2016-2017 Rarebits, Fall & Winter

RAREBITS

RUMSEY HALL SCHOOL | FALL/WINTER 2016-2017

RUMSEY HALL SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2016-2017 Chairman Jon D. Neuhaus ’87 Vice Chairman Nicholas N. Solley ’64 Headmaster Matthew S. Hoeniger ‘81, P ’11, ‘15 Mary Barbour P ’14 Gary Cole P ’01 Tina Couch ’94 Gretchen Farmer P ’99, ’02 Dennis Fulling P ’16, ’16 Louis “Skip” Gardella ‘72, P ’09, ‘09 Frank Gavel ’78, P ’13, ’15 Dian Griesel P ’15, ’19 Craig Henrich P ’13, ‘14 Loren Kagan ‘01 Adrienne Lufkin P ‘12, ’20, ‘24 Gregory Matthews P ’18 Alexandra Miller ‘00 Murphy James J. Pates Jr. ’47, P ’86 Rosemary Sagar P ‘15, ‘17 Thomas Sheehy III P ’00 Everett Smith III P ’04, ’05 Elizabeth Schereschewsky ’56 Stout Monica Vogelstein P ’14, ‘19 Ex Officio Treasurer Karen Scodari Business Manager/CFO Secretary of the Corporation Julie Fredlund Executive Assistant Carol Maxwell P ‘07, ‘09, ‘15, ‘17 Director of Development

OUR MISSION Rumsey Hall School is committed to a whole child approach to education and believes that teaching academics and teaching an attitude of mind are of equal importance. The School emphasizes effort as a criterion for success and is dedicated to helping each child develop toward his or her maximum stature as an educated person, a successful member of a family and a contributing member of a community.

Rumsey Hall School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability in admission or employment in its programs and activities.

RAREBITS Fall/Winter 2016-2017

ON CAMPUS 2

Letter from the Headmaster

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Around Campus

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Fall Athletics

Matthew S. Hoeniger ‘81, P ‘11, ‘15

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Winter Athletics

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Chez Rumsey: 32nd Annual Benefit Auction

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Student Art

’15, ’17, Director of Communications Jessica Lewis

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CAIS Grants Rumsey Full Accreditation

ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR

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Upcoming Events

EDITORS/CONTENT Director of Development Carol M­­axwell P ’07, ’09,

Director of Communications Jessica Lewis ALUMNI COORDINATOR Emily Kalis ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO DEVELOPMENT Trish Silvernail PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS Special thanks to Phil Dutton of PhotoTrophies and Rumsey faculty and staff who contributed photographs.

Cover: Students depart Sanford House Study Hall after Morning Meeting, February 2017

rumseyhall.org Rumsey Hall School 201 Romford Road Washington, CT 06794 860.868.0535

FEATURES 12

A Rumsey Original—Jay Przygocki

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Remembering a Rumsey Icon

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The Citizen and the World

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Sanford House Study Hall

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Going Beyond the Lecture

Dorothy Rochon Anderson

ALUMNI 18

Alumni Profiles: Careers in Technology

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Class Notes

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Alumni Games

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Rumsey on the Road

Letter from the Headmaster

The recent full and unconditional re-accreditation Rumsey earned this past January, after its ten-year evaluation, is the highest form of praise offered by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). This achievement affirms that our faculty, staff, administrators and trustees are all deeply committed to our values, to nurturing our family culture and upholding our long traditions of educating the whole child. The CAIS Visiting Committee observed from the outside looking in that Rumsey is thriving and remains true to fulfilling its mission.

Shift perspectives slightly to see a different gauge of Rumsey’s success, measured from the inside looking out. Look beyond our seniors finding their secondary school homes, beyond the final all-school cheer at the flagpole on Commencement, beyond the bridge, the playing fields and the bounds of Romford Road and Sabbaday Lane—our students’ achievements belong to the future.

Imagine a world where robotic clothing can give the average person super-human powers, or a scientist perfecting the mechanics of a telescope so powerful it can peer beyond our solar system to the dawn of the universe. This is not the stuff of science fiction. These cutting edge, inspiring advances in technology are real and happening today, from Silicon Valley to Seoul, by our very own Rumsey Hall Alums. Within the pages of this Rarebits we proudly showcase alumni whose careers are in technology and their remarkable contributions to their fields.

Now, return to the Bantam River Valley where there is comfort in the predictable, in the known. Rumsey is a place where our traditions shape our collective identity and are passed down through stories from one class to the next, yet our innovations propel our students into a future of infinite possibilities.

Matthew S. Hoeniger ’81

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Rarebits

around campus

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1. Lower School students watch Dean of Students Clayton Ketchum’s P ‘14, ‘17 dog, Marley, catch a Frisbee in mid-air at the Annual Blue Dog Parade, the kick-off event to the fall athletic season. 2. The Kindergarten class helps Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ‘81 P ‘11, ‘15 blow out the candles in celebration of Rumsey’s 117th Birthday. 3. Seniors Rebecca Sun and Yuchen Cheng read to Kindies Elizabeth Bender, Mia Foley and Sonny Kinsella during Community Service activities. 4. Bizarre and Extreme Day Parade 5. Liliana LaPlaca ‘25, Julie Dowden ‘24 and Madelyn Conto ‘25 dressed in the spirit of International Dot Day. 6. Hayden Kim ‘18 and Mike Yang ‘19 prepare a traditional Korean meal for the ESL Dinner at Solley House.

7. Olivia O’Connor ‘18 volunteers for the Community Service Program at H.O.R.S.E. of CT.

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around campus

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14 8. Students race to the finish line in the Third Annual Blue Dog Run. 9. Erin Butler ‘20 and Isabella Dubow ‘17 perform in the Fall Play, Chaos in Fairytale Forest. 10. Leo Rodriguez ‘18, Mason Conto ‘18 and Nick Pesce ‘18 collect items for the Town of Washington, CT Food Drive. 11. Upper School students during a fall Spirit Day 12. Author Marc Nobleman visited campus to share his research about Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the original creators of Superman and Batman and the subjects of his book, Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman. 13. Phoebe Kinsella ‘23 discusses a book with students during Lower School’s Summer Reading Celebration. 14. Coaches Clayton Ketchum P ‘14, ‘17, Tom Geagan P ‘13, ‘16 and Christian Miranda present the Peter Carriuolo ‘74 Memorial Football Award to Zach Traussi ‘17.

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around campus

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15. Lower School Winter Concert 16. Upper School Winter Concert 17. Ist Form students Leah Rydingsword, Natalie Klemm and Liam Schereschewsky try on firefighters’ gear during a visit from the Washington Volunteer Fire Department. 18. Using principles of geometry to solve the Dorothy Rochon Anderson Memorial Courtyard design challenge, Seniors Quinn Matthes and John Maxwell’s drawing was selected and used for the installation, pictured here. 19. Mr. Hoeniger reads to the Senior Class during Hot Chocolate at Solley House. 20. In January, current parents from China visited Rumsey to celebrate the Chinese New Year with students and faculty by preparing handmade dumplings and other traditional Chinese dishes to be shared at a dinner honoring the Year of the Rooster.

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20. A group of 150 students, faculty and parents gather for a photo on Bromley Mountain, VT during the Annual Bromley Ski Trip. 21. IInd Form students Samantha Brooks, Caroline Traina and Madelyn Browne perform in Lower School Airband. 22. The Yale Spizzwinks(?) a cappella singing group perform in the Maxwell A. Sarofim ‘05 Performing Arts Center in February 2017. 23. Seniors Zach McGrew and Yuka Masamura create a scarecrow for Judea Cemetery Garden in Washington, CT for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Service activities.

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around campus

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24. Jimmy Assard ‘22 participates in the Lower School Jump Rope for Heart annual fundraising event to benefit the American Heart Association.

25. Students perform in a scene from the Winter Musical, Rock Around the Block. 26. Boarding students from Cutler Cottage win the Broomball Dorm Cup Competition. 27. Elina Choi ‘19 presented her original painting of the Dorothy Rochon Anderson Memorial Building to Headmaster Matt ‘81 and Amy Hoeniger as a gift to the School. 28. Faculty members Craig Ough P ‘23 and Val DiLorenzo P ‘15, ‘18 go head-to-head on Upper Pond during the Faculty Broomball Competition. 29. Alex Withers-Clarke ‘18 and the Girls’ Varsity Hockey Team perform in Upper School Airband.

30. Upper School students participated in Red Hand Day to raise awareness about children living in developing countries who are forced to serve as soldiers in wars and armed conflicts.

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FALL ATHLETICS

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1. Varsity Soccer: Timmy Chung ‘17 2. Cross Country: Brett Foster ‘19 3. Varsity Volleyball: Ellie Ketchum ‘17 4. Varsity Football: Colby Moran ‘17 5. Varsity Field Hockey: Yuka Masamura ‘17 6. Varsity B Soccer: Emma Brooks ‘19

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FALL SCOREBOARD

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VARSITY FOOTBALL Record: 2-4 Mr. Geagan Mr. Ketchum Mr. Miranda Captain: Huy Do ’17

VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY Record: 10-1-2 Ms. King Ms. Bichrest Captain: Grace LaVigne ‘17 VARSITY B FIELD HOCKEY Record: 4-3-1 Ms. Duff Mrs. Dyball Captains: McKenzie Doyle ‘18 & Mary Houldin ‘18

JUNIOR FOOTBALL Record: 1-4 Mr. Moore Mr. Naclerio ‘05 Mr. Simonelli Captains: Aaron DiLorenzo ‘18 & Bradyn Wishek ‘19

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CROSS COUNTRY Record: 15-0 Mrs. Butler Mrs. Mandl Mr. Fuhrman Captain: Michael Foster ‘17

VARSITY SOCCER Record: 12-3-1 Mr. Dyball Mr. Kolpak Captains: Nick Kenerson ‘17 & Peter Silvester ‘17

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VARSITY VOLLEYBALL Record: 8-6 Mrs. Linley Mrs. Kolpak Captains: Ellie Ketchum ‘17 & Skylar Schaab ‘17

VARSITY B SOCCER Record: 10-3-1 Mr. Anderson Mr. Buono Captains: Greg Galant ‘17 & Jason Silverman ‘17 JR. RED & BLUE SOCCER Red Record: 2-3 Blue Record: 9-2 Mr. Kinsella Mr. Mandl Ms. Keech Mr. Budd ‘05 Captains: Theo Mercier ‘19 & Kip Stone ‘21

VARSITY B VOLLEYBALL Record: 4-5 Ms. Dufresne Mrs. Bender Captains: Paula Guerrero-Somohano ‘17 & Rebecca Sun ‘17

Undefeated Season

12 7. Equestrian 8. Rumsey Outdoor Adventure (ROA) 9. Junior Red and Blue Soccer: Nick Kocienda ‘21 10. Varsity B Field Hockey: Mary Houldin ‘18 11. Varsity B Football Team 12. Varsity B Volleyball: Sofia Mendoza ‘18

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WINTER ATHLETICS 10

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1. Boys’ Varsity Basketball: Tyler Cox ‘17 2. Coed Hockey Team 3. Boys’ Varsity B Hockey: Quinn Kennedy ‘20 4. Boys’ Varsity Hockey: Matthew Mulhern ‘18 5. Girls’ Varsity B Basketball: Alexis Aita ‘20 6. Junior Volleyball: Alexis Delmore ‘18 7. Varsity B Basketball: Tony Liu ‘17 8. Wrestling: Marcus Duell ‘18 9. Varsity B Ski Team: Will Duys ‘17 10. Boys’ Junior Basketball: Lincoln Reichenau ‘18 11. Varsity A Ski Team: Julian Aldridge ‘19 12. Recreational Skiing 13. Girls’ Varsity Hockey: Mari Leonard ‘18 14. Girls’ Varsity Basketball: MacQuarrie Stone-Folmar ‘18

WINTER SCOREBOARD

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BOYS’ VARSITY HOCKEY Record: 13-8-3 Mr. Butler Mr. Moore Mr. Naclerio ‘05 Captain: Luke Rhoss ‘17 >1st Place Pavek Cup Tournament >1st Place Upland Country Day Tournament

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BOYS’ VARSITY B HOCKEY Record: 4-5 Mr. Mandl Mr. Simonelli Captains: Herbert Liu ‘17 & Colby Moran ’17

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WRESTLING Mr. Dyball Captain: Dan Schechter ‘17

COED HOCKEY Mr. Kinsella Mr. Ough BOYS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL Record: 13-5 Mr. Dodge Captain: Tyler Cox ‘17 3rd Place Greenwich Country Day Tournament

Boys’ Varsity Hockey team won the Pavek Cup Tournament for the third consecutive year at Lufkin Rink on February 25, 2017.

