The Newsletter: Winter/Spring 2023

headmaster

Kerry P. Brennan

associate headmaster

Michael T. Pojman

director of external relations

Erin E. Berg

assistant headmaster for advancement

Thomas R. Guden ’96

photography

Marcus Miller, Mike Pojman, Adam Richins, Evan Scales

editorial & design

Erin E. Berg, Marcus C. Miller

the newsletter

The Roxbury Latin School publishes The Newsletter three times a year for alumni, current and former parents, and friends of the school.

contact information

The Roxbury Latin School 101 St. Theresa Avenue West Roxbury, MA 02132 Phone: 617-325-4920

change of address?

Send updated information to julie.garvey@roxburylatin.org.

alumni news

Send notes and correspondence to alumni@roxburylatin.org

cover

Photo by Adam Richins

©2023 The Trustees of The Roxbury Latin School

Newsletter Note

Beginning with this issue, you can expect to receive the Roxbury Latin Newsletter three times each year—one issue over the summer, one in late-fall, and one representing the news of winter/spring. We hope you will continue to enjoy reading and learning about the robust news and events, people and life of Roxbury Latin through the Newsletter, as well as online, through the school website and via social media. If you have questions or suggestions regarding the Newsletter, please contact Erin Berg, Director of External Relations, at erin.berg@roxburylatin.org.

Features

WINTER/SPRING 2023 | VOLUME 96 | NUMBER 2

8 Tom Guden ’96 On Gratitude Tom Guden delivers RL’s Thankgiving Exercises Address

17 Energized, Thankful, and Optimistic: A Month of Service

Reflection by Alexander Sanzone, Class I

19 David Diaz Delivers 2022 Jarvis International Lecture

21 Headmaster Kerry Brennan Announces Retirement at End of 2023-2024 School Year

24 Founder’s Day

A Focus on Immigration Brings RL to Boston’s North End

28 The Paul E. Sugg Deanship

A Hall Honoring Paul Sugg Opens the Winter Term

32 Woodworking and Craftsmanship: An Exhibit of Alumni Work 4 Hall

Departments

at two books recently donated by Scott Offen ’78

Photo by Adam Richins

Matt Axelrod ’88 Discusses Federal Law Enforcement and the War in Ukraine Hakeem Rahim Helps Eliminate the Mental Health Stigma

“I want to talk with you this morning about what’s going on in Ukraine, and the role that the United States is playing to help the Ukrainian people,” began Matt Axelrod ’88 in Hall on October 20. “As you’ve all seen play out on your televisions and your phones, Vladimir Putin launched a brutal and unjustified war against Russia’s neighbor Ukraine. Russian troops have consistently attacked both civilian and military targets, and they’ve committed war crimes against the Ukrainian people in cities like Bucha and Mariupol.”

In December 2021, Matt Axelrod was confirmed by the Senate to serve as Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security. In this role, Matt leads an elite group of special agents and analysts dedicated to the enforcement of the country’s export control laws. They work to protect and promote U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives by stopping the export of sensitive goods and technologies that can be put to malign use—like weapons-of-mass-destruction proliferation, terrorism, and human rights abuses. //

On October 21, Hakeem Rahim, a mental health advocate and speaker, delivered a personal talk about his struggles with mental health and the importance of eliminating stigma related to mental health issues. He shared his own story of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder while studying at Harvard, and how seeking support, educating oneself about mental health challenges, and practicing positive self-talk can be helpful for mental wellness. Mr. Rahim is the founder of I Am Acceptance, a non-profit organization focused on empowering the next generation on topics related to mental wellness, and Live Breathe and OMA, digital experiences supporting wholeness and wellness. He has testified in front of Congress and the Senate to improve the quality and accessibility of mental health care in the United States. His talk was part of a series of morning conversations on mental health, bystander intervention, and healthy engagement with technology, aimed at helping students develop self-awareness, resilience, and agency. //

Manufacturing, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: A Morning with VulcanForms

VulcanForms is a Massachusetts-based additive manufacturing (3D printing) startup co-founded by John Hart and Martin Feldmann. On November 1, Dr. Hart and Mr. Feldmann presented in Hall on the history and future of manufacturing. They began with a brief history of manufacturing, discussing how manufacturers can change the course of human history. They then discussed the decline of manufacturing in the United States, which used to be a major hub for the industry. They explained that manufacturing has a massive impact on today's economy and climate considerations, and the U.S. needs to use advanced and cleaner technologies to return to its former status as a leader in manufacturing. VulcanForms hopes to lead this shift through innovation in 3D printing. The company produces everything from car tire molds to components for hip replacements. The speakers encouraged students to pursue careers in STEM fields to help lead the next phase of innovation in manufacturing and related fields. //

General Enoch Woodhouse, of the Tuskegee Airmen, Delivers Veterans Day Hall Remarks

Roxbury Latin held its annual Veterans Day Commemoration Hall on November 10 to honor those who have served in the United States military. The event included a brief history of Armistice Day, a reading of poems about war and bravery, and renditions of patriotic songs. The event’s keynote speaker was Brigadier General Enoch Woodhouse II, a Tuskegee Airman and parent of RL alumnus Enoch Woodhouse III ’03, who spoke about his experiences as a Black man serving in the military during World War II. General Woodhouse described the discrimination he faced, both in the military and in civilian life, but urged students to persevere and not take their privileges for granted. The event concluded with Headmaster Brennan thanking General Woodhouse and all those who have served in the military. This fall, General Woodhouse was appointed Brigadier General in the reserves by Governor Charlie Baker and has been recognized for his service with numerous awards and honors. A mural of General Woodhouse and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen was unveiled at Logan Airport in October. //

Dr. Bennett and Dr. Terry Discuss MLK’s Powerful Philosophy of Love

On January 17, Roxbury Latin held its annual MLK Commemoration Hall. The event featured Dr. Brandon Terry and Dr. Joshua Bennett, our year’s Smith Scholar-in-Residence, who discussed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of love and non-violence as a means of promoting meaningful action and change. Dr. Terry—the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences at Harvard University and co-director of the Institute on Policing, Incarceration, and Public Safety at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research—discussed how Dr. King believed that true change, true justice in our society, would come not only through laws and policies, but also through the unenforceable, like kindness, generosity, and love. He emphasized the importance of acting on principle when words could only begin to tell the tale. Dr. Bennett, a professor of English and Creative Writing at Dartmouth College, joined Dr. Terry in discussing Dr. King’s philosophy of love, justice, and ideas on how to achieve it. He worked with students in classes after Hall, discussing various readings and poetry. The commemoration Hall began with readings of Micah 6 and excerpts from MLK’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail,” along with the singing of Wake Now My Senses and Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing. The event was held in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy, and was an opportunity to recognize the contributions of this remarkable man and to consider anew the principles of justice, equality, and brotherhood. //

Landscape Architect Kate Orff Delivers Wyner Lecture

Kate Orff, founding principal of landscape architecture firm SCAPE, delivered the annual Wyner Lecture on January 31. The lecture series was established by the children of alumnus Rudolph Wyner, Class of 1912 (including Jerry Wyner ’43), as a living memorial to their father. Ms. Orff’s firm addresses global challenges like climate change and environmental justice by using regenerative living infrastructure and public spaces. Her approach involves building with nature, not just in it, and strategically deploying wetlands, dunes, mangrove forests, and reefs to reduce threats of flooding and coastal erosion. Ms. Orff shared examples of how her firm is “mending the landscape” by building parks, plazas, and other ecosystems in areas that historically have been concrete zones. She also discussed her high-profile Billion Oyster Project, which reintroduces oysters to the waterways of New York City as part of her coastal-infrastructure plans. //

Morning Jazz With The Late Risers

The Late Risers, a Boston-based jazz quartet known for playing traditional and New Orleans-style jazz, performed in Hall on January 26 as part of the Andrew Daland ’46 Memorial Concert Fund series. The fund was established to bring a musical concert to the school in memory of Andrew Daland, and since its inception, the school has hosted a range of talented musicians. The Late Risers played traditional jazz, modern tunes, and original compositions and then collaborated throughout the morning with some of Roxbury Latin’s talented jazz and vocal musicians. The band got its start in 2014 as a strolling “Pocket Jazz Band” participating in the revitalization of Boston’s Downtown Crossing district. //

St. Louis City Treasurer Adam Layne ’07 Shares Lessons He’s Learned

Adam Layne, Class of 2007, returned to Alma Mater on November 29 to deliver a Hall talk to students and faculty. He shared his career journey, which started with teaching math through Teach for America, followed by consulting on educational matters and serving on the Public School Board of Education in St. Louis in 2019. Adam rose to Deputy Chief of Staff in the St. Louis Treasurer’s Office before being appointed City Treasurer in 2021. He reflected on his time at Roxbury Latin and highlighted five experiences that stood out to him, including his first day, a Hall speaker addressing the use of toxic language, making mistakes on the football field, pursuing wrestling after being cut from the basketball team, and the support he received from adults and fellow students. Adam encouraged the boys to say “yes” to unexpected opportunities that come their way and to learn from failure. During the Q&A, he expressed his proudest moment as Treasurer was navigating COVID-19 in an equitable way for the City of St. Louis. //

Tom Guden ’96 On Gratitude

There I was, sitting in a horseshoe formation for my English 9 class in what you boys now call the Student Center, but at that time in the 1990s, there were no official gathering spaces dedicated to students. That hallway was simply a row of academic classrooms. Our English class was embarking on a discussion of the Odyssey, after we had one of our regular reading quizzes to start the period. The teacher guiding that discussion is in this Hall today. As a new ninth grader, I was just trying to adjust to my new school. I had an advantage over my fellow new ninth grade classmates, because I had three older brothers who went to RL. But I still did not feel comfortable, and I was learning quickly that academic life here was not going to be easy. I was anxious about finding a way to enter the conversation while my talented classmates were carrying the discussion. I felt a bit like Odysseus

attempting to steer clear of Scylla and Charybdis, burying my head in the text to avoid eye contact with my peers across the room and that teacher standing near me. I was waiting for the bell to ring. Thankfully, on that day one of my classmates had decided to make a snarky comment and proceeded to talk back to our teacher. Remember, we care most about what kind of person you are. The teacher quickly emphasized that point by walking over to that young lad’s desk, picking up his backpack, opening up the window, and depositing it and all of its contents onto the hill overlooking the football field. I will get back to this in a moment.

