SPA Magazine Spring 2013

THE MAGAZINE

OF

ST. PAUL ACADEMY

AND

SUMMIT SCHOOL

SPRING | SUMMER 2013

A PLACE AT THE TABLE: THE ACCOUNTABLE CLASSROOM AT SPA In this issue: The Classroom as Career: Alumni/ae in Education Honoring David ’35 and Perrin Brown Lilly ’41 | Reunion 2013: September 6-7

Features 1 12

Letter from the Head On the cover A Place at the Table: The Accountable Classroom at SPA The “Accountable Classroom” is the hallmark of the SPA experience— an intellectual culture defined by personal responsibility. We take an in-depth look at how the Accountable Classroom defines teaching and learning at SPA.

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The Classroom as Career A conversation with four SPA alumni/ae—Tom Doar ’69, Sera Markoff ’89, Rick Magnuson ’90, and Matt Kramer ’94—who have forged their careers in education.

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A Lifelong Commitment to Education: David and Perrin Lilly SPA honors David ’35 and Perrin Brown Lilly ’41 for their lifelong commitment to education and to St. Paul Academy and Summit School.

Departments 2

Through the Doors

28

Philanthropy

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Spartan Sports

30

Class Notes

Alumni/ae News

38

In Memoriam

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THE MAGAZINE OF ST. PAUL ACADEMY AND S UMMIT S CHOOL SPRING/SUMMER 2013 SPA Magazine is published twice annually by St. Paul Academy and Summit School for alumni/ae, parents, and friends of the school.

We welcome your comments and thoughts. Please contact us at spamag@spa.edu with suggestions for stories, news, and photos, or write us at SPA Magazine, 1712 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55105.

Head of School Bryn S. Roberts Editor Ami Berger

On the cover: Upper School English teacher Emily Meisler (top right) leads her tenth-grade American Literature class. Read more about Meisler and SPA’s “Accountable Classroom” philosophy on page 12. Photo by Greg Helgeson.

Contributing Writers Jenni Beadle, Ami Berger, Laura Billings Coleman, Dorothy Goldie ’73, Sarah Johnson, Laura Kaliebe, Erin Peterson, Peter Sawkins ’81

2012-13 Board of Trustees

Principal Photographer Scott Streble

Officers Charlotte Shepard Johnson ’64, President Scot W. Malloy, Secretary Tim O’Brien ’77, Treasurer

Members William M. Beadie ’58 Elizabeth Driscoll Hlavka Anne Larsen Hooley Ruth Seely Huss ’57 Frederick C. Kaemmer ’88 David W. Kansas ’85 Sarah S. Karon Allan Klein ’64 Dr. Anders M. Knutzen Bruce A. Lilly ’70 Ranlet Miner, Jr. Paul S. Moe Ann Ruhr Pifer ’83 Dr. Brian C. Rosenberg Gail A. Ward Timothy A. Welsh Shannon McNeely Whitaker ’78 Philip W. White ’81

Read SPA Magazine online at www.spa.edu > About SPA > News and Media

Contributing Photographers Ricardo Barros, Ami Berger, Linda Brooks, Barbara Buenz, Chris Causey, Michel Colson, Michael Goss, Greg Helgeson, Laurence Kesterson, Aditi Kulkarni ’13, Dan Marshall, Stacy Overgaard, John Severson, Jason Smith Design and Layout Kimberlea Weeks Sexton Printing

St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105 651-696-1366 (phone) 651-696-1380 (fax) info@spa.edu www.spa.edu

Letter from the Head

“...the Accountable Classroom is a dynamic and innovative approach to teaching that creates an environment in which children of all ages learn that they have a responsibility to engage and contribute in partnership with Scott Streble

their teachers and classmates.”

A

A highlight of the academic year is the school’s Cum Laude induction, which honors those members of the senior class whose strong academic record and citizenship have recommended them for membership in the Cum Laude honor society. The banquet held in honor of this year’s nineteen Cum Laude inductees was, as it always is, both impressive and bittersweet; the room is suffused with the barely-concealed tears of impossibly proud parents combined with a sense of awe at the achievements of each student.

Cum Laude induction is predicated in part on grade point average. What struck me most during this year’s ceremony, however, were the ways in which each student reflected elements of the second requirement: strong citizenship. Listening to Upper School principal Chris Hughes describe each of the inductees reminded me of what “citizenship” at SPA means: a deep and profound individual responsibility for contributing to the intellectual growth of the entire community. In every case, we heard phrases like “this student’s thinking helped to move our class discussions in interesting directions”; “she is genuine, kind, and always working to support her fellow students”; “one of my best-prepared students, but always encouraging others to share their ideas.”

It is this notion of responsibility to the larger community that defines these students’ success, along with their stellar GPAs and the impressive array of their college choices.

It is also a fundamental piece of “the Accountable Classroom,” a guiding principle which informs teaching and learning at SPA and is also the focus of this issue of SPA Magazine.

Taken out of context, the phrase “Accountable Classroom” can sound dry and academic.

But as you’ll read in our cover story starting on page 12, the Accountable Classroom is a dynamic and innovative approach to teaching that creates an environment in which children of all ages learn that they have a responsibility to engage and contribute in partnership with their teachers and classmates. In vibrant exchanges and conversations, students learn to respect the ideas and opinions of others even as they begin to recognize their own talents and cultivate their own strengths and perspectives. These are lofty expectations, but as you will read in the cover story, our students and teachers rise to the occasion beautifully.

I wish you a wonderful summer, and I hope that when school begins again in the fall you will find an opportunity to come back to SPA and see the Accountable Classroom in action.

Best,

Bryn S. Roberts Head of School

Spring | Summer 2013 | SPA

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Through the Doors

SPA Math Team is state champion Courtesy Minnesota High School Math League

SPA bids farewell to retiring faculty In June 2013, SPA said goodbye to four long-time teachers will retired at the end of the 2012-13 school year.

Fifth-grade teacher Tom Lundholm joined the SPA faculty in 1969. During his time at SPA, Lundholm taught grades 4, 5, and 6, and coached both Lower and Upper School students in football, basketball, and softball. Known as “Lundy” to SPA students, he joined the SPA faculty after earning his B.A. from Amherst College. A creative teacher with a flair for humor and wordplay, Lundy is also known for his love of photography; there are few SPA events that do not involve Lundy with his camera. He hopes to continue working part-time and plans to continue taking photos at SPA for some sporting events.

Kindergarten teacher Jayne Nelson joined the SPA faculty in 1996. A passionate reader, she is known for motivating her students to love reading and books. She started the Halloween tradition of engaging senior students to carve pumpkins with kindergarteners. She joined the SPA faculty after earning a B.A. in sociology from Colorado College. She plans to travel to England, Scotland and Ireland and take road trips to Colorado, North Carolina, and Maine, spend time with her grandchildren, and play golf with her husband.

Kindergarten teacher Jane Zeddies ’61 joined the SPA faculty in 1981, but was not a newcomer to the school: she attended the Summit School as an Upper School student. She holds a B.S. in art education and an M.A. in art education and humanities from the University of Minnesota, as well as a degree in early childhood education. She plans to spend time with her grandchildren, who are 4 and 3; join high school classmates from Summit and SPA for lunch and weekly walks; and work in her garden.

Sixth-grade math and science teacher George Hower began substitute teaching in the Lower School during the 1998-99 academic year, joining the faculty the following year. During his time at SPA, he also taught grades 4 and 5, served as a sponsor of the Middle School student council, and coached Middle School volleyball. He is known for sharing his love of earth science, life science, and physical science with his students. He joined the SPA faculty after earning a B.S. in elementary education from Huntington University; he also completed master’s coursework in elementary education and early childhood education at Ball State University and Southwest Texas State University. He plans to do some remodeling work on his house; revisit old haunts in Colorado, where he and his wife used to live; and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

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SPA | Spring | Summer 2013

Left to right: Eliot Tong, Math team coach Bill Boulger, Neerja Thakkar, Vittorio Orlandi, Jeremy Tong, Sandhya Ramachandran, Lucy Li, Henry Swanson, and Sam Wood.

For the sixth time in the last decade, SPA’s math team captured the Minnesota State High School Mathematics League’s state title.

The team earned the title by placing first in its tier at this year’s State Tournament, held March 11, 2013. The team was led by Henry Swanson ’13 and Sam Wood ’13, both of whom participated in the invitational event for the highest-scoring students in the state during the regular season. The strong team also included Jeremy Tong ’13, Lucy Li ’14, Vittorio Orlandi ’14, Eliot Tong ’15, Sandhya Ramachandran ’15, and Neerja Thakkar ’15.

The State tournament consisted of four different individual events and a team event. Each of the eight students on the team competed in two of the four different events, including trigonometry, geometry, and algebra. The individual scores of the eight students were added together with the score on the team event to obtain the final team score for the tournament.

According to Upper School mathematics teacher and team coach Bill Boulger, the team competition was the decisive event throughout the team’s season. “This team had confidence in their ability to outscore other teams because of their ability to work cooperatively and effectively on the team event,” Boulger says.

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Dan Marshall

Ami Berger

New Middle School diversity program partners with poets and Penumbra

The Middle School implemented new diversity programming for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in 2012-13. The programming formalized the conversations surrounding diversity that had already been a part of the Middle School curriculum, engaging students in conversations and activities designed to broaden their understanding of different racial and religious groups.

Through activities in advisory and the classroom, specific grade-level programming, and assemblies, students worked to examine language used to describe differences. Sixth-grade students worked with Hmong poet May LeeYang in a unit focused on “Telling Our Stories in Our Own Words.” Through poetry, students explored personal stories about their own identities, family, and history in their Language Arts and Social Studies classes. Lee-Yang’s residency was part of a collaboration with COMPAS, a statewide, nonprofit arts organization, that brings professional artists to schools to work with students.

The seventh grade worked with the educational staff at Penumbra Theatre, participating in a week-long immersion program to explore identity, authenticity, and inclusivity. The week included theater games, facilitated dialogue, and group performances, which were documented by photographer Dan Marshall (see photo above). “Students spent the week having difficult but important conversations about social justice issues,” said Andy Hueller, Middle School English and history/social studies teacher, who describes the experience as “paradigm-altering” for many of the students.

The eighth grade worked with CLIMB Theatre Co., a nonprofit that creates and performs educational and inspirational plays, classes, and other creative works around a topic. With the Martin Luther King, Jr. assembly as a starting point, a special schedule day continued the conversation about religious and racial differences and identity formation. The goal was to teach students how to ask questions that deepen their understanding of others and to speak up when someone says something that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Clara Stahlmann Roeder ’13 wins citywide sustainability award Clara Stahlmann Roeder ’13 was the recipient of a 2013 “Sustainable Saint Paul Award” in Youth Leadership from the City of Saint Paul for her commitment to environmental stewardship. Clara is active in numerous environmental causes, most notably her work as the Saint Paul Como Zoo’s 2011-12 Polar Bears International Leadership Camp representative and Arctic Ambassador. She was selected by the Como Zoo in the fall of 2011 from a pool of student candidates, and traveled to Churchill, Manitoba that October.

Since then, she has served as the Zoo’s Arctic Ambassador, educating the community about polar bears and the steps needed to preserve their habitat.

The Sustainable St. Paul Awards honor outstanding achievements of individuals, businesses, and organizations that are demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship throughout St. Paul and beyond. Clara received her award a reception hosted by St. Paul mayor Chris Coleman in April 2013; she will attend the University of Chicago in the fall of 2013.

The concluding event of the year’s programming was a May assembly for the entire Middle School featuring Penumbra staff, focused on language and the use of humor around difference. Diversity Dean Karen Dye reports that student reaction to the year’s work was very positive: “My observation was that the kids really enjoyed engaging with what are difficult issues even for many adults,” Dye says.

Spring | Summer 2013 | SPA

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Through the Doors

SPA’s production of The Yellow Wallpaper triumphs at State One-Act competition

Ami Berger

John Severson

Middle School celebrates Pi Day

Cam Murray ’13 (left) and Sophia Myers-Kelley ’13 in The Yellow Wallpaper.

The Middle School’s annual Pi Day celebration, held on March 14, featured a special assembly with a pi-digit memorization contest, in which students recited as many digits of pi as they could.

This year’s winner was Emilia Hoppe ’18 (pictured above), who topped the competition by reciting 403 digits of pi.

Rounding out the top five finishers were Shefali Bijwadia ’17 (332 digits); Amodhya Samarakoon ’17 (260 digits); Imran Umer ’19 (168 digits); and Isabelle Bukovsan ’17 (150 digits). Zach Pressman ’09 holds the school record for reciting 1,004 digits of pi in 2005.

After a stunning performance at the Minnesota State High School League One-Act Festival on Friday, February 8, SPA’s production of The Yellow Wallpaper received a “Starred Performance”—the highest honor a show can achieve. The production, one of only three to earn “Starred Performance” status at the Festival, was described by the judges as “mature, nuanced and evocative.”

The cast and crew of The Yellow Wallpaper included seniors Claire Flom-Staab, Sophia Myers-Kelley, Cam Murray, Chinaza Nwaneri, Rachel Ketz, Ellie Fuelling, Ian Rolf and Clara Stahlmann Roeder; juniors Emily Ross and Charlotte Hughes; sophomore Maggie Clark, and 9th graders Maggie Vlietstra and Anna Biggs.

The show was directed by Upper School English teacher Eric Severson.

The show advanced to the state competition after winning two preliminary rounds, a unanimous first-place finish at the sub-sectional competition and another first-place finish at the Class 4A section competition. “From director on down, it’s plain that everyone has made an excellent commitment to this production,” noted one of the sectional judges.

Middle School Math Team takes first place in Southeast Metro Division

Modeled after the Minnesota State High School Mathematics League, the Junior High Mathematics League serves to encourage students to participate in math competitions, meet “mathletes” from other schools, and provide recognition for students excelling in mathematics. Most importantly, says coach and Middle School math teacher Jenny Borovsky, is that the students really enjoy competing. “The kids have a lot of fun preparing for and participating in the competitions,” says Borovsky, “especially the team event. They really enjoy each other and the work.”

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SPA | Spring | Summer 2013

Stacy Overgaard

SPA’s Middle School Math Team took first place in the Southeast Metro Division of the Junior High Mathematics League in January 2013. Team members included Ellie Brass ’17, Michael Hall ’18, Diane Huang ’17, Ben Konstan ’18, Michaela Polley ’19, Elliot Tong ’17, and Henry Zietlow ’18. In addition, team members took the first through fourth places in the individual awards for the division: Konstan (first place), Huang (second place), Polley (third place) and Tong (fourth place).

The first-place Middle School Math Team, left to right: Diane Huang, Ben Konstan, Elliot Tong, Michaela Polley, Ellie Brass, Henry Zietlow, and Michael Hall.

Lower School students explore science at annual Discovery Fair and Imagination Station events Scott Streble

This year’s Lower School Discovery Fair (for grades K-2) and Imagination Station (for grades 3-5) showcased dozens of student-created inventions and science projects. The Discovery Fair is designed for younger students to explore an aspect of science about which they are curious; Imagination Station then builds on that curiosity, allowing students to create and exhibit an original research project, experiment, or invention. Both events held Parent Nights at which hundreds of parents and friends toured the exhibits.

According to Akbar Muhammad, Lower School science teacher and Discovery Fair coordinator, the event is an important step in teaching SPA’s youngest students to think like scientists. “The students realize that real science is something that anyone of any age can do,” says Muhammad.

Science and math teacher Andy Power, who coordinates the Imagination Station event, agrees. “These are wonderful opportunities for students to really dig into an area of science that interests them, and then share what they know with their friends and family,” Power says.

Fred Kaemmer ’88 and daughter Gracie ’21 at Imagination Station.

ALUMNI/AE: Come Back To SPA… and Bring Your Kids!

Please join us for one of our 2013-14 admission events.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Lower School (Grades K-5) Admission Open House Goodrich Campus, 9-11 a.m.

Sunday, November 17, 2013 Lower School (Grades K-5) Admission Open House Goodrich Campus, 1-3 p.m.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014 Lower School (Grades K-5) Admission Information Evening Goodrich Campus, 6:30-8 p.m.

Thursday, October 24, 2013 Middle & Upper School (Grades 6-12) Admission Open House Randolph Campus, 9-11 a.m.

Sunday, November 17, 2013 Middle & Upper School (Grades 6-12) Admission Open House Randolph Campus, 3-5 p.m.

