group. The goal is to fill the gap between what federally regulated institutions will fund and what businesses need. The gap seems to be a rather large one. Travel has been on hold this past year or so, but Zina and I will be in northern Michigan the middle of August and hope to be on the East Coast at some point this summer.”

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St. Bede’s and St. Benet’s were well represented in a recent trip to Palm Beach, where Joe Gallagher, John Feeney, and Chuck Kenahan celebrated their 55th birthdays together.

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Last December, Father Damian christened Laylah Sophia, the fourth child of Allen Chatterton, as he has all of Allen’s children. Father Andrew married Allen’s father, Allen (Allie) Chatterton ’47, and mother. Allen wrote, “Judging from his good health, Father D. will be around for some time if I require his services again!”

82 I Warwick Carter reported that he is working at Fiduciary Trust Company in New York as national head of Trusts and Estates.... After analyzing over 30 years of data, Jacques Pages has concluded, “I must run for the presidency of the United States... It is quite mindblowing... democracyfirst.us.”

84 I Kian Wright reports, “I visited the Abbey in May for a memorial service for my father (Wilfred Wright, Class of ‘63) and also to see my niece, Helen Wittenborn ’17.

Otherwise, enjoying life in Palo Alto and raising my kids. I’m planning on attending our 30th in September.”

86 I Bill Brazell and his wife, Victoria, were honored to serve as co-chairs of ‘Gratitude: A Celebratory Benefit of the PKD Foundation’ at the Harvard Club in Manhattan on March 6. “The event was a great success,” Bill reported, “bringing in more than $100,000 for research into polycystic kidney disease, a condition I inherited from my father. Last fall, our Walk for PKD team, ‘Mike & Poppy’s All-Stars,’ named for my late cousin and uncle, both of whom died of PKD complications, raised $20,681 for PKD research – the sixth-highest total in the country – and I served as a consumer reviewer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, evaluating PKD research grant applications as a contractor with the U.S. Department of Defense.”… John Sahady graduated from Brown University in 1990 with a B.A. in international relations, obtained his Juris Doctor with multiple academic and community service honors and awards from Syracuse University College of Law in 1993, and went on to earn an L.L.M in international trade law from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland in 1995.

He has been a trial lawyer in partnership with his father, Michael, and his brother, Paul Sahady ‘87, since his admission to

Father Damian (far left) christened Allen Chatterton’s’78 fourth child, Laylah, in the Church of St. Gregory the Great. In attendance, from left, the child’s godmother, Macy Swift Handy; mother Bintou T. and Laylah; Allen; and family friend Stephen V. Puleston, the godfather.

John Sahady’s ’86 wife, Pauline, and children, Michael and Joline.

85 I After spending three years in Sydney, Australia, Jon Kuyper left Warner Bros. and took a position with Lionsgate in Santa Monica. “Looking forward to seeing you all at our 30th!”… Tom Sollas sent in the following: “Not much to report, except a small and growing collection of Optimist sailboats as my kids grow up and start sailing. We’re all looking forward to summer (well, the kids are more than we are!), for swimming, sailing and finally some warm weather!”

Bill Brazell ’86 and his wife, Victoria, at the Harvard Club in Manhattan

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Tom Keenan ’89 is starting up a new social enterprise.

the Massachusetts Bar in 1993. John is approaching his tenth wedding anniversary and is blessed to have a beloved wife, Pauline, and two beautiful children, Joline, 8, and Michael, 6. John hopes all of his fellow Ravens are likewise prosperous and blessed.

89 I

Colin O’Higgins ’97 hung out with Song Chol Hwang ’97 in Hong Kong.

Tom Keenan is currently dividing his time between Rhode Island, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Australia, and Tuscany, Italy.

“Our two kids are now 13 and 10 and growing up quickly. I am currently starting up a new social enterprise that will be selling ergonomic reading tables for tablets (iPads) and traditional reading media.