When Mr. Brennan asked me to speak to you boys about Thanksgiving, I was not sure why he asked me, but I humbly accepted. I will tell you that one of the aspects of your education for which you should be grateful is our Hall program. Mr. Brennan and Mrs. Berg work extremely hard to bring experts from various industries and walks of life to impart wisdom, offer life lessons, and hopefully spark passions in you. I am self-aware enough to know that I was not at the top of their “we-hope-to-get-that-speaker” list. The co-founders of VulcanForms, Dr. Joshua Bennett, and Mr.

Tom Guden—Assistant Headmaster for Advancement, Classics teacher, coach, and member of the Class of 1996—kicked off the season of gratitude with a personal, poignant Hall talk, delivered as part of RL’s annual Thankgiving Exercises.

Puleo on Founder’s Day are recent examples of the exceptional people who enrich your educational experience. Sorry…today you got me. Also, having been in those seats as a student, I remember well that there are mornings, after a long night of studying, that you want that extra sleep and do not want to be in Hall. That said, bear with me as I try to keep it brief.

Although Thanksgiving brings back wonderful memories of family traditions—such as attending the local high school football game when my father was coaching, or snatching the final sweet potato from the table before one of my four older siblings grabbed it—Mr. Brennan wanted me to focus on gratitude. My first thanks goes to him, for letting me speak and, more important, for giving me a job at RL in 2006 when I had no right being hired based on my experience.

Now, back to the story. The man with the golden arm who launched the book bag was… Mr. Randall. He may not recall the details of the story, but annually around this time of year I gather with a group of my RL classmates, who are still my best friends, and we inevitably tell old stories; this one is near the top of our list. Mr. Randall, in this season of gratitude, I want to thank you for giving us this memory that we will always cherish. But joking aside, Mr. Randall was my teacher, coach, and advisor, and I have immense gratitude for the way he shepherded me through my RL experience. My initial transition to RL shook my confidence as a student, but he was there to guide and encourage me, as he believed that I could find success. Thank you, Mr. Randall.

I would be remiss if I also did not thank the two other veteran teachers in the room who taught me during my time at RL: Mr. Pojman and Mr. Sugg. I had great respect for both of them when I was a student, but my appreciation for their dedication to the school grew when I returned as a faculty member. When I was 17 years old, I did not realize the amount of time they put into their work. Whether it was countless late nights working on the Yearbook or Tripod for Mr. Pojman, or Mr. Sugg reading piles of applications after coaching wrestling in the winter season, these men have made a difference in the lives of generations of RL students. Now I get to see behind the curtain and understand why, when I travel to visit with alumni across the country, time and again the Pojman and Sugg names come up as teachers who positively influenced their

lives. I am grateful for their friendship, although I will note that Sugg gave me a B+ and Pojman gave me a B-.

Mr. Brennan had you send a “thank you” text at the start of Hall. My charge to you is to thank a teacher who is helping you on your journey here (in person, I prefer, but an email will do). I know that not every boy in this room is having the easiest time at RL, nor loves the school at the moment (that is simply not a reality in any community), but I can tell you without question there is an adult here (many, actually) who care about you and want to see you thrive. Offer thanks to a teacher, coach, or your advisor today.

Mr. Puleo’s Hall talk on Founder’s Day, and our subsequent trip into the North End to discover the layers of history and immigration (and don’t forget pastries), got me thinking about my own family story. I have not traveled down the Ancestry. com path, but I do wish to gain a better understanding of my own story after that talk. What I do know is that my father was an immigrant from Luxembourg who came to this country soon after WWII with his mother and his sister, who had married an American soldier. The goal was simple: To seek a better life. My mother was born here, and her father was part of that wave of Italian immigrants from the late-19th to the early-20th century that Mr. Puleo discussed. My parents knew nothing at all about independent schools. My oldest brother only landed at RL because my dad, who was a public school teacher and administrator, was looking to supplement his income, so he took a job coaching basketball and football at St. Seb’s and learned about RL through ISL competition. My father was also a basketball referee, and in 1978 he teed up an upstart Roxbury Latin basketball coach who was complaining about too many calls during a middle school game. That coach was none other than Mr. Brennan.

This introduction to the ISL paved the way for my brothers and me to attend RL, and I am grateful that my parents sacrificed by scraping and saving to give me this opportunity. Both of my parents were educators, and they saw that Roxbury Latin would reinforce the values of hard work, accountability, humility, and respect for others that they strove to instill at home. Your parents want the same for you. All of you should thank your parents tonight for the commitment they have made to send you here.

“Mr. Brennan had you send a ‘thank you’ text at the start of Hall. My charge to you is to thank a teacher who is helping you on your journey here (in person, I prefer, but an email will do). I know that not every boy in this room is having the easiest time at RL, nor loves the school at the moment (that is simply not a reality in any community), but I can tell you without question there is an adult here (many, actually) who care about you and want to see you thrive. Offer thanks to a teacher, coach, or your advisor today.”

Steve Ward was a beloved history teacher and coach at RL for 38 years, and sadly he passed away in January 2022. He was one of my favorite teachers and made such an impact on me that I invited him to my wedding. (Harry Lonergan, no pressure to invite me to yours in 10 years.) For you students, next time you step into the Palaistra you will see a plaque on the wall to the right as you enter. Read it, so we don’t forget Mr. Ward. When Mr. Ward retired, he gave a speech in which he thanked boys who had the strength of character and courage to take risks. Boys who tried a new activity or sport, went out for a play or Glee Club, or bounced back from a poor grade. Similarly, I thank you, the students, for the effort you put forth in all of your endeavors, as we as a faculty and staff are blessed to work with such committed kids who are invested in this experience. Mr. Ward in his speech singled out Billy McDonald, RL Class of 1980, as the student who showed the most remarkable display of courage. I must confess that I did not know Billy at all, but I want to end my talk with his story.

That said, I know this is about the time I will start to lose you (if it hasn’t already happened), so I am going to put BONUS points out there for you to grab. To my colleagues, I apologize in advance for asking for your help in awarding these bonus points, but please indulge me. Students, there is a plaque across from the Penn Fellows’ office on the way up the stairs to Dr. B’s room in the Ernst Wing. This plaque bears Billy McDonald’s name. You will earn those bonus points on your next quiz/test/paper, if you can translate the Latin found on Billy’s plaque.

Here is why I mention Billy. First, Mr. Ward closed that aforementioned retirement speech by indicating that he wished to preserve

Billy’s memory at this school. I want to honor Mr. Ward’s wish. Billy McDonald collapsed on the way to the bus stop in 1979. He later learned that he had an inoperable tumor that ended his life during his senior year at RL, after a ten-month battle with cancer. He had earned acceptance to Holy Cross and had a full life ahead of him, but he lost his fight. We all have ups and downs in our lives, and there are some boys in this room dealing with greater hardships than others. I want to acknowledge that. I hope that you will reach out to your parents obviously, or to a friend, or to a faculty member to help you navigate those challenges. People love you here. However, there are times when we all get upset about trivial matters, or we don’t think we got what “we deserved” in terms of a grade in a class or playing time on a team….whatever it may be. We begin to lose sight of what matters. When that happens, please take a walk by Billy’s plaque to gain some perspective.

The second reason is personal. During my senior year I was awarded the Billy McDonald Scholarship, which was established in Billy’s memory by RL parents, alumni, friends, and family. It was the generosity of those folks and, in general, parents and alumni during that era that allowed my family to be a part of this community. I am grateful for those who gave me this opportunity. Each person in the room today, whether you are a student or a member of the faculty and staff, whether your family needs financial assistance or not—each one of us is benefiting from the support and investment of the larger community of alumni, parents, and friends who care about this place, ensure its long-term welfare, and want to give you this opportunity. We are all blessed to be here and we should not take that for granted at any time, but especially in this season of giving thanks.

In closing, I know that I have failed to thank everyone who should be thanked, such as my colleagues in the alumni/ development office. Please know I am grateful for your efforts on behalf of the school, and I apologize to those I have not singled out this morning, but know that I will say a prayer of thanks to you during this season. This upcoming week is a chance for us to press pause on our busy lives and show gratitude. I wish you all a peaceful and relaxing holiday with your friends and family. //

ART

Eric Zhu (II) Accepted into National Youth Orchestra

After a highly competitive audition process, Eric Zhu (II) was invited by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute to join the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYOUSA). As a member of NYO-USA, Eric will have the honor to play with some of the most talented young musicians from around the country; learn from top-notch orchestra professionals and guest artists; and serve as a cultural ambassador while traveling and performing nationally and internationally. Eric is one of 14 violists chosen for the orchestra.

The 2023 NYO-USA program will span the month of July and kicks off with a two-week residency at Purchase College in New York. Following the residency, NYO-USA will embark on a North American tour—opening with a performance at Carnegie Hall, then traveling coast to coast, starting at the newly opened Groton Hill Music Center in Massachusetts and ending at the spectacular Rady Shell in San Diego, with an international stop at one of Canada’s leading festivals outside Montreal.