GIRLS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL Record: 11-1 Ms. King Mr. Anderson Captains: Ellie Ketchum ‘17 & Zaneta Miller ‘17 2nd Place Greenwich Country Day Tournament GIRLS’ VARSITY B BASKETBALL Record: 2-6 Ms. Kalis Captain: Kara Ro ’18

GIRLS’ VARSITY HOCKEY Record: 12-8-1 Ms. Duff Ms. Bichrest Captains: Shaina Fuente ‘17 & Grace LaVigne ‘17 2nd Place Upland Tournament

BOYS’ VARSITY B BASKETBALL Record: 8-6 Mr. Perreault Captain: Zach McGrew ‘17 3rd Place Maplebrook Tournament

BOYS’ JUNIOR BASKETBALL Record: 5-4 Mr. Buono Mr. Budd ‘05 Mr. Hale Captains: Bradyn Wishek ‘19 & Liam Koval ‘19

VARSITY A SKI TEAM Record: 20-4 Mr. Miranda Mr. Fuhrman Captains: Morgan Malcolm ‘17 & Alex Lo Faro ‘17 1st Place BHSL Championshhip VARSITY B SKI TEAM Record: 0-2 Mr. Fuhrman Captains: Will Duys ‘17 & Lorenza PietriniTopete ‘17

JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL Record: 5-0 Mrs. Bender Captain: Alexis Delmore ‘18

Undefeated Season

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A RUMSEY ORIGINAL JAY PRZYGOCKI

“It’s all about individual students’ small daily victories and watching their pure joy as they learn something new. Over time I’ve learned that winning isn’t everything. It’s about the fun of being with the kids and mentoring them that is the most rewarding.”

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eing a coach is not like being a pop star or a major league pitcher where your best work is considered behind you by the time you are thirty.

A great coach seasons with time. Jay Przygocki is the ultimate “great coach” not only because his demanding role as Athletic Director requires the choreography of 248 Upper School students’ athletic activities every afternoon, but because he has helped guide and nurture the talents of hundreds of Rumsey students on the playing fields and in the classroom for the past 41 years.

It was a casual conversation back in 1975 out on Cape Cod, sitting around his Aunt Dorothy Spooner’s kitchen table with his cousin and then Rumsey history teacher, Rick Spooner, when Jay was first introduced to Rumsey Hall. Word was out that the small junior boarding school’s Headmaster, Lou Magnoli, was on the lookout for young student teachers to staff the then fledgling summer academic program. Jay spent five weeks during the summer of 1975 at Rumsey and by the end of it, he was hooked. This opened the door for his return as a full-time faculty member in the fall of 1976, after

graduating from Southern Connecticut State University.

Jay taught geography and English and was assigned to coach Senior Girls’ Field Hockey—the team he would instruct for nearly 20 years. As a 22-year-old male who played baseball in college, he was slightly uncertain about his ability to lead a field hockey team. Athletic Director Charlie Pavek gave Jay his first team assignment, reassuring him, “Field hockey is the same as soccer.

There are forwards, halfbacks, fullbacks and a goalie. If you can play soccer then you can coach field hockey.” In Jay’s first year coaching his field hockey team’s record was 3-4-1. The following year, the team was undefeated, 10-0. Charlie was right.

Jay’s first home on campus was the “Crow’s Nest,” the third-floor of Romford House, where Lou and Jan Magnoli lived on the southern edge of campus, overlooking the cornfields. Jay first served as dorm parent for VIth Form boys in New Dorm at a time when wearing a coat and tie to dorm duty was not only customary but expected by the School’s Director John Schereschewsky Jr. ’47. Jay became fast friends with the

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Jay’s First Coaching Assignment in 1977, Senior Field Hockey Team

other “rookie” teachers and the Sherry and Magnoli the mid-’80s and ’90s Rumsey girls dominated in children. On Monday nights, after a busy day with sports, most notably field hockey, volleyball and students, the whole gang could be found huddled softball. Under Jay’s direction Rumsey added the Girls’ around the Magnoli’s TV set watching Cosell, Meredith Basketball program, the first Girls’ Hockey team, which and Gifford sportscast a football game. debuted in 2009 with the opening of home ice at In 1983, Lou appointed Jay as Director of Athletics, Lufkin Rink, and most recently a Girls’ Lacrosse roster a position first held in 1967 by Charlie Pavek, and to the spring schedule in 2012. In the early ’90’s Jay later by Former Faculty Member Gil Yule and Former decided he would no longer coach girls teams. It was Headmaster Tom Farmen. Charlie was a pioneer of time to make way for the young female coaches who Rumsey’s hockey program and as Athletic Director he would become role models and mentors to lead female was responsible for introducing new sports, such as athletes into Rumsey’s future. crew, during his tenure. Jay modeled that innovation After four decades, Jay has mastered that perfect with perception, responding to change, developing a balance of syncing the best of himself as coach first-class athletic program while staying true to the and impactful teacher with his many other roles on traditions and mission of the School. campus. With his characteristic humor, Jay helps IVth Form students decipher the Dow Jones by teaching Like many schools Rumsey had to ride the trends, investing 101 on Stock Market Saturday, not your average acclimating to other independent schools’ sports math class. Mathematics comes into play too, in the seasons. To find challenging competition beyond many practical and necessary functions of the Athletic the local opponents, Jay forged relationships with Director—marking the coordinates of the athletic other junior boarding schools for evenly matched field corners for line painting, competition, even if that meant four-hour long bus trips to TARA ST. AMAND ’03 calculating the minutes it takes to launder mounds of team uniforms Canaan, NH to compete against Jay gave me this glove while teaching back-to-back classes, Cardigan Mountain’s ice hockey 15 years ago and I still “running” lunch in the dining hall, team. The felt banners of use it for every alumni organizing students’ box lunches undefeated seasons hanging in softball game. He was an amazing dedicated with the kitchen to take on the bus the Magnoli Gymnasium tell the softball coach. for away games, and all in time story of tournament triumphs— for afternoon sports. Later in the close matches and legendary day, he can be found on the phone nail biters against rivals like with another Athletic Director Renbrook, Rectory and IMS. negotiating prime schedule slots As the enrollment of female for upcoming seasons’ games. students began to climb, again Before the day ends, he’s helping Rumsey responded by adapting students with homework while its programs. Throughout 14

Rarebits

Jay at the Indian Mountain Day pep rally in 1985 holding the three-handled mug, the prize for winning the majority of games played on the last day of the fall athletic season against IMS.

proctoring evening study Though an CHARLES PORTER ’94 hall. With a keen knack for organizational guru As a three sport athlete, I would numbers and the ability to himself, Jay insists he always see Jay zipping around multitask, Jay accomplishes could not execute the in his golf cart from field to field. countless responsibilities and finely tuned orchestration I have many memories, most of tasks without even keeping of three seasons of games them involve laughter. Although I an appointment book, and all for 34 different teams do not remember word for word, his with razor sharp wit. without the support and opening line was always: “Hey, have you heard the Jay was always unstoppable. talents of Former Staff one about...?” And Jay would continue on with his Back in the ’80s, when Spring Member Sheila Anson, comic routine. The fields were perfectly lined and the Recess rolled around, he uniforms sharp. Strong athletics were and continue to and for the past 25 years would be kicking it into be a great part of Rumsey’s tradition, and without Jay Executive Assistant Julie high gear spearheading a ski Fredlund. Julie’s assistance that would not have been possible, or as much fun. excursion through the Alps in arranging game officials for two weeks, the ultimate and tournament logistics, test of endurance after the short daylight hours of a compiling the athletic schedule, updating the website, demanding Winter Term. Along with Former Faculty seeing to the engraving of each trophy and naming of Scott Schereschewsky ’73, Marc and Bettina Cloutier end of season letters and Varsity Awards are critical to and Raymond and Jacqueline Ostrander, Jay herded a the smooth running of the Rumsey Athletics’ engine. pack of students through France, Austria, Switzerland Certainly as with all great coaches, Jay likes to win. and Italy, a beloved tradition that lasted for more than Though now, an accomplished Athletic Director at three decades. For many years during each winter the top of his game, that intensity has softened with Headmaster’s Weekend, he also coordinated the experience and wisdom, appreciating that winning goes Bromley Ski Trip to Peru, VT. far beyond a team’s record. “It’s all about the students’ Over time Jay has joined the ranks of legendary small daily victories and watching their pure joy as Rumsey leaders as a valued and respected mentor by they learn something new. Over time I’ve learned that both those within the community and by coaches and winning isn’t everything. It’s about the fun of being Athletic Directors from peer schools. The Rumsey Hall with the kids and mentoring them that is the most Athletic Director’s Dinner, first originated years ago by rewarding.” When asked, Jay will say his single favorite Charlie Pavek, is a popular Rumsey event where over day of the year is Alumni Day. “It’s the gratification 60 athletic professionals from the NEPSAC District of seeing the finished product, of things coming full IV Schools gather together each spring in the spirit of circle...remembering students’ struggles and meeting camaraderie and good competition. Spending time with them again several years later as successful older Jay off the field, with good food and in good company, versions of their younger selves.” Most poignant for Jay is a main attraction. is witnessing young student Matt Hoeniger, one of his Fall/Winter 2016-17

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JENN RINELLA ’89

Mr. Przygocki and Mr. Spooner both made a huge impression on me as a young student athlete. Mr. Przygocki was the first coach I ever had. He was integral in preparing me to be the best I could be both as a person and athlete and it was undoubtedly that foundation that allowed me to go on to a successful career at the Division I level in college. I think about them both often, and feel blessed to have had them in my life at an early age.

L to R: Jay’s First Softball Team in 1978; Refereeing a Volleyballl game in 1997; A color games wrestling match in 1983; Jay and Rick Spooner present Ruthie Lynn ’84 with the Volleyball MVP Award in 1984

New Dorm boys, become Rumsey’s Headmaster some 36 years later.

Since the summer of 1975, Jay has lived in nearly every dorm and for the last 20 years has resided off campus in the old Foothills Dorm where he raised his three children, Ania ’00, Tucker ’03 and Sawyer.

Jay wed Suzanne LaVoie in the summer of 2016 and celebrated with faculty and friends in Farmen Hall, the first event of its kind in the new Campus Center.

As the campus has expanded and adapted to meet the changes in enrollment, so has the task of managing the School’s exceptional athletic facilities. Lufkin Rink, the Blue Dog and Magnoli Gymnasiums, the rowing tanks, indoor and outdoor tennis courts and seven playing fields, are all kept in tip-top shape to provide our students with the best possible athletic experience.

When asked about the Rumsey of the future, does Jay forecast the verdant fields in the valley ever giving way to the easy-maintenance allure of turf ? “Our fields are pitch perfect, the pride of the natural beauty of our campus, with excellent drainage and irrigation!” Jay adds, “Why change what works so well?”

As with all the many great, original things at Rumsey—why change what simply works?

Right: Softball bat given to Jay by captains of his 1990 undefeated Senior Softball Team, Sarah Neuhaus ’90 and Tiffany Groff ’91.

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Rarebits

JARED ALLEN ’94 When I was a student at Rumsey there was a tradition that students who were not prefects could change tables regularly to interact with other students and faculty. The first table I sat at was Mr. Przygocki’s. That year his prefect was a girl named Mahe Van Dyck ’93, one of the many girls he coached in Field Hockey and JV Volleyball. Between Jay’s own kids and the other students at the table it made for a lively time. His kids were drawn to me, as I was somewhat of an overgrown child myself.

We all talked about everything, from sports to family and of course, weight lifting. Jay was like a proud dad, telling the other boys how much I could bench press. As I rotated through the other tables, I somehow managed to always find my way back to Jay’s. So, it was no surprise that I ended up spending my senior year as his first male prefect. By then I was already a part of his family, and like some of his other prefects I babysat his kids. I learned a lot from Jay over my two years at Rumsey. How to be a great coach, how to be patient, how to be a wonderful and caring father and how to dress in a stylish fashion.

Jay has been a bedrock of Rumsey’s culture, traditions, and most importantly, the students’ lives for well over 30 years as mentor, coach, dorm parent, teacher and friend. When I think of Rumsey Hall, Jay is one of the most important people I associate with my time there.

TINA COUCH ’94

Jay Przygocki is an amazing coach. I was fortunate to play multiple sports for him; he was my field hockey and softball coach for many seasons. However, Jay first coached me at the JV level. So it was early on that he noticed something in me. He fostered whatever talent he saw, encouraged it, and was the first coach I ever had that really pushed me outside of my comfort zone, knowing that he had tapped into potential. Not only did he have a mastery of the sports he coached, he taught with an enthusiasm that throughout all my years of playing sports, including college, has never been matched. It was as if he was right on that field with you, living each and every moment by your side.

I certainly give much credit to Jay for helping me develop, discover and build the foundation for who I became as an athlete. While I was never the most powerful athlete, he taught me that being scrappy and smart could garner just as much success; which was a really important lesson both on and off the field. One of my favorite memories was in the middle of a softball game, he pulled me off the field. I was playing short stop at the time, and he told me to warm up my arm, I was going to pitch. I remember having a fleeting moment thinking, “Is he nuts?” But then, because I always trusted him and his strategies, I started throwing him a few pitches. After a couple of minutes, he said, “Ok, just get the damn ball over the middle of the plate.”

So I got up there, and low and behold, I threw that ball straight down the middle—slowly mind you—but it was in the strike zone. We ended up winning the game. And just like that, somehow I learned how to pitch. I was never the fastest pitcher nor did I have any formal training; however, I was a good pitcher because I consistently threw strikes and I could field a ball.

That was an awesome season, one I will never forget as we went undefeated, or pretty close to it if my memory serves me right.

We also had a really special bond, I just got him, respected him and always wanted to push myself as far as I could to make him proud. I am really thankful to have had such a good man and influential coach so early on in life. Some of the best memories I have at Rumsey were on the field under his guidance.