The company will support adult literacy training in Washington County in R.I. and it will build an elementary and middle school for homeless children in Jakarta, Indonesia. More details can be found at www.mukava-tables.com. I am also the COO and general counsel of Mima, a high-end juvenile products company based in Spain. I look forward to seeing as many of my classmates as possible at the next reunion.”

90 I robert Poirier checked in: “All is well with me. I continue to serve as the clinical chief of Emergency Medicine here at Washington University School of Medicine/Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. I enjoy teaching medical students and residents; I conduct research (mostly on influenza and sepsis), see patients, and handle many administrative tasks for our large group. This December I will graduate from the Washington University/ Olin School of Business MBA degree program.

I have enjoyed the coursework, but fulltime work and being back in school again Pablo Cuellar ’97 during the Bondi-to-Coogee walk in Sydney.

Colin O’Higgins ‘97 took the pic during a visit.

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has left little free time to stay connected with old friends. I look forward to finishing the degree and not having to devote as much time reading, studying, and completing homework. I did purchase and become partner of an on-line Napa wine/winery company (www.winetasting. com) this past January along with some MBA teammates (business school is the culprit). We bought the company from 1-800-Flowers and are working on turning around the business. There is nothing like applying what you are learning to the real world.”

92 I Norberto Aja has become a true New Yorker after living in NYC for the last 22 years. While he works at corporate communications firm JCIR, his wife, Ingrid, works in strategy at JP Morgan. Their son, Lucas, just graduated from kindergarten at Hunter College Elementary School. Norberto and his family reside on the Upper West Side and would welcome meeting other Abbey parents with young children.

93 I

Patrick Parsons is doing a summer law school internship this summer with the Legislative Reference Bureau at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

95 I Anya woythaler, for the past six years, has established a therapeutic massage business on Broadway in Newport, Rhode Island. She completed a BFA from Ithaca College, NY, in 2001 then attended the Finger Lakes School of Massage in 2005.

Anya Woythaler ’95 owns a therapeutic massage business in Newport, Rhode Island

Annie Sherman Luke ‘95 has joined the Board of Directors of the Edward A. Sherman Publishing Co.

After a wonderful spiritual journey, she is enjoying being back in her hometown.

Anya still makes time for her music and arts. Feel free to take a look at her website at www.massagetherapywithanya. com .... Annie Sherman Luke has joined the Board of Directors of the Edward A. Sherman Publishing Co.

97 I Colin O’Higgins and his wife, Renee, hung out with Song Chol Hwang in Hong Kong during their recent aroundthe-world anniversary trip. “We went barhopping in Lan Kwai Fong and finished up the night with some karaoke,” said Colin. “A couple of stops later, we stayed with Pablo Cuellar and his wife, Itzy, in Melbourne, Australia, and then spent a couple of days together in Sydney....

Alexandra Riordan writes, “We recently moved to Hamilton, MA, which has prov-

Amara (Murray) Mulder’s ’99 son, Clayton, “loves his Abbey onesie!”

en to be a welcome change after living in Boston for 13 years. I am enjoying having a garden and space for our 2-1/2-year-old toddler to run around in.” Alex and Patrick’s son, James Walter, was born on June 19, 2014. Additionally, Alex got together recently with Ann Forbes, Lori Goodrich and Leslie Heller to see ‘The Book of Mormon’ and share a few laughs over lunch. “Always good to catch up with old friends!”… Brian Walsh celebrated his marriage to Phoebe K. Evans on June 22, 2013, with Dom Ambrose Wolverton, O.S.B. and many Portsmouth Abbey alumni (see photo on page 44).