Having started his musical journey at a young age, Eric has been a member of Boston University Tanglewood Institute, NEC Prep Chamber Music Intensive Performance Seminar (CHIPS), Greenwood Music Camp, and Rivers Honors ChamberMusicLab, and is currently part of the Honors Chamber Music at Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras and a principal violist for the Boston Youth Symphony. //

Theo Coben (II) On His Unique Way of Making (Award-Winning!) Art

Theo Coben (II) earned awards this winter for his watercolor painting, which is the result of his unique approach to working with the materials. For his painting titled gashéous he earned an Honorable Mention in the National Scholastic Art Awards, and for his painting titled Where the Wild Things Are, he was selected for the Emerging Young Artists 2023 Juried Exhibition.

Theo only began painting with watercolors in Mr. Ryan’s class last year, and his piece that was selected for the Emerging Artists exhibit was the first painting he ever completed. His honed approach to using watercolor is distinctive; rather than enlisting the water to help the color flow and move on the page at the outset, Theo begins by adding a high concentration of pigment to the page, and little to no water. From there he runs a nearly dry brush back-and-forth across the page, which ultimately scratches the paper a bit, causing a line for the small bit of remaining water to flow. The result is a more color saturated and linear painting, with even more depth and shading than one might expect with traditional watercolor.

Theo’s paintings to date are abstract, though from them emerge what the viewer might see as a fish or a flower, a snake or an eye. “The idea of making something that doesn’t exist look real, in a way—where it’s not necessarily representational, but more subconscious—is neat, and kind of eerie. Certainly relatable, allowing or encouraging something to emerge from the mish-mash.” //

Five RL Musicians Selected for All-State

Congratulations to the RL musicians accepted this year to the MMEA All-State Music Festival! Brendan Reichard III (Bass, Chorus); Fin Reichard IV (Tenor, Chorus); Tommy Reichard I (Tenor, Chorus); Justin Yamaguchi II (Violin, Orchestra); and Eric Zhu II (Viola, Orchestra) performed as part of the festival, held on March 3 and 4. //

Experimentalist: Berman Visiting Artist

On February 3, this year’s Berman Visiting Artist— The Experimentalist, Gerard Senehi—captivated students and faculty in the Smith Theater with his unique, mysterious brand of mentalism and mindreading.

Mr. Senehi’s visit—his third to Roxbury Latin over the years—was made possible through the school’s Claire Berman Artist-in-Residence Fund. Established in 2005 by current Board of Trustees President Ethan Berman ’79 and his wife, Fiona Hollands, in honor of Ethan’s mother, the fund brings to the school annually a distinguished figure in the arts. Since 2006, the school has been honored to welcome actors— such as Christopher Lloyd in Death of a Salesman, Tovah Feldshuh, and the troupe of The American Shakespeare Center; as well as poet laureate Billy Collins; jazz artist John Pizzarelli; the rock-androll performers of BEATLEMANIA NOW; singer/ songwriter Livingston Taylor; renowned jazz singer Jane Monheit; and, last year, the wonderful country music group, The French Family Band. //

Love and Information: This Year’s Senior Play

On November 11 and 12, more than 40 actors brought to life the ideas and emotions, conversations and relationships comprising playwright Caryl Churchill’s Love and Information, this year’s Senior Play.

Love and Information is a compilation of 49 short scenes within seven sections, each scene ranging in length from less than a minute to a few minutes long. Each scene has a short title, denoting topics as diverse and far reaching as Climate or Dinner, Mother or Spies, God or Dream. The play includes more than 100 characters, however none of the characters are named or gendered, and any can be double cast—as was the case in RL’s production. The script includes very few stage directions, and the scenes can be ordered in any way that the director wishes.

As the play’s director, Derek Nelson, noted in the show’s program: “Scene by scene, and even moment by moment, Churchill drops us into the middle of a multiplicity of contexts involving, among others: friends, lovers, ex-couples, scientists, interrogators, therapists, fans, censors, doctors, journalists—and even a recluse! And what I think she is asking us to think about is: Does our ‘insatiable appetite for information’ diminish our ‘capacity for love’?” //

Production photos taken by Mike Pojman.

Another Season of VEX Success!

Roxbury Latin’s VEX Robotics team found great success at the VEX Southern New England Regional Championship on March 11 and 12. RL had five teams in competition (of 80 qualifying teams), with three Class I teams, a Class III team, and a combined Class V/IV team. All three of the Class I teams qualified for the World Championship—two of them through their “Robot Skills” scores (third and fifth place overall), and one based on their “head to head” performance, winning in the round of 16 and quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals. The Class III team also earned an invitation to the World Championships, having placed 21st overall in skills. RL’s youngest team of Class IV and V students did not advance, but performed very well nonetheless, finishing with a 5-4 record in the qualification rounds.

Roxbury Latin’s Robotics team closed its regular season on February 18 at the Old Colony RVTHS Tournament in Rochester, Massachusetts. The two youngest teams— Class III team and Class IV/V team—competed, ultimately earning an invitation to the Southern New England Regional Championships. The Class III team came away as Tournament Champions and Robot Skills Champions, and the Class IV/V team won the Design award—both

teams earning Skills scores that were high enough to qualify for Regionals. With the three Class I teams competing at Regionals, Roxbury Latin had the highest number of qualifying robots “per capita” of any high school in the Southern New England region, which includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The following boys were involved in the regional championship competition:

Class I

Semifinalists: Will Grossman, Luke Wilkinson, Nick Frumkin, Tommy Reichard

3rd Place Skills: Kevin Wang, Michael Thomas, Eddy Pan, Eliot Park (Class III)

5th Place Skills: Alex Nahirny, Nahum Workalemahu, Alexander Sanzone, Ethan Dhadly

Class III

Paul Wilkinson, Krish Muniappan, Daniel Stepanyan, Quinn Thomson

Class V/IV

Dylan Pan (IV), Eric Archerman, Casey Chiang, Flynn Hall, Alvin Li //

Energized, Thankful, and Optimistic: A Month of Service

R eflection by A lex A nde R S A nzone , c l ASS i

This January marked the first-ever Service Month at Roxbury Latin. With robust participation across all classes—and more than 3,000 donations now in the possession of those in need throughout greater Boston—I wanted to reflect on our efforts and my experience as the leader of the service program during the build-up, execution, and outcome of Service Month. To get right to it, I am extremely proud of—but not at all surprised by—the RL community’s participation and enthusiasm surrounding the service drives.

A conversation after a chemistry test junior year, and a text message over the summer, landed me the position as student leader of the community service program, alongside Mr. Pojman. I am grateful that he provided me with such a great opportunity. At the start of the fall semester, we sat down and exchanged ideas about community service and its place at RL. Mr. Pojman and I each had our own visions, and we were excited to realize them. Our main goal was to consolidate community service efforts at RL. During my time at RL leading up to this year, community service took the form of smaller volunteer opportunities and class projects. While important and meaningful, these individual

projects lacked overall cohesion and student leadership as an extracurricular program. Mr. Pojman and I sought to bring community service front and center and invigorate the RL community, as service has invigorated us.

And so, we created the Service Corps, a student group of service representatives from each class. Across three meetings in the fall, the Service Corps developed a plan for three weeks of school-wide clothing, coat, toy, and food drives to take place immediately following winter break, with a leaderboard and raffle system to engage RL’s naturally competitive side. (Come on, you know it’s true.)

In October, at a Parents’ Auxiliary meeting, Mr. Pojman, along with Will Hutter (I) and Jake Novak (II), spoke to the PA community about previous and ongoing service efforts at RL (Habitat for Humanity builds, Project DEEP, Tech Tutoring) and our plans for the year ahead. Then, in November, despite some trepidation, I delivered a Hall to the school that outlined our plan for Service Month. In hindsight, these efforts to promote service at RL—to parents and to students—had the intended effect, as they, alongside

Student service volunteers: Matt Hoover (I), Jake Novak (II), Evan Zhang (II), Marc Quintanar (I), Matt O'Connor (I), and Alexander Sanzone (I)

constant and enthusiastic promotion from the Service Corps resulted in the majority of the community participating. In all, we collected, sorted, and donated more than 3,700 items (and a special thank you to all of the parent volunteers who delivered these donations).

Thanks to you all—students, parents, and RL faculty and staff—Service Month was an overwhelming success. Putting aside the volume of donations (which is impressive, especially for a school of our size), Service Month left me feeling energized to do more, thankful to be part of a community that not only cares but responds to a call to action, and, overall, optimistic that service will continue to flourish at RL. With this being Mr. Pojman’s last year at RL, it feels particularly meaningful to leave the community with a greater love and appreciation for one of his passions: service to others. //

Service Month By The Numbers

3,765

1,169

Packages of food delivered to Norwood Food Pantry.

562

Toys delivered to Gifts to Give.

Total items—including coats and toys, clothing and food— that Roxbury Latin students and adults collected during this winter’s service drive. That included:

306

Coats delivered to City Year, to support students at Boston Public Schools Lilla G. Frederick Middle School and Sarah Greenwood K–8.

1,728

Articles of clothing donated to Thrift Store of Boston, to support Home for Little Wanderers.

David Diaz Delivers 2022 Jarvis International Lecture

“Good schools help you learn about yourself, and better schools help you learn about the world. But the best schools help you learn to find your own place in the world—your path within our global community—and then decide how you might shape and contribute to it.”

Thus began F. David Diaz in Rousmaniere Hall on October 18, as Roxbury Latin’s nineteenth Jarvis International Lecturer. Mr. Diaz has served the United States in the national security and foreign policy arena for more than 30 years. He currently serves at the U.S. Department of State, where he is the director of the government’s Interagency Task Force on Man-portable Air Defense Systems. There, he leads a team of officials from the departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security, as well as the Intelligence Community, to combat illegal trafficking of advanced and portable guided missiles that, if held by terrorists or other violent actors, pose a threat to commercial and military aviation and the global economy.