PAM CAPACI ’78 It was about 40 years ago that I played field hockey for Rumsey Hall. Some of my proudest moments took place on that field.

It amazes me how much I actually remember and inextricably tied to my memories is Coach Przygocki. Truth be told, we all had a major crush on him. He was so CUTE and I know I was at least partially motivated by my secret hope he would compliment me on my effort. If my memory serves me though, that didn’t last very long because Jay was very strict and pushed us hard right from the start. I don’t think he quite knew how to coach girls. I think we were his first team at Rumsey. In thinking back, I imagine initially he must have felt a little like the Tom Hanks character in the movie A League of Their Own when he delivered his famous line, ‘There’s no crying in baseball.’ But like Tom Hanks character, Jay did not treat us differently than he would have treated a boys’ team. He cultivated athletes, and in doing so, he taught me about hard work and reward, teamwork and integrity and a desire to achieve my goals. He was tough but fair and brought out the best in me. He sparked a drive that has served me well throughout my whole life. I am laughing because there was a lot of extra drama that I don’t think he was prepared for. I’d like to believe that while he toughened us up, we softened him just a bit as well. He and Mr. Pavek introduced me to Gordie Howe at my Senior Awards Banquet because I was the top scorer and that was amazing. Congratulations to Jay on his very successful career at Rumsey Hall.

HUDSON FULLER ’81 How lucky I was to have Mr. Przygocki as a field hockey coach many years ago! At the time though, I did not always think that. Nope, I pretty much thought that he was like a crazy drill sergeant who wanted to run us into the ground. I did not realize then that by expecting the best from us, he was teaching us to expect the best from ourselves. Back then, I was often plotting schemes to get out of both running and drills, including offering to walk his Vizsla puppy. (It should be noted that most, if not all, of said schemes failed miserably). In the 35 years since, and a number of trips back to visit Rumsey, I have gotten to know Jay on a more personal level and have come to know what a big heart he has and how he is completely dedicated to all of his students’ success both in the classroom and on the playing field. He is truly a Rumsey gem.

TAMI COUCH ’01 RANCE

Jay has always been and will always be a coach. I remember trying to live up to the days when he coached my sister. She was a tremendous athlete and he did such an incredible job of coaching her. I knew I had such big shoes to fill, however he knew how to cater to each player. He knew how to truly nurture our capabilities and growth.

I remember playing softball for him and how I feared ground balls. He would simply say, “Head down; don’t pick it up.” He always coached and supported his players. I remember when he put me at third base and I would stand next to him as the game went along. I could hear his frustrations, I could hear his complaints, but most of all I could hear how much he cared. It could be a 1st grade game or an undefeated season and he still exuded the same enthusiasm.

When I think of coaches I think of Jay, because he always had your back and still does to this day.

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ALUMNI PROFILES

ALUMNI Careers in Technology

SPOTLIGHT

min ji kim ’07

After graduating from Rumsey Hall and Lawrenceville School, NJ, Min Ji received her BS from New York University’s School of Professional Studies Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism.

Her concentration in event planning and management and internship at several hotels and event firms in New York City prepared her for a position as an Events Coordinator at Google Korea.

Min Ji successfully executed several of Google Korea’s biggest marketing events gaining recognition for her accomplishments. She discovered her passion for content creation and online video marketing and curating, landing her a job at YouTube Korea as a Creator Community Manager, engaging, educating and communicating with YouTube content creators across the market. She is currently expanding YouTube Creator Ecosystem in Korea to increase awareness of YouTube and their support for quality content creation.

Jay Newton-Small ’90

Jay is the co-founder of MemoryWell, a web-based platform that tells the stories of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Prior to creating MemoryWell, Jay was a Washington correspondent for TIME Magazine, authoring the 2016 best-selling book, Broad Influence: How Women Are Changing the Way America Works, and reported for Bloomberg News where she covered the White House and politics. She majored in International Relations and Art History at Tufts University, MA and received her MS in Journalism from Columbia University, NY. She was a 2015 Harvard Institute of Politics Fellow and a 2016 New America Fellow. MemoryWell was inspired by her father and his 15-year battle with Alzheimer’s. Until he passed away in July 2016, Jay wrote down her father’s stories to make caregiving more effective for the nurses. By reading patients’ memories and learning about their interests, the nurses are able to understand and redirect them, thus improve the quality of their care. MemoryWell has been developed into a mobile responsive website that is growing into an app. The current web-based platform makes loved one’s stories and favorite digital photos, music, videos and other engagement tools easily available. In February 2017, MemoryWell began as a Halcyon incubator venture and continues to grow.

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Steve Sebestyen ’94

Steve began his career in ethical hacking, software development and working in the public safety space.

Since then, he has designed some of the world’s largest communications and data systems used in New York City, Australia and other locations. He also helped design one of the world’s first municipal wireless systems for the city of Philadelphia. Steve spent several years in business development and global marketing operations for Motorola Solutions, where he has worked for the past 19 years.

He currently holds a technical role designing products to crowdsource intelligence from the public to enhance predictive analytics and real-time situational awareness for law enforcement. As a resident Public Safety Evangelist, Steve works with the public and law enforcement agencies across the world to leverage technology building trust, transparency and increasing community engagement. He has been invited to the White House to present his vision. Steve recently moved from New York City to Charlotte, NC where he lives with his wife, Aimee, and two daughters, Hailey and Paige.

Dan Byrnes ’00

Since 2010, Dan has worked in the realm of cyber intelligence as the Senior Threat Intelligence Collections Analyst at Symantec. There, he infiltrates and monitors Russian and English-speaking criminal forums and analyzes criminal operations within the cyber underground economy. His presents his research on the complex operations of large-scale criminal organizations to members of law enforcement, private industry and the intelligence communities. Dan has also served as a guest lecturer at the University of New Hampshire where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Russian Language and Literature.

Geoffrey Knauth ’75

Geoff is a Senior Software Developer at AccuWeather, the commercial weather forecasting service, with more than 30 years experience as a software engineer and over 20 years of building web-based systems. Prior to AccuWeather, he was a Commander of Williamsport Composite Squadron 401. He enjoys volunteering for Civil Air Patrol as a mission pilot and group aerospace education officer. Geoff currently lives in Williamsport, PA with his wife, Robin, who is an assistant professor at Lycoming College teaching Old Testament, History of the Ancient Near East, Biblical Hebrew and Archaeology. After graduating from Rumsey, Geoff attended Choate Rosemary Hall, CT and Harvard College, MA.

Tom Ferguson ’73

Tom is currently serving as the National Director of Sales for ELECTEC Election Services, Inc., a company that provides election-related technology to state, county and local government election and voter registration officials. He has ten years experience as the Director of Elections for the Office of the Secretary of the State of Connecticut as well as project manager and developer of the Statewide, Centralized Voter Registration System, browser-based Campaign Finance Information System and systems that house and manage the Connecticut Statement of Vote, Annual Election Calendar and the certification criteria for Connecticut’s chief polling place. Tom has served as Registrar of Voters for his hometown of Manchester, CT where he resides.

Ted Helprin ’86

Ted is an Account Director at Ziba Design, a global design and innovation consultancy in Portland, OR. Ted and his team focus on designing digital services, particularly mobile and web applications, for companies and organizations. For his biggest client, Daimler Trucks North America, Dan is tasked with increasing their Freightliner Trucks’ fleet efficiency through digital solutions. Prior, Ted was a Brand Manager of Strategic Accounts at NIKE where he ran the marketing efforts for the group that develops its technology products such as watches, MP3 players, speed and distance monitors and heart rate monitors.

Dan Glauber ’88

Dr. Dan Glauber is an accomplished IT Executive, most recently a Senior Manager of Development at CAVOK International, the global aviation services and consulting firm in Texas. His recently published research, focused on knowledge management policies and procedures within a corporate environment, earned him the International Award for Best Paper in Oral and Technical Presentation at ICIKM 2016: The 18th International Conference on Information and Knowledge Management in Barcelona, Spain. Dan received his PhD in Information Systems and Technology from University of Phoenix, AZ.

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ALEXANNDRA ONTRA ’83 AlexAnndra left her advertising job in 2000 to work at the computer software company, Iguana Interactive, with her brother, James ’81. Together they created Ontra Presentations in 2002 which evolved into Shufflrr by 2014. At Shufflrr she oversees Operations, including client services, sales and marketing. Her advertising experience at international agencies such as DDB and Lowe & Partners/SMS, where she developed marketing campaigns for The New York State Lottery, American Airlines and Zales Corp., were essential to creating her and James’ presentation management companies. AlexAnndra serves as President of the Board for Dances Patrelle and skis, sails and studies ballet. She graduated from the University of Texas, Austin and currently lives in New York City.

Shufflrr adds discipline to presentation workflow by creating, distributing, updating, sharing, broadcasting and reporting usage of files and slides. It visualizes and formats all files to present and focuses on making content more accessible and easy to find. In three years, they’ve landed clients such as US Bank, Bloomberg, Labcorp, Time-Warner/Charter Communications, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, ADP and 100 other enterprises.

How have your academic and professional careers unfolded since you left Rumsey?

After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin, I spent 10 years in advertising on the agency side of the business. I loved it, but I was ready to take on something more challenging in the tech revolution. I applied my advertising skills to creating and producing digital presentations and learned the technical side along the way. And then, I founded a presentation software and services business. One step always leads to another.

What was your inspiration for starting Shufflrr?

There were two inspirations. First, my brother James. I have to give him credit for his drive and passion. Second, our clients.

We listen to our clients, they tell us what they want, and more importantly what they will pay for. Our clients wanted to manage presentations for their entire organization so they could control the message and increase productivity. Essentially, they want everyone “singing off the same sheet of music.” Shufflrr’s slide library makes it easier to create, use, re-use, update, share,

broadcast, track and analyze presentations for a global organization. Our clients inspired Shufflrr.

How did your experience at Rumsey impact your current career?

The foundation I received at Rumsey—the support from teachers, the emphasis on improving whether it was making the Effort List or playing sports, and the discipline I acquired as a result of that experience, have all helped me thrive. In study hall, we were encouraged to ask questions when we needed help. As an adult, I’m not afraid to ask questions when I don’t know something. And I know that if I keep trying, I will eventually succeed. I learned that at Rumsey.

What technology did you use while a student at Rumsey?

Books! Both hardcover and paperback. It was a long time ago.

What does your day-to-day operation at Shufflrr look like?

A bunch of people sitting at their computers emailing or web conferencing with clients and developers. We’re not very glamorous but we are incredibly efficient.

Tell us about your future vision for Shufflrr.

Presentation Management grows into a necessary discipline for all large organizations. Shufflrr is leading that evolution.

Tell us about having a business partnership with your sibling.

While it may be all-kumbaya to wax on poetic about having my brother’s back and building wealth for our family, but when it comes right down to it, we are business partners with the sole objective of growing Shufflrr. Every decision we make is based on whether or not it will grow the business.

James is the visionary who designs the software and plans the business strategy. I, on the other hand, am more operational. I run sales, marketing and client services.

What is the best advice you were given at Rumsey?

Don’t brag. It’s crass and unbecoming.

What’s your favorite app?

Google Maps. It helps me get to where I want to go.

RUMSEY QUESTIONNAIRE What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of Rumsey Hall? Magnoli What is your happiest memory of your time at Rumsey? I lived in Foothills Dorm. At the time there was a veal and dairy farm across the street.

One warm Sunday afternoon, a few girls and I wandered over to the farm, climbed up on top of a grain pile, and then slid down. So much fun!

Lucky for us, we did not get caught. And to this day, I still don’t eat veal. Who is your Rumsey hero? Lou Magnoli, he was a huge presence, especially to a 65 pound, very shy, little girl. I was so intimidated. But looking back as an adult, I realize the man was a teddy bear—a gentle giant. Given the chance to relive your

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years at Rumsey, what would you have done differently? I would have spent more years at Rumsey. At the time, I was young and boarding was really difficult. But the combination of academic and social education I received while there was unparalleled to any other K-12 school I attended. What did you treasure most while at Rumsey? My friends. I really felt like I belonged even though I was really shy. If you were to host a Rumsey dinner party, who would be on your guest list? Well… um… to keep peace in my family, I guess I’d have to invite my brother and his wife, April Darrow ‘85, who is also a Rumsey Alum. What was your greatest fear as a student when you first began at Rumsey?

That I wouldn’t make any friends. That was unfounded. I spent the my first night in the dorm giggling with my new roomies. What schools did you attend after Rumsey? Lauralton Hall in Milford, CT and The University of Texas at Austin What is the quality you most liked in your friends at Rumsey? Honesty and diversity. For an exclusive private school, there was not a lot of pretense amongst the kids. They were honest about who they were, where they were from, and very open to others. Rumsey students came from all over the world, and represented a wide range of cultural and socio-economic groups. It was pretty common to hear English, French and Spanish spoken in the dining hall.