98 I Cristina Wurster and her husband, Jared, welcomed a son, Henry Jake Wurster, on March 28. Cristina said, “He’s a healthy and happy addition to our family. Big sister Isabel is a huge help!”... Jennifer Stankiewicz reports, “Andy has accepted his dream job developing board games outside Ogden, UT, so I find myself yet again in a red state – our fourth time zone move in 5 years! So far, this part of Utah seems like a more conservative version of LA, what with the smog and sprawl. I accelerated my MS in curriculum & instruction from Western Governors University to finish in under 11 months before the move and to participate in the graduation in Salt Lake City next week. Now I will enjoy a few weeks of break before job hunting and transferring my credentials

Ethan Murray’s ’01 newborn son, Logan, with siblings, Samantha and Owen.

(again). If anyone is in the area, let me know; I am always looking for hiking and photography buddies to explore the National Parks!”

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Amara (Murray) Mulder writes, “Clayton, our third little tot, loves his Abbey onesie!” Amara is a clinical fellow in medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and an internist in Norwell, MA.

01 I

Ethan Murray and his wife, Shannon Music, welcomed their son, Logan, into the family on May 21, 2014....

Paul Yoon writes, “Jenny, Noah, and I are settling down in our new home in Vermont. I am wrapping up my first year as the assistant principal of the Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School, and I am happy to say it has been a positive year in many respects. We are particularly excited for the warmer weather and for the fact that our new solar panels are helping our family become carbon neutral.”

Assistant Principal Paul Yoon’s ‘01 goal of being carbon neutral includes solar panels on his new home in Vermont

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Patrick Neimeyer ’02 is engaged to Jennifer Day, a kindergarten teacher from Fairfax, VA.

02 I

04 I

Patrick Neimeyer reported, “Fellow Abbey alums! Hiya! Just wanted to let you guys know that on December 7, 2013, I got engaged to Jennifer Day, a kindergarten teacher from Fairfax, VA.”...Elizabeth Ribera and her husband, David Scanlan, welcomed a son, Leo Dean, on Dec. 1, 2013. He was christened at Portsmouth Abbey’s Church of St. Gregory the Great on June 29 by Father Damian. The family lives in San Francisco, on the same street as Lisa Walker. Elizabeth graduated with a master’s in fine art from San Jose State University in 2010, where she taught undergraduate photography for a year.

Her art has been on display in a number of group exhibitions in the Bay Area. She is looking forward to bringing her son back home to the East Coast this summer.

Jeffrey Willis writes, “Can’t wait to see everyone in September!”... Clare Rok’s wedding at Salve Regina University in Newport included many Abbey alumni, including Liz Lirakis, Elise Markell, Sean Galvin, Eva Gordon-Wallin, Megan Rok ’01, Kiernan Rok ’01, Brendan Rok ’03, Matt Santos’ 03, Caroline Taddei ’05, JJ Rok ’05. Kaitlin Rok ’07, Brianne Rok ’08, and Sarah Taddei ’09.

03 I Evan Piekara had a great time catching up with everyone at reunion last fall: “I am looking forward to meeting more alumni and keeping in touch with people from our time at PAS. I’ll be heading to Brazil for the World Cup.”… Andrew Martland is still working in Boston for a nonprofit called Tenacity. “If anyone is in the Boston/ Rhode Island area, let me know.”

Elizabeth Ribera’s ‘02 son, Leo Dean, was christened at Portsmouth Abbey’s Church of St. Gregory the Great on June 29 by Father Damian.

05 I Leah Dembinski has been living for the past nine months in Puerto Rico, working at a private school as a first grade teacher. “The experience has been wonderful,” she reported. “Not only have I been able to practice my Spanish, but I have also explored much of the island, from the surfing beaches on the west coast to El Yunque rainforest on the east coast.

I’ve learned a lot and am very sad to be leaving La Isla del Encanto, but I’m excited to live in Boston come this August!”

06 I Abbie DiPalma is moving on from St. George’s School to take a new job at Moses Brown, where she will teach math and coach field hockey. She is also getting married on August 2nd and will be

John Humphrey ‘06, CEO and co-founder of Greycork in Boston

Leah Dembinski ‘05 (far right) works as a first grade teacher at a private school in Puerto Rico

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Cornelia Vaillancourt’ 07 skied in the Alps last winter. She currently lives in Dublin.