Mr. Diaz described vivid experiences that he had as a young person, events that played significant roles in the career path

he chose: first, of riding in an Army National Guard Huey helicopter, and second, of walking into the State Department building for the first time, where his brother was interning. Mr. Diaz grew up in inner-city Chicago, where his father was very involved in the local community and in helping to develop economic opportunities for people in lower income neighborhoods. Mr. Diaz’s older siblings (he’s the youngest of four) also pursued different paths to public service, whether that was through corporate social responsibility or advocacy on climate change.

“Regardless of what path you choose, there are, I believe, ten keys to public service leadership that will not steer you wrong,” Mr. Diaz said. He continued by naming and describing those tenets, relative to how they have played out in his decades of work serving in the federal government: “Understand the Why?; question your assumptions, and ask hard questions; set clear goals; lead from anywhere that you are, and make teams that make progress. Also, your words matter; you matter; but it’s not all about you. You can’t solve everything; remain humble; but, also, be relentless. And guess what? Surprise

ending: All of these keys to public service leadership don’t just make you a great public servant, they also make you a better person, a better citizen, a better parent, spouse, son, or daughter. The real lesson of public service is that it’s a mindset for how you live your life, not just what you do, and that is what all of this is really about.”

Earlier this year, Mr. Diaz completed a stint as a director for Africa at the National Security Council, where he coordinated U.S. government efforts across the Sahel region and Coastal West Africa. He was the principal author of the government’s comprehensive strategies for the Sahel region and for relations with Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, and represented U.S. national interests on official travel to France, Nigeria, Mauritania, and Equatorial Guinea. Prior to that, Mr. Diaz worked for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, and before that he spent more than a decade as a Foreign Affairs Officer at the U.S. Department of State. He is

a former U.S. Marine Corps Officer and assault helicopter pilot whose service included a tour in Boston as the Marine Officer teaching history and ethics to Navy and Marine Midshipmen at Harvard, MIT, Tufts, Boston University, Boston College, and Northeastern. He holds masters’ degrees in International Relations from Boston University and in National Security Strategy from the National War College in Washington, D.C. He is currently completing a master’s at Georgetown focused on the socio-cultural and economic drivers of instability in the Sahel region of Africa.

After the Hall, Mr. Diaz fielded dozens of questions from Class I boys about his work in the federal government, about foreign policy, and about the war in Ukraine, during a breakfast reception in his honor. Following that, Mr. Diaz met with Mr. Thomsen’s AP Government and Politics class, where he continued the discussion about government workings, including his overlap with congressional colleagues on Capitol Hill.

In 2004, Roxbury Latin initiated the annual Jarvis International Fund Lecture, which has become one of the school’s proudest traditions. Over the years, the fund has brought to RL distinguished public servants and thinkers on foreign affairs—including economist Paul Volcker; Roxbury Latin alumni Ambassadors Richard Murphy and Mark Storella; Robert Gates, former Secretary of Defense; Lisa Monaco, homeland security advisor to President Obama; John Brennan, former Director of the CIA; Professor Bill Taubman, who spoke about Russian and U.S. relations over many decades; Ambassador Harriet Elam-Thomas, who spoke about the critical role of diverse perspectives in the work of foreign affairs; and, last year, Dr. Javier Corrales, who spoke about democracy in Latin America today.

The genesis of the Jarvis Lecture Fund is twofold: first, the appreciation that alumnus Jack Hennessy, Class of 1954, and his wife, Margarita, had for the distinguished work that Tony Jarvis did during his time at Roxbury Latin; and second, their conviction that Americans, in general—and Roxbury Latin’s teachers and students, in particular—could benefit from greater exposure to issues concerning the United States’ place in the world. //

Headmaster Kerry Brennan Announces Retirement at End of 2023-2024 School Year

Headmaster Kerry Brennan—Roxbury Latin’s 11th headmaster, having served since 2004—has announced his decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2023–2024 school year. After communicating his decision to the Board of Trustees, Mr. Brennan made his announcement to the faculty, staff, and students in Hall on February 14. Mr. Brennan’s tenure of service as RL’s headmaster will be 20 years at the time of his retirement. Read below the messages from Mr. Brennan and from the President of the Board of Trustees Ethan Berman ’79, which were issued to the entire RL community.

twenty years in this capacity, and with gratitude and humility I know that this is the right time to step down.

Message from the Headmaster

February 14, 2023

Dear Friends:

I recently let the Board of Trustees know that the 2023-2024 academic year would be my last as Headmaster. I will have served

When I was fortunate to be invited to be the School’s 11th Headmaster in 2004, the Board suggested no obvious mandate. I would be following a highly successful predecessor in Tony Jarvis, who over thirty years had made a distinctive mark on this community. I believe that most simply hoped I would strive to maintain the excellences and values for which Roxbury Latin was known. With the highest regard for what had been and especially the history, traditions, and ethic of the school, I sought, however, for us to evolve, to broaden, and deepen programs, to support and attract high quality people, and to ensure that the facilities were both functional and beautiful and served an ambitious program well. Best of all, I have consistently maintained that our most distinctive feature was our demographic, the boys we served. We have made clear that the financial support necessary to guarantee the ability of talented, committed boys of all kinds to attend the school, and to participate fully in its programs had to be a top

priority. The result is a school defined by a broadly representative, inclusive student body.

One of the most compelling reasons for my return to RL and Boston in 2004 was the opportunity to help lead a school with a clear mission, to be involved in all aspects of its operation, and to have an impact on everyone in a relatively intimate community. I regularly suggested to my colleagues that our principal opportunity and responsibility was to know and love every boy. Roxbury Latin has both the structure and the will to realize that essential, rare goal.

There will be plenty of time to reflect on the past twenty years over the next eighteen months. Whatever has been achieved over my time as Headmaster has been the result of a great team effort. For that and more, I am grateful to the Board of Trustees, the faculty and staff, parents, alumni, and the boys themselves for realizing this dream of a school, for your support, and for your friendship. You have all played a part in ensuring that my privileged professional life was meaningful and joyful. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Kerry P. Brennan, Headmaster

fortunate and thankful that Kerry informed us of his intentions well in advance to ensure that we would have ample time to find an appropriate successor. Over the next few weeks, a search committee will be formed, and a number of outside search firms will be interviewed to assist that committee and the school in this process. I expect the search committee to be announced by the end of this month, and a search firm hired by the end of March. I will be back in touch with all of you when those decisions are made.

The timeline after that will be determined by the search committee in consultation with the outside search firm, but my expectation is that candidates will be considered and interviewed over the spring and summer with a final decision made and announced in the fall of 2023. The search committee will inform the full community of a more specific timeline and process as soon as it is fixed, which I would expect to be by the end of April.

Message from the President of the Board of Trustees

February 14, 2023

Dear Roxbury Latin community,

As you have just read, Kerry Brennan has decided to retire as Headmaster of Roxbury Latin at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. While we all knew that this day would come, that does not make it any less of a loss, as his leadership, dedication, and love will be greatly missed. This, however, is not the time to thank him for his nearly two decades of service, nor to list all that he and Roxbury Latin have achieved over his time as Headmaster. Fortunately his tenure is far from over, and knowing Kerry as I do, I am sure that the next year and a half will bring even greater accomplishments.

Instead I write today to share with you the process the Board will take to select the 12th head of our great school. We are

I realize that this is unsettling and perhaps upsetting news to many of you. Roxbury Latin has greatly benefited from strong and stable leadership for many decades, and times of change create uncertainty. While sensitive to those concerns, I see change as an opportunity. An opportunity to grow and to learn. An opportunity to find a person who will bring new ideas, new skills, and a new outlook for the future, while at the same time continuing to know and love each boy who walks through our halls and to remain true to what makes Roxbury Latin the school that so many of us love and cherish. An opportunity that will make us even better and stronger, just as the hiring of Kerry Brennan did eighteen years ago.

I will do my best to keep you and the rest of the Roxbury Latin community informed of progress, but please bear in mind that this is a process that will take months, not days or weeks. There is no more important decision a school can make than choosing its leader, and we will take our time to ensure that we have given thorough consideration and thought, with as much information and input as possible, to make that decision wisely. I can only thank Kerry again for putting the school’s interest ahead of his own and letting us know of his intentions so early.

In the meantime if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me directly at ethan.berman@roxburylatin.org.

Sincerely,

Ethan Berman ’79, President of the Board of Trustees

Head of School Search

Since Headmaster Brennan’s announcement this winter, the Board of Trustees, led by President Ethan Berman ’79, has been hard at work planning for the process that will lead to appointing the school’s 12th head.

In early March, the Board convened a Search Committee of current and former trustees, parents and faculty members, to identify Headmaster Brennan’s successor:

Ethan Berman ’79 — Board President Ousmane Diop P’24 — Faculty Member

Derek Ho ’92 — Current Trustee

Dennis Kanin ’64, P’01, ’04, ’06 — Board President Emeritus

Marlyn McGrath — Current Trustee

Anne McNay P’11, ’13 — Current Trustee

Chris Mitchell ’89, P’27 — Current Trustee

Soren Oberg P’21, ’23, ’25, ’27 — Current Trustee

The Search Committee is partnering with search firm Isaacson, Miller to find and assess the most qualified candidates for this role. Isaacson, Miller is one of the country’s premier executive search firms, with more than four decades of experience partnering with organizations

that advance the public good, recruiting leaders with proven records of excellence, integrity, and impact. Isaacson, Miller is a Boston-based firm with deep roots in the local education community and a long-standing commitment to diversity.

In mid-March the committee issued a survey to the entire Roxbury Latin community and solicited insight from faculty, staff, alumni, and parents via in-person and Zoom meetings conducted by the Isaacson, Miller team. The committee heard from more than 350 members of the community about the traits, skills, and priorities they believe should be central in the search for Roxbury Latin’s new Head of School.