JAMES ONTRA ’81 James’ passion for programming and experience with small business began in 1993 when he and his friend, David Kopstein, created an interactive design studio in the Kopstein family furniture store. James was named “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” in 1993 by the US Small Business Administration in Houston, Texas. In 2000 he became CEO of Iguana Interactive, a presentation management company that developed software for clients. The same year his sister AlexAnndra joined the team. With 30 years of entrepreneurial expertise and 20 years of selling and developing presentation management software, James runs the vision, strategy and technical development of Shufflrr. He attended the University of Houston, Texas and is a natural-born entrepreneur. He started many small businesses including iXL, Ontra Presentations and PPTshuffle with the goal of managing file formats for better presentations. James and his wife, April Darrow ’85, have two children and live in New York City.

How have your academic and professional careers unfolded since you left Rumsey?

I have been an entrepreneur my entire life, but maybe not the best student. I can remember selling candy bars, bicycle maintenance supplies (grease, ball bearings, tube patches), hot chocolate and cup-o-soup out of the New Dorm. Today, my clients are still my boss.

What was your inspiration for starting Shufflrr?

We started Shufflrr to make presentations more valuable to any enterprise, because our clients demanded it. Today, presentations are created for one meeting or conference, one-and-done. But, Shufflrr turns them into enterprise assets. Shufflrr’s slide library makes it easier to create, use, re-use, update, share, broadcast, track and analyze presentations for a global organization.

Clients have said, “It is like having everyone singing off the same sheet of music.”

How did your experience at Rumsey impact your current career?

Two years of Latin had the biggest impact for me. Without it, I’d have to rely solely on the lawyers to understand the myriad legal documents I need to read and sign to keep my business operating.

Tell us about your future vision for Shufflrr.

Presentation management grows into a necessary discipline for all large organizations. Shufflrr is leading that evolution.

What is the best advice you were given at Rumsey?

Just do your job, take care of yourself and everything else will work out.

What does your day-to-day operation at Shufflrr look like?

Desk, headset, computer. I could be anywhere.

But, we are in New York City and love it.

Tell us about having a business partnership with your sibling.

We are lucky that we understand each other’s strengths, as well as shortcomings. When things get tough, knowing that we are on the same side sure helps. However, the childhood needling somehow never fully stops.

What’s your favorite app?

The camera, although Facebook eats too much of my time.

What technology did you use while a student at Rumsey?

My bicycle, a water heater for cup-o-soup and a cassette boom box.

RUMSEY QUESTIONNAIRE What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of Rumsey Hall? Not a word, but an experience. Walking across campus after showers and our wet hair would freeze.

We would crack the ice on our heads as if it was a helmet. What is your happiest memory of your time at Rumsey? Looking back, getting graded on a daily basis. It provided daily reward system based on effort. Back then, it felt like a dreaded daily event. But today, it is happy. Who is your Rumsey hero?

Tom Farmen. I had a crush on Mrs. Farmen and since they were married, he was my hero.

Given the chance to relive your years at Rumsey, what would you have done

differently? I would have walked in graduation. What was your favorite offcampus excursion? Meeting Gordy Howe at a Hartford Whalers game with Gil Yule. What did you treasure most while at Rumsey?

I treasure the discipline to sit down and get something done. i.e forced study hall.

Although at the time, I ranted about it as totalitarian. If you were to host a Rumsey dinner party, who would be on your guest list? We would be happy to host a dinner party in NYC. I would be sitting next to my beautiful wife April Darrow ’85, Matt Hoeniger ’81 who introduced us, AlexAnndra Ontra ’83, Pat Fahan ‘81, Andy Driscoll ’81 (RIP) and a dozen

current students. What was your greatest fear as a student when you first began at Rumsey? That my parents would never pick me up. What schools did you attend after Rumsey? I went to Andrew Warde High School in Fairfield, CT and then the University of Houston. What is the quality you most liked in your friends at Rumsey? Candor and courage. Sometimes, the truth is not pretty. It is better to face it, than hide from it.

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BEAR WITHERSPOON ’94

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 2001, Bear has been working as a mechanical engineer and research scientist at Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Center in Palo Alto, CA. His most notable project has been NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s next flagship mission. It is often referred to as “Hubble 2” and is slated to be launched in the fall of 2018. Bear and his team built the main camera for the mission, and Bear was specifically in charge of the focus mechanism for the camera. NASA intends to use this new telescope to identify planets that are outside of our solar system and look back at the dawn of the universe, among other things. Bear hopes that “Hubble 2” will help rewrite science textbooks after some amazing discoveries. Bear grew up in Litchfield, CT and attended Rumsey for five years, during which he took Mr. Hoeniger’s life science class. Bear has been living in San Francisco since 2001. He and his siblings Chad ’90 and Kate ’97 are third generation Rumsey Alums following father, Thomas Witherspoon ’61 and grandfather, William Goss ’36.

How has your academic and professional career unfolded since you left Rumsey?

After Rumsey I headed off to Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. It was a really challenging time for me. But much like Rumsey, my friends, dormmates and teachers were living inspirations. They made me realize that life is much more interesting when you explore it in as many ways as possible. Try to be good at a lot of things. If you aren’t the best at something, that doesn’t matter. I find knowing a little bit about a lot of things makes for better conversations with strangers and friends alike. After Andover I went to the University of Pennsylvania. I was an undecided major in the College of Arts and Sciences until my junior year. Then I transferred to the School of Engineering. I think I was one of the only folks doing that. Most people were running the other way. Anyway, I figured out that I was decent at math and science, but I needed instruction to actually learn it. I could pick up a history book and learn something on my own. A physics book? Forget it. So I thought I would spend the tuition dollars wisely and get some help learning something science-y. I was actually going to be an Astronomy major, because the size and scale of the universe blew my mind in a freshmen year Astro I class. Dr. Frederick. He was funny, whip smart and engaging.

I had found the calling. Then I took Astro II, Intro to Astrophysics. The professor was unfortunately awful. I knew that he was intelligent, but he was not a good communicator.

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terrible to listen to. It was a lesson in great teachers matter! I was going to have to take a lot more classes from this individual. So I decided to try something else. What other science do I like? Physics. What part of physics?

Mechanics. When I learned that there were equations for motion, like if I throw a ball at a specific angle with a certain velocity, I can tell you where it will land…using math! That was crazy for me. So OK, mechanics…I’ll be a mechanical engineering student.

Maybe someday I will build something that ends up in space. The funny thing is, that happened. By the time I was done with college, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be an engineer. But I figured that if I was going to try it, I needed to try now as a fresh grad. If I waited at all, I would know even less than I do now. So, what type of engineering?

Space stuff.

How did your experience at Rumsey impact your current career?

I think that Rumsey makes good people. It inspires students to not only work hard, and succeed in their endeavors, but to pursue them honestly, and with a keen focus on teamwork. Collaborating with other scientists and engineers is a large part of my job. We trust each other to do good, honest work. You can’t fake things in engineering. Not if you are actually trying to launch something into space and have it work. Rumsey inspired me to want to work on things that are bigger than I am...to do something that I could not do on my own…where I can contribute to a team that makes something remarkable. In

the case of my team, we are building space cameras that will improve our understanding of how the universe was born, identify exo-solar planets (planets that aren’t in our own solar system), and hopefully unlock mysteries of astrophysics and space weather.

What advice would you give current students?

Don’t dream too small. Many times in my life I have kicked myself for a failure of imagination. Give yourself permission to think up crazy ideas, and have the confidence to go for it. You may fall flat on your face, but you’ll learn from that too. Some of the best stories come from adventures that did not go according to plan. And stories are important.

What technology did you use while a student at Rumsey?

The computer lab off of the Study Hall was a new arrival when I was a student. I sound like I am a million years old. Honestly, I wasn’t a high technology kid. I remember when Nintendo came to my neighborhood and everyone was jealous of the Browns’ because they got it first. I liked playing Kung Fu and Legend of Zelda. I was more into using my hands… playing with Legos. I also loved snowboarding.

My older brother, Chad ’90 taught me how to wax and sharpen my own board.

I liked and continue to like rolling up my sleeves and working on stuff.

Tell us about your current projects.

I have been working as a mechanical engineer/research scientist at Lockheed Martin's Advanced Technology Center in Palo Alto, CA since September 2001.

In the past 15 plus years I have worked on many projects, the most notable of which was NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. This is NASA's next flagship mission, often referred to as "Hubble 2," slated to be launched in the fall of 2018.

Basically it is a massive space based telescope. Our team in Palo Alto built the main camera for this mission, the telescope's 'eyes.' I was in charge of the focus mechanism for the camera. NASA is hoping to use this new telescope to do all kinds of things, including identifying planets that are outside of our solar system and looking back to the dawn of the universe. Our hope is that astronomers discover all kinds of things and rewrite some textbooks. I am currently working on another space telescope mission for NASA, called WFIRST (Wide Field InfraRed Survey Telescope). It will be used to take high resolution images of large swaths of the sky. It is planned to be in orbit at the same time as the James Webb Space Telescope so they can be used in tandem.

The WFIRST would identify areas of interest in a large field of view, and then the James Webb would stare at each area individually, and see back to the dawn of time. It sounds kind of crazy, but it is actually true.

I work on mechanisms. Basically, I am trying to figure out how to move optics (lenses and mirrors) throughout the system at cryogenic temperatures (-400 to -200 degrees Fahrenheit). I also work on how the different components in the entire camera system work together.

Optics, detectors, thermal radiators, structures­—every piece has to play nice with everything else. If the structure isn’t stiff enough, the camera will come

apart when it is launched. If the optics are not pristine or not in the correct position, then the images will be blurry.

If the thermal radiators don’t remove heat from the camera, the detectors will be oversaturated and won’t work. This whole-project view is called systems engineering. It requires collaborating with a lot of smart people, and making sure that they are all working together.

What inspired you to go into this field?

Freshmen year of college, I took an astronomy class. Studying astronomy is a humbling experience. When looked at through the lens’ astronomical scale, no matter how tough or cool or smart you are, you are a teeny tiny thing that will only exist for a minute fraction of a moment. I find that there are two ways people react to this information. 1. I am going to do whatever I want, and ignore the consequences. Or 2. I am going to do my best to make the world a better place while I’m here. I am going to treat people with honesty, kindness and respect. I go with number 2. It makes for a more fun time.

Which 21st Century figure has influenced/inspired you?

Carl Sagan, passed away in 1996, and passed the baton to Neil deGrasse Tyson. He makes science, astrophysics in particular, accessible and exciting to everyone. You may have seen his show, Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey.

What are your hobbies or leisure activities?

I am a big motorcycle enthusiast. I enjoy working on them, customizing them,

riding them, on and off-road, on the track, and overland to different places… moto-travel is a lot of fun. I used to be a canoe-guide in my early 20’s and I had an ‘ah-ha’ moment when I realized that I could pack my camping gear on a motorcycle and just go on a trip. I’ve ridden to the Artic Ocean and back from San Francisco. I’ve ridden from Mexico to Canada on mostly dirt roads and trails. I spent most of 2013 riding around South America. I think it is a wonderful way to explore the world. I guess it is the open, vulnerable nature of motorcycling that attracts strangers with questions. Whenever I ride into a new town, folks come up, say hello and inquire about my journey. You meet a lot of lovely people that way. I also do yoga.

I find that it helps you do everything else better. I used to rock climb a fair amount, and yoga really helps with your focus, balance, coordination, flexibility and proprioception (knowing where your body is). It also forces you to take a little time out for yourself. Meditation is helpful to clear the mind, and relax. I also like to take photos, write terrible blog entries and hang out with my beautiful wife.

What’s your favorite app?

Google Maps and Next Bus. They help me get around San Francisco really easily. That is probably the most boring response you’ve ever heard. I also like stargazing apps. You point your smartphone at the night sky and it tells you what constellations, planets, etc. you are looking at.

RUMSEY QUESTIONNAIRE What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of Rumsey Hall? A phrase, “pick a tree and watch it change.” I picked a different tree each of my five years at Rumsey.

I wanted to see what different ones would do throughout the year. That simple phrase really grounds me. It made me curious about the natural world, and I felt connected to it.

What is your happiest memory of your time at Rumsey? I can’t begin to guess. I had a pretty wonderful time at Rumsey. Who is your Rumsey hero? Matt Hoeniger. He was my junior soccer coach when I was in 5th grade in 1989. We went undefeated. Ask anyone, it was in the papers. In all seriousness, that was

one of my best team experiences. We were junior soccer, but Matt made us feel like titans of the athletic world. He did this by making each of us feel like we had influence on our success. He was also my 7th grade life science teacher. Given the chance to relive your years at Rumsey, what would you have done differently? No regrets, I had a wonderful time.

What was your favorite off-campus excursion? Bromley weekend, hands down. It was so much larger than Mohawk, and they had black diamonds named Havoc and Avalanche!

What was your most treasured possession while at Rumsey? Any music albums that my older brother gave me, and mixed tapes that

my friends made. What was your greatest fear as a student when you first began at Rumsey? My big brother was already a student there, so I was worried no one would see me as anything other than his kid brother.

But that passed and I made my own friends and realized my own strength. What schools did you attend after Rumsey? Andover, MA and UPenn What are the qualities you most admire in your Rumsey friends? Honesty.

Kindness. Respect. These aren’t just slogans, they are traits that you find in alumni, along with enthusiasm.

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KATE WITHERSPOON ’97 Kate Witherspoon is the Director of Design & Development and co-founder of Superflex, an assistive powered clothing company that plans to bring mobility assistance to the wardrobe.