Catherine Lessard’ 07 and her fiancé, Hernan, live in San Diego, CA

moving to Portsmouth.... John Humphrey recently returned to the Northeast to launch Greycork, where he is CEO and which he co-founded. “Based in Boston, Greycork is a vertically integrated furniture brand that has created the most painless way to furnish one’s home or apartment,” explained John.

For more information, check out www.

Greycork.com... In June, Perry Markell completed the 2014 Escape From Alcatraz triathlon, which featured a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shores of the St. Francis Yacht Club, a grueling 18-mile bike ride, and a 8-mile run through the trails of the Golden Gate Recreational Area. Perry works as program coordinator for the Alosa Foundation in Boston, a national nonprofit leader in developing and implementing programs of academic detailing to improve prescribing and patient care.

07 I

Perry Markell ’06 begins the second leg of the Escape From Alcatraz triathlon.

Helen Heuer Memoli ’07 and her husband are proud owners of this historic bungalow in St. Petersburg, FL.

Helen Heuer Memoli reports, “In March we became home owners! We bought a historic bungalow in St. Petersburg, FL, that was built in 1920. It has been an adjustment getting use to creaky, original wood floors and small closets, but we’re loving every minute of it.

In October, I began working at the University of South Florida as the Internal Medicine residency program coordinator. It has been a great learning experience so far and I cannot wait for our new interns to get here on July 1.” … Catherine Lessard writes, “I am living in San Diego, and my fiancé, Hernan, and I will be getting married in El Paso, TX, in July. We are very excited!”… Cornelia Vaillancourt spent the past several months overseas. “I just had the best six months of my life: I skied the Alps, swam in the Mediterranean and spent Christmas in Paris, all while earning a paycheck! I just returned to Boston from a six-month ex-pat assignment in Luxembourg working for State Street Corporation. At the end of the summer I will be moving to Dublin as a business analyst for State Street. If any Abbey alums are in the Emerald Isle, please reach out!!”… Georgia Markell lives in Boston and is working on her M.B.A. at Babson University. In addition to working for the Boston Breakers professional women’s soccer team throughout the summer, she competed in CrossFit compe-

ALUMNI BULLETIN SUMMER 2014

Georgia Markell ’07 in a CrossFit competition in Wesport, MA, in June.

57

Quent Dickmann ’10 (far right) graduated from Villanova this past spring

Elizabeth Monti ’07 and Michael Eisenman

titions and triathlons... Steve Kyriakides is the patio manager at the Atlantic Beach Club in Newport, RI... Liz Monti was engaged to Michael Eisenman at Castle Hill in Newport in 2012. Mike and Liz met at Union College. “Unfortunately we were so busy celebrating with our families that we missed our 5- year reunion, which was the same weekend!” Liz graduated from Boston College with a nursing degree and, in August 2013, she became a registered nurse. She and Mike also recently bought their first house in Roslindale, MA.“ And on top of everything else we are planning the wedding of our dreams! It’s been a busy couple of years, but we couldn’t be happier,” says Liz.

09 I

Kasey Geremia’09 received her M.B.A from Rollins College

Dan Flanigan is doing a one-year master’s program in yacht and small craft design at the University of Southampton, England.

He spends most of his free time studying and sailing during the week. Dan also won his sailing class at the Yachting National Championships put on by the British Universities Sailing Association…. Kasey Geremia just graduated from Rollins College with her MBA and has now moved back to Rhode Island. She has already started working at her new job with GTECH in Providence as a market research analyst.…

Horace Allen finished his M.S. in marketing and management at UVA by traveling around Latin America for 4 weeks. “I will be going to Panama City, Buenos Aries, Santiago, Lima and Cuzco.… Claudia Vollmer reported, “About to graduate from college!”

Cat Malkemus ’10 at the Portsmouth Abbey Summer Program with Daniel Caplin ‘10

10 I

Horace Allen ’09 standing in front of the Panama Canal Expansion Project.