On the Head of School Search page of the website you will find the most up-to-date information regarding the search process, as the committee works throughout the coming months. If you have questions or comments about the search process, or suggestions about candidates, please send a message to headsearch@roxburylatin.org.

You may also contact Ethan Berman ’79 directly at ethan.berman@roxburylatin.org.

Founder’s Day

On November 3, Roxbury Latin celebrated its annual Founder’s Day, honoring the very beginning of the school, founded in 1645 under King Charles I by “the good apostle” John Eliot. In its 378th year, the school focused on immigration in the City of Boston over centuries—particularly in the historic neighborhood of Boston’s North End. >>

The day began in Rousmaniere Hall with choruses of Jerusalem and The Founder’s Song, and readings in Hebrew, Latin, Greek, and English from members of Class I. Historian and author Stephen Puleo gave the morning’s Hall address, which spoke to the layers of immigrant history represented in the North End, from the time of the Revolutionary War through today. Mr. Puleo has written extensively about Boston, in his book A City So Grand, and about the North End in his books The Boston Italians and Dark Tide, about the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. He spoke about the “layers of immigrant communities” still visible in the architecture and culture of the North End, from the spark that set off the American Revolution; to the Irish who were predominant in the 1850s; to the Eastern European Jews whose aesthetic copper facades still mark many North End buildings; to the Italians whose food and culture have infused the neighborhood ever since, securing the neighborhood as Boston’s beloved “Little Italy.” >>

>> At the conclusion of Hall, all 309 boys, along with the faculty and staff, assembled on risers on the Senior Grass for the annual all-school picture, followed by a rousing Kahoot! trivia competition, expertly emceed by Mr. Piper, in the Smith Theater and focused on Boston and North End trivia. Following that, the entire school piled onto the MBTA Commuter Rail for an afternoon in downtown Boston. Arriving in South Station, the school then walked in small groups up the Rose Kennedy Greenway to Faneuil Hall, where they enjoyed lunch in the Quincy Market Food Colonnade. Afterward, boys got a faculty-guided tour of the North End, visiting Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, learning about the many layers of one of America’s most historic neighborhoods. (Lots of boys were lucky enough to have a faculty leader who enjoyed Mike’s Pastry cannolis enough to splurge and share.)

After traversing the reverse route—along the Greenway, toward South Station, and then back to West Roxbury—on campus there was ice cream for all, and another successful and enjoyable Founder’s Day was in the books.

A Hall Honoring Paul Sugg Opens the Winter Term

On January 3, Roxbury Latin began its winter term and welcomed the new year with a celebration honoring beloved, veteran faculty member Paul Sugg, who served as RL’s Dean of Students for 23 years. The Hall marked the installation of the Paul E. Sugg Deanship, a generous gift of alumnus and trustee Jim Quagliaroli ’93 and his wife, Kim.

Mr. Sugg, who began at Roxbury Latin in 1983, has served as an inspiring teacher, a dedicated coach, and a caring advisor to RL boys for 40 years. For more than two decades he also served as Roxbury Latin’s firm but fair Dean of Students— both advocating for RL boys and holding them accountable. He is an exemplar of what we hold dear in our school: knowing and loving the boys in our care.

“While I regularly acknowledge the Board of Trustees as the force for institutional continuity, and the students of the school as our most distinctive feature, it is the faculty and staff who inexorably provide RL’s connective tissue,” began Headmaster Kerry Brennan in Hall that morning. “Faculty and staff daily, yearly, and generationally breathe life into our

capacity for affecting positively the lives of hundreds of boys… We are called to this work. We are fortunate to do it here, in this hallowed place, and to recognize and esteem colleagues both long in the tooth and wet behind the ears who bring energy, commitment, talent, and panache to our collective enterprise. Schools like ours not only tolerate, but usually revere, idiosyncratic colleagues, quirky manifestations of lived experience, personality, and individual needs and goals. Today we will celebrate such a remarkable individual.

“This day, we also celebrate the profound act of gratitude that leads to a former student remembering with fondness and possibility a teacher and coach who changed his life for the better,” continued Headmaster Brennan. “Over the years, we have been fortunate that a number of alumni, parents, and other friends of the school have seen fit to establish professorships and chairs, many honoring by name individual faculty whose impact has been acknowledged through this benefaction… In growing an endowment that helps to take care of faculty and helps to compensate them fairly, benefactors signal both appreciation for what has occurred

and a hopefulness about what is to come.

“Jim Quagliaroli, Class of ’93 and trustee, acknowledges the impact Roxbury Latin had on the man he became by honoring a teacher and coach who was instrumental in his development in order that subsequent teacher-coaches, and, in this case, deans of students, might have a similar impact on students yet to come. What a marvelous instrument for signaling a regard for the circle of life that is schools: One cohort paving the way for the next, teachers inspiring and shaping the next generation to be good and to do good.

“Jim stood out during his time as a student, as one of the school’s most dynamic and versatile leaders. Both faculty and Jim’s peers admired his unwavering work ethic, and his pursuit of excellence. However, while Jim challenged himself to grow and improve, he never placed his drive for personal success above what was best for the class, or the team. Today, Jim is managing partner of Silversmith Capital Partners, a Bostonbased growth equity firm that he co-founded in 2015. Jim’s resume includes notable prizes and honors, but it also includes an impressive list of leadership and service commitments that have marked Jim as a person who cares deeply not simply about doing well, but—more important—about doing good.”

Roxbury Latin is so grateful to Jim and Kim Quagliaroli for their generosity and for the ability their gifts afford us in honoring our faculty in meaningful and important ways.

The following are Jim Quagliaroli’s full remarks delivered at the installation of the Sugg Deanship:

“I am happy to be here, and grateful for the opportunity to share a few thoughts on why my family wanted to establish this endowment in Paul’s honor.

When I hear about RL from admirers of the school— parents or people in the community—I most often hear about how extraordinary you boys are. I

don’t make that comment to flatter you or to get your attention; since I have graduated, the times I have heard people talk about the ‘incredible boys’ are too many to count. I listen to these conversations and quietly nod my head. Because I do agree that you—the boys of this institution—are different; the experience that you are getting at RL is special; and the mission and values of this school are distinctive.

For me, however, it is the teachers of Roxbury Latin who lie at the

heart of this distinctive character. At the Annual Fund kick-off, we heard Headmaster Brennan state how our model requires that each of us do our part, and I would put forth that it is the teachers of this school who are the drivers of this model. The teachers lead through their loyalty to you, the boys. The teachers are the ones who take you in their care, are faithful to the school’s mission, and drive our vision forward. My RL experience was centered around the teacher. If the conversation around our kitchen table growing up was not about Boston sports, it was about the teachers who had made such an indelible mark: Jack Brennan, Brian Buckley, Ken Conn, Rick Dower, David Frank, Frank Guerra, Bob Jorgenson, Joe Kerner, Mike Pojman, Mo Randall, Steve Ward, Tony Jarvis. These were the giants in our household.

Among these teachers, advisors, and coaches, Paul Sugg had—and has—a special place in our family. My brother Peter ’90 and I had dozens of soccer coaches growing up. Paul Sugg—and our father—were certainly our favorites.

Our affection, respect, and admiration for Paul goes so far beyond the soccer field. It is for another time to talk about Paul’s extraordinary 40 years at Roxbury Latin. Today, I just wanted to offer a simple thank you to him for his decades-long work as Dean of Students. For me, Paul embodies the mission of RL. I think that Paul is so loved, by so many boys, throughout so many decades, in part because of the way in which he has served. His optimism and positive attitude are infectious. His empathy is a source of great strength. He leads, coaches, and mentors with purpose and with kindness. And, like the best leaders, Paul gives credit to others. As President Roosevelt said so wisely, the credit really does belong to the man in the arena. Paul is that person for me when I think of RL. Paul strives for excellence, knows great enthusiasm and great devotion, and has spent his life in the worthy cause of serving the boys of this school.

My older brother Peter is not able to join us this morning because he is, ironically, speaking at his own school’s Hall as its principal. Like Paul, my brother’s calling was teaching and coaching, passions he has pursued for the past 30 years. For years, Paul and my

brother would coach against each other when my brother was at Groton. After RL played a game, Paul would call Pete to share his wisdom on the opposing team. Paul did this for years. And this seemingly small gesture, it always stuck with me—and it still does to this day. Because something like this is not just about being nice. Paul made time for my brother when he didn’t have time; after so many years, Paul was still taking time for the teachable moment. This, I think, is the core of Paul’s generous spirit: His essence is not just to think about others, but to take the time—our most valuable asset—to put others first.

While my brother could not be here this morning, I asked him to share some brief thoughts. I would like to share what he texted me:

‘I have wonderful memories of playing for Mr. Sugg. And I think he tried his best to teach me a bit of biology too, though I think we would both agree that that was a much less successful venture.

As a coach, Mr. Sugg certainly held us to a high standard, but what I remember most was that he was direct and honest—

while always being generous. This isn’t an easy balance to strike, but when you know that someone cares about you intensely—that they are truly invested in you becoming the best possible version of yourself—well, you tend to listen carefully to what they say.

Like so many, I have great affection and respect for Paul, and not just because he has dedicated his life to the boys of Roxbury Latin, but also to those in need in other countries. Paul is a sterling example of what it means to live a life of charity. I read once that ‘Charity can be a lifestyle, not merely a gift.’ We can listen charitably by giving our undivided attention. We can work charitably by being generous with our expertise. We can live charitably by devoting our time to those who need it most. What a wonderful legacy. Cheers to you, Paul!’

As a younger brother, I am wise enough to give the last word to my elder, so I will stop there.