The company spun out of SRI (Stanford Research Institute) International’s Robotics department where Kate worked for the past three years prior to co-founding Superflex. SRI International created inventions such as the first computer mouse, the DaVinci Surgical Robot, SIRI for Apple and hosted one of the first four original network nodes of the internet. Kate was SRI International’s first in-house industrial soft goods research engineer. She has a BS in Industrial Design and brings over a decade of experience as a consultant in the wearables market to SRI’s Robotics Department. Her work spans the intersection of apparel, prosthetics, medical assist devices and robotics. She has previously designed products ranging from endurance athletic apparel to large-scale theatrical costumes. At SRI, her most notable product was the soft biomimetic robotic exosuit developed for the DARPA-funded Warrior Web program. In 2015 she co-founded Superflex with Rich Mahoney, the previous head of the SRI Robotics department. Her work has been on display at the London Design Museum, featured on GE’s Invention Factory by Vice Media, in a TED Talk presented by Hugh Herr and in multiple media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Xconomy, ReCode and the MIT Tech Review.

How has your academic and professional career unfolded since you left Rumsey?

It has been an awesome and long journey. After graduating Rumsey I went to Choate Rosemary Hall, CT and I loved the challenges and opportunities it afforded me. I played field hockey, took advantage of their amazing arts center and lived abroad in Spain for a semester.

At Arizona State University, I gravitated toward Product Design due to my love of problem solving and aptitude for putting myself in other people’s shoes. Experiencing another person’s point of view can be uncomfortable but you end up with a new found respect and insight to design something better.

I loved design school and treated it more like a job than a school. I graduated magna cum laude and was recognized by the IDSA as the Philadelphia representative. I had a few job offers on the East coast but decided to move West to join my brother in San Francisco.

With few design connections on the west coast I got a part time job doing graphic assets for an advertising firm. I did some ads for E! Online, Telemundo, and ABC. All the while, I was searching for a full-time job in wearable/soft goods product design that wasn’t a cell phone cover or a backpack. People thought this speciality was idealistic and crazy! No one had enough work of that type. So I traded in my graphic design job for a part-time job at a theatre sewing and working

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on huge sparkly costumes and giant hats. While moonlighting at the theatre (Beach Blanket Babylon) my sewing skills improved and it afforded me the flexibility to take on every smart apparel/soft goods contract job I could find. During my consulting years I worked on a consumer goods and sports apparel line for Fortune 500 companies and top level design firms coming up with concepts for outlandish projects for the future. I never stopped networking and discussing the potential of wearables. One day I was chatting with a research engineer at SRI International (formerly known as Stanford Research Institute). She told me about this magical place located in Silicon Valley that was the second node on the internet and invented everything from surgical robots to Siri on the iPhone.

At my interview I was myself—quirky, honest, positive and a little blunt. I was different from everyone that worked there but I fit right in. I landed in the Advanced Technology & Systems Division as a Research Engineer in the Robotics and Medical Systems group. I led the soft goods lab within the robotics department at SRI International for 3 years.

I was able to work alongside some of the world’s brightest minds and co-created technologies for the future. I worked on electrically adaptive prosthetic sockets for veterans, motorcycle driving humanoids, personal thermal environments, and the soft biomimetic robotic exosuit developed for the DARPAfunded Warrior Web program. To say the least, working

at SRI was a hoot! My days for the next 4 years consisted of waking up every morning to work on a world-changing, technologically perplexing problem that needed solving.

It was like eating chocolate cake for your brain every day. Then, a year and a half ago, Rich Mahoney (former Director of the Robotics Department at SRI) asked me to spin off and we co-founded Superflex. I had been working on assistive suits for the military for the previous three years and now we were going to bring the tech to the public sector—specifically the aging population experiencing mobility challenges. It was everything I ever wanted - I couldn’t resist. Today Superflex is a year and a half old, and has multiple working prototypes of the product we hope to release to the world. We have a truly unique team of designers, engineers, data analysts and strategists. We are working hard to bring our vision to the public as fast as possible. Fingers crossed, one day soon we will all be wearing our super suits to maintain our lively lifestyles well into the future!

How did your experience at Rumsey impact your current career?

I learned to respect and learn from my teachers but also listen and trust myself and my gut. You need to learn the rules and how to follow them before you can stretch the envelope and break boundaries.

What technology did you use while a student at Rumsey?

Library books, flash cards and the first computers in study hall in 1996.

Tell us about your current projects.

As co-founder and director of design and development at Superflex we are focused on making soft ‘powered clothing’ for people with mobility challenges.

I design and create soft super suits for physical power augmentation. In other words, I am designing powered clothing that helps you move and achieve your physical goals by putting electric muscles in your clothing. We are not making Iron Man suits, more like Spider-Man or Batman’s suit.

What inspired you to go into this field?

First, I was compelled by my love of elaborate costumes and smart utilitarian products, dislike of disposable fashion and my incessant drive to make things work.

Second, it needed to be done. I had the unique skill set and who else was going to do it? Who wouldn’t want to make super suits?!

What’s your favorite app?

Evernote

What advice would you give current students?

Say yes. Try everything. Fail, learn and try again.

Nothing worth doing is easy. You are the tree on the hillside.

RUMSEY QUESTIONNAIRE What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of Rumsey Hall? Hillside, family, leaves, field hockey and breakfast hill What is your happiest memory of your time at Rumsey? So many. Field hockey & softball, getting the winter school dress changed to include pants for the girls in the winter. (I protested in below freezing weather by wearing boys formal school dress- tie, coat, slacks and all). Halloween group costumes!

Who are your Rumsey heroes? All of my teachers, coaches and the Farmens Who would you invite to a Rumsey dinner party? The Farmens, Mr. Spooner, The Hoenigers, Mr. Oberwetter, Mr. Ryan, Mr. Ketchum, my 1997 class, Peggy Hunt, Mr. Przygocki, Miss Lynn, Melinda Cornell ‘86 Moran, Karen Martinelli Saxe, Mr. Krichovitch, Mr. Kehoe and Dorothy Anderson Given the chance to relive your years at Rumsey,

what would you have done differently? Nothing What was your favorite off-campus excursion? Away games, Mohawk and the Hickory Stick Bookshop What was your most treasured possession while at Rumsey? A taxi yellow Sony Sports Walkman and a Led Zeppelin (Black Dog) cassette tape What was your greatest fear as a student when you first began at Rumsey? Being late for morning meeting and reciting my Senior Declamation What schools did you attend after Rumsey? Choate Rosemary Hall, CT, Arizona State University and The University of the Arts, PA What are the qualities you most admire in your Rumsey friends? Kindness, loyalty, honesty, being true to themselves, leadership and humor

Fall/Winter Fall/Winter2016-17 2016-17 25 3

Class Notes

Former Faculty Member John Lintner with students in 1973

1940s

In September 2016, Schuyler Burton ‘40

1960s

H. Douglas Randall III ’62 celebrated 46

was selected to be a part of Honor Flight

years of marriage to his wife, Lorraine, in

San Diego, a non-profit group dedicated

2017. He is the CEO of Randall Family of

to sending veterans from San Diego to

Companies, which makes up 30 real estate

Washington, DC to visit memorials. Schuyler

offices on the coastal region including Randall,

flew to Washington in honor of his three years

Realtors in RI and CT and Page Taft Real

of service as a bomber aircraft technician

Estate in CT. Doug and Lorraine have two

during World War II. He currently resides

sons and three grandchildren with another on

in Vista, CA where he enjoys taking art and

the way and currently live in Westerly, RI.

exercise classes and volunteering at the San Diego Botanic Garden, CA.

Wes Pullen ’62 embarked on a 13,000 mile journey through twenty National Parks during the summer of 2016. Wes recently moved

1950s

Gary Gates Sr. ’51 and his wife, Marilyn,

to Cedar Hill, TX where he resides with his new wife, Thanhmai Le.They were married in November 2016.

currently live in Austin, TX. They plan to relocate to Kansas City, KS where they are building a new home for their retirement.

Ginna Boynton ’55 Fishburne and her husband, Joe, recently relocated from Oakton, VA to Mount Pleasant, SC near Charleston.

They are enjoying the southern climate, their church, friends and visiting their children and grandchildren in the Washington, DC area.

Bryant “Bo” Bozarth ’59 spent two years working at the McMurdo Station, the United States Antarctic Research Center on the United States Navy Seabees Construction Battalion, Antarctica. Bo recalls the Barr Field

1970s

Jeff Beer ’78 is entering his fourteenth year at Montclair Kimberley Academy, NJ where he currently teaches Latin and coaches golf. His daughter, Maggie, attends the school as a 7th grade student.

Stuart Ivimey ’79 left private law practice last spring to take a position as General Counsel at the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services, securing benefits for veterans and their families. He lives in Cohasset, MA with his wife, Christine.

House at Rumsey in the wintertime being colder than Antarctica. He resides in Pinehurst, NC with his wife, Kathryn.

1980s

Matthias Brendler ’82 works as a strategist

and designer for Badadi, a new digital creative agency located in Sao Paulo, Brazil where he currently lives.

ALUMNI REUNION Saturday June 10, 2017

Fall/Winter 2016-17

27

Author Hozefa Haveliwala ’85 recently had his literary work, The Thruway Killers, published and released the summer of 2016. He has been teaching on and off at the University of Albany, NY and the College of Saint Rose, NY for the past several years. He lives in Albany and misses his old classmates whom he hopes to see at Rumsey’s Reunion.

Cliff Hotchkiss ’89 recently moved from his long-time home in Asheville, NC to Philadelphia, PA to be with his daughter, Millie, Gary Gates Sr. ’51 and his granddaughter Ebony on her wedding day in December 2016

who is a freshman at Washington College in Chestertown, MD.

1990s

Geoff Zampiello ’91 is a software engineer and inventor who has received 20 United States patents for his inventions. He works for AT&T and is a member of The Institute of Electrical

and Electronics Engineers. He currently lives in Norwalk, CT with his wife, Amanda, and their three daughters, Sidney, Morgan and Emma.

Tara de Filippo ‘92 graduated from Columbia University, NY with a degree in Art History then attended Parsons School of Design, NY. From there, she pursued a career in fashion and is Wes Pullen ’62 and his wife Thanhmai Le

now a Senior Designer at LF Americas in New York, NY where she resides. She is currently planning her May 2017 wedding.

Bear Witherspoon ‘94 married Dr. Dayna Barnes in May 2016.

After graduating from Westover School, CT Emilia Beskind ’95 traveled the world and found a deep commitment to social and criminal justice issues. She studied at American University, DC, became a Teach for America educator in New Orleans, LA, proceeded to Duke University School of Law, NC and advanced her degree in criminal law as a Prettyman Stiller Teaching Fellow at Georgetown University Law Center, DC. She has also worked as a Public Defender at Orleans Public Defenders in New Orleans, LA and as a Capital Defender at North Carolina Capital Defender representing clients who cannot afford a lawyer when they are charged with a death penalty crime. In

Director of Athletics Jay Przygocki and daughter Ania Przygocki ’00 on campus

28

Rarebits

L to R: Cliff Hotchkiss ’89 and his daughter, Millie, at her graduation from Carolina Day School, NC in May 2016; Charles Porter ‘94 and his wife, Candice, traveled to Bali for their honeymoon; James Ontra ‘81 with his wife, April Darrow ‘85, and sons, Kyle and Dylan; Steve Sebestyen ‘94 with his wife, Aimee, and daughters, Hailey and Paige

January 2017, she began working at the law practice

David Martin ’03 coaches for Full Throttle

of Thomas, Ferguson & Mullins in Durham, NC where

Endurance, an Elite Amateur Triathlon Group out of

she currently resides.

New York, NY, and lives in New Milford, CT. David is a USA Triathlon certified coach, USA cycling coach

Dave Soady ’95 is enjoying a successful culinary

and NASM certified personal trainer/fitness nutrition

career in Buenos Aires, Argentina where he resides

specialist. He is also working as a sales consultant for

with his wife, Cris. Dave is a chef at the renowned

Ingersoll Chevrolet in Pawling, NY.

El Baqueano Restaurant in San Telmo, ranked #13 among Latin America’s Best 50 Restaurants.

Zachary J. Levy ‘04 received his Juris Doctor degree

Previously, Dave gained notoriety serving as

in May 2016 from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of

Executive Chef at the Anselmo Buenos Aires, a

Law in New York, NY. He is now working at the law

boutique hotel at Plaza Dorrego.

office of Riemer & Braunstein in Manhattan.

Andrew Chesser ’98 is the General Manager for the

Tyler Barhydt ’05 is an active duty naval officer on

Quad Cities River Bandits Minor League Baseball

his second tour living in Washington, DC. He was

Team in Davenport, IA. This upcoming season will be

a guest at the wedding of his classmate Brianna

his 14th in Minor League Baseball. Prior to working

Carusillo ‘05 Theriault this past summer. “Go Blue

with the River Bandits, Andrew spent eight seasons

Dogs!”

with the Lynchburg Hillcats in Lynchburg, VA and was promoted to General Manager of the River Bandits in 2013. He currently resides in Davenport, IA.

During a winter 2017 visit to campus Dylan

Crittenden ‘05 shared plans to relocate from San Francisco, CA to Scotland with his cousin, Tobias.