Thursday, January 16, 2014 Middle & Upper School (Grades 6-12) Admission Open House Randolph Campus, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Spring | Summer 2013 | SPA

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Through the Doors

Thirteen SPA student artists earn city, state, and national art awards

Brower, who will attend New York University in fall 2013, was also one of 13 SPA students recognized by the 201213 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards (MSAA). MSAA awards are jointly sponsored by the Art Educators of Minnesota and the College of Visual Arts; the 13 winners were selected out of 1,900 individual and 165 portfolio entries submitted by high school students across Minnesota. There are three levels to the awards: Gold Key (words of highest distinction); Silver Key (works of high distinction); and Honorable Mentions (deserving of merit). This year’s MSAA winners from SPA were Claire Anderson ’13 (Silver Key, Honorable Mention, Portfolio Honorable Mention); William Brower ’13 (Gold Key, Silver Key, Honorable Mention); Katya Deve ’13 (Honorable Mention); Maddie Graham ’13 (Honorable

William Brower

SPA student artists were honored this year in multiple city, state, and national awards programs. William Brower ’13 earned a National Scholastic Art Silver Medal in March 2013, a national award through the Scholastic Art Awards program.

More than 90,000 teens in grades seven through 12 from around the nation annually submit more than 185,000 works of art and writing in 28 categories, according to Scholastic.

Brower’s winning piece (excerpt shown at right) was a diptyich of photographs entitled Adam Sleeping.

Mention); Laura Goetz ’13 (Portfolio Silver Key, Silver Key); Ria Guest ’14 (Honorable Mention); Ann Hill ’14 (Honorable Mention); Zoe Matticks ’14 (Honorable Mention); Ian Rolf ’13 (Honorable Mention); Liz Rossman ’13 (Gold Keys [2], Silver Key, Honorable Mention); Asher Szachowicz ’13 (Honorable Mention); Jessica Wen ’14 (Gold Keys [5], Silver Key, Honorable Mention [2]); Alicia Zhang ’14, Silver Key, Honorable Mentions [2]).

Aditi Kulkarni ’13 named Minnesota Journalist of the Year

by Journalism Education Association Scott Streble

The Journalism Education Association, the nation’s largest scholastic journalism organization for educators, has selected Aditi Kulkarni ’13, editor-in-chief of The Rubicon, as the Minnesota Journalist of the Year.

Kulkarni is the sole winner from Minnesota, selected from among nominated student journalists from throughout the state. Candidates for the award are nominated by an adviser and must submit a portfolio of journalistic work that highlights their writing, design, photography, videography, and multimedia skills. Kulkarni and Rubicon advisor Kathryn Campbell were notified of Kulkarni’s win on March 28, 2013.

Campbell, who nominated Kulkarni for the award, notes her Editor-in-Chief’s talents as both a journalist and a leader.

“She endeavors to learn everything she can about reporting, ethics, design, and leadership, and facilitates a culture of curiosity and mentorship,” says Campbell. “She models her passions for the Rubicon staff and invites them to settle for nothing less in their own work.”

Kulkarni joined The Rubicon her sophomore year as a staff writer and was named Sports Editor the following year.

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SPA | Spring | Summer 2013

She was named Editor-in-Chief in the spring of 2012. In addition to the Minnesota Journalist of the Year award, she has won numerous state and national awards for her writing and photography, including second place for newspaper sports photo in the 2012 Minnesota High School Press Association Gold Medallion Awards.

She will attend Swarthmore College in fall 2013.

Naturalization ceremony hosted by 8th grade Barbara Buenz

SPA sweeps top two spots at state debate tournament

Left to right: Jeron Mariani, Mason Mohring, Hagop Toghramadjian, and Sam Wood.

St. Paul Academy and Summit School’s debate team had an historic 1-2 finish at the 2013 State Debate Tournament held at the University of Minnesota on January 18 and 19, 2013. Two SPA teams squared off against each other in the Public Forum finals, with the team of Hagop Toghramadjian ’13 and Sam Wood ’13 taking first place and the team of Jeron Mariani ’13 and Mason Mohring ’14 taking second place.

This is the first year the Minnesota State High School League tournament has included a Public Forum category.

Toghramadjian and Wood emerged as state champions after two days of debate that began with 112 students from 34 schools. In a separate qualifying tournament, Toghramadjian and Wood were undefeated in qualifying for the national debate tournament to be held June 17-22 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Ibad Jafri ’13 and sophomore Thomas Toghramadjian ’15 also qualified for the national tournament.

“I am so proud of them,” said debate coach Tom Fones. “They worked hard, debated at a high level, and had fun. As a coach you couldn’t ask for more.”

Twenty-five new Americans were sworn in as citizens during the naturalization ceremony hosted

by SPA’s eighth graders in December 2012. This is the third year in a row that the eighth grade has planned and hosted the ceremony as part of their Social Studies unit on immigration in Minnesota.

The ceremony was the subject of an article in the Pioneer Press which quoted Middle School principal Jill Romans: “Planning and experiencing the ceremony gives the students a broader appreciation for diversity in the community and the Twin Cities,” Romans says in the article.

Sam Wood ’13 wins regional award for scholarly writing Sam Wood ’13 was selected as the District 7 winner of the 2012 Cum Laude Society Paper Award. The award, for superior scholarship and original thought, is given to one scholarly paper nominated for the award by the 43 Cum Laude Society member schools in District 7, which includes schools in Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin. Sam’s winning U.S. History research paper, “Death of Two Democracies: American Intervention in Chile during the Cold War,” is a study of America’s involvement in the 1973 coup against the democratically-elected Chilean president Salvador Allende. Wood will attend Stanford University in fall 2013.

Grandparents and Special Persons Day a huge success on both campuses More than 290 people visited the Lower and Middle schools for two Grandparent and Special Person days in November 2012. The two events—one for kindergarten through fifth grade on November 20 and one for 6th grade on November 16—drew grandparents and special guests from across the country. “Grandparents are connected to their grandchildren’s lives now more than ever,” says Sarah Johnson, Senior Development Officer, who helped coordinate the event.

“We wanted to give them the opportunity to see, experience, and connect in a place students spend so much of their time.”

to visit William ’19 and Katherine Welsh ’22. “The time in the classrooms is what we enjoy most, and we always like to meet the kids’ friends and classmates.”

The day also gave guests a chance to meet the faculty and staff they frequently hear about from their grandchildren. “It has also been a pleasure to get to know the Head of School and the other personnel who seem so committed to the learning and welfare of all the children. We have great respect for the teachers and wish that every child around the country could have this high-quality education,” Purta says.

“We haven’t missed a Grandparents’ Day yet,” says Judith Purta, who traveled from Maryland with her husband, Paul, Spring | Summer 2013 | SPA

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Spartan Sports

2013 Winter Season Wrap-Up Girls’ Alpine Skiing

The boys’ alpine team had a strong season which included a ninth place out of 22 teams at the Buck Hill Invitational as well as a second place finish in the Tri-Metro Conference meet just behind the state boys team champions Blake School. In the conference meet freshman Peter Baker finished fifth, junior Jonathan Sogin sixth, sophomore Kevin Patterson tenth; all three received All-Conference recognition. Junior Chris Gast and sophomore Eli Zelle received Honorable Mention All-Conference recognition.

The girls finished fouth in the conference with eighth grader Katherine Brunell placing 13th in the conference and earning All-Conference recognition. Sophomore Julia Hansen and her sister eighth grader Lauren Hansen both took home All Conference Honorable Mentions.

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Photos 1-4 courtesy IBID yearbook

SPA | Spring | Summer 2013

The dance team was a small and committed group of dancers. Under new coach Jamie Woods the team performed very well in all their competitions, taking second place at the Lakeville South Invitational as well as the Mounds View competition—a great accomplishment for such a small team against much larger teams. At the conference competition the team took third place, and Cynthia Zheng was named All-Conference Honorable Mention.

Boys’ Basketball The boys’ basketball team finished the season with a record of 9-19. The team benefitted from the strong leadership of seniors Josh Gray, Jeron Mariani, Sid Dicke, Steven Olson and Spencer Egly, but a rash of injuries challenged the team all season. The team continued to battle against strong TriMetro Conference competition with 5 of their losses by 4 or less points. Freshman Dalante Peyton led all scorers with over 300 points followed by junior Harrison Egly and brother senior Spencer Egly. Senior Sid Dicke led all rebounders with 125. All-Conference honors were given to senior Spencer Egly; All-Conference Honorable

Girls’ Basketball The girls’ basketball team finished with a record of 5-18. It was a challenging season for the young team but they battled every game and saw lots of improvement as the season went on.

Seniors Maddie Hanson and Lauren Ademite lead the team in scoring followed by

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1 | Maddie Hanson ’13 takes the ball up the court for the girls’ hoops team.

2 | Jeron Mariani ’13 grabs a pass.

3 | The dance team performs. 4 | Marie Siliciano ’13 and fencing coach Zach Moss discuss strategy. 5 | Ben Morris ’14 takes control of the puck during a game against rival Blake.

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Dance

All-Conference Honorable Mention went to senior captains Lauren Ademite and Maddie Hanson.

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3

Mentions went to Harrison Egly and Dalante Peyton.

junior Jonte Claiborne and sophomores Katie Ademite and Alexis Irish. Ademite and Irish also led the team in rebounds.

Fencing

Chris Causey

Boys’ Alpine Skiing

Both the boys’ and girls’ fencing teams had exceptional seasons. The boys finished with a record of 9-3, and the girls finished with a record of 9-4. Both teams capped off their strong seasons with championship showings at the State Fencing Tournament, held February 23-24. Highlights for the men’s team included winning the overall team State Championship and the Championship Titles in epee and saber disciplines.

The foil team placed a close second. Senior Francesco Di Caprio also was crowned individual state champion in epee and finished with a season record of 23-2.

The women’s team came in third overall in state but snared a championship title for the epee team, led by senior Marie Siliciano, who

Boys’ Hockey Under first-year coach Bill Owens, the boys’ hockey team had a stellar season, finishing with an overall record of 17-9—nine more victories than last year. They were second in the conference with a 7-3 record including two victories over Blake for the first time in decades.

With six of their nine losses by one goal, the team was in every game. The Spartans finished second in the TriMetro Conference, earned the no. 4 seed in the section and were often mentioned as a team just outside the top 20 Class A rankings.

Junior Drew Blackmun lead all scorers with 52 points in 23 goals and 29 assists.

Freshman Jared Mickelson had 44 points (16g, 28a), finishing in the top 5 of all freshman scorers in the state. Junior Jake Westfield had 38 points (16g, 22a), senior Peter Wood had 37 points (19g, 18a) and freshman Justin Jallen chipped in 26 points (16g, 10a). AllConference recognition went to senior Peter Wood, juniors Drew Blackmun and Jake Westfield. All-Conference Honorable Mentions honors went to senior Cam Causey, senior Karl Hommeyer, sophomore Tyler Seplak and freshman Jared Mickelson.

Girls’ Hockey The SPA/Visitation United Hockey team battled its way to a 14-11-1 record and third place in the TriMetro Conference. United secured the no. 2 seed in the section and eventually lost in overtime in the section semifinals. It was a young team with only three seniors, including senior captain Nina Perrkio.

Junior Alev Baysoy led the team in points with 32.

Major contributions were made by freshmen Andrea Olson, Ella Hommeyer and Catherine Johnson, as well as eighth grader Claire Tipler. Sophomore Shelia Sullivan and freshman Bridget Hoffmann also made valuable contributions. Alev Baysoy was named All-State and AllConference and freshman Ella Hommeyer and Andrea Olson were named All-Conference Honorable Mentions.

Girls’ Nordic Skiing The girls’ Nordic ski team was crowned Tri-Metro Conference Champion in 2013. Lead

by Senior Captains Ellen Swenson and Lily RogersGrant, the girls’ team found themselves in second place, 6 points behind MPA, after the 5K classic race. In an exciting 5K freestyle pursuit race, the SPA girls’ team pulled ahead of MPA by 5 points to win the Tri-Metro Conference title.

Among the top performers were sophomore Ellen McCarthy and senior Lily Rogers-Grant, both of whom were named All-Conference.

Strong performances also came from seniors Ellen

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Photos courtesy IBID yearbook

took second place overall in women’s epee. The women’s saber team placed third overall. Marie also won first place at the Midwest High School Open Tournament and had an overall season record of 25-2.

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1 | Alev Baysoy ’14 skates up the ice for the girls’ United hockey team.

2 | Mike Destache ’15 led the boys’ Nordic skiing team. 3 | Karsten Runquist ’16 swims to the finish in the 100 fly.

Swenson Ariana Amini, Melanie Luikart, and junior Sela Patterson, who all earned All-Conference Honorable Mentions recognition. Ellen McCarthy also qualified for the state meet with a strong finish in the sectional meet. The girls received a Silver MSHSL Academic Award with a team GPA of 3.76.

Boys’ Nordic Skiing Sophomore Captain Mike Destache, the only returning US skier for the boys’ team, scored in the top 6 of almost all the races, and was also part of one of the best stories all winter. Mike raced all four legs of the 4 man 4x3K ABC relay races—after his first two classic relay legs, Mike made a fast ski change (with the help of Coach Mickey Scott) to race the last two freestyle legs—tagging off to himself each time, racing 12 kilometers with no rest, Mike placed 13th among 31 four-man teams. Mike finished

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sixth at the conference meet earning him All-Conference honors.

Congratulations to all the Nordic skier on a wonderful season!

Boys’ Swimming and Diving The boys finished with a 3-2 dual meet record with wins over Johnson, Humboldt and Harding, and a firstplace finish at the end-ofseason conference meet.

Strong individual conference performances came from freshman Jack Lose, who took 2.5 seconds off of his 200 IM time to place fourth and placed eighth in the 100 back.

Freshman Karsten Runquist placed fifth in the 100 fly after taking first in JV diving.

Karsten also qualified for sectional consolation finals in the 100 fly and was named All Conference.

Spring | Summer 2013 | SPA

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Spartan Sports

Spartan Faces in the Crowd Peter Baker ’16: Alpine Skiing

Baker finished in the top 10 at nearly every alpine meet, placing second, third, and sixth at his best three meets of the season. At the Tri-Metro Conference meet, he finished fifth, helping to boost the team to second place.

At the Section 4 meet, Baker just missed a chance to compete at state. He was named All-Conference.

Jonte Claiborne ’14: Basketball A starter on the team, Claiborne played a big role in the team’s success, averaging 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal each game.

In her best game against Mounds Park Academy, a season highlight for the team, she had 21 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal, scoring 7 points in less than two minutes during the game.

Jared Mickelson ’16: Hockey Second on the team in scoring with 16 goals and 28 assists for 44 points, Mickelson helped the team finish with an overall record of 17-9, taking second in the Tri-Metro Conference, a no. 4 seed in the section, and two victories over rival Blake. He finished in the top five of all freshman scorers in the state and received an All-Conference Honorable Mention.

Marie Siliciano ’13: Fencing A captain and one of SPA’s standout fencers, Siliciano placed second at state in women’s epee, helping the team land a championship title for the epee team and third place overall.

She was on the first team for All-State, won the Midwest High School Open in Indiana in a field of 56 competitors from the Midwest, and had an overall season record of 25-2.

Girls’ Nordic team takes Tri-Metro Conference Championship After a strong season, SPA’s girls’ Nordic ski team won the 2013 Tri-Metro Conference Championship. The team skied to a first-place finish in the conference championship meet on January 29, 2013.

Led by captains Lily Rogers-Grant ’13 and Ellen Swenson ’13, the team found itself in second place—6 points behind Mounds Park Academy—after the 5K classic race.

In the exciting 5K freestyle pursuit race, the team pulled ahead of Mounds Park Academy by 5 points to win the title.

Among the top performers in the conference meet were Ellen McCarthy ’15 and Rogers-Grant, both of who were named All-Conference. Also skiing well were Swenson, Ariana Amini ’13, Melanie Luikart ’13, and Sela Patterson ’14, who all earned All-Conference Honorable Mentions.

McCarthy went on to compete in the state meet on February 14, 2013, where she placed 59th in the girls’ pursuit. Swenson received SPA’s Athena Award, which is given to the most outstanding female athlete in the senior class. With a team GPA of 3.76, the girls’ team also received a silver Minnesota State High School League Academic Award.

Coach Mickey Scott says the team’s success is a “testament to skiers who work hard and compete with big schools.”

Without divisions or classes in Nordic skiing, SPA competes with schools of all sizes. Scott also credits the support system of parents and the greater Nordic skiing community beyond SPA for helping the team become conference champions.

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After 20 years of coaching, Scott is “bursting with pride” over the team’s accomplishments. Moments like winning the conference championship “continue to be just as exciting as ever,” she says.

Aditi Kulkarni ’13

Bill Owens: Coaching boys’ hockey, teaching life lessons Bill Owens, St. Paul Academy and Summit School’s boys’ varsity hockey coach, has coached high school hockey for 15 years. In that time he has frequently adapted his coaching style to the environment. But the most important thing he has learned in his decade-and-a-half of coaching? “The most important thing you can do as a coach is develop a relationship with your players,” Owens says.

Photo courtesy SPA Athletics

That’s one of the things that attracted Owens, who has been playing hockey since the age of 5, to coaching: “I think it was just the experience of developing relationships, hard work, discipline, and teaching life lessons through different avenues.”

Owens came to SPA this season from St. Thomas Academy, where he served as an assistant coach for the boys’ varsity hockey team and head coach of the junior varsity team for the past eight years. He also served as an assistant coach for SPA’s varsity team during the 199899 season.