Paul, thank you. Thank you for your incredible loyalty to Roxbury Latin and for everything that you have done for generations of boys.” //

Woodworking and Craftsmanship: An Exhibit of Alumni Work

This year’s Winter Art Exhibit featured the work of four alumni who have combined science, math, and artistry to create careers focused on woodworking and carpentry, architecture and design. They and their work have become known entities in Boston’s humming furniture and construction scene, having been featured in Boston Magazine and the Boston Globe Magazine. All four of these grads were with us on campus in January celebrating the exhibit and spending time talking with students, faculty, parents, and fellow alumni about their crafts.

Lucas Robertson ’00 and Tim Pingree ’02 founded SHAKE Architecture and Construction in 2017 to marry their parallel disciplines—building and architecture—into a seamless, holistic approach to design and construction.

Lucas is a licensed contractor with 15 years of building experience. A Dartmouth College graduate, he studied further at Yestermorrow Design Build School, and has worked as a framer and finish carpenter in California and throughout New England. Lucas oversees SHAKE’s project construction and coordination while personally leading many of the critical aspects of each project.

Tim is a licensed architect with a diverse educational and professional background. A graduate of Williams College, Tim

earned his master’s in architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. In addition to working for builders and fabricators, Tim’s professional experience includes positions at architecture firms in San Francisco, Cambridge, and most recently with William Rawn Associates in Boston. Tim leads SHAKE’s design process from concept through construction documents and construction administration.

Together, Lucas and Tim strive to create carefully designed projects built to exceed owners’ expectations—and that contribute positively to the surrounding community and environment.

Zack Hardoon ’05, and Kevin Mullin ’10, are carpenters and craftsmen with Cannon Hill Woodworking, a custom furniture shop founded by Zack and their colleague Sam O’Leary. Their team specializes in crafting residential and commercial tables and benches, desks and bars, kitchen islands and shelving.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Zack spent two years as an elementary school teacher in Boston and San Francisco before becoming a professional carpenter. He got his start with Robertson Design Build—now SHAKE Architecture and Construction—in high-end residential remodel and new construction projects. He took a break in 2016 to hike the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Prior to founding

Cannon Hill, Zack spent years building tables in the Boston area. With the Cannon Hill team, he has built and delivered more than 500 unique custom tables.

After graduating from RL, Kevin went on to Boston College, where he earned a degree in English— harboring an ambition to learn furniture making the whole time. Originally a home builder by trade, Kevin met Zack on the job sites where they came up together. Kevin has worked with several high-end residential contractors in Boston and also ran his own carpentry subcontracting outfit. After helping out at Cannon Hill off and on over the years and assisting on the shop build-out, Kevin eventually joined the Cannon Hill team full-time. He now splits his time at Cannon Hill between the shop floor and the administrative side of the company.

On January 12, all four alumni joined us for a panelstyle Hall in the Smith Theater, during which they discussed their varied career paths, shared what’s most rewarding about the work they do, and offered advice to anyone interested in pursuing a similar line of work.

After Hall, they joined students in Engineering and Woodworking classes to further discuss their work in the context of what boys are learning. Finally, we were glad to welcome more than 60 alumni and friends, family, and former faculty members to an opening reception of the Winter Art Exhibit, showcasing their work in person, as well as in video and images. //

Wrestling Success at Graves-Kelsey, New England Championships

On February 11, Roxbury Latin’s wrestlers headed to BB&N in Cambridge to compete in this winter’s Graves-Kelsey Tournament—the Independent School League wrestling championships, named for long-time and legendary coaches Bert Kelsey of Roxbury Latin, and Gibby Graves of Buckingham Browne & Nichols.

Earning an impressive second-place finish overall in a field of 13 teams (falling only to nationally-ranked Belmont Hill School), Roxbury Latin’s wrestlers exhibited dedication and toughness in a collective effort, with the following wrestlers placing in their respective weight classes:

1st place: Justin Lim (III)

2nd place: Charlie Holt (V), Dovany Estimphile (II), Aydin Hodjat (II), Declan Bligh (IV)

3rd place: Benji Macharia (III), Navid Hodjat (IV), Justin Shaw (I), Nick Consigli (II)

4th place: Noah Abdur Rahim (III), Isaac Frehywot (III)

6th place: Arjun Bose (I)

Also contributing to the day’s success were Thomas Savage (I) and Auden Duda (IV).

The Graves-Kelsey Tournament was named in honor of Gibby Graves and Bert Kelsey in 1966. Bert was Roxbury Latin’s wrestling coach from 1937 to 1966, earning 24 winning seasons and numerous individual championships. A master of English and debate, his energy and good nature endeared him to hundreds of students. Gibby Graves was a long-time coach at Buckingham Browne and Nichols and was a pioneer in developing the league tournament. Roxbury Latin has earned the title of Graves Kelsey Champion 20 times since 1966.

Twelve members of RL’s wrestling team advanced to compete at the New England Championships, on February 17 at Phillips Andover, including Charlie Holt, Benji Macharia, Navid Hodjat, Noah Abdur Rahim, Isaac Frehywot, Dovany Estimphile, Justin Shaw, Aydin Hodjat, Justin Lim, Declan Bligh, Nick Consigli, Thomas Savage, Aidan Gibbons, Will Hutter, Arjun Bose, and Auden Duda.

The team placed fifth overall at New Englands, with Charlie Holt, Aydin Hodjat, Benji Macharia, Navid Hodjat, Justin Lim, Declan Bligh, and Dovany Estimphile qualifying for this year’s National Prep Wrestling Tournament. //

Photos taken by Justin Loo (II).

A Clean Sweep

WENT UNDEFEATED ON WINTER

RL

FAMILY NIGHT. Despite the wintry weather on January 20, hundreds of Roxbury Latin family, friends, and fans came to cheer on all three varsity teams competing at home, along with JV Basketball. Varsity Wrestling began the evening by taking on Lexington Christian Academy, whom they beat 66–16. Next JV Basketball topped BB&N by a score of 74–56. Varsity Hockey faced off against Austin Prep in Hennessy Rink, coming away with a 2–1 victory. The evening’s culminating event was a Varsity Basketball battle against BB&N, which Roxbury Latin won 61–45. >>

Winter Varsity Teams

Varsity Wrestling — Front Row: Timmy Ryan, Teddy Smith, Michael DiLallo, Denmark Chirunga, Auden Duda, Benji Macharia, Nick Glaeser, Charlie Holt, Calvin Reid, Noah Abdur Rahim, Arjun Bose, Thomas Silva, Declan Bligh. Second row: Coach Paul Sugg, Akhilsai Damera, Logan McLaughlin, Tucker Rose, Michael Strojny, Jaden Barrack-Anidi, Justin Loo, Isaac Frehywot, Aydin Hodjat, Aidan Gibbons (Captain), Will Hutter (Captain), Justin Shaw (Captain), Ayan Shekar, Dovany Estimphile, Justin Lim, Thomas Savage, Robbie Sun-Friedman, Nick Consigli, Coach Art Beauregard, Coach Brady Liss, Coach Eric Tran. Missing: Navid Hodjat, Caleb Ganthier.

Varsity Hockey — Front Row: Mark McGuire, Brendan St. Peter, Jake Novak, Vincent Jaeger, Tait Oberg, Patrick Schultz (Captain), Will Matthews (Captain), Owen Butler, Harry Lonergan, Ryan Lin, Reid Spence, Evan Zhang. Second Row: Coach Dave Cataruzolo, Thomas Stanton, Nathan Rooney, Luke Campanella, James Gibbons, Ben Dearden, Ryan Conneely, Cole Oberg, Jake Popeo, Tom Pender, Will Archibald, Nick Galdo, TJ Thornton, Shane McGoldrick, Sam DiFiore. Third Row: Coach Mo Randall, Coach Mike Moran.

Varsity Basketball — Front Row: Managers Matthew Hoover, Matt O'Connor, Michael Allen, and Jamie Drachman. Back row: Coach Sean Spellman, Coach Jeff Spellman, Hunter Lane, Matthew Taglieri, Ben McVane, Matthew Golden, Jack Hynes, James Henshon (Captain), Harry Brennan (Captain), Sean Perri, Angus Leary, Andrew Cerullo, Bryce Ketchen, Jackson Perri, Dominic Landry, Coach Tony Teixeira.

On Saturday, October 2, alumni from Roxbury Latin and Belmont Hill laced up their cleats in memory of friend and classmate Terry Iandiorio '89, a former faculty member at Belmont Hill. Twenty-two RL alumni—from classes 1987 through 2022—turned out and secured a victory. >>

Founder’s Day Pub Night

On November 3, Roxbury Latin celebrated its annual Founder’s Day, and that evening, alumni, and faculty got together for the school's annual Founder’s Day Pub Night in Boston. >>

Investors Networking Group

More than 30 RL alumni gathered on February 2 at Bain Capital in Boston to hear Chris Miller speaks about his new book Chip War, winner of the 2022 Financial Times Business Book of the Year. >>

Entrepreneurs Networking Group

>> More than 30 RL alumni gathered on February 27 to join Will Finigan ’16, co-founder of Aliro Quantum Technologies, and Matt Langione ’01, Partner at Boston Consulting Group, for a discussion and Q&A about the promise and future of quantum computing.

Young Professionals at SPIN Boston

Alumni from the classes of 2010 through 2018 worked off their Thanksgiving meals by hitting the ping pong tables at RL's Young Professionals event at SPIN in Boston’s Seaport on November 25. >>

Class Notes

1950

John Tedeschi writes, “We are doing well, still at home at our beloved Dog Hollow farm in rural western Wisconsin. We are surrounded by family and—to our joy!—have greatgrandchildren to play with.”