Together they purchased Botel Castle, which is being

2000s After graduation from Franklin and Marshall, PA in

renovated into a bed & breakfast.

Sang Won Koo ’06 serves as the President of the

2008, Benjamin Levy ’01 earned his MS and PhD

Rumsey Hall Korean Alumni Association. He will

in Mathematics from the University of Tennessee

be attending Georgetown University Law Center

in Knoxville. He currently teaches Mathematics at

Washington, DC this fall.

Fitchburg State University, MA. Tom Topalian ’02 is an ICU Nurse at Bridgeport

Nick Cornell ’08 is a Portfolio Assistant at Silvercrest Asset Management in New York City.

Hospital, CT and currently lives in Shelton, CT.

Fall/Winter 2016-17

29

L to R: Judy Chi ‘02 with Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ‘81 during her visit to campus in March 2017; Evan Lipset ‘16 with Jay Przygocki on campus in April 2017; The first gathering of the Korean Alumni Association in Seoul, August 2016; Chef Dave Soady ‘95; Board Chair Jon Neuhaus ‘87, Headmaster Emeritus Tom and Ashley Farmen P ‘97, ‘99, Sarah Neuhaus ‘90 and Jason ‘89 and Shelly Plaut at Lambeau Field at a Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants game.

Michael Waller ’08 is completing his final semester as a

Jin Pyo Rha ’09 hosted Rumsey Hall’s first Korean

Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for the University of

Alumni Association Reunion in August 2016 where 26

New Mexico working with the football team and indoor

alumni gathered in Seoul, Korea. He is a sophomore at

track. He will graduate in May 2017 with a Master’s

Northwestern University, IL, majoring in economics and

Degree in Physical Education with a concentration in

computer science with a minor in business.

Sport Administration. Michael will be joining the Rumsey Faculty starting in the 2017-18 School year.

Stacie DeGrazia ’09 graduated from Assumption College, MA in May 2016 with a BA in Human Services and Psychology. She is currently working with The

2010s

During his junior year ar St. Michael’s College, VT, Peter Linn ’10 studied abroad in Limerick, Ireland during the

Spectrum for Living as a Behavioral Specialist in an Adult

spring 2016 semester. Peter returned to Rumsey to work

Training Center in Ringwood, NJ.

as a Summer Session intern in June and hopes to use

Ben Johnson ’09 graduated from the University of

graduates in May 2017.

his experience to pursue a career in education after he Vermont in May 2016 with a BS in Environmental Studies from the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural

Shannon Bailey ’12 was granted Dean’s List recognition

Resources with a concentration in food, land and

during her fall 2016 semester at Wagner College, NY.

community. He is currently working at Vermont Tortilla

She was elected president of Wagner’s student-run

Company in Shelburne, VT. The company produces

musical theater organization.

artisanal tortillas with locally sourced, 100% organic, non-GMO corn.

Ji Won Kim ’09 recently graduated from New York

After graduating from Taft School, CT in May 2016, Chandler Houldin ’13 enrolled at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. He was recently elected President of the

University and is currently working at the Seoul National

Class of 2020.

University School of Dentistry in Oral Histology and

Developmental Biology Lab.

Mac Rotan ’12 graduated from The Phelps School, PA in May 2016 and is currently studying at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

30

Rarebits

L to R: Top: Colin ‘18, Shealyn ‘16, Quinn ‘20 and Jack ‘13 Kennedy; Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ‘81 with Bear Witherspoon ‘94 and Max Niels ‘10 at the San Francisco Reception in February 2017; Jamison ‘07 and Jackson ‘10 Etting with their older brother, Jefferson, and parents, Jeff and Rae Bottom: Former Assistant Director of Admission Betsy and Mark Johnson with sons, Ben ‘09, Clark ‘06 and Sam ‘15; Former Headmaster Lou Magnoli P ‘71, ‘72, ‘77, GP ‘01, ‘02, ‘07 and Susan Magnoli ‘74 Thompson with Matt Hoeniger ‘81 during a campus visit; Russell and Helen Pyne with their children, Tucker, Stuyvie ‘04, Nick and Eliza in Tahoe, NV.

Nick Behney ’13 is a freshman at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina in Charleston, SC where he enjoys the military aspect of school as well as the camaraderie The Citadel encourages.

Jack Kolpak ’13 began his first year at Gettysburg College, PA and enjoys playing on the undergraduate club ice hockey team.

Owen Reighard ’13 will be attending North Greenville University in Tigerville, SC in the fall 2017 where he will join the lacrosse team.

After graduating from The Hotchkiss School, CT this May, Jack Eichen ’14 will row crew for the United States Naval Academy, MD as a member of the Class of 2021.

Alex Kagan ’14 will attend Furman University, SC in the fall after graduating from Westover School, CT in May 2017.

Mason von Jess ’16 is currently playing on the Varsity Hockey Team at The Hotchkiss School, CT and often returns to Rumsey Hall to support his younger brother, Sawyer ’19 who plays on Rumsey’s Varsity Hockey team.

L to R: Nick ‘13, Kirsten ‘15 and Korinn Behney at The Citadel in Charleston, SC; Mac Rotan ‘12 at The Phelps School, PA; Charlie Ryan ‘12 with Tom and Ashley Farmen at University of California, Berkeley; Trevor Davis ‘16 and younger brother Parker Davis ‘19 in Lufkin Rink after Rumsey Hall’s first place victory in the 2017 Pavek Cup; Jordan Leventhal ‘05 with Chane ‘05 and Courtney ‘06 Keller in Orlando, FL; Steve Rowe ‘09 visits with Matt Hoeniger ‘81 and Director of Development Carol Maxwell P ‘07, ‘09, ‘15, 17 in Los Angeles, CA in February 2017.

Fall/Winter 2016-17

31

L to R: First Row: Former Staff Member Jordan Leventhal ‘05 with Livvy Risner ‘06 at Orlando Studios Resort, FL; Matt Baldwin ‘15 and Tom Farmen in Boston, MA; Michael Fulling ‘16, Grant Kneisel ‘16 and Patrick Fulling ‘16 with Assistant Dean of Students Phil Perreault P ‘24 at a Rumsey Hall vs.

Berkshire basketball game; Chandler Houldin ‘13 and Gillian O’Connor ‘13 visit at Marty’s Cafe in Washington Depot, CT; Second Row: Maggie Ryan ‘16 and Bella DeLuca ‘15 after a Choate vs. Hotchkiss ice hockey game in February 2017; Mason von Jess ‘16 and brother Sawyer von Jess ‘19 in Lufkin Rink at Pavek Cup Tournament in February 2017; Mimi Dattilo ‘15 and Riley Burns ‘15 with Staff Member George Rogg and Assistant Director of Athletics Ted Moore P ‘17 on a campus visit in October 2016; Third Row: Gustavo Jaen-Sandoval ‘83 recently participated in a 38K Ultratrail Race in Mifafi-Sierra de La Culata National Park located in Venezuela´s Andes Mountain Range; Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ‘81 with David Martin ‘03, Andrew Katzenberg ‘09, Weston Hatfield ‘03, Jessica Sherrod ‘05, Emily Ewing ‘08, Austin Farmer ‘99 and Nick Cornell ‘08 at the New York City Reception in November 2016; Fourth Row: Caroline Ricke ‘13 with her sister, Isabelle; Faculty Members Robert Mandl P ‘07, ‘11, ‘15 and Sean Kinsella P ‘22, ‘23, ‘26 with Sam Mandl ‘07 in Washington, DC, March 2017; Matt Hoeniger ‘81 with Richard Morgan ‘58 during a winter 2017 campus visit; Debbie Prieger ‘80 and Christina Hemming ‘79 met by chance at a restaurant in New Canaan, CT in March 2017.

32

Rarebits

1

2

3

4

5

1. Former and current faculty members celebrated the wedding of Upper School science teacher Craig Naclerio ‘05 and IIndForm teacher Jaymie McCanna along with Rumsey alumni Bryan Platt ‘10, Mark Naclerio ‘07, Eric Naclerio ‘07, Adam Platt ‘07 and Marston Garceau ‘07 at the Bristol Yacht Club in Bristol, RI in August 2016. 2. Trustee Loren Kagan ‘01 and wife Nicole Russo at their wedding in September 2016 3. Brianna Carusillo ‘05 married Joe Theriault in September 2016. 4. Jeff Goldberg ’94 married Karen Blum in July 2016 in Baltimore, MD. They now live in Washington, DC. 5. Joseph Kim ’06 married Jae Won Lee at the Namsan Banyan Tree Hotel in Seoul, Korea in October 2016.

L to R: First Row: Vikram Kumar ‘00 and wife Pooja welcomed daughter Céline in March 2017; Perry Kleeman ‘02 Hardy and husband, Jake, celebrated the birth of their daughter, Harriet Middleton Hardy, in March 2017; Charlie ’99 and Lindsay Kleeman had their third child, Fyfe Margaret, in September 2016; Emma Zampiello, daughter of Geoff ’91 and Amanda Zampiello, was born in December 2016; Second Row: George, son of Jarrel ’97 and Lauren Price, joined big brother Winston in September 2016; Christopher ’94 and Stephanie Rehnberg celebrated the birth of their daughter, Mary Lynn, in July 2016; Amanda, daughter of Chris ’95 and Maggie Essex, was born in October 2016.

Fall/Winter 2016-17

33

IN MEMORIAM DALE MITCHELL ’72 1957 - 2015

Above: Richard as a Ist Form student in 1953 and with his hand carved bird collection on display in the Dorothy Rochon Anderson Memorial Building, March 2017

KARL REED ’78 1963 - 2017

Richard Morgan ’58 A beautiful collection of hand carved, wooden birds by artist Richard Morgan ’58 line the stairwell

DOUGLAS KENLEY ‘90

in the newly constructed Dorothy Rochon Anderson

1974 - 2009

Memorial Building. Morgan originally created this special collection of decoy birds to be displayed in the entry way of the former Main Office nearly 40 years ago. This special gift was dedicated to the School by

JESSIE MAYER ‘95

the Class of 1980.

1980 - 2016

Richard’s career as a bird carver began in 1978. His most notable inspiration came from Eric Sloane, a local artist who specialized in paintings of early American barns. Eric and Richard met at the University of

COLIN ROCHESTER ’98

Hartford, CT where Richard would critique Eric’s art-

1983 - 2016

work. Eric asked Richard to make twelve yellow-legged wooden birds as confidence decoys for a natural scene he was creating. Richard was in the antique restoration business at the time and began carving birds on the

JUNG-MIN LEE ’00

side. Having never considered folk art as a career, he

1985 - 2016

soon realized that there was a niche he could tap into.

In 1978, a friend from Woodbury Pewter asked if Richard could bring eight of his birds to the Atlantic City Trade Show, NJ and as Richard recalled, “The rest

EVGENIA “JAMIE” GAGARIN ’54 PUJOL

was history.” He began receiving a flood of orders for

1940 - 2017

his birds, and has been making them ever since.

PHILIP E. BRIAN ‘61 1946 - 2010

In 1949 Richard entered Rumsey as a Pre-Prime day student from New Preston, CT and later boarded as a Ist Form student until 1953. He continues to master his craft out of his studio The Painted Bird in Warren, CT.

34

Rarebits

BARRY PATTERSON ’66 1951 - 2016 EDWARD C. BRAND JR. ‘72 1957 - 2002

1

2

4

3

5

ALUMNI GAMES 2017

7

9

10

6

8

11

1. Alumni and current students who participated in the High School Boys’ Hockey game 2. Post-College/Mens’ Hockey players 3. Girls’ Hockey players Alana Lopez ‘12, Maggie Ryan ‘16, Casey Chizmazia ‘16 and Stacie DeGrazia ‘09 4. Casey Chizmazia ‘16 blocks a shot on goal from Maggie Ryan ‘16. 5. Mike Parent ‘04 in the Post-College/Mens’ Hockey game 6. Christopher Henn ‘15 plays in the High School Boys’ Hockey game. 7. Men’s Basketball players 8. Alumnae Volleyball players with Former Faculty Member Rick Spooner P ‘88, ‘90, 94, GP ‘23 who returned to coach the games with Ali Spooner ‘90 Linley P ‘23 9. Delando Clarke ’14 shoots a jump shot in the Boys’ Basketball game. 10. Young Alums Brunch at Farmen Hall

Fall/Winter 2016-17

35

Remembering a Rumsey Icon

Photo by Allan Karan ’55 taken in the Gate House in 1952

Dorothy Rochon Anderson On Alumni Day June 10, 2017 the Rumsey Hall

remained an active consultant, most notably penning a

community will celebrate the life and legacy of Dorothy

detailed history of Rumsey’s early Cornwall days onward

Rochon Anderson at a special dedication of the new

that is referenced to this day. Three of Dorothy’s children,

administration building named in her honor. A true

daughters Diann ’82, Erin ’82 and Kelly ’86 attended

Rumsey Icon, Dorothy’s remarkable service spanned 45

Rumsey and stepson, Reif Anderson served as a Faculty

years, through the leadership of five Heads of School. Dorothy passed away peacefully in Litchfield, CT in December 2016.

In 1949, shortly after graduating

Member from 1976-1978.