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Pierce MacGuire writes, “Hey All, I graduated from college in May and will be starting law school at Baylor this fall. If there are any Abbey grads practicing law in Texas or anywhere else, I’d be glad to connect.”…

Casey Hogan reports, “While my Abbey classmates are now graduating, I’m enjoying a break after completing my fourth of five years at Northeastern University. My term as Entrepreneur’s Club president came to a close this past April. It was a fantastic year for the club; we launched 40-plus

P ORTSM O U T H A BB E Y S C HO OL

Davin Cooke ’10 and fiancée Ashley Hallmark

Caroline D’Amario ’10 and Margaret Reynolds ’10 caught up in Orlando, FL

student startups, engaged over 1,300 students, and learned from amazing founders of companies such as Zipcar, Reddit, and TripAdvisor. For the summer I’m continuing my work on the investment team for the Dorm Room Fund, a student-run venture capital fund that invests in startups founded by undergraduate and graduate students. Come July, I will start my final Northeastern co-op with Myfitnesspal’s marketing team in San Francisco before coming back to Boston for graduation in May.”… Nicholas Caron will be attending Carnegie Mellon University in the fall where he will pursue a M.S. in information security technology and management.…

Eloise Andry, who graduated this spring from Williams College, has been named a 2014-15 Thomas J. Watson Fellow. The fellowship provides a stipend for a year of travel and independent study outside of the United States. She will use the time spent traveling in Iceland, Chile, New Zealand, Vanuatu, and Indonesia to pursue a project titled, “Solid as a Rock? Life on a Volcano.” Eloise plans to explore the ways in which volcanoes affect people living in their vicinity… Caroline D’Amario and Margaret Reynolds caught up over spring break and visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, FL, “which was great fun,” said Caroline. “On May 18, I graduated from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA. I don’t quite believe it yet.”… Davin Cooke reported, “Just started a new promotion as property manager for a 200-unit apartment complex in West Lafayette, IN! Working the dream job and got engaged to my fiancée, Ashley Hallmark, who is working as a licensed practical nurse in West Lafayette as well. Hope everyone is doing well! Can’t wait for the five-year!”… Quent Dickmann graduated from Villanova the past spring and was commissioned into the Navy as an ensign.

Quent said, “I am currently working at Villanova until submarine school starts for me in Charleston, SC. Hope everyone’s doing well!”… Cat Malkemus reports, “I am really looking forward to spending another summer at the Portsmouth Abbey Summer Program with Daniel Caplin. This will be our fourth summer working together, and our first as houseparents and co-directors

of the afternoon sports program! We will also be teacher’s assistants in classes in our respective subjects, history and theater. We are very excited to spend our summer on such a beautiful campus doing a job we love so much!”… Jacinta Guan recently visited Kathryn Yao in Taipei for a weekend. “We had such a great time exploring the city and having the freshest sashimi,” wrote Jacinta. “We look forward to our next meet-up!”… Frank Pagliaro graduated cum laude from Williams College in Williamstown, MA, June 8, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and History (double major) with a concentration in Jewish Studies. Shortly after graduation, Frank was appointed a part-time member of the faculty at Portsmouth Abbey for the academic year 2014-15. He will be teaching two sections of Humanities, assisting the Performing Arts Department with stage crew and is one of the houseparents in St. Aelred’s.

11 I Drake Bonin is studying at Santa Clara University and is heavily involved with the arts program. This past May, Drake played the part of Mart in a production of TRIBE at the Theater on San Pedro Square in San Jose, CA. In a press release for TRIBE, Drake thanked Jay Bragan, as well as his family, for all of their support and encouragement. … Brigid Behan and Tiernan Barry just finished another great year at Gettysburg College. “Tiernan studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain, in the fall while I helped the Gettysburg soccer team to another record-breaking season,” writes Brigid. “We were also lucky to have Garrett Behan and Shannon Mulholland visit and join us in touring the historic town and battlefields.”... Kara Lessels studied abroad this past spring at the University of Victoria in Wellington, New Zealand. “Aside from my studies,” she wrote, “I have been exploring and experiencing much of what New Zealand has to offer and loving every minute.