1958

Brian Doyle’s play, Candied Sweets, was stage read at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., recently. Candied Sweets chronicles an American family gathered together for Thanksgiving— when things go spectacularly wrong. By the play’s end, all the family members are wiser.

Peter Schwartz is serving as chair of the American Medical Association’s Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs. Peter and his wife, Lynn, enjoy annual trips to Ethiopia where he teaches medical ethics and she works with a village in a remote area of the Or Valley. Peter is very proud of his involvement in creating a Medical Humanities Curriculum for graduate medical educators to bring more joy into the practice of medicine and to enhance communication between patients and caregivers.

1962

1 Phil Ferrara and his wife, Linda, traveled to the southeastern U.S. in February, where they stopped in South Carolina to visit classmate Lauchlan McKay and his wife, Dianne. They rendezvoused at a hotel in Florence and enjoyed dinner together, plus breakfast

the following morning. It was a great opportunity to catch up on the events of the last few years and to renew old RL friendships.

1963

David Scheff retired recently from Roslindale Pediatrics. He is now working part-time at Beth Israel seeing newborns and enjoying reading real books—not medical journals—again.

1968

John Colbert happily welcomed granddaughter Layla Renée Colbert to the world in November, in the San Francisco Bay Area.

1972

2 Bill Collatos and Tom Quirk ’70, baseball teammates, shared some fond memories of their beloved coach Bill Chauncey on the deck of Bill’s boat in Boca Grande.

1973

3 Bob McTighe enjoyed a minireunion with some former RL junior wrestlers at a varsity wrestling match versus St. Paul’s, Hyde, and Marianapolis this past season. Andy Parsons ’80, Vinny Nagle ’82, and Chris Hannan ’82 were fondly remembering Steve Ward there, as well. All four alumni were impressed by the team’s good fundamentals, movement, and pinning combinations!

1974

4 Former faculty member Bob Jorgensen celebrated his 90th birthday on January 28 with a jam session at Wingate Assisted Living in Needham, where he resides with his wife, Bobby. Pictured are Dean Jorgensen, Joanna

Gormley (Assistant to the Headmaster for Tony Jarvis), Bob Jorgensen, and Mike Pojman.

1980

5 Steve Aronson and John McGinty rode in the Pan Mass Challenge in August to raise funds for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Together, they raised more than $20,000. Early indications are that they plan to ride again in 2023.

1981

6 Bill Landay—author of the acclaimed Defending Jacob, which became an Apple+ streaming series— released a new novel this winter titled All That Is Mine I Carry With Me. The book, described as a haunting whodunit about a family living in Newton, is available at your favorite bookseller. (Author photo by John Earle)

1985

7 Paul Cannata, Milton Academy’s head hockey coach for 20 years, will retire from the school at the end of this year. A native of West Roxbury and a Hamilton College alumnus, Paul has had a successful coaching career that also includes stints as assistant coach at American International College and Northeastern University, as well as one year as head coach at North Adams State.

1990

John Grady appeared on the February 2 episode of The Chase—“a heartracing quiz show”—on ABC, and won big money! Episodes of The Chase— including John’s—are available for streaming on Hulu.

1994

8 Phuc Truong, Matt McCambridge, and Matt Engler attended the Roxbury Latin Alumni Entrepreneurs Networking Group at AdeptID on February 27— joining Will Finigan ’16, co-founder of Aliro Quantum Technologies, Matt Langione ’01, Partner at Boston Consulting Group, and other grads for a discussion about quantum computing.

2001

9 Andrew Budreika is a partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, and his wife, Dr. Sara Samimi, is a dermatologist. They live in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, with daughters Ava (9) and Nora (6).

10 A debut novel by Sidik Fofana hit the literary scene this winter. Stories From the Tenants Downstairs is set in a Harlem high rise and chronicles a tight-knit cast of characters grappling with their own personal challenges, while the forces of gentrification threaten to upend life as they know it. You can find Sidik’s new book at your favorite bookseller.

11 JP Jacquet and Adam Champy ’00 enjoyed a round of golf together in Connecticut in November.

Zach Kanin’s sketch comedy series

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson won a short-form EMMY for

best actor (co-creator Tim Robinson). The team is currently working on the show’s third season.

2003

12 Assistant U.S. Attorney Lou Manzo was on the prosecution team that convicted Stewart Rhodes and four other members of the Oath Keepers this winter, for seditious conspiracy for their role in the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.

2008

13 Sean McCarthy and his wife, Gabrielle, welcomed a baby boy, Matthew Charles, on January 22.

2010

Luke Faust and his wife, Chelsea, welcomed a baby girl, Juliet Zera, on November 17.

2013

Ryan Dukeman was named to the “2023 Federal 100” by FCW, which honors the top 100 government data employees, for his teams’ analytics work on Chinese foreign policy and the Afghanistan evacuation.

Myles Garbarini has begun pursuing a PhD in Russian Literature at Columbia.

2018

14 Jimmy Duffy and the Bowdoin Hockey team won the NESCAC Championship

title on March 5, with an overtime goal against Williams (and Connor Berg ’22), finishing 3-2. Jimmy is pictured here with sister Micaela, mom Kathy, dad Arthur, and brother Sean on FaceTime!

2020

15 At a bakery in Paris recently, former faculty Dr. Phil Kokotailo and Dr. Sally Stevens were delighted to unexpectedly run into three former students—Kam Miller, Kayden Miller ’22, and Austin Manning!

2021

Nolan McKenna was designated a Deans’ Scholar at Trinity College, awarded to those students in the first-year class who earn the highest 25 GPAs after two semesters. As a Deans’ Scholar, Nolan has the opportunity to serve on the editorial board of The First-Year Papers, an online publication that recognizes the excellent written work of first-year students.

16 More than 40 alumni—ranging from 1982 to 2022—showed up for the annual Alumni Hockey Game on December 26. (Team Magno defeated Team Mo 7-4!)

17 The Varsity Hockey team invited some of their friends to join them on the ice after practice over the winter break. We were glad to welcome this crew of recent grads back to Hennessy Rink. //

In Memoriam

Wendell G. Sykes ’46 died on September 5, 2022, at the age of 95. In 1945, Roxbury Latin’s 300th anniversary, Wendell starred in the school play The Clouds. After Roxbury Latin, Wendell went on to graduate from MIT and was published on numerous occasions throughout his career as an engineer. He served in the Navy and Army and is survived by his wife, Betsy.

John Connors ’57 died at the age of 90 on November 14, 2022. Son of James and Dorothy Connors, John was born in Newton and attended Mount Alvernia Academy before gaining admission to Roxbury Latin. He went on to attend Holy Cross College (NROTC) and Boston College Law School.

John was described by Headmaster Weed as an “exceptionally fine boy from all points of view.” As the student council president, John once petitioned Headmaster Weed that the members of the senior class not be required to take final exams, pointing out that “in some such schools as Belmont Hill and others the seniors are not required to take these tests.” John wrote to the Headmaster, “You may say that we of this school are supposed to give a little more. To my way of thinking we have given a little more and have been giving this ‘little more’ for six years. If we cannot be entirely excused from the tests, at least the boys with honor grades should be exempt from taking finals in those subjects.” (Though there is no record confirming or rebutting the success of John’s petition, we can only

assume that his request was denied by Headmaster Weed.)

A true RL generalist at heart, John served in the U.S. Navy and then as co-owner, along with his brothers, of Federal National Linen and Bell Linen Supply. He served as clerk magistrate of the Brookline District Court and was a 61-year member of Charles River Country Club, where he served as president in addition to serving on numerous committees. John was also involved as president of the Linen Supply Association of America and of the Brookline Rotary Club; head of the Association of Magistrates and Assistant Clerks; board member of the Brookline Municipal Credit Union; member of the Black Rum Society; and rider in the Society in Dedham for the Apprehension of Horse Thieves. He volunteered as a driver for Angel Medflight medical transport and at funerals at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church.

Regardless of the size of the group, John regaled all those around him. His storytelling and humor were the signatures of his kindness, generosity of spirit, and goodwill. He was an avid sportsman, dabbling in a wide variety of athletic pursuits and playing multiple sports, but none he loved as well as his golf game. Golfing took him all over the country and to several international courses. His love of travel and culture brought him to many far-away lands where he entertained the locals with his wit and charm, and then gathered new material to weave into the recounting of his adventures, as he held court when he returned home.

John was the devoted husband of Ursula for 66 years; a loving father to John Jr. ’76, Kathleen, Kevin, Carol, Christa, William, Daniel, and Richard; and “Grampa JC” to many nieces and nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Steve Astor ’59 died on October 27, 2022, at the age of 81. Steve was born in 1941 in Boston to Sadie and Rudolph Astor. He grew up in West Roxbury and attended the Patrick Lyndon school before gaining admission to Roxbury Latin. At Roxbury Latin, Steve was an impressive student admired by his peers. In the Yearbook, Steve’s classmates recount being unable to find something that he could not do well, and joking that his parents considered bringing a trailer to graduation to collect all of the prizes that Steve accumulated during his time at RL—including five John Eliot Scholarship awards. Among all of his accolades, Steve’s modesty was celebrated most. In Steve’s college recommendation letter, Headmaster Weed described him as “an excellent boy from all points of view who contributed to all areas of school life, bringing ability, enthusiasm, and leadership (all cloaked in simple modesty) to varied activities.”

Steve went on to attend Harvard where he competed on the wrestling team and graduated in 1962. However, he would never forget Roxbury Latin, being an active alumnus and supporting the Annual Fund for more than 40 years. After Harvard, Steve continued his education at Albert Einstein Medical School and graduated in 1966. He served as a pediatrician in the Air Force in North Carolina for two years, earning the rank of Captain.