“She was a no-nonsense, but caring and wise presence in our lives.”.

high school Dorothy was hired by

On Alumni Day in June 2016 it was with delighted surprise that Dorothy would learn that the soon to be constructed building, located on the site of the previous Main Office, would stand as a lasting tribute to her

John Schereschewsky Sr. as Secretary. She served as

life of service to Rumsey. A permanent plaque naming the

dorm parent to the Prime to II Form boys residing in

many alumni, trustees and former faculty who made gifts

Sanford House. Throughout the years her hard work

to the School in her honor will be installed in the entryway

and ingenuity vaulted her to the position of Business

of the building during the summer of 2017. The Dorothy

Manager. With a steady hand and generosity of spirit

Rochon Anderson Memorial Building serves as a hub of

she was instrumental in helping navigate the school

daily activity for students and faculty and an Admission

through the decades, managing the School’s finances in

welcome center for visiting families considering Rumsey

a key supporting role to the Board of Trustees as forty

as their new School home. The building also houses

years of the School’s history unfolded. A Rumsey Medal

the Headmaster’s office, Secondary School Placement,

of Honoree, Dorothy will always be remembered for her

Development, Communications and Alumni.

nd

selfless dedication. After her retirement in 1994 Dorothy 36

1931-2016

Rarebits

Former Staff Member Sheila Anson and Executive Assistant Julie Fredlund with Dorothy in 1984 Dorothy in 1987 watching a Varsity Football game

Dorothy was not a glass of milk. She was more like a rum punch with subtle, overlapping flavors and spices, garnished with fruit, maybe a tiny umbrella on the side and colorful sipping straws.

—Former Headmaster Tom Farmen

Dorothy throws the ceremonial first pitch for the Varsity Baseball team in 1994

Dorothy is the reason I am at Rumsey. The memories of her that stand out in my mind most were the occasions when several of us from the office (Former Staff Members Rosemary Brown, Sheila Anson and Janet Rogers, to name a few) were fortunate enough to share a meal with her and Madame Algrant at one of their homes where we laughed plenty, ate well and reminisced for hours. Dorothy was a strong and devoted business woman with a caring heart, a lot of energy and a sincere desire to help others. She is indeed leaving her mark in our little corner of the world.

—Executive Assistant Julie Fredlund

If you think of Rumsey Hall School as the body of a community, Dorothy was the heart. Her commitment and compassion for the school inspired others to look at the job not as work but as a service. I was fortunate to be part of the staff alongside her, and also to be her friend. We were focused during the office hours but then we also got to have fun after! A visit with Dorothy always meant you had to hang on to your glass when the great danes entered the room. She was a great business manager and a great teacher. There will only ever be one Dorothy. ­

—Former Staff Member Sheila Anson Dorothy with students in the Main Office

Fall/Winter 2016-17

37

“One Halloween night my classmate, Wes Pullen, and I slipped off campus and went trick-or-treating down Romford Road. Later (with a few candy bars more to our credit than we’d left with), we thought we had managed to sneak back on campus without anyone knowing. Rumor had it, however, that Miss Rochon knew about our escapade. She kept our secret all year long. We never heard another word about it and graduated safely in June 1962. Whew!”

—Roger Cawley ’62

“

Whenever faced with a seemingly impossible task, Dorothy would be the one to get it done. She did everything. Many times I sought her out for counsel. We would sit down together to discuss the School’s finances, but Dorothy would be the one to present and explain the complex parts to the Board of Trustees. She was the brain trust when I was Headmaster.

—Former Headmaster Lou Magnoli

“I came to Rumsey in 1959 as a 9-year-old Ist Former.

My first dorm was Sanford House. I was about as home sick as one could be. Dorothy Rochon was my dorm mother and she was both very kind and very wise: for that I will never forget her.”

— Edward Donner ’65

”

“I was a boarding student in the Sanford House, before and after the fire. Dot Rochon was a friend of my parents in those years. She was a no-nonsense but caring and wise presence in our lives. Because she had a relationship with my parents, I got away with nothing. She never needed to raise her voice. One was not afraid of her but she commanded respect.

Even though she did not teach, she had her table in the D.G. Barr Dining Hall, always there for breakfast and dinner, never for lunch.”

—Peter “Murray” Hart ’62

In 2004 Dorothy speaks to a Monday Activity group that is researching the history of the Rumsey campus, Washington Depot, CT and the Bantam River Valley.

A Special dedication of the Dorothy Rochon Anderson Memorial Building will be held on Alumni Day, June 10, 2017.

38

Rarebits

“

Dorothy was such a good soul. In VIth or VIIth Form, she took me and a bunch of other Rumsey students to serve a meal and repaint some walls at one of the shelters where she volunteered. She did not try to lecture us or even tell us why we were there – in her own quiet way, she just let us figure it out for ourselves. It made such an impression on me that service to others, after undoubtedly long exhausting days dealing with all of us at Rumsey, was just another part of who she was and it was something that she did without any fanfare. Service is now routinely a part of many schools’ curriculum, but back in the 70s, I believe that she was unique in bringing us together in this very meaningful way.

—Hudson Fuller ’81

”

Dorothy’s dog Dorcas

“When I arrived at Rumsey in 1953, I

was 11 years old, Dorothy Rochon was 21 or 22, and her beloved dog, Dorcas, was just a puppy. It was a simpler time at Rumsey…We have all seen those movies where the CEO looks like he is running the company but really, behind the scenes, the secretary is getting it all done. It felt like that with Dorothy. She always knew everything...It doesn’t surprise me that Dorothy became the School historian. So much of it she either created herself or she was right there watching it happen.

Dorothy Rochon was the steady backbone of Rumsey.”

—Alan White ’56

Top to Bottom: Headmaster Matt ’81 and Amy Hoeniger, Executive Assistant Julie Fredlund with Dorothy and her son Former Faculty Member Reif with the rendering of the new building; Dorothy on a campus visit during construction, Fall 2016

Please join the many alumni, past parents, former trustees and former faculty who have made gifts honoring Dorothy Rochon Anderson and her impact on the School. Gifts will be recognized on a special plaque displayed in the foyer of the new building. Contact Director of Development Carol Maxwell at 860.868.0535 or cmaxwell@rumseyhall.org, prior to June 30, 2017 to be a part of this special tribute. Thank you.

Fall/Winter 2016-17

39

THE CITIZEN AND THE WORLD Rumsey Creates Better Citizens Within

L to R: Students at the Bryan Memorial Town Hall, Washington CT; “Blue Dog Mock Election” November, 2016; Students at the 44th New York Infantry Monument in Gettysburg, PA

As we navigate through the changing global world of the 21st century, we have an obligation to teach students how to become active citizens and what their rights and responsibilities are as vital members of both small and large communities, cities, states, countries and the world. During this past Fall Term a new course was introduced to Rumsey’s Upper School curriculum, The Citizen and the World, to help raise awareness about the importance of citizenship. The class, developed for VIIth Form students, examines the constitutional framework of the United States, American economic and foreign policy and the history of civil rights. Students learn to think critically about the role of the individual citizen within these contexts by reflecting on lessons learned from the past while considering the significance of taking active roles in shaping the outcomes of current events.

Civic engagement begins at home— its meaning better understood if it is experienced first hand. During the presidential election season, students studied the Electoral College, the science of polling and the democratic process. The class visited the Town Hall in Washington, CT to learn about the voting process and how democracy works at the civic level, inspiring the students to organize their own “Blue Dog Mock Election” on Election Day, November 8th. Students played the roles of pollsters and the press,

40

Rarebits

encouraging all in the community to cast their ballots. The following day the results were shared at Morning Meeting.

The Winter Term began with a study of the concept of individual liberties and the role the Bill of Rights plays in protecting them. Students examined and discussed current events relevant to this topic and were encouraged to consider opposing arguments and develop their own individual positions. The class examined the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws in the United States. The meaning of the Thirteenth Amendment was discussed and students learned about the convict leasing and peonage systems that took shape after the Civil War. The class then read Steve Sheinkin’s work of historical nonfiction, The Port Chicago 50, a book describing segregation in the military during WWII. The Winter Term concluded with an examination of the Civil Rights movement in the fifties and sixties with discussions focused on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the centrality of African American voting rights to the movement.

To extend the learning experience beyond the classroom, a four-day trip during Spring Recess was organized for students to Washington, DC to visit sites of national importance. In addition to seeing the original US Constitution displayed at the National Archives, an awe-inspiring tour of the US Capitol brought the group to the heart of

government to observe lawmakers in action. Students explored the new National Museum of African American History & Culture and viewed a special exhibit on Civil Rights telling the story of the struggle for racial justice through historic newspapers and magazines at The Newseum, a museum dedicated to the education of first Amendment freedoms.

A final stop at Gettysburg National Military Park, PA brought students to the battlefield that defined the outcome of the Civil War.

Students sit at the Lincoln Memorial, looking across the National Mall at the Washington Monument

Through analyzing developing events in the world and drawing parallels with historical events, students learn how to become change agents in a dynamic and increasingly connected global village.

This Spring Term will cover topics about US Foreign Policy and individual rights around the world as well as introducing the topic of today’s refugee crisis.

Fall Parents' Weekend Brings Community Together— $435,900 Raised The 32nd running of Rumsey Hall’s Annual Benefit on Friday, October 7 brought together nearly 250 guests to celebrate this long-standing fall community event. The success of the gala is a tribute to the tireless work and creativity of Rumsey Circle Parent volunteers who helped transform the John F. Schereschewsky Sr. Memorial Tennis Courts into a French bistro. Trustees, alumni, current and past parents, grandparents, and faculty lifted paddles and spirits high, lending the right magic to raise $435,900. The 32 Live Auction items, presented with contagious enthusiasm by Auctioneer Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ’81, included vacations in Casa De Campo, Dominican Republic and Sun Valley, Idaho, tickets to the opening night of La Traviata at The Met Opera, a special edition Vespa, and perennial favorites such as “Dress Down and Sleep In for A Week,” “Sleepover in the Gym” and a “A Year in Photos.” A special note of appreciation is extended to Auction Chair Trustee Monica Vogelstein P ’14, ‘19 for her hands-on leadership throughout the months of planning. The proceeds of the event directly benefit enhancements to student programs.

Top to Bottom: Emma Risley and Former Faculty Member Scott Schereschewsky ‘73, P ‘20 ‘23; Heads and Tails Game; Rumsey Circle President Jessica and Michael Dell’Aera P ‘23, ‘25 with Truman ‘89 and Scarlett Brooks P ‘22, ‘24; Former

Trustee Lynette Cornell P ‘72, ‘74, ‘84, ’86 GP, ‘06, ‘08, ‘11, ‘17, Board Chair Jon Neuhaus ‘87, Former Faculty Member Melinda Cornell ‘86 Moran P ‘17 and Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ‘81

SANFORD HOUSE

STUDY HALL Where our Community First Connects, Setting the Tone for the Day Ahead

A

n anchor at the heart of the Rumsey community, Sanford House contributes

to shaping lifelong memories for the many who pass through its doors. From a dormitory for boys, a home for faculty members, locker room for girls, to a library, classrooms, school store, computer lab and study hall, Sanford House has been the setting for some of Rumsey’s most cherished traditions since 1949.

The first building to be named after a female and Rumsey’s founder, Lillias Rumsey Sanford, it is a place where the values and mission of the School are cultivated.

Right: Sanford House Study Hall winter 2017 Inset: Sanford House in the 1950s before the fire

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Former Headmaster D.G. Barr proctoring study hall in the early 1950s

Morning Meeting is more than declaring that we are

Each morning at 8:00, the low rays of the sun reveal elongated silhouettes of eager students bustling about

one unit in spirit, additionally we are declaring our very

Upper School Street, backpacks and sporting gear quickly

important mission, not only to the country but also to

stockpile outside the Sanford House, and students and

all of us who make up Rumsey Hall and its wonderful

faculty coalesce for one of Rumsey’s most significant

inheritance and values,” says Waldo Salazar ’53.

traditions: Morning Meeting. This daily ritual establishes

Morning Meeting provides a platform for students to hone their public speakings skills. They present the

a sense of community and connection, preserving the deep sense of camaraderie and

“In 1954 we actually had fountain School spirit that Lillias Rumsey pens, with ink. I read about a boy Sanford once envisioned over who dipped a little girl’s pigtails in ink, and thought it would be a 100 years ago. It is a time when boarding and day students integrate neat trick. Jane Gray ’54 Parker, a classmate who had pigtails, sat right to start the day, establishing a in front of me in study hall, so one feeling of togetherness as a unified day I borrowed a little glass from the student body. dining hall to make an inkwell. When she leaned back I dipped one of her Some consider Morning braids in the ink. I was disciplined, Meeting to be the most significant given demerits and dropped from a twenty minutes of the day. This school holiday trip to ski at Mohawk. time represents a prime example Jane went home, came back the next of what Rumsey Hall aims to day with a lovely shorter haircut, achieve: educating the whole child. and grinned when she heard of my punishments.”