Owens is working to help SPA achieve its goal of building a top-tier hockey program: “We want to make it into one of the more successful Class A programs in the state,” he says.

So far, he is off to a strong start (see page 9 for details of the team’s season). “A lot of our success this year goes to the players who come every day, work hard, and have developed into a great team,” he says. He also credits SPA’s supportive parents: “They are very helpful in creating an environment where we can be successful.”

After arriving at SPA, Owens says he was “somewhat surprised by the tremendous work ethics of the students— their ability to balance academics with extracurricular activities through time management and hard work.”

As a coach, Owen does a balancing act of his own. While describing himself as a “demanding” coach who likes students to be disciplined, he also strives to create an environment where athletes can have freedom and fun.

Before games, he gives motivational talks that are often injected with humor, helping players loosen up and prepare to play hard.

Owens’ goal for his team is ensuring “we are playing our best hockey.” Likewise, he hopes to help athletes excel not only on the ice, but also in the classroom.

“We have a group of young men who have really bought into what we are trying to accomplish,” he says. “They have worked hard, developed into better players—and hopefully better people.”

Left to right: Emerson, Harrisen, and Spencer Egly.

Basketball runs in the family: the Egly brothers This past season, the boys’ basketball team included a family: brothers Spencer Egly ’13, Harrisen Egly ’14, and Emerson Egly ’17. Despite the age difference between the brothers, all three were part of SPA’s varsity hoops team—even eighth grader Emerson, who moved up from the C team to JV and played varsity minutes as well.

The three brothers first got involved with basketball through their parents. “My parents wanted us to be involved and be active, and they could tell that we were active kids, and since then, we’ve kind of always been a little sporty family,” says Spencer, who cites playing with his brothers as one of the highlights of his senior-year season. “I never thought I would have the possibility of playing with Emerson because he’s so much younger than I am, so it’s really nice,” he says.

Harrisen agrees, citing his brothers’ games as an inspiration for his playing style. “Last year, it was nice to be able to play with Spencer [on varsity] for the first time,” Harrisen says. “I’ve watched [Spencer and Emerson] develop as players through watching their games and now I get to play alongside them.”

The big surprise in the family this year was Emerson, who earned time on the varsity squad as an eighth grader and scored his first varsity points on February 1 in a game against Brooklyn Center. “It was fun to watch the Egly trio on the court at the same time,” says team captain Josh Gray ’13.

“We always get super excited when someone scores their first varsity point, but having an eighth grader be on varsity and actually score was very impressive.”

A version of this article originally appeared in the January/ February 2013 issue of The Rubicon. Reprinted with permission. Story and photo by Aditi Kulkarni ’13.

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Upper School English teacher Emily Meisler with her tenth-grade American Literature class. “They know that the success of the class depends on their contributions,” Meisler says.

A PLACE AT A The Accountable Classroom at SPA

T

BY LAURA BILLINGS COLEMAN

The 10th graders in Emily Meisler’s American Literature course have chosen one of three August Wilson plays and arrive at class ready for a discussion.

But when they take their seats around the classroom’s Harkness table one Tuesday morning, it’s clear their teacher has no intention of parsing the plays’ central themes or deconstructing scenes in a standard classroom lecture.

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Instead, she instructs her students to pair off and write a scene of dialogue in which one of Wilson’s characters meets up with a major player from an earlier reading, a list that runs from The Great Gatsby’s Nick Carraway to The Namesake’s Gogol Ganguli.

The assignment requires creativity, collaboration, some time travel, and—as Meisler’s students soon discover—a deep understanding of the motivations of the characters in question. A hush falls as the teams take hesitant first strokes at the assignment, while Meisler moves around the room, asking questions, and challenging each pair to come up with three possible scenarios, no matter how unlikely.

After a few minutes of discussion, two girls discover a common bond that may unite The Scarlet Letter’s Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale with Herald Loomis, the lead character in “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.”

“They both are sort of in search of a woman in their lives,” says one.

Greg Helgeson

“What if they meet in couples therapy?” suggests her partner.

Across the table, two other students have hit on just the right setting to draw out the dramatic personal journeys of their chosen characters, casting them as guests at SPA’s annual Speaker Day. “That way it would be more natural for them to talk about what they’ve learned from their mistakes,” one student explains.

Asking 16-year-olds to lead this kind of discussion can be risky, but Meisler makes her high expectations for student participation clear early in the year by leaving her classroom

high student engagement, collaborative discussion, and personal responsibility that are hallmarks of the curriculum of St. Paul Academy and Summit School. “Because our classes pivot around discussions and exchanges, students quickly learn that they are not here to occupy the seat and give one-word answers. You’re the one responsible for driving it forward, and your presence enriches the class.,” Roberts says.

“Accountability” has become a popular buzzword in education circles, with such experts as Harvard’s Tony Wagner, author of Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change the World, arguing that schools must teach students to be creative and

Lori Grant leads a Lower School Spanish class: “One advantage of an 8 to 1 student teacher ratio is that it lets you try things that are a little messier, and a little more joyful,” says Lower School admission officer Julie McGlincey ’84.

THE T TABLE: right in the middle of a discussion. “Five minutes later, I come back and ask what happened when I was gone,” she says, noting that the students usually admit to giggling and feeling self-conscious, unsure what to do next.

When she repeats the exercise a few months later, her students know their job is to continue their conversation, without missing a beat. “They know that the success of the class depends on their contributions, and they don’t need me standing here to make it happen,” Meisler says.

Head of School Bryn Roberts says lessons like this are at the heart of “the Accountable Classroom,” a culture of

Scott Streble

collaborative problem-solvers to meet the challenges of the 21st century. But Roberts says accountability has been an SPA tradition for decades, giving graduates skills that serve them well in college and careers.

“Accountability to us means a variety of things,” Roberts explains. “For students, it means you’re accountable for being engaged when you come to class, and that you are responsible for being a meaningful participant. For parents, it means that SPA isn’t going to let your child drift away. You can’t hide at SPA. Students are known, and we’re going to hold your child accountable for adding to the dialogue.”

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“The goal is to help kids become highly skilled at discussion, at offering and accepting criticism,” he continues. “If you learn how to perfect that, you’re going to leave SPA as a more thoughtful student, better prepared for college, and with the tools and intellectual substance to participate in a richly complicated world.”

Active listeners and lively contributors “Show-and-tell is one of the places we start,” says Deb Waddell, who teaches first and second grades in SPA’s Lower School. During the morning sharing time in her classroom, a first grader sits in the traditional “teacher’s seat” and calls on classmates who take turns posing questions to the chosen sharer.

“They’re only allowed to make one statement, something like, ‘I saw a fox on the way to school,’” Waddell explains. “That way the kids really start to listen to each other and learn how to form the sort of questions that can draw out more information.”

In another classroom, first and second graders are exploring the difference between shapes in two and three dimensions, shouting out their observations (“Octagon!”) with each item teacher Amy Utecht draws out of bag.

“Now what made you decide it was an octagon?” her teaching partner Dan Strombeck asks one of the students.

“Because it has eight sides like an octopus,” the boy answers. “That’s what oct means.”

“So what if it had six sides?” Strombeck asks.

“Then it’s a hexagon!” suggests a girl.

Though the class’s excitement (and volume) runs high during this math lesson, Julie McGlincey, Associate Director of Admission, says that SPA’s small class sizes help to harness the kids’ energy and direct it toward deeper learning. “One of the advantages of having an 8 to 1 student-teacher ratio is that it lets you try things that are a little messier, and a little more joyful,” she says.

The Lower School’s multi-age classrooms also help to model the responsibility and maturity students will need to succeed as the curriculum becomes more demanding.

“One of the things I think is really special about SPA is that kids get to be with kids in the same developmental range, working together as equals,” says third- and fourth-grade teacher Rick Magnuson. “Not only do we get to work with them for two years and really know who they are,” he says, younger students are always “looking ahead” to see what will be expected of them as they grow into the Lower School’s leaders.

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For instance, fifth graders lead tours for prospective families and take turns organizing and emceeing the all-school assemblies every Friday. Regular opportunities to “perform,” whether it’s standing up to share an idea, reading their writing aloud, playing an instrument, or acting in a play, also help students build confidence. Even interdisciplinary projects such as the annual Medieval Feast, where every third- and fourth-grade student enacts a role inspired by the literature and history of the Middle Ages, help reinforce the lesson that every student has something different and valuable to bring to the table.

“You can’t hang back,” Magnuson says. “You have to be in on all phases, because if you’re not, it’s going to be painfully obvious, and that can be a powerful motivator.”

“...From very silly to quite profound.”

While Carrie Clark’s 8th grade English students take turns reporting their progress on their daily reading, three boys pile floor pillows barricade-high, and flop onto their bellies when she calls the class to order.

“Do you see the face?” Clark says, turning hers into a mask of quiet disapproval. “I’d like you to tune into the subtle cues I’m giving, so I don’t have get more obvious.” The boys rearrange themselves on their seats and join the circle with no further disruptions.

Sixth grade English and social studies teacher Judy Johnson says managing exuberant and even inappropriate behavior is part of the package in Middle School. “They look like kids, but they’re also capable of doing some very demanding work,” says Johnson. “They can go from being very silly to quite profound—it’s just the nature of who they are at this age.” For these reasons, she says, building accountable classroom skills during the middle years starts with building trust.

Every morning, students start the day in a small advisory group—“a landing place” as Clark calls it—where they can settle in, review the day’s schedule, and share what’s on their minds, from April Fools jokes to who lost last night on American Idol. The rapport students build with their advisories throughout the year helps to break down barriers in other class rooms throughout the day, encouraging students to speak up, take risks, and solve problems on their own.

“So let’s say a friend of yours was too busy to do her homework last night, and now she’s asking if she could see yours,” Johnson asks her own advisory group of sixth graders. “What could you do in a situation like that?”

Though some students clearly want to tell a teacher, and “catch” the offending student, Johnson challenges them to look at ways they could handle the problem on their own.

Ricardo Barros

THE ACCOUNTABLE CLASSROOM GOES TO COLLEGE: Cecilia Di Caprio ’10 Princeton University, Class of 2014 Princeton, New Jersey

For Cecilia Di Caprio, ’10, the lessons of SPA’s Accountable Classroom extended all the way to the field house, where she was a top athlete on the school’s soccer, basketball and track teams.

“My grades were always the best during the soccer season because that was my busiest time of year,” she recalls. “I always tell people sports kept me sane through high school, probably because it forced me to make very good use of my time.”

Di Caprio is still keeping plenty of balls in the air at Princeton University, where she is a junior majoring in sociology, playing goalie for the Princeton Tigers women’s soccer team, and exploring postgraduate options that range from the Peace Corps to a master’s degree in public health. A tough competitor, she says one of the things she prized most at SPA was the feeling that every student was on the same team. “Even though it’s academically very challenging, I never felt I was competing with anyone,” she says. “There was always a feeling of collaboration that stems from being at the Harkness table where you learn from your classmates and you teach your classmates.”

Di Caprio started at SPA in sixth grade and noticed immediately how the connections SPA’s curriculum fosters between students and teachers were very different than what she’d experienced in her elementary school. “I started to have the kind of relationships with teachers that you don’t always get in that traditional, teacher-in-frontof-a-desk setting. I also really liked the way that discussion-based classes encourage you to look at every subject, across disciplines. I remember often talking about one thing in science and realizing that in English class were talking about something that was connected. That’s one of the values of a liberal arts education, and they really start that early at SPA.” Di Caprio admits there were times when balancing both a heavy course load and competitive sports was a burden, but adds, “I would tell other students not to give up. It’s a hard school, but no one is out to get you. One of the best things you learn there is that it’s not a weakness to ask for the help you need.”

“There was always a feeling of collaboration that stems from being at the Harkness table where you learn from your classmates and you teach your classmates.”

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THE ACCOUNTABLE CLASSROOM GOES TO COLLEGE: Rosalind Mowitt ’10 Northwestern University, Class of 2014 Evanston, Illinois

Although she’s more than a year from graduation at Northwestern University, Rosalind Mowitt ’10 already has a full roster of campus leadership roles on her résumé, from managing the social media and marketing for the campus’s concert, film, and lecture production group, to designing “Stitch,” a student-run fashion magazine.

“It’s sort of second nature to be involved like this,” Mowitt says. “SPA is such a small community that leadership positions are not so out of reach. You learn not to be afraid to try for things.”

At SPA Mowitt edited the yearbook, organized homecoming events and service learning efforts, and co-captained the volleyball team—responsibilities that proved to her she actually enjoyed feeling connected and accountable to the larger school community. “It also helped teach me that there’s no magic to getting things done. If you’re not prepared, you’re going to be in front of a microphone with nothing to say,” she says, or if you miss a yearbook deadline “there won’t be anything but a blank page.”

Being allowed to fail, in fact, was one of the most formative lessons she took from SPA: “In seventh grade, I totally bombed a science test and it felt so terrible, I thought, ‘Okay, I’m never doing that again.’” Instead, she learned to ask for help when she needed it, building a rapport with teachers that made it easy for her to transition toward the demands of college work.

“I think one of the most important assets SPA gives to students is the ability to develop strong relationships with adults. Once you get to college, you’re not afraid of your professors; you know they are there to reach out to,” says Mowitt, adding that she’s been surprised to find so many college classmates who seem intimidated by faculty, or are reluctant to ask questions. “I get pretty good marks, probably because I’m not afraid to talk.”

Michael Goss

That confidence has created opportunities off-campus as well, including backto-back summer internships at ZenithOptimedia Worldwide, a media/marketing agency in London, and a semester at the Institut d’études politiques in Paris.

Though she arrived with only a year’s worth of French language instruction, “I wasn’t afraid to speak to people and practice,” she says. “You know you’ll make mistakes, but that’s how you learn.”

“If she’s my friend, I could maybe say we could work together on the homework, but not show her my paper,” suggests one girl.

“mission statements” for each set of players—from the Dakota people, to Christian missionaries, to fur-traders, to politicians.

“But someone who wants to cheat from you probably isn’t a good friend,” says another.

In another discussion about the novel Skellig, Johnson asks her 6th graders to use a ball of yarn to follow the thread of discussion from one student to the next. By the end of class, they’d created a web of connections at the center of their circle—a visual reminder that everyone’s contributions added to the fabric of learning. “That’s why advisory is such a big piece of what we do. When kids feel accepted, and in a safe place, you can take them to so many interesting places,” Johnson says. “I think even they were impressed by how far their discussion skills had come.”

Conversations like this help to define what accountability means to SPA, but Johnson says they also build skills for more meaningful classroom discussions, encouraging students to try to see situations from multiple viewpoints.

For instance, during her 6th grade social studies class exploring the roots of Minnesota’s Dakota Conflict, Johnson divides the class into groups to write and share 16

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THE ACCOUNTABLE CLASSROOM GOES TO COLLEGE: Adam Rosenberg ’09

“The mentality [at Swarthmore] is that you’re in charge of the experience, and the professor is there to facilitate.

Coming out of SPA, it’s what I was used to.”

Swarthmore College, Class of 2013 Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

SPA doesn’t offer Advanced Placement classes for college credit, a deviation from the more traditional high school curriculum for which Adam Rosenberg, ’09 is still grateful. “The class experience is so much better when you don’t have a test hanging over you,” Rosenberg says. “Instead you can take charge of your own learning.”

This spring, Rosenberg graduated from Swarthmore, a college he chose in part because of its small class sizes and seminar-style approach to teaching. “I have classes now with six to 12 other people, and professors who say ‘This is your seminar, and you’re expected to come prepared,’” he says. “The mentality is that you’re in charge of the experience, and the professor is there to facilitate. Coming out of SPA, it’s what I was used to, and it’s just what I wanted from college, too.”

Rosenberg entered SPA in seventh grade when his family moved to Minnesota, and he thrived in the school’s rigorous, discussion-oriented classes right away.

“I think it’s a good school for drawing out wall flowers,” says Rosenberg, a talented debater who says speaking up in class was never a problem for him. “Instead it was a learning opportunity for me and a challenge not be the one doing all the talking, and SPA really taught me how important it is to tune in to the classroom dynamic.

Now I have a professor who makes it clear she doesn’t like people who dominate the discussion, and I’ve never been called out for that. I think I learned how to strike that balance.’’

Larry Kesterton

A political science major with minors in history and French, Rosenberg credits Dr. Andrea Sachs’ honors history class with fueling his continuing fascination with American political history. “Dr. Sachs joked she was waiting for me to write a multi-volume history of Democratic American presidents—that’s what I was always writing about,” says Rosenberg, who adds that the opportunity to write demanding research papers with scholarly sources and annotated bibliographies “was one of the biggest benefits I got from SPA. Regardless of what you end up studying in college, having the skills to do that really puts you at an advantage.’’