Steve met his wife Merry as teenagers at Jewish summer camp, and they married in 1963. Steve and Merry moved to California in 1971, where Steve completed his residency at UCSF. He opened up his own allergy office in Mountain View, where he practiced for more than 30 years. Steve lived a rich and beautiful life pursuing his passions for writing, gardening, running, biking, waterskiing, kayaking, tennis, and photography. Traveling and exploring the world with Merry—including to Israel, Vietnam, Ecuador, and Europe— brought him immense joy.

Steve called himself a “hobby enthusiast”—he was constantly on the go, learning, creating, and doing. An inquisitive learner who loved sharing what he discovered, he self-published a few novels and a dozen or so books on allergy, Jewish studies, humor, and Israel. He enthusiastically learned to build benches, desks, and cabinets; create waterfalls; fix leaky roofs; and tend to many other home repairs and improvements. He had a unique and dry sense of humor which his family appreciated…mostly. His ability to ask deep, insightful questions thanks to a genuine desire to learn about people was one of the many qualities admired in him.

Philanthropy played an important role in Steve’s life. He gave mainly to Jewish organizations, either anonymously or in his son Jeff's memory. His love and caring for the state and people of Israel was a lifelong defining characteristic. Above all else, however, Steve loved and was devoted to his family. He was a true inspiration to everyone who knew him,

and will be deeply missed by all who love him. Steve was predeceased by his son, Jeffrey Scott Astor. He is loved and remembered by his devoted wife of 59 years, Merry, his daughter, Beth Astor Freeman, and his four grandchildren, Jenna, Gabriel, Maya, and Ava.

Christopher T. Walsh ’61 died on January 10, 2023, at the age of 79. Chris grew up in West Roxbury and attended the Charles Sumner School before gaining admission to Roxbury Latin. During his time at RL, Chris was an impressive student. In the Yearbook, Chris’s classmates recount the most impressive facet of his academic career being that he seemed never to take home a book, and yet completed an entire year’s homework by midterms. Chris played on the football and basketball teams, and was a contributor to the Jr. Red Cross. Throughout his life, Chris would never forget Roxbury Latin, participating fully in the community as an alumnus, donating to the school for over 40 years, and faithfully serving as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1992 to 1997.

After Roxbury Latin, Chris earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard and his PhD from The Rockefeller University. He completed postdoctoral research at Brandeis before beginning his independent research. At MIT, as a jointly appointed faculty member in the departments of Chemistry and Biology, he focused his research on enzymes and enzyme inhibitors, with specialization in antibiotics and the biosynthesis of other biologically and medicinally active natural products.

At the time of his death, Chris was the Hamilton Kuhn Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Emeritus, at Harvard Medical School. He began his career in 1972 and would go on to spend 15 years at MIT, and he served as Head of the Department of Chemistry from 1982 to 1987.

“Chris was a titan of Chemical Biology, who made groundbreaking contributions to antibiotic resistance, enzyme reaction mechanisms, and the biosynthesis of natural products,” said Chemistry Department Head Troy Van Voorhis. “He was a leader at MIT during his years on the faculty here, and a treasured member of the chemistry community in the greater Boston area. He will be sorely missed.”

Chris’s leadership, expertise, and unparalleled contributions to his field would land him memberships in the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Sciences, the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, and the American Philosophical Society. Over his career he earned a number of prestigious awards and honors, including the Eli Lilly Award in Biological Chemistry, the Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award, and the Welch Award, which he shared with longtime friend and collaborator, Novartis Professor Emerita JoAnne Stubbe.

Chris’s impact on the field of Chemical Biology is surpassed only by his invaluable devotion to his students and mentees, including Associate Department Head and Professor of Immunology, Elizabeth M. Nolan,

who says, “Chris was an extraordinary scientist, educator, mentor, and person. His intellect, wisdom, and ability to see the big picture were remarkable, and he was a source of invaluable guidance. His multitude of contributions to chemistry, biology and beyond are simply uncountable. He will be terribly missed.”

Chris is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diana Chapman Walsh, Life Member Emerita of the MIT Corporation and President Emerita of Wellesley College; his daughter, Allison Kurian, Professor of Oncology at Stanford Medical School; and his beloved grandson, Sean.

David Murphy ’70 died on Cape Cod on November 11, 2022, at the age of 70 after a three-year battle with lung and brain cancer. His obituary below was submitted by his older brother, Larry Murphy ’65:

Dave’s time at Roxbury Latin was during the Mayo-Smith years. Dave loved sports at RL, especially playing lacrosse for his teacher/coach Warden Dilworth, who supported his application to Boston University. Dave majored in Classics, largely because of the influence of his wonderful Latin teacher, John Davey, who helped him appreciate the subtleties of the great classical writers. Years later, armed with his degree in the Classics, Dave naturally became… a carpenter.

There was one other RL master whom most of us feared but David adored: Gerhard Rehder. One of my fondest memories of David and Gerhard in his later years was listening to them “conversing” in high German. Of course, Dave didn’t speak German, but he had

a knack for creating neologisms that sounded German. It was all nonsense, but Gus would laugh uproariously at David’s linguistic antics.

It would be an understatement to say that Dave had a tendency to exaggerate things. In fact, he exaggerated everything in life, usually in quirky, funny ways, ways that made us all laugh—ways that were so ridiculous that Dave would even crack himself up in mid-fable. We would all laugh so hard until we cried, as he regaled us with preposterous stories and imagined adventures. Especially the kids. They would howl with delight at his funny stories and hilarious neologisms. Dave loved kids, and he loved to make them laugh. Because he was always a kid at heart.

The following words are excerpted from the touching eulogy delivered by his son, David Jr., at the memorial service on Cape Cod:

“My father was overflowing with life. Contemporary psychologists (whom he considered next to useless) may have characterized him as somewhat ‘maladjusted’ to the modern world and attempted to whittle him down to size. Thankfully for us, he sought and often found much of the spiritual medicine he needed from bees, homeopathic quacks, and long bike rides.

“Fittingly, he worked a physical job as a carpenter, where his friends nicknamed him ‘Herc’ (short for Hercules) in honor of his superhuman ability to sling great quantities of lumber across his back day in and day out. These Herculean labors were matched by a legendary appetite:

‘Never too early to start thinking about lunch’ as he would say.

“Another great passion of his was music, and his tastes ranged from Gregorian chant to contemporary folk. He was a decent guitarist, an acceptable pianist, and could actually produce a pretty good sound from the didgeridoo.

“His biggest lesson that he repeated often to his children over the years was on the importance of being kind. For example, to drown out the cacophony of whining and fighting on long family road trips, he would repeat ‘Remember kids: participate, cooperate, share, and care.’ He would discourage materialism and excessive wants by saying (with a dismissive, aristocratic air): ‘I’m sorry you have needs.’”

We miss Dave for his endless optimism, his gusto for life, and his simple work ethic. A random voice message Dave left to my son, who was in medical school, is a fitting remembrance of his fondness for classical wisdom:

“Ah, hey Lar, this is your uncle David. Hope you’re well. Just wanted to remind you… Ah, Heraclitus, fifth century B.C.: ‘The way up and the way down are…the same way.’ That’s good.”

Dave is survived by his wife, Barbara, and three children, David Jr., Lizzie, and Tom. Dave also leaves his sisters, Susan and Jane. //

First Fruits

by CHRIS HEATON

That query and apt response were conveyed to me by Scott Offen, Class of 1978 and loyal alumnus, who has donated more than 430 books to RL’s library—all of which relate to John Eliot and early New England. Scott has given books from the 1630s, ’40s and ’50s, as well as Eliot manuscripts from the 1640s and 1650s. A true student of the history of Eliot and New England, Scott has spent countless hours and no small fortune tracking down rare books about Eliot’s work with Native Americans, purchasing them through auctions, and presenting them to the school. I’ll highlight two of his recent books. (Well, I won’t actually highlight them, because I’m an archivist.) This fall, Scott generously donated a book titled New Englands (sic) First Fruits, which was published in 1643. Old stuff indeed. It’s easily

years. We join a very small group of institutions that have copies of New Englands First Fruits; there are only 16 extant copies held by other public and private libraries.

New Englands First Fruits has the following (modernized) subtitle: “1. In respect, first of the conversion of some, conviction of divers, preparation of sundry of the Indians.

2. Of the progress of learning, in the college at Cambridge in Massachusetts Bay. With diverse other special matters concerning that country. Published by the instant request of sundry friends, who desire to be satisfied in these points by many New-England men who are here present, and were eye or eye-witnesses of the same.” It’s the first of eleven tracts that

were published in London between 1643 and 1671. First Fruits, though anonymous, is sometimes attributed to John Eliot and describes the missionary work in New England. Collectively, the tracts describe the missionary work and provide “descriptions of customs, behavior, and beliefs among native peoples in the area of Massachusetts Bay” (Clark). Roxbury Latin is fortunate to have seven of the eleven tracts.

Although First Fruits is the most valuable book Scott has given, it’s not the oldest. That honor goes to a beautiful 1635 edition of William Wood’s New England’s Prospect. That book is the first detailed account of the lands of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the first map of New England by a resident. Wood lived in New England from 1629 to 1633—overlapping with Eliot, who arrived in 1631—then returned to England and published a description of Eliot’s work with the “Indian peoples of New England” (Sotheby’s). Each year, the boys in my U.S. History course view the book and map, a pretty special opportunity as there are only ten copies in the world.

Along with his books and manuscripts, Scott purchased for the school a high-quality book scanner to easily incorporate archival materials into the curriculum. The school thanks Scott for his continued interest in the history of the Founder Eliot and his support of the library and archives.

Sources

Clark, Michael. The Eliot Tracts. Praeger, 2003.

Sotheby’s Auction House: https://www.sothebys. com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/ collection-anne-h-frederick-vogeliii-n10003/lot.1142.html

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