Students enjoy a few moments to

gather their thoughts—the reading

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—Steven Foote ’54

Daily News by sharing current events and updates, ranging from politics to professional sports, and at times with a touch of humor. The Captains’ Reports, written entirely by the students, announce team scores with the community and allow other members of their team to join in and highlight memorable moments from the game and acknowledge players who performed exceptionally well. While the Daily News and Captains’ Reports are traditional components of Morning Meeting, the information shared is always new to the community. Furthermore, Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ’81 reads the Effort and Dean’s Lists every Tuesday, a

of the traditional Psalm 23 and the Lord’s Prayer, the

heritage rooted in Rumsey’s values and mission as set

Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence all provide

by Former Headmasters David Griffin Barr and John

a predictable, steady routine. “Reciting the Pledge at

Schereschewsky Sr. These long-lived traditions that occur

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daily provide students with stability; they know exactly what to expect, thus gaining confidence as they set their day in motion.

In the early days, faculty members who proctored study hall were referred to as “Masters,” and would sit at a desk on the elevated stage enabling them to better command the entire room. “In the front of the study hall was an elevated platform where upon sat the Master in charge, looking like a God overseeing us all behind his large desk,” describes John McDonald ’59.

Former Headmaster David Griffin Barr could be found proctoring evening study hall at five o’clock, five days a week, throughout his 42 year tenure at Rumsey. Waldo Salazar ’53 remembers, “Study hall was always very important and more so when we had that most incredible person, Mr. Barr, heading it. Any doubt we had in our minds about a particular subject was explained to us so interestingly and vividly by him, and in the end when he saw we realized we should have known all along, he would write down on paper: OIC (oh, I see). School spirit was ever present in our classmates and in others, and more importantly was the wonderful spirit of our leaders.”

“Every Sunday boarders would return to campus in time for evening study hall, wherein each boarder was required to write a letter home.

Letters were reviewed for structure by faculty in the adjoining faculty room to be sure they had at least the requisite three paragraphs with three sentences in each,” Recalls Betsy Foote ’61 Pope.

Until the Maxwell A. Sarofim ’05 Performing Arts Center was built, the Sanford House Study Hall was the location for school plays and musical performances as well as the Talent Show, Airband and dances. As a component to the traditional color rivalry, even some Reds versus Blues games were held in the space. At one time, study hall was

Top to Bottom: Sanford House Study Hall in the early 1950s before the fire; Sanford House Study Hall late 1950s after the fire; Sanford House 1966

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Left to Right: Sanford House during the fire in 1955 with the Washington, CT Volunteer Fire Department; Ist Former Peter “Murray” Hart ’62 and VIth Former Sexton Sutherland ’56 find their desks in a pile of furniture after the fire.

transformed into a wrestling arena where large mats

homes, the boys living in the dormitory were dispersed

from the Big Top gym were transported down the hill

to various dorms, Main House and the infirmary, and

and set up for the students to challenge one another

study hall was relocated to the Schereschewsky’s dining

in a friendly battle. School dances and color games are

room. Richard Bennett ’58 remembers, “A group of

still held in study hall today.

maintenance men and instructors from The Gunn

A senior prank or two has been successfully

School, where I lived at the time with my parents,

executed in study hall. A group of students once drove

delivered a large truck with bed frames and mattresses

Athletic Director Jay Przygocki’s blue Volkswagen

to Rumsey so the faculty and students displaced by the

bug through the study hall

fire had something to sleep on that

doors to block the doorway

night. A few months later, I became

to the faculty lounge. To this

a student at Rumsey Hall and

day, the culprits are still at

ultimately got to enjoy the benefits

large. A more recent prank

of the new Sanford House with

occured when seniors hid

sparkling new classrooms, study hall

alarm clocks above the ceiling

and student and faculty housing. It is

tiles set to ring, to everyone’s

hard to imagine that the then brand

bewilderment, every few

new building is now 60 years old.”

Before the fire, Sanford House

minutes during Morning Meeting.

On December 7, 1955,

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Dean of Students Clayton Ketchum at the podium in study hall during Bizarre and Extreme Day in 2013

contained a study hall, library, classrooms and dorms for forty-

Sanford House was consumed by a fire so massive that

eight boys and was home to Rumsey’s Business

it the destroyed the building beyond repair, and very

Manager, Dorothy Rochon Anderson. She wrote in

few items were salvaged. It took place while everyone

the History of Rumsey, “I remember vividly rushing

was at lunch, and no one was harmed. The Washington

into my first-floor apart­ment and wasting time trying

Fire Department arrived on campus in time to save

to decide what I would rescue. The end result was

the classrooms, which were only twelve feet from the

my pocketbook, a rocking chair and several books.

Sanford House. The local community and Red Cross

As I think back now some 40 plus years later, I do

provided clothing for students and faculty affected

not remember it as a traumatic incident but as an

by the fire. Faculty members were placed in nearby

opportunity for Rumsey to push on and do what was

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Headmasters Lou Magnoli (L) in 1979 and John F. Schereschewsky Sr. (R) in the 1960s leading Morning Meeting in Sanford House Study Hall

“Highlights in Sanford House Study Hall were the moments when Mr. Sherry himself would appear at the Morning Meeting and announce a surprise vacation day. I don’t recall if we threw our books in the air, but there was certainly tumultuous glee. Mr. Sherry, generally regarded as fairly stern, would express joviality, too.”

—Betsy Foote ’61 Pope

best for the students and faculty.” Former Headmaster Lou Magnoli also lived in Sanford House, and both he and Dorothy were dorm parents to Pre-Primes through IInd Form boys living in the dorm.

Cornwall, CT architect Edward Foote P ’54, ’61 designed the blueprints for the new building and Sanford House was quickly erected in 1956, and dedicated and occupied by April 1957. The new building was designed with non-supporting interior partitions so the inner configuration could be rearranged to accommodate different uses of the space as the school continued to grow.

The building has since been reconfigured several times, dramatically changing the interior. Today, it consists of study hall, the Dane W. Dicke Family Library, Weston Pullen ’62 Computer Lab, Language Skills, Lower School classrooms and a faculty apartment. The study hall and library are the only features of the building that remain from the original plan when the School moved in 1949.

A steadfast abode enduring the many transformations over the years, Sanford House stands as one of the cornerstones of the Rumsey community and the traditions that take place within its walls continue to nurture the values and mission of the School.

Top to Bottom: Students perform in the Talent Show in 1999; Paula Guerrero ’17 recites her Declamation in Morning Meeting fall 2016; Peter Silvester ’17 participates in a color games challenge in Morning Meeting, December 2016.

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RUMSEY ON THE ROAD NEW YORK CITY RECEPTION, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

SAN FRANCISCO, CA RECEPTION FEBRUARY 22, 2017

SEOUL, KOREA RECEPTION, NOVEMBER 14, 2016

LOS ANGELES, CA RECEPTION FEBRUARY 23, 2017

MEXICO CITY RECEPTION, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

2 Rarebits 48 Rarebits

GOING BEYOND THE LECTURE The Harkness Model Develops Ist Form Students’ Discussion Skills Throughout the year, Ist Form students can be found sitting in a conference style circle, deeply engaged, participating in lively discussions as they conduct student-led classes using the Harkness Discussion Model as their guide. The Harkness Discussion Model, developed at Phillips Exeter Academy, NH in 1930 and widely implemented in high schools and colleges around the world, has become a common style of learning in Rumsey’s Ist Form classroom. Students are face-to-face with one another, rather than sitting in rows looking at the backs of other students and the teacher standing in front of the class. The teacher sits to the side, though may periodically join in the discussion to help direct it or make comments when the discussion is complete. Ist Formers become confident and independent learners who involve themselves deeply in the material they are uncovering in class through collaboration. It enhances their communication and critical thinking skills, as well as helps them to learn more effectively.

At various times during the week, students enthusiastically gather and embrace active roles in their learning. As they work to prepare their discussions, Ist Form teacher Mrs. Saxe supports them in their reading, helps them compose discussion points and answers any questions that “It helps us understand what we are learning with more detail.”

—Caroline Schlumberger ’23

arise. Once the discussion begins, students choose various roles such as organizer, leader, summarizer, evidence detective, questioner, debater and analyzer so that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the conversation.

As Mrs. Saxe says, “It’s about collaboration, and every voice is equally important. Students develop the courage to take risks, assert themselves and speak up and the ones who are naturally more dominant, learn the compassion to listen and respond thoughtfully to their peers.”

The Ist Form classroom is buzzing with excitement during Harkness discussions and using this strategy has helped create a stimulating learning environment that encourages students to dig deeper into what they are reading while taking charge of their own learning.

“We are in control during Harkness and the teacher doesn’t have to tell us what to do. Instead the leader directs the class into the discussion.”

“I like the way we all communicate with each other and make eye contact, and that we are in charge of each other.”

—Shea Mulhern ’23

—Liam Schereschewsky ’23

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STUDENT ART

VIIth Form Metalworking Class & Upper School Art on Display in the Allen Finkelson Gallery

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1. John Gleason ’17 2. Hunter Kolpak ’17 3. Pia Garcia ’17 4. Gordon Lee ’17 5. Grace LaVigne ’17 6. Paula Guerrero ’17 7. Jack LaCasse ’17 8. Paula Guerrero ’17 9. Terrell Jarvis ’17 10. Abby Fort ’17 11. Colby Moran ’17 12. Carlos Meyer ’17 13. Michael Burrell ’18 14. Richard Shure ’19 15. Daniel Wang ’17 16. Kyra Rook ’20 17. Marissa Fadely ’19 18. Lauren Brooks ’18 19. ICreate Class Collaboration 20. VIIth Form Ceramics Class Collaboration

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Rumsey Hall Earns Highest Acclaim from Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) Rumsey Hall has been recently recognized by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) for earning its full and unconditional reaccreditation. The School first gained CAIS accreditation status in 1967. Every decade since, Rumsey undergoes the rigorous and in-depth evaluation needed to ensure the School maintains accountability in upholding its mission and meeting standards of best practice. This important assessment also serves as the basis for crafting a comprehensive vision for Rumsey's future.

The reaccreditation process involves the expertise of many, requiring an introspective self-study addressing all facets of School life, followed by a close on-campus observation by a Visiting Committee—a team of esteemed peer educators and administrators from other member schools. The Visiting Committee's summary showed a keen understanding of the strength of Rumsey's culture and community by

endorsing the School's administration and faculty for fully embracing and living the School's mission in a highly visible, committed manner. This is reflected in the positive character and camaraderie of our students, the nurturing climate of our programs and vibrant and supportive residential life.

Our Board of Trustees was commended for its steadfast leadership and guidance through a smooth Headmaster transition and further for the strength of its partnership with administrators in establishing clear priorities for ongoing enhancements to our programs and facilities. The resulting transformation of Rumsey Hall's campus and the steady growth of the endowment, realized through generous gifts from our trustees, families and alumni, far surpass the recommendations made by the last CAIS Visiting Committee in 2006.

It was also noted that the School maintains the strong financial position of balancing its budget through tuition

and carries no debt.

The CAIS identified recommendations closely aligned with our own action plans and priorities for the next ten years; among them, a more structured professional development program for our teachers, a systematic evaluation process for faculty, staff and administrators, and the continued advancement of our health and wellness initiatives.

These benchmarks, along with the results from our recent Faculty/Staff/ Trustee Strategic Planning Retreat in June 2016, will build upon our strong foundation and chart a clear path for Rumsey's advancement in the years to come.

Full accreditation is the highest form of praise offered by CAIS and their strongest expression of approval—an affirmation of the value of the Rumsey experience for our students and families.

UPCOMING EVENTS GREENWICH RECEPTION

Rumsey Hall scHool

HOSTED BY ROGER & MARIE KIMMEL P ‘17

Thursday, May 18th

An Independent, Coed, Junior Boarding (5-9) and Day (K-9) School

summeR session

TRACK AND FIELD DAY Saturday, May 27th 117TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER: DR. ERIC GENDEN ’80

A Balanced Five-Week Academic, Recreational & Enrichment Program For Boarding (Grades 5 - 9) and Day (Grades 3-9) Students

• Academic Enrichment • Language Skills

Saturday, June 3rd

• English as a Second

ALUMNI REUNION

• SSAT Review

DOROTHY ROCHON ANDERSON MEMORIAL BUILDING DEDICATION

Saturday, June 10th

Language

• Daily Recreational Activities • Field Trips & Cultural Experiences

33RD ANNUAL BENEFIT AUCTION STUDIO 201: FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER

Friday, October 13th

FALL PARENTS’ DAY Saturday, October 14th

Get a head start. Make it a Rumsey Summer!

147-ACRE BANTAM RIVER VALLEY CAMPUS IN NORTHWEST CT 201 Romford Road, Washington, CT 06794 860.868.0535 | admiss@rumseyhall.org | rumseyhall.org

Rumsey Hall School 201 Romford Road Washington, CT 06794 Parents of Alumni: If this publication is addressed to your child and they no longer maintain this address, please send updated information to ekalis@rumseyhall.org 860.868.0535 Thank you!

ALUMNI REUNION Saturday, June 10, 2017

THE MORE THINGS

CHANGE

THE MORE THEY STAY THE

SAME

> Dorothy Rochon Anderson Memorial Building Dedication: 1:30pm > Reds vs. Blues Softball Game with Umpire Lou Magnoli P ’71, ’72, ’77, GP ’01, ’02, ’07: 3:30pm > Brick Oven Pizza Truck & Dinner: 5:30pm