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. //