By the way, Rosenberg did very well on his Advanced Placement tests, earning college credit for his command of World and U.S. history. “Of course, you’re prepared for the tests,” when you leave SPA, he says, “but you’re prepared to do even more.”

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Drawing everyone into the conversation

his argument. Though the students struggle with the assignment, they don’t shrink from the demands. “That’s what I’ve always loved about teaching here,” says Sachs, who adds that asking kids to be accountable to each other and engaged “is a great way to teach bright kids without breeding a sense of entitlement. It’s rare to encounter that entitled mentality at SPA because students here are so motivated.’’

Though seminar-style discussions are one of the hallmarks of SPA’s humanities classes, even science and math classes that don’t revolve around a Harkness table have a high degree of give and take between students and faculty. “I’d have to say it’s more like teaching college students than I might have expected,” says Dan O’Loughlin, Ph.D., who came to SPA’s math department this year after nearly 20 years of teaching math at Macalester College and the University of St. Catherine, where he also served as the chair of the math department. “There’s so much discussion in one of my classes that the challenge is actually in tamping it down a little.”

Roberts says the success of the Accountable Classroom culture depends on having skilled teachers like Sachs, one of nearly 75 percent with advanced degrees in their disciplines.

“In many ways, this style of teaching asks more of the teacher. The adult is no longer ‘the sage on the stage,’” he says. “The teacher is the leader of the seminar, but also an active participant. As a teacher, that means you have to be a skilled questioner, you have to know when to step back and when to jump in, and you have to accept— and this can be a challenge for some teachers—that you’re not the only repository of wisdom. Kids learn through articulation and synthesis and your job as the teacher is to move that along in the right ways.”

Upper School faculty members say that’s one of the final lessons of the Accountable Classroom experience, teaching SPA students that meaningful dialogue depends on drawing everyone into the conversation, not just the extroverts. For instance, Emily Meisler sometimes starts her English classes by handing two index cards to each student, instructing them to toss a card back into the center of the table each time they speak up. “The rule is that you can’t contribute again until everyone in the class has offered something to the conversation,” Meisler explains.

But whose responsibility is it to make sure every student at the table is drawn in, a visitor asks.

“It’s ours,” the class says together.

But discussion isn’t the only collaborative skill SPA faculty try to hone.

With an honors U.S. history seminar full of gifted speakers and debaters, Dr. Andrea Sachs decides to push them out of their comfort zone with an assignment to help strengthen other muscles. After reading British historian Godfrey Hodgson’s “The Ideology of the Liberal Consensus,” she breaks the class into small groups to discuss his key points, then challenges them to create a graphic depiction of his thesis, using images and symbols to convey

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Scott Streble

Upper School math teacher Dan O’Loughlin: “I’d have to say it’s more like teaching college students than I might have expected...There’s so much discussion in one of my classes that the challenge is actually in tamping it down a little.”

Meisler admits that this style of instruction can be demanding for teachers “but it’s also more exciting, and in the long term, probably more sustainable, too. Saying the same things about The Great Gatsby every year would get pretty stale, but in this setting, it’s different every day. I can honestly say that I’ve had my ideas about these books challenged by the kids in my classes.”

When recent SPA graduates return to campus, Roberts says many tell him how amazed they are to discover how seamlessly SPA’s approach prepared them for the work they go on to do in college and university settings. “And that’s the whole point. Our goal is not only to make learning more interesting, but also to help kids think in more flexible, thoughtful and creative ways as autonomous learners, not just in the classroom, but they move forward in life, too,” says Roberts. “And I think that’s part of the magic of the Accountable Classroom—it really does work.”

THE ACCOUNTABLE CLASSROOM GOES TO COLLEGE: Steven Wendeborn ’11 University of Chicago, Class of 2015 Chicago, Illinois

One week during his junior year at SPA, Steven Wendeborn ’11, had to be in two places at once—the Minnesota State Capitol, where he had been selected to serve as a page, and his chemistry class, where he and his classmates were to spend the week devising and observing their own experiments, a project worth nearly half of his grade.

A student at SPA since second grade, Wendeborn suspected that asking for any special allowances or bringing a note from home would be frowned on. “So in a flash of brilliance,” he laughs, “I figured out how to do both.”

Starting a few days before his chemistry classmates, he set up an experiment to study the oxidation process of lignin, the wood byproduct that causes newspapers to yellow over time, by rigging up newsprint and a series of lights. The next week, when the rest of the class began their experiments, Wendeborn was at the Capitol, observing the machinations of state government with Republican Representative Matt Dean. The following Monday he returned to chemistry class, ready to report his results.

“You can tell I’m proud of how I pulled that off because I still remember it three years later,” says Wendeborn, now a junior at the University of Chicago. Though he knew he had the support of faculty to make both opportunities possible, “the thing I really like about SPA is that they always give students the chance to fix the problem first, and it really makes you feel more confident.’’

Another feature of the Accountable Classroom that added to his sense of autonomy was a series of independent study classes Wendeborn was able to design for himself, allowing him to take two courses of Chinese, a study of multiculturalism in American, and a history course about the Ancient World—an academic passion he’s also pursued at college, where he studies economics and a multi-disciplinary major called “Law, Letters & Society.”

While he was a student at SPA, Wendeborn captained the swim, math, Quiz Bowl, and Science Olympiad teams, played violin in the orchestra and chamber ensembles, and even worked on the stage crew for a few school productions. “I really liked that your social circle wasn’t defined by what you did. There’s no ‘basketball clique’ that only the basketball players can hang out with, because even the basketball players are in the orchestra, or doing theater, or science. So the boundaries are very blurred, or they weren’t there at all, which is fantastic in my opinion.”

Jason Smith

“That’s one of the things I miss about SPA is that you could really spread yourself across disciplines,” says Wendeborn, who advises today’s student to do the same. “My advice is to try everything.”

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THE CLASSROOM AS CAREER: Matt Kramer ’94, Rick Magnuson ’90, Sera Markoff ’89, and Tom Doar ’69

BY ERIN PETERSON

For these four alumni/ae, the SPA experience was both an exceptional education and the beginning of a life-long commitment to the classroom. All four have forged successful careers in education, and all four trace the genesis of that success back to SPA.

In the spring of Rick Magnuson’s senior year at SPA, the physics internship he’d planned to pursue for his Senior Project fell through.

Casting about for a replacement, he asked his teachers for suggestions, and they encouraged him to try a teaching stint at SPA’s Lower School.

Scott Streble

He landed in the second- and third-grade classroom of Tim Rongstad and Marty Boulware, assisting with instruction and planning lessons.

For one lesson, he decided to introduce the students to Pythagorean theorem, the a2 + b2 = c2 equation that shows the relationship between the sides of a right triangle. He showed the students each step for solving the equation, how to calculate the sums, and asked them to compare their results. “Did they really understand every nuance of Pythagorean theorem? No, certainly not, but they definitely understood and got excited about the process of problem-solving,” he says. “And it was also exciting for me to show them a new concept and then to witness the ‘Aha!’ moment when they understood the process and the results.”

RICK MAGNUSON ’90 B.A., Bates College M.A., University of Southern Maine Lower School teacher, St. Paul Academy and Summit School

Magnuson remembered that experience as he went on to Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, where he majored in physics and ended up spending more than a decade teaching in Maine elementary schools.

When returned to Minnesota with his family in 2008, he was thrilled to get a job teaching third grade at his alma mater—and he’s found new ways (aside from the Pythagorean theorem) to challenge his students by introducing new and complex ideas. His favorite aspect of teaching: you never have the same day twice. “As a student here, I loved being able to focus on all sorts of different things—ceramics, sports, the school newspaper—and that’s something I get to do now as an elementary school teacher, whether we’re working on math or art or drama. I’m never pigeonholed, and neither are my students,” he says.

He hopes that his students leave his classroom with the kind of unquenchable thirst for learning that he found at SPA. “I want them to be curious,” he says. “I want them to question everything, and to know that there’s almost nothing they can’t achieve. That attitude is gold.”

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Courtesy Teach for America

“I learned so many critical skills at SPA, things that at the time I just took for granted. I learned to use a library well, to take good notes, to structure my thinking and writing, and to make clear and logical arguments,”

MATT KRAMER ’94 B.A., Harvard University Co-CEO, Teach for America, Inc., New York After his graduation from Harvard, Matt Kramer ’94 thought he had his future figured out. He began a career in finance and quickly scaled the corporate ladder in several Fortune 100 companies in New York. Just a decade out of SPA, he became a partner at McKinsey, one of the world’s top consulting firms.

At the same time, his wife Katie Barrett Kramer ’94 was working as a teacher in the New York City public schools as part of the Teach for America (TFA) program. “Katie’s experience showed me just how many kids were slipping through the cracks,” he says—kids who were often burdened by low family incomes and even lower expectations. He was also drawn to the mission of the organization, in which top college graduates take two-year teaching assignments in some of the country’s most impoverished schools to help minimize achievement gaps. And he saw that he might be able to help. “I realized that I could apply the skills I was using at McKinsey to the cause of social justice,” he says.

In his spare time, he started doing volunteer consulting work with the organization. In 2005, he took a sabbatical from McKinsey to serve as TFA’s chief program officer, leading efforts to recruit, train, and support the young teachers who participated in the program. His year-long sabbatical turned into two years, and ultimately, he left McKinsey to become TFA’s president and, as of March of 2013, it’s co-Chief Executive Officer.

Kramer credits his time at SPA for giving him the tools to do well in both the corporate world and the nonprofit one. “I learned so many critical skills at SPA,” he says, “things that at the time I just took for granted. I learned to use a library well, to take good notes, to structure my thinking and writing, and to make clear and logical arguments,” he says. He also credits his time on the debate team with building on those skills in important ways. “Debate taught me the importance of preparation and discipline,” he remembers. “I worked harder in debate than I did for anything else in my life up until that point, and I experienced the power of channeling all of my energy in the pursuit of something that mattered to me.”

He continues to use all of those skills as he works to enlist today’s brightest young minds—and future leaders—to help solve the challenges of educational inequity. “These problems can only be solved when there are many more leaders with the passion, conviction, and insight that comes from having taught successfully in contexts where others didn’t think it was possible,” he says.

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SERA MARKOFF ’89 B.A., Massachusetts Institute of Technology Ph.D., University of Arizona Associate Professor of Astrophysics, University of Amsterdam Like many kids, Sera Markoff ’89 loved science fiction. Authors like Madeleine L’Engle, Larry Niven, and Robert Heinlein were favorites—writers who explored facets of the universe she’d never considered before.

She went on to explore her own possibilities— moving to Boston for a physics degree at MIT, spending a year researching cosmology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, earning a Ph.D. in theoretical astrophysics at the University of Arizona, and then spending three years doing post-doctoral work in Germany.

Today, as an associate professor at the Astronomical Institute Anton Pannekoek at the University of Amsterdam, she’s made teaching students about the universe her lifetime pursuit.

In addition to her courses in high-energy astrophysics and cosmology, she studies the processes that occur around black holes, which played an important role both in the early universe and today. “I like to tell people I get paid to do science fiction, which is a joke—but not too far from the truth,” she says.

“SPA was all about learning and respect for learning, and that was an environment I really thrived in...It honestly never occurred to me—either at SPA or afterwards—that I couldn’t do anything that interested me.”

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Michel Colson

Although she didn’t get serious about the field until she got to MIT, she traces the roots of her success back to her days at SPA, where she was fascinated by philosophy and “weird ideas,” which she was able to explore with math teacher Bob Drechsel, who also ran a philosophy club for students. She adds that her six years of Latin with David Sims gave her the foundation to learn new languages rapidly—a useful skill in an international field like astrophysics, where many prestigious academic institutions are in non-English speaking countries.

But most important, she says, SPA was a place where she could be herself. That she never felt like she had to sacrifice her personal style while she pursued her interests, she says, was an incredible confidence-builder, and gave her the foundation to succeed in a very competitive discipline in which women are rare. “SPA was all about learning and respect for learning, and that was an environment I really thrived in,” she says. “It honestly never occurred to me—either at SPA or afterwards—that I couldn’t do anything that interested me.”

TOM DOAR ’69 B.A., University of Minnesota M.A., St. Thomas University Head of School, North Shore Country Day School, Winnetka, Ill.

“SPA really was committed to academic excellence and really challenged and engaged students in a meaningful way...And no matter where I’ve been, that’s something I’ve always tried to carry with me.”

Tom Doar ’69 didn’t have to think twice about his career path as a student at St. Paul Academy: he planned to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, his father, and his uncle, who were all attorneys.

But after graduating from the University of Minnesota, he wanted a break before starting law school. He’d worked as a part-time coach at SPA during college, and when he was offered a job as a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher at the Lower School, he figured it was a great interim job.

He never looked back. He loved the energy of the classroom, the daily challenges, and rhythms of the school year. And he saw real opportunities to make a difference not just in the classroom, but well beyond it. He went on to earn a master’s degree from St. Thomas University, and within a few years, he was asked to serve as an interim admissions director at SPA. “That whetted my appetite,” he recalls, for more responsibilities and bigger challenges.

With thoughtful career counseling from Bill Harris, then SPA’s Head of School, Doar saw opportunities around the country open up for him. Over the next two decades, Doar ended up taking on administrative roles with increasing responsibility at schools in New York and Illinois; in 2000, he took his current job as head of school at North Shore Country Day School, one of the Chicago area’s premier independent schools. And while his title has changed over time, his broader approach has remained constant. “I like being the person who can ask lots of questions about what we can do, how we can be more responsive, and how we can get better at serving our students and our families,” he says.

Though he realizes that times have changed since he was a student at SPA, he often wishes he could bring the sense of balance he felt while he was at SPA to today’s generation of incredibly driven, busy students.

“In our current times, there seems to be more of a focus on specialization and keeping score—how many sports camps have you been to? How many tutors do you have?” he says. “But it doesn’t have to be a race.

It’s important just to experience the moment, to slow down and breathe.”

Michael Goss

At the same time, he never forgets the real goal of the school he attended, and he tries to bring that focus to the school he now leads. “SPA really was committed to academic excellence and really challenged and engaged students in a meaningful way,” he says. “And no matter where I’ve been, that’s something I’ve always tried to carry with me.”

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St. Paul Academy and Summit School honors

DAVID AND PERRIN LILLY for their service to SPA and the community

BY LAURA BILLINGS COLEMAN

As a student at the Summit School, Perrin Brown Lilly ’41 recalls wintry morning walks to school with classmates, calisthenics and current events quizzes—a curriculum for mind and body championed by long-time headmistress Sarah Converse.

Her husband David M. Lilly Sr., St. Paul Academy ’35, remembers the military uniform he and his fellow students wore for drills and parades, and the surprise of seeing Academy founder Charles N. B. Wheeler riding the streetcar.

Over the decades, those fond memories of the past have translated into the couple’s role as two of the school’s most forward-looking and committed supporters. The Lillys, who married in 1946 and sent all three of their children (their six grandchildren are also graduates) to the school, have been an integral part of every major step forward the school has taken since the merger 24

SPA | Spring | Summer 2013

of St. Paul Academy and Summit School in 1969. The couple is driven by their love for the school but also by a deep and abiding belief in the power of education. “Education is about the best investment there is,” says Perrin.

The Lillys are well-known for their philanthropy and dedication to bettering the premier institutions of the Twin Cities. A Dartmouth graduate and a veteran of World War II, David joined the St. Paul Academy board at the age of 39, helping to oversee its transition from what some called a semi-military academy to a merged co-ed campus. “I was a lot younger than the other board members and I thought differently, and I had a wonderful time disagreeing,” he recalls. A long-time CEO of the Twin Cities-based Toro Company, David also served in Washington, D.C. on the Federal Reserve Board, as dean of the School of Management and vice president of finance and operations at the University

of Minnesota, and steward of the R.C. Lilly Foundation, a charitable foundation started by his father.

Along the way, he also earned a reputation for coming to the rescue of some of the Twin Cities’ most beloved institutions—helping to save the St. Paul Hotel and the Landmark Center from the wrecking ball, championing the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, bringing inviting green space back to the campus of the University of Minnesota, and persuading St. Paul planners to rediscover the Mississippi River.

A tradition of service David M Lilly served as a Trustee from 1955 – 1972 A gift in 1970 established the Lilly courtyard In 1981, with a gift from the RC Lilly Foundation, the Lilly Faculty Development fund was created David Lilly served on the Capital Campaign Steering Committee from 1994 – 2000

“Perrin and David Lilly have been among the school’s most energetic and thoughtful supporters,” says Bryn Roberts, SPA Head of School.

“They have a deep sense of SPA’s history but they are always looking ahead. For them, SPA is a dynamic institution that must change and evolve with the times. They always want to know what they can do to ensure that SPA serves the students of today and the future.”

Though the Lillys have been very generous to their alma mater over the years, Perrin says they’ve The R.C. Lilly Foundation has received far more in return. “Let’s provided leadership support to Like her husband of almost 67 years, not fool ourselves. We went there, every SPA capital campaign Perrin admits, “I can’t resist a cause.” our children went there, our six grandchildren went there. We’ve had A graduate of Smith College, Perrin a close look at every period in the stayed home with the couple’s three school’s history, how it has evolved, children—David ’66; Bruce ’70; and and how kids are inspired to love learning,” she says. “This has Susanne ’73—before taking on a growing role as community been the fun for us—watching what the young are doing and volunteer for such causes as COMPAS, the Chimera Theater, studying.

The school has really become what we dreamed it Walker Art Center, Friends of the St. Paul Public Library and would be.”

Planned Parenthood. A self-described “political junkie,” she was a founding board member of the Minnesota Women’s “I always come away wishing every child in the world could have the same.”

Campaign Fund, encouraging more women to run for office.

The Lilly family, left to right: Bruce Lilly ’70, Susanne Hutcheson ’73, Zenas Hutcheson ’04, Perrin Hutcheson ’12, Austin Lilly ’08, Perrin Lilly ’41, Henry Hutcheson ’08, David M. Lilly ’35, Robert Lilly ’10, Irene Lilly ’05, and David M. Lilly Jr. ’66.

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Alumni/ae News

Alumni/ae Council Corner Dear fellow alumni/ae, It’s been a busy winter for your SPA Alumni/ae Council. We continue to focus on the theme “alumni/ae engagement,” which centers on reconnecting alumni/ae to the school through various mediums. I am pleased to share with you a brief summary of the programs that the committees have been busy implementing.

Events Committee: Zach Pettus ’99, Chair The Committee hosted a happy hour in June that recognized members of the Spartan Gold Club, SPA’s new giving club for young alumni/ae. We want to remind you about the annual Golf & Tennis Event at the White Bear Yacht Club on August 19, 2013.

Dust off your golf shoes or tennis racquet and join us for a fun afternoon and evening on the 19th!

Fundraising Committee: Mike Ristau ’85, Chair Membership to the new young alumni/ae recognition program, the Spartan Gold Club, is increasing and we encourage alumni/ae from the classes of 1997 to 2012 to make their gifts now and become a member.

Also remember that you now have the opportunity to become a Sustainer by making monthly, recurring contributions to SPA. Thank you to all of our alums who have generously contributed to the Annual Fund!

Volunteerism Committee: Craig Smith ’87, Chair The Volunteerism Committee continues to assist SPA’s Office of College Counseling with a new initiative that connects interested SPA juniors with local SPA alumni/ae for mock interviews. This new program allows current students to gain skills, confidence, and feedback that they can apply during college interviews as well as job and internship interviews. We also encourage alumni/ae to consider hosting a Senior Project for the Class of 2014. Time commitments are minimal and it is a rewarding program for all participants. As always, thank you to all Class Agents for their dedication and work to secure Class Notes for this magazine.

Reunion Weekend 2013: September 6-7 Mark your calendars now and plan to join us for this year’s Reunion Weekend, September 6-7, 2013. All St. Paul Academy and Summit School alumni/ae in all classes are invited to participate in the weekend’s Reunion events, including the Alumni/ae Art Show, the All-Alumni/ae Reception, and for graduates of 50 years or more, the Heritage Brunch. Classes ending in 3 and 8 will celebrate their reunions with class parties taking place all over the Twin Cities on Saturday evening, September 7.

To ensure you receive reunion-related materials, please be sure to update your contact information by visiting the SPA Alumni/ae Center at www.spa.edu > Alumni/ae or emailing alumni@spa.edu.

See you in September!

Alumni/ae join Community Chorale for SPA Spring Concert Eleven alumni/ae across five decades participated in this year’s Community Chorale, which performed excerpts from Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” along with SPA’s Upper School choirs at the Vocal/Orchestral Spring Concert on April 27, 2013.

All alumni/ae from any graduation year are invited every year to join the Community Chorale. This year’s alumni/ae participants were Emily Kraack Chad ’01, Erica Egge ’03, Chuck Griggs ’69, Christiane Haikel ’08, Clayton Hottinger ’04, Tim Kraack ’05, Peter Lile ’08, Kristina Gorder Mackenzie ’01, John O’Brien ’78, Tim O’Brien ’77, and George Power ’63.

Emily Kraack Chad ’01 has participated in the Community Chorale as an alumna for seven years. “I loved choral singing in high school and college, and I really appreciate the opportunity to have some artistic avenues as an adult,” says Chad, who enjoys the Sunday rehearsals for the event with music director Anne Klus: “It’s like a big, crazy family reunion every Sunday,” she says.

Wishing you a wonderful summer!

Greg Helgeson

Courtesy Lauren Neffort

Lauren Nuffort ’02 Alumni/ae Council President lauren.nuffort@gmail.com

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Speaker Day 2013 brings alumni/ae back to campus • Charlie Zelle ’73, Commissioner of the Minnesota Transportation Department “It’s such a joy to return to SPA to see former teachers and classmates and especially to witness the creative spirit of current SPA students,” says Speaker Day session leader Simone Ahuja ’87, who runs Blood Orange, a Minneapolis marketing firm. Ahuja used her Speaker Day sessions to run “mini innovation labs” around marketing concepts with students.

“I was astounded by the sophisticated and innovative ideas that emerged so quickly from the mini innovation labs we held,” she says. “The flexible mindset demonstrated by the students will be of great value to the local and global community as they continue to develop these skills and move forward in their personal and professional paths.”

Alumni/ae who are interested in participating in a future Speaker Day program are encouraged to contact Jim McVeety, USC advisor, at jmcveety@spa.edu.

Photos by Ami Berger

On March 6, 2013, all Upper School students, along with a number of SPA alumni/ae, participated in Speaker Day 2013, organized by SPA’s Upper School Council (USC). Speaker Day is an annual, day-long program of keynote addresses and smallgroup sessions featuring dozens of guest speakers, organized around a central theme. This year’s theme was “Bridging Barriers and Overcoming Obstacles,” and seven small-group sessions were led by SPA alumni/ae, including: • Simone Ahuja ’87, principal and founder of Blood Orange, a digital media company • Sasha Aslanian ’85, award-winning writer and producer for Minnesota Public Radio • Bonnie Blodgett ’68, OpEd columnist for the Star Tribune • Jim Delaney ’93, CEO of the Minneapolis-based Engine for Social Innovation • Lisa Fenton ’89, a training and development expert for Target Corporation • Michael Logan ’07, a former intern for the American Civil Liberties Union

Sasha Aslania ’85 (left) and Simone Ahuja ’87

Michael Logan ’07

Bonnie Blodgett ’68

Now that summer has finally arrived, we are looking forward to SPA’s annual Golf and Tennis Classic for all alumni/ae, parents, and friends.

This year’s event will take place on August 19, 2013 at the White Bear Yacht Club. Whether you Ben ’99 (left) and Mike Kremenak ’97 at the 2012 Golf and plan to hit the green or tennis court, or join us for Tennis Classic cocktails and dinner after the day’s sporting events, we welcome all members of the SPA community to this yearly event full of fun, fellowship, and friendly competition. Visit www.spa.edu > Alumni/ae > Events for more information or email alumni@spa.edu.

Ami Berger

Golf and Tennis Classic: August 19, 2013

Alumni/ae hockey and hoops games recap On December 29, 2012, SPA hosted two athletic events for graduates: an alumni/ae hockey game and an alumni basketball game. Nearly 50 alumni/ae returned to Drake Arena and Briggs Gymnasium for the games; many thanks to the players and the spectators! A reception for all players and fans was held in the Dining Hall after the games.

To see photos from the games, visit stpaulacademy.smugmug.com > Alumni/ae and Advancement.

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Philanthropy

SPA Introduces

Capital Campaign Update

In 2012-13, SPA introduced a new giving recognition program for young alumni/ ae who have graduated in the last fifteen years. The Spartan Gold Club gives young alumni/ae the opportunity to be recognized for making a gift of any size to the school by the end of the giving year. This year’s cutoff date for recognition in the inaugural Spartan Gold Club is June 30, 2013.

Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of dozens of major donors, St. Paul Academy and Summit School has raised more than half of the funds needed to build a performing arts center on the Randolph campus. The new center is the signature project of Phase I of SPA’s capital campaign; as of June 1, more than $11 million has been raised out of the $19.2 million needed to fully fund Phase I of the campaign.

“It was only after graduation that I came to appreciate what a great experience SPA was,” says Max Morris ’06, who is a member of the inaugural Spartan Gold Club. “Giving back is my way of saying ‘thank you’ for the amazing education and opportunities I had at SPA, and doing my part to make sure future students can have the same kind of experience I did.”

Director of Institutional Advancement Dorothy Goldie ’73 is looking forward to sharing architectural concepts with the community in the fall of 2013. She also notes that fundraising for the project will take new direction in the fall: “We will be launching a special campaign aimed at current parents, who know better than anyone the benefits that the Performing Arts Center will have for their children and the school,” says Goldie, who anticipates that the campaign for current parents will have a goal of 25 percent of the project’s cost, with total fundraising of approximately $4.75 million.

The new recognition program is designed to get young alumni/ae engaged in the school’s culture of philanthropy, says SPA’s Director of Annual Giving, Jenni Beadle, who notes that funds from the Spartan Gold Club program will be directed towards areas of particular interest to younger alumni/ae, including financial aid and scholarships, academic support, and Student life programs.

“Spartan Gold Club funds will directly benefit SPA students and teachers, and help ensure that the school can continue its long tradition of excellence,” Beadle says.

Spartan Gold Club members will receive exclusive benefits including: • Official “Welcome” packet • Special recognition in the Annual Report; • Invitations to special Spartan Gold Club events; and • 10% off all merchandise at the SPA Online Spirit Store.

To learn more about the Spartan Gold Club, please visit www.spa.edu > Support SPA > Spartan Gold Club or contact Jenni Beadle, Director of Annual Giving, at jbeadle@spa.edu.

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Performing Arts Center moves into next phase

The school is now assembling the external team for the Performing Arts Center’s project planning and preconstruction phase. SPA has retained the services of Nelson, Tietz & Hoye to serve as the owner’s representative for the project, and also has engaged McGough Construction to oversee preconstruction work. In May, the school submitted proposal requests to several architecture firms with expertise in the performing arts; an architectural partner will be selected in June 2013.

The project itself is moving forward rapidly. According to Paul Moe, a member of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Board’s Campus Operations Committee (which is overseeing the project), the current schedule calls for a groundbreaking on the Performing Arts Center in 2014, and a grand opening in 2016. “Students who will be in ninth grade in the fall should expect to give their senior speeches in the new space,” says Moe, “and that schedule is a constant reminder to us to keep pushing forward on this project.” Moe agrees with Goldie’s views regarding the benefits of the new facility. “The Performing Arts Center will have an impact on every child at SPA, whether they are in choir, band, orchestra, dramatic productions, or using the new space in Paul Moe connection with classroom activities,” Moe says. “This new space will be a wonderful part of every student’s experience at SPA. That’s why we are so excited about it.”

For more information about the capital campaign, contact Dorothy Goldie at 651-696-1422 or dgoldie@spa.edu.

Annual Fund 2012-13

Help us make our goal!

June 30, 2013 is the last day to “be part of the equation” for this year’s Annual Fund, and we need you to help us reach our goal! It’s never been easier to make a gift: our secure, online giving page at www. spa.edu > Support SPA > Online Giving is always available, or call Jenni Beadle, Director of Annual Giving, at (651) 696-1308 to discuss your gift. All gifts made or postmarked by June 30 will be recognized in the 2012-13 Annual Report.

THANK YOU!

THE ANNUAL FUND

Ami Berger

Spartan Gold Club for young alumni/ae

Welcome new LGS members!

We are proud and grateful to list the following individuals as new members of the 2012-13 Leadership Giving Society. This list represents gifts made between July 1, 2012 and May 3, 2013.

A complete list of Leadership donors will be presented in the 2012-13 Annual Report.

For more information about the Leadership Giving Society, please contact Sarah Johnson, Senior Development Officer, at 651-696-1320 or sjohnson@spa.edu.

Jeffrey Ansite and Malinee Saxena, M.D. Dr. Martin Asis and Dr. Elizabeth Grey Tom ’76 and Janine Braman The Estate of Marney Brown Brooks* ’41 Patrick ’48 and Twiss Butler Anne Marie Woessner-Collins and James Collins Lesley Johnson Crosby ’88 and Stewart Crosby Norman W. DeWitt ’67 William F. Ferguson, Jr. ’75 Dr. Michael H. Foote ’58 Si ’55 and Vicki ’56 Ford Cynthia Michael Foster Dutton ’57 and Caroline ’60 Foster Jim and Katherine Hayes Chris and Amy Koch Daniel and Constance ’59 Kunin John B. Lunseth II ’67 Jean and Kevin McNamer Joshua S. Meyers ’92 Michael Miller and Olivia Mastry Russell and Nancy Nelson Dr. Ryan and Melissa Pfannenstein Thomas F. ’79 and Laura E. Rasmussen Jon and Jill Riley Michael ’85 and Laura Ristau Lolly Klein Schultz* ’58 Tim Slade ’57 Leila and Lowry Smith, Jr. ’47 Laurel Stephenson The Honorable Edward C. ’53 and Virginia Stringer Daniel ’71 and Judith ’66 Titcomb Yale Wang and In-Zu Tuan Jean M. West ’45 J. Peter ’56 and Judy Wolf *deceased

Leading the Leadership Giving Society Anne Larsen Hooley Chair, Leadership Giving Society Member, Board of Trustees SPA parent, Classes of 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2023 “Giving is a very personal decision, and everyone who makes a gift to SPA does so for their own reasons. The reason Mark and I give— and the reason I agreed to chair the Leadership Giving Society this year—is because of SPA’s ability to give each of our four children exactly what they need. Our kids are all very different; they each have their strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. The one thing that they all have in common is that they all love their school. Their teachers are amazing—each of our kids is pushed to succeed, but they know that it’s safe to stumble.

“There are so many things we love about SPA: the rich academic curriculum, the arts and music programs, the way everyone can participate in sports and clubs. Being a part of the Leadership Giving Society is a way to honor and acknowledge that.

It’s a testament to the school’s excellence and our responsibility as parents and members of the community to ensure that excellence continues.”

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Class ClassNotes Notes

Have news to share?

Email your news to alumni@spa.edu or send it to Class Notes, St. Paul Academy and Summit School, 1712 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55105. We look forward to hearing from you!

Become a Class Agent!

Class Agents keep in touch with their classmates and provide updates on SPA happenings. Class Agents also help with special events and reunions. All classes welcome additional volunteers and multiple Class Agents are encouraged. To become a Class Agent, please contact alumni@ spa.edu or 651-696-1366.

1943 CLASS AGENT:

Bob Knox 651-454-2054 70th Reunion in September 2013!

More information will be mailed to members of the class over the summer.

If you have any questions, please email alumni@spa.edu or call 651-696-1368.

1948 CLASS AGENT:

The Class of 1948 is looking for Class Agents! Please contact alumni@spa.edu for more information.

65th Reunion in September 2013!

Carl Llewellyn, Don Buehler, Dick Slade, John Elsinger, and Sally Lehmann Willius are planning a gathering at on Saturday, September 7, 2013. More information will be mailed to members of the class over the summer.

Carl Weschcke reports he has

been writing non-fiction books on the new science of the paranormal.

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Sally Willius Lehmann retired from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts docent program last year after 46 years of tourguiding—but she is still busy.

1952 CLASS AGENT:

Dean Alexander promedica1@aol.com Austin Pryor reports that he

recently had cataracts in both eyes removed. He writes, “About as simple and short a surgery as one can imagine; I was home within two hours and can now detect the gender of a flea from 50 feet. This will also mean that I can follow the flight of my golf balls when I start playing again this spring.

I recently enjoyed a nine-day cruise out of New York to four Caribbean locales—the engines ran without a hitch.”

1953 CLASS AGENT:

Judy Blake judith.blake@att.net 60th Reunion in September 2013!

Judy Blake, John Milton, and Bill Langford are planning a gathering at the University Club on Saturday, September 7, 2013. More information will be mailed to members of the class over the summer.

Nicky Benz Carpenter remains busy with her board work and educational consulting. She visited her sister Lollie Benz Plank ’56 in Arizona over Easter.

Judy Blake writes, “I enjoyed

escaping a few weeks of winter weather in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, sitting in the shade of the palapa where the biggest decision of the day is where to go for dinner. I look forward

to the lake this summer and introducing my new dog to the joys of jumping off the dock.”

Carol Daniels reports she’s

doing “the usual things and enjoying life.” She and her husband, Dick Jacker, traveled to Maryland to attend a joyous wedding: Her daughter and daughter-in-law were legally married in the state in April.

Reyn Guyer and Mary Dosdall Guyer took their children

(sans spouses) on a boat trip from Miami to Key West in February and had a wonderful time. They hosted a houseful of family (11 kids, grandkids and great-grandkids) over Easter break. Although they have no plans for this summer, Mary and Reyn came back from Florida earlier than usual to attend grandchildrens’ graduations—from Holy Angels, St. Thomas Academy, University of St. Thomas, and University of WisconsinMilwaukee. Another grandson will be married in September.

Marlene Heger Bixby and

husband Ned remain busy with friends and family, including the annual Dartmouth mini-reunion in March, a visit from grandaughter Mackenzie in Florida over spring break, and a vist from son Tim and his family in April. They see Ed Stringer and his wife Ginny occasionally and report that the Stringers hosted Peter Raudenbush and wife Helen at their home in Sanibel this winter. Mar and Ned returned to Minnesota in mid-April and looked forward to spending a lot of time at Danbury.

Ann Luyten Dieperink is

pleased that the daughter of her son Michael Dieperink ’78, Lauren, was accepted at

SPA for sixth grade next fall.

She will join her sister, Emily Dieperink ’17, who will enter ninth grade. Ann plans to spend her summer playing tennis and tending her garden.

Her grandchildren “love those cherry tomatoes,” she says.

Sympathies go to Caco Myers Baillon and Gail Victor Hogg, who both lost their husbands this winter. John Baillon ’46 died December 27, 2012, and Jim Hogg died on January 8, 2013. The Ramsey County Bar Association honored both John and Jim at a ceremony in April.

In March, Caco Myers Baillon flew to Florida to meet her daughter Cathy and her children (who drove) in Pampano Beach, where they spent time relaxing and walking the beach. Afterward, Caco stayed in Florida to visit with her sister, Cathy Myers Buscher ’51. Although Caco plays less tennis in the summer than in the winter, she admits to doing a little biking on her Schwinn, a gift from her children.

Gail Victor Hogg did some

winter traveling. She stayed

SUMMIT MINI-REUNION IN FLORIDA: While

vacationing on Anna Maria Island in Florida this spring, Molly Power Balzer ’59 and Lee Fobes Murphy ’59 met for a lovely lunch in Sarasota and ran into Judy Parish ’58 during their visit. “It was fun to see my old school mates!” Molly reports.

in Phoenix with friends for a week or so, and also visited friends in Naples, Fla. Gail still makes the rounds of hospitals and libraries with her therapy dog “making hearts happy.”

1954 CLASS AGENT:

Bonnie Mairs bonnie1673@earthlink.net Carol Bratnober Thrush finally

sold her home at Gull Lake.

The youngest of her four daughters is following in her mother’s footsteps, graduating in May from the accelerated registered nursing program at Regis University in Denver.

Carol has recently traveled to her UK townhome with British husband, Don, who had to take care of some minor health issues there. She has 11 grandchildren ranging in age from 9 to 30 years old who all live in the Denver area.

In late October Liz Freidman Douglis and husband Phil boarded a Mississippi riverboat in Memphis on its way to New Orleans with many stops, plantations, gospel music, wonderful lectures, and behold: Ruth Putnam Huss ’57 and her husband, John, were also aboard. She says it was so nice to see Ruth and to meet John. They had traveled with her sister, Cindy Freidman ’57, in Eastern Europe several years ago.

Deta Ford Stafford says that all is well in sunny Florida in the winter and same for sunny Minnesota in the summer: “Being snowbirds works nicely in our lives. We never have to shovel snow and only need a summer wardrobe. We take two trips a year—one with Johnny and

family and one with Michael and family. They get to choose the destination, so we’ve been everywhere from the wilds of British Columbia, Pearl Harbor, the Galapagos, Paris, Panama Canal, Disneyworld, and Switzerland this summer—you get the idea. It keeps us busy, active and in touch with the grandchildren; all good stuff.

We also had to reinvest in suitcases. We appreciate the joy of an ordinary day and are thankful for the many friends we still have and smile with good memories of those who are gone.”

Bonnie Mairs spent most of February on a trip to Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

She especially liked the beautiful rivers, the people, and the food. She found it sobering to visit the sites of political folly—the places in Laos and Cambodia where U.S. bombs still are being found in the ground, Pol Pot’s killing fields in Cambodia, and the museum of the American War (we call it the Vietnam War) in Vietnam.

Walter Mayo writes, “A birthday call was made to Pete Ward, happily ensconced in Bozeman, Mont., He invites all to visit the great West. Had a fine lunch with Jamie Slade while at a Chorus America convention in Minneapolis last June. Dave Beadie reports a visit with George Burr in Maine last year.

Anne and I are looking forward to another season of opera at the Met in New York with the Frenzels—we had dinner with Peter Frenzel and Laurie (still my favorite hangout after all these years) while Rick Driscoll was down for a weekend to cheer on the Williams hockey team versus Wesleyan and

Trinity. We read the John Milton ’53 book For the Good of the Order and enjoyed an exchange of emails with him about his foray into Minnesota politics. Also e-chatted with Ed Stringer ’53 about his days on the Minnesota Supreme Court (where I clerked in 1961-62).

Rod Bacon says he’s game to come from California to our 60th Reunion next year, if we can set something up. Anyone local want to work on it?”

Andy Russell Bowen writes,

“Bob and I have been married for 44 years. We still live in our big old house but are getting tired of taking care of it.

There’s always something that needs repair. We are thinking of moving to a townhouse in a senior community in Stillwater, a small city on the St. Croix River about 40 minutes from Minneapolis.

The townhouses lie along a nature preserve where deer walk across your grass, wild turkeys peck at your windows, and birds hang out on your feeders. No definite plans yet.

In anticipation of a possible move, we are ‘ridding,’ a term used by a friend for getting rid of everything you don’t need. We have sent two loads of family silver, furniture, and sundries to an auction house.

It is amazing what people will buy and what they will pay for it: An old dusty pair of my parents’ snowshoes sold for $90. The process of ridding brings with it a family history.

I grew up with all that we are selling—sad in a way, but also a relief. I am still volunteering at a women’s shelter for victims of domestic abuse.

Needless to say, I see a way of life that is entirely different from mine and feel incredibly fortunate to be who I am. We

are very proud of our daughter Sarah who lives in Seattle. She has a Ph.D. in psychology and is currently working with and doing research on alternative treatments of addiction. Using mindfulness and meditation, she leads groups of addicts who have tried unsuccessfully to stay sober. The results are impressive. She also trains other psychologists and doctors in her methods and travels in the U.S. and abroad to teach them. One of the best things about Sarah is that she enjoys spending time with her parents. Best wishes to all of my classmates.”

1955 CLASS AGENT:

Minty Klein Piper mintypiper@aol.com Carol Davis Trapp writes,

“Mack and I spent seven weeks this winter in Snowmass, Colo., skiing, or not skiing, depending on snow conditions, visibility, or inclination that day. We love the mountains and climate so much, we just revel in being there! Summer will bring more mountain time, with a fly fishing trip in Idaho thrown in, working in my garden, visits from family and friends.

We attend the Aspen Music Festival quite frequently, but try to get in hiking, fishing, horseback riding, sampling the local restaurants, but no golf for me. I am a failure at that!”

1957 CLASS AGENT:

Dutton Foster duttonfosters@comcast.net

Spring | Summer 2013 | SPA

31

Class Notes

1957

continued

Dutton Foster writes, “Caroline ’60 and I returned

recently from Kauai, Hawaii, which we visit most years to meet son H.D. ’88 and his family halfway—they live in Kyoto. We enjoyed the usual beach activities and introduced H.D. and the grandsons to snorkeling (which we tried for the first time this year as well). Now we’re back patiently waiting for spring in Minnesota…”

Grant Nelson writes, “I am

still working full-time as a law professor at Pepperdine University. I also teach one course a year at UCLA School of Law. Judy still teaches three mornings a week as a middle school math teacher at Our Lady of Malibu School.

We are both struggling with the retirement decision, but, as yet, have come to no firm conclusion. We are fortunate to have three of our grandchildren within two miles from our home in Playa Del Rey. We also try to visit our other two grandchildren in Tacoma, Wash., as often as possible. I missed seeing all of you last fall, but Judy and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with our family and friends on the same weekend as the SPA-Summit reunion.”

Susan Rose Ward reports

all six grandkids are now in college.

1958 CLASS AGENT:

The Class of 1958 is looking for Class Agents! Please contact alumni@spa.edu for more information.

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SPA | Spring | Summer 2013

55th Reunion in September 2013!

Bill Beadie, Michael Foote, Mike Parish, and Emily Otis Wurtz are talking with classmates about a gathering on Saturday, September 7, 2013. More information will be mailed to members of the class over the summer.

Barbara Hoff Chrane writes, “Still working, traveling, and am a new great-grandparent.”

John Levy writes: “I will be in France all of June, July and August working at the French National Library, with a few days off in July to give a paper in Alicante, Spain.

Aside from writing my own research papers, I will be editing a volume to honor my dissertation director. Not very exciting, I fear.”

Emily Otis Wurtz reports she

was busy “re-electing Obama” this fall.

1963 CLASS AGENT:

Nancy Mulvey nancymulvey@gmail.com 50th Reunion in September 2013!

Many SPA and Summit alumni/ae including Phil Fitzpatrick, Charlie McMillan, Jeffrey Willius, John McMahon, and Todd Otis for SPA, and Nancy Mulvey, Mary Carlson, Dianne Adair, Lee Brown Pitman, and Sally Owens for Summit School, have been in communication about class gatherings on Saturday, September 7, 2013.

More information will be mailed to members of the class over the summer.

1966 CLASS AGENT:

Mike Brown mbrown@spa.edu

It was with full honors that Jim Fitzpatrick retired from his career as Executive Director of the Carpenter Nature Center near Hastings, Minn. Jim served almost 32 years as its first and only director and took it from a humble 325-acre apple orchard to a sprawling 725-acre reserve in two states, with several major steps still in the works.

In the process he raised well over $10 million in support of the Thomas & Edna Carpenter Foundation’s operation.

While he remains active as a volunteer, Jim will fill the job of Executive Director Emeritus and continues in charge of the bird-banding operation and the eco-tour department.

Lewis Griggs writes: “Some of you were not able to watch my live November 11, 2012, TED talk “The Gift of Near Death” or even the download link sent to some. You can view it at http://youtu.be/bi_QsbnrTXo. The greatest gift for me as a speaker was experiencing the deeply personal co-creation of a learning experience as profoundly enhancing for each of us as for all attendees and all hearing the words of such personal transformations!

I find the closing into the Light of the Universe and Total Consciousness after my talk and after everyone’s talk to be an absolutely brilliant and creative way to leave every listener with the greater perspective provided. So I hope you take the time to listen to the others whose learnings shared just might appeal to your own very personal ongoing evolution and growth.”

1968 CLASS AGENT:

Anne Cowie cowieanne@hotmail.com 45th Reunion in September 2013!

Bill Levin is planning a gathering for SPA alumni on Saturday, September 7, 2013.

More information will be mailed to members of SPA and Summit classes over the summer.

1973 CLASS AGENT:

Charlie Zelle czelle@jeffersonlines.com 40th Reunion in September 2013!

Kate Boardman Walters, Lynn Schilling Brown, Richard Brynteson, Dee Dee Goldie, Barney Harris, Ford Nicholson, Cindy Werner, and Charlie Zelle, are planning the 40th reunion on Saturday,

Daniel Neuman writes, “Still

alive—will attend reunion.”

1973 REUNION PLANNING COMMITTEE: From left to right:

Lynn Schilling Brown, Dee Dee Goldie, Richard Brynteson, Kate Boardman Walters and Ford Nicholson.

September 7, 2013, at Ford Nicholson’s home on Manitou Island. More information will be mailed to members of the class over the summer.

Lynn Schilling Brown has been painting and gardening.

1977 CLASS AGENT:

Hank Brandtjen hbrandtjen@kluge.biz Find us on Facebook! The

Class of 1977 has its own Facebook page, which has over half the class as members and is a great place to reminisce and catch up with everyone. Find us by searching “SPA Class of 1977” on Facebook.

Carol Adamson Mosher

enjoyed an amazing 28-day South America and Antarctic cruise in February.

Hank Brandtjen hit the Class of ’77 bonanza over the course of a few weeks this past fall.

Out and about in the Twin Cities, he ran into Connie Collanti-Sanborn, Arlys Greenberg Freeman, Julie Cummins Brady, Lisa Roetzel, and Sarah Ross Caruso. What really bothered Hank was the fact that he alone seems to be the one aging.

Kakie Brooks is really loving life in Charlottesville, Va. Her time is consumed by working with arts and human service non-profits, focusing on strategic planning, development and PR. Under the heading of “it’s a small world,” her youngest daughter will be attending a semester program at the High Mountain Institute in Leadville, Colo., where Tim O’Brien’s eldest daughter, Katie O’Brien ’08,

will be a teaching intern.

Kakie still plays tennis and enjoys hiking in the Tetons where her family has a small cabin in Jackson Hole. Best of all, visitors are welcome!

Julie Cummins Brady and Kyle Hart run into each other

at high school hockey games as their sons play for the same team.

Check out Tim Hartnett and his Just Love Band online where you can hear them and purchase the CD.

35th Reunion in September 2013!

The 35th Reunion will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2013, at the home of Phil Foussard St. Paul. More information will be mailed to members of the class over the summer.

Andrea Garretson Potter

writes, “Breast cancer survivor in 2012! Working out. Eating right. Working. Adjusting to life as an empty nester!”

1983

Chris Kuhn has been a center

CLASS AGENT:

Director for Job Corps since 2004 and now is in Oneonta, N.Y. He and his wife, Annie, celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year. Chris has parlayed his SPA Senior Project in photography into a lifelong passion. The material he has contributed to a host of uses has earned him the praise of many and he has been told he has “put the face on Job Corps.”

Tracy Cosgrove Lakatua tlakatua@alumni.northwestern.edu

Phil Powers resides in Phoenix and has converted his passion for sports into officiating high school and college baseball, softball, football, and basketball. He and his wife also spend many hours volunteering at the Irish Cultural Center.

Amy Unger-Weiss is putting on an art show at the Solar Arts Building in Northeast Minneapolis this June and hopes everyone can come see her work entitled “Local Characters.”

1978 CLASS AGENT:

John Butler jbutler@mairsandpower.com

30th Reunion in September 2013!

The 30th Reunion will be held at the home of Jesse Singh in Minneapolis on Saturday, September 7, 2013.

More information will be mailed to members of the class over the summer.

Annemarie Sawkins writes, “I’m an independent curator living in Milwaukee; looking forward to our reunion.”

1984 CLASS AGENT:

Tom Guyer tom.guyer@winsorlearning.com

In March 2010 Kevin Sudeith gave up his New York City apartment to travel the wilderness and carve petroglyphs in bedrock outcroppings. Each petroglyph is site-specific featuring images for the local community: farming and oil in North Dakota, container ships and aerospace motifs in Berkeley, and big fish in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Kevin had his first one-man show in New York on May 16, 2013, where he exhibited marble carvings,

impressions of petroglyphs, large-scale photographs and video. His work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle, Discover Magazine, WNYC, the Billings Gazette, the Bucks County Herald and the Telluride Watch. An index of his work is at petroglyphist. com. He has also written a book about Afghan war rugs—he continues offering rugs at warrug.com—and he is producing editions of rugs in Afghanistan and Pakistan for fellow artists.

Kevin spends his winters in Brooklyn with his domestic partner, Alexandra Warren. He had the best fishing of his life with Hans Dekker at Hans’ New Jersey fly fishing club.

1985 CLASS AGENT:

Dave Kansas davekansas22@yahoo.com Brian Hagerty writes, “After

spending two-thirds of 2012 as a stay-at-home dad, I am back in the chambers of yet another judge (my third so far, after two previous clerkships with federal judges). Since late 2012 I’ve been clerking for Judge Susan Burke in Hennepin County, which I’ll be doing through this July. In August, I’ll begin trekking to Saint Paul to clerk for Justice David Stras on the Minnesota Supreme Court for a year.

My wife, Sara Hartfeldt, continues to develop her practice as a family medicine doctor at the Health Partners Como Clinic. Our daughter Maura is finishing third grade at the Twin Cities German Immersion School, and we’re starting to think about when she should start at SPA.”

Spring | Summer 2013 | SPA

33

Class Notes

We’re missing you!

Below are the names of classmates from this year’s Reunion classes (ending with 3 and 8) for whom we don’t have a valid mailing address. If you (or a classmate who’s address you know) are on this list, please get in touch! We’d love to have your address so we can send you your Reunion information.

St. Paul Academy, Class of 1943

William F. Burns Frederick J. Neher Stanley Roth Summit School, Class of 1948

C. E. Cobb Helen J. Lubenow St. Paul Academy, Class of 1948

Theodore L. Cook Frederick K. Koch Robert C. McCarty Charles M. Roberts Richard A. Roy St. Paul Academy, Class of 1953

Howell B. Fairbanks Bruce H. Harris Roger D. Kincaide John G. MacKay Summit School, Class of 1958

Jane Bruce Nancy D. Lewis Lilian Young St. Paul Academy, Class of 1958

William H. Abbott David S. MacKay Vincent G. Nessen Michael L. Putnam John A. Rollwagen David C. Whitcomb Stanley D. Williams Summit School, Class of 1963

Sarah A. Bennett Joan Drury Suzanne Field

34

SPA | Spring | Summer 2013

To update an address online, visit www.spa.edu >Alumni/ae and click on “Log in to the Alumni/ae Center.” Addresses can also be updated by emailing alumni@spa.edu, calling (651) 696-1366, or writing the SPA Office of Institutional Advancement at 1712 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105. We look forward to hearing from you!

Ruth Hartman Dorothy Loomis Nancy B. Mitchell Sarah Odermann Tore Thoresen Gail Untermann Hope Zoss

Clifton A. Jensch Barbara K. Koentopp Shawn G. McNeely Senora D. Murff Paul Nielsen Julie Orr Delia Wind

St. Paul Academy, Class of 1963

Class of 1983

Peter Bovey Michael Corrigan Clifford C. Fay John D. McMahon Charles H. Nearing Morgen Rasmussen John W. Sturm Robert M. Ward Willis A. Wood Summit School, Class of 1968

Ann L. Johnson Jeanine Johnson Ursula Renner-Henke St. Paul Academy, Class of 1968

Robert C. Alexander James D. Cohen Robert M. Cohen Mark R. Daniels Timothy M. Frye John S. Iversen Brian M. Norris Class of 1973 Valerie Snowdon Class of 1978

Richard H. Bancroft James F. Condon Gwendolyn K. Dahler Sidney Godolphin Jonathan S. Herron Patrick T. Hewett Albert K. Hsiao

David Daws Patrick J. Doar Gorham A. Hussey Lawrence Leider Anders McCarthy Yuko Yagi Class of 1988

Michele L. Dorfsman Jon Grassman David Hilbert Kristina Johnson Ian R. Luepker Bridget McCafferty Ronald Thompson Peter Tourek Drew Whitney Class of 1993

Alexander G. Adiarte Sophie C. Currier Paul H. Feuer Benjamin D. Goldman Megan A. Grigal Suzanne Keith Kristian G. Kohlstedt Deepak V. Kumar Wei-Chung A. Lee Susu J. Liu Sarah E. London Jennifer A. Schumi Anika N. Stafford Class of 1998

Soren Aandahl John T. Brody Thomas A. Cogswell

Louis Demers Mike Gibbons Nicholas Hallowell Grant Himes Sharda E. Kneen Miia-Kristiina Mansio Zachary B. Neren Sara Parker Matthew P. Sheehy Lindsay Truax Matthew H. Wernz Ser Xiong Bree Yaeger Class of 2003

Anjali Becker James K. Bohn Thomas O. Freeze Christbell S. Hwang Teresa Lappegaard Nathaniel Lee Bryce Meredig Kurt M. Peterson Isaiah J. Thomas Paul Trobiani Blake Turnquist Jonathan A. Worley Class of 2008

Timothy Bohl Kathryn Bolander Darryl Bolden Maren K. Frisell William Gambucci Raina Gilliland Sabrina Harrison Christopher J. Kradle Alexander Kramarczuk Theodore Neckar Tasha Rhoads Jake Schuerger Peter Schwartz James Snyder Everett Wenzel

Update your email

Young alumni/ae

Many Reunion Classes are using email rather than snail mail to contact classmates. Please make sure that we have your correct email so that you don’t miss important Reunion updates! Email addresses can be updated by visiting the Alumni/ae Center—visit www.spa.edu>Alumni/ae and click on “Log in to the Alumni/ae Center”—or by emailing your most current email address to alumni@spa.edu.

The address we have in our database is likely your family home address. If you’ve moved on, please let us know!

1985

continued

Julia Jordan’s musical, “Murder Ballad,” is moving to a bigger house, the Union Square Theater, after a successful run at the Manhattan Theater Club.

Dave Kansas and wife Monica

welcomed their second child, a girl, in March. “Mary Amelia Kansas joins her older brother, Henry, in the Kansas household in good old St. Paul,” Dave says.

Mike Latimore reports that he’s still in the investment research game, covering technology companies for “17 years and counting.” He says that he’s trying not to embarrass himself in triathlons.

He and his family are reveling in the warm Atlanta weather.

He adds: “We have one tall boy who is vigorously opposed to basketball.”

Mike Ristau was a fixture at SPA football games, watching his son David ’13 flourish.

John Wolf opened a second

liquor store out in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.

1986 CLASS AGENTS:

John Patterson johnwilderpatterson@yahoo.com Renee Hilmanowski Ochaya theochayas@oh.rr.com

Minnesota Public Radio Reporter Sasha Aslanian was part of a team from MPR and KARE 11 that received the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism. The “Minnesota Marriage Debate” series included five television stories and radio coverage that shared the unique experiences and viewpoints of voters from across Minnesota on both sides of the same-sex marriage issue.

1988 CLASS AGENT:

Dan Deuel dhd823@comcast.net

s Catherine Madsen reports on her nuptials: “Johnny Arbogast ’83 and I were married July 29, 2012, in Scotts Valley, Calif. Dave Arenson ’83 and Kathy Arbogast Wisser were present and can back this up!”

Sean McCauley is still working

with the private-equity behemoth TPG. He says work takes him to Russia from time to time, among other things.

Cathy Paper’s company is doing some work with Minnesota Public Radio talent.

25th Reunion in September 2013!

The 25th Reunion will be held at Fred Kaemmer’s art studio in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, September 7, 2013.

More information will be mailed to members of the class over the summer.

Laura Erdman-Luntz writes, “I live in Eden Prairie, Minn., with my husband, Ron, and two fabulous kids: Sierra (12) and Zack (9). I have dedicated my life to inspiring people to live their extraordinary love through life coaching and yoga.”

1989 CLASS AGENT:

Dan Citron dancitron@gmail.com Nicole Paster Putzel writes, “I am living in Highland Park, Ill., with my husband, Steve, and our children, Jake (10) and Natalie (8), and our dog, Ollie.

I teach cooking and nutrition to inner-city kids for a non-profit called Common Threads. Molly Tschida Brennan ’87 lives in Highland Park too and our boys play soccer together!”

nberg goldenlips275@aol.com

s Cooper James Benepe was born on December 20, 2012, to Jenny Toth ’90 and Adam Benepe ’91. The family resides in New York City. Not pictured: “siblings” and part-time babysitters Mr. Scruffles, Muppet, and Biscuit (the family’s pets).

1993 CLASS AGENTS:

Ben Beach beach_benjamin@hotmail.com Jim Delaney jdelaney@poweredbyengine.com John Cosgri john_w_cosgri@uhc.com Mary Dickinson MacDonald mgdickinson@yahoo.com 20th Reunion in September 2013!

Matt Nelson, Bill Fleming, Mike Milinovich, and others are planning a gathering at the Pourhouse in Minneapolis on Saturday, September 7, 2013.

More information will be mailed to members of the class over the summer.

Keri Schultz writes, “Raising

kids in snow and teaching art. Earned a doctorate in teacher leadership with lots of husband Rob’s support.”

1997 CLASS AGENTS:

Dena Citron Larson dena.larson@genmills.com Jeff Jarosch jeff.jarosch@gmail.com Mayme Hostetter spoke at

the Fitzgerald Theatre in St. Paul about the craft of teaching on June 17, 2013.

The event highlighted current teaching techniques and explore the thinking of Minnesota teachers and students about how to get the best results in the classroom.

Hostetter is Dean of the Relay Graduate School of Education in New York City.

1998 CLASS AGENTS:

Mara Schanfield maraschanfield@gmail.com Michael Lorberbaum 15th Reunion in September 2013!

Wilhelmina Mauritz Shoger, Mara Schanfield, and Erica Sandey are planning a gathering at Gluek’s Restaurant & Bar in Minneapolis on Saturday, September 7, 2013. More information will be mailed to members of the class over the summer.

Mara Schanfield writes,

“Still living and working in Boston with dreams of returning to the Midwest.

Working for Johns Hopkins on school turnaround (www.diplomasnow.org).”

Spring | Summer 2013 | SPA

35

Class Notes

1998

continued

a challenging yet exciting time for us as we figure out how to do this whole parenting thing.”

1999

Emily Gleason will be receiving

her Ph.D. in biology from Harvard University this May. She writes, “I wouldn’t have gotten here without SPA.”

CLASS AGENTS:

Lisa Stein Rothstein lisaannestein@gmail.com Mark Heinert mark.heinert@bestbuy.com

s Wilhelmina Mauritz Shoger writes, “My husband and I welcomed a daughter in September, Madeline Vetta Shoger. She is just about perfect in our eyes. It has been

s Lisa Stein Rothstein, husband Dan, and big brother Asher Jacob welcomed a new baby boy, Simon Ezra, on February 27, 2013.

2003 HARVARD COMMENCEMENT BRINGS SPA GRADS TOGETHER:

SPA graduates found each other during this year’s Harvard commencement ceremonies in May. Above, Susan Miranowski ’03 (left) and Elizabeth Graber ’03 spotted each other in the pre-procession before Susan’s medical school graduation and Elizabeth’s law school graduation.

Below, (from left) Dylan Perese ’12, Wendy White ’12, and Elizabeth Pabst ’01 sat together at the ceremony, where they “eagerly awaited Oprah’s speech!” Pabst reports.

36

SPA | Spring | Summer 2013

CLASS AGENTS:

Aleksander Sims aleksander.sims@gmail.com Brenden Goetz brendengoetz@gmail.com Thomas Christ kiselblat@gmail.com 10th Reunion in 2013!

Brenden Goetz and others are planning a gathering on December 26, 2013.

Classmates are encouraged to attend Reunion Weekend events in September. More information will be mailed to members of the class over the summer.

Nick Bluhm graduated from the

University of Virginia School of Law in May 2013 and started work for the Office of General Counsel, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

He represents the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in federal court litigation.

s Rachel Blackhawk Elwood writes, “I got married in 2009 to my husband, Anthony Elwood, and we have a little girl, Molly Faustina Elwood, born this year on January 17.” s Laura Klatt Jacobson writes, “I married 1st Lt. Jesse Jacobson of the United States Air Force in February of 2012, and he is currently stationed at Offutt AFB in Omaha. I live in the Mac Groveland neighborhood.

My mother, Linda, and I own and run Heppner’s Auto Body.

I still love to golf and was the club champion at Indian Hills Golf Club last summer.”

Anna Kromroy writes, “I finished up my master’s degree in counseling psychology from St. Mary’s University and recently started working at Fairview Hospital as a Psychiatric Associate in the Adult Mental Health Intensive Treatment Center.

It can be extremely stressful, and always rewarding.”

Laura Pritzker writes, “I am graduating from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in May and moving to California for an internship at an equine hospital.”

2004 CLASS AGENTS:

Andria Cornell andria.m.cornell@gmail.com Ashley Malecha Anton ashleyeanton@gmail.com Tyler Olson tylermolson@gmail.com

Martha Polk curated the film

series to go with the “Frida & Diego: Passion, Politics, and Painting” exhibit at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.

2005 CLASS AGENTS:

Jack Adams adamsjackc@gmail.com Hanna Lamb hanna.lamb@gmail.com Lindsay Giese lindsaygiese@gmail.com Nicole Stennes nikkis2100@aol.com Sarah Wald skwald@gmail.com

s Ilse Griffin recently served two years in the Peace Corps in Uganda. She writes, “I spent the last two years as an education volunteer in a tiny corner of Uganda called The West Nile. I lived and worked in a rural farming community 1 mile from the border of the DRC (Congo), and spent most of my time collaborating with primary school teachers and community leaders. I focused

on literacy and started a female adult women’s literacy class and also taught literacy at the local primary schools. I also did a lot of life skills clubs, with a focus on HIV prevention. And, of course, I played and coached a bit of soccer. I lived with a tribe called the Lugbara, otherwise best remembered as Idi Amin’s tribe. The Lugbara are well known for their beautiful textiles and singing, and are a very welcoming culture.

Besides ‘working’ I spent much of my time sipping hot tea during the middle of the day in equatorial Africa and interacting with the local wildlife (goats and chickens).”

2006 CLASS AGENTS:

Marjahn Golban mgolban@gmail.com Lien Bui lbui@gustavus.edu Henry Parker hsparker2001@yahoo.com Rory Collins roryfcollins@gmail.com Alex Gast agast88@gmail.com Alexandra Wennberg is

completing her second year as a predoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins. Her focus is on dementia.

2007 CLASS AGENTS:

Derek Schaible derek.schaible@gmail.com Etonde Awaah eawaah@gmail.com Nick Rosenbaum goopygoop@gmail.com

2009 CLASS AGENTS:

s Elizabeth Berg returned to the Twin Cities in April 2013 as a member of the North American touring company of Mary Poppins. Berg plays Katie Nanna in the show and is also the understudy for multiple female roles. During the show’s run in Minneapolis, Berg was a fixture in Twin Cities media, including a profile with KSTP in which she talked about her musical and dramatic mentors at SPA: “My director and choir teacher at SPA were amazing…I don’t think any performer can move forward in this business unless they have a mentor, someone telling them you can do this, and you have potential. They taught me all this in high school…They taught me everything I know and are definitely a huge influence on why I’m here today.”

2008 CLASS AGENTS:

Jessica Garretson jesspiperg@gmail.com Nolan Filter lilbddh@yahoo.com Vanessa Levy vanessalevy1@yahoo.com Ariella Rotenberg rotenberg.ariella@gmail.com 5th Reunion in 2013!

Jessie Garretson, Ariella Rotenberg, and Kitty Hwang are planning a gathering December 26, 2013.

Classmates are encouraged to attend Reunion Weekend events in September. More information will be mailed to members of the class over the summer.

Colin Cowles colin.cowles@gmail.com Liz Moertel emoerte@emory.edu Ashlee Fukushi fuku0035@umn.edu Grace Ferrara gferrara@pugetsound.edu Nikki Voulgaropoulos

graduated this May from the University of Minnesota. She will move to Baltimore this fall to pursue a MSPH in Health Policy at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

2010 CLASS AGENTS:

Katherine Labuza klabuza@gmail.com Paige Owens-Kurtz owenskur@stolaf.edu Elena Miller elena.miller13@gmail.com Rosalind Mowitt is the

Design Editor for a studentrun fashion magazine at Northwestern University called Stitch, which was just named one of “The Best College Fashion Magazines Across the Country” by Teen Vogue. She also does layout, advertising, and marketing for A&O Productions, a nonprofit that provides concerts, films, and speakers for the Northwestern community. This summer she will be interning at Saatchi & Saatchi in Chicago.

James Trevathan is a 2013 Goldwater Scholar. Scholarship recipients were selected by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,107 math, science, and engineering students.

s Ian and Wyatt Wenzel pose with the championship trophy as the U.S. wins the B pool, a victory in the final over Canada 4-2.

2011 CLASS AGENTS:

Taylor Billeadeau shootingstars262@hotmail.com Kaia Wahmanholm kwahmanholm@gmail.com Gavi Levy Haskell was awarded one of two fulltuition merit scholarships this fall through the Clare Boothe Luce Scholars Program in Smith’s computer science department. The scholarship includes opportunities for research and conferences.

s Ambrosia Smith volunteered as an Organizing for America Fellow during the presidential reelection campaign. She was selected among the Fellows to lead the Pledge of Allegiance for Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Minnesota and had the opportunity to meet him after the event.

Spring | Summer 2013 | SPA

37

In Memoriam

1935 Duncan H. Baird, 95, of Sunfish Lake, Minn., died on February 7, 2013.

Duncan was born in New Jersey but moved at a young age to Minnesota.

He was a graduate of St. Paul Academy and of Yale University in 1939, where he majored in history. His law school years at the University of Michigan were interrupted by World War II. Duncan was commissioned in the Navy; after training he commanded a subchaser in the North Atlantic for the rest of the war.

After the war he resumed his pursuit of a law degree at the University of Michigan.

Duncan practiced for a few years with Dougherty, Rumble and Butler. He received a doctorate in political science from the University of Minnesota in 1961.

He taught political science and pre-law at Macalester College and jurisprudence at William Mitchell College of Law. Duncan had three daughters, Ann, Jane, and Betty, with his first wife, Jean Baird.

They divorced in 1961. He married Mary Shryer in 1966 and stayed with her until her death in 2007. Duncan had been on the DARTS board of directors, mayor of Sunfish Lake and a long-time supporter of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Helen, his wife Mary, his sister, Jane Baird Evans ’48, and his daughter, Jane. He is survived by his brother John ’43, and his daughters Ann Sweeney (George) and Betty Baird Newburgh ’72 (Conrad) and granddaughters Laura Newburgh, Kate Newburgh ’03 and Maggie Newburgh, step-children Molly Boast, Alice Southwick, Betsy Boyle, and Davis Shryer, step-grandchildren, and a step-great-grandson.

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1937 Constance “Connie” Shepard Otis was born on June 23, 1919, and died on January 28, 2013. Connie grew up in St. Paul, the daughter of Roger B. and Katherine K. Shepard. As a young girl, she attended Summit School and continued her education at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, N.Y. In January 1942, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Connie married Henry Gaylord Dillingham of Honolulu. In July 1945, as a commander of a squadron of B-29 bombers over Japan, his plane was lost to anti-aircraft fire.

Connie returned to St. Paul to live with her parents. She became interested in local politics, and was a Minnesota delegate to the 1956 Republican National Convention which nominated Dwight D. Eisenhower for a second term. Later she became closely involved in the 1960 gubernatorial campaign of Elmer L. Andersen, and from January 1961 to December 1962 Connie served as the Minnesota State Chairwoman of the Republican Party. She maintained a lifelong involvement in programs designed to increase the role of women in politics.

In 1972, Connie married Minnesota State Supreme Court Justice James C. Otis.

They enjoyed a very happy life together until his death in 1993. Throughout her life she provided generous support, and served on the boards of a wide range of social service, arts, and educational organizations. Connie was preceded in death by her brothers, Roger B. Shepard, Jr. ’31 and Blake Shepard ’32. She is survived by her brother, Stanley Shepard ’47, and his wife, Lucy; step-children Emily Otis Wurtz ’58, J. Duncan Otis ’61, and Todd H. Otis ’63. Connie is also survived by 12 devoted nieces and nephews and by a large group of extended family members and friends.

Jean “Babby” Stringer Pierson, age 93, of Darien, Conn., and Delray Beach, Fla., formerly of Westport, Conn., and St. Paul, died peacefully on August 22, 2012, in Redding, Conn. Born on June 12, 1919, and raised in St. Paul, she was the daughter of McNeil Seymour and Louise Warren Stringer. She attended Summit School and graduated from Central High School in 1937. Babby then attended Pine Manor Junior College in Wellesley, Mass., before moving back to St. Paul where she held a variety of jobs including telephone operator at the Minnesota Federal Savings and Loan. In the late 1950s, she was reintroduced to John Pierson, an old family friend, and they were married on May 21, 1960. Shortly after their wedding, Babby started her own interior decorating business with a partner in St. Paul, Jean-Alexandra’s. This business proved to be very successful and Babby continued to decorate with her usual flair and love of bright colors well into her late 70s. She is survived by her two children, John Pierson, Jr. ’67 (Jennifer) and Julia Pierson Mombello ’79 (Michael); her five grandchildren; her four great grandchildren; and her sister, Anne Warren Stringer Smith. She was predeceased by her two brothers, McNeil Seymour Stringer, Jr. ’32 and Warren Stringer ’35.

1939 Lorle Ahern Cumming (1921-2013) passed away in Naples, Fla., on Jan. 29, 2013. Lorle graduated from Summit High School and attended Wellesley College before earning an English literature degree from the University of Minnesota in 1944.

She married Arthur David Cumming on Sept. 2, 1944, and they raised their family on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, Minn. They moved to Naples, Fla., in the early 1970s, spending their summers in Northern Minnesota. Lorle is survived by two brothers, John ’41 and Walter Ahern ’45; and five children, Laura Mattsson, Carol Schwender, Sara Phillips, Susan

Rogers, and Arthur D. Cumming, Jr.; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Laura Benz and John Ahern; two sisters, Rosemary Ahern Cochrane ’37 and Lydia Ahern Moore ’50; her brother Richard Ahern ’50; and her loving husband Arthur D. Cumming.

1946 Austin “John” Baillon passed away on December 27, 2012. Austin graduated from St. Paul Academy, University of Minnesota, and William Mitchell College of Law. He founded Baillon Company, a St. Paul real estate brokerage and investment firm. He is survived by brother, Richard; wife, Caroline “Caco” Myers Baillon ’53; children, Caroline Baillon Bowersox ’77 (Scott), Paul ’78 (Jean), Peter ’81, Catherine Freesmeier (Joseph), Alexandra Luloff (Gary), and Frances; 13 grandchildren; also many nieces and nephews. Austin was preceded in death by parents and sisters, Sarah (Knox) and Anne.

Harriette “Peggy” Driscoll Ebinger passed away on March 6, 2013, in Hilton Head, S.C. Born in St. Paul and educated at Swarthmore College, Peggy lived abroad for many years. Divorced and twice widowed, Peggy was fortunate in her last years to have the loving companionship of Phil Learned. Peggy is survived by daughters Pam and Misha, brother, Ted Driscoll ’48, and his wife, Sandy, nephew and niece, one granddaughter and three step-granddaughters.

1947 W. John Driscoll passed away at home with his family on December 22, 2012.

John died peacefully after a multi-year battle with Parkinson’s. John was born in St. Paul and graduated from St. Paul Academy and Yale University (class of ’51). He served proudly as an officer in the US Marines during the Korean War. His business career was long and varied with many years at the Weyerhaeuser

Company and as CEO of Green Valley Holding Company, a private investment company. He was one of the founding owners of the Minnesota North Stars. He served as director of several companies including: Weyerhaeuser, The Saint Paul Companies, Northern States Power, Burlington Northern, the First National Bank of St. Paul, and Lifetime Fitness.

He was a loyal citizen of the Twin Cities community and served as Chair of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Macalester College and the Northwest Area Foundation. He is survived by Lee Slade Driscoll ’50, his wife of 58 years, his children Jack ’77 (Kirsten), Bill ’80 (Lisa), Libby Driscoll Hlavka ’82 (Ed) and Peggy ’85 (Rob), 11 grandchildren and his black lab. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Bridges Driscoll and Margaret Weyerhaeuser Driscoll, and his brother, Rudolph ’57.

1956 Sandra Swanson Hammer passed away on October 11, 2012, in her home on White Bear Lake. Sandy was born in 1938 and grew up in St. Paul where she graduated from Summit School.

She attended Pembroke University and the University of Minnesota where she received her B.A. and M.F.A. She married Horace Irvine II of White Bear Lake in 1958. They lived in Boston and White Bear and raised three children.

She later married Richard Hammer Ph.D. in 1973 and they lived in Boston and Dorset, Vt. She then had a successful career in computer systems sales with Control Data and Prime Computer and obtained an M.B.A. from Babson College. When Sandy and Dick retired, they split their time between Dorset and New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Sandy is survived by her husband, Richard; children Horace Irvine III (Cynthia), Julia Irvine Madore, and Kathryn Playa; four grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; one great-grandchild; and her stepbrother, Wyck Knox (Shell), and half-sister, Tricia Robere.

1966 Connie Fuller passed away on December 24, 2012. Connie came of age when opportunities for women were limited, and partly because of that was devoted to issues of peace and justice. She was an MBA and CPA and used those skills in volunteer work, especially for Women Against Military Madness. She is survived by mother, Carol; son, Benjamin Biddle ’04; brother, Frank (Sue); sisters Gerry and Lynn (Craig Kent); and niece. She was preceded in death by her father Benjamin.

1971 Barbara Lechner passed away on May 10, 2013 after a short battle with cancer.

Barbara graduated from St. Paul Academy and Summit School, attended Randolph Macon College and graduated with a Bachelors Degree from the University of Minnesota. She was a member and president of Delta Gamma Sorority. After graduating, Barbara moved to Boston and began a successful career in higher education working with both undergraduate and graduate students first at Northeastern University and later at MIT where she was Director of Student Services for the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Academic Administrator for the Computational Design and Optimization Program. She received a Master’s Degree in College Counseling at Northeastern University. In 2012, her students awarded her the AIAA Undergraduate Advising Award for her positive impact on students in the AeroAstro Department. She loved her work, pets, family, entertaining and fun and made a positive impact on the working lives of her students. She is survived by partner of 18 years, Joan Dugas of Boston, father, Dr. Edgar H. Lechner, brother, Edward Lechner ’63 (Jeanne), nephew, Matthew Lechner (Rebecca), great-nephews, Henry & Theodore, aunt, Elinor Kroemer Yungbauer, cousins, James (Sharon) and family and Richard Yungbauer, many, many special friends and her beloved pets. Barbara is preceded in death by mother, Evelyn, uncle, William Yungbauer II and cousin, William Yungbauer, III. Spring | Summer 2013 | SPA

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In Memoriam

1973 Jeff Kuller died on November 4, 2012, while cutting a tree in his yard in Camden, Maine. Jeff is survived by his wife, Alison, and two children. Jeff was Parks and Recreation Director for the city of Camden since 2004. One of his duties was to serve as the general manager of the Camden Snow Bowl and the Ragged Mountain Recreation Area. Before coming to Camden, Jeff worked for several years as Executive Director of a community sailing program in East Boston. In Camden he was very involved with the popular U.S. National Toboggan Championships.

June Mary Reuben, resident of Santa Cruz, Calif., was born on May 4, 1955, and died on Oct. 7, 2012. Born to parents Benjamin and Sophie Reuben, June grew up in Saint Paul. Her formal education included graduating from St. Paul Academy and Summit School, receiving a bachelor of science from the University of Alaska in Anchorage, and completing a master’s degree in education from the University of California, Santa Cruz. While working for the Santa Cruz City School District at Loma Prieta/Costanoa schools she taught math and science to students seeking an alternative education. June is survived by her loving husband Dennis McGinley; her son, Peter Reuben; her parents, Ben and Sophie Reuben; her sister, Debra Reuben ’74 (David Meisner); her step-children Brian McGinley (Cheryl), Charis Dankert-McGinley, and Nate Glasgow; her niece; her nephew; and her grandchildren.

Faculty, Staff, Trustees & Friends Evelyn K. Boyd Rasmussen was born on July 15, 1921, in Hamburg, Iowa, and died on May 5, 2013. The daughter of Etta Day and Ernest Miller Boyd, Evelyn grew up in Glenwood, Iowa. She married Roy “Chip” Rasmussen, football coach at St. Paul Academy, in 1940 in Jordan, Minn.

Affectionately known as “Mrs. Coach” at the academy, Evelyn assisted Roy in running the Three Musketeers Day Camp in Edina, Minn., and football camps in St. Croix Falls, Wis. Evelyn was preceded in 40

SPA | Spring | Summer 2013

death by her husband, Roy, and is survived by her two sons, Morgen Rasmussen ’63 (Asuncion) of Barcelona, Spain, and Boyd Rasmussen ’66 (Jeanne) of Gainesville, Fla.; three grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren.

Mary Jo Cummings, age 59, died on January 28, 2013. Mary Jo enjoyed over 37 years of teaching and caring for children and their families. She promoted the Minnesota Twins’ school programs for decades. In her spare time, she managed her business, Cummings Cottage Originals.

Mary Jo is also survived by her brother, Mike (Lyn), sister, Patty Kay, niece, nephew, aunts, cousins, friends, her current kindergarten class at JFK Elementary, students whom she tutored, and hundreds of former students.

Merle Erickson, 81, passed away on September 24, 2012. Merle was a retired science educator from St. Paul Academy and Summit School, served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, Boy Scout leader being awarded the Silver Beaver and was a talented woodcarver. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gerry; sons, Michael ’77 (Cheryl), John ’80 (Jill), and Tom ’82 (Mickie); seven grandchildren; brother, Dr. Donald (Jeanne); nieces; nephews; and friends.

Sperry Lea, 89, died on December 6, 2012, at his home in Washington, D.C. Born to Helen Sperry Lea and Robert Brooke Lea, Sperry (known to some as “Skip” or “Buz”) spent his youth in Brooklyn Heights, Lake Success, and Bellport, N.Y. He is survived by his wife, Anna L. Lea, daughter Helena Lea-Bastille, son R. Brooke Lea, and grandson Jackson S. Lea ’15. Sperry attended the Choate School in Connecticut, obtained an undergraduate degree in philosophy at Haverford College, and received his master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Hired under the Truman Doctrine, Sperry was stationed in Athens, Greece, in the early 1950s. There he met his future wife, Anna Lambrinidou, who worked as a translator. The couple were married in 1955, and settled in Washington, D.C. Sperry spent most of his career in D.C. working for the National Planning Association. Upon his

retirement, he devoted much of his time to philanthropic causes in the DC area, particularly those involving inner-city youth and the arts.

William N. Whitaker, Sr. was born August 1, 1924, and died on February 25, 2013, in Scottsdale, Ariz. He is survived by wife, Susan; sons Bill Jr. ’70 (fiancée Patty), Jack ’71 (Sue), Chuck ’74 (Julie), Doug ’76 (Kathy), and Steve ’78 (Shannon); and stepchildren Stephanie Linnenkamp (Brent) and Bill Gillen. He is also survived by sister, Patty (George) Selover, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and first wife, Jean Ambler ’49. He was preceded in death by parents, Floyd and Esther Whitaker, and sister, Mary Jane Karr. He grew up in Minneapolis, attended Washburn High School and the University of Minnesota.

Bill worked for the Stephens Buick Company in Minneapolis, earning a sales manager position while still in college. His success there led him to purchase Midtown Motors on University Avenue in St. Paul in 1954, which was the beginning of Whitaker Buick. Almost 60 years later, Whitaker Buick GMC continues as a family business in Forest Lake, Minn. He served on the Boards of Director for many organizations, notably serving as Chair for the MN Auto Dealers Association, Better Business Bureau, St. Paul Rotary Club, and was active in many other civic endeavors.

Corrections Our apologies to Brian Mulally ’72 and Dan Wachtler ’62, who were not identified as alumni in the obituary for Clelia Thompson Mulally ’43 published in the last issue of SPA Magazine.

Our apologies to Tony Hoff ’60, who was not identified as an alumnus in the obituary of Cynthia Brackett Driscoll ’53, published in the last issue of SPA Magazine.

Our apologies to Lucia Kennedy Paul ’80, who was not identified as an alumna in the obituary of former SPA trustee Andrew Scott published in the last issue of SPA Magazine.

Greg Helgeson

Performances

Upper School Pops Concert More than 200 Upper School singers and instrumentalists—55% of the entire Upper School student body—performed in the annual Pops Concert in December 2012.

The performance showcased the school’s multiple orchestras, jazz bands, and choirs, including a rendition of ’80s hit “Eye of the Tiger” as the finale.

Wizard of Oz

John Severson

The Middle School’s 2013 musical, The Wizard of Oz, featured a “steampunk” retelling of the L. Frank Baum classic, with plenty of singing and dancing.

For more photos from SPA’s student performances, visit www.stpaulacademy.smugmug.com/performances

This year’s Upper School Winter One-Acts featured five student-directed productions: Don’t Fear the Reaper, directed

by August King ’13; Philip Glass Buys a Loaf of Bread (pictured at right) and Variations on the Death of Trotsky, directed by Ibad Jafri ’13 and Claire O’Brien ’13; The Long Christmas Dinner, directed by Andy Monserud ’13 and Noah Shavit-Lonstein ’13; and The Actor’s Nightmare, directed by Ellie Fuelling ’13 and Clara Stahlmann Roeder ’13. The One-Act lineup also featured The Yellow Wallpaper, directed by US English teacher Eric Severson and based on the short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, which took top honors in the Minnesota State High School League One-Act competition. See page 4 for more.

John Severson

Winter One-Acts

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 3400

1712 Randolph Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105-2194 Change Service Requested

Linda Brooks

TO PARENTS OF ALUMNI/AE: If this is no longer the current mailing address for your son or daughter, please let us know at alumni@spa.edu or 651-696-1366.

Two Upper School choirs, The Summit Singers and Academy Chorale, performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City on February 17, 2013. The students performed Schubert’s “Mass in G” under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Paul Nesheim, along with other selected high school choirs from around the nation. In addition, the choirs were chosen to perform in their own 30-minute solo spot during the program.

Choir director Anne Klus prepared the students for the concert and accompanied them on their trip to New York, along with other faculty and parent chaperones. “This trip and performance was an opportunity of a lifetime that these students will never forget,” Klus says. The last time an SPA choir performed at Carnegie Hall was in 2009, when the Summit Singers and Academy Chorale performed “Lux Aeterna” with three other high school choirs.

M A R K YO U R C A L E N D A R S JUNE 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013

NOVEMBER 2013

SUMMER PROGRAMS BEGIN Monday, June 17, 2013 Goodrich and Randolph campuses

REUNION WEEKEND 2013 September 6-7, 2013 Randolph and Goodrich campuses

UPPER SCHOOL FALL PLAY, THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE

BY BERTOLT BRECHT Friday, November 22 , 2013, 7 p.m.

Saturday, November 23, 2013, 7 p.m.

Goodrich Campus Auditorim

AUGUST 2013

PARENT AND ALUMNI/AE GOLF AND TENNIS EVENT Monday, August 19, 2013 White Bear Yacht Club

OCTOBER 2013

MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL PLAY Friday, October 25, 2013, 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 26, 2013, 4 p.m.

Goodrich Campus Auditorium

DECEMBER 2013

UPPER SCHOOL POPS CONCERT Saturday, December 7, 2013, 7 p.m.

O’Shaughnessy Auditorium St. Catherine University