Otherwise, I made dean’s list at Assumption College and I’m well on my way to completing my history major and chemistry minor. All the best!”… Katia DaSilva was

ALUMNI BULLETIN SUMMER 2014

Jacinta Guan ’10 recently visited Kathryn Yao’10 in Taipei for a weekend.

Kara Lessels ‘11 studied abroad at the University of Victoria in Wellington, New Zealand.

Katia DaSilva ‘11 (front) with Chris Barnard at the 2013 College Team Race Nationals in St. Petersburg, Florida

59

Michael Madigan ’13 (center) with 8th graders from his alma mater, Our Lady Queen of Angels School, in Newport Beach, CA.

named a sailing Crew All-American for her performance with the Georgetown Hoyas this past year. In addition, Georgetown took the cup at the 2014 World University Match Racing Championship in Italy in

June 2014. Nineteen teams hailing from 14 countries competed in the open category, with Katia’s team, skippered by Nevin Snow (USA), defeating 2012 title holder Samuel Gilmour (AUS) in the Final. The event is part of International University Sports Federation’s (FISU) program featuring 24 World University Championships in 2014, an event that takes place every two years... Phil Youngberg writes, “Finished second class (junior) year at the (Naval) Academy. I will be doing the Annapolis-Bermuda Race with a Navy boat this summer.”…

13 I Michael Madigan, who completed his plebe year this May at the U.S. Naval Academy, was delighted to meet with 8th graders from his alma mater, Our Lady Queen of Angels School, in Newport Beach, CA, when they visited the Academy on a class trip to the D.C. area in April....Kelley Oliveira says she is “…a happy Fairfield University ‘Stag,’ double major in business and communication!

Thanks to all at the Abbey for a great foundation for college.”… Annette Monheim reports, “I have an exciting trip with my good friend, Andrew Lowis, planned. We will be doing a Euro trip this summer! Can’t wait!”

1944 - 1949 - 1954 - 1959 - 1964 - 1969 - 1974 - 1979 - 1984 - 1989 - 1994 - 1999 - 2004 - 2009

and members of the Diman Club (alumni from all classes prior to 1964)

2014

PORTSMOUTH ABBEY

THIS IS YOUR REUNION YEAR! Please join us for another memorable weekend – September 26-28, 2014!

We have a fantastic line-up of events for the entire family!

Login to the Alumni Community from the Abbey website for more information on the schedule of events, accommodations, golf outings, class dinners, babysitting and to see who is coming to Reunion ’14!

Questions? Contact Jenna Flynn at 401- 643-1269 or jflynn@portsmouthabbey.org

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MISSION STATEMENT The aim of Portsmouth Abbey School is to help young men and women grow in knowledge and grace.

Grounded in the Catholic faith and 1500-year-old Benedictine intellectual tradition, the School fosters: Reverence for God and the human person Respect for learning and order Responsibility for the shared experience of community life

i

d e W

BOARD OF REGENTS Right Rev. Dom Caedmon Holmes, O.S.B. Abbot and Chancellor Portsmouth, RI Mr. W. Christopher Behnke ’72, P ’12, ’15 Chairman Chicago, IL Dom Joseph Byron, O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI Mr. Creighton O. Condon ’74, P ’07, ’10 Jamestown, RI Dom Francis Crowley, O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI Ms. Kathleen Cunningham P ’08,’09,’11,’14 Dedham, MA Mr. Peter Ferry ’75, P ’16, ‘17 Fairfield, CT Ms. Frances Fisher P ’15 San Francisco, CA Dr. Timothy P. Flanigan ’75, P ’06, ’09, ’11 Tiverton, RI Mr. Peter S. Forker ’69 Chicago, IL Mr. Patrick Gallagher ’81, P ’15 Annual Fund Chair Providence, RI

Ms. Margaret S. Healey P ’91 New Vernon, NJ

Mr. Peter J. Romatowski ’68 McLean, VA

Mr. Denis Hector ’70 Miami, FL

Rev. Dom Paschal Scotti, O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI

Dr. Gregory Hornig ’68, P’ 01 Prairie Village, KS

Right Rev. Dom Matthew Stark, O.S.B. Prior Portsmouth, RI

Rev. Dom Damian Kearney, O.S.B. ’45 Portsmouth, RI Mr. Peter Kennedy ’64, P ’07, ’08, ’15 Big Horn, WY Mr. William Keogh ’78, P ’13 Saddle River, NJ Dr. Mary Beth Klee P ’04 Hanover, NH Ms. Devin McShane P ’09, ’11 Providence, RI Rev. Dom Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B. St. Louis, MO Mr. Philip V. Moyles, Jr. ’82 Rye, NY

t! i d

Mr. Rowan G.P. Taylor P ’13, ‘17 New Canaan, CT Mr. William Winterer ’87 Boston, MA Ms. Yanling Xu P ’13 Yantai, China

Portsmouth Abbey thanks the hundreds of alumni, parents, and friends whose philanthropic participation helped the School reach our most ambitious Annual Fund goal ever.

Your generosity is vital to every moment in the classroom, every lesson learned on the athletic field and stage, and every friendship built in our student houses.

Each year, your generous participation ensures the continuation of Portsmouth Abbey’s unique campus atmosphere and reaffirms your singular role in the Portsmouth Abbey community.

Emeritus

ON BEHALF OF EACH AND

Mr. Peter Flanigan R ’41, P ’75, ’83, GP ’06, ’09, ’11 Purchase, NY

EVERY STUDENT, TEACHER AND MONK, THANK YOU!

Mr. Thomas Healey ’60, P ’91 New Vernon, NJ Mr. William Howenstein R ’52, P ’87, GP ’10 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

Ms. Deborah Winslow Nutter Westwood, MA Mr. John Perreira P ’05 Portsmouth, RI

Cover: Grace Benzal ’17 and Frank Loughran ’15 with the Portsmouth Abbey Sailing Team vs. Tabor Academy on April 16. The Ravens have emerged in recent years as one of the top high school teams in the country. In both the 2013 and 2014 seasons, the Abbey has finished 4th and 13th, respectively, in national championships, and this year’s squad finished the season with a 19-1 record, placing 3rd in New England in both Team Racing and Fleet Racing. The team is coached by Jonathan Harley, Kevin Morrissey P ’11, ‘15 and Addison Caproni.

Two members of this year’s sailing team, Hugh MacGillivray ’14 and Andrew Sheerin ’15, raced in national championships in separate events during the year, and both have qualified for the prestigious Chubb U.S. Junior Championships in Michigan in August. Numerous former Abbey sailors have gone on to sail in college and in international competition. To learn more about our alumni sailors, please visit our Pinterest Page.

Back cover: Sailors (from left) Graham Kilvert ‘15, Hugh MacGillivray ‘14, Frank Loughran ‘15, Coach Addison Caproni, Sydney Welch ‘16, Derek Poon Tip ‘15, and Andrew Sheerin ‘15. All cover photos by Billy Black (Photographer For Sail).

P O RT S M O U T H A BB E Y S C H O O l A N N UA L F U N D Special thanks to the class leaders, the reunion fundraisers, the parent volunteers, and the Alumni Leadership Council, whose dedication made this year an unparelleled success.

285 Cory’s Lane Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871 www.portsmouthabbey.org Address Service Requested

P ORT S M O U T H

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 3 Portsmouth, RI

A BB E Y S C HO OL PORTSMOUTH ABBE Y SCHOOL SUMMER ALUMNI BULLETIN 2014 SUMMER ALUMNI BULLETIN